Kiss better, Nexus with pharma company now illegal, Virtual learning, Dental Drill Killer button, Free webinar

Unethical nexus between doctors and drug companies declared illegal by MCI
Medical Council of India (MCI) in a notification issued last month, MCI has banned all relationships that can potentially harm the patients and bring medical practice to ridicule. The new rules cover both individual doctors and professional associations. Taking Gifts, travel tickets, Cash or grants etc will be punishable offense. MORE HERE

Orthodontics may help you kiss better ?
The findings of present study showed statistically significant differences in lip pressure between different orthodontic patients. There was a difference (P = 0.004) in lip pressure between Class I and Class II division 1 subjects. A higher lip pressure exists in males. Lip pressure in subjects with an open lip relationship was lower (P = 0.026) when compared with those with tongue interposition or with no particular habits. Lip pressure was also lower in subjects with lip interposition compared with those with tongue interposition. EJO Jan 2010

Inch-long drill bit left in US woman's sinus for 11 months
The lawsuit says Donna Delgao's surgeon left an inch-long piece of steel in a wound after dental surgery in 2008. The tool lodged in her right maxillary sinus. It was only removed 11 months later by another surgeon.
The lawsuit says Delgao suffered nosebleeds, sinus infections and dizziness. Her attorney says she also may suffer side effects, including nickel poisoning. MORE HERE

Broke a tooth? Grow another!
In a related study, Dr. Huang regenerated two major human tooth components—dental pulp and dentin—for the first time in a mouse experimental model. The mouse was used to supply nutrition for human tissue regeneration. Those baby teeth and extracted third molars we are throwing away hold valuable dental stem cells.
Using tissue engineering, researchers saw empty root canal space fill with pulp-like tissue with ample blood supplies. Dentin-like tissue regrew on the dentinal wall. MORE

The International Virtual Dental School (IVIDENT)

The International Virtual Dental School (IVIDENT) is a three-year-old programme funded by the U.K. Government's Health Department. The school has proposed to go online next June 2010.

The King's College of London Dental Institute is its lead partner, while academic inputs are received from faculty at the University of Portsmouth, University of Bristol Dental School, Queen's University of Belfast School of Dentistry and Eastman Dental Institute.It covers e-content for several smaller dental specialities and provides an opportunity for dentists from across the world to donate their articles and teaching materials. More HERE

Is your secretary/front desk lady secretly siphoning your clinic cash collection ?

Employee theft goes undetected because checks and balances of financial processes are weak. Dentists, or any other owner/manager, has the difficult position of being hands on while trying to manage the business. LEARN MORE

Get ready for 3D cephalometerics
Dentomaxillofacial Radiology (2010) 39, 100-106
The objective of this study was to assess the reliability of three-dimensional (3D) cephalometric approaches by comparing this method with authenticated traditional two-dimensional (2D) cephalometry in angular cephalometric measurements.

Conclusions: The 3D angular cephalometric analysis is a fairly reliable method, like the traditional 2D cephalometric analysis. Currently, the 3D system is likely to be more suitable for the diagnosis of cases with complex orthodontic anomalies. However, with the decrease in radiation exposure and costs in the future, 3D cephalometrics can be a suitable alternative method to 2D cephalometry. MORE

Omega-3 may reduce risk of dental disease: Study
Increased levels of omega-3 fatty acid DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) may decrease the risk of dental diseases, suggests a new study from Japan.
The average number of dental disease events was 1.5 times higher in people with low DHA levels, compared to those with the highest average levels of DHA, according to findings published in Nutrition.  MORE

Free Educational lecture online on Dental Implants

This presentation will cover the rationale for using the mini dental implant system as well as the various factors that go into the treatment planning process. The surgical procedure as well as prosthetic techniques will also be covered to give the dentist a clear understanding of the process. REGISTER FOR LECTURE

Dental Drill Killer button
Here's how it works: If there is any pain or discomfort or when the patient just need a break, the dental button acts as an automatic override to switch off the power tools being used at that moment. MORE

Smoking may Kill your baby
A team at Sweden's Karolinksa Institute found smoke-exposed babies had abnormal surges in blood pressure, even when sleeping undisturbed in their cots.The study suggests damage to the circulation may be a factor in sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), although it set out to look at the effects of smoking on the newborn rather than cot death per se. MORE BBC

Canadians Welcome Indian Crackdown on Deemed Uni

A number of Canadian academics have welcomed India's [ Images ] move to de-recognise 44 'deemed' universities for low education standard and limited infrastructure, and said Canadian institutions should know the credentials of potential partners in India. MORE

Most Affordable Laser from AMD at 2495 $ -Picasso Lite

Taxman target Dentists, Deemed or Doomed ? Good Bye to Etching/bonding,

First 3-D Dental Imaging Facility in Delhi
3D Dental Imaging machine – the Kodak 9500 3D, soon to be installed at the facilities of Diwanchand Imaging Center in Delhi.

