The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has updated its clinical recommendations on autism spectrum disorder for the first time in 12 years, analyzing the latest research on the neurodevelopmental disorder that affects an estimated 1 in every 59 children.

“Identification, Evaluation, and Management of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder,” a clinical report published in the January 2020 Pediatrics, emphasizes the importance of early identification of autism, which can be diagnosed as young as 18 months of age. The report, along with an executive summary (both published online Dec. 16), reflects significant changes in the field since the previous recommendations were published in 2007.

In that time, research examining the possible causes of autism spectrum disorder has progressed rapidly, with increasing understanding of the interplay between genetic make-up and environment.

Physicians now have a greater understanding of the medical and behavioral conditions that often co-occur with autism, and the body of research supporting evidence-based interventions has grown substantially. The updated clinical report reflects this new evidence and offers recommendations to physicians in identifying and managing the disorder, and in treating common co-occurring conditions.

Because early identification is so important, the AAP continues to recommend developmental and behavioral surveillance of children at every well child visit, developmental screening at 9-, 18-, and 30-month visits, as well as specific screening for autism spectrum disorder at ages 18 and 24 months.

“We know that the earlier we can start therapies for children who show signs of developmental delays, the better likelihood of positive outcomes,” said Susan L. Hyman, MD, FAAP. lead author of the report, which was authored by the AAP Council on Children with Disabilities and the AAP Section on Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics.

“There is no reason to wait for a diagnosis of autism before starting some services, such as speech or behavioral therapies,” said Dr. Hyman, a developmental and behavioral pediatrician at the University of Rochester and Golisano Children’s Hospital. “Interventions work best when they are early, when they are intense, and when they involve the family.”

More than 5 million Americans are affected by autism spectrum disorder, and its prevalence has increased to 1 in 59 children, an increase from 1 in 155 in 2007.The disorder is characterized by deficits in social communication and interaction and restrictive repetitive patterns of behavior.

Many individuals with autism have co-occurring conditions that can and should be treated, according to the AAP. This includes intellectual disability, language disorders, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and anxiety, and disorders of sleep, feeding, gastrointestinal symptoms and seizures. The AAP report states that 40% of individuals with autism spectrum disorder have an intellectual disability. As many as 40% to 60% of school-aged children and adults with autism are reported to have anxiety disorders.|

The AAP supports the use of behavioral interventions for skill building, based on the most recent research, and noted the combinations of therapies and approaches that include parents that are increasingly used in community settings.

“Families play a key role in treatment and advocacy for a child with autism spectrum disorder,” said Susan E. Levy, MD, MPH, FAAP, a co-author of the report, developmental and behavioral pediatrician at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and a professor of pediatrics at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania.

“They also need the support of the professional team, the clinicians, educators and therapists who are working alongside them.”

The AAP recommends that pediatricians:

• Conduct developmental and behavioral surveillance during all well visits with children, developmental screening at the 9-, 18-, and 30-month visits, and standardized screening of patients for autism spectrum disorder at 18 and 24 months old.

• Help ensure that children with autism spectrum disorder are provided with evidence-based services to address social, academic and behavioral needs at home and school, with access to appropriate pediatric and mental health care, respite services and leisure activities.

• Engage with families and youth to plan a transition to the adult system of medical and behavioral care.

• Inform patients and families about the evidence for interventions, refer families for possible participation in clinical research and refer families to support organizations.

While research has led to more knowledge about autism spectrum disorder, the AAP acknowledges that much work remains to be done.

“There need to be more equitable and affordable therapies for all families, from the time of diagnosis through employment and adult life,” Dr. Hyman said. “All children deserve options and hope for productive, satisfying lives.”

The American Academy of Pediatrics is an organization of 67,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists and pediatric surgical specialists dedicated to the health, safety and well-being of infants, children, adolescents and young adults.

Amanda Seay, DDS, FAACD, has just been named the 85th Accredited Fellow of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD). The purpose of Fellowship is to recognize the highest level of achievement for members in accordance with the AACD's mission of education and excellence.

Dr. Seay has been a member of the AACD since 2002 and achieved Accredited Member status in 2014. She maintains a full-time private practice in Charleston, South Carolina, that focuses on comprehensive restorative dentistry. Seay also holds a Clinical Instructor position at the Kois Center in Seattle, Washington, and will be educating, once again, at the AACD’s Annual Scientific Session in Orlando, April 2020.

