Pioneering research to address chronic periodontitis has been awarded the Australian Dental Industry Association Research Grant bestowed by the Australian Dental Research Foundation (ADRF), the nation’s leading funding body for early-career researchers into dental and oral health issues. The grant is funded by the Australian Dental Industry Association (ADIA), the peak business organization representing innovative dental product manufacturers and suppliers.

The most recent award was provided to Associate Professor Neil O’Brien-Simpson from the University of Melbourne Dental School into research associated with antimicrobial peptides that target periodontal pathogens. He’s a project manager for the Oral Health Cooperative Research Centre. The research project will be supported by Dr. Jason Lenzo and Dr. James Holden, both from the Melbourne Dental School.

The research seeks to address chronic periodontitis, an inflammatory disease associated with a pathogenic subgingival bacteria leading to the destruction of the tooth’s supporting tissues and ultimately tooth loss. It is a major public health problem in all societies and is estimated to affect at least 30% of the adult population, including 5% to 6% who experience severe forms of the disease. The prevention of chronic periodontitis relies on removing the bacterial burden by effective tooth cleaning, sometimes in combination with antibiotics and / or antiseptics; however, long-term use of antibiotics is undesirable due to the emergence of resistant bacteria. Indeed, several reports have highlighted an increasing trend towards antibiotic resistance in oral bacteria.

The increasing reports of multi-drug and antibiotic resistant bacteria and the limits on the use of antiseptics, such as chlorhexidine, have resulted in extensive research to discover and develop new and novel classes of antimicrobials that are effective and safe for human use.

“The objectives of the research align with the conditions of the Australian Dental Industry Association Research Grant that provides funding for projects that may, following commercialization, support the development of new and / or innovative dental and oral healthcare treatment pathways or products,” said Troy Williams, ADIA Chief Executive Officer.

The Australian Dental Industry Association Research Grant provides funding to explore the potential of a novel class of antibiotics called antimicrobial peptides (AMP). The research team have already identified several AMPs by altering their sequence and adding chemical moieties that reduce toxicity to mammalian cells while targeting and enhancing antibacterial activity towards periodontal pathogens.

“ADIA has a long track-record of supporting the development of innovative patient diagnostic and treatment options and it's in this context that we’re committed to the long-term funding of the Australian Dental Industry Association Research Grant is funded,” Mr Williams said.

Oral Health America (OHA) has been awarded a grant in the amount of $667,000 from the DentaQuest Foundation (DQF).The grant will provide significant support to expand the Wisdom Tooth Project® and increase capacity to continue advocating for publicly funded dental coverage for Medicare beneficiaries.

Since 2010, the DentaQuest Foundation has been pivotal in supporting OHA’s systems change approach to improve the oral health of older adults across the nation. OHA’s Wisdom Tooth Project is a national program designed to educate older adults and their caregivers, connect communities with support and resources to access care through our one-of-a-kind web portal, toothwisdom.org, and advocate for policies that improve the oral health of all older adults.

"With an expected 72.1 million seniors living in the United States by 2030, there is a sense of urgency in ensuring that all older adults receive the oral health care they deserve. Thanks to DQF, we are coordinating a national movement that prioritizes the oral health of older adults as a key factor for their overall health and wellness,” said Beth Truett, President & CEO of Oral Health America. “We are grateful to the DentaQuest Foundation for their continued support and partnership as we work for good oral health throughout the lifespan and advocate for an oral health benefit in Medicare.”

2018 will build upon the work done since 2015 by the three Medicare Work Groups focused on Policy & Procedure, Marketing & Communications, and Politics to align efforts to impact the 2020 electoral platform.

“The DentaQuest Foundation is happy to partner and invest in the important work, that OHA is leading, to provide equitable access to oral health care for the growing number of Medicare covered adults. Oral health is an integral component of health," said Michael Monopoli, Executive Director of the DentaQuest Foundation.

Together with the DentaQuest Foundation, OHA will lead and strengthen partnerships within the oral health and aging network to elevate the relationship between oral and overall health and call on legislators, advocacy groups and consumers to join us in taking action to educate all constitutents that health equity depends on including an oral health benefit in Medicare for all older adults, particularly those most vulnerable.

