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dental news for dentists from the best minds in dentistry today

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Russian Dentist Has Unusual Artistic Talent

July 3rd, 2009 · No Comments

This may not be breaking news or even important information, but it’s definitely interesting.

An 18-year veteran dentist, Dr. Igor Tsarik of Siberia, has carved/sculpted about 300 teeth, many of which are on display. He uses a drill, heat, and lacquer to create his tooth art, which is a form of Japanese netsuke. Primary teeth are too soft for netsuke, so Dr. Tsarik uses extracted permanent teeth for his art.

How do patients react? Some think the tiny reliefs are really cool. Kids, in particular, appreciate them. However, one African woman fainted when she saw her own tooth transformed.

Read the full story here.

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→ No CommentsTags: Hardware · Just for Fun · Technology · Uncategorized

Dental Trade Alliance’s “Oral Healthcare Can’t Wait” Free Resources

July 2nd, 2009 · No Comments

dta-awareness-logo

Intro from DentalBlogs: Dental Trade Alliance is launching a new campaign intended to help dentists and dental professionals underline the importance of checkups and following through with treatment plans. To you, this means free resources for marketing - logo, tagline, posters, brochures, a video for your website or YouTube, and more. Visit the website by clicking the green smiley on the left to learn more.

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Dental Industry Unites to Warn Consumers About the Risks of Putting Off Regular Chekcups and Recommended Treatment

ARLINGTON, VA – JULY 1ST, 2009 – The Dental Trade Alliance (DTA), a nonprofit trade association representing leading dental manufacturers, distributors, and laboratories, recently launched its “Oral Healthcare Can’t Wait™” awareness campaign (www.oralhealthcarecantwait.com) in an effort to warn consumers about the risks of postponing regular dental checkups and recommended treatment. According to DTA chief executive officer Gary Price, “The current economic climate is causing many people to either postpone the treatment plans recommended by their dentists, or to put off dental visits altogether.”

[Read more →]

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→ No CommentsTags: Press Release

Oral Surgery News: Osteogenics Partners with Micross and Safescraper

July 1st, 2009 · 1 Comment

Osteogenics Biomedical announces distribution partnership with cortical bone collector manufacturer
Micross and Safescraper® bone scrapers offer latest advancements in autogenous bone grafting

micross 2006_ing _defLubbock, TX, June 10, 2009 – Osteogenics Biomedical has signed an agreement with Italian-based medical device manufacturer META Advanced Medical Technology, giving Osteogenics exclusive distribution rights in the United States to the Micross autogenous bone scraper. Osteogenics has also obtained rights to distribute META’s Safescraper® Twist. Both are now available for purchase.

The distribution agreement gives Osteogenics Biomedical the opportunity to distribute the autogenous bone scrapers alongside its line of Cytoplast® barrier membranes and PTFE suture. [Read more →]

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→ 1 CommentTags: News

Dental Technology: Choosing Wisely

June 25th, 2009 · 2 Comments

dentla-chair-and-equipment1Purchasing new technology? Exercise your right to choose…
When you’re in the market to purchase new technology for your dental practice, it can be tempting to buy equipment from the first rep who contacts you. This can be a costly mistake. It’s worth the extra effort to educate yourself about the equipment that’s out there and make an informed decision about what will work best for your practice. Although it may require a little more work up front, it will pay off in the long run with a higher return on investment.
Tom Terronez of Medix Dental has put together some tips to consider while you are making your purchasing decision: [Read more →]

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→ 2 CommentsTags: Technology

What the Heck is Invisalign Doing to Dentists?

June 24th, 2009 · 3 Comments

checkup1What you already know…
Invisalign by Align Technologies, Inc. is a system of clear, custom, acrylic aligners that incorporates 3D treatment planning for orthodontic therapy. Invisalign was approved by the FDA in 1998. Adult patients and teens who want straighter teeth without the hassle and appearance of metal braces often prefer Invisalign. In addition to being inconspicuous, the clear aligners are removable, and treatment is usually shorter than with traditional orthodontics.

