Sunday, December 31, 2017

Oman wellness: Why opting for conscious sedation for your child is a really good idea?

The advantage of using sedation is that the child is calm and has higher tolerance level for sitting through the procedure. The advantage of using sedation is that the child is calm and has higher tolerance level for sitting through the procedure.

Since son died of heroin overdose, local dentist has found his voice

Adam Abubaker and his dad, Dr. A. Omar Abubaker, are seen six months before Adam, 21, died of a heroin overdose.

Board clears Lewiston dentist accused of health, safety violations

Dr. Jan Kippax , attorneys Adam Lee and James Belleau, and expert witness Dr. John Kelly at a hearing of the Maine Board of Dental Practice on Friday, Dec. 29, 2017. The Maine Board of Dental Practice has found in favor of a Lewiston dentist accused of putting the health and safety of his patients in immediate jeopardy.

Saturday, December 30, 2017

Key dental care restored at Marin Community Clinics

The good news is that beginning Jan. 1, Medi-Cal will pay for many procedures that it currently denies coverage for. The bad news is that the wait to see a dentist at Marin Community Clinics, where most Marin Medi-Cal recipients receive their dental and medical care, is likely to grow longer.

Sex Tourism and Dental Care in Costa Rica

The "world's oldest profession" meets one of the newest trends in tourism. Discover a trend that combines a trip to the dentist with an unexpected twist.

City to move forward with fluoride project

The Parsons City Commission on Thursday agreed to go ahead with adding fluoride to the city's water distribution system.

Safe pediatric dental anesthesia is the right of every child

When you tell anyone in health care that "sedation" to the point of coma is given in dentists' and oral surgeons' offices every day, without a separate anesthesia professional present to give the medications and monitor the patient, the response often is disbelief. Yes, they can.

Vietnam Vet gets gracious gift from a Suncoast dentist

MANATEE COUNTY, FL - As 2017 comes to a close, one Suncoast resident and Vietnam veteran is feeling grateful about the good fortune he's receiving after a roller coaster of a year. 63-year-old Raeford Lonnie Vernon did not expect to get ripped off by someone he once loved, but according to a police report Vernon's former girlfriend completely wiped him out.

Pa. parents can continue taking kids to doc, CHIP funding should last into March

Pennsylvania officials are advising families who use the CHIP program to continue to take their children to the doctor and dentist, and to make new appointments as needed. The advice comes after U.S. Congress recently adjourned for the holidays without reauthorizing CHIP, which provides free or reduced-priced health and dental insurance for children from families with lower incomes.

Friday, December 29, 2017

Hops farm plans to take advantage of artisanal beer craze

Vines spiraling upwards around a rope. Conical buds that look like mini artichokes.

Sketches of Court: Trip and fall trial results in $450K damages award

In this courtroom sketch, Hon. Larry Martin listens as plaintiff's attorney Elise Langsam , of the Langsam Law firm, conducts a direct examination of the plaintiff in the premises liability trial LaBosco, 64, was in the company of friends for a night out in March 2015 when she allegedly caught her foot on the edge of an outdoor rug in front of the entrance to the Park Central Hotel.

Make wellness a priority in 2018

As you revisit your goals for 2018, don’t forget to make your personal and professional wellness top priorities. These archived Mouthing Off posts should help you get started:

Health and wellness: There’s an app for that!
Meeting your health goals can be challenging, especially when finding a balance between healthy living and dental school. Your smartphone can be the perfect health tool, but you need to choose the right app. Health, exercise and nutrition can become both fun and accessible with the right apps. Whether you are taking your first steps towards a healthy lifestyle or looking to revamp your fitness routine, these four free health apps may make a difference. Read more

Don’t overdo it
In high school, I started going to the gym every day and avoiding junk food because I wanted to be healthier. I couldn’t run 400 meters without getting winded. I spent hours in front of my computer. My favorite Saturday lunchtime tradition was getting a pizza from Pizza Hut and eating it all myself. At first, exercising more and eating less junk food did make me feel healthier. I felt more alert. I could finally run a mile without stopping. I became more confident in myself and less clumsy when I walked. But with my aspiring-dentist type-A personality, exercise and eating became parts of my life that I liked to work on obsessively. Read more

