States across the U.S. have slashed funding for programs to reduce tobacco use by 12% in the past year and 36% over the past four years, threatening the nation’s progress against tobacco, according to a report released Wednesday by a coalition of public health organizations. The report, “A Broken Promise to Our Children: The 1998 State Tobacco Settlement 13 Years Later,” was issued by the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, American
One of the greatest challenges facing dentistry is the lack of agreement among dentists regarding how to consistently manage dental disease after it has been diagnosed. Two providers will often not agree on the proper treatment protocol indicated because there are no consistent guidelines for managing different levels of disease. This can lead to very different treatment plans between dentists and confusion for the patient. This inconsistency should be a
Lexicomp has released the first edition of the Manual of Pediatric Dentistry, a print and electronic database for dental professionals that covers the diagnosis and treatment of the most frequent conditions occurring within pediatric dentistry. Lexicomp delivers dental-specific drug information, drug interaction, and clinical content for use at the point of care. The manual is designed for both reference and immediate feedback of clinical information, diagnosis, and treatment protocols. It
A new software tool used in conjunction with an intraoral camera demonstrated high sensitivity in the automatic, real-time detection of root canal orifices, according to a study in the Journal of Dental Education (November 2011, Vol. 75:11, pp. 1452-1457). Researchers from University Medical Center-Mainz and University Medical Center of the Johannes-Gutenberg University previously demonstrated the software’s ability to detect root canal orifices using a video camera mounted on a microscope
Scientists at Weill Cornell Medical College used genetic methods to successfully repair cleft lips in mice embryos specially engineered for the study of cleft lip and cleft palate (Developmental Cell, October 18, 2011, Vol. 21:4, pp. 627-641). Using what they say is the first multigenic mouse model of cleft lip with or without cleft palate, Licia Selleri, MD, PhD, an associate professor of cell and developmental biology at Weill Cornell
Hu-Friedy unveiled a new addition to its hand scaling line called Resin 8 Colors at the Greater New York Dental Meeting this week in New York City. This collection of 80 colored resin scalers features lightweight, ergonomic handles that follow a color-coding system based on the specific areas of the mouth. Resin 8 Colors scalers also feature Hu-Friedy’s proprietary EverEdge technology, a stainless steel alloy that provides more durable working
Hu-Friedy has introduced a 25K version of its Swivel XT ultrasonic insert line, designed to reach and remove debris from interproximal and subgingival areas. The 30K Swivel XT was introduced in December 2010. Traditionally, thin inserts are recommended for light deposit removal. But subgingival deposits are often times tenacious and very difficult to remove, the company noted. Hu-Friedy’s Swivel XT is thin enough to clean subgingivally and interproximally but can
Triodent has released SuperCurve nonstick matrices, featuring a pronounced horizontal and vertical curvature. SuperCurve has more shape than the V3 Tab-Matrix, making it easier to work with, according to the company. The product hugs the tooth for good stability, and because the matrix wings lie flush to the tooth, it prevents ring interference during the placement procedure. SuperCurve’s S-shaped vertical contour includes a gingival apron shaped to the commonly encountered
A federal judge has denied a bid by Novartis — maker of the oral bisphosphonate drugs Zometa and Aredia — to overturn a 2010 verdict in which a jury decided Novartis failed to adequately warn consumers that using Zometa may cause osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ). The ruling, issued November 21 in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina, came almost a year after a jury
Sirona Dental Systems has launched SIROLaser.com, a website devoted to the company’s SIROLaser line of products. The website is designed to provide detailed information on the company’s laser products and give interested parties a better understanding of how laser technology can benefit their patients and their practices, according to the company. The new site supports the SIROLaser products with videos of laser procedures, interactive user manuals, and free downloads. It
Allcare Dental & Dentures has filed for bankruptcy, almost a year after the U.S. dental chain abruptly shut down all of its offices, leaving thousands of patients without care. The company, which was based in Clarence, NY, and had offices in 13 states, plans to sell its assets to pay its debts, according to a story on BuffaloNews.com. The attorneys general in Ohio and Pennsylvania have filed litigation against Allcare,
A research team from the University of Rochester has been awarded a U.S. patent for research essential to both human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines on the market. U.S. patent No. 8,062,642 is for the creation of virus-like particles that mimic HPV16, the type of HPV that causes the majority of all cancers related to HPV — including about 50% of cervical cancers, more than 90% of oropharyngeal cancers, and also cancers