SS White Burs donates to America’s ToothFairy

SS White Burs has donated SS White procedure kits to the National Children’s Oral Health Foundation (NCOHF): America’s ToothFairy. The donation will help 28 America’s ToothFairy affiliates provide oral health services for at-risk populations, the company noted in a press release. The America’s ToothFairy affiliate network consists of community-based nonprofit programs dedicated to providing educational, preventive, and restorative services for underserved children in need of care.

Flossolution debuts 2 flossing products

Flossolution has launched its first two products, the Flossolution 500 series and Flossolution Lite. The products are designed to provide an easier, painless, and more effective way to floss and brush teeth, according to the company. The Flossolution 500 series features a sonic-powered handle, while the Flossolution Lite is designed for those who need a smaller alternative or prefer a nonpowered device. Both products feature Flossguard and bite bumper technology.

Fla. dental board votes on anesthesiology turf battle

The Florida Board of Dentistry has decided against expanding the scope of practice for certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs). The board unanimously voted to prohibit certified registered nurse anesthetists from sedating patients to a level deeper than the sedation permit held by dentists, according to a Tampa Bay Business Journal story. Florida law requires a physician or dentist to administer or supervise this type of sedation. The issue revolves around

Patients sue Okla. oral surgeon over pathogen exposure

A class-action lawsuit has been filed against a Tulsa, OK, oral surgeon accused of exposing thousands of patients to hepatitis and HIV because of contaminated equipment. The lawsuit was filed by seven former patients of W. Scott Harrington, DMD, including five who claim they contracted infectious diseases during treatment at his dental clinics. The 18-page federal complaint, filed September 3, 2013, in the District Court of Tulsa County, accuses Dr. Harrington

3D Diagnostix releases ‘no software’ implant planning service

3D Diagnostix, a CT image conversion and digital services company for dentists, is now offering a turnkey service for no-software solutions. The service is intended to give dentists the benefits of SimPlant diagnostic and surgical guide software for less money and hassle, according to the company. With its new turnkey service, 3D Diagnostix is helping to reach those dentists who want to have access to CT technology but aren’t necessarily

Ultradent unveils new teeth-whitening product

Ultradent Products recently launched its newest take-home whitening product, Opalescence Go. The Opalescence Go 10% hydrogen peroxide gel allows for a 30- to 60-minute wear time in three flavors: mint, melon, or peach. The 15% hydrogen peroxide gel is available in mint flavor and allows for a 15- to 20-minute wear time, providing sparkling results. The Opalescence Go gels come in prefilled UltraFit trays that adapt quickly to the user’s

Novel root canal cleaning system gets FDA nod

Sonendo, a developer of endodontic products, has received 510(k) clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the first generation of its Multisonic Ultracleaning System, set to launch in 2014. The device is minimally invasive and uses multiple wavelengths of sound to simultaneously clean the entire root canal system, the company explained in a press release. The FDA clearance gives Sonendo the right to market the new medical

CDC supports oral disease prevention programs

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has awarded cooperative agreements to 21 states to support state infrastructure development and implementation of prevention programs. Approximately $6 million will be available each year for a five-year project period from 2013 to 2018, the CDC explained. The overall purpose of this program is to assist state health departments to build or maintain effective public health capacity for implementing, evaluating, and

Colgate, Teach for America launch Smile for Picture Day

Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures has launched Smile for Picture Day, a new back-to-school campaign that uses the tradition of picture day to promote healthy brushing routines. In partnership with Teach for America, a national nonprofit dedicated to expanding educational opportunities for children facing the challenges of poverty, more than 2,000 educators from across the U.S. will champion Smile for Picture Day in kindergarten through grade 3 classrooms by sharing

Head and neck surgeons support HPV vaccinations

Head and neck surgeons are knowledgeable about the human papillomavirus (HPV) and show generally positive attitudes and beliefs about HPV education and vaccination, according to a new study in JAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery (August 29, 2013). However,68.9% reported that their daughters had received or would receive the HPV vaccine, while 55.8% reported that their sons had received or would receive the vaccination. The relationship of HPV to oropharyngeal cancer

Research IDs how oral cells resist Candida infection

New research has yielded a greater understanding of how mucosal surfaces in the body respond to Candida albicans to prevent damage being done during infection. The researchers, from King’s College of London, presented their findings on September 3 at the Society for General Microbiology Autumn Conference. The researchers focused on oral epithelial cells providing a barrier against microbes and challenged oral epithelial cells grown in vitro with C. albicans, which

Resin infiltration effective on white-spot lesions

Resin infiltration — a technique typically associated with the treatment of caries — can significantly improve the clinical appearance of white-spot lesions following orthodontic treatment, according to a new study in the Journal of the American Dental Association (September 2013, Vol. 144:9, pp. 997-1005). Resin infiltration involves applying a resin material to teeth to penetrate and fill the subsurface pore system of an incipient caries lesion to strengthen, stabilize, and