Greg Kelly

This week's list of must-read news stories for dentists includes:

“Nearly 600 veterans who received care at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Tomah, Wisconsin, may have been infected. One dentist put the hundreds of veterans at risk of hepatitis B and C, or HIV, after failing to follow proper sanitation procedures.”

“Erectile dysfunction is more common in men with gum disease, according to a new review of existing studies. Scientists in China state that ‘chronic periodontitis treatment can control or eliminate inflammation and may reduce the risk of ED.’”

A very troubling report on oral health in America. “As a dentist, Dr. Eli Mayes said he’s seen the impact of drugs or lack of care on teeth. However, it pales in comparison to what he witnessed practicing dentistry in Alaska. ‘I haven’t seen anything compared to what I saw up there from just sugar.’”

Flossing and the Art of Scientific Investigation

More from the paper of record on the recent controversy over the necessity of flossing. “In the case of flossing’s benefits, the supposedly weak evidence cited by the Associated Press was the absence of support in the form of definitive randomized controlled trials, the so-called gold standard for scientific research.”

Cosmetic Dentist Brings Smiles Into the Spotlight

A profile of celebrated dentist Dr. Bill Dorfman, who has “transformed people’s smiles through dental surgeries when he was featured on the television show ‘Extreme Makeover.’” The ULCA graduate says he has “had one of the most amazing careers a dentist could ever have.”

“New analysis from Great Britain reveals that rates of oral cancer have jumped by 68% in the UK over the last 20 years. The figures reveal that men and women, young and old are all risk. ‘I thought seeing the dentist was about looking after your teeth—but it can save your life,’ said one patient.”

The Greater New York Dental Meeting held its 92

 annual gathering in Manhattan last week. It’s billed as “one of the largest Dental Congresses in the world and host to 54,000 dentists and 1,500 exhibitors.” Take a look at some of the details, highlights, and perhaps plan a trip for next year. More coverage from the meeting can be found 

Dental Care Access Improving for American Children

“The number of US children receiving dental care significantly increased from 2000 to 2014, according to a new study in Pediatrics. Even more positively, the researchers found a steep narrowing of coverage disparities in race/ethnicity and income.”

A worthwhile report about medicine American style: “’The conventional wisdom is that many doctors are clueless about medical costs. That’s largely true because lots of doctors never see the bills and reimbursement transactions that are processed by their office staffs,’ says a seasoned family doctor.”

A new study from France shows that “renewing removable dentures only moderately improved the oral health related quality of life and removable dentures related satisfaction of patients, regardless of age, gender or type of rehabilitation.”

“The nation’s sickest patients and their families are paying up to 32 times more to park at public hospitals than the high-earning doctors who work there,” according to this peculiar news report from Australia. “I concede it fails to pass the fairness test,” says the president of the Australian Medical Association.

Articles

One dentist put the hundreds of veterans at risk of hepatitis B and C, or HIV, after failing to follow proper sanitation procedures, the report says.

The DMD Check-Up: Dentist May Have Infected 592 Veterans with HIV, Hepatitis

Price Beats Pain as Biggest Fear When Visiting Dentist

“New research from Unum Dental has found cost to be the main barrier to visiting the dentist, with 38% of people saying it has put them off. This was considerably ahead of the 25% who listed fear of pain as a barrier, or the 21% who said taking time off work was a barrier.”

Dentists Do Notice Your Teeth When You're Talking

A compelling Q&A with a Utah dentist on the “top 3 things dentists want people to know about them.” Dr. David Gordon says, “Unlike a lot of medical professionals, dentists see their patients often enough to develop strong friendships, to watch kids grow up. I see that as one of the most rewarding parts of my profession.”

Retirement Outlook Good for Many Dentists

“The results of the SurePayroll Small Business Scorecard survey are optimistic for dentists and their retirement savings plans. Most dentists are saving accordingly, and for those who aren't, there's still time to start. When measured against other businesses of similar size, dental practices are already on the right track.”

How to Start Expanding Dental Care For All

“The Legislature should expand dental care for more adults, and the place to start is with pregnant women and patients with diabetes. The payoff is improved health and saving taxpayer dollars by preventing expensive medical costs,” according to this opinion piece from a top Washington state media outlet.

