FORT LAUDERDALE-DAVIE, Fla. –Melissa A. Marchesan, DDS, MS, PhD, associate professor of endodontics, Nova Southeastern University (NSU) College of Dental Medicine, was recently elected as president of the World Federation for Laser Dentistry (WFLD) in North America. She will be installed at the organization’s annual meeting in Paris on July 1 and will serve a two-year term.

WFLD is a non-profit organization that focuses on the exchange, advancement and dissemination of scientific knowledge related to the use of lasers for application and research in the oral and dental environment.

“I am honored and excited to accept this leadership role in the field of laser dentistry and represent Nova Southeastern University on a global level,” said Marchesan.

Marchesan first became involved in laser research and technology in 1998. She joined NSU in 2010.

“We are proud of Dr. Marchesan for achieving this high level of success and recognition in the field of laser dentistry,” said Linda Niessen, DMD, MPH, MPP, dean of the NSU College of Dental Medicine.

Marchesan received her PhD in endodontics from University of Ribeirão Preto, Brazil, Master of Science in Restorative Dentistry/Endodontics from University of São Paulo, Brazil, and her Doctor of Dental Surgery from University of São Paulo. She completed her specialty in endodontics at Nova Southeastern University.

April 28, 2014 (St. Paul, MN) – In a joint effort of the Patterson Foundation, Patterson Dental and other dental organizations and professionals, the Prince of Peace Dental Clinic opened its doors April 1 to low-income residents of the Minneapolis suburb of Burnsville and neighboring communities. The 420-square-foot clinic is located within the Mission Outpost complex at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Burnsville.

“The Patterson Foundation and Patterson Dental helped us with so many key areas of this project,” said Prince of Peace Mission Outreach Director Eric Elton. “Without these partnerships, this clinic does not exist.”

The Patterson Foundation, a private charitable foundation that is separate from Patterson Dental and Patterson Companies business operations, provided a $10,000 grant to Prince of Peace last fall toward construction and remodeling expenses. Elton said the Patterson Foundation grant helped with heavy lifting needs in areas like plumbing, electrical and other infrastructure costs. Patterson Dental designed the floor plan and provided dental equipment, installation and expertise to ensure regulatory compliance and efficiency.

The clinic held a ribbon cutting and open house on April 8. “It was amazing to see so many volunteers from throughout the community at the ribbon cutting,” said Todd Mueller, who serves on the Patterson Foundation board. “The Patterson Foundation is thrilled to play a role in helping this clinic, and its selfless volunteers provide much-needed dental care to people who may not have anywhere else to turn.”

Members of Patterson Dental’s local branch also attended the ribbon cutting, including Patterson Dental Equipment Specialist Steve Yungner and retired Patterson Dental Manager Rich Kochmann. Both were heavily involved with layout of the clinic and coordination that led to Patterson Dental donating dental chairs, delivery units, X-ray systems, digital technology, Eaglesoft practice management software, handpieces, lights, stools and other core equipment for both operatories.

While the clinic has been open for less than a month, Elton said he’s already hearing how much patients appreciate the care they are receiving. Comments include “I have never had such a good week” and “This is the best thing to happen to me in a long time.” Elton added, “A healthy mouth is a key indicator of our overall health and how well we’re doing. We see this clinic as a great way to help people who are experiencing pain and discomfort get back to feeling good and re-engaging in life.”

The Prince of Peace Dental Clinic is an extension of the Mission Outpost and programs, but also accepts patient referrals from other sources. Staffed almost entirely by volunteers, the clinic holds a triage session every Thursday morning to diagnose conditions and to qualify patients for treatment the following Tuesday evening.

The clinic treats people of all ages who are not covered by insurance for a small fee per visit. Services include emergency care, extractions and pain management, as well as preventive care and education. Elton said plans are in the works to open another treatment session this summer.

Chicago, April 25, 2014–The ADA Foundation (ADAF) invites US-based nonprofit organizations that work to improve oral health to apply for a grant through its new Semi-annual Invitational Grant Program. The application deadline is July 31.

The ADAF will consider grant applications from organizations whose projects align with the ADAF’s goal of improving oral health through one of the ADAF’s four mission pillars: Charitable Assistance, Access to Care, Research and Education.

In addition to alignment with the ADAF’s mission, applications will be evaluated based on criteria including clarity of the project description, reasonableness of the work plan and outcomes, the expectation of clear results and measurable outcomes, originality and creativity, presentation of a comprehensive and realistic budget, and other criteria the evaluating committee deems relevant in light of the ADAF mission pillar with which the grant request aligns.

