Today, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced the launch of Prescription Drug Overdose: Prevention for States, a new program to help states end the ongoing prescription drug overdose epidemic. The Prevention for States program, as part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Opioid Initiative, will make a strong investment in 16 states, giving them the resources and expertise they need to help prevent overdose deaths related to prescription opioids. The program builds upon the infrastructure of CDC’s Prevention Boost and Core Violence and Injury Prevention programs. 

Through a competitive application process, CDC selected 16 states to receive funds through the program: Arizona, California, Illinois, Kentucky, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, and Wisconsin.

“The prescription drug overdose epidemic requires a multifaceted approach, and states are key partners in our efforts on the front lines to prevent overdose deaths,” said Secretary Sylvia M. Burwell. “With this funding, states can improve their ability to track the problem, work with insurers to help providers make informed prescribing decisions, and take action to combat this epidemic.”

In FY2015, CDC is committing $20 million to launch this program in 16 states.  Over the next four years, CDC plans to give the states annual awards between $750,000 and $1 million each year, subject to the availability of funds, to advance prevention, including in these areas:

• Enhancing prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs).

• Putting prevention into action in communities nationwide and encouraging education of providers and patients about the risk of prescription drug overdose.

• Working with health systems, insurers, and professional providers to help them make informed decisions about prescribing pain medication.

• Responding to new and emerging drug overdose issues through innovative projects, including developing new surveillance systems or communications campaigns.

States can also use the funding to:

• Better understand and respond to the increase in heroin overdose deaths.

• Investigate the connection between prescription opioid abuse and heroin use.

The President’s Budget for 2016 includes a request from Secretary Burwell for the resources needed to expand CDC’s state efforts to all 50 states and launch a national program that will focus on prevention and prescription drug overdose surveillance.

A national epidemic

Since 1999, overdose deaths involving prescription opioids have quadrupled in the U.S. More than 16,000 people died from prescription opioid overdoses in 2013. Heroin deaths have also been on the rise, with more than 8,000 overdose deaths involving heroin in 2013—a nearly three-fold increase since 2010.

The amount of opioids prescribed and sold in the United States has increased four-fold since 1999, but there has not been an overall change in the amount of pain that Americans report.

“The prescription drug overdose epidemic is tragic and costly, but can be reversed,” said CDC Director Tom Frieden, MD, MPH.  “Because we can protect people from becoming addicted to opioids, we must take fast action now, with real-time tracking programs, safer prescribing practices, and rapid response.  Reversing this epidemic will require programs in all 50 states.”

CDC works with states, communities, and prescribers to prevent opioid misuse and overdose by tracking and monitoring the epidemic and helping states scale up effective programs. CDC also improves patient safety by equipping health care providers with data, tools, and guidance so they can make informed treatment decisions. Learn more at www.cdc.gov/DrugOverdose.

Secretary Burwell has made addressing opioid abuse, dependence, and overdose a priority and work is underway within HHS on this important issue. The evidence-informed initiative focuses on three promising areas: informing opioid prescribing practices, increasing the use of naloxone—a drug that reverses symptoms of a drug overdose—and using medication-assisted treatment to move people out of opioid addiction. Learn more about HHS activities at: Opioid Abuse in the U.S. and HHS Actions to Address Opioid-Drug Related Overdoses and Deaths. The Obama Administration is also committed to tackling the prescription drug and heroin epidemic, proposing significant investments to intensify efforts to reduce opioid misuse and abuse.

DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "Global Teeth Whitening Products Market 2015-2019" report to their offering.

Manufacturers are increasingly offering innovative products by investing more heavily in R&D, as the development and use of teeth whitening products have increased in the past decade. They are also developing new technologies for composite teeth whitening systems. However, the focus is on the expansion of distribution networks in emerging markets. The emergence of private-label brands prompts well-known brands to develop new products and increase their margins.

According to the report, the high adoption of these products has paved the way for cosmetic dentistry. Apart from that, whitening procedures, veneers, crowns, and inlays/onlays are the popular cosmetic treatments used by consumers to improve their dental health and appearance. Therefore, the growing development of cosmetic dentistry has fueled the demand for teeth whitening products, which bodes well for overall market growth. The global teeth whitening products market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.40% during the period 2014-2019.

Small players are developing several low-priced counterfeit products to leverage the lucrativeness of the market.

