More than 33 million people worldwide were living with HIV/AIDS at the end of 2008, according to the World Health Organization. Compared to nine countries in Africa, where prevalence looms between 10% and 26% of the population, in North America HIV/AIDS has become a predominantly chronic condition (0.6% prevalence), thanks to the help of highly active antiretroviral therapy and public health campaigns. And yet, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control
More than 100 youngsters showed off their smiles at the 23rd annual Wisconsin Dental Association (WDA) Smile Contest, held August 13 at the Wisconsin State Fair. First-, second-, and third-place prizes were awarded in seven age categories and a “tin grin” competition for those wearing braces. All contestants received a collection of personal oral healthcare products and educational items made possible through generous donations and financial support from D&S Dental
More studies are needed to determine the benefits of using hypnosis in pediatric dentistry, according to a Cochrane review (Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, August 4, 2010). The aim of the review was to see what evidence exists to support hypnosis use with children and adolescents undergoing dental procedures since they are often anxious or noncompliant during dental treatment. Anecdotal evidence and published articles indicate hypnosis can be used with
While some newer pain-management techniques have been shown to be effective, analgesics remain the primary treatment choice for controlling orthodontic pain, according to a new study in the Angle Orthodontist (September 2010, Vol. 80:5, pp. 925-932). Researchers from Sichuan University in China did a computerized literature search to compare the effectiveness of various methods of pain control intervention used during fixed orthodontic appliance therapy. They searched Medline (1966-2009), the Cochrane
Zirconia substructures veneered with fluorapatite veneering porcelain show promise as a reliable restorative option, according to researchers from Ludwig Maximillian University who conducted a three-year clinical trial (Quintessence International, September 2010, Vol. 41:8, pp. 631-637). For the study, 38 patients received 18 fixed dental prostheses and single crowns. The zirconia substructures were fabricated using a CAD/CAM system, veneered using the powder buildup technique, and cemented with a glass ionomer. Baseline
During the past year, Pennsylvania has updated its regulations for licensed dental hygienists to allow them to administer local anesthesia under direct supervision of a dentist and upon completion of a board-accredited anesthesia course. To prepare licensed dental hygienists for this change, Montgomery County Community College is now offering a 30-hour accredited course in a convenient format. The course, which begins September 15, focuses on anatomy, mechanism of action, local
The addition of fluoride and calcium to carbamide peroxide-based whitening agents can minimize mineral loss in tooth enamel during bleaching treatments, according to a study to be published in the September 2010 Quintessence International (Vol. 41:8, pp. e157-e165). A group of Brazilian researchers divided sound enamel slabs into six groups (n = 10): Placebo gel Whiteness (10% carbamide peroxide, FGM) Opalescence F (10% carbamide peroxide plus fluoride, Ultradent) Pola Night
Darby Dental Supply has agreed to distribute GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) oral care products. Under the terms of the new distribution agreement, Darby is now an authorized distributor of GSK’s full line of Sensodyne and Sensodyne ProNamel toothpastes; Biotène hygiene and relief moisturization products; Aquafresh toothpastes, Aquafresh Direct toothbrushes, and Aquafresh White Trays; Polident tablets and Dentu-Crème; Super Poligrip denture adhesive pastes, powders, and comfort seal strips; and Abreva On the Go
Ondine Biopharma reported a loss of $1.11 million on revenues of $210,000 for the second quarter of 2010 (end-June 30), compared with a loss of $340,000 on revenues of $270,000 in the same quarter a year ago. “Highlights of the second quarter included the introduction of new products for the dental market as well as the establishment of a new subsidiary dedicated to photodynamic treatment of chronic sinusitis,” stated Carolyn
The quality of most Web-based information about oral lichen planus is not adequate enough to eliminate the need for doctor-patient counseling about this condition, according to researchers from the University of Murcia (Journal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice, June 25, 2010). They conducted a pilot study to examine the accessibility and quality of Web pages related with oral lichen planus. They identified sites using two search engines, Google and Yahoo,
Implant manufacturers usually provide congruent osteotomes for patients who have spongy bone structures. However, these instruments must be inserted with controlled hammer strokes, which is unpleasant for most patients, and there are gentler options. One such alternative is the MaxilloPrep Spread-Condense system (Kit 4596) from Komet (figure 1). Developed in conjunction with Dr. Stefan Neumeyer of Eschlkam, Germany, the MaxilloPrep Spread-Condense system was designed for bone spreading and condensation by
Trident has joined Oral Health America’s (OHA) Smiles Across America program and actor Chris O’Donnell in a campaign to help fight cavities among the nation’s youth and address the need for oral disease prevention services. To support the effort, 5 cents from every pack of Trident gum sold between September 13 and 19 will be donated to the program to support school-based and school-linked oral health services in schools for