Community Health and Preventive Medicine Commons^™

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 …

Mom Is Back, Barbara Rollins

Virginia Dental Journal

For several years Mission of Mercy (MOM) events were curtailed as the risks from COVID-19 outweighed the benefits of the free dental care provided by MOM. While COVID is still with us, the risks of delivering dental care in a large group setting were judged to be manageable by the Virginia Dental Association Foundation’s Board of Directors, and MOM project plans moved forward. As such, “MOM IS BACK!” became the rallying motto, and the number of MOM events increased to nine projects in 2022. Through those nine MOM (and Mini-MOM) projects, some 1,029 patients across the state received over $1.3 …

N Y State Dent J August-September 2024

The New York State Dental Journal

In the August-September 2024 issue, the reader will find the following feature articles:

• Success of Implant Placement in Patients with Human Immunodeficiency Virus
• Effects of Mandatory COVID-19 Testing Policy on No-Show Rates for Aerosol-Generating Procedures
• Heterotopic Bone Formation after TMJ Surgery
• Rural Oral Health Access Disparities in New York State

This issue includes regular columns with regional news impacting the New York membership including editorial and perspectives columns, legal, association activities, component news, continuing education opportunities, and classifieds.

Rural Oral Health Access Disparities In New York State, Renae Williams Atkinson Dmd, Ms, Stacy Mcilduff Cfre, Hayward Derek Horton Phd

The New York State Dental Journal

Disparities in access to dental care for those whose primary/only dental insurance is Medicaid is a known issue. The infamous case of 12-year-old Deamonte Driver from Maryland brought this great need for access to private dental care through Medicaid to the fore. Yet, to this date, there has been no resource to address this great need.

Dentists accepting Medicaid fall into two categories: those who practice in federally qualified health centers (FQHC), and those who practice privately. FQHCs are known anecdotally to have long waitlists, delaying access to needed care (as in the case of Driver). This is compounded by …

Mda Foundation Mission Of Mercy: Transforming Lives, Relieving Pain, Anne Berquist

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The MDA Foundation's Mission of Mercy (MOM) dental clinic in Flint provided free dental care to 659 patients over June 14-15, delivering 6,678 procedures valued at $1,156,285. The 120-chair clinic, set up by volunteers, saw patients from 35 Michigan counties and neighboring states. Patients, many of whom queued overnight, received an average of ten procedures each. Volunteers, including retired dentists, performed a wide range of services, from cleanings to complex surgeries. Translators were available to assist non-English speakers, and patients were informed about ongoing free or reduced-cost care options. The event, supported by local donations and community services, will continue …

J Mich Dent Assoc July 2024

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Every 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 is the primary publication reaching Michigan dentists.

The July issue of the Michigan Dental Association (MDA) journal focuses on the member and public value of the association's Public Education Campaign through a cover story "Smile Brighter Michigan!". It also features articles on:

• How to get value from your MDA membership

• Joining the MDA Forensic Dental Team

• A new professional column, News you need, an editorial and regular department articles covering MDA …

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Smile Brighter, Michigan: Inside The Mda Public Education Campaign, Rich Evans

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The Michigan Dental Association's (MDA) Public Education Campaign, active for over three decades, aims to improve oral health and encourage visits to MDA-member dentists across Michigan. Funded by member dues, the campaign uses digital advertising and the smilemichigan.com website to educate the public. Key initiatives include the Find-A-Dentist tool, the "Healthy Mouth, Healthy Body" program, and various community outreach efforts. Upcoming features include the "Story Behind Every Smile" campaign, highlighting personal stories about the impact of dental health. By promoting proactive oral care, the MDA supports better overall health for Michigan residents.

Mda Foundation: Mda Foundation Grant Helps Huda Clinic Celebrate 20 Years Of Service, Anne Berquist

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

MDA Foundation Director discusses the 20th anniversary of HUDA Clinic, Detroit's largest free clinic, providing crucial medical, dental, and mental health services to the uninsured. Supported by a $10,000 grant from the MDA Foundation, HUDA plans to expand dental services due to overwhelming demand, aiming to provide daily care. They seek volunteers and donations to meet the significant need, especially for dentures. Expansion plans include collaboration with local dental schools and community colleges.

