Episode 4 - Big Ideas, Big CE: What's Ahead for the 2026 Annual Session

Episode 7 - Dental HR Made Simple: Hiring, Firing, & Retaining Staff

Hiring and keeping great staff isn’t easy. In this episode of MDA Matters, John Tramontana talks with Jodi Schafer of HRM Services about the essentials of dental HR—from hiring and onboarding to managing performance and terminations. Practical, real-world advice for building a stronger team in your practice.

Episode 6 - What Does ADA Membership Really Mean for Dentists Today?

Recorded LIVE at the 2026 MDA Annual Session, this episode of MDA Matters features Dr. Tom Paumier, ADA President-Elect, and Dr. Monica Hebl, ADA Trustee for the Ninth District (MI & WI). They break down the real value of membership—from advocacy to career support—and why it matters at every stage of your journey.

Episode 5 - Are We Preparing Dentists For The Real World? Dental School, Debt & Career Paths

Are we preparing dentists for the real world?Dr. Jacques Eduardo Nör (Dean, University of Michigan School of Dentistry) and Dr. Mert N. Aksu (Dean, University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry) discuss student debt, career decisions, and what life after dental school really looks like.

Episode 4 - Big Ideas, Big CE: What's Ahead for the 2026 Annual Session

What’s in store for the 2026 MDA Annual Session in Grand Rapids — and how is MDA continuing to raise the bar for continuing education? In this episode of the MDA Matters Podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Emily Varsanik, Chair of the Committee on Continuing Education & Events. She shares a behind-the-scenes look at how Annual Session comes together, what makes this year’s CE lineup especially valuable, and how dentists and their teams can make the most of MDA learning opportunities year-round. If you’re planning your CE strategy — or your Grand Rapids trip — this episode is your preview guide.

Episode 3 - Elevating the Member Experience - Meet MDA's New Chief Experience Officer

Meet Annie McIntosh, the MDA’s new Chief Experience Officer, and learn how this newly created role is designed to elevate the member experience. In this episode, we explore her vision for strengthening CE, membership programs, and the overall member journey — and what it means for the future of MDA support and engagement.