Malvern, PA (May 16, 2014) – DentalEZ^® Group, a supplier of innovative products and services for dental health professionals worldwide, is pleased to reintroduce the 430 SWL Flexto its StarDental^® 430 handpiece line. Designed with a new look and equipped with numerous performance-enhancing features, the 430 SWL Flex makes the conversion to the classic StarDental line of high-speed handpieces fast, seamless, and less costly. There is no need to purchase new couplers to make the switch for dental professionals who are currently using MULTIflex^® swivels in their practice. 

The 430 SWL Flex includes solid glass rod fiber optics & is designed with an attractive satin finish. It is available in lubricated or StarDental’s traditional LubeFree^™,which provides substantial cost and time savings. The small head and high-torque design of the 430 SWL Flex provides superior oral accessibility and visibility, and the high power enables fast and precise removal of tooth surface and amalgam.

Committed to offering high-quality long-lasting choices, DentalEZ provides a two-year warranty for the lubricated line of high-speed 430 Series handpieces, as well as a one-year warranty for its traditional LubeFree versions. 

For more information on the StarDental 430 SWL Flex Handpiece, please call 877-341-6275 or visit www.dentalez.com/430Flex.  

York, Pennsylvania – May 16, 2014 – DENTSPLY Professional is proud to introduce NUPRO^® extra care prophy paste with NovaMin^® calcium phosphate technology.  Previously marketed as NUPRO^® Sensodyne^® prophy paste, the name change to NUPRO^® extra care is intended to more accurately reflect the multiple clinical benefits NUPRO^® extra care prophy paste delivers with just one application - allowing clinicians to do more than just polish.

The formulation remains the same, so clinicians and patients will continue to enjoy the many benefits they love.  NUPRO^® extra care prophy paste cleans and polishes teeth and provides immediate and long lasting sensitivity relief at the same time, saving clinicians time, money and effort.  This name change will affect products sold in the United States only.  New NUPRO^® extra care prophy paste will be available beginning in May 2014.

NUPRO^® extra care prophy paste is available in four patient-pleasing flavors and two grit selections: polish (fine-medium grit) or stain removal (medium-coarse grit).  A non-fluoride choice is also available. NUPRO^® extra care prophy paste is Gluten-free, Dye-free, Sodium Laurel Sulfate-Free.

Clinicians can request free samples and find additional information on the NUPRO^® extra care prophy paste website:  www.nuproextracare.com.

(HealthDay News) -- The World Health Organization says that, while there's growing concern about infections caused by the MERS virus, the threat does not yet constitute a public health emergency.

Click here to read more.

A shared population of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteria circulates both in humans and companion animals, according to a study published this week in mBio®, the online open-access journal of the American Society for Microbiology.

"Our study demonstrates that humans and companion animals readily exchange and share MRSA bacteria from the same population," says senior author Mark Holmes, senior lecturer in preventive veterinary medicine at the University of Cambridge in England. MRSA naturally lives on the skin and also causes difficult-to-treat infections in humans and animals. "It also furthers the 'one health' view of infectious diseases that the pathogens infecting both humans and animals are intrinsically linked, and provides evidence that antibiotic usage in animal medicine is shaping the population of a major human pathogen."

Holmes and colleagues sequenced the genomes of 46 MRSA samples from cats and dogs, collected between August 2003 and August 2007 from two large veterinary hospitals and several smaller veterinary practices throughout the United Kingdom. The samples were found to be similar to those associated with MRSA strains in humans, with most coming from wound infections or skin and soft tissue infections. Additional samples were from the animals' urine; cerebrospinal fluid; nasal wash or discharge; and bloodstream, heart valve or joint infections.

Comparing the samples to a global collection of human MRSA samples sequenced as part of other studies and evaluating the evolution of the bacteria, the investigators found that all animal infections fell in the same family: Epidemic MRSA 15 (EMRSA-15) (sequence type ST22), a common strain of MRSA first detected in the United Kingdom in the 1990s that spread throughout Europe. The bacteria were interspersed throughout the EMRSA-15 genetic family tree. Nearly all samples were genetically similar to human bacteria, and their place in the family tree showed that the companion animal bacteria most likely originated in humans.

Researchers also observed that samples from the same veterinary hospitals clustered together genetically, suggesting that as in human hospitals, MRSA can be readily transmitted in veterinary hospital settings.

"It's a reminder that constant vigilance and high levels of hygiene are just as important when treating cats and dogs as with humans," Holmes says.

Analysis of the genomes showed very little genetic discrimination between bacteria samples from humans and animals, indicating that the MRSA from cats and dogs had not undergone extensive adaptation to the companion animals, suggesting this type of MRSA has a broad host range. But the animal MRSA were significantly less likely than those from humans to have resistance to the antibiotic erythromycin, used rarely in English veterinary practices. Instead, these MRSA from animals were more likely to contain mutations making them resistant to the antibiotic clindamycin, used widely in veterinary medicine in the United Kingdom.

Holmes says pet owners don't need to worry.

