Dental Public Health and Education Commons^™

The Mda Forensic Dental Team Needs More Volunteers, Patrick Houlihan Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The Michigan Dental Association Forensic Dental Identification Team (MDA-FDIT) urgently needs more volunteers. In this article, learn of their impressive record of service to the public and the profession, which has been widely recognized for the important role it plays in the identification of both individual victims and those of mass disasters. Formed in the early 1980s, MDA-FDIT plays a crucial role in identifying disaster victims using dental records. The team has been instrumental in identifying victims from incidents like the 1987 Northwest Flight 255 crash and has assisted in various mass-casualty situations, including 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina. MDA-FDIT works …

The New Professional: The Important Role Of Organized Dentistry In Early Career Success, Amrita Patel Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

As a new dentist, navigating the professional world requires more than clinical skills; involvement in organized dentistry is crucial. It fosters personal and professional growth, provides continuous learning through seminars and workshops, and offers networking and mentorship opportunities. Additionally, it serves as a collective voice advocating for the profession’s interests, influencing policies, and fostering leadership development. Membership grants access to practice resources and support services, helping new dentists navigate challenges and build successful careers. Ultimately, organized dentistry creates a supportive community, essential for early career success.

Mda Services: Five Tips To Recruit, Retain Good Employees, Reva Darling

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

In a competitive labor market, retaining and recruiting dental staff is challenging. Key strategies include offering health insurance, pre-tax benefit options, and retirement plans, which attract long-term employees. Providing vision insurance and discounts on auto and home insurance can further enhance employee satisfaction. Updating pay scales and utilizing temporary services like Stynt can also aid in filling staff positions.

Staff Matters: Supporting Working Parents As A Recruitment And Retention Strategy, Jodi Schafer Sphr, Shrm-Scp

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Supporting employees who are parents is essential. Harvard data shows 73% of employees have caregiving responsibilities, highlighting the need for proactive strategies. First, communicate with employees to understand their needs for flexibility. Consider offering flexible schedules, part-time roles, and on-call staff to manage absences. Partnering with local childcare providers for sick coverage and allowing children at work occasionally can also help. Clear communication and defined parameters for flexibility are crucial. Implementing these strategies can build a supportive culture, enhancing employee retention and commitment.

Mda At Your Service: How Can I Protect My Practice From Cybercrime?, Kristin Johnson Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Cybercrime poses a significant threat to dental practices. To safeguard against attacks, the federal Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency recommends educating employees on phishing, enforcing strong passwords, requiring multifactor authentication, and updating software regularly. Additional resources include Complete Dental IT for security assessments and MDA Insurance for cyber liability policies. Further support for dental practices includes the transferability of MDA Radiography Training vouchers, using specialized CPA firms for better financial insights, and guidance on insurance network decisions for hiring associates.

Early Intervention With Clear Aligners: A New Frontier In Paediatric Dentistry, Ritika Tiwari, Ajay Ht Rao, Sharan S. Sargod, Sundeep K. Hegde, Raksha K. Ballal, Shazma Sharief

Manipal Journal of Medical Sciences

Clear aligner therapy (CAT) has emerged as a popular alternative to traditional braces, offering a more discreet and comfortable option for orthodontic treatment, particularly in growing patients. This technique uses a set of clear, specially designed plastic trays that gradually force teeth into place. Although transparent aligners are frequently used by adults, their use in children has increased significantly, especially for those with mixed dentition (ages 6–12). Since it enables orthodontists to treat occlusal and functional problems before they worsen, this stage of dental development is essential for early intervention. The benefits of clear aligners include enhanced face and dental …

Outgoing Mda President Knudsen: ‘I Strongly Believe In The Mda!’, Eric Knudsen Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

In his outgoing address, MDA President Knudsen expressed excitement about the association’s future and highlighted key achievements and challenges. He thanked his wife, staff, and interim executive director Bill Sullivan for their support, particularly after the sudden passing of Karen Burgess. Knudsen emphasized initiatives to improve rural dental care, restructure the finance department, and address insurance reimbursement issues. He praised the MDA’s advocacy efforts, including expanding Medicaid and legislative accomplishments. Knudsen concluded by welcoming new executive director John Tramontana and expressing confidence in MDA's continued success.

Building A Unified Dental Team, Michelle C. Dziurgot Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Unity is essential for dental teams to function cohesively, especially post-COVID-19. Effective unity involves clear communication, shared goals, and trust among team members. Embracing diversity and respecting all cultures are crucial. Regular team meetings and activities, both on-site and off-site, help foster unity. Utilizing resources like DiSC® training can also enhance team cohesion.

