Study finds link between perio disease and cancer

A new study has found a possible link between cancer and severe periodontal disease after adjustment for smoking and drinking habits (Iranian Journal of Cancer Prevention, Autumn 2011, Vol. 4:4, pp. 189-198). Several recent studies have suggested a relationship between periodontal disease and cancer, noted the study authors, from the department of periodontology at the Islamic Azad University in Iran. Their review outlined epidemiologic studies pointing to a possible role

Midmark offers amalgam separator/vacuum system

Midmark has teamed with SolmeteX to offer the SolmeteX Hg5 series of amalgam separators in conjunction with the Midmark line of vacuum systems. The SolmeteX Hg5 series accommodates practices up to 20 chairs and is ISO 11143 certified to a 99% capture rate, according to the company. “The SolmeteX Hg5 Series and Midmark vacuum systems were rigorously tested to ensure compatibility,” stated Bill Zulauf, senior product manager, air, vacuum, and

Perio disease, pregnancy outcomes debate continues

Although a number of studies have investigated the link between treating periodontal disease and pregnancy outcomes, the jury is still out on whether scaling and root planing (SRP) reduces preterm births and other adverse pregnancy outcomes. This month’s Journal of the American Dental Association features a critical summary of a meta-analysis of 11 randomized controlled trials, including recently published, high-quality studies that found no evidence that SRP during pregnancy prevents

Fla. county to stop fluoridating water

Pinellas County in Florida has voted to stop fluoridating water that serves roughly 700,000 people amid concerns over cost and the government overstepping its bounds, the St. Petersburg Times reported. Hours of debate lead to a 4-3 County Commission vote to cease fluoridation this fall, saving the county about $205,000 per year, the article stated. A dozen dentists and health officials urged the commission to continue fluoridation. Until 2004, when

FDA, NIH to conduct joint study on tobacco use

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) will conduct a large-scale, national study of tobacco users to monitor and assess the behavioral and health impacts of new government tobacco regulations. The initiative, called the Tobacco Control Act National Longitudinal Study of Tobacco Users, is the first large-scale NIH/FDA collaboration on tobacco regulatory research since Congress granted FDA the authority to regulate tobacco products

J. Morita launches Facebook page with RootZX giveaway

J. Morita USA has launched a new Facebook page to better connect with customers and offer educational opportunities on various products and technologies. To promote the launch, licensed dentists that “like” the page will be entered to win a Root ZX mini, the company’s new apex locator, through October 30, 2011. J. Morita’s goal on Facebook is to create an educational forum for dentists to share experiences and interact with

Carestream system gains Suresmile certification

Carestream Dental’s CS 9300C has been certified by OraMetrix for use with its Suresmile technology weeks after the imaging system’s introduction in the U.S. The integration of CS 9300C 3D scans with the Suresmile software means orthodontists will have improved treatment planning and control of treatment, according to Carestream. Suresmile combines 3D imaging with computerized treatment plan modeling and robotic archwire customization to enable doctors to plan tooth movement on

Does race play a role in oral cancer surgery referrals?

Does race place a role in oral cancer surgery referrals? It appears to, according to a study in Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology (August 24, 2011). White patients are twice as likely to be recommended for surgery for oral and oropharyngeal cancer as black patients, according to researchers from the Medical University of South Carolina. The researchers weren’t surprised to find racial discrimination in cancer treatment, but they didn’t expect

Partnership enables e-prescribing of schedule II-V drugs

DrFirst has partnered with dental software company DentiMax to use electronic health records to e-prescribe controlled substances. By offering DrFirst’s Rcopia and EPCS Gold services to their clients, DentiMax can provide e-prescribing of schedule II-V drugs to qualified U.S. dentists. A high percentage of dentists’ and oral surgeons’ prescriptions are controlled substances. Adoption of e-prescribing by dentists has been slow in relation to other medical providers due to the inability

Young Dental hosts charity photo contest

Young Dental has teamed with Oral Health America’s Fall for Smiles campaign to help dental care providers promote the importance of dental hygiene, regular dental visits, healthy food choices, and tobacco avoidance. Young Dental is the primary sponsor of the annual Fall for Smiles photo contest. Dental professionals are invited to enter photographs or videos of their colleagues or patients promoting healthy mouths. All participants will be entered in a

Family sues Nestlé, Gerber over fluoride products

The parents of a 13-year-old girl in Maryland have filed a lawsuit against Nestlé USA, Nestlé Waters North America, and Gerber Products Company, claiming that some of their fluoride-containing products are responsible for their daughter’s fluorosis and related dental issues. The lawsuit, filed on August 29, alleges that the “defendants marketed and sold these products … with no warning about the likelihood of damage to her teeth.” The products include

NC orthodontist joins Smile for a Lifetime charity

Gregory Valeriano, DDS, of Valeriano Orthodontics in Charlotte, NC, will provide 20 Charlotte residents younger than 21 with free braces and orthodontic care this year as part of the Smile for a Lifetime charity. The 3-year-old charitable nonprofit organization operates in 30 U.S. states, providing free orthodontic care to children and young adults in need of assistance, according to a story in the Charlotte Observer. Each Smile for a Lifetime