The first of some 900 lawsuits filed against Merck claiming that its osteoporosis drug Fosamax causes osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) is set to go to trial this week in New York, according to a story on Bloomberg.com. The complaint is considered one of three bellwether cases that could pave the way for out-of-court settlements, according to Bloomberg. Merck faced about 900 Fosamax cases as of June 30, including suits
Patients undergoing surgery for neurological conditions such as removal of a brain tumor are at greater risk of developing postoperative pneumonia if periodontal disease is also present, according to a study in BMC Infectious Diseases (June 29, 2009, Vol. 9:104). Almos Klekner, M.D., Ph.D., of the University of Debrecen in Hungary and his colleagues conducted dental examinations on, and collected saliva samples from, 23 elderly patients awaiting brain tumor surgery.
Only 2.8% of dentists have their own in-office lab, according to a new survey by the ADA. Conducted in 2008, the survey was based on questionnaires completed by 1,112 U.S. dentists. Another 6.1% don’t use labs and the rest use independent labs, the survey found. Why would dentists want their own lab? Two-thirds (67.7%) of those who have them said their practices were so big they could make more money
Halitosis is often a cause for embarrassment for some patients, but informing them about their condition is the best way to help alleviate the problem. No one wants to have bad breath, so if patients are aware of their circumstance, they will be more likely to listen to their dentist’s advice and take action. “It’s essential to acknowledge your patient’s feelings and offer solutions to help alleviate the problem.” First,
The American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) was among several stakeholders to testify August 6 at the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Town Hall Forum on oral healthcare, the association announced. The forum — the first to focus specifically on dental services — was organized to explore access to dental care for Medicaid-eligible children and improve the delivery of oral healthcare services to children enrolled in Medicaid. The
Lexi-Comp has released Lexi-Comp Online for Oral Surgery, a customized Internet-based resource designed for oral surgery specialists. The online reference tool provides dental-specific pharmacology information and drug interaction screening required by clinicians performing complex surgical procedures and administering or prescribing medications for sedation, pain management, and infection prevention, the company said. It features Lexi-Drugs, Lexi-Comp’s core drug database enhanced with dental-specific fields of information, and Lexi-Interact, providing in-depth analysis of
Although 2008 was tumultuous year in the dental implant market, many implant companies continued to invest in digital dentistry, entering into a series of partnerships and acquisitions, with the goal of emerging from the economic crisis as innovative market leaders in the burgeoning field, according to a new report from Millennium Research Group (MRG). The recent partnerships and acquisitions involve firms that have an established competency and reputation for quality
A Dallas dentist is offering a $250 rebate to anyone who comes in with old dentures and wants new ones, according to a news story in the Examiner. “The recession has taken a toll on teeth,” said Gary Solomon, D.D.S., in the story. “People are putting off dental care in general and there are a lot of people walking around with dentures that really need to be remade. They’re old
The aloe vera plant has a long history of healing power. Now a team of dental researchers from India have found that aloe vera tooth gel can be as effective as toothpaste for fighting tooth decay. Aloe vera tooth gel is intended to perform the same function as toothpaste: eliminate pathogenic oral microflora. However, the gel’s ability to actually do so has been a point of contention for some dental
A retired Australian dentist has created a sugarless chocolate that fights cavities, according to a news story in the Herald Sun. The candy, dubbed Sweet William, prevents food from getting trapped between teeth and protects teeth from food acids buildup, according to the story. “Every food you eat gets caught between teeth and in the grooves,” said Maurice White, B.D.Sc., the inventor, noting that 95% of food is trapped between
National Dentex reported net income of $2.3 million on sales of $42.8 million for the second quarter of 2009 (end-June 30), compared to net income of $1.9 million on sales of $44.6 million for the same period a year ago. “Despite sales declines of 5.2% in the first quarter of 2009 and 4.1% in the second quarter of 2009, we attained this positive growth in net income primarily through our
The Berger Hospital Financial Counselors of Circleville, OH, has brought a mobile dentistry van to schools in the area, according to an article in the Circleville Herald. The organization paid for the Mobile Dentists and Smiles Program to provide dental examinations and cleanings to local children younger than age 18, the paper said. The program provides services such as cleanings, fluoride, x-rays, education, and free toothbrushes. Funding for the program
