Rochester, Minn., Feb. 27, 2014 — To pull or not to pull? That is a common question when patients have the potentially dangerous combination of abscessed or infected teeth and the need for heart surgery. In such cases, problem teeth often are removed before surgery, to reduce the risk of infections including endocarditis, an infection of the inner lining of the heart that can prove deadly. But Mayo Clinic research suggests it may not be as simple as pulling teeth: The study found that roughly 1 in 10 heart surgery patients who had troublesome teeth extracted before surgery died or had adverse outcomes such as a stroke or kidney failure.

The findings are published in The Annals of Thoracic Surgery.

Prosthetic heart valve-related endocarditis accounts for up to one-fourth of infective endocarditis cases and proves fatal for up to 38% of patients who develop it. In light of that high mortality rate, physicians try to address risk factors such as poor dental health before cardiac surgery. Removing diseased teeth at some point before surgery as a preventive measure is common, but research on whether that helps has been limited. Medical guidelines acknowledge a lack of conclusive evidence, the Mayo researchers noted.

The new study shows that the risk for patients who do have teeth removed before heart surgery "may be higher than we thought," says senior author Kendra Grim, MD, a Mayo Clinic anesthesiologist.

"We are always concerned with improving safety, and pulling infected teeth before heart surgery seemed to be the safer intervention. But we became interested in studying this complex patient group, as many patients that come to the operating room for dental surgery just before heart surgery are quite ill," Dr. Grim says.

The study is believed to be the largest so far evaluating adverse outcomes after pre-cardiac surgery dental extractions. The researchers studied outcomes in 205 adult Mayo patients who had teeth pulled before cardiovascular surgery. The study covered January 1, 2003, through Feb. 28, 2013; 80% of the patients were men, the median age at the time of tooth extraction was 62, and the median time lapse between dental extraction and heart surgery was seven days. The research found:

- Six patients, or 3%, died in the period between their tooth extraction and the planned cardiac procedure.

- Another six died after heart surgery, all while still hospitalized.

- Ten patients, or roughly 5%, had other major adverse outcomes after heart surgery, such as bleeding, stroke, kidney failure requiring dialysis, acute coronary syndrome or stroke-like transient ischemic attacks.

- Due to unexpected complications or findings from dental surgery, at least 14 patients, or 7%, had to have heart surgery delayed.

More information is needed to understand why patients died or had other major adverse outcomes, the researchers say. In addition to the stress placed on the body by dental extraction and heart surgery themselves, potential factors include the severity of individual patients' heart disease, other serious health problems they may have had, and how they reacted to anesthesia.

The bottom line for patients and physicians, the researchers conclude: Rather than following a rule of thumb, physicians should evaluate each patient individually to weigh the possible benefit of tooth extraction before heart surgery against the risk of death and other major adverse events.

"We hope this study sparks future discussion and research," Dr. Grim says. "In the meantime, we recommend an individualized approach for these patients, to weigh their particular risk and benefit of a dental procedure before cardiac surgery with the information we have currently available."

Source: EurekaAlert!

In honor of its 30th anniversary, OSAP, the Organization for Safety, Asepsis and Prevention, has developed a new campaign that will run throughout 2014 promoting The SafestDentalVisit™. The campaign is an educational program that addresses patient safety, the practice environment and behavior change. The goal of the best practices program is to ultimately help reduce infections, prevent disease transmission and save lives.

The SafestDentalVisit starts with OSAP's strong foundation of educational resources including courseware, educational conferences, publications and website. It will feature new innovations in each category, and the next generation of educational tools.

Some of the initial components of The SafestDentalVisit campaign are as follows:

(1) Successful 2014 Boot Camp  

Kicking off The SafestDentalVisit campaign in January, the OSAP CORE Infection Control Boot Camp had an outstanding turnout of attendees comprising academia, consulting, the Air Force, Veterans Administration and other Federal Services, and companies who convened in Tampa, FL for the 3-day conference.

The CORE infection control curriculum is essential training for dental professionals. This rigorous course offered 24 hours of continuing education credits, a comprehensive resource binder and checklists. Attendees received instruction from national experts. Training also included optional exams so attendees could demonstrate their competency in this critical function to ensure the safe and infection-free delivery of oral healthcare.  