The dollar amount of any grant will depend on the number of applicants, the budget needs presented in the grant request, and the amount of funds available for such misson pillar category at any given time. All ADAF grant awards are within the sole discretion of the ADAF Board of Directors.

Interested organizations should download and review the ADAF Semi-annual Grants Program Guidelines and Application document from www.adafoundation.org and submit their proposal no later than the July deadline.

Janet Guthmiller, DDS, PhD, Associate Dean of Academic Affairs and Professor in the Department of Periodontology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Dentistry, has been appointed as the new Dean of the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry (UNMC COD).

Dr. Guthmiller will succeed John Reinhardt, DDS, who is stepping down after 14 years as UNMC’s dentistry dean.

“Dr. Guthmiller brings a wealth of experience as a dental educator and researcher,” says UNMC Chancellor Jeffrey P. Gold, MD. “She possesses the leadership qualities we need to build on the reputation and accomplishments of the College of Dentistry.”

Prior to her current position, Dr. Guthmiller served on the faculty of the Baltimore College of Dental Surgery (now the University of Maryland School of Dentistry) and the University of Iowa College of Dentistry. She has been the Associate Dean at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill since 2007.

Dr. Guthmiller is very excited to lead UNMC COD. “I am honored to be a part of this great institution,” she says. “I hope to sustain the excellence and build on the strengths of the College of Dentistry.” Dr. Guthmiller plans to partner with dental students, faculty, staff and alumni and friends of UNMC COD, as well as UNMC’s other colleges, on initiatives that will benefit all Nebraskans.

“As a statewide campus, UNMC has a mission not only in education, research and clinical care, but also in service,” she says. “I look forward to seeing how the college can work and collaborate to help identify and address oral health needs throughout Nebraska and beyond.”

She is an accomplished researcher, author and teacher with special interests in genetic studies of periodontal bacteria and the expression and activity of innate antimicrobial peptides. During her time in academia, she also spent 14 years as a practicing periodontist. As an educator, she has a deep interest in mentorship programs for students and faculty. She is the recipient of multiple collegiate and national recognitions.

“Dr. Guthmiller separated herself from a talented field of candidates through the scope of her research and educational work, as well as her ability to quickly connect with all groups,” says Joan Sivers, DDS, Assistant Dean of Clinics at UNMC COD and Chairwoman of the Search Committee.

She earned a bachelor of arts degree in 1984 from Northwestern College in Orange City, Iowa, and graduated in 1988 with her doctor of dental surgery degree from the University of Iowa College of Dentistry. She then entered the National Institutes of Health-sponsored Dentist-Scientist Program at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. As a part of this program, she earned her periodontal certificate in 1992 and a doctorate in cellular and structural biology in 1993. 

Source: American Dental Education Association

Bethesda, Maryland (April 22, 2014) –The rate of developing esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) nearly doubles in those who both smoke and drink compared to those who only smoke or drink, according to new research published in The American Journal of Gastroenterology. Although multiple studies have identified risk factors for the development of ESCC, notably, exposure to alcohol and tobacco, this research is the first meta-analysis to look at the interaction between alcohol and tobacco in the risk of ESCC, a class of esophageal cancer that begins in the flat cells lining the esophagus.

“Our study suggests that not only do alcohol and tobacco play an important role in the development of esophageal cancer, the combination of their use markedly increases their potency as carcinogens. As a result, we as physicians should focus efforts directed at controlling the burden of esophageal cancer on those who consume both of these substances,” said lead author Anoop Prabhu, MD, Advanced Endoscopy Fellow at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, in New York, NY.

Dr. Prabhu, and authors Drs. Kenneth O. Obi and Joel H. Rubenstein at the University of Michigan Medical School, performed a systematic literature search in multiple electronic databases and looked at population-based case-control or cohort studies of ESCC that assessed the effects of tobaccos and/or alcohol. A synergy factor was calculated from each study to estimate the interaction on a multiplicative scale between tobacco and alcohol on the outcome of ESCC.

“Our systematic review confirmed the expected exposure-dependent relationship of both alcohol and tobacco with the risk of ESCC, as alcohol use and tobacco use were both independent risk factors for the development of ESCC,” stated Dr. Prabhu.

According to the National Cancer Institute, it is estimated in 2014 there will be over 18,000 new cases of esophageal cancer in the United States, and over 15,000 deaths from the disease. To learn more about esophageal cancer, visit ACG’s Patient Center: https://patients.gi.org/topics/gastrointestinal-cancers/.

INTELIHEALTH - A large study has found more factors linked with heart disease risk among people with gum disease.

