Orangeburg, NY August 26, 2014   PDI, leader in infection prevention products and solutions, continues to reinforce the importance of a complete infection prevention program for skin antisepsis. Prevantics^® products are the first and only 3.15% Chlorhexidine Gluconate (w/v) and 70% Isopropyl Alcohol (v/v) formula which has been proven to deliver seven days of continued antimicrobial activity, aligning with dressing change protocols at many healthcare facilities.[1]  The clinical efficacy of Prevantics^® products are supported by more than 14 independent clinical studies, covering both adult and pediatric populations and spanning several practice areas. One medical center demonstrated a 59 percent reduction in central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) in the first year after improving practice in infection prevention and vascular access, coupled with the introduction of Prevantics^® products to the practice bundle. A 100 percent reduction was achieved by year four. [2]

“Our clinical partners have come to know and expect high-quality, efficacious products from PDI that provide the most advanced evidence-based solutions to prevent the spread of infection and exceed all clinical guidelines requirements,” said Hudson Garrett, PhD, MSN, MPH, FNP, CSRN™, VA-BC™, Vice-President, Clinical Affairs for PDI. “Prevantics^® products are no exception, and our continual innovation in formulation and delivery systems has produced excellent and sustained results.”

PDI also continues to provide support tools and clinical resources to help with implementation and on-going compliance to facility and evidence-based protocols. Most recently, the company released new educational and training videos for Prevantics^® products to help ensure proper use. The videos can be used for staff education during new hire orientation, product implementation and periodic refreshers. In addition, instructions for use posters and product guides are also available for the product.

Prevantics^® products are available in three sizes to accommodate varying types of procedures; 1.0 mL Swab, 1.6 mL Swabstick and 5.1 mL Maxi-Swabstick. The peel-apart packaging and unique pre-saturated applicator design make it easy to use. It contains no glass to break and does not require any activation wait time by the clinician. The Prevantics^® products Swabstick and Maxi Swabstick also feature unique two-sided applicators designed for prepping around joints, inter-digital areas and skin folds. The company recently updated the product packaging with a cleaner and simpler look aimed at helping staff to easily identify the product. For more information on Prevantics^® products or to access the new in-service videos, visit www.pdihc.com or contact your local PDI sales representative.

Prevantics^® products meet guidelines from leading regulatory agencies and industry associations such as the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Association for Vascular Access (AVA), Infusion Nurses Society (INS), Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA), Infectious Disease Society of America (IDSA), and Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC). Current CDC Guidelines for the Prevention of Intravascular Catheter-Related Infections recommend the use of a > 0.5% chlorhexidine skin preparation with alcohol for antisepsis.[3]

[1] Swabstick and Maxi-Swabstick only

[2] Matocha; D, Montero, M: . A Process Improvement Approach to the Elimination of Central Line Associated Bloodstream Infections. Poster Presented at the Association for Vascular Access Annual Scientific Meeting, 20111.

[3] O’Grady, Naomi, Alexander, Mary, et al. CDC Guidelines for the Prevention of Intravascular Catheter-Related Infections,. :Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee (HICPAC), US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2011.

Dental caries – or tooth decay -- is the most common chronic disease in children in the U.S., a silent disease that disproportionally affects poor, young, and minority populations. In a new clinical report by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) “Fluoride Use in Caries Prevention in the Primary Care Setting,” published online Aug. 25 in the September 2014 Pediatrics, the AAP states that fluoride is effective for cavity prevention in children. The AAP is issuing the following new recommendations:

• Fluoridated toothpaste is recommended for all children starting at tooth eruption, regardless of caries risk.

• A smear (the size of a grain of rice) of toothpaste should be used up to age 3. After age 3, a pea-sized amount may be used. Parents should dispense toothpaste for young children and supervise and assist with brushing.

• Fluoride varnish is recommended in the primary care setting every 3–6 months starting at tooth emergence.

• Over-the counter fluoride rinse is not recommended for children younger than 6 years due to risk of swallowing higher-than-recommended levels of fluoride.

Because fluoride is available in many sources, including food and tap water, and may be administered at home and professionally applied, pediatricians should be aware of the risks and benefits of various fluoride modalities to appropriately advise families to achieve maximum protection against dental caries, and to help counsel patients about proper oral health. - See more at: https://www.aap.org/en-us/about-the-aap/aap-press-room/pages/AAP-Recommends-Fluoride-to-Prevent-Dental-Caries.aspx#sthash.acG5ifVM.dpuf

Foster City, CA – August 21, 2014 – Visa’s annual Tooth Fairy survey shows that American children are receiving an average of $3.40 per lost tooth this year, down 8% from last year. For a full set of 20 baby teeth, American kids will be getting a slightly more modest, but still hefty, $68, down from $74 last year.