Dentist Referrals Could Delay Cancer Diagnosis

“People with suspected mouth cancer are having their diagnosis delayed because they are first referred to a dentist, British surgeons have warned. Writing in the British Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, they said around 1 in 9 patients could have their diagnosis delayed due to the current guidance.”

A New York dentist tossed a patient out of his office and called her “disgusting” after learning she was HIV-positive, a new lawsuit alleges. “Because I am black, because I am a woman, because I am HIV-positive, Dr. Kur treated me as less than a person,” said Yvette Brown.

, “researchers have found evidence that cannabis can likely benefit people dealing with depression, social anxiety, and PTSD.” After the 2016 elections, 28 states now allow some form of legal marijuana use.

Most Nursing Home Patients Refuse Dental Care

“Nearly 90% of patients at long-term care facilities don’t take advantage of dental services, even when they are free, a recent study by University at Buffalo researchers has found. Medicare does cover dental exams—oral health care takes a backseat to other medical needs.” Read more on 

Canada's Private Dental Care System Fails Most Vulnerable

“About 25% of Canadians have difficulty accessing dental care, due to cost, lack of dental insurance or transport. These are the most vulnerable members of society: the elderly, indigenous people, young children, individuals with disabilities, recent immigrants/refugees, those living in rural and remote communities and the poor.”

“Many dental clinics are already using the power of Search Engine Optimization to promote their services and it is working. Although some are still trying to figure out how to market their services to their customers. Proper use of SEO services for your dental business, can turn it into a big success within a short period of time.”

“Hospital spending represents 32% of American healthcare spending, 20% goes to physician and clinical services, 15% goes to ‘other health spending,’ and 10% is for prescription drugs.” The headline should be: Pharmaceuticals represent just “a dime on the dollar” of all US healthcare spending, according to the president of the Center for Medicine in the Public Interest.

One news report highlights a survey that shows patients are more afraid of the price of a procedure than of the pain it might cause.

The DMD Check-Up: Fear of The Bill, Not The Drill

The dentist’s calling: “In short, it is because, unlike hair or nails, teeth are made up of living tissue, said Christine Wall, an evolutionary anthropologist at Duke University who studies the evolution of teeth. Pain is the brain's way of knowing something has gone wrong in the tissue,” she said.

According to the first scientific study to address e-cigarettes and their detrimental effect on oral health on cellular and molecular levels, new University of Rochester Medical Center findings suggest that electronic cigarettes are as equally damaging to gums and teeth as conventional cigarettes. Read more 

“Recent research conducted by the American Geriatric Society found that people over the age of 100 had better oral health than those who were born at the same time, but who did not reach this impressive age.” Are there two stages of being elderly?

The Allure of Cheap Doctors, Drugs and Dentists in Mexico

“In Southern California, if people haven't gone to Mexico for health care, they probably know someone who has. People overburdened by the price of getting what's supposed to be some of the best health care in the world are willing to seek out options that would have seemed overly risky not long ago,” finds a troubling report from the Center for Health Journalism.

Celebrities Love Wacky Medical Procedures

“What’s the hottest accessory for high-flyers? Their doctors.” According to this news report from the 

, more and more celebrities are seeking out pricey doctors for unusual elective procedures. “Whether these patients are having these special techniques for the right reasons is up for debate.”

“Finding a soul mate can put a smile on your face in more ways than one.” Researchers from Australia’s University of Queensland have “determined that those who tended to avoid emotional intimacy, or worried their partner would not be available to them in times of need, were more likely to have negative oral health outcomes.” Read more 

Dentists Key in Helping Patients Quit Smoking

Since many probably have patients who use or have used tobacco dentists, in concert with the American Cancer Society’s Great American Smokeout efforts, are being asked to talk with their patients about tobacco abuse—which is the nation’s leading cause of preventable death.

Virginia Just Average on Dental Health Report Card

“A new report suggests that when it comes to oral health, Virginia has room for improvement. The state earned a C+ on a new report card released by the Virginia Oral Health Coalition, which was compiled by examining data on residents' oral health.”

Dentist Pocketed $1 Million in Medicaid Fraud

This week’s bad dentist story: “An Atlanta-area dentist has pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit healthcare fraud by filing nearly $1 million in false claims with the Georgia Medicaid program, according to the US Department of Justice. She claimed to be treating patient when “not even in the country.”

