LSU dental students race for breast cancer cure

Students at the Louisiana State University (LSU) School of Dentistry (LSU) recently hosted an American Student Dental Association (ASDA) volunteer event in conjunction with the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. ASDA representative Angelica Singh said the correlation between oral health and breast cancer is often overlooked, and many women who undergo breast cancer treatment are unaware of the increased risk for oral complications, according to a posting on

Implant maker faces sanctions in patent infringement case

Implant Direct Manufacturing, a maker of dental implants, has been sanctioned for destroying evidence in a patent infringement case. Last week, U.S. Magistrate Judge William Gallo ruled that the company destroyed evidence in a patent infringement lawsuit filed by Zest IP Holdings, a California manufacturer of overdenture abutment solutions. The judge said he would warn the jury that Implant Direct did not prevent the destruction of relevant evidence such as

P&G tries new approach to kids’ brushing compliance

How many times each week do you see children in your practice who probably aren’t brushing enough? According to an article from Mobile Marketer, two of Procter & Gamble’s (P&G) brands, Crest and Oral-B, are taking a novel approach to this widespread problem. Partnering with the ChoreMonster app, for a month the company is offering exclusive content and offers when children watch a video and engage in the “chore,” which

Calif. seeks to exempt kids’ dental centers from Medi-Cal cuts

The California Department of Health Care Services announced earlier this week that pediatric dental surgery centers that cater to poor children should be exempt from a 10% cut in reimbursements for Medi-Cal, the state’s Medicaid program, in order to maintain access to care, according to a news story in the Fresno Bee. Although the exemption still needs federal approval, the state is proposing it be effective December 1. The state

How to put a price tag on your dental laboratory?

Introduction An industry’s maturation is judged at the moment discussion changes from pragmatic day-to-day details and industry trends to the questions about valuation of a practice. When dental lab owners begin to ask: What is my dental lab worth if sold to another lab owner in contrast to its sale on the open private and public equity capital markets? This article is intended to assist the dental lab owner in

Ark. orthodontist agrees not to do prophies

A Fort Smith, AR, orthodontist has agreed to stop offering prophylaxes to the general public after being summoned before the Arkansas State Board of Examiners. Earlier this month, Ben Burris, DDS, MDS, signed a consent order with the dental board in which he agreed not to offer dental cleaning, according to an arkansasbusiness.com story. Dr. Burris said he feared the board would file charges against him if he didn’t agree to

Ask Marty: What are your thoughts on the current digital impression and CAD/CAM systems?

Q: What are your thoughts on the current digital impression and CAD/CAM systems? A: Digital dentistry is here and now. The use of digital systems to fabricate single-unit crowns and fixed bridgework is increasing. The newest units are in full color and many do not require powder for acquiring the image. The use of color may or may not be a benefit, as in many cases viewing the acquired image

Henry Schein acquires 60% share in BioHorizons

Henry Schein has reached an agreement to acquire a 60% interest in BioHorizons, a U.S.-based manufacturer of advanced dental implants, advancing the company’s goal of expanding its position in the dental specialty market. Under the terms of the agreement, BioHorizons, with revenues of about $115 million, will continue to operate as an independent company. Financial terms of the proposed transaction were not disclosed. The transaction with BioHorizons involves a two-step

Maine coalition supports dental hygiene therapists

To provide more access to affordable dental care, a coalition of oral health activists in Maine is continuing efforts to create a new category of dental hygienists. Dental Access for ME is starting a campaign in support of a bill that would create a new license for dental hygiene therapists. This bill would allow them to do some procedures normally performed by dentists, such as restorations and extractions, according to

USPSTF: Lack of evidence for oral cancer screening by primary care providers

There is insufficient evidence to recommend for or against oral cancer screening in asymptomatic adults age 18 years or older by primary care physicians, according to a study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine (November 25, 2013). The researchers also did not find direct evidence of whether screening reduces morbidity or mortality among the general or high-risk U.S. population. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) noted in its

Interleukin Genetics launches PerioPredict

Interleukin Genetics has launched PerioPredict, the company’s new version of the PST genetic risk test for periodontal disease. The PerioPredict measures variations in the genes for interleukin-1 (IL-1), a key mediator of inflammation, and identifies those who are at an increased risk for more severe periodontal disease, according to the company. The new collection device uses a simple cheek swab. The new test also utilizes an expansion of previous genetic

Good oral hygiene may slow heart disease

Good oral hygiene that includes brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits could hold heart disease at bay, according to a new study in the Journal of the American Heart Association (October 28, 2013). As gum health improves, progression of atherosclerosis slows to a clinically significant degree, researchers from the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health in New York have found. Atherosclerosis, the narrowing of arteries through the buildup of