Scottsdale, Arizona – July 10, 2105– AvaDent® has announced that the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is now prescribing AvaDent Digital Dentures for its dental patients.  AvaDent is the world’s first and only fully digital prosthetic solution, providing a perfect-fitting, naturally esthetic replacement for lost or damaged teeth.

Dr. Thomas Girvan, Associate Director of Dental Laboratory Operations, said, “In addition to the quality fit and esthetics of the AvaDent monolithic, fully-milled denture, I am further excited about the digital record it offers.  Once we deliver an AvaDent to a patient, if he or she loses or damages the denture, we can call for an immediate replacement because AvaDent keeps the computerized record on file.”

“I am also pleased that the time-savings that AvaDent provides to our clinicians will allow us to see and serve more of our nation’s veterans in as little as 2 appointments compared to the traditional 5-6 appointments.”

AvaDent’s digital workflow creates a highly efficient process of transforming patients’ dental records into a final prosthetic solution that offers patients premium fit and function.

Tim Thompson, President and CEO of Global Dental Science, is proud that his company can assist in providing a higher quality of life for U.S. veterans in need of dentures.  “AvaDent® has been developed to improve patient outcomes, making it easier for both clinicians and their patients to have access to prosthetic solutions that will provide better fit and function and more natural look, giving patients back their smile.”

AvaDent® Digital Dentures are made by Global Dental Science, LLC (GDS) a dental innovations company dedicated to improving dental prosthetics through patented processes and automation.  GDS world headquarters is located in Scottsdale, Arizona.  For additional information call 855-AVADENT (282-3368) or go to www.avadent.com.

The Veterans Health Administration is home to the United States’ largest integrated health care system consisting of 150 medical centers, nearly 1,400 community-based outpatient clinics, community living centers, Vet Centers and domiciliaries.  Together these health care facilities and the more than 53,000 independent licensed health care practitioners who work within them provide comprehensive care to more than 8.3 million* Veterans each year. 

LOS ANGELES, July 13, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- C3 Jian, Inc., a biotechnology company focused on reengineering the human microbiome to deliver novel healthcare products, announced it has preliminary data in a current Phase 2 Clinical Trial for its novel drug, C16G2.  C16G2 targets the specific elimination of Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans), the acid-producing bacterium associated with dental caries or tooth decay.

C16G2 is the first peptide therapeutic derived from C3 Jian’s proprietary platform technology referred to as STAMPs (Specifically Targeted Antimicrobial Peptides).  The STAMP technology specifically targets pathogenic bacteria, to correct dysbiosis of microbiome communities.  The result is a microbiome reengineered to restore a balanced ecology with the potential for lasting therapeutic benefit.

C3J15-201B-00 was a Phase 2 dose trial that evaluated the activity of C16G2 dental gel in two convenient modes of application.  52 subjects were enrolled and received C16G2 doses applied via tooth brush and dental tray for 1 week with a 1 week follow-up visit.  The primary objective was safety, with pharmacokinetics and microbiology as secondary objectives.  The trial identified a viable dose and mode of application where subjects’ S. mutans levels were rapidly reduced, and remained low, even after cessation of therapy, indicating a lasting impact on the microbial community.  Further, this trial demonstrated a strong safety profile and no systemic absorption for C16G2, extending observations from prior Phase 1 and Phase 2 trials.

“We are extremely pleased that the trial data further reinforces the activity of C16G2 gel product delivered by dental tray and tooth brush.  Our next clinical trial will determine the durability of this treatment to finalize the optimal schedule.  On the horizon are potential product extensions that broaden market reach by delivering the drug via toothpaste and an in-office varnish, expected to be in the clinic by early 2016.  Our ultimate objective is to demonstrate a reduction in dental caries in Phase 3, and to have a diverse product line which will allow us to bring this revolutionary drug to millions of people,” said Todd R. Patrick, C3 Jian’s President and CEO.

The target indication for C16G2 is the prevention of dental caries in adults, adolescents and pediatrics.  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, dental caries, also known as tooth decay or cavities, is the most common chronic childhood disease.  In the U.S. alone, over $100 billion is spent annually on oral health expenditures covered by insurance.  The majority of these expenses are directly related to dental caries.

