Dental Public Health and Education Commons^™

Reducing Oral Health Disparities: Effectiveness Of Preventive Dental Care On Treatment Use, Expenditures And Determinants Of Service Utilization, Rashmi Lamsal

Theses & Dissertations

Given the importance of oral health in maintaining the general health and well-being of an individual, this dissertation includes three independent studies examining dental care utilization and expenditures among adults in the U.S. The first study examines the effectiveness of preventive dental visits on treatment utilization and expenditures among adults aged 18 and above. The second study focuses on the impact of paid sick leave on different types of dental services utilization among working adults aged 18-64. Finally, the last paper compares the differences in dental care utilization and related expenditure between foreign-born and US-born adults with diabetes. The paper …

Navigating The Legal Landscape Of Mental Health In The Workplace: Insights For The Dental Practice, Gary Chamberlin Milr, Jd

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Dealing with an employee’s mental health situation poses complex challenges for human resource professionals. Dental practices, typically run by busy dentists or administrative managers, often lack a human resource professional and the legal expertise needed to navigate the intricacies of employment laws pertaining to mental health disabilities. Moreover, mental health issues in the workplace are sensitive, private matters that intersect with disability and leave laws and are still associated with cultural stigmas despite evolving societal attitudes. This article provides specific scenarios that give insights into the legal issues when managing dental office employees with mental health conditions. Readers should address …

J Mich Dent Assoc August 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 new dentist’s perceptions of professionalism.
• A feature on legal considerations when addressing employee wellness.
• A feature on the meaning of wellness by ADA Trustee Dr. Brett Kessler.
• Practice guidance on conducting a HIPAA security risk analysis.
• Commentary “The New Golden Age of Dentistry.”
• Editorial and regular department articles on MDA Foundation …

What Does Professionalism Mean To You? Part I, Michael G. Maihofer Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This commentary explores generational perspectives on professionalism in dentistry, focusing on how younger dentists perceive this concept. It highlights the changing dynamics in dentistry and questions whether professionalism remains relevant in a world where various practice models exist. Insights from young dentists shed light on their commitment to professionalism and its evolving definition, emphasizing the importance of caring for patients and maintaining high-quality care.

Hipaa Update: Conducting A Security Risk Analysis, Jennifer Cosey

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Security Rule mandates periodic security risk analyses (SRA) to assess compliance. This analysis evaluates threats and vulnerabilities to electronic protected health information (EPHI) and considers all devices connected to a network. While the Security Rule is flexible, small organizations must still adhere to its standards. IT vendors and staff play a crucial role in implementing HIPAA safeguards. Threats and vulnerabilities must be identified to select appropriate safeguards for EPHI. These safeguards include administrative, physical, and technical measures. Addressable specifications should be implemented if reasonable, and documentation of decisions is essential. A Technical …

Compassion: It’S Needed Now More Than Ever, Michelle C. Dziurgot Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This editorial emphasizes the pressing need for compassion in a world of conflict and division. It underscores the importance of compassion in global crises, politics, family dynamics, and the dental profession. MDA Editor Michelle C. Dziurgot encourages unity and understanding, advocating for compassion as a vital force in bridging divides.

Dental Care Utilization Among U.S. Children Participating In Early Head Start Programs, Ahlam Ibraheem Joufi

Health Services Research Dissertations

Early childhood caries (ECC) remains one of the most common preventable diseases among children under the age of 6 years. Several national stakeholders recommend establishing a continuous collaboration of individuals involved with receiving oral health services (dental home) and routine dental care for the child by 12 months. Despite this recommendation, disparities exist among young, low-income children in preventive dental service utilization. The Early Head Start (EHS) program serves low-income children aged 0-3 years and their families and promotes oral health practices and service utilization within the program. This study aims to examine predictors of dental care utilization among children …

Mental Health In The Dental Workplace: Recognizing Signs, Communicating Concern, And Sharing Resources, Karen M. O'Brien, Karoline J. Trovato

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Dentists face numerous concerns in the workplace, including stress, burnout, anxiety, and depression. Mental health concerns affect the workplace in profound ways, including engagement in and quality of work and patient care, the level of productivity, and health care costs. Recognizing mental health concerns is an important first step in assisting dentists and their staff in receiving needed assistance from mental health professionals. Steps that dentists can use to communicate their concerns and share resources are provided. Finally, a prevention model is presented to promote mental health and workplace well-being in the practice of dentistry.

Pain, Hope And Caring, Michelle C. Dziurgot Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

MDA Editor Michelle C. Dziurgot shares her breast cancer journey as a solo practitioner during the COVID-19 closure. Support from family, friends, and the dental community was crucial. The experience emphasizes the importance of offering a safety net and emotional support to colleagues facing personal challenges.

Staff Matters: Summer Fun Can Be Risky Business — Plan Accordingly, Jodi Schafer Sphr, Shrm-Scp

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Planning staff gatherings for team building requires attention to legal and safety considerations. Sponsored events can expose employers to occupational safety, discrimination, and harassment. Even informal gatherings are considered an extension of the workplace, so policies apply. If serving alcohol, it's essential to do so responsibly, providing alternatives and ensuring safe transportation. Leaders must model appropriate behavior and address any inappropriate conduct. Physical activities should be covered by workers' compensation policies, with injuries promptly reported. Being proactive about these risks ensures successful team-building events.

