Dental Public Health and Education Commons^™

Covid-19 Heroes: From Skis To Face Shields, Christopher J. Smiley Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Shaggy's Skis in Boyne City, Michigan, repurposed its ski manufacturing operations to create essential personal protective equipment (PPE) for healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. After their Facebook post asking how they could aid pandemic efforts, McLaren Hospital approached them with a request to manufacture protective face shields. Shaggy's responded by producing over 150,000 disposable shields for McLaren Health System hospitals, keeping their team employed during the shutdown. They also created shields for dental professionals, accommodating optical loops and light. The company's history of repurposing operations and Jeff Thompson's mechanical engineering background helped them adapt to manufacturing PPE. This effort …

How The Mda Meets Your Need For Quality, Affordable Ce, Kevin Sloan Dds, Ms

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The Michigan Dental Association (MDA) is a prominent provider of continuing dental education (CE) in Michigan. This article includes a guide to State of Michigan Dental Licensure CE requirements and the mandated distribution of subject topics. To aid members in complying with these requirements, the MDA offers diverse educational sessions, live webinars, in-person seminars, and on-demand webinars tailored for dental professionals, including dentists, hygienists, assistants, and office staff. The MDA's CE program is shaped by its Committee on Continuing Education, comprised of diverse member dentists. The MDA collaborates with various committees, organizations, and dental societies to curate a comprehensive lineup …

Choosing Your Next Educational Adventure: Postgraduate Programs And Creating Your Path, Partha Mukherji Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This article discusses the importance of choosing the right educational path after dental school, including post-graduate programs and self-directed learning. The author reflects on their experience in opting for a General Practice Residency (GPR) program and the advantages it offered regarding skill development and career advancement. The article emphasizes the value of lifelong learning, mentorship, and the variety of continuing education options available to dentists. It encourages new dentists to take charge of their professional development and create their unique educational track.

Dental Fear, Anxiety, And Phobia; Causes, Diagnostic Criteria And The Medical And Social Impact, Nadya Avramova

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

Despite technological advances in modern medical science and practice, many people still associate dental treatment with unpleasant emotional sensations and pain. According to the current literature, dental fear and anxiety are psychological barriers that negatively affect frequency of patient attendance which results in avoidant behavior and poorer oral health-related quality of life.

This paper was therefore aimed at discussing basic theoretical aspects concerning diagnostic criteria, causes, and impacts of dental fear, anxiety, and phobia. Clarifying their differential diagnostic characteristics, clinical features and specific causes may play an important role in proper diagnosing, positive influencing, and management of this group of …

Lgbtq+ And Dental Education: Analyzing The Present And Recommendations For The Future, Colin M. Haley, Diana V. Macri, Herminio L. Perez, Scott B. Schwartz

Publications and Research

LGBTQ+ populations constitute increasing proportions of children, adolescents, and adults in the United States. Compared to their heterosexual counterparts, this group suffers from health inequities, including oral health. The report “Oral Health: Advances and Challenges” identified the LGBTQ+ community as an underserved population which faces significant barriers in accessing oral health care. Coverage of LGBTQ+ topics in formal education settings in both dental schools and dental hygiene programs is scarce, which contributes to inequities within this group. Increasing curriculum content related to LGBTQ+ populations is of utmost importance to promote optimal patient-provider interactions while improving oral health outcomes. Ensuring equity …

Eye Safety In Dentistry, Marie T. Fluent Dds, Cdipc

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

In this article, Dr. Fluent underscores the importance of eye safety from vision loss that ended her clinical dental career. The article emphasizes the prevalence of ocular injuries in occupational settings, with about 2,000 U.S. workers suffering job-related eye injuries daily. Dental professionals face multiple eye hazards, including flying debris, chemicals, and infectious materials. Protective eyewear is crucial, with the CDC and OSHA recommending its use.