Please join Visa’s Practical Money Skills on Thursday August 21 to discuss the results via live TweetChat hosted by Wise Bread at 3pm EST. The chat can be accessed at https://tweetchat.com/ by using either #WBChat or #toothfairycalculator.

Also available to discuss tips on how parents can use the Tooth Fairy’s visit as an opportunity to lay the foundation for helping their children develop sound money management habits early in life is personal finance expert and the Senior Director of Visa’s Global Financial Education Programs, Jason Alderman.

Additional findings from the survey include:

• Fathers reported a far more indulgent Tooth Fairy, saying that the Fairy left 45% more than moms said she did: $4.20 vs. $2.90.

• The Fairy may be giving just what she has in her pocket; over 50% of kids will get either $1 or $5.

• 33% of respondents reported that the Tooth Fairy left a dollar.

• Only 3.6% said that the Tooth Fairy left $20 or more, down from 6% in 2013. 

• Kids in Canada are receiving the equivalent of $2.60 in U.S. dollars on average this year with the exchange rate, the same amount the Tooth Fairy was leaving kids in the U.S. in 2011.

• The Tooth Fairy spoiled kids in the West the most, leaving $3.60. Kids in the South and Northeast will each receive an average of about $3.50.  The Tooth Fairy was at her most thrifty in the Midwest, leaving an average of only $3.10.

The Tooth Fairy calculator and app are part of Visa’s free, award-winning financial education program, Practical Money Skills for Life, which reaches millions of people around the world each year. Launched in 1995, the program is now available in 10 languages in more than 30 countries. AtPractical Money Skills for Life, educators, parents and students can access free educational resources including personal finance articles, games, lesson plans, and more. The app is available for iPhones and iPads at the iTunes Store, and the calculator is available at: https://www.facebook.com/ToothFairyCalculator

**The survey results are based on approximately 3,000 telephone interviews among adults aged 18 or older and approximately 1,000 among households with children under age 13, in cooperation with GfK Roper’s Omnibus Service “OmniTel”. The margin of error on a sample of 1,000 is +/-3 percentage points.

Hauppauge, NY – On August 14, 2014, Crosstex International rolled out a new addition to their Secure Fit® Technology clinical face mask line.

In a recent mask survey (sponsored by Crosstex), hundreds of clinicians stated that comfort and protection were equally important in a face mask. The company’s new Isofluid® Plus Pure Face Masks with Secure Fit® Technology is designed with both in mind.

“The mask survey was created to undercover mask features that negatively, or positively, affect clinicians every day,” said Karen Norris, Crosstex Director of Marketing Communications. “Clinicians clearlycommunicated their desire for a mask that fits comfortably/is easy to breathe and will not cause breakouts or a rash.”

The Isofluid Plus Pure mask is designed to meet the needs of clinicians including those with sensitive skin or allergies—featuring a soft inner hypoallergenic cellulose layer that is latex-free and free of chemicals, inks, and dyes. The mask is manufactured in the United States and will not lint, tear or shred.

In addition to hypoallergenic materials, added comfort is found in the masks’ unique patented design, according to Andrew Whitehead, Senior Vice President, Marketing/Business Development. After years of research and development, Secure Fit masks feature a patent-pending design that has been found to significantly reduce gapping at the top, bottom and sides of the mask, according to independent clinical reviews by incorporating longer-than-standard aluminum strips both above the nose and under the chin, affording a custom-fit for any size or shape face.

“Better fit means less movement on your face—which has the dual benefit of causing less irritation as well as reducing your exposure to airborne particles,” adds Whitehead. “A well-fitting mask offers the best protection. Many of the problems noted by clinicians—poor breathability, fogging, discomfort—are in part the result of a poor fit. A well-fitting mask is not only more comfortable, but creates a stronger seal around the face, which means better protection and minimal fogging,” said Whitehead.

The newest addition to Crosstex’s acclaimed Secure Fit line of masks, the Isofluid Plus Pure has all the features that earned the Secure Fit line the top rating by The Dental Advisor in 2012, 2013 and 2014. The masks have been found in an independent study to provide as much as 3X’s protection of a standard ear loop face mask.

Isofluid® Plus Pure Face Masks with Secure Fit® Technology are now available for order through authorized Crosstex dealers. And for those attending the RDH Under One Roof in Chicago, August 14th-16th, 2014, Crosstex will have samples available as well as an exciting interactive display for attendees. The masks in the Isofluid line meet the European industry standard EN14683 Rating – Type II standard and are ASTM Level 1 approved.

