Hospitalization can be hazardous to oral health

Research published in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology provides new evidence that oral health is being overlooked in hospitals, with potential serious consequences (July 2011, Vol. 38:7, pp. 628-636). After conducting a systematic review of five online databases — Cochrane Library, Medline, OldMedline, Embase, and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) — a team of U.K. researchers reviewed data from five studies between 1998 and 2009 in

Henry Schein offers micromotor handpiece

Henry Schein has introduced the Maxima XL torque brushless micromotor handpiece system, with torque speeds ranging from 1,000 to 50,000 revolutions per minute (RPM). The Maxima XL system includes a control unit, micromotor with cord, foot pedal, and handpiece stand. The microcomputer provides precise control with an autospeed function, while the ergonomic handpiece ensures precision and minimal vibration, the company noted.

Dentsply GAC, Pride Institute form orthodontic partnership

Dentsply GAC International and Pride Institute have formalized a strategic partnership to provide a suite of practice management solutions tailored to the orthodontic market. The programs are designed around practice management solutions created by Pride Institute exclusively for Dentsply GAC customers. These tools are customized to meet the unique needs of the orthodontist as a business owner and leader, the companies noted. “Practice management isn’t always a priority, but it’s

Dentsply acquires Astra Tech for $1.8B

Dentsply International is positioning itself to become a major player in the dental implant market with the acquisition of Astra Tech from AstraZeneca. The company announced today that it will pay $1.8 billion for Astra Tech, giving Dentsply about a 20% share of the $3 billion worldwide dental implant market. After AstraZeneca announced last year that it was interested in selling Astra Tech to focus on its core pharmaceutical business,

OSHA fines dental cabinet company $49K

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited Integrated Laminate Systems for 14 workplace safety and health violations, including exposing employees to methylene chloride. Proposed penalties total $49,000. Integrated Laminate Systems manufactures storage cabinets for dental offices and has 42 employees at its Cinnaminson, NJ, facility. OSHA initiated an inspection of the facility on February 8 as part of its Site-Specific Targeting Program, which focuses on industries with high

Dentsply to buy Astra Tech for $1.8B?

Dentsply International is reportedly on the verge of paying $1.8 billion to acquire Astra Tech, the dental implant arm of AstraZeneca, according to a story in the Financial Times and other news reports. The deal has attracted a plethora of bidders in recent months, including Straumann, Nobel Biocare, Zimmer, Biomet, Danaher, and several private equity firms. Earlier this month Straumann and Nobel Biocare both bowed out, and now Dentsply appears

Red laser light enhances teeth whitening

When used to activate bleaching gel, low-level laser energy increases the effectiveness of teeth whitening, according to a study in the Journal of Esthetic and Restorative Dentistry (June 15, 2011). Researchers from São Paulo State University wanted to assess the effectiveness of a low-intensity red laser for activating a bleaching gel, as well as its effect on the temperature of the bleaching gel and the dental pulp. They immersed 40

MIS Implants debuts oral wound relief barrier

MIS Implants Technologies has introduced PerioPatch, a topical patch created to absorb wound exudates and the first product in its new PeriZone oral care products brand. PerioPatch is designed for patients with inflamed or irritated gums, wounds, injuries, and ulcerations, whether they are naturally occurring or as the result of braces, dentures, or dental procedures. The patch forms a protective seal over the affected gingiva and oral mucosa, providing relief

Rise in oropharyngeal cancer among men linked to HPV

A rapid rise in the rate of oropharyngeal cancer among men is being linked to human papillomavirus (HPV), and the number of cases in the U.S. could increase by almost 30% by 2020, surpassing the number of cervical cancers in women, according to research presented June 3 at the American Society of Clinical Oncology annual meeting in Chicago. There were approximately 6,700 cases of HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancers in the U.S.

FDA unveils final cigarette warning labels

Beginning September 2012, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will require larger, more prominent cigarette health warnings on all cigarette packaging and advertisements in the U.S. The FDA has unveiled the nine graphic health warnings required to appear on every pack of cigarettes sold in the U.S. and in every cigarette advertisement. These warnings mark the first change in cigarette warnings in more than 25 years and are a

African-Americans with thyroid cancer fare worse

African-Americans have fewer incidences of thyroid cancer but have a more advanced form of the disease once they receive a diagnosis and are more likely to die from it, according to a study in the spring issue of Ethnicity & Disease. “We think that the mortality rate is probably due to an access-to-care issue,” said lead author Christopher Hollenbeak, PhD, in an interview with Health Behavior News Service, part of

Is the U.S. dental hygienist market saturated?

As the overall job market in the U.S. continues to be sluggish, a few recent reports — which considered hiring outlook as a criterion — have ranked dental hygienist among the top 10 professions in the country. But the reality is that in many parts of the country hygienists are having a hard time finding work, according to many in the field. What accounts for the discrepancy? Primarily the U.S.