Oragenics donates $190K in products to NCOHF

Oragenics has donated more than $190,000 worth of the company’s EvoraPlus probiotic mints to the National Children’s Oral Health Foundation (NCOHF) program. The NCOHF supports community-based, nonprofit pediatric oral health clinics that provide comprehensive care to at-risk children, according to the company. Founded in 2006 to address the growing epidemic of pediatric dental disease, the foundation has delivered nearly $10 million in direct funding and donated dental products to more

3M ESPE offers zirconia restoration guarantee

3M ESPE is offering guarantees against fractures or chipping for its Lava crown and bridge restorations. The guarantee is designed to support 3M ESPE lab partners and participating dentists who prescribe Lava crown and bridge restorations manufactured by authorized Lava milling centers and/or Lava design centers, according to the company. It ensures the entire restoration against fractures or chipping occurring in vivo for one year from the date the Lava

U.S. judge blocks graphic cigarette labels

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – A federal judge blocked a U.S. rule requiring tobacco companies to display graphic images on cigarette packs, such as a man exhaling cigarette smoke through a hole in his throat. U.S. District Judge Richard Leon sided on Monday with tobacco companies and granted a temporary injunction, saying they would likely prevail in their lawsuit challenging the requirement as unconstitutional because it compels speech in violation of the

Survey finds gaps in Hispanics’ oral health knowledge

The majority of Hispanics in the U.S. believe more information about good oral health habits, access to affordable oral healthcare, and more Hispanic and Spanish-speaking dentists and dental hygienists in their communities would help them “a lot” in achieving better oral health, according to a survey conducted by the Hispanic Dental Association (HDA) and sponsored by Procter & Gamble brands Crest and Oral-B. The findings were presented November 3 during

ADA updates guidelines for managing ONJ risk patients

A patient receiving antiresorptive therapy for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis has a low risk of developing osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ), and benefits of the medication outweigh the risk of ONJ, according to an advisory statement from the ADA. The statement, “Managing the Care of Patients Receiving Antiresorptive Therapy for Prevention and Treatment of Osteoporosis,” is based on a literature review by an advisory committee of the ADA

Colgate recalls mouthwash over contamination fears

Colgate-Palmolive is removing up to 50,000 bottles of Periogard mouthwash from store shelves in the U.K. due to possible bacterial contamination. The micro-organisms may be harmful to some people with weakened immune systems or some lung conditions, according to the company. Up to 11 other countries, including some where the product has a different brand name, are also involved in the recall of 300-mL containers containing chlorhexidine. “The presence of

Digital denture firm sets up shop in Ariz.

Global Dental Science is investing $5 million in a new manufacturing facility in Scottsdale, AZ, and expects to create 150 jobs there over the next 12 months. The 27,000-sq-ft facility will manufacture the company’s new product, AvaDent digital dentures, custom-fit, digital prosthetics made using laser scanners and CAD/CAM technology to obtain precise measurements of a patient’s unique dental features. Additionally, AvaDent allows the dentist to offer the digital denture using

Whitening foam targets at-home bleaching

White Smile Global is now offering the White Smile Complete oral foam, which uses patent-pending “dual oxygen-infused technology” for at-home tooth whitening. The two-part whitening system is designed to be used instead of toothpaste, according to the company. It requires no trays or strips and includes a cleaning and whitening foam, comprised of an all-natural formula, without hydrogen peroxide, that is brushed onto teeth twice daily. Each kit contains one

Astra Tech expands CAD/CAM abutment line

Astra Tech Dental has added Atlantis crown abutments for single-tooth, screw-retained restorations to its existing cement-retained product line. The Atlantis crown abutment is designed from the final tooth shape for a more natural aesthetic final result for the individual implant patient, according to the company. It is available in five shades of biocompatible zirconia, including a new translucent zirconia in white. Atlantis patient-specific abutments are designed and fabricated using Atlantis

NYU team gets $2.2M grant to ID caries-causing bacteria

A New York University (NYU) dental research team has received a four-year, $2.2 million grant from the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research to use whole genome sequencing to identify the strains of lactobacilli bacteria that contribute to the development of severe early childhood caries. Severe early childhood caries can destroy most of a child’s teeth by age 3 and disproportionately affects underserved populations, including American Indians and Alaskan

Nevada dentist makes cancer patients smile again

Breast cancer victims often suffer serious dental problems resulting from chemotherapy and radiation treatments, including oral mucositis and infections, xerostomia, and caries. But many dentists and oral surgeons don’t want to treat these patients, fearing that osteoradionecrosis may prevent irradiated bones from healing. Las Vegas general practitioner Olya Banchik, DDS, who was inspired by her own mother’s bout with breast cancer, has stepped up to help women deal with the

S4L Ark. chapter awards 100th orthodontic scholarship

The Jonesboro, AR, chapter of the national foundation Smile for a Lifetime (S4L) recently awarded its 100th orthodontic scholarship. The scholarship went to Arkansas resident Luís Mazariegos. In less than three years, the Jonesboro chapter has awarded more than $600,000 in orthodontic scholarships to underserved children, according to the organization. S4L is a nonprofit that equips local orthodontists with the resources and tools necessary to develop their own local chapters.