MDA Journal News You Need

2026 Dues Contest Open Now — Win Free Membership for 2027, Other Prizes; Renew Now

MDA/ADA/local society dues statements for 2026 have now been sent — and when you renew your membership by the end of this year you’ll automatically be entered into a drawing and be eligible to win some great prizes.

Once again the MDA is offering a very special grand prize — one lucky winner will receive their ADA, MDA, and local society dues for 2027 paid for by the MDA! Be sure to renew your membership by Dec. 31, 2025, in order to qualify.

You can also qualify for a contest offering free MDA and local society dues for 2027 by signing up for auto-renewal using automatic bank account withdrawal. When you participate in auto-renew you’ll help the MDA save on credit card fees and reduce time and expense spent processing individual dues payments. See your dues statement for more information.

Other dues contest prizes include:

• $250 cash, courtesy of MDA Insurance.
• A $100 certificate good toward any MDA continuing education course.
• MDA Services apparel.
• MDA Swag Basket.

Contest winners will be selected by random drawing in early 2026.

Renew online! You can renew membership online at michigandental.org/2026. It’s quick and easy. If you have questions about your statement, contact the MDA at 800-589-2632.

MDA Board Meets in St. Joe; Highlight on MDA Programs, Technology

The MDA Board of Trustees met in St. Joseph Sept. 18-19 immediately following the annual ADA 9th District caucus prior to the ADA House of Delegates, which took place in October. The MDA Board agenda included an analysis of MDA programs, MDA office technology advances, advocacy, and the future of the MDA Annual Session. Here are the details:

Aligning programs with member needs: A presentation by consultant Donna Oser of the Michigan Society of Association Executives highlighted areas for MDA membership growth, following an interactive session she conducted in June to better-understand member needs at various career stages. Mid- and late-career members were subsequently identified as underserved, while dental service organizations reported strong value in MDA programs. The analysis emphasized focusing resources on high-value programs, balancing variety with financial sustainability, and ensuring alignment across the MDA and its subsidiaries MDA Insurance & Financial Group and the MDA Foundation. Moving forward, the MDA leadership will work to realign resources to meet unmet or underutilized needs while deleting programs that are not well-utilized.

Technology improvements: The Board heard presentations by the MDA’s Angie Kanazeh, director of membership, and Michelle Nichols-Cruz, governance manager, on upcoming changes to MDA technology, including the launch of the MDA’s new Novi Association Management System, which is expected to provide members with faster service and better data accuracy than was experienced under the problem-plagued ADA database. The Board subsequently approved first-year funding for a new learning management system to integrate with the Novi AMS. Also, the Board noted the launch of HERM-E, the MDA’s web-based AI knowledge assistant. HERM-E will make it quicker and easier for members to find reliable answers about MDA benefits, programs, and services.

Advocacy: Bill Sullivan, MDA vice president of advocacy and professional relations, provided a legislative update, noting that only 12 bills had passed the state Legislature in 2025 as of September, the lowest total in 60 years. The MDA’s virtual credit card bill passed the Senate unanimously but stalled in the House, but a companion House bill is expected. (For more on advocacy, see Page 6.)

Annual Session changes: At its December meeting the MDA Board will review a report from the MDA Annual Session Task Force, chaired by House Speaker Dr. Deb Peters, which is charged with reimagining the MDA Annual Session. The Annual Session has experienced declining member participation in recent years, especially post-pandemic. Concepts under review include shorter, more interactive CE; peer-to-peer learning; greater inclusion of the dental team; and community-building. Separating the House of Delegates from the Annual Session is also under consideration.

For a complete report on the unofficial actions of the September MDA Board meeting, contact the MDA’s Michelle Nichols-Cruz.

ADA Report: Dental Practices ‘Squeezed’

Dental practices are continuing to experience a “fiscal squeeze” brought on by rising prices and lower demand for care, according to an update from the ADA Health Policy Institute on the state of the dental economy for the third quarter of 2025.

The HPI survey shows that dentists’ economic confidence is stable but still down from a high point in late 2024. Dental practice prices are rising faster than inflation, and two-thirds of dentists reported that they have increased their fees since the beginning of the year. Meanwhile, challenges in filling open positions, especially for dental hygienists, continue to impact dental practices.

On the consumer side, dental spending continues to increase modestly, but this hasn’t necessarily translated to higher demand for care, according to HPI.

“What’s interesting is even though we see slight modest growth in dental spending among U.S. households, when we look inside dental practice economics, we’re seeing continued declines in appointment wait times. Capacity is opening up, and dentists are less busy,” said HPI’s Dr. Marko Vujicic, Ph.D., chief economist and vice president of HPI.

