New head/neck cancer treatment begins clinical trials

David Raben, MD, and Antonio Jimeno, MD, of the University of Colorado Cancer Center have begun a clinical trial that tests the combination of a DNA repair inhibitor, a growth factor inhibitor, and intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) for improved treatment of head and neck cancer. When used in conjunction with IMRT, the DNA repair inhibitor olaparib prevents cancer cells from repairing themselves after radiation treatment, according to the researchers. For

ClearCorrect enlists Objet for aligner manufacturing

ClearCorrect is collaborating with Objet to make Objet’s high-resolution, 3D printing systems part of its mass-scale manufacturing of custom-made orthodontic aligners. A number of recently installed Objet 3D printing systems are now installed in ClearCorrect’s Houston manufacturing center. The Objet 3D printing systems are a key component of the ClearCorrect process in that they produce the plastic models of each step of the patient’s treatment, the companies noted. ClearCorrect then

Surveys: Isolite system improves productivity

Pediatric dentists believe that the Isolite system is an effective tool that increases productivity and efficiency, according to two surveys presented during a poster session at the recent American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) annual session in San Diego. The first study, a survey in which 875 of 4,392 AAPD members who were contacted responded, was conducted by researchers from the University of Texas (UT) Health Science Center at San

Komet expands line of grinding instruments

Komet has expanded its line of DCB (diamonds with ceramic bond) abrasives to include a small-diameter (4.8 mm), 13-mm-long cylinder-shape grinder, the DCB 2, in addition to the 6.5-mm-in-diameter, 13-mm-long cylinder-shape version (DCB 2 C). The DCB abrasives have a ceramic bond interspersed with a high content of diamond grit to work with all types of ceramics, including zirconium oxide and aluminum oxide, and hard dental alloys, according to the

Liposuction helps head/neck cancer patients

Liposuction is a novel and minimally invasive procedure for treating persistent submental lymphedema in patients with previous head and neck cancer, according to researchers from Dalhousie University. Submental lymphedema is a common problem encountered by patients following treatment of head and neck cancer, they noted (Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, June 2012, Vol. 146:6, pp. 1028-1030). It causes fluid deposition and persistent swelling of the soft tissues of the neck, leading

Phoenix ponders end to fluoridation

Phoenix’s City Council Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee will decide whether the whole City Council should vote to end water fluoridation, the Arizona Republic reported. The decision could impact 1.4 million people in the sixth largest U.S. city where water has been fluoridated since 1989. The city spends roughly $582,000 on fluoridation annually. Arizona Department of Health Services Director Will Humble noted “about a 40-1 payoff” in savings on money that

Medicaid data show kids’ dental visits on the rise

School-based oral health programs and an emphasis on creating a dental and/or medical home have a positive impact on overall dental care among Medicaid children in the U.S., according to a new study in Pediatrics (June 4, 2012). Researchers from the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Dentistry used Medicaid research files and information from the CMS 416 Early

Are your countertops as clean as you think?

A study in the Journal of the American Dental Association that measured the long-term effect of six spray disinfectants on nine common types of dental office surfaces found that Birex SE had better blood removal scores across time than other tested products (May 2012, Vol. 143:5, pp. 472-477). The study, which was supported in part by funding from Biotrol, the manufacturer of Birex, also found that enameled metal and smooth

Patient management system aids oral appliance therapy

Airway Management has introduced VirtuOx professional edition, a Web-based patient management system for the providers of oral appliance therapy. The system does not use software and is accessible via an Internet connection, according to the company. It includes oximeter screening, home sleep testing, patient demographic and sleep record storage, and medical billing for oral appliances. The system requires gradual titration in the home for a three- to four-week period. Oximeter

SomnoMed unveils dental sleep apnea product

SomnoMed has received 510(k) marketing clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for its SomnoDent G2 sleep apnea device. The company is officially launching the product this week at the Associated Professional Sleep Society meeting in Boston, the company noted in a press release. The SomnoDent G2 incorporates modular adjustment parts that are uniquely identified and provide accurate advancement of the G2 splints, according to SomnoMed. The design provides

Calif. dentist, anesthesiologist liable in fatal sedation case

A Southern California dentist and anesthesiologist lost a medical malpractice lawsuit filed by the daughter of a patient who died after being sedated prior to dental implant surgery. The lawsuit was filed against Thomas Teich, DDS, who owns the Smile Implant Center in Newport Beach, and anesthesiologist Barry Friedberg, MD, after Paula Kane was given propofol and benzodiazepine prior to implant surgery in January 2010, according to a story on

Study reveals how pathogenic bacteria survive

University of Maryland researchers have discovered how pathogenic bacteria survive in animals and humans, a finding that could produce new ways to fight infections, according to a study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (May 14, 2012). Researchers from the University of Maryland School of Dentistry demonstrated how gram-negative bacteria regulate themselves to adapt to temperature changes, according to a school press release. The research group, led