About C3 Jian, Inc.

C3 Jian is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on improving human health through the development and commercialization of targeted, or pathogen-specific, antimicrobials that treat and prevent diseases caused by microbial dysbiosis.  The STAMP platform technology has potential applications to a variety of diseases and disorders particularly related to bacterial infections. C3 Jian is based in Los Angeles, California.  For more information about the company, please visit www.c3-jian.com.

Statement attributable to: Andrew W. Gurman, M.D., President-elect, American Medical Association

“As part of the AMA's long-standing commitment to improving the health of the nation, we continue to focus our efforts on identifying the best ways to prevent the chronic diseases that have the biggest impact on public health and put a fiscal strain on our health care system. We are pleased to be participating in the White House Conference on Aging and applaud the Administration for taking a step in the right direction to bring more attention to the importance of disease prevention, especially given that more adults than ever before are now living with multiple chronic conditions.

“Through partnerships forged over the past two years, the AMA is working to prevent type 2 diabetes and heart disease--two of the country’s leading causes of disability and death, particularly among older Americans--to ensure patients live richer and fuller lives. We’ve begun our efforts by focusing on the precursors to these diseases, prediabetes and high blood pressure.

“With more than 86 million Americans living with prediabetes and nearly 90 percent of them unaware of it, the AMA is working in partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Y-USA to increase awareness of prediabetes, and to spread the CDC’s National Diabetes Prevention Program to reach more people who have prediabetes and stop the progression to type 2 diabetes. Most recently, together, the AMA and CDC launched Prevent Diabetes STAT™ and are urging others to join this critical effort to help prevent diabetes before it starts.

“Additionally, the AMA is working to help the 30 million U.S. adults who have high blood pressure and a source of health care and yet do not have their blood pressure under control. Specifically, the AMA partnered with Johns Hopkins Medicine and ten physician practices in Illinois and Maryland to develop tools and resources that are being used by physicians and care teams throughout the country to help patients improve blood pressure control and reduce their risk for heart attack, stroke or death. These efforts will also help alleviate the $51 billion in annual national health care costs associated with high blood pressure.

“We will continue our strong commitment to improving the health of the nation by supporting efforts and advocating for policies that help reduce the burden of preventable diseases and reduce health care costs.”

Washington, DC (PRWEB) July 10, 2015

Today, Howard University President, Dr. Wayne A. I. Frederick, announced the appointment of Dr. Dexter A. Woods as dean of Howard University College of Dentistry. Dr. Woods previously served as the associate dean for the College of Dentistry, director of Faculty Practice and associate professor at Howard University. He succeeds Dr. Leo E. Rouse who, prior to his retirement, served as dean of the College of Dentistry since 2004.

In his new role, reporting to Dr. Anthony Wutoh, Howard University provost and chief academic officer, Dr. Woods will oversee all aspects of academic and administrative affairs for the College of Dentistry.

“Dr. Woods is a well-respected and accomplished dental professional, academic administrator, as well as an honored former United States Air Force officer and reservist,” said Dr. Frederick. “His commitment to servant leadership, professional, and academic excellence will benefit the University, our staff, faculty, students, and the community we serve extremely well.”

Dr. Woods earned his Bachelor of Science degree in biology from Tuskegee University in 1992 and his Doctor of Dental Surgery from Howard University College of Dentistry in 1996. He completed an intensive Air Force Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) residency program at Bolling Air Force Base in Washington, DC. After leaving the Air Force, Dr. Woods joined Howard University, where he served as director of the AEGD program, as well as director of Continuing Dental Education for the College of Dentistry, 1999-2007.

Licensed to practice dentistry in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Kansas, Dr. Woods has extensive experience in professional services, community outreach, and organized dentistry including: the American Dental Association; the Academy of General Dentistry; the National Dental Association; and the American Dental Education Association. Additionally, Dr. Woods serves as a consultant/site visitor for the Commission on Dental Accreditation for the AEGD General Practice Residency programs.

