Dental News - Preferred Dental Network

Why Toothpaste Makes Orange Juice Bitter

What is it about toothpaste that transforms the sweet flavor of orange juice into something so bitter? For the solution to that mysterious sensory phenomenon - in colorful, animated detail - check the latest episode of the American Chemical Society's award-winning Bytesize Science video series at http://www.bytesizescience... More

Increase In Access To Routine, Preventive Care For Children, Low-Income Adults Revealed By First Economic Analysis Of Practicing Dental Therapists

A new report assessing the economic viability of services provided by practicing midlevel dental providers in the U.S. shows that they are expanding preventive dental care to people who need it most: children and those who can't afford care. At the same time, they are providing that care at a reduced cost to the dental practice... More

Clues To Tooth Regeneration Provided By Alligator Stem Cell Study

Alligators may help scientists learn how to stimulate tooth regeneration in people, according to new research led by the Keck School of Medicine of USC. For the first time, a global team of researchers led by USC pathology Professor Cheng-Ming Chuong, M.D., Ph.D., has uncovered unique cellular and molecular mechanisms behind tooth renewal in American alligators... More

No Need To Toss Your Toothbrush After A Sore Throat

Word on the street has it you should replace your toothbrush after suffering from a cold, the flu or a bout of strep throat. That may not be necessary - at least when it comes to sore throats, according to a study presented at the Pediatric Academic Societies (PAS) annual meeting in Washington, DC... More

Fluoride Reduces The Ability Of Decay-Causing Bacteria To Stick

In an advance toward solving a 50-year-old mystery, scientists are reporting new evidence on how the fluoride in drinking water, toothpastes, mouth rinses and other oral-care products prevents tooth decay. Their report appears in the ACS journal Langumir... More

Study Finds New Iodine Mouthwash May Impact LDL Cholesterol

Clinical trials continue. Data presented to oral medicine conference Cleaning your mouth and cleaning your arteries could be as simple as a once-a-day oral rinse if additional studies confirm preliminary findings about a new product... More

Development Of Wisdom Teeth In Children May Be Affected By Dental Anesthesia

Researchers from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine have discovered a statistical association between the injection of local dental anesthesia given to children ages two to six and evidence of missing lower wisdom teeth... More

40 Percent Of Dental Bib Clips Retained Aerobic Bacteria; 70 Percent Retained Anaerobic Bacteria Post-Disinfection

Researchers at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine and the Forsyth Institute published a study that found that a significant proportion of dental bib clips harbored bacteria from the patient, dental clinician and the environment even after the clips had undergone standard disinfection procedures in a hygiene clinic... More

Common Test For Measuring Mercury May Overestimate Exposure From Dental Amalgam Fillings

A common test used to determine mercury exposure from dental amalgam fillings may significantly overestimate the amount of the toxic metal released from fillings, according to University of Michigan researchers. Scientists agree that dental amalgam fillings slowly release mercury vapor into the mouth... More

Insight Into Periodontal Health, Disease

Microbes from the human mouth are telling Oak Ridge National Laboratory scientists something about periodontitis and more after they cracked the genetic code of bacteria linked to the condition... More

Radiotherapy-Associated Oral Mucositis: Promising New Drug Offers Treatment And Protection

Mouse model studies show that administered genetically or topically, protein Smad7 protects against or heals mouth sores commonly associated with cancer treatment. In some cancer patients treated with radiation, the mouth sores known as oral mucositis become so severe that feeding tubes are required for nutrition and narcotics are needed for pain... More

Adults Who Consume Fluoride In Drinking Water At Decreased Risk For Tooth Decay

A new study conducted by researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the University of Adelaide, Australia, has produced the strongest evidence yet that fluoride in drinking water provides dental health benefits to adults, even those who had not received fluoridated drinking water as children... More

New Method Developed To Replace Missing Teeth With A Bioengineered Material Generated From A Person's Own Gum Cells

Scientists have developed a new method of replacing missing teeth with a bioengineered material generated from a person's own gum cells. Current implant-based methods of whole tooth replacement fail to reproduce a natural root structure and as a consequence of the friction from eating and other jaw movement, loss of jaw bone can occur around the implant... More

Scientists Grow Teeth From Gum Cells

The day a new "biotooth" can be grown in the gap left by a missing tooth as an alternative to having a false one implanted came a step closer recently when UK researchers revealed how they have developed a way to bioengineer new teeth from a person's own gum cells... More

