Laura Dorr is the former executive editor of DPR's Modern Dental Network and a regular contributing author.

Laura Dorr

	More and more, dental laboratories rely on software to help manage their business and their case load. From streamlining workflows to ensuring tight turnarounds, management software can help take a laboratory to the next level.

	One recent innovation in management software is the ability to take the software to the cloud. Cloud-based software allows you to have a web-based portal to keep your data accessible without any major hardware upgrades. For many labs, moving to a cloud solution has been a game-changer. We recently spoke with one lab about their experience using LabStar, one of the leading cloud-based lab management solutions. Here's what we found:

	Located in Austin, Texas, Link Lab was founded by Chad Mueller in 2003. The lab has 13 employees and specializes in crown and bridge work. Link Lab partnered with another local lab, CRN Dental Technology, to form CRN Link Removable, which offers partials and dentures and other removable work. Together, the labs provide services to several hundred clients.

 is cloud-based dental lab software that reportedly offers an all-in-one solution for managing dental labs. Because it is cloud-based, LabStar accounts can be accessed anytime and anywhere from any computer, tablet or smart phone. Features include workflow management, case scheduling, production line management, paperless billing, digital file transferring and more. LabStar is HIPAA-compliant and provides automatic free software upgrades.

Next page: The results of switching to LabStar ...

	Before switching to LabStar last year, Link Lab used older software that had been around for a while, but as the lab grew and began offering removable services, the software was no longer practical for the evolving workflow.

The LabStar homepage offers easy access to case scheduling and tracking.

	“We needed an easier way to track all the work in the lab,” Link Lab founder Chad Mueller explains. “I also wanted the technicians to arrive in the morning with work in place. I looked at several options and LabStar fit.” 

	The fit has definitely been a good one, streamlining the workflow and increasing communication within the lab, which are perks Mueller wholeheartedly appreciates.

	“The lab is becoming more automated. Work moves through the lab much smoother than it did before,” he says. “We have also been able to refine workflows and identify areas of the lab that could be more efficient and make changes.”

	The system has also helped Mueller identify his technicians’ capabilities. After the introduction of LabStar, computer and barcode scanners were placed at every technician bench, which provided information and data on how many units a particular technician can produce. 

The case search results page helps users quickly find cases with regular and advanced search options.

	“This helps us identify bottlenecks,” Mueller explains. “We can make adjustments where necessary.” 

	LabStar has also allowed Mueller to spend less time worrying about billing and accounting. The software offers time-saving tools, such as statement creation, integrated credit card payments, synchronization with QuickBooks and more. 

	“I liked the billing system and not having to pay for technician log-ins, as well as the user interface,” Mueller says. “The reality of the situation is I am receiving great service from a company that is working for me and not paying much for it. “

	Switching from old software to cloud-based programs can be intimidating for lab owners, and Mueller was no exception. However, LabStar’s unlimited cloud storage, manufacturing and client portals and digital file transfer have made it easier to do business, and because it’s all on the cloud, Mueller can do business from anywhere. Thanks to these features, he has come to enjoy the benefits cloud-based software provides to him and his lab.

	“I was a little worried about the cloud-based stuff, but I have come to appreciate it,” Mueller says. “We do not have to worry about data storage or broken computers. Being away from the lab is easier, also. I am able to log in on my phone and see what is being done.”

LabStar’s client portal allows your doctors to access online Rxs, print invoices and statements, pay by credit card and track shipments.

	Mueller also says that, as a result of LabStar’s streamlined workflow, he is “able to accommodate more cases where expedited service is requested or necessary.” 

	He also expects that with time, LabStar will allow the lab to provide better communication with clients, faster service and on-time delivery of cases, which  will help his lab grow even more. 

	“All of the tools we now have and the custom reports have helped us identify problem areas in the lab,” Mueller says. “When we run like the Mercedes F1 team driven by Lewis Hamilton, and we are close, we will actively seek new clients. LabStar is helping us with that. In the meantime, I will continue to work on my driving.” 

	LabStar’s production management dashboard shows the precise status of each case, as well as real-time task tracking.

	As a result, Mueller is very complimentary of the team responsible for the development and upgrading of LabStar. 

	“Every update has made an already easy-to-use software more intuitive and easier to use,” he says. “They are attentive and are constantly updating the software. I really appreciate all the work the crew over at LabStar has put into its system. It is making my life less hectic. So, to the group at LabStar, keep it up!”

Articles

Dental Lab Products talks with Chad Mueller of Link Lab about his lab's recent experience working with LabStar, a cloud-based lab management system.

