Coalition opposes cutting Fla.’s prepaid dental plans for kids

Two Florida lawmakers have joined a coalition of dentists to oppose a proposal to eliminate the state’s prepaid dental health plan for children, which serves about 1.8 million children. The Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) has proposed that Medicaid take over dental services for children as part of a larger shift to a statewide Medicaid managed care model, according to a tampabay.com story. State Sen. Anitere Flores (R-Miami) believes

DrBicuspid.com Oral Cancer & Diagnostics Insider

Dear Oral Cancer & Diagnostics Insider, The rate of oral cavity cancers has declined in recent years in most parts of the world, consistent with lower tobacco use. However, the rate of oropharyngeal cancer significantly increased among women and men from 1983 to 2002, almost exclusively in economically developed countries. Read what National Cancer Institute researchers say is behind the changes in this latest Insider Exclusive. In other Oral Cancer

Hydrogel scaffold regenerates craniofacial bone tissue

Researchers have developed a hydrogel scaffold for craniofacial bone tissue regeneration that starts as a liquid, solidifies into a gel in the body, and liquefies again for removal, according to a new study in Biomacromolecules (December 10, 2013). The material, developed by bioengineers at Rice University in Houston, is a soluble liquid at room temperature that can be injected to the point of need, according to a university press release.

Perio therapy may affect mortality in hemodialysis patients

Poor oral health, including chronic periodontitis, is a common finding in hemodialysis patients. However, researchers from Brazil have provided preliminary evidence that periodontal therapy may improve the survival rate of these patients (Journal of Periodontology, November 14, 2013). Although it is not possible to state that treatment of chronic periodontitis impacts outcomes when it comes to hemodialysis patients, the researchers clarified that their data can be very useful in defining

LED Dental, Benco reach U.S. distribution deal

LED Dental has entered into a nonexclusive U.S. distribution partnership with Benco Dental. Benco will supply U.S. customers with LED Dental’s VELscope Vx and product line. LED Dental is a subsidiary of LED Medical Diagnostics. Benco currently serves more than 35,000 customers across the country.

Acupuncture helps reduce gag reflex during impression taking

Every dentist has patients who gag or believe they will gag during the taking of impressions and other procedures. This is unpleasant both for patients and dental professionals, and can prevent some patients from seeking oral healthcare. A recent Italian study suggests there may be a relatively simple solution: acupuncture (Acupuncture in Medicine, November 5, 2013). A clinician administered acupuncture to 20 patients before taking dental impressions and found the

IU dental school to help homeless veterans

Faculty and students from the Indiana University (IU) School of Dentistry will take part in a new project to make unemployed homeless veterans in Indianapolis more employable by giving them an improved dental appearance. Karen Yoder, PhD, director of civic engagement and health policy, and a professor of preventive and community dentistry, applied for and received a $12,000 grant from the Dental Pipeline National Learning Institute for the project. The

Ore. ‘Tooth Taxi’ provides dental care for poor schoolkids

Dentist Bruce Richardson, DMD, of Portland, OR, recently gave a 5-year-old boy a great Christmas gift that even Santa can’t match. “I gave him his smile back for the holidays,” said Dr. Richardson, explaining how he had restored and bonded the little boy’s front teeth, which were badly decayed from “baby bottle syndrome.” Dr. Bruce Richardson with one of his young patients. All images courtesy of Dental Foundation of Oregon. Dr.

FDA fast-tracks Lymphoseek for HNC detection

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted fast-track designation to Navidea Biopharmaceuticals’ Lymphoseek (technetium-99m tilmanocept) injection for sentinel lymph node detection in head and neck cancer (HNC). Navidea intends to file the supplemental new drug application for Lymphoseek before year-end, according to the company. Lymphoseek was approved by the FDA in March 2013 for use in lymphatic mapping procedures that help in the diagnostic evaluation of potential cancer

ADA backs NC board on teeth-whitening fight with FTC

The ADA is supporting efforts of the North Carolina dental board in a dispute over the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) ruling that the board’s actions against nondentists who offer teeth-whitening products and services violated U.S. antitrust laws. Did the North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners go too far in trying to take action against nondentists who offer teeth-whitening products and services in the state? The Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

New oral care line for babies comes to market

A new line of oral care products for babies, Happy Teeth, has been introduced. These products contain no abrasives, artificial preservatives, flavors, or colors, and include xylitol. Founded by Kasey Pitillo, a mom and dental care industry professional, the Happy Teeth products currently include a natural nonfluoridated baby toothpaste ($5.99), Pure Baby toothbrush by Radius ($3.25), and a complete pack with toothbrush and toothpaste ($8.99). Additional products will be launched

ADHA supports FTC’s comments on dental therapist education standards

The American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) praised the recent Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) comments to the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) on the proposed standards for dental therapy education programs. ADHA officials met with FTC Chairwoman Edith Ramirez last week, according to the association. ADHA Director Ann Battrell, MSDH, said her group’s efforts to increase access for oral healthcare in the U.S., along with its efforts to expand the workforce