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J Mich Dent Assoc February 2026

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Each month, the Journal of the Michigan Dental Association delivers news, information, and features about Michigan dentistry to our state's oral health community and the MDA's 6,200+ members. It remains the main publication reaching Michigan dentists and is available worldwide through ADA Commons.

The February 2026 (Volume 108, No. 2) issue of the Journal is published in a digital format to provide updates and insights for Michigan's oral health community and MDA members. Print editions occur every other month beginning with January.

This issue includes feature articles on Risk Management and 2025 Servant Leadership as well as a clinical reprint …

What About Our Teen-Age Patients?, Michelle C. Dziurgot

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This editorial advocates for "mentally treating" teenage patients, specifically those around 14 years of age, as adults. By respecting their concerns and allowing age-appropriate decisions, clinicians can enhance a teen's dental IQ and self-esteem. This approach fosters confidence, communication, and independence, encouraging patients to take accountability for their treatment outcomes. Respectful dialogue leads to better compliance with home care, such as using rotary brushes or wearing retainers. Ultimately, treating teenagers with empathy and valuing their opinions helps them blossom into responsible adults while building lasting professional bonds.

J Mich Dent Assoc January 2026

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Each month, the Journal of the Michigan Dental Association delivers news, information, and features about Michigan dentistry to our state's oral health community and the MDA's 6,200+ members. It remains the main publication reaching Michigan dentists and is available worldwide through ADA Commons. The January 2026 (Volume 108, No. 1) issue of the Journal is published in a print format to provide updates and insights for Michigan's oral health community and MDA members. Print editions occur every other month beginning with January.

This issue includes feature articles on Pediatric Dentistry and 2025 Life Membership recipients.

Regular monthly contributions include:

• Editorial …

Mda Foundation: What A Difference A Smile Makes, Anne Berquist

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The 2023 round of scholarships awarded by the MDA Foundation totaled $31,000, more than twice the amount awarded in 2022. As a recipient of the MDA Foundation's Dr. George L. Bletsas Scholarship, Maya Scott, now a dental student, is dedicated to advocating for underserved minorities. Scott's journey into dentistry was shaped by her personal experiences with dental care and her desire to address health disparities. Growing up in challenging circumstances, orthodontic treatment transformed her smile and ignited her interest in dentistry. Her scholarship facilitates participation in dental missions and eases living expenses. With aspirations for general dentistry in underserved areas, …

J Mich Dent Assoc February 2024

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Every month, The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association brings news, information, and features about Michigan dentistry to our state's oral health community and the MDA's 6,200+ members. No publication reaches more Michigan dentists!

• The February issue previews the 2024 Annual Session in Lansing, highlighting 61 courses, 48 speakers, and Michigan’s largest dental exhibit hall
• A Feature article on The MDA Member Assistance Program: Real Help When You Need It
• News You Need, including The MDA announcement of John Tramontana as the new CEO/executive director
• The MDA Student Debt Resource Center
• Updates on the MDA website refresh
• Celebrating National Children’s …

Dentistry And The Law: Requiring Proof Of Adoption/Retaining Orthodontic Models, Dan Schulte Jd

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

In this Dentistry and the Law column, a dentist seeks guidance on handling a situation where racial differences between a child and an accompanying adult raised concerns during an examination, leading the dentist to request proof of adoption. The response clarifies that asking for proof of adoption is not illegal, citing relevant Michigan adoption statutes. The column advises adopting an office policy, emphasizing human trafficking training. Additionally, a dentist inquires about retaining orthodontic models and X-ray films. The answer recommends assuming orthodontic models are part of dental records, subject to a 10-year retention period. Patients can be given their models, …

10-Minute Ebd: Frenectomy Or No Frenectomy To Close Diastema For Children?, Polina Fubareva Dmd, Chelsea Schultz Dmd, Taylar Rowe Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

In this "10-Minute EBD" column, the authors explore a clinical question utilizing the evidence-based dentistry (EBD) process within orthodontic practice. The study aims to address whether frenectomy or no frenectomy is more effective in achieving successful closure of maxillary diastema in children undergoing orthodontic treatment with a high maxillary anterior labial frenum attachment. Employing a PICO question framework, the authors examined relevant literature through PubMed and Google Scholar, identifying five pertinent articles. The compiled evidence, which included systematic reviews, randomized control trials, and a retrospective cohort study published between 2013 and 2022, suggests that frenectomy, combined with orthodontic treatment, is …

Space Maintenance In The Primary And Mixed Dentitions, Giovana Anovazzi Medeiros Dds, Msc, Phd, Chia-En Tsai Dds, James R. Boynton Dds, Ms

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Primary teeth serve many critical functions in the growing child: they allow for proper chewing function for appropriate diet and nutrition, help in speech production and development, promote self-esteem, and importantly preserve space for eruption of the succedaneous permanent dentition. Premature loss of a primary molar can cause a loss of arch perimeter and negatively impact the normal eruption path of premolars. Space maintenance is an approach to minimize or prevent untoward consequences after unavoidable loss of a primary molar. Several types of space maintainers can be used to preserve arch length, including fixed unilateral space maintainers, such as the …

