Volume 104, Number 7 (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 July 2022 issue, the reader will find the following original content:

• A cover feature on negotiating reimbursement rates with PPO contracts
• A cover feature on guarding against employee embezzlement.
• A 10-Minute EBD on rampant caries management and prevention with ADHD patients taking stimulant medications.
• A Back Page look at the 2022 MDA award winners
• News you need: an Editorial, guidance on dental practice cybersecurity, and regular department articles, Dentistry and the Law, Staff Matters, Advocacy, and component news.

Plus, a cover feature, "Managing Burnout and Protectionism in Dentistry", reprinted with permission from the Indiana Dental Association Journal. In it, Dr. J. William Clayton, Jr of North Carolina Caring Dental Professionals discusses the rising issue of burnout in the dental profession. Burnout, characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced personal accomplishment, affects dentists, dental team members, patients, and even personal life. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated burnout concerns in healthcare, including dentistry. Research indicates that stressors, such as time constraints, patient demands, and challenging cases, contribute to high-stress levels in dental practice. Perfectionism, both unhealthy and healthy, plays a significant role in influencing the mental and emotional well-being of dentists. Unhealthy perfectionism can be paralyzing and lead to unrealistic goals, while healthy perfectionism involves setting achievable standards and embracing the learning process. Dentists exhibiting perfectionistic concerns are more prone to burnout, compassion fatigue, and other detrimental behaviors than those with perfectionistic strivings. Early recognition and proactive measures are essential to mitigate burnout, which can severely affect work and life quality. Dentists should not hesitate to seek help; various tools and approaches are available to manage stress and promote overall well-being in the dental profession.