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

Laura Dorr

: Leaving a tooth fragment at a crime scene could be your undoing. A new test lets police determine important identifying information about suspected perpetrators from tooth samples.

	DNA from blood or tissue samples has long been used to help identify criminals by helping to establish sex, familial connections and other markers. Now, DNA from tooth samples can help law enforcement narrow the pool of suspects even further. Forensic biomedical scientists from 

 that can predict a perpetrator’s age based on blood or teeth samples.

More we can learn from teeth: Teeth reveal link between iron levels in infant formula, Parkinson's disease

	As humans age, changes occur in tissue and organs in a process that is regulated by DNA. This aging process is also embedded in 

, offering a blueprint that enables researchers to predict age with relative accuracy.

from the KU Leuven Forensic Biomedical Sciences Unit, one of the researchers conducting the study, 

, “As we grow older, some genes are switched on, while others are switched off. This process is partly regulated by methylation, whereby methyl groups are added to our DNA. In specific locations, genes with high methylation levels are deactivated.”

 markers, Professor Bekaert and his colleagues were able to predict an individual’s age with astonishing accuracy. The study analyzed 29 teeth taken from individuals ranging in age from 19 to 70 years, and correctly identified their age with a margin error of just 4.86 years.

	Researchers also took blood samples from 206 individuals ranging in age from 0 to 91 years. The margin of error for the blood samples was 3.75 years. The study uncovered no difference in accuracy in samples obtained from deceased or living individuals or between the two sexes.

	In addition to being extremely valuable to law enforcement for tracking down living criminals, the research can also help narrow age range in deceased bodies to help identify human remains.

Related reading: The top things we can learn from ancient teeth

	Analysis of teeth for identification purposes is nothing new: Archaeologists often rely on the 

 to learn about the lives of past people. In addition to age, teeth can tell researchers a lot about individuals’ diets, links between ancestral populations and nutritional and disease stress during childhood.

Improved age determination of blood and teeth samples using a selected set of DNA methylation markers

Want to read about how some real-life foolhardy criminals were busted by their teeth? 

Articles

Criminals be warned: Leaving a tooth fragment at a crime scene could be your undoing. A new test lets police determine important identifying information about suspected perpetrators from tooth samples.

New test helps law enforcement predict criminal’s age based on teeth samples

	Blueberries are a popular snack, but do their benefits go beyond their satisfying taste? Absolutely, says a new study by the American Chemical Society, which found that blueberries could help treat periodontitisand reduce the need to antibiotic therapy.

 or plaque are formed on teeth by bacteria. The resulting gum inflammation can sometimes necessitate antibiotic treatment. With a rise in antibiotic resistance, however, 

 to dealing with oral bacteria have become crucial. As a result, researchers have been exploring natural antibacterial compounds to treat gum disease.

More emerging research: Toothbrush type found to influence bacterial growth

	With this in mind, researchers turned to blueberry polyphenols (which help combat foodborne pathogens). The study authors hoped that blueberries, which are filled with 

 for people with high blood pressure, could also be effective in fighting

 a type of oral bacteria closely related to periodontitis.

, published in the American Chemical Society’s 

Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry

 found that polyphol-rich blueberry extracts from the lowbush blueberry plant (

) had antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and anti-proteninase properties.

	The extract was thus successful in inhibiting the growth of these bacteria, and handicapped its ability to form biofilms on teeth. Additionally, the extract blocked a molecular pathway involved in inflammation, further helping to prevent negative effects of gum disease. These benefits could replace the need for antibiotics in treating periodontitis and other gum disease.

Related research: Study finds French kisses swap more than spit

	Due to the positive results of the study, the researchers are now developing a device that could be used after deep cleaning that would provide a slow release of the blueberry extract to help treat periodontitis.  Other studies,

 including one out of Shanghai Jiao Tong University

, are exploring other options for antibiotic alternatives. The Shanghai study found that 

 successfully destroyed cell walls and membranes of bacteria, slowing the development of oral infections. 

Wild Blueberry (Vaccinium angustigolium Ait.) polyphenols target Fusobacterium nucleatum and the host inflammatory response: Potential innovative molecules for treating periodontal diseases

" was published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry on August 4, 2015.

Blueberries are a popular snack, but do their benefits go beyond their satisfying taste? Absolutely, says a new study by the American Chemical Society, which found that blueberries could help treat periodontitis and reduce the need for antibiotic therapy.

