Komet launches one-step polishers

Komet USA is now offering one-step polishers for the final polishing of composites and ceramics. The polishers feature a silicone bond that provides flexibility and conformation to tooth anatomy, according to the company. They incorporate ultrafine-grit diamond particles for delivery of a high-shine polish on composite materials in a single step, following the thorough finishing of restoration surfaces. The instruments can be sterilized in an autoclave and resist degradation and

Theodent targets kids with chocolate-flavored toothpaste

Theodent is expanding its chocolate-flavored toothpaste line with a product specifically for younger patients. Theodent Kids is fluoride-free and has the same cavity-fighting properties as regular Theodent, which contains Rennou, an extract from chocolate that strengthens tooth enamel, according to the company. It is gentler than Theodent Classic and its luxury counterpart Theodent 300. Theodent Kids will cost $9.99 and will be available on the company’s website starting February 1

Study questions link between tooth development, weaning

The link between tooth development and weaning is not as strong as previous research has suggested, according to a new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (January 28, 2013). Scientists studying human evolution have used juvenile primate tooth development as a frame of reference for milestones in early humans. However, the pattern of development from molar eruption to weaning does not fit the fossil record,

U.K. dentist recommended mouthwash as cancer treatment

A U.K. National Health Service (NHS) dentist is in hot water for recommending a mouthwash treatment for a patient who had oral cancer, according to an article in the Telegraph. The 58-year-old patient, Paula Drabble, went to Pinfold Dental Practice in Hattersley, Hyde, in June 2008 when she noticed a white lesion on her gum. The dentist she saw, Dr. Ian Hughes, assured her the lesion was not serious, and

CDA endorses PureLife Dental gloves

The California Dental Association (CDA) has endorsed PureLife Dental gloves for its members. The average dental practice with three chairs goes through 14 boxes of gloves per week — or 720 boxes per year — and can cost a practice more than $10,000 a year, according to the CDA. PureLife’s line of latex lightly powdered, latex powder-free, and nonlatex nitrile powder-free gloves can save dentists up to 50% on glove

Aussie study highlights link between soft drinks, caries

Researchers from the University of Adelaide say any health warnings about soft drinks should include the risk of tooth decay, following a new study that looks at the consumption of sweet drinks and fluoridated water by Australian children (American Journal of Public Health, January 17, 2013). “There is growing scrutiny on sweet drinks, especially soft drinks, because of a range of detrimental health effects on adults and children,” said lead

Texas pediatric practice shuts down after Medicaid cuts

A pediatric dental office in Austin, TX, is closing after state health investigators cut off Medicaid payments over fraud allegations. Glenn Wood, MD, who owns Carousel Pediatrics, disputes the allegations and says the loss of payments is forcing him to shut down his dental affiliate, Trueblood Dental Associates, and lay off 40 staffers and six dentists, according to a story in the Austin American Statesman. The loss of about $400,000

Oral cancer awareness lacking in Middle East

As is the case in many parts of the world, awareness of and treatment for oral cancer is “severely lacking” in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, according to a presentation January 30 at the 38th Arab Health conference. Healthcare professionals and the community must make the disease a priority, said David Wray, MD, BDS, dean of the Dubai School of Dental Medicine, according to a story in the National. A recently

Study raises new concerns about triclosan

Triclosan, a common antibacterial agent used in toothpaste, soap, and many other consumer products, is being found in increasing amounts in Minnesota freshwater lakes, according to a new study in Environmental Science and Technology (January 15, 2013). The findings are directly linked to increased triclosan use over the past few decades, according to the study authors, from the University of Minnesota. The researchers also found an increasing amount of chlorinated

Give Kids A Smile, Smile Kentucky team up for free care

The ADA and Smile Kentucky are collaborating with Henry Schein Dental, Colgate-Palmolive, and DEXIS to kick off this year’s Give Kids A Smile (GKAS) program on February 1 at the University of Louisville School of Dentistry. Approximately 40 dentists, 200 dental students, and 100 other community members will donate their time and expertise to perform comprehensive dental care on some 300 underserved children from area schools. Smile Kentucky comprises 150

Hall technique finds support in New Zealand study

A New Zealand dentist has embraced the Hall technique of sealing caries in primary molars and has begun teaching it at the University of Otago School of Dentistry. Lyndie Foster Page, BSc, BDS, MPH, head of preventive and restorative dentistry, and colleague Dorothy Boyd, BDS MDS, a specialist pediatric dentist, trained 10 Hawke’s Bay dental therapists to use the Hall technique as part of a feasibility study funded by the

FDA moves to reclassify blade implants

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has released a proposal to reclassify blade-form endosseous dental implants, opening the door for a possible resurgence of this implant technology. The benefits of blade-form implants “outweigh the risks enough to justify reclassifying the implants from class III, requiring premarket approval, to class II, requiring premarket notification with special controls,” the FDA noted in a press release. Class II medical devices are of