"MRSA infection in cats and dogs is still extremely rare," Holmes says. "There is very little risk of owners getting ill from their pets." In addition, he says, healthy pets are not likely to pick up MRSA from their human companions but if a pet already is ill or its health is severely compromised, MRSA patients should inform their pets' veterinarians.

ST. PAUL, Minn. – 3M ESPE is expanding the offerings in its fast and precise Imprint™ 4 family with the new additions of 3M™ ESPE™ Imprint™ 4 Preliminary VPS Preliminary Impression Material and 3M™ ESPE™ Imprint™ 4 Bite VPS Bite Registration Material. Both materials carry on the reputation of the Imprint 4 family by adding control and convenience to everyday procedures in the dental practice.

Imprint 4 Preliminary VPS material, available in both Super Quick and Regular setting times, stands to take the place of alginates for dentists seeking a convenient and time-saving alternative. The material, which replaces the existing 3M™ ESPE™ Position™ Penta™ VPS Preliminary Impression Material, works with the 3M™ ESPE™ Pentamix™ System to eliminate many of the time-consuming steps of alginates while ensuring homogeneous, void-free and reproducible mixing quality. When combined with other solutions like the 3M™ ESPE™ Impression Tray and 3M™ ESPE™ Protemp™ Plus Temporization Material, Imprint 4 Preliminary VPS material helps dentists achieve outstanding efficiency in the provisional workflow.

Unlike alginate impressions, which cannot be stored and are suited for only one pouring process, impressions taken with Imprint 4 Preliminary VPS material offer long-term dimensional stability and can be poured multiple times. The material’s hydrophilicity ensures that models can be poured without pre-treatment of the impression surface, and models show a very high surface quality. Additionally, impressions made with Imprint 4 Preliminary material can be fully disinfected without losing dimensional stability.

For optimized workflows, the super quick Imprint 4 Preliminary VPS material offers a convenient working time of 1 minute and a short intra-oral setting time of 90 seconds to improve patient comfort and decrease patient chairtime.

Also new in the Imprint 4 family, Imprint 4 Bite VPS material is suited for open and closed bite occlusal registration. The material replaces the existing Imprint Bite VPS Bite Registration Material. Provided in a cartridge for common hand dispensers, the product allows for simple and convenient mixing and can be dispensed directly in the patient’s mouth. With its great flow

properties and no-slump consistency, Imprint 4 Bite VPS material does not lock into undercuts or interdental areas. After setting, the bite material is easy to cut, trim and accurately position with the stone model.

For optimized workflows and high patient comfort, Imprint 4 Bite VPS material offers a convenient working time of 20 seconds and a short setting time of 60 seconds, helping minimize inaccuracies due to jaw movements during setting.

Adding to their suitability for modern workflows, both Imprint 4 Preliminary VPS material and Imprint 4 Bite VPS material are scannable, giving dentists easy access to CAD/CAM solutions.

By adding control, speed, and convenience to everyday procedures, both Imprint 4 Preliminary VPS material and Imprint 4 Bite VPS material make valuable additions to the family of Imprint 4 VPS impression materials.

Do you know Staphylococci, coliforms, pseudomonads, yeasts, intestinal bacteria and -- yes -- even fecal germs may be on your toothbrush?

Click here to read more.

Eating more fruits and vegetables may reduce the risk of stroke worldwide, according to new research in the American Heart Association's journal Stroke.

Researchers conducted a meta-analysis of 20 studies published over the last 19 years to assess the effects of fruit and vegetable consumption on risk of stroke globally. The combined studies involved 760,629 men and women who had 16,981 strokes.

Stroke risk decreased by 32 percent with every 200 grams of fruit consumed each day and 11 percent with every 200 grams of vegetables consumed each day.

"Improving diet and lifestyle is critical for heart and stroke risk reduction in the general population," said Yan Qu, M.D., the study's senior author, director of the intensive care unit at Qingdao Municipal Hospital and professor at the Medical College of Qingdao University in Qingdao, China. "In particular, a diet rich in fruits and vegetables is highly recommended because it meets micronutrient and macronutrient and fiber requirements without adding substantially to overall energy requirements."

Macronutrients (carbohydrates, protein and fat) provide calories or energy. Our bodies need smaller amounts of micronutrients such as vitamins and minerals.

The researcher cited studies demonstrating that high fruit and vegetable consumption can lower blood pressure and improve microvascular function. It has favorable effects on body mass index, waist circumference, cholesterol, inflammation and oxidative stress.

The beneficial effects of fruits and vegetables applied consistently to men and women, stroke outcome and by type of stroke (caused by clot or bleeding). Researchers found no significant difference in the effect on age (younger or older than 55).

The researchers adjusted the study findings for factors such as smoking, alcohol, blood pressure, cholesterol, physical activity, body mass index and other dietary variables.

Researchers combined the results of six studies from the United States, eight from Europe and six from Asia (China and Japan). They note that low fruit and vegetable consumption is prevalent worldwide, and especially in low- and middle-income countries.

Increasing the consumption of fruits and vegetables up to 600 grams each day could reduce the burden of ischemic stroke by 19 percent globally, according to the World Health Organization.

In China, stroke is the leading cause of death, with an estimated 1.7 million people dying in 2010. In the United States, stroke is the No. 4 cause of death and a leading cause of disability.

