Autumn 2026

Welcome to your Autumn WDDS e-Newsletter

As we head into the fall, there is a lot to look forward to within the Washtenaw District Dental Society. This issue highlights a full schedule of upcoming continuing education and new dentist events, along with several opportunities to become more involved in organized dentistry and our local community.

You’ll also find updates on the Sponsor-a-Dentist program, ways to give back through Donated Dental Services and Hope Clinic, and recent advocacy efforts from the Michigan Dental Association. We hope you enjoy this edition and encourage you to take advantage of the many opportunities to learn, connect, and get involved with WDDS this year.

Dr. Joshua Deuel

WDDS Editor

2026-27 Continuing Education

Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2026 - Dr. Maynor and Dr. Kane present These Are a Few of My Favorite Things: Pearls for Implant Placement, Temporization, and Final Restoration

Weber's Inn, 6-8:30 p.m.
Register here

Monday, Nov. 9, 2026 - Dr. Tomaka presents Medical Emergencies in the Dental Office: Preparation and Management

Weber's Inn, 6-8:30 p.m.
Register here

Monday, Jan. 11, 2027 - Susan Brimacombe returns to share Ergonomics in Dentistry Part 2

Weber's Inn, 6-8:30 p.m.
Registration details coming soon

Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2026 - Protecting Your Practice: A Dentist’s Guide to Digital and Regulatory Risk (Webinar)

7 p.m.
Registration details coming soon

Monday, March 8, 2027 - Mental Health and Burnout Prevention for Dental Professionals with Dr. Juliette Daniels

Weber's Inn, 6-8:30 p.m.
Registration details coming soon

New Dentist Meetings and Events

WDDS also has several upcoming events planned specifically for new dentists, including free dinners, drinks, and 1 CE. The next meeting is scheduled for Oct. 28, with the location and topic to be announced. On Dec. 3, new dentists can learn about Maximizing Tax Efficiency with the Right Retirement Plan, followed by a free member social event on Feb. 4. Watch your email for additional details and registration information.

Tripartite Updates

There are several noteworthy developments taking place across the tripartite. Both the Michigan Dental Association and the American Dental Association are reviewing their governance structures, with a focus on reducing redundancy and increasing collaboration and support among the local, state, and national levels. More information will be shared as those reviews progress.

The ADA House of Delegates will meet in October in Indianapolis, with Michigan’s delegation — including WDDS members Dr. Steve Gray and Dr. Riley Schaff — participating in discussions on resolutions, policy, and the election of new ADA officials. WDDS will receive a report following the meeting. Meanwhile, the MDA is continuing its search for a new executive director. A search committee has been formed, and proposals have been requested from local and national search firms.

Delegates Needed for 2027 MDA House of Delegates

WDDS is seeking members interested in serving as delegates or alternates to the MDA House of Delegates. WDDS is allocated eight delegate positions, with five currently up for reelection, and is also seeking two to three alternates. Delegates help represent WDDS at the state level, participate in the MDA’s decision-making process, stay informed on issues affecting dentistry and bring information and feedback back to local members. The 2027 House of Delegates will be held May 22–23 in Grand Rapids. Interested members can contact Amanda Bohle at wdds.director@gmail.com for more information.

Sponsor-a-Dentist Program

WDDS has launched a new Sponsor-a-Dentist program designed to introduce non-member dentists to WDDS meetings and strengthen organized dentistry through connection, mentorship, and community engagement. Members and practices can contribute to the fund at any level, with $50 donations encouraged as an approximate cost to sponsor one dentist’s attendance at a meeting. The fund will remain open throughout the year, and sponsors will receive verbal recognition and have their name or logo featured during WDDS meetings.

Donations can be made through the WDDS Payment Portal or by mailing a check payable to WDDS to P.O. Box 2584, Ann Arbor, MI 48106.

Give Back Through Volunteer Dentistry

WDDS members have several opportunities to provide dental care to patients in need. The Michigan Donated Dental program connects volunteer dentists with elderly, permanently disabled, and medically fragile patients who may otherwise be unable to access necessary care. Locally, Hope Clinic in Ypsilanti provides free dental care to people without dental insurance or the ability to pay and relies on volunteer providers. Members interested in volunteering can learn more through WDDS, Hope Clinic or Michigan Donated Dental Services.

Fee-Free Insurance Payments Are Now Law

Following more than two years of advocacy by the Michigan Dental Association, Michigan dentists are now guaranteed at least one insurance payment option that provides 100% of their reimbursement without processing fees. The new law addresses administrative and financial burdens associated with insurance payments and is part of MDA’s broader advocacy work on insurance reform, workforce development and regulatory modernization.

MDA In-Person CE Opportunities

Rx for the Real World and Gum Game Plan

Nov. 20 | 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. | MDA Headquarters, Okemos

Join nationally recognized dental hygiene educator Amber Auger, MPH, RDH, for a full day of practical, evidence-based education designed for dentists, hygienists and assistants. The morning session, Rx for the Real World™, explores innovative homecare products and strategies for improving patient compliance and outcomes. In the afternoon, Gum Game Plan™ uses real-world cases to help dental professionals develop personalized approaches to periodontal and soft tissue care.

Participants will earn 6 CE credits while gaining practical tools for product selection, patient conversations, and customized treatment planning. Register now through the MDA member portal.

Recreating Nature Using Composite Resin (Hands-On)

Dec. 5 | 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. | MDA Headquarters, Okemos

Spend a day with restorative dentist Dr. Mario Romero exploring techniques for creating natural-looking composite restorations. This hands-on course will cover color gradients and shade selection, natural line angles and texture, as well as advanced techniques for managing large Class II restorations, including cusp build-up, deep margin elevation, and matrix systems.

Designed for dentists only, the course offers 6 CE credits and practical techniques you can put to work in your practice. Register now through the MDA member portal.

Washtenaw District Dental Society

Amanda Bohle, Executive Director

PO Box 2584

Ann Arbor, MI 48106

734-249-8189

wdds.director@gmail.com

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