Taking the dental lab to the cloud

	It may be scary to get into the dentist’s chair, but thanks to new research, there’s one thing uneasy patients might not have to worry about anymore: needles.

 found that there might be no need for needles when administering 

 for dental procedures. Instead, dentists could use a small electric current to give the anesthetic, saving time, money and unnecessary patient anxiety-which could potentially get more patients into the chair for procedures they might otherwise avoid because of a fear of needles.

	“Needle-free administration could save costs, improve patient compliance, facilitate application and decrease the risks of intoxication and contamination,” explained study author 

 of the University of São Paulo. “This may facilitate access to more effective and safe dental treatments for thousands of people around the world.”

Trending article: Is dental anesthesia destroying children's teeth?

	When administering dental anesthesia, dentists first have to take the additional step of applying a topical painkiller to reduce the pain of giving the pain-reducing anesthetic injection via needle-a seemingly redundant process that takes time and costs dentists money as they dispense multiple products. These topical painkillers, which most commonly contain lidocaine and prilocaine, come in 

, sprays or ointments. Researchers wanted to see if there was a quicker and more effective way to administer these anesthetics into the body, without necessitating a needle in the process.

, a technique that introduces medical compounds into the body through the skin by applying a localized electric current. Although iontophoresis has been proven successful in the introduction of drugs through biological membranes, its effects had not been explored in mucosa.

	“The aim of this work was to investigate the influence of iontophoresis in the mucosal penetration of prilocaine hydrochloride (PCL) and lidocaine hydrochloride (LCL), which are largely used in dentistry as local anesthetics,” 

. Researchers also noted that the results could have implications for non-dental purposes as well, such as cancer treatment and treatment of skin and eye diseases.

Trending article: Study finds home care of children crucial after oral sedation

	To test the theory, researchers mixed the anesthetic hydrogels with a polymer to enable it to stick to the mouth’s lining, and added PCL and LCL. They tested the formula on the mouth of a pig, and the results were promising: Ionophoresis allowed the PCL to enter the body more quickly and effectively, and increased the permeation through the mouth lining by 12-fold.

	“Applying iontophoresis to a semisolid formulation of this drug combination can serve as a needle-free strategy to speed the onset and prolong the duration of buccal anesthesia,” the study concluded.

	As a result of the promising discovery, the researchers will now try to develop an iontophotetic device designed specifically for use in the mouth.

Needle-free buccal anesthesia using iontophoresis and amino amide salts combined in a mucoadhesive formulation

A new study from the University of São Paulo found that there might be no need for needles when administering anesthetic for dental procedures.

New research discovers way to eliminate needles for dental anesthetic

You’ve been on your feet seemingly forever, putting in a long day hard at work in the dental practice. Now you’ve finally got a chance to breathe; but how should you spend your precious moments of free time? We think you deserve a break – and a good dose of the lighthearted, fun and downright silly side of dentistry.

The top 8 most entertaining dental-themed time killers

	You’ve been on your feet seemingly forever, putting in a long day hard at work in the dental practice. Now you’ve finally got a chance to breathe; but how should you spend your precious moments of free time? We think you deserve a break – and a good dose of the lighthearted, fun and downright silly side of dentistry.

We’ve compiled a list of our favorite dental-themed time killers – videos, quizzes, tooth-themed shopping, humor articles and more! Can you identify celebrities just by their teeth? Looking for a funny dental parody video? Ever wonder what your favorite actress would look like without her pearly whites? We’ve got all of this – and a whole host of other bizarre and humorous ways to have a good laugh during a quick break or to while away the downtime during a slow afternoon.

	So, sit back, catch your breath and take a break (or two!) to check out these funny dental webpages.

	Continue to the next page to see the best and most hilarious time killers we’ve found.

	Can you identify a celebrity solely by their grin? It may be harder than you think, despite these distinctive smiles. Take 

 to test your ability to recognize some of the worst teeth in Hollywood.

	Pinterest is an endless black hole of fashion, food, adorable cat photos and more-but did you know it’s also an amazing place for dental memes and jokes? We were pretty impressed by the hilarious dental humor 

	Have you ever wondered what your favorite leading lady would look like if she were completely edentulous? If you’re anything like us, that’s never crossed your mind … until now. Check out this 

 of pictures of some of Hollywood’s most beautiful women … with all of their teeth Photoshopped out. It’s more disturbing-and hilarious-than we ever could have imagined!

