Clinical

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

Articles

 A recent study out of Tufts University found that the accuracy of impression techniques can be affected by partial vs. complete edentulism. The study evaluated the differing levels of success of conventional and digital impression techniques in partially and completely edentulous patients.  It also assessed the effect different variables, such as materials, angulation, and connection type, had in regard to the accuracy of implant impressions.

Study finds accuracy of impression techniques may be affected by partial vs. complete edentulism

 A new antimicrobial agent could have serious benefits for dentistry by helping combat bacterial and fungal infections that cause composite filling failure and oral health issues.

New discovery could increase protection against dental infection

 A recent study out of the University of Gothenburg in Sweden found that adults suffering from severe dental anxiety (DA) often struggle with poorer oral health and depression, but that cognitive behavior therapy can help alleviate anxiety.

Study finds major health consequences for sufferers of severe dental anxiety

 The International and American Associations for Dental Research (IADR/AADR) have announced the publication of a study titled "Spectrum of Dental Phenotypes in Nonsyndromic Orofacial Clefting," which is the largest international cohort to date of children with nonsyndromic clefts, their relatives and controls. 

Study finds families of orofacial clefting not at higher risk for dental anomalies

 Using a communal bathroom? There’s probably poop on your toothbrush.

Research finds poop on over 60% of toothbrushes

 To help orthodontists and physicians more accurately treat children who need orthodontic or other craniofacial interventions, a team of researchers from the Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine and several other universities is conducting the largest study of craniofacial growth in different facial types in the world.

NIH awards Boonshoft School of Medicine researchers $2.8 million to study craniofacial growth

Sara L. Juengst, PhD, is a bioarchaeologist who studies how socio-economic changes impacted past human groups in terms of health, diet and kinship. Dr. Juengst recently received her PhD from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Her work mainly focuses on the Andean highlands of Peru and Bolivia, but she has also worked in the United States and Canada. Dr. Juengst's research has been funded by national organizations such as National Geographic and Sigma Xi. Using skeletal and dental analyses to explore the past, she has written several articles concerning dental health and past medical intervention, including “Three Trepanned Skulls from the Copacabana Peninsula, Bolivia, 800 BC - AD 200” published in the International Journal of Paleopathology

In the modern era, teeth are important for people to take care for many reasons, including general health, function and, of course, a welcoming smile. For archaeologists and other people interested in the past, teeth are important as they act as portals into past diets, food preparation, family relationships and childhood health.

The Top Things We Can Learn From Ancient Teeth

 A recent national survey conducted by the CDC revealed that 26 percent of Hispanic six- to nine-year olds suffered from untreated tooth decay, compared with 14 percent of non-Hispanic white children of the same age, revealing a major gap in access to oral health care for Latino children.

Study finds disparity in tooth decay rates in Hispanic, non-Hispanic white children

 A recent survey by the Health and Social Care Information Centre in England found that over a third of 12-year-olds, and 28% of 15-year-olds, have been embarrassed to laugh or smile in the past three months, due to how they felt about their condition of their teeth.

Study finds more than a third of 12-year-olds embarrassed by their teeth

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.

Emerging Research