Global Study Suggests Dental Health Could Someday Be A Useful Risk Marker For Heart Disease

Poor dental health, especially tooth loss, is associated with several established cardiovascular risk factors, including diabetes, smoking, blood pressure, obesity and other novel risk factors, according to research being presented at the American College of Cardiology's 62nd Annual Scientific Session... More

Tooth Loss Due To Periodontal Disease More Likely In Postmenopausal Women Who Smoked

Postmenopausal women who have smoked are at much higher risk of losing their teeth than women who never smoked, according to a new study published and featured on the cover of the Journal of the American Dental Association by researchers at the University at Buffalo... More

Mouthrinse Reduces Plaque And Gingivitis More Than Toothbrushing Alone

New research published in the January/February 2013 issue of General Dentistry, the peer-reviewed clinical journal of the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), indicates that the use of a germ-killing mouthrinse in addition to regular toothbrushing can significantly reduce plaque and gingivitis, more so than brushing alone... More

2013 AAAS Presentations From Princeton University Faculty

Among the topics Princeton University researchers discussed during the 2013 AAAS annual meeting: A Higgs boson for cancer? Physics of cancer: The impact of heterogeneity Robert Austin, Professor of Physics Despite incredible advances in our understanding of biology and millions of research dollars spent, cancer remains a leading cause of death worldwide... More

Modern Diet Is Rotting Our Teeth

A study of the evolution of our teeth over the last 7,500 years shows that humans today have less diverse oral bacteria than historic populations, which scientists believe have contributed to chronic oral diseases in post-industrial lifestyles... More

Implementation Of Fizzy Drinks Tax Is 'Essential', Claims Charity

The British Dental Health Foundation has joined more than 60 organisations backing recommendations for a tax on sugary drinks. The report, compiled by Sustain entitled 'A Children's Future Fund - How food duties could provide the money to protect children's health and the world they grow up in', makes three main recommendations for Budget 2013 it believes would help to improve children's health... More

Possible Link Between Obesity And Gum Disease

Impacting approximately one-third of the U.S. population, obesity is a significant health concern for Americans... More

Gum Disease Found To Worsen Infection In Animal Model Of AIDS

Texas Biomed scientists in San Antonio have found that moderate gum disease in an animal model exposed to an AIDS- like virus had more viral variants causing infection and greater inflammation. Both of these features have potential negative implications in long term disease progression, including other kinds of infections, the researchers say in a new report... More

Do The Health Benefits Of Berries Make It Past Your Mouth?

Research has suggested that compounds that give colorful fruits their rich hues, especially berries, promote health and might even prevent cancer. But for the first time, scientists have exposed extracts from numerous berries high in those pigments to human saliva to see just what kinds of health-promoting substances are likely to survive and be produced in the mouth... More

What Chimpanzees Can Teach Us About Tooth Development And Weaning

For more than two decades, scientists have relied on studies that linked juvenile primate tooth development with their weaning as a rough proxy for understanding similar developmental landmarks in the evolution of early humans. New research from Harvard, however, is challenging those conclusions by showing that tooth development and weaning aren't as closely related as previously thought... More

The Eco-Dentistry Association Will Hold Industry's First Green Dentistry Conference, 3-4 May 2013, Utah

Ground-breaking event will focus on opportunities presented by high-tech, green, wellness based dentistry The Eco-Dentistry Association® announced last week that it will hold the industry's first dental conference devoted exclusively to high-tech, environmentally sound dental practices... More

OU dental students pitch in after storm

Moore, Okla.—Chad Carter, third year student at the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry, emerged from shelter with his and a neighboring family, his emergency gear and bags packed "because there had been a tornado the night before" and he had been dealing with that one when the next one roared through. More

Statement from Dr. Stephen K. Young, dean, University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry

The University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry is deeply concerned for all individuals affected by the recent storms.  The University of Oklahoma is currently housing 341 storm victims at the residence halls on the OU Norman Campus.   The College of Dentistry was able to provide toothbrushes and toothpaste for those seeking shelter at OU. More

WLC ADPAC awards

Awards presented during the May 13-15 Washington Leadership Conference in the nation's capital recognize grassroots activity by American Dental Political Action Committee dentists. More