	6 videos proving dental offices know how to have a good time

	Who says working in a dental office isn’t a good time? We compiled a list of six groups of people proving that it definitely is. From original music videos to the dental Harlem Shake-impersonators, it's time to have a 

	What better way to show appreciation to the dental office staff than with a funny dental-themed gift? Treat your dental office team (or yourself!) to an amusing purchase with these top dental-themed items available on 

	The 9 craziest ways people have pulled teeth

	Losing a tooth is a right of passage of sorts, and some parents are ensuring that it is a memorable one for their loose-toothed children. We gathered up the 

nine most creative, bizarre and downright insane ways

 that folks have pulled loose baby teeth, and boy, are they impressive. (Beware: many of these will make dental professionals cringe!)

Click here to see the outrageous tooth-pulling adventures

	Can you tell the difference between British and American teeth?

	Everyone knows the old adage about British teeth … but does it ring true on the red carpet? Take 

 to see if you can tell a difference between British and American celebrity teeth … and learn if the stereotype is real!

	A (dental) picture is worth a thousand words

	Want to scroll through the strangest, grossest, funniest and most interesting dental images on the internet? Time to turn to 

. Bonus: imgur also hosts about a million adorable cat photos. If you’re really lucky, you can even find an image with a cat AND a toothbrush. Happy hunting!

Check out the dentistry stream on imgur here.

	Periodontal disease has been linked to a host of medical problems, but now researchers say there’s another risk to be added to the list: breast cancer. Recent research discovered that postmenopausal women with periodontal disease are more likely to develop the cancer than those without the oral health condition.

	While periodontal disease has been consistently linked with chronic disease, no major research had been done on periodontal disease and breast cancer, despite the discovery that oral-associated microbes are present in breast tumors. The 

University at Buffalo’s School of Public Health and Health Professions

, monitored over 73,000 postmenopausal women who had never had breast cancer. 26.1 percent of the women were found to have periodontal disease at the beginning of the study. 

	After 6.7 years, 2,124 women in the study had been diagnosed with breast cancer. Researchers discovered that across the women in the study, women with periodontal disease had a 14 percent higher risk of breast cancer. Researchers posited several explanations for this correlation, including the possibility that a systemic inflammation from periodontal disease could affect breast tissue, or that oral bacteria that enter the circulatory system could affect the tissue. 

Related reading: Study finds link between alcohol consumption and periodontal disease

	“If we can study periodontal disease and breast cancer in other populations, and if we can do more detailed study of the characteristics of periodontal disease, it would help us understand if there is a relationship, said 

, lead author of the study. “There is still much to understand about the role, if any, of oral bacteria and breast cancer.”

	Since smoking has previously been linked to effects of periodontal disease, researchers also broke down the results by smoking status.

	“Among women who had quit smoking within the past 20 years, those with periodontal disease had a 36 percent higher risk of breast cancer,” a recent press release stated. “Women who were smoking at the time of this study had a 32 percent higher risk if they had periodontal disease, but the association was not statistically significant. Those who had never smoked or had quit more than 20 years ago had a six percent and eight percent increased risk, respectively, if they had periodontal disease.”

Related reading: American Dental Association releases new guidelines on gum disease treatment

	Other factors affecting the study included the fact that the women surveyed self-reported their periodontal disease, meaning some may not have known they had it. Additionally, since the women were already enrolled in a long-term health study, they were probably more likely than the general population to visit a doctor or dentist. Researchers also stated that the general population could have higher rates of periodontal disease than the sample used for the study. Additionally, other potential factors such as obesity or other health conditions were not taken into consideration. These variables would need to be evaluated in future research to determine more definitive correlations.

Periodontal disease and breast cancer: Prospective cohort study of post menopausal women

Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention

Periodontal disease has been linked to a host of medical problems, but now researchers say there’s another risk to be added to the list: breast cancer. Recent research discovered that postmenopausal women with periodontal disease are more likely to develop the cancer than those without the oral health condition.

Study finds link between periodontal disease and increased risk of breast cancer

	The CDC recently announced that diabetes rates in the United States have dropped for the first time in 25 years – but the news wasn’t so positive for dental health. Although diabetes rates are dropping, diabetics are still twice as likely as their non-diabetic counterparts to lose teeth.

 out of Duke University examined trends in tooth loss between 1971 and 2012. Using data from nine 

National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys

, researchers looked at tooth loss numbers from over 37,000 people with and without 

. The study also assessed tooth loss patterns by racial background, age group and birth cohort.