A significant concern is the "bottom gap" in protective eyewear, which exposes dental personnel to risks. The article introduces a new ANSI standard, ANSI/ISEA Z87.62-2021, to standardize eye and face protection against bloodborne pathogens …

Update On Monkeypox, Audra E. Haynes, Susan H. Davide, Anty Lam

Publications and Research

Monkeypox a viral transmissible disease caused by the monkeypox virus, a disease commonly found in Central and Western Africa, has caused a recent outbreak of monkeypox in the United States. Highlighting the importance of dental healthcare professionals to become knowledgeable about the transmission of the disease, and how to better protect themselves and the public from further spread, as well as educating patients about the disease.

This review examines the etiology of monkeypox, transmission, signs and symptoms, and preventive measures to reduce occurrence of the disease with an emphasis on who has largely been affected by the disease and the …

Dentistry And The Law: Dealing With Patients Who Have Been Using Marijuana, Dan Schulte Jd

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

When dealing with patients who emit a strong marijuana odor, it's crucial to focus on their capacity to provide informed consent and the ability to deliver treatment up to the standard of care. Judging their level of intoxication solely by appearance and smell can be unreliable, so it's best to avoid making such judgments. Instead, inform patients that you may refuse treatment if their odor or other factors hinder your ability to provide care. To prevent last-minute issues, communicate this policy in advance, particularly to patients with a history of marijuana odor. Dismissing such patients from your practice may also …

Protect Yourself From Occupational Risks, Christopher J. Smiley Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This month’s editorial underscores the importance of safeguarding against occupational risks in dentistry. Dr. Smiley shares personal experiences, highlighting potential hazards to oral health care workers' eyes and hearing, including intense lights, noisy equipment, and exposure to infectious pathogens. He emphasizes the need for protective eyewear, light shields, and equipment calibration to reduce eye-related risks and the use of custom musician earplugs to reduce the risk of job-related hearing damage. The overall message stresses that taking steps to protect oneself from occupational risks can preserve the quality of life and a professional career.

Bell’S Palsy: My Journey With A Mysterious Nerve Disorder, Sneha Shah Bds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This article chronicles the personal journey of a dentist facing Bell's Palsy while pursuing licensure in the United States. Bell's Palsy, an idiopathic unilateral facial paralysis, is explored in detail, including its clinical presentation and differential diagnosis. The author shares their experiences, challenges, and treatments, shedding light on the impact of this mysterious nerve disorder on their daily life, work, and mental well-being. The article highlights the importance of early diagnosis, comprehensive evaluation, and treatment strategies for Bell's Palsy. The author's story serves as a poignant reminder for healthcare professionals to approach patients with empathy and compassion and recognize the …

J Mich Dent Assoc October 2022

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Monthly, The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association brings news, information, and feature articles 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 eye safety to reduce occupational risk of eye injury in clinical dentistry.
• A feature story on a dentist’s journey with Bell’s Palsy.
• A department reports on legal issues caring for patients suspected of being under the influence of marijuana.
• Department article on workforce and employees quietly quitting.
• Articles on MDA Public Relations Grant Recipients …

Mda At Your Service: What Is The Recommendation Regarding Prescribing Clindamycin?, Eric Tye Dds, Angela Kanazeh Ms, Cmp

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The MDA at Your Service Column addresses member resources available from the MDA. This month presents guidance in prescribing practices, particularly regarding clindamycin. Clindamycin’s association with an increased risk of antibiotic-associated diarrhea, including Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) infection, has increased. The report highlights how to access an ADA clinical guideline, its preference for azithromycin over clindamycin, and the warning associated with prescribing clindamycin. Further reference is available in the August 2020 MDA Journal article "Antibiotic Guidelines for Dentistry: Who, When, What, Why and How to Prescribe,” by Elaine Bailey, PharmD, and Marie Fluent, DDS. Additional member resources discussed in this …

10-Minute Ebd: Should Chipped Or Worn Dental Sealants Be Observed, Touched Up, Or Restored?, Elliot Abt Dds, Ms, Msc

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This column discusses the management of chipped or worn dental sealants in a 22-year-old patient seeking a second opinion. The author explores the need for occlusal restorations, sealant repair, or no treatment for such cases. A literature search, guided by a PICO question, reveals strong evidence supporting sealant effectiveness in preventing caries. The Cochrane review found an 88% reduction in caries odds with sealants. Clinical guidelines and systematic reviews from organizations like the American Dental Association (ADA) further endorse sealant use. The column emphasizes the importance of universal sealant application and highlights challenges in their adoption, such as concerns over …

