An overwhelming majority of the residents of Québec, Ontario, brush their teeth at least twice a day, according to a large-scale survey by the Institut de la statistique du Québec (ISQ). The comprehensive statistical portrait of the health of Quebecers also revealed that while the habit of brushing one’s teeth at least twice a day is well established in the Québec population (79%), only one-third of them use dental floss
Sybron Dental Specialties and Implant Direct International have entered into a definitive purchase agreement to combine their implant and abutment businesses into a single operation to be named Implant Direct Sybron. The combined business will be led by Gerald Niznick, president and founder of Implant Direct, the companies announced. The acquisition of a majority interest of Implant Direct is subject to the receipt of regulatory approvals and is expected to
The American Association of Endodontists (AAE) is seeking proposals for clinical research into regenerative endodontic treatment. Up to $2.5 million in funding could be available over six years, according to the organization. Proposals must be submitted to the AAE office by January 1, 2011. The request for proposals (RFP) and proposal guidelines are now available on the AAE website. The goal of the AAE Foundation, Research and Scientific Affairs Committee, and
Students in Norton, MA, schools who have trouble accessing dental services or who have not seen a dentist in more than a year will receive care under a new program, according to a story in the Norton Mirror. The program would permit dental hygienists and assistants to come into the schools twice a year to conduct routine cleanings, screenings, and sealant and fluoride treatments on students who choose to utilize
J. Morita USA has introduced a new LED coupler and expedited maintenance service for its TwinPower Turbine handpieces. The new CP4 LED coupler, which is compatible with any existing Morita type TwinPower Turbine handpiece, offers natural, balanced lighting 50% brighter than a halogen light bulb with a four times wider field of illumination, according to the company. It is available with and without water adjustment and is compatible with a
Merck has come out on top in the latest Fosamax/osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) lawsuit. On November 19, a federal court jury in New York rejected the claims of a Florida woman who blamed her dental and jaw-related problems on her use of the bisphosphonate Fosamax, which is prescribed for osteoporosis. Merck has now won three of the first four bellwether cases in the Fosamax litigation, the company stated in
Rinsing with a low-dose chlorhexidine solution is not necessary for patients undergoing Invisalign treatment, according to a new study in the Journal of Orofacial Orthopedics (November 2010, Vol. 71:6, pp. 430-441). Researchers from the University of Cologne Department of Orthodontics wanted to investigate how halitosis, oral dryness, and general oral health were impacted during treatment with Invisalign. After dividing 31 patients with good periodontal health into two groups, they recorded
An Illinois woman is suing a Madison County dentist for allegedly performing unnecessary dental work and doing it poorly, according to a story in the St. Claire Record. Kathy Kirby filed the lawsuit against Anna Smith, DMD, and her employer, Dentistry With TLC, of Godfrey, IL, on November 10. The lawsuit alleges that Dr. Smith gave Kirby an unnecessary root canal in 2008 and that her condition worsened after the
The DentalEZ Group recently donated a number of its patient chairs and operatory stools to a new Kids Smiles facility set to open in Washington, DC, the company announced. Kids Smiles operates nonprofit dental centers that provide services and outreach programs to underserved children. There are currently two Kids Smiles facilities in Philadelphia. The opening of the new Washington, DC, Kids Smile facility is part of the company’s plan to
The CAO Group is offering free teeth whitening to attendees of the upcoming Greater New York (GNY) Dental Meeting (November 28 through December 1), the company announced. All GNY attendees who visit the CAO booth will receive a free Sheer White teeth whitening film application at the meeting. Each participant will have the opportunity to capture their Sheer White experience with an electronic picture taken at the booth, and a
A new textbook, Periodontal Disease and Overall Health: A Clinician’s Guide, was released during the recent American Academy of Periodontology annual meeting in Honolulu, Colgate-Palmolive announced. The book features 18 chapters of information regarding the relationship between oral and systemic diseases. Robert Genco, DDS, PhD, a professor of oral biology and microbiology at the School of Dental Medicine at the State University of New York at Buffalo, and Ray C.
The North Carolina Head Start-State Collaboration Office and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) announced the launch of the Head Start Dental Home Initiative to improve oral health for North Carolina children. The program links 22,000 children from birth to age 5 in the state’s Head Start and Early Head Start programs to local dentists who will provide them with a “dental home” that offers comprehensive, ongoing oral healt