The American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID) named nine dentists from around the world to the coveted status of Honored Fellow at its recently concluded 64th Annual Conference. The Honored Fellow designation is awarded to those members of the AAID who, through their professional, clinical, research, or academic endeavors, have distinguished themselves within implant dentistry.

Named as Honored Fellows were:

- Norman Barbone, DDS, FAAID, DABOI/ID, Mansfield, Ohio

- Mario Cabianca, DMD, FAAID, DABOI/ID, Trail, British Columbia, Canada 


- Mark Cullen, DDS, FAAID, DABOI/ID, St. Petersburg, Florida 


- Chris Hughes, DMD, FAAID, DABOI/ID, Herrin, Illinois 


- Ed Kusek, DDS, FAAID, DABOI/ID, Sioux Falls, South Dakota 


- Michael Nishime, DDS, FAAID, DABOI/ID, Honolulu, Hawaii 


- Cheryl Pearson, DMD, FAAID, DABOI/ID, Lexington, Kentucky 


- Shane Samy, DMD, FAAID, DABOI/ID, Eugene, Oregon 


- Hamilton Sporborg, DDS, FAAID, DABOI/ID, Chatham, Massachusetts

Established in 1951, the AAID is the only dental implant organization that offers credentials recognized by state and federal courts as being bona fide. Its membership, which exceeds 5,000, includes general dentists, oral surgeons, periodontists and prosthodontists from across the United States and in more than 60 other countries.

For more information about the AAID and its credentialed members, please log on to the website at www.aaid.com or call the AAID at 312-335-1550. 

CHICAGO, November 9, 2015 –  Dr. Frank Spear will open the Academy of Osseointegration’s (AO) 2016 Annual Meeting with his presentation, “Globalization of Training, Education, and Comprehensive Collaborative Treatment Planning in Implant Dentistry: Understanding the Risks and Rewards.” Dr. Spear has been restoring implants for 30 years and believes technique is one thing, but perspective is another.

“When you have been in practice long enough, you start asking different questions about what’s a best practice,” explains Dr. Spear. “You get to see what performs well and what doesn't.” Though most of his cases have worked out well, he admits he might have handled some differently.

Clinicians should consider both the risks and rewards for patients and what’s ahead for them in their life when placing implants. Dr. Spear will suggest key questions to ask when weighing risk vs. reward, such as:

·      What is the age of the patient?

·      What other conditions of the patient’s health should I consider before I place an implant?

·      Can I delay this implant and save the tooth for the benefit of a patient’s long-term dental care?

·      What can I do to help prolong the life of the restoration I use on top of the implant?

·      What’s going to happen next if something fails?

Dr. Spear will also cover the globalization of training and education, and comprehensive, and collaborative treatment planning. Using the evolution of  implant dentistry over the past three decades, his aim is to identify the best practices today, using the history of the science as a background for their development.

“We honestly didn’t know what we were doing in the ‘80s—we were learning and flying by the seat of our pants. Technology matured and we improved in the ‘90s and even more in the 2000s. And now we know what works, but we also know what doesn’t work,” Dr. Spear explained. “It’s a good timeframe in the history of implants to look back at what we’ve done with a different perspective on it.”

Following Dr. Spear’s presentation, clinicians from around the world will present in the Opening Symposium on the risks and rewards for various topics of concern for today’s dental implant professional. From grafting with growth factors or biologics to not grafting at all, to bone augmentation, and even guided surgery, there are pros and cons to many of the decisions and treatments from which dentists choose.

Dr. Spear feels the AO Annual Meeting is a great way for clinicians to stay current on the best practices of implant dentistry. He has always enjoyed the learning aspect of the meeting collaborating with the best and brightest clinicians from around the world.

“I enjoy getting to hear really bright people who are doing a lot, especially involved with research,” he said. “They are answering a lot of questions we’ve had for years, but we haven’t had the research answers for them.”

The 31^st Annual Meeting is set for February 17 to 20, 2016, in San Diego. You can register to attend at www.osseo.org. Follow AO on Facebookand Twitterusing #AO2016 to stay up-to-date. 

CHICAGO – Gary L. Roberts, D.D.S., a general dentist based in Shreveport, Louisiana, is the new president-elect of the American Dental Association (ADA). Dr. Roberts was recently elected during a meeting of the ADA House of Delegates in Washington, D.C. He will assume the role of president of the ADA in October 2016, when he will lead the 158,000-member organization, America’s leading advocate for oral health.

Dr. Roberts, an ADA member for 41 years, served as the Twelfth District trustee to the ADA House of Delegates. He served on the ADA Council on Ethics, Bylaws and Judicial Affairs, Council on Government Affairs and was chair of the Committee on Budget and Finance. He served as a trustee liaison to the Council on Dental Practice, Council on Annual Sessions and the Council on Dental Education and Licensure.

