U.K. team details method for evaluating HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer

Defining the minimum requirements for assigning a diagnosis of human papillomavirus (HPV)-related oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is increasingly important for the head-and-neck oncology community, according to a new study in the Journal of Clinical Pathology (February 23, 2011). “While there are calls to undertake HPV testing for oropharyngeal SCCs within the diagnostic setting and for clinical trials, there are currently no internationally accepted standards,” wrote researchers from King’s College

NYU researchers use gingival blood to ID diabetes

The Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI) at New York University (NYU) has awarded an NYU nursing-dental research team a one-year pilot grant to assess the feasibility of using gingival crevicular blood from periodontal patients to gauge hemoglobin A1C as a means of diagnosing diabetes and identifying prediabetes. CTSI is a partnership between New York University’s Langone Medical Center and the New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation funded by

FDA tells denture adhesive makers to address zinc risks

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is asking manufacturers of denture adhesives to take a more proactive role in informing consumers about the risks of zinc poisoning posed by some denture adhesive products. In a letter sent February 23 to all manufacturers of denture adhesives, Steven Silverman, director of the FDA’s Office of Compliance for the Center for Devices and Radiological Health, said the agency has received numerous reports

Study IDs dysphagia risk after head/neck cancer treatment

A team of Danish researchers has developed a predictive model for determining which head and neck cancer patients are at risk of developing dysphagia (swallowing disfunction) following intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT). Hanna Rahbek Mortensen, PhD, and colleagues presented results from a large prospective trial, the DAHANCA 6 & 7 study, at last week’s International Conference on Innovative Approaches in Head and Neck Oncology in Barcelona, Spain. “We followed 1,476 patients with

Evolve Dental cuts bleaching time in half

Evolve Dental Technology showcased its new dual-accelerated, tribarrel Hydremide peroxide technology at the Chicago Dental Society Midwinter Meeting last week. p>The KoR Whitening Deep Bleaching system is the first to utilize a tribarrel design that keeps the whitening gel chemistry separated into three barrels, according to Rod Kurthy, DDS, Evolve founder and chief whitening researcher. “The innovative new tribarrel system has enabled the creation of our new Hydremide peroxide formulation,

Christensen: U.S. implant rates are ‘pathetic’

CHICAGO – Of the nearly 180 million U.S. adults who have lost at least one tooth, only 1% of them have received an implant, according to a panel discussion Friday on restorative dentistry led by Gordon Christensen, DDS, MSD, PhD, at the Chicago Dental Society Midwinter Meeting. During the three-hour discussion, the diverse panel of experts — which included two practicing general dentists, an endodontist, a pharmacologist, a restorative scientist,

Roland expands dental milling line

Roland DGA has expanded its line of dental milling machines with the addition of the DWX-50. The DWX-50 is a five-axis production tool for creating dental prosthetics, including copings, crowns, full bridges, and abutments using zirconia,wax, and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA). The DWX-50 features five-axis simultaneous machining capability and a five-station automatic tool changer with tool length sensor. The milling machine is also equipped with a virtual panel for easy desktop

Mydent introduces disposable jackets

Mydent has launched its latest in healthcare apparel: Defend+plus disposable jackets. These jackets provide 28% better filtration and have higher-quality stitching, cuffs, and collar, according to the company. Made of a breathable three-layer nonwoven SMS fabric, the fluid-resistant jackets meet Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements for bloodborne pathogens; are splash-resistant, latex-free, autoclavable, and washable; and are available in four colors (ceil blue, sky blue, light pink, and purple),

SensAble Dental announces new version of Intellifit TE

SensAble Dental, a division of SensAble Technologies, has released the newest version of its Intellifit TE (touch-enabled) digital restoration system. Here are some of the highlights of the new version: Touch-enabled virtual articulation Prepped veneers Enhanced crown and bridge functionality More fabrication choices Increased printer throughput SensAble is showcasing the new Intellifit software at three dental lab industry events in Chicago coinciding with this week’s Chicago Dental Society Midwinter Meeting.

Water Pik launches kids’ water flosser

Water Pik announced the latest addition to its product line today at the Chicago Dental Society Midwinter Meeting: the Waterpik Water Flosser for Kids, designed to help young patients who struggle with traditional floss and for those who have orthodontics appliances. “Let’s face it, getting kids to floss is a difficult challenge in any dental practice,” said Jay McCullock, vice president of marketing for oral care products at Water Pik,

Air Techniques receives AGD PACE accreditation

Air Techniques has received accreditation from the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) as a Program Approval for Continuing Education (PACE) provider. This authorizes Air Techniques to organize, conduct, and award credits for continuing education courses for dental professionals. While numerous manufacturers entrust their continuing education programs to outside providers, Air Techniques believes that the only way to ensure that the quality of its educational programs is on a par with

Obese patients at higher risk of perio disease

A recent study conducted by researchers from the University of North Carolina found that dentists are interested in helping patients with serious weight issues but are afraid of offending them and appearing judgmental. A large number of dentists would be more willing to have such discussions if obesity were definitively linked to oral disease, the study authors noted. Now researchers from the University of Pittsburgh have found a positive association