Teeth-whitening products put to the test at IADR

Three different studies examined the efficacy of teeth-whitening products in various delivery modalities, and the results were presented at the recent 2013 International Association for Dental Research (IADR) meeting in Seattle. One study tested a new whitening dentifrice, while two others compared take-home and in-office systems and two common in-office whitening products, respectively. There were clear winners in all of them. In a comparison study of Zoom WhiteSpeed (Philips) and

Asthma identified as a risk factor for sleep apnea

Researchers have identified a potential new risk factor for obstructive sleep apnea: asthma. Using data from the Wisconsin sleep cohort study, which has been following approximately 1,500 people since 1988, researchers at the University of Wisconsin found that patients who had asthma were 1.70 times (95%) more likely to develop sleep apnea after eight years. It is the first longitudinal study to suggest a causal relationship between asthma and sleep

Wide-area biopsy can detect esophageal dysplasia

CDx Diagnostics has released data that support the company’s WATS3D (wide-area transepithelial sample biopsy with 3D analysis) as an additional surveillance tool to increase detection of dysplasia and Barrett’s esophagus. The WATS3D biopsy collects a wide-area, disaggregated tissue specimen of the thickness of the suspect epithelium, according to the company. The tissue specimen is then subjected to computer-assisted 3D analysis to pinpoint potentially abnormal cells for presentation to a pathologist.

Genetic diversity predicts head/neck cancer

A new measure of the heterogeneity of cells within a tumor appears to predict treatment outcomes of patients with the most common type of head and neck cancer, according to a new study in Cancer (May 20, 2013). Researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) and Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary say their measure was a better predictor of survival than most traditional risk factors in a small group of patients

Will Maine be next to OK dental therapists?

Maine legislators have taken the first step toward allowing dental hygiene therapists to practice in the state. LD 1230, “An Act to Improve Access to Oral Health Care,” introduced by Speaker of the House Mark Eves (D-North Berwick), is intended to bring oral care to Maine’s rural areas. “We’re thrilled that we are one step closer to increasing access to oral healthcare for Maine’s children and families in rural areas.”

Are CBCT scans necessary prior to orthodontic treatment?

Taking cone-beam CT (CBCT) scans prior to orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning is warranted for patients with unerupted teeth or severe root resorption, according to a new study in the American Journal of Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics (May 2013, Vol. 143:5, pp. 665-674). Researchers from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) wanted to measure the impact of CBCT on orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning, and determine what patient characteristics

Implant complication symposium eases minds in San Francisco

SAN FRANCISCO – More than 400 dental professionals filled a large auditorium at the Westin St. Francis hotel today for a continuing education (CE) course on implant complication management hosted by Straumann. The event was a follow-on to a similar CE course Straumann held last year. Throughout the day, the conversation among practitioners often returned to the fact that, when it comes to implants, one learns more from mistakes than

Canadian dentists blame lack of fluoridation for caries spike

Dentists in Alberta, Canada, are reporting a surge in pediatric caries after the city stopped fluoridating its drinking water two years ago. Sarah Hulland, DDS, head of the Alberta Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, says she has seen an increase in the severity of caries of young patients’ teeth during the last two years, according to a story on CBC.ca. She attributes the increase to the city’s decision to remove fluoride

AAO elects new officers, trustee

The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) elected officers and a new trustee at its recent annual meeting in Philadelphia. Gayle Glenn, DDS, MDS, of Dallas was elected president, while Robert Varner, DMD, of Roseburg, OR, was elected president-elect. Morris Poole, DDS, of Logan, UT, was elected secretary-treasurer, and Norman Nagel, DDS, MS, of Camarillo, CA, was installed as a new trustee.

NSK Dental releases 45° dental handpiece

NSK Dental has introduced to the U.S. market the Ti-Max Z45L, a 45° electric, contra-angle dental handpiece. The handpiece’s body is made of titanium, which is 30% lighter than stainless steel, more durable, and corrosion-resistant, the company noted in a press release. The handpiece can handle burs ranging in length from 20 mm to 25 mm and features ceramic bearings. The handpiece fits to all e-type electric micromotors and uses

Cancer patients face increased risk of bankruptcy

Patients diagnosed with cancer are much more likely to declare bankruptcy than those without the disease, according to a new study in Health Affairs (May 15, 2013). Cancer patients are at least 2.5 times more likely to declare bankruptcy than those without cancer, noted the study authors, from the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. They also found that younger cancer patients had two to five times higher bankruptcy rates compared

Nobel Biocare disputes implant lawsuit settlement

A proposed settlement of a lawsuit brought against Nobel Biocare regarding its NobelDirect dental implants has hit a snag. It was previously reported that the company would pay up to $1.3 million to settle a $450 million lawsuit brought against it three years ago by a California dentist who said the company had misrepresented the safety of the implants. The lawsuit, which was filed in June 2010 by Jason Yamada,