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NEWS FOR COMPONENTS

APRIL 2021

For immediate release

Contact: Dave Foe | 800-589-2632, ext. 421

dfoe@

MDA Launches Mentor Program to Help Members Succeed

The MDA launched its much-anticipated MDA Mentor Program online in early April – it’s a great way to meet other dentists, share their experiences, and benefit from their perspectives and advice.

You can access the program at mentors. At launch nearly 40 members had signed up to serve as MDA mentors, and more are signing up every day. Each mentor is listed on the website with a photo and a short description, including their areas of special interest, plus contact information. It’s a diverse group, too, with mentors from all areas of the state and with different backgrounds, skills, and interests. They have one big thing in common though: They’ve all volunteered to serve as mentors, and they’re ready and eager to meet you!

The MDA developed the Mentor Program after numerous requests for a formal mechanism to match members with experienced individuals willing to serve as mentors. Whether you have a question on a specific topic, are looking for advice from a trusted colleague, or you just want to build your professional network, the MDA Mentor Program is a peer-driven resource to help you succeed!

Visit mentors for more information and to start connecting.

Expand Your Professional Life – Get Involved with Organized Dentistry

The MDA is looking for members like you to serve as volunteers, for both short-term and long-term positions, such as MDA committees. Most committees meet three or four times a year, and meetings are now primarily held on Zoom to minimize time spent out of the office. Volunteering for MDA positions is a great experience – you’ll meet colleagues from around the state and experience professional and personal growth, too.

The MDA needs you! Visit leadership-central for more information.

MDA Human Resources Benefits Expanded

For many years the MDA has provided a variety of useful human resources assistance to help you build your dental team and manage your staff. Now, the MDA has made improvements in the human resources program in order to meet current challenges and provide expanded services.

MDA members can contact MDA Director of Human Resources Brandy Ryan, a certified HR professional, with human resources questions. Prior to working in HR, Ryan was a dental assistant, giving her a great perspective on dental office staffing.

Members also can access a portfolio of services through Jodi Schafer’s company, Human Resource Management Services. Schafer is an MDA Journal columnist and one of Michigan’s leading HR experts.

The updated list of MDA member HR resources includes:

--Access to the MDA’s Brandy Ryan at no charge to MDA members.

--A 10% member-only discount on current hourly rate for any HR consulting services from Human Resource Management Services. Journal columnist Jodi Schafer is president of HRMS.

--Monthly Staff Matters® articles in the MDA Journal.

--Monthly HR Hot Topic videos by Jodi Schafer, emailed to you by the MDA.

--Educational programs for members, held both in-person and virtually.

--DiSC® personal assessment training services for you and your dental team.

--The Staff Matters® Human Resource System, available for $149 at the MDA Store.

--50 Most-Asked Human Resource Questions, edited by Jodi Schafer, available at the MDA Store as a free download or as a paperback book for $19.

--Additional joint MDA-component resources coming soon.

For HR questions, contact Brandy Ryan at bryan@ or call 517-346-9416. For in-depth HR consultation with Jodi Schafer and her team, call 517-974-8033 and be sure to mention that you’re an MDA member.

NOTE TO EDITORS: PHOTOS OF RYAN AND SCHAFER ARE AVAILABLE – CONTACT DAVE FOE AT THE MDA

Get the Facts about Dental Contracts

It’s an all-too-common problem: Dentists signing a dental plan contract without understanding its provisions.

Now there’s help, with the MDA’s free Dental Contracts Information Kit. It contains what you need to know about dental benefit plans, frequently asked questions and answers, and a helpful glossary of the sometimes-confusing dental plan terminology.

Order it at the MDA Store at store..

Could Your Office Manager Use More Training?

Whether you have a new office manager or a seasoned dental team member, the MDA’s exclusive Certified Dental Business Professional certification will help any dental practice function more effectively and efficiently.

Dental office business staff can earn the CDBP credential by taking just 30 credits of MDA CE courses. Pay-as-you-go classes are value-priced and available at Annual Session, at MDA CE seminars, and online.