Staff Matters: Do You Have Quiet Quitters In Your Practice?, Jodi Schafer Sphr, Shrm-Scp

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

In the post-COVID workplace, "quiet quitting" has become a concerning issue where employees meet basic job requirements but lack motivation. This behavior includes a reluctance to take on extra tasks or provide input. To address it, communicate with the affected employees, inquire about their well-being, and assess whether the cause is work-related or personal. Fostering appreciation, connection to the practice's goals, and open feedback can help re-engage employees. Regular one-on-one meetings promote relationships and demonstrate care for their success, improving morale and engagement.

The Promise Of The White Coat, Christopher J. Smiley Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This month’s editorial discusses the significance of the White Coat Ceremony in dental education, symbolizing a promise to uphold the profession with compassion and ethical standards. Dr. Smiley reflects on the challenges of teaching lasting ethical behavior and emphasizes the importance of personal values. He shares a real-life case of a classmate's unethical behavior leading to legal consequences, highlighting the role of peers in upholding ethical standards. The editorial encourages clinicians, whether they had a formal White Coat ceremony or not, to embrace the symbolic white coat as a daily reminder of their commitment to ethical patient care.

10-Minute Ebd: Does Articaine Compared To Lidocaine Result In A Higher Risk Of Paresthesia?, Ben Balevi Dds, Msc

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This Evidence-Based Dentistry column examines whether articaine, when compared to lidocaine, increases the risk of paresthesia in adults undergoing dental block anesthesia. After conducting a comprehensive literature search, the evidence suggests that 4% articaine may enhance the probability of achieving profound block anesthesia, with a very low risk of paresthesia, comparable to other dental local anesthetics. Considering this evidence in conjunction with the patient's preferences and values is crucial when making clinical decisions.

Dean’S Report: University Of Michigan School Of Dentistry Advancing Dental Education And Oral Health Science Is Our Passion And Mission, Jan Hu Bds, Phd

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The Dean of the University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Jan Hu’s annual report to our readers, highlights the school's dedication to dental education and oral health science. The report underscores the school's commitment to maintaining high standards in the face of changing times. Key Highlights:

1. Educational Normalcy: Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, the school has returned to a sense of normalcy in educating DDS, dental hygiene, and graduate students. Stringent infection control measures are still in place.
2. Vibrant Research: The school's research endeavors remain strong, with over 200 papers, articles, and reviews published in prestigious academic journals …

J Mich Dent Assoc September 2022

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Monthly, The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association brings news, information, and feature articles 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:

• Annual reports to our readers from each of our state dental schools.
• A 10-Minute EBD column on the use of Articaine local anesthetic.
• News you need, an Editorial and regular department articles, Dentistry and the Law, Staff Matters, Advocacy, Headquarters Report and component news.

This issue also includes one article reprinted with permission.

• Student A by ADA Trustee …

Headquarters Report: Inspire! Support! Lead! With The 2022 Leadership Forum, Karen Burgess Cae

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The Michigan Dental Association highlights the importance of volunteer leaders in the organization's success and the satisfaction of its membership. The in-person Leadership Forum for 2022 offers an exciting lineup, including topics on dental practice trends, legislative action, inclusion, and hot topics in organized dentistry. Breakout sessions cover leadership development, time management, emotional intelligence, and component engagement. Whether experienced or new to volunteer leadership, attending the Leadership Forum provides opportunities for personal and professional growth. Additionally, the article mentions various leadership opportunities available for members and encourages recognition through the MDA Committed Colleague program.

Staff Matters: Should You Create A Combined Pto Bank?, Jodi Schafer Sphr, Shrm-Scp

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Consider consolidating separate leave banks into a combined Paid Time Off (PTO) system to simplify administration and boost employee flexibility. PTO allows staff to use their leave days for any purpose without providing a reason. While it fosters trust and personal accountability, it may lead to employees saving days for vacations and working while sick. A PTO policy should address availability, employee type, coordination, and communication to encourage PTO utilization, prevent burnout, and enhance work-life balance.