Philadelphia groups give Kids Smiles $110K

Kids Smiles, a nonprofit children’s dental care organization, has received more than $110,000 in grants from three major Philadelphia foundations to support its services in 2013. The Independence Blue Cross Foundation, Philadelphia Foundation, and First Hospital Foundation have all committed to supporting Kids Smiles’ mission of providing quality dental healthcare and education to underserved children. Each foundation has maintained a partnership with the organization over several years, through which financial

Listerine, OHA team up for Swish Challenge

Listerine is joining Oral Health America (OHA) to kick off the Listerine 21 Day Swish Challenge, designed to help provide dental care for at-risk children. Beginning February 5, people are invited to sign up for the challenge on Facebook, according to the organizations. For every person who signs up, Listerine will make a contribution to OHA to connect up to 210,000 at-risk children with needed oral health services in 2013.

Beta-catenin molecule essential for tooth root formation

Beta-catenin is required in odontoblasts for tooth root formation, according to a new study in the Journal of Dental Research (January 23, 2012). While the molecular and cellular mechanisms of early tooth development and crown morphogenesis have been extensively studied, little is known about the molecular mechanisms controlling tooth root formation, noted the study authors, from the Chonbuk National University School of Dentistry. Beta-catenin is strongly expressed in odontoblasts, they

Treacher Collins blamed for Texas boy’s death

The death of a 10-year-old Texas boy following a routine dental procedure last September has been ruled accidental, caused by a genetic disorder that affects the structure of the face. Marcos Tirado’s death was caused by his pre-existing medical condition, Treacher Collins syndrome, also known as mandibulofacial dysostosis, according to a news report on valleycentral.com. The boy had received anesthesia at Harlingen Family Dentistry prior to having a tooth filled.

IAOMT offers dental amalgam phasedown information

The International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT) has launched an educational program to assist countries worldwide with efforts to phase down the use of dental amalgam. The IAOMT and 137 countries participated in a United Nations meeting last month to formalize a treaty to reduce the global use of mercury, with a section specific to dental amalgam, the organization noted in a press release. The new program will

3M ESPE’s Changing Lives campaign a success

For 10 years, dentists have been using the 3M ESPE Filtek Supreme Universal line of dental composite, adding up to more than 400 million restorations placed using the material. This past year, 3M ESPE honored that record with its Changing Lives campaign, in which the company donated one unit of Filtek Supreme Ultra universal dental composite to a dental charity for every four-unit order purchased by a dentist. With the

Some facts about thyroid cancer

Over the past decade, thyroid cancer has become one of the most common cancer diagnoses in the U.S., with 55,000 new cases diagnosed annually. According to Eric Genden, MD, chairman of the otolaryngology/head and neck surgery department at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, those most prone to developing thyroid cancer are women between the ages of 25 and 50. “Early detection is key to the management of this disease,” he

PBS show to spotlight cosmetic dentistry

The PBS television show “In Focus” with Martin Sheen will feature a report on new procedures and materials in cosmetic dentistry. The show, an independently produced television series airing in markets around the U.S., reviews how new technology is being used to improve the quality of life. In the upcoming feature on cosmetic dentistry, “In Focus” will interview American dentists about new procedures and laboratory-produced materials. The dental community is

Start-up seeks funding for all-in-one toothbrush

The company behind UltiBrush, an all-in-one toothbrush that includes toothpaste, floss, mirror, and a protective cap, is working to get the product into the market through the funding platform Kickstarter. UltiBrush is an all-in-one toothbrush that includes toothpaste, floss, mirror, and a protective cap. UltiBrush is an all-in-one toothbrush that includes toothpaste, floss, mirror, and a protective cap. The UltiBrush is good for 40 to 50 uses, sells for $12,

Will ACA prompt some patients to drop dental insurance?

While 5.3 million children will gain dental coverage in 2014 thanks to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), up to 11 million adults could drop their own dental coverage when their children are covered separately, according to the National Association of Dental Plans. And parents who switch to dental coverage under their medical insurance may have to change dentists. Currently, adult and children’s dental plans are mostly sold

Penn Dental unveils new endodontic clinic

The University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine has opened the Syngcuk Kim Endodontic Clinic, a new facility for education, research, and clinical care. The clinic, which opened for patient care on January 7, is the first key project of the school’s 10-year master plan for facilities renovations, according to the university. The new facility features 23 chairs, two surgical suites, a consultation room, modular operatories with an operating microscope

The skinny on patient compliance

In my professional experience, the most frustrating thing for dental professionals has always been patient compliance — or should I say noncompliance. As dental professionals, we often look at noncompliance as a lack of concern or accountability by our patients. After all, one would think that people would want to take responsibility for their personal actions and have a genuine interest in their oral health, right? Amazingly, I’ve learned that