NovaMin bests potassium nitrate in desensitizer study

NovaMin, a calcium sodium phosphosilicate formula made by NovaMin Technology, reduced tooth sensitivity more effectively than potassium nitrate in a study published in the August 2010 Journal of the American Dental Association (Vol.141:8, pp. 995-999). NovaMin already has approval from the U.S. FDA for the claim of being effective in reducing sensitivity, and it can also remineralize carious lesions, according to the company. In the study, researchers from Chulalongkom Hospital

Study to assess genetic test’s predictive value for perio disease

Interleukin Genetics has signed an agreement with the University of Michigan to conduct a clinical study on the risk factors predictive of periodontal disease progression to tooth loss using a new version of the company’s PST genetic test. PST is Interleukin’s genetic test brand that identifies individuals with increased risk for severe and progressive periodontal disease and significant tooth loss based on a proprietary panel of genetic variations that predispose

New studies highlight tongue piercing risks

New evidence lends further support to the need for dentists to caution patients about the dangers of tongue piercing, which can lead to severe infections, chipped and fractured teeth, gingival recession, and even death. The most recent fatality occurred in April of this year when a U.K. woman died of blood poisoning and pneumonia just 48 hours after having a steel bar put through her tongue. Last year, a young

Milestone Scientific sees record profits in Q2

Milestone Scientific, maker of a computerized anesthesia injection system, announced record profits for the second quarter of 2010. For the quarter (end-June 30), net income was $264,000, compared to a net loss of $1.2 million in the same quarter last year. Revenues climbed 58% to $3.22 million from $2.04 million in the second quarter of 2009. International sales rose 212% to $1.96 million from $629,000, while U.S. sales declined 11%

Nobel Biocare profits plunge in Q2

Despite a slight uptick in sales, Nobel Biocare saw a 30.5% drop in net profit for the second quarter of 2010 (end-June 30). The Swiss dental-implant company reported net profit of 19.6 million euros ($25.2 million) for the quarter, down from 28.2 million euros ($36.3 million) for the same quarter in 2009. “After a slow first quarter, sales momentum has improved gradually in the second quarter,” said Domenico Scala, CEO,

TeamSmile kicks off 5th season of service

July 16 marked the opening of the 2010 season for TeamSmile, a nonprofit organization that teams up with major sports organizations throughout the U.S. to provide dental care to children in underserved communities. This year’s opener was hosted by the Kansas City Royals baseball team, the club’s third TeamSmile event, which was held at Kauffman Stadium for the children of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City, according

Water Pik website adds new online community

Water Pik has launched a new online community on WaterPik.com in an effort to educate and inform consumers. The online community, found on the newly revamped Waterpik brand website, features new tools and content and offers a place where consumers can engage in conversations with dental and medical professionals and other community members. Users have an opportunity to interact with peers, ask questions, post comments, and read industry blog postings.

Milestone Scientific launches new corporate website

Milestone Scientific has developed a new corporate website designed to clarify and better convey Milestone’s key messaging and current business information. The site will also provide more detailed perspective on the company’s drug delivery injection products, future product innovations, strategic partnering opportunities, and investor relations, the company said. In addition, patients can use the site to locate dentists that use Milestone’s STA Single Tooth Anesthesia System unit by geographic area.

Cosmetic dentist calls extreme makeovers risky

After almost 25 years in the profession, Michael Zuk, D.D.S., has become an outspoken critic of the cosmetic dental industry, especially those dentists he says take advantage of the public’s desire for perfect teeth. Now he’s published a book, Confessions of a Former Cosmetic Dentist, detailing what he believes makes extreme smile makeovers risky. “I think there are a lot of dentists who wouldn’t trust someone who considers him/herself a

Overall fitness reduces risk of perio disease

People who maintain a healthy weight and good physical fitness have less periodontitis, according to a new study in the Journal of Periodontology (August 2010, Vol. 81:8, pp. 1124-1131). Using body mass index (BMI) and percent body fat as a measure of weight control and maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) as a measure of physical fitness, researchers from Kyushu University compared subjects’ weight and fitness variables with the results of a

Glidewell partners with Objet Geometries on 3D models

As part of their ongoing technology development relationship, Objet Geometries provided Glidewell Laboratories with the ability to manufacturer custom-printed models and other precision dental parts using its Eden 3D printing systems. Objet and Glidewell have long held a collaborative relationship for implementing Objet’s ultrathin layer, high-resolution 3D printing systems on the laboratory production floor, the companies explained in a press release. Objet’s printed parts were extensively tested and evaluated by

ADHA president talks healthcare reform, midlevel providers

The role of the dental hygienist has changed dramatically over the last 40 years, a trend that is likely to continue — if not accelerate — given many of the issues facing the U.S. healthcare system these days. Caryn Loftis-Solie, R.D.H., the newest president of the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA), welcomes the challenge. “I’d like to see us really become more of the recognized voice of dental hygiene, and