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Pearls From Local Dentists: The Problem In Your Practice Probably Isn’T A Staffing Problem

West Michigan District Dental Society Bulletin

"Clinical Corner: Pearls from Local Dentists" is a section of the WMDDS Bulletin where local dentists share clinical wisdom for fellow practitioners. This edition discusses The Problem in Your Practice Probably Isn’t a Staffing Problem.

J Mich Dent Assoc Sept. 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-plus members. It remains the main publication reaching Michigan dentists and is available worldwide through ADA Commons.

The September 2026 (Volume 108, No. 9) issue of the Journal is published in 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 full compilation of the September 2026 Journal of the Michigan Dental Association features the deans' reports from the …

From State House To World Health Assembly: The Distinct Missions Of National And International Leadership In Oral Healthcare, Robert A. Faiella Dmd, Mmsc., Mba, William R. Calnon Dds, Facd

Journal of the American College of Dentists

Leadership in oral healthcare has long been treated as a skill assimilated over time through experience rather than intentionally defined, taught, and assessed. Unlike clinical practice, education, research, and infection control, leadership in oral healthcare lacks consistent standards despite its critical role in integrating these systems and guiding the profession’s future. As healthcare becomes increasingly collaborative and global, dentistry must deliberately develop leadership capabilities at multiple levels. This article examines leadership at the national and international levels, using the American Dental Association’s role within U.S. and global health and dental organizations as examples. It explores why these leadership contexts require …

What Is A Standard? Perspectives On Acd’S Standards For Leadership In Oral Healthcare, N. Karl Haden Phd, Facd

Journal of the American College of Dentists

The American College of Dentists’ new Standards for Leadership in Oral Healthcare mark the first attempt in dentistry to articulate standards specifically for leadership, complementing the broader orientation offered by the Ethics Handbook for Dentistry. This article explores the basic question, “What is a standard?” Close reading of the document indicates at least three distinct but related senses of the term: an expectation, a norm, and a guiding principle. The article offers an interpretation of how these three senses fit together coherently. Referencing the Handbook, the article argues that the leadership standards are most impactful only when habituated, when practiced …

American College Of Dentists Team Leadership Standards, Julie Connolly Dds Mph Ms Facd, Sreenivas Koka Dds Ms Phd Mba Mas Facd Fcgdent

Journal of the American College of Dentists

Leadership standards elevate the profession of dentistry by establishing how leaders can be effective and impactful. The American College of Dentists presents 10 carefully curated team leadership standards that serve as guiding principles for team leaders in dental settings. When these standards are followed, leaders increase the likelihood of creating and sustaining a high-performing, mission-focused team. The importance of each standard is described and, where appropriate, examples are provided.

Standards For Leadership In Oral Healthcare: Applying Local And Regional Standards In Practice, Teresa A. Dolan Dds, Mph, Facd, Robin Henderson Dds, Facd

Journal of the American College of Dentists

The dental profession has well-established standards governing clinical practice, education, and research, yet has lacked comparable standards to guide leadership behavior. The American College of Dentists (ACD) Standards for Leadership in Oral Healthcare Task Force developed a comprehensive framework spanning four levels: 1) core; 2) team; 3) local and regional; and 4) national and international. This article describes the local and regional standards, which include 10 standards organized into three themes—Building Foundation, Leading with Purpose, and Developing Others—and their application through interactive workshops at the ACD Spring Leadership Conference 2026. Using structured role-playing exercises, Section leaders and Regents stress-tested the …

Unpacking And Re-Imagining Dental Ethics With Anti-Oppressive And Interdisciplinary Praxis, Eleanor Fleming Phd, Dds, Mph, Ficd, Facd

Journal of the American College of Dentists

Dental ethics are assumed to be neutral in their intent. With a social contract grounded in liberalism and assumptions centering whiteness, the resulting ethics reinforce hierarchy, otherness, and inequities. Because concepts and practices are rarely neutral, dental ethics is embedded with biases, which results in it falling short of the demands of the 21st century and exacerbating health inequities rather than supporting efforts for health justice. This manuscript invites the reader to reflect critically and re-imagine dental ethics using anti-oppressive and interdisciplinary praxis. For the improvement of public health, the narrowing of inequities, and a functioning oral health system, the …

Core Standards For Leadership In Oral Healthcare, Sir Nairn H.F. Wilson Cbe Dsc(H.C.) Ddent(H.C.) Phd Msc Bds Fcgdent Fds Rcs Edin, Eng(Hon) & Rcps Glasg(Hon) Ffd Rcsi(Hon) Fcdshk(Hon) Fracds(Hon) Drd Fhea Facd Ficd Fadm Fpfa Frsm Fkc

Journal of the American College of Dentists

This article introduces the American College of Dentists’ core standards for leadership in oral healthcare, grounded in well-established ethical principles and in response to ever-increasing expectations for patient-first care. It is suggested that the new standards must be consistently upheld to maintain patient trust and professional credibility. Effective leadership, in contrast to management, improves patient engagement and outcomes, team performance, and resilience. The article calls for more leadership training in dentistry, beginning in dental schools, and highlights the need for effective leadership in oral healthcare to strengthen the profession’s standing and status.

