Using tumor-targeted nanoparticles to deliver high doses of anticancer agents directly to head and neck tumors increases survival while triggering fewer side effects, according to a study in the Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (June 20, 2011). Researchers at the University of Michigan created a spherical polymeric nanoparticle known as a dendrimer to deliver the drug methotrexate to head and neck tumors in mice. To target the nanoparticle to
The American Dental Education Association (ADEA) and the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) have collaborated to create core competencies for a graduate degree in dental hygiene. The Core Competencies for Graduate Dental Hygiene Education identify eight core competency domains — general categories of educational content — and establish benchmarks for educational quality, particularly with respect to curriculum development and enhancement. The competencies will further define the body of dental hygiene
Following an exclusive distribution agreement with Osseous Technologies, Zimmer Dental has released the CurV preshaped collagen membrane. Developed to provide focused bone augmentation and allow for vertical bone growth, the biocompatible membrane is intended to create an oral environment more suitable for implant placement, according to the companies. Composed of type 1 collagen derived from bovine Achilles tendon, the Zimmer CurV membrane is designed to help retain grafting material during
A study published July 6 in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America found a new type of inflammatory response to dental plaque buildup. It also may answer why some people are more prone than others to tooth loss and other inflammation-related complications. When bacteria accumulate on tooth surfaces, the body creates inflammation to “tamp down” the buildup. Prior research found two major types
The Institute of Medicine (IOM) report on access to care in the U.S. released this week is “an important step” in improving access to oral healthcare for vulnerable children and families, according to the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. “The report offers a clear road map for how public and private entities — including dental schools, dental professionals, government agencies, Congress, health professionals, and foundations — can help ensure that every American,
The OralCDx (Oral Cancer Prevention International) brush test demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity values in diagnosing and monitoring oral leukoplakia, according to a study in Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology and Oral Surgery (July 15, 2011). Researchers from the University of Santiago de Compostela in Spain took OralCDx samples from 24 patients (12 men, 12 women; average age 62 years) who visited the university’s oral medicine, oral surgery, and implantology department
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved a national clinical trial to study the safety and effectiveness of a drug treatment on patients receiving radiation and chemotherapy for head and neck cancer. The trial will be led by John Lee, MD, principal investigator and an ear, nose, and throat specialist at the Sanford Cancer Center in Sioux Falls, SD. Dr. Lee, who was honored in 2010 by the American
Jean-François Roulet, DDS, has been appointed the first chair of the University of Florida (UF) College of Dentistry’s new department of restorative dental sciences, effective October 7. For the last eight years, Dr. Roulet has been director of the department of research and development/clinical at Ivoclar Vivadent, where he currently serves as a senior expert in professional services. He lives in Schaan, Liechtenstein. “This position is of critical importance to
Remedent reported net sales of $2.8 million for its 2011 fiscal fourth quarter (end-March 31), up 17% from sales of $2.4 million for the same quarter a year ago. Loss from operations in the fourth quarter was $933,000, compared with a loss of $462,000 in the previous fourth quarter. Net sales for the year were $12.5 million, a 52% increase over sales of $8.25 million in the previous fiscal year.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) agrees with many of the recommendations cited in the recent Institute of Medicine (IOM) report on access to oral healthcare in the U.S., including the suggestion to raised dental reimbursement rates for Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), according to an AAPD statement. The mission of the AAPD is to promote optimal oral health for all children, and its members are
Medical imaging coupled with computer-aided design (CAD) could be used to create a perfect-fit blueprint for prosthetic dentistry, according to a study in the International Journal of Rapid Manufacturing (2011, Vol. 2:1/2, pp. 104-120). The blueprint can then be fed into a 3D printer to build an exact replica using a biocompatible composite material, according to the study authors. Such technology has been used in medical prosthetics before, but this
The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry Charitable Foundation’s Give Back a Smile (GBAS) program, which restores the smiles of domestic violence victims, is now being offered in Germany. The GBAS program functions with the help of volunteer dentists and donations. Jurgen Wahlmann, DDS, said he was inspired to start the GBAS program in Germany after hearing the story of Mona, a domestic violence survivor who sustained injuries to her mouth
