Implantable device may help obstructive sleep apnea

A clinical trial is under way at Henry Ford Hospital to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the Apnex hypoglossal nerve stimulation (HGNS) system in treating obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The Apnex system is a surgically implanted medical device that activates muscles of the upper airway to ensure that the airway remains open during sleep. While asleep, the system monitors the patient’s breathing and delivers mild stimulation to the hypoglossal

WV physicians added to kids’ oral health program

Pediatricians, general and family practice physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants (in federally qualified health center settings only) in West Virginia are now eligible to be reimbursed for providing certain oral healthcare services. Beginning this month, the Bureau for Medical Services is joining with the West Virginia Children’s Health Insurance Program in participating in the West Virginia Medical Infant and Child Oral Health Program for Primary Care Practitioners. The program

Ortho Caps challenges Align European patents

In response to a patent infringement lawsuit filed by Align Technology, Ortho Caps, a German maker of orthodontic aligners, is challenging Align’s European patents. Align Technology filed the lawsuit against Ortho Caps on December 21, 2011, in the District Court of Dusseldorf, Germany. The company alleges that Ortho Caps infringes five Align patents — EP 2 263 599, EP 2 263 598, EP 0 989 828, EP 1 369 091,

Water Pik marks 50th anniversary

From 1962 to 2012, Water Pik is celebrating 50 years of business. To mark the anniversary, the company will be giving away five products every day from January 18-31. Winners may select the product they wish to receive, which includes the Ultra Water Flosser, the Water Flosser For Kids, the Traveler Water Flosser, EasySelect or EcoFlow showerheads, or the Water Pulsator. Instructions for entering the contest are at waterpik.com. Started

U.K. project to build database of 3D facial images

Visitors to the Science Museum in London can have their faces scanned in 3D and see what they might look like in another dimension as part of a new program designed to help oromaxillofacial researchers. The Me in 3D project, part of the Science Museum’s ongoing Live Science program, opened January 11 and runs through April 10. The images taken during the project will be used to form the largest

NY state budget features oral health component

The New York State Dental Association is applauding Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s efforts to expand the Doctors Across New York loan repayment program to include dentists and hygienists. The 2012 state budget maintains and expands the primary care service corps loan repayment program, also known as Doctors Across New York, and will provide up to $150,000 in loan repayment for a five-year service obligation in an underserved area. The addition will

Aribex invests in Waterjet drill company

Aribex, a provider of handheld digital x-ray equipment, has made an investment in H2O Tech, a provider of water drill technology for dentistry. This is the first time Aribex has invested in an outside company. Details of the transaction were not disclosed; however, Aribex officials have confirmed Aribex will have a seat on H2O Tech’s board of directors. Waterjet is a precise cutting device that increases dental office production by

Kool Smiles to offer PBS Kids content to patients

Starting this month, Kool Smiles will provide children and their parents access to PBS Kids’ award-winning content within its offices and online as a public service. Kool Smiles will provide links to PBS Kids educational videos, online games, and PBS Parents articles, tips, and blogs on the Kool Smiles website and via its social media presences. In addition, printed activities will be available in Kool Smiles offices for kids and

ClearCorrect targets people in need with new project

ClearCorrect has launched Phase Out, a new fundraising initiative designed to address issues that negatively impact the lives of people in need. For its first Phase Out project, the company is partnering with charity: water, a nonprofit organization focused on bringing clean, safe drinking water to people in developing nations. Phase Out is a fundraising initiative designed to address issues that negatively impact the lives of people in need. Image

Acteon debuts dual endodontic rotary motor

Acteon North America has introduced the new i-Endo Dual endodontic motor, with both reciprocating and rotary modes of operation. The freedom of choice with different modes makes the i-Endo Dual compatible with any manufacturer rotary file systems, according to the company. In addition, it can customize up to 10 present programs and has settings for five contra angle ratios.

Whip Mix introduces UltiRock die stone

Whip Mix has added the UltiRock Premium die stone to its product offerings. The die stone produces precision models and dies with excellent detail reproduction and high abrasion resistance for fixed restorations, according to the company. Its low setting expansion is designed for implant and complex cases, and its handling properties provide a creamy mix that is easy to pour and creates a smooth, nonreflective surface. UltiRock Premium die stone

Indicator may ID patients with throat cancer metastasis risk

Researchers at the University of Michigan (U-M) Health System have found a new indicator that may predict which patients with a common type of throat cancer are most likely have the cancer spread to other parts of their bodies (Head & Neck, January 13, 2012). Patients with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma who had “matted” lymph nodes — nodes that are connected together — had a 69% survival rate over three