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HPV patients at risk for head and neck cancer

A new meta-analysis presented at the recent American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) meeting in Orlando, FL, confirmed the link between human papillomavirus (HPV) and head and neck squamous cell cancer (HNSCC). Led by Farshid Dayyani, M.D., Ph.D., at the M. D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, researchers identified 40 clinical and translational studies between 1980 and 2008 that reported the prevalence of HPV in head and neck squamous cell

Ga. dental student wins research competition

A senior at the Medical College of Georgia (MCG) School of Dentistry, who has found that blue curing light used to harden dental fillings can stunt tumor growth, recently won top honors for his work. Alpesh Patel, an MCG dental student placed first in the American Association for Dental Research/ National Student Research Group’s Dentsply/Caulk Basic Science Research Competition. Seven students nationwide are selected to participate annually in the competition.

Periodontal therapy can relieve arthritis pain

A Case Western Reserve University study may have found a new treatment option for people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis: periodontal therapy. People who suffer from both gum disease and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) reduced their arthritic pain, number of swollen joints, and the degree of morning stiffness with nonsurgical periodontal therapy, according to the study findings (Journal of Periodontology, April 2009, Vol. 80:4, pp. 535-540). .pullQuoteCredit { align:right; text-align:right; font-family:arial, sans-serif;

Sirona donates dental handpieces to kids’ foundation

Sirona Dental Systems has donated 340 dental handpieces to the National Children’s Oral Health Foundation (NCOHF): America’s Toothfairy for distribution to its nonprofit dental facilities, the company announced. Twenty of NCOHF’s affiliates received handpieces to use in the care of economically challenged children in their communities. The affiliates are part of a growing national network of nonprofit dental facilities that receive product donations, funding, and sharing of best practices through

Listerine mouthwash focus of class-action lawsuit

A class-action lawsuit is seeking damages in excess of $5 million from McNeil, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson and manufacturer of Listerine, according to a news story in the Palm Beach Post. The lawsuit claims that the plaintiffs suffered various health issues after using Listerine Agent Cool Blue, a mouthwash that was recalled by McNeil in April 2007, the paper reported. The mouthwash contained four kinds of bacteria, Brian

Obituary: Dental pioneer Nathan Friedman, 97

Nathan Friedman, D.D.S., a pioneering periodontist and professor of dentistry at the University of Southern California (USC), has died at the age of 97, according to an article in the Los Angeles Times. Dr. Friedman is credited with developing a groundbreaking program in the 1960s to help apprehensive patients overcome their fear of dental work. He also founded the school’s department of behavioral dentistry and served as its chairman for

Proper oral hygiene may cut risk of pneumonia in critically ill patients

NEW YORK (Reuters Health), Jun 9 – New research shows that oropharyngeal cleansing with chlorhexidine solution is no better than a control solution of potassium permanganate in preventing nosocomial pneumonia in critically ill patients. However, the regular maintenance of “meticulous” oral hygiene does provide a benefit, the findings suggest. There is clear evidence that oral cleansing with chlorhexidine can help stave off nosocomial pneumonia after heart surgery, Dr. Dilip R.

Den-Mat to distribute new Remedent product in North America

Remedent and Den-Mat Holdings have signed an exclusive North American distribution agreement for Remedent’s new FirstFit technology, the companies announced. FirstFit is a patent-pending system for the creation and placement of dental bridges and crowns. The FirstFit system requires no temporary placements, creates less mouth trauma, and takes fewer office visits to complete, according to Remedent. “This agreement builds upon our partnership, which began with Lumineers, and will significantly expand

SecureDenture offers bleach-free whitening toothpaste

SecureDenture.com is now offering a bleach-free whitening toothpaste, the company announced. “Our market research has indicated that consumers are seeking bleach-free and healthy alternative toothpaste to whiten teeth,” said Eileen Sheets, product manager for SecureDenture.com, in a press release. “To meet consumer needs, SecureDenture.com now offers NaturDent, a bleach-free, papaya-fortified natural whitening toothpaste that nourishes gums and supports overall dental health.” The papaya and pineapple enzymes work synergistically to break

Asia-Pacific patients reluctant to invest in dental implants

Implant market growth rates in Asia-Pacific countries are slowing as financial instability continues to linger and patients remain reluctant to invest in elective procedures, according to a new report by Millennium Research Group (MRG). The high cost of dental implant procedures and unfavorable reimbursement in Australia, Japan, and South Korea will continue to limit market growth in the near term; however, the Asia-Pacific dental implant market will start to recover

No hygienist is an island

When John Donne wrote “no man is an island” in the 1600s, I’m sure the term “dental hygienist” never crossed his thoughts. However, the universal truth — that human beings do not thrive when isolated from others — does indeed apply to hygienists. Often, many professionals see the hygienist as a separate entity from the “heart” — the restorative aspect — of the dental practice. To many dentists, the hygienist

Ameritas offers oral cancer screening

Ameritas Group has announced that it now offers type 2 coverage on oral cancer screening for patients 35 years and older. Using new technology along with conventional visual exams, this simple screening makes it easier for dentists to detect oral cancer sooner, allowing patients to seek treatment sooner, the company said. “Ameritas believes strongly in the importance of preventive care and oral wellness education,” said Roxann Brennfoerder, vice president of

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