Everyone Deserves A Dental Home, Loren C. Baim Dds

The New York State Dental Journal

With knowledge and preparation, dental practices should be able to accommodate the growing population of people on the autism spectrum.

J Mich Dent Assoc April 2024

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Every 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.

In the April 2024 issue, the Journal focuses on the landscape of practicing in rural settings. Original content includes:

• A cover story highlighting Michigan’s Donated Dental Service Program
• A feature on Michigan’s Revised Kindergarten Oral Health Assessment Law
• A feature article on the origins, future, and use of the CDT Code
• Profiles of the 2024-25 MDA Officer, Trustee and ADA Delegation candidate
• An …

The Mda’S Michigan Donated Dental Services (Dds) Program: How To Serve The Elderly And Disabled In Your Community And Build Your Team (Without Leaving Your Office!), April Stopczynski

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

April Stopczynski, MDA Manager of Access and Prevention, sheds light on the Michigan Donated Dental Services (DDS) program, elucidating its impact on individuals through poignant patient narratives and dentist testimonials. The article illustrates how DDS bridges the gap in dental care for the elderly, disabled, and financially compromised individuals in Michigan. The program not only restores smiles but also transforms lives by providing much-needed dental treatment through volunteer dentists and labs. This article presents the value of DDS for patients, providers, dental team members and the greater community. Information is provided on how to participate in this transformative program.

The New Professional: Prioritize Self-Care To Avoid Burnout, Amrita Patel Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

In this inaugural column, “The New Dentist”, Dr. Amrita Patel shares her journey of recognizing and combating burnout in dentistry. She emphasizes the importance of self-care, boundary-setting, delegation, and seeking support. By prioritizing these strategies, professionals can safeguard their well-being, enhance job satisfaction, and deliver quality patient care without falling victim to burnout's detrimental effects.

Market Realities For Rural And Small-Town Practices, W. E. Rupprecht Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This article explores the challenges rural dental practitioners face in Michigan, highlighting the struggle to find successors for practice continuity and the impact on patient care. Examining sales data and demographic trends reveals disparities in successful practice transitions, emphasizing the difficulty in attracting buyers to rural areas. The reluctance of potential buyers, influenced by family and professional considerations, underscores the need for strategic solutions. Initiatives by the Michigan Dental Association and innovative approaches such as mentorship and financial incentives aim to address these challenges. The article concludes by urging practitioners to act as stewards and plan for successful transitions in …

Washington’S Ride Program: A Model Providing Rural Practitioners, Mary K. Smith Dds, Mba

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The University of Washington School of Dentistry Regional Initiatives in Dental Education (RIDE) program is an award-winning dental education model that trains dentists to practice in rural and underserved areas. Its first cohort of students graduated in 2012. To date, there have been 96 graduates. More than 80% of RIDE graduates in practice are in rural and underserved areas, including those seeking specialty training. RIDE is successful because it collaborates with multiple universities, community health centers, local dental associations, and community leaders in the area where the students are located.

News You Need, David Foe Ma

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The 2024 MDA Annual Session promises a range of valuable events and courses, including a free keynote by Joe Johnson, PhD, addressing career fulfillment. Additional highlights include the Gordon Christensen session, new dentist track, leadership courses, and an expansive exhibit hall. Meanwhile, the MDA House of Delegates Nominating Committee announced its candidate slate for the upcoming administrative year. The MDA also offers a free webinar on suicide prevention and celebrates communities awarded for water fluoridation quality. Additionally, ADA news covers a clinical guideline on managing dental pain, the ADA Academy's teaching program, and World Oral Health Day initiatives. Lastly, local …

Mda Foundation: Mission Of Mercy Volunteer Registration Is Open!, Anne Berquist

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The MDA Foundation announces the reopening of volunteer registration for the Mission of Mercy free dental clinic in Flint, Michigan, from June 13-17. The clinic seeks dental professionals and laypeople alike to provide essential dental care to around 2,000 needy individuals. Volunteers can contribute clinical or non-clinical assistance, with opportunities for short-term or extended commitments. COVID-19 precautions are in place, and volunteers receive continuing education credits while profoundly impacting patients' lives.

