{"id":21590,"date":"2025-05-01T15:23:56","date_gmt":"2025-05-01T19:23:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.michigandental.org\/?page_id=21590"},"modified":"2025-11-04T10:14:23","modified_gmt":"2025-11-04T15:14:23","slug":"mda-journal-endorsed-programs-news","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.michigandental.org\/mda-journal\/current-journal-issue\/mda-journal-endorsed-programs-news\/","title":{"rendered":"MDA Journal Endorsed Programs News"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wpb-content-wrapper\"><p>[vc_row full_width=&#8221;stretch_row&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1698696973333{margin-top: -40px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;background-color: #009ba7 !important;}&#8221; el_class=&#8221;white-text&#8221;][vc_column][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h1>MDA Journal Endorsed Programs News<\/h1>\n<p><nav  aria-label=\"breadcrumb\"><ol class=\"breadcrumb\" itemscope itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/BreadcrumbList\"><li class=\"breadcrumb-item active\" aria-current=\"page\" itemprop=\"itemListElement\" itemscope itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/ListItem\"><span itemprop=\"name\">Home<\/span><meta itemprop=\"position\" content=\"1\"><\/li><\/ol><\/nav>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;3\/4&#8243;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1761829484661{margin-bottom: 15px !important;}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2>Ransomware Strikes Michigan Dentists: Why Cyber Insurance Matters Now More Than Ever<\/h2>\n<p>In August, several Michigan dental practices were hit by ransomware attacks, locking providers out of their patient files and disrupting care. Hackers demanded payment to restore access, leaving dentists with a stark reminder: in today\u2019s digital world, cyber threats are no longer hypothetical \u2014 they\u2019re inevitable.<\/p>\n<p>These incidents highlight why cyber liability insurance is essential. MDA Insurance, in partnership with Coalition, offers members Active Insurance \u2014 a comprehensive solution that not only covers the financial impact of ransomware and data breaches but also provides proactive monitoring, 24\/7 claims support, forensic assistance, and breach response services. With average ransomware losses topping nearly $300,000 per incident, having cyber insurance could mean the difference between a swift recovery and devastating financial loss. It\u2019s important to have coverage in place <em>before<\/em> an issue occurs. Obtaining a policy after you\u2019ve experienced a cyber incident can be challenging and is not guaranteed.<\/p>\n<p>But insurance alone isn\u2019t enough. Proactive safeguards are critical. That\u2019s where MDA-endorsed IT provider Complete Dental IT plays a vital role. Complete Dental IT\u2019s focus on technology implementation can help stop hackers and viruses before they access your systems by connecting software and systems flawlessly and securely backing up patient records, and can deliver fast support in a technology crisis. Partnering with trusted vendors ensures your practice has the layered defenses needed to reduce risk and recover faster if an attack occurs.<\/p>\n<p>Next steps for Michigan dentists:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Protect your practice with cyber insurance. Contact MDA Insurance Account Executive <a href=\"mailto:madler@mdaifg.com\">Melanie Adler<\/a> at 800-860-2272, ext. 464, email , or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mdaprograms.com\/mda-insurance-programs\/cybersecurity\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">click here<\/a> for more information.<\/li>\n<li>Ensure that your technology is implemented properly with Complete Dental IT. Learn more at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.completedentalit.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">completedentalit.com<\/a> or call 866-498-0173.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Cyber threats are not going away \u2014 but with the right insurance and IT partners, you can face them with confidence.<\/p>\n<h2>Financing that Understands Dentistry<\/h2>\n<p>When you need financing for your dental practice, you want to work with someone who understands your industry. MDA-endorsed Bank of America Practice Solutions has helped dentists across the nation reach their goals through smart financial solutions<sup>1<\/sup> and expert guidance. Whether you own a practice or are just getting started, they can provide customized financial help for your short-term needs and long-term aspirations. Visit <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bankofamerica.com\/practicesolutions\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">bankofamerica.com\/practicesolutions<\/a>, or call 800-497-6076.<\/p>\n<h5><sup>1<\/sup>All programs are subject to credit approval and loan amounts are subject to credit worthiness. Some restrictions may apply. Bank of America is a registered trademark of Bank of America Corporation. Bank of America Practice Solutions is a division of Bank of America, N.A. \u00a92019 Bank of America Corporation | MAP#6455169<\/h5>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/4&#8243;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;21589&#8243; img_size=&#8221;full&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; onclick=&#8221;custom_link&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1745240967582{margin-bottom: 15px !important;}&#8221; title=&#8221;\u2014 advertisement \u2014&#8221; link=&#8221;https:\/\/www.michigandental.