Do barrier envelopes keep PSP plates safe?

The advent of digital intraoral radiography has created new infection-control challenges for dental offices that previously were not an issue with film-based imaging. Because photostimulable phosphor (PSP) and solid-state sensors cannot be autoclaved, barrier envelopes are used to prevent cross-contamination between uses. But studies have shown that, despite the use of barriers, bacterial contamination of the sensors used in digital radiography continues to occur (Journal of Dental Hygiene, Summer 2005,

Fla. theft ring steals $3M of dental hygiene products

Florida police have arrested a pawn shop owner and two employees who are suspected of being part of an organized theft ring that stole more than $3 million worth of dental hygiene products, according to a story by CBS News. After serving a search warrant, Palm Beach County Sheriff deputies discovered dozens of unopened boxes containing Crest Whitestrips and other products such as Sonicare toothbrushes at Citi Pawn in Boca

Fla. BCBS donates $90K for kids’ dental care

The Blue Cross and Blue Shield (BCBS) of Florida Foundation is donating $90,000 to the Kids in Distress agency and the Nova Southeastern University Kid Dental Clinic, according to a news story in the South Florida Times. The money will help provide 500 uninsured children with access to dental care during a two-year period, according to the story. The clinic which is located on the Kids in Distress campus in

MRSA found among Univ. of Wash. dental students

Nasal swabs from many dental students at the University of Washington (UAW) School of Dentistry showed evidence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and the drug-resistant strain of staph was also found at some of the school’s dental clinics, according to a story on WebMD. The study findings raise new questions about the prevalence of the bacteria outside of hospitals in community healthcare settings. People carrying MRSA bacteria in their nose

J. Morita releases Root ZX mini apex locator

J. Morita has released a compact apex locator, the Root ZX mini, the company announced. The Root ZX mini measures just over 4 x 2⅓ inches. Its compact and lightweight design makes it portable; it can easily be moved to work in any quadrant of the mouth, and it takes up very little counter storage space, according to the company. Like the original model, Root ZX mini utilizes the ratio

Tobacco firms knew of cancer risk but kept quiet

Tobacco companies knew for more than four decades that cigarette smoke contained radioactive alpha particles, and the firms developed “deep and intimate” knowledge of these particles’ cancer-causing potential, according to a new study (Nicotine & Tobacco Research, September 27, 2011). But they deliberately kept their findings from the public, according to researchers from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). The analysis of dozens of previously unexamined internal tobacco industry

Philips’ air flossing device targets noncompliant patients

Flossing has never been a popular activity, and while some patients may floss regularly to preserve that healthy smile, most are just not motivated. At the California Dental Association (CDA) fall session last week in San Francisco, Philips showcased a new flossing device that does away with string and gives dental practitioners a unique option for wooing noncompliant patients. The new Sonicare AirFloss. Image courtesy of Philips. The new Sonicare

VDA House of Delegates passes dental lab safety act

The Virginia Dental Laboratory Safety Act (VDLSA), which requires dental laboratories to register with the Virginia Board of Dentistry, was passed by a nearly unanimous vote in the Virginia Dental Association (VDA) House of Delegates on September 18. The act was pushed by Dag Zapatero, DDS, visiting faculty at the Pankey Institute, in coordination with the Virginia Dental Association Task Force and the National Association of Dental Laboratories. Dr. Zapatero

Study: MuGard effective against oral mucositis

An ongoing research study of Access Pharmaceuticals’ MuGard mucoadhesive oral wound rinse has found that it is effective in prevention, delay, and management of radiotherapy- and chemoradiotherapy- induced oral mucositis. It also reduced the need for pain medicine and gastronomy use, according to the company. Access Pharmaceuticals reported the findings at the 2011 European Multidisciplinary Cancer Congress, September 23-27 in Stockholm, Sweden. The study was conducted by the oncology and

Whip Mix offers limited edition pink articulator

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Whip Mix is offering a limited edition pink Denar Mark 320 articulator. Whip Mix’s pink Denar Mark 320 articulator. Whip Mix’s pink Denar Mark 320 articulator. The articulator will be available beginning October 1, and Whip Mix will be donating a portion of the sales to the American Cancer Society to help fund cancer research. The Pink Denar Mark 320 articulator has all

Kerr publishes portfolio of SonicFill research

Kerr has published a compendium of 13 scientific studies featuring its SonicFill composite system. This collection comes on the heels of the recent global launch of SonicFill, a composite system that enables clinicians to perform posterior restorations with a bulk fill technology using a sonic-activated handpiece, according to the company. Topics in the portfolio include a six-month recall clinical evaluation of restorations using SonicFill and comparisons with traditional composite material

Straumann names new chief of North America operations

Straumann has appointed Andy Molnar as regional head of its North America operations in Andover, MA. The appointment takes effect January 1, 2012. Molnar replaces Martin Dymek, who has overseen Straumann’s North America operations since 2009. Molnar has been with Straumann for almost six years. Prior to joining Straumann, he was the sales and marketing director with the medical equipment company SIDHIL. He also spent 11 years with GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals