Scientists have identified two substances in licorice that kill the major bacteria responsible for tooth decay and periodontal disease, according to a study in the Journal of Natural Products (December 2011, Vol. 74:12, pp. 2514-2519). To test whether the sweet root could combat the bacteria that cause periodontal disease and caries, a team of international researchers from both industry and academia examined the various substances in licorice. They found that

Cape Cod Community College in West Barnstable, MA, has received $1.25 million toward the renovation of its dental hygiene clinic and classrooms — the largest single gift in the school’s history. The donation came from Maureen Wilkens, a local philanthropist and long-time supporter of the college. Wilkens will now serve as honorary co-chair of the campaign. The school also received a $250,000 gift from Cape Cod Five Cents Savings Bank,

Dr. Fresh is in the process of installing a toothpaste manufacturing facility and expanding its mouthwash production at its Buena Park, CA, headquarters. Sales of mouthwash products account for more than 10% of Dr. Fresh’s revenues, and the current production facility is running at full capacity with orders through December 2012, according to the company. The upgraded facility, expected to be up and running by the end of the second

The concerted efforts of U.S. dental schools to offer more IV sedation training for periodontists have had a significant impact on the profession, according to the results of a survey published in the Journal of Periodontology (November 28, 2011). About half of all periodontists currently provide IV sedation, and recent graduates are more likely to offer and administer it, according to the study authors, from the University of Iowa College

A Canadian woman has sued Colgate-Palmolive Canada, alleging that one of the company’s toothbrushes broke while she was using it, causing severe injuries to her mouth. Saliha Alnoor of Surrey, British Columbia, claims she was brushing her teeth in October 2006 when the handle of her Colgate Active Angle toothbrush broke in two places, according to a story in the Montreal Gazette. Alnoor said the broken toothbrush tore her gums,