Learn more about OHA’s Medicare initiative at oralhealthamerica.org/Medicare.

Glidewell Dental, a leading technological innovator in restorative dentistry for over 48 years, has announced the 2nd annual Glidewell Dental Symposium. Scheduled for Oct. 19-20, 2018, at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland, near Washington, D.C., this event will include more than a dozen prominent educators providing two days of intensive instruction, with a first day of fast-paced presentations and a second day of in-depth clinical and business training.

“Dentists have more options for treating patients today than ever before,” said Dr. Neil Park, scientific chair of the Glidewell Symposium and vice president of clinical affairs at Glidewell Dental. “This period of rapid innovation in dental technology presents many opportunities for clinicians to expand their knowledge and practice offerings, and to explore more effective and efficient solutions for elevating the standard of care within our profession.”

The symposium brings together notable experts from many different backgrounds and specialties, including esthetic dentistry, digital dentistry, dental implants, tissue regeneration, sleep-related dentistry, practice management, and more. The event kicks off Friday, Oct. 19, with a presentation on the current and future state of dentistry from Jim Glidewell, CDT, president and CEO of Glidewell Dental, followed by an energizing lineup of informative presentations and a very special keynote address delivered by Dr. Jack Hahn, a legendary pioneer in dental implantology.

On Saturday, Oct. 20, in-depth, hands-on workshops will be led by some of the most distinguished leaders in clinical dentistry, representing faculties of such esteemed organizations as the Misch International Implant Institute, the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, and the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. The workshops will provide practical clinical information on the latest innovations, protocols, products and procedures in the field, so that clinicians can immediately implement focused techniques into their practice when they return to the office on Monday.

“Following the success of last year’s sold-out symposium, we received an abundance of feedback from attendees who expressed their desire for refining their clinical skills and adopting the latest technology to grow their practice,” said Dr. Park. “They inspired us to expand the event to two days, to cover even more clinical and business topics, with nearly a dozen hands-on Saturday workshops to choose from. And we’ve moved to a more spacious venue to accommodate a vast array of interactive exhibits and technology demonstrations — to create an even bigger and better experience than last year.”

During both days of the event, the exhibition floor will be packed wall to wall with displays of 3-D printing, intraoral scanning, in-office milling, the CAD/CAM workflow, dental implants, and regenerative and restorative materials, as well as live demonstrations and a virtual reality tour of Glidewell Dental’s expansive R&D campus, technology center and laboratory.

The 2018 Glidewell Dental Symposium is designed for dentists, hygienists, and chairside and front-office auxiliaries, and attendees enrolled for both days will earn up to 12 hours of continuing education (CE) credits. Tuition for day 1 is $195 and day 2 is $150, with special early bird pricing of $125 and $95, respectively, when registering by July 31, 2018. On Friday, tuition includes a complimentary breakfast, lunch and cocktail reception with hosted bar; Saturday tuition includes breakfast. For the complete symposium agenda and to register, please visit https://glidewellsymposium.com or call 866-791-9539.

Dentsply Sirona Inc., The Dental Solutions Company™, announced today that it will host a ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday, May 24, 2018, to celebrate the grand opening of its new state-of-the-art training facility, Dentsply Sirona Academy – Charlotte (DSAC). Located at 13320 Ballantyne Corporate Place in Charlotte, the DSAC will function as a multi-purpose training facility, showcasing the dental product solutions in a clinical setting. The grand opening ceremonies, scheduled from 1 to 4 PM, kick off with presentations from Dentsply Sirona CEO Don Casey, industry KOLs, and other key stakeholders.

“Dentsply Sirona is committed to bringing the best training and broadest educational experiences to dental professionals around the world,” said Group Vice President – Americas RCO Greg Sheehan. “Our new and ultra-revolutionary training facility in Charlotte will accommodate a comprehensive variety of clinical and technical curriculums, including hands-on teaching, live lectures, and on-demand webinars.”

