Volume 108, Number 4 (2026)
Each month, the Journal of the Michigan Dental Association delivers news, information, and features about Michigan dentistry to our state's oral health community and the MDA's 6,200-plus members. It remains the main publication reaching Michigan dentists and is available worldwide through ADA Commons. The April 2026 (Volume 108, No. 4) issue of the Journal is published in digital format to provide updates and insights for Michigan's oral health community and MDA members. Print editions occur every other month beginning with January. This full issue provides a comprehensive overview of the Michigan dental landscape in 2026. Key features include a clinical guide on managing oro-antral communications, a discussion on the ethics and rewards of dental volunteering, and profiles of candidates for MDA leadership positions. The journal also addresses modern practice challenges such as post-COVID staffing, the implementation of virtual assistants, and antitrust law compliance. Additionally, it serves as a program guide for the 2026 Annual Session in Grand Rapids, highlighting keynote speakers, continuing education tracks, and legislative updates regarding dental specialty advertising. Regular monthly contributions include: Editorial — Post-COVID Update: Magic Can Still Happen News You Need Dentistry and the Law — Yes, Dentists (and the MDA) Are Subject to Antitrust Law Staff Matters® — How Do I Set Up New Hires for Long-Term Success? New Professional — Your First Hire: Building Your Team from the Ground Up Endorsed Programs News MDA Services — Regulatory Compliance Solutions that Save You Money The Back Page — 2026 LEAD Class Gets to WorkFull Issue
Cover Story
Feature Articles
Volunteering: Service to Humanity Is the Best Work of Life
William Chase DDS, MAOM
Here Are the Candidates for 2026-27 MDA Positions
Todd Christy DDS
Managing Oro-Antral Communications After Tooth Extractions: A Guide for General Dentists
Ross Brockman DMD, MD and G. E. Ghali DDS, MD
Editorial and News
Post-COVID Update: Magic Can Still Happen
Michelle C. Dziurgot
Monthly Departments
Yes, Dentists (and the MDA) Are Subject to Antitrust Law
Daniel Schulte JD
Your First Hire: Building Your Team from the Ground Up
Amrita Patel DDS
How Do I Set Up New Hires for Long-Term Success?
Jodi Schafer SPHR, SHRM-SCP
Government & Insurance Update: MDA Advocacy Successes
James Budd MPP
2026 LEAD Class Gets to Work
Angie Kanazeh