CHICAGO, Sept. 3, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Robert Bentz, DMD, FACP, will be honored with the private practice award for Eastern region 2 by the American College of Prosthodontists (ACP). Dr. Bentz 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. Robert Bentz has excelled in private practice throughout his career. He has a great passion for specializing in state-of-the-art dental solutions and enjoys making a positive impact on his patients' lives. Dr. Bentz has many professional affiliations as he is a Diplomate of the American Board of Prosthodontists, a Fellow of the American College of Prosthodontists, a member of the American Dental Association, the Past President of the Pennsylvania Prosthodontic Association, a member of the Pennsylvania Dental Association, and a member of the Montgomery-Bucks County Dental Society. All of these affiliations have pushed him to become an incredible private practitioner that goes above and beyond. Dr. Bentz currently resides in Collegeville, Pennsylvania.

"I am humbled that the ACP has chosen my office for the Private Practice Award. Since beginning my career, my staff and I have strived to stay abreast of, and offer our patients, the most advanced treatments available with the ultimate goal of improving our patients' quality of life. The use of computer aided design and manufacturing to fabricate implant prostheses that solve advanced dental issues, has allowed us to further reach this goal and has excited our desire to continue learning. I am honored that the ACP has recognized this passion and dedication," said Dr. Bentz.

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.

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. 

SACRAMENTO CA, (PRWEB) SEPTEMBER 04, 2015

All of us know someone who has been affected by cancer. Unfortunately, the sad truth is that our most vulnerable population, our children, can also be the victims of cancer. In the U.S., 15,780 children under the age of 21 are diagnosed each year with cancer, according to the American Childhood Cancer Organization (ACCO).

There are many types of childhood cancers that range from brain cancer to lymphomas and sarcomas. Treating a child with cancer involves a large team of specialists and oncologists. “Because there is a risk of developing side effects which are linked to dental disease, seeing a dentist and/or dental hygienist before cancer treatment begins is imperative," states California Dental Hygienists’ Association (CDHA) President Lygia Jolley, RDH, BA. Both the disease and the treatment can cause many problems that affect the child’s mouth. Among these are dry mouth (xerostomia), mouth sores (mucositis), tooth decay, difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), difficulty chewing or opening the mouth (trismus), oral infections, bone disease, inflammation or pain in the lining of the mouth and tongue.

Treatments

According to the American Cancer Society , the types of cancer treatments which have proven to be the most beneficial and effective include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and the new technique of plasma laser surgery.

Chemotherapy is a cocktail of drugs given intravenously to kill the rapidly growing cancer cells. Plasma Laser surgery uses focused lasers directed at the affected cells to destroy them. And radiation therapy is delivered directly to the tumor to kill the cancerous cells. Unfortunately, all three treatment options do damage or produce side effects that can affect the patient. The acute concerns of cancer treatment relate to the child’s immediate overall health, while the chronic effects can have implications regarding the growth of the child.

Oral Considerations

“Dental treatment is an extremely important need before beginning cancer treatment,” states Jolley. "It identifies existing risk factors, oral treatment needs, and oral hygiene care recommendations,” continues Jolley. An appropriate amount of time needs to be considered for oral care before starting cancer treatment. To start, the child needs to visit a dentist and hygienist for evaluations, ideally one month before cancer treatment begins to allow enough time for the tissue to heal following any dental treatment needs. During this phase, the dentist should take a panoramic and full mouth x-rays to look for any abnormalities such as periodontal disease, ongoing infections, or cavities. Additionally, the dentist or hygienist will conduct an oral cancer screening to check for signs cancer that may be present in the mouth. Orthodontic braces also need to be removed, and extraction of any loose and hopeless teeth should also be accomplished at this time.

Cancer treatment related dental education for the child and parents is key for good oral health during the child’s treatment. Overall, good brushing and flossing is imperative. The child’s immune system is compromised during treatment, so extra attention to daily cleanings to keep the mouth clean goes a long way. At the first sign of any oral complications related to cancer treatment, the child should be immediately seen by a dentist or hygienist. Be sure to alert your dental provider to the types of cancer treatment the child is undergoing. Often times, blood work is needed 24 hours prior to care so that the clotting factors and immune system mediators are measured. Additionally, antibiotics may be needed to prevent infections following dental hygiene care. The CDHA suggests the following care tips:

Gently brush your teeth two times a day, and floss regularly. It is important to continue good oral hygiene practices. If the gums are sore, it may also help to soak an extra-soft toothbrush in warm water to soften the bristles before brushing. Prescription rinses are available to relieve oral pain associated with chemo and radiation therapy.

