Dentsply Sirona unveils new high-speed handpiece

Dentsply Sirona has introduced its new Midwest Stylus Plus Mini high-speed air handpiece. The dental handpiece features a patented grip design consisting of dimpled and flat areas that offers clinicians improved tactile feedback on hand orientation, as well as a smaller head for greater visibility, the company said. In addition, the Midwest Stylus Plus Mini combines Dentsply’s dynamic speed control technology with a new air foil that can help limit

Dentsply Sirona launches new curved matrix system

Dentsply Sirona has introduced its new Palodent 360 circumferential matrix system for class II restorations. The design of the system allows clinicians to achieve tight contacts with an anatomically shaped matrix band that naturally contours without the use of a retainer or applicator. All that’s required is a simple twist of the fingers, according to the company. The system can be used for all class II restorations, including difficult cases

Perio disease linked to worse maternal, newborn outcomes

A recent study has linked periodontal disease during pregnancy to worse health outcomes for both mothers and their children. The authors called for more oral health outreach efforts to address this preventable and treatable health-related pregnancy risk. After studying the medical records of more than 100 women, the researchers found women with severe periodontal disease during pregnancy were more likely to experience premature membrane rupture, or water breaking, and inflammation

Week in Review: Opioid distributors under fire | Another lawsuit targets Delta Dental | Excellence Awards voting opens

As 2019 winds down, there is no question that opioid addiction and its horrible consequences have been one of the biggest news stories of the year. The state of Michigan has just stepped up the battle in the opioid crisis in a big way by filing a lawsuit against four major opioid distributors. It will be very interesting to see the results of this action and how other states will

5,700-year-old ‘chewing gum’ offers snapshot of ancient people

A complete human genome, oral microbes, and human pathogens were retrieved from a 5,700-year-old type of “chewing gum,” untapping a new source of ancient DNA and shedding light on the person who chewed it, according to research published on December 17 in Nature Communications. Archaeologists have found this 5,700-year-old birch pitch in Lolland, Denmark. Photo by archaeologist Theis Jensen, PhD. Archaeologists discovered the chewed birch pitch, which they believe people

Ex-dentist pleads not guilty to threatening 3 judges

A former Missouri dentist has pleaded not guilty to threatening three court judges as part of a divorce and child custody, according to news reports. The dentist was arrested after a standoff with police earlier this month. Jeffrey Reuter pleaded not guilty on December 12 to three felony counts of interfering with a judicial officer. Unable to post his $150,000 cash-only bail, Reuter remains in jail awaiting future court proceedings.

DrBicuspid Dental Excellence Awards 2019 finalists

We asked. You delivered. Nominations for the 2019 DrBicuspid Dental Excellence Awards came flowing in from all parts of North America. Some great products were nominated in each of the 10 categories, and HuangshanDental.com is pleased to unveil the finalists in each category. Voting is officially open for each of the categories. You can choose your favorite by clicking the button below. Cast your vote today! The Dental Excellence Awards

Solmetex buys Crosstex amalgam separator system

Amalgam separation technology company Solmetex has acquired the Syclone amalgam separator system from Crosstex. The transaction comes after the recent acquisition of Hu-Friedy by Cantel, which allows the integration of Hu-Friedy and Crosstex to form the new Cantel dental division. For Solmetex, the purchase expands its portfolio of dental waste products and programs for its doctor partners and communities they serve. “We anticipate a high growth of the amalgam separator

Dental care may be crucial for patients on dialysis

Poor oral health may be linked to worse heart health for patients with end-stage renal disease. A study found that patients on hemodialysis had significantly worse oral health than their peers and that these patients may also be at risk for arteriosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries. The study compared the caries status and periodontal health of dozens of patients with advanced kidney disease and healthy aged-match peers. Overall, patients

Anesthesia & Pain Management Insider: 9 ways patients benefit from low-level laser therapy

Dear Anesthesia & Pain Management Insider, Technology is an amazing thing. We are becoming more and more advanced in the dental industry and our society as a whole. Part of those advancements can lead to better quality of life for our patients as well. With that in mind, we’re honored to have Dr. Mel Burchman, the current president of the Academy of Laser Dentistry, writing this issue’s Insider Exclusive and discussing

Genco posthumously named NAI fellow

The National Academy of Inventors (NAI) has posthumously named as a fellow Robert Genco, DDS, PhD, a distinguished professor of oral biology, periodontics, and microbiology at the State University of New York (SUNY). Dubbed the “father of oral science” by the Journal of Dental Research, Genco was considered one of the world’s leading periodontal researcher and a pioneer in the study of how oral health impacts overall health. He died

Mich. sues 4 opioid distributors under drug dealer act

Michigan has filed a lawsuit against Cardinal Health, McKesson, AmerisourceBergen Drug, and Walgreens, alleging the four major opioid distributors are liable under the state’s Drug Dealer Liability Act. “These companies knowingly and deliberately used their licenses to distribute drugs in our state without controls,” said Dana Nessel, Michigan’s attorney general, in a statement. “This was not only negligent; it was unlawful, a public nuisance and, as a result, their actions