IFDH installs new officers at Glasgow meeting

Maria Perno Goldie, R.D.H., B.A., M.S., was installed as the 2010-2013 president of the International Federation of Dental Hygienists (IFDH) July 3 in Glasgow, Scotland, during the closing ceremony of the International Symposium on Dental Hygiene (ISDH). Goldie has served in numerous positions within the IFDH and the American Dental Hygienists’ Association, including president-elect of the IFDH. She is a member of the National Speakers Association, the National Advisory Committee

J. Morita discontinues Rotary Master

J. Morita USA has discontinued the Rotary Master, an electric low-speed handpiece. The decision was made as a result of the company’s desire to focus resources on equipment developed by its parent company, J. Morita Manufacturing, according to a press release. The change takes effect immediately, as inventory supplies have been depleted. “We carefully assessed the impact of Rotary Master sales in North America and concluded this is a positive

Researchers pinpoint oral cancer biomarker

Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine researchers have discovered a biomarker, human beta defensin-3 (hBD-3), that may serve as an early warning sign for oral cancer (PLoS One, June 8, 2010). The hBD-3 biomarker is one of many innate immune peptides found in the epithelial lining of the mouth. In a normal, healthy oral cavity, hBD-1, -2, and -3 ward off the hundreds of bacteria that constantly challenge

IADR study questions tooth preparation

The inventors of the Hall technique — a controversial approach in which a preformed metal crown is cemented to an unprepared primary molar — have released evidence suggesting it is more effective than conventional restorations. “Sealing in caries using the [Hall technique] statistically, and clinically, significantly outperformed” conventional restorations, concluded the authors, who will present the study this week at the International Association for Dental Research (IADR) annual meeting in

IMEP, MSC partner on online sedation course

The Institute of Medical Emergency Preparedness (IMEP) is partnering with Medical Simulation Corporation (MSC) to provide the MSC Moderate Sedation Course and IMEP Sedation Emergency Algorithms online. The Moderate Sedation Plus Airway Emergency and Sedation Algorithms Course is designed to help better prepare healthcare providers caring for patients undergoing procedures in which moderate sedation will be used, the companies said. IMEP and MSC will offer this course as an online

OHA has donated more than $200K to 2 dental schools

Oral Health America (OHA) was recently recognized by the West Virginia University (WVU) Foundation and New York University (NYU) College of Dentistry for its donations for the Smiles Across America programs established through each university. The Woodburn Circle Society at the WVU Foundation recognized OHA for donating $115,000 since 2006 to the Smiles Across America West Virginia program, which now includes 28 partners throughout the state, according to the OHA.

Komet offers metal crown remover

Komet USA has introduced the H34 tungsten carbide crown remover designed to cut and remove metal crowns. The device cuts metal easily because of its aggressive cross-cut toothing, according to the company. Large chip spaces allow quick chip removal and prevent clogging. Maximum efficiency is achieved when the H34 is applied to the crown surface at a 45° angle, which provides increased stability and high resistance to breakage, ensuring a

Hayes launches cleaning wipes for handpieces

Hayes Handpiece is now offering Tidy Whities, the first cleaning wipes specifically designed for handpieces and hand instruments. The wipes are designed for initially wiping down the exterior of handpieces or instruments to remove debris. The wipes are pH-neutral, noncorrosive, and nontoxic, and will not damage, spot, or pit instruments or handpieces, according to the company. Tidy Whities come in a plastic pop-top canister and are completely disposable, Hayes said.

New ADHA president takes office

Caryn Loftis-Solie, R.D.H., was inaugurated as the 2010-2011 president of the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) last month at the association’s annual meeting in Las Vegas. Solie has served in numerous positions within ADHA, including vice president, delegate, district XII trustee, and member of the Councils on Education, Public Health, and Policy and Bylaws. Most recently, she served as president-elect. She has served as president for the Nevada Dental Hygienists’

Fired tech says she warned VA about unclean equipment

A technician who previously worked at the John Cochran St. Louis Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center told the U.S. House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs that she had warned officials about unsanitary dental equipment at the hospital but her concerns were ignored and she ultimately lost her job, according to an Associated Press story. Earlene Johnson spoke at a special hearing in St. Louis on July 13. The hearing was convened

W.Va. woman sues over bad bridge prep

A West Virginia woman is suing a Charleston dentist claiming the impressions he took in preparation for a bridge caused serious complications and considerable follow-up dental work, according to a story in the West Virginia Record. Linda Johnson was seen by Ernest Pennington, D.D.S., in January 2008, according to a complaint filed June 25 in Kanawha County Circuit Court. She claims the material he used to make the impressions caused

3M sponsors infection-control contest

To highlight innovative infection prevention practices across the U.S. and to showcase original ways of improving patient care, the 3M Infection Prevention Division is sponsoring the 3M Innovation Award YouTube Video Contest. This multiphase contest is designed to recognize the efforts of individuals and teams in U.S. healthcare facilities who work to reduce the risk of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), the company said. Infection prevention professionals are invited to upload a