New study finds blueberry extract could reduce antibiotic use in treating gum disease

In the world of dentistry, your hands are crucial to your livelihood. So what happens when these indispensable tools become injured? One dental hygienist learned the answer the hard way after she tripped on a faulty sidewalk during a lunchtime stroll.

	On June 7, 2011, Susan Ellis, 73, decided to meander down the street with a few friends during a lunch break from her job at a local dental practice. Unbeknownst to her at the time, there was a 1.5-inch gap in between two sections of pavement. Her foot got caught in the space, causing her to topple forward and badly fracture her wrist.

More legal news: Man who aspirated dental drill bit loses $430K court case

 that required surgery to fix the damage. After her surgery, her wrist became infected, necessitating a second surgery. She then had to undergo a third surgery to remove the metal plate and rods that had been inserted during the first surgical undertaking. The injury, and subsequent surgeries, prevented her from working and left her permanently disabled, unable to perform daily tasks and ending her career. This prompted her to sue the City of West Hartford, Conn., for years of lost wages and medical bills.

	Her lawsuit alleged that the city was at fault because the defective public sidewalk, which the city was expected to maintain, caused her fall.The friends who were walking with Ellis at the time of the injury testified that she had not been acting negligently, and had not been talking on her cell phone. 

Trending article: The strangest dental crimes from across the United States

	The city did not dispute Ellis' injuries but rebutted that the injury was caused by her own negligence and inattention. However, the city also admitted that the section of sidewalk where Ellis tripped was at least 15 years old, and that city inspectors did not do routine inspections of public walkways.

	“There were no external factors that would’ve allowed the jury to consider her to be negligent in any way,” said Ellis’ lawyer, Alan Rome. “She was doing everything appropriate and proper.”

	Ultimately, after a short deliberation, the jury ruled in favor of Ellis, awarding her $770,357 ($500,000 for noneconomic damages, $100,000 for lost wages, $75,000 for lost future earnings and $93,357 for medical bills).  Unfortunately, Ellis’ career as a dental hygienist is over.

Other weird stories: Office manager arrested after posing as dentist, performing root canals

Dental hygienist wins huge court settlement after tripping on sidewalk

It’s a woman’s world, as Dental Products Report Editorial Advisory Board member Dr. Sheri Doniger alluded to in last year’s introduction to Dental Products Report’s Top 25 Women in Dentistry.

	"Regardless, women will be in control of a good portion of practices, making many more major administrative and purchasing decisions. Shortly, 80 percent of all practices may be 100 percent women. Why, you ask? In a dental office, there are four “chairs” to fill: More women graduates translate to more women dentists. Well over 97 percent of dental office managers are women, as are dental hygienists and assistants. With all four chairs having women in them, the offices will be trending towards women owned/women controlled in the near future."

Related reading: Announcing Dental Products Report's Top 25 Women in Dentistry for 2015

	But that doesn’t always mean it’s a comfortable place for women, as Dr. Jennifer Sanders, a 2012 graduate of Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine, recently told us in a 

	"Advertising [in the dental industry] is really geared towards middle-aged males. When I go to a dental meeting, everyone assumes I am a hygienist. I think there are strict gender role expectations."

	The dental practice may be changing into a female-dominated place, but what about the state in which that dental practice is located? Is it easier or harder to be a female professional in New York than Kansas or Maine than California? You’re about to find out.

, we’ve put together a ranking of all 50 states and which ones are great (and not-so-great) for women. To determine the rankings, we looked at the following five categories:

	As you take a look at the states, here are some key terms in the survey you should know:

	"Professional opportunities" were measured by gender pay gap, ration of female-to-male executives, median women's salary (adjusted for cost of living), percentage of single mothers in poverty and the female unemployment rate

	“Work/life balance” was measured by parental leave policies, length of average workday and average commute time

	“Economic and social well being” was measured by median earnings, unemployment rate, number of women-owned businesses, high school dropout rate, percentage of women who voted in the 2012 presidential election and the percentage of women living in poverty

	"Women's healthcare" was measured by top-rated women's hospitals, availability of women's preventative healthcare, female uninsured rate and women's life expectancy at birth

Related reading: The best and worst states to work in a dental practice

So where does your state rank in the list? Read on to see where it ranked and why it landed where it did. Let us know your thoughts by commenting below.