You can find the full report and other reports at ada.org/HPI.
— Source: ADA

The Journal Remembers: Dr. Charles E. Owens

Dr. Charles “Chuck” Owens, who served as MDA editor from 1990 to 1994 and held other significant posts in Michigan dentistry, died Sept. 22 at age 85. He will be well-remembered not only for his personality but as a guiding force in Michigan dental journalism through service to the MDA and his local society, the Detroit District.

Owens, a longtime practitioner in Southgate, had served as the editor of the Detroit Dental Bulletin for a number of years prior to taking the reins of the MDA Journal in 1990. During his editorship the Journal updated its format and made many editorial improvements, including establishing an editorial advisory board, instituting a new dentist column, and adding several new departments and features to the publication.

“It was a true pleasure to act as the editor of the MDA,” Owens remembered in 2019. “Times were exciting, with many challenges. It was exhilarating to be able to present new ideas and programs.” He explained, “As the ’90s began, dentistry saw the beginnings of controls that would alter forever the practice and delivery of services. Rules concerning infection control, chemical and radiological hazards, and privacy rights were but a few instituted by government. Fear that AIDS and other severe illnesses could be contracted through a dental procedure was commonly seen in local newspapers and in the national media. Corporate dentistry hadn’t yet taken hold, and many individual members were unequipped to handle these confusing issues.”

Owens had a keen interest and understanding of the value of dental journalism and the role of the dental editor in dental organizations. He collaborated closely with then-MDA Executive Director Gerri Cherney, and also actively worked to strengthen dental publications throughout the MDA’s component societies.

As Dr. Mike Maihofer, a one-time component editor who later served as MDA editor and MDA president, recalled, “Aside from being a unique editorialist, Dr. Owens was steadfast in encouraging and empowering dental editors. He initiated the MDA’s component editor conferences to educate component society editors and promote dental journalism. He even granted a young fledgling component editor, like me, an opportunity to guest-edit an issue of the MDA Journal. His generosity and encouragement are something I’ll always hold in my heart.”

Component editors and writers that Owens featured in the Journal included Dr. Chris Smiley, Dr. James Cantwil, Dr. Erick Rupprecht, Dr. Bill Chase, Dr. Tom McLellan, and Dr. Connie Verhagen, among others. Owens also brought the late Dr. Leon Herschfus’ popular “Abstracts” column from the Detroit Bulletin to the Journal’s statewide audience, where it became one of the most-read monthly features.

“Chuck was a great mentor to me and to other dental editors,” said Dave Foe, MDA Journal managing editor since 1991. “I knew from the minute I interviewed with him that this was someone I could work well with. He had a real enthusiasm for editing and writing, and was always supportive of me and the role of the MDA staff. It was a time of change for dentistry, and he was the right editor for the MDA at the right time. He also was well-known nationally for his editorials and for his involvement in the American Association of Dental Editors and Journalists. I owe him a lot.”

After concluding his duties with the MDA as editor, Owens went on to serve as the inaugural president of Michigan Dental Services, an MDA for-profit subsidiary that later became MDA Services. He also served with distinction as a member of the MDA Foundation Board of Directors.

Owens is survived by his wife, Peg, three daughters, three step-children, and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Are You Taking Advantage of these ADA/MDA Practice Management Resources? Part II

The MDA and ADA offer an extensive range of resources that can help you succeed in your dental practice and professional career. These resources bring extra-value to your MDA/ADA membership, so take advantage of them!

This month in the Journal we’re continuing the list of ADA/MDA practice management resources we began in the October issue. Last month we covered human resources, new dentist assistance, continuing education and some general professional resources. This month we’re listing ADA/MDA legal resources, information resources, insurance plans, and wellness/personal development resources. Check marks indicate whether the programs and services are available through the ADA or the MDA.

If you’d like additional information on any of the programs and services listed, or have other questions, contact the MDA at 800-589-2632 or email [email protected].

How many of these resources are you using? Scan the list below and see!

Foundation Year-End Campaign Underway

During the last quarter of every year, the MDA Foundation embarks on its Year-end Campaign. This campaign raises money allowing the Foundation to continue its work year after year.

Watch your mail and email for details on this year’s campaign. With each donation received, the MDA Foundation can help educate and serve more people throughout the state.

Donations received before Dec. 31 may qualify for tax benefits. Check with your financial adviser on your specific tax status. You can donate now clicking here.

Watch for a cover story on the Foundation next month in the Journal.

Allan Jacobs, Former House Speaker, Passes

Dr. Allan Jacobs, most recently of Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., a former speaker of the MDA House of Delegates, died Sept. 11. He was 77.

Jacobs served as speaker from 2004 until 2008, and previously served on the MDA Board of Trustees, representing Oakland County District, from 1999 until 2004.

