Hatfield, PA (March 26, 2015) – i-CAT, a brand of the KaVo Kerr Group, is proud to introduce a fresh new marketing microsite called “Their Story.” Through a fully integrated multimedia campaign, the platform casts a growing collection of stories that illustrates how doctors are changing patients’ lives every day. Each is told by the doctor (and in some cases their patients) and contains a rich set of information, including a case report, select videos, images and more.

i-CAT, with its balance between image quality and dose allows these clinicians to detect anatomical anomalies and see vital structures that would not be visible with 2D imaging, and in some cases, at a dose comparable to a 2D panoramic X-ray*. i-CAT software also offers these dental professionals effective tools for diagnosis of conditions related to airway disorders.

The first “Their Story,” submitted by Orthodontist Dr. Juan-Carlos Quintero, describes how he was able to deliver the clinical outcomes that changed 7-year-old Sebastian’s life. Sebastian had been suffering from both dental and medical issues. At Sebastian’s orthodontic visit, the information from an i-CAT scan and the treatment planning software, Tx STUDIO™ helped enable Dr. Quintero to determine how to treat him orthodontically, but also pinpointed a significant blockage of his airway. After collaborative treatment with medical professionals, the results were dramatic and illustrate the impact that orthodontists can have if they have the right tools to better visualize the anatomy and help create an individualized treatment plan. This landmark case has forever changed the way that Dr. Quintero practices.

Dr. Quintero explained why he submitted his story. “It is a wonderful time in orthodontics as our profession enters a new horizon with low dose 3D imaging. I am pleased to be able to share a very personal story on how this technology can profoundly improve the quality of life of our patients. I hope the story inspires others to look beyond traditional 2D imaging and really see their patients!”

Dr. Robert Kaspers’ “Their Story” centers around an adult patient named Fiaz whose i-CAT scan’s information helped Dr. Kaspers to treat not only his improper bite, but a severe constriction of his airway as well. After surgical and orthodontic treatment, Fiaz was able to experience a drastic improvement in his quality of life.

Dr. Kaspers shared, “I can only hope that by telling Fiaz’s story that more orthodontists realize that 3D radiography has so much to offer our profession. Before acquiring my i-CAT, I was severely limited in diagnosing my patients to a balanced occlusion, and I didn’t even consider a patient’s airway. The i-CAT was the best investment I have ever made.”

The i-CAT team is excited about this campaign and the impactful stories from using i-CAT technology. “We are grateful that these two clinicians shared their powerful “Their Stories,” and we are even happier that the treatment had a profound effect on their health. By sharing these stories, we hope to show how 3D imaging can help in the process of diagnosis,” states Rick Matty, Director of Marketing for i-CAT. “We look forward to hearing many more accounts of how i-CAT showed the details that led to a life-changing diagnosis.”

To read the case studies, view the videos, and see the images of these cases, visit stories.icat.com. i-CAT also welcomes dental professionals to share their life changing stories by contacting us through this microsite. You can join the conversation on i-CAT’s social media sites on Facebook, www.facebook.com/iCAT3D, and on Twitter, @iCAT3D, #Their3Dstory.

*Data on file; Indications for Use at www.i-cat.com\ifu

A dental therapy task force has been created and authorized in the state of New Mexico, charged with developing legislation for a mid-level oral health practitioner for the 2016 legislative session. ADHA’s Director of Governmental Affairs Ann Lynch visited the state of New Mexico throughout the legislative session to assist the New Mexico Dental Hygienists' Association (NMDHA) in their efforts to increase oral health access. Lynch and members of the NMDHA offered testimony in both House and Senate Committees. The bill, which was introduced by Representative Dennis Roch (REP-NM) and Senator Benny Shendo, Jr. (DEM-NM), creates a dental hygiene-based, mid-level oral health practitioner in the state of New Mexico.

Lynch worked with leaders from the NMDHA and other allies to advocate the importance this provider can play in improving the public’s oral and overall health. The bill passed the House with a bi-partisan vote of 34-25. In the final hours of the New Mexico 2015 Legislative Session, a Senate "Memorial" passed, which created a dental therapy task force. The task force will meet monthly beginning June 2015 and is charged with developing legislation to be introduced in 2016 to create a mid-level oral health practitioner.

The ADHA remains steadfast in its commitment to engage dental hygienists in the advancement of innovative workforce models, and leading the transformation of the dental hygiene profession to improve the public's oral and overall health. For more information on the legislation happening in your own state, visit the ADHA’s Advocacy page.

