Rural dentists prescribe opioids for pain relief with a significantly greater frequency than nonrural dentists, according to a new study. However, these dentists also prescribe opioid supplies of six to seven days at a lower frequency than other dentists, the researchers found. In addition, rural dentists were more likely to report that opioid abuse/diversion was a problem in their practice, were more likely to have suspected patient misuse or abuse,
Scaling and root planing plus adjuvant treatments effectively lower blood glucose levels in nonsmoking patients with type 2 diabetes and chronic periodontitis, according to a meta-analysis of more than a dozen studies. Researchers from China found that patients with type 2 diabetes and chronic periodontitis had improved glycemic levels when their periodontal disease was treated with scaling and root planing (SRP) plus antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) and the antibiotic doxycycline,
Dentsply Sirona has released the latest version of its orthodontic treatment software. CEREC Ortho SW 2.0 offers users access to orthodontic functions immediately after a digital impression is taken with the company’s Primescan intraoral scanner. These functions include a comprehensive model analysis and a treatment outcome simulation that can be shared with the patient, according to Dentsply Sirona. The software can also create stereolithography (STL) files for export.
Fluoride exposure may contribute to kidney function changes in U.S. children, according to the findings of a study published August 8 in the journal Environment International. The authors cautioned more research is needed to explore a potential link. The dental benefits of fluoride and community water fluoridation are well studied, but less research exists on fluoride’s effects on other bodily systems. The researchers of the new study decided to specifically
Materials science company Nobio of Israel has received 510(k) clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its Infinix flowable and bulk-fill composites for restorations. The composites incorporate the company’s patented quaternary ammonium silica-dioxide (QASi) particle technology for maintaining restoration integrity and protecting against bacterial degradation, according to Nobio. Practitioners can see the composites at the upcoming 2019 ADA annual meeting in San Francisco.
Virtual reality (VR) may help patients with severe dental fear or dental phobia. Exposure to a virtual dentist and clinic can reduce dental anxiety and lead to treatment completion, according to a new study. Patients experiencing severe dental fear or phobia benefit from a form of exposure therapy that involves repeatedly encountering anxiety-inducing situations, such as facing an injection needle or hearing the sound of a dental drill. However, this
Participating in interprofessional education (IPE) programs can help pediatric nurse practitioner students change oral health behaviors and prevent dental problems in patients, according to a new study. These students improved their overall oral health knowledge, awareness, confidence, and attitude after completing an interprofessional education program program, researchers reported in BMC Oral Health (August 1, 2019). This program allows students from different professional training groups to learn together so they can
Procter & Gamble brand Crest has launched its new line of toothpastes designed to help relieve gum sensitivity. Crest Gum and Sensitivity toothpastes. Image courtesy of Crest. The Crest Gum and Sensitivity toothpastes help block dentin tubules from food and beverages that can cause sensitivity, such as ice cream or hot coffee, the company noted. The toothpaste begins working immediately and provides sensitivity relief at the gumline after three days
Software development company SkyDent Technologies has launched new cloud-based software for periodontal practices. The OurPerioTeam software is designed to help periodontal practices expand their referral networks and comanage patients with the referring practice. The software features one-click referrals from a general practice, which encourages patient follow-through and eliminates paper referral forms. The HIPAA-compliant software is available free for referring dentists, according to SkyDent.
Educational, preventive dental programs are being presented to new mothers by nondental practitioners as a way to reduce the prevalence of early childhood caries. Researchers reviewed the literature and found these programs can improve the oral health of those involved. They searched for studies involving children younger than 5 years whose mothers had received oral health interventions from nondental professionals. These practitioners can effectively provide oral health education, risk assessment,
Are dentists obligated to treat children without vaccinations? This is a question that the risk management staff of The Dentists Insurance Company (TDIC) is hearing with increasing frequency. They explored the ethical and legal considerations in the August issue of the Journal of the California Dental Association. Measles was declared eliminated from the U.S. in 2000, but measles outbreaks are making headlines nearly 20 years later. As of August 1,
SmileDirectClub has opened four retail locations in the U.K. The newly opened retail locations are in London and Birmingham. The company also announced plans to open a total of five more locations in those cities and in Manchester. SmileDirectClub additionally announced a partnership with Well Pharmacy to open SmileShops in Well Pharmacy locations in Cambridge, Leeds, Newcastle, and Cardiff. Well Pharmacy is the third-largest pharmacy chain in the U.K., according
