ADA Commons (American Dental Association)
Not a member yet
4948 research outputs found
Sort by
Harnessing General Purpose AI in Dental Practice: Strategic Solutions for a Burdened Workforce
No full textArtificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping dental practice administration by enhancing efficiency and providing solutions to address workforce shortages. Free-to-use generative AI (GenAI) tools, such as ChatGPT and Claude, can streamline routine tasks, support creative workflows, and reduce the burden on office teams. However, dental professionals must understand AI’s limitations and ethical boundaries, including risks to patient confidentiality and the potential for inaccurate or misleading outputs. Proprietary dental-specific AI systems demonstrate a safer approach by providing specialized diagnostic support and practice analytics in more secure environments to meet HIPAA standards. Yet even these dentistry-based AI solutions carry a risk of bias that necessitates human assessment and confirmation of their outputs. This article is intended to promote awareness for clinicians regarding the possibilities and considerations for using general-purpose AI responsibly in dental practices while emphasizing the importance of human oversight
Build Your Practice with Dental Revenue Cycle Management
No full textThis article explores the essential role of Dental Revenue Cycle Management (RCM) in ensuring the financial success and sustainability of a dental practice. Many dentists, especially those new to solo practice, struggle with managing the business side of dentistry, particularly the complexities of RCM. The article outlines the key steps of RCM, including patient scheduling, insurance verification, claims submission, and payment processing, emphasizing how a well-managed system ensures steady cash flow and enhances patient experience. Key challenges in RCM include lack of formal business training, evolving insurance regulations, and the risk of delayed reimbursements, which can threaten a practice’s viability. Mismanagement can lead to billing errors, patient frustration, and cash flow issues, whereas an optimized RCM system improves efficiency, reduces stress, and builds trust with patients. The article provides actionable strategies to enhance RCM, including: Investing in RCM software to automate administrative tasks and minimize errors. Understanding insurance plans to ensure accurate reimbursement and clear patient communication. Training staff on coding, claims, and financial workflows to avoid costly mistakes. Tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess financial health and identify bottlenecks. Outsourcing RCM tasks when needed to streamline operations. Prioritizing patient communication regarding costs, coverage, and payment expectations. Staying updated on industry changes to remain compliant and maximize revenue. By implementing these strategies, dentists can take control of their practice\u27s financial stability while focusing on delivering high-quality patient care
Staff Matters: Diversity as a Value-Add vs. a Turn-Off
No full textThis article explores how dental practices can approach diversity as a value-add rather than a divisive issue. It offers practical recruitment and retention strategies to build diverse, qualified teams. Emphasis is placed on inclusive language, broad candidate sourcing, cultural fit, and open communication to support a workplace where all staff feel valued and engaged
Pterygoid Implant-Retained Bridge Following Multiple Failed Alveolar Implants in Posterior Maxilla
No full textThe replacement of multiple teeth with dental implants in the posterior maxilla is challenging due to factors including low density bone and sinus morphology. When considering restoration of this region, prosthetic design will dictate implant placement. Additionally, planning must consider spacing between adjacent implants, spacing between implants and adjacent teeth, and irregular alveolar ridge morphology. These key measurements translate to the final prosthesis design and will affect cleanability and future oral hygiene maintenance. These characteristics subsequently affect overall longevity of the implants and prosthesis.
In the following case, multiple closely-placed implants presenting with poor cleanability consequently failed, requiring removal and resulting in a large atrophic span. Multiple useful fixed options exist to restore such a deficiency, including guided bone regeneration, sinus lifting, and extra-maxillary implant placement. Our focus in this area includes the placement of implants in a largely de novo grafted sinus with concerns of long-term stability in grafted bone.
This patient case report presents a complex case including an atrophic posterior maxillary region, a history of multiple failed implants, the complete lack of a sinus floor, and the goal of rehabilitating normal masticatory function. Extensive grafting, 3D modeling, prosthetic splinting, and extra-maxillary anchorage were utilized in management of this case to maximize primary stability
THE GAME IS CHANGING … WILL YOU STAY IN THE GAME?
No full textThe article is a call to action for dentists in Virginia to contribute to the Virginia Dental Association Political Action Committee (VDA PAC) to maintain their influence in political matters affecting their profession
Macomb Dental Society Journal Winter 2025
No full textIn the Winter 2025 issue, the reader will find the following feature articles: Young Dentists MDS Calendar
Also included are regular columns from the President, Executive Director and Editor, as well as news shorts and information on upcoming events
MDA Foundation: LEAD Leads to a Key Role on the MDA Foundation
No full textThis article highlights the role of the MDA Foundation in providing opportunities for professional development and expanding the impact of dentists\u27 careers. It focuses on Dr. Beth Rosenberg\u27s experience, who became a Foundation Board Member after participating in the MDA\u27s Leadership Exploration and Development Program (LEAD).
The LEAD program builds leadership skills through immersion in organized dentistry. The Foundation raises funds through various events to provide scholarships to dental students and grants to community organizations that improve access to care. The article encourages MDA members to participate in Foundation fundraisers and to consider volunteering or donating
Macomb Dental Society Journal Spring 2025
No full textIn the Spring 2025 issue, the reader will find the following feature articles: 2025 Annual Ski Seminar Macomb Dental Society Dedicated Dental Sportsman’s Club March 2, 2025 Pistol Shoot Caries Management for the Modern Era
Also included are regular columns from the President, Executive Director and Editor, as well as news shorts and information on upcoming events
Gratitude, Growth & Giving Back: Closing My Chapter as MDDS President
No full textAs the MDDS President, Dr. Susan Kutis, concludes her term, she reflects on how the COVID-19 pandemic renewed her commitment to organized dentistry. From addressing workforce challenges and student debt to fostering mentorship and professional growth, the article highlights the importance of volunteer leadership and the enduring value of community within MDDS
Rooted Resilience: Preventative Care for Your Personal Finances
No full textIn this article Mr. Seth Thompson outlines key strategies to build financial resilience, including establishing a comprehensive financial plan, maintaining an emergency fund, diversifying investments and staying disciplined during market swings. It also highlights the importance of avoiding emotional decisions, leveraging market opportunities and partnering with a qualified financial advisor to stay aligned with long-term goals