Michael Quirk

 reports that stem cells collected from human urine can be used to create tooth-like structures.

The study, which was conducted by Duanqing Pei and colleagues, gives rise to the hope that the technique might one day be used to help grow new teeth for dental patients.

According to the researchers, previous studies have already demonstrated that it’s possible to coax discarded cells in human urine into becoming induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), which so far have only been shown to be capable of creating various types of soft tissue cells in animal models.  Until now, growing solid organs and tissues like teeth had escaped researchers.

Duanqing Pei and other researchers invented a chimeric tissue culture system to induce human urine-derived iPSCs combined with the mesenchymal cells of mice to form minute, rudimentary tooth-like structures.  The structures contain nearly the same elasticity as teeth, plus they contain pulp, dentin and cells that form enamel.  Nevertheless, the researchers’ success is fraught with limitations: creating the structures requires mouse cells, the success rate is only around 30%, and the iPSC-created structures show only 1/3 the hardness of actual human teeth.

To work around these limitations, the researchers suggest future experiments substitute the mouse cells with human mesenchymal stems to create a tooth bud that can cultured in-vitro, and then transplanted into the jawbone of a dental patient.

For more information about this study, or to view it in its entirety, head to the Cell Regeneration Journal’s website at 

Articles

A new study published in Cell Regeneration Journal reports that stem cells collected from human urine can be used to create tooth-like structures. The study, which was conducted by Duanqing Pei and colleagues, gives rise to the hope that the technique might one day be used to help grow new teeth for dental patients.

Researchers use human urine to create new teeth

 is a combined delivery system and dental chair designed to compliment other A-dec product lines, such as 

Offering an ambidextrous configuration to accommodate doctor preferences, the A-dec 400’s 

 smoothly and quickly rotate around the chair for maximum compatibility.  Additionally, the treatment room solution’s thin backrest plus the convenient location of ancillaries and controls reportedly eliminates unnecessary movement and improves ergonomics.

Check out the video below for an overview of A-dec's new treatment room solution

The A-dec 400 features front and back mounting locations for the delivery system and side-support modules, plus doctors may Radius-mount a light, control, cuspidor, assistant’s arm, and monitor.  Apart from the mounting locations, doctors can pick from three A-dec dental lights and factory-installed ancillaries that are pre-integrated and wired into the delivery system and touchpad controls.

Rated for a 400-lb. maximum patient load, the A-dec 400 is available with seamless upholstery or plush sewn upholstery, as well as a wide range of designer color options.

For more information about the A-dec 400, or find out how to contact a local A-dec Sales Contact, head to 

			The new A-dec 400 is a combined delivery system and dental chair designed to compliment other A-dec product lines, such as A-dec 500 and A-dec 300.			A?dec

The new A-dec 400 is a combined delivery system and dental chair designed to compliment other A-dec product lines, such as A-dec 500 and A-dec 300.

The A-dec 400 offers superior ergonomics and eliminates unnecessary movements [VIDEO]

 reportedly offers a complete system for root canal preparations, gutta percha condensation, and retrograde preparations, as well as scaling, root planning and more.

Said to be compact and easy to use, the Spartan Wave is equipped with AutoSweep technology that lets user lock in optimal frequency, preventing the need to fine-tune power settings.  Plus, the unit’s variable water adjustments let user control water flow expelled from the port, while an LED-lit intensity control knob offers 20 power increments from which to choose.  The handpiece reportedly weighs less than an ounce, eliminating hand and wrist fatigue during use.

For more information about the Spartan Wave, or to make a purchase, head to Obtura Spartan’s website at 

			Find out why Obtura Spartan’s new ultrasonic unit is ideal for a wide range of dental preparations.			Obtura Spartan Endodontics			Manufactured by: Obtura Spartan Endodontics

The Spartan Wave Piezo Ultrasonic Unit by Obtura Spartan Endodontics reportedly offers a complete system for root canal preparations, gutta percha condensation, and retrograde preparations, as well as scaling, root planning and more.