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Nemeth-and-Katranji.png&#8221;][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1761829599593{margin-bottom: 15px !important;}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2>Confused About Medicare? MDA Insurance Can Help You Every Step of the Way<\/h2>\n<p>Navigating Medicare can feel overwhelming, but MDA Insurance is here to make the process clear and manageable. Through our Medicare Advisory Service, members, their spouses, and employees gain access to personalized guidance that helps them avoid costly mistakes and choose coverage with confidence.<\/p>\n<p>One of the most valuable resources available is scheduling a one-on-one appointment with Steve Fulger, MDA\u2019s trusted Medicare account executive. These sessions are available by phone, Zoom, or in person, giving you flexibility and peace of mind.<\/p>\n<p>In addition, MDA Insurance offers free Medicare Educational Seminars designed to simplify the complexities of Medicare and help you plan ahead. Upcoming webinar dates for 2026 include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Friday, Jan. 23, 1\u20133 p.m. (Zoom)<\/li>\n<li>Friday, March 6, 9:30\u201311:30 a.m. (Zoom)<\/li>\n<li>Thursday, April 30, 2:30\u20134:30 p.m. (LIVE at Annual Session)<\/li>\n<li>Friday, June 26, 1\u20133 p.m. (Zoom)<\/li>\n<li>Friday, Aug. 14, 9:30\u201311:30 a.m. (Zoom)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Don\u2019t face Medicare alone. Contact <a href=\"mailto:ben@mdaifg.com\">Ben Szilagyi<\/a> to register for a free webinar or set up your personal appointment with Steve. Call 877-906-9924, ext. 463.<\/p>\n<h2>Why Dentists Need a Financial Adviser Under the New Tax Law<\/h2>\n<p>The recently signed \u201cOne Big Beautiful Bill\u201d carries sweeping changes that will significantly impact dentists\u2019 finances. While some provisions create opportunities \u2014 like permanent 2017 tax cuts, the Qualified Business Income Deduction, and restored 100% bonus depreciation \u2014 others bring complexity that can be difficult to navigate alone.<\/p>\n<p>For example, the new $40,000 SALT deduction cap may benefit many practices, but high earners face phased-out relief. Retired dentists gain a temporary $6,000 \u201cSenior Bonus Deduction,\u201d yet income thresholds limit its usefulness. Estate tax exemptions will climb to $15 million in 2026, creating both planning opportunities and pitfalls.<\/p>\n<p>Perhaps most critical, student loan changes will reshape dental education financing. Beginning in 2026, loans are capped at $50,000 annually ($200,000 lifetime). The new Repayment Assistance Plan forgives debt after 30 years and waives unpaid interest but replaces the SAVE program.<\/p>\n<p>Because of these shifting rules, dentists risk missing deductions, mismanaging loan strategies, or overlooking estate planning benefits. A knowledgeable financial adviser can help align practice investments, retirement planning, and student loan management with the new law \u2014 ensuring dentists maximize opportunities while avoiding costly mistakes.<\/p>\n<p>The MDA endorses DBS Investment Advisers, LLC for investment management and financial planning. Contact DBSIA by emailing <a href=\"mailto:ted.schumann@dbsia.net\">ted.schumann@dbsia.net<\/a>, or calling 989-686-6222. DBSIA has a paid endorsement with the MDA. MDA is not a client of DBSIA and has financial incentive to promote its services.<\/p>\n<h5>DBS has a financial arrangement to compensate the MDA for providing marketing services and promoting DBSIA\u2019s services. This arrangement is compensated via quarterly checks and is not based off of client referrals.<\/h5>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;24472&#8243; img_size=&#8221;full&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; onclick=&#8221;custom_link&#8221; img_link_target=&#8221;_blank&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1761829758639{margin-bottom: 15px !important;}&#8221; title=&#8221;\u2014 advertisement \u2014&#8221; link=&#8221;https:\/\/www.www.bankofamerica.com\/practicesolutions&#8221;][vc_empty_space height=&#8221;25px&#8221;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;23476&#8243; img_size=&#8221;full&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; onclick=&#8221;custom_link&#8221; img_link_target=&#8221;_blank&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1761829857789{margin-bottom: 15px !important;}&#8221; title=&#8221;\u2014 advertisement \u2014&#8221; link=&#8221;https:\/\/www.choicetransitions.com\/&#8221;][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner disable_element=&#8221;yes&#8221;][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]Members will benefit from a 15% discount on all services and exclusive access to Compass\u2019s specialized offerings, such as nitrous oxide monitoring badge programs, which help ensure occupational exposure remains within safe limits. Compass also provides routine inspections, equipment servicing, leak detection, system upgrades, and staff training, all designed to support a safe and fully compliant practice environment.