New research out today concludes that there is limited evidence to show that xylitol is effective in preventing dental cavities in children and adults.

Xylitol is a natural sweetener that is widely promoted globally, and can be found in wide range of everyday products including sugar–free chewing gum, toothpaste, gels, lozenges and sweets.

Xylitol is a popular sugar substitute in sweets and it is already known to cause less damage to teeth than sugar. It has also been suggested that the addition of xylitol to products may help to prevent tooth decay by stopping the growth of decay-producing bacteria. However, according to new evidence published in the Cochrane Library there is little high quality evidence that it is beneficial in the fight against tooth decay, which affects up to 90% of children and most adults worldwide.

The authors gathered together data from 5,903 participants in ten different studies. In most cases, the studies used such different methods that the researchers could not combine the results to create a summary effect estimate. Based on information from 4,216 school children who took part in two Costa Rican studies, they found low quality evidence that levels of tooth decay were 13% lower in those who used a fluoride toothpaste containing xylitol for three years, compared to those who used a fluoride-only toothpaste. For other xylitol-containing products, such as xylitol syrup, lozenges and tablets, there was little or no evidence of any benefit.

Lead researcher, Philip Riley of the School of Dentistry at the University of Manchester, said, “This Cochrane review was produced to assess whether or not xylitol could help prevent tooth decay in children and adults. The evidence we identified did not allow us to make any robust conclusions about the effects of xylitol, and we were unable to prove any benefit in the natural sweetener for preventing tooth decay. The limited research on xylitol-containing toothpastes in children may only be relevant to the population studied. He added, “For other products containing xylitol we were unable to determine whether they were beneficial. We were particularly surprised to see such a lack of evidence on xylitol-containing chewing gums."

Several of the studies included in the Cochrane review did not report sufficient information on the side effects of xylitol, which can include bloating, diarrhoea and laxative effects. Philip Riley remarked, "We expected all studies to report adverse effects as an outcome. Sugar-free gums, sweets, mints and other products are well-known for their gastrointestinal effects and these should be clearly reported in future studies."

Alexandria, Va., USA – The American Association for Dental Research (AADR) is deeply disappointed with the fiscal year (FY) 2016 Budget Resolution adopted last week by the House Budget Committee. By adhering to austere spending caps in the short term, this spending blueprint will further slow progress on improving the health and well-being of all Americans as well as effectively stifle any opportunities to develop personalized medicine approaches to improve dental, oral and craniofacial health, reduce oral health inequalities, or ensure a robust and diverse pipeline of dental, oral, and craniofacial researchers, according to AADR.

By cutting nondefense discretionary spending an additional $759 billion from FY2017 through FY2025, this budget plan all but assures that the US will continue to lose ground as the world leader in research and development, that its economic growth will be hampered and that American families will lose their best hope for treating and curing debilitating diseases.

“Non-defense discretionary spending funds important components of the federal government, including the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR). Many members of Congress have voiced their support for biomedical research, but unless Congress provides a sufficient and reliable investment for NIH, American’s health will suffer.”

“Over the past several years, funding for NIDCR has dropped 25% when adjusted for inflation. This decline in purchasing power is especially troubling because past achievements in oral health during the last half century are in large part the fruits of research supported by NIDCR. Any hope of restoring that momentum would be lost under this budget resolution.”

“We hope lawmakers will reject this resolution and work together to develop a balanced approach to deficit reduction that does not rely on additional cuts to non-defense discretionary programs,” said AADR President Paul Krebsbach from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry.

INTELIHEALTH - Secondhand smoke puts pregnant women at increased risk for having a baby with a cleft lip, says a review of published research.

Authors from Canada, Egypt, and the United Kingdom reviewed 14 studies on the topic. After adjusting for other factors that could affect risk, the authors found that women exposed to secondhand smoke had a 50% greater risk of having a baby with cleft lip, or cleft lip and palate, compared with women who were not exposed to secondhand smoke.

Past research has shown an increased risk for cleft lip and palate in the babies of pregnant women who smoked. The risk found in those studies is about the same as the risk this study found for secondhand smoke.

A previous research review found that women exposed to secondhand smoke had a 23% greater risk of stillbirth and a 13% greater risk of having a baby with a physical malformation.

The study appears in the March 11 issue of the journal PLoS One.

Source: InteliHealth News Service

March 12, 2015 – The Hispanic Dental Association (HDA) is pleased to announce the launch of a key strategic collaboration with Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual). The yearlong partnership will allow the HDA to further its mission of providing service, education, advocacy, and leadership intended to eliminate oral health disparities in the Hispanic community. At the same time, this collaboration will allow MassMutual to help raise financial acumen among dental professionals as well as the Hispanic community.

