HPV-associated oropharyngeal cancers on the rise

Oropharyngeal (OP) cancers associated with the human papillomavirus (HPV) are increasing, especially among younger patients, but these patients have a better prognosis than those with HPV-negative cancers, according to research presented at the International Association for Dental Research (IADR) meeting last week in San Diego. The study is significant because it is the first population-based estimates of HPV in OP cancer in the U.S. and includes seven cancer registries (LA,

Calif. children continue to face oral health epidemic

Caries continues to rank as the most widespread public health issue for California children, according to the California Dental Hygienists’ Association (CDHA). The warning comes following a report from the Pew Center on the States, which identified California as being “off track” when it comes to addressing the dental needs of children. “Poor oral care contributes to speech impediments, low self-esteem, and a wide range of health problems involving infections,”

Specific protein linked to head and neck cancers

The discovery that a certain protein is overexpressed in patients with oral cancer may give new treatment hope to people suffering from forms of head and neck cancer, according to the University of Michigan School of Dentistry. Researchers at the school found that when they inhibited the expression of that protein, called SIRT3 or Sirtuin-3, in oral cancer cells in a petri dish, the cells did not proliferate and more

Heraeus offers new bleach shades for denture teeth

Heraeus has added new bleach shades to three of its denture teeth product lines: Premium, Mondial, and Artic. The addition of the new shades will offer dentists and dental technicians greater flexibility for meeting a patient’s individual aesthetic and functional needs, the company said. “The biggest concern for denture wearers is that their dentures may look ‘fake,’ ” said Abdi Sameni, DDS, a Los Angeles, CA, dentist who has been

Septodont acquires OraVerse from Novalar

Septodont has acquired the OraVerse product line from Novalar Pharmaceuticals, the companies announced today. OraVerse is the first local anesthesia reversal agent to gain U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval. Under the terms of the agreement, Septodont will take over all sales, marketing, and regulatory responsibilities for all Septodont North American and unpartnered international markets. Septodont will pay Novalar and its investors an upfront payment in addition to milestones

Canadian firm gets $750K to expand nanomaterials research

Innovative BioCeramix, a Canadian firm developing nanocomposite cements for dental and orthopedic applications, has received nearly $750,000 from the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC-IRAP). “We sincerely thank NRC-IRAP for their great support in the development of next generation bioceramic patented technologies for dental and orthopedic applications,” said Dr. Quanzy Yang, president and CEO of Innovative BioCeramix, in a press release. “We believe that NRC-IRAP provided

Jewelry a health hazard, even under gloves

SAN DIEGO – Wearing jewelry under gloves should be prohibited by all dental practices due to risks of tearing, leakage, and microbial cross-contamination, according to research to be presented today at the International Association for Dental Research (IADR) meeting. While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization only “recommend” that rings be removed under gloves because of the risk of cross-contamination between healthcare workers and

Nanohybrid composite shines in clinical testing

SAN DIEGO – A four-year clinical study of N’Durance, a nanohybrid composite developed by Septodont, has produced “excellent” results so far for anterior restorations when used with OptiBond Solo. Results of the study, which is sponsored by Septodont, were presented Thursday in a poster session at the International Association for Dental Research (IADR) meeting in San Diego. “The idea is that N’Durance has higher strength and polishability,” said Holli Riter,

Henry Schein releases new prophy paste flavors

Henry Schein has expanded its offering of Acclean prophy paste to include new flavors. Flavor selections include mint, bubble gum, cherry, raspberry, cinnamon, tangerine, vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry in fine, medium, coarse, and extra-coarse varieties. Unit-dose cups are packaged in quantities of 200 per box. The boxes are also available in assorted flavor packs, the company said.

Tom’s of Maine honors 5 mobile clinics

Tom’s of Maine has announced the five winning mobile dental clinics in its 2011 Dental Health for All (DHFA) program. Determined by public vote, these 501(c)3 nonprofit clinics will split $100,000 to grow and support mobile programs that offer critical access to dental care in local communities. This year’s DHFA program focused solely on expanding dental clinics in the field so they can bring oral health services to those unable

Smiles Across Minnesota expands

Smiles Across Minnesota expanded its statewide preventive dental program to the Moorhead School District on March 10, the organization announced. The program will help improve the oral health of uninsured and underinsured children. “When Children’s Dental Services and Delta Dental of Minnesota introduced the Smiles Across Minnesota program to us, we realized it fit a strong need of our communities as on average 40% of our children are eligible to

Researchers eye link between oral bacteria, periodontitis, HIV

Researchers from the University of Florida (UF) are using a one-year, $330,000 grant to try and identify the role of various pathogens in the progression of oral disease among people infected with HIV. “The hypothesis is that suppression of the immune system by HIV contributes to changes in the oral biota, which then contributes to oral disease,” said Gary P. Wang, MD, PhD, an assistant professor of infectious diseases in