ANNAPOLIS, MD — March 31, 2014 — For 30 years, the Organization for Safety, Asepsis and Prevention (OSAP) has been a leading advocate for the safe and infection-free delivery of oral healthcare. As part of its 30th anniversary celebration, OSAP is launching its publication Infection Control in Practice Team Huddle™ through its SafestDentalVisit™ campaign. 

The SafestDentalVisit™ campaign is an education program that addresses patient safety, the practice environment and behavior change. The goal of the best practices program is to reduce infections, prevent disease transmission and save lives. The program starts with OSAP’s foundation of educational resources including courseware, education conferences, publications and websites.

The Infection Control in Practice Team Huddle™ is one of the new innovations that OSAP is launching this spring. The Team Huddle publication combines all the best elements of a popular OSAP publication, Infection Control in Practice, has new interactive features and is complete turn-key instruction for infection control staff meetings and trainings.

“OSAP has been exclusively committed to the safety of every dental patient and dental team member for three decades, and the SafestDentalVisit campaign continues this important focus,” said Therese Long, OSAP executive director. “The new Team Huddle publication is an excellent tool for all dental professionals to ensure their practices are using the most up-to-date, effective and safest protocols available.”

This interactive guide features a real-life scenario, discussion and implementation guides, checklists, references, an infection control tip and a fun feature called “What’s Wrong with This Picture?” Continuing education credits are available through the publication for an additional fee.

OSAP would like every dental practice to have the opportunity to experience this new interactive tool and is offering a special 30th anniversary online subscription for just $30. This unique offer is only for practices that do not have a current OSAP membership and includes all six bimonthly in-office guides.

Current OSAP members will continue to receive the print and online 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 as part of the membership package.

For more information or to subscribe to ICIP Team Huddle, visit www.OSAP.org.

CHICAGO, April 2, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- National Prosthodontics Awareness Week (NPAW) is April 6-12, 2014. With 178 million people in the U.S. missing at least one tooth and 33 million Americans having no natural teeth, NPAW aims to increase awareness about the importance of proper oral health and prosthodontic solutions to missing teeth.

"As a board certified prosthodontist, people ask me if they have to replace a missing tooth in the back of the mouth since no one can see it. My answer is yes," said NPAW Chair Avinash S. Bidra, B.D.S., M.S., F.A.C.P., of the University of Connecticut School of Dentistry.

"When you lose even a single tooth, it will result in bone loss, change the bite, cause food impaction and result in adjacent teeth moving towards the missing space. The longer one waits to get it replaced, the more challenging the clinical situation is, yet if you fix it fast the cycle stops."

Prosthodontics is one of only nine recognized dental specialties by the American Dental Association (ADA), and prosthodontists are dental specialists with three years of advanced residency training beyond dental school in replacement of missing teeth and oral health issues. The American College of Prosthodontists (ACP) is the ADA recognized association that represents and advocates on behalf of prosthodontists.

To celebrate NPAW, the ACP is providing free access to two Journal of Prosthodontics studies on innovative science and treatment for missing teeth. The first, a recent Mayo Clinic long-term (29 years) retrospective study, reveals that care for missing teeth needs to be treated as a "chronic condition" much like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease or diabetes.

"The chronic condition of missing teeth affects one's quality of life from eating nutritious foods to enjoying social activities. People think that once we place a dental implant and crown no follow up care is needed, yet it is. In fact, research finds that implant therapy to replace the missing teeth requires lifelong follow up with your prosthodontist or dentist to minimize the risks of complications such as chipping or loss of implants due to infections" said Matilda Dhima, D.M.D., who is primary author of the study and assistant professor at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine.

That's why patients with dental implants are encouraged to make regular visits to their prosthodontists or dentists to minimize the risks of complications (chipping or loss of implants due to infections) and to ensure long-term survival of their complex dental restorations and implants.

The second study presents data on the popular All-on-Four(TM) Protocol as a viable alternative to more extensive treatment plans for missing teeth.

"In this protocol, a set of fixed upper and/or lower replacement teeth can be anchored to the bone in one office visit," said Dr. Bidra.

The American College of Prosthodontists is making these articles available free to consumers during NPAW. To learn more about personalized options for replacing missing teeth, consumers are encouraged to find and consult their local prosthodontist (GoToAPro.org).

CHICAGO – The effectiveness of root canal treatment is well-established in dentistry, however misinformation continues to circulate on the Internet that may cause patients to question the safety of endodontics. During Root Canal Awareness Week, March 30 – April 5, the American Association of Endodontists is asking everyone in the dental industry to be an advocate for good dental health and share information about root canal safety.

A new web page, www.aae.org/rootcanalsafety, provides endodontists, general dentists, dental media, industry partners and patients with authoritative and reliable information about the safety of endodontic treatment, while debunking myths that root canals cause cancer or other health problems.

