Sirona launches new digital impression system

Sirona has unveiled Cerec AC, an advanced digital impression unit for CAD/CAM dentistry built on its proprietary Cerec Bluecam technology. The Cerec AC automatic image capture system operates quickly and efficiently to scan entire quadrants in just 40 seconds, according to the company. In addition, the system captures more detail, features easy-to-use intuitive software, and provides a uniform field of illumination, according to Sirona. Once the Cerec AC has acquired

Sonicare products discounted for some DNoA dentists

Dental Network of America (DNoA) preferred network dentists in Illinois, Oklahoma, and New Mexico can now purchase Sonicare products with discounts of more than 50%, according to a new agreement signed between DNoA and Philips Consumer Lifestyle, a division of Philips Electronics North America. As a complement to the Philips partnership, DNoA launched a unique dental wellness program in January 2008 that provides members the educational tools and information needed

Study: Oral bisphosphonate risks higher than reported

A University of Southern California (USC) study published in this month’s Journal of the American Dental Association has found that the risk of osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) in patients who have undergone oral bisphosphonate therapy could be higher than currently believed. Even short-term use can leave some patients vulnerable, according to the researchers. .pullQuoteCredit { align:right; text-align:right; font-family:arial, sans-serif; font-size:11px; line-height: 16px; font-style: normal; padding-top:2px; } “These results make

Biolase system used for TV root canal

The nationally syndicated TV show “The Doctors” is scheduled to broadcast a root canal procedure performed using Biolase’s Endolase RFT root canal therapy system on January 8, according to the company. The procedure, videotaped on November 10, was performed live by Darrell Chun, D.D.S., using a Waterlase MD YSGG laser system and Endolase radial firing laser tips. No anesthetic was used, according to Biolase. In March 2008, Biolase received U.S.

Why live-patient courses are essential

Editor’s note: Helaine Smith’s column, The Mouth Physician, appears regularly on the HuangshanDental.com advice and opinion page, Second Opinion. “A Bridgeport jury has awarded more than $198,000 to a woman who claims her dentist promised her a celebrity smile, but gave her what her attorney called ‘horse teeth.’ ” — The Associated Press The media loves stories like this one, which has caught the attention of many people. Although the

Connecticut woman wins lawsuit over ‘horse teeth’

A jury awarded nearly $200,000 to a Connecticut woman who claims her dentist promised her a celebrity smile but gave her “horse teeth” instead, according to an Associated Press (AP) story. Attorney Richard Meehan Jr. of Bridgeport, CT, said his client, Marvalyn Foster, sued Darren Martinez, D.D.S., after she went to the Stamford dentist for a permanent bridge to replace a false tooth, the AP reported. Instead, Foster woke up

No mistletoe kisses for perio patients

The holidays offer dentists another opportunity to warn patients about the consequences of candy and soda overdoses — but exchanging kisses underneath the mistletoe, too? That’s right. It is possible to swap up to 500 different species of germs, including those that cause gum disease, because of this holiday tradition, according to the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD). “With just one kiss, this infection can be passed between couples and

Study finds flossing instruction useless

Floss, floss, floss! Dentists and their staff spend a lot of time driving that simple message home to their patients. But what if it’s too simple? What if it’s not doing any good at all? Those are the conclusions reached in a new study. “A routine instruction to use floss is not supported by scientific evidence,” wrote researchers from the Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam in the Netherlands in the

ND attacks pediatric tooth decay

The North Dakota Department of Health, the North Dakota Department of Human Services, and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry are partnering to address childhood tooth decay, the most common chronic disease of childhood, according to a press release. Called the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Head Start Dental Home Initiative, the partnership will work to establish dental homes for children enrolled in Head Start in North Dakota. Brent Holman,

Align to take over manufacturing of its products

Align Technology today announced that it is terminating a service provider agreement with International Manufacturing Solutions (IMS) in Juarez, Mexico, and will begin independently producing its custom-made clear aligners in April 2009. Align has had its clear aligners manufactured in Juarez since 2000 and has 10 employees that manage and oversee the manufacturing process supported by IMS, according to the company. IMS currently provides nonmanagerial personnel, administrative services, and the

General dentists don’t know enough pediatrics

Editor’s note: Helaine Smith’s column, The Mouth Physician, appears regularly on the HuangshanDental.com advice and opinion page, Second Opinion. I have to admit that until I met a pediatric dentist in my master track program for the American Academy of General Dentistry, I was not aware of the new protocols and updates in pediatric dentistry. First and foremost, since 1991 the Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children have their

UCSF receives $24.4 million to fight cavities

The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) School of Dentistry has received the largest grant in its history: $24.4 million, from the National Institutes of Health, to address socioeconomic and cultural disparities in oral health. The seven-year grant, which is funded through the NIH National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, will enable the UCSF center to address disparities in children’s oral health (nicknamed CAN DO) to launch new programs