The 2015 CORE Infection Control Boot Camp will return to Atlanta, GA in January 2015.

(2) NIOSH Survey

The next component of The SafestDentalVisit campaign is a national survey of private dental practices. OSAP is partnering with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to conduct an online survey of private dental practices from January 28 - March 31. The survey was developed to gather information on the use of exposure control plans for reducing the risk of exposure to blood and other potentially infectious materials in private dental practices.

Survey invitees were selected from a distribution list from AEGIS Communications. AEGIS teamed with OSAP to help distribute the online survey to private dental practices with a link to the short but important survey.

Additionally, NIOSH just announced that they are expanding the distribution to select membership organizations, including OSAP. OSAP members who work in private dental practices are encouraged to complete the brief online survey by clicking on this link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/58DPXXG_OSAP (note: please complete only one survey per practice)

The survey is anonymous - but the aggregated data will help to identify available exposure control resources and potential barriers so that better strategies can be developed to improve the safety of dental healthcare workers.

(3) New Infection Control In Practice Team Huddle™ Launches in March

Following the Boot Camp and national survey, OSAP will be launching Infection Control in Practice TEAM HUDDLE™ in March. The ICIP Team Huddle combines all the best elements of previous ICIP newsletters and has been redesigned. Dental teams and educational institutions alike can use ICIP Team Huddle as turn-key instruction for infection control staff meetings and trainings.  The interactive guide features a real-life scenario, discussion and implementation guides, checklists, references, an infection control tip, the opportunity to earn continuing education credits and, of course, the popular "what's wrong with this picture".  

Additionally, OSAP is reaching out to the entire dental community to offer this publication as an on-line subscription for a special 30th anniversary price. Dental practices that may not have been familiar with OSAP can now connect via the new on-line subscription in 2014 for just $30. Of course, current OSAP members will still receive the print version of ICIP Team Huddle, weekly InfoBites, the quarterly newsletter, full access to the website and all previous issues of its publications, free access to its technical advisory service, discounts on courseware and educational courses and much more. The 30th anniversary online subscription is a new strategy designed to connect OSAP more extensively with the broader dental community.

(4) OSAP Annual Symposium June 5-8

The program committee for the June OSAP Symposium has developed a robust line-up of plenaries, breakouts, hands-on training, networking events, new product insights, a strong vendor fair and more. OSAP is serious about its strategic goals to increase compliance, foster and develop OSAP leaders and create sustainability and is offering powerful educational sessions in June to address each goal. Members are encouraged to visit the Symposium website frequently to learn about programs that are being added daily. Additionally, OSAP members are encouraged to:

- Submit a proposal for the new "Ignite" session of 5-minute compliance briefings (there will be a total of 10 presenters selected who will share a quick overview of an innovative compliance lesson they have learned or implemented - deadline April 30)

- Submit a scientific abstract (deadline April 4)

- Nominate a candidate for OSAP's two leadership awards (deadline April 15)

- Register now to secure a seat at the table and a room at the hotel (deadline May 12)

Research by Beaumont Health System radiation oncologists and neurosurgeons found that symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia, or TN, a nerve disorder causing severe facial pain, were reduced in those treated with Gamma Knife stereotactic radiosurgery. The results were published in the February issue of the journal Clinical Neurology and Neurosurgery.

TN is a disorder of the trigeminal nerve, which is responsible for feeling in the face. In most cases, the facial pain is caused by a blood vessel pressing on the nerve. It is believed that TN is caused by deterioration of the protective covering of the trigeminal nerve.

"The Gamma Knife is not actually a knife," says Inga Grills, M.D., radiation oncologist, Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak and associate professor, Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine. "Gamma Knife stereotactic radiosurgery is a nonsurgical technique that precisely delivers a high dose of radiation to a targeted area. It sends more than 200 beams of gamma radiation, while the low intensity of the individual beams avoids causing damage to the surrounding tissues."