Avoid alcohol based mouth rinses and extremes in your diet. Do not rinse with an alcohol based mouth rinse - choose an alcohol free mouth rinse instead. Food choices should include foods that are soft and mild. Extremely hot, cold, spicy, acidic, or crunchy foods may irritate your mouth and cause damage.

Promote good bone health. Getting enough vitamin D and calcium each day helps promote a strong, healthy jaw and teeth. Dairy products are good sources of calcium and, if fortified, vitamin D. Other food choices may include fortified fruit juice and fortified breakfast cereals. Talk with your doctor before taking any supplements.

Drinking water and sugarless drinks may help manage dry mouth. Sucking on ice chips or using candy sweetened only with Xylitol is a good alternative. Try to avoid things that will dry out your mouth and cause cavities, such as sodas and fruit juice. Topical oral gels or rinses can be prescribed for dry mouth either caused by chemotherapy or radiation therapy to the head and neck.

The RDHAP

In some cases, the child cannot go to a dentist for checkups and dental hygiene care. In this case, a Registered Dental Hygienist in Alternative Practice (RDHAP) can be the best option. RDHAPs are licensed hygienists who can work in hospitals, home care facilities, and can travel to the sick patient’s home to provide dental hygiene care. RDHAPs do not need a dentist present to provide dental hygiene care. They are able to do oral screening, place sealants, and clean a patient’s teeth without having them leave the bed or his/her comfort place. To find an RDHAP, visithttps://www.cdha.org/rdhap.

Following Successful Cancer Treatment

It is important to receive ongoing dental examinations following cancer treatments, as after after effects can be far reaching.

Children who have been under chemotherapy before their permanent teeth were fully formed, especially if they were younger than five years old at the time of treatment, are at greater risk of future dental problems. In addition, radiation therapy near or in the mouth will affect the salivary glands and may cause permanent loss of salivary function. This may lead to a life long increased risk for dental decay and periodontal disease. Radiation therapy can also cause unintended nerve damage creating taste alteration which can lead to disruptions in diet.

Chemotherapy affects bone density by decreasing the level of calcium in the body. As a result, the growing child can develop TMJ problems, locking of the jaw, asymmetrical growth of face and jaw bone, abnormally sized/shaped teeth, or severe orthodontic complications.

It is very important to consult with your doctors and dental care team regarding any questions or concerns before, during, and after any cancer treatment of your child.

The CDHA recommends visiting its website for more information: https://www.cdha.org

The California Dental Hygienists’ Association (CDHA) is the authoritative voice of the state’s dental hygiene profession. The organization was established 30 years ago when two regional associations merged to form a unified professional group. CDHA represents thousands of dental hygienists.

OAK BROOK, Ill., Sept. 3, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- With tumultuous times on Wall Street already causing financial pains to many Americans, the stress it leads to could cause pains of another kind.

According to Delta Dental Plans Association (DDPA), an increase in stress, such as that due to a tumultuous stock market, can cause teeth clenching and grinding, known as bruxism, a condition that can lead to worn down and broken teeth and jaw, neck and head pain. 

Other factors that can possibly cause teeth grinding, says DDPA, include: anxiety, stress, anger, frustration or tension – all feelings someone may experience when checking their 401k, retirement, or other investments lately.

What are some symptoms of tooth clenching and grinding?

• Headache or earache

• Jaw, neck or back muscle tenderness, especially in the morning

• Hot, cold, or sweet sensitivity in the teeth

• Difficulty sleeping, including for your sleeping partner since teeth grinding can be very noisy

• Sore or painful jaw

While DDPA doesn't offer financial advice, they do serve up some tips when it comes to your oral health. While it's important to kick the teeth-clenching habit, here are some things to ease the pain and damage to your teeth while breaking the cycle:

• Relax face and jaw muscles. Practicing this throughout the day can help create a habit of relaxing instead of tightening these muscles. 

• Reduce stress. Everything from eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep and getting regular exercise to spending time with people you enjoy can help. 

• Tell your dentist. He or she may suggest a mouth guard or splint appliance. There are different types depending on individual needs.

More information on teeth-clenching causes and solutions can be found in Delta Dental's online oral health library.