“This collaboration brings key support to dentists and members of the Oral Health Team across the country,” noted David Pena, Jr, Executive Director, Hispanic Dental Association. “We are confident that our partnership with MassMutual will bring valuable information and services to our Members and the Hispanic community across the country.”

As part of this collaboration, MassMutual will provide much-needed support to HDA chapters across the country including Houston, San Antonio, Northern Texas, Los Angeles and Chicago. The strategic collaboration will provide support in the form of financial education via seminars, scholarships for oral care students, recruitment at the professional and student levels via networking events, and community engagement via oral care screenings.

“We are proud to collaborate with the HDA to help Hispanic dental professionals obtain the resources needed to succeed at the personal and professional levels,” said Dr. Chris Mendoza, Vice President, Multicultural Market Development. “At MassMutual, we care about improving the financial literacy of our communities and this collaboration does just that. It not only helps educate Hispanic professionals about finances but also brings much needed oral care support to local Hispanic communities.”

MassMutual’s collaboration with the HDA is part of the company’s ongoing commitment to empower Hispanic consumers by helping them take positive steps toward financial security for themselves and their families. For more information about the MassMutual please visit https://www.massmutual.com. 

CHICAGO, March 23, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- During Root Canal Awareness Week, March 22-28, the American Association of Endodontists is releasing a new video that addresses the safety of root canal treatment. Featuring endodontists Drs. Milton L. Davenport and Nermeen M. Moussa of Chicago, the video debunks century-old claims that root canal treatment can lead to disease.

"There is a lot of misinformation online about the safety of root canal treatment and sensational headlines tend to attract attention," explains AAE President Dr. Robert S. Roda, an endodontist in Scottsdale, Ariz. "The AAE developed this video to help concerned patients understand that there is no valid, scientific evidence linking root canal treatment to other diseases."

During root canal treatment, endodontists remove inflammation or infection in the root of the tooth, clean and disinfect the canals, and seal them. After treatment, the tooth and bone around the roots can heal, preventing bacteria in the mouth from affecting the surrounding bone. Millions of treatments are performed every year, safely and comfortably.

The video and other resources addressing the safety of root canal treatment are available to patients and dental professionals at www.aae.org/rootcanalsafety. Additional videos illustrating endodontic treatments are available on the AAE's YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/rootcanalspecialists.

In its ninth year, Root Canal Awareness Week is a nationwide effort to encourage patients who need a root canal to see an endodontist to save their natural teeth. Endodontists have at least two years of additional training beyond dental school and are highly skilled specialists in performing root canals and diagnosing and treating tooth pain. Their mix of advanced training, techniques and equipment improve patient comfort, ease anxiety and alleviate pain.

Those who have undergone root canal treatment agree. AAE research found that patients who have experienced root canal treatment are six times more likely to describe it as "painless" than patients who have not had root canal treatment, and 89 percent of patients say they were satisfied when they received treatment from an endodontist, a dentist who specializes in root canals.

For more information about the AAE and Root Canal Awareness Week, follow the AAE on Twitter at @savingyourteeth or search #rootcanal. To find an endodontist in your area, ask your general dentist for a referral, or use the Find an Endodontist feature at www.aae.org.

About the American Association of Endodontists

The American Association of Endodontists, headquartered in Chicago, Ill., represents more than 7,500 members worldwide. Endodontics is one of nine dental specialties formally recognized by the American Dental Association. The AAE, founded in 1943, is dedicated to excellence in the art and science of endodontics and to the highest standard of patient care. The Association inspires its members to pursue professional advancement and personal fulfillment through education, research, advocacy, leadership, communication and service. For more information about the AAE, visit the Association's website at www.aae.org.

The Alliance of the American Dental Association is gearing up for its annual conference, which this year takes place April 16-18 in Memphis, Tenn.

The alliance's "Memphis River Rendezvous" will feature sessions on leadership training, membership ideas and continuing education for dentists at the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry. Stan Brock, a British philanthropist who founded Remote Area Medical (RAM), which brings medical aid to people who have little or no access to basic care and who cannot afford it, is scheduled as the opening speaker.

Laurie Osborn, the president of the Alliance and member for more than 25 years, said her husband, Dr. John Osborn, is the dental director for RAM, a group that she said helps realize part of the association's mission of access to care.

"We're really excited to have him," said Laurie Osborn about Brock. "We try to encourage our members to participate in events (that encourage) providing care for people who might not otherwise get the care."

