What comes after the electric toothbrush?
The latest in toothbrush technology. This week, we take a look at red light toothbrushes and robotic toothbrushes. We also get a look at new research on bioengineering personalized oral tissue grafts and a study on the frequency of diagnostic mistakes in dentistry.
Authorities are seeking evidence regarding the murder of an Ohio dentist and his wife.
Unlicensed "veneer tech" indicted. The American Dental Association (ADA) reported news of a "veneer technician" who is facing more than 100 charges for allegedly performing cosmetic dentistry without a license.
The red light craze comes for oral health. Red light therapy is quite popular. One user puts a red light toothbrush to the test.
What your brushing habits mean for your mortality. Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University in Japan found that people who have poor oral health have a higher mortality risk.
Robots are the new toothbrush. Inventors in Japan have created the g.eN, an automatic, robotic toothbrush that takes the work out of brushing with 16 brushes that do the work for you.
Composite vs. ceramic. In an episode of the "Dentistry Unmasked" podcast, three dentists discuss clinical decision-making when it comes to materials.
New research could pave the way to better oral tissue grafts
A $5.7 million grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) will help researchers from Virginia Commonwealth University and partner organizations to leverage pluripotent stem cells to create personalized oral tissue grafts. They are mapping the cellular infrastructure of different kinds of oral tissue, which is laying the groundwork for growing oral tissue grafts in the lab.
Why it matters: This research could provide more reconstructive options for patients with oral cancer or injuries. (VCU News)
Recognize the signs of practice embezzlement
Stacey Gividen, DDS, shared her personal experience of a staff member embezzling from her practice. Before the staff member was caught and fired, she managed to steal nearly $160,000, according to Dentistry IQ. The cost of the theft and the subsequent fallout cost the practice more than $200,000. Dental practices can take steps to prevent this kind of experience. Don't place too much financial responsibility on a single staff member. Always verify financial transactions. Look for red flags and act immediately.
Why it matters: Recognizing the signs of embezzlement early can help practices to minimize the damage. (Dentistry IQ)
Digging into diagnostic errors in dentistry
Researchers conducted a cross-sectional study of US dentists to better understand diagnostic errors in dentistry. Of the participating dentists, 40% reported seeing a fellow dentist make a diagnostic error daily or weekly. Participants were less likely to report their own errors; only 12.4% reported they personally had made a diagnostic error.
Why it matters: Diagnostic errors have the potential to impact patients' outcomes and quality of life. The study authors argue that new strategies are necessary to reduce or halt these errors. (BMC Oral Health)
- The power of mentorship in dentistry
- When did humans first start using braces?
- New resource to support the oral health of autistic children
- Could tooth loss lead to memory loss?
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Dental Bite is curated and written by Carrie Pallardy and edited by Bianca Prieto.