In addition to the AACD, Dr. Seay is a member of the American Academy of Restorative Dentistry, American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry, and American Society of Dental Aesthetics. She was named one of the “Top 25 Women in Dentistry” in 2012 by Dental Products Report. Dr. Seay was also the recipient of the 2015 Lucy Hobbs award for “The Woman to Watch in Dentistry.”  She publishes and lectures on the art and techniques of esthetic dentistry in a variety of industry publications, and currently serves as the restorative editor for Inside Dentistry.

Dr. Seay will be honored for this achievement at the 36th Annual AACD Scientific Session Celebration of Excellence in Orlando on April 25th, 2020.

To learn more about the AACD’s Fellowship Program, visit www.aacd.com/fellowship.

About the AACD

The AACD is the world’s largest non-profit member organization dedicated to advancing excellence in comprehensive oral care that combines art and science to optimally improve dental health, esthetics, and function. Comprised of more than 5,000 cosmetic dental professionals in 80 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.

PITTSTON, PA - December 18, 2019 – For the third consecutive year, Benco Dental receives recognition as one of the 2019 Best Places to Work in Northeast Pennsylvania by Times Leader Media Group, a collection of print and digital products that provide coverage of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre metropolitan area.

The ranking considered input from readers of The Times Leader, a seven-day publication with an audience of more than 133,709, that is the flagship of The Times Leader Media Group. Benco Dental, the nation’s largest privately-owned dental distributor, earned Gold Award status in the competition based on feedback obtained through The Times Leader print publication and website. View all the 2019 honorees here.

Benco Dental also was ranked as a Best Place to Work in Northeast Pennsylvania by Times Leader readers in 2017 and 2018.

“We're especially proud to be honored as one of NEPA's Best Places to Work because of what it says about our area's talent pool," said Chuck Cohen, Managing Director at Benco Dental. "We couldn't have grown from a one-man operation to the nation's largest independent dental distributor without the hard work of all of talented associates at our Pittston headquarters. We're grateful our people have chosen to work here, and that they find it rewarding."

In 2019, Benco Dental associates exceeded a goal of 3,200 hours of volunteerism in the local communities.

"Benco encourages community involvement and volunteerism among associates," said George Rable, Chief Culture and People Officer for the company. "It's an honor that those same communities recognize our team for a third consecutive year with this ranking."

The Times Leader Media Group recognized Benco Dental, among other award-winning companies at a reception on December 9 at Le Manhattan Bistro in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania.

“You all are here because people do believe you are the best places to work…. People want to work for you,” said Mike Murray, Times Leader Media Group CEO & Publisher at the December 9 award reception.

About Benco Dental

We Drive Dentistry Forward℠ through innovative solutions and our caring family culture. Our firsts include CenterPoint design/equipment superstores, OneVisit™ open architecture CAD/CAM, Painless® electronic ordering and automated supply management. Independent since founded by Ben Cohen in 1930, we've grown to become the country's largest family-owned dental distributor. Over 1,400 dedicated associates serve customers at locations coast-to-coast including 400+ sales representatives and 300+ factory-trained service technicians. We're one of Fortune's Best Workplaces in Health Care and Biopharma for three consecutive years, a NAFE Top Company for Executive Women for two consecutive years, and among Pennsylvania Best Places to Work® for 12 of 14 prior years.

Caption:

1.BencoDental_ TL BestPlacesNEPA19.jpg: For the third consecutive year, Benco Dental receives recognition as one of the 2019 Best Places to Work in Northeast Pennsylvania by Times Leader Media Group, a collection of print and digital products that provide coverage of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre metropolitan area. The ranking considered input from readers of The Times Leader, a seven-day publication with an audience of more than 133,709, that is the flagship of media group. Benco Dental, the nation’s largest privately-owned dental distributor, earned Gold Award status in the competition based on feedback obtained through The Times Leader print publication and website. Shown representing Benco Dental are members of the Culture and People team, Joanne Stitzer, Associate Chief Customer Advocate and Michelle Waschek, Executive Administrative Assistant. (Photo courtesy Tony Callaio | For Times Leader)

Zahn Dental will host a webinar titled, "Milling Tools - The Forgotten Step in Your Digital Workflow," presented by Marilyn Goh, PhD, on Tuesday, January 14, from 2-3 PM EST.

