JADA study outlines repairs for chipped restorations

The usage of porcelain restorations among dentists, whether porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) or all-ceramic, inevitably leads to cases of chipped restorations. Researchers from the New York University College of Dentistry and the University of Maryland School of Dentistry have completed a study that dentists in such situations may find useful. In this literature review, the researchers examined how frequently chipping occurs in certain systems and why it happens. The second aspect of

Drug combo could prevent head/neck cancer in high-risk patients

Researchers have found promising results from a drug combination that appears to reduce the risk for patients with advanced oral precancerous lesions to develop squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN), according to a new study published in Clinical Cancer Research (February 19, 2013). SCCHN is the most common form of head and neck cancer, and survival rates are very poor, making an effective preventive approach crucial, the

Endoscopic therapies proves effective for Barrett’s esophagus

Patients with Barrett’s esophagus and early or precancerous cells significantly benefit from minimally invasive therapy delivered through an endoscope, according to a new study by researchers from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania (Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, February 2013, Vol. 77:2, pp. 190-199). Until recently, patients with these conditions were treated by surgically removing the whole esophagus, the researchers noted in a university press release. Their study results

Nicotine lozenges, tobacco-free snuff help users quit

Smokeless tobacco users who said they didn’t want to quit changed their minds or significantly cut back their use when given nicotine lozenges or tobacco-free snuff in a Mayo Clinic study, published in Addictive Behaviors (February 4, 2013). Mayo researchers recruited 81 users of chewing tobacco or snuff who had no intention of quitting in the next 30 days. Forty were given 4-mg nicotine lozenges and 41 received tobacco-free snuff

CAO Group files patent lawsuit against DentLight

The CAO Group, a high-tech dental and forensic detection company, has filed a patent infringement complaint against DentLight regarding its LED curing and detection light patent portfolio, which consists of more than 30 patents. CAO Group’s patent infringement complaint against DentLight was filed February 20 in the Eastern District of Texas, according to the company. CAO’s LED curing light products for the dental industry includes its Ascent PX LED curing

Kool Smiles partnership offers kids oral health education

Kool Smiles has partnered with the Institute for America’s Health (IAH), a nonprofit youth health education organization, to launch a dental education program in recognition of Children’s Dental Health Month. The program is designed for children in grades K-5 and includes free lesson plans and toothbrushes to teach students about good oral health. To support the program, Kool Smiles has set aside 50,000 toothbrushes for teachers who use the curriculum.

3Shape introduces LABcare

3Shape has launched the LABcare program, a customer-centric business model that backs labs with a support network, new technologies through annual upgrades, and access to training and learning channels. The LABcare program is automatically offered to every 3Shape Dental System subscribed user, according to the company. It is designed to give labs a competitive edge, a future secure CAD/CAM investment, and added value because it directly addresses support, training, and

Boys & Girls Clubs of America expands NCOHF partnership

National Children’s Oral Health Foundation (NCOHF): America’s ToothFairy and Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) have expanded their partnership, timing the announcement to coincide with National Children’s Dental Health Month. The two organizations first began working together in 2010. The goal of the expansion is to encourage good dental hygiene and foster stronger leaders among teens by providing critical oral health education and mentoring activities in some 4,000 clubs

Air Techniques launches new infection-control line

Air Techniques has previewed its Monarch line of dental practice infection at the Chicago Dental Society Midwinter Meeting. The line covers infection-control needs for surfaces, instruments, skin and hands, and equipment. It has the fastest clinically relevant kill times and formulations that are nontoxic and gentle on skin, eyes, and mucous membranes, according to the company. They are also free of carcinogens and hormone disrupters. The packaging design reduces waste,

Age plays a role in dental CBCT image artifacts

Patient age can play a role in the presence of artifacts due to movement during a dental cone-beam CT (CBCT) scan, according to a short communication in Dentomaxillofacial Radiology (February 2013, Vol. 42:2, 91866873). Researchers from Glasgow Dental Hospital and School conducted an audit at the dental hospital to analyze how many scans showed signs of motion artifact. They also examined whether there was any correlation between patient age and

Temple Univ. launches children’s oral health initiative

The Temple University Kornberg School of Dentistry has launched Project Engage, a $1.75 million initiative designed to improve children’s access to oral healthcare. Start-up funding came from a $1 million United Health Foundation grant and another $750,000 from UnitedHealthcare, the university noted in a press release. The program will be available to North Philadelphia children younger than age 6 and their families who are enrolled in the state’s Medicaid plan.

Textbook series a guide to success for hygienists

Christine Hovliaras, RDH, MBA, CDE, a hygiene professional, has released a series of textbooks intended to educate dental hygiene students and dental hygiene professionals about career opportunities in the industry. The three-volume textbook series and faculty guide, Savvy Success: Achieving Professional Excellence and Career Satisfaction in the Dental Hygiene Profession, covers career avenues, clinical competencies, ethical responsibility, and career success in the profession. Hovliaras, who has 28 years of experience