	Congratulations, Land of 10,000 Lakes! Not only did Minnesota rank number one as the best state to work in a dental practice, it also gets the top spot as the best state for female professionals. Finishing in the top 10 in every category, the state ranked number four for women’s healthcare and professional opportunities, and also came in ninth for median annual earnings. Not only will you be healthy and employed, you’ll also be respectably compensated! Downside: You’ll spend three quarters of the year bundled up, trying to stay warm in arctic temperatures. Cheers!

Professional opportunities:          4

Work/life balance:                          8

Women’s healthcare:                     4

Median annual earnings:               9

More on Minnesota: The latest hourly and annual salary numbers for dentists, hygienists and assistants in Minnesota

	Women’s healthcare is unrivaled in the Green Mountain State, and there are plenty of professional opportunities, with Vermont ranking first and second in those categories respectively. But it’s not all work up there in New England: a fourth-place ranking for work/life balance means that you’ll have plenty of down time in which you can tap trees for maple syrup with reckless abandon. And since the state also boasts the third lowest rate of unemployed women in the country, the majority of Vermonters get to enjoy that work/life balance to its fullest.

Professional opportunities:          2

Work/life balance:                          4

Women’s healthcare:                     1

Median annual earnings:               17

More on Vermont: The strangest, wackiest, craziest dental crimes in Vermont

"Regardless, women will be in control of a good portion of practices, making many more major administrative and purchasing decisions. Shortly, 80 percent of all practices may be 100 percent women.

The best and worst states for female professionals

Now in its sixth year of recognizing exceptional women in the dental industry, Dental Products Report is thrilled to announce the Top 25 Women in Dentistry for 2015.

	The Top 25 Women in Dentistry was designed to recognize women who excel in their fields. The honorees come from across the dental industry, including dental professionals, industry leaders and practitioners.  Each of the honorees will be featured in the October edition of Dental Products Report.

	“We are honored to announce this year’s 25 extraordinary women,” said Kevin Henry, group editorial director for 

Dental Products Report, Modern Hygienist, Dental Lab Products and Dental Practice Management

. “I was very excited to see this year’s impressive pool of nominations; these women have accomplished impressive things, and we are honored to give them recognition for those accomplishments.”

	The Top 25 Women in Dentistry include...

	Click through the following pages to read what the nominators had to say about each of these impressive nominees.  Full profiles of each of the women will appear in the upcoming October issue of 

	"Dr. Catrise Austin is a trailblazing expert in the field of dentistry. Best known as the 'Dentist to the Stars', musicians, actors, comedians, journalists, models, beauty pageant contestants, and professional athletes have placed their smiles in her capable hands. Austin has solidified her reputation in her field with national TV appearances on The Discovery Health Channel, “Today Show”, “Good Morning America,” and VH1’s “Love and Hip Hop”.

	She is the author of two dental consumer books (“5 Steps to the Hollywood A-List Smile” and “Winning the Fight Against Diabetes"), and is also a publisher, professional speaker, blogger, national brand spokesperson (for Colgate, Sensodyne, Crest and Aquafresh) and award-winning entrepreneur. She is also the founder of NYC Cosmetic and General Dentistry, as well as publishing company Wellness America Press.

	She was the first private practice dentist in the US to routine offer HIV testing to her patients. She is also a diabetes and oral health advocate and works with American Diabetes Association to raise awareness on the important links that can affect millions of Americans.”

	"Dr. Yasmi Crystal was born with the soul of an artist and the mind of a scientist. Dentistry, which offers Dr. Crystal a unique opportunity to work with her hands while continuing to challenge herself intellectually, has led to a decorated career. Here’s a quick sampling of just some of Dr. Crystal’s achievements:

	• Consultant for Council on Scientific Affairs and spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.

	• Past president of the New Jersey Academy of Pediatric Dentistry

	• Co-director of continuing education for more than 20 years for the New Jersey Academy of Pediatric Dentistry

	 • Associate Professor of Pediatric Dentistry at New York University College of Dentistry

	 • Representative of Nations for the USA on the Board of Directors of the International Association of Pediatric Dentistry.

	 • Faculty member for the Family Practice MD program at Somerset Medical Center, NJ for over 15 years.

	 • Consultant, preceptor and lecturer for the American Academy of Pediatrics, NJ Chapter.