Dr. Woods has served his country with honor and distinction as an enlisted member and as an Air Force officer. He has received numerous awards and recognition throughout his military and academic career, including: Distinguished Graduate, Non-Commissioned Officer Preparatory Course (1988); Strategic Air Command Dental Airmen of the Year (1989); Officer of the Year, 11th Dental Squadron (1998) and (1999); Academy of General Dentistry Award for Outstanding Clinical Dentistry (1996); the International Congress of Oral Implantologist Award, Outstanding Accomplishments in Oral Implantology/Implant Dentistry (1996); Howard University College of Dentistry, Outstanding Clinical Instructor Teaching Award (2001).

Toronto, Canada - Quantum Dental Technologies (QDT) presented findings of a study last week at the 62nd Congress of the European Organization for Caries Research (ORCA) in Brussels, Belgium that The Canary System® can monitor caries progression after caries lesions are infiltrated with DMG’s ICON - a clear resin.

This study showed The Canary System could detect and monitor caries treated with ICON resin. It also demonstrated that resin infiltration significantly delayed the progression of natural caries development on smooth surfaces and between teeth. The study involved immersing teeth treated with ICON in a very acidic solution for up to 50 days, indicating the strong clinical potential of ICON to delay caries progression.   

“Current detection methods for caries after resin infiltration are extremely challenging because of the thickness and transparency of resin”, said Dr. Stephen Abrams, President of QDT. “Evidence from this study suggests that lesions treated with resin can now be effectively monitored with The Canary System.  This gives dentists another option for treating early tooth decay”.

The sensitivity of using traditional diagnostic methods, such as X-rays and visual inspection, is inadequate in a number of clinical situations. By the time caries or decay is visible on a radiograph, the lesion has penetrated at least 60% into the dentin and requires a restoration or filling. Now with The Canary System, clinicians can make more informed decisions regarding diagnosis and treatment planning. Resin infiltrants present an even more challenging situation.  The resin is transparent and the lesions are very shallow.  The Canary System appears to be the only method to detect and monitor the area to ensure the resin coating does not break down over time.  With The Canary System, dentists now have another application for treating the early stages of tooth decay – another preventive solution to a common disease.

The Canary System, with its unique crystal structure diagnostics, allows oral health professionals to detect, image, track and monitor tooth decay on all tooth surfaces, beneath opaque sealants, around the margins of restorations and detect cracks in teeth. The accompanying Canary Cloud (www.thecanarycloud.com) enables dentists to view and manage this data in an online environment, track Canary usage in the office, and keep up-to-date on Canary products and clinical news.  With The Canary System, caries detection is not simply shining a light on a tooth surface but it’s about gathering accurate information on the status of the tooth’s crystal structure and then storing it to allow ongoing analysis and monitoring. 

Visit www.thecanarysystem.com or email sales@thecanarysystem.com to request additional information.

ATLANTA, July 9, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As part of its mission to improve dental access in underserved communities, Kool Smiles – a leading provider of quality dental care for children and families in the United States – donated more than 400 dental kits to nursery and primary school students in Haimaracabra, a small indigenous village in Guyana with extremely limited access to dental care. United States Peace Corps volunteers then delivered the dental supplies and demonstrated proper oral hygiene practices to the students.

"Due to transportation access challenges, Haimaracabra suffers from a lack of supplies and resources in education and healthcare," said Holleigh Thomason, the Peace Corps volunteer leading the effort in Guyana, a nation located on the northeastern coast of South America.  "To see a dentist, one would have to travel two hours by boat to the nearest 'town,' which is expensive and time consuming. Many of our community members don't see a dentist unless they have a dental emergency, such as an infected tooth that needs to be removed."

"Premature tooth decay is widespread in this region, especially among children, but some people don't even have toothbrushes," added Thomason. "Tooth cleanings and fillings are luxuries unknown to my community. We want to focus on prevention rather than intervention.  And thanks to Kool Smiles' donation, we were able to do exactly that."