The Kodak 9500 is a flexible and easy to use 3D dental imaging system that enables dental professionals to obtain localized, high-resolution three-dimensional (3D) images, as well as panoramic examinations, at a very affordable price point – making the power and utility of 3D technology available to general practitioners and specialists alike. The Kodak 9500 3D at coming at Diwanchand Imaging will be the first such machine to be installed in India and amongst the few worldwide. MORE HERE

Taxman targets dentists in hunt for evaders
Dentists are being targeted in a new HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) crackdown on tax dodgers.
If they make a full confession of past unpaid tax then their penalty will be just 10% of the unpaid money.

Dentists – and other health professionals – who want to take advantage of the offer have to contact the Revenue by 31 March 2010.
If dentists do not come forward, they face penalties including a public ‘naming and shaming' on a list of tax evaders. In the worst cases, they can face criminal proceedings and jail.

Oral Bacteria linked to Still birth

This is the first documented link between a mother with pregnancy-associated gum disease to the death of her fetus by Yiping Han, a researcher from Department of Periodontics at Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine.

Postmortem microbial studies of the baby found the presence of F. nucleatum in the lungs and stomach. The baby had died from a septic infection and inflammation caused by bacteria.Using DNA cloning technologies, Han found a match in the bacterium in the mother's mouth with the bacterium in the baby's infected lungs and stomach. MORE HERE
 
New Composite- etching, bonding, filling in ONE step
“Imagine placing a direct composite restoration without the added steps of etching and bonding. Sound impossible? A new self adhering flowable resin has been developed that combines etching, bonding and lining the cavity into one step. Learn how to incorporate this exciting development in composite resin science with the use of nanohybrid composite restorative materials and sectional matrices to simplify the direct restorative process.”
A new composite material, Kerr Corp.’s Vertise Flow (kerrdental.com), combines the adhesive and flowable steps into one, resulting in one of the first self adhering composite materials on the market. MORE
See the pic below:

44 Deemed universities Doomed ?

Tamil Nadu has the distinction of having 16 of the 44 derecognized deemed universities, 15 of them private and one government-sponsored. Among those found undeserving of deemed status in Tamil Nadu is Bharath Institute of Higher Education & Research -- with six constituent institutions -- run by S Jagatharakshakan, MoS information & broadcasting.
Karnataka has six de-recognized deemed universities; Uttar Pradesh four; Haryana, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan and Maharashtra three each; Gujarat, Orissa, Andhra Pradesh, Delhi, Bihar, one each. MORE HERE
An expert committee might have found 44 deemed universities "unworthy" for the status, but the remaining 86 may not be in safe zone. These 86 also will have tough time, READ HERE

Painless Plasma Jets to Replace Dentist's Drill
Firing low temperature plasma beams at dentin -- the fibrous tooth structure underneath the enamel coating -- was found to reduce the amount of dental bacteria by up to 10,000-fold. The findings could mean plasma technology is used to remove infected tissue in tooth cavities a practice that conventionally involves drilling into the tooth. MORE HERE

What should be the level of Fluoride in tooth paste ?

Parents should use toothpastes that contain fluoride with a minimum concentration of 1,000 parts per million to prevent tooth decay in their children, says a new report. Preventing tooth decay can help reduce the need for extensive and costly dental treatments, including extractions.
The report suggests that brushing a child's teeth with a toothpaste containing fluoride before the age of 12 months may be associated with an increased risk of developing mild fluorosis.After the age of six years, the teeth are fully developed and toothpaste can be used without fear of fluorosis. MORE HERE

Are Mercury Dental Fillings Safe?
Info below is provided by chief of pediatric dentistry at Children's Hospital Boston
Dental amalgam has been used for over 150 years to restore decayed teeth. There has been no clinical evidence in humans that dental amalgam has caused harmful health effects, although a very small number of people are allergic to amalgam. The U.S. Food and the Drug Administration (FDA) considers dental amalgam to be safe to use.
Removing amalgam fillings that are in good condition in teeth with no decay below the fillings is not recommended. Removing sound amalgam fillings may result in unnecessary loss of healthy tooth structure and exposure to additional mercury vapor released during the removal process. FULL REPORT