In addition to the ribbon cutting ceremony, attendees of the DSAC grand opening have the opportunity to tour the facility’s 28,525 sq. ft. space, which includes multiple classrooms, a 288-seat auditorium, seven fully-outfitted operatories, and two simulation labs. Knowledgeable product managers will be on hand to discuss and demonstrate the capabilities of several technology and consumables products, as well as provide visitors the chance to personally test-drive equipment from Dentsply Sirona’s product line.

“The opening of our new academy is further evidence of Dentsply Sirona’s steadfast commitment to providing top-quality training in an easily accessible location,“ added Sheehan. “The Dentsply Sirona Academy – Charlotte will provide all dental professionals enriching opportunities to expend their knowledge, exchange information, and be inspired.“

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Dentistry has appointed Todd Blanton, CEO of Komet USA LLC, to serve on its Board of Advisors, which will assist the dean and faculty in maintaining and enhancing the quality and excellence of oral healthcare education at the school as well as on national and international levels.

An alumnus of UNC at Chapel Hill with 25 years of leadership experience in the dental industry, Mr. Blanton states, “Serving on the UNC-CH School of Dentistry’s Board of Advisors allows me to give back to my alma mater and to the profession that’s been a central focus of my life’s work in a way that’s both personally and professionally meaningful.”

The newly formed Board of Advisors, which will hold its inaugural meeting on May 10, is charged with strengthening ties between the UNC-CH School of Dentistry and the healthcare sector. Board members will collaborate with the school’s dean and faculty to interpret and communicate the school’s mission, programs, accomplishments, needs, and aspirations to alumni, friends, and dental professionals across the state, the nation, and the world. The Board also will provide insight on the future of oral health care in all its components and related industries, helping the school refine and adapt curriculum to meet future needs; advocate special causes and needs of the school with UNC-CH administration, the state legislature, and the dental industry; and participate in development activities on behalf of the school.

According to Dr. Scott S. De Rossi, Dean and Professor at UNC-CH School of Dentistry, “Our vision of becoming the global model for oral health education, in care and discovery, is only attainable with support from our alumni and friends. Working together, we are able to fulfill our mission of transforming dentistry for better health.”

About the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Dentistry

The UNC School of Dentistry is transforming dentistry for better health. Founded in 1950, the UNC School of Dentistry was the first dental school in the state and is regarded as a leader in oral health care and education. More than half the dentists in North Carolina are UNC trained, and UNC School of Dentistry alumni live or work in 96 of North Carolina’s 100 counties, all 50 U.S. states, and 12 countries. The school sees more than 77,000 patients each year in its clinics and provides care ranging from general needs to complex cases. Consistently ranked in the top 10 for NIH funding, the school strongly supports the University’s research mission. Together, the school’s faculty, staff, and students passionately serve their community and field through service within North Carolina totaling more than $4.1 million of in-kind care annually. The ultimate goal of the UNC School of Dentistry is to be the global model for oral health education, in care and discovery. Click here to learn more.

About Komet USA

Currently celebrating 95 years of unparalleled excellence in the dental industry, Komet is a recognized worldwide leader in the production of highly specialized dental burs, discs, diamonds, endodontic instruments, and accessories. Komet operates in the United States under the name Komet USA LLC. Komet sells direct to dental practitioners and dental laboratories, delivering orders quickly and efficiently from its state-of-the-art factory in Lemgo, Germany. The company’s U.S. headquarters is located in Rock Hill, South Carolina. For more information about Komet USA and its full range of instruments, call 888-566-3887 or visit www.kometusa.com.

Some dental and facial injuries sustained in sports activities are preventable. April is National Facial Protection Month (NFPM) and five dental organizations have joined forces to educate the public to play it smart the first time by wearing mouth guards and other protective gear to prevent injuries.

The Academy for Sports Dentistry (ASD), the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS), the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) and the American Dental Association (ADA) co-sponsor NFPM annually to encourage parents, caregivers and coaches to prevent sports-related injuries to the head and face by using safety equipment. Athletes are urged to wear protective gear such as mouth guards and helmets to avoid being sidelined by an injury.

John D. is a case in point. He went to baseball practice without a mouth guard, where a baseball hit him dir

His orthodontist, Jacqueline Miller, DDS, MS, a member of the AAO in Washington, Missouri, repositioned his palate and teeth.