The study included more than 15,000 people from 39 countries. All of them had stable heart disease. They were part of a clinical trial to test a drug called darapladib. The drug blocks an enzyme that can lead to narrowing or hardening of arteries.

Of the people in the study, about 80% were male, and 78% were white. Nearly 70% were current or former smokers.

About 40% of people in the study had lost at least half of their teeth. Periodontal (gum) disease is a common reason for gums to bleed. If it is allowed to get worse, it can damage the tissues and bone of the jaw. This can lead to tooth loss.

People were asked how many teeth they had and whether their gums bled when they brushed. Researchers also took blood samples. They measured cholesterol, blood-sugar and C-reactive protein (CRP). High levels of CRP mean that there is inflammation in the body.

People also had their waist size and blood pressure checked. They answered questions about their educational levels, stress levels, alcohol use and exercise.

People with tooth loss were more likely than others to have factors linked with a higher risk of heart disease: higher blood glucose; higher LDL ("bad cholesterol"); higher blood pressure; greater waist size; higher levels of CRP.

Tooth loss also was linked with less education, higher alcohol use and more stress at work.

Gum bleeding was linked with higher blood pressure and higher LDL.) People with gum bleeding also tended to have less education, drink more alcohol and have more stress at work, at home and about finances.

The authors say this is the largest study of its kind to assess gum disease symptoms in people with heart disease. The study results show more heart-disease risk factors in people with fewer teeth and bleeding gums. They say the findings suggest common risk factors for both gum disease and heart disease.

There were wide variations in data among people from different countries. For example, 69% of study participants from Slovakia had fewer than 15 teeth, compared with only 11% from India.

The study appears in the April issue of the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology.

Source: InteliHealth News Service

Citing the widespread prevalence of untreated dental decay in minority populations, the U.S. Office of Minority Health has introduced the Cultural Competency Program for Oral Health Professionals, a Continuing Education-certified online resource for professionals interested in bridging the gap and providing underserved populations with the care that they need. In addition to the online component, members who attend CLL in Las Vegas can take a CE course related to this program.

Source: American Dental Hygienists’ Association

Dearborn, Michigan - April 22, 2014 - EnvisionTEC, a leading manufacturer of proprietary 3D rapid manufacturing solutions, has announced the launch of the newly re-engineered 3D-Bioplotter® for researchers. The Developer Series provides for the basic needs of tissue engineering and educational institutions who might not need all of the options available to the advanced operator using the 4th Generation Manufacturer Series. 

The EnvisionTEC 3D-Bioplotter® has been used since 2000 for a variety of medical applications. Most research done to date using the 3D-Bioplotter® has been in the pre-clinical setting, yielding many publications by pre-eminent scientists from the materials science, imaging and toxicology disciplines. In the clinical setting, patient CT or MRI scans are used to create STL files to print solid 3D models which can then be used as templates for implants. 

The EnvisionTEC 3D-Bioplotter® 3D printing technique may be described as the deposition of materials in three dimensions using air pressure. Materials range from polymer melts, through viscous pastes to liquids, and are inserted into syringes to be used in individual printing heads with individual needle tips. Air pressure is applied to the syringe, which then deposits a strand of material for the length of movement and time the pressure is applied. Parallel strands are plotted in each layer. In each layer, the direction of the strands is turned over the center of the object, creating a fine mesh with good mechanical properties and mathematically well-defined porosity. By permitting the use of pastes, hydrogels, melts, and any other liquid which may be quickly solidified, this technology enables a wide range of 3D printing applications.

With the addition of the Developer Series, the 3D-Bioplotter® now comes in two versions to match the needs of varying users and budgets. CEO Al Siblani stated "The 3D-Bioplotter® Developer Series is the ideal choice for the basic needs of educational institutions, while the 3D-Bioplotter® Manufacturer Series offers all options needed by advanced tissue engineering research or production."

Click here to see a breakdown of the differences between the Developer Series and the Manufacturer Series.  

ATLANTA—For the third year in a row, Carestream Dental is a presenting sponsor of CDA Cares, a two-day event organized by the California Dental Association (CDA) and the CDA Foundation that gives volunteer dentists the opportunity to provide dental services at no charge to those who experience barriers to dental care.

“We’re so pleased that the CDA Foundation has once again put their trust in Carestream Dental to provide all the imaging equipment for CDA Cares.” Shauna Holliday, director of US regional sales for Carestream Dental, said. “Carestream Dental is committed to providing dentists and patients with cutting edge technology that results in faster, more accurate diagnoses; this event, coupled with Carestream Dental’s systems and expertise, improves the lives of thousands of patients.” 