“As dental professionals, we know there is no evidence of a link between root canal treatment and cancer or other diseases,” said AAE President Dr. Gary R. Hartwell. “Unfortunately, claims to the contrary, with sensational headlines, continue to make their way through social media and can be persuasive to a small portion of the public. It is in the best interest of patients to understand there is no valid, scientific evidence linking root canals to such health problems, and also to understand the advancements in modern dentistry that make endodontic treatment predictable, effective and successful.”

AAE resources to help support root canal safety include:

• Root Canal Safety Fact Sheet - explains the history of focal infection theory and research showing that there is no valid, scientific evidence linking endodontically treated teeth and systemic disease.

• Myths About Root Canals – patient-focused information explaining the safety and effectiveness of root canal treatment.

• Tooth Saving Tips - patient-focused resource explaining why saving a tooth is the preferred choice for optimal health.

• Endodontists Put Root Canal Patients at Ease – video educating patients about endodontic specialists and root canal procedures.

• Endodontists: Partners in Patient Care – video explaining the relationship between general dentists and endodontic specialists.

A recent study published in JAMA Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery tested the association between dental caries and head and neck cancers. Results indicate that patients who have had one endodontic treatment had no change in their risk of cancer, while those who had two or more endodontic treatments actually had a 45 percent reduction in their risk of cancer. The study could be a valuable talking point with patients and reinforces the fact that root canal treatment is both a safe and effective way to save the natural dentition.

The AAE encourages the dental community to share these education resources via websites and social media channels to help get the facts to patients about root canal safety. You can also connect with AAE on Facebook at www.facebook.com/endodontists and Twitter @savingyourteeth and @AAENews.

Alexandria, Va., USA – The American Association for Dental Research (AADR) will announce Peter Milgrom as the 2014 recipient of the AADR Irwin D. Mandel Distinguished Mentoring Award during the Opening Ceremonies of the AADR 43^rd Annual Meeting & Exhibition, March 19, 2014, in Charlotte, North Carolina, USA. This meeting will be held in conjunction with the 38^th Annual Meeting of the Canadian Association for Dental Research. 

Milgrom is a professor in the Dental Public Health Sciences Department at the University of Washington, Seattle. He is a previous recipient of the IADR Distinguished Scientist Award in Behavioral, Epidemiological and Health Services Research. 

Through this award, Milgrom is being recognized for his expertise and leadership, which has shaped the careers of numerous students, trainees and junior faculty. The award consists of a plaque and a monetary award of $1,000. 

The AADR Irwin D. Mandel Distinguished Mentoring Award was established to provide national recognition for outstanding efforts to foster and promote research training and career development of students, trainees and junior faculty. It is intended to identify individuals at all levels of their career with an exemplary record of mentoring. This award was renamed in 2012 in honor of its first recipient, Irwin D. Mandel. 

Chicago, March 14, 2014 – More than 2,000 clinicians attended the 29^th Annual Meeting of the Academy of Osseointegration(AO), which took place from March 6-8 in Seattle. With the theme of “Real Problems, Real Solutions”, the event featured presentations from internationally renowned speakers offering their experience and expertise in the diagnosis, treatment and use of the latest techniques and technologies to correct dental implant problems and prevent future complications.

To learn more about implant dentistry – or how a dental professional can become a member – visit www.osseo.org.

The conference, which recorded the fourth largest attendance in its history, included 624 international attendees representing 45 countries and more than 1,100 exhibitors who showcased products and services to support implant dentistry.

“As a GP who only places about 75 implants a year, it is invaluable for me to get to be a part of AO where I can get the best level of education possible,” said Dr. Dean Daniele, General Practitioner, Kamloops, Canada. “We are so lucky that no matter how many implants we perform, we get to come together and learn.”

Annual Meeting kicks off with implant retreatment symposium

Thought leaders in the field of implant dentistry kicked off the AO Annual Meeting on Thursday with its Opening Symposium. Past, present and future clinical challenges—especially as related to patients presenting with issues related to implants that are at least 25 years old—was the focus of the sessions.

Educational events on Thursday also included the Corporate Forums, which were 36 industry-hosted presentations highlighting recent innovations from a collection of the industry’s leading companies.

Approximately 75 new AO members—who reflected the increased professional diversity experienced by AO in recent years—were introduced to the organization at a special New Member Breakfast meeting on the Annual Meeting’s opening day.

More than 120 clinicians gathered at The Pike Brewing Company Thursday evening for AO’s first-ever Young Clinicians’ Reception.

Day Two features International Symposium and high-flying fun

This year’s Annual Meeting featured an exciting innovation: AO’s first-ever International Symposium dedicated to one country… Japan. The Symposium, which took place the second day of the conference on Friday, was met with enthusiastic feedback from both international and U.S. attendees.

“I was very happy to present at the first-ever International Symposium dedicated to one country—and I was also very happy that AO selected Japan,” said presenter Dr. Tomohiro Ishikawa. “We are very honored. I hope this opportunity will be impactful to further build the relationship between AO and Japan, and our countries.”