MELVILLE, N.Y. -- To help build the confidence of many underserved children who would otherwise return to the classroom without essential school supplies or new clothes, Henry Schein, Inc., the world's largest provider of health care products and services to office-based dental, animal health, and medical practitioners, has launched its annual "Back to School" program. This year, more than 5,000 children will participate in the program. Since the program's inception in 1998, more than 32,000 children have headed back to school equipped for success with its help.

Henry Schein "Back to School" events are taking place at 29 Henry Schein locations this year. In 2014, the program expanded beyond the United States and Canada to Spain, and this year includes Scotland. Participating children will be provided with school essentials, including backpacks filled with classroom supplies, books, and hygiene products donated by Henry Schein. At many "Back to School" locations, children also will receive new first-day school outfits, personally selected and paid for by Team Schein Members.

"Our 'Back to School' program has been one of Henry Schein's longest-running and largest community service events, during which enthusiastic Team Schein Members make a significant difference in the lives of underserved children, boosting their confidence from the first day they walk through the classroom doors," says Gerry Benjamin, Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer of Henry Schein. "Giving back to society is a core value of Team Schein, and we are proud to host 'Back to School' every year, having grown the program from one event at our company's headquarters in Melville to now 29 events worldwide."

At Henry Schein's worldwide corporate headquarters in Melville, N.Y., more than 600 children and their families pre-selected by local social service agencies received school supplies and clothes at a "Back to School" event yesterday. Dinner, games, balloon animals, face-painting, and music were among the fun-filled activities.

To help identify participating children and families in the Henry Schein "Back to School" program, Henry Schein partners annually with local social service organizations. For the event at the company's headquarters, Henry Schein partnered with 11 social service organizations, including Bethany House; Madonna Heights; Espoir Youth Program, Inc.; the Nassau County Department of Social Services; Family Service League; YES Community Counseling Center; MPowering Kids; Family and Children's Association; Hispanic Counseling Center; Pederson-Krag Center, Inc.; and The Raymar Children's Fund.

"For more than a decade, our families have participated in 'Back to School,' and it is always a pleasure to see the smiles on the children's faces as they excitedly receive brand new clothing, sneakers, and more," said Donna Teichner, Assistant Director, Family Ties, Family and Children's Association. "Self-esteem and resources are major components to academic success, and with the school supplies and clothing the children receive thanks to Henry Schein, we are better able to ensure that our families – many of them enduring a variety of crises – can have their children return to school feeling empowered to do well and feel well." 

"Back to School" is a flagship initiative of Henry Schein Cares, the global corporate social responsibility program of Henry Schein, and is supported by the Henry Schein Cares Foundation, Inc., a 501(c)(3) organization that works to help increase access to health care in underserved communities around the world.

CHICAGO, September 3, 2015 – To accommodate the growing demand for dental implant training and education, the Academy of Osseointegration (AO)has expanded its 31^st Annual Meeting to include Hands-On Workshop sessions. These sessions will be held the afternoon of February 17, 2016, the day before the Opening Symposium and Welcome Reception. For the next three days (February 18-20), specialists and general dentists will continue to learn together about the latest in science and technology from the world’s leading clinicians and researchers.

The meeting, themed “Globalization of Implant Dentistry: A World Collaboration,” will be held at the San Diego Convention Center in San Diego. Registration will open this fall. Follow AO on Facebookand Twitterusing #AO2016 to stay up-to-date.

“Clinicians, residents and students who carve time out of their busy schedules to attend our Annual Meeting do so because they share our conviction that knowledge and training are essential for the successful use of dental implants,” said AO President Dr. Russell Nishimura. “We owe it to them to maximize their time by ensuring this experience gives them world-class education in an outstanding learning environment, and that it translates into optimal patient care.”

The Annual Meeting will include more than 50 clinical presentations; an expansive Exhibit Hall; hundreds of E-Posters, as well as Oral Scientific Abstracts and Oral Clinical Research Sessions; Corporate Forums; Lunch and Learn Sessions; a Young Clinicians Lecture Series; and a TEAM Program and Laboratory Technician Program. In addition to the Opening and Closing Symposiums, there will be a “Focus on China Symposium,” where speakers from different regions of China will present on their clinical experiences and research in implant dentistry.

“We have put together an unparalleled line up of clinicians, teachers and researchers from around the globe to present on the topics most important to today’s implant dentist,” said Dr. Peter Moy, 2016 Annual Meeting Program Chair. “The whole point of this meeting is to ensure our members and guests take valuable information back to their practices to provide optimum care for our implant patients, and that’s exactly what we plan to do.”

