🦷 Lab grown teeth
New dental treatments without the clinical trials? A 3D-printed mouth offers a path for testing new treatments in the lab. Two new reports shed light on some of the biggest obstacles standing in the way of accessing oral health care. We also talk to the current president of the National Dental Association (NDA) about her leadership and vision for the organization.
Oh, have you heard? Adult pacifiers are trending. Please make it stop.
When your patients hate to floss. Many patients skip flossing, and they might even lie about their flossing habits. Interdental brushes might be a good alternative for cleaning between the teeth at home.
Dental data breaches. Three oral healthcare providers were hit with data breaches: 32 Pearls in Washington, West Texas Oral Facial Surgery and Mid America Health in Indiana.
AI-enhanced diagnostics. A new study published in the British Dental Journal highlights the potential for AI diagnostic tools to support the early detection of systemic diseases during routine visits to the dentist.
A 3D-printed mouth. A biomedical engineering student created a 3D-printed mock mouth that could help researchers test dental treatments without going through clinical trials.
Lab-grown teeth by 2030?
Today, dentists rely on fillings, implants and dentures to address many of their patient cases. Lab-grown teeth could change that, and they might be here sooner than you think. Dentistry IQ examines the progress being made toward this innovation and the steps being taken toward placing lab-grown teeth in the mouth. Children with anodontia could be the first patients to benefit from this treatment.
Why it matters: The ability to introduce lab-grown teeth would dramatically change the way dentists approach treatment for many of their patients. (Dentistry IQ)
Challenges in oral health care access and outcomes
Mental health conditions and living in a rural area are two major factors that impact Americans' oral health outcomes, according to a new report from Cigna Healthcare. The report highlights the direct connection between oral and mental health, as well as the poor health outcomes associated with mental illness. Cigna also examines the challenges that people living in rural areas face when it comes to accessing care; 15% of Americans live in rural areas.
Why it matters: Dentists, insurers and employers have a responsibility to understand what stands in the way of oral health and to work to remove those barriers. (Cigna)
The affordability challenge in dentistry
Finances significantly influence oral healthcare access and outcomes. McKnights Long-Term Care News delves into a comprehensive study of dental care affordability, which found that 14.17% of American adults are unable to afford necessary dental care. Younger adults are the most likely group to struggle with paying for dental care, according to the study.
Why it matters: When people skip dental care, they are more likely to experience decay, tooth loss and other complications. Interventions for at-risk populations are needed to improve access and outcomes. (McKnights Long-Term Care News)
- Third molar shows up in an odd place in these X-rays
- Examining early immune challenges and the oral microbiome
- Dr. Alex White to tackle dentistry and public health at UNC
- Sudanese dentist turns to photography to raise awareness
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Dental Bite is curated and written by Carrie Pallardy and edited by Lesley McKenzie.
