iPad contest targets cosmetic dental practices

Rosemont Media has launched an iPad contest, open to all aesthetic healthcare practices, including those specializing in cosmetic dentistry. Over a three-month period, the dental and medical marketing firm will raffle off three iPads to doctors and staff at plastic surgery, cosmetic dentistry, bariatric surgery, and ophthalmology offices. The contest begins today, and the first drawing will take place on April 18. Eligible doctors and staff can enter through the

Study questions TBlue accuracy in detecting oral dysplasia

Toluidine blue (TBlue) is a useful adjunct to visual examination in the detection of oral cancer, but its sensitivity is low when used to detect oral epithelial dysplasia, according to a new study by a team of British researchers (Oral Diseases, March 21, 2012). However, TBlue can be useful for specialists in spotting potentially malignant disorders and reducing unnecessary biopsies. Potentially malignant disorders of the oral cavity (OPMDs), such as

Study to focus on perio disease risk assessment

Interleukin Genetics and the University of Michigan School of Dentistry have completed patient enrollment for a clinical study that may produce risk-assessment tools to guide preventive dental visits and reduce the adverse outcomes of periodontal disease progression. If the study determines that low-risk patients are not adversely affected by one cleaning per year, more personalized preventive measures for the management of periodontal disease in low-risk individuals may be possible, according

Drug reduces lymph node surgery in head/neck cancer patients

Data from a Phase III clinical trial of 99m-Tc-tilmanocept, also known as Lymphoseek (Navidea Biopharmaceuticals) in oral and squamous cell cancers (SCC) suggest it may be improve surgical treatment of patients with head and neck SCC (HNSCC). Researchers believe this is due to Lymphoseek’s rapid transit through lymphatic vessels and targeted binding to the mannose binding receptors within key predictive nodes, according to a company press release. A potential advantage

Univ. of Maryland performs extensive full-face transplant

The University of Maryland has released details of the most extensive full face transplant completed to date, including mandibles, teeth, and tongue. The face transplant recipient, 37-year-old Richard Lee Norris of Hillsville, VA, was injured in 1997 in a gun accident. Since that time, he has undergone multiple life-saving and reconstructive surgeries. Due to the accident, Norris lost his lips and nose and had limited movement of his mouth. The

Nanoparticles kill head/neck cancer cells in mice

Using nanoparticles and alternating magnetic fields, University of Georgia scientists have found that head and neck cancerous tumor cells in mice can be killed in half an hour without harming healthy cells. The findings, published in Theranostics, mark the first time to the researchers’ knowledge that this cancer type has been treated using magnetic iron oxide nanoparticle-induced hyperthermia in laboratory mice. The researchers successfully used small concentrations of nanoparticles to

Univ. of Louisville gets patent for oral bacteria research

University of Louisville researchers are a step closer to eliminating periodontal disease through their work to develop synthetic molecules that prevent bacteria responsible for the disease from spreading throughout the mouth. The discovery could lead to the formulation of a mouth rinse, toothpaste, or tooth varnish to prevent the pathogen from establishing itself orally. Donald Demuth, PhD, associate dean for research and enterprise at the School of Dentistry, received a

Univ. of Minn. to open pediatric dental clinic

The new University of Minnesota Pediatric Dental Clinic will officially open its doors on April 3, according to a story in the Minnesota Daily. The clinic, designed to cater to the needs of patients from birth to age 19, is home to the university’s advanced education program in pediatric dentistry, where already-licensed dentists will train to become pediatric dentists. Residents usually take an additional two years of education to specialize

Crest Oral-B honors RDH’s work in nursing homes

Ann Benson Ross, RDH, BS, of Phoenix, AZ, is the recipient of the first Pros in the Profession grant for “Advancing Oral Health in the Community,” sponsored by Crest Oral-B. Together with her colleagues at Mobile Dentistry of Arizona, Ross plans to use the $5,000 grant to deliver onsite oral health services to nursing home residents who are in critical need of care but unable to obtain such services. To

Is toothpaste as good as varnish for white-spot lesions?

A fluoride varnish and remineralizing agent that are frequently prescribed to ameliorate white spot lesions (WSL) did not provide a significantly better result than normal home care in a study presented last week at the American Association for Dental Research (AADR) annual session in Tampa, FL. Over an eight-week period, MI Paste Plus (GC America) and PreviDent (Colgate Professional) fluoride varnish did not outperform the control group using no active

Survey: Canadian oral health habits could improve

Do teeth win over toned abs? According to the third annual Crest and Oral-B Great Canadian Smile Survey, Canadians rank the smile as the most important attribute when determining attractiveness in others — more than twice as important as physical fitness. However, in today’s time-pressed culture, oral care falls to the back burner. While Canadians place great importance on the value of a healthy-looking smile, only 30% follow the dentist-recommended,

Azenic extends disposable handpiece patent portfolio

Azenic has been granted two new patent allowances for its disposable dental handpiece. One extends international coverage of a previously approved U.S. patent to include China, according to a company press release. The other, from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, extends proprietary rights for the handpiece through 2028.