An endodontist, Jacobs also served as president of the Michigan Association of Endodontists and a member of the Board of the American Association of Endodontists. He also taught dental students for three decades as a faculty member at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry.

CE Cruise Coming in January

There’s still time to take part in the MDA’s exciting Sun, Sand, & CE dental continuing education cruise aboard the Royal Caribbean Icon of the Seas Jan. 17-24, 2026. You’ll unwind, refresh, and earn nine CE credits as you enjoy a luxurious Caribbean cruise. What better way to escape the cold Michigan winter?

The cruise includes CE from Susan Maples, DDS; stunning destinations with exciting excursions, plus all-inclusive dining, entertainment and accommodations at exclusive member pricing.

For more information, click here.

NEWS BRIEFS

New Dentists Get ADA Store Discounts

Did you know that if you’re a recent graduate you receive a discount on ADA Store products? This discount is good through the rest of this year, so you can save on the science-backed resources you need, when you need them. Visit ADAstore.org or call 800-947-4746 from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Central Time. Use promo code ADAgrad25 by Dec. 31 to Save 20% on ADA Store products. Members should sign in for additional discounts.

Nominations Sought for MDA Affiliate Board

Note: The following is printed by request of MDA Insurance & Financial Group.

MDA Insurance & Financial Group, Inc. supports Michigan dentists by offering insurance products, practice management resources, and dental supplies. Operating under the trade names MDA Insurance and MDA Services, its mission is to help dental professionals protect their practices and enhance patient care. As an affiliate of the Michigan Dental Association, MDAIFG is committed to delivering value and peace of mind to its members.

MDAIFG is accepting nominations from association members to serve on its Board of Directors. The MDAIFG bylaws state that the Board shall consist of no fewer than seven and no more than 13 directors. Terms are one year, beginning May 1, and continuing until successors are elected or the director is displaced. Directors may serve multiple terms but must stand for election annually.

Board members are expected to attend four to five half-day meetings per year. While committee service is not mandatory, many members choose to participate.

Detailed information on director duties and responsibilities, along with application instructions, are available on the MDA website at michigandental.org/Leadership-Central/Get-Involved/MDA-Subsidiaries-Affiliates. The deadline to apply is Feb. 1, 2026.

Leadership Applications Due Dec. 8

The MDA House of Delegates Nominating Committee continues to seek candidates for a variety of MDA Board, officer, and leadership positions to take office in 2026 and serve during the 2026-27 administrative year.

Open positions for 2026 include MDA president-elect, MDA secretary/treasurer, MDA editor, MDA speaker of the House, three MDA trustee positions (three-year terms), and 12 alternate positions on the ADA 9th District Delegation.

Interested candidates for any of these positions should apply to the Nominating Committee prior to Dec. 8, 2025. Detailed information about the candidate submission process, including descriptions of each position’s term and duties, also appears on the MDA website at michigandental.org/NomCom. For questions about the nomination process, contact Michelle Nichols-Cruz or call 517-346-9414.

MDA Radiography Program Can Train Your Assistants

The MDA Radiography Training Program allows dentists to provide a convenient, affordable way for dental assistants to obtain radiography training required under Michigan law without the need for classrooms, travel, and time away from work, using an innovative training program combined with hands-on clinical certification from a participating dentist.

The MDA program is an online course supervised by the employer dentist. The supervising dentist awards the certification upon successful course completion by the assistant. Neither the MDA nor the state certify that dental assistants have met the requirements. All dental assistants taking radiographs must be certified in a course that is substantially equivalent to programs accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation.

The cost is $325 per assistant for MDA members and $425 per assistant for non-MDA members. After successful completion of the online training, the assistant must demonstrate the ability to perform two acceptable full-mouth series of images (including four bitewings) with a maximum of five retakes. After meeting all course requirements, a certificate of completion will be issued and signed by the supervising dentist. Certification obtained through this program is only valid in the state of Michigan.

For more information, visit michigandental.org/Radiography.

First Dental Therapist Licensed

Michigan licensed its first dental therapist — Dana Obey — on Sept. 2. She subsequently began practice as a provider at a tribal health center in the Upper Peninsula, according to reports.

MDA Office Closed Nov. 27-28

The MDA office will be closed Thursday and Friday, Nov. 27 and 28, in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday, MDA CEO/Executive Director John Tramontana has announced, following the custom of past years.

The office will reopen Monday, Dec. 1.

