Dental assisting students stung by school closure

A career college that offered dental assisting and other training programs in Massachusetts and Maryland abruptly closed all of its campuses last week, citing financial troubles. On January 9, American Career Institute (ACI) sent a letter to students informing them that, due to financial problems, all of its campuses would close immediately, according to an investigation by Republic Report. ACI had campuses in Columbia, Silver Spring, and Baltimore, MD, and

‘Toothbrush tree’ yields antibiotic for new TB treatment

A compound from the South African toothbrush tree commonly used to aid oral health may also be effective in helping to treat certain strains of tuberculosis (TB), according to a study in the Journal of Biological Chemistry (December 28, 2012). In traditional medicine, the antibacterial properties of the tree are used for oral health and to treat medical complaints such bronchitis, pleurisy, and venereal disease. In addition, twigs from the

Scientists find new way to boost cancer drugs

Shutting down a specific pathway in cancer cells appears to improve the ability of common drugs to wipe those cells out, according to new research from scientists at Fox Chase Cancer Center (Cancer Discovery, January 2013, Vol. 3:1, pp. 96-111). The new approach appears to enhance the tumor-killing ability of a commonly prescribed class of drugs that includes cetuximab (Erbitux), used to treat head and neck cancers. These drugs work

TotalCare launches disposable air/water syringe tips

TotalCare has launched a new line of disposable air/water syringe tips with Seal-Tight Spectrum. Seal-Tight has an interlock system, through the Seal-Tight Adapter, that eliminates wear and tear at the insertion point of air/water syringes and ensures a fresh seal with every new tip, according to the company. Other features include the following: The yellow rubber seal acts like an O-ring, ensuring dry air each time. Only syringe tip with

Do biofilms take a break at night?

The oral cavity creates more biofilm during the day than at night, according to a study in Acta Odontologica Scandinavica (December 2012, Vol. 70:6, pp. 441-447). Most previous studies of accumulation and composition of dental biofilms in vivo do not differentiate between biofilms formed during the day and at night, according to the study authors, from Aarhus University. To determine whether oral bacteria have a natural circadian rhythm, they collected

Crest Oral-B partners with CareerFusion

Crest Oral-B has launched a partnership with dental hygienists at CareerFusion, a dental professional career retreat, to gain a better understanding of the current needs and preferences of dental professionals in the U.S. During a meeting earlier this month in Daytona, FL, Crest Oral-B celebrated the anniversary of 100 years of dental hygiene by thanking CareerFusion hygienists and revealing its plans to show its gratitude throughout the year at dental

Porcelain/ceramic CDT code covers 3M ESPE Lava

3M ESPE’s Lava Ultimate restorative now falls under the Code on Dental Procedures and Nomenclature’s (CDT Code) broadened definition of porcelain/ceramic materials, thus allowing Lava Ultimate restorative to be classified as a porcelain/ceramic. This classification is solely to aid selection of the appropriate procedure code to achieve uniformity, consistency, and specificity in accurately reporting dental treatment, the company noted. When the material was originally launched, the ADA’s CDT Code did

DNA on dental pick gets man busted for robbery

A Georgia man was arrested this week after his DNA was found to be a match for DNA taken from a dental floss pick dropped at the scene of an alleged 2010 armed robbery. Jesse Cornelius McGahee, 30, of Oakwood allegedly attacked a man in the driveway of an Ellenwood home and pointed a gun at him, according to a story in the Henry Daily Herald. When the man knocked

Jan. CDA journal focuses on patient care strategies

This month’s issue of the Journal of the California Dental Association features the translational research efforts of new and young investigators interested in turning clinical observations, basic research findings, and technological innovations into clinical strategies for patient care, the California Dental Association (CDA) announced. “Characterization of Dental Anatomy and Gingival Biotype in Asian Populations” provides a summary of the gingival and tooth morphology of Asian patients in a cross-sectional study.

BPA linked to potential adverse effects on heart, kidneys

Bisphenol A (BPA) appears to be associated with a biomarker for higher risk of heart and kidney disease in children and adolescents, according to an analysis of national survey data by New York University (NYU) School of Medicine researchers (Kidney International, January 9, 2013). Laboratory studies suggest that even low levels of BPA, such as the ones identified in this national survey of children and adolescents, increase oxidative stress and

SD hygienists tapped to improve caries rates

Officials in South Dakota are looking to new legislation that expands dental hygienists’ duties to help the state improve its caries prevention statistics. A report released earlier this week by the Pew Center on the States gave South Dakota a D grade with regard to dental sealants and caries prevention. The low grade was partly attributed to severe restrictions on hygienists and the low number of schools with sealant programs,