<\/p>\n<p>This endorsement reflects the MDA\u2019s commitment to aligning with partners who deliver excellence. With Compass Dental Gas Service, members gain peace of mind knowing their facilities are equipped to meet industry standards while maximizing operational performance. For more details, visit <a href=\"https:\/\/www.compasscryo.com\/mda\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">compasscryo.com\/mda<\/a> or call 888-833-2796.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row disable_element=&#8221;yes&#8221;][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;3\/4&#8243;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1758744314353{margin-bottom: 25px !important;}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2>Should Your Practice Consider Credit Card Surcharging? Read this!<\/h2>\n<p>As a dental professional, you\u2019re always looking for ways to streamline operations and maximize profitability. One option gaining attention is surcharging \u2014 shifting the cost of credit card processing fees to patients. Marketed by some payment providers as \u201ccredit card processing for free,\u201d surcharging might sound appealing, but the reality deserves closer examination.<\/p>\n<p>Before deciding, it\u2019s important to weigh the potential impacts on your practice. While surcharging can reduce operational costs, it may also affect patient satisfaction and trust. Patients who encounter unexpected fees during checkout may feel frustrated, potentially damaging your reputation and long-term relationships. Additionally, businesses must strictly follow the rules and regulations for surcharging. Improperly applying surcharges without a compliant card processor and failing to notify the card brands can result in fines of up to $50,000.<\/p>\n<p>But MDA-endorsed Best Card is here to help make the process easy \u2014 ensuring compliance, assisting with required notifications, and keeping you in good standing with credit card brands. MDA-endorsed Best Card is committed to transparency and helping dental practices make informed financial decisions. If you\u2019re curious about surcharging, Best Card\u2019s experts can walk you through the pros and cons and ensure that you\u2019re set up correctly. They also provide alternatives that protect both your budget and patient relationships.<\/p>\n<p>As a payments provider initially created by a dental association to help members, Best Card has been a trusted partner for dental practices nationwide, offering straightforward, competitive credit card processing solutions with no hidden fees. The average Best Card client saves $6,671 or 28% annually \u2014 without relying on surcharging.<\/p>\n<p>Call Best Card at 877-739-3952 for help determining whether surcharging is the right fit for your practice \u2014 or if there\u2019s a better way to boost your bottom line while keeping your patients smiling. For more information visit <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bestcardteam.com\/mi\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">bestcardteam.com\/mi<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2>It\u2019s Open Enrollment Season for Health and Medicare Plans<\/h2>\n<p>The health care open enrollment season begins this month. Below is the schedule for all open enrollment dates. Be sure to act timely to secure health benefits for Jan. 1, 2026. Contact MDA Insurance at 877-906-9924 to get no-cost help from an MDA Insurance agent.<\/p>\n<p><strong>MDA Health Plan:<\/strong> Oct. 1 \u2013 Nov. 15. MDA Health Plan sponsors can change plan offerings, eligibility and termination rules, and participating employees can elect a different plan and enroll eligible dependents.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Medicare Supplements\/Advantage\/Medigap Plans:<\/strong> Oct. 15 to Dec. 7. Change plans or enroll for the first time if you missed your initial enrollment period.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Individual Health Plans:<\/strong> Nov. 1 through Dec. 15. Enroll in a commercial plan or add an eligible dependent for 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Call 877-906-9924, or go to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mdaprograms.com\/mda-insurance-programs\/health-life-disability\/health-insurance\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">mdaprograms.com\/mda-insurance-programs\/health-life-disability\/health-insurance<\/a> to get started.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/4&#8243;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;24066&#8243; img_size=&#8221;full&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1758744072329{margin-bottom: 25px !important;}&#8221; title=&#8221;\u2014 advertisement \u2014&#8221;][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;3\/4&#8243;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1758744485206{margin-bottom: 15px !important;}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2>Stay Ahead of Regulatory Changes with Seamless Compliance Support<\/h2>\n<p>The regulatory landscape is ever-changing. A Texas court recently vacated portions of the reproductive health care rule that had been published on April 26, 2024. Proposed changes were published to the Security Rule on Dec. 27, 2024. Changes to OSHA\u2019s Hazard Communication Standard are taking effect, with several compliance dates ranging from November 2025 through November 2027.