Telling patients to take better care of their teeth can seem about as effective as lecturing to an empty chair. But a study published in the October 2009 Journal of Dental Research (Vol. 88:10, pp. 933-937) suggests that behavioral techniques worked out by psychologists can make a difference. When dentists used a “tell, show, do” method of instruction about using a power toothbrush and then asked patients to plan a
It all starts with the hygiene appointment The hygiene appointment is the gateway to additional services. Keeping a full hygiene schedule helps practices to keep growing in any economy. In addition, the hygienist plays a critical role in helping patients make informed decisions about potential treatment. Train your hygienists. Your hygienists spend more time with patients on average than anyone else in the practice. Provide thes valuable team members with
OralDNA Labs recently introduced two tests to the North American market that use saliva to detect periodontal disease. These protocols have been used for a number of years in Europe, but the company claims to be the first to make them commercially available in the U.S. OralDNA is currently marketing the tests — MyPerioPath and MyPerioID — in every U.S. state except New York. “Saliva is becoming a very important
Viruses could contribute to periodontitis according to a study in Oral Microbiology and Immunology (December 2009, Vol. 24: 6, pp: 506-509). Most research and treatment has focused on bacteria, but researchers have long hypothesized that viruses, too, may play a role. Investigators at the University of Laval probed this question by searching for human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), Epstein-Barr (EBV) and herpes simplex virus (HSV) using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in gingival
Collagen Matrix announced today that it has received FDA’s 510(k) clearance of its new collagen dental membrane indicated for use in oral surgical procedures involving guided tissue and bone regeneration. This new collagen dental membrane is a nonfriable, conformable, resorbable, membrane matrix consisting of highly purified type I and III collagen derived from bovine dermis. The purified intact collagen tissue membrane differs in handling as compared to the company’s already
Dazzlesmile and its parent company, Optimal Health Science, have issued a trademark infringement cease and desist order to Farend Services, DazzleSmile Pro, and Epic Advertising (also known as Azoogle.com). Dazzlesmile was originally formulated by a cosmetic dentist and maxillofacial surgeon and has been marketed in the U.S. since 2004 as a consumer teeth-whitening system consisting of proprietary and patent-licensed mints, toothpaste, and mouth wash. dazzlesmile products consist, in part, of
Parker Waichman Alonso, a U.S. personal injury law firm, has filed a lawsuit against GlaxoSmithKline and its subsidiaries on behalf of a Texas man who was diagnosed with neuropathy he says is due to his use of Super Poligrip denture adhesive cream. The lawsuit is the latest of several filed by Parker Waichman on behalf of the users of zinc-containing denture creams. “We suspect the poisoning from Super Poligrip and
In “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” — a short story published by F. Scott Fitzgerald in 1921, made more famous by actor Brad Pitt’s portrayal of the lead character in the 2008 film version — a baby born with the features of an elderly man ages backward to an infant, living a life that spans seven decades, but in reverse. Was Fitzgerald actually taking literary license with a rare
Lares Research has introduced wavelength-optimized periodontal therapy (WPT), a minimally invasive laser periodontal disease treatment that uses two laser wavelengths: Nd:YAG and Er:YAG. The method is only available with the Lares Powerlase AT all-tissue, dual wavelength laser, the company said in a press release. With WPT, the clinician removes the diseased epithelial lining of the periodontal pocket using Nd:YAG energy, removes calculus from the root surface using Er:YAG energy (FDA
The Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation (DOCS) Education’s Pediatric Sedation Dentistry course has been approved by the Dental Board of California and is available to all California general and pediatric dentists. This course meets the training requirements for the pediatric oral conscious sedation permit, DOCS said in a press release. DOCS believes the medications used in its pediatric sedation protocols are among the safest available. Some have amnesic properties that
Dear DrBicuspid Member, Do you have a favorite new product you think deserves recognition? Do your colleagues deserve special attention for their efforts in education or research? Then nominate them for the first-ever DrBicuspid Dental Excellence Awards, designed to honor the best and brightest in dentistry. Starting today, we will take suggestions from our members for candidates in 13 categories, ranging from Most Effective Dentist Educator to Best New Material
The Chicago Dental Society (CDS) surveyed 37 area dentists last month on their attitudes toward Halloween, with some surprising results: –Most have a positive opinion of the holiday, with 92% reporting that they would be participating in this year’s festivities. (The top goody to give out? Chocolate.) –80% of those with children at home admitted they sneak candy from their children’s Halloween bag. –10% admitted they eat their Halloween stash