A Fort Smith, AR, orthodontist has agreed to stop offering prophylaxes to the general public after being summoned before the Arkansas State Board of Examiners. Earlier this month, Ben Burris, DDS, MDS, signed a consent order with the dental board in which he agreed not to offer dental cleaning, according to an arkansasbusiness.com story. Dr. Burris said he feared the board would file charges against him if he didn’t agree to
Q: What are your thoughts on the current digital impression and CAD/CAM systems? A: Digital dentistry is here and now. The use of digital systems to fabricate single-unit crowns and fixed bridgework is increasing. The newest units are in full color and many do not require powder for acquiring the image. The use of color may or may not be a benefit, as in many cases viewing the acquired image
Henry Schein has reached an agreement to acquire a 60% interest in BioHorizons, a U.S.-based manufacturer of advanced dental implants, advancing the company’s goal of expanding its position in the dental specialty market. Under the terms of the agreement, BioHorizons, with revenues of about $115 million, will continue to operate as an independent company. Financial terms of the proposed transaction were not disclosed. The transaction with BioHorizons involves a two-step
To provide more access to affordable dental care, a coalition of oral health activists in Maine is continuing efforts to create a new category of dental hygienists. Dental Access for ME is starting a campaign in support of a bill that would create a new license for dental hygiene therapists. This bill would allow them to do some procedures normally performed by dentists, such as restorations and extractions, according to
There is insufficient evidence to recommend for or against oral cancer screening in asymptomatic adults age 18 years or older by primary care physicians, according to a study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine (November 25, 2013). The researchers also did not find direct evidence of whether screening reduces morbidity or mortality among the general or high-risk U.S. population. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) noted in its
Interleukin Genetics has launched PerioPredict, the company’s new version of the PST genetic risk test for periodontal disease. The PerioPredict measures variations in the genes for interleukin-1 (IL-1), a key mediator of inflammation, and identifies those who are at an increased risk for more severe periodontal disease, according to the company. The new collection device uses a simple cheek swab. The new test also utilizes an expansion of previous genetic
Good oral hygiene that includes brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits could hold heart disease at bay, according to a new study in the Journal of the American Heart Association (October 28, 2013). As gum health improves, progression of atherosclerosis slows to a clinically significant degree, researchers from the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health in New York have found. Atherosclerosis, the narrowing of arteries through the buildup of
Moderate periodontitis increased with age among U.S. adults from 2009 to 2010, but the prevalence of mild and severe periodontitis remained relatively steady at less than 15%, according to a new study from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Approximately 47% of U.S. adults age 30 and older (about 65 million) have periodontitis: 8.7% with mild, 30% with moderate, and 8.5% with severe periodontitis, the study reported.
Great Smiles has released an update for the AlignerMeter app, which provides iPhone and Android smartphone users with a free invisible braces consultation. After downloading the free app, which was released in January 2013, the user takes three pictures of his or her teeth. The app automatically submits the pictures to a board-certified orthodontist, who then evaluates the images and determines whether the user is a good candidate for invisible
Darby Dental Supply has donated a truckload of relief supplies to survivors of Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines. The supplies include dental and hygiene products and infection-control items such as gloves and respirator masks, according to the company. The disaster claimed the lives of nearly 4,000 people in the Philippines alone, with an estimated 1,200 still missing. Darby Dental has partnered with Physicians for Peace, and recently contributed dental and
Dentistry has been grappling with shortages of the antibiotics doxycycline and tetracycline, but both have become available again. Tetracycline capsules went back on the market in October after generic drugs manufacturer Heritage Pharmaceuticals began production; the firm is also selling two forms of doxycycline: monohydrate and delayed release. “We were the first back after a two-year shortage,” Jeff Glazer, president and CEO of Heritage, said during an interview with HuangshanDental.com.
Journeyworks Publishing, creator of tobacco prevention brochures, has added a new wristband for kids to its smokeless tobacco prevention efforts. The “Spit It Out” wristband and smokeless tobacco prevention pamplets. Image courtesy of Journeyworks Publishing. The “Spit It Out” wristband and smokeless tobacco prevention pamplets. Image courtesy of Journeyworks Publishing. The wristband reads: “Spit It Out: Say No to Smokeless Tobacco,” giving prevention professionals and other educators an additional tool