Standards For Leadership In Oral Health Care. A Project Of The Board Of Regents Of The American College Of Dentists, Robert A. Faiella Dmd, Mmsc., Mba, Teresa A. Dolan Dds, Mph, Facd, N. Karl Haden Phd, Facd, Sreenivas Koka Dds, Ms, Phd, Mba, Mas, Facd, Sir Nairn H.F. Wilson Cbe Dsc(H.C.) Ddent(H.C.) Phd Msc Bds Fcgdent Fds Rcs Edin, Eng(Hon) & Rcps Glasg(Hon) Ffd Rcsi(Hon) Fcdshk(Hon) Fracds(Hon) Drd Fhea Facd Ficd Fadm Fpfa Frsm Fkc

Journal of the American College of Dentists

This section of the Journal of the American College of Dentists presents professional conference proceedings and/or published guidelines relevant to dentistry, ethics, education, leadership, policy, or clinical care. Conference proceedings may also include documents from affiliate organizations in dentistry.

J Am Coll Dent 2025 92 1

Journal of the American College of Dentists

The Journal of the American College of Dentists (JACD) publishes scholarly articles, editorials, essays, and reflections addressing the ethical, professional, and social dimensions of dentistry. The Journal serves as a forum for advancing ethics, professionalism, leadership, and excellence within the dental community. By fostering dialogue across disciplines and perspectives, JACD provides readers with insights that encourage ethical, professional practice, lifelong learning, and service to the public, reinforcing dentistry’s commitment to advancing oral healthcare and the common good.

The Back Page: Commentary: Going Non-Par: My Perspective, And 10 Lessons I’Ve Learned, Robert Antolak Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Dr. Robert Antolak shares his experience and ten lessons from transitioning his dental practice to a non-participating (non-par) status with insurance in January 2025, driven by declining reimbursements and the need to prioritize patient care. He highlights the unfairness of lower PPO reimbursements for newer dentists. Key lessons include securing a trusted coach, early patient communication, building a financial safety net, ensuring full team buy-in, committing with faith, tightening billing systems, frequent patient reminders, advocating for patients, creating an in-office payment plan (not percentage discounts), and clearly articulating the "why". Though revenue initially dropped, he anticipates full recovery, aiming to …

Moving Drives You Crazy, Michelle C. Dziurgot

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The Editor-in-Chief shares her frustrating experience moving a dental office. Key challenges included dental insurances dropping the practice from networks during recredentialing, causing denied claims for 30-60 days despite no changes to tax ID or NPI. State regulations also required new payments for radiation tubes, rather than crediting previous payments, despite a reduction in equipment. Furthermore, dental supply companies and movers did not take responsibility for broken equipment during the move. Despite these "insane and archaic" hurdles, most patients transitioned, and the article concludes with a comprehensive resource list for practice address changes

The New Professional: Reimagining Rapport: Innovative Ways Dental Teams Connect With Patients, Amrita Patel Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This article explores innovative communication strategies for dental practices to enhance patient interaction. It highlights the importance of digital onboarding for streamlined intake, two-way text messaging for efficient appointments, and personalized video messages to foster connection. Practices are adopting multilingual communication and AI tools like chatbots for 24/7 inquiry handling, integrating them with patient records for tailored responses. Interactive platforms with 3D visuals and video tutorials are used for patient education, empowering them in oral health decisions. The article also emphasizes leveraging social media for engagement, capturing real-time patient feedback, and maintaining empathy-driven human interaction despite technological advancements

It’S Time To Dare Greatly At The Ada, Michele Tulak-Gorecki Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Dr. Michele Tulak-Gorecki, a candidate for ADA president-elect, outlines her platform, emphasizing the urgency for bold, collaborative leadership within the ADA. She addresses member concerns following the executive director's resignation, focusing on rebuilding trust and enhancing oversight. Her vision confronts declining membership, financial issues, and the flawed association management system (AMS) rollout, advocating for increased transparency and financial literacy. Tulak-Gorecki stresses the ADA's vital role in advocacy and unity across the tripartite model to protect the profession's standing. She calls for collective action to create a transparent, inclusive, innovative, and unified ADA

Mda Foundation: Lead Leads To A Key Role On The Mda Foundation, Anne Berquist

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This article highlights the role of the MDA Foundation in providing opportunities for professional development and expanding the impact of dentists' careers. It focuses on Dr. Beth Rosenberg's experience, who became a Foundation Board Member after participating in the MDA's Leadership Exploration and Development Program (LEAD).

