Tooth fairy spending in the U.S. is skyrocketing and shows no signs of slowing down, according to a new survey released by Visa. The survey found that children in the U.S. are receiving an average of $3.70 per lost tooth this year, an increase of 23% more than the $3.00 per tooth left in 2012 and up 42% from the $2.60 left in 2011. Based on this rate of return,
Ongoing litigation involving allegations that Merck’s osteoporosis bisphosphonate drug Foxamax caused thousands of individuals to develop osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) got more complicated this week. On September 5, U.S. District Judge John Keenan, who is overseeing consolidated litigation against Merck in this case, ordered hundreds of cases to be dispersed back for trial to the courts in which they were originally filed, according to a report from Reuters. The
A quantitative light-induced fluorescence (QLF) imaging tool was able to detect cariogenic levels of dental biofilm based on the intensity of red fluorescence, according to a new study in the Journal of Dentistry (September 3, 2013). Researchers at Yonsei University College of Dentistry initiated dental microcosm biofilms from human saliva on bovine enamel disks. Biofilms with various levels of cariogenicity were then grown in artificial saliva supplemented with sucrose at
Many Americans delay treatment for oral health issues due to financial concerns or a lack of access to care. Consequently, preventable issues often become complicated ones before treatment takes place, and periapical abscesses are among them. A retrospective analysis published in the Journal of Endodontics examined the trends of hospitalizations caused by periapical abscesses from 2000 through 2008 and found more than 61,000 cases and a growing problem (September 2013,
CAO Group has gained U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance for its newest laser device, the Precise SHP, a diode laser with a unique twist the company believes will customers will find attractive: an Apple iPod Touch controller. The Precise SHP is the first diode laser with an iPod Touch mobile touchscreen interface to receive FDA clearance for various procedures, according to CAO. The Precise SHP diode laser with
The American Association of Endodontists (AAE) has updated its website to make it easier for dental professionals and patients to access the association’s online resources. The new site features a simplified, topic-based menu, with content reorganized for quick, intuitive searching. Visitors to the site can access clinical information about treatment planning, regenerative endodontics, patient education on dental symptoms, and a step-by-step explanation of a root canal procedure. The site also
Trident has donated $325,000 to the Smiles Across America program. Since 2004, Trident has donated more than $2 million to Oral Health America, helping Smiles Across America support organizations that provide preventive oral health services and education, according to a press release. In New York, Smiles Across America helps support the New York University College of Dentistry provide dental care to children in need in New York public schools. The
SS White Burs has donated SS White procedure kits to the National Children’s Oral Health Foundation (NCOHF): America’s ToothFairy. The donation will help 28 America’s ToothFairy affiliates provide oral health services for at-risk populations, the company noted in a press release. The America’s ToothFairy affiliate network consists of community-based nonprofit programs dedicated to providing educational, preventive, and restorative services for underserved children in need of care.
Flossolution has launched its first two products, the Flossolution 500 series and Flossolution Lite. The products are designed to provide an easier, painless, and more effective way to floss and brush teeth, according to the company. The Flossolution 500 series features a sonic-powered handle, while the Flossolution Lite is designed for those who need a smaller alternative or prefer a nonpowered device. Both products feature Flossguard and bite bumper technology.
The Florida Board of Dentistry has decided against expanding the scope of practice for certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs). The board unanimously voted to prohibit certified registered nurse anesthetists from sedating patients to a level deeper than the sedation permit held by dentists, according to a Tampa Bay Business Journal story. Florida law requires a physician or dentist to administer or supervise this type of sedation. The issue revolves around
A class-action lawsuit has been filed against a Tulsa, OK, oral surgeon accused of exposing thousands of patients to hepatitis and HIV because of contaminated equipment. The lawsuit was filed by seven former patients of W. Scott Harrington, DMD, including five who claim they contracted infectious diseases during treatment at his dental clinics. The 18-page federal complaint, filed September 3, 2013, in the District Court of Tulsa County, accuses Dr. Harrington
3D Diagnostix, a CT image conversion and digital services company for dentists, is now offering a turnkey service for no-software solutions. The service is intended to give dentists the benefits of SimPlant diagnostic and surgical guide software for less money and hassle, according to the company. With its new turnkey service, 3D Diagnostix is helping to reach those dentists who want to have access to CT technology but aren’t necessarily