Multimodality approach aids oral neoplasia detection

When used together, optical coherence tomography (OCT) and polarimetry offer a power diagnostic tool for the dysplasia that typically precedes squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity, according to a study in the Journal of Biomedical Optics (July 6, 2011). A noninvasive diagnostic modality would enable monitoring of dysplastic lesions at regular intervals and enhance detection at a very early, relatively harmless stage, according to the study authors from Pukyong

Oolong tea polyphenols help prevent dental caries

Oolong tea, a popular traditional Chinese beverage, may help prevent caries in humans by inhibiting dental plaque, according to a presentation last month at the 58th Annual ORCA (European Organization for Caries Research) Congress in Lithuania (originally published online in Caries Research, May 12, 2011). Researchers from the Osaka University Graduate School of Dentistry in Japan previously demonstrated that oolong tea extract, when added to drinking water, reduced plaque accumulation

Young Innovations sees higher Q2 sales, income

Young Innovations reported sales of $27.3 million for the second quarter of 2011 (end-June 30), a 6% increase over sales of $25.8 million for the second quarter of 2010. Net income for the quarter increased 9% to $4 million, up from $3.7 million for the same quarter a year ago. Young Innovations develops, manufactures, and markets supplies and equipment used by the entire dental team, including disposable and metal prophy

New Ill. law promotes dental homes for kids

Illinois Governor Pat Quinn has signed a new law designed to improve access to dental care for low-income children. Effective immediately, SB 1948 requires the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) to work with the dental community to develop and promote “dental homes” for children covered under the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), All Kids, and Medicaid. Under the dental home concept, dentists would collaborate to deliver comprehensive,

Porcelain laminate veneers shine in 7-year study

Porcelain laminate veneers are a predictable and successful treatment approach that also maximizes the preservation of sound tooth structures, according to a new study in Clinical Oral Investigations (July 20, 2011). Researchers from the University G. D’Annunzio School of Dentistry in Italy evaluated the clinical performance of laminate porcelain veneers bonded with a light-cured composite in 30 patients with a total of 119 porcelain laminate veneers. The veneers were studied

Hygienists could play role in nursing home oral care

Dental hygienists should play a more prominent role in providing dental care to residents of elderly care facilities, according to a study in Community Dental and Oral Epidemiology (August 2011, Vol. 39:4, pp. 378-384). A growing number of elderly Australians are now living in residential aged care facilities, according to researchers from the University of Melbourne School of Dental Science. These residents are commonly dependent on others for their daily

Irish dentists address teeth-whitening risks

The Irish Dental Association (IDA) is warning patients of the danger of many teeth-whitening products, saying many of them range from useless to dangerous. The IDA has also expressed its concern about unsupervised teeth whitening. The warning coincides with new plans from the European Commission to regulate the use of hydrogen peroxide, the chemical used in teeth whitening. Under the new regulations, which should take effect next month, only fully

CDA journal explores the future of dentistry

The August issue of the Journal of the California Dental Association explores the relationship between dentists and dental laboratories, offering predictions for the future as technology enhances and transforms the healthcare profession, the California Dental Association (CDA) announced. “Articles in this month’s publication examine key market changes that are currently impacting the day-to-day relationship between dentists and dental laboratories and technicians,” said Editor-in-Chief Kerry Carney, DDS, in a press release.

Early morning smoking ups head/neck cancer risk

Smokers who tend to smoke their first cigarette soon after they wake up in the morning may have a higher risk of developing lung and head and neck cancers than smokers who refrain from lighting up right away, according to two new studies in the journal Cancer (August 8, 2011). Results of the studies, published early online, may help identify smokers who have an especially high risk of developing cancer

European dental implant market to hit $2B by 2015

The European market for dental implants will show significant growth to $2 billion by 2015, and large variations between dental implant markets in various countries will have significant effects on the business strategies of dental implant companies, according to a new report from Millennium Research Group. The fragile economies of Spain and Italy have affected their dental implant markets, Millennium noted. Due to reduced procedure volumes, Spain’s dental implant market

Dos and don’ts for implant success: Restore more implants

Too many dentists restore only a few implants each year. As the baby boomer generation continues to age, implants represent one of the best opportunities for practice growth. Dentists should be doing everything they can to make implants a primary focus of their practice. Perform an annual implant evaluation. Every patient should receive a yearly comprehensive exam that includes a focus on implants. Patients should be educated about the many

Great Expressions acquires Goodman Orthodontics

Great Expressions Dental Centers has acquired the Goodman Orthodontics practice of Sindy Goodman, DDS, and Robert Goodman, DDS, of Novi, MI. The addition of the Goodmans’ practice to the Great Expressions’ Michigan and Ohio orthodontic network, currently with 13 orthodontic centers, provides patients with office choices in the northwest suburbs of Detroit. The Goodmans are diplomats of the American Board of Orthodontics and have been practicing for 12 years.