HARRISBURG, Pa., Oct. 7, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Upon welcoming a new child into the world, there are a number of important steps parents take to ensure the child's health. One aspect that may often go overlooked during that whirlwind first year is an age one dental visit. Getting off on the right foot by making that first dentist appointment for your child will help start the process of protecting his or her teeth for years to come.

One question dentists are often asked is "how soon should I start taking care of my child's teeth?" The answer is as soon as they start to appear, which is generally around the age of six months. According to the American Dental Association, a baby's 20 primary teeth are already present in the jaws at birth. Those baby teeth that begin coming through the gums around six months help set the stage for future smiles by keeping space in the jaw for adult teeth. Even at such a young age, children can still develop tooth decay of their baby teeth. Keeping their mouths clean and applying a minimal amount of fluoride toothpaste to any baby teeth are a few ways to maintain good dental health. As children grow old enough to brush their teeth by themselves, supervision is still necessary so that the teeth are being cared for properly.

By scheduling your child's first dental visit, you can help prevent early childhood cavities and establish a dental home for the child, getting an assessment of how susceptible he or she is to decay. Besides the exam, your dentist will provide valuable instruction on better oral hygiene. Children should never be put to bed with a bottle of milk or juice. Another measure parents can take is encouraging children as they approach year one to begin drinking from a cup instead of a bottle. By taking these few steps, parents can start forming healthy dental habits for their children that they can hopefully carry with them.

Some parents may prefer to see a pediatric dentist who specializes in the care of young children. For help in locating a dentist or pediatric dentist, visit PDA's website at www.padental.org/findadentist to find one in your area.

The Peebles Center for Higher Education hosted a 2-day hands-on program featuring renowned technician and author Klaus Muterthies on August 21-22.

Ceramists from across the US and Canada attended the event at the center, which is located at Peebles Prosthetics, Inc. in Lakewood, Colorado.

For information on future programs at the center, contact Cindy Kelly at cindy@peeblesdentallab.com.

(Issued October 6, 2015) – Privately-held Solace Lifesciences, Inc., has been awarded a patent by the U. S. Patent and Trademark Office for NuCalm, an all-natural, drug-free technology designed to relieve stress and improve sleep quality. (U.S. Patent Registration No.: 9,079,030; Issued July 14, 2015). 

The announcement was made by James M. Poole, Solace Lifesciences’ CEO and President, who noted, “This is the world’s only patent granted for ‘Systems and Methods for Balancing and Maintaining the Health of the Human Autonomic Nervous System.’” NuCalm (www.nucalm.com) uses a four-step system to bring users to a state of deep relaxation.

“We have reached a milestone with successful applications on over 400,000 dental patients,” said Poole. “It has been a 13-year journey to this point including eight years of research, discovery and development, followed by five years of tested, proven real-world use, by dentists, doctors, cancer patients, professional athletes, pilots, and business executives across five continents.”

On receiving the patent, Dr. G. Blake Holloway, NuCalm technology inventor, a neuroscientist and clinician from Kerrville, Texas, said, “We are currently living in the second age of anxiety, the first being just after World War I. People are more stressed today than during the Great Depression and not doing enough to manage stress and sleep quality. NuCalm could not have come at a better time to help humanity lower stress and improve sleep quality without drugs.”

CEO Poole says, “As a culture, we are not getting enough rest and are overly reliant on stimulants for productivity, when we should better understand how the body and mind work optimally: it’s through relaxation and restoration, not hyper-stimulation. The brain works in patterns; we’re always seeking patterns. NuCalm mimics patterns that the brain identifies to help it relax. We are not doing anything foreign; we’re simply adding fuel and mimicking patterns in the brain to trigger deep relaxation. When we rest and restore, we can achieve homeostasis which enables us to perform at maximum efficiency.”

How NuCalm Works: A Multi-Part System    

NuCalm’s four-step system quickly and naturally brings the individual to a state of deep relaxation. This deep relaxation occurs thanks to neuroacoustic software that initiates a change in brain waves (Alpha and Theta level). Other steps include an all-natural proprietary cream; a patch behind each ear that allows microcurrent stimulation; and a light-blocking mask. The relaxation state occurs within minutes and lasts throughout the NuCalm experience. In stages, your mind will wander, your breathing slows down, and your body feels heavy and still. In as little at 20 minutes, you feel refreshed, relaxed, and focused.

Dr. Sam Halabo discusses the Cam-X® Spectra caries detection device by Air Techniques and how he uses it in his office. This video includes a patient demonstration and addresses the benefits of a caries detection device in a dental practice.