Principal investigator Dr. Grills and a team of Beaumont researchers analyzed data of 149 patients who were treated with Gamma Knife Stereotactic Radiosurgery, or GK SRS. Following the treatment, patients were evaluated at about two weeks, then every three to six months. Patients reported if they experienced normal, decreased or no facial pain. Researchers concluded GK SRS provides acceptable relief for those with TN, especially those who are not suitable or have failed medical or surgical treatments.

"This study demonstrates patients with severe facial pain caused by trigeminal neuralgia will experience less discomfort after Gamma Knife Stereotactic Radiosurgery. They can resume daily activities such as brushing their teeth, washing their face and even smiling, without the unbearable sensation that is often caused by this condition," explains Dr. Grills.

Approximately 150,000 people are diagnosed with TN every year, according to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons. Women over the age of 50 are among those who are most commonly diagnosed. Those at risk are people with high-blood pressure or with multiple sclerosis.

Source: Science Daily

The Loma Linda University Board of Trustees approved the appointment of Yiming Li, PhD, DDS, MSD, as Associate Dean for Research in the School of Dentistry, effective February 25. “This is a well-deserved appointment that reflects the elevated stature Dr. Li has achieved in Loma Linda University and the broader academic dental community,” said Dean Ronald Dailey, PhD, as he announced the new position.

Dr. Li completed his DDS at Shanghai Second Medical University, College of Stomatology in Shanghai, China in 1977 and served on its faculty as an assistant teacher and researcher until 1982. He then moved to Indianapolis, IN to complete a Master of Science in Dentistry degree in Dental Materials and Operative Dentistry at Indiana University, followed by a PhD in Preventive Dentistry and Toxicology also at Indiana University Graduate School.

In 1987, Dr. Li became a research associate in the Oral Health Research Institute at Indiana University School of Dentistry. Over the next decade, Dr. Li served as director of the Cell Culture Research Laboratory, director of the Biocompatibility Core Facility, associate professor of toxicology, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, director of the Electron Microscopy/Confocal Microscope Facility, and in 1993 became director of the Cell Culture Research Laboratory where he served until 1997.

In 1997 Dr. Li was recruited to Loma Linda University as professor and director of the Biocompatibility & Toxicology Research Center until 2002 when he became director of the Clinical Research Program for LLU School of Dentistry. In 2004, Dr. Li assumed leadership as director of the Center for Dental Research at LLU School of Dentistry.

Dr. Li has served in multiple capacities including president of the Indiana Section of AADR, U.S. expert on Biological Evaluation to ISO/TC106, chairman of ADA/SCDP Biological Evaluation and Tooth Bleaching Materials, consultant on Dental Products Panel U.S. FDA, and consultant to American Dental Association and the California Dental Association. He has been an ad hoc reviewer of manuscripts for 16 journals and is a special reviewer for NIH/NIDR grants and small grant applications. He is an editorial board member of the Chinese Journal of Dental Materials and Instruments and Dental Research & Application as well as an international editorial board member for the Shanghai Journal of Stomatology and the Journal of Dental Sciences. Dr. Li has authored 110 articles and book chapters and 169 abstracts. In addition he has presented 132 oral & poster presentations.

Dr. Li has earned grants of over $18.4 million since coming to the United States – of which approximately $11.4 million have come through the LLU Center for Dental Research.

Dr. Li has been an exemplary colleague, mentor, and friend to faculty and students in the School of Dentistry for the past 17 years. During his tenure at Loma Linda, he has helped numerous clinical faculty become involved in research programs that have enabled them to achieve faculty rank promotions. In addition, he has helped to build the student and resident research programs to a level that has enabled LLUSD students to garner many state and national awards.

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., March 31, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- April 1 kicks off the start of Oral Cancer Awareness Month.  For the 15^th year in a row, the Oral Cancer Foundation (OCF) is leading a national awareness effort by encouraging dental practices across the United States to offer free oral cancer screenings to people in their communities during the month of April. Through this group collaboration, the Foundation hopes to see this disease brought to the attention of as many individuals as possible, and have the disease get the national media attention necessary to meaningfully raise public awareness. A public that understands the risk factors and early signs and symptoms of the disease is better prepared to recognize and self discover things that should be shown to a doctor for further evaluation.

