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

Laura Dorr

 on February 10 in Chapel Hill, NC, had a goal to provide dental care to Syrian refugees. Since his death, people have rallied to ensure that goal is achieved.

University of North Carolina School of Dentistry

, was murdered in his home on Tuesday, along with his wife (who was to enroll in the School of Dentistry later this year) and sister-in-law. A neighbor of the students was arrested in conjunction with the shooting, but 

has not been definitively determined (parking disputes and

Dedicated to the community and charitable works, Barakat helped organize a project called “

,” a program designed to provide dental care to Syrian refugees.  Barakat facilitated a partnership between UNC School of Dentistry and the 

Trending article: Why are some insurance companies excluding dental care? 

According to the project’s description on the 

, the dental situation in Syria – and refugee camps for people fleeing the Syrian civil war – has become desperate. The fundraising campaign was set up to raise money to send Barakat and 10 dentists and faculty from UNC to a refugee camp in Rihaniya, Turkey to provide dental care to young students at a local school. In addition to performing cleanings, fillings and extractions, the team aimed to spread awareness about oral hygiene. They also planned to pass out dental supplies such as toothbrushes and toothpaste in refugees in the area. Barakat and the group hoped to raise $20,000 from the campaign to travel to Turkey this summer.

has exploded, collecting far more than the $20,000 goal. With over 100 days left in the YouCaring.com campaign, the project has raised over $312,000 – and the amount is still going up. The organization has not yet discussed how the surplus funds will be allocated, but are glad to know that the legacy of the dedicated young man will carry on, thanks to the generosity of thousands of people from across the world.

To learn more about Refugee Smiles, check out the 

Donations to the project can be made online at YouCaring.com/SyrianDentalRelief.

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Articles

 Deah Barakat, one of three students murdered on February 10 in Chapel Hill, NC, had a goal to provide dental care to Syrian refugees. Since his death, people have rallied to ensure that goal is achieved.

Thousands rally to ensure murdered dental student’s legacy lives on

	Electric toothbrushes are flying off shelves – but a surprising number are going into the pockets of sticky-fingered customers. 

In January, a woman in Linsay, Ontario was arrested after allegedly 

putting several electric toothbrushes in her purse

 in a Loblaws Supermarket. Ashley Christine Young, 24, was detained in the parking lot after leaving the store without paying for the brushes, which were valued at $85. She was subsequently charged with theft and possession of stolen property.

More odd news: The 7 weirdest dental stories of 2014

Three days after Young’s arrest, several rechargeable electric brushes were 

. When employees confronted the thief as he left the store with the toothbrushes, the still-unidentified man threatened them with a pocketknife before fleeing the scene (presumably to rush home for a thorough teeth cleaning). Luckily, no one was injured, though the man remains in the wind.

But a woman in Orange, Connecticut really stole the show last month when she departed from a Target store with 

almost $800 worth of purloined electric toothbrushes

. Marietta Hickey, 45, tried to run from officers on the scene, but was apprehended trying to get into a car with $779.74 worth of tooth-cleaning accouterments. For her efforts, Hickey was charged with larceny, conspiracy and interfering with an officer.

More dental crime news: Ex-dentist suspected in bank robbery spree

Similar thefts also recently took place in Greenfield, Mass., where a 

;  and Livonia, Mich., where a shoplifting woman was caught leaving a Kohls store with a 

While one can hope that the thieves are driven by a passion for 

, the thefts are more likely motivated by the high value of the pocket-sized brushes: While basic battery-operated toothbrushes range from around $5-30, rechargeable power toothbrushes can cost up to $200.

It has not been confirmed whether or not the apprehended would-be criminals flashed sparkling smiles and/or big toothy grins in their mugshots.

 Electric toothbrushes are flying off shelves – but a surprising number are going into the pockets of sticky-fingered customers. 

Weird dental news: Electric toothbrushes gaining popularity ... with thieves

	A recent study has found that the walking speed and memory of adults without any teeth decline more rapidly than those who still have some or all of their own teeth.