A Comparison Of Temporary Threshold Shifts In Dentists, Hygienists, And Dental Assistants, Sabina E. Ciaccio

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Objective: The purpose of this study is to compare the temporary threshold shifts (TTS) in dentists, hygienists, and dental assistants. The specific aim of this study is to compare the differences in temporary shifts caused by the different dental equipment and the proximity to the equipment. The current literature does not compare the change in hearing thresholds of dental personnel.

Methods: Dentists, dental assistants, and hygienists from Hermann Dental Associates will be given a case history form to determine inclusion status for this study. Exclusion criteria will include known hearing loss and significant noise exposure the day prior. …

Staff Matters: How Will The New Federal Earnings Threshold Impact Our Practice?, Jodi Schafer Sphr, Shrm-Scp

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This article addresses impending changes to overtime rules under the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and their implications for dental practices. The Department of Labor's recent updates on the minimum earning threshold for exempt employees necessitate adjustments in employment classifications. Starting July 1, 2024, the threshold will increase to $844 per week and subsequently rise every three years. Dental practices, including salaried employees like dental hygienists and management staff, must reassess classifications to ensure compliance. For affected employees, reclassification as non-exempt may be necessary, entailing eligibility for overtime pay. However, a hybrid approach—paying non-exempt employees a weekly salary while …

Mda Insurance: Weave A Financial Safety Net To Protect Your Income Stream, Future, And Family, Craig Start

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

It's crucial to have a financial safety net, especially for small-business owners and parents, to protect against career-ending injury or illness. Key insurance policies include life insurance, disability income insurance, and business overhead expense insurance. Life insurance ensures financial support for your family, while disability insurance provides income if you cannot work. Business overhead insurance covers business expenses during your disability. Contact MDA Insurance for a consultation on these essential protections.

Mda Foundation: $110,000 Raised At Sparkling Smiles Event; Mini-Grant Awarded, Anne Berquist

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The 2024 MDA Foundation’s Sparkling Smiles event raised a record-breaking $110,000, surpassing last year's total by $30,000. The Holland Free Dental Clinic received a $2,500 mini-grant. Keynote speaker Todd J. Duckett's address inspired generosity. The Foundation awarded $110,000 in grants this past year, including 12 scholarships totaling $31,000. The event featured a successful Wine Lotto and was supported by numerous sponsors.

Effectiveness Of Oil Pulling Using Coconut Oil And Sesame Oil In Comparison With 0.2% Chlorhexidine And Placebo In Plaque Reduction- A Randomized Control Trial’, Bharath Shivakumar, Sunitha S, Chandrashekar Br, Mirunalini Sundaravadivelu

International Journal of Health and Allied Sciences

Context: Oil pulling has multiple oral health benefits toward gingival and overall health. Aims: To evaluate the effectiveness of oil pulling using sesame and coconut oils. Settings and Design: JSS High School, Suttur, Nanjangud Taluk, Mysuru Randomised controlled double-blinded parallel-arm study. Methods and Material: Participants selected were divided into four groups randomly. Mouth rinse bottles containing coconut oil, sesame oil, chlorhexidine and placebo were coded and distributed. Follow up was done on the seventh day and fourteenth day. Results: The study groups showed statistically significant difference. Conclusions: Oil pulling is effective in oral plaque control.

Success Of Early Childhood Caries After Treatment With Silver Diamine Fluoride Compared To Conventional Glass Ionomer Restoration. A Systematic Review, Sara H. Younis, Afnan M. Elkordy, Nouran M. Alshazly

Future Dental Journal

Abstract

Aim: To compare the success rate regarding esthetics, parenteral satisfaction, and oral health related quality of life (OHRQoL) after treatment of early childhood caries with Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF)compared to conventional Glass ionomer Restoration (CGI).

Materials and Methods: We conducted a systematic review following PRISMA statement by searching on the following electronic databases: PubMed, Cochrane.