From Dentist to Small-Business Owner: Tips and Options

You learn how to fill cavities and keep teeth clean and healthy in dentistry school. What you don’t learn is how to raise capital and manage business debt. That can make life after dentistry school challenging. Here’s some advice on being a successful dentist and small-business owner. Read more on this topic 

One news report highlights how dentists are key players in the fight against smoking, and another points to a study about the confirmed oral health hazards of e-cigarettes.

The DMD Check-Up: More Support for Smoking Cessation

“While there are a number of good dentists out there, Americans have to wade through a lot of scary stuff to find one they can trust,” says this consumer affairs website. In an op-ed in ADA News, pediatric dentist Jeffrey Camm brought to light a disturbing new trend in dentistry he calls “creative diagnosis.”

, four dentists were elected or re-elected to the US House of Representatives on November 8. They are Drs. Drew Ferguson, Mike Simpson, Paul Gosar, and Brian Babin—all are Republicans.

“There are five key traits a dentist must possess in order to achieve excellence in the profession. In other words, not all dentists are created equal,” according to this respected California dentist. “Strong communication skills are by far one of the most important skills a dentist can have—educating patients well is a cornerstone of his practice.”

Leading Prison Dentist Charged in Larceny Scheme

“The dentist who leads the state program that cares for the dental health of New York's incarcerated youth was arrested on charges he billed taxpayers nearly $75,000 for hours during which he was allegedly treating private patients.” Dr. Neil Schachter faces several felony counts. 

New Opiate Prescribing Guidelines for Dentists

“In response to the worsening opioid abuse epidemic in New Jersey, the state’s largest dental organization, the New Jersey Dental Association, has released guidelines to its members on safe prescribing and dosing of opiate medications.” 

Not all hospitals are alike and some have much better safety records than others. In the latest Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade, which judged 2,633 hospitals and assigned letter grades, 844 earned an "A," 658 earned a "B," 954 earned a "C," 157 earned a "D" and 20 earned an "F."

Americans Spending More on Pets’ Healthcare

It’s not just people. “Pets—they’re just like us! Or, at least, we Americans try mighty hard to make them so. Another aspect of life we share with our animals? Rising spending on health care, according to a recent working paper from the National Bureau of Economic Research.”

A troubling report from a major media outlet about a serious national concern: “We are not taking care of our children's teeth, and it is hurting them in school and later in life. According to the CDC, tooth decay is among the most common chronic conditions of childhood.”

Dentists Uniquely Positioned to Deal with Childhood Obesity

"Dentists have a remarkable opportunity to bring the topic of sugar consumption into a team based conversation of disease prevention and overall health," says the director of the ADA Council on Advocacy for Access and Prevention. More than 75% of “patients are willing to have their height and weight documented by their dentist.”

“Patients are being charged five times more for a routine check-up at a private dentist compared with other clinics, an investigation has found,” according to this report on dental care in the UK. “The average cost of a routine visit has soared by 40% in three years.  

Health & Fitness Cheat Sheet has provided readers with 5 signs that they're being 'ripped off' by dentists.

The DMD Check-Up: Maintaining Patients' Trust

“Healdsburg is the site of a battle over water fluoridation that has drawn in local political groups and the California Dental Association. Measure T asks voters to decide whether to ban fluoride in Healdsburg water until suppliers of the chemical compound can prove it’s safe and free of impurities.” One local dentist says it’s all “malarkey.”

 Hospitals Fail to Report Medical Devices Problems

“After several prominent safety problems with medical devices in hospitals, the FDA inspected 17 hospitals nationwide to assess compliance with reporting regulations. About two-thirds, including well-known medical centers in Los Angeles, Boston and New York, failed to promptly report patient deaths or injuries linked to medical devices.”

Should Weapons Be Permitted in Dental Offices?

Following a recent shooting incident in an Ohio dentist’s office, Apex360 surveyed dentists with one big question: “In light of this event, do you think dental offices should post signs prohibiting patients from carrying weapons inside? Why or why not?”

For those dentists who will get there, for those who hope to get there, and for those who will never get there, but believe it’s okay to dream: “Retirement is a new phase of life, and, for many, a chance to consider new surroundings. Here’s a new list of 25 top US cities for retirement.” #1: Abilene, TX.