The LEAD program builds leadership skills through immersion in organized dentistry. The Foundation raises funds through various events to provide scholarships to dental students and grants to community organizations that improve access to care. The article encourages MDA members to participate in Foundation fundraisers and to consider volunteering or donating.

Meet The Mda’S New President, Cheri Newman, Dds, David Foe

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This cover story introduces the new president of the MDA, Dr. Cheri Newman, highlighting her unique journey from dental hygienist to dentist. Dr. Newman discusses her motivations for becoming involved with the MDA, emphasizing the importance of giving back to the profession and the influence of mentors. She outlines her goals for the upcoming year, which include increasing membership, addressing workforce shortages, and tackling student debt. Dr. Newman also stresses the significance of member involvement in organized dentistry and acknowledges the challenges related to workforce issues like the need for more dental hygienists and assistants. She underscores the value of …

Dentistry And The Law: Yes, Dentists (And The Mda) Are Subject To Antitrust Law, Daniel Schulte Jd

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This legal article explains how antitrust laws apply to dentists and dental associations. It clarifies that violations occur when competitors agree to activities that unreasonably restrain competition. The article distinguishes between "per se" illegal activities (price-fixing, group boycotts, allocation of territories) and those evaluated under the "rule of reason." Specific examples of prohibited activities include agreements on fees, discount limitations, or refusals to participate with dental plans. Enforcement can come from the DOJ, FTC, state agencies, or private lawsuits, with penalties including imprisonment, fines, and treble damages.

Michigan Can Be Proud Of Dentistry's Volunteers, Michelle C. Dziurgot

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This editorial celebrates National Volunteer Week (April 20-26, 2025) by highlighting Michigan Dental Association members' volunteer contributions. The article emphasizes dentists' participation in MDA Foundation's Missions of Mercy programs providing free dental care, involvement in organized dentistry through committees and events, and recognition through various MDA awards. The author acknowledges members' non-dental community service and expresses gratitude for volunteers whose dedication strengthens the MDA and provides essential dental care to underserved populations across Michigan.

Mda At Your Service: I'M Graduating This Spring - Now What?, Kristin Johnson Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This article provides practical guidance for new dental school graduates on essential next steps, including licensing, insurance selection, employment contracts, and navigating patient disputes. It highlights key Michigan Dental Association (MDA) resources such as contract review, job placement support, and the Peer Review System for resolving patient conflicts. It also promotes Best Card for reducing credit card processing fees, emphasizing benefits for MDA members.

Going Non-Par: What Are Your Options?; With Sidebar: One Dentist’S Experience With Going Non-Par, Alan Laing Dds, Mba, Greg Maxson Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The article discusses the considerations for dental practices contemplating dropping insurance participation (going non-par). It emphasizes the importance of analyzing practice objectives, patient demographics, competition, and financial policies before making this decision. The transition to non-par status can impact patient relationships and requires a strong financial and collection policy. Ultimately, the decision should be based on a thorough understanding of the practice and its goals.

The sidebar presents supplementary content and includes a call for MDA members to share their experiences with non-participation in insurance plans and features Dr. Greg Maxson's personal account of going non-par. Dr. Maxson emphasizes that …

The New Professional: Owner Dentist Or Associate? How To Make The Decision, Amrita Patel Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This article compares the career paths of owner dentists and associate dentists, examining autonomy, income potential, work-life balance, and tax advantages. It offers insights into the benefits and challenges of each role, empowering dentists to make informed decisions based on their long-term goals, financial aspirations, and comfort with business management.

J Mich Dent Assoc April 2025

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Each month, The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association provides news, information, and features about Michigan dentistry to our state's oral health community and the MDA's 6,200+ members. It stands as the primary publication reaching Michigan dentists. The April issue marks the end of an era, as the MDA announced it would discontinue providing a print issue and focus on digital distribution.

This month’s issue includes a cover feature on going non-par, a feature article on pterygoid implant placement and restoration, candidate’s biographical statements, and information on a new membership benefit for health and well-being. Regular departments include the New …

The New Professional: Intentional Goal-Setting For 2025, Amrita Patel D.D.S.

