ND mulls midlevel provider study; kids, sedation, and the long trip home

Dear DrBicuspid Member, Maine legislators may have struck down proposed legislation that would have created a new category of dental care provider — the dental hygiene therapist — but North Dakota is moving forward with a study to assess the use of midlevel providers (MLPs) to address the state’s access-to-care issues, which some blame on a shortage of dentists. However, the North Dakota Dental Association contends that there are other

ND lawmakers consider MLPs for dental care

North Dakota is moving forward with a study to assess the use of midlevel providers (MLPs). Legislators say there are not enough dentists in the state to provide dental care, especially for the poor and Native Americans on reservations. The measure, HB 1454, has passed the state’s House of Representatives and the Senate but faces stiff opposition from the North Dakota Dental Association (NDDA). The bill’s author, Rep. Marvin Nelson

77 hepatitis C cases reported in Okla. infection scandal

Oklahoma health officials now say 77 patients of Tulsa oral surgeon W. Scott Harrington, DMD, have tested positive for hepatitis C. In addition, five former patients of Dr. Harrington have tested positive for hepatitis B and four for HIV, according to state and Tulsa health officials. Friday, June 28, is the final day for former patients of Dr. Harrington to receive free testing for hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV

Dental sedation: How kids respond after leaving the practice

Successful sedation in dentistry does not end when the patient departs the practice. Children, in particular, are sensitive to sedation, and as childhood caries rates remain high, the need for sedation will also persist. Researchers from the department of pediatric dentistry at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center (LSUHSC) School of Dentistry noticed the dearth of data about children’s response to sedation after they have left the practice where the

Study links dental prostheses and survival

People with both natural teeth and partial dentures had a lower risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality than those with all natural teeth, but people with partial and full dentures had a higher risk of CVD mortality than those who had full dentures only or with very few opposing natural teeth, according to a study in the Journal of Dentistry (June 11, 2013). In the 15-year follow-up study, Sok-Ja Janket,

Univ. of Delaware hosts oral health training for caregivers

The University of Delaware Center for Disabilities Studies and the Delaware Division of Public Health will host two oral health training sessions for caregivers of people with disabilities and frail elders on June 27 and 28. The last two sessions will be held at the following times and locations: 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursday at the Delaware Technical Community College, Owens Campus, 18800 Seashore Highway, Georgetown 9 a.m.

Acteon releases I-Surge implant motor

Acteon North America has introduced a redesigned electric implant motor, I-Surge, for surgery and implant placement. The new I-Surge implant motor provides high torque and a wide revolutions-per-minute range in a more compact footprint, according to Acteon. The motor is compatible with seven different e-type contra angle ratio handpieces and has five customizable programs. It has an integrated calibration system, shows speed in real-time, and has a new, more precise

Covered California picks 6 insurers for pediatric dental policies

Covered California has selected six insurers to offer pediatric dental coverage through the state’s health insurance exchange beginning in October. Covered California was created by the state as part of the Affordable Care Act. Supporters hope that the exchange will function similarly to websites such as Amazon and Expedia so that users can choose among various health plans through an online store, according to a story on California Healthline. The

CDA issues oral piercings warnings

The California Dental Association (CDA) has issued a warning about the significant risks associated with oral piercings, including the possibility of cracked, broken, scratched, or sensitive teeth and damaged fillings. The CDA said that it recognizes that in today’s society many people use body piercing as a type of self-expression. However, people should be aware of the potential drawbacks, according to CDA President Lindsey Robinson, DDS. Oral piercings can interfere

DentaQuest accepting applications for ECC Collaborative

DentaQuest Institute is requesting applications for phase III of its Early Childhood Caries (ECC) Collaborative, a quality improvement initiative launched in 2008 that focuses on chronic disease management of oral disease. Pediatric dental practices interested in reducing the incidence and prevalence of ECC among their patients are encouraged to apply by July 12, 2013. Phase III of DentaQuest’s ECC Collaborative will engage selected teams in a facilitated, practice-based, clinical quality

Biofilms play key role in OSCC postsurgical infections

Biofilms on the surface of oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCC) play a key role in the development of postoperative infections in patients with OSCC, according to a new study in Clinical Oral Investigations (June 22, 2013). But antibiotics such as azithromycin, telithromycin, levofloxacin, and moxifloxacin used in a prophylactic regime can dramatically reduce the risk of infection in these patients. Researchers from Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg swabbed the mouths of

ADA responds to Pew report

The ADA has issued a statement disputing this week’s Pew report that found that midlevel dental providers (MLPs) could significantly reduce the millions of children who have no access to dental care. The group cast “serious doubt” on the notion that a shortage of dentists has created a major barrier to access to care for underserved populations. “Proponents of this view further state that retirement among baby boomer dentists will