Why I Chose To Practice In Rural Michigan, Lisenia M. Collazo Dmd, Mph

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This article explores the motivations behind dentists choosing rural practice, focusing on personal experiences and factors influencing career decisions. The narrative outlines the author’s journey from Pennsylvania to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, emphasizing a commitment to addressing oral health disparities in underserved communities. The discussion covers training experiences, financial considerations, community engagement, and the challenges of rural health care. The author also highlights the role of mentorship and advocates for building relationships with mentors in the profession, especially in rural settings. The essay underscores rural practice’s unique advantages, including professional growth, lower living costs, and a supportive community.

J Mich Dent Assoc March 2024

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Every 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.

In the March 2024 issue, the Journal focuses on the landscape of practicing in rural settings. Original content includes:

• A cover story discussing "Market Realities for Rural and Small-Town Practices"

• A feature commentary from a new dentist in the Upper Peninsula on "Why I Chose to Practice in Rural Michigan"

• A feature article highlighting a dental education initiative, "Washington’s RIDE Program: A Model …

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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, …

Setting The Foundation For A Lifetime Of Oral Health, Samuel Blanchard Dds, Ms

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

In this Children’s Dental Health Month article, the Michigan Academy of Pediatric Dentistry emphasizes the crucial role of relationships and trust in pediatric dentistry. Highlighting the significance of collaborative efforts between dental societies, the commentary discusses the impact of professional connections on patient care. The author shares personal insights on transitioning in their career, underscoring the value of cultivated relationships. The age-1 dental visit is highlighted as a powerful preventive measure to establish rapport and empower parents with oral health knowledge. The article emphasizes the enduring benefits of building connections in promoting lifelong oral health.

Mda Foundation: 2024 Promises Great Things From The Mda Foundation, Anne Berquist

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The MDA Foundation is making significant strides in supporting dental and hygiene students and the community. In a recent announcement, 12 scholarships totaling $31,000 were awarded, thanks to donor generosity. The Foundation's upcoming Sparkling Smiles Celebration will provide an opportunity to meet scholarship recipients and acknowledge donors. The primary focus in June will be the Mission of Mercy event in Flint, aiming to offer essential dental care to up to 2,000 individuals. Volunteers are encouraged to participate, and financial support can be pledged online. Ongoing efforts include fundraising for the Karen Burgess Scholarship Endowment and the upcoming MDA Foundation golf …

Pediatric Dentists’ Considerations Concerning Obesity-Related Education For Parents Of Young Children: Who Should Educate About What, How And When?, Arianne Swanson Dds, Ms, James R. Boynton Dds, Ms, Larry B. Salzmann Dds, Yu-Ju Yang Dds, Marita R. Inglehart Dipl. Psych., Dr. Phil., Dr. Phil. Habil

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This study aimed to explore pediatric dentists' perspectives on obesity-related interventions for parents of young children. A web-based survey was administered to 210 American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry members. Findings revealed that respondents considered it important for various healthcare professionals, especially pediatricians and nurse practitioners, to engage in obesity-related parent education. Strong consensus existed on educating parents about the link between early childhood caries and diet, soft drink and fruit juice consumption, and healthy snacking. The study also found positive attitudes correlated with increased engagement in objective weight determination, data collection, and diet/nutrition counseling.

J Mich Dent Assoc November 2023

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 on The University of Michigan's Gordon H. Sindecuse Museum of Dentistry.
• News you need, Editorial and regular department articles on MDA Foundation activities, Dentistry and the Law, Staff Matters, and component news.

This issue also includes two articles reprinted with permission.