June 3 webinar eyes oral health care for pregnant women

Elk Grove Village, Ill.—The American Academy of Pediatrics is hosting a free webinar to discuss the importance of collaboration among health professionals to ensure that the oral health needs of pregnant women are met. More

Oklahoma tornado relief available through ADA Foundation and other sources

Along with other nonprofit, corporate and governmental agencies, the ADA Foundation is a resource that dentists affected by the massive May 19 tornado in Moore, Okla., can tap. More

Iowa yields success with noncovered services law

Des Moines, Iowa—It took three years, but the Iowa Dental Association was successful in having its interpretation of one of the country's more unique noncovered services laws upheld by the state Supreme Court. More

Targeting the 'dental divide'

Washington—The Association, citing "a disturbing dental divide in America," announced a nationwide campaign May 15 to reduce the numbers of adults and children with untreated dental disease. More

Pew issues 'correction'

Washington—The Pew Children's Dental Campaign 'revised and corrected' an issue brief challenged by the Association as using "erroneous calculations to buttress its arguments that New Zealand's use of dental therapists is responsible for better oral health among New Zealand children than those in the U.S." More

May devoted to High Blood Pressure Education Month

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is working to draw attention to hypertension's many challenges during May, which is High Blood Pressure Education Month. More

Medicare EHR incentives reduced

Washington—Medicare electronic health record incentive payments to dentists and other eligible professionals will be reduced by 2 percent under sequestration's mandatory budget cuts, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services said. Medicaid EHR incentive payments are exempt from the mandatory reductions. More

Washington conference focuses on delivering the dental health message

Washington—Tell your story, ADA President Robert Faiella urged the nation's dental leaders in opening the May 13-15 Washington Leadership Conference. More

Norton Ross Award nominees sought

The ADA is accepting nominations until June 14 for the 2013 Norton M. Ross Award for Excellence in Clinical Research. More

Just the Facts-May 20

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House action encourages dentists to promote bone marrow matching programs

The ADA is urging dentists to encourage their patients to participate in bone marrow matching programs. More

Army dentists in Basic Officer Leadership Training

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Snapshots of American Dentistry-May 20

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Never trust a photocopier

Today's photocopiers do more than just reproduce information from one page to another. More

GKAS winning designs

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CDHCs make a difference in their communities

Two Community Dental Health Coordinators who entered the workforce at the end of 2011 are making a difference in their communities beyond the dental operatory. More

Georgia has healthy supply of dentists but low demand for care, survey says

Atlanta—Georgia has more than enough dentists to serve patients in the Peach State, but many residents aren't taking advantage of the large supply of dentists to access needed care, according to the state dental association and an independent survey. More

Presidential Whistle Stop courses offer CE and perks

New Orleans—Annual Session registrants might feel torn between waiting in line for the best possible seat to hear President Bill Clinton at the Opening General Session and Distinguished Speaker Series and earning continuing education credits on the morning of Oct. 31. More

Stay through Sunday

New Orleans—Annual Session-goers who volunteer for the Mission of Mercy free dental clinic event on Sunday, Nov. 3 can create a thousand Big Easy smiles in New Orleans. More

ADA invites new dentists, students to Annual Session reception

New Orleans—If you graduated from dental school in 2004 or later, plan now to attend the New Dentist Reception held during Annual Session. More

What's the Code?

New Orleans—Dental team members who attend the ADA Annual Session this year will have the opportunity to learn how the CDT Code works, about submitting a change request and the process of maintaining the Code. More

Annual Session CE offers live, hands-on learning

New Orleans—With more than 300 lectures and hands-on workshops, six Education in the Round live patient demos and seven hands-on cadaver courses, the ADA Annual Session offers educational opportunities that showcase the latest in dentistry. More

Propose your plan to test DQA measures

The Dental Quality Alliance is soliciting proposals to test the feasibility, reliability and validity of two e-measures in dentistry. More

School's Madagascar mission earns Zwemer Award

Stony Brook, N.Y.—Dental student Jennifer Lonnen has fond memories of playing and dancing with village children in Madagascar last summer when she traveled there with faculty and cohorts from Stony Brook University School of Dental Medicine. More

ADA launches new classified ad program

Clearwater, Fla.—The ADA is launching a new classified advertising program in 2013. More