Keeping Current

Events and Such

Nov. 3 — MDA Foundation Mission of Mercy Breakout Session #1 via Zoom, 5:30 p.m.
Nov. 5 — MDA Foundation Mission of Mercy Breakout Session #1 via Zoom, 5:30 p.m.
Nov. 6 — Committee on Finance via Zoom, 6 p.m.
Nov. 7 — New Dentist Committee via Zoom, 7 a.m.
Nov. 7 — MDA Insurance & Financial Group Joint Board meeting, 9 a.m.
Nov. 10 — MDA Foundation Executive Committee via Zoom, 6 p.m.
Nov. 10 — Membership Committee via Zoom, 7 p.m.
Nov. 11 — MDA Foundation ASC Committee via Zoom, 6 p.m.
Nov. 12 — MDA Nominating Committee via Zoom, 6 p.m.
Nov. 14 — Committee on Government and Insurance Affairs and PAC, 9 a.m.
Nov. 20 — Committee on Finance via Zoom, 6:30 p.m.
Nov. 21 — Committee on Peer Review/Health and Well-Being via Zoom, 9 a.m.
Nov. 21 — MDA Foundation Board of Directors via Zoom, 9:30 a.m.
Nov. 21 — MDA Executive Committee via Zoom, 1 p.m.
Nov. 27–28 — MDA office closed in observance of Thanksgiving.

Welcome New Members!

The Michigan Dental Association is pleased to welcome nine new members to organized dentistry.

Central: Dr. Dennis Engstrom; Macomb: Dr. Sabina Kurtovic, Dr. Sharon Singh; Oakland County: Dr. Deepanshu Bhardwaj, Dr. Timothy Thewes; Resort: Dr. Marcus Kropf, Dr. Grant Smith; Saginaw Valley: Dr. Curtis Smith; Washtenaw: Dr. Kaitlin Monash.

New Certified Dental Business Professionals

The MDA CDBP credential is awarded to dental team members who have completed coursework and earned their Certified Dental Business Professional designation.

CDBP graduate

Jamie Wernette, Sheridan.

CDBP renewal

Michelle Myers-Berlin, Whitehall.

In Memoriam

Dr. Wayne Colquitt, Ann Arbor. Washtenaw District. Died Aug. 5, 2025. Age, 83.

Dr. Michael Comar, Boca Raton, Fla. Kalamazoo Valley District. Died Sept. 8, 2025. Age, 87.

Dr. Allan Jacobs, Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. Oakland County District. Died Sept. 11, 2025. Age, 77.

Dr. Charles E. Owens, Grosse Ile. Detroit District. Died Sept. 22, 2025. Age, 85.

Dr. Eugene Louis Bonofiglo, Grand Rapids. West Michigan District. Died Oct. 10, 2025. Age, 95.

BHS Disciplinary Report

Visit michigan.gov/lara to access the latest disciplinary reports for dentists, registered dental hygienists, and registered dental. You may also check any licensee for disciplinary actions at the same web address.

Self-Reporting of Criminal Convictions and Disciplinary Licensing Actions

Section 16222(3) of Michigan’s Public Health Code requires any licensee or registrant to self-report to the Department of Community Health a criminal conviction or a disciplinary licensing or registration action taken by the state of Michigan or by another state against the licensee or registrant. The report must be made within 30 days after the date of the conviction or action. Convictions and/or disciplinary actions that have been stayed pending appeal must still be reported.

Should the licensee or registrant fail to report, and the Department becomes aware of the conviction or action, an allegation will be filed against the licensee or registrant. Sanctions for failing to report can include reprimand, probation, suspension, restitution, community service, denial or fine. For more information contact the MDA’s Karen Hart at 800-589-2632, ext. 453.

Journal, Michigan Dentists Receive Editing Awards

Michigan dentistry was well-represented at this year’s American Association of Dental Editors and Journalists meeting, held Sept. 9-10 in San Diego, Calif.

Michigan award-winners included Dr. Rabia Arif, editor of the Oakland County Dental Review, who received three Division Two International College of Dentists/USA Section Journalism Awards. Also, Dr. Michelle Dziurgot, MDA editor, and Dr. Bill Chase, former MDA editor and former MDA president, now living in Palm Springs, Calif., accepted Division One International College of Dentists/USA Section Journalism Awards for two articles published in the MDA Journal’s December 2024 issue.

Another former MDA editor, Dr. Chris Smiley, served as 2024-25 AADEJ president and presided over the conference, while Michigan’s Dr. Tim Kosinski, Academy of General Dentistry editor, presented a program on editing clinical publications.

Dr. Mike Saba, Macomb District editor, attended the meeting as well and began a term as AADEJ vice president. Other Michigan attendees included Dr. Sabrina Wadood, West Michigan editor; Dr. Romesh Nalliah, of the University of Michigan School of Dentistry; Dr. Mike Maihofer, former MDA editor and MDA president; Denise Maihofer, AADEJ executive director; Reva Darling, director of MDA Services and marketing; and Dave Foe, MDA director of print and e-publications.

The conference consisted of two days of continuing education in dental journalism, and included sessions on copywriting, digital publishing, AI, podcasting, and more.