Carestream Dental is exclusively supplying three extraoral imaging systems—two CS 9000 Extraoral Imaging Systems and a CS 8100 Digital Panoramic System—and 14 RVG 6100 Digital Radiography Systems, as well as the expertise of its staff and volunteers who will oversee the imaging station.

The CS 9000 captures top-quality panoramic X-ray images quickly and easily, and features low-dose radiation exposure to ensure patient safety. The ultra-compact CS 8100 is an award-winning panoramic imaging system that produces clear and sharp digital images that are ready for review almost immediately. The RVG 6100, Carestream Dental’s most popular intraoral sensor, displays images in less than two seconds and provides exceptional image resolution.

“We appreciate the donations provided by our CDA Cares sponsors, including the X-ray equipment from Carestream Dental,” Don Rollofson, DMD, CDA Foundation chair, said. “X-rays are an essential part of the care we provide to our patients, helping us to diagnose dental disease and plan each patient’s treatment.”

All the equipment provided by Carestream Dental is able to capture digital images within seconds, meaning faster diagnoses from doctors and less waiting time for patients. Considering that past CDA Cares events have seen well over 2,000 patients, fast, accurate results are all the more vital to ensure that the most patients are served.

Just as important as the cutting edge technology, Carestream Dental is also providing the volunteer hours and exceptional expertise of its employees to oversee the imaging station for both days of the event.

CDA Cares Solano takes place April 25-26, Solano County Fairgrounds, McCormack and Expo Halls, Vallejo, Calif. Patients will receive cleanings, fillings, extractions, oral health education and resources for finding a dentist for follow-up care. For more information, visit www.cdafoundation.org/cda-cares/solano.

ATLANTA – April 22, 2014 – Students, residents, and faculty at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Dentistry will now have access to new, sophisticated oral and maxillofacial imaging technology due to a partnership between the UT College of Dentistry and LED Imaging, a new division of LED Dental announced earlier this month. Residents and dental students will receive hands-on training with the RAYSCAN α – Expert, a multi-function digital imaging system, as part of their clinical training. This partnership demonstrates LED Imaging’s commitment to providing revolutionary technology to the dental industry and enhancing the education offered to the dentists and dental specialists of tomorrow.

“LED Imaging’s technology is vital to our clinical efforts and a tremendous asset to our students, faculty and community,” said Professor and Dean of the UT College of Dentistry Dr. Timothy Hottel. “The RAYSCAN α – Expert puts some of the best oral health imaging technology on the market in the hands of our students, so our graduates can feel confident that they received the highest diagnostic training available and will be able to apply what they learned when caring for their patients.”

The RAYSCAN α – Expert features 3D cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), panoramic and cephalometric capabilities. The system, developed by Ray Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Samsung, secures the images practitioners need to make fast and accurate diagnoses. The RAYSCAN α – Expert’s 3D images are captured using an optimal 9 cm x 9 cm field of view, while its CMOS and Direct Deposition Cesium Iodide (CsI) Detector ensure practitioners can quickly capture high-quality, 16-bit DICOM images at a low radiation dose. To minimize error from patient positioning and movement, the system’s focal trough is stabilized and controlled through Adaptive Moving Focus technology. The RAYSCAN α – Expert’s exclusive noise-reduction algorithms enhance image quality by removing image noise that could otherwise blur the image.

“The dental industry is rapidly adopting 3D technology, and it is becoming the standard of care in certain clinical applications,” said Lamar Roberts, president of LED Imaging. “We strongly believe that the use of advanced CBCT imaging is essential to the diagnostic training of the next generation of dental practitioners. We are excited to champion this endeavor with the UT College of Dentistry, and we look forward to partnering with other academic institutions in the future.”

The RAYSCAN α – Expert, the world’s first imaging system to utilize a wireless remote control for patient positioning, helps teach students the techniques for proper patient positioning for panoramic, cephalometric and CBCT image acquisition. Additionally, green, blue, yellow and red LED illumination indicates the status of the unit to the students at a glance: ready, standby, exposure and emergency, respectively. This ensures they are able to capture images effectively and efficiently for more accurate diagnoses.

This new equipment brings the latest in dental imaging technology to the University’s on-campus teaching clinic. The clinic provides learning opportunities for students and oral health care to the community, averaging more than 52,000 patient visits a year.

To learn more about LED Imaging, visit www.led-imaging.com. To learn more about the UTHSC College of Dentistry, visit www.uthsc.edu/dentistry.