"The dental community needs to be the first line of defense against oral cancer," said Brian Hill, founder and executive director of the Oral Cancer Foundation.  "Just performing 'opportunistic' five-minute oral cancer screenings of the existing patient population that visits a dental office every day could have a profound impact on our ability to discover the disease at earlier, even precancerous, stages.  These are also public education opportunities, instilling in American minds the warning signs of a developing oral cancer. An engaged professional dental community combined with an informed public could help us dramatically reduce the mortality and morbidity of this disease."

According to Mr. Hill and many other experts, a national screening effort is imperative. The incidence of oral cancer is increasing at an alarming rate due to a new viral etiology, human papilloma virus (HPV16).  For decades, the leading cause of oral cancer has been tobacco, and most of the diseases' victims were older males who had used tobacco for several decades of their life.  While the tobacco issue has not gone away, today young, non-smoking individuals are the fastest growing segment of the oral cancer population, and they come to the disease from this sexually transmitted virus. Doctors in the scientific and treatment communities are already using the word "epidemic" to describe the situation. In fact, the Director of the National Cancer Institute said in his message to the American public at the beginning of this year that while progress is being made against cancer in general, there are only two areas in which cancer is on the rise in the US - cancers related to obesity and cancers related to the HPV virus. "NOW is the time to act," said Mr. Hill. "The American public needs to be informed in order for change to take place."

Oral cancer is not a rare disease. Each hour of every day, one American dies of the disease, and each day more than one hundred Americans are newly diagnosed with it.  Oral cancer has always existed outside the consciousness of much of the public, even though approximately 43,000 Americans will be newly diagnosed with oral and oropharyngeal cancers this year alone. In the early stages of oral cancer's development, there often is no pain or any physical sign that is obvious to an individual; some symptoms can be very subtle. This makes it a very dangerous and insidious disease, and is also the reason it is crucial to have an annual oral cancer screening by a professional.

Oral cancer signs and symptoms include:

• Red and/or white discolorations of the soft tissues of the mouth.

• Any oral sore or abnormality that does not heal or resolve within 14 days.

• Hoarseness that lasts for a prolonged period of time.

• A sensation that something is stuck in your throat or you experience painless difficulty swallowing.

• Numbness in the oral region.

• Difficulty in moving the muscles of the mouth, lips or tongue.

• Persistent ear pain that occurs on one side only.

• A sore under a denture, which even after adjustment of the denture, still does not heal.

• Any lump or thickening -often painless- that develops in the mouth or on the neck.

Oral cancer is one of the few cancers that are on the rise in the U.S. At the stages it is being found today, the five-year survival rate is roughly 60 percent; however, many of those who do survive often experience life-long serious treatment-related morbidity, such as difficulty speaking, eating and swallowing, and severe disfigurement.  When discovered early, oral cancers have an 80 percent or better survival rate, and the degree of treatment related morbidity can be greatly reduced.  Like other cancer screenings, such as those for cervical, skin, prostate, colon and breast cancer, oral cancer screenings can be an effective means of finding cancer at its earliest and most survivable stage. Of all these screenings, the one for oral cancer is the least invasive and time-consuming. It is painless and inexpensive, and it can be done as part of a regular dental hygiene check-up. 

The Foundation has provided its partnering dental practices with all the materials needed to conduct the April screenings and to generate exposure for the event in their community. "Only with the involvement of a large network of participating professional offices and facilities will a reduction in deaths become a reality," said Brian Hill. "An informed public helps early discovery and increases survivability."

The Oral Cancer Foundation has developed important strategic partnerships to accomplish this year's goals. In April 2014, OCF will join forces with both professional societies and private sector companies who are stakeholders in the fight against this disease. This year an alliance has been developed with many dental professional societies including; The American Dental Association, The Academy of General Dentistry, The American Academy of Oral Medicine, The American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The American Academy of Periodontology, The American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, and The American Dental Hygienists Association.  The Foundation has also aligned with private sector entities Henry Schein Inc., LED Dental, and Bristol-Myers Squibb, who are asking their customer base to be active in this April's endeavor.  Additionally, many treatment facilities with head and neck cancer departments are participating as well.