• A feature from Ontario Dentist on The Challenge of False Belief: …

Mda Foundation: Mda Foundation Teams Up With Victors For Veterans Program, Anne Berquist

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The MDA Foundation partners with the Victors for Veterans (V4V) program to provide dental care to impoverished veterans in Michigan, especially those with disabilities, homelessness, or limited income. The program, established in 2012, currently operates in the VINA Community Dental Center in Brighton, Michigan, providing free dental services to veterans in the region. The MDA Foundation supports this initiative with grants to secure clinic space, enabling 30 to 60 veterans to receive comprehensive dental care annually. Dental students at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry volunteer their time and skills and precept dentists oversee patient care.

President’S Address: Dr. Vince Benivegna, Vince Benivegna Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Dr. Vince Benivegna, the outgoing President of the Michigan Dental Association, addressed the House of Delegates, emphasizing the significant progress in enhancing Adult Dental Medicaid coverage and reimbursement in Michigan. He thanked the dedicated individuals who supported him during his tenure and shared his journey. Dr. Benivegna lauded Michigan's accomplishments in reducing opioid prescribing and highlighted the MDA's role as a model state society in advocacy, leadership, mentorship, continuing education, diversity, equity, and inclusion. He praised Michigan's achievements in improving Adult Dental Medicaid, encouraging Michigan dentists to participate and help address oral health disparities. Dr. Benivegna underscored how this aligns …

Mda Foundation: Mission Of Mercy Moves To Flint In June 2024; Save The Date And Participate, Anne Berquist

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The MDA Foundation is organizing its fifth Mission of Mercy (MOM) in Flint in June 2024. The event aims to provide dental care to those in need, especially those who are uninsured and unable to afford dental services. The MOM will take place at the Dort Financial Center in Flint from June 13 to 17, offering dental care from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on June 14 and 15. This initiative has been critical in delivering dental services and improving the lives of those who lack access to proper oral healthcare.

Oral Health Considerations For Aging Patients Living With Hiv/Aids, Madeleine Daily Dds, Susan Liu Dds, Yuna Park Dds, Mph, Ms, Emily Byington Msw, Ivette Estrada Ma, Mphil, Sunil Wadhwa Dds, Carol Kunzel Phd

The New York State Dental Journal

People living with HIV/AIDS (PLWH) have an increased life expectancy due to advances in antiretroviral therapy. In 1996, the life expectancy for a 20-year old living with HIV was 39-years old; today, it is >70-years old. As life expectancy increases, PLWH are burdened with age-associated comorbidities. This paper reviews the interaction between aging and HIV and how it affects social, physical, and oral health issues. The shift in demographics presents new challenges for clinicians in how to identify, address, and manage these complex manifestations. This review summarizes how to approach HIV-related changes when providing care as a dental clinician.

A Dentist's Role In The Delivery Of Culturally Competent Oral Health Care To Transgender Patients, Laura Rhein Dds, Benjamin Solomowitz Dmd, Michael Mand Dds

The New York State Dental Journal

The importance of delivering patient-centered care is understood by professionals across all healthcare fields. But to deliver such patient-centered care involves understanding various patient populations, especially marginalized populations. Rendering non-biased, non-prejudicial care to marginalized populations is irrefutably critical. To do so, it requires understanding the specific needs of these at-risk populations to deliver high quality patient-centered care. The transgender community is one marginalized population that faces inequities in healthcare. This article seeks to examine current literature to reveal such inequities that the transgender population encounters in dental care and to explore the dentist’s role in the delivery of culturally competent …

Lessons Learned From Covid-19, Donald Tucker Dds

The New York State Dental Journal

Dentistry and society, in general, must seek out accurate information regarding the virus and follow scientifically established guidelines to mitigate serious outcomes.

Dean’S Report: University Of Michigan School Of Dentistry Advancing Dental Education And Oral Health Science Is Our Passion And Mission, Jan Hu Bds, Phd

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The Dean of the University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Jan Hu’s annual report to our readers, highlights the school's dedication to dental education and oral health science. The report underscores the school's commitment to maintaining high standards in the face of changing times. Key Highlights:

1. Educational Normalcy: Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, the school has returned to a sense of normalcy in educating DDS, dental hygiene, and graduate students. Stringent infection control measures are still in place.
2. Vibrant Research: The school's research endeavors remain strong, with over 200 papers, articles, and reviews published in prestigious academic journals …