Goh, Head of Research & Innovations at Prima Digital, will discuss how the best milling tools can optimize your entire workflow. "The focus for manufacturers is on the equipment, such as the scanners, milling machines, and materials," Zahn Dental says. "However, little attention has been given to the one piece of the kit that interacts with the finished crown: the milling tool. Prima Digital is addressing this oversight with its patent pending tools."

For more information and to register, go to https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/6219469287019758860?source=PR.

On January 1, 2020, the Global Summits Institute will release the complete list of the elected World's Top 100 Doctors in Dentistry. The honorary recognition is a lifetime achievement award for exceptional services rendered to the art and science of the profession of dentistry.

The Global Summits Institute is a pre-eminent peer-to-peer organization in recognizing leading physicians, dentists, and specialists who exemplify clinical excellence, innovation, research, organizational leadership, and entrepreneurship in serving humanity as well as advancing the global healthcare industry.

Each member has been nominated by their peers and selected by a committee of their colleagues. A plethora of clinicians, experts, key opinion leaders, surgeons, researchers, executives, innovators, and specialists are represented. 100 doctors from more than 70 countries will be ratified.

For media inquiries, publishing rights, participation or for more information about the honorary recognitions or Global Summits LLC, please contact us at 231141@email4pr.com or call 331.472.7614. Facebook: @GlobalSummits

The American Dental Association (ADA) today announced a new interim policy on vaping, calling for a total ban on vaping products that aren’t approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for tobacco cessation purposes.

The policy states that the ADA:

   • Urgently advocate for regulatory, legislative, and/or legal action at the federal and/or state levels to ban the sale and distribution of all e-cigarette and vaping products, with the exception of those approved by the FDA for tobacco cessation purposes and made available by prescription only; and

   • Advocate for research funding to study the safety and effectiveness of e-cigarettes and vaping products for tobacco cessation purposes and their effects on the oral cavity.

The policy mirrors recent action taken by the American Medical Association and is a call to action to ensure the health and safety of consumers.

“While the long-term oral health effects of vaping are under scientific review, as health professionals we must be prudent in protecting consumers from potentially harmful products,” said ADA President Chad Gehani, D.D.S. “We will continue to advocate for additional research, but we must protect the health of our patients first and foremost. A ban such as this would ensure patient safety while allowing us to explore the impact of vaping products on oral health.”

The ADA has advocated for the development of a body of scientific research examining the oral effects of both tobacco and non-tobacco nicotine delivery products as part of the ADA policy on tobacco use. In addition to this interim policy, in September, the ADA House of Delegates passed a resolution stipulating that the word “vaping” and any other alternative nicotine delivery systems be added to the existing ADA policy focused on tobacco use prevention, research and regulation.

For more information about the ADA’s advocacy efforts around vaping and tobacco products, visit ADA.org/vaping.

About the ADA

The not-for-profit ADA is the nation's largest dental association, representing 163,000 dentist members. The premier source of oral health information, the ADA has advocated for the public's health and promoted the art and science of dentistry since 1859. The ADA's state-of-the-art research facilities develop and test dental products and materials that have advanced the practice of dentistry and made the patient experience more positive. The ADA Seal of Acceptance long has been a valuable and respected guide to consumer dental care products. The monthly The Journal of the American Dental Association (JADA) is the ADA's flagship publication and the best-read scientific journal in dentistry. For more information about the ADA, visit ADA.org. For more information on oral health, including prevention, care and treatment of dental disease, visit the ADA's consumer website MouthHealthy.org

Children in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are receiving an average of 25 antibiotic prescriptions during their first five years of life, an excessive amount that could harm the children’s ability to fight pathogens as well as increase antibiotic resistance worldwide, according to a new study from the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH) and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

“We knew children in LMICs are sick more often, and we knew antibiotic prescription rates are high in many countries. What we did not know was how these elements translate into actual antibiotic exposure—and the results are rather alarming,” said Günther Fink, lead author of the study and head of the Household Economics and Health Systems Research unit at Swiss TPH.