Why you should use your school’s mental health resources
When a computer becomes overrun with more information than its processor can handle, it crashes. The human brain responds similarly. Take me, for example. I recently wrapped up an ordinary day in the life of a third-year dental student. I had lectures in the morning and treated patients in the afternoon. On the ride home, something felt off. Everything I needed to get done was passing through my mind. I needed to study, finish lab work and prepare a treatment plan for tomorrow’s patient. Aside from school responsibilities, my wife needed me to get groceries. I got home, dropped my bag and knelt on the floor. All at once, those thoughts flooded my brain and I could not move. I just sat there, emotional and frozen. Read more

Four ways to avoid repetitive strain injuries
We all dream of a prosperous career and a successful dental practice. One potential hurdle to achieving your dreams could simply be your own body. Dentistry as a profession is prone to repetitive physical activity, which can lead to repetitive strain injuries. Reports have shown that dentists lose millions of dollars every year from cancelling appointments because of musculoskeletal pain. Chronic musculoskeletal pain is also one of the leading causes for dentists to retire prematurely. Read more

Exercise your mind with meditation
Being a dentist seems glamorous, fun and exciting. There is always a new challenge around the corner with every patient. However, the process of becoming a dentist is not always glamorous and fun. A significant number of hours are spent behind a laptop studying for exams and quizzes. What’s more, there are assignments, simlab requirements, patients to treat and board materials to study. The rigors of dental school can cause you to sleep less and abandon socializing, ultimately increasing mental fatigue and stress. Read more

North Wales dentist struck off over grooming boy

A dentist from North Wales was struck off after being convicted of grooming a boy and making indecent images of children. Matthew Peter Larkin had worked for more than a decade at Westbourne Dental Practice in Prenton, Birkenhead, after training at the University of Liverpool.

Dental clinic gets grant to support new children's program

File photo: Dr. Kara Mullins, left, and Dental Assistant Kalen Brisco care for a patient at the Community Dental Care Clinic. File photo: Dr. Kara Mullins, left, and Dental Assistant Kalen Brisco care for a patient at the Community Dental Care Clinic.

Implant-retained dentures tied to higher quality of life

The type of denture your patients have appears to have a long-term impact on how satisfied they are with their oral health-related quality of life. A new study found that patients with implant-retained overdentures reported a significantly better quality of life than those with conventional dentures.


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Thursday, December 28, 2017

Sleep Apnea Dentist in Beachwood Unveils New Website for the...

Dr. Douglas Desatnik is launching a new website for the Northeast Ohio Center for Dental Sleep Medicine, a unique practice offering patients diagnosed with sleep apnea advanced oral appliance alternatives to CPAP therapy BEACHWOOD, Ohio, Dec. 28, 2017 -- Millions of Americans suffer from sleep apnea, a dangerous condition that can cause loud snoring and excessive, life-threatening breathing pauses during sleep. Individuals diagnosed with sleep apnea are often treated with a CPAP device, which typically involves a cumbersome face mask and a series of tubes that can be uncomfortable for many patients.

Sirona Dental Systems (SIRO) vs. Abaxis (ABAX) Head-To-Head Comparison

Sirona Dental Systems and Abaxis are both healthcare companies, but which is the superior business? We will compare the two companies based on the strength of their risk, institutional ownership, earnings, profitability, dividends, valuation and analyst recommendations. Abaxis has higher revenue and earnings than Sirona Dental Systems.

Free dental clinic continues mission to serve those in need in 2018 new

Members of the Rhode Island Mission of Mercy have continued their mission to serve those who need - but cannot afford - dental care. RI MOM announced it will host its two-day dental clinic in 2018.

Ex-lawmaker Alan Hays looks to enhance voters' 'Election Day experience'

Former Florida lawmaker of 12 years, Alan Hays, in his office at the Lake County Administration building in Tavares. Since becoming Lake County supervisor of elections a year ago, Alan Hays said he's kept his "mouth shut and ears open" to learn from a staff that worked for years under his predecessor, Emogene Stegall.

Dentacoin Prices Climb 17% as More People Discover the Blockchain Solution for the Dental Industry

While the prices of major cryptocurrencies fluctuated today, Dentacoin prices climbed 17.51% and reached a market cap of $216 million. Dentacoin pitches itself as a project to improve dental health, cut out the middlemen insurance firms, and improve the relationship between patients and their dentists.