	• Among the first dentists in the world to utilize the Solea dental laser, the first FDA approved, computer-aided CO2 9.3 micron laser for hard and soft tissue ablation I

	It’s an impressive list even before you consider the fact that she speaks four languages fluently (English, Spanish, Italian and French) and is a proud mother of three. Currently, she is committed to bridging the divide between dentists and primary care physicians. Dr. Crystal believes this type of collaboration can create an environment where children and their parents begin to understand the connection between oral and systemic health leading to healthier and happier lifestyles. While the goal is lofty, given Dr. Crystal’s accomplishments to date, it is hard to imagine that she will not succeed."

	“Dr. Guthrie utilizes a therapy dog in her practice to ease dental fears. She is very involved in the community as an event sponsor and participant. She is not afraid to refer a patient to another practice if she feels it would be more suited to meet his/her needs.”

	Dr. Guthrie has practiced dentistry since 2003, since graduating with honors from the Medical College of Virginia School of Dentistry. Dr. Guthrie continued her dental education, completing an Advanced Education of General Dentistry Residency program in 2004. She associated as a general dentist in Chester prior to opening her own practice in Bon Air in 2008.

	As an advocate for helping the underprivileged and giving back to the community, Dr. Guthrie has attended mission trips to Jamaica and Belize and volunteered in several Mission of Mercy projects throughout the state of Virginia. She is Chairman of the annual Give Kids A Smile event and is also an active member of the American Dental Association, Virginia Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, Richmond Dental Society and several local study clubs. She was voted by her peers as one of Virginia’s Top Dentists by Virginia Living Magazine.

	“Dr. Tara is not only an incredible dentist but also a great leader, mentor and philanthropist. Dr. Tara is an accredited member of AACD and is currently working on her fellowship. The precision, care and detail she puts into every patient goes unmatched. Not only is she an artist, giving people confidence that they never knew they had, but she also is concerned about their overall health and takes a very holistic approach to dentistry. Her main concern is the wellbeing of her patients. She truly cares about each and every person. Dr. Tara takes advantage of continuing education to ensure she provides the absolute best care possible. She is also active in mentoring young students that have a passion for dentistry.

	Her heart is so big, and she wants to do what she can to help others. Dr. Tara supports the Pink Ribbon Girls, which is a Breast Cancer organization that offers incredible support services to individuals with breast cancer, survivors and family members. Dr. Tara also supports Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Make-A-Wish Foundation. Along with both of these organizations, Dr. Tara donates time and services to countless other local organization and charities in the community. She does all of the above, and more, all while balancing her beautiful and active family.

	Dr. Tara and her husband have three young children who keep them very busy! She’s very involved and supportive in everything they do. It amazes me she is able to focus so much time on her practice and dentistry, and somehow, still finds time to focus even more on her family!”

	Dr. Tara attended Ohio State University and received her Doctorate of Dental Surgery in 2000. Like her father, Dr. Gary, Dr. Tara has since graduated from Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies (LVI) - and is currently the only dentist in Cincinnati to have also earned her fellowship with LVI, which requires completion of the core curriculum and a comprehensive exam.

	Numerous hours of continuing education keep the Hardin team among an elite class of dentists who provide exceptional esthetic and restorative dentistry for their patients. Dr. Tara continues to take advanced courses from Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies (

), is a respected accredited member of American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) and attends the yearly Scientific Sessions presented by the AACD.

	"Dr. Janik is involved with dentistry at so many levels. She is an owner in the Pacific Dental Services (PDS) group. Her practice is one of top performing practices in the company. She also serves organized dentistry at all levels. She is a member of the ADA Committee for the New Dentist and has been responsible for the reengineering of the ADA New Dentist Conference. She is a member of the Texas Dental Association Council on Membership as well."

	Dr. Janik received her DDS degree at Texas A&M University, Baylor College of Dentistry. She has been practicing dentistry since 2008, and is a member of numerous professional associations including American Dental Association, Texas Dental Association (in which she has served as a committee chair 2011-present), San Antonio District Dental Society, Academy of General Dentistry, Texas Academy of General Dentistry, Seattle Study Club, San Antonio Academy of General Dentistry, Dallas Implant Study Club and the Texas A&M University Association of Former Students.

	She received the Up & Coming award from the Dallas Study Club in 2011, and the Dallas Country Dental Society New Dentist of the year award in 2012. She was also the recipient of a Johnson & Johnson National Dental Research Grant.

