Heraeus Kulzer extends dental lab foundation support

Heraeus Kulzer’s Precious Metal Refining Division will support the Foundation for Dental Laboratory Technology (FDLT) with a donation this year, the third consecutive year the company has made such a donation. The nonprofit organization was founded in 2008 with funding from the National Association of Dental Laboratories (NADL) to advance the profession of dental laboratory technology by developing educational curriculums and programs for dental technicians and other members of the

Study: Dental bib clips harbor bacteria after disinfection

A significant proportion of dental bib clips harbor bacteria from the patient, dental clinician, and the environment even after the clips undergo standard disinfection procedures, according to a new study (Compendium of Continuing Education in Dentistry, April 2013, Vol. 34:4 [suppl]). The study was conducted by researchers from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine and the Forsyth Institute and sponsored in part by Dux Dental, which manufactures Bib-Eze disposable bib

Survey: Caregivers uninformed about fluoride in tap water

Nearly 60% of caregivers say they are more likely to give children bottled water than tap water, potentially depriving kids of fluoride that is critical to good oral health, according to the 2013 Delta Dental Children’s Oral Health Survey. Morpace conducted the oral health survey in the U.S. via the Internet with 926 primary caregivers of children from birth to age 11. For results based on the total sample of

DentaQuest working to fix reimbursement delays in Fla.

The Florida Dental Association is asking DentaQuest to expedite reimbursements for fluoride treatments that have not been paid since January because of company delays in updating its claims processing system. The issue involves the new ADA procedure codes released in November 2012. The changes included replacing codes D1203 and D1204 (for topical fluoride treatments) with a new code, D1208. However, DentaQuest, which provides dental care for patients in Florida’s Healthy

Philadelphia dental students team up for oral cancer event

In honor of Oral Cancer Awareness Month, dental students from the University of Pennsylvania and Temple University are partnering to present the Philadelphia Oral Cancer Walk & 5K Run on April 6. The event is an annual fundraiser for the Oral Cancer Foundation and a campaign to build awareness about the importance of early detection and screening, the schools noted in a press release. All proceeds will go to the

Crest, Oral-B help Dress for Success in Canada

To help Canadians succeed with a confident, radiant smile, Crest and Oral-B have partnered with Dress for Success in Canada. The not-for-profit organization’s mission is to promote the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support, and career development tools to help women in work and life. Through the partnership, Crest and Oral-B will provide oral health products and educational resources to Dress for Success

Straumann unveils new implant line

Straumann has introduced a new implant line that has a combination of Roxolid material and the SLActive implant surface on all implant diameters with the Loxim transfer piece. Loxim is a premounted, self-retained transfer piece that offers clockwise and counterclockwise rotations for one-step implant insertion, according to the company. With Loxim, the holding key is no longer required to remove the transfer piece, helping to make implant placement more efficient,

Okla. oral surgeon may face criminal charges

The Oklahoma Board of Dentistry is asking prosecutors to file criminal charges against a Tulsa oral surgeon who was cited as a health “menace” after investigators found rusty instruments and lax sterilization procedures in his office. The executive director of the Oklahoma Board of Dentistry, Susan Rogers, met with Tulsa County District Attorney Tim Harris Monday to discuss whether W. Scott Harrington, DMD, should be charged with criminal negligence, according

OSAP offers safety tips for reassuring dental patients

The Organization for Safety, Asepsis and Prevention (OSAP) has released information to help dentists reassure patients who may be fearful about dental care following the recent infection control breach by an Oklahoma dentist. Oklahoma health officials are notifying approximately 7,000 patients of Tulsa oral surgeon W. Scott Harrington, DMD, about potential exposure to HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C after investigators found rusty instruments and lax sterilization procedures in his

Ark. orthodontist expands practice with 5 new clinics

Arkansas orthodontist Ben Burris, DDS, MDS, has acquired Arkansas Orthodontics. With a combined 10 locations, his Braces By Burris and Arkansas Orthodontics brands service almost half of Arkansas, making Burris’ the largest individually owned orthodontic practice in the U.S., he noted in a press release. Dr. Burris is co-founder of Hixson-Burris Media, which publishes the Progressive Dentist and the Progressive Orthodontist magazines, and co-publisher of Efficiency in Group Practice magazine. He

AAOM: Dental offices can enhance oral cancer awareness

The American Academy of Oral Medicine (AAOM), in partnership with the Oral Cancer Foundation, is working to raise awareness for oral and head and neck cancers during April, which is Oral Cancer Awareness Month. The academy is encouraging doctors to offer free screenings and educate communities on the importance of early detection. During the month of April, all across the U.S., there will be opportunities to participate in walk-a-thons to

ADA reassures public after Tulsa, Okla., oral surgeon investigation

The ADA has responded to the investigation of an oral surgeon in Tulsa, OK, who may have exposed thousands of patients to HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C, with a statement describing infection control procedures in dentistry and reassuring the public of their effectiveness. The organization encouraged patients to talk to their dentists about any concerns they may have, so that dentists can describe or demonstrate their infection control procedures.