Physics Forceps take the trauma out of tooth extractions

Tooth extractions are commonly associated with a fair amount of trauma. But they can become a matter of applying light pressure and waiting for a telltale “pop,” signaling the disengagement of the periodontal ligament, according to the makers of Physics Forceps (GoldenMisch). Unlike conventional oral surgery forceps, Physics Forceps are based on the physics of rotational force, torque, and a lever, much like the basic concept of a (non-twist-off) bottle

Composite shade guide optimizes composite matches

A shade guide made of composite materials is both a faster and more accurate method of determining color than the currently accepted ceramic method when working with composites, according to researchers from Aarhus University of Denmark (Journal of Esthetic and Restorative Dentistry, February 2011, Vol. 23:1, pp. 22-32). They compared the shade tab arrangement of the Vitapan Classical shade guide(Vident) to that of an individual composite shade guide made from

Oropharynx tumors should be tested for HPV

Changes in the 2011 National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Head and Neck Cancers Guidelines will refine and improve the treatment of these cancers, according to a presentation this week at the NCCN annual conference on Clinical Practice Guidelines and Quality Cancer Care in Hollywood, FL. One of the main changes is a recommendation that the workup for cancer of the oropharynx include testing of the tumor for human papillomavirus (HPV)

Judge hears testimony in case against NC dental board

Hearings continue in the U.S. Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) review of whether the North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners is guilty of anticompetitive conspiracy in its efforts to keep nondentists from performing teeth-whitening services. The FTC sued the dental board in June 2010, alleging that the board violated federal law by blocking nondentists from providing these services. In November 2010, the board filed a motion seeking to dismiss the

Medica Foundation awards $1M in grants

A school-based dental program in Minnesota is one of five recipients of a grant from the Medica Foundation. Children’s Dental Service was awarded $100,000 to expand its school-based dental services program into the Moorhead and Fargo regions to include a full range of comprehensive, culturally targeted dental services, both preventive and restorative treatment, including emergency and hospital care. The expanded program will serve an additional 1,500 children and pregnant women

Study to determine if treating periodontitis helps control diabetes

The Stony Brook University School of Dental Medicine (SBU) is leading a multicenter clinical trial to evaluate whether treatment of chronic periodontitis will help improve diabetes control. Sponsored by the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Diabetes and Periodontal Therapy Trial (DPTT) monitors blood sugar levels of those with type 2 diabetes after they undergo periodontal therapy. The trial is the first of its kind in the U.S., according

Postmenopausal women have higher risk of periodontitis

Postmenopausal women need more than two dental checkups a year, according to a comparison study of women on and off bone-strengthening bisphosphonate therapies for osteoporosis conducted by researchers from the Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine and the Cleveland Clinic (Menopause, February 2011, Vol. 18:2, pp. 164-170). Leena Palomo, DDS, MSD, an assistant professor of periodontics from the dental school, and Maria Clarinda Buencamino-Francisco, MD, from the Center

NASCAR puts spotlight on kids’ oral health

The Charlotte Motor Speedway in North Carolina may not seem a likely spot to think about oral health, but younger NASCAR fans at the March 12 SpeedFest will learn how to improve their oral health and score free oral health kits. SpeedFest is an appreciation day for NASCAR fans, and organizers expect about 7,000 area children to enjoy the festivities. The SpeedFest kits include a card with oral health tips,

Ore. dental groups agree on new workforce model

After months of disagreement, the Oregon Oral Health Coalition and the Oregon Dental Association have joined forces to draft legislation that would tackle the state’s access to dental care and lack of workforce issues, according to a news story in the Lund Report. Senate Bill 738 came before the Senate Committee on Health Care, Human Services and Rural Health Policy March 9, according to the story. “The timing of Senate

Ohio VA clinic director promoted in wake of infection scandal

Guy Richardson, director of the Dayton Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center in Ohio during the recent dental clinic infection scandal, has been promoted, according to a story in the Dayton Daily News — a move U.S. Rep. Mike Turner (R-Centerville) called an “outrage.” The clinic is currently being investigated for allegations that, over an 18-year period, a dentist there performed invasive dental procedures on patients, but failed to change latex

Go Smile loses 1st round in GLO Science lawsuit

A federal judge this week denied a motion by Go Smile to stop GLO Science, a competing teeth-whitening firm founded by celebrity dentist Jonathan B. Levine, DMD, from moving forward, according to a report in the New York Times. In a ruling in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, Judge P. Kevin Castel said that Go Smile did not prove it was likely that consumers would

Perio drug reduces risk of osteoporosis, heart disease

A drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating periodontal disease could also significantly reduce the risk of osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease in postmenopausal women, according to a study in the Journal of the American Dental Association (March 2011, Vol. 142:3, pp. 262-273). Subantimicrobial-dose doxycycline (SDD) is the only drug approved by the FDA for treating chronic inflammatory periodontal disease. For the study, researchers from several