Completing this program will give your business staff the advanced skills they need to make your office more successful. For additional information, visit cdbp.

MIOSHA: Watch Out for Violations of CDC Guidelines

As a reminder, dental offices are responsible for adopting the most up-to-date CDC Guidelines for Dental Settings. These guidelines are what Michigan OSHA uses to evaluate dental offices infection control measures.

Due to COVID-19, these guidelines are constantly being updated so it’s important for dental offices to regularly monitor them. A link to the current CDC guidelines can be found on the MDA COVID-19 Center at coronavirus.

Got the MDA App Yet? If Not, You’re Missing Out!

Get the benefits of the MDA at your fingertips with the MDA Connection, the new MDA smartphone app available for Android and IOS mobile devices. The MDA Connection app puts you in touch with the MDA’s most-requested information, from COVID-19 updates to the latest MDA Journal classifieds, CE courses, Job Board postings, money-saving MDA-endorsed insurance and services programs, practice management help, and much more!

Keep in the know! To download to your smartphone or tablet, search “MDA Connection” on the Apple App Store and on Google Play. Don’t forget to allow push notifications after installing, too.

NEWS FROM MDA INSURANCE AND MDA SERVICES

Health Insurance Seminars Slated for Late Summer/Fall; Earn Free CE Credits

While the nation holds its breath for the U.S. Supreme Court decision on the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act, which is expected yet this session, insurance companies and the MDA Health Plan Board of Trustees keep planning for 2022. There’s a lot of uncertainty about what health insurance will look like under a new administration, as the COVID-19 pandemic wears on.

You can count on MDA Insurance to share the latest information during its series of three-hour and one-hour health insurance seminars that begin in September and conclude in late October. Get the answers you need, and stay up to date on the latest health insurance developments, and earn free CE credits. To register, visit ce-courses, then click on MDA CE Live (virtual or in-person), and scroll for course/date of your choice.

Register Early for Medicare Webinars

If you, your spouse, or an employee are 65 or turning 65 this year, the MDA Insurance Medicare Webinar should be on your calendar. Upcoming dates are being presented via Zoom. Register early for your seat, as spots are filling up fast:

Wednesday, July 14, 1–3:30 p.m.

Friday, Sept 24, 2021, 1–3:30 p.m.

You can earn two CE credits by attending this free, educational program. To register, contact Lisa Sillman at 877-906-9924, ext. 450, or email her at lsillman@.

Why a Personal Umbrella Policy Is Needed Now More Than Ever

One of the repercussions of the No-Fault auto reform law is the increased risk of being found partially at-fault in an auto accident that severely injures or incapacitates another motorist. The injured party can sue you for damages, and you may have to pay for the injured party’s ongoing medical care, assistance with daily living activities and more.

With the ability to now select lower limits of personal injury protection, under-insured drivers are effectively transferring their risk of not having enough coverage to other motorists. That’s where a personal umbrella from MDA Insurance comes into play. Should your auto policy pay to its limit of liability, your personal umbrella kicks in to provide another layer of liability coverage to protect your assets.

You really can’t afford to be without this extra layer of protection. To get a personal umbrella quote, call 800-860-2272 and ask to speak with a personal lines agent, or email personal-lines@.

Know Before You Play: Insuring Summer Toys

Summertime is short and sweet in Michigan, and many people purchase boats, motorcycles, campers and similar items to help them make the most of the warm weather and plentiful lakes. MDA Insurance refers to these many motorized or towed items as “summer toys.” Each of these items should be insured, and sometimes that insurance falls under an automobile policy, a stand-alone policy, or a homeowners’ insurance policy.

Your MDA Insurance personal lines agent can help you figure out the right kind of coverage depending on the item being insured. Find out what the best insurance option is for each of your summer toys by contacting a personal lines agent at MDA Insurance. Call 800-860-2272 and press 3, or email personal-lines@.

‘Sweet Rewards’ Are Here!

