Adam Yauch, 47, founding member of the iconic hip-hop band the Beastie Boys, died today after a long battle with salivary gland cancer. Yauch announced in 2009 that he had been diagnosed and was being treated for cancer of the parotid glands and lymph nodes, according to a story by Fox News and other sources. He underwent surgery and radiation therapy after his diagnosis. Salivary gland cancer is very rare,
Diversionary Therapy Technologies (DTT) has released Ditto Dental, an interactive electronic device containing augmented reality content that helps prepare children for dental procedures. Ditto Dental was created based on the latest research that distraction and educational techniques simultaneously reduce stress, DTT noted in a press release. The portable device uses augmented reality, a multimodal, sensory-based distraction medium designed to engage pediatric patients and to reduce their stress and anxiety. Ditto
Aspen Dental is donating $16,255 to the Oral Cancer Foundation in recognition of Oral Cancer Awareness Month. As a commitment to early oral cancer detection, 340 Aspen Dental practices in 22 states donated $5 from every Vizilite Plus screening conducted during the month of April. A total of 3,251 screenings were conducted throughout the month.
Ultradent will launch a new composite veneer system at the California Dental Association (CDA) session in Anaheim this week. Ultradent claims that it developed Edelweiss as a solution for those seeking a lower cost alternative than custom lab veneers. Each composite veneer, available in an assortment of shapes and sizes, is laser sintered, combining a high-gloss, uniform surface with a thermally tempered base. Its manufacturing technology makes Edelweiss veneers harder
TotalCare has launched a low-alcohol, fragrance-free surface disinfectant/cleaner for hard, nonporous surfaces. TotalCare claims that CaviCide1’s formulation can kill bacteria, viruses, and fungi, such as tuberculosis, Norovirus, HIV-1, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus), in one minute. To receive a sample of CaviCide1, visit www.trycavicide1.com.
Advanced Brain Monitoring has launched Apnea Guard a temporary oral appliance — with clinical equivalence to custom oral appliances — for the treatment of snoring and sleep apnea. Apnea Guard is cleared by the FDA to be fitted for a patient by a trained healthcare professional and worn for up to 30 nights. Todd Morgan, DMD, co-inventor of Apnea Guard, said a unique feature of the product is the capability
3M Unitek has launched Incognito Lite Hidden Braces, a new lingual brace system that is placed on the inside of the teeth, making it virtually unnoticeable to others. Incognito Lite Braces realign the “social six” teeth — those in view when smiling or talking — and are used as a treatment method for mild to moderate misalignment cases that do not require the full Incognito Hidden Braces System, the company
The Kansas House of Representatives has passed a bill that would let specially trained dental hygienists place temporary fillings, pull some teeth, and perform other basic dental services. HB 2631, which would create a new class of “Level III” hygienists who would receive more training than regular hygienists, passed by a vote of 120-0, according to a story in the Wichita Eagle. In addition to the cleaning and decay prevention
The essential oils in Listerine Antiseptic penetrate plaque biofilm better than competing mouth rinses that rely on other active ingredients, according to a study presented at the recent American Association for Dental Research annual meeting. The study was led by Danette Nittel, MS, a microbiologist in research, development, and engineering at Johnson & Johnson Healthcare Products Division, makers of Listerine Antiseptic. The findings further support the mechanism of essential oils
Citing precedents in Florida and California, the American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID) has filed a lawsuit against the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners aimed at overturning a stated regulation that restricts dentists from advertising AAID credentials in implant dentistry. The AAID is seeking a permanent injunction and declaratory judgment to strike down rule 1855, which allows unrestricted advertising only for dental credentials and accreditations issued by organizations recognized
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) launched its new consumer-based website, www.mychildrensteeth.org. The AAPD developed the site to meet consumers’ growing need for evidence-based dental information on children’s oral health. The site provides access to the AAPD’s full line of brochures, covering issues such as fluoride; diet and snacking; dental care for infants, toddlers, and teens; and the importance of regular dental visits. A section on recent pediatric dentistry
An Oregon town has voted to restore fluoridated drinking water, and cities in Pennsylvania and Colorado have decided to continue community water fluoridation. After three decades of fluoridating the water supply, officials in Philomath, OR, voted last May to discontinue fluoridation. However, in March voters approved a petition to restore it, according to an ADA News story. Also, the Borough of Shippensburg, PA, decided in March to continue fluoridating its