Thomason, with the help a local Medex (or nurse practitioner), organized a dental health fair at a community health center and conducted health education sessions in Haimaracabra's nursery and primary schools.  Through creative instruction, such as the use of music, Peace Corps members promoted healthy dental practices such as brushing your teeth, cleaning your toothbrush, and flossing. As part of the outreach, each student received much-needed dental kits, which included toothbrushes, toothpaste and dental floss.

"At Kool Smiles, we work each day to promote good dental health here in America, especially among traditionally underserved communities," said Dr. D Ray Gifford, Managing Dental Director at Kool Smiles. "However, we also recognize that dental health needs extend far past our borders here in the U.S.  We are very grateful to the Peace Corps for providing dental health education and supplies in Guyana and throughout the world."

"While often overlooked, good oral health is critical to a child's overall health, as tooth decay can lead to malnutrition, life-threatening infections, poor school performance, and reluctance to speak, smile and play," added Dr. Gifford. "Moving forward, the promotion of healthy smiles, especially among children, should serve as a principal public health goal in the U.S. and abroad. Through collective action, we can truly make a difference."

The dental kit donation was made possible by a sponsorship from the Benevis Foundation. 

ST. LOUIS, MO – July 9, 2015 – Infections around dental implants are an increasingly common challenge with few good non-surgical treatment options. One solution to help manage periodontal bacteria involves prescription tray delivery of hydrogen peroxide gel. Dr. Jeffrey Goldstein offers this tray therapy and his treatment results are so good that he recently received an Orkos Award for excellence in case study of periodontal therapy. Dr. Goldstein also was honored for his efforts to help patients understand the importance of periodontal health and its relationship with diabetes and other inflammatory diseases.

The patient in this case study initially presented with signs of periodontitis in 2001 and was referred to a local periodontist. He refused to follow up with the specialist or to maintain regular visits. By 2004, his periodontal disease was advanced and three teeth in the upper right quadrant were no longer salvageable. Implants were placed in 2007 and the patient’s periodontal status remained stable for several years. In 2014, however, he exhibited 4 mm to 7 mm deep periodontal pockets, bleeding on probing at 36 sites and moderate subgingival calculus. Conditions were worst around the three implants. At this point he was desperate to save his implants and teeth, and he specifically wanted to avoid more surgery.

A salivary diagnostic test confirmed the presence of 8 bacteria associated with periodontal disease, including the high-risk T. denticola and T. forsythia. The underlying bacterial cause is difficult for patients to manage. Toothbrushes, floss and interdental brushes can’t reach the base of deep pockets to disrupt biofilm, and rinses don’t adequately penetrate it. To help with effective biofilm management, Dr. Goldstein prescribed Perio Trays® (Perio Protect, St. Louis, MO) to place a 1.7% hydrogen peroxide gel (Perio Gel®, QNT Anderson, Bismarck, ND) deep into the pockets before and after nonsurgical periodontal debridement and laser therapy. Perio Trays are customized based on the patient’s probing depths and designed to seal around the periodontal tissues. This helps drive the gel deep into the pockets and keep it in contact with exposed implant and root surfaces.

Perio Tray® delivery began on August 21, 2014 and continued throughout the course of treatment, dropping from the initial four daily 15 minute increments to two daily 15-minute increments. Four rounds of periodontal debridement, laser therapy and subgingival irrigation were completed between September 9 and November 13, 2014. At a re-evaluation visit on December 19, bleeding on probing was present at 1 site and the deepest pocket measured 5 mm; the deeper pockets remained around the implants.

From December to February, the patient continued to use the Perio Trays regularly. At the February 20, 2015 periodontal maintenance visit, all pockets were within normal range except for four 4 mm pockets. There was no bleeding and a secondary diagnostic test confirmed a reduction in oral bacteria. Five of eight bacterial species present in the pre-treatment test were completely eliminated, including T. forsythia.

Dr. Goldstein has been prescribing Perio Trays® since 2006. “I’ve completely changed my approach with these trays,” Dr. Goldstein explains. “I can help patients treat the cause of the disease between visits instead of just treating symptoms.” Research shows that adjunctive use of Perio Trays helps reduce pockets and bleeding more than debridement alone. Dr. Goldstein concurs. “In my practice, those patients who accept Perio Trays show significant improvements and are able to maintain good results. I’ve found that this tray delivery is the best way to manage oral biofilms between visits. In some cases, I’ve prescribed it to reduce bacteria and discomfort before debridement.”