To find a screening event near you, please visit our calendar:

https://www.oralcancer-screening.org/events/

More than 2,000 clinicians attended the 29th Annual Meeting of the Academy of Osseointegration (AO), which took place from March 6-8 in Seattle. During the conference, a record number of more than 250 clinicians presented their original research and clinical cases of interest in the field of implant dentistry. AO awarded seven of these clinicians for best abstract poster presentations.

“Research at the AO Annual Meeting squarely focused on how science supports clinicians who are fully committed to providing an evidence-based approach to treatment to ensure the best outcome for their patients,” said Lyndon Cooper, DDS, PhD, the meeting’s scientific program chair who also presented research. “Presentations ranged from digital planning, new esthetic techniques and prevention strategies to molecular strategies and stem cell biology. Abstract presentations explored original scientific and clinical research, clinical innovations and case presentations that could help shape the future of implant dentistry.”

Awards were presented for the following abstract presentations; full abstracts can be viewed here: https://www.osseo.org/2014_review.html.

Best Clinical Innovations Presentation

A Precision Implant-locating Guide for Detection of Implant Prosthetic Misfit and Predictable Implant Radiography in a Simulated Clinical Model

C. Wadhwani*, K.C. Lin, J. Cheng, A. Sharma, F. Finzen San Francisco. 

Best Oral Scientific Presentation

Cytofunctional Preconditioning for Auto-cell Transplantation to Enhance Bone Regeneration using Antioxidant Amino Acid Derivative

M. Yamada*, T. Ogawa, K. Sakurai Chiyoda-ku, Japan.

Best Oral Clinical Presentation

Marginal Bone Levels at Single Maxillary Anterior Tooth Implants using Different Implant-Abutment Interfaces

L.F. Cooper*, G. Reside, I.J. De Kok, C. Barwacz, C. Stanford, M. McGuire, J.S. Feine Chapel Hill, N.C.

Best Poster Presentation

A Trial of Three-dimensional Bone Regeneration by Adipose-derived Spheroids, In vitro

H. Nakata*, M. Yamamoto, J. Hao, Y. Kim, M. Miyasaka, T. Nagayama,

S. Kasugai, S. Kuroda Tokyo, Japan.

2nd Place Poster Presentation

Effect of Parathyroid Hormone Therapy on Lymphatic and Blood Vessel Formation in Tooth Extraction Wounds

J. Yamashita*, R. Tanoue Ann Arbor, Mich.

First Place Case Presentation

One Stage Three-dimensional Alveolar Reconstruction with BMP-2 and Sonic Weld Membrane

M. Gonzalez*, J. Gonzalez, F. Curiel, R. Casian, G.R. Triplett Dallas.

Second Place Case Presentation

Occlusal Rehabilitation of Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis using Implant-Supported Prostheses: A Multi-disciplinary Approach

M.H. Dashti*, M.M. Imani Emadi, R. Hashemian, M. Moghaddam Chestnut Hill, Mass.

About the Academy of Osseointegration

With more than 6,000 members in 70 countries around the world, the Academy of Osseointegration (AO) is recognized as the premier international association for professionals interested in implant dentistry. AO serves as a nexus where specialists and generalists can come together to share best practices and coordinate optimal patient care. AO evaluates emerging research, technology and techniques to ensure its members have the most important and timely evidence-based information and tools they need to succeed. Follow AO on Facebook and Twitter.

Washington, DC—The American Dental Education Association (ADEA) presented three awards to dental educators March 16 during the 2014 ADEA Annual Session & Exhibition in San Antonio, TX. The awards are supported by educational grants from the Colgate-Palmolive Company. 

“ADEA is pleased to recognize the accomplishments of these outstanding dental educators, and we are grateful for the support of the Colgate-Palmolive Company. The continued evolution of dental education relies on the recipients’ hard work and habits of excellence,” says ADEA Chair of the Board, Stephen K. Young, D.D.S., M.S. 

