New York, New York (August 11, 2015)– Recognizing the year’s best clinical research in periodontology by students in dentistry, Colgate-Palmolive and The Ohio State University’s College of Dentistry, Division of Periodontology recently announced the 2015 International Periodontal Research Competition VOLPE Prize winners and celebrated their important contributions to the profession.

The University of British Columbia’s Rana Tarzemany won first place for her research on human gingival wound healing and fibroblasts, while Nova Southeastern University’s Nina Cunningham earned second place for her study on the clinical implications of palatal graft procedures. The University of Toronto’s Guy Aboodi took third place for his research on tissue loss and damage in periodontitis.

The winners–along with three honorable mentions–were honored at The Ohio State University (OSU) on July 10 during a special reception attended by a number of pre-doctoral and post-doctoral residents and faculty members of the College of Dentistry’s Division of Periodontology.  Also in attendance was renowned periodontist and award-winning clinical researcher, Dr. Anthony Volpe, who presented his namesake award to this year’s winners.

Established by OSU and Colgate in 2007, the VOLPE Prize honors Dr. Anthony Volpe’s career spanning over five decades, demonstrating unparalleled commitment to scientific excellence, and yielding countless contributions to the industry, private practice, and academia. Internationally celebrated for leading breakthroughs in periodontology, Dr. Volpe has conducted clinical research all around the world, delivered more than 250 scientific publications and presentations, and earned several patents in dental science from the United States Government. Dr. Volpe has expressed “sincere appreciation” to OSU and Colgate for establishing this award in his honor.

The 2015 VOLPE Prize winners and honorable mentions were among 12 finalists invited to present and defend their research at the International Periodontal Research Competition. These finalists were selected by a panel of judges that included Dr. Thomas Hart, Director of the VOLPE Research Center in Gaithersburg, Maryland. “The International Periodontal Research Competition is truly unique,” said Dr. Hart. “It brings together a diverse group of international researchers in the early stages of their careers, who are united by a common passion to develop better diagnostic and treatment strategies for periodontal diseases.”

The judges’ panel also included OSU College of Dentistry, Associate Professor Dr. Purnima Kumar, and University of Toronto Faculty of Dentistry, Professor Dr. Howard Tenenbaum who noted that “this year’s slate of candidates was probably the most accomplished and wide-ranging we’ve ever seen.” 

For many industry insiders, this award is particularly prestigious because of both the rich history it has honored from the start and the bright futures it celebrates each year. “I believe the VOLPE Prize can be summarized in three thoughts,” said Dr. Angelo Mariotti, OSU College of Dentistry Chair and Professor, Division of Periodontology.“Quality research, the future of periodontics, and the eminence of Tony Volpe”. 

To learn more about the International Periodontal Research Competition VOLPE Prize, visit https://dentistry.osu.edu/academic-divisions/periodontology/volpe-prize.

FORT COLLINS, Colo. (August 10, 2015) – With the recent introductions of new oral care tools that claim to make flossing easier, it can be confusing to determine which is the best choice.  A recently published study reported that the Waterpik® Water Flosser is significantly more effective than the Sonicare® Air Floss Pro at improving gingival health.  The study was conducted by All Sum Research Center in Canada.

During the four-week study, 69 subjects were given the Waterpik® Water Flosser or Sonicare® Air Floss Pro, plus a manual toothbrush to use for their daily oral care routine.  Clinical results illustrated that the Waterpik® Water Flosser was over 50% more effective than the Sonicare® Air Floss Pro for reducing gingival bleeding and 32% more effective for reducing gingivitis.  

“These findings were not surprising” says Deborah Lyle, Water Pik’s Director of Clinical Research.  “The Water Flosser has repeatedly shown the ability to remove plaque from interproximal and subgingival areas and improve oral health.  It is an easy and effective way for people to maintain good oral hygiene with minimal time and effort.”  

Water Pik, Inc. is committed to sponsoring high quality clinical research studies conducted by universities and independent research facilities which are published in peer-reviewed journals.  This new research builds upon the existing body of evidence that the Waterpik® Water Flosser is a perfect choice for interdental cleaning.  There are over 60 published clinical studies on the Waterpik® Water Flosser that demonstrate it is safe, very effective and can improve oral health.    

“It is well known that tooth brushing is not enough to prevent oral disease,” said Dr. C. Ram Goyal, BDS, lead examiner.  “Most people do not like to floss and having a product like the Water Flosser that has overwhelming research demonstrating safety and efficacy and is easy to use allows me to feel confident recommending it to my patients.”

For more information on Waterpik® Water Flossers and clinical research results visit www.waterpik.com.  

