Study review: MLPs reduce untreated caries in some patients

In a review of studies measuring the effectiveness of midlevel dental providers (MLPs), dental teams that included MLPs showed a decrease in untreated caries among some patients but no difference in caries increment or severity, the researchers reported in the Journal of the American Dental Association (February 2015, Vol. 146:2, pp. 134-135). However, the reviewers noted that the quality of the evidence was poor. Dental caries is the most common

Dentist named Black Engineer of the Year

Minnesota National Guard Air Force Brig. Gen. David Hamlar, MD, DDS, has received the Black Engineer of the Year Award. The award recognizes outstanding service by African-American admirals, generals, and senior executive service members. Dr. Hamlar received the award at the 10th Annual Stars & Stripes Dinner in Washington, DC, on February 6. Dr. Hamlar is the co-director of the University of Minnesota Craniofacial Skull Base Center and the assistant adjunct

Curve Dental partners with DrFirst for e-prescriptions

Cloud-based dental software developer Curve Dental has partnered with e-medication management technology provider DrFirst to offer integrated electronic prescribing capabilities for both legend drugs and controlled substances to Curve customers. The partnership will allow customers to print and send any prescription in accordance with each state’s requirements. “It was important for Curve Dental to choose a partner that has demonstrated an ability to stay on top of state legislation, as

U.S. soldiers teach dental hygiene to Kosovo students

Even years after the worst fighting in the deadly conflict in the Balkans has passed, U.S. troops remain stationed there as part of a multinational detachment. As part of their deployment, a U.S. Army dentist and 22 soldiers visited a school in Kosovo to teach first-graders about flossing and oral hygiene. “We were able to come out to the school and teach oral hygiene to about 30 different kids in

BDJ: Dismantle restorations before treating root-filled teeth

To help aid long-term success of endodontic procedures on teeth that have had previous root canals, the authors of a recent paper in the British Dental Journal suggest dismantling any restorations before treatment to assess the quality of the existing seal. The authors examined the best practices for applying restorations during and following treatment of root-filled teeth. Lead author Shiyana Eliyas, BDS, a locum consultant in restorative dentistry at Glenfield

Henry Schein sponsors Give Kids A Smile Day

For the 13th consecutive year, Henry Schein has sponsored the American Dental Association (ADA) Foundation’s Give Kids A Smile (GKAS) program. Celebrated nationally on the first in February, the ADA Foundation’s Give Kids A Smile Day is the result of a public-private partnership between the ADA, ADA Foundation, Henry Schein, Colgate-Palmolive, and DEXIS. The program was launched in 2003 to help raise awareness of the critical need to expand access

Richmond Dental sponsors Nash Institute courses

The Nash Institute announced that dental products manufacturer Richmond Dental will provide ongoing product support for courses taught at the institute. “The sponsorship from Richmond Dental allows us to use the best possible products in our courses. It makes it easier to teach the best techniques,” Ross Nash, DDS, director of the Nash Institute, stated in a press release. Established in 1895, Richmond Dental manufactures single-use dental products and dispensers.

Study produces 1st comprehensive genomic map of HNC

In an important and wide-ranging study of more than 270 head and neck cancer tumors, researchers have identified genomic changes in head and neck cancers (HNCs) caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). The findings could provide more detailed explanations of how HPV infection and smoking play roles in HNC risk and disease development, while offering potential diagnostic and treatment therapies, the researchers with The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) wrote in a

Pro-Dex acquires Fineline Molds

Dental and surgical instrument manufacturer Pro-Dex has completed its acquisition of Fineline Molds, a San Dimas, CA-based manufacturer of plastic injection molding tools. Rick Van Kirk, president and CEO of Pro-Dex, said the acquisition is part of a plan to make Pro-Dex profitable again. “Fineline has an excellent reputation for quality and service, and we look forward to continuing that tradition and helping grow the business,” Van Kirk stated in

Ways Green Tea can helps you Achieve Excellent Oral Health

Taking care of our body has never been easier than today, today one of the many tools we have to take care of our body is drinking an antioxidant tea. One of the most popular rich antioxidant drinks today is Green Tea. Green Tea contains compounds that can control inflammation and fight bacterial infections and through new research it has been discovered that green tea can offer many benefits to

Ariz. lawsuit claims foster kids lack dental, medical care

Children’s advocates have filed a federal lawsuit on behalf of thousands of children in foster care in Arizona, claiming a severe shortage of access to healthcare services, including dental care. The class-action suit was filed February 3 on behalf of more than 16,000 children in state foster care, according to the Children’s Rights advocacy group, one of the groups representing the children. The 10 children named in the suit range

Tom’s of Maine offers free coloring book on kids’ toothbrushing

To kick off February as National Children’s Dental Health Month, Tom’s of Maine is encouraging children to color their way to better oral health and help others at the same time. A free downloadable coloring book, called “Brushing Fun,” contains tips encouraging healthy brushing habits for kids and taking care of the planet. With each download, Tom’s of Maine will donate 10 tubes of its Wicked Cool natural kids toothpaste