Want to learn more in a comfortable setting, while enjoying a free dessert for your entire office? Of course you do! MDA Insurance is now offering its Sweet Rewards program for member dentists and their teams. You can learn the facts about Michigan No-Fault Auto reform, personal umbrella policies, and much more.

To schedule an MDA Insurance Sweet Rewards presentation for your office or group, sign up at sweet-rewards, or contact Personal Lines Manager Jeni Drummond at 800-860-2272 or email her at jdrummond@. Not able to set up a Sweet Rewards presentation? No problem! You can visit buy-now/home-auto-umbrella to submit your quote request online. You’ll be eligible for a $10 gift card.

Does Your Malpractice Policy Renew Soon?

Many dental professional liability insurance policies renew between June and August. If yours is one of them, be sure to carefully review your limits of insurance, coverages and premium. Some carriers have increased rates or added coverage restrictions over the last twelve months. If you’re not insured by the MDA-endorsed Professional Protector Plan (PPP), perhaps now is the time for a quote. You may discover the PPP offers more protection for your money.

When you’re insured by the Professional Protector Plan (PPP) and complete the online risk management training course, you will receive a 10% discount on your liability coverage for three years! The training is self-paced and can be safely completed online at your leisure. Visit bbprograms.lms_account/login for online training. If you do not have the PPP, contact MDA Insurance at commins@ for a quote.

Get Prepared to e-prescribe Now

Electronically prescribing all medications will be the law in Michigan on Oct. 1. The good news is that by e-prescribing everything from antifungals to antibiotics to pain meds, you reduce steps and save time.

Here are five ways cloud-based iCoreRx e-prescribing software streamlines the process.

1. The software can integrate with the Michigan Automated Prescription Service for quick PMP checks.

2. You can access a patient’s FULL prescription history over the past five years.

3. Rapidly search drug information with the built-in Lexicomp drug directory.

4. e-prescribe on any computer, laptop, tablet, or phone.

5. e-prescribe from anywhere whether at work or outside of the office.

The MDA endorses iCoreRx and has negotiated substantial cost savings for members. Visit land.MI02 or call 888-810-7706. MDA members receive a 43% discount on iCoreRx e-prescribing software.

How to Save with QDP – Quality Dental Plan

Quality Dental Plan, with its easy-to-use, full-featured, cloud-based software, offers MDA members the lowest cost option for managing an in-office dental plan. You get simple, transparent pricing of just 75 cents per patient for MDA members.

If you are using a different platform to manage your in-office plan, stop wasting money. One MDA member is saving $5,700/year by switching to the QDP. To learn more, call MDA representative Janelle Jones at 855-796-9796 or email at Enroll@.

Dailey Solutions Saves on Supplies, and Much More!

Dailey Solutions is the MDA’s new endorsed vendor for 70,000-plus office supplies, including private-label toner and inkjet cartridges, and cleaning and breakroom needs. Free shipping on orders of $50 or more! Visit to set up an account and start savings now.

D-MMEX Easyrefine: A Precious Metal Refiner with Integrity

Refine your valuable scrap precious metals using the MDA-endorsed D-MMEX Easyrefine. Along with your check, you’ll receive a scientific report listing the weights and values of all the metals you submitted via the free, insured FedEx shipping kit. The company is endorsed by 10 other dental associations. Its reputation is excellent and it is known for high-value compensation.

“I was more than pleased with the results and the analysis,” said Dr. Joseph Grimley of Shelby Township after receiving his check by certified mail. “The check was worth more than I was expecting, so that is like Christmas morning. The company more than met my expectations.”

Precious metal rates continue to run at all-time highs. You can send in jewelry, crowns, bridgework, silver alloy powder, and more! To request a shipping kit, call 800-741-3174 or email choogasian@.

NOTE TO EDITORS: LOGOS FOR MDA INSURANCE, MDA SERVICES, AND MDA-ENDORSED VENDORS ARE AVAILABLE. CONTACT REVA DARLING AT rdarling@

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