	“From the earliest days of her career, Laura Justice has had a burning desire to set herself apart as a cosmetic dentist. Dr. Justice is highly committed to excellence and strives to consistently utilize the most cutting-edge, state-of-the-art technology in her practice by placing high value on continuing education and staying at the forefront of dentistry. “

	Dr. Justice received her undergraduate degree in Biology from Transylvania University in Lexington, Kentucky. She then graduated from the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry with honors in 1989. After earning her American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) Accreditation in 2001, she wasted no time setting her sights on Fellowship. This year, she became the AACD's 65th Accredited Fellow. In addition to her accomplishments within the AACD, she has received extensive post-graduate certificates in advanced cosmetic procedures from Louisiana State University, The Center for Cosmetic Excellence, The Eubank Institute and The Kois Center.

	Dr. Justice is the co-founder and past president of the Kentucky Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. She has served on the Kentucky Board of Dentistry and is a member of the Bluegrass Dental, Kentucky Dental and American Dental Societies. She is also a member of the American Association of Women Dentists, a pre-fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry, a member of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry and has served on the American Board of Cosmetic Dentistry as an examiner.

	“Missy is a mother of two, and has a son with severe Hemophilia and a daughter who is a competitive figure skater. She manages to balance the demands of her children and also manage her practice, Children's Dentistry of the Lakes Region - one of New Hampshire's largest pediatric dental practices with 2 (going on 3) locations. She is passionate about her career and strives to treat every patient like it was her own child.”

	Dr. Kennell has been practicing since 2006. She graduated magna cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa with a B.A. in psychology from Southern Methodist University, and received her D.D.S. degree from the University of Ney York at Buffalo, School of Dental Medicine.  Dr. Kennell regularly attends continuing education courses nationwide to stay abreast of the current techniques in the field of pediatric dentistry.

The Top 25 Women in Dentistry was designed to recognize women who excel in their fields. The honorees come from across the dental industry, including dental professionals, industry leaders and practitioners. Each of the honorees will be featured in the October edition of Dental Products Report.

Announcing Dental Products Report's Top 25 Women in Dentistry for 2015

	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.

Dr. Lloyd Wallin’s Burnsville, Minn. practice was 

 by the hackers, who blocked Wallin’s access to his own patient database. The hackers first demanded $1,000 in ransom to release the files, and four days later followed up with a demand for an additional $600. Wallin, who traded in his paper system for an electronic one earlier this year in compliance with state mandates, paid over $70,000 for the electronic system.

Trending article: The top 3 mistakes when adopting EHRs for your dental practice

“It bothers me that the state made us go into this and they have no provision to protect us from hackers,” Walling 

. “We had no access, we didn’t know the patients who were coming in, we couldn’t take X-rays, everything was shut down.”

The hackers broke through two viral protection systems to get access to the patient database. A spokesperson for Erikson Technologies, the hardware provider for Wallin’s office, said that they service 600 dental offices. Of those 60, 20 practices have fallen victim to ransomware attacks in the last year. A breach in California in January prompted the 

 is usually spread through phishing emails that contain malicious attachments or links to infected websites that install malware onto the user’s computer without their knowledge, allowing the hacker to steal information from the hard drive. Ransomware is a persistent problem because traditional protection systems, such as antivirus software, are ineffective in thwarting such attacks. A specific form of ransomware, called “

,” encrypts information on a user’s computer instead of stealing it, making the data inaccessible to anyone but the person who installed it, effectively holding the entire system hostage.

Trending article: 3 benefits Electronic Health Records (EHRs) will provide for your dental practice

Practices that are targeted by crypto-ransomware are informed of the infiltration by an on-screen alert stating that the computer has been locked down or encrypted, and that a ransom must be paid to restore access. Instructions on how to pay the ransom are included. Messages are designed to instill fear into the victims, tricking them to click on links. The 

 of these pop-up messages, such as " Your computer has been infected with a virus. Click here to resolve the issue," or "Your computer was used to visit websites with illegal content. To unlock your computer, you must pay a $100 fine."

Homeland Security also recommends against paying ransoms, as there is no guarantee that the encrypted files or programs will actually be released. – or that the malware infection itself was actually removed from the server.

Wallin paid the $1,600 to regain access to his server and is working with a software advisor to better safeguard his system.

 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.