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The article emphasizes the importance of intentional goal setting, networking, and leadership for new dentists to achieve long-term success. It advocates for setting clear, measurable goals, breaking them into manageable milestones, and focusing on building strong professional relationships. Networking with mentors and peers, engaging in social media, and participating in dental organizations are highlighted as ways to foster growth and opportunities. Leadership roles, even in small capacities like volunteering or joining committees, are seen as critical steps toward personal development and career advancement. These strategies collectively help new dentists establish a solid foundation for achieving their professional aspirations.

The New Professional: A Guide To Finding A Mentor As A New Dentist, Amrita Patel D.D.S.

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Dr. Patel provides guidance for new dentists on finding and maintaining effective mentoring relationships. She emphasizes that mentors can offer valuable guidance during the transition from dental school to clinical practice. The article explains that mentors need not be exclusively dentists and can be found through various channels, including professional associations, dental societies, alumni networks, and social media platforms. It outlines strategies for identifying potential mentors by observing their clinical skills, professionalism, and leadership styles. The piece concludes with practical advice for maintaining productive mentoring relationships, including setting clear expectations, preparing for meetings, and maintaining consistent communication. The article emphasizes …

Are Leaders Born, Or Made?, William R. Chase D.D.S.

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The debate over whether leaders are born or made persists, but effective leadership often results from a combination of innate traits and learned skills. Transformational leaders inspire and motivate others, while transactional leaders focus on tasks without fostering personal connections. Servant leadership, particularly valued in the dental profession, emphasizes service to others, aligning naturally with patient care. Leadership styles, such as coercive, authoritative, and affiliative, demonstrate the complexity of leadership dynamics. Renowned authors like John C. Maxwell and Daniel Goleman emphasize adaptability and the importance of being a leader whom people want to follow. Effective leadership transcends settings, offering focus, …

J Mich Dent Assoc November 2024

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Each month, The Journal of the Michigan Dental Associationprovides news, information, and features about Michigan dentistry to our state's oral health community and the MDA's 6,200+ members. It stands as the primary publication reaching Michigan dentists. The November issue includes:

• Clinical Feature on discontinuation of lead apron use for dental radiology
• An introduction to the MDA Team and how they can be contacted to serve specific member needs
• A Back Page article on beginning practice and family
• Regular Departments: New Dentist Column, Updates on the MDA Foundation, MDA Services, Dentistry and the Law, Staff Matters

This month we welcome …

The New Professional: Starting A Practice Vs. Buying: What’S Right For You?, Amrita Patel Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This month's New Professional column explores the key decision of whether to start a new dental practice or purchase an existing one. Starting a practice offers flexibility in creating a brand and using the latest technology but requires building a patient base from scratch and managing upfront costs. Purchasing an existing practice provides immediate cash flow and an established patient base but requires more upfront investment and adapting to existing systems. Dentists should consider financial readiness, long-term goals, and work-life balance when making this decision.

Mda Foundation: How Your Donations Help Support The Vina Dental Clinic -- And Other Programs, Too, Anne Berquist

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

In 2007, Dr. Fredric Bonine and Dr. Sam Daniels founded the VINA Community Dental Center in Brighton, Michigan, to provide affordable dental care to low-income residents. The clinic opened in 2008, charging minimal fees for cleanings and appointments. Serving 1,500 to 2,000 patients annually, the clinic relies on volunteer dentists, partnerships with educational institutions, and grants. Notably, the University of Michigan’s Victors for Veterans program offers free dental care to qualifying veterans. The MDA Foundation supports the clinic through grants, contributing to VINA’s $250,000 annual budget. Donations to the MDA Foundation fund these efforts, ensuring continued access to affordable dental …

Your Mda Team: Working For You, John Tramontana Ms, Cae

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This month's cover feature introduces the Michigan Dental Association (MDA) team based in Okemos, highlighting their dedication to providing exceptional service and value to MDA members.

The team, many of whom have decades of experience, is always available to answer questions and offer support. With a focus on delivering top-notch service, the MDA staff strives to be the best dental association in the country. The article includes an overview of the team members, their roles, and a helpful "Who to Call" guide for members seeking assistance.

The executive director emphasizes the team's expertise and institutional knowledge, inviting members to reach …

How An Mda Policy Becomes State Law, Daniel Miller Dds, Tom Steinbis

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The MDA Committee on Government and Insurance Affairs is addressing concerns raised by dentists regarding the use of virtual credit cards (VCCs) by insurance companies, which have led to financial challenges such as transaction fees and delayed payments. The MDA has initiated a structured legislative process to resolve the issue, involving data collection, policy review, and drafting a bill in collaboration with legal experts and insurance companies. The legislation, introduced by Rep. Sharon MacDonell, aims to ensure that dental practitioners have alternative payment options that guarantee full reimbursement. The MDA continues to advocate for the bill through the legislative process, …