MADISON, Wis. — Where is the cosmetic dentistry industry headed? To answer that question, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry is conducting the 2015 State of the Cosmetic Dentistry Industry Survey. The survey, conducted every other year, is an instrumental source for reporting on trends in the industry, but it requires dental professionals' participation. The AACD is offering an added incentive; those who complete the survey could win one of five $50 American Express gift cards.

The AACD began conducting the State of the Industry survey in 2007. The survey asks questions about cosmetic dental patients, the cosmetic dental practice, and the most frequently performed cosmetic procedures. This data is then analyzed and compared to historical survey data to present an overall picture of the cosmetic dentistry industry.

CHICAGO, October 1, 2015 – The Academy of Osseointegration (AO)’s Japan Chapter Charter recently held its inaugural scientific meeting at the Tokyo International Forum in Tokyo. More than 300 delegates representing implant associations from all over the country gathered to discuss the theme “The Science of Implants and Associated Biology” and learn from an international lineup of speakers.

Dr. Takashi Sumi, Ichinomiya-City, Aichi, Japan, the AO Japan Ambassador,organized the one-day scientific program, which exemplified the successful network AO is creating internationally through its Charter Chapter initiative. For more information about AO’s Global Outreach, including how to start a Charter Chapter, visit https://www.osseo.org/charterChapters.html.

“The quality of all the presentations was outstanding, with sound scientific basis, relevant clinical applications and a very high quality of clinical cases and photography,” said Dr. Stephen Jacobs, Glasgow, Scotland, Vice Chair, AO Global Program Development Committee. “It was inspiring to see so many clinicians gathered together between AO’s Annual International Meetings to continue learning and growing together.”

The day kicked off with Dr. Sumi, and Drs. Kenji Takeshita, Tokyo, and Kunihiko Teranishi, Tokyo, addressing the delegates, welcoming them to the meeting and explaining the philosophy and purpose of the Charter Chapter initiative.

AO President Dr. Russell Nishimura, Westlake Village, Calif., then welcomed AO members and non-members alike to the largest Academy event ever held outside North America. He urged non-members to join the AO family, benefit from membership, and support the growth of the Academy into the foremost international dental implant organization in existence.

The morning was given over to the international speakers, with Dr. Michael Norton, London, AO Vice President and Chair of the Global Program Development Committee, followed by Dr. Jacobs, presenting the first two lectures on immediate implant placement, including options of managing the immediate provisionalization of adjacent anterior teeth.

After a short break, Professor Tara Aghaloo, Los Angeles, AO Board Member, delivered her lecture on Alveolar Bone Regeneration and Tissue Engineering. These first three lectures were assisted by simultaneous translation into Japanese.

A traditional Japanese lunch was followed by six short lectures by some of our most prominent Japanese members, in Japanese, with the subject matter including inter-implant soft tissue management, 3-dimensional site development, sinus augmentation and photo functionalization. The speakers were Drs. Takahiro Ogawa, Los Angeles; Hideaki Katsuyama, Yokohama, Japan; Tadakazu Obama, Eiji Funakoshi, Fukuoka, Japan; Yoshinori Nameta, Tokyo; Seiichiro Kinjo, Okinawa, Japan; Akiyoshi Funato, Ishikawa, Japan; and Masana Suzuki.

The meeting closed with Dr. Norton thanking Dr. Sumi and inviting everyone to meet again in San Diego, for the AO Annual Meeting in February 2016.

ST. PAUL, Minn. – When Dr. Jan Güth fires up his 3M™ True Definition Scanner to scan a patient, it’s no longer just a digital impression to make a crown; it’s also a digital record to aid in patient communication and treatment planning to improve outcomes. At the same time, Dr. Rick Fritz utilizes digital scan data as part of his orthodontic treatment plan to treat his patients more efficiently and effectively. Since the advent of the device, digital oral scanners have progressed beyond a tool for crown and bridge work; they’ve begun to change the way dentists practice and are fueling a new breed of digital dentistry. It’s this spirit of innovation that was celebrated at the 2015 3M Digital Exchange event in St. Paul, Minn. on October 1 and 2, and what keeps 3M Oral Care driving into the future of dentistry.

