Dentistry Commons^™

Early Intervention Within Orthodontics: The Sociological Aspects, Trenton Hammond

Honors Theses

Orthodontic treatment is one of the final phases of dental treatment. Its use is to provide aesthetics in some cases, yet the quality-of-life aspect that it can provide is greatly underestimated. Orthodontic care can provide proper function of teeth, improve facial structure, avoid tooth decay/loss, and improve gum health (AAO, 2024). Within this research the overarching goal is to understand the sociological aspects of families looking to start orthodontic care, what the reasons behind starting or not starting are, and providing information to the public about orthodontics that may be misunderstood or might push people away from searching for orthodontic …

The Role Of Oral Microbiota In Periodontitis And Alzheimer's Disease, Noah Al-Hassan, Taha Al Hassan, Juan C. Lopez-Alvarenga, Maria Quinones, Seratna Guadarrama

Research Symposium

Background: Periodontal disease (PD), affecting 20-50% of the global population is marked by biofilm-induced inflammation in oral tissues. Chronic PD results in systemic complications such as heart disease, stroke, and Alzheimer's. The red complex microbes, Porphyromonas gingivalis and Treponema denticola, play a pivotal role, penetrating the blood-brain barrier and contributing to neurodegeneration. Alzheimer's disease (AD), an irreversible neurodegenerative disorder, is linked to abnormal protein cleavage and potentially involves microbiologic components, including gram-positive cocci. Research suggests the presence of bacteria such as Porphyromonas, Actinomyces, and Treponema in autopsied AD brains. Investigating the microbiologic connection between PD and AD is crucial, considering …

Governmental Affairs Update, Neema Katibai Jd

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The article presents the American Dental Association's federal advocacy achievements during the first half of the 118th Congress. The ADA has made significant strides in influencing policy and regulations across various categories, including workforce issues, dental insurance reform, access to care, student loan debt, Medicaid, practice management, veterans' affairs, health information technology, and public health. Their efforts span from urging legislative action to collaborating with federal agencies and Congress members. These accomplishments showcase the ADA's commitment to advancing dental profession interests nationally.

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 …

Special Insert: Guideline For Delegation Of Duties For Allied Dental Personnel In Michigan, David Foe Ma

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Dental assistants, registered dental assistants, and registered dental hygienists have specific duties they can perform for patients as outlined by the Michigan Public Health Code and the Michigan Board of Dentistry General Rules. Permitted delegated services vary based on a team member’s level of training, licensure, and available supervision by a licensed dentist.

The Journal of Michigan Dental Association provides this pullout insert to guide the dental team. This easy-to-read chart quickly identifies recent changes to the duties each dental auxiliary can legally perform.

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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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.

Uda To Rda: A Pathway To Greater Success, Margaret Gingrich Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

UDA to RDA: A Pathway to Greater Success" by Margaret Gingrich, DDS, explores the advantages of transitioning unlicensed dental auxiliaries (UDAs) to registered dental assistants (RDAs). The article emphasizes the benefits for both practitioners and staff, citing increased efficiency, improved patient care, and expanded practice capabilities. Dr. Gingrich shares personal experiences from her rural practice, highlighting the challenges of workforce shortages and the strategic adoption of RDAs to address these issues. She outlines a pathway for UDAs to attain RDA status through targeted training programs and contractual agreements, enhancing career satisfaction and practice productivity. The article underscores the importance of …

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.

Team Ce Will Make Your Practice Soar, Michelle C. Dziurgot Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

In "Team CE Will Make Your Practice Soar," Michelle C. Dziurgot, DDS, emphasizes the crucial role of education and support in dental practice success. Drawing on personal experiences, Dziurgot underscores the significance of ongoing learning for both new hires and existing team members. She highlights opportunities for continuing education, such as the Michigan Dental Association Annual Session, and encourages investment in training for the entire dental team. By providing education and support akin to her own upbringing, Dziurgot asserts that practices can thrive and overcome challenges, ultimately achieving greater heights of success.