Treating Gingivitis Reduces Risk of Premature Births

A new Procter and Gamble study “confirms an ever-strengthening correlation between successful treatment of gingivitis during pregnancy and dramatically reducing the chances of a premature, low-weight birth,” according to Dr. Robert Gerlach, a research fellow in worldwide clinical investigations at P&G.

CBT Resource May Reduce Children's Dental Anxiety

 (American Association for Dental Research)

The International and American Associations for Dental Research is reporting on “the development of a guided self-help cognitive behavioral therapy resource for the management of children's dental anxiety and provide preliminary evidence for the feasibility and acceptability of this approach with children aged between nine and 16 years.” 

Is ObamaCare Affecting Dental Benefits Coverage?

According to a new report from the ADA's Health Policy Institute, from 2013 to 2014, “the percentage of working-age adults lacking dental benefits dropped and the percentage with private dental benefits coverage increased. Also, the percentage of children lacking dental benefits continued to fall and is now at its lowest level since 1999.”

Combine Procedures to Limit Children’s Anesthesia Exposure

“Children who require both dental and non-dental medical procedures should have them completed under one general anesthesia session whenever possible, which is ideal for both the patient and family,” suggests new research from the American Society of Anesthesiologists.

A new study from the American Journal of Medicine tells “of a novel plaque identifying toothpaste, Plaque HD. A clinical trial “produced statistically significant reductions in dental plaque and inflammation throughout the body as measured by high sensitivity C-reactive protein, a sensitive marker for future heart attacks and strokes.”

Last September the CBS TV show “48 Hours” ran story of a well-liked New York man, Tom Kolman, found dead in his car. “Police were stunned when an unusual drug is found in his body. Also surprising, is whom the police suspected: his best friend, prominent dentist Dr. Gilberto Nunez.” He’s since been acquitted of murder.

Voters in Healdsburg, CA, will decide whether to ban fluoride from their water supply.

The DMD Check-Up: Fluoride Battle Rages in California

A scathing report out of San Francisco highlights potential oversights in the safety and record keeping surround the practice of sedation dentistry. You can find this story and others in this week's list of must-read news stories for dentists.

Parents, Doctors Question Safety of Sedation Dentistry

A news report from San Francisco about complications with sedation dentistry says that area dentists stand accused “of failures in drug dosing and monitoring.” “The state has never before tracked how many kids die,” the report said. “NBC Bay Area tried, but discovered records that are heavily redacted and inconsistent. Some dentists send in detailed reports when something goes wrong; others submit just a few sentences.”

The impact of oral disease on whole-body health and the changes to the practice of dentistry worldwide are the subjects of The Future of Oral Heath, a new publication produced by Scientific American Custom Media. “What happens when the boundaries of the traditional dental-medical divide begin to crumble?”

Ancient Teeth Show First Evidence of Right-Handedness

“Scientists have discovered the earliest known evidence of right-handedness in the fossil record, thanks to markings on an ancient set of teeth that once belonged to a Tanzanian primate,” according to findings in the Journal of Human Evolution. Telling “us more about how human hands work—and, by extension&mdash;our brains.”

The Agony and the Ecstasy of Being a Dentist on Halloween

That time of the year: “It is not like Halloween, a holiday devoted to society-sanctioned cavity worship, would make daily life quick for a man or woman whose daily life operate is oral cleanliness. So how do dentists cope?” Here’s how dentists say they deal with “their very least favorite working day of the year.”

Medicine Might Effect Success of Dental Implants

“A body of research from McGill led-teams indicates that in order to raise the odds that dental implants will attach properly, there are clear benefits to taking certain common medications and avoiding others.” Some drugs “affect bone metabolism and the way that bone cells heal and multiply or die,” scientists say.

“Identifying children at high risk for dental caries in a primary health care setting prevents the development of caries in early childhood, while creating more accessible and cost-effective oral health care, according to data presented at the 2016 AAP National Conference and Exhibition.”

Oral Health of Kentucky Children Getting Worse

The results are eye-opening, according to “The Making Smiles Happen: 2016 Oral Health Study of Kentucky’s Youth,” and provide officials with a baseline for improving oral health outcomes. For example, compared to 15 years ago, a higher percentage of children are in need of early or urgent dental care, and 40% have untreated cavities.