The issue at hand…
On June 1, 2009, Align Technology, Inc. announced Invisalign® Proficiency Program. This new training standard is mandatory for dentists who offer Invisalign. Here’s an excerpt from the press release: [Read more →]

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→ 3 CommentsTags: Continuing Education

Stem Cells Promote Implant Stabilization

June 23rd, 2009 · No Comments

stem-cellsFor dental implants to truly imitate natural teeth, a strong periodontal foundation is required. Extreme pressure can damage an unstable implant, and orthodontic treatment isn’t possible for a tooth with a weak foundation. A natural tooth with a solid anchor in the jawbone, however, can withstand chewing forces and orthodontic therapy.

A June 22nd article at www.RDHmag.com tells us that Journal of Oral Implantology released a report on how stem cells can contribute to periodontal tissue regeneration around dental implants. In the study, stem cells contributed to the growth of cementum, bone tissue, and periodontal ligament, which are required for periodontal tissue.

Download the pdf here: http://www.allenpress.com/pdf/ORIM-35-3-106.pdf.

You may also enjoy this post at Implant Dentistry and Laser Dentistry blog.

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→ No CommentsTags: Clinical

Dental Students Play Video Games to Learn Implant Procedures

June 22nd, 2009 · 2 Comments

joy-stickTechnology and teaching go hand in hand these days. A while back, DentalBlogs told you about Simroid, a lifelike robot that responds to dental students like an actual patient might. We also let you know that NYU School of Dentistry went to completely digital textbooks in 2007. This year’s cool technological training innovation leverages video games to teach implant dentistry.

Medical College of Georgia reports a team effort with BreakAway, a video game developer, in which an implant simulation game introduces students to patients with various clinical situations. The game allows students to examine and ask the virtual patient about medical history. Because each case is different, dental students must consider the virtual patient’s personality and clinical condition for optimal diagnosis and treatment planning. For qualified implant patients, student dentists must determine the proper type of implant, location for the implant, anesthesia, and tools to use. [Read more →]

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→ 2 CommentsTags: Technology

From TNT - Dental Websites: Development & Production

June 19th, 2009 · No Comments

under-constructionHave you ever wondered how long it takes to build a website? Heard words like “support,” “hosting,” and “SEO,” and wondered if you need all that stuff? Do you have a website that’s old and, maybe, an embarrassing representation of your modern dental practice? Where do you go from here? This week, the TNT Dental Tips blog answers these questions. In the second part of a three-part series on custom dental websites, “Dental Websites: Development & Production” is a Q&A that will get you in the know about building a site. Visit TNT Dental Tips blog.

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→ No CommentsTags: Tips from TNT: Dental Websites & Internet Marketing

Dentists. Sexual Harassment. Discrimination.

June 18th, 2009 · No Comments

shutterstock_3640564Every day, it seems, a news story tells us about a dentist or dental professional who has molested a patient during a dental appointment. The nature of dentistry (and medicine) is such that we are in a prime situation to (a) sexually harass and (b) be accused of sexual harassment. Sometimes, though, allegations of sexual harassment (not physical contact) result from how a patient perceives a dentist or dental professional.

Mitchell Karp, MSOD, tells us in his article at www.DentalOfficeMag.com, that dentists are considered powerful by patients, and because of this, patients may not feel confident telling their dentist when they feel uncomfortable.

Karp’s article, “How to avoid allegation of sexual harassment and/or discrimination: Five things you need to know,” recommends not making jokes about sensitive subjects and not using terms like “baby” or “honey” to speak to patients. He tells us that how you are perceived is more important than how you see yourself, when it comes to the doctor/patient relationship. Review Karp’s article here. You may also find these resources interesting… [Read more →]

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→ No CommentsTags: Administrative

Keeping Up with Dental Technology, It’s Easy!

June 16th, 2009 · 1 Comment

It’s not like you don’t have a full schedule. You practice dentistry and run a business, go to local professional meetings – maybe city meetings, travel to CE courses, and somehow, you manage to have a family and a social life. These days, dentists also have to stay in touch with the latest technological developments. “State-of-the-art” has become synonymous with “quality dental care.”

runnersDentalBlogs feels your pain! Fortunately, the Internet has revolutionized how we research and gather information. These days, you can research anywhere, anytime. Five days a week, DentalBlogs brings dentists the latest news.

For up-to-the-minute dental technology news, befriend DentalBlogs on Facebook! At Facebook, we post dental news all day long. You may also want to subscribe to the feeds or emails for the following websites and blogs, so you can stay plugged in to dental technology developments 24/7. [Read more →]

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→ 1 CommentTags: Radiography · Technology