Pediatric dose study supports rectangular collimation

Digital imaging and rectangular collimation should be used to ensure that the ALARA (as low as reasonably achievable) principle can be maximized when taking bitewing radiographs in pediatric patients, according to a poster presentation at the American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology (AAOMR) annual meeting last month. An epidemiological study published earlier this year in the journal Cancer prompted a flurry of media coverage and public concern because it

Smokeless tobacco sales in Calif. nearly triple

Sales of smokeless tobacco products have risen dramatically in California over the last decade, according to a report released December 13 by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). Nearly $211 million in noncigarette tobacco and nicotine products were sold in California in 2011, up from $77 million in 2001, the report noted. In addition, smokeless tobacco use among high school students grew to 3.9% of students in 2010, up

Dos and don’ts for periodontal disease

Educating patients about gum disease Periodontal disease is often perceived as an “invisible” disease by patients because it is relatively painless and asymptomatic, especially in its early stages. But left untreated, it can lead to eventual tooth loss. A concentrated effort to educate patients about periodontal disease will result in their improved oral health. Develop a periodontal program. Given the fact that periodontal disease is at epidemic levels in many

Dux supports Give Kids A Smile campaign

Dux Dental has donated 575 boxes of Bib-Eze disposal bib holders for the Give Kids A Smile campaign to be used at free U.S. pediatric dental clinics. The donation is in support of the upcoming National Children’s Dental Health Month in February 2013, according to the company. It will provide 143,000 kids with a disposable bib holder during their clinical care, minimizing cross-contamination risks that come from traditional bib holders.

Study: BPA in dental composites leaches into saliva, urine

Bisphenol A (BPA) temporarily leaches into patients’ saliva and urine after the placement of resin-based composite dental restorations, according to a new study in the Journal of the American Dental Association (December 2012, Vol. 143:12, pp. 1292-1302). The study analyzed saliva and urine from 172 participants who received composite restorations before and as long as 30 hours after placement of the restorations. The researchers analyzed saliva specimens from 151 participants

Shareholder charges Align with securities violations

A shareholder in Align Technology has filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California over alleged securities laws violations by the company in connection with certain allegedly false and misleading statements. The plaintiff alleges on behalf of purchasers of Align Technology common stock between April 23, 2012, and October 17, 2012, that Align and certain of its officers and directors violated the Securities Exchange

Partnership creates allergy-friendly dental dam

Yulex, an agricultural-based biomaterials company, and Four D Rubber, a U.K.-based manufacturer of latex sheeting for the dental, fitness, clothing, and industrial markets, have developed the first plant-based, latex allergy-friendly dental dam. The Yulex dental dam will be made from guayule-based biorubber material. Guayule is a renewable, nonfood, latex allergy-friendly crop grown in the U.S, the companies noted. Yulex applies sustainable agriculture, clean bioprocessing, and materials science to replace imported

CDA journal spotlights work of young researchers

The December issue of the Journal of the California Dental Association spotlights the research work of up and coming investigators in the state’s dental schools, the California Dental Association (CDA) announced. An article, titled “αvβ3 Suppresses the RhoA-LIMK1 Pathway in K1735 Melanoma,” features the work of University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) and UC Davis students and their mentors, who have been investigating the role of integrin in promoting tumor

$1.8M grant supports stem cell root canal research

The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research has awarded a three-year, $1.8 million in funding to George Huang, DDS, director of bioscience research at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, extending a grant originally received in 2008 to study a stem cell root canal treatment. Traditionally, a root canal involves removing decayed dental pulp from the tooth’s canal and filling that space with an artificial, rubber-like substance. If

Mydent offers year-end specials

Mydent International is offering 4+1 and 5+1 specials on Defend products, including face masks, gloves, dental needles, and other popular products. To qualify for these specials, dental professionals must place their order through their preferred dealer, according to the company. An invoice copy is required for redemption.

Isolite products now available in Canada

Isolite Systems is now offering its dental isolation systems for sale in Canada. This includes the Isolite and Isodry dental isolation systems and its patented single-use Isolite mouthpieces that are used with the systems. The announcement comes after the company received its Medical Device Establishment License from Health Canada to sell its products in Canada. Direct sales to Canada will begin immediately, the company announced.

Dose study disputes bitewing-meningioma link

Research presented at the American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology (AAOMR) meeting last month in Savannah, GA, disputes a suggested link between radiation from dental bitewing x-rays and the development of meningioma, a benign brain tumor. The study, conducted by researchers from the New York University (NYU) College of Dentistry, Stony Brook University School of Dental Medicine, and Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, is the first to evaluate bitewing exposure