“The schemes described in a federal indictment against former MetroHealth executive Edward Hills and three former hospital dentists were complex, intertwined and lasted for years,” according to this news report from Ohio. “They also involved about $250,000, much of which was taxpayer money.”

A real hammer job on the dental industry, by a grassroots organization. Are they right? “The global dental industry is worth billions of dollars. … Yet 4 billion people around the world suffer from some kind of untreated oral health issue. … This begs the question, are we being served by current dental practices?”

An NBC news report out of San Francisco calls into question the safety of sedation drug dosing among area dentists, highlighting lapses in record keeping.

The DMD Check-Up: Report Raises Questions about Sedation Dentistry

China is proving to be a good destination for dentists looking for a new base of operations. That story tops this week’s DMD Check-Up. Also making the list, a new study shows a potential link between brushing teeth and reducing the risk of a heart attack.

Looking for change—big time? “China’s rapidly expanding middle class is creating a demand for dentists that is far greater than local dentists can keep up with. It is now easier than ever for US dentists to visit China for short periods throughout the year and provide services to local patients,” says the International Academy of Contemporary Dentistry.

How Teeth Brushing Might Prevent Heart Attacks

“Brushing teeth thoroughly to remove plaque could help prevent heart attacks and strokes by reducing inflammation in the body to levels close to what can be achieved by statins,” a new study from the Florida Atlantic University suggests.

• Irwin Smigel, New York Dentist Behind Cosmetic Techniques, Dies

Dr. Irwin Smigel, a pioneer of aesthetic dentistry who brightened the smiles of celebrities like Elizabeth Taylor, Tony Bennett, Jimmy Fallon and Bruce Willis, died this week in Manhattan at age 92. “The eyes may be the soul of the face, but the mouth is the first thing people look at,” said Dr. Smigel.

Are you a dentist who is seriously considering a personal or professional relocation? “In the annual survey, readers of all stripes evaluate hundreds of cities and towns across a range of categories, from the friendliness of the locals to the quality of the pizza. #1: Buffalo, NY.

A thorough story by a major news organization on the ins and outs of dental insurance. Dentists should review to see how better practices might improve their bottom line. Fact: “about 64% of Americans have dental insurance. Nearly all of them have coverage through work or a group plan like AARP, Medicaid, Tricare (for military families) and the federal Children’s Health Insurance Program.”

Real Doctors Easily Surpass Online Diagnosis

In the first direct comparison between human-made and computer-based diagnoses, done at Harvard Medical School, the performance of physicians was vastly superior. Researchers found that doctors made a correct diagnosis more than twice as often as 23 commonly used symptom-checker apps.

A Look at the Clinton and Trump Health Reform Proposals

One will be America’s new president come November 8, and Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump have two distinct approaches to health reform. This independent analysis “estimates how the candidates’ proposals would affect health insurance coverage, the federal deficit, and consumers’ out-of-pocket health care spending.”

Is Beating Bad Breath the Key to Happiness?

More cause to encourage people to have a good oral health routine: “a new study in the International Journal of Dental Hygiene looked at the impact of bad breath in relation to people’s quality of life and found that, on average, people who suffered from bad breath were found to be twice as unhappy as those who didn’t.”

Some Truths Behind Multicultural Americans' Smiles

In recognition of National Dental Hygiene Month, Colgate is out with some facts regarding “the myths and misinformation among multicultural communities in America about optimal oral care habits.” One myth: “Nearly one third of Americans believe you can get rid of cavities by brushing.”

US Dental Decay: Seniors Worse Off Than Children

America’s senior citizens may actually have higher rates of new tooth decay than children, according to the Center for Disease Control. “This is mostly in part due to the lack of care available to them—more than 25% of seniors haven't seen a dentist in 5 years,” according to this news report from Michigan.

Here's our weekly look at the top dentistry-related news from around the web.

The DMD Check-Up: Dentists Wanted In China

Frequent cannabis use may put individuals at higher risk of periodontal disease. That story tops this week’s DMD Check-Up. Also making the list: children have been hospitalized from the water at the dentist’s office, and there are increasing demands for dentists in NY.

