Dentist amalgam exposure increases systemic mercury levels

Occupational exposure to dental amalgam poses a potential risk of increasing systemic mercury levels, according to a new study in Photomedicine and Laser Surgery (October 7, 2010). Researchers from the University of Southern Santa Catarina in Brazil wanted to evaluate the systemic mercury levels in the urine of patients and dental school students caused by exposure to silver amalgam. “It is currently believed that occupational exposure shows the highest rate

Regular dental visits can decrease piercing infections

Patients with tongue and lip piercings should be encouraged to visit the dentist regularly to protect against the risk of infections and other issues related to the piercings, according to a study in Quintessence International (October 2010, Vol. 41:9, pp. 731-737). “Owing to the overwhelming popularity of oral piercing, general practitioners should be prepared to address complications arising as a result of oral piercing and to provide patients with accurate

Vive Vita toothbrush labels ease confusion

Vive Vita has introduced Toothbands, toothbrush-identifying labels to help avoid the spread of germs by clearly displaying which toothbrush belongs to which child, according to the company. The labels are reusable, writable, rewritable, and dishwasher- and microwave-safe. Food-grade silicone is used to create the bands, which have different colors and characters and will stretch to fit most toothbrush styles and shapes. They are free of BPA, lead, and phthalates, and

Online tools aid in getting patients in pain to dentist

Online education is effective in encouraging people with dental pain to visit the dentist, according to a study conducted by Aetna Dental in partnership with the Columbia University College of Dental Medicine. To recruit participants for the study, Columbia University researchers invited subscribers of the Aetna Member Essentials online newsletter to its secure dental pain and sensitivity website. More than 450 people who were experiencing tooth pain or sensitivity took

Birner opens new implant center in Denver

Birner Dental Management has opened a new Vantage Dental Implant Center in Denver, the company announced. The center will provide custom-designed dental implants with a team of oral surgeons, prosthodontists, and specialists. Additionally, the center has an onsite, full-scope laboratory that allows Vantage to provide customized care to each patient. To replace teeth, Birner employs the Nobel Biocare Immediate Function system with its patients, often completing the procedure in a

HHS invests $727M in community health centers

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded $727 million to 143 community health centers across the country to address construction and renovation needs and expand access to quality healthcare. Among the recipients was the Northeast Missouri Health Council, which received $3.8 million to increase dental and primary services. The council is exploring the option of partnering with A.T. Still University, which last month announced it is

AAOMS study supports third-molar removal

Substantial evidence strengthens the link between third-molar removal and overall patient health, according to a consortium of international experts who will present their findings at the Third Molar Multidisciplinary Conference, held October 19 in Washington, DC. A meta-analysis of recent research compares the long-term health of patients who have asymptomatic wisdom teeth removed with those who retain the teeth, according to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS).

Grant to help NYU researchers ID more oral microbes

Scientists seeking to predict a person’s risk for developing dental caries by identifying the presence of harmful oral bacteria have to date identified only about 800 of the thousands of microbes residing in the human oral cavity. But now a multimillion grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to the J. Craig Venter Institute, in collaboration with the New York University (NYU) College of Dentistry, is underwriting a four-year

New diabetes research to focus on saliva

In the face of a dramatic worldwide increase in adolescent obesity and type 2 diabetes, The Forsyth Institute announced a research alliance with the Dasman Diabetes Institute of Kuwait to initiate studies that could lay a scientific basis for prevention. This collaboration, called the Kuwait Healthy Life Study, will examine conditions in children that predispose them to obesity and type 2 diabetes. In this five-year research alliance, Forsyth will work

Charity aims to provide braces for needy kids

Two Michigan women have started a charity aimed at helping local needy children obtain braces, according to an article in the Saginaw News. Braces for God’s Faces was started by Laura Putnam and Mary Lenhart to benefit Saginaw County children whose parents are unable to afford orthodontics. They hope to partner with the Michigan Dental Association and local orthodontists and dentists. Bobby J. Jones, D.D.S., of Essexville, MI, has been

United Way in Fla. awarded $20K grant from OHA

The University of Florida College of Dentistry, in conjunction with the Oral Health America (OHA) Smiles Across America (SAA) program, has awarded a $20,000 grant to the United Way of North Central Florida, the organizations announced. The partnership will provide school-based and school-linked dental services to four Alachua County, FL, schools and the Head Start program. The SAA award is made possible through a grant from the Patterson Foundation to

1-800-DENTIST offers list of healthy kids’ drinks

1-800-DENTIST has announced a new tool in the fight against cavity-causing soft drinks. The company is providing parents with a list of beverages to replace sugary drinks. The list includes options such as water, fruit juice fizzers (a splash of 100% fruit juice mixed with 12 ounces of seltzer or sparkling water), sporty half and half drinks (a 50/50 mix of sport drink and water), tea, and milk. “Helping improve