Dr. Roberts is a past-president of both the Louisiana Dental Association (LDA) and the Northwest Louisiana Dental Association. He was speaker of the LDA House of Delegates for six years and editor of the Journal of the Louisiana Dental Association for eight years. In addition, he served on numerous committees at the LDA including the Council on Government Affairs, the Louisiana Dental Association Political Action Committee and served on the Board of Directors of Louisiana Dental Services. In 2007, he received the Louisiana Dental Association’s highest honor, the Distinguished Service Award.

Dr. Roberts is a member of numerous other professional dental organizations, including the Academy of General Dentistry and Ark-La-Tex Academy of Dentistry. He is a fellow of the American College of Dentists, International College of Dentists and the Pierre Fauchard Academy.

Dr. Roberts earned his dental degree from Baylor College of Dentistry in 1977. He and his wife, Teresa, live in Shreveport, Louisiana, and have two children, Zachary and Joshua, and one grandson, Caleb.

CHICAGO, Nov. 10, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Capt. Robert M. Taft, DDS, FACP, was installed as vice president of the American College of Prosthodontists (ACP) for a one-year term. Dr. Taft was sworn in during the 45th Annual Session of the ACP held in Orlando from Oct. 21-24, 2015.

Captain Taft was born and grew up in Littleneck Long Island, N.Y. He received his D.D.S degree from Emory University School of Dentistry in 1983. He entered the Navy in 1983 following graduation and was commissioned a Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy Dental Corps. In 1988, Captain Taft entered the Prosthodontic Residency Program at the Naval Postgraduate School in Bethesda, Md., and two years later received a certificate. He stayed on staff in the Prosthodontic Department as the Laboratory Officer and Head of Fixed Prosthodontics. He then completed his fellowship in Maxillofacial Prosthetics at Wilford Hall Medical Center in 1992.

Captain Taft served as Dean of the Naval Postgraduate Dental School and Specialty Leader to the Surgeon General for Postgraduate Dental Education from June 2006 to June 2011, Deputy Chief, United States Navy Dental Corps from June 2011 to June 2013 and is currently Department Chair, Prosthodontics, at the Naval Postgraduate Dental School.

Captain Taft is a Diplomate, Board Examiner and President of the American Board of Prosthodontics, Fellow/BOD member of the American College of Prosthodontists, Fellow of the Academy of Prosthodontics, Past President of the American Academy of Maxillofacial Prosthetics, Director of ADT North America, CODA site visitor, CODA Prosthodontics Review Committee and past Specialty Leader to the Surgeon General for Maxillofacial Prosthetics and Implant Dentistry. His personal awards include two Legions of Merit, three Meritorious Service medals, two Navy Commendation medals and two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement medals.

"What the ACP can accomplish as an organization is virtually limitless. We are in the business of service to each other and to the patients we treat everyday. Together, we will make the College a stronger, more vibrant and dynamic organization. I am so proud to be a prosthodontist and part of an incredible team of professionals," said Captain Taft.

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, cosmetic dentistry, and sleep apnea 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.

Oral cancer is now the tenth most common cancer in men according to new figures* released by Cancer Research UK today (Tuesday).

This latest data shows around 7,300 people were diagnosed with oral cancer in the UK in 2012** and twice as many men than women diagnosed with the disease –around 4,900 males and 2,400 females.

It is the fifteenth most common cancer in women.

Over the last decade, cases of oral cancer have risen from around 4,500 back in 2002. The incidence rate of the disease has increased by a third over ten years, rising from 9 per 100,000 people in 2002 to 12 per 100,000 in 2012.

There are around 2,300 people who die from oral cancer in the UK every year, around 1,500 men and around 770 women.

Oral cancers include cancer of the lips, tongue, mouth (gums and palate), tonsils and the middle part of the throat (oropharynx).

Around nine out of 10 oral cancer cases in the UK are linked to major lifestyle and other risk factors.  For example, an estimated 65 per cent of oral cancers in the UK are linked to tobacco smoking. The human papilloma virus (HPV), drinking alcohol and having a diet low in fruit and vegetables have also been linked to oral cancer.

Higher smoking rates in men are largely responsible for the greater number of cases in men and an estimated 70 per cent of oral and pharyngeal cancers in males in the UK are linked to tobacco smoking.

Because of this sharp rise in oral cancer cases, Cancer Research UK is launching a new toolkit*** for dentists and GPs to help try and spot the disease earlier.

