Dentistry Commons^™

The Fulcrum Podcast, Shannon Jacobs

Virginia Dental Journal

In this issue we feature the latest episodes of The Fulcrum Podcast.

Vda Pac Update, Laura Givens

Virginia Dental Journal

No abstract provided.

Vda Advocacy And Your Membership, Frank Iuorno

Virginia Dental Journal

This article outlines the advocacy efforts by the Virginia Dental Association (VDA). It emphasizes the importance of membership to support legislative initiatives, outlines key issues affecting dental providers, and discusses the impact of ERISA exemptions on dental plans. Additionally, it details the ADA's federal advocacy actions to limit ERISA preemption and strengthen state regulatory authority over dental benefits.

How Are Oral Preventive Assistants Impacting Access To Dental Care In Other States?, Paul Logan

Virginia Dental Journal

Oral Preventive Assistants (OPAs), a type of Expanded Function Dental Assistant, are improving access to dental care in states like Kansas, Missouri, and through the Indian Health Service. Studies and pilot programs show increased patient access, enhanced workflow, and high satisfaction among patients and dental teams. OPAs support hygienists and dentists by performing preventive tasks, allowing specialists to focus on complex care, without replacing existing roles. These models address workforce gaps and bottlenecks in dental care delivery.

Virginia’S Dental Workforce Shortage: A Three-Step Solution To Strengthen The Preventative Dental Workforce And Expand Access To Care, Laura Givens

Virginia Dental Journal

Virginia faces a critical shortage of dental hygienists, particularly in rural and underserved areas, leading to delays in preventative care. The Virginia Dental Association (VDA) proposes a three-step solution: leveraging internationally educated dentists, expanding the role of dental assistants, and increasing funding for dental hygiene education programs. These measures aim to address workforce shortages, improve access to care, and alleviate the education bottleneck. The VDA is actively monitoring legislative developments and advocating for solutions to strengthen Virginia’s dental workforce.

Artificial Intelligence And Dentistry: The Emerging Landscape Of Legislation In Virginia And Nationwide, Paul Supan Dds, Munira Muluke Dmd, Ms, Rick Jackomis Dds, Jd

Virginia Dental Journal

This article focuses on the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in dentistry and the evolving legislative landscape surrounding its use. AI enhances diagnostics, treatment planning, and clinical outcomes, but its adoption requires both federal and state-level regulatory approval. The document highlights key legislative trends, including transparency in AI-driven healthcare decisions, restrictions on AI usage to ensure patient welfare, and the need for human oversight in clinical decision-making. Examples of state-level AI-related healthcare legislation from Virginia, California, Maryland, and other states are provided, showcasing diverse approaches to regulating AI in healthcare.

The Drill, Ryan Dunn

Virginia Dental Journal

The Fulcrum Podcast's "The Drill" episodes explore key topics in Virginia dentistry. Episode 16 highlights legislative efforts to address workforce shortages, VDA Member Perks, professional development opportunities, and upcoming events like Dental Days at the Capitol. Episode 19 features Ryan Dunn and Paul Logan discussing advocacy strategies for the 2026 General Assembly, focusing on dental workforce programs, expedited licensure for international dentists, and preventative assistant roles. Both episodes emphasize active member participation in shaping the future of dentistry.

Moving Forward With Purpose: An Ada Leadership Update, James Mercer Dds

Virginia Dental Journal

The ADA Board of Trustees is advancing financial sustainability, enhancing membership systems, and shaping the future of dentistry through the Oral Health Strategy 2050 initiative. The ADA Credit Union was launched to provide tailored financial services for the dental community.

Just Be Nice, Sarah Friend Dds

Virginia Dental Journal

The article "Just Be Nice" by Dr. Sarah Friend explores the increasing challenges of working with the public, particularly in high-stress professions like teaching and dentistry, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. It highlights the decline in emotional intelligence, empathy, and social connection, as supported by research from Six Seconds and Jolanta Burke. The pandemic has led to significant personality changes, increased stress, and a rise in disrespectful behavior. Dr. Friend emphasizes the importance of focusing on personal physical, emotional, and mental well-being to counteract these societal challenges and improve overall quality of life.

Building A Sustainable Dental Workforce As Virginia Enters A Pivotal Legislative Year, Marlon Goad Dds

Virginia Dental Journal

Dr. Marlon Goad, President of the Virginia Dental Association (VDA), addresses the critical dental workforce shortages in Virginia, emphasizing the need for systemic changes in dental hygiene education and infrastructure. The VDA is advocating for regulatory updates to expand educational capacity and modernize training facilities, including support for funding a new dental facility at VCU School of Dentistry. Collaboration with the American Dental Association and efforts to influence CODA standards are key components of the strategic plan. Dr. Goad highlights the importance of collective action to ensure a sustainable dental workforce and high-quality patient care in Virginia.

Virginia Dental Journal Announces Excellence Awards - Call For Submissions, Shannon Jacobs

Virginia Dental Journal

The Virginia Dental Journal is introducing the Excellence Awards in 2026 to honor outstanding contributions in writing, clinical relevance, and advancing the dental profession in Virginia. Articles published in Volume 103 (2026) are eligible, with submissions due by September 1, 2026. Award categories include the Horizon Award, Image Award, The Source Award, and Editor’s Choice. Winners will be recognized at the Virginia Dental Association’s Annual Business Meeting in January 2027. More details and guidelines are available on the Virginia Dental Journal website.