Washington, DC, August 20, 2014 – The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) has released the fourth edition of the APIC Text of Infection Control and Epidemiology, a 123-chapter infection prevention and control resource that reflects the latest guidelines, regulations, clinical standards, research, and best practices.

This three-volume publication includes new chapters on competency and certification, standard precautions, long-term acute care, and ambulatory surgery centers. Each chapter contains subsections on programs and specialty areas, as well as international perspectives and future trends. More than 150 expert authors contributed content, including programmatic elements, best practices, and prevention measures for specific patient populations and practice settings.

“The new edition of the APIC Text is a product of many experts in the field of infection prevention,” said lead editor, Patti G. Grota, PhD, RN, CNS-M-S, CIC. “Expanding on the previous edition, this version of the APIC Text is the most comprehensive and current reference available to infection preventionists and is an invaluable tool that will help educate all healthcare personnel.”

In addition to hard copy format, the APIC Text is also available online. The newly updated, content-rich APIC Text Online includes all 123 chapters of new and revised content from the 4th edition. This internet-accessible version enables subscribers to access the most up-to-date content in real time on their computers or mobile tablets. Additionally, the web-based version includes a keyword search function.

Visit the APIC website to learn more.

(CHICAGO, IL – August 5, 2014) The American Academy of Implant Dentistry has always been known as creating the curve in implant dentistry. This year's Annual Implant Dentistry Educational Conference keynote speaker, Nina Tandon, PhD will intrigue, motivate, and challenge the current thinking of implant dentistry and more. In her thrilling and eye-opening keynote, she will explain the process of growing tissue and transplants, and the future of medical science. With the help of manufacturing and information technology, we are on the verge of being able to grow human tissue.

Dr. Tandon believes that the era of engineered tissues—for example, a replacement kidney grown in the lab—is just beginning.  In this presentation, she will show how we (and our bodies) have lived through most of history (“Body 1.0”), and then how we evolved into "cyborgs" with implants such as pacemakers and artificial teeth (“Body 2.0”). Now, “Body 3.0” is all about growing our OWN body parts.

For her doctoral   dissertation research, Tandon grew cardiac cells that beat like tiny hearts.Dr. Tandon’s research is on the cutting edge of science: where sci-fi meets reality. She works on growing artificial hearts and bones that can be put into the body, and studies the new frontier of biotech: homes, textiles, and videogames made of cells. Profiled in Wired and named one of Fast Company's Most Creative People in Business, she speaks on the future of healthcare and technology, and biology's new industrial revolution.

Tandon is CEO and co-founder of EpiBone, the world’s first company growing living human bones for skeletal reconstruction. She is the coauthor of Super Cells: Building with Biology, a book that explores the new frontier of biotech. She is a TED Senior Fellow.  

She has a Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering from the Cooper Union, a Master’s in Bioelectrical Engineering from MIT, a PhD in Biomedical Engineering, and an MBA from Columbia University. Tandon spent her early career in telecom at Avaya Labs and transitioned into biomedical engineering via her Fulbright Scholarship in Italy, where she worked on an electronic nose used to “smell” lung cancer.

PITTSTON, PA — July 31, 2014 — U.S. servicemen, servicewomen and NATO troops under the care of Major Rick Coslett, D.M.D. received a gift of innovative provisions at The Craig Joint Theater Hospital at Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan. This past January, dental supplies and equipment requested by Major Coslett arrived in record time courtesy of Benco Dental Chairman and Chief Customer Advocate, Larry Cohen. Six months later on July 31, in Pittston, Pennsylvania, Major Coslett returned the favor with an unexpected presentation to the troops’ benefactor on his home base.

“I cannot express in words how grateful we are here to have such great American patriots as those who make up Benco Dental,” said Major Coslett, a Shavertown resident who, after serving his community as a dentist for 24 years, elected at age 51 to serve his country on August 28, 2009. After receiving a direct commission and obtaining the rank of Major, based on his civilian experience in the dental field, Major Coslett, served three mobilizations as a U.S. Army Dental Corp Reservist: the first in 2011, at Fort McCoy, Wisconsin; the second, in 2012, with the 94^th Combat Support Hospital in Afghanistan, and third in 2014, with the 912^th Dental Company, in Afghanistan.

Major Coslett, now 56, and back treating patients at his joint private practice, Brand & Coslett Family Dentistry, said he knew who to call upon arrival in Afghanistan to obtain the dental equipment and supplies that would allow him to provide the best care possible to troops from around the world.

“It’s the dental materials that have put Benco on the forefront of dentistry,” he said.