<\/p>\n<p>Do you have a way to seamlessly update your policies, forms and training? Let MDA-endorsed Eagle Associates do the heavy lifting so that you can focus on patient care! Eagle Associates monitors regulatory changes, guidance, interpretations, and enforcement. All materials are updated accordingly, so you don\u2019t have to try to track a moving target. In addition, Eagle Associates provide articles on implementation, webinars, and support to ensure that you can be successful in your compliance efforts. Staff training is also included with the compliance programs for both new hires and annual staff retraining.<\/p>\n<p>Don\u2019t procrastinate working on compliance when you could be taking steps toward implementation. Act today to reduce your risk and gain confidence. Eagle Associates will be your trusted partner, available for consultation on compliance questions. Contact Eagle Associates today by calling 800-777-2337, or email <a href=\"mailto:info@eagleassociates.net\">info@eagleassociates.net<\/a>. Mention that you\u2019re an MDA member to obtain exclusive discounts.<\/p>\n<h2>Is Your Dental Gas System Safe?<\/h2>\n<p>The MDA now endorses Compass Dental Gas Service. Compass provides comprehensive dental gas services. Watch this short video to learn what Compass has to offer. MDA members receive 15% off all services and one free nitrous oxide monitoring badge for any client who engages Compass for any service (includes lab fee and report \u2014 $80 value). Contact Compass Dental Gas Service at 888-833-2796, or go to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.compasscryo.com\/mda\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">compasscryo.com\/mda<\/a> to learn more.[\/vc_column_text][vc_video link=&#8221;https:\/\/vimeo.com\/1090642102?share=copy%23t=0&#8243; css=&#8221;&#8221;][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/4&#8243;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;21758&#8243; img_size=&#8221;full&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; onclick=&#8221;custom_link&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1753902222155{margin-bottom: 15px !important;}&#8221; title=&#8221;\u2014 advertisement \u2014&#8221; link=&#8221;https:\/\/catalog.wccnet.edu\/current\/programs\/cfdac.php&#8221;][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner disable_element=&#8221;yes&#8221;][vc_column_inner][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[vc_row full_width=&#8221;stretch_row&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1698696973333{margin-top: -40px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;background-color: #009ba7 !important;}&#8221; el_class=&#8221;white-text&#8221;][vc_column][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;] MDA Journal Endorsed Programs News [\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;3\/4&#8243;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1761829484661{margin-bottom: 15px !important;}&#8221;] Ransomware Strikes Michigan Dentists: Why Cyber Insurance Matters Now More Than Ever In August, several Michigan dental practices were hit by ransomware attacks, locking providers out of their patient files and disrupting [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":0,"parent":21409,"menu_order":3,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"page-template-full-width.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"","_seopress_titles_title":"","_seopress_titles_desc":"","_seopress_robots_index":"","protect_children":false,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"class_list":["post-21590","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"publishpress_future_action":{"enabled":false,"date":"2025-11-17 13:43:48","action":"change-status","newStatus":"draft","terms":[],"taxonomy":"","extraData":[]},"publishpress_future_workflow_manual_trigger":{"enabledWorkflows":[]},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.michigandental.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/21590","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.michigandental.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.michigandental.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.michigandental.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.michigandental.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=21590"}],"version-history":[{"count":33,"href":"https:\/\/www.michigandental.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/21590\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":24625,"href":"https:\/\/www.michigandental.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/21590\/revisions\/24625"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.michigandental.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/21409"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.michigandental.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=21590"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}