National Prosthodontics Awareness Week begins

This week is National Prosthodontics Awareness Week and is designed to help inform the general public about proper oral health, how to care for missing teeth, and the benefits of seeing a prosthodontist. From April 22-28, prosthodontists across the U.S. will be hosting free events, including oral health screenings, lectures, and community service outreach, geared toward the public and patients, the American College of Prosthodontists noted in a press release.

New sleep medicine institute targets dentists

Airway Management has established the Dental Institute of Sleep Medicine to train dental practitioners in the use of the TAPÂ oral appliance therapy for sleep-disordered breathing. Upcoming courses at the institute are sponsored by TAPÂ, VirtuOx, and Patterson Dental, according to a press release. All courses are conducted in an interactive workshop format and include presentations, hands-on exercises, and question-and-answer sessions. An introductory one-day course titled “Jump Start Your Practice”

MUC1 glycoproteins found in tongue cancer

The transmembrane mucin MUC1, which is overexpressed in cancers of the breast, ovaries, lung, colon, and pancreas, is also present in squamous cell tongue cancer and appears to predict lymph node metastasis, according to a presentation at the recent American Association for Dental Research annual meeting. Mucins (MUCs) are high molecular-weight O-linked glycoproteins whose primary functions are to hydrate, protect, and lubricate the epithelial luminal surfaces of the body, noted

AADR addresses value, shortcomings of AHA study

The American Association for Dental Research (AADR) has responded to the American Heart Association’s (AHA) new literature review on the relationship between periodontal disease and heart disease (Circulation, April 18, 2012) In a statement the organization called the review “extensive” and noted that it supported an association between periodontal disease and atherosclerotic vascular disease (ASVD) independent of known co-founders. However, while the literature review helped to demonstrate an association, it

Maine lets independent practice hygienists take x-rays

Independent practice dental hygienists (IPDHs) in Maine are claiming victory with the signing into law of LD 1891, which expands their duties and allows them to take a broad range of x-rays in underserved areas of the state. LD 1891 also allows IPDHs to own radiograph equipment and requires them to have x-rays they take read by a dentist within 21 days. In June 2011, Maine legislators passed LD 230,

Merck wins another Fosamax trial

A state court jury in New Jersey has found in favor of Merck in the Sessner v. Merck case, rejecting the claims of a woman who blamed her jaw-related problems on her Fosamax use. “We believe the evidence showed the company acted properly, and that Fosamax did not cause the plaintiff’s dental and jaw problems,” said Christy Jones of Butler, Snow, O’Mara, Stevens & Cannada, outside counsel for Merck, in

Survey: Many lack awareness of oral cancer causes

New results from a national survey conducted by Kelton on behalf of the Oral Cancer Foundation (OCF) show that Americans remain in the dark about certain potential causes of oral cancer, including alcohol consumption and the human papillomavirus (HPV). OCF conducted the survey to establish a baseline of public understanding for all stakeholders concerned with reducing the incidence of oral cancer, and to bring light to the need for increased

Do clean teeth protect against heart disease?

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) – Older adults who get thorough dental cleanings may be somewhat less likely to have a heart attack or stroke than their peers who are less careful about oral hygiene, a new study suggests. The study, of nearly 22,000 Taiwanese adults age 50 and older, found that those who’d had a professional tooth “scaling” in the past year were less likely to suffer a heart attack

Whiter Image debuts mini teeth-whitening pen

Whiter Image Dental has released a mini teeth-whitening pen that uses a hybrid gel blend of hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide. This formula, also used in other Whiter Image teeth-whitening products, oxidizes extrinsic stains that form within tooth enamel, the company noted in a press release. Its small size enables dental practices to use the pen for promotions and to help patients maintain their whitened teeth, according to Whiter Image.

New implant coating could prevent early failures

A team of chemical engineers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has developed a coating for hip implants that could help them better adhere to the patient’s bone, preventing premature failure Advanced Materials. The coating, which induces the body’s own cells to produce bone that fixes the implant in place, could also be used to help heal fractures and improve dental implants, according to senior author Paula Hammond, the

Dental students underreport occupational injuries

Forgetfulness, negligence, working alone, and failure to use personal protective equipment are some of the reasons behind occupational exposures to infectious biological material among dental students, according to a study presented at the recent American Association for Dental Research (AADR) conference. But students often don’t report these exposures, the study authors found. “Literature shows that professionals and dental students are reckless about reporting their occupational injuries,” study author Camila Pinelli,

DMG wins injunction against gray-market distributors

DMG America has been awarded a federal court injunction against “gray market” distributors after successfully suing Omni Dental Supply and Rosemond Dental Supply for patent infringement of its Luxatemp products. Omni and Rosemond are now restricted from selling any Luxatemp product or other DMG America products. DMG America is the exclusive U.S. distributor of Luxatemp aesthetic provisional materials and has been aggressively taking legal action against gray market companies on