Other Dentistry Commons^™

The Back Page: The Personal Touch Makes The Difference, Riley Schaff D.D.S.

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Dr. Riley Schaff discusses the importance of personal connection in engaging new dentists with organized dentistry. Drawing from his own experience of being personally invited to chair a New Dentist Study Club, he emphasizes that direct, personal outreach is more effective than digital communication in encouraging participation among early-career dentists.

The article highlights ongoing efforts at the state level to increase engagement, including enhanced presence at local events and networking programs. However, Schaff argues that grassroots efforts at the local component level are crucial for significant change in membership rates. He concludes that personal engagement from existing members is essential …

Are Leaders Born, Or Made?, William R. Chase D.D.S.

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The debate over whether leaders are born or made persists, but effective leadership often results from a combination of innate traits and learned skills. Transformational leaders inspire and motivate others, while transactional leaders focus on tasks without fostering personal connections. Servant leadership, particularly valued in the dental profession, emphasizes service to others, aligning naturally with patient care. Leadership styles, such as coercive, authoritative, and affiliative, demonstrate the complexity of leadership dynamics. Renowned authors like John C. Maxwell and Daniel Goleman emphasize adaptability and the importance of being a leader whom people want to follow. Effective leadership transcends settings, offering focus, …

Dentistry And The Law: Data Bank Reporting: A Consequence Of An Administrative Complaint, Daniel Schulte Jd

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

In this month's Dentistry and the Law column, MDA's Legal Counsel Dan Schulte explains that a Michigan dentist who settled a licensing complaint and agreed to probation, continuing education, and a fine, is surprised to learn the action was reported to the National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB). The dentist assumed the settlement would be confidential. The column clarifies that the NPDB report is mandatory under federal law for formal proceedings, which includes compliance conferences, regardless of whether an administrative hearing occurs. The author advises that legal representation could have clarified this and outlines limited options to avoid NPDB reporting.

J Mich Dent Assoc November 2024

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Each month, The Journal of the Michigan Dental Associationprovides news, information, and features about Michigan dentistry to our state's oral health community and the MDA's 6,200+ members. It stands as the primary publication reaching Michigan dentists. The November issue includes:

• Clinical Feature on discontinuation of lead apron use for dental radiology
• An introduction to the MDA Team and how they can be contacted to serve specific member needs
• A Back Page article on beginning practice and family
• Regular Departments: New Dentist Column, Updates on the MDA Foundation, MDA Services, Dentistry and the Law, Staff Matters

This month we welcome …

The New Professional: Starting A Practice Vs. Buying: What’S Right For You?, Amrita Patel Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This month's New Professional column explores the key decision of whether to start a new dental practice or purchase an existing one. Starting a practice offers flexibility in creating a brand and using the latest technology but requires building a patient base from scratch and managing upfront costs. Purchasing an existing practice provides immediate cash flow and an established patient base but requires more upfront investment and adapting to existing systems. Dentists should consider financial readiness, long-term goals, and work-life balance when making this decision.

I'M Mr. Brightside: Optimistic Dentistry Can Maintain Its Leadership Role In Dentist-Patient Decision-Making, Chester Gary D.D.S., J.D.

The New York State Dental Journal

Deceptive managed care tactics have violated the dentist-patient relationship and undermined trust in the dental profession.

Reach Out When Help Is Needed, Michelle C. Dziurgot Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This editorial emphasizes the importance of recognizing signs of emotional distress, particularly in the dental field, where long work hours and patient stress can take a toll. It highlights the need for suicide prevention and awareness training, advocating for open communication and mental health support within work families.

The author shares a personal story of losing a colleague and stresses the value of the American Dental Association's Postvention Toolkit. The Michigan Dental Association’s Member Assistance Program is also recommended as a resource for mental health and emotional support.

The Back Page: Connection And Support: It’S A Family Thing, Kristen Kemmer Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

In March 2023, the author welcomed her second daughter while managing the challenges of being a solo dental practice owner. With a supportive team, family, and a strong network of local dental colleagues, she successfully navigated maternity leave. Her dental team handled patient care seamlessly, and she leaned on friends and fellow practitioners for advice and emergency coverage. Online support and planning helped her manage financially, while collaboration within local dental groups ensured patient needs were met. The experience reinforced the importance of connection, support, and community in balancing motherhood and practice ownership.

Discontinuing The Use Of Lead Aprons And Thyroid Collars In Dental Imaging: Evidence-Based Guidance For Michigan Clinicians, Erika Benavides Dds, Phd, Fabiana Soki Dds, Mdsc, Phd, James R. Geist Dds, Ms, Dennis Palmieri Mph, Jd

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Recent guidelines from the AAOMR and ADA recommend discontinuing the routine use of lead aprons and thyroid collars during dental imaging, citing negligible radiation exposure from modern technologies and the ineffectiveness of these shields against internal scatter radiation. Despite strong evidence, Michigan clinicians may face challenges in adopting this change due to patient concerns and outdated regulations.

This article offers practical guidance for transitioning to these updated standards, emphasizing the importance of patient communication and education while highlighting Michigan's current regulatory framework.