Dental practices targeted by cyber ransom attacks

	“Jedes kind kostet die mutter einen zahn,” says an old German saying; “every child costs the mother one tooth.” While many people dismiss old wives tales, this is one that has some basis in reality: According to researchers at New York University, the risk of tooth loss and gum disease increases with the number of children a woman bears.

 studied 2,635 American women, aged 18-64, who had had at least one pregnancy. 

 found that many of the women had dental problems, and that with more children came greater risks for gingivitis, 

“While it has been shown that pregnancy raises the risk of gingivitis, the gingivitis usually goes away after the birth of the child,” stated the study. “But if a woman has repeated pregnancies and more frequent outbreaks of gingivitis, she may develop periodontal disease, which, if left untreated, can eventually cause tooth loss.”

More dental research: Studies find sunbathing linked to gum disease prevalence

In addition to increased rates of gingivitis, pregnant women also have other issues that can affect their oral health, such as vomiting from morning sickness or an increased desire for junk food. Vomiting can erode tooth enamel, making teeth more susceptible to cavities, while consuming large quantities of sugary, starchy foods can also have deteriorative effects on teeth. The research also found that mothers with several children are more likely to eat the junk food that their kids are eating.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

 has similar results, reporting that although almost a quarter of pregnant women surveyed reported having dental problems, less than half of those women sought treatment.

Russell also noted that, “many dentists are reluctant to treat pregnant women, and women who have to care for more children may have less time to visit the dentist.” She added that women with multiple children might also forgo their own dental care due to a lack of money.

More dental research: Study finds missing teeth can predict cardiovascular events

However, the study found that money isn’t everything. Trends in tooth loss were 

, with women who had fewer children presenting with lower rates of tooth loss. In the highest socioeconomic group, women with no children were on average missing less than one tooth, those with a single child were missing two teeth and mothers with five or more children were missing five teeth. The lowest socioeconomic group reflected a similar trend, with childless women missing on average two teeth, those with one child missing three teeth, and those with four or more were missing more than eight teeth.

The study ultimately concluded that women with multiple children need to be vigilant about their personal oral health. “We, as a society, need to be more aware of the challenges that women with several children may face in getting access to dental care,” explained Dr. Russell. “That means offering these women the resources and support they need.”

 “Jedes kind kostet die mutter einen zahn,” says an old German saying; “every child costs the mother one tooth.” While many people dismiss old wives tales, this is one that has some basis in reality: According to researchers at New York University, the risk of tooth loss and gum disease increases with the number of children a woman bears.

Does having more children equal fewer teeth for mothers?

	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.

	In a unbelievable scenario reminiscent of “

 only as “William,” is stuck in a loop; while he can remember everything leading up to the start of his routine root canal in 2005, he can now only store new memories for 90 minutes.

	“Our experience was that none of our colleagues in neurology, psychiatry and clinical neuropsychology could explain this case, or had seen anything like it themselves before,”

, a University of Leicester clinical psychologist who has been treating the 48-year-old William for 10 years. “His amnesia is the sort that, since onset, he can no longer make ‘new’ memories, but he remembers his personal identity and history up to the point of the root canal procedure beginning.”

More weird dental news: Woman superglued her teeth in to avoid going to the dentist

	“I remember getting into the chair and the dentist inserting the local anesthetic,” 

. But that’s the final lasting memory he has. Every morning, his wife prompts him to check his computer, where the family has listed and updated important facts he should be aware of. William can remain generally oriented during the day with continuous access to an 

, but is often surprised or bewildered by developments that have taken place over the past 10 years.

dentist that performed the root canal speculated

 that William may have fainted during the procedure, as his blood pressure dropped at one point. William was given oxygen and glucose tablets to bolster his blood pressure. However, doctors cannot explain William’s symptoms based upon this incident.

Continue to page two to read what caused William's amnesia...

	William’s symptoms are consistent with

, in which a person struggles to make new memories due to an inability to translate new sensory information into long-term memories. He differs from typical anterograde amnesia patients, however, in that there is no structural damage to his brain or hippocampus. There is nothing in William’s medical history that can explain the bizarre memory loss, as his brain cells do not show any sign of damage.

	Anterograde amnesia can also be caused by a specific psychological event or emotional trauma but, in William’s case, there were no noteworthy precipitating events. Although he cannot specifically determine what caused the memory loss, Dr. Burgess cautions against jumping to conclusions regarding William’s dental visit. “I don’t think that at this point the dental anesthetic or root canal can be blamed; it would be unethical and perhaps scaremongering to do so, there is not sufficient evidence.”