Results: From the studies included in this systematic review, two studies showed significant difference in color stability between SDF and CGI. Two studies showed no significant difference in parental satisfaction with either SDF or Glass Ionomer. Regarding the Oral Health Related Quality of Life, …

The Effect Of Preparation Design And Thermal Cycling On The Marginal Accuracy Of Hybrid Ceramic Laminate Veneers, Esraa El Bably, Ossama Saleh Abdelghany, Mostafa Aboushahba, Shereen Ahmed Nossair

Future Dental Journal

Aim: This study investigated the effect of preparation design and thermal cycling on the marginal accuracy of hybrid ceramic laminate veneers. Materials and Methods: A total of twenty 3D printed dies of central incisors prepared with 2 preparation designs; butt joint and palatal wrap design were fabricated. Each type of preparation was assigned into 2 subgroups (n=5/each subgroup) according to the type of material used for fabrication of the laminate veneer; hybrid ceramic and lithium disilicate (served as control). Marginal discrepancy was evaluated using a digital microscope before and after thermocycling. Results: Statistically analysis of marginal gaps revealed that before …

Comparison Of Alignment Duration Between 0.018” And 0.022” Slot Brackets In Non-Extraction Orthodontic Adult Patients: (A Randomized Clinical Study), Omar Hazem Abouwafia, Hala Munir Abdel Majeed, Mona Salah Fayed, Nouran Fouad Seif-Eldin

Future Dental Journal

Abstract:

Introduction: Orthodontist tend to use one of the 2 bracket slot sizes available either the 0.018” or 0.022” bracket slot. Till now there is no reliable scientific evidence that indicates if any of them has a superior effect on the duration of teeth alignment. The aim of this study is to compare alignment duration between 0.018 and 0.022-inch bracket slot systems.

Subjects and methods: 14 Eligible participants having an age range of 14-22 years were randomly allocated to 2 groups (7 in each group). Group I: 0.018-inch and Group II: 0.022-inch slot (American orthodontics Mini master Roth prescription …

Comparison Between Orthodontic Measurements Taken From Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (Cbct) And Digital Models After Enmasse Retraction In Orthodontic Patients With Maxillary Protrusion., Amr M. Attia, Amr R. El-Beialy, Heba M. Dehis, Yehya A. Moustafa

Future Dental Journal

ABSTRACT

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy and reliability in measuring anchorage loss, molar rotation, and total amount of retraction using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and to compare them with the same measurements obtained using digitally scanned dental models. Materials and methods: 24 patients requiring comprehensive orthodontic treatment including extraction of 1st premolars with maximum anchorage using enmasse retraction. CBCTs were undertaken on the same 24 patients using InVivoDental software for measurement. The digital cast was made using alginate impressions, from which virtual 3D models will be created and measured using 3Shape analyzer software. Orthodontic measurements will …

Measuring Accuracy Of Dolphin Imaging Software In Predicting Upper Jaw Soft Tissue Profile Changes In Class Ii Adult Patients Treated With Extraction Versus Non-Extraction., Amr Amin Arif, Esam Nasef, Amira Aboalnaga

Future Dental Journal

Abstract

Objective: To assess the accuracy of Dolphin Imaging software in predicting upper jaw profile changes in class II patients treated by extraction and non-extraction.

Methods: The records of 60 Class II div 1 patients were selected; 30 patients treated by extraction of upper first premolar and 30 patients treated by non-extraction. The Pre- and post-treatment lateral cephalometric x-rays of each patient were traced using Dolphin software. The actual hard tissue changes due to treatment were calculated and installed into the prediction module to generate the predicted profile. The soft tissue measurements of the actual post-treatment and predicted profiles were …

Describing Trends In Virginia's Dentist And Dental Hygienist Workforce: Challenges And Opportunities, Shillpa Naavaal, Yetty Shobo, Barbara Hodgdon

Virginia Journal of Public Health

Purpose: Regular assessment of the dental workforce is essential to improve the population's oral health. This analysis aimed to understand the trends in the distribution of dentists and dental hygienists (DHs) in Virginia.

Methods: Annual survey data (2013-2022) of dentists and DHs from the Virginia Department of Health Professions Healthcare Workforce Data Center was used to examine the trends in provider distribution by age, gender, race/ethnicity, and geography across Virginia.

Results: In 2022, there were 5,720 dentists and 5,290 DH licensees in Virginia. In the dentist workforce, there was a high representation of those aged ≥60 years (23%), males (58%), …

Increasing Oral Health In A Midwest Elementary School: Quality Improvement Project, Dee Young

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Marginalized communities experience barriers to accessing oral healthcare in the United States (US). Due to this, many children are left to use the emergency department (ED) for dental care. The purpose of this Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project was to improve oral health services access in children at one suburban Midwest elementary school. The objectives of this project were: a) to improve the efficiency of students registering in Fall 2023 to access available oral health exam services, b) to increase the number of students who receive an oral health exam compared to the number in the previous school year. …