A Benco Dental customer since 1981, during his days at Temple University School of Dentistry in Philadelphia, Major Coslett was well-versed in the generosity of the 83-year strong-dental distribution company.

Overwhelmed by the donation Benco Dental provided, Major Coslett was moved to nominate Larry Cohen, the Chairman and Chief Customer Advocate of the nation’s fastest growing dental distributor, for the United States Army’s prestigious Certificate of Appreciation for Patriotic Civilian Service.

After an official nomination letter and approval process, Major Coslett received word in May that the Department of the Army had fulfilled his request with a proclamation.

With the help of Larry’s family, including wife, Sally, and sons, Chuck and Rick Cohen, Benco Dental Managing Directors, Major Coslett organized a surprise presentation July 31 at the Benco Dental home office, 295 CenterPoint Boulevard, Pittston, Pa.

“Who did this?” Larry Cohen joked, upon seeing Major Coslett and a crowd of nearly 100 Benco associates gathered at the company’s Summit Conference Center. “Dr. Coslett has always been a great customer and a good dentist, too. It’s a pleasure to help him and it’s a pleasure to help the Army. I was a dental assistant in the Army,” added Larry Cohen.

Major Coslett noted that, “As with any military deployment, you have your great days, your good days and your tough days. Although each day brought challenges and uncertainty, the one constant is the incredibly proud feeling of being an American soldier.”

The American soldiers with whom he served in Afghanistan were truly an inspiration to him, he said. Their commitment and bond to one another, their “Battle Buddies” is an unbreakable constant.

“In the Army it’s your ‘Battle Buddy’ that gets you through each day. With my wholehearted sincerity, I would like to say that Benco Dental is a ‘Battle Buddy’ of the U.S. Dental Corp.”

Journal of Oral Implantology — Success of a dental implant can be affected by the width of the alveolar ridge—an indication of the amount of bone available to hold the implant. A variety of methods exist, each with their own advantages, to determine bone loss and subsequent augmentation techniques. The ridge-split graft is highlighted as a strategy for treating horizontally collapsed alveolar ridges.

The Journal of Oral Implantology offers a comparison of two commonly used techniques, the ridge-split and the block bone grafts. The oral surgeon must choose the best technique for bone augmentation based on an assessment of the patient’s condition and the oral surgeon’s own skills and experience.

Diagnosis of alveolar bone should first be assessed visually for width and height and the relationships of teeth to one another and to the dental arch. Radiographic images can distinguish two-dimensional versus three-dimensional bone deficiency. A three-dimensional or volumetric bone evaluation with cone-beam computed tomography allows for precise measurement of the ridge and evaluation of both the cortical and medullary portion of the bone, which are imperative for the stability of the implant.

A 10-point comparison of the two graft techniques, ridge-split and block bone, is offered within this article. Issues discussed include graft resorption, donor and recipient site morbidity, wound closure, buccal soft tissue flap, immediate or delayed implant insertion, and long-term stability of the graft.

Both methods are used primarily for horizontal alveolar ridge augmentation, or bone widening. Block bone grafting is effective for severe anterior atrophy in the upper and lower jaw. However, morbidity at the donor site and later-term graft resorption can occur with this method.

Some advantages of the split-ridge procedure include the lack of a donor site and that the buccal flap is not compromised but left attached. A post-operative injury while chewing is less likely with the ridge-split method because the graft is positioned more internally, protecting the area.

While the choice of graft technique must ultimately be decided by the experience and comfort level of the operator, the author asserts that the ridge-split treatment has many advantages and produces a stable graft over time.

Full text of the article, “Classification of the Alveolar Ridge Width: Implant Driven Treatment Considerations for the Horizontally-Deficient Alveolar Ridges,” Journal of Oral Implantology, Vol. 40, Special Issue 1, 2014, is available at https://www.joionline.org/doi/full/10.1563/AAID-JOI-D-14-00023.

The Academy of General Dentistry is pleased to announce the creation of a new international membership category beginning October 2014. The new category is in response to the many requests the AGD receives from dentists around the world who share in AGD’s values, goals and mission. These forward thinking dentists, who are committed to continuing education, can now pursue that AGD’s prestigious Fellowship (FAGD) and Mastership (MAGD) awards by attending approved CE courses and AGD’s annual meeting. Additionally, international members will have full electronic access to AGD’s award winning publications General Dentistry and AGD Impact. This is wonderful global opportunity for all dentists who value continuing education to share their knowledge and achieve recognition for their pursuit of excellence. For more information contact the membership department at 1-888-AGD-DENT or visit the website: www.agd.org