More dental news: Man who aspirated dental drill bit loses $430K court case

	At this point, Dr. Burgess’ best guess is that the amnesia could be caused by a breakdown of protein synthesis in the brain. “An acquired or manifest deficiency of protein synthesis, required for permanent restructuring of synapses in the brain, seemed an intriguing speculation, and one we hope there might be further human research into.”

published the patient’s unusual case study

, along with four other similar cases, and is hoping to hear of similar cases from other professionals, in an attempt to gather more information about this unprecedented memory loss.

	While the medical mystery is undoubtedly intriguing, the fascination is largely lost on William, who can’t remember what has happened for more than an hour and a half. All he can remember is that he’s got an upcoming dental appointment that he simply can’t miss.

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.

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

	While stretching out in the sun this summer has its cancer-causing risks, it can also ensure a healthier smile. Research has found that a healthy dose of sunlight could actually help stave off gum disease and increase gum health.

Since sunlight is a significant source of vitamin D, soaking up some extra rays could help prevent the development of vitamin D deficiencies. Vitamin D deficiencies can lead to 

increased risk of gingivitis and periodontal disease

. In addition to infected gums, periodontal disease can cause the connective tissue holding the teeth in the jawbone to become damaged, which can result in tooth loss.

More on gum health: Study finds link between alcohol consumption and gum health

 has found links between vitamin D levels and gum health, including research that discovered that the 

higher the vitamin D level, the lower the prevalence of gingivitis

higher vitamin D levels can impact inflammation of the gums

 also determined that vitamin D affects risk for periodontal disease due to its effect on bone mineral density. 

, conducted in Korea by a team of researchers, examined the link between periodontitis and vitamin D levels. 6011 subjects participated in the study, and periodontal conditions were assessed. Researchers examined whether or not vitamin D levels had different effects on smokers. They found that vitamin D deficiency in current smokers had a significant correlation with higher levels of periodontitis, leading to the conclusion that smoking could modify the effects of vitamin D on periodontitis.

Emerging research: Study finds missing teeth can predict cardiovascular events

While high vitamin D levels do promote healthier gums and lower incidences of gum disease, bronzing out in the sun has its risks.

"There are many dangers of being in the sun too long and these are well documented,"

. "Always use the appropriate factor sunscreen and don't forget to protect your lips too. Staying well hydrated ... is also important and as a bonus, this is good for your teeth too."

Dr. Carter adds, "While getting a bit of sunshine should not replace your daily oral health routine, like twice daily brushing, it's a simply addition that could make a positive difference." 

So, slather on that sunscreen and go fight gum disease, one sunny day at a time!

New study finds periodontal disease most prevalent among ethnic minorities

Association between vitamin D deficiency and periodontal status in current smokers

Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology

 While stretching out in the sun this summer has its cancer-causing risks, it can also ensure a healthier smile. Research has found that a healthy dose of sunlight could actually help stave off gum disease and increase gum health.

Studies find sunbathing linked to gum disease prevalence

	Almost 11,000 Australian patients have been warned that they may have been exposed to HIV, hepatitis and other blood-borne diseases due to appalling hygiene negligence in Sydney dental clinics.

Australian health authorities have been contacting patients who attended one of four practices accused of poor hygiene and infection control procedures and substandard equipment sterilization.

 began after a complaint was filed last November, citing concern about unsterilized or improperly sterilized instruments being used at the practices; since then, six dentists have been suspended and six have had conditions placed on their licenses. Several staff members at one practice were also suspended for poor hygiene controls.

Related reading: Discussing current hot topics in dental infection control

Health authorities acknowledged that most dentists adhere to the stringent 

 guidelines; Dr. Shane Fryer from the Dental Council of NSW said that most dentists try to do the right thing. However, one suspended dentist admitted to the Sydney Daily Telegraph that he was “behind the times” on infection control protocol, but that he had adopted new procedures and standards since the investigation.

While no evidence of infection or transmission of any diseases has been found, health authorities have cautioned those who underwent invasive procedures at the clinics. “ It’s important to stress that … at this point, that no transmission has occurred,” stated 

 Almost 11,000 Australian patients have been warned that they may have been exposed to HIV, hepatitis and other blood-borne diseases due to appalling hygiene negligence in Sydney dental clinics.