ADA Commons (American Dental Association)
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Dentistry and the Law: Can I Use Patient Information to Respond to Internet Criticism?
No full textThis legal guidance addresses dentists\u27 inability to respond to negative online reviews using patient information. The article explains that HIPAA and Michigan\u27s Dentist-Patient Privilege Statute prohibit healthcare professionals from disclosing patient information without authorization, even when defending against false or defamatory online posts. Unlike patients who can freely share information about their treatment, dentists face significant legal restrictions. The author notes that legal recourse is often difficult due to challenges in proving poster identity, distinguishing factual statements from opinions, and demonstrating specific damages. The recommended approach is to avoid responding to negative posts and instead focus on reputation management through positive patient testimonials, practice websites, and proactive online presence rather than attempting to refute claims using patient records
Moving Drives You Crazy
No full textThe Editor-in-Chief shares her frustrating experience moving a dental office. Key challenges included dental insurances dropping the practice from networks during recredentialing, causing denied claims for 30-60 days despite no changes to tax ID or NPI. State regulations also required new payments for radiation tubes, rather than crediting previous payments, despite a reduction in equipment. Furthermore, dental supply companies and movers did not take responsibility for broken equipment during the move. Despite these insane and archaic hurdles, most patients transitioned, and the article concludes with a comprehensive resource list for practice address change
It’s Time to Dare Greatly at the ADA
No full textDr. Michele Tulak-Gorecki, a candidate for ADA president-elect, outlines her platform, emphasizing the urgency for bold, collaborative leadership within the ADA. She addresses member concerns following the executive director\u27s resignation, focusing on rebuilding trust and enhancing oversight. Her vision confronts declining membership, financial issues, and the flawed association management system (AMS) rollout, advocating for increased transparency and financial literacy. Tulak-Gorecki stresses the ADA\u27s vital role in advocacy and unity across the tripartite model to protect the profession\u27s standing. She calls for collective action to create a transparent, inclusive, innovative, and unified AD
MDA Insurance and MDA Services: Your One-Stop Partners in Practice Success!
No full textMDA Insurance and MDA Services act as one-stop partners for Michigan dentists, delivering support in risk management, compliance, and profitability since 1986. MDA Insurance provides a wide array of specialized coverage, including professional liability, health (MDA Health Plan), life, disability, and personal lines. MDA Services offers vetted programs and endorsed vendors designed to save members money and time, generating royalties that fund MDA advocacy and education efforts. Utilizing these member benefits—such as reducing practice overhead through discounts on dental supplies (34% savings) or remote staffing (saving over $21,000 annually)—can easily offset membership dues. The dual entity provides comprehensive support, ensuring a net positive benefit and strengthening the relevance of MDA membership
The New Professional: Evaluating a Practice Purchase: Guidance for the First-Time Buyer
No full textThis guidance for first-time dental practice buyers stresses that evaluating a practice involves more than just the price tag, encompassing financials, people, culture, and potential growth. Buyers must analyze at least three years of financial statements, paying close attention to collection trends, accounts receivable, overhead, net income, and the mix of insurance plans. Patient loyalty is critical; buyers must assess the number of active patients (seen in the last 18–24 months) and recognize that attrition may occur if loyalty was tied strongly to the selling doctor. Inheriting experienced, welcoming staff and a positive office culture is crucial for success. Practical considerations include assessing the condition of equipment, technology, and location (accessibility/parking). Identifying opportunities to keep referred procedures in-house or expand specialty services allows the purchase to become the foundation of a thriving caree
The New Professional: The Legacy of Women in Dentistry, and Your Place in It
No full textWomen now constitute over half of dental graduates, transforming the profession’s culture and leadership. While women hold a majority of seats on the MDA Board of Trustees, wage disparities, underrepresentation in certain specialties, and work-life balance pressures remain challenges. The author emphasizes that the legacy of women in dentistry is an active, evolving force. New professionals have the opportunity and responsibility to advance this legacy by engaging in mentorship, advocating for fair workplace policies, pursuing ownership, and serving as role models. This ensures the profession is defined by opportunities rather than barriers
Beyond Implants: DR. RAHIM KARMALI Rediscovering Our Roots
No full textThis article highlights the ethical and clinical value of prioritizing natural-tooth preservation over dental implants and calls for a balanced, patient-centered approach to care
Clinical Corner: Pearls from Local Dentists
No full textClinical Corner is a section of the WMDDS Bulletin where local dentists share clinical pearls for fellow practitioners. Topics include at home spot treating localized sensitivity, solving the “mess” of water flossers, and focused evaluation of third molars
ADA News - 11/3/2025
No full textEstablished in 1970 as the official newspaper of the American Dental Association, the ADA News serves practicing dentists and others allied to the dental profession in the U.S. and internationally. It is the No. 1 source of news and information about the many benefits and services the ADA delivers to members daily as well as timely information on scientific, social, political and economic developments affecting dentistry and health care
ADA News - 06/02/2025
No full textEstablished in 1970 as the official newspaper of the American Dental Association, the ADA News serves practicing dentists and others allied to the dental profession in the U.S. and internationally. It is the No. 1 source of news and information about the many benefits and services the ADA delivers to members daily as well as timely information on scientific, social, political and economic developments affecting dentistry and health care