Researcher lauded for implant nanomaterials

A biomaterials researcher from the University of London is among the winners of the 2010 Innovation in Oral Care Awards, sponsored by the International Association for Dental Research (IADR) and GlaxoSmithKline (GSK). Robert Allaker, B.Sc., Ph.D., of the University of London Institute of Dentistry will receive a $75,000 unrestricted research grant to further his work in developing multifunctional nanobiomaterials for implant-based dental reconstruction products. “It is well recognized that bacterial

Biolase releases new ‘ToothTales’ episode

Biolase Technology released a new episode of its “ToothTales” animated educational program at the recent California Dental Association (CDA) 2010 meeting in Anaheim, CA. The episode, entitled “ToothTales: My First Visit to a Waterlase Dentist,” is an introduction for children and their parents to the world of laser dentistry. “Over the past year, we have been building a base of video evidence on the benefits of the Waterlase,” said CEO

Henry Schein debuts no-lube handpiece

Henry Schein has introduced the Precision-Torque no-lube handpiece, with ceramic bearing technology for quiet, smooth, and extended operation with reduced maintenance, the company said. The compact head runs at 450,000 rpm at 32 psi, with good visibility and accessibility, according to Henry Schein. It is autoclavable and comes with a six-month warranty. “The fast, simple-to-use push-button bur-changing system allows quick, effortless bur changing with no tool to attach or lose,”

RightSmile to debut dental-grade whitening gel line

RightSmile is gearing up to launch its dental-grade teeth whitening gel line, DentiGel. DentiGel will provide dental-grade whitening products designed exclusively for dentists and will allow the dental professional to compete favorably with take-home and other office-based solutions, according to the company. “The DentiGel system is designed to eliminate custom tray molding and gel dosing, as well as difficult storage methods required for today’s products,” said Gene Caiazzo, president of

Are pediatric sedation deaths on the rise?

In the past 15 months, four pediatric patients have died in the U.S. after undergoing sedation prior to dental treatment — a tragic reminder of the need to ensure proper sedation training and emergency preparedness. On May 11, a 6-year-old boy died from cardiac arrest following a dental procedure at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) clinic, according to a story in the Richmond Times-Dispatch. Jacobi Hill, who had undergone sedation prior

Dentsply offers clear aligner service for dentists

Dentsply International has become the latest — and largest — company to dip its toe into the clear aligner service market. At the California Dental Association meeting in Anaheim last week, the company announced the new MTM Clear Aligner Service Center, designed to provide general practitioners and orthodontists with an automated treatment option for correcting minor anterior misalignments. Using Dentsply’s proprietary Hilliard Thermoplier Pliers System in combination with digital imaging

Imaging modality affects ortho diagnosis, planning

Clinician confidence is higher for cone-beam CT than for conventional radiographs in the diagnosis and treatment planning of maxillary impacted canines, according to a study in the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics (May 2010, Vol. 137:5, pp. 590-597). Researchers from the University of California, San Francisco identified 25 consecutive impacted maxillary canines from a pool of patients seeking orthodontic treatment and compared them using two imaging modalities. The

Conn. dental clinic issues infection risk warning

Dental patients at a Connecticut dental clinic could have been exposed to illnesses after potentially unsterilized instruments were used in their mouths, according to a news story in the Hartford Courant. The Generations Family Health Center in Willimantic has notified patients of the risk and prescribed preventive medication and blood tests. Arvind Shaw, executive director of the center, said he was not aware of any patients being exposed to illness.

Ondine posts Q1 loss, helps launch Periowave

Ondine Biopharma, while helping to launch a photodisinfection system for periodontitis, posted a $1.14 million loss for the first quarter (end-March 31). With its business partner, Periowave Dental Technologies (PDT), Ondine has launched a cordless photodisinfection laser and a reformulated photosensitizer, sold under the name Periowave. The company’s first quarter loss was an improvement over the same quarter in 2009, when it lost $1.45 million. It received $120,000 in revenue

Cordless Periowave introduced in Canada

Periowave Dental Technologies introduced the Periowave HHL-1000 cordless, handheld laser and Advanced Formulation treatment kits at the 2010 Ontario Dental Association meeting held May 13-15. Both products represent more than 10 years of research and clinical development at Ondine Biopharma and more than 20 years preclinical research at University College London, England, the companies said in a press release. Periowave is a nonantibiotic photodisinfection system for the dental market developed

H.A. Systems to distribute OraVerse in Israel

Novalar Pharmaceuticals has entered into an agreement with H.A. Systems Dental Imports to distribute OraVerse in Israel and the Palestinian Territories. Under the agreement, H.A. Systems will file the necessary documents for regulatory clearance of OraVerse — Novalar’s proprietary anesthesia-reversal agent — with the Israel Ministry of Health. Upon granting of the clearance, H.A. Systems will have exclusive rights to promote and distribute OraVerse to dentists in the territory through

Komet releases new shape for Komet NE toothing

Komet USA has released a new size of its cutters with NE toothing, designed to work on nonprecious alloys. The H89NE.104.040 instrument joins six other cutters with NE toothing currently available: H79NE.104.040, H138NE.104.023, H139NE.104.023, H129NE.104.023, H251NE.104.060, and H77NE.104.023. Prosthetics made from nonprecious metal alloys require more extensive recontouring than those made from precious alloys. With their unique blade configuration, the cutters with NE toothing minimize the recontouring time required, Komet