"But had he been wearing a mouth guard, he would likely have had less trauma, and probably would not have broken his palate," Dr. Miller said.

A mouth guard is one of the most inexpensive pieces of protective gear available to young athletes, especially when compared to the high cost of restoring a knocked out or broken tooth. According to a 2017 study commissioned by the AAO, among 1,000 U.S. parents whose children play in organized sports, parents estimated it would cost $1,142 to replace a damaged permanent tooth. In reality, costs to treat one knocked-out tooth over a lifetime can range from $5,000 to $20,000, according to an article in Sports Health. Parents and patients may not realize that restorations may have to be repeated periodically, which amplifies costs.

Many parents agree that mouth guards should be required to play. In fact, 99 percent of parents who took part in the AAO study concurred. Yet 37 percent of these parents admitted their child never wears a mouth guard while playing sports. This includes games, practices and recreational play.

John D. wears a mouth guard now, Dr. Miller noted. "In fact, pretty much everyone I have treated for trauma to their mouths wear mouth guards – after the fact. I have put teeth back in from accidents in soccer, baseball, softball, basketball, cheerleading, track, trampoline, bike riding and gymnastics. From my perspective, mouth guards should be required for any sport where there is the potential for contact with the mouth. It's worth noting that I have never had to treat a dental injury from organized football – that's because mouth guards are mandated," she observed.

Dentists and dental specialists can provide customized mouth guards that protect the teeth but also allow for normal speech and breathing. While a dentist-made mouth guard will have a more tailored fit and provide the best protection, there are also commercially available mouth guards that are less expensive and can be purchased from local or online merchants. According to the five dental organizations, mouth protection should be fitted, light, strong, easy-to-clean and the correct size so it covers the gums and teeth. Athletes in orthodontic treatment should consult their orthodontist about the type of mouth guard to use.

Visit the co-sponsor websites linked below for more information and resources:

-Established in 1918, the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons represents more than 9,000 oral and maxillofacial surgeons and supports its fellows and members through education, research and advocacy.

-The American Association of Orthodontists, founded in 1900, is the world's oldest and largest dental specialty organization. Its more than 19,000 orthodontist members help patients of all ages achieve healthy, beautiful smiles.

-Founded in 1947, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry is the membership organization of the specialty of pediatric dentistry with 10,000 members.

-The Academy for Sports Dentistry was established in 1983 as a forum for dentists, doctors, athletic trainers, coaches, dental technicians and educators for sharing ideas about sports dentistry and athletes' dental needs.

-The American Dental Association, founded in 1859, is the country's largest dental association, representing more than 161,000 dentist members.

About National Facial Protection Month

National Facial Protection Month is sponsored annually during the month of April by the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, the American Association of Orthodontists, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the Academy for Sports Dentistry and the American Dental Association. Visit the websites for more information and helpful materials. 

The Unique implant is a diverse tapered self-drilling and tapping titanium screw with internal hexagon index of 2.43mmd. The Progressive change of its unique carvings and variable multi thread design offers an excellent initial fixation of the implant and prevents undesired bone loss around it.

The 34th Annual American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry Scientific Session concluded its educational program on April 21 at McCormick Place Lakeside Center in Chicago, IL. More than 1,300 people attended the four days of educational programming which included 98 speakers, 125 courses, three entertaining and motivating general sessions, and some memorable social events.

AACD 2018’s cosmetic dentistry education program featured an expertly curated selection of topics and speakers which were purposefully selected to keep attendees ahead of the curve and maximize their CE dollars. The educational program consisted of four main collections of focused education: the Complex Case collection, the Accreditation collection, the Lab Focus collection and the Dental Team collection. “The educational program was designed to enable attendees to return to their practices to create masterpieces of their own,” explained Sten M. Ericson, DDS and Chair of the AACD Professional Education Committee.

In addition to rich educational opportunities, the scientific session is a chance for the Academy to recognize and honor its members who have demonstrated their dedication to continuing education and responsible patient care by becoming an Accredited Member or Accredited Fellow. This year, the AACD acknowledged fourteen newly Accredited Members and four newly Accredited Fellows. Other exemplary members of the Academy and of the profession were also recognized and honored with Celebration of Excellence Awards, known as the Evy.