The Spartan Wave™ Piezo Ultrasonic Unit offers power and versatility in a compact design

After using it clinically for three weeks, DPR Technology Editor 

, praising the device’s durability, lifespan, quick charging capability, and more.

According to Dr. Flucke, the Demi Ultra's U-40 ultracapacitor allows the device to fully charge in less than 40 seconds, offering 25 ten-second cures without gradually losing overall charge strength like curing lights powered by conventional rechargeable batteries.  This means that the Demi Ultra will have the same charge strength after ten years of use as it did when it was new.

Watch Dr. John Flucke share his thoughts on Kerr Dental's new Demi Ultra Ultracapacitor Curing Light

Additionally, the LED light system is outfitted with Kerr’s C.U.R.E. (Curing Uniformity and Reduced Energy) technology, which reportedly offers uniform curing depth at low temperatures, which translates into less heat delivered to the tooth itself. Plus, as Dr. Flucke demonstrates, the Demi Ultra’s Easy Suite feature is said to offer simple and intuitive operation with easy cleaning.

For more information about the Demi Ultra curing light, or to make a purchase or request a demo, head to Kerr Dental’s website at 

VIDEO REVIEW: Demi Ultra Ultracapacitor Curing Light is a game changer

			After using it clinically for three weeks, DPR Technology Editor Dr. Flucke recently reviewed Kerr’s new Demi Ultra Ultracapacitor Curing Light, praising the device’s durability, lifespan, quick charging capability, and more.			Written by: Dr. John Flucke			Demi Ultra Ultracapacitor Curing Light			Date published: 07/25/2013			5 / 5 stars

After using it clinically for three weeks, DPR Technology Editor Dr. Flucke recently reviewed Kerr’s new Demi Ultra Ultracapacitor Curing Light, praising the device’s durability, lifespan, quick charging capability, and more.

 is now available in fun blue and pink colors.

The Bluephase Style is a lightweight and ergonomic battery-operated LED curing light that reportedly reduces strain and exertion during curing.  Offering a light intensity of of 1,100mW/cm

, the curing light’s design allows users to hold it like a pistol or a pen, while the specially designed light probe reportedly increases accessibility to posterior teeth.  Also, the Bluephase Style uses an inductive charging system, eliminating the need for battery contacts.

Watch the video below for an overview of the Bluephase Style's features and benefits

For more information about the Bluephase Style LED curing light, or to place an order, head to Ivoclar Vivadent’s website at 

			Find out how Ivoclar Vivadent’s new curing light colors can help you lighten the mood in your practice.			Ivoclar Vivadent			Manufactured by: Ivoclar Vivadent

Ivoclar Vivadent’s Bluephase Style LED curing light is now available in fun blue and pink colors.

Bluephase® Style LED curing lights by Ivoclar Vivadent add a splash of color to dental operatories [VIDEO]

 strength is that they live up to their purpose.

“Pentron’s FibreKleer 4x Fiber Posts do exactly what they are supposed to do,” said Dr. Tasaka. “That is to say, they work really well and, quite simply, stay in better than all the other comparable products I’ve tried.”

While a crucial element in its design, the ability to stay in better isn’t all the posts have to offer.  Translucent glass fibers bundled in a clear resin imbue the posts with flexural strength, while also helping to retain the natural esthetics desired in ceramic restorations.

, Dr. Tasaka relates that he used a different product for approximately 10 years before he made the switch. “It’s an ideal post for use in root canal teeth, staying in better than metal posts and easier to work with in general,” he said.

For more information about FibreKleer 4x Fiber Posts, or to place an order, head to 

REVIEW: FibreKleer 4x Fiber Posts from Pentron

			Dr. Russell Tasaka offers his opinion and insight on what makes Pentron’s Fiber Posts stand out from the competition.			Written by: Michael Quirk			FibreKleer 4x Fiber Posts			Date published: 07/19/2013			5 / 5 stars

According to Dr. Russell Tasaka of the Kaimuki Center for Dentistry in Hawaii, FibreKleer 4x Fiber Posts’ strength is that they live up to their purpose.

 has launched an online product catalog to compliment its current daily deals format.

