Lexicomp publishes pediatric dental manual

Lexicomp has released the first edition of the Manual of Pediatric Dentistry, a print and electronic database for dental professionals that covers the diagnosis and treatment of the most frequent conditions occurring within pediatric dentistry. Lexicomp delivers dental-specific drug information, drug interaction, and clinical content for use at the point of care. The manual is designed for both reference and immediate feedback of clinical information, diagnosis, and treatment protocols. It

Intraoral camera IDs root canal orifices

A new software tool used in conjunction with an intraoral camera demonstrated high sensitivity in the automatic, real-time detection of root canal orifices, according to a study in the Journal of Dental Education (November 2011, Vol. 75:11, pp. 1452-1457). Researchers from University Medical Center-Mainz and University Medical Center of the Johannes-Gutenberg University previously demonstrated the software’s ability to detect root canal orifices using a video camera mounted on a microscope

Researchers find new way to repair cleft lip

Scientists at Weill Cornell Medical College used genetic methods to successfully repair cleft lips in mice embryos specially engineered for the study of cleft lip and cleft palate (Developmental Cell, October 18, 2011, Vol. 21:4, pp. 627-641). Using what they say is the first multigenic mouse model of cleft lip with or without cleft palate, Licia Selleri, MD, PhD, an associate professor of cell and developmental biology at Weill Cornell

Hu-Friedy launches color-coded scalers

Hu-Friedy unveiled a new addition to its hand scaling line called Resin 8 Colors at the Greater New York Dental Meeting this week in New York City. This collection of 80 colored resin scalers features lightweight, ergonomic handles that follow a color-coding system based on the specific areas of the mouth. Resin 8 Colors scalers also feature Hu-Friedy’s proprietary EverEdge technology, a stainless steel alloy that provides more durable working

Hu-Friedy expands ultrasonic thin insert line

Hu-Friedy has introduced a 25K version of its Swivel XT ultrasonic insert line, designed to reach and remove debris from interproximal and subgingival areas. The 30K Swivel XT was introduced in December 2010. Traditionally, thin inserts are recommended for light deposit removal. But subgingival deposits are often times tenacious and very difficult to remove, the company noted. Hu-Friedy’s Swivel XT is thin enough to clean subgingivally and interproximally but can

Triodent releases nonstick matrices

Triodent has released SuperCurve nonstick matrices, featuring a pronounced horizontal and vertical curvature. SuperCurve has more shape than the V3 Tab-Matrix, making it easier to work with, according to the company. The product hugs the tooth for good stability, and because the matrix wings lie flush to the tooth, it prevents ring interference during the placement procedure. SuperCurve’s S-shaped vertical contour includes a gingival apron shaped to the commonly encountered

Novartis loses appeal of ONJ lawsuit

A federal judge has denied a bid by Novartis — maker of the oral bisphosphonate drugs Zometa and Aredia — to overturn a 2010 verdict in which a jury decided Novartis failed to adequately warn consumers that using Zometa may cause osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ). The ruling, issued November 21 in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina, came almost a year after a jury

Sirona launches laser-specific website

Sirona Dental Systems has launched SIROLaser.com, a website devoted to the company’s SIROLaser line of products. The website is designed to provide detailed information on the company’s laser products and give interested parties a better understanding of how laser technology can benefit their patients and their practices, according to the company. The new site supports the SIROLaser products with videos of laser procedures, interactive user manuals, and free downloads. It

Allcare declares bankruptcy

Allcare Dental & Dentures has filed for bankruptcy, almost a year after the U.S. dental chain abruptly shut down all of its offices, leaving thousands of patients without care. The company, which was based in Clarence, NY, and had offices in 13 states, plans to sell its assets to pay its debts, according to a story on BuffaloNews.com. The attorneys general in Ohio and Pennsylvania have filed litigation against Allcare,

U.S. researchers gain patent for HPV research

A research team from the University of Rochester has been awarded a U.S. patent for research essential to both human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines on the market. U.S. patent No. 8,062,642 is for the creation of virus-like particles that mimic HPV16, the type of HPV that causes the majority of all cancers related to HPV — including about 50% of cervical cancers, more than 90% of oropharyngeal cancers, and also cancers

Loma Linda opens dental hygienist degree program

An open house and ribbon cutting ceremony was held in Palm Desert, CA, on November 28 to commemorate the launch of Loma Linda University School of Dentistry’s new dental hygiene associate of science degree program. Beginning with the fall quarter of 2011, the new program will matriculate 28 dental hygiene students annually, according to the university. Loma Linda University professors — a teaching staff of seven, including a full-time dentist

Surgical drug shortages put patients at risk

The U.S. is facing ongoing shortages of several critical anesthesia medications, which could have potentially serious effects on patient care and safety, according to a special report in Anesthesia & Analgesia (December 2011, Vol. 113:6, pp. 1429-1435). Gildasio De Oliveira Jr., MD, and colleagues at Northwestern University reviewed key issues related to national shortages of important drugs used perioperatively and found that medication shortages have become increasingly frequent over the