Patients in clinical trials who were randomized for Perio Tray delivery reported whiter teeth, fresher breath, and mouths that feel good. Dr. Goldstein’s patients described similar experiences. “They tell me their gums feel better, their mouths feel cleaner and probings no longer hurt. They’re excited to know we can reduce the bacteria, and their spouses get excited about the resulting fresh breath. While my top priority is patient health and helping patients understand the importance of oral health to general wellness, these desirable side effects help with patient satisfaction, compliance and overall health maintenance.”

Dr. Jeffrey Goldstein practices in Penndel, PA and highlights on his practice are available at www.thetopdocdmd.com.  For details on the Orkos Award or to view other case study winners, visit www.TheOrkosAward.com. Additional information on prescription tray delivery is available at www.PerioProtect.com. 

Dallas, TX (PRWEB) July 09, 2015

Delta Dental Insurance Company announced today its grant of $50,000 to America’s ToothFairy: National Children’s Oral Health Foundation® to support oral health services and education in nine Texas school districts.

As part of the America's ToothFairy Texas Oral Health Zone Program®, America’s ToothFairy will join Ratoncito Pérez, the tooth fairy’s Hispanic counterpart who promotes children’s oral health on behalf of Delta Dental, to educate students in Texas school districts about the importance of oral health. America’s ToothFairy will use Delta Dental’s grant to distribute bilingual educational materials, provide community education kits to youth leaders and school nurses, and assist schools with oral health programming for all age levels.

America’s ToothFairy and Ratoncito Pérez will team up in the following school districts: Alvin, Arlington, Channelview, Dallas, Fort Worth, Galena, Houston, Pasadena and Richardson.

“We look forward to collaborating with America’s ToothFairy in Texas as we have a similar mission and share common goals — including the improvement of oral health and access to care, especially for children,” said John Yamamoto, DDS, MPH, vice president of Professional Services for Delta Dental.

"We are very grateful to Delta Dental Insurance Company for their generous support for this initiative to expand delivery of oral health education to underserved communities in Texas," said Fern Ingber, President and CEO of America’s ToothFairy. "By distributing bilingual educational materials, engaging high school students as mentors to younger children, and mobilizing school nurses as oral health educators, previously unreached populations of at-risk children will receive the tools they need for the prevention of tooth decay and a lifetime of healthy smiles."

ST. PAUL, Minn. – July 8, 2015 – Consistent with 3M’s strategy to increase customer relevance, the company has announced the formation of 3M Oral Care, combining the former 3M ESPE Dental and 3M Unitek Orthodontics into a single new division, led by Vice President & General Manager James D. Ingebrand, effective immediately.

“Building on our strong brands and technologies, 3M Oral Care will leverage our fundamental strengths in science and innovation to deliver a complete suite of solutions across the continuum of oral care for dentists and orthodontists, to improve patient outcomes,” said Joaquin Delgado, Executive Vice President, 3M Health Care Business Group.

“We are committed to further building on our more than half a century of innovation in the oral health industry,” Ingebrand said. “This will accelerate our momentum as we continue to deliver quality innovative solutions for doctors and their patients.”

3M was recognized recently as the “Most Innovative Dental Company” for the 10th consecutive year, by The Anaheim Group (publisher of Dental Fax Weekly), for continuing to bring exciting new ideas to dentistry. 3M’s wide range of dental products and supplies includes restorative, crown and bridge, mini dental implants, preventive, infection control and cosmetic dentistry. In addition, 3M helps integrate advanced digital technology and materials science through CAD/CAM dentistry and digital impressions. 3M has brought a number of amazing firsts to the dental industry, including the first-ever tooth-colored restorative material; the first self-adhesive universal resin cement; the first nano ionomer; the first malleable, preformed temporary crown; and the first automated mixing of impression materials.

