Teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in dentistry today. But a new study has found that although it has a positive impact on patients’ quality of life — for instance they smile more without embarrassment — it also has downsides, such as difficulty in brushing teeth and pain resulting from treatment (Journal of Dentistry, December 4, 2013). Bleaching has become a popular procedure in dental offices,
Kids Smiles, a nonprofit children’s dental care organization, has received grants totaling $55,000 from the Walmart Foundation and Oral Health America (OHA). The money will support the organization’s mission of providing dental healthcare and education to underserved children and youth in Philadelphia and Washington, DC. Kids Smiles operates dental centers located in Southwest and West Philadelphia, as well as Ward 7 in Washington, DC, and also provides education and outreach
Hawaii dentist Lilly Geyer, DMD, has notified her patients via a letter that she is closing her practice. This comes after a 3-year-old patient died after undergoing a dental procedure with sedation at the practice. The letter informed patients that the Kailua office, Island Dentistry, is permanently closed, effective January 1, according to a report at WTVM.com. It also lists the names of area pediatric dentists and outlines patient record
The Washington State Dental Association (WSDA) has established a toll-free number and website to help parents connect their children to local dentists that accept their children’s insurance. The Dental Referral Program for Children coincides with the January 1 implementation of mandatory pediatric dental coverage for all children in Washington, according to a press release. Washington and Nevada are the only two states that require all children to have a dental
A 3-year-old Hawaiian girl who suffered massive brain damage after undergoing a dental procedure last month has died. Finley Boyle died January 3 after falling into a coma nearly a month earlier, according to a foxnews.com story. Her parents have filed a lawsuit alleging negligence and dangerous conduct against Lilly Geyer, DMD; Island Dentistry for Children; and unidentified staff members, claiming that the girl was not monitored during a December
The introduction of dental implants has proved to be a pivotal technology in dentistry. In a profession that strives to help patients keep their dentition, the point when it becomes necessary to opt for dental implants is a judgment call. Now, a new critical review published in the Journal of Dental Research comparing the long-term survival of implants and teeth that have been treated endodontically can help clinicians gain perspective
Adolescents are often teased and bullied if they have missing, misshaped, or discolored teeth, according to a new study in the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics (December 2013, Vol. 144:6, pp. 872-878). The study, which was conducted among sixth-grade students (ages 11 to 12) in Amman, Jordan, found a significant prevalence of bullying in school was due to the children’s dental or facial appearance. Researchers analyzed 920 children
The mother of a 3-year-old Hawaii girl who slipped into a coma after being sedated during a dental visit does not expect a recovery, according to an article at KHON2.com. Ashley Boyle, the girl’s mother, and her attorney, Rick Fried, made the announcement during a press conference at a Kailua hospice where the girl is staying. Boyle explained that her daughter, Finley may pass within 24 hours and that they
Minnesota dentists will provide free dental care services for children in need during the Minnesota Dental Association’s (MDA) Give Kids A Smile event on February 7 and 8. The event will provide care to 6,000 children at more than 200 dental clinics throughout the state, according to the MDA. The association is sponsoring the 12th consecutive year of Give Kids A Smile as part of the national Children’s Dental Health
The new year has arrived, and it could provide an opportunity to reinvigorate your practice’s infection-control measures. The serious consequences that can result from lapses in infection-control diligence at a dental practice were on full display before the public in early 2013. The case of oral surgeon W. Scott Harrington, DMD, is still playing out, but Oklahoma health officials have confirmed that 100 patients have tested positive for HIV and
The oral-systemic link has become increasingly important as researchers have connected periodontal disease with conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and pregnancy complications, and now a new study has found a possible association between periodontal disease and oral cancer (Head & Face Medicine, December 9, 2013) . Monitoring and treatment of chronic periodontitis may be beneficial in reducing a potential cause of oral squamous cell carcinoma, according to the study
Des Moines, IA, will continue adding fluoride to the city’s water, continuing an ongoing 54-year practice. The city’s board of trustees heard public comments but took no action last week on the practice, according to a desmoinesregister.com story. Adding fluoride to water has contributed significantly to better oral health among Americans, particularly those who do not have regular dental care, according to dentists, scientists, and public health officials. Critics of