Also taking place on Friday were targeted sessions focused on surgery, restoration and clinical innovations.

Day Two ended with the AO President’s Reception held at Seattle’s Museum of Flight—attended by more than 1,300 meeting attendees, leaders, exhibitors and guests.

“It was an absolutely amazing evening that truly celebrated all that AO has accomplished together over the past year,” said Dr. Stephen Wheeler, 2013-14 AO President, whose term concluded at the Annual Meeting. “I was honored to see so many new faces from around the world, as well as to spend time with long-time friends and colleagues who work so hard to make this event a success and to help AO achieve the premier status we enjoy today.”

Annual Meeting concludes with optimism and energy

The Closing Symposium, which took place on its final day, Saturday, was well attended and forward-looking with its topic, “Our Better Future.”

Presenters addressed advances in important topics such as digital dentistry, implant prosthodontics, as well as biotechnology and the future.

Also on Saturday was a program for the allied staff, “Real Problems, Real Solutions in the Business of Implant Dentistry,” which was attended by representatives from practices specializing in periodontics, oral surgery, prosthodontics and general dentistry.

Highlights of AO’s Annual Business Meeting

AO presented seven awards for best abstract presentations of original research and clinical cases of interest in the field of implant dentistry at its Annual Business Meeting held Saturday. Each recipient was presented a plaque and a cash award ranging from $250 to $1,000. 

Tomas Albrektsson, MD, PhD, ODhc, Gothenburg, Sweden, a close co-worker with Dr. Per-Ingvar Brånemark in the development of osseointegrated dental implant treatment in the 1980s, was presented the Nobel Biocare Brånemark Osseointegration Award. The award is given annually by the Osseointegration Foundation to honor an individual whose impact on implant dentistry is exemplary in any or all of the Foundation’s mission categories: research, education, and charitable causes.

Dr. Joseph Gian-Grasso, a periodontist from Philadelphia, Pa., was elected to serve as president of the Academy of Osseointegration. Dr. Gian-Grasso will serve with the 2014-2015 AO Board of Directors, also named during the meeting.

“I am honored to continue AO’s commitment to establishing a nexus where specialists and generalists from around the world can come together to learn and stay up-to-date on the rapidly advancing clinical research and innovations in the dental implant and tissue engineering industries,” said Dr. Gian-Grasso. “Having been with AO for nearly 30 years, I have grown to truly appreciate its unique role, the commitment of its board of directors, and the enthusiasm of its members to provide the best patient care possible.”

CHICAGO, March 11, 2014  —The American Dental Association (ADA) will welcome   President George W. Bush to ADA 2014 – America’s Dental Meeting for the Opening General Session and Distinguished Speaker Series Thursday, Oct. 9 at the Alamodome in San Antonio.

President Bush was the 43rd president of the United States and founder of the George W. Bush Foundation. Bush was born on July 6, 1946, in New Haven, Connecticut, to Barbara and George H.W. Bush – later the 41st President of the United States. In 1948, the family moved to Texas, where George W. Bush grew up in Midland and Houston. He received a bachelor’s degree in history from Yale University in 1968 and a master’s degree in business administration from Harvard Business School in 1975. On November 8, 1994, George W. Bush was elected the 46th Governor of Texas. In 1998, he became the first governor in Texas history to be elected to consecutive four-year terms.

After the Presidency, George and Laura Bush founded the George W. Bush Presidential Center in Dallas, Texas. The Center is home to the Bush Presidential Museum and Library, which houses George W. Bush’s presidential papers. The Center is also home to the George W. Bush Institute, a public policy organization that focuses on economic growth, education reform, global health, and human freedom. The Institute supports the rights of women with its Women’s Initiative and honors those who have served in the United States armed forces through its Military Service Initiative.

“We are excited and honored to have President Bush speak at the annual meeting,” said Dr. James E. Galati, 2014 chair for the Council on ADA Sessions. “I believe his charitable work and experiences can inspire all dentists, no matter what their political beliefs are.” 

President Bush is also the author of a bestselling memoir, “Decision Points.” He and Laura have twin daughters, Barbara and Jenna, a son-in-law, Henry Hager, and a granddaughter, Mila Hager. The Bush family also includes a dog, Miss Beazley, and a cat, Bob.

The 2014 Distinguished Speaker Series is presented by Church & Dwight, the makers of ARM & HAMMER™, Spinbrush™ and ORAJEL™ oral care products.

The ADA’s annual meeting, which is scheduled Oct. 9-14 at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, brings together leaders in dental practice, research, academia and industry to present more than 300 continuing education courses, a trade show and the House of Delegates over six days. The Opening General Session, which kicks off the convention, will also honor the winner of the 2014 Humanitarian Award, Dr. Raymond S. Damazo. General registration begins May 1 at www.ada.org/meeting, and you must register in advance to attend the Opening General Session.