For Foreign-Trained Dentists: Ongoing Struggles With Dental Licensure, May Kallas Bds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This commentary discusses foreign-trained dentists' challenges in obtaining licensure in the United States. The author highlights the complexities of the licensure process, compares it to the evolution of licensure standards within the U.S., and emphasizes the need for a more standardized and accessible national dental licensure process.

Dentistry And The Law: Did I Commit Fraud?, Dan Schulte Jd

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The dentist is under audit by a dental plan due to issues with claims, but inattention or mistakes do not necessarily constitute fraud. For fraud to be established, specific conditions must be proven, including knowledge, intent, and damage to the dental plan. The burden of proof is high for criminal fraud, making it unlikely in this situation. The dentist's main concern should be a breach of their participation agreement and the need for better billing practices.

Overcoming The Dental Assistant Shortage Starts Here, Joanne Dawley Dds, Fagd

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Michigan's dental profession faces a severe workforce shortage, with 248 designated shortage areas. The Michigan Dental Association is prioritizing support for registered dental assistants (RDAs) to reverse this trend. The Dental Assisting National Board and DALE Foundation are actively developing solutions, including expanding certification pathways and removing access barriers. Locally, programs like North Central Michigan College and partnerships with institutions like Northwestern Michigan College are addressing the workforce shortage. Dentists can strengthen the profession by recognizing their team's contributions and encouraging education and certification for dental assistants.

J Mich Dent Assoc July 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 recognizing mental health concerns in the dental workplace.
• Commentary by a foreign-trained dentist on difficulties in obtaining licensure.
• MDA 2023-04 Continuing Education Course Catalog
• A feature on addressing the current dental assisting workforce shortage.
• News you need, Editorial and regular department articles on MDA Foundation activities, Dentistry and the Law, Staff …

Prevalence Of Molar Incisor Hypomineralization In A Group Of Egyptian Children, Ayah Essam Almenawi B.D.S, Norhan Abd El-Wahab El-Dokky Professor Of Pediatric Dentistry & Dental Public Health, Soad Abdelmoniem Abdelmoniem Professor Of Pediatric And Dental Public Health

Future Dental Journal

Background: Molar incisor Hypomineralization (MIH) has become a more widespread problem around the world, while its prevalence in Egypt is underestimated with no data on its correlation to Hypomineralization of Second Primary Molars (HSPM). Aim: Estimate the prevalence of MIH and HSPM in Egypt, investigate the possibility of HSPM being a predictive factor for MIH, and the probable etiological factors for MIH. Material and Methods: Three hundred and seventeen healthy children aged seven to ten years old were dentally examined for Molar Incisor Hypomineralization and Hypomineralization of Second Primary Molars and all potentially correlated etiological factors. Both MIH and HSPM …

Defining Success In Healthcare Education: Us Dental Student And Faculty Perspectives., David Alexandre Cruz Walma, Mathieu Alexander Cruz Walma, Shirin Khoynezhad, Sang E. Park, Carly Timmons Mckenzie, Et Al

School of Dentistry Faculty Publications

Purpose/objectives Academic metrics and clinical performance are necessary but alone insufficient in describing success in dental education. This paper identifies themes critical for dental student success as commonly cited by both dental students and faculty. Methods Dental faculty interviews and pre-doctoral D2/D3/D4 student focus groups at two dental institutions generated data for thematic analysis. Themes were individually identified then merged, compared, and contrasted to establish a definitive list of key themes reflected in student and faculty comments. Results Twenty-five pre-doctoral students participated in one of four focus groups (two focus groups at each dental institution). Thirteen dental education faculty across …

Staff Matters: Which Of Our Staff Are Hourly Vs. Salaried?, Jodi Schafer Sphr, Shrm-Scp

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This article addresses the classification of employees as hourly (non-exempt) or salaried (exempt) in the context of dental practices. It outlines the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) rules, including the current minimum salary threshold of $684 per week and the potential for changes in overtime regulations. The article also discusses the duties tests for various white-collar exemptions and provides guidance on correctly classifying common dental practice positions to ensure compliance with the law.

Interview: Dr. Eric Knudsen 2023-24 Mda President, David Foe Ma

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Dr. Eric Knudsen, the 2023-24 MDA President, brings a wealth of experience and dedication to his new role. Hailing from the Upper Peninsula and a family of dentists, he discusses his goals for the year, including addressing access to dental care, promoting member assistance and well-being programs, and advocating for new dentists. He also shares insights on rural dentistry, community involvement, and increasing member participation in organized dentistry.

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 …

N Y State Dent J June-July 2023

The New York State Dental Journal

In the June-July 2023 issue, the reader will find the following feature articles:

• Understanding Persistent Bleeding in Children
• Sinus Tract vs. Fistula: There is a Difference
• What is the Prevalence of Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Condylar Osteoarthritis in an Asymptomatic Oral and Maxillorfacial Surgery Department Population?

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.