About Water Pik, Inc.

Water Pik is a leading developer, manufacturer and marketer of innovative personal healthcare products sold under the Waterpik® brand name. The Company has developed and introduced many products that are considered the first of their kind and have led to the formation of new markets, including the Water Flosser, and the pulsating shower massage. The Waterpik® brand is one of the most trusted oral health brands of dental professionals throughout the world. The Company’s products are sold through a variety of channels, including mass merchandisers, drug store chains and specialty retailers. Headquartered in Fort Collins, CO, the Company operates facilities in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. 

NEWBERG, Oregon, Aug. 11, 2015 -- Poor posture is a major contributor to shortened dental careers, with one out of four dentists becoming disabled at some point before retirement.¹ In collaboration with dental teams, A-dec has designed two new products to help combat these statistics, and encourage proper posture and positioning all day long: A-dec 500 stools, and a new lever-style foot control.

The new feature-rich A-dec 500 stools provide pressure relief support via a dynamic seat assembly that enables good blood flow to the legs, while setting up the lower lumbar for a proper, healthy torso posture. Both the doctor's and assistant's stools feature a dynamic seat designed on a suspension frame, which flexes and conforms to the body's every move. The middle layer of the seat structure is engineered with four individual performance zones for tailored comfort and support. To further customize the stools, easy-to-access paddles are micro-adjustable for each user and task, allowing practitioners to remain in an ergonomically healthy posture throughout the day. "Overall, I believe these new stools can help minimize the discomfort and pain of a very demanding profession," says Greg Watson, Senior Product Manager. "Dentists use their stool all day, every day. It needs to perform great."

Nine patents are pending on the unique A-dec 500 stool design.

In keeping with the commitment to continually deliver ultimate performance and comfort, A-dec is also introducing a new lever foot control, engineered specifically for improved electric motor control. "Current disc foot controls were designed years before electric handpieces," says Sam Zemke, Senior Product Manager. "Unlike traditional disc foot controls, the new A-dec lever foot control allows precise speed modulation of both electric and pneumatic handpieces."

The lever style allows the operator to switch between cutting wet or dry, without looking away from the oral cavity. Ergonomically, the lever design allows more operator weight transfer from seat to feet, enabling an "athletic stance" and "S" curvature of the spine. Once the desired handpiece speed is reached, the operator can rest the foot flat on the floor and continue to work in a more relaxed state. "There is no stress on the leg or foot to maintain a constant speed or even vary the speed a little," says Zemke. "Think of it as cruise control. Once you have determined the desired speed, you can relax your foot. You still have complete functionality, but can drive in a more comfortable state. The lever foot control offers this same type of benefit." 

For more information, contact A-dec.News@a-dec.com or call 1-800-547-1883 ext. 4042.

Reference

1. ADA^® Members Insurance Plans, accessed April 29, 2015 https://www.insurance.ada.org/ada-insurance-plans/disability-insurance.aspx"Odds of disability determined by Great-West Life in 2013 after studying years of disability claims submitted by insured ADA members."

Alexandria, Va., USA – Today, the International and American Associations for Dental Research (IADR/AADR) published two reports including a critical review titled “Diet and Dental Caries - the Pivotal Role of Free Sugars Reemphasized.” In this study, authors Aubrey Sheiham, University College London, England; and W. Philip James, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, England, demonstrate the sensitivity of cariogenesis (the development of caries) to even very low sugars intakes. In this critical review, the authors reviewed the literature on the role of sucrose in the cariogenic process and conclude there is extensive scientific evidence that free sugars are the primary necessary factor in the development of dental caries. 

This year, the World Health Organization (WHO) published a guideline on sugars intake for adults and children. The objective of the WHO guideline is to provide recommendations on intakes of free sugars to reduce risks of NCDs in adults and children, with a particular focus on the prevention and control of unhealthy weight gain and dental caries. WHO recognized that dental diseases are the most prevalent noncommunicable diseases globally and the treatment of dental diseases is expensive, and would exceed the entire financial resources available for the health care of children in most lower income countries. In this guideline, WHO recommends reducing the intake of free sugars to less than 10% of total energy intake. 

A dose-response relationship between the sucrose or its monosaccharide intakes and the progressive life-long development of caries was demonstrated. This situation results in a substantial dental health burden throughout life. 

Beau Meyer and Jessica Lee, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA, commented on these findings in a perspective article titled "The Confluence of Sugar, Dental Caries and Health Policy". In this paper Meyer and Lee underscore the relationship between sugars intake and dental caries, and implications for health policy interventions. They emphasize that as policies surrounding limiting sugar intake continue to evolve, attention must be given to how best to put these policies into practice to produce positive behavior change that ultimately should lead to improved oral health outcomes. 

