CHICAGO, Sept. 10, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Despite provocative reporting and sensational headlines, the American Association of Endodontists today said there is no evidence that Alzheimer's disease can be spread from person to person by direct contact, or through any dental procedures or dental instruments.

"There is no evidence that root canal treatment poses a risk of developing Alzheimer's disease," said AAE President Dr. Terryl A. Propper, a private practicing endodontist in Nashville, Tenn. "There are procedures in place to minimize infection risk from endodontic instruments such as files and reamers. Many endodontists employ single-use instruments and, if not, instruments are thoroughly sterilized prior to each use."

The study published in the journal Nature makes no mention of dental procedures as a risk factor, and the study author, ProfessorJohn Collinge, said, "Our current data has no bearing on dental surgery and certainly does not argue that dentistry poses a risk of Alzheimer's disease."

"There is nothing definitive in this study," said Dr. Propper. "Questions remain and the study authors acknowledge that more research is needed."

HOUSTON, TEXAS, September 3, 2015 — The Institute for the Clinical Practice of Pediatric Dentistry (ICPPD) said today that its upcoming “Practical Approaches in Pediatric Dentistry” seminar represents an exceptional investment in the future for pediatric dentists and general practitioners looking to increase their pediatric practice productivity and profitability. The 16 CE credit event, which can be applied as Participation credits to either AGD PACE Mastership or ADA CERP programs, is scheduled for October 16-17 in Las Vegas. The seminar will take place at the University of Nevada Las Vegas School of Dental Medicine and will use their state of the art simulator teaching lab.

“Our seminar has been painstakingly designed to give dentists and their staffs the practical hands-on training required to have a positive and long-term impact on their pediatric productivity and profitability,” said ICPPD director Roger G. Sanger, DDS, MS. “Our course is a participatory, get-out-of-your-seat, roll-up-your-sleeves event. It has a faculty of five lecturers providing comprehensive, hands-on instruction for two tracks of dentists--one for pediatric dentists and GPs with extensive pediatric experience, and one for GPs with less pediatricexperience--as well as a separate track uniquely designed for dental assistants. After dentists and assistantsspend two days with us, they won’t need to take additional time away from their practice to attend numerousindividual lectures on multiple pediatric restorative options.”

Lectures cover topics such as practical and efficient treatment planning, while hands-on experience with some of the most innovative game-changing products available for pediatric restorative dentistry will enhance attendees’ competence in practicing a broad range of the newest restorative techniques. Through this combination of interactive discussion and hands-on training, attending doctors and assistants develop practical expertise that can be immediately implemented once they return to their practices.

In addition to Dr. Sanger, the ICCPD faculty includes Rhea Haugseth, DMD; Ray Stewart, DMD, MS; William (Bill) F. Waggoner DDS, MS; and Stephen Wilson, DMD, MA, PhD. Together, these five dedicated didactic lecturers and clinical mentors represent over 200 years of pediatric dentistry experience.

Sponsors of the event are DOCS Education, Hu-Friedy, Isolite Systems, MacPractice, NuSmile Pediatric Crowns, and SmileSavvy. Course attendees will stay at the luxurious Venetian Resort.

Those seeking to register or obtain further information may do so at www.icppd.net.

ATLANTA, Sept. 10, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- National children's dental provider Kool Smiles has been named a finalist in the nationally-renowned PR News Platinum PR Awards program for its 'Smile On' campaign, a multi-year, multi-faceted effort that includes ongoing community outreach and giving, patient and employee relations, national and local media outreach around dental health education, and social media community building.

Kool Smiles' Smile On initiatives include Operation Troop Treats, the largest Halloween candy buyback program by a dental provider in the United States that has contributed to a total of more than five tons of sweets shipped to U.S. soldiers overseas and is now in its fourth consecutive year; and Sharing Smiles Day, a national day of free dental care offered in February for children without any form of dental insurance. Since the start of the Smile On campaign in 2012, Kool Smiles dentists have provided more than $59 million in uncompensated care to patients in the communities they serve.

"Our Kool Smiles dentists and staff are deeply committed to ensuring every U.S. child has access to dental care and dental health education, which is why we invest significant time and resources in our ongoing community outreach programs," said Kool Smiles Managing Dental Director D Ray Gifford. "It's an honor to be recognized nationally for our continued work to ensure every child has a dental home."