The American Heart Association advises the average adult to eat four to five servings each of fruits and vegetables daily, based on a 2,000-calorie diet. A diet rich in a variety of colors and types of vegetables and fruits is a way of getting important nutrients that most people don't get enough of, including vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. They are also naturally low in saturated fat.

The Journal of the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society published a paper led by Centers for Disease Contorl and Prevention (CDC) epidemiologist Penina Haber, MPH, titled “Post-licensure Surveillance of Trivalent Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine in Children Aged  2-18 Years, Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS), United States, July 2005- June 2012.” The study, which assessed the safety of trivalent live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV3) in children in the Vaccine Adverse Events Reporting System (VAERS) during 2005-2012, did not find any new or unexpected adverse event patterns. However, it did find that LAIV3 was still being given to persons for whom the vaccine is not recommended (e.g., persons with a history of asthma or reactive airway disease/wheezing), suggesting that ongoing monitoring and education in this area is needed.

During the study period, VAERS received 2,619 U.S. LAIV3 reports in children aged 2–18 years. Fever was the most commonly reported symptom after LAIV3 vaccination. During this time, approximately 50 million doses of LAIV3 were distributed in the United States for use in children and adults. Ongoing assessment of the safety of LAIV continues as more children are vaccinated annually with the recently approved quadrivalent live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV4).   

To view this manuscript in its entirety, click here.

MELVILLE, New York —Air Techniques, Inc., a leading innovator and manufacturer of dental equipment will hold a Corporate Forum at CDA Presents in Anaheim, California this year. Attendees will have the opportunity to earn up to 6 CE credits.

Topics to be discussed are 21^st Century Caries Detection; Digital Imaging; Utility Room Choices, Maintenance and Advances; Hand Hygiene; Instrument Cleaning; and Surface Disinfecting. Courses will be presented by Martin J. Jablow, DMD, FAGD, Parag R. Kachalia, DDS, Kristie Menage Bernie, RDH, BS, RYT, and Ron Morilla, Product Specialist.

Each CE course, held in exhibit hall D, is considered Core worth 1.0 unit per lecture.

Representatives will be available at Air Techniques’ booth #416 for more information—where attendees can also pick up a beauty bag for a chance to win a $100 gift card.

“We are excited to be partnering with the CDA to provide Continuing Education Corporate Forums free of charge on the convention floor.  It will give the dental professionals a unique opportunity to learn about the latest advances and technologies, and in turn, they will use that knowledge to make the best purchasing decisions when walking the show floor as educated consumers.” said Jennifer Brown, Air Techniques Trade Show and CE Events Manager.

For more information on Air Techniques, please visit: www.airtechniques.com. Become a fan of Air Techniques on Facebookand follow the company on Twitter.

CHICAGO — The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), the leading authority on children’s oral health, will host its 2014 Annual Session in Boston at the Hynes Convention Center from May 22nd-25th.  More than 5,500 participants are registered for this year’s event.

According to AAPD President Dr. Warren A. Brill, "Boston is the cradle of liberty and seat of the origins of higher education for our country. It is significant that our central meeting location is around the corner from the marathon finish line, where I expect many of our members to stop, reflect and thank all for their dedication and bravery."

Once again, this year’s scientific program promises to deliver cutting-edge topics, including a preconference program, "2014 Pediatric Medicine Update," featuring faculty from Boston’s Children’s Hospital/Harvard University.  This course is an abbreviated version of the stand-alone one offered by the AAPD every other year.  New this year is an Evidence-Based Dentistry (EBD) area in the AAPD Booth, in which brief tutorials will be made available.  Academy members are currently working on the first EBD guidelines:

•           Pit and fissure sealants, with the American Dental Association and

•           Pulp therapy in the primary dentition.

The AAPD is also providing a "Meet and Greet Mentor Lounge" in Boston for new dentists and residents.  Mentors and mentees will have the opportunity to discuss how to get the most out of their Annual Session experience, as well as share practice and career experiences.   

Attendees are in for "Happy Days" as accomplished actor, writer, and producer Henry Winkler, will provide Friday morning’s keynote address where he plans to discuss his personal life and career, as well as share how he used his position to help others, particularly children.  

For this year’s Welcome Reception, the AAPD has retained exclusive access to Fenway Park, home of the 2013 World Series Champions, on Friday night. Participants will spend the night enjoying music by Sweet Tooth and the Sugar Babies party band, along with Boston and New England’s favorite mascots: Wally the Green Monster, Pat Patriot, Blades the Bruin, Larry the Lobster and Lucky the Leprechaun!

"We’re pleased to announce that this year’s meeting also marks the launch of AAPD’s re-branded annual session," stated Dr. John S. Rutkauskas, AAPD CEO.  "In 2013, our board of trustees approved a project to re-brand the largest gathering of pediatric dentists as the premiere educational offering of the AAPD, and it’s very exciting to have Boston serve as our initial platform."

For detailed information on AAPD’s 2014 Annual Session, please visit https://www.aapd.org/annual/.  The AAPD can also be found on Facebook and Twitter!