Mda Foundation: How Your Donations Help Support The Vina Dental Clinic -- And Other Programs, Too, Anne Berquist

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

In 2007, Dr. Fredric Bonine and Dr. Sam Daniels founded the VINA Community Dental Center in Brighton, Michigan, to provide affordable dental care to low-income residents. The clinic opened in 2008, charging minimal fees for cleanings and appointments. Serving 1,500 to 2,000 patients annually, the clinic relies on volunteer dentists, partnerships with educational institutions, and grants. Notably, the University of Michigan’s Victors for Veterans program offers free dental care to qualifying veterans. The MDA Foundation supports the clinic through grants, contributing to VINA’s $250,000 annual budget. Donations to the MDA Foundation fund these efforts, ensuring continued access to affordable dental …

Your Mda Team: Working For You, John Tramontana Ms, Cae

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This month's cover feature introduces the Michigan Dental Association (MDA) team based in Okemos, highlighting their dedication to providing exceptional service and value to MDA members.

The team, many of whom have decades of experience, is always available to answer questions and offer support. With a focus on delivering top-notch service, the MDA staff strives to be the best dental association in the country. The article includes an overview of the team members, their roles, and a helpful "Who to Call" guide for members seeking assistance.

The executive director emphasizes the team's expertise and institutional knowledge, inviting members to reach …

Fabrication Of Implant Supported Hybrid Denture Using Multi-Unit Abutments In A Patient With Generalised Aggressive Periodontitis, Anupama Aradya, Raghavendra Swamy K N, Chandan S N, Prashanth M B

International Journal of Health and Allied Sciences

This case report describes the prosthodontic rehabilitation of a geriatric patient with generalized aggressive periodontitis. The patient was advised to for full extraction. An implant supported hybrid prosthesis with multi-unit abutments was fabricated for the patient who chose a fixed kind of prosthesis. Implants were placed in the maxillary & mandibular arch. Frameworks were waxed, plastic castable abutments were used for casting, denture teeth were waxed to the hybrid framework and a final wax try-in to check and adjust the maxilla-mandibular relationships before processing, the prosthesis was placed. The clinical and radiologic results met expectations.

Dental Compacts, Bill Sullivan Jd

West Michigan District Dental Society Bulletin

This Advocacy Avenue article covers all things dental compacts, including current policy. It is adapted from an interview with Bill Sullivan, MDA Vice President of Advocacy and Professional Affairs.

Oral Manifestations Of The Dengue Virus, Griffin S. Eisele, Roman E. Brown Bs, Kristi Soileau Dds, Med, Mshce, Facd, Ficd

New Orleans Dental Association News

Dengue Fever, caused by the DENV virus, is a growing health concern, especially in arid regions. The disease presents oral symptoms that dentists must recognize for timely diagnosis. Dental professionals should exercise caution during surgical procedures due to potential hemorrhagic complications. Early identification and management of oral manifestations can prevent severe outcomes.

How An Mda Policy Becomes State Law, Daniel Miller Dds, Tom Steinbis

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The MDA Committee on Government and Insurance Affairs is addressing concerns raised by dentists regarding the use of virtual credit cards (VCCs) by insurance companies, which have led to financial challenges such as transaction fees and delayed payments. The MDA has initiated a structured legislative process to resolve the issue, involving data collection, policy review, and drafting a bill in collaboration with legal experts and insurance companies. The legislation, introduced by Rep. Sharon MacDonell, aims to ensure that dental practitioners have alternative payment options that guarantee full reimbursement. The MDA continues to advocate for the bill through the legislative process, …

J Mich Dent Assoc October 2024

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Each month, The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association provides news, information, and features about Michigan dentistry to our state's oral health community and the MDA's 6,200+ members. It stands as the primary publication reaching Michigan dentists. The October issue's key content includes:

• Clinical Feature on Endodontics and Vital Pulp Therapy
• Practice Management Feature with Tips on Surviving the Death of a Partner
• An update on Advocacy

Adpac And You

West Michigan District Dental Society Bulletin

This Advocacy Avenue article is adapted from an interview with MDA Trustee and District 9 ADPAC Board Member Michelle Szewczyk.

The MDA and ADA invest a great deal of manpower and finance to bring value to the membership in the form of advocacy. This is critical, as dentists’ collective interests are represented by the MDA/ADA.

Lobby Day creates a space for attendees to engage with political analysts and subject matter experts who are working with Congress and other federal officials to represent our profession. There were more than 1,200 attendees at this year's Lobby Day, a record for the ADA. …

Wmdds In The House (Of Delegates)!

West Michigan District Dental Society Bulletin

Do you ever wonder what occurs at the MDA House of Delegates? This article will summarize what happens at the House of Delegates during Annual Session and will let you know the roles your fellow WMDDS members played in it this year.

James E. Reagan, Dds: The Apple Doesn’T Fall Far From The Tree

West Michigan District Dental Society Bulletin

West Michigan’s Jim Reagan was born James Edward Reagan on October 22nd, 1957, and he grew up in Lowell, Michigan. Jim was the fourth of ten Reagan children born to Bob (Robert Reagan, DDS) and Carol Reagan. Carol Reagan was an RN from Marquette, but her time was filled by being a homemaker. Jim’s dad, Bob Reagan, practiced as a dentist in Lowell, MI from 1953 until 1993. In fact, Bob Reagan was recognized with the Silent Bell in 1993. Jim and Bob are the first multi-generational family members to share that honor.

The New Professional: Tips For Dealing With Unpleasant Patients, Amrita Patel Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This article emphasizes the importance of managing unpleasant patients in dentistry through empathy, effective communication, and tailored care. Dentists should understand that patient anxiety often stems from fear or past trauma. Building trust through clear explanations, personalized comfort measures, and pain management is crucial. Techniques like guided imagery and gradual exposure can help reduce anxiety. Consistency in care and follow-up support strengthens patient relationships, making even the most challenging patients more comfortable and cooperative.