The study—the first to look at total antibiotic prescribing in children under the age of five in LMICs—was published on December 13, 2019 in The Lancet Infectious Diseases.

Global health threat

Antimicrobial resistance is one of today’s biggest threats to global health and development, according to the World Health Organization. One factor contributing to this global health threat is the excessive use of antibiotics worldwide. Previous studies have shown that antibiotics are overprescribed to children in many countries. In Tanzania, for instance, several studies have shown that over 90% of children who visit a health facility receive an antibiotic, although only in about 20% of the cases treatment was actually required.

The research team from Swiss TPH and Harvard Chan School analyzed data from 2007–2017 from health facilities and household surveys from eight countries: Haiti, Kenya, Malawi, Namibia, Nepal, Senegal, Tanzania, and Uganda. The study found that, on average, children received 25 antibiotic prescriptions through age five—a “remarkable” estimate, the authors wrote, given that two antibiotic prescriptions per year is considered excessive in many high-income settings. Results showed that antibiotics were administered in 81% of cases for children with a respiratory illness, in 50% for children with diarrhea, and in 28% for children with malaria.

The researchers found that the number of antibiotic prescriptions in early childhood varied from country to country: While a child in Senegal received approximately one antibiotic prescription per year in the first five years of life, a child in Uganda was prescribed up to 12. In comparison, a prior study showed that children under five in Europe receive less than one antibiotic prescription per year on average. “This number is still high given that the vast majority of infections in this age group are of viral origin,” said Valérie D’Acremont, a study co-author and head of the Management of Fevers group at Swiss TPH.

“What is unique about this study is that it provides a much more comprehensive picture of pediatric antibiotic exposure in LMICs than what has been reported previously. It combines both household data on where and when children are brought for care with data from direct observations of health care workers caring for sick children,” said Jessica Cohen, the Bruce A. Beal, Robert L. Beal, and Alexander S. Beal Associate Professor of Global Health at Harvard Chan School and senior author of the study.

Impact on children

“The consequences of antibiotic overprescription not only pose a huge threat to global health, but can also result in a concrete health impact for these children,” said Valérie D’Acremont. “Excess antibiotic use destroys the natural gut flora which is essential to fighting pathogens.”

A Swiss TPH research project is underway to better comprehend the health impact of overusing antibiotics on children. “Understanding the concrete impact on individual children is crucial to achieve a policy change,” said Fink. His research team is currently comparing policies at a country level to identify best practices that lead to lower antibiotic prescription rates.

Harvard Chan research associate Hannah Leslie was a co-author of the study.

“Antibiotic exposure among children under age five: A cross-sectional analysis of nationally representative facility and household surveys in 8 low- and middle-income countries,” Günther Fink, Valérie D’Acremont, Hannah Leslie, Jessica Cohen, The Lancet Infectious Diseases, December 13, 2019, doi: 10.1016/S1473-3099(19)30572-9

photo: iStock

Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health brings together dedicated experts from many disciplines to educate new generations of global health leaders and produce powerful ideas that improve the lives and health of people everywhere. As a community of leading scientists, educators, and students, we work together to take innovative ideas from the laboratory to people’s lives—not only making scientific breakthroughs, but also working to change individual behaviors, public policies, and health care practices. Each year, more than 400 faculty members at Harvard Chan School teach 1,000-plus full-time students from around the world and train thousands more through online and executive education courses. Founded in 1913 as the Harvard-MIT School of Health Officers, the School is recognized as America’s oldest professional training program in public health.

It's never been easier for patients to connect with credentialed dental implant dentists

The American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID) has announced it has identified dental implant patients' most common questions. This report comes after the successful launch of a redesigned patient-focused website, aaid-implant.org.

"We wanted to provide patients with a resource to help guide them through the process of researching information about dental implants and what to expect during and after treatment," explains Dr. Larry Nalitt, FAAID, DABOI/ID.

One of the website's features, Ask a Dental Implant Expert, allows patients to submit a question and receive an answer from a credentialed dentist while determining if implants are a suitable treatment option.