, studied over 3,100 British adults over the age of 60 from the 

 (ELSA), and compared memory and walking speed within the demographic. Published in the 

Journal of the American Geriatrics Society

, the research found that study participants with none of their own teeth performed approximately 10% worse in both walking speed and memory tests than participants that had some natural teeth.

The associations between poorer memory and physical function were more obvious in adults 60-74 years of age than in those over 75.

“Tooth loss could be used as an early marker of mental and physical decline in older age, particularly among 60-74 year-olds,” said lead author 

UCL Department of Epidemiology & Public Health

 in a recent college news release. “Regardless of what is behind the link between tooth loss and decline in function, recognizing excessive tooth loss presents an opportunity for early identification of adults at higher risk of faster mental and physical decline later in their life. There are many factors likely to influence this decline, such as lifestyle and psychosocial factors, which are amenable to change.”

Prior to making conclusions about the associations between tooth loss and memory and physical function decline, researchers adjusted the results for potentially influential factors, such as sociodemographic characteristics, preexisting health problems, socioeconomic status and education. Despite the adjustments for these factors, people without their own teeth still walked slower than those who still had their teeth.

Related reading: Study finds sleeping in dentures can pose major health hazards

Tooth Loss Associated with Physical and Cognitive Decline in Older Adults

,” was first published in December on the 

 A recent study has found that the walking speed and memory of adults without any teeth decline more rapidly than those who still have some or all of their own teeth.

Study finds link between tooth loss and mental, physical decline in older adults

	We're always excited to hear about new dental health discoveries and emerging research, and are fascinated by the enlightening, educational - and sometimes downright weird - information they bring to light. What follows is a list of the most fascinating recent studies, as chosen by our editorial team.

Researchers in the Netherlands uncovered some staggering facts about French kissing and oral bacteria transfer.

A recent study discovered a correlation between the use of SSRIs and increased risk of osseointegrated implant failure.

More fascinating dental tales: The 7 weirdest dental stories of 2014

Can intense athletic training increase the risk of tooth erosion and decay? 

Sleeping in dentures may pose major health hazards

Research found that wearing dentures while sleeping can double the risk of this disease in the elderly.

In the news: Study finds link between tooth loss and mental, physical decline in older adults

Dental caries susceptibility linked to... your hair? 

A surprising link is discovered between hair keratin and dental enamel strength.

 We're always excited to hear about new dental health discoveries and emerging research, and are fascinated by the enlightening, educational - and sometimes downright weird - information they bring to light. What follows is a list of the most fascinating recent studies, as chosen by our editorial team.

Top 5 dental discoveries

	Everyone knows that children need moderation in their lives. Giving a child too much sugar will undoubtedly result in a headache for parents. Exposing that child to excessive radiation? That can also only end poorly.

Anti-depressant drug linked to dental implant failure

It’s with this in mind that dental professionals are joining 

’s upcoming education and awareness initiative promoting the responsible use of x-rays in pediatric dental radiology. Image Gently, also known as the 

Alliance for Radiation Safety in Pediatric Imaging

, is a coalition of healthcare organizations dedicated to providing safe pediatric imaging. By raising awareness of the need to adjust radiation doses for children, the Alliance aims to change the current practices.

Related reading; 5 products making pediatric dentistry easier while delivering better results 

Since radiation-associated risk is greater in children due to their longer life expectancy (that provides more opportunities for radiation exposure and radiosensitivity), radiation protection can be a critical safety issue.

“This campaign is designed to change practice by increasing awareness of opportunities to improve radiation protection when imaging children in dental practices,” said 

, BDS, FRACDS, MS, a professor and director, of 

Department of Surgical and Hospital Dentistry 

University of Louisville School of Dentistry

. “Six practical steps underline the principle that one size does not fit all, especially when it comes to using radiography during pediatric dental procedures. When we image children, we should image gently – more is often not better.”

Related reading; ADA updates dental x-ray recommendations

Scarfe, along with an international team of dental and medical radiologists and specialists, discussed the implications of the campaign in a recent article published in 

Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology and Oral Radiology

.  The article outlines a six-step plan promoted by the campaign. The plan suggests that dentists:

- Select x-rays for a patient’s individual needs, not as routine.