The 3M Digital Exchange brought together world-class dentists and orthodontists to discuss the latest trends in digital oral care. The event began with a keynote address focusing on the future of intertwining technologies, design and behaviors that will shape the way we interact. Dr. John Kois, Director of the Kois Center, discussed the recently announced collaboration with 3M Oral Care, and how its intraoral scanner will play a critical role in the comprehensive oral health exam of the future. Kois challenged the audience to think of the intraoral scanner as a ‘computer aided decision’ tool, not simply a process automation tool. Throughout the 2-day event, attendees had the opportunity to listen to other industry experts discuss the latest uses and advancements in digital technology – including digital workflows for orthodontists, utilizing social media to grow a practice, open architecture and more. The presentations provided insight into the innovations happening at 3M and in the industry as a whole, and gave a look into how today’s advancements are offering doctors creative solutions to stay on the forefront of trends.

“We feel fortunate to have such a talented, engaged, and insightful group of clinicians as our partners,” said Dan McMaster, global business director at 3M Oral Care. “As they continue to show us the breadth of capability of these digital tools, and as we work with them to make the process easier, more affordable, and more reliable, the future crystallizes significantly. It’s nice to see the technology moving from the early adopters to the mainstream dentist.”

“It’s amazing how far scanners have come in just the last few years, and events like this show us where this technology can go,” said Dr. Daniel Poticny. “Over the past 2 days I’ve seen how my peers are increasing treatment acceptance and growing their practices through the use of intraoral scanning technology. It’s inspiring.”

To learn more about the 3M True Definition Scanner, visit 3M.com/TrueDef.

KENILWORTH, N.J., Oct. 6, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Merck Manuals (called MSD Manuals outside of the United States and Canada), one of the world's most widely-used medical resources since 1899, today released the results of a survey revealing nearly 1 in 4 Americans (24 percent) say they have been misled by information about an illness or medical symptom from an unverified online source. That figure increases to 30 percent among parents with children under 18 and jumps to 43 percent among millennials (adults age 18-34).

The survey of more than 2,000 U.S. adults conducted online by Harris Poll on behalf of Merck Manuals also uncovered that 40 percent of Americans are not at all, or not very, confident that the information found on for-profit health websites is credible. Despite this, 1 in 3 Americans (33 percent) admit they don't look to confirm the credibility of an online health site before searching for information.

"Clicking the first article that pops up in an online search may be the easiest course when researching health issues, but it can also be dangerous if the information doesn't come from a credible source," said Dr. Robert Porter, M.D., Editor-in-Chief of the Merck Manuals and MSD Manuals. "These results underscore the need for greater access to and awareness of highly credible health information."

To help consumers confirm if a website is credible, The Manuals have developed the STANDS method – an easy-to-remember solution using six essential elements:

Source – Does the resource cite recognized authorities and provide their credentials?

Transparent – Is it open and obvious whether the site's mission is educational or commercial?

Accessible – Is the site available without registration and is there a way for users to contact someone with questions or concerns?

Neutral – Is the information available purely as a resource, or does the site benefit financially from what its users do (such as buying products or visiting advertised websites)?

Documented – Is the site updated when needed by recognized medical experts?

Secure – Can users access content without forfeiting personal information?

This focus on health information credibility is part of The Manuals' overarching mission throughout Global Medical Knowledge 2020 – a worldwide initiative to make current and accurate medical information accessible to nearly three billion consumers and health care professionals by 2020. An initial wave of survey results released in June revealed issues with accessing health information and barriers to increasing personal levels of medical information.

"The internet will continue to be flooded with new health information and websites, which is why we need to stress to consumers the importance of identifying credible health information sources," Dr. Porter said.

MerckManuals.com and MSDManuals.com are authored by 350 independent medical experts from around the world. It is available at no cost, requires no registration and the user experience is not compromised by advertisements or commercial messaging.

Tallahassee, Fla. – Gray-market dental products are sold to dentists and dental laboratories in the U.S. often without the buyer’s knowledge that the materials were imported into the U.S. and sold by an unauthorized vendor. According to a dental journal report, although gray-market products are sold at cheaper prices than regulated goods, they might not meet FDA registration requirements. The National Association of Dental Laboratories (NADL) created the “What’s In Your Mouth?” campaign to educate dentists on what it means to purchase a product from an authorized distributor who might be involved in the gray market and the risks they’re assuming by doing so.

“Gray market” is a generic term that primarily refers to products that are traded or sold outside of the manufacturer’s authorized distribution channels. It’s different than the black market, where products are illegally manufactured or illegally sold. Dentists and dental laboratories that purchase gray goods often have no knowledge of who has made contact with the materials nor how the vendor might have altered the product.   

Gray markets operate in and around most industries, including food, technology and cosmetics, and thrive in a down economy when many businesses are looking for the cheapest options. The dental industry is not immune to the effects of businesses trying to save – or in the vendor’s case – make a buck, which leaves dental patients and dentists vulnerable.