Va Dent J January, February And March 2026

Virginia Dental Journal

The January-March 2026 issue of the Virginia Dental Journal highlights key updates and initiatives from the Virginia Dental Association (VDA). It addresses Virginia’s dental workforce shortage with a proposed three-step legislative solution to expand access to care and strengthen the dental workforce pipeline. The issue features upcoming events, including the VDA Legislative Reception, Lobby Day, and the Virginia Dental Showcase. It also provides educational opportunities, such as the Dental Assisting II Program and the Virginia Dental Journal Excellence Awards. Advocacy updates focus on legislative efforts, Medicaid budget cuts, and AI regulations in dentistry. Resources for members include discounts through VDA …

Effect Of Remineralization And Resin Infiltration On Microhardness, Mineral Content And Cervical Leakage Of Restored Demineralized Enamel., Caroline Maged Massieh, Sarah Adel Botros

Dentistry

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of remineralization and resin infiltration on microhardness, mineral content and microleakage in artificially-induced cervical enamel lesions. Materials and Methods: 50 human central incisors were assigned to 5 study groups (n=10) according to different surface intervention: Group 1: Positive Control (sound teeth not subjected to demineralization); Group 2: Negative Control (teeth subjected to demineralization); Group 3: CPP-ACP paste (remineralization of demineralized lesions with CPP-ACP, Tooth Mousse, GC); Group 4: HAp toothpaste (remineralization of demineralized lesions subjected with HAp, Herbadent Remin); Group 5: Resin infiltration (resin infiltration of demineralized lesions with ICON, DMG). Microhardness (MH) was evaluated …

American Dental Association And Academy For Sports Dentistry Announce Collaboration To Advance Oral Health And Athlete Safety

New Orleans Dental Association News

Article announcing a new collaboration between the American Dental Association (ADA) and the Academy for Sports Dentistry (ASD) on as-yet undecided initiatives that could include educational opportunities and broader professional awareness of sports dentistry topics among current and future dentists.

Noda News January 2026

New Orleans Dental Association News

New Orleans Dental Association (NODA) News includes regular columns with regional news impacting the New Orleans membership including: columns from the President and Executive Director, feature articles relating to the field of dentistry, association events and upcoming activities, component news, continuing education opportunities, and classifieds.

This issue welcomes a new president, Dr. Claudia Cavallino.

Michigan Oral Health Coalition - A Great Cause, Chris Gorecki Dds

Journal of the Macomb Dental Society

This article features a monthly column from the Macomb Dental Society Executive Director, Dr. Christopher Gorecki.

The article enumerates how "timely access to coordinated dental care makes a meaningful difference." In it Dr. Gorecki highlights the ways in which local specialists and the Michigan Oral Health Coalition (MOHC) pursue optimal oral health for all Michigan residents—especially those who face barriers to care.

Macomb Dental Society Journal Winter 2026

Journal of the Macomb Dental Society

In the Winter 2026 issue, the reader will find the following feature articles:

• Young Dentists Event Recap
• MDS Calendar
• December General Meeting: Orofacial Pain Management

Also included are regular columns from the President, Executive Director and Editor, as well as news shorts and information on upcoming events.

Guidance For Authors, Editors And Publishers On The Use Of Generative Ai, Christopher J. Smiley, Julie Frantsve-Hawley Phd, Michael Parks Jd, Ee, Francine Lynch Esq., D.Be, Kelly O'Brien, Ellen Thieme Mlis, Thomas Dodson Dds, Mph, Facs, David Foe, Chester Gary D.D.S., J.D., Kelly Lemke Dds, Ms, Jeffrey Platt Dds, Ms, Ba, Toni M. Roucka Rn, Dds, Ma, Facd, Hugh Wunderlich Dds

Individual Scholarship

This paper from AADEJ presents best-practice guidelines for the ethical use of generative artificial intelligence (GAI) and large language models (LLMs) in the creation, editing, and publication processes in dental writing and publishing. It examines how LLMs, such as ChatGPT, can enhance efficiency across writing and publishing workflows, while also identifying the operational risks associated with their design.

Key areas of focus include the implications of LLM algorithms and training data, particularly regarding the risks they pose to intellectual property, privacy, and the integrity of the profession’s literature. Additionally, the paper provides an overview of the legal, ethical, and copyright …

Localized Periodontitis In Young Individuals: Aggregatibacter Jp2 Clone, Immunological Dysfunctions And Other Stories, Luigi Nibali, Meaad M. Alamri, Manuela Maria Viana Miguel, Luciana M. Shaddox

Oral Health Science Faculty Publications

Grade C molar-incisor pattern periodontitis (C-MIP) is the latest in a series of names given to a unique phenotype, characterized by an aggressive and rapid loss of tooth-supporting structures, starting early in life and usually affecting first molars and incisors. Although much less prevalent than the more generalized “chronic” forms of this disease in adults, it affects mostly young individuals of lower socioeconomic status and African descent, or from mixed-race populations, and shows a strong familial aggregation, pointing to a possible genetic contribution, yet not fully elucidated. Even though most of the studies report this disease in adolescents/young adults, it …

From Silos To Systems: A Conceptual Framework For Workforce Aligned Oral Health Education, Meghan Bastin

2026 Scholarly Teaching Conference: Poster Session Papers

In the current U.S. educational system, becoming a dentist follows a few prescriptive pathways.  Learners typically complete an undergraduate degree before entering time-intensive doctoral training.  This results in only 3-4 years of direct professional education embedded within an eight -year process, while learners accumulate significant financial investment in their education.  With the average cost of graduate-level dental education alone exceeding $300,000 and new federal borrowing limits likely to further constrain access, there is an opportunity to explore alternative ways of structuring oral health education.

This poster presents a conceptual, system-level framework that explores a perspective in which oral health education …