Volume 104, Number 5 (2022)

Monthly, The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association brings news, information, and feature articles to our state's oral health community and the MDA's 6,200+ members. No publication reaches more Michigan dentists!

In this May 2022 issue, the reader will find the following original content:

• A feature on “Periodontal Disease and COVID-19"
• A cover feature introducing Dr. Vince Benivegna 2022-23 MDA President
• A 10-Minute EBD: “Charcoal Toothpastes Pose Risks with Few Benefits”
• A Professional Ethics article on “How Can Our Office be More Inclusive of Transgender Patients”
• News you need: an Editorial, a profile on Dr. Jessica Rikert, recipient of the ADEA Willian J. Gies Award, and regular department articles, Dentistry and the Law, Staff Matters, Advocacy Spotlight on Proposed Rule Changes for Dentistry, and component news.

Plus a DEI feature article by University of Toronto’s Danish Ayub, DDS that first appeared in the Ontario Dentist. This feature article delves into the oral health disparities faced by the LGBTIQ2S (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Transsexual, Intersex, Queer, Questioning, Two-Spirit) community, highlighting the syndemic of inequalities and barriers to care. While general health disparities are well-documented, limited research explores oral health within this demographic. The article emphasizes the need for increased awareness and training for dental professionals to address the unique needs of LGBTIQ2S individuals. It discusses existing challenges, including discrimination, lack of education, and marginalization, and calls for a more inclusive and culturally competent approach in dental education and practice.