The ADEA/Colgate-Palmolive Co. Allied Dental Educators Fellowship was presented to Prof. Rachel Henry, the Ohio State University College of Dentistry. It provides support for participation in the ADEA Leadership Institute or a three-month fellowship at the ADEA office in Washington, DC. 

The ADEA/Colgate-Palmolive Co. Excellence in Teaching Award was presented to Dr. Mark Fitzgerald, University of Michigan School of Dentistry. The award provides support to educators to enhance teaching efforts. 

The ADEA/ADEA Council of Students, Residents and Fellows/Colgate-Palmolive Co. Junior Faculty Award was presented to Dr. Anita Joy, Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine. The award provides support to educators to enhance teaching efforts. 

“Colgate-Palmolive’s ongoing support of these awards exemplifies our dedication and commitment to dental education, dental educators and students,” says Barbara Shearer, B.D.S., M.D.S., Ph.D., Director of Scientific Affairs at the Colgate-Palmolive Company. “On behalf of ADEA and all of the recipients, please accept our sincerest congratulations for your achievements.” 

Nominations are now open for the prestigious Lucy Hobbs Taylor Award. 

Lucy Hobbs Taylor was born on March 14, 1833 in Constable, New York. In 1859, she moved to Cincinnati, intending to become a dentist. When she was refused admission to dental school, she began a private program of study with a professor from the Ohio College of Dental Surgery. 

After studying dentistry, Lucy Hobbs Taylor started her own practice in Cincinnati in 1861. In 1865, she finally gained some professional recognition when she was allowed to join the Iowa State Dental Society. That November, she entered the Ohio College of Dental Surgery, where she soon earned her doctorate in dentistry, becoming the first woman in the U.S. to do so.

In honor of Lucy Hobbs Taylor, each year AAWD presents a Lucy Hobbs Taylor award to a woman dentist who:

Has made outstanding individual achievements in civic, cultural, academic and professional areas.

Exhibits role model qualities that positively reflect the image of women dentists and commitment to the profession.

Is an AAWD member in good standing.

To download a nomination form, click here. Nominations are due by June 2, 2014 and the winner will be notified by AAWD Headquarters. 

Alexandria, Va., USA – The American Association for Dental Research (AADR) has announced Changming Lu as the recipient of the 2014 AADR William B. Clark Fellowship. He will be recognized at the Association’s 43^rd Annual Meeting & Exhibition in Charlotte, North Carolina, USA, on March 22, 2014, at the Closing Ceremonies Program. This meeting will be held in conjunction with the 38^th Annual Meeting of the Canadian Association for Dental Research. 

Lu is an instructor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Dentistry, Institute of Oral Health Research. Prior to joining the University of Alabama at Birmingham, he held positions at Soochow University, China, and the University of Texas, Houston, Medical School. 

His research centers on investigating molecular and cellular mechanisms associated with human genetic dental diseases as well as periodontal disease. Currently, he is studying the physiological and pathological role of RIG-1-like receptor signaling, particular MDA5 signaling in the development of periodontal disease, as well as their cross talk with Toll-like receptor signaling. 

The AADR William B. Clark Fellowship was established in memory of William B. Clark and is supported by P&G Professional Oral Health, Crest Oral-B. The award recognizes investigators carrying out clinical research in periodontology. 

Dr. Harold Jaffe from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is returning! The most popular speaker from the 2013 symposium is coming back and will spearhead a panel presentation addressing “Infection Control in Dentistry – Then, Now and What Next”. He will share a clip from the 60 Minutes interview about the Florida dentist and discuss risk communication. Dr Mary Chamberland, also from CDC, will speak about early efforts to assess the risk of HIV transmission in healthcare settings before and immediately after the Florida investigation. Dr. John Molinari will describe the founding of OSAP at this pivotal time 30 years ago and what has transpired since and Dr. Don Marianos will focus on the future with lessons learned.

In other news, attendees will have the opportunity to tour the 3M Innovation Center. The Center features dynamic displays and interactive, hands-on demonstrations designed to stimulate creative solutions to challenging issues. The tour will be on Thursday, June 5 from 9 am – 12 pm and is limited to 50 people. Click here for more information.