Neoadjuvant chemo does not improve oral cancer survival rates

Patients with advanced resectable oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) who undergo surgery do not benefit from improved survival after induction with docetaxel, cisplatin, and fluorouracil (TPF), according to a new study (Journal of Clinical Oncology, November 5, 2012). Study author Zhi-yuan Zhang, MD, PhD, from Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, and colleagues assessed 256 patients with resectable locally advanced OSCC. A total of 222 patients completed the full

Voco offers kit for one-appointment composite inlays

Voco is introducing the GrandioSO inlay system, an all-in-one solution kit that offers all the matching components to fabricate 15 indirect composite inlays. GrandioSO inlays have an approximate material cost of $20 per inlay. All components contained in the kit are optimally matched and make it possible to extraorally fabricate inlays in just one appointment, according to the company. In addition to GrandioSO, Futurabond DC, Bifix QM, and Dimanto, the

‘Going green’ has cost and care advantages for dentistry

“Going green” is not only environmentally friendly, it’s also economically savvy for dental practices, according to a presentation at the recent ADA Annual Session in San Francisco. Adopting eco-friendly practices can save dentists thousands of dollars a year, in addition to preserving natural resources. Green dentistry reduces waste and pollution; saves energy, water, and money; incorporates high tech; and supports a wellness lifestyle, according to Ronald D. Perry, DMD, a

Cartoons relieve kids’ anxiety before anesthesia

Letting children watch a favorite cartoon is an effective and safe way to reduce anxiety before anesthesia and surgery, according to a new study in Anesthesia & Analgesia (November 2012, Vol. 115:5, pp. 1162-1167) “Cartoon distraction” can reduce anxiety in children in a safe and effective manner before they undergo anesthesia and surgery, according to researchers at Chonbuk National University Hospital. In a study that evaluated the effect of watching

D4D debuts Dentalogic 4.5 and E4D scanner

D4D Technologies has introduced version 4.5 of its E4D DentaLogic software and also the E4D Solo scan-only digital impression system. Version 4.5 of the DentaLogic software features E4D Sky, offering an open network of chairside restorative systems for patient treatment. The E4D Sky communication network enables E4D system operators to exchange case data via the Internet with internal and external service providers, according the company. The new version adds a

Light could play role in reversing anesthesia

Could rousing sedated patients one day be as easy as shining a light in their eyes? German researchers have found a way to add a light-sensitive moiety to propofol that could control its effect on humans with light (Angewandte Chemie International Edition, October 15, 2012, Vol. 51:42, pp. 10500-10504). In their study, the researchers from Ludwig Maximilian University (LMU) of Munich effectively anesthetized and revived tadpoles when irradiated with violet

Calif. voters reject soda tax

Voters in the Bay Area city of Richmond, CA, overwhelmingly rejected a proposed tax yesterday that would have made the city the first in the U.S. to tax businesses that sell sodas and other sugary drinks. Measure N would have taxed local merchants a penny per ounce on sales of beverages containing added sugar, a category comprising more than 700 products and brands, according to a story in the Contra

ADA backs APHA amalgam safety policy

The ADA has announced its support for the American Public Health Association’s (APHA) recent policy statement affirming that dental amalgam is safe and effective in treating dental cavities. According to the APHA, amalgam’s contribution to environmental mercury contamination is minimal, and limiting or curtailing its availability could have negative health consequences, particularly in low-income areas. “As the oldest organization of public health professionals in the world, APHA’s credibility in matters

VELscope reaches milestone for oral cancer exams

LED Dental’s VELscope has reached a milestone, having been used to conduct an estimated 25 million oral cancer exams since its 2006 introduction. The company’s estimate that 25 million VELscope exams have been conducted is based on its internal sales figures and calculations provided by strategic marketing agency 14th Floor Solutions. The agency regularly conducts surveys of VELscope device owners, asking such questions as how often VELscope exams are given,

U.S.-made MounceFile endodontic file line introduced

MounceEndo has introduced U.S.-made nickel titanium endodontic files in both a controlled memory and standard nickel titanium variety, branded as the MounceFile CM and the MounceFile SNT, respectively. The MounceFile line has an array of tapers, tip sizes, and pack assortments, according to the company. MounceEndo is also a fully authorized dealer for Mani stainless steel hand files and burs and reciprocating handpiece attachments from W&H of Austria.

Implant success depends on patient and surgeon

A new study in the Journal of Oral Implantology has yielded data about which characteristics of both patient and surgeon can affect the success of dental implants (October 2012, Vol. 38:suppl 1, pp. 469-477). Researchers from Loma Linda University School of Dentistry evaluated the success of 50 patients who received implant-supported fixed complete dentures. Encompassing a total of 297 implants, the retrospective study spanned 10 years, with a mean time

NCOHF affiliates reach 50K children in 2012

More than 50,000 children will receive critical oral health services in 2012, thanks in part to grant funding from National Children’s Oral Health Foundation (NCOHF), the organization announced. America’s ToothFairy grants in the amount of $10,000 were awarded to several pediatric programs delivering comprehensive educational, preventive and treatment services for at-risk children. The recipients include the following: KinderSmile Foundation, Upper Montclair, NJ Dignity Health, Chandler Regional Medical Center, Chandler ,