Dental Public Health and Education Commons^™

Oral And Dental Health Of College Students On A Private University Campus, David Abafi, Laura Frable

Liberty University Research Week

Graduate

Theoretical Proposal

What Dentists Do, Chester Gary Dds, Jd

The New York State Dental Journal

Understanding dentists' job description will motivate all payers of oral health services to offer fair compensation.

J Mich Dent Assoc April 2023

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

In this issue, the reader will find the following original content:

• A profile of two dentist legislators, Representative Steven Bradley, DDS of Iowa and Representative Jane Gillette, DDS, MPH. who represents Montana, to help readers best understand what that commitment means if they plan to seek elected office.
• An article discussing essential communication strategies to win elections.
• An update on ADA efforts to promote Oral Health Equity
• Profiles of MDA leadership candidates
• A 10Minute EBD contrasting closing diastemas with or without frenectomy with orthodontic treatment.
• Editorial, Advocacy update, News Briefs, News from the MDA Foundation, News from the ADA and …

N Y State Dent J April 2023

The New York State Dental Journal

In the April 2023 issue, the reader will find the following feature articles:

• A Dentist's Role in the Delivery of Culturally Competent Oral Health Care to Transgender Patients
• Oral Health Considerations for Aging Patients Living with HIV/AIDS
• An Osteoma Embedding an Ectopic Wisdom Tooth within the Maxillary Sinus A Rare Occurrence

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.

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.

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.

Running For Political Office: These Dentists Did . . . How About You? Insights From Two Dentist-Legislators, W. Erick Rupprecht Dds, Lynn Aronoff

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The Michigan Dental Association encourages members to seek political office. Why? Having a member dentist hold an elected office improves the profession's visibility and builds relationships with other elected officials and community leaders who can support dentistry's goals. A dentist-legislator becomes a resource with their legislative colleagues when they debate health policy, regulations, and business initiatives. Having member dentists on the inside provides receptive ears when the Association advocates for the profession's needs and priorities.

To give insight into what public service by a dentist looks like, the Journal interviewed two colleagues who have made that commitment, State Representative Steven …

10-Minute Ebd: Frenectomy Or No Frenectomy To Close Diastema For Children?, Polina Fubareva Dmd, Chelsea Schultz Dmd, Taylar Rowe Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

In this "10-Minute EBD" column, the authors explore a clinical question utilizing the evidence-based dentistry (EBD) process within orthodontic practice. The study aims to address whether frenectomy or no frenectomy is more effective in achieving successful closure of maxillary diastema in children undergoing orthodontic treatment with a high maxillary anterior labial frenum attachment. Employing a PICO question framework, the authors examined relevant literature through PubMed and Google Scholar, identifying five pertinent articles. The compiled evidence, which included systematic reviews, randomized control trials, and a retrospective cohort study published between 2013 and 2022, suggests that frenectomy, combined with orthodontic treatment, is …

The Elevator Speech, Christopher J. Smiley

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This editorial discusses the effectiveness of crafting an "elevator speech" for concise and impactful communication in various scenarios. Leaders at a previous MDA Board of Trustees orientation were trained to construct brief, efficient presentations of two to five minutes. The process involves targeting the audience's needs, focusing on critical points, and concluding with a call to action. Examples are given for addressing questions on MDA membership benefits, emphasizing volunteer contributions, services, resources, and the value of the MDA Journal. The editorial encourages readers to adopt these strategies for efficient communication in professional and public settings.

Update: Oral Health Equity And The Ada, Jessica A. Rickert Dds, Elizabeth Carmen Lense Dds, Msha

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The American Dental Association (ADA) defines "Health Equity" as the attainment of optimal oral health for all individuals, acknowledging oral health's crucial role in overall well-being. The article underscores the need for consistent and equitable access to oral care services, collaboration with other organizations to address societal health determinants, and enhancing diversity within healthcare providers and cultural understanding in dental teams to achieve Health Equity. Highlighting the impact of untreated dental disease on quality of life and productivity, the article discusses ADA's initiatives to promote Oral Health Equity, including advocating for comprehensive Medicaid benefits, promoting diversity in leadership, and supporting …

Role Of Oral Microbiota In Cancer Development, Vanessa Gunderson

UNO Student Research and Creative Activity Fair

More individuals die from oral cancer every year than from melanoma, cervical cancer, and ovarian cancer in the United States. Further, the 5-year survival rate for oral cancer has remained stagnant for over forty years, which is almost unseen across any other form of cancer. This fact exposes that there is a major need to push for research, prevention, and education on oral cancer. To investigate this, a literature review was performed that looked at eight research studies and data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). This review revealed that without proper oral hygiene and care, one’s oral bacterial …