About the Journal of Dental Research 

The IADR/AADR Journal of Dental Research, the journal for dental, oral and craniofacial research, is a multidisciplinary journal dedicated to the dissemination of new knowledge in all sciences relevant to dentistry and the oral cavity and associated structures in health and disease. 

About the International Association for Dental Research 

The International Association for Dental Research (IADR) is a nonprofit organization with more than 11,600 individual members worldwide, dedicated to: (1) advancing research and increasing knowledge for the improvement of oral health worldwide, (2) supporting and representing the oral health research community, and (3) facilitating the communication and application of research findings. To learn more, visit www.iadr.org. The American Association for Dental Research (AADR) is the largest Division of IADR, with more than 3,500 members in the United States. To learn more, visit www.aadr.org.

LOS ANGELES, CALIF. (PRWEB) - The FDA has officially approved a 510(k) for the use of DENTCA's new 3D printable material as a denture base.

Dr. Jason Lee, creator of the technology, says: “After several years in development ,DENTCA’s new 3D printable Denture Base is finally cleared for use. We are very excited to begin applying this technology to continue revolutionizing the denture world. The material is a light-cured resin indicated for fabrication and repair of full and partial removable dentures and baseplates, which will eventually replace traditional heat-cured and auto polymerizing conventional denture making methods. By improving the manufacture process with the help of precise 3D printers, we will be making the denture production process quicker, more accurate and more predictable. DENTCA already revolutionized the fit of dentures by directly scanning the impressions instead of the need to pour a stone; now it will further increase it by removing the need for a flask in the future market, thus significantly reducing distortion.”

Fabrication of dental prosthetics with DENTCA Denture Base utilizes a CAD/CAM software system, specialized tray impression systems, and a digital denture file database the system automates the denture making process almost to perfection. Now by also incorporating an optical impression system, a stereolithographic additive printer, and curing light equipment, it finally closes a cycle for success, giving the doctor a completely evolved denture manufacture process.

The material has passed al recent biocompatibility tests placed in evaluation for the DENTCA Denture Base in accordance with the FDA Blue Book Memorandum #G95-1 and International Standard ISO 10993-1, as recognized by FDA. The battery of testing included tests for Genotoxicity, Cytotoxicity, Sensitization, Irritation, Acute Toxicity & Material Characterization which the printable material passed with flying colors. Declaring the 3D printable material for considered tissue contacting for a period longer than 30 days (a removable prosthesis). DENTCA Denture Base was tested for conformity with the industry consensus standard ISO 20795-1.

DENTCA CEO Sun Kwon says: “This clearance completely revolutionizes the denture manufacture process, which has barely changed in over 100 years. The new developments will create incredible possibilities for patients, as doctors will soon be able to 3D print final dentures at their office, allowing the manufacture process to be done in one day everywhere in the world. Stay tuned for new and exciting updates.”

WASHINGTON, Aug. 7, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) is an independent entity recognized by the US Department of Education as the national accrediting agency for dental, allied dental and advanced dental education programs.  In February, CODA adopted standards by which programs that educate midlevel dental providers—non-dentists who perform such surgical procedures as extracting teeth--can apply for accreditation. At a meeting today, CODA determined that the accreditation process for these programs may begin. Because of the time and effort required to complete the necessary steps, however, the earliest an existing or developing dental therapy program could be accredited is estimated to be August 2016.

The Commission had determined that it would not implement the standards until one or more educational programs applied for accreditation and satisfied criteria for eligibility.  Among the criteria that must be met are whether the allied dental education area has been in operation for a sufficient period of time to establish benchmarks and adequately measure performance, and whether there is evidence of need and support from the public and professional communities to sustain educational programs in the discipline. 

The ADA, while fully supporting CODA and its role in assuring high quality standards for dental education, remains firmly opposed to allowing non-dentists to perform surgical procedures.  When it comes to affordability and access to health care, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. That's why the ADA launched Action for Dental Health, a nationwide, community-based movement that provides care now to those already suffering from dental disease, strengthens and expands the public/private safety net, and brings dental health education and disease prevention into underserved communities.  Unlike proposals that will take years to implement, Action for Dental Health comprises here-and-now solutions led by ADA member dentists working with existing dental team members in an efficient, proven system that is getting more people the care that they need now.

A recent report by the ADA Health Policy Institute should put to rest any speculation about a future dentist shortage. The research shows that the number of dentists practicing per 100,000 people today has climbed more than 4 percent from 2003 to 2013, and is projected to climb 1.5 percent from 2013 to 2018 and 2.6 percent by 2033.