“Given that we know gray-market products are in the dental industry, it is important that dentists know how to spot a gray-market vendor and gray-market products,” said Gary Iocco, co-chair of the NADL Public Awareness Committee.

The “What’s In Your Mouth?” initiative encourages dentists to consider these questions to help identify gray-market vendors and products:

1. Is the price “too good to be true?”

2. Is the marketing from the distributor mainly through email?

3. Is customer service for the vendor hard to reach?

4. Is FDA registration information readily available for both the vendor and the material?

5. Is the vendor able to provide you with reputable referrals?

6. Is the vendor an authorized distributor of the manufacturer?
   

     

NEW YORK, Oct. 5, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, during National Health IT Week, The Deloitte Center for Health Solutions is releasing a survey report showing that Americans are increasing their use of technology to improve their health, navigate the health system and flex their shopping muscles in acting like consumers instead of passive patients.    

The report, "Health Care Consumer Engagement: No One-Size-Fits-All Approach," found that 22 percent of respondents used technology to access, store and transmit health records in the last year, up from 13 percent in 2013. Use was higher for those with major chronic conditions: 32 percent compared to 19 percent in 2013.

The report also shows that 16 percent of respondents who needed care went online for cost information, up from 11 percent in 2013. Millennials in this group increased the most, 27 versus 17 percent. Further, 71 percent of all those surveyed said they have not gone online for cost information but are "very" or "somewhat" likely to use a pricing tool in the future. 

When it comes to judging quality, 25 percent of all respondents used a scorecard to compare the performance of doctors, hospitals and/or health plans, up from 19 percent in 2013. The rate was highest in the youngest cohort, with 49 percent of millennials who received care in the last year using a scorecard compared to 31 percent in 2013.

"Health care is becoming more digitized and consumer oriented," said Greg Scott, principal, Deloitte Consulting LLP, and vice chairman and national sector leader for the health plans practice. "It's not an overnight change, but more like how summer turns into fall – gradual yet very perceptible."

The specter of a more customer-driven industry is causing many health companies to transform into retail-focused organizations, said Scott, impacting everything from strategy and scale to operations and human capital. "For the enterprise, this is about more than a cool app – this is about making the end-to-end changes needed to better identify and engage a more empowered purchaser."

The report identifies six consumer types emerging in today's market and quantifies their size – a framework that can help companies pursue customer-segmentation strategies. The "casual and cautious" make up 34 percent of the surveyed market, followed by the "content and compliant" at 22 percent, the "online and onboard" at 19 percent, "sick and savvy" at 11 percent, "out and about" at 8 percent and "shop and save" at 6 percent. The report gives depth on each segment's approach to health care.

"Not all consumers are alike in how they engage the system, and a large segment still remains disengaged," said Harry Greenspun, M.D., Deloitte Services LP, director of the Deloitte Center for Health Solutions. "Companies likely won't take a one-size-fits-all approach in their marketing and operations, but a tailored strategy that considers the unique characteristics of the segments they are most interested in."

Respondents most trust physician groups/medical practices/doctor's offices as a reliable source of information on treatments, with 49 percent giving this category a high rating. However, the scores for health insurance and life sciences companies have doubled since 2010. Specifically, 21 percent gave health plans a high rating, compared to 10 percent in 2010, while 18 percent gave life sciences companies a high rating, compared to 9 percent in 2010.

"It's not just the hospitals and doctors who are striving to get closer to the patient – it's the entire industry," said Sarah Thomas, Deloitte Services LP, director of research at the Center. "The post-ACA rise of the individual market and the need for health organizations to demonstrate value are putting the patient at the center of the health ecosystem."

In other findings,

• 28 percent of respondents have used technology to measure fitness and health goals, up from 17 percent in 2013.

• 23 percent have used technology to monitor a health issue, versus 15 percent in 2013.

• 40 percent of the surveyed technology users have shared their fitness or monitoring information with their doctor.

• 63 percent of the surveyed technology users say their use of fitness or monitoring technologies has led to a significant behavior change.

• 13 percent of respondents who take prescription drugs receive electronic alerts or reminders; more than half express interest in using technology to prompt them to take their medication.

• Rates of conferring with doctors via email, texting or video have doubled in the last two years, suggesting digital communication between consumers and providers may continue trending upward.

• 48 percent of respondents prefer to partner with doctors rather than have them make decisions for them, up from 40 percent in 2008, and 34 percent strongly believe doctors should encourage patients to raise questions. However, only 16 percent of respondents who received care report asking their doctor to consider treatment options other than the one initially recommended.