Researchers ID protein linking oral bacteria, heart disease

Microbiologists at the University of Rochester Medical Center have identified the protein that allows Streptococcus mutans to gain a foothold in heart tissue, where it can lead to endocarditis (Infection and Immunity, June 2011, Vol. 79:6, pp. 2277-2284). Their work raises the possibility of creating a screening tool to gauge a dental patient’s vulnerability to the condition. Normally, S. mutans resides solely in the oral cavity. But sometimes, particularly after

CarieScan offers free RemoteView software app

CarieScan Pro, a fluorescence device developed for the early identification of caries, now comes with a free RemoteView software application. The application is a patient-based program that enables access of data from a practice management database. Working wirelessly with the CarieScan Pro, all data (tooth number, site information, and measurement results) are captured and displayed in a number of available formats. Once captured, data are available for review and forms

Denture adhesive firm looking for YouTube stars

Secure Denture is hoping to take the embarrassment out of denture wearing with a video contest that promises $1,000 to the lucky winner. Secure is looking for creative talent to bring to life how its Secure denture adhesive can improve the denture wearing experience. Participants are asked to get creative in making a video that’s “interesting, unique, memorable, and conversation-starting — a video that will be entertaining and get people

Do targeted cancer therapies have fewer oral side effects?

Previous studies have indicated that targeted cancer therapies have fewer oral complications and milder side effects than conventional cancer chemotherapy. But a literature review in Oral Oncology found that most studies involving targeted cancer therapies do not focus enough on the potential oral complications of these agents, especially when they are combined with other cancer therapies (June 2011, Vol. 47:6, pp. 441-448). Conventional chemotherapy carries a heavy toxicity burden and

Azenic launches DHP recycling program

Azenic is now offering the Azenic Disposable Handpiece (DHP) Recycling Program, designed to enable users of the handpiece to recycle and repurpose the devices. Azenic will utilize the Sharps Recovery System by Sharps Compliance, a medical waste removal company. The system is designed for simplified, environmentally responsible treatment and repurposing of medical waste and used healthcare materials, according to Azenic. With this program, Azenic customers return used DHPs to Sharps

Millennium Dental names new field sales director

Millennium Dental Technologies has named David Williams as its director of field sales, the company announced. Williams will focus on working with dental management service organizations (DMSOs) to increase the adoption of the laser-assisted new attachment procedure (LANAP) protocol and the PerioLase MVP-7 among their dentists. “The DMSO market has unique needs that aren’t currently being met,” Williams stated in a press release. “We want to change the situation by

Antimicrobial surgical masks gain FDA clearance

Filligent has received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) marketing clearance for the BioFriend BioMask for sale in the U.S. as a class II medical device. The antimicrobial/antiviral surgical face masks incorporate a hydrophilic plastic coating and antimicrobial inner layer that do not restrict airflow and are totally safe, according to the company. The outer white shield is formulated from a combination of commonly used food additives, while the inner

NovaBone opens R&D facility in Fla.

NovaBone Products has opened a new dedicated research and development facility in Gainesville, FL. NovaBone develops bone graft substitutes based on advancements in biomedical engineering that meet the specialized needs of orthopedic and dental surgeons, according to the company. The new 3,500-sq-ft facility provides the platform for NovaBone Products to implement its product development strategy and was completed in conjunction with the recent appointment of Gregory Pomrink as vice president

Seal Shield debuts waterproof, wireless mouse

Seal Shield demonstrated the new Silver Storm waterproof, wireless mouse and related infection-prevention products this week at the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology annual meeting in Baltimore. The mouse has been designed to help prevent cross contamination infections that are spread from shared computer input devices, according to the company. It is a wireless scroll wheel mouse that is 100% waterproof, washable, and even dishwasher-safe. The mouse

Rowpar relaunches noncorrosive waterline cleaner

Rowpar Pharmaceutical’s MicroClear dental unit waterline cleaner is being relaunched after having acquired newly required Environmental Protection Agency registration in all states except California, which is pending, according to the company. MicroClear’s proprietary chlorine dioxide formulation has been shown to be effective in reducing bacterial concentrations below the ADA’s recommended levels, Rowpar noted. “The MicroClear waterline cleaner has undergone an almost complete overhaul since its original introduction in 2003,” said

More Israeli kids to get free dental care

Israeli officials have approved a plan to provide basic free and subsidized dental care for children up to the age of 10, according to an article in the Jerusalem Post. This is an expansion of a plan introduced last year for 8 year olds and will benefit 300,000 more children, according to the Post. Two years from now the program will include children up to age 12, and there also

Dental aesthetics: What do patients really want?

Do dental patients find a space between the two upper front teeth bothersome? Do they prefer square or square-round incisors? These questions and more are addressed in a new study that looked at laypeople’s preferences regarding dental aesthetics (Journal of the American Dental Association, June 2011, Vol. 142:6, pp. 635-645). Researchers from the University of Alberta conducted a systematic search of electronic databases, including Medline, PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and