In a news release, PR News said the finalists of the Platinum PR Awards "set industry standards for excellence across all areas of PR. Finalists are from corporations, agencies and nonprofits—both large and small—that took chances, made tremendous strides in their communications efforts and understand the power of public relations."

The PR Platinum Awards is a national industry program that honors top communications initiatives in more than 40 categories. The winners will be announced at its benchmark-setting Platinum and Agency Elite Awards Luncheon on October 26, 2015, at the Marriott Marquis in New York City.   The Kool Smiles Smile On campaign award submission is shared by Schmidt Public Affairs, its agency of record. 

See the complete list of this year's Platinum PR Awards finalists here: https://www.platinumprawards.com.

There is still time to submit your research to be presented at the Academy of Osseointegration’s 31^st Annual Meeting, February 17-20 in San Diego. Due to numerous requests for an extension, AO has extended the deadline to Tuesday, September 15th at 11:59pm CDT.

Here are 10 great reasons to submit an abstract for #AO2016: 

1. Your research will be seen by more than 3,500 global leaders in the dental implant community.

2. AO’s new interactive E-Poster sessions now offer 10-minute scheduled live presentation times.

3. E-Posters will be available for viewing online for up to one year following the meeting.

4. Top-scoring, peer-reviewed abstracts are eligible for awards presented in front of all meeting attendees on Saturday, February 20^th at the Annual Business meeting.

5. Presenting your work at the AO Annual Meeting is a great addition to your professional and academic experiences that you can add to your resume.

6. You can network with colleagues from all different specialties who will see your research.

7. E-Posters mean you no longer have to tote your poster with you during your travels.

8. Your name and title of your E-Poster Presentation will be published in the Academy's Annual Meeting Scientific Program.

9. You can update your poster research up until your presentation time in San Diego.

10. The abstract submission deadline has been EXTENDED until Tuesday, September 15^th at 11:59pm CDT.

There will be a $50 fee for all abstract submissions. Visit www.osseo.orgfor more information on how to submit an abstract. If you have any questions, contact Kim Scroggs, AO Manager of Education, at kimscroggs@osseo.orgor at 847-439-1919.

ROOMALL, PA--(Marketwired - Sep 9, 2015) - PeriRx LLC, a premier developer of breakthrough, non-invasive, oral diagnostic technology, has officially launched SaliMark™ OSCC, an advanced molecular DNA test for oral squamous cell carcinoma. The salivary test is now available from the online ordering systems of Benco Dental, Henry Schein Dental, and Patterson Dental.

"We're very excited to bring this accurate, easy-to-use and non-invasive oral cancer screening tool to market," said Stephen M. Swanick, CEO and founder of PeriRx, LLC. "The fact that these three leading dental suppliers all agreed to distribute SaliMark™ OSCC is not only a testament to its efficacy but also their recognition of the test's strong potential to lower the mortality rate of what the National Institutes of Health says is the world's sixth leading cause of cancer, which kills one American every hour of every day."

Development of this simple-to-use, painless and noninvasive test was based on the strong scientific foundation of NIH-funded research with initial discovery and pre-validation work conducted by Dr. David T.W. Wong of the University of California at Los Angeles. More than a decade of National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research and National Institute of Health-supported research make SaliMark™ OSCC the world's most scientifically-validated molecular DNA biomarker test for oral squamous cell carcinoma.

The test is indicated for use when a visual oral examination (via naked eye or fluorescent device) detects a suspicious lesion or oral mucosal abnormality. SaliMark™ OSCC's highly-accurate risk assessment capabilities can help the clinician make a more informed and confident decision on whether to refer the patient to a specialist for a biopsy.

"Although biopsies are the gold standard for determining pathology, they are invasive procedures that come back negative 90% of the time," explained Swanick. "SaliMark™ OSCC will greatly improve the efficiency and accuracy of any oral cancer exam protocol."

For more information about PeriRx, LLC or its SaliMark™ OSCC salivary test for oral squamous cell carcinoma, including scientific data, presentations, videos, peer-reviewed dental journal articles and product literature, visit www.PeriRx.com, call 610-544-3500 or send an email to info@PeriRx.com.