Marijuana Use Linked to Increased Gum Disease Risk

“US researchers have found that frequent recreational cannabis use—including marijuana, hashish, and hash oil&mdash;may be associated with elevated risk of periodontal disease,” according to a new study in the 

. With pot decriminalization becoming more common nationwide, the research takes on added significance.

Many Children Hospitalized from Dentists’ Water

“An outbreak that sent 30 children to Southern California hospitals and could have long-term effects on their health, is raising awareness about the risk of bacterial infection from water at the dentist's office,” according to this California news report.

“New York’s increased demand for dentists is a real issue that warrants a comprehensive response from government and academia. Much like that lingering toothache, it would not be wise for us, as a state, to ignore this problem any longer,” so says the founding dean of the Touro College of Dental Medicine at New York Medical College. He has a plan, too.

It’s not uncommon for a patient to ask the opinion of a dentist about this product. So, after “factoring in price point, customer sentiment and ratings, and then on what will both clean well and motivate us to brush the recommended twice daily for two minutes,” the #1 spot goes to the Oral-B WHITE 7000 SmartSeries electric toothbrush.

Top Dental Group Takes Millions from “Big Soda”

A contradiction? “Nearly 100 organizations, including the US government and the National Dental Association, have accepted millions of dollars in sponsorship funds from major soda companies,” according to a new study in the 

. Coca-Cola gave $215,000 to NDA over a three-year period.

Alaska Dentists Commit to Reducing Sugary Drink Consumption

Seems right? “Under a new pilot program project, the state Division of Public Health is offering training to employees of dental clinics to screen patients for sugary drink consumption and advise them to curb the habit,” according to the Alaska public health website.

Doctor Care May Depend on Political Views

“A new study from researchers at Yale University details significant differences in the way primary care physicians from across the political spectrum approach medical issues that touch on hot-button topics.” The scientists say, “It’s imperative that doctors consider how their own political views may impact their professional judgments.”

Group vs. Solo Dental Practices: A Comparison Study

Lots of data to look at here, but a worthwhile review for those dentists who want to bone up on the financial underpinnings of their practice. Fact: about 85% of US dentists practice solo.

Here are some facts and figures about America’s wealthiest citizens “The country’s 400 richest are wealthier than ever, with a combined net worth of $2.4 trillion and an average net worth of $6 billion, both record highs.” Also, Bill Gates is #1 for the 23rd year running, with a net worth of $81 billion.

The DMD Check-Up: Marijuana Use Linked to Increased Gum Disease Risk

Patients are recovering from bacterial infections contracted at Children’s Dental Group in Anaheim, CA. That story tops this week’s DMD Check-Up. Also making the list: scientists identify 41 potential disease-causing genes and scientists have found that having straight teeth can improve your balance.

Infection Outbreak from Water at Dentists’ Offices

“California state health officials say that nearly two dozen children who received so-called baby root canals, or pulpotomies, are thought to have developed dangerous bacterial infections. Dental unit waterlines are very good at growing bacteria,” explains a University of Texas dentistry professor.

Researchers at Columbia University College of Dental Medicine have identified 41 master regulator genes that may cause periodontal disease. The study was the first of its kind to employ genome-wide reverse engineering to identify the gene pathways that contribute to periodontitis.

“Scientists have found that having straight teeth has a beneficial side-effect: it improves our sense of balance and posture.  People with “overbites” or “underbites,” crowded teeth or wonky teeth are more wobbly on their feet,” according to a new study recently published in Neuroscience Letters.

New Imaging Method May Help Dentists Treat Cavities Much Earlier

“New research published in the Journal of Biomedical Optics describes a method enabling much earlier detection of tooth decay using inexpensive long-wavelength infrared imaging.” Scientists in Canada are calling it the “first step toward translation of thermophotonic lock-in imaging to dentistry as an early caries detection technology.” 

Make Eyes at Your Dentist—It’s Normal!

Interesting report: “Lying helpless in a reclining chair, the best a patient can do to make the too-intimate experience less awkward is close her eyes until it’s over. Shutting your lids until the rinse-and-spit command is the normal thing to do. Or is it?”

Better Oral Hygiene May Slow Cognitive Decline in Seniors

“British researchers have found that periodontitis, a common ailment older people, can become even more prevalent among those with Alzheimer’s due to lagging oral hygiene. Higher levels of antibodies to periodontal bacteria increase inflammation throughout the body, raising the risk of dementia.”

