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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 …

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 …

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 …

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.

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.

Will The Government Rip Up Employment Contracts?, Christopher J. Smiley

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This editorial discusses the Federal Trade Commission's proposed rule to eliminate non-compete agreements, tracing their historical origins to the apprentice system in Europe. The author explores dentists' perspectives on this potential change, considering the need for talent acquisition versus workforce preservation. The editorial highlights the FTC's rationale for banning non-compete contracts and their impact on employee wages and innovation. It also addresses issues of boilerplate contract language and excessive leverage in the dental profession. The proposed rule aims to create consistency across states while allowing non-competes in specific cases. Dentist employers are advised to review and revise their agreements in …

Sfd Indications And Technique: When And How To Use Sdf To Manage Caries Lesions, Margherita Fontana Dds, Phd

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The aim of this article is to review indications for 38% SDF and the appropriate technique for use. Evidence-based recommendations by the American Dental Association and umbrella reviews of systematic reviews are summarized to provide indications for SDF use in primary and permanent teeth, including sound surfaces and those with non-cavitated and cavitated caries lesions. High-quality evidence supports that SDF is an effective treatment alternative for managing active cavitated coronal and root caries lesions and preventing root caries lesions. Dentists can help by incorporating SDF as an option into their caries prevention and management armamentarium and by helping to train …

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.

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 …

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.

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.

The Effect Direction Should Be Taken Into Account When Assessing Small-Study Effects, Zhuo Meng, Chong Wu, Lifeng Lin

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

OBJECTIVE: Studies with statistically significant results are frequently more likely to be published than those with non-significant results. This phenomenon leads to publication bias or small-study effects and can seriously affect the validity of the conclusion from systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Small-study effects typically appear in a specific direction, depending on whether the outcome of interest is beneficial or harmful, but this direction is rarely taken into account in conventional methods.

METHODS: We propose to use directional tests to assess potential small-study effects. The tests are built on a one-sided testing framework based on the existing Egger's regression test. We …

Dental Care During The Covid-19 Pandemic: Patient Perceptions Of Barriers To Dental Care, Covid-19 Safety Precautions, And Administration Of The Covid-19 Vaccine At The Dental Office, Brunilda Lugo, Sheri Denslow, Jill Fromewick, Scott Davis, Katherine Jowers, J. Amadeo Valdez

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

Background

The Mountain Area Health Education Center (MAHEC) Dental Health Center sought to learn how COVID-19 affected dental care attainment and patient perceptions of appropriate safety measures, as well as their acceptance of the dental office as a site for COVID-19 vaccinations.

Methods

A cross-sectional online survey of dental patients was performed to inquire about barriers to care, safety precautions, including COVID-19 testing, and the acceptability of vaccination for COVID-19 in the dental office. All adult patients of the MAHEC Dental Health Center with an email address on file and a clinic visit in the past year were randomized for …

Comparison Of Radiographic Exposure During Rct Under Endodontist Vs General Dentist Supervision: A Retrospective Study, Benjamin Ricks

Annual Research Symposium

No abstract provided.