After obtaining over 1,000 submissions, the AAID reports the most common questions are:

1. How much do dental implants cost?

2. How much time will the dental implant process take?

3. Does it hurt to get dental implants?

4. Where can I find a local dental implant specialist?

5.Why do people prefer dental implants over dentures?

The tool is a win-win solution: patients receive answers from qualified dentists and the AAID helps to address patient concerns with various resources.

If you have dental implant questions, visit: aaid-implant.org/faqs/. The website also addresses answers to these most common questions.

Additionally, the AAID makes it easy for patients to connect with a credentialed dentist in their local area with the Find a Dentist feature.

Ultimately, the AAID recognized a growing need for educational resources about the importance of finding a dentist who specializes in dental implants. The website incorporates information about advanced training and continued education required for AAID credentials as well as the key questions patients should ask during an oral health consultation.

To find an AAID-credentialed dental implant dentist in your area, visit: aaid-implant.org/find-an-implant-dentist.

About the American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID):

Founded in 1951, the AAID was the first organization in the United States dedicated to developing and improving dental implants. Their credentialing program reinforces that these individuals are at the highest standards of competency in the profession. Today, after 68 years, the AAID continues to be the leading organization of dentists devoted to providing dental implant treatment solutions. For more information, contact the American Academy of Implant Dentistry at info@aaid.com or call 312-335-1550.

Next month Pulpdent will be launching ACTIVA Presto, the first light cure composite designed to mimic the properties of natural teeth.

About PULPDENT® Corporation

PULPDENT® Corporation is a family-owned dental research, manufacturing company and leader in bioactive dental materials. ACTIVA BioACTIVE™, developed by PULPDENT, is a biomimetic and bioactive restorative material. ACTIVA behaves much like natural teeth and helps stimulate the formation of apatite (the building blocks of teeth), chemically bonds to teeth and helps protect against decay. For over 70 years, Pulpdent has been committed to product innovation, clinical education and patient-centered care in the fields of restoratives, oral hygiene, endodontics, temporization, periodontics, orthodontics, and general dentistry. To stay updated on bioactivity and learn about the Heroic Dentistry Series, which demonstrates ACTIVA's unprecedented capabilities, visit the Pulpdent blog.

China-based 3D digital application provider HeyGears announced it raised $60 million in the Series B1 investment round from the UAE technology leader, Group 42. Exactly one year ago, in November 2018, HeyGears announced a $47 million Series A funding led by IDG Capital. 

Group 42’s strategic direction focuses on various sectors, including government and smart cities; oil and gas; aviation; hospitality and tourism; healthcare; financial services; and utilities. Group 42 has access to unique foundational and infrastructure capabilities as it conducts profound fundamental and applied AI research through its subsidiary the Inception Institute of Artificial Intelligence, and develops a world-class cloud computing platform targeted to be the largest and most powerful cloud computing capability in the region. 

Since 2015, HeyGears has been focusing on leveraging 3D printing technology to explore vertical applications in different industries. It has created breakthrough products in multiple sectors, including consumer electronics, dentistry, healthcare, and industrial, as well as art and creative products. In the process, HeyGears has built an all-round “Technology-Hardware-Product-Service” business model that aims to drive the usage of end-product production using its additive manufacturing systems. Among these applications, over ten thousand end-used parts are being produced using HeyGears' distributed manufacturing networks globally in both consumer electronics and digital dentistry on a daily basis.

Peng Xiao, Group CEO of Group 42, said: "HeyGears has demonstrated strong ability in R&D and product innovation, and the capability of turning market demands into scalable production and good market performance. As one of the few leading companies which provides systematic solutions in 3D digital manufacturing, HeyGears has propelled the 3D printing technology and service to the stage of mass production and, through this investment, we intend to sustain the further expansion of its solutions across various industry sectors in the UAE and globally."

Peiyan Gui, the Co-founder and CEO of HeyGears, said: "The partnership between HeyGears and Group 42 would strengthen HeyGears’ global expansion efforts and accelerate its technology development. In the age of AI+, the partnership will not only infuse HeyGears with fresh capital but also bring about technology innovation coupled with big data and AI. It will fuel HeyGears’ research in advanced hardware and cutting-edge software development, reduce the time-to-market of the products, develop more applications across a diverse range of vertical industries, and improve human well-being with digital manufacturing."