April - June 2024
 
 
 
President’s Message: Thanks, a Farewell, and a Welcome

 

As my term as president draws to a close, I am filled with a blend of emotions, reflecting on the journey we’ve taken together over the past year. It has been a privilege and an honor to serve as your president, and to witness the dedication and passion that each of you brings to our dental community.

 

As we reflect on our accomplishments, one particular milestone stands out -- the successful transition in leadership with the retirement of our esteemed executive director, Barbara Kolling. Barb Kolling has been the backbone of our society more than a decade, tirelessly advocating for our members and championing our mission. Her unwavering commitment, tireless dedication, and exemplary leadership have left an indelible mark on our society, and for that, we are profoundly grateful.

 

In bidding farewell to Barb, we also embrace the dawn of a new era with the appointment of our new executive director, Amanda Bohle. Through a rigorous selection process, alongside the support of the executive board, Amanda emerged as the ideal candidate to lead us into the future. I am confident that Amanda will continue to uphold the legacy of excellence established by Barb Kolling.

 

To each member of our society, I extend my deepest gratitude for your continued support, dedication, and commitment to advancing our profession. It has been an honor to serve as your president, and I am confident that, with the leadership of Dr. Brandon Shourki as the newly elected president, the Washtenaw District Dental Society will continue to thrive and flourish in the years to come.

 

Thank you, once again, for your unwavering dedication and steadfast commitment to our society.

 
 
 
How Safe is Bottled Water?
 

Exposure to micro-nano plastics in regular bottled water is significantly higher than previously reported, according to a new study. Nano plastics, previously invisible under conventional imaging, constitute about 90% of the detected plastic particles. “Nano plastics are believed to be more toxic since their smaller size renders them much more amenable, compared to microplastics, to enter the human body,” noted the investigators.

 
 
 
Don't Miss the Sept. 6 All-Day Meeting!
 

Mark your calendars for Sept. 6, 2024. It’s time for the all-day meeting at no cost to WDDS members! This year in conjunction with the Livingston District Dental Society and the MDA, Dr. Mark Montana will present, “Restorative Complications with Single-tooth Replacement and Edentulous Challenges.” Watch your email and the MDA CE website to register!

 
 
 
 
 

HR Expert Jodi Schafer Explains the Independent Contractor Rule

 

Many members are confused about the rules governing independent contractors. In this “HR Hot Topics” video, HR Expert and MDA Journal columnist Jodi Schafer reviews the Department of Labor's newly published independent contractor rule. This revised interpretation of what it means to be “independent” narrows the scope of this category by reintroducing additional criteria that will have to be considered when making a status determination.

 

No longer can employers rely on the two core factors of (1) control over the work and (2) opportunity for profit and loss. This new rule brings back pre-2021 criteria, including the extent to which the service rendered is an integral part of the employer's business.

 

The new rule was scheduled to take effect on March 11th, but is already being met with legal challenges which may delay or prevent implementation.

 
 
Discontinuation of Thyroid Collar Usage in Radiographic Exams: New ADA Guidelines

The American Dental Association no longer recommends using thyroid collars on patients during radiographic exams. Before taking radiographs, dentists should also consider what diagnostic information they need from the images to benefit patient care or substantially improve clinical outcomes, according to updated recommendations developed by an expert panel established by the ADA Council on Scientific Affairs.
 
 
 
 

Mission of Mercy

Coming June 14-15

 

The Michigan Mission of Mercy, also called the MOM, is the state’s largest free dental clinic, providing dental care to patient participants at absolutely no cost regardless of insurance coverage. This year, the MOM will take place Friday, June 14 and Saturday, June 15 at Dort Financial Center in Flint, starting at 6 a.m. each day. Even if you no longer hold a dental license, you can help.

 
 
 
 
 
Michigan Medicine Needs Your Opinion!
 

Michigan Medicine is requesting your participation in a survey to assess dental professionals’ knowledge and recognition of oral facial lesions associated with complex and sometimes rare bleeding disorders and dental treatment for these patients. If you are willing to take 5-10 minutes to participate, click the button below.

 

Questions? Contact zyj@med.umich.edu.

 
 
 

2024-25 WDDS Meeting Schedule Announced

 

Save the dates for general meetings at Weber’s Inn:

Monday, Oct. 7, 2024

Monday, Nov. 11, 2024

Monday, Jan. 13, 2025

Monday, March 10, 2025

 

Washtenaw District Dental Society

 
 
 
Dr. John Hamerink, Editor
jhamerin@gmail.com
 
 
 
 
 

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