How to Market your practice via Facebook, Twitter etc ?
It’s amazing how fast this technology moves. It may be part of the reason some practices hesitate to get involved. Social media is all about being genuine. Your motive is just be part of the community. It is a place where a practice can build and share their culture. Most of all, it can be fun. MORE HERE

Latest fast-acting germ killer
A new fast-acting disinfectant that is effective against bacteria, viruses and other germs could help stop the spread of deadly infections in hospitals, German scientists said on Wednesday. MORE HERE

Implant or Endo ? Dentist on UK Television, Is Ceph needed ? 022 or 018 slot, 3 D TV in your home,

Indian Dentist (Millionaire) from UK in Dharavi for a UK TV Show

Seema has just returned from Mumbai in India, where she took part in a special one-off programme in the Channel 4 Secret Millionaire series, which involves successful business people going undercover in deprived areas, then doling out cash to those they believe need their financial help.

Slumdog Secret Millionaire saw Seema, whose family originally came from the Punjab, return to India, cheque book in hand. MORE HERE

Which Slot 018 or 022 Straight Wire orthodontics

Objective: To determine if there is a significant difference in the clinical outcomes of cases treated with 0.018-inch brackets vs 0.022-inch brackets according to the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) Objective Grading System (OGS).

Treatment time and the ABO-OGS standards in alignment/rotations, marginal ridges, buccolingual inclination, overjet, occlusal relationships, occlusal contacts, interproximal contacts, and root angulations were used to compare clinical outcomes between a series of 828 consecutively completed orthodontic cases (2005–2008) treated in a university graduate orthodontic clinic with 0.018-inch- and 0.022-inch-slot brackets.
Conclusions: There were statistically, but not clinically, significant differences in treatment times and in total ABO-OGS scores in favor of 0.018-inch brackets as compared with the 0.022-inch brackets in a university graduate orthodontic clinic (2005–2008). FULL PAPER

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) can be diagnosed with urine test
"It was rather unexpected that the urine would provide us with the ability to identify OSA" said Dr David Gozal, who led the research.

"If we can develop this further we might be able to screen children for OSA for a fraction of the cost of keeping them in a sleep clinic overnight, and it would overcome the huge waiting lists for such screening."  MORE HERE

Validity of Soft tissue cephalometrics ? Is Ceph needed to plan orthodontic treatment ?

World J Orthod 2009;10:301–304. 

Following conclusions were drawn from this study:
- Soft tissue analysis showed that measurements extracted from lateral cephalometric radiographs do not represent the true values to be found in a particular patinet.
- A single magnification factor can not be applied as a correction factor for the lateral cephalometric soft tissue measurements. 
Another study has earlier shown (European Journal of Orthodontics 30 (2008) 630–635) that cephalometrics are not required for orthodontic treatment planning, as they did not influence treatment decisions. 


Now use Wood as bone substitute
Scientists in Italy have developed a way of turning rattan wood into bone that is almost identical to the human tissue.
At the Istec laboratory of bioceramics in Faenza near Bologna, a herd of sheep have already been implanted with the bones.
The process starts by cutting the long tubular rattan wood up into manageable pieces.It is then snipped into even smaller chunks, ready for the complex chemical process to begin.The pieces are put in a furnace and heated.In simple terms, carbon and calcium are added.
The wood is then further heated under intense pressure in another oven-like machine and a phosphate solution is introduced. MORE HERE

Implants or Endodontics ? What is ethical.

Int Endo J 2009
This review describes practical criteria and a systematic process to aid the treatment planning decision of whether to preserve teeth by root canal treatment (RCT) or extract and provide an implant.Recommendations presented are based on best available evidence from the literature and the expert views of specialists in endodontics and restorative dentistry, including dental implantology.
For single tooth restorations,an increased risk in restoring a tooth with a questionable prognosis acceptable in a particular case.The respective tooth, however,should not be included as an abutment in a long-span FDP.

Bone loss around dental implants

Bone loss around dental implants is far more common than previously realised, reveals a thesis from the Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden. Around a quarter of patients loose some degree of supporting bone around their implants.
600 patients were studied, 28 per cent -- of patients had lost some degree of supporting bone around their implants. "Contrary to what we had previously assumed, the bone loss in these patients was not linear, but instead accelerated with time," Fransson said in a statement. "This is a new discovery that shows just how important it is to detect and treat bone loss around implants at an early stage." More HERE

Orthodontic applications of Laser by David Sarver

For orthodontic procedures, lasers are now being used to reshape gingival soft tissues for esthetic finishing and solve issues involving altered tooth eruption. This technology is significantly and efficiently improving the design, health, and overall appearance of orthodontic patients’ smiles, while enhancing the chairside experience. Orthodontists’ interest in smile design has dramatically increased as a result of both their collaboration with dentists in interdisciplinary treatment and as the potential of laser-assisted dentistry is more readily understood by orthodontists. The 810 nm diode laser, which has numerous benefits for orthodontic treatments. It is manageable in size and low in cost. Because in most cases only topical anesthesia is necessary. FULL PAPER on REQUEST.

