Obese patients at higher risk of perio disease

A recent study conducted by researchers from the University of North Carolina found that dentists are interested in helping patients with serious weight issues but are afraid of offending them and appearing judgmental. A large number of dentists would be more willing to have such discussions if obesity were definitively linked to oral disease, the study authors noted. Now researchers from the University of Pittsburgh have found a positive association

3D Systems brings new dental printer to market

3D Systems has introduced the ProJet DP 3000 3D printer, a new dental CAD/CAM 3D printer for wax-up production in the dental lab. The new ProJet DP 3000 printer features an expanded, ultrahigh-definition build area that delivers up to a 60% productivity improvement, enabling dental labs to dramatically ramp up production volumes for both crown and bridge work, as well as partial frameworks, according to the company. In addition, the

20 companies bidding for Astra Tech?

Some 20 potential buyers are reportedly in the running to acquire all or part of Astra Tech, the dental and medical devices unit of AstraZeneca, according to a story by Reuters. AstraZeneca is hoping to get $2 billion for Astra Tech, which is the third-leading seller of dental implants worldwide, Reuters reported. AstraZeneca’s interest in selling Astra Tech was first revealed last November. At the time, Straumann, Nobel Biocare, 3M,

Trapezio offers online OSHA training course

Trapezio has launched a new online course designed to educate and train orthodontic team members on federally mandated Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements. The new Academy of OSHA Safety program covers key safety topics, including bloodborne pathogens, hazard communication, and general office safety, and is now available as part of the new Learning Management System (LMS) offered by Trapezio. Each of the three lessons requires an examination with

CDS survey reveals patients’ dental care habits

In preparation for this week’s Chicago Dental Society (CDS) Midwinter Meeting, the organization surveyed nearly 400 Chicago-area residents about their dental habits and dental care. More than half of survey respondents from Cook, DuPage, and Lake counties have delayed dental treatments, including regular checkups, cleanings, and treatment for a dental problem, because of financial reasons in the past year. Additionally, nearly 35% of survey respondents did not have dental health

Renal transplant patients need lip cancer screenings

The appearance of lip cancer (LC) in renal transplant patients (RTPs) is associated with immunosuppressant treatment, sun exposure, and tobacco, and these patients should avoid smoking and unprotected exposure to sunlight, according to a study in Oral Oncology (January 2011, Vol. 47:1, pp. 68-71). Researchers from Complutense University in Madrid, Spain, wanted to establish the incidence of lip cancer in a population of renal transplant patients, identifying possible risk factors

Ohio dental firm acquires some Allcare assets

Hudec Dental has acquired the assets of three former Allcare Dental & Dentures locations in Ohio to help patients with access to records and dental care. In so doing, Hudec becomes the largest independent dental practice in the region, according to the company. The acquisitions were announced by Hudec President John Hudec, DDS, who founded the business in 1977 with a single office. Last year, Hudec Dental served more than

Dr. Fresh Dental offers free website design

Dr. Fresh Dental is offering two special purchase incentives on its professional website, the company announced. With a purchase of $500 or more, dental practitioners can receive a free website for their practice, including domain name, hosting, and design. With a purchase of $250 or more, dentists will receive a free case of Blossom premium-quality latex gloves. “Our dental division offers a full range of specially priced products, from our

Advocacy group shines spotlight on oral cancer

The Oral Aesthetic Advocacy Group (OAAG) is proving its commitment to oral health by launching a new initiative to bring greater awareness to oral cancer risks. Effective March 1, 2011, the OAAG will offer adults older than age 25 with a free oral cancer screening exam through select dental practitioners that participate in the organization’s program. The campaign kicks off with print ads, electronic media, and direct mail distribution in

Researchers find links between oral sex, oral cancer

There is “strong evidence” linking oral sex to oral cancer, according to researchers speaking February 20 at the American Association for the Advancement of Science meeting in Washington, DC. Researchers have found a 225% increase in oral cancer cases in the U.S. from 1974 to 2007, mainly among white men, said Maura Gillison, MD, PhD, a professor of hematology and oncology at Ohio State University, according to a story by

LED Dental appoints new sales/marketing VP

LED Dental has hired Nick Efthimiadis as vice president of global sales and marketing, the company announced. Efthimiadis joins LED about two months after the North American launch of the company’s VELscope Vx Enhanced Oral Assessment system, a cordless instrument that helps dental practices screen patients for oral cancer and other oral diseases. Efthimiadis brings 15 years of sales and marketing experience, primarily involving dental and medical devices, to LED

Ultradent adds to teeth-whitening product line

Ultradent will introduce Opalescence Oh, unit-dose disposable bulbs filled with Ultradent’s Opalescence whitening gel, at the Chicago Dental Society Midwinter Meeting this week. The disposable, unit-dose bulbs in Opalescence Oh take the guesswork out of the application process, according to the company. After removing the bulb’s cap, the gel fills a single custom whitening tray, avoiding waste or mess. And, Opalescence Oh contains the time-tested Opalescence gel and patented potassium