Not yet approved for sale in the state of New York. Regulatory approval process is currently underway. However, New York dentists who pre-register their practices online will be kept on file and notified immediately when SaliMark™ OSCC is approved for sale and use in their state.

HICAGO, Sept. 8, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Gordon Christensen, DDS, MSD, PhD, will be honored with the private practice award for Rockies/Plain region 4 by the American College of Prosthodontists (ACP). Dr. Christensen is to be honored at the Annual Awards & Presidents Dinner during the 45th Annual Session of the American College of Prosthodontists in Orlando from Oct. 21-24, 2015.

Dr. Christensen is Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Practical Clinical Courses (PCC), Chief Executive Officer of Clinicians Report Foundation (CR), and a Practicing Prosthodontist in Provo, Utah. Gordon and Dr. Rella Christensen are co-founders of the non-profit Clinicians Report Foundation (previously named CRA), which Rella directed for many years. Since 1976, they have conducted research in all areas of dentistry and published the findings to the profession in the well-known CRA Newsletter now called Clinicians Report.

Gordon's degrees include: DDS, University of Southern California; MSD, University of Washington; PhD, University of Denver; and two honorary doctorates. Early in his career, Gordon helped initiate the University of Kentucky and University of Colorado dental schools and taught at the University of Washington.

Currently, he is providing continuing education programs for many schools. Gordon has presented thousands of hours of continuing education globally, made hundreds of educational videos used throughout the world, and published widely. He is a member of numerous professional organizations.

"I am very appreciative to receive this award from my peers as we constantly try to provide more adequate preventive care and treatment for complex oral challenges," said Dr. Christensen. "I have seen enormous growth in the specialty of prosthodontics over the past numerous years. As the life expectancy of the population has increased, the amount of oral disease and breakdown has also increased. I and my fellow prosthodontists are honored to treat those patients in need of complex and expert prosthodontic care."

Created in 2013, the Private Practice Award may be given annually to up to five individual Prosthodontists (one per ACP Region). These individuals must have made outstanding contributions to the advancement of the prosthodontic specialty and the role that the Prosthodontist in private practice plays in advancing the patient's quality of life.

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, CAD/CAM, and cosmetic dentistry solutions.

- See more at: https://globenewswire.com/news-release/2015/09/08/766821/10148608/en/Dr-Gordon-Christensen-Awarded-with-Private-Practice-Award-for-Rockies-Plains-Region-4-by-the-American-College-of-Prosthodontists.html#sthash.z8PH5Cvp.dpuf

CHICAGO, September 9 — According to a recent survey commissioned by Oral Health America (OHA) and conducted by Harris Poll, low income older adults have multiple risk factors when it comes to oral health, including being less likely to do daily care activities such as brushing and being less likely to live near an affordable grocery store. OHA is working to fight these troubling statistics through this year’s Fall for Smiles campaign, which encourages all Americans to care for their mouths through daily brushing, flossing and rinsing, regular dental visits, eating a healthy diet and avoiding tobacco.

To help all Americans get involved in the campaign, OHA has a promotional guide available to download for free on the Fall for Smiles webpage, oralhealthamerica.org/fallforsmiles. The guide, sponsored by Midmark, includes web banners, a template press release, sample newsletter articles and language that can be used on social media. In addition, campaign information can also be shared directly to Twitter and Facebook via the Fall for Smiles webpage.

“Midmark is pleased to support the Fall for Smiles initiative for the fifth consecutive year. Through the partnership with Oral Heath America and other impactful organizations, Midmark is excited about this wonderful opportunity to further education on the importance of developing healthy dental habits,” said Eric Shirley, VP and General Manager for Midmark Corporation.

Learn more about Fall for Smiles and access the Promotional Guide and all campaign materials at oralhealthamerica.org/fallforsmiles.

IRVINE, Calif., Sept. 9, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- More than 400 Smile Generation-trusted dental offices served their local communities onAugust 22, 2015 by participating in the fifth annual Smile Generation Serve Day. The clinicians and their dental care teams served 2,100 community members who would not otherwise have access to dental care, providing more than $3.7 million in donated dentistry.

The dental offices teamed up with local organizations and community partners, such as youth centers, nonprofit organizations and churches, to identify individuals that were in need of basic dental care.