Michigan dentists fill in gap

Okemos, Mich.—Many Michigan dentists are filling in the access to care gap between what patients can afford and what Medicaid provides by donating thousands of dollars each in care, the Michigan Dental Association reported. More

WLC first-time attendees offer impressions

Washington—This was not your father's Washington Leadership Conference. More

Emotional intelligence trumps IQ in dentist-patient relationship

It's a question that many educators have pondered: why do some high-performing students in the classroom not fare as well in clinic? More

Guide helps dentists treat complex patients

Some dental patients may present with a range of medical complexities. The ADA Practical Guide to Patients with Medical Conditions provides a comprehensive resource that addresses these challenges that may affect dental treatment. More

Pregnant dental patients

When it comes to ensuring that expectant mothers are receiving needed oral health care, there's good news and bad news. More

GKAS at National Dental Museum

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CDBP assists dentists with MetLife issue

The ADA Council on Dental Benefit Programs staff has taken several complaints in the past few months from dentists who submitted claims to MetLife only to have them denied because the company said the dentists did not hold active licenses. More

WLC dialogue

Washington—Dental leaders and members of Congress talked of "compromise" and "frustration" at the May 13-15 Washington Leadership Conference. Some 550 dentists and state dental leaders registered for the annual springtime event in the nation's capital. More

Register for National Provider Call

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services will hold a National Provider Call on the National Physician Payment Transparency Program. More

ADA campaign sparks media interest

Washington—ADA's Action for Dental Health campaign launch drew widespread media attention. More

Alliance honors four with Spencer award

Branson, Mo.—Four members of the Alliance of the American Dental Association were honored April 19 during the AADA's annual conference in Branson, Mo., with the Beulah K. Spencer Service Award. More

Affordable Care Act falls short, ADA research says

The Affordable Care Act falls short in lowering dental care costs, increasing access to care and improving health outcomes, according to research briefs published by the ADA Health Policy Resources Center. More

CDS Foundation clinic fills a gap for local uninsured

Wheaton, Ill.—Filling a void left when the DuPage Community Clinic closed its dental facility in 2011, leaving uninsured patients with few local options, the Chicago Dental Society Foundation has opened a new dental clinic to serve patients in need. More

Dentist, educator's impact reaches critically ill children in Saudi Arabia

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia—A connection with a former dental student at the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry offered Dr. Lance Lambert a chance to treat children with complicated medical issues more than 7,000 miles from his Glen Ellyn, Ill. pediatric dental office. More

Still time to save on FDI Congress registration

Istanbul—There's still time to plan a trip to the 101st FDI World Dental Congress Aug. 28-31, 2013, at the Istanbul Congress Center. Early registration discounts are available through May 31. More

Association challenges Pew issue brief

Washington—The Pew Children's Dental Campaign acknowledged "errata" in a posted issue brief challenged by the Association as using "erroneous calculations to buttress its arguments that New Zealand's use of dental therapists is responsible for better oral health among New Zealand children than those in the U.S." More

ADA News honored for excellence in yearly competition

The ADA News has earned three 2013 EXCEL Awards—two gold awards and a silver—for excellence in news and feature writing from Association Media & Publishing, a publishing trade group headquartered in Reston, Va. More

New resource on treating obesity available

Tampa, Fla.—The Obesity Action Coalition and the American College of Physicians have a new free resource for health care professionals who treat excess weight and obesity. More

States, communities receive fluoridation honors at National Oral Health Conference

Huntsville, Ala.—Marking 68 years of community water fluoridation, the ADA, the Association of State and Territorial Dental Directors and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention honored 112 states and communities with 2012 Fluoridation Awards at the National Oral Health Conference April 23 at the Von Braun Center in Huntsville. More

Saliva harbors cavity-causing bacteria, says ADA response to pacifier study

Should parents suck on a pacifier before baby in order to boost the child's bacterial diversity and foster immunity? More

Dr. Jeremiah Lowney, ADA humanitarian, honored by White House, Rotary International

Washington—ADA Humanitarian Award recipient and U.S. Rotary club member Dr. Jeremiah Lowney was honored at the White House April 5 as one of 12 Champions of Change. More

'How long since you last saw a dentist?'

Hyattsville, Md.—Eight percent of the adult U.S. population in 2011 had lost all of their natural teeth, according to the most recent National Health Interview Survey. One percent of adults had never visited a dentist or other dental health professional. More