	Researchers discovered that people with diabetes face approximately double the risk of tooth loss than those without the disease. While tooth loss rates for adults have declined since 1971, “among people 18 or older [researchers] found that adults with diabetes had 1.5 times the odds of having at least one tooth removed as adults of the same age without diabetes,” the study reported.  In 1999, for example, people with diabetes were 34% more likely to have less than 21 teeth.

Related reading: Study finds link between periodontitis and diabetes

 were at a lower risk of tooth loss than non-Hispanic whites and African Americans. African Americans with diabetes were at the highest risk of tooth loss, perhaps, the study states, because of “the persistently lower rate of dental care in [African Americans]  … due to a challenge obtaining proper dental care because of a lack of dental services and dental knowledge.” This, the researchers claimed, could be attributed to a lack of access to dental care in their youth for many older African Americans in the earlier part of the 20

	Researchers also cited an earlier study that found that in 1977, 46.9% of non-Hispanic whites reported visiting a dentist in the past year, as opposed to only 23.4% of African Americans.

	“Regardless of diabetes status or race/ethnicity, the differences in slopes diverged more for older cohorts,” the study continued. “Better access to dental care, more awareness and knowledge of oral health, technological change, and improvements in dental hygiene practice could account for the convergence in trends in tooth loss (ie, smaller differences) in younger cohorts.”

Related reading: ADA discussion highlights diabetes and its effects

	Interestingly, the study also discovered that diabetics were less likely to see a dentist regularly. “Adults with diabetes were less likely to have seen a dentist than those without diabetes within the past 12 months (65.8% vs. 73.1%),” the study reported.

	“Our study found that substantial differences in tooth loss between adults with and without diabetes have persisted over time,” researchers concluded. “Adults with diabetes lost more teeth than adults without the disease. African Americans with diabetes lost the largest number of teeth, and they had the greatest increase in tooth loss as they aged. The importance of necessary dental care and tooth retention needs to be further promoted among patients and clinical providers.” 

Forty-year trends in tooth loss among American adults with and without diabetes mellitus: An age-period –cohort analysis

The CDC recently announced that diabetes rates in the United States have dropped for the first time in 25 years – but the news wasn’t so positive for dental health. Although diabetes rates are dropping, diabetics are still twice as likely as their non-diabetic counterparts to lose teeth.

Study finds increased rate of tooth loss in diabetics

	The search for the perfect material for optimal dental fillings has been ongoing, but now researchers think they may have found the answer. While composite fillings often aren’t strong enough and metal fillings can corrode, a recent study discovered that graphene oxide might make a great alternative to these traditional materials.

examined three graphene-based nanomaterials and their effects on human dental follicle stem cells, particularly the levels of toxicity such materials displayed. In addition to cytotoxicity, researchers other biological effects including oxidative stress induction and cellular and mitochondrial membrane alterations. Out of the three types of materials (graphene oxide, nitrogen-doped graphene and thermally reduced graphene oxide), researchers found that “graphene oxide showed the lowest cytotoxic effect, followed by nitrogen-doped graphene. Thermally reduced graphene oxide exhibited cytotoxic effects.”

More on graphene oxide: New study finds potential alternative to antibiotics for treating dental disease

	“There is contradictory information regarding the cytotoxicity of graphene, so we first wanted to determine how toxic it is for teeth,” said study author Dr. Stela Pruneanu of the National Institute for Research and Development of Isotopic and Molecular Technologies.

, graphene is 200 times stronger than steel and doesn't corrode, making it an ideal candidate for 

. "The idea of the project was to add graphene into dental materials, in order to increase their resistance to corrosion as well as to improve their mechanical properties," explained Dr. Preneanu.

	“We believe that this research will bring new knowledge about the cytotoxic properties of graphene-based materials and their potential applications in dental materials,” said study author Dr. Gabriele Adriana Filip, associate professor at I

uliu Hateiganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy Cluj-Napoca

 in Romania. “The results were very interesting and proved that graphene is appropriate for use in dental materials.”

More on dental fillings: Study finds watching cement dry could increase dental filling success

	“Graphene oxide exhibits good results in terms of low levels of cytotoxicity and mitochondria-induced damage in human dental follicle stem cells,” the study concluded. “This research opens the possibility of future use of graphene oxide as fillers in various dental nanocomposite materials.”

	The research team will next test how compatible graphene oxide dental fillings are with teeth, and just how toxic they are to cells. “The interaction of such graphene-based materials with the dental material matrix and their effects on the human dental stem cell will be the subject of our next study,” the study authors wrote. They hope to publish the research soon.

