There is a growing demand for dentist anesthesiologists to treat pediatric patients but a lack of available practitioners able to meet it in every region of the U.S., according to a study in Anesthesiology Progress. Nearly 70% of the pediatric dentists that participated in the study stated that they would use a dentist anesthesiologist if one were available (AP, Spring 2012, Vol. 59:1, pp. 12-17). “This shows that there’s definitely
A federal judge has ruled that a Southern California water district can legally add hydrofluosilicic acid to public drinking water even though it has not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of disease or dental caries. In a ruling issued April 10, Janis Sammartino of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California granted the Metropolitan Water District (MWD) of Southern
Zimmer Dental has released the Puros Cortico-Cancellous particulate allograft, an anatomic-based mixture of cortical and cancellous bone designed to simplify the grafting process. Composed of 70% cortical and 30% cancellous bone, Puros Cortico-Cancellous does not require on-site mixing, and retains its osteoconductive properties due to the preservation of the natural bone matrix collagen and mineral composition, trabecular pattern, and original porosity, the company said in a press release. The particulate
A group of Chinese and Australian scientists has developed a handheld, 12 volt-battery-powered, plasma-producing device that can instantly kill harmful bacteria in the oral cavity and other tissue. In an experiment, the flashlight inactivated a thick biofilm of one of the most antibiotic- and heat-resistant bacteria, Enterococcus faecalis — a bacterium that often infects the root canals during endodontic treatments (Journal of Physics D: Applied Physics, April 5, 2012). The
Researchers from the University of Sheffield and Rice University are developing a new “lab on a chip” technique they say can diagnose oral cancer more quickly and effectively. The device, which is undergoing a clinical trial led by Martin Thornhill, BDS, PhD, professor of oral medicine at the University of Sheffield, could be used by a dentist to determine whether a patient has oral cancer or other abnormalities in fewer
As part of Oral Cancer Awareness month, the California Dental Hygienists’ Association (CDHA) is working to educate patients and practitioners about the link between acid reflux and the potential for esophageal cancer. The American Gastroenterological Association estimates that 33% of people in the U.S. have acid reflux disease, the CDHA noted in a press release. Acid reflux symptoms can include heartburn, excessive belching, sore throat, swallowing difficulties, hoarseness, chronic cough,
Electro Optical Systems (EOS), a manufacturer of laser-sintering systems used in a variety of industries including dentistry, has filed a patent infringement lawsuit against Phenix Systems, a French company that designs, manufactures, and markets similar equipment. EOS’ laser sintering tools are used in the rapid manufacture of dental implants, crowns, and other dental restorative products. Phenix Systems also markets laser-sintering equipment for the rapid manufacture of dental prostheses. The lawsuit,
Global Grins, a California nonprofit that delivers toothbrushes to impoverished and disadvantaged people worldwide, has donated 100,000 toothbrushes to a U.S. Navy mission. The USNS Mercy departs San Diego in April on the Pacific Partnership humanitarian mission to Vietnam, Cambodia, the Philippines, and Indonesia. Hundreds of international volunteers, including doctors and dentists, will travel to Southeast Asia on board the Mercy to treat people in need of medical and dental
The Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) has joined the ADA and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry in voicing concerns over the latest report from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation supporting dental therapists. In a statement issued April 10, the AGD contended that the Kellogg report “is presented in the context of a political movement,” not in the context of what is in the best interest of the American people and
A Texas dentist who specializes in oncology has seen his practice grow quickly as cancer patients struggle with the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation treatment. Some 1.6 million new cases of cancer are diagnosed annually, and approximately 12 million people are living with cancer, according to the National Cancer Institute (NCI). While more cancer patients are surviving due to advanced chemotherapy and radiation treatments, the therapy often causes oral
Kasha Lower, RDH, from New Port Rickey, FL, has been selected as the latest Crest Oral-B Pros in the Profession winner. The program honors registered dental hygienists who go above and beyond the call of duty every day. Lower has been practicing dental hygiene for more than 14 years, holding an associate of science degree from Pasco-Hernando Community College. Lower was chosen in part for her community service efforts as
Plasma-rich growth factor (PRGF) can aid in the surgical management of cancer patients on bisphosphonate therapy who require a tooth extraction, according to a new study in Oral Oncology. For cancer patients who undergo intravenous (IV) bisphosphonate therapy, dental extraction is the main cause of bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ), the researchers noted (Oral Onc, April 5, 2012). A team of Italian researchers conducted a case-control study on 176
