Michigan Dental Association

10/15/2026

Is it stress, hormones, life — or some combination of all three?

Women’s health changes throughout life, but it’s not always easy to know what’s normal or when something deserves more attention.

Join Kirsten Phillips, MD, for a practical conversation about how hormones can affect energy, mood, sleep, concentration, stress tolerance, weight and overall well-being — from the family-building years through perimenopause, menopause and beyond.

Monday, October 19, 2026
7–8:30 p.m. | Virtual
1.5 CE credits

Register here: https://www.michigandental.org/practice-resources/programs-services/mda-women-in-dentistry

10/14/2026

For Dr. Emily Varsanik, attending the MDA Winter Scientific Session has become an annual tradition. In this video, she shares why she makes the trip to Crystal Mountain each year — from earning CE credits and connecting with colleagues to enjoying the outdoors and making the most of a winter weekend.

The 2027 MDA Winter Scientific Session will be held Jan. 8-10 at Crystal Mountain. Bring the family and staff, spend a few hours each day learning with your colleagues, and then hit the slopes. With a variety of ski packages and accommodations available, it’s easy to see why this event is a favorite year after year.

Register here: https://memberportal.michigandental.org/events/2027-winter-scientific-session

10/13/2026

📰 The October MDA Journal is here!

From practical clinical insights to leadership lessons and the people making a difference in dentistry, this issue has plenty to explore.

🦷 5 Clinical Questions. Better Clinical Decisions. When should you restore a carious lesion versus monitor it? What helps restorations last? Dr. Melissa Seibert tackles five clinical challenges and previews her sessions at the 2027 Sun, Sand & CE Cruise.

🚀 LEAD: Find Your Place in the Room. How can dentists build the confidence to help shape their profession? Dr. Lauryne Vanderhoof shares how MDA’s LEAD program helped her find mentors, build lasting connections and step into leadership.

🤝 A Lifetime of Saying Yes to Service. What does a career devoted to serving others look like? Read a story celebrating the impact of saying yes to opportunities to give back.

✨ Mastery Creates Presence. Clinical expertise isn't just about perfecting a procedure. Dr. Anish Gupta explores how mastering the technical side of dentistry frees dentists to focus on what matters just as much: understanding patients, easing anxiety and improving their experience.

📖 Explore these stories and the entire October issue:
https://www.michigandental.org/mda-journal/current-journal-issue/

10/12/2026

Great dentistry goes beyond the dental chair.

MDA member Golnick Pediatric Dentistry is helping support Michigan families through its involvement in the Autism Hero Walk, showing how dental practices can make a difference in the communities they serve.

Read more about Golnick’s commitment to supporting families and the autism community in Hour Detroit!

Showing Up for Families Across Metro Detroit

10/12/2026

Today, on Indigenous Peoples' Day, we're proud to recognize Dr. Jessica Rickert, a trailblazer in dentistry and a longtime leader in Michigan's dental community.

A member of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation, Dr. Rickert made history in 1975 when she became the first female Native American dentist in the United States.

Throughout her career, she has championed access to dental care, helped establish an intertribal dental clinic in Detroit and served in leadership roles with the Michigan Dental Association.

In 2025, the MDA recognized her remarkable contributions with its Public Relations Award.

Thank you, Dr. Rickert, for breaking barriers, opening doors and helping shape the future of dentistry.

10/08/2026

Finding your place in dentistry is about more than where you practice.

For Dr. Rachel Sinacola, being part of the MDA means connecting with other dentists, getting involved and being part of a professional community that extends well beyond the walls of her practice.

Wherever you are in your career, there’s a place for you here.

Find your place with the MDA.

http://michigandental.org/You-Belong-Here

10/07/2026

☀️🏝️ Trade the winter blues for sunshine, learning and the Caribbean!

The MDA and Wisconsin Dental Association are teaming up for a seven-day cruise aboard Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas, Jan. 16–23, 2027. Enjoy stops in St. Maarten, Puerto Rico and the Bahamas, plus up to 9 CE credits with Dr. Melissa Seibert covering caries management, operative dentistry and implants.

Bring your dental team — and your family!

Learn more and book your spot: michigandental.org/events/2027-sun-sand-and-ce-cruise/

10/06/2026

From CE strategy to major events, Andrea Sundermann helps make sure MDA members have opportunities to learn, connect and keep moving their careers forward.

As MDA’s continuing education leader, Andrea oversees CE operations, association events and relationships that support learning and licensure.

And a fun fact? She once beat her entire fifth-grade class — boys included — in the 100-yard dash. 🏃‍♀️

Looking for your next CE opportunity? Visit https://www.michigandental.org/ce-courses/

10/02/2026

The MDA Member Survey is now available, and we want to hear from you.

What are we doing well? Where can we do better? Your feedback helps us understand what matters most to Michigan dentists and how we can continue improving your MDA experience.

We kept it intentionally brief, so take a couple minutes and let us know what you think.

Your voice helps shape what comes next.
👉 Log in to Member Compass to take the survey.