The catalog will feature discounted dental supplies, materials and equipment that customers can purchase at any time of the day or night.

“We are very much looking forward to starting this exciting new chapter for our customers”, said CEO Alon Schwartz.  “While a commitment to saving dentists money with daily deals remains our company’s mission, we are thrilled to now be able to offer a variety of products on an ongoing basis – at everyday low prices – through the BiteDownDeals.com online catalog. Now our customers can experience us as a one-stop dental supply shop instead of just another step in their purchasing process.”

In addition, customers can submit requests for products not found in the catalog and BiteDownDeals.com’s team of product specialists will find the item requested at the most competitively price possible.

To celebrate the site’s relaunch, the company is running a special Twitter promotion that offers new Twitter followers 20% off their next purchase on BiteDownDeals.com.  Click 

 to take advantage this promotion before it ends on August 10

For more information about BiteDownDeals.com, or to take a look at the new online product catalog, head to 

In response to customer demand, BiteDownDeals.com has launched an online product catalog to compliment its current daily deals format.

BiteDownDeals.com's new online product catalog offers quality dental supplies at discounted prices

Check out how far a few die-hard fans of the current vampire craze - likely fueled in part by the Twilight and True Blood franchises - will go to get outfitted with the nightwalker's most recognizable characteristic . Why? Because YOLO and stuff, I guess.

View the story "Vampire fang dentistry is a real thing, apparently." on Storify

Check out how far a few die-hard fans of the current vampire craze - likely fueled in part by the Twilight and True Blood franchises - wi

Vampire fang dentistry is a real thing, apparently.

 recounts the untoward actions of Raghuvir Patel, a dentist in the British town of Braintree, after a mother and child visited his office with a broken orthodontic appliance.

According to the report, Dr. Patel threw the child’s appliance at the mother; apparently in reaction to what he believed was a fabricated account of how the appliance was broken.

Dr. Patel told the General Dental Council, which is the regulating body of dental professionals in the UK, that he had no recollection of the incident; although he did admit that something had occurred.  In its finding, the council asserted, “It was incredible that [the dentist] could not recollect such a unique experience,” and called the throwing of the appliance “reckless.”

Genny Hegarty of Dental Practice Development, Inc. offers tips on how to effectively deal with an upset patient or employee

The incident was included in a hearing addressing additional misconduct by Dr. Patel, including shouting and making sexual comments toward staff members, but the doctor was cleared of those allegations.  Patel also admitted to calling another staff member “Shorty,” but insisted the comment was made in a “friendly way.”

For information and tips on how to manage frustrations and deal with difficult patients, take a look at the helpful articles under "Further Reading" in the side block of this article.

A story on the BBC News website recounts the untoward actions of Raghuvir Patel, a dentist in the British town of Braintree, after a mother and child visited his office with a broken orthodontic appliance.

Difficult patient? Don’t handle the situation like this [VIDEO]

BIOMET recently released a video illustrating how the new 

 fosters osseointegration, mitigates the risk of peri-implantitis and increases primary stability.

A contemporary hybrid implant, it offers three surface topographies intended to deliver aesthetic results through tissue preservation. 

Coarse micron topography provides 10 micron features by way of a resorbable media blasting process utilizing calcium phosphate particles, allowing for blood clot retention along the implant’s threaded body.

Watch the video below for an overview of the features and benefits of the

T3 implants are outfitted with integrated platform switching that maintains bone levels by medializing the implant abutment inward.  Additionally, the Certain® Internal Connection in conjunction with the Gold-Tite® Screw reduces microleakage through exacting interface tolerances and maximized clamping forces, while also lubricating and compressing components to offer a tighter fit.

 T3 implant, or to view a complete list of products, head to BIOMET’s website at 

BIOMET recently released a video illustrating how the new 3i T3 implant fosters osseointegration, mitigates the risk of peri-implantitis and increases primary stability.