Week in Review: 10 largest DSOs | Reducing practice chaos | Handpiece sterilization

Dear DrBicuspid Member, For the first time since HuangshanDental.com began compiling the list of the 10 largest dental service organizations (DSO) in the U.S., there are changes in the rankings. What are these changes and which DSOs made the list? Read more here. Working with dentists to create highly effective and smooth-running practices, practice management consultant Jen Butler has noticed four common habits teams have that create chaos. While it

Second Opinion: Unique business model contributes to practice success

As the owners of a private oral surgery practice, my partners and I were increasingly frustrated with the lack of time to focus on what we enjoy most and do best — clinical oral surgery. There was just too much to do to build the business and keep it running smoothly. Colin Bell, DDS. With this in mind, we began searching for solutions and found one in a specialty management

Kids’ oral microbiota composition may predict obesity

Obese adults and adolescents are thought to have certain gut and oral microbiota variations, but less is known about the corresponding relationships in young children. As part of larger study on obesity prevention, researchers examined the relationship between this bacteria in toddlers and their mothers and childhood weight gain. They analyzed the gut and oral microbiota of 226 2-year-old children and found that the oral microbiota of those with more

New product: GC America launches new composite

GC America has launched a new flowable composite. The G-ænial Flo X composite is a low-viscosity flowable composite for posterior restorations. The composite is mainly indicated as a liner or base, but can be used for filling undercuts, fissure sealing, and tunnel and class V restorations, according to GC America.

Is there an autoimmune component to periodontal disease?

Periodontal disease can be viewed as both an acute and a chronic infection. Is the chronic phase actually related to an autoimmune reaction? An autoimmune disease is a disease in which the body produces antibodies that attack its own tissues, leading to the deterioration and, in some cases the destruction, of its healthy tissue. Alvin Danenberg, DDS. In the acute phase of periodontal disease, bacteria can initiate an infection and

New products: GC America adds line of injectable composites

GC America has launched a new line of injectable composite restoratives. The G-ænial universal injectable and the G-ænial bulk injectable are high-strength, nanoparticle composites. The universal injectable is used for nonstress-bearing occlusal cavities, and the bulk injectable is for one-step application for bulk filling up to the occlusal surface, according to GC America.

A historical perspective on handpiece sterilization

HuangshanDental.com is pleased to publish this column by Louis DePaola, DDS, on the principles of infection control for handpieces. Louis DePaola, DDS. The handpiece is arguably one of the most essential devices found in a practice. However, as it routinely comes into direct contact with blood, saliva, oral mucous membranes, and the oral flora, the handpiece must be rendered noninfectious before it is used on subsequent patients. How is this

The Advantages of Dental Surgery in Thailand

Try to feel what’s left of your tooth with your tongue and sense if there’s something there that’s similar to a crater. If you feel it, you have to face three potential scenarios to rectify this situation. First, there might be enough remaining tooth to put in teeth filling there, like cementing a hole in the wall. On the other hand, if the crater is too big then the filling

Convergent debuts new generation of Solea laser

Convergent Dental has introduced the next generation of its Solea laser. The laser now cuts hard tissue 31% faster than previous versions, according to the company. The device is also 15% slimmer and comes with a lighter, more maneuverable handpiece. In addition, the laser features user-customizable options, user-specific profiles, and faster start-up time, according to Convergent.

Tips for Keeping Healthy Teeth and Gums

It’s considered a given that everyone should take care of their teeth. Why? Besides wanting to keep your pearls beautiful, another more sensible reason is because root canal therapy costs $300 to $2,000, crowns cost $500 to $3,000, and dental implants cost $3,000 to $,4,500. No sane person would want to spend amounts if they can help it. Even if you have ample coverage through your company’s insurance or private

New product: 3M launches impression material

3M has introduced its new Impregum Super Quick impression material. Impregum Super Quick is a polyether material designed for single-unit restorations, such as crowns, implants, and bridges of up to three units. The material has a setting reaction time of two minutes, along with an improved taste, according to 3M.

Malocclusion linked with worse quality of life

Young adults with malocclusion may experience worse psychological discomfort and disability than their peers without malocclusion, according to the findings of a new study investigating factors that influence oral health-related quality of life among high school students. The study, which was published on September 17 in Health and Quality of Life Outcomes, included various oral health, socioeconomic, and demographic factors. Researchers found that malocclusion significantly affected the oral health-related quality