Cytotoxicity assessment of graphene-based nanomaterials on human dental follicle stem cells

The search for the perfect material for optimal dental fillings has been ongoing, but now researchers think they may have found the answer. While composite fillings often aren’t strong enough and metal fillings can corrode, a recent study discovered that graphene oxide might make a great alternative to these traditional materials.

Study finds material that could make stronger dental fillings

The year is winding down, and boy, has it been a weird one! From fake dentists to dental amnesia to patients using superglue as dental cement, there were a plethora of bizarre tooth-related stories gracing the headlines in 2015.  

Because such insanity should not go unacknowledged, we're taking a look back at this year's stories that made us stop and say "WHAT?!," and have compiled a list of our favorite strange, hilarious and downright crazy dental news stories that we read in 2015. An absurd mix of headlines made our top 10 list - and they are tales you'll have to read to believe!	 

Click through to see the strangest dental news stories from 2015.

	Office manager arrested after posing as dentist, performing root canal

	A dental office manager in New York learned the hard way that playing pretend can have some very real consequences, after she posed as a dentist and performed dental procedures on unsuspecting patients.

	LeBron James' visit to the dentist is far from a slam dunk

	What do you have in common with LeBron James? Probably not a lot, as King James is exceptional at pretty much everything and should be revered as an infallible diety. One thing that brings him down to mortal status, however? Being in the dentist's chair.

	Man charged with using pliers to remove women's teeth during sex

	A man in New Zealand is on trial after his penchant for edentulous ladies allegedly peaked in a series of violent assaults, during which he removed his victims' teeth with pliers.

	Woman superglued her teeth in to avoid going to the dentist

	Many people are afraid of going to the dentist, but most will muster the bravery to go in when their teeth start falling out. However, most people are not Angie Barlow of England.

	Dentist arrested for allegedly trafficking 20-30 pounds of marijuana EVERY MONTH

	What's a dentist to do when his drug-trafficker son goes to prison? Why, take over the family business, of course! One California dentist who thought this was a good idea is now being helf on $75K bail after being busted for his participation in a cross-country drug-smuggling operation.

	Man's (un)forgettable dental visit results in bizarre amnesia

	Many people dread going to the dentist, but at least they only have to think about it a few times a year. This is not the case for one British man who, due to a bizarre case of amnesia, wakes up every morning thinking it's the day of his dental appointment.

	Rugby players get teeth replaced with bottle openers

	Rugby players are a carousing type who appreciate a good time, and one beer company is making it easier than ever for several players to enjoy the revelry by replacing their broken teeth with bottle openers.

	Wise move? Man proposes to girlfriend with ring made from his wisdom tooth

	A toothbrush is all one California women needs to clean her engagement ring, because in lieu of a diamond, her engagement ring features her husband-to-be's tooth.

	California dentist charged with multiple counts of arson

	A fiery temper may be to blame, but one dentist is feeling the heat from law enforcement after he burned down two competing dental practices in California.

	The top dental crimes from each of the 50 states

	Sometimes, people make mistakes. Sometimes, people are caught and arrested for those mistakes. And sometimes, those people are dentists. We searched the country for the most bizarre, hilarious, disgusting and absurd stories of dental and tooth-related times ... and the results do not disappoint.

The year is winding down, and boy, has it been a weird one! From fake dentists to dental amnesia to patients using superglue as dental cement, there were a plethora of bizarre tooth-related stories gracing the headlines in 2015.

The Top 10 Weird Dental News Stories of 2015

The field of dental research had an especially impressive year, with new developments and discoveries emerging seemingly every day. We compiled a list of the top 10 most innovative,  exciting and game-changing research studies published in 2015, that are paving the way for what is sure to be an exceptional next year of dental advancements. 

	Study finds nanodiamonds might prevent tooth loss after root canals

	People undergoing root canals may have gained a powerful, if tiny new ally. Researchers from the UCLA School of Dentistry have found that using nanodiamonds to fortify a material used in the procedure could significantly improve outcomes for patients.

	Is dental anesthesia destroying children's teeth?

	When dental problems neccessitating surgery arise, the logical response is to treat the condition. However, recent research has found that numbing children up for dental procedures may be causing damage to the very teeth the dentist is trying to treat. 

	Scientists develop material to rebuild enamel, decrease tooth sensitivity

	A recent report confirms scientists have created a new biocompatible material that my rebuild worn enamel and decrease tooth sensitivity for longer periods of time than current materials on the market. 

