ADA Commons (American Dental Association)
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Interprofessional Models of Care: A Strategic Framework for Advancing Integrated Healthcare
No full textInterprofessional models of care (IPMC) provide a vital framework for improving the delivery of health services through the alignment of medical and dental protocols, integration of shared health data, and collaborative, team-based care. Drawing on both empirical data and theoretical models, this analysis explores how integrated care can become the norm rather than the exception
A Qualitative Assessment of the Role of Dental Specialists in the United States Opioid Epidemic: Dental School Faculty and Postdoctoral Trainee Perspectives
No full textThis research used qualitative methods to compare the prescription opioid-related knowledge, opinions and behaviors of oral surgery (OS) and endodontics (E) faculty and postdoctoral trainees. Semi-structured interview guides were used to conduct 10 key-informant interviews with faculty and focus group discussions with 18 postdoctoral trainees. Interviews and focus group discussions were recorded, transcribed and coded for thematic content. E faculty reported infrequent use of opioids for dental pain management, while OS faculty frequently prescribed opioids. Conversely, E faculty were more likely to use prescription drug monitoring programs to track patients’ potential for addiction compared to OS. In conclusion, the frequency of opioid prescribing for dental pain management varies among the two dental specialties
Revolutionizing Dental Operatories: How Do We Do More Using Less?
No full textThe authors present a transformative approach to modernizing dental operatories as part of their practice’s recent expansion. Aimed at enhancing efficiency and patient-centered care, the project reimagines traditional operatory design by eliminating ergonomic and hygienic barriers, notably, the use of keyboards and mice. Key innovations include the implementation of touchscreen PC displays, high-power PCs with graphics cards, magnetic USB cables for rapid data transfer, omnidirectional microphones linked to AI scribes and wireless intraoral scanning. The design prioritizes a standardized, clutter-free layout across eight operatories, utilizing A-Dec Inspire Series cabinets for ergonomic supply management. By removing countertops and pullout trays, the approach fosters a seamless workflow, reduces contamination risks and supports clinician mobility. Early results indicate significant improvements in clinical speed, documentation accuracy and patient engagement. This model offers a blueprint for dental practices seeking to optimize technology and space
Ethical Frontiers in Dentistry: Navigating Artificial and Augmented Intelligence
No full textThe dental profession is continually evolving, and the emergence of artificial and augmented intelligence presents both transformative opportunities and critical challenges. Artificial intelligence generates automated outputs, and augmented intelligence synergistically integrates human expertise with machine-derived insights to enhance clinical judgment and decision-making. The terms will be used interchangeably here, abbreviated as AI
How Can We Go Far Together in Healthcare Education and Training?
No full text“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” This African proverb highlights the importance of collaboration and cooperation to achieve long-term success and impact. This sentiment applies to many aspects of life, and it certainly applies to our reflection on the importance of breaking down the silos that have developed in healthcare. Our healthcare system has been siloed in all aspects, including delivery models, payment systems, education, and training
Breaking Down the Silo of Dental Reimbursement
No full textLike it or not, reimbursement is at the heart of all actions and changes in our healthcare system. Several factors have contributed to the isolation of dentistry from the rest of the healthcare ecosystem, not the least of which is dentistry’s reliance on its own coding system. The American Dental Association (ADA) successfully established the Current Dental Terminology (CDT) codes as the official code set for submitting electronic claims. This action further solidified the separation of dentistry from broader healthcare system
The Dark Side of Leadership: Finding Where You Belong
No full textLeadership—whether as a parent, healthcare provider, soldier, or business executive—requires intentional effort to master its art and science. Just as we would not expect a physician or a soldier to learn their craft entirely “on the job,” we should not expect leaders to develop their leadership skills the same way. Society demands years of preparation for physicians and soldiers before they assume their professional responsibilities. However, when it comes to leadership, we often accept that individuals take on leadership roles with neither formal leadership training nor the “education of experience,” despite the profound and life-changing consequences of good and bad leadership
Forging the Future: Cultivating Leaders for the Evolving Dental Profession at New York University
No full textThe dental students who graduated in 2024 began their professional careers with the expectation that they will likely practice for the next 40 years, extending their careers through 2064. Based on what we know today, can we imagine the changes that will occur during this time? In just the past few years, we have witnessed significant advancements in digital dentistry, the introduction of artificial intelligence and robotics, the rise of private equity and corporate dentistry, remarkable demographic shifts, and increasing societal demands on the provision of health care. In my opinion, these changes will continue to evolve with increasing speed and breadth. Most will require careful consideration of the American College of Dentists’ key pillars: ethics, professionalism, leadership, and excellence. These timeless principles serve as a compass for charting the evolving dental landscape
I, Me, and My-opia
No full textPersonal experiences often serve as catalysts for broader insights into human behavior and perspective. This narrative explores the metaphor of myopia—both clinical and figurative—as a lens through which to examine selfishness, shortsightedness, and the pursuit of instant gratification. An eye examination revealed not only a physical diagnosis of nearsightedness but also prompted recognition of a narrowed, self-centered outlook that contributed to stress and disconnection in personal and professional life. Drawing parallels between optical myopia and psychological or behavioral myopia, the reflection highlights how short-term focus can undermine long-term fulfillment and even foster destructive patterns such as addiction. The discussion emphasizes corrective strategies—patience, self-control, and purposeful long-term goals—as tools to expand perspective and cultivate a more holistic, outward-facing vision. Ultimately, the metaphor underscores the importance of shifting from “me” vision to a panoramic view that prioritizes community, growth, and sustainable well-being
J Mich Dent Assoc November 2025
No full textEach month, the Journal of the Michigan Dental Association delivers news, information, and features about Michigan dentistry to our state\u27s oral health community and the MDA\u27s 6,200+ members. It remains the main publication reaching Michigan dentists and is available worldwide through ADA Commons.
The November 2025 (Volume 107, No. 11) issue of the Journal is published in both hard copy and with a digital-only format to provide updates and insights for Michigan\u27s oral health community and MDA members. Print editions will resume in November.
The November issue focuses on membership along with a reprinted clinical article on the Oral Manifestations of Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART,) and a President\u27s address to complement news and regular monthly content