Dentistry And The Law: Charges For Missed Appointments And Interest On Past-Due Accounts, Dan Schulte Jd

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This month’s Dentistry and the Law column explores the legal considerations surrounding charges for missed appointments and interest on past-due accounts in dental practices. Dan Schulte, JD, provides insights on implementing policies for collecting patient deposits for missed appointments and the legality of charging interest on overdue accounts. The article emphasizes the importance of complying with participation agreements, obtaining patient consent, and setting reasonable terms. Practical guidelines for policy implementation are provided, ensuring dental practitioners navigate legal complexities while managing practice finances effectively.

Staff Matters: How To Address Derogatory Comments Among Staff Members, Jodi Schafer Sphr, Shrm-Scp

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Addressing derogatory comments among staff members requires a systematic approach. Document the incident, meet individually with each employee, and assess their reactions. Responses may vary from denial to remorse. Tailor disciplinary action based on their accountability and alignment with office values. Consider potential legal ramifications and seek HR or legal guidance if needed. Regardless, swift action is essential to maintain a respectful workplace environment.

N Y State Dent J March 2024

The New York State Dental Journal

In the March 2024 issue, the reader will find the following feature articles:

• Sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim-Induced Thrombocytopenia
• Dentists and Oral Surgeons, Beware
• Squamous Odontogenic Tumor

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.

All Golden Parachutes That Glitter Are Not Gold, Chester J. Gary Dds, Jd

The New York State Dental Journal

Dental practice owners who pull the ripcord of their retirement parachute in selling their practices to private equity-funded companies must protect themselves from personal risk and dentistry from threats to its status as a profession.

Sulfamethoxazole-Trimethoprim Induced Thrombocytopenia: A Report Of Two Cases And A Literature Review, Leigh Griffin Dds, Michael Graffeo Dds, Jay Sher Dds, Paul D. Freedman Dds, Renée F. Reich

The New York State Dental Journal

Sulfamethoxazole- trimethoprim (ST) is a sulfonamide derivative antibiotic that interferes with bacterial folic acid synthesis and growth by blocking dihydrofolic acid formation from para-aminobenzoic acid. One of the potential side effects of sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim is thrombocytopenia. Thrombocytopenia is a blood disorder characterized by a decreased number of circulating platelets. We present two cases of ST induced thrombocytopenia where the oral manifestations were the first indication of the low platelet count leading to life saving interventions. Our aim is to educate dentists about the oral manifestations of thrombocytopenia and its association with ST as their examination may be instrumental in directing treatment.

New Laws In The New Year, Lance Plunkett Jd, Llm

The New York State Dental Journal

Dentists impacted by changes to child abuse and beneficial ownership reporting laws.

Squamous Odontogenic Tumor: A Case Report, Sara Endo Dds, Timothy Chang Dds, Daria Vasilyeva Dds, Scott M. Peters Dds

The New York State Dental Journal

Squamous odontogenic tumors (SOT) are slow-growing, benign, rare intraosseous neoplasms. SOT are typically found in the premolar-canine region of the maxilla and the molar region of the mandible. These lesions have no gender predilection and show peak occurrence in the third decade of life.

Dentists And Oral Surgeons Beware: Some Suggested Ibuprofen-Based Pain Regimens May Result In Severe Adverse Outcomes In Older Persons, Arthur H. Friedlander Dmd, Ida K. Friedlander Rn, Rsn, Ms, Soraya De A. Berti-Couto Dds, Phd, Paulo H. Couto-Souza Dds, Phd

The New York State Dental Journal

The origins of the current “opioid epidemic” sweeping America with its consequent overdose related deaths has resulted in numerous publications accusing the dental profession of excessively prescribing narcotic analgesics leading to the initial addictive episode. These allusions have prompted the national organization representing New York States’ almost 600 oral and maxillofacial surgeons to develop and promulgate in its official journal , a position paper detailing a non-narcotic pain management regimen to alleviate post operative discomfort. However, their pronouncement suggests prescribing a maximum daily dosage of ibuprofen which has previously been documented as causing myocardial infarction and stroke in vulnerable older …

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.

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 …