Micromimplants for periodontally compromised patients
World J Orthod 2009;10:350–360. 

Gradual intrusion of the maxillary and mandibular anterior teeth was achieved with a relatively simple orthodontic force system. A significant profile improvement was observed during the 18 months of treatment due to the retraction and intrusion of the incisors in both arches. This intrusion was accomplished without any sign of apical root resorption. The mandibular incisors were uprighted 6.5 degrees, and their maxillary counterparts were uprighted 13.4 degrees. The 2-year follow-up examination revealed a stable result with an increase in periodontal attachment as well as esthetics and function. Conclusion: A combined orthodontic, periodontic, and restorative treatment approach with adequate patient motivation can lead to improved masticatory function, esthetics, and periodontal conditions. Order Microimplant kit NOW
See the pre and post treatment pics and radiographs below: 

The effects of lavender scent on dental patient anxiety
Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology-Volume 38 Issue 1, Pages 83 - 87
In a cluster randomized-controlled trial, patients' (N = 340) anxiety was assessed while waiting for a scheduled dental appointment, either under the odor of lavender or with no odor. Current anxiety, assessed by the brief State Trait Anxiety Indicator (STAI-6), and generalized dental anxiety, assessed by the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS) were examined.
Analyses of variance (anovas) showed that although both groups showed similar, moderate levels of generalized dental anxiety (MDAS F(1,338) = 2.17, P > 0.05) the lavender group reported significantly lower current anxiety (STAI: F(1,338) = 74.69, P < 0.001) than the control group.
Conclusions: Although anxiety about future dental visits seems to be unaffected, lavender scent reduces present state of anxiety in dental patients.


Tooth decay in children has reached “epidemic” proportions in Australia
According to a report in the Daily Telegraph, tooth decay has reached “epidemic” proportions in NSW, with dental experts saying that teeth deterioration is forcing an increasing number of toddlers, as young as 18 months, to undergo dental work which entails expenditure in thousands of dollars.

Going by the information forwarded by dental experts, parents are spending up to $5,000 on crowns for their children whose teeth start showing signs of deterioration even before they start going to preschool.
More HERE

Tooth loss and intakes of nutrients and foods: a nationwide survey of Japanese dentists
Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology Volume 38 Issue 1, Pages 43 - 49
This study analyzed the data from 20 366 Japanese dentists (mean age ± SD, 52.2 ± 12.1 years; women 8.0%) who participated in a nationwide cohort study from 2001 to 2006. The baseline questionnaire included a validated food-frequency questionnaire to estimate intakes of foods and nutrients. We computed the geometric means of daily intakes by the number of teeth, adjusting for age, sex, smoking, physical activity, and history of diabetes.
Conclusions: Tooth loss was linked with poorer nutrition even among dentists.

3 D TV to arrive in your home soon
"While 3D has taken a number of years to penetrate in the movie theatres, I believe this is the year -2010 it will begin to enter the home," Jeffrey Katzenberg, the head of Dreamworks Animation told BBC News.
Panasonic revealed a tie-up with top US satellite provider DirecTV to launch three high-definition 3D TV channels by June to try and jump-start demand for 3D TVs and content. MORE FROM BBC

Boy dies after dentist visit,, Best dental products, Arrest in USA after forged prescription

Boy who died after dental procedure buried
After a week of hashing out the strange and tragic details of how 22-month-old Maddoux Cordova died, mourners at his funeral Saturday turned their focus to how the boy lived.

More than 300 people gathered in a dim sanctuary at Resurrection of the Lord Catholic Church on the city's West Side to say goodbye to the toddler who died last week after receiving morphine during a dental procedure.

