Industry Insider
New Study Further Strengthens Link Between Gum Disease and Early Indicators of Cardiovascular Disease
Researchers may be one step closer to establishing a link between periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease (CVD)?the number one cause of death worldwide. According to a new study unveiled in the New England Journal of Medicine, periodontal disease contributes to blood vessel dysfunction, which was improved by an intensive regimen of periodontal treatment. The research team, led by Maurizio Tonetti, DMD, PhD, executive director of the European Research Group on Periodontology, demonstrates a link between early indicators of arthrosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) and periodontal disease.
The study enrolled 120 otherwise healthy patients with a severe form of periodontitis in a 6-month trial and compared the effects of regular tooth cleaning with those of intensive periodontal treatment (scaling and root planing, and locally administered antibiotics and tooth extraction when necessary). The intensive treatment group showed important and statistically significant improvements in blood flow (as measured by brachial arterial dilation) within 2 months of treatment. The improvement was greater 6 months after treatment.
"In recent years, there have been numerous hypotheses linking periodontal infections to atherosclerosis?the process that leads to blockage of blood vessels," notes Dr. Tonetti. "This study validates the effectiveness of intensive periodontal treatment in affecting vascular health."
Currently, more than one in three Americans over age 30 have some form of periodontitis, according to the American Academy of Periodontology. CVD is the single largest killer of American adults; in 2003, it caused one of every five deaths in the United States. Unfortunately, periodontal infections often go untreated, creating a chronic inflammatory burden that may result in systemic inflammation, possibly contributing to broader health problems.
"The study published in the New England Journal of Medicine is promising for patients, as well as for the medical and dental communities," notes periodontist Michael C. Lynch, DMD, PhD, director, Clinical Research Rx, New Technology Oral Health Care R&D, of OraPharma, Inc (Warminster, Pennsylvania). "While researchers continue to study the link between systemic disease and oral health, this study adds to the growing body of evidence and underscores the potential impact of infection and subsequent inflammation on systemic diseases."
Results of the clinical trial were reported in the March 1, 2007 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
The American Association of Women Dentists to Hold 86th Annual Meeting
The American Association of Women Dentists (AAWD) will hold its 86th Annual Meeting and Conference, "Reaching Your Peak Potential" on July 19-21, 2007 at the Cheyenne Mountain Resort (Colorado Springs, CO).
Meeting highlights include: opening remarks by American Dental Association president Dr. Kathleen Roth; education from DENTSPLY International (York, PA) and the Newport Coast Oral Facial Institute; Saturday wellness programs featuring Dr. Stephanie Houseman on "Reaching Your Peak Potential," Dr. Anita Murcko on nutrition for women, and break out sessions on a variety of wellness topics; program for student dentists featuring Dr. Denise Kasselbaum, dean of University of Colorado School of Dentistry; and AAWD’s 86th Annual Meeting and Awards Luncheon to meet the recipients of the 2007 Lucy Hobbs Taylor Award and the 3rd Annual Procter & Gamble Scholarship Award, and elect the 2008 AAWD Board of Directors.
For more information, call 1-800-920-2293 or visit www.aawd.org.
AFP Imaging Executes Agreement to Acquire QR Srl, A 3-D Imaging Technology Company
AFP Imaging Corporation (Elmsford, NY) has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire QR (Quantitative Radiology) srl (Verona, Italy). QR is the original global supplier for state-of-the-art, in-office 3-dimensional (3-D) dental computed tomography (CT). QR uses an imaging technology that features a cone shaped beam (a CBCT scanner) of x-rays. Currently, AFP, through its Dent-X (Elmsford, NY) division, is the exclusive scanner distributor in North and South America, excluding Brazil. Upon closing, AFP will manage the world-wide distribution of all QR products and software. QR has internally developed and owns its image reconstruction algorithms and software.
The scanner is known as the NewTom 3G, a third-generation evolution, capable of capturing and displaying low dose, 3-D digital images. QR was founded in 1989. Over the past 10 years there have been approximately 500 various QR cone beam units installed, or roughly half of the total world-wide sites in use today. This includes 91 units in North America. NewTom images are enhanced CT scans of the cranial anatomy, including the jaw and teeth.
QR manufactures the NewTom 3G in Verona, Italy, and has distributors throughout the world. The NewTom 3G scanners are already market leaders in Europe and Japan. They also have FDA approval. Cone beam imaging equipment retails to the imaging professional between $180,000 and $225,000. AFP expects to continue to invest in the expansion of QR’s design efforts, including software development for additional applications.
