Report: Early childhood caries growing, could worsen under ACA

Early childhood caries (ECC) is a growing epidemic that could actually worsen under the provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), according to a new report by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD). The 13-page “State of Little Teeth Report” released on January 28 looked at who is most likely to suffer from caries; the disease’s immediate and long-term health, social, and economic effects; and what’s

Endodontists need closer relationship with dentists

The average person may have a limited, if any, idea of what endodontists do. As specialists, endodontists’ business is heavily dependent on referrals from general practitioners (GPs), and with that in mind, the American Association of Endodontists (AAE) set out to learn about the referral habits of GPs in a 2009 survey. Now they’ve updated that effort and published the results in the Journal of Endodontics (JOE, February 2014, Vol.

1,500 kids to get free care at NY GKAS event

Some 1,500 children from local low-income families will receive free dental services at the Cradle of Aviation Museum in Garden City, NY, on February 7, 2014. The services will include screenings, fluoride varnishes, and sealants as part of the ADA’s national Give Kids A Smile (GKAS) day. Grace Hsu, DDS, and her staff at Long Island Dental Spa will be volunteering at the Henry Schein-sponsored event. Children from underserved communities

Your Team at Avalon

Since it’s been awhile, I’d like to introduce your team at Avalon Dental in Sugar Land. My office manager Leslie and I made sure to put together a caring and top notched team that understands our Guiding Principles and puts them into practice for every patient every day. Dr. Mason and I, Dr. Yu, strive to provide all our patients with comprehensive, aesthetic, and compassionate care. We both dedicate many

President Eisenhower and his dubious dental emergency

In 1954, Americans were enjoying a relatively carefree and prosperous time. The stresses and heartache of World War II were, for the most part, in the past. The heroes of the early 1950s were now found on the fields of athletic competition and the silver screen, which was filled with the adventure and glamour of Hollywood’s stars and starlets. 1954 saw Americans visit their local movie theaters to see Humphrey

AACD launches cosmetic dentistry site for consumers

The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) has launched a website to help educate consumers about cosmetic dentistry and raise awareness of the importance of seeking out an AACD-accredited or member dentist for treatment. “There are currently many different cosmetic dentistry treatment options for patients, and this website enables the consumer to learn more about these procedures through a less intimidating, more consumer-friendly fun way,” said Jack Ringer, DDS, AACD

3M ESPE launches new automatic mixing unit

3M ESPE has introduced the Pentamix Lite automatic mixing unit, a portable mixer that works with all 3M ESPE impression materials. The unit’s lightweight and integrated handgrip make it easy to carry from operatory to operatory, and its compact design saves space when the device is in standby position, according to the company. Also, it enables hygienic direct filling of trays and syringes without the risk of cross-contamination. “The Pentamix

Study: Fluoride intake has no ill effect on adolescents’ bones

Decades of research and approval from a litany of health organizations have not quieted the debate about fluoride’s benefits, which some question — or dispelled claims about the harm it may cause. Its impact on bone is a natural area of concern, given that 99% the body’s fluoride is bound in calcified tissue, noted the authors of a new report in the Journal of Dental Research (January 27, 2014). Consequently,

Study: Dental setting useful in early detection of diabetes

There is a lot of supportive literature on screening dental patients for conditions such as hypertension and cholesterol, and now a new field trial has found that the dental setting can play an important role in identifying patients who may have diabetes or prediabetes. A significant percentage of Americans with diabetes remain undiagnosed, and a large number of them, both children and adults, will see their dentist every year, so

Essential Dental launches new ultrasonic tips

Essential Dental Systems (EDS) has added a new product to its line of dental devices, EDS Ultrasonic Tips. EDS Ultrasonic Tips. Image courtesy of Essential Dental Systems. EDS Ultrasonic Tips. Image courtesy of Essential Dental Systems. The tips were designed with two factors in endodontics in mind: access cavity refinement and canal orifice location. The EDS Tip Introductory Kit is available in both E and M threads to fit existing

ADA report: Bringing disease prevention into communities

The ADA has released its latest report on oral health disparities in underserved populations, focusing on programs that target tooth decay and periodontal disease, the two most prevalent dental problems. The report, “Action for Dental Health: Bringing Disease Prevention into Communities,” is the first of two ADA white papers addressing the importance of disease prevention. The 14-page report is part of the organization’s goal to deliver care to people with

Hawaii adopts new guidelines for dental sedation

Hawaii dentists are now required to have advanced training in sedation and experience in handling emergencies following the death of a young girl who went into cardiac arrest after oral sedation during an extensive dental procedure. Starting January 27, dentists must have 60 hours of training in moderate sedation, perform 20 supervised cases giving moderate sedation, have clinical experience in managing a compromised airway, and provide current documentation in advanced