Students' Perceptions Of Teaching Methods For First-Year Dental Students During Covid-19, Ellen Lee Dds, Jungwon Roh, Aspen Wang, Aaron Bai Dds, Huan-Yu Chen Dds

The New York State Dental Journal

The purpose of this study is to determine the student perceptions on teaching methods for first year dental students using zoom to teach didactics and preclinical hand skills. Because of COVID- 19 other means of teaching had to be implemented and classes were held remotely. Our aim is to determine student perceptions on retention, understanding and learning of didactic and preclinical hands on lectures. Students felt that didactic lectures through zoom increased their retention and understanding in learning the material. They felt that pre-clinical hands on lectures through zoom decreased their retention and understanding in learning.

Is It Time To Rip Up Your Contract? Navigating Dental Plan Participation, Stephanie Smith

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This article explores the importance of dental practice management and the potential benefits of breaking away from insurance company participation agreements. The author, a practice management coach, emphasizes the role of data analysis, effective communication, and patient-centered strategies in achieving practice independence. Key areas of focus include assessing practice performance, understanding insurance reimbursement rates, and enhancing accounts receivable processes. The article provides insights into strategically transitioning to non-participation with insurance plans while preserving patient relationships. It highlights the significance of transparent communication, staff training, and timing when considering such a transition.

N Y State Dent J March 2023

The New York State Dental Journal

In the March 2023 issue, the reader will find the following feature articles:

• Students' Perceptions of Teaching Methods for First-Year Dental Students during COVID-19
• Platelet-derived Material for the treatment of Infrabony Periodontal Defects: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

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.

J Mich Dent Assoc March 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 across the state. No publication reaches more Michigan dentists!

In this issue, the reader will find the following original content:

• A cover story on canceling provider agreements with dental plans.
• A clinical update on when and how to use Silver Diamine Fluoride to manage carious lesions
• News from Delta Dental on efforts to address access to care for disabled individuals through enhanced commercial dental benefits.
• The value of focused counsel from a …

Headquarters Report: Membership Outlook Hazy But Optimistic, Karen Burgess Cae

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This MDA Executive Director Report discusses the annual membership snapshot of the ADA, MDA, and component dental societies, specifically focusing on Michigan's experience in 2022. The analysis reveals a decline in active membership and a decrease in market share. A 57% national percentage of active dentists in membership is alarming, as further erosion may impact advocacy efforts and organized dentistry’s ability to voice dentistry’s needs. The article explores the reasons behind this decline, including demographic trends and the changing landscape of dental practice. It emphasizes the importance of adapting to the evolving needs of younger dentists and non-owner practitioners while …

Staff Matters: When Should We Use A Performance Improvement Plan?, Jodi Schafer Sphr, Shrm-Scp

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This article explores using Performance Improvement Plans (PIPs) to address employee issues. It defines what a PIP is and outlines its primary purpose: employee development and performance improvement. The article provides guidance on when to use a PIP, emphasizing its appropriateness for performance-related deficiencies that coaching hasn't resolved. It also highlights situations where a PIP may not be suitable, such as policy violations or severe misconduct. The key is to choose the right communication tool based on the specific circumstances and the potential for employee improvement.

Improving Access For Children And Adults With Disabilities Through Enhanced Commercial Benefits, Holli Seabury Edd, Jeff Johnston Dds, Ms

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This article explores the critical issue of accessibility to oral healthcare for people with disabilities in the United States. Delta Dental of Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana has taken a step by providing enhanced commercial benefits to children and adults with disabilities. The article delves into the challenges faced by this vulnerable population, including cost barriers and transition issues, and discusses how expanded benefits and coding, along with special dental care provisions, aim to improve access. It emphasizes the importance of proper benefits verification and presents a case study illustrating the utilization of these benefits. The article highlights the need for …

Practice Management: Cpa Vs. Dental Cpa: What’S The Difference?, John Looby Cpa

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This article underscores the advantages of working with a specialized dental Certified Public Accountant (CPA) over generalist CPAs or accountants for dental practitioners. A dental CPA offers deeper insights into practice management, tax planning, and financial strategies tailored to the dental industry. Dental CPAs provide valuable guidance on production, insurance, and cost management, helping dentists make informed decisions. They also prove invaluable during critical times, such as during the COVID-19 pandemic, and offer expertise in tax, retirement, and practice transition planning, ensuring optimal financial outcomes for dentists.