Dr Richard Roope, Cancer Research UK’s lead GP, said: “It’s a real concern that oral cancer cases continue to climb and has now broken into the top ten most common cancers in men, especially as the majority of cases are preventable. The combination of tobacco, drinking alcohol and HPV provides a toxic cocktail that has led to this rising tide of cancers, so it’s vital that people are aware of how to reduce their risk. If oral cancer is found at a late stage treatment options are more likely to be limited with long-lasting side effects and the chances of survival are poor. It’s because of this that we’re working to raise awareness of the risk factors of the disease as well as helping doctors and GPs spot the signs and symptoms and have the knowledge they need to act.”

Professor Richard Shaw, a head and neck surgeon based at the University of Liverpool involved in developing the GP and dentist toolkit, said: “We know that the vast majority of oral cancer cases could be prevented, so it’s important that people know how to reduce the risk of the disease through lifestyle factors. Alongside this, it’s vital that GPs and dentists can spot signs and symptoms of the disease to help catch it early and that they feel confident in knowing the next steps they should take in referring patients for further tests.”

The toolkit for health professional features images of signs and symptoms and outlines how GPs and dentists should refer patients for further tests. Health professionals also accrue credit for their continued professional development by completing the toolkit.

Professor Damien Walmsley, chief scientific advisor to the British Dental Association, said:  “If oral cancer is spotted early survival rates can reach 90 per cent. Delay is costing lives, so it’s vital that front line health professionals have the tools and the information to reduce the risk of the disease and get patients diagnosed as quickly as possible. We are proud to team up with Cancer Research UK, and we urge all those who work in the oral health field to make use of this toolkit.”

Access the dental professionals toolkit here (link is external) or the GPs toolkit here (link is external).

Source: Cancer Research UK

References

* https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/health-professional/cancer-statistics/st...

Annual average age-standardised incidence rate for oral cancers (ICD10 C00-C06, C09-C10, C12-C14) in the UK between 2000-2002 and 2010-2012 (9 and 12 per 100,000 people respectively.)

Please note that the cases from 2002 and 2012 are based on single year incidences, where as the incidence rates are based on three-year rolling data (2000-2002 and 2010-2012).

** The latest UK wide incidence data for oral cancer is from 2012. The process of registering a cancer is complex and there are a number of processes in place to ensure the data is of a high-quality.

Cancer Research UK compiles UK wide incidence data produced by the regional cancer registries in England, and the three national registries in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland for our UK statistics but it means we have to wait until all of the data has been published by each country before we can compile and publish it.

The process to compile and analyse the data means there is usually a delay of around 18 months before the data is complete.

For more information about oral cancer visit https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/type/mouth-cancer/

*** Oral Cancer Toolkit

To coincide with Mouth Cancer Action Month in November, Cancer Research UK is launching the oral cancer toolkit.

Supported by the British Dental Association and the Royal College of General Practitioners, this online toolkit aims to increase dental professionals’ and GPs’ knowledge around detection of oral cancer and covers the signs to look out for, how to respond, as well as possible risk factors for oral cancer. The toolkit will feature a detailed image library, a referral guide, case studies, examination videos and a CPD quiz.

The toolkit has been produced with funding from the Department of Health, in response to research indicating that there was a need for an oral cancer educational resource to improve the knowledge gaps among GPs and dental healthcare professionals. This educational toolkit will aim to boost the knowledge and confidence among dental health professionals and GPs in helping to identify suspicious oral lesions and accurately refer them to secondary care.

This resource is freely accessible to all GPs and dental health professionals.

Restorative Dentistry students and faculty at New York City College of Technology attended Dental Histology and Embriology lectures presented by Prof. Maria-Elena Bilello from the college's Dental Hygiene Department. The two lectures took place during RESD 1110 Tooth Morphology laboratory sessions and were arranged by Prof. Renata Budny, MBA, CDT, MDT.

Prof. Bilello shared her vast knowledge on topics of development of oral cavity including the development of mandible, maxilla, palate, and alveolar bone; and development of teeth with emphasis on development of enamel, dentin, root (cementum, pulp), and periodontal ligament. The lecture also covered the eruption of teeth.

The Restorative Dentistry students displayed great interest in the topics presented and asked many questions. The faculty and the students from the Department of Restorative Dentistry thanked Prof. Bilello for sharing her time and expertise to guide the future leaders of the dental laboratory technology profession.

Sharon, Mass. – With three generations of the Dickerman family still involved in daily operations, Dickerman Dental Prosthetics celebrated the start of its 50^th year in business.

While the past half-century saw Dickerman Dental Prosthetics evolve to embrace new materials and processes, it proudly maintains the family-owned atmosphere that made 50 years of growth possible. Laboratory founder Myron Dickerman still leads its technicians, working from the bench on a daily basis, while his son Ira serves as president, overseeing operations and ensuring processes remain stable and constant. Myron’s grandson, Brandon, has led the laboratory into guided surgery to complement Dickerman’s implant processes.