10-Minute Ebd: Can A Vacuum-Formed Retainer Replace A Bonded Orthodontic Retainer?, Joshua Dickie

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The Ten-Minute Evidence-Based Dentistry Column illustrates how to implement the evidence-based dentistry search process to quickly identify and apply the best literature to answer a clinical question. Through critical appraisal, the author of this article answers the clinical question of the effectiveness of vacuum-formed retainers (VFRs) compared to bonded orthodontic retainers in maintaining tooth positioning and promoting oral hygiene. The study reviews existing literature and highlights the challenges in evaluating the two types of retainers, primarily due to patient compliance with VFRs. While some studies suggest that bonded retainers provide better short-term retention, the choice between retainers depends on various …

J Mich Dent Assoc August 2022

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Monthly, The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association brings news, information, and feature articles to our state's oral health community and the MDA's 6,200+ members. No publication reaches more Michigan dentists! In this August 2022 issue, the reader will find the following original content:

• A cover story on choosing to partner with a Dental Service Organization (DSO)
• A conversation with three dentists on how and why they are involved with organized dentistry.
• A 10-Minute EBD on the efficacy of vacuum-formed removable orthodontic retainers
• News you need, an Editorial, a report from our ADA Trustee and regular department articles, Dentistry and …

10-Minute Ebd: Preferred Analgesia For Orthodontic Tooth Movement: Acetaminophen Or Nsaids?, Ryan N. Mcgovern

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This 10-Minute EBD column explores the choice between acetaminophen and NSAIDs for managing pain during orthodontic tooth movement. The author presents a scenario involving a patient's discomfort after archwire adjustment and delves into the impact of tooth movement on the periodontium. The PICO question focuses on the effectiveness of NSAIDs and acetaminophen in controlling discomfort without impeding tooth movement. The literature search reveals varying recommendations on analgesics, with some studies favoring acetaminophen. The evidence suggests that acetaminophen and short-term celecoxib are suitable choices for orthodontic analgesia. However, caution is advised in extrapolating findings from animal studies to human conditions.

J Mich Dent Assoc April 2022

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Monthly, The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association brings news, information, and feature articles to our state's oral health community and the MDA's 6,200+ members. No publication reaches more Michigan dentists!

In this April 2022 issue, the reader will find the following original content:

• A cover feature “Protect Your Patients and Yourself: The Complete and Honest Medical History”
• A feature article “The Foundation for Dental Care: The Patient Interview and Dental/Medical Health History”
• A 10-Minute EBD “The Preferred Analgesia for Orthodontic Tooth Movement: Acetaminophen or NSAIDs?”
• News you need: an Editorial, a "Reminder about Antitrust Law", and regular department articles, …

Open Your Eyes To 3d Imaging, Lea Al Matny Dds, Ms

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This cover feature illuminates the transformative role of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) in dental diagnostics and treatment planning. As CBCT evolves from specialized to commonplace usage, its impact on various dental specialties, including oral surgery, periodontics, orthodontics, and general dentistry, becomes apparent. The article underscores the necessity of understanding CBCT's fundamental concepts and emphasizes the importance of customized imaging protocols tailored to patients' needs. Comprehensive evaluation of CBCT scans reveals anatomical variations, aids in detecting periapical pathosis, visualizing root fractures, assessing external cervical root resorption, and contributes to airway analysis. Moreover, the article explores CBCT's expanding role beyond implant …

Inclusion Of The Mobility Impaired In Our Community: Ask First!, Jeffrey M. Heinz Dds, Msd

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This DEI Series feature article provides a unique perspective on the inclusion of individuals with physical disabilities, focusing on mobility impairment, in the dental profession and community. The author, a paraplegic orthodontist, shares personal experiences and challenges, shedding light on the importance of considering physical disabilities in dental offices. Navigational difficulties in compliant yet wheelchair-unfriendly spaces are discussed, urging practitioners to have contingency plans. The article emphasizes the significance of etiquette in assisting individuals with disabilities, encouraging respectful communication and asking before offering help. Practical insights on dental chair usage and transfer assistance are provided, promoting a more inclusive environment …

J Mich Dent Assoc May 2021

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Every month, The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association brings news, information, and features about Michigan dentistry to our state's oral health community and the MDA's 6,200+ members. No publication reaches more Michigan dentists!

In this issue, the reader will find the following original content:

• A cover story “3D Printing in Dentistry: Concepts, Technologies, and Applications”.
• An interview with new MDA President Dr. Mike Maihofer.
• The MDA award-winners for 2021.
• A feature article, “Things to Know about the New e-Prescribing Law”.
• News you need, Editorial and regular department articles on MDA Foundation activities, Dentistry and the Law, Staff Matters, and …