Delivering solutions across the continuum of oral health is not a new concept for 3M. One example of 3M innovation is the 3M™ True Definition Scanner for digital impressioning capability with unparalleled accuracy, ease of use, flexibility and control, for a broad range of dental restorations and orthodontic appliances. The product is gaining wide acceptance in both the dentist and orthodontics communities and is helping set new standards of care in the industry in terms of efficiency and accuracy.

3M also is known as a leader in orthodontic solutions. Recent innovations include: Clarity™ Advanced Ceramic Brackets which combine brilliant aesthetics with consistent strength and small bracket design for enhanced patient comfort; APC™ Flash-Free Adhesive which allow doctors to move directly from bracket placement to bracket cure without removing adhesive flash – no clean up; and Victory Series™ Superior Fit Buccal Tubes to hold arch wires to molars, designed with a large compound contour base for superior fit, exclusive “contoured funnel” for easy wire insertion and low profile and flush-mount hook for patient comfort; and “invisible” 3M™ Incognito™ hidden braces, which are placed on the lingual side of the teeth for highly aesthetic treatment.

Source: 3M

ROCKVILLE, Md., July 8, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Foundation for

Facial Recovery has begun operating after receiving tax-exempt status from the IRS to conduct research and educational programs that help those with facial palsy and TMJ conditions.

"Tens of thousands of men, women and children are diagnosed each year with facial paralysis, and it is often alarming, confusing and debilitating, both physically and emotionally," said Ancelmo Lopes, chairman of the board of the Foundation for Facial Recovery. "The National Institutes of Health estimates that more than 35 million Americans are afflicted with TMJ disorders, and many of them don't know it because their symptoms are unusual and the disorder is not identified so they are not treated correctly when they seek medical care. We believe there needs to be more dedicated research on effective treatments and broader dissemination of useful information and education to make a difference. That's what the Foundation for Facial Recovery is all about."

The mission of the Foundation for Facial Recovery is to: (1) provide a venue for the exchange of ideas and experiences with facial palsy and TMJ disorder treatments and related subjects; (2) conduct research on a broad spectrum of facial palsy and TMJ disorder treatments and related subjects; and (3) educate providers, patients and the public about facial palsy and TMJ disorders, their significance and treatment options.

"Those suddenly stricken with facial paralysis often enter a maze of confusion about what is happening to them, what can be done about it, and where to turn," said Jodi Barth, president of the Foundation for Facial Recovery. "We have established the Foundation to reduce the mystery around facial palsy, disseminate information, research effective treatments and share them with providers throughout the medical community."

The Foundation is governed by a Board of Directors comprised of individuals from the medical and business communities, including:

--Ancelmo Lopes: chairman of the Foundation for Facial Recovery, chairman of the board of Surgical Solutions, LLC, advisor to Bedford Funding, and has held numerous CEO and senior executive positions in leading U.S. healthcare companies;

-- Jodi Barth, PT, CCI: president and Board member of the Foundation, licensed facial palsy therapist and co-founder of the Center for Facial Recovery;

-- Gincy Stezar, PTA, CCI: secretary, treasurer and Board member of the Foundation, licensed physical therapist assistant and co-founder of the Center for Facial Recovery;

-- Betsy Hirschel, LCSW-C: Board member of the Foundation, licensed psychotherapist in private practice with more than 20 years of experience;

-- Victor Ibrahim, M.D.: Board member of the Foundation, board-certified specialist in physical medicine & rehabilitation and serves as the director of the Performance and Musculoskeletal Regeneration Center and team physiatrist for DC United;

-- Michael Reilly, M.D.: Board member of the Foundation, board-certified in both otolaryngology and facial plastic surgery and serves as assistant professor of facial plastic & reconstructive surgery in the Department of Otolaryngology--Head & Neck Surgery at Medstar Georgetown University Hospital & Medstar Washington Hospital Center;

-- Susan Shinderman: Board member of the Foundation, more than 30 years of experience in a variety of housing, economic, and community development programs at the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

The Foundation encourages all those afflicted with facial palsy or TMJ and their families, friends and others who might be interested to get involved in the foundation by contacting the Foundation at 240-833-2921 or info@foundationforfacialrecovery.org, or visiting foundationforfacialrecovery.org.