“There are many family-owned laboratories in operation, but few that benefit from hands-on involvement in day-to-day business by three generations,” says Ira Dickerman, CDT. “I’m not only fortunate enough to be able to work side-by-side with my dad and son, but to do it in an industry I’m so passionate about.”

Although it’s grown through the years, maintaining consistency has been easy for Dickerman Dental Prosthetics: Nine of its technicians have served in the laboratory for at least 25 years. Marshalling collective experience of more than 250 years, Dickerman’s senior staff has been instrumental in helping the laboratory maintain the standards of quality that are the foundation of its 50-year legacy. As an early adopter of digital processes and CAD/CAM production, Dickerman Dental Prosthetics has perfectly blended the experience of its veteran staff with the innovations necessary to stay relevant in a rapidly changing marketplace.

“Dental technicians are notorious for having a high turnover rate, so we’re grateful that Dickerman Dental has been fortunate enough to maintain its talent – and therefore ensure consistency – to the degree we have. It’s staggering when I think about it,” Ira said.

To mark the laboratory’s milestone, Dickerman Dental Prosthetics hosted a company-wide dinner Sept. 15 to celebrate its golden anniversary. With a banquet recognizing all employees’ contributions, as well as honoring the Dickerman family’s commitment to excellence in restorative dentistry, the laboratory enters its 50^th year with the same energy and focus that made it thrive for half a century.

“This is a huge milestone for any business, let alone a laboratory,” Ira said. “I’m excited to build on our traditions as we continue to lead the industry.”

Almost 8 percent of patients experience loss of at least one implant within ten years. Even more develop peri-implantitis. Patients with periodontitis run a greater risk of both implant loss and peri-implantitis. A doctoral thesis at Sahlgrenska Academy has explored the various issues.

PITTSTON, PA — November 5, 2015 —Revolutionary. Pioneer. Changemaker. Terms that define Dr. Lucy Hobbs, the first American woman to earn a degree in dentistry, also describe the modern women in today’s dental community who are recognized annually by The Lucy Hobbs Project^®.

Powered by Benco Dental, The Lucy Hobbs Project^® is a national, long-term program based on three pillars – networking, innovating and giving back.  Named after Hobbs, this project aims to bring women together from all facets of the dental industry – dentists, dental assistants, hygienists, receptionists, sales representatives and others. The project is free to join and offers networking opportunities, education programs and charitable events.

Today, Benco Dental invites nominations for 2016 The Lucy Hobbs Project Awards Honoring Exemplary Women in the Dental Community. Benco Dental will host The Lucy Hobbs Project 4th Annual Celebration in Dallas, Texas, on June 2 and 3, 2016. The schedule will include one CE, a keynote speaker and lunch. 

Please visit The Lucy Hobbs Project website for more information.

During the celebration, The Lucy Hobbs Project will honor women who are setting new benchmarks in the dental profession and beyond. Now, through the January 15, 2016 deadline, Benco Dental encourages people across the country to nominate women in dentistry who they view as inspirations to others. Six categories for consideration include:

·       Woman to Watch: An up-and-coming leader who utilizes her position to create positive change in the industry.

·       Industry Icon: A trailblazer who is consistently recognized and admired for her work in the dental industry.

·       Mentor: An advisor who recognizes the importance of supporting, educating and encouraging others.

·       Innovator: A groundbreaker who demonstrates a willingness to implement new technologies and business processes without fear of potential failure

·       Humanitarian: An altruist who works tirelessly for a charity or cause that benefits the well-being of others.

·       Clinical Expert: A skillful practitioner who embraces advancements and adeptly integrates them into patient care.

Individuals and organizations may submit nominations. Self-nominations are accepted. Contest entrants are directed to the 2015 Lucy Hobbs Project^® Awards Nomination Form: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LHP2016Nominations

Among the 2015 Lucy Hobbs Award honorees are women whose unwavering professional dedication merits accolades: Dr. Luz Marina Aguirre, New York, NY, Dr. Lindsay Limbaugh, Huntsville, AL, BB Maboby Bahadarakhann, Newport Beach, CA, Dr. Kendra S. Schaefer, Madison, WI, Dr. Amanda Seay, Mount Pleasant, SC, and Dr. Esther M. Wilkins, Boston, MA. Read about their contributions to the profession in dental lifestyle magazine, Incisal Edge: https://viewer.zmags.com/publication/10683ba7 - /10683ba7/1

To learn more and sign up for The Lucy Hobbs Project^®, visit The Lucy Hobbs Project^® website at: https://www.thelucyhobbsproject.com