Dental assistants in Okla. scandal not DANB-certified

The Dental Assisting National Board (DANB), the only national certification board for dental assistants recognized by the ADA, is encouraging dental professionals across the U.S. to utilize its services to ensure dental team members are appropriately trained. On March 28, 2013, the Oklahoma Board of Dentistry filed a 17-count complaint against a Tulsa, OK, oral surgeon, with charges of being a menace to public health and gross negligence. Specific allegations

Kan. lawmakers delay midlevel provider bills

Bills that would pave the way for midlevel dental providers (MLPs) in Kansas have stalled in the Legislature despite advocates’ claims that they would provide much-needed care to underserved populations. SB197 and HB2157 have languished in committees since being introduced at the beginning of the year, according to a story in the Capitol Journal. The bills would allow the creation of licensed dental hygienists, who have passed clinical exams, practiced

YouTube videos give insight into fear of going to the dentist

A study of YouTube videos that show scenes of children and teens crying is revealing new insights into their fear of going to the dentist (Journal of Medical Internet Research, April 3, 2013). Researchers from China, Malayasia, and the University of Western Australia tapped into the social media video platform expecting to record spontaneous personal reactions, which could add to knowledge about dental fear and anxiety, according to a university

Japanese giant to acquire Heraeus Dental for $578M

Heraeus is getting out of the dental business, announcing today that it is selling its entire dental business group – which employs 1,400 people worldwide – to Mitsui Chemicals for 450 million euros ($578 million U.S.). Heraeus Dental ranks among the top providers of dental solutions and materials, including precious metal alloys and materials for prosthetic treatments, teeth and materials for full prosthetic treatments, casting materials, and compounds used for

Mystery surrounds Iraq war vets with severe tooth decay

A Dallas-based investigative reporter has been working to find the source of oral health problems plaguing a number of U.S. soldiers returning from the war in Iraq. While the soldiers that Byron Harris of WFAA News 8 interviewed for a recent story all went to Iraq with healthy mouths, they returned with teeth that turned gray in color, became weak, and ultimately broke. One soldier described the experience as more

New SciCan washer sanitizes 120 instruments in 35 minutes

SciCan has unveiled its newest instrument washer, the Hydrim C61w G4. The device has a touchscreen, is Internet-ready, and uses fresh water and cleaning solution for each cycle, according to the company. It also has a six full-size cassette capacity, with a capacity of 120 instruments that can be sanitized and dried in 35 minutes. With a G4 connection, the Hydrim C61w G4 is capable of emailing anyone the office

Mouthguards key to protecting kids who play sports

April is National Facial Protection Month and the Academy for Sports Dentistry, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), and the ADA are reminding parents, coaches, and athletes to play it safe as they prepare for recreational and organized sports. In particular, the organizations are emphasizing the value of mouthguards, especially customized ones, eyewear, face shields, and

Sheri’s Solutions: Patient expectations

By now you’ve no doubt heard about the events in the offices of Dr. W. Scott Harrington of Tulsa, OK. Unfortunately, this turn of events will give patients yet another reason not to visit the dentist. With the recent headlines from the current issue of the ADA News, stating “Fewer adults visiting the dentist,” this does not help. Aside from fear of the unknown and the cost of care, dental patients

Aspen Dental donations aid Oral Cancer Foundation

Aspen Dental is making a $5 donation to the Oral Cancer Foundation for every ViziLite oral cancer screening conducted at Aspen Dental locations in April for Oral Cancer Awareness Month. Throughout the month, Aspen Dental will also be sharing information and raising awareness about oral cancer on its Facebook page.

Academy of Osseointegration elects new president

Stephen L. Wheeler, DDS, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon from Encinitas, CA, has been elected president of the Academy of Osseointegration. Dr. Wheeler is one of the first doctors in the U.S. to begin titanium dental implant placement in the mid-1980s and established the Rancho Santa Fe Dental Implant Dentistry Club as a forum for implant dentistry training and education, an active group for 20 years. He has served with the

Heraeus Kulzer extends dental lab foundation support

Heraeus Kulzer’s Precious Metal Refining Division will support the Foundation for Dental Laboratory Technology (FDLT) with a donation this year, the third consecutive year the company has made such a donation. The nonprofit organization was founded in 2008 with funding from the National Association of Dental Laboratories (NADL) to advance the profession of dental laboratory technology by developing educational curriculums and programs for dental technicians and other members of the

Study: Dental bib clips harbor bacteria after disinfection

A significant proportion of dental bib clips harbor bacteria from the patient, dental clinician, and the environment even after the clips undergo standard disinfection procedures, according to a new study (Compendium of Continuing Education in Dentistry, April 2013, Vol. 34:4 [suppl]). The study was conducted by researchers from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine and the Forsyth Institute and sponsored in part by Dux Dental, which manufactures Bib-Eze disposable bib