Debate simmers on public water fluoridation

The ADA calls water fluoridation “the single most-effective public-health measure to prevent dental caries,” the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) hails it as “one of 10 great public health achievements of the 20th century,” and the 2000 Surgeon General’s report on oral health stated that “community water fluoridation [is] an effective, safe, and ideal public health measure [that] benefits individuals of all ages and socioeconomic strata.” In

Dolphin gets root canal surgery

A dolphin in a Hong Kong water park suffering from general dental abrasion has had extensive dental surgery. South African veterinary dentist Dr. Cedric Tutt performed the procedure on Dumisa, an 8-year-old dolphin at Hong Kong’s Ocean Park, according to a genevalunch.com story. One damaged tooth was repaired and 18 others were treated to improve the dolphin’s bone structure for root canal treatment. X-rays of the dolphin’s teeth showed signs of

NC dental board investigates 2 sedation deaths

The North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners has suspended the sedation permit of one dentist and revoked the license of another following the deaths of two patients who were deemed “not good candidates” for sedation. For the second time this year, the dental board is investigating the death of a patient that may be linked to oversedation. The most recent case involved Williamston dentist Zachary Harrison, DDS, whose sedation

Heraeus Kulzer settles gray-market suit against Omni Dental

Heraeus Kulzer has settled a lawsuit against Omni Dental Supply over complaints that Omni illegally sold gray-market Heraeus Kulzer products. Heraeus Kulzer said Omni Dental, aka ABCO Dental Supply, sold online products that were both “unlawful” gray-market and inferior-quality goods to those sold by Heraeus, according to a press release. Omni has agreed to pay Heraeus Kulzer a monetary settlement and to stop buying, selling, advertising, offering for sale, distributing,

Researchers identify new gene linked to cleft syndrome

Researchers have identified a new gene related to the Van der Woude syndrome (VWS), the most common syndrome with cleft lip and palate, according to a new study in the American Journal of Human Genetics (December, 19, 2013). The findings could lead to improved genetic diagnosis of people and families with orofacial clefts, according to the researchers. There are more than 350 syndromes with clefts, of which Van der Woude

Ontario expands Healthy Smiles program for kids

The Canadian province of Ontario has committed to expand the eligibility for its Healthy Smiles Ontario program. This expansion should offer improved access to free oral healthcare for up to 70,000 more children from families considered low-income. Beginning in April, the program will offer cleanings, diagnostic services, and basic treatment. In August 2015, six existing dental programs will be combined into one, making it easier for families of eligible children

Dentist to pay $125K to close prescription investigation

A Michigan dentist has agreed to pay $125,000 to close a federal investigation into his writing of unnecessary prescriptions. Federal regulators noted that Marc Kamp, DDS, is not protected from a criminal investigation, according to an Associated Press article. He is accused of writing hundreds of prescriptions for painkillers and antianxiety drugs without a legitimate medical purpose for a four-year period. The agreement with the government also noted that Dr. Kamp

New kids’ book seeks to reduce dental anxiety

Connecticut dentist Peter Munk, DDS, has written a new book to soothe children’s anxiety during a dental visit. Rover and the Happy Dentist by Peter Munk, DDS. Rover and the Happy Dentist by Peter Munk, DDS. Rover and the Happy Dentist features ayoung puppy on his first visit to the dentist to have a filling done on his tooth. His family goes with him, and he has a positive and

Oropharyngeal cancer rate up significantly in developed countries

The rate of oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) significantly increased among women and men from 1983 to 2002, almost exclusively in economically developed countries, according to a new study in the Journal of Clinical Oncology (November 18, 2013). Researchers from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) found that rising OPC rates among men in economically developed countries were accompanied by fewer cases of both oral and lung cancers, two cancers strongly associated with

Canada studies impact of cessation of fluoridation

Canadian researchers are studying the dental impact of no fluoridation of the drinking water in Calgary, Alberta. University of Calgary researchers are investigating children’s teeth two years after Calgary stopped fluoridating the city’s drinking water, according to a CBC.ca story. Dental exams will be performed on hundreds of first- and second-grade students at Calgary schools, and the results will be compared with children in Edmonton, where the water is still

NY hospital gets grant for dental care

The Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital in Syracuse, NY, has received a $65,000 grant to integrate preventive dental and oral health screenings into routine physical exams. The grant from the Walmart Foundation will cover the costs of supplies and equipment for oral examinations, fluoride treatments, educational materials, and home care kits, according to a cyncentral.com story. The grant will provide funding for the Introducing Oral Health and Preventative Dentistry into the

Local anesthesia: Give it time or try a buffered anesthetic

Mic Falkel, DDS, has spent a considerable amount of time studying anesthesia. Yet the presenter at the recent Greater New York Dental Meeting was humbled by a problem he encountered while administering local anesthesia that most dentists are likely to have encountered themselves. “When do we expect local anesthetics to start?” Dr. Falkel asked during his presentation, “Local Anesthesia — Technique, Anatomy, and Physiology in the Digital Era.” Then he answered