However, the ADA recognizes that people in underserved communities have difficulties connecting to public health resources and dentists who can provide needed treatment. That's why the ADA supports federal and state programs that offer incentives like student loan repayment assistance to attract dentists to these communities. It's also why the ADA created a new dental team member, theCommunity Dental Health Coordinator (CDHC). The initial ADA CDHC pilot project graduated 34 CDHCs. Pilot project graduates have brought their skills to such underserved communities as inner cities, remote rural areas and Native American communities in more than eight states. Three schools in New Mexico, Arizona and Florida are offering the CDHC program.

Access to dental care is improving for children. A Health Policy Institute study shows the rate of children visiting the dentist was at its highest in 2012, and from 2000 to 2010 dental visits among low-income children increased in 47 states. Recent data published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates a downward trend in early childhood caries with increased treatment of children.

The ADA is helping communities develop programs that fit their unique needs, along with state and local dental societies, individual dentists and the many public and private partners in Action for Dental Health to provide care today to the people who need it most and, most important, work toward a better oral health system, one that emphasizes prevention over surgical treatments like fillings and extractions.

CHICAGO, Aug. 6, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) Immediate Past President W. Carter Brown, DMD, FAGD, will become a lifetime honorary member of the American College of Prosthodontists (ACP). Dr. Brown will be inducted during the 45th Annual Session of the ACP to be held in Orlando from Oct. 21-24, 2015. 

"Dr. Brown has had a major impact by being a visionary leader and Immediate Past President of the AGD. Through the collaboration with our ACP's Immediate Past President Dr. John R. Agar, together we are carving out a path to bring landmark educational platforms to the AGD with ACP serving as educators," said ACP President Frank J. Tuminelli, DMD, FACP.

Dr. Brown has also served as a member and chair of numerous AGD and American Dental Association (ADA) committees and task forces. He is known in the industry as a national authority on access to care and dental therapists and he is highly respected in his profession.

ACP President Dr. Tuminelli added that, "A tireless advocate for providing the highest possible quality and access to care to patients, Dr. Brown has been selfless in his dedication to serving the dental community through outreach and philanthropic in his support of dental education in the institutional environment. ACP is honored to be able to work together with Dr. Brown and the AGD, and share our future vision for the profession of dentistry into the digital age. We look forward to his contribution to the ACP as an honorary member."

Dr. Brown is an adjunct faculty member for the Medical University of South Carolina in the Restorative Department and Community Based Learning. The new Advanced Education in General Dentistry program at the university is named for Dr. Brown. He also is a fellow of and received the Dentist of the Year Award from the Pierre Fauchard Academy.

Additionally, Dr. Brown has supported and initiated many humanitarian activities and won the Samuel D. Harris Award for the best National Children's Dental Health Month program. 

"To be selected to become an honorary member to the American College of Prosthodontists is truly one of the highlights of my career," said Dr. Brown. "I greatly value the importance of general dentists and prosthodontists working together to improve patient outcomes. The strength of the dental profession lies in collaborations and it has been a joy working with the American College of Prosthodontists over the past several years. They care deeply for their patients, each other, and the profession and I am humbled by my inclusion as an honorary member."

Prosthodontists are specialized dentists with advanced training in oral health issues, who are committed to improving patient outcomes. From implants, crowns, veneers and tooth whitening, to full-mouth reconstruction, prosthodontists specialize in digital dentistry and CAD/CAM solutions. The ACP is the only prosthodontic specialty organization whose membership is based solely on education credentials. ACP members must be in or have completed an ADA-accredited advanced education program in prosthodontics. 

Copenhagen — The 3Shape TRIOS^® 3 digital dental impression solution has received the 2015 Pride Institute “Best of Class” Technology Award. This marks the third year in a row that 3Shape TRIOS has won the award. 

The Pride Institute “Best of Class” Technology awards are presented annually to global products that deliver “Best of Class” value to dentists and the dental industry. 

Since its market launch in 2011, 3Shape TRIOS has received numerous awards. The new TRIOS 3 was introduced at the 2015 IDS conference in Germany.

“Digital impressions and the digital workflow are probably the fastest-changing technology in the dental industry,” said Dr. Lou Shuman, creator and founder of the “Best of Class” Award. "3Shape has moved rapidly forward with advancements in the TRIOS scanner that differentiates it from all the others. The TRIOS intraoral scanner truly captivated attendees at the IDS show in Cologne. Its speed, accuracy, true color, shade measurement, integrated intraoral camera, and new software make it easy to use and quite predictable. The fact that most laboratories utilize 3Shape design software, which can also be used with any digital impression system, gives a bit more credence to the reliability of this unit."

