The ADA is applauding New York City’s proposed ban on large servings of soda and sugary beverages. While the ban may not pass, the proposal has cast “a spotlight on the issue of frequent and excessive consumption of soda and other sugary beverages, which raises the risk of adverse health conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and tooth decay,” William Calnon, DDS, president of the ADA, wrote in a statement issued
A team of German researchers has identified seven quantifiable parameters that can be used for the assessment of dentofacial aesthetics, according to a literature review that looked at how aesthetics can be evaluated in restorative dentistry (Journal of the American Dental Association [JADA], May 2012, Vol. 143:5, pp. 461-466). Researchers from the Ruprecht Karls University School of Dental Medicine searched the Cochrane Library and Medline from January 1, 1975, to
The U.S. House of Representatives’ Committee on Ways and Means on May 31 voted 23-11 to repeal the medical device tax in the Affordable Care Act. The measure now moves on to the House floor for a vote as early as next week. The 2.3% tax on medical devices, including medical imaging technology, was scheduled to take effect in 2013. The Medical Imaging and Technology Alliance (MITA) quickly applauded the
The Northeast Delta Dental Foundation has awarded a grant to Oral Health America, a national nonprofit organization, that will give school oral healthcare programs a $5,000 boost. Some of the sites funded are the Aroostook County Action Program Community Oral Health Education, City of Portland Children’s Oral Health Program, and the Washington County Children’s Program of Maine School Oral Health Program. The Northeast Delta Dental Foundation has been awarding grants
In an attempt to battle the rising obesity level, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg is proposing to ban the sale of large sodas and other sugary drinks at restaurants, movie theaters, and streetcars throughout the city, according to an article in the New York Times. The ban would affect the sale of any cup or bottle of sweetened drink larger than 16 fluid ounces and could take effect as
The New Jersey Society of Periodontists (NJSP) recently launched a social media program to connect consumers and other healthcare professionals with New Jersey’s board-certified periodontists, and provide access to the latest information regarding gum disease, dental implant surgery, and general oral health. The society plans on using social media as an interactive communication channel for its members to discuss the underestimated severity of periodontal disease, as well as provide tips
The same gene variations that make it difficult to stop smoking also increase the likelihood that heavy smokers will respond to nicotine-replacement therapy and drugs that thwart cravings, a new study shows. The findings of the study, led by investigators at the Washington University School of Medicine, suggest it may one day be possible to predict which patients are most likely to benefit from drug treatments for nicotine addiction (American
Quest Diagnostics has developed a new molecular test panel designed to help clinicians determine if a thyroid gland is cancerous and requires surgical removal. The Quest Diagnostics Thyroid Cancer Mutation Panel aids in detecting cancer in thyroid biopsies that are found to be indeterminate for cancer by current cytology test methods, according to the company. The new panel identifies mutations of the molecular markers BRAF V600E, RAS, RET/PTC, and PAX8/PPAR
Heraeus Kulzer is now offering a three-year warranty on its economy-priced Artic brand of denture teeth. Previously, this warranty was only available on Heraeus’ premium-priced Mondial and Mondial i denture teeth and their midrange tooth, Basic, according to the company. The new warranty covers any defects in the materials and workmanship of any Artic teeth used in the fabrication of a denture, provided the following: The prosthesis is a complete
SciCan has expanded its Statim brand with the STATFlow, a direct-to-drain system designed for use with the Statim 2000 and 5000 casette autoclaves. With the new system, the Statim is connected directly to the office or clinic plumbing so that, rather than draining into an external drainage bottle, it can vent the used sterilization water directly down the main office drain, the company noted. In addition, the STATFlow uses cold
The fluoride debate is heating up again this week in Wichita, KS, the fourth largest city in the U.S. without fluoridated water. Two organizations — the Kansas Health Foundation and Wichitans for Healthy Teeth — are launching education campaigns in support of fluoridating the city’s water. On May 30, the Kansas Health Foundation unveiled a website, www.FluorideForUs.com, focused on the benefits of fluoridating public water, according to a story in
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) inducted Joel Berg, DDS, as its newest president during its 65th Annual Session in San Diego on May 27. Currently, Dr. Berg is dean designate at the University of Washington School of Dentistry and chair of the department of pediatric dentistry. He is also the director of dentistry at Seattle Children’s Hospital. Dr. Berg’s AAPD presidential agenda will focus on talent pool development