The California State Assembly has passed legislation to provide preventive oral care for underserved children and adults. The bill, AB 1174, passed 73-1 on January 27 and now heads to the state Senate, according to a statement by the Children’s Partnership advocacy group. “Good dental health is critical to overall health. Yet, tooth decay remains the most common chronic disease and unmet healthcare need of children in California,” the group
A simple protein test could be more useful in predicting survival chances for patients with head and neck cancer compared with existing methods, according British researchers in a recent study in Clinical Oncology (November 2013, Vol. 25:11, pp. 630-638). The study by researchers at the University of Manchester, which was funded by Cancer Research UK, found the test could allow doctors to choose more appropriate and tailored treatments, according to
California’s health insurance exchange, Covered California, will require pediatric dental coverage in all medical plans starting in 2015, after their board voted last week to require this coverage for all pediatric medical plans sold through the marketplace. At present, Covered California offers five standalone dental plans, plus a bundled plan. However, new data showed that less than a third of the children enrolled in Covered California through 2013 also had
Researchers using a new genetic screening technique have found seven new tumor-suppressor genes in head and neck cancer (HNC) whose role in cancer was previously unknown, according to a new study in Science (January 17, 2014, Vol. 343:6168, pp. 309-313). Scientists at Rockefeller University in New York created the new technique, which can eliminate random bystander genes and identify the ones that are critical for cancer. The technique, which the
HuangshanDental.com is pleased to present the next installment of Leaders in Dentistry, a series of interviews with researchers, practitioners, and opinion leaders who are instrumental in changing the practice of dentistry. Stuart Froum, DDS, is the president of the American Academy of Periodontology, a clinical professor of periodontics and implant dentistry and the director of clinical research at New York University Dental Center, and a clinical assistant professor in periodontics
Researchers are one step closer to developing an HIV vaccine, according to a new study published in PLOS One (January 23, 2014). Researchers from Seattle BioMed, a nonprofit biomedicine and bioengineering research organization, have identified two HIV-1 Envelope immunogens capable of eliciting antibodies associated with vaccine protection. In the study, the HIV-1 Envelope protein immunogens were derived from an elite neutralizer, an individual with an unusually potent antibody response effective
California’s health insurance exchange Covered California is expected to take action on its pediatric dental policy during a January 23 meeting. Covered California is offering five standalone pediatric dental plans for 2014, as well as what’s called a “bundled” plan in which insurers pair a standalone dental plan with a medical plan. Critics have argued the exchange should also offer so-called “embedded” pediatric dental plans that are included in medical
HuangshanDental.com is pleased to present the next installment of Leaders in Dentistry, a series of interviews with researchers, practitioners, and opinion leaders who are instrumental in changing the practice of dentistry. Stuart Froum, DDS, is the president of the American Academy of Periodontology, a clinical professor of periodontics and implant dentistry and the director of clinical research at New York University (NYU) Dental Center, and a clinical assistant professor in
Dental hygienists can play a critical role in improving access to high-quality services, especially for underserved populations and children, according to a new report by the National Governors Association. But restrictive state rules, particularly regarding supervision and Medicaid reimbursement, limit their ability to provide a range of services. Oral health is an important determinant of overall health, yet access to such care is challenging for millions of Americans. Oral diseases
Marijuana smokers have an elevated risk of oropharyngeal cancer but a reduced risk of oral tongue cancer, according to a new study in Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers & Prevention (December 18, 2013). But the study authors noted that oral human papillomavirus (HPV) infection could explain the increased risk of oropharyngeal cancer among marijuana smokers. Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC), which include cancers of the oral cavity, oropharynx, and larynx,
NSK Dental has launched the 26-watt, standard head Ti-Max Z900L series and the 23-watt, miniature head Ti-Max Z800L series. “The Ti-Max Z900L is the first air-driven handpiece in the history of the dental industry that delivers 26 watts of power,” said Rob Gochoel, sales and marketing director for NSK Dental. Both the Ti-Max Z900L and Z800L series feature a new cartridge design to improve durability, smaller head sizes to enhance
The global implants and prosthetics market was valued at $6.4 billion in 2013 and is forecasted to grow at a healthy compound annual growth rate of 7.3% from 2013 to 2018 to be worth $9.1 billion, according to a new report by MarketsandMarkets. The report, “Dental Implants & Prosthetics Market (Implants, Crowns & Bridges, Dentures, Abutments) Current Trends, Opportunities & Global Forecasts To 2018,” analyzes and studies the major market