- Use the fastest image receptor possible, E- or F-speed film or digital sensors

- Aim the x-ray beam to expose only the area of interest

- Use cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) only when necessary

Related reading: Collaboration between dentists and doctors in pediatric oral health: A view from a medical magazine and the AAPD

The Image Gently in Dentistry campaign will launch September 24, coinciding with the annual 

American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology 

conference in Orlando, and the annual meeting of the 

 Everyone knows that children need moderation in their lives. Giving a child too much sugar will undoubtedly result in a headache for parents. Exposing that child to excessive radiation? That can also only end poorly.

Why responsible pediatric dental radiology is a must

	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 regulate the profession without running afoul of federal antitrust laws.

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The case, which is set for a hearing before the justices on 

 to operators of teeth-whitening kiosks, claiming that they were practicing dentistry without a license. Many of the businesses were pressured into closing, leaving customers no choice but to turn to higher-priced dentists for the service.

 (FTC) said that the dental board had engaged in unfair competition in the market. In 2011, the board then sued the FTC, saying that it had overstepped its authority. The Supreme Court must decide whether a regulatory board created by state law - but populated with members of the profession they're overseeing - is exempt from federal antitrust law.

	"Frankly, doctors, dentists, lawyers, beauticians, barbers, they have obvious incentives to exclude competition, to restrict entry beyond anything that is reasonably necessary," 

, a professor of law and senior fellow of the 

told the Associated Press. "We have a real problem in this country with more and more trades trying to get some form of regulatory system and exclusion of competitors."

	The Supreme Court has already heard from almost two dozen states that have argued that the lower-court rulings that sided with the FTC "punish states for their sovereign choices as to how to staff and supervise their regulatory boards." Regulators also point out that states choose to staff boards with members of the respective occupations because their professional knowledge provides the greatest insight into the field, enabling them to most effectively protect the public's health. In a recent case in Alabama, a judge ruled that since teeth-whitening products can contain up to 16% hydrogen peroxide, they can pose health risks and should be overseen by dentists.

	"I think it's also not realistic to get rid of them," stated Lisa Sorenson, executive director of the State & Local Legal Center. "We live in a society that's largely safe ...  because we have these boards and commissions that are making decisions that keep professions on the right track." 

	In addition to dental boards, the current SCOTUS case also examines boards overseeing other professions, including plumbing, cosmetology and more.

Trending article: Discussing current hot topics in dental infection control? 

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 regulate the profession without running afoul of federal antitrust laws.

Supreme Court Dental Regulatory Board Case Examines Federal Antitrust Laws

	A newborn baby shocked her parents and doctors alike last month when she was born with two front teeth.

Alyssa Bella Bailey, born on December 28 in Branson, Missouri, surprised everyone with her two unexpected dentition. Her smile is decidedly unique: Teeth like hers, known as 

, are rare, occurring once in every 2,000-3,000 births, according to 

As in Alyssa’s case, the teeth most often develop in the lower jaw, and have little root structure; they are attached to the end of the gum by soft tissue, oftentimes making them wobbly.

Trending article: The 7 weirdest dental stories of 2014

Due to their weak attachment to the gum, natal teeth do present some risk of the infant swallowing or aspirating any teeth that come loose. Other risks include potential damage to the child’s tongue due to irritation from the teeth. Natal teeth can also be associated with several medical conditions, such as

 syndromes, that can cause jaw deformities and cleft palates.

Luckily, baby Alyssa is perfectly healthy, and the teeth will remain until they fall out on their own when her normal baby teeth grow in. Needless to say, mom Jaklina Bailey has decided to forgo breastfeeding.

Alyssa is not alone in her unexpected tooth development: it’s 

Trending article: Study finds link between tooth loss and mental and physical decline in older adults

 A newborn baby shocked her parents and doctors alike last month when she was born with two front teeth.

Dental surprise: Missouri baby born with two teeth

	2014 brought many new innovations, technological advances and exciting product launches – but more entertainingly, it also gave us some very, very strange stories.  Here are the seven most peculiar, strange – and mildly alarming! – dental stories that we read in 2014.