While finalizing the acquisition, AFP and QR have also collaborated to develop and publicly introduce another new model CBCT scanner at the nationally attended Midwinter Meeting of the Chicago Dental Society. This new vertical generation model, the "VG", with a nine inch field of view, features patient positioning while standing, seated, or in a wheelchair. The primary benefit from vertical patient positioning is a smaller footprint for the equipment where office space is a consideration. Therefore, AFP will be the only supplier in the world with two CBCT models featuring horizontal or vertical patient positioning to meet the exacting diagnostic needs suitable for the patient. Elderly, infirm, or non-ambulatory trauma patients or small children can best be examined and imaged while lying down on the supporting scanner table. Patient positioning in this modality maximizes image sharpness for those patients unable to comfortably stand still.
AFP Imaging's products are distributed worldwide with clinical applications for dental, medical, and veterinary professionals.
For more information, visit www.afpimaging.com and www.dent-x.com.
Sultan Healthcare Inc (Englewood, NJ) has launched its new Web site: www.sultanhealthcare.com.
The Sultan Web site provides free online product training modules with animated directions for use, helpful clinical information, and links to all major dental and medical organizations.
The Web site includes a powerful new search engine that allows users to quickly find information on over 500 products. In addition, healthcare professionals can now register to receive product samples and special promotions.
For more information, call 1-800-637-8582 or visit www.sultanhealthcare.com.
AGD Course?BioDental Models as an Aid in Implant Planning
Biomedical Modeling, Inc (BMI, Boston, MA) is sponsoring a practical course to provide the clinical application and benefits of using 3-dimensional stereolithographic models created from CT scans.
Course participants will learn how to analyze restorative processes so they can choose the best approach to ensure a successful outcome by examining a number of actual cases in detail. Participants will have the opportunity to see actual CT scans, handle the BioDental models made from those scans, and learn how to use the models in their practice.
The course will also explore ways in which BioDental models can build a team-based approach to case management where surgeon, restorative dentist, and dental lab all collaborate to achieve the best outcome.
The course qualifies dental professionals for 2 hours of continuing education credit from the Academy of General Dentistry. The following classes have been scheduled for 2007:
New York, NY April 14
San Diego, CA June 22
Boston, MA September 14
Additional classes are being added; contact BMI for details.
For more information, call 1-888-246-6633 or visit www.biomodel.com.
Endo-Express System Simplifies Endodontic Canal Preparations
Endo-Express/SafeSiders Instrumentation System, by Essential Dental Systems, Inc (Hackensack, NJ), has recently been reported on by an independent non-profit dental education and product testing foundation. For a published reprint of this report, e-mail vreina@edsdental.com.
The easy-to-use engine-driven Endo-Express system uses reciprocation and SafeSiders relieved reamers. The combination of the SafeSiders with the reciprocating handpiece produces outstanding results without instrument separation and the complications and fears typically associated with rotary NiTi.
The Endo-Express system revolutionizes dentistry by simplifying endodontic canal preparations and virtually eliminating instrument separation. This system is priced competitively lower than rotary NiTi systems on the market.
For complete product information, call 1-800-223-5394 or e-mail vreina@edsdental.com.
Discus Granted FDA Approval For Relief® ACP
Discus Dental (Culver City, CA) received FDA approval to sell its Relief® ACP Oral Care Gel. Relief ACP is the only FDA approved dual-action sensitivity relief product developed as an effective treatment for patients who suffer from tooth sensitivity caused by conditions such as gum recession, root exposure, whitening, or post root planing.
Relief ACP’s dual-action formula combines the speed of chemical sensitivity relief from potassium nitrate with the long-term relief of amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP), which precipitates hydroxyapatite, occluding the dentin tubules. This precipitation from ACP and fluoride also allows for remineralization by creating a new coating of hydroxyapatite and fluoroapitite over the original tooth surface, naturally filling surface defects of the tooth structure.
For more information, call 1-800-422-9448 or visit www.ReliefACP.com.
Sirona Dental Systems Chosen as the National Association of Dental Laboratories’ Supplier Member of the Year
Sirona Dental Systems (Charlotte, NC) has been chosen by the National Association of Dental Laboratories (NADL) as the 2006 Supplier Member of the Year.
The National Association of Dental Laboratories annually recognizes individuals and companies who have made significant contributions to the NADL and the dental laboratory profession. Award winners are nominated prior to the awards ceremony by NADL members who believe the person, laboratory, or company deserves to be recognized by their colleagues.
The Supplier Member of the Year Award is presented to an NADL member supplier company who makes significant contributions and demonstrates leadership in relation to working in the dental laboratory industry. These contributions may be either directly in service to the NADL, or to the laboratory industry in general.
For more information, call 1-866-INLAB4U or visit www.inlab.com.
John R. Franz Appointed General Manager of PaloDEx
PaloDEx Group (Milwaukee, WI), is pleased to announce the appointment of John R. Franz to the position of general manager, responsible for all facets of the operation in the United States, effective February 24, 2007.