"Smile Generation Serve Day is a day for giving back to the community," said Stephen Thorne, founder, president and CEO of Pacific Dental Services. "Having access to dental care is critical for a patient's overall health.  By opening up their practices to help those who may not otherwise have access to dental care, the Smile Generation-trusted dentists are confirming their commitment to their community members and their oral health."

Patients received everything from cleanings, exams, and digital X-rays to extractions, implants and restorations. Smile Generation Serve Day was supported in part by Henry Schein® Dental. Henry Schein is the largest provider of health care products and services to office-based practitioners.  

NEW YORK, Sept. 9, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- The Hispanic Dental Association (H.D.A.) recently awarded oral care leader Colgate-Palmolive Company with its Corporate Legacy Award at its 2015 annual conference in San Antonio, TX for the company's ongoing commitment to professional education and oral health equity among the U.S. Hispanic community.

A leading organization dedicated to the elimination of oral health disparities in the Hispanic community, the H.D.A. honored Colgate's longstanding efforts to educate and support Latinos nationwide through community programs, bilingual educational information and advocacy around an often-overlooked, but important health issue.

"When the H.D.A. was forming in 1990, Colgate was our first corporate supporter and has been a steadfast partner over the past 25 years," said David Pena, CEO and executive director of the H.D.A. "It's vital to have support from a company such as Colgate to bring more Latinos into the profession, to educate families and to be on the ground in our communities providing dental care where it's most needed. Colgate truly walks the walk."

"Colgate believes in the H.D.A.'s mission and continues to innovate new ways to educate, empower and improve the oral health of Latinos nationwide," says Dr. Marsha Butler, Vice President, Global Oral Care, Colgate-Palmolive. "We are honored to have received the Corporate Legacy Award and strive to leave a lasting legacy of healthy smiles for future generations."

Colgate's goal of helping improve oral health among the U.S. Hispanic community is put into action through various educational and service initiatives over many decades.  Since 2005, Colgate has awarded more than $200,000 toward post-graduate scholarship funds to increase the number of Hispanic dentists with specialty degrees. The company also maintains the Colgate Oral Health Network, which can reach 70,000 dental professionals across the globe through digital distance learning.

Two major community initiatives--Colgate's Bright Smiles, Bright Futures™ program and the annual Oral Health Month (Mes de la salud bucal) awareness campaign—reach Hispanic children and families directly. Now in its 25th year of operation, Bright Smiles, Bright Futures™ includes a classroom curriculum for kindergarten students and a mobile dental van that provides children ages 3-12 with free dental screenings and oral health education in various communities where the need is greatest. The program reaches over 10 million children annually.  H.D.A. member dentists and hygienists volunteer their time in the vans to conduct the screenings and offer one-on-one conversations with families about maintaining healthy teeth and gums.

Every June, Colgate's Oral Health Month awareness campaign partners with the H.D.A. on awareness nationally of oral health disparities and proper oral hygiene through relevant spokespeople, bilingual media channels and culturally-relevant programming.

St. Louis, MO - September 3, 2015 - Dr. Bruce Cochrane speaks about refractory patient care at the Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) in November 2015. His talk, in the Corporate Forum series, will focus on his usage of prescription trays and the real-world results he's documented with patients in his own office since 2007.

Prescription tray delivery of antimicrobials into periodontal pockets was a surprise discovery for Dr. Cochrane. He entitled his presentation "You Don't Know What You Don't Know," to reflect the unexpected encounter he had at a continuing education seminar. One piece of information convinced him to try the tray delivery with his refractory patients who didn't want to lose their teeth but who had no remaining treatment options.

Refractory patient care is one of the largest hurdles in periodontics. "My patients were looking for me do something for them. They weren't disappearing from my practice and they wanted to keep their teeth," explained Dr. Cochrane. "I tried the prescription tray approach both out of an intellectual curiosity and a sense of urgency to improve patient health." The results to be presented at his November 14th talk will show why he then expanded his usage in subsequent years.

Dr. Cochrane describes his reasoning for using prescription trays and for his AAP presentation in this video. To learn about Dr. Cochrane's practice, visit www.doctorcochrane.com.

For more information on the AAP annual session in Orlando, FL, visit www.perio.org/meetings. For more information about prescription tray delivery, visit www.PerioProtect.com.