Attendees of the conference also enjoyed opportunities to unwind and catch up with friends and colleagues. The social events began Wednesday night with the Welcome Reception at the Museum of Science and Industry. On Thursday night, attendees took to the stage to perform karaoke and raise funds for the AACD Charitable Foundation’s Give Back a Smile program. The scientific session concluded with the Celebration of Excellence closing reception, which delighted guests with its Roaring 20’s theme. Attendees came in period attire and enjoyed delicious food, music, and dancing the Charleston! The wow-factors of this year’s social events have attendees looking ahead to AACD 2019 in San Diego.

AACD 2018 delivered an exceptional continuing education experience for dental professionals who are passionate about pursuing excellence in the art and science of cosmetic dentistry, but there’s plenty more where that came from. The 35th Annual AACD Scientific Session will take place Wednesday, April 24 – Saturday, April 27, 2019 at the San Diego Convention Center in San Diego, CA. Come catch the wave of cosmetic dentistry education with us at AACD 2019!

Registration for AACD 2019 in San Diego is already open. Visit www.aacd.com/sandiego for more information. 

About the AACD

The AACD is the world’s largest non-profit member organization dedicated to advancing excellence in comprehensive oral care, combining art and science to optimally improve dental health, esthetics, and function. Comprised of more than 5,300 cosmetic dental professionals in 70 countries worldwide, the AACD fulfills its mission by offering superior educational opportunities, promoting and supporting a respected Accreditation credential, serving as a user-friendly and inviting forum for the creative exchange of knowledge and ideas, and providing accurate and useful information to the public and the profession.

Aesthetic Z+ represents a technological advancement that provides the assurance of higher strength and better aesthetics, resulting in fewer fractures while mimicking the aesthetics of natural dentin. Aesthetic Z+ offers more translucency than other zirconia products, yielding 45% translucency, with flexural strength of 1250 Mpa. Indications: single crowns and bridges up to 14 units. Contact Assured Dental Lab 877.283.5351 and assureddentallab.com.

Komet USA’s Peri-Implantitis Kit 4684 features egg-shaped (H379) and flame-shaped (H48L) tungsten-carbide instruments indicated for intraoral work on titanium during surgical treatment of peri-implantitis, an inflammatory process that affects the soft tissue surrounding an implant and can lead to the deterioration of the surrounding bone structure. Employed in a resective approach to peri-implantitis treatment, the burs facilitate gentle removal of contaminated micro and macro surface structures of titanium implants. Both the egg- and flame-shaped burs are provided in fine (red ring) and ultra-fine (white ring) versions, which, when used in combination, achieve a remarkably smooth surface to inhibit the development of plaque at the implant site.

With an overall length of 30 mm, the instruments can reach hard-to-access and deep areas with ease, even in cases with firmly anchored restorations. Intended for use in a red contra-angle at 40,000 rpm, the carbides should be guided around the implant in a counter-clockwise direction to minimize the risk of drifting and maximize operator control. Very low contact pressure should be applied, and the instrument should be moved continuously and cooled sufficiently with sterile cooling liquid.

The kit contains four egg-shaped carbides (H379.310.014/023 fine and H379UF.310.014/023 ultra-fine) and four flame-shaped carbides (H48L.310.014/023 fine and H48LUF.310.014/023 ultra-fine) in the popular Komet 9989 laser-marked instrument tray.

About Komet USA

Currently celebrating 95 years of unparalleled excellence in the dental industry, Komet is a recognized worldwide leader in the production of highly specialized dental burs, discs, diamonds, endodontic instruments, and accessories. Komet operates in the United States under the name Komet USA LLC. Komet sells direct to dental practitioners and dental laboratories, delivering orders quickly and efficiently from its state-of-the-art factory in Lemgo, Germany. The company’s U.S. headquarters is located in Rock Hill, South Carolina. For more information about Komet USA and the Peri-Implantitis Kit 4684, call 888-566-3887 or visit www.kometusa.com.