Learn more about TRIOS at 3shape.com/new+products/trios/intraoral+scanners. Watch video of the product at youtu.be/0rFdh7n8Whw.

WASHINGTON, Aug. 5, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- More than 2 percent of all emergency room visits are now related to non-traumatic dental conditions, despite the expansion of dental coverage under Medicaid.  A study published Monday in Health Affairsanalyzes the gaps in coverage and access that lead many Medicaid patients to visit emergency departments ("Medicaid Dental Coverage Alone May Not Lower Rates of Dental Emergency Department Visits").

The Health Affairs study correlates with statements issued in May by the American College of Emergency Physicians that more than half (56 percent) of emergency physicians responding to a poll say the number of Medicaid patients is increasing and that more than half of providers listed by Medicaid managed care plans could not offer appointments to enrollees.

"The large number of visits to ERs for dental conditions that could be treated in outpatient settings is proof that our health care system treats dental care differently than other preventive care," said Maria Raven, MD, FACEP, an associate professor of emergency medicine at the University of California, San Francisco and the study's senior author.  "Inadequate dental care has negative consequences for patients, including infection and tooth loss. Dental insurance should not be a luxury available only to the rich; it should be considered a necessity for everyone. Unfortunately, dental insurance for the poor is an exception rather than the rule."

The study examined county-level rates of emergency room visits for non-traumatic dental conditions in 29 states in 2010. They found that dental provider supply was associated with lower rates of emergency room visits for dental care by patients with Medicaid in rural counties, but not in urban counties, where some 90 percent of dental emergency visits occurred. This is partly due to the lack of dental coverage under Medicaid in some areas and the shortfall of dental providers in rural communities, as well as the dearth of dentists in urban areas willing to take on new Medicaid patients.

In urban areas, expanded Medicaid dental coverage did not appear to reduce dental emergency visits despite an adequate supply of dentists. These findings suggest that even in states whose Medicaid programs offer expanded dental coverage, patients may have difficulty locating dentists who accept Medicaid. The rate of dentists who accept Medicaid has been reported to be as low as 11 percent in Missouri, 15 percent in Florida and 20 percent in New York.

An estimated 8.3 million individuals are eligible to gain dental coverage through Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act.  As of January 2013, some 45 million Americans were living in regions with shortages of dental care providers, particularly in rural areas. In coming years, the national supply of dentists is expected to decrease further as many current dentists retire. 

"It is likely that ERs will continue to provide care to individuals without adequate access to office-based dental care unless new dental service delivery models are developed to expand access in underserved areas, and unless more dental providers begin to accept Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act," said Dr. Raven.

The research on emergency room visits for dental conditions and Medicaid dental coverage was funded by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

ACEP is the national medical specialty society representing emergency medicine. ACEP is committed to advancing emergency care through continuing education, research and public education. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, ACEP has 53 chapters representing each state, as well as Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia. A Government Services Chapter represents emergency physicians employed by military branches and other government agencies. 

KENNEBUNK, Maine, Aug. 5, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- What cause in your community would benefit from $20,000? Now through Aug. 26, Tom's of Maine invites consumers to check their toothpaste tubes and enter their toothpaste UPC codes for a chance to give$20,000 to a cause they care about.  

Tom's of Maine, a leader in natural oral and personal care, hopes this simple step will make it easier than ever to get involved in its annual 50 States for Good community giving program, which supports grassroots nonprofit organizations.  As part of its annual program, Tom's of Maine will donate more than $1 million to local community groups this year in addition to the $20,000 toothpaste tube winner. The public can visit www.50StatesforGood.com to see if their tube will let them surprise a nonprofit with funding or to enter without a purchase.

All Tom's of Maine natural toothpastes are eligible, including favorites such as Whole Care Peppermint, Silly Strawberry and Botanically Bright. No purchase is necessary and any legal U.S. resident 18 years or older can enter through Aug. 26.  Tom's of Maine natural toothpaste is made with no artificial sweeteners, colors or flavors and no animal testing.

"We wanted to give our loyal users and new fans a fun way to do some good and to join us in giving back," said Susan Dewhirst, goodness programs manager at Tom's of Maine. "We give 10 percent of our profits back to the community every day, all year long, so everyone who buys our products is helping to create a ripple effect of community support."

The 50 States for Good program benefits nonprofits in every state and Washington, D.C.  Go to www.50StatesforGood.com to learn more and for complete terms and conditions.

To date, the Tom's of Maine 50 States for Good program has funded more than 100 grassroots nonprofits across the country with more than $1.1 million.