Throughout the conference there will be numerous opportunities to network and socialize, including the President’s Reception, a time-honored event complimentary to all attendees. This year’s reception will be held at the San Diego Air and Space Museum.

“San Diego is easy to fly into from anywhere in the world,” added Dr. Nishimura. “With its warm weather and great amenities, such as beaches, golf, shopping and the zoo, it’s an awesome place to bring your family, too.” 

The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) educational nonprofit created in 2008 to advocate and raise awareness of the necessity of dental laboratory technology education for dental technicians and other effected members of the dental team.

The Foundation provides grants and scholarships to interested candidates for advanced education and develops educational programs that are relevant and accessible to both dental technicians working in the laboratory as well as dental laboratory technology students.

With the help of The Foundation’s generous donors, they were able to offer a number of grant and scholarship opportunities this year, with the following grant opportunities still available to interested candidates:

Kois Center Education Grant – deadline to apply: 9/15/2015

The Kois Center Education Grant will award one (1) seat in the Biomechanics I & II course at no charge. The charge for such a course would typically retail for $9,995.

PTC John Ness Memorial Education Grant – deadline to apply: 10/15/2015

The PTC John Ness Memorial Education Grant will award four (4) individuals in the dental laboratory field a PTC Ness Academy Hands on Course at no charge. The charge for such a course would typically retail for $3,000.

Fulcrum Grant – deadline to apply: 11/15/2015

The Fulcrum Grant will award four (4) individuals up to $2,500 to supplement expenses related to an approved continuing education program the winner wishes to attend.

To apply for the Kois Center Education Grant, click here.

To apply for the PTC John Ness Memorial Education Grant, click here.

To apply for the Fulcrum Grant, click here.

CHICAGO, August 13 — Oral Health America (OHA) is proud to announce 12-year-old Brexton Clubb from Peoria, AZ as the winner of the 14^thAnnual NSTEP® (National Spit Tobacco Education Project) Slogan Contest. Brexton’s winning slogan, “Run bases, catch balls. Chew tobacco and risk it all!”, will be featured during the 10-day Little League Baseball® World Series in Williamsport, PA, to educate players and families about the dangers of spit tobacco.

Teaming up with Little League® Baseball and Softball, the annual contest calls on players ages 8-14 to create a compelling ten-word phrase describing the dangers of spit tobacco for a chance to win a trip to the Little League Baseball® World Series and a cash prize.

“We’re a huge baseball family and Brexton plays baseball year-round,” said Brexton’s father Robert Clubb. “We watch the Little League World Series every year, so we’re very excited to be able to go.”

“I decided to enter the contest because most of my friends were doing it and just started thinking about the basics of baseball and mixing tobacco into that,” said Brexton, who typically plays third base for his team. “When they told me I won, I couldn’t believe it. I was so surprised and happy and jumping up and down.”

In addition to its long history with baseball, spit tobacco disproportionately impacts young people, with 46 percent of new users starting before the age of 18. With direct ties to cancer, tooth loss and tooth decay, it is more important than ever that young Americans understand that smokeless isn’t harmless.

“For more than 20 years OHA has educated Americans through NSTEP about the dangers of spit tobacco,” said OHA President and CEO Beth Truett. “We are honored to continue our partnership with Little League to prevent young people from starting to use spit tobacco and thank Brexton for his role in helping us reach thousands of families with this important message.”

For winning the contest, Brexton will receive an all-expense paid trip to the Little League World Series, where he will throw out the first pitch during a game. In addition, OHA will donate $500 to Brexton's local Little League organization.

About Little League Baseball and Softball

Little League Baseball and Softball is the world's largest youth sports program, with nearly 2.4 million players and one million volunteers in every U.S. state and scores of other countries. For more information, visit https://www.littleleague.org.

Attleboro, MA – Sterngold Dental, LLC, is pleased to announce that they will launch the new Sterngold Implant System at the American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID) meeting October 21-24 in Las Vegas.

Sterngold’s new line features One Surgical System with Multiple Restorative Platforms. The implant body design promotes self-tapping and initial stability during placement.  Its simple and predictable surgical process makes it ideal for all fixed and removable indications.  Within the system, the TRU Implant is substantially equivalent to the Nobel Biocare® Internal Conical connection, and the PUR Implant is substantially equivalent to the Zimmer Tapered Screw-Vent connection.  For more information, call 800-243-9942.