New study finds potential alternative to antibiotics for treating dental disease

	Many dental diseases are caused by the overgrowth of oral bacteria, and are typically treated with antibiotics. However, with the rise in antibiotic resistance, new approaches are needed to address and treat dental disease. Researchers in Shanghai may have found a solution. 

	Study finds oral bacteria transmission from parent to child increases dental health risks

	A new study is calling on dental teams to alert parents to the oral health risk of sharing spoons with toddlers at mealtimes, due to the potential transmission of oral bacteria from mother to child. 

	Study finds protein can inhibit bone loss from periodontitis

	A new study led by University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine researches demonstrated that a protein can inhibit bone loss associated with periodontitis, and curb the activity of osteoclasts.

	Study finds sleeping in dentures can pose major health hazards

	A recent study published by researchers in Japan found that elderly patients who wear dentures while they sleep have a higher risk of developing pneumonia than those who remove them.

	Can xylitol reduce the risk of caries in patients with orthodontic appliances?

	Anyone who's had a fixed orthodontic applicance knows how frustrating oral hygiene can become. Fixed appliances often make the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and plaque, which can accumulate under the appliance. In an attempt to abort development of plaque-causing bacteria, researchers recently examined if daily doses of xylitol could make a difference.

	New study can prevent dental implant infections

	Dental implants often need to be replaced due to issues such as tissue infections caused by bacteria. In the future, researchers day, these infections can be prevented thanks to a new plasma implant coating that kills pathogens using silver ions. 

	Dental care linked to risk of respiratory infections in ICU patients

	New research shows vulnerable patients in the ICU who recieved enhanced oral care from a dentist were at significantly less risk for developing a lower respiratory tract infection during their stay in the hospital. 

2015 has been a remarkable year in dental advancements, from emerging technology and new products, to scientific discoveries and research breakthroughs.

The Top 10 Dental Discoveries of 2015

As the year winds down, now is the perfect time to look back at 2015 and the dental news stories that stole the show. From hygiene breaches to legal decisions to insurance fraud and cyber attacks, dentistry graced the headlines frequently (and no, we aren't talking about Cecil the lion!). 

Developments in dental insurance and antitrust laws, new ADA guidlines ... there were plenty of stories to choose from that had nothing to do with dentists shooting lions or behaving badly (for those stories, check out our Top 10 weirdest dental news stories of 2015!). However, there were seven news stories that jumped out at us and our readers this year that we felt contained important information and insight for the dental community. 

	Continue to the next page to check out the biggest newsworthy stories of the year.

	11,000 patients potentially exposed to HIV, hepatitis in clinic hygiene breaches

	Almost 11,000 patients in Australia were warned that they may have been exposed to blood-borne diseases due to appalling hygiene negligence in Sydney dental clinics.

	Dental practices targeted in cyber ransom attacks

	Electronic records can protect patient files from office catastrophes such as fire or natural disasters, but storing your patient database electronically poses other dangers. In a story that is becoming all too familiar, a Minnesota dentist learned this the hard way after his patient data was held hostage by computer hackers.

	Man who aspirated drill bit loses $430K court case

	A New York man was left gnashing his teeth in frustration this year when he lost a malpractice judgment against a local dentist on appeal. The malpractice incident in question? An aspirated drill bit. 

	American Dental Association releases new guidelines on gum disease treatment

	According to new guidelines from the ADA, dentists treating patients with chronic periodontitis, a severe form of gum disease that can lead to tooth loss, are advised to use scaling and root planing, deep cleaning of the teeth, as initial treatment. 

	329 California dentists suspected of profiting from unneccessary dental treatments on kids

	State inspectors discovered that 329 general dentists and six orthodontists in California charged $117 million in questionable billing for 2012 Medicaid pediatric dental services.

	New bill before Congress targest dental insurance plans

	A bill was recently introduced titled "Dental and Optometric Care Access Act (DOC Access Act)" that would address conflicts between dentists and eyecare providers and insurance providers. 	 

	Supreme Court dental regulatory board case examines federal antitrust laws

	The U.S. Supreme Court is set to hear a case regarding whether state-established boards of practitioners, such as those for dentists, made up of members of the profession they are overseeing can properly regular the profession without running afoul of federal antitrust laws. 

As the year winds down, now is the perfect time to look back at 2015 and the dental news stories that stole the show. From hygiene breaches to legal decisions to insurance fraud and cyber attacks, dentistry graced the headlines frequently (and no, we aren't talking about Cecil the lion!).