“Some of us wonder, when one dies so young, what would his future hold?” Deacon George Salazar told the group. “We should dwell on the present and who he was — a child full of love.” MORE HERE

Excessive Gingival Display—Etiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment Modalities
Nir Silberberg, DMD/Moshe Goldstein, DMD/Ami Smidt, DMD, MSc, BMedSc 

Extensive exposure of the gingiva during a smile, called excessive gingival display, may be a point of concern for both patients and clinicians. Patients often present to the dental clinic seeking a solution to their “gummy” appearance. A clinician must fully understand the various factors involved in this situation, to provide patients with an appropriate answer. Thorough examination followed by the right diagnosis is imperative for achieving an esthetic and predictable result in the treatment of such situations. The aim of this article is to discuss the various aspects of excessive gingival display and its etiology and to present the current solutions that exist in the literature. (Quintessence Int 2009;40:809–818)

Best Restorative products
In its most recent issue (December 2009, Vol. 2: 12) Gordon J. Christensen's Clinician's Report (CR) issued its annual list of best materials, devices, and techniques evaluated over the past year. Included were several restorative products to which the newsletter gave its check mark, indicating a best product from a comparison done by the CR researchers during 2009.
In the category of total etch resin cements, CR lauded Accolate PV by Danville Materials, Calibra Esthetic Resin by Dentsply Caulk, Choice 2 Veneer Cement by Bisco, Clearfil Estheric Resin Cement by Kuraray, and Insure Lite by Cosmedent.
Among resin-modified glass ionomer cements, CR liked FuiCEM Automix by GC America and RelyX Luting Plus by 3M ESPE.
For posts (dowels), the newsletter gave its check mark to C-I White by Parkell and DT Light-Post by Bisco.

Cosmetic dental experts seek makeover volunteers in UK
A cosmetic dental surgery is seeking volunteers to undergo the hi-tech treatments featured in TV shows like 10 Years Younger.

Lubiju in Leith is regarded as one of Scotland's leading dental implant practices and provides training for dentists from around the country.

Now it is seeking volunteers to take part in a post-graduate training programme throughout 2010 – which could see those selected getting advanced dental treatment for a fraction of the usual cost. Dentist Dr Biju Krishnan, who co-founded Lubiju, said: ‘This is a fantastic opportunity for patients to get treatment they might not otherwise be able to afford. More HERE

Miniscrews in orthodontic treatment: Review and analysis of published clinical trials AJODO Jan 2010.
In all articles analyzed, the authors described the success rates of miniscrews as suf?cient for orthodontic treatment. This review further showed that: screws of 1.2-mm diameter and at least 8-mm length are preferable, because they are stable and minimize the risk of root damage. The maxilla was shown to be better suited for miniscrews. As for the placement protocol, the data were inconclusive for de?nite recommendations. At comparable success rates, the ?apless method should be chosen because it is less invasive and causes less patient discomfort. Immediate or early loading of miniscrews is possible, since longer healing periods did not provide additional stability at forces of up to 200 cN. Take your orthodontic to next level, Order your miniscrew kit now 

Arrest in USA after forged prescription

A dental assistant student was arrested on Dec. 21 for allegedly attempting to fill a forged prescription for a narcotic painkiller, police said.
Robert Frega, 24, of Waldwick, was arrested at Walgreen's Pharmacy, 655 Wyckoff Ave., after reportedly attempting to fill a prescription for Percodan pain tablets with a stolen prescription blank.
The pharmacy manager reported the incident to police after confirming with the dentist that she did not write the prescription. MORE HERE

Ancient Gem-Studded Teeth Show Skill of Early Dentists

The glittering "grills" of some hip-hop stars aren't exactly unprecedented. Sophisticated dentistry allowed Native Americans to add bling to their teeth as far back as 2,500 years ago, a new study says.

Ancient peoples of southern North America went to "dentists"—among the earliest known—to beautify their chompers with notches, grooves, and semiprecious gems, according to a recent analysis of thousands of teeth examined from collections in Mexico's National Institute of Anthropology and History (such as the skull above, found in Chiapas, Mexico). MORE HERE

Study of magnetic activator device in Class II high-angle malocclusions
EJO Jan 2010
The purpose of this study was to evaluate changes in dentofacial growth before, during, and after use of a magnetic activator device (MAD) II in high-angle Class II division 1 patients.

The increase in gonial angle, GnGoAr angle, S–N, Co–Gn, Go–Ar, ANS–Me, S–Go, and N–Me distances and the decrease of overjet, U1–NA distance, and ANB angle were statistically significant during the treatment. At T4, there was a decrease in gonial angle and U1–NA distance, which was significant. The changes as a result of treatment were stable at T4.

30,000-Year-Old Child's Teeth Found
They found that, for a given stage of development of the cheek teeth, the front teeth were relatively delayed in their degree of formation. Moreover, the front teeth had a greater volume of dentin and pulp but proportionally less enamel than the teeth of recent humans. MORE HERE

Google releases "Nexus One" mobile phone to compete with iPhone

READ more HERE

Five computing resolutions for 2010
Safe computing wishes for 2010, but how you are going to make it possible. It may need some learning and downloading some new software. CLICK HERE TO SafeGuide