
Abstract
The July–September 2025 issue of the Virginia Dental Journal highlights the continued dedication of the Virginia Dental Association (VDA) to advocacy, education, and professional development. In his message, President Dr. Justin Norbo reflects on his visits across the state, underscoring the importance of peer-to-peer engagement and unity within the tripartite (ADA, VDA, and local components) to protect and strengthen the profession. Editor Dr. Sarah Friend shares a candid narrative of workforce challenges, burnout, and mismanagement in dental practices, calling for proactive involvement in both private practice and organized dentistry to prevent decline. ADA Trustee Dr. James Mercer provides updates on leadership transitions, financial stewardship, and improvements to association management systems at the ADA, reaffirming a commitment to transparency and member-focused progress. The issue also introduces the “Dental AI Roundup” column by Dr. Paul Supan, which outlines the VDA’s new resolution supporting ethical, responsible use of artificial intelligence in dentistry while raising awareness of emerging risks.
A major feature of the issue is a preview of the 2025 Virginia Dental Showcase, scheduled for September 26–27 in Norfolk. The Showcase promises a dynamic program of continuing education courses, hands-on workshops, an expansive exhibit hall, and networking opportunities, concluding with a themed Membership Party. Advocacy updates from Laura Givens spotlight the VDA’s legislative victories, including expanded licensure pathways, increased Medicaid reimbursement rates, dental insurance transparency, protection of the profession’s scope of practice, and stronger teledentistry regulations. The issue also includes summaries of recent episodes of The Fulcrum Podcast, which cover topics such as practice transitions, rural workforce development, legal issues in online reviews, burnout prevention, and legislative advocacy. Additional content features articles on orthodontics and language barriers, medical billing integration, SafeHaven resources for mental health, and the VDA PAC’s progress toward its 2025 fundraising goals.
Recommended Citation
(2025)
"VA Dent J July, August and September 2025,"
Virginia Dental Journal: Vol. 102:
No.
3, Article 20.
Available at:
https://commons.ada.org/vadentaljournal/vol102/iss3/20