In addition to educational workshops, the Alliance has planned entertainment events including a trip to the Memphis Children's Museum and Botanic Garden and a walk through the city's heart of music and fun, Beale Street. Other activities include a gala for the Beulah K. Spencer Awards, which recognize leadership and excellence among Alliance members who have been active ten years or less. 

The group has also scheduled a Foundation for Dental Health Education Auction. Last year, the alliance's conference and auction – held in Albuquerque – raised almost $7,000 for dental health education projects.

The alliance, made up of volunteers, aims to give dentists, their families and the public "a reason to smile" by promoting healthy dental practices and acting as ambassadors for dentistry through legislative advocacy and local outreach, and provide oral health education in communities across the U.S.

The alliance holds a conference in different locations in the U.S. every year to help provide, fun, friendships, insight, motivation and opportunities to learn about dental health education and new skills.

For more information on the Memphis event, including pricing and grants available for members, visit allianceada.org.

A new study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirms that nearly one out of two U.S. adults age 30 and over—64.7 million Americans—has periodontitis, the advanced form of periodontal disease. The findings, reported in the Journal of Periodontology, also indicate that prevalence is highest among ethnic minorities, with 63.5 percent of Hispanic-Americans, 59.1 percent of Non-Hispanic Blacks and 50 percent of Non-Hispanic Asian Americans affected by periodontitis.

The CDC study, titled "Update on Prevalence of Periodontitis in Adults in the United States: NHANES 2009-2012," is based on full-mouth periodontal examination data collected as part of the CDC's National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2009 through 2012. Previous prevalence estimates relied on data from the 2009 through 2010 NHANES.

According to CDC epidemiologist and lead study author Paul Eke, PhD, MPH, "The updated findings verify a high burden of periodontitis in the US adult population. Public health programs that aim to prevent and control periodontitis are needed to improve the overall health of our adult population."

"Periodontal disease remains a significant public health issue for people of all backgrounds," said Joan Otomo-Corgel, DDS, MPH, president of the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) and a practicing periodontist in Los Angeles. "However, with the proper treatment and care from a periodontist, periodontal disease is often reversible. A full-mouth periodontal evaluation is the most accurate way to assess for disease. These findings support the need for all adults age 30 and over to receive an annual comprehensive periodontal evaluation from their dental professional to identify and treat periodontal disease as needed."

Since 2003, the AAP and the CDC have worked together to measure periodontal disease incidence and prevalence in American adults. Surveillance will continue through the 2014 NHANES to include more diverse segments of the population and to determine additional trends in periodontal disease prevalence.  

Patterson Dental and the American Association of Dental Office Managers (AADOM) announced a new joint initiative to benefit Oral Health America’s (OHA) work with children. Through “A Future to Smile About,” Patterson Dental and AADOM will each donate $50 to OHA’s Smiles Across America® (SAA) program for every AADOM annual membership purchased by dental practices February 25, 2015, through January 31, 2016, with no cap on new memberships.

“At Patterson Dental we are excited to work with AADOM and dental practices to expand support for Oral Health America’s important work for our youth who face barriers to receiving dental care and prevention services,” said Patterson Dental Vice President of Marketing, Merchandise Tim Rogan. “At this special time we also congratulate and thank Oral Health America for their work to increase access to oral health care and education for 60 years.”

SAA reaches more than 460,000 children each year with dental sealants and other preventative dental services through school-based and school-linked settings. Patterson Dental and AADOM are longtime supporters of SAA and all of OHA’s programs that drive access to care, increase health literacy and advocate for policies that improve overall health through oral health.

“We are proud to support Oral Health America’s efforts and work with Patterson Dental to make a lasting impact. OHA has been instrumental in helping children across the nation receive much needed care,” said AADOM President Heather Colicchio.

Patterson Dental and AADOM chose to announce the initiative at OHA’s recent Gala & Benefit, which last year honored Patterson Dental as a million dollar supporter. Scott Anderson, President and CEO of Patterson Companies, and his team were on hand for the announcement.

“We are honored that Patterson Dental and AADOM have chosen to partner together to support OHA’s Smiles Across America program, especially during our 60^th anniversary year,” said OHA Development Director Brad McLaughlin. “Their generosity ensures that SAA will be able to continue to reach more children across the country with needed oral healthcare.”

Dental teams interested in purchasing AADOM memberships can visit www.afuturetosmileabout.com, which features complete campaign information. Use the promotion code “OHA15” to ensure the membership is counted as part of the fundraising campaign.