IMRT, laser surgery improves survival in head/neck cancer

The combination of functional resection laser surgery and intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) treatment is more effective at extending the lives of patients with advanced head and neck cancers than having only radiotherapy treatment, according to a study presented at the recent Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) 2011 conference in Chicago. Both therapies have been well established as sole treatments for head and neck cancers. To determine if both treatments combined

Peptide hardens titanium, inhibits biofilm

Arch Biophysics scientists have inhibited biofilm formation on titanium using the company’s proprietary peptide technology. The attachment of Pseudomonas aeruginosa was reduced by more than 50% on titanium coated with Arch lead compounds ABP-0904 and ABP-0918, according to the company. These data are similar to previously disclosed results in which ABP-0904 and ABP-0918 were effective in inhibiting attachment of several bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus viridans, P. aeruginosa, and Listeria

Court upholds suspension of dentist who failed to sterilize

The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court has upheld the suspension of a dentist who failed to sterilize dental instruments, according to a posting on lawyers.com. The Massachusetts Board of Registration in Dentistry found that Stephen Chadwick, DDS, failed to conduct required weekly spore testing for sterilization equipment, according to court documents.

New study reveals how bacteria fight fluoride

Researchers from Yale University have uncovered the molecular “tricks” used by bacteria to fight the effects of fluoride (Science, December 22, 2011). The researchers found that sections of RNA messages called riboswitches — which control the expression of genes — detect the buildup of fluoride and activate the defenses of bacteria, including those that contribute to tooth decay. “These riboswitches are detectors made specifically to see fluoride,” stated senior study

Online platform to enhance head/neck cancer research

Aurora Interactive, a provider of digital pathology communications products, has signed a contract to supply its mScope clinical communications platform to the French Rare Head and Neck Cancer Expert Network (REFCOR). The mScope platform will be used to establish a national telepathology network to implement information sharing; case management; and the viewing and analysis of diagnostic pathology images, according to the company. The system is designed to facilitate remote diagnostics

Er:YAG lasers effective in debonding porcelain veneers

Er:YAG laser irradiation can effectively debond porcelain veneers while preserving tooth structure, according to a study in Lasers in Surgery and Medicine (December 2011, Vol. 43:10, pp. 965-974). Using Er:YAG lasers to remove porcelain veneers has not been previously described in the scientific literature, according to the study authors, from the University of California, San Francisco School of Dentistry. They used Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy on 10 flat veneer

Tooth Soap introduces hemp-based product

Tooth Soap has expanded its line of organic and nontoxic products with Tooth Soap Peppermint and Hemp Whip. Hemp oil contains properties that are beneficial to the body, according to the company. “Clearly, the Tooth Soap line of green oral care products would not be complete without one formulation that included organic cannabis sativa (hemp oil),” said Karen Van Cleef, Tooth Soap CEO. Tooth Soap Peppermint and Hemp Whip is

Interstate Medicaid clinics pose threat to dentists, patients

Times are tough for recent dental school graduates. They can easily accrue a personal debt for school loans in excess of $150,000 to $250,000 before even a single dollar is earned in clinical practice. In recent years, interstate Medicaid clinics have come onto the scene. Their focus is primarily the niche market of underserved Medicaid-eligible children. They would argue that they fill the need of a demographic that receives little

CutisPharma expands prescription mouthwash line

CutisPharma has expanded its FIRST Magic Mouthwash line with the FIRST Mouthwash BLM 4 oz and FIRST Mouthwash BLM 6 oz compounding kits. The FIRST Magic Mouthwash line already includes FIRST Mouthwash BLM 8 oz, Duke’s Mouthwash, Mary’s Mouthwash, and BXN Mouthwash. The active ingredients in FIRST Mouthwash BLM are similar to those found in the most routinely prepared formulation of Magic Mouthwash, which contains Benadryl, lidocaine, and Maalox, the

CEL-SCI expands head/neck cancer drug trial

CEL-SCI is expanding its phase III trial of the investigational therapy Multikine to four additional European countries: Spain, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Croatia. These countries were selected because they have a high incidence of head and neck cancer, as well as the required facilities and scientific and technical personnel with the necessary experience for running the phase III study, the company said. The Multikine study is currently being run

ADHA report explores hygienists’ future

To prepare for its strategic planning process, the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) is exploring how the profession will impact public health in the future. The ADHA contracted futurists Marsha Rhea and Craig Bettles, and commissioned an environmental scan to help understand the changes dental hygienists must make to contribute to the health and well-being of society. The report focused specifically on issues that could challenge assumptions about the profession

Ga. teen dies 3 days after third-molar extraction

A Lawrenceville, GA, teen was found dead in his bedroom three days after undergoing a third-molar extraction. Jerry Coleman, 19, passed way sometime between December 18 and 19, according to a report by WSBTV. The official cause of death has not yet been determined by the Gwinnet County Medical Examiner, the article noted. Less than two weeks ago, another Georgia teenager died after having his wisdom teeth removed. 14-year-old Ben