Imaging Insider: Radiation-free imaging system aids caries detection

Dear Imaging Insider, Radiography is the gold standard for dental imaging, but is it always the best option? That question is the subject of this edition’s Imaging Insider. Researchers from Spain tested one up-and-coming imaging technology, called near-infrared light transillumination. The method is a photo-optical technology that could work in conjunction with x-ray for the detection and diagnosis of caries in posterior teeth. Find out how well it worked in

Wisc. dentists lobby against sedation proposal

A group of Wisconsin dentists called the Concerned Dentists of Wisconsin (CDW) is circulating a petition to encourage the Wisconsin Dentistry Examining Board to not adopt proposed changes to training requirements for dental treatments requiring oral sedation. Under the newly proposed regulations, future Wisconsin dentists would have to undergo the same rigorous sedation training to provide “moderate oral sedation” as IV sedation-permitted dentists, according to the group. Existing oral sedation

Dr. Oz shows off his tooth-pulling technique

Leave it to Dr. Oz to get plenty of Instagram love (and comments) for helping take out a tooth. Of course, it wasn’t just any tooth. It was the tooth of 6-year-old Carmen Baldwin, the daughter of Alec and Hilaria Baldwin. Yes, that Alec Baldwin. Taking to Instagram on Sunday, Dr. Oz showed his method for taking out the tooth as family members cheered on their support for Carmen. Watch Dr. Oz and

DTC orthodontics takes hit with new Calif. law requiring x-rays

California has become the first state in the U.S. to pass a law that aims to better protect patients who undergo direct-to-consumer (DTC) orthodontic treatments, such as those offered by SmileDirectClub, by requiring x-rays and more before moving ahead with care. On October 13, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed sunset bill AB 1519 into law, requiring dentists that provide orthodontics adhere to basic, accepted standards of care by reviewing recent patient

New research of oral anomalies aids understanding of schizophrenia

Although the causes of schizophrenia are not well understood, health professionals in recent decades have been increasingly intrigued by the links between this complicated illness and human physical and neurological development. A recent study that I conducted with colleagues offers further indications that minor physical anomalies among individuals with schizophrenia support this neurodevelopmental model of the disease. Facial anomalies seen in schizophrenia have been associated with aberrant brain development. It

Glidewell adds components for Astra Tech implants

Glidewell Dental announced that its restorative solutions and line of Inclusive prosthetic components are now available for Dentsply Sirona’s Astra Tech Implant System EV. With the newest additions, Glidewell now offers restorative solutions for 22 implant systems. Previously, the company has outsourced any Astra cases at significantly higher fees. Adding solutions for this line allows the company to drive down costs while simplifying the restorative process, according to Glidewell. The

Propofol shows promise for conscious sedation

Propofol is one of the most used drugs for general anesthesia, but the findings of a new study suggest that the medication may also be beneficial for conscious sedation. Researchers from the U.K. found that propofol helped anxious adolescents successfully receive dental treatment while awake. The adolescents reported positive experiences following conscious sedation with propofol, and the vast majority said they would undergo their dental procedures again. The results suggest

Week in Review: ADA vs. SmileDirectClub | MetLife settles suit | Gum cells and perio disease

Dear DrBicuspid Member, The ongoing dispute between the ADA and SmileDirectClub heated up this week, as both organizations issued dueling press statements. With several regulatory actions initiated by the ADA aimed at the company, this shows no sign of being settled soon. Speaking of settlements, Metropolitan Life Insurance (MetLife) has agreed to pay more than $3 million to settle a suit filed by dental consultants who claimed they didn’t get overtime

SmileDirectClub to open Texas manufacturing plant

SmileDirectClub’s manufacturing and distribution affiliate Access Dental Lab will open a dental lab manufacturing plant in Kyle, TX. The state awarded the company an approximately $2.2 million Texas Enterprise Fund grant to support the creation of the manufacturing plant, which is expected to generate $36 million in capital investment. The plant will create 850 new jobs requiring a broad spectrum of skills, according to SmileDirectClub.

SmileDirectClub adds New Zealand locations

SmileDirectClub has opened three retail locations in New Zealand. The company announced the opening of a SmileShop in Christchurch, which follows the openings of stores in Auckland and Wellington in September. It plans to expand throughout the country during the coming months, according to the company.

NJ dental school gets $11.7M to study opioid alternatives

Rutgers School of Dental Medicine has received an $11.7 million grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to research the combination of ibuprofen and acetaminophen as alternatives to opioids. Evidence from smaller, shorter studies has shown the two medications can treat acute pain as effectively as opioids, but this study will go deeper, involving 1,800 dental school patients. In the study, half of the patients will be prescribed a

VHF debuts new milling and grinding machine

Dental milling machine manufacturer VHF has launched its new Z4 milling and grinding machine. The Z4 fabricates restorations from any block material in minutes. The Z4 offers previously unattained quality standards for restorations, intuitive operation, and validation for all common scanners and CAD software, according to VHF.