Dentists to Test Blood Pressure Under New Program

“Maryland is among six states that will share in a $3 million federal grant to develop a pilot program that uses dentists to check patients’ blood pressure,” according to this news report. Heart disease is the state and nation’s biggest killers, and the effort is among many created to reach those with undiagnosed hypertension.”

“Dentistry is a Lifetime Learning Process”

Here’s a Q & A with the new president of the American Dental Association. Dr. Gary L. Roberts from Louisiana is the ADA’s 153

 leader. The best dentists “will spend the rest of your life learning techniques and better ways to treat your patients.”

Raise Cigarette Buying Age to 21 Says Top Medical Group

Do dentists agree? Representatives of the nation’s leading pulmonary medical society are calling for the cigarette-buying age to be raised from 18 to 21 nationwide. “Earlier age of tobacco use initiation is associated with lower rates of smoking cessation,” says the American Thoracic Society's Tobacco 21 campaign.

Exploring New Ways to Prevent Child Tooth Decay

Australian oral health professionals recently talked about the latest research in early childhood oral health and innovations in prevention and treatment. “One team is currently investigating the use of compounds that act as prebiotics in the mouth, encouraging the growth of beneficial bacteria that keep disease-causing bacteria in balance.”

The DMD Check-Up: Infection Outbreak from Water at Dentists' Offices

Dentists are giving patients far greater supplies of opioids than are actually needed, according to a new study. That story tops this week’s DMD Check-Up. Also making the list: the fluoride debate rages on, and a group claims thousands of dentists will quit the American Dental Association if a sedation-related resolution is enacted.

Unused Dental Prescriptions May Help Fuel Opioid Epidemic

 “finds over half of opioids prescribed to patients who have dental surgery—such as wisdom tooth removal&mdash;are not used. Even a moderate reduction in the quantity dentists prescribe following surgery could potentially reduce surplus opioid pills.”

“Many people take for granted the addition of fluoride into public drinking water systems that aims to prevent tooth decay. It’s a seven-decade-old public health effort. But it’s not nearly as universally accepted as one might think.” Many US “towns continue to wrestle with the issue.”

Untreated Tooth Infections Increase Heart Disease Risk

 found that people with untreated tooth infections are 2.7 times more likely to have cardiovascular problems, such as coronary artery disease, than patients who have had treatment of dental infections.”

Small Connected Device Helps Monitor Oral Health

“The Mint device is a small, sleek device that fits into the palm of your hand. It connects to your smartphone via Android and iOS. You effortlessly breathe into the device for about three seconds and then Mint gives you an oral health card so to speak—from A to F&mdash;you can read on your smartphone.”

“An independent economic impact study estimates that more than 10,000 general dentists will drop their American Dental Association memberships should a controversial proposal be adopted at the ADA's upcoming annual meeting scheduled for next month in Denver,” according to TEAM 1500.

Alarming State of Young British Oral Health

“More than four in 10 children in the UK have not visited an NHS dentist in the last year, according to new figures which also reveal stark differences across the country. Tooth decay is now the most common reason for young children to be admitted to the hospital.”

Researchers Close In On New Ways to Prevent Child Tooth Decay

“An Australian microbiologist is working on a long-term research project that tracks the bacterial composition of children's saliva from the age of 1 month to 5 years. The study has found that infants who do not develop a healthy mix of oral bacteria (what is known as the microbiome), are more susceptible to decay in three or four years' time.”

What Hollywood Gets Wrong and Right About Doctors

“There are a ton of tropes and clichés out there about medicine and those who practice it. But what's reality and what's just creative license? Here are six myths about doctors and medicine that TV land frequently puts out there, along with four surprising tropes it often gets right.” 

Partnering to Provide Specialty Care for Teeth

An encouraging report from Washington state: “In some areas, health centers and emergency departments are experimenting with a variety of programs that aim to divert patients with dental complaints into specialty clinics.” Yet still, “there needs to be more access for the most vulnerable folks, most of which are adults.”

“Imperfect teeth are one of the biggest turn offs, a new survey from Iwhite Instant has found. The British study asked people to list their top five turn offs when meeting new people. Nearly two-thirds said it’s bad teeth. #1 turnoff: “a cheesy chat up line.”