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$351K payout for woman who received unneeded braces

A woman in Ireland has been awarded 255,000 euros ($351,000 U.S.) after a court determined that a dentist fitted her with orthodontic braces that she did not need, the Independent reported. Esther Hammond, 61, of Dublin filed the complaint against registered dental surgeon Brendan Bastible, BCh, BDentSc, who she initially saw in 1991 for treatment of a loose crown on an upper front tooth. Dr. Bastible noted the loose crown,

UCLA gets $2.8M for Sjögren’s trial

The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) School of Dentistry has received a $2.8 million grant to conduct clinical trials of a new diagnostic test for Sjögren’s syndrome. The grant, from the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, will support multicenter trials of the diagnostic test, which uses patients’ saliva. The noninvasive test yields a diagnosis within minutes, rather than the weeks currently required when using blood or other

Radcal to distribute Leeds imaging phantoms

Radcal has signed an agreement with Leeds Test Objects to distribute Leeds’ line of medical imaging phantoms in the U.S. Leeds manufactures phantoms for radiography, fluoroscopy, mammography, computed tomography, dental imaging, and more. The phantoms are used to establish the correct operating performance of medical imaging systems. Radcal manufactures diagnostic radiation measurement equipment for dose and noninvasive kV.

Ariz. dentist recycles old restorations for charity

An Arizona dentist is using donated old fillings, crowns, and bridges to fund a program providing care for the homeless and underprivileged children. Michael Thompson, DDS, of Kierland Dental Center in Phoenix, started the Precious Metals for Precious Smiles program last year and collected more than $2,000 worth of precious metal, KTAR radio reported. Now 75 dentists from around the state are collaborating with Dr. Thompson to expand the effort,

Do self-etch adhesives yield optimum bond strengths?

When Kerr launched its OptiBond XTR self-etch adhesive last December, the company touted it as “the best of each generation in one universal system.” A new study in the Journal of Esthetic and Restorative Dentistry (October 17, 2011) tested that claim and found that OptiBond XTR forms excellent bonds to enamel and dentin in vitro when compared with other commercial adhesives. “Although there was considerable statistical overlap in both datasets,

Study to test perio disease risk predictor in Asia

Interleukin Genetics has initiated two clinical studies to demonstrate the utility of its new PST genetic test in Asian populations. PST identifies individuals with increased risk for severe and progressive periodontal disease and significant tooth loss based on a proprietary panel of genetic variations that predispose an individual to overexpress inflammation. The programs are being conducted in collaboration with Professor Chi-Cheng Tsai of Kaohsiung Medical University in Taiwan and Professor

Esophageal cancer patients find support via Facebook

In 2008, physicians at Mayo Clinic Florida, led by Herbert Wolfsen, MD, were looking for new ways to keep in touch with the large group of esophageal cancer patients cared for by him and other gastroenterologists and surgeons. Telephone calls, faxes, and email had worked to create a network of patients, but many also wanted interactive and remote access capability to share their experiences and challenges with this disease, according

Thermoplastic guide cuts dental implant surgery times

AD Surgical and its affiliated company, Applied Dental, are now marketing EZ Stent, a thermoplastic radiographic and surgical guide for use in dental implant surgery. Formerly distributed by Straumann as the Thermoplastic Drill Template Sets, EZ Stent allows the user to fabricate an accurate surgical guide in minutes using hot water alone, eliminating the need for lab work using a vacuum former, according to the companies. To use EZ Stent,

Zila files patents on rotary toothbrush

Zila has filed three design patents and a utility patent for its Rotadent Plus professional rotary toothbrush with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Rotadent Plus is a home periodontal therapy and a core component of the company’s soft-tissue management system, according Zila. The toothbrush’s 360° sweeping action and ultrathin microfilament bristles are designed to reach below the gumline and between teeth for thorough cleaning.

Vigilance key to sedation safety with at-risk patients

While modern anesthesia techniques have reduced the risks associated with sedation, dental practitioners need to exercise added caution when treating patients with pre-existing medical conditions, according to a continuing education article in Anesthesia Progress (Fall 2011, Vol. 58:3, pp. 126-138). The authors — Daniel Haas, DDS, PhD, associate dean of clinical sciences and a professor and head of dental anesthesia at the University of Toronto, and Daniel Becker, DDS, associate

Minn. dental therapist students get new clinic

Metropolitan State University has officially opened its new dental teaching clinic for its Master of Science: Oral Health Care Practitioner program students. The site will enable students, who will be the first and only advanced dental therapists (ADT) in the U.S., to provide low-cost dental care for underserved community members as the students complete required clinical hours for their degree and licensure. The clinic has seven working stations and is

Align extends Clear Aligner research award program

Align Technology has extended its funding of the Clear Aligner research award program for North America and international universities. The annually funded program is designed to promote clinical and scientific research in clear aligner therapy, according to the company. For 2012, four one-year awards of $25,000 for North America universities and four one-year awards of $15,000 for international universities will be available, for a total award of $160,000, the company

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