RCT Endodontics forms oral health nonprofit

RCT Endodontics of Laurel, MD, has formed Trident Save-a-Smile, a nonprofit organization that aims to provide root canal therapy and raise oral health awareness among low-income residents. On May 15, RCT will be hosting its third annual Save-a-Smile Day in conjunction with the American Association of Endodontists’ Save-Your-Tooth Month. The endodontic practice said it continues to partner with Spanish Catholic Charities and will also donate endodontic treatments to select private

CAD/CAM brings smile to patient with primordial dwarfism

A clever use of CAD/CAM technology brought a smile to a patient with primordial dwarfism. Researchers from Texas A&M University described their novel technique for creating implant-supported dentures in a study published on April 28 in the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry. Primordial dwarfism describes a group of disorders in which a person experiences delayed growth, resulting in small body size. People with this condition also experience a number of dental

3Shape to host free dental digital workflow online event

3Shape plans to host a free online event highlighting digital workflow for dentists and dental labs called 3Shape Unfold. The event will be held June 2-3. The event will offer participants information on 3Shape’s digital workflow offerings through its Trios intraoral scanning software for implant planning and placement, implant bridges, dentures, and clear aligners. 3Shape Unfold will be structured in three tracks: one for professionals just learning about intraoral scanning,

Is it safe to use an ultrasonic scaler? It’s complicated

Dental hygienists should consider multiple factors, including positive COVID-19 cases in their communities, before using ultrasonic scalers on patients, according to a webinar hosted by the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) and the ADA on May 4. Though the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends avoiding the use of scalers during the pandemic, hygienists must weigh the benefits and risks of using them, said JoAnn Gurenlian, RDH, PhD,

EIOH receives $6M grant to study preventive tooth decay agent

The University of Rochester Eastman Institute for Oral Health (EIOH) has received a $6 million federal grant to study a topical antimicrobial agent that may prevent new cavities in young children with severe tooth decay. EIOH pediatric dentists treat more than 1,000 young children with severe tooth decay in the operating room each year. Researchers will launch a single-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to assess the efficacy of povidone iodine to

Case report: Universal composite repairs leaking amalgam

A 30-year-old man presented to the dental practice with a chief complaint of a sensitive tooth on the upper left posterior. Upon examination, the patient’s discomfort was found to be due to decay and a leaking old amalgam on tooth #14. A thermal test produced normal results, and a diagnosis of reversible pulpitis was determined. The patient presented with a leaky filling and recurrent decay on tooth #14. All images

Voco introduces composite warming and application device

Voco has introduced a new composite rapid warming and application device for its VisCalor composite line. The new VisCalor dispenser combines several innovations for the rapid warming of VisCalor in 30 seconds, while maximizing the working time to as much as two minutes and 30 seconds, the company said. The VisCalor dispenser features a removable, autoclavable sheath for infection control and is powered by a rechargeable lithium battery. The VisCalor

Preventive dental care tied to lower Medicaid costs in NY

Preventive dentistry services provided more than just better health outcomes for Medicaid beneficiaries in New York, according to a study published on April 21 in the Journal of Dental Research. Participants who took advantage of preventive dental care also saved the state Medicaid program money. A team of New York-based authors looked at data from the state Medicaid program, including emergency department use, inpatient admissions, and costs for both pharmacy

Biolase offers training for pediatric dentists

Biolase is launching a Waterlase Pediatric Dental Academy for pediatric dentists to train on integrating Waterlase technology into clinical practices. The academy will provide an immersive training experience through peer-led learning, best-practice sharing, and ongoing mentorship, according to the company. Dentists who participate will have access to virtual and in-person continuing education opportunities, as well as clinical support sessions to review cases, best-practice techniques, and exclusive content. The new academy

Researchers discover gene for craniofacial abnormalities

Researchers from the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine have identified the function of a gene responsible for the development of craniofacial abnormalities. The gene, called ALX3, controls the shaping of the area between the eyes and above the lip, and it may provide insight into craniofacial abnormalities in humans, such as cleft palates, according to a statement from the university. The findings were published in the April issue

CDC to host talk on pediatric opioid, antibiotic prescribing

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is hosting a webinar on May 12 about trends in opioid and antibiotic prescribing for pediatric patients. Dr. Natalia Chalmers of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration will discuss the topic. The session will not be recorded. The webinar is part of the agency’s residency lecture series, which aims to help current and prospective residents and others better understand the American Board

Consider pulling wisdom teeth before bone disease therapy

Oral surgeons should consider prematurely extracting the third molars of children before they start bone disease therapy to prevent jawbone destruction, according to an article published on April 20 in the Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. Removing underdeveloped wisdom teeth before children begin antiresorptive therapies to treat osseous diseases and cancer-related conditions may prevent them from developing medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ), the authors wrote. “Understanding the potential