200 extra dollars? Awesome. 200 hours of a favorite television show? Sign us up. 200 extra teeth in your mouth? … No thanks! 

The act of trying to get out of a dental appointment doesn't usually involve the police, but this boy thought desperate times called for desperate measures.

We immediately have two big questions here: 1) Who steals teeth?! 2) Who leaves their teeth in their car?! 

Well, one thing is for sure: that's certainly not where that belongs.

Man attacks dentist to get dental care in prison

At least he'll have a fantastic-looking smile to go with his orange jumpsuit? 

Trending article: The top 5 dental industry trends of 2014

Oh, what's in a name? Sometimes, some giant red flags.

Local dentists jumped into action when the pain became unBEARable.

Did you hear any other wild dental stories this year? Be sure to share them with us in the comments below!

 2014 brought many new innovations, technological advances and exciting product launches – but more entertainingly, it also gave us some very, very strange stories.  Here are the seven most peculiar, strange – and mildly alarming! – dental stories that we read in 2014.

The 7 weirdest dental stories of 2014

	Recent research published in the journal 

found that as many as 80 million bacteria are transferred during at 10-second French kiss. The study also found that people who kiss each other nine times a day or more share similar oral bacteria.

It comes as no surprise that the mouth has more than 700 varieties of bacteria, but interestingly, the balance of these bacteria is influenced by those closest to us (or at least those closest to our mouths). Researchers from the 

, the world’s first microbe museum and the 

Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research

 (TNO) asked 21 couples to fill out questionnaires on their kissing habits, including their average number of times they kissed per day. The researchers then swabbed the couples’ mouths for oral microbiota on the tongue and in saliva to determine bacterial composition. They found that couples that kissed intimately (kisses with full tongue contact and saliva exchange) more than nine times per day had “shared salivary microbiota."

Related reading: Saliva plays key role in caries prevention

 Kort, from TNO's Microbiology and Systems Biology department and adviser to the Micropia museum of microbes, 

 "Interestingly, the current explanations for the function of intimate kissing in humans include an important role for the microbiota present in the oral cavity, although to our knowledge, the exact effects of intimate kissing on the oral microbiota have never been studied. We wanted to find out the extent to which partners share their oral microbiota, and it turns out, the more a couple kiss, the more similar they are."

To quantify the transfer of bacteria, researches had a member of each of the couples drink a probiotic drink containing specific types of bacteria not usually found in the mouth, including Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria. After an intimate 10-second kiss, the researchers found three times the level of probiotic bacteria in the receiver's saliva. They then calculated that, to reach those levels, 80 million bacteria were transferred during the kiss. Definitely something to keep in the back of your mind the next time you’re thinking about swapping spit with someone! 

Shaping the oral microbiota through intimate kissing

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 Recent research published in the journal Microbiome found that as many as 80 million bacteria are transferred during at 10-second French kiss. The study also found that people who kiss each other nine times a day or more share similar oral bacteria.

Recent study finds French kisses swap more than spit

	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.

Related reading: Runners at higher risk for tooth decay

	The study examined 524 seniors with a median age of 87.8 years old (453 of which wore dentures) and tracked the participants’ oral health and hygiene status, as well as medical issues. The patients were reexamined each year until their hospitalization or death from pneumonia.. In the three-year span of the study, there were 48 events associated with pneumonia, including deaths or acute hospitalizations.

	40.8% of the denture wearers (186 patients) reported wearing their dentures while sleeping. Researchers found these study participants were more likely to have gum inflammation, tongue and/or denture plaque and other oral health issues, and were at a 2.3-fold higher risk for pneumonia than those who removed their dentures before sleep. Wearing dentures while sleeping also resulted in a greater oral inflammatory and microbial burden.

	The study concluded that physicians and dentists should discourage geriatric patients from wearing dentures while they sleep to minimize the risk of pneumonia.

Related reading: Drinking coffee can reduce risk of periodontal bone loss

nformation for this article was taken from the study “Denture Wearing During Sleep Doubles the Risk of Pneumonia in Very Elderly,” published by the International and American Associations for Dental Research (IADR/AADR) in the online Journal of Dental Research.

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.