Franz has over 30 years experience in the North American dental industry, with 22 years as COO/CEO of two major international dental corporations. He joins PaloDEx from KAVO America (Lake Zurich, IL) where he served as CEO prior to their 2004 acquisition. Since then, Franz has served in both sales and business development capacities within the organization.
Franz brings with him good dealer relationships and a 22-year track record of delivering substantial and profitable growth. In his new role within the PaloDEx Group, Franz will direct and focus the team on the business strategy of growing both Instrumentarium Dental and SOREDEX sales through providing exceptional products, service, and after-sales support.
Franz is a 1973 graduate of Bowling Green State University with a BS degree in business with emphasis in marketing and organizational development.
Patterson Dental Launches Online eLearning Webinars
Patterson Dental Supply, Inc (St. Paul, MN) introduces eLearning Webinars, the newest way to help users build skills in specific areas of Patterson EagleSoft clinical and practice management software. With one- or two-hour Web-based sessions, eLearning Webinars provide the most comprehensive, up-to-date information for improved efficiency, productivity, and profitability with Patterson EagleSoft. The Webinars offer an extensive range of key topics using a live chat interface and in-depth question-and-answer format.
Participants that provide an Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) member number at registration will earn AGD credits. Plus, all participants receive a recorded version of the Webinar for later review.
Space is limited and reservations are required. To view a complete listing of eLearning courses, dates and times, visit www.eaglesoft.net and click on EagleSoft Webinars. For more information, call 1-800-475-5036.
Sirona Dental Systems, Inc (Charlotte, NC) has received US patent approval for its new Sirona By Kappler line of innovative dental cabinetry. Sirona and Kappler, a designer and producer of premier office and medical cabinetry, have collaborated since January.
US Patent D532,991 specifically covers the design and functionality of the Sirona by Kappler 12 O’clock cabinet. These design and functional elements include adjustable and independent work surfaces for assistants and doctors; swivel drawers; utility chases within the pivot posts; seamless integration of the Sirona Rear Delivery Units and Assistant’s Elements; and the steel fabricated frame.
Designed to perform seamlessly with the Sirona C8+ Treatment Center and C8+ Solo Chair, the Sirona by Kappler 12 O’clock Cabinet features an advanced ergonomic design ideally suited for two or four-handed dentistry with easy left to right handed conversion for maximum flexibility. The work surfaces and swiveling drawers can be positioned in close proximity to the oral cavity?minimizing movement during treatment, reducing practitioner fatigue, and providing immediate accessibility in the work area to all essential instruments and consumables.
For more information, call 1-800-659-5977, or visit www.sirona.com.
KOMET USA Announces "Free Burs For Life" Promotion
KOMET USA (Schaumburg, IL) introduced its "Free Burs For Life" contest, giving practitioners and dental laboratory technicians an opportunity to win free burs for the remainder of their active practicing lives. Dentists (DDS, DMD) and certified dental laboratory technicians (CDT) may register through April 7, 2007, with a single winner to be selected May 1, 2007.
The winner will receive free burs from KOMET USA’s published product catalog for the remaining time the winner is actively engaged in the practice of dentistry, not to exceed a retail value of $1,500 annually. No purchase or payment is necessary to enter or win, nor will a purchase improve the chances of winning.
Official contest rules and registration guidelines may be found at www.freebursforlife.com. For more information, call 1-800-208-1630.
John Pohl Launches Strategic Marketing Consulting Firm
John Pohl, formerly Hu-Friedy’s (Chicago, IL) senior vice president of global marketing and strategic planning, has launched 14th Floor Solutions, LLC, a strategic marketing consulting firm. His first client is Hu-Friedy, and he plans to serve a select number of additional dental clients as well.
Pohl came to Hu-Friedy after 25 years in the consumer packaged goods industry, where he served as vice president of marketing for the personal care division of Dial Corp, vice president of marketing and business development for Cobra Electronics, and director of marketing for both Kellogg Company and the E. & J. Gallo Winery.
14th Floor Solutions’ services include strategic audits, business plans, marketing plans, branding strategies, advertising, web site development, market research, and public relations.
To honor Pulpdent Corporation’s (Watertown, MA) 60th anniversary, the company is sponsoring Oral Health America (OHA, Chicago, IL) by providing 60,000 sealants for underserved children as part of the National Sealant Alliance’s Smiles Across America program. The National Sealant Alliance is supported by OHA, an independent advocacy organization dedicated to improving oral health for Americans.
Pulpdent is donating Embrace® WetBond™ Pit and Fissure Sealant, the first sealant that bonds to the moist tooth, along with Etch-Rite™ dental etching gel and Flecta Disposable Mirrors.
For more information, call 1-800-343-4342 or visit www.pulpdent.com.