Outstanding Emerging Business husband and wife dentists

Local dentist Dr. Andriane White, standing, and her husband Dr. David Carter introduce their newborn daughter to their office for the first time Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2017. The husband and wife business partners were honored by the Zachary Chamber of Commerce as the Outstanding Emerging Business.

Is computer-guided implant placement really better?

Is computer-guided implant placement actually better than conventional implant procedures? Are guided protocols preferred for certain situations? While the technology certainly offers significant promise, a new study investigated whether current scientific evidence backs it up.


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Your Dental Future Depends on Your Choice of Dentistry, says The Academy of Healthy Dentistry

LOS ANGELES: Healthy teeth contribute to a healthier and more satisfying life! The vast majority of people will get cavities and will need dental restorations, but the choice of how those cavities and teeth are repaired will significantly impact their dental future. While most dentists strongly support tooth conserving dentistry, full crowns are still the most popular way to repair damaged teeth.

Wednesday, December 27, 2017

Image Award presented to Kingstree Family Dentistry

The Williamsburg HomeTown Chamber presented the Image Award for November to Kingstree Family Dentistry located at 1200 North Longstreet in Kingstree. The dental practice, previously owned by Dr. Louis Drucker, was purchased by Dr. Tyler Williams and Dr. Chris Costa from James Island.

Fears that Bicester's healthcare will suffer as population booms

Health service providers have been urged to plan ahead after the latest Healthwatch Oxfordshire reports found people were worried healthcare was not keeping pace with the town's expansion. Problem areas uncovered in the latest report by the health watchdog found concerns about a shortage of dentists, lack of available GP appointments and difficulties accessing mental health services.

Sesigan Dental Clinic offers best quality of cosmetic dentistry

Dental reshaping, a procedure to change a tooth's length, shape or surface, is common especially among celebrities to improve the appearance of their smile. However, nowadays, dental veneer treatment is much preferred for aesthetic purposes since the conventional orthodontic treatment, which involves braces and wires, takes an average of one year or more to complete.

New sleep habits for the new year

This post was originally published Feb. 6, 2017 on Mouthing Off.

Getting enough sleep is arguably one of the most challenging aspects of dental school. Between attending classes and studying for tests, working on your lab skills and seeing patients, it can be tough to find enough hours in the day to get ample sleep. While we’re all familiar with the many platitudes regarding ideal sleep schedules and the benefits of getting enough rest, it can be challenging to actually incorporate those guidelines into your everyday schedule. However, there’s no question that getting restful sleep is important.

A 2002 study published in Neuron found that a full night’s worth of sleep is correlated with a 20 percent improvement in motor speed without loss of accuracy. Fortunately, given the many mobile technological advances available today, there are now numerous apps designed to help you achieve this.

Sleep Cycle Alarm Clock
Have you ever taken a quick power nap to recharge, only to wake up dazed, disoriented and less energized? This app can monitor your sleep habits and set alarms to wake you up during your lightest sleep phase so you can avoid that jolting feeling of an interrupted REM cycle. While this may not be practical for waking you up at a specific time, it may be helpful for naps or on weekends.

Sleep Watch
This app syncs with an Apple Watch to directly monitor your vital signs while you catch some Zs, giving you even more accurate sleep data. With the help of this app, you can maximize your sleep schedule and figure out what feels best for you.

Rain Rain Sleep Sounds and Sleep Pillow Sounds
You know you’re a dental student when instead of counting sheep at night, you find yourself counting teeth. For those who have insomnia or trouble falling asleep, there are a plethora of apps offering soothing, sleep-inducing sounds. From rain and ocean waves to white noise, you have your pick of sounds to fall asleep to. Hopefully, this will help you sleep more efficiently and deeply.

Sleep Well Hypnosis
If you’re willing to try something different, some apps offer hypnosis audio sessions and sounds that claim to induce your brainwave frequency into one that is optimal for deep sleep. This may be worth a try for those who have exhausted all conventional methods of attaining a good night’s sleep.

These are just a few of the many apps and strategies available to help you sleep well. The new year has a lot in store for us dental students, and I hope you choose to prioritize restful sleep and increased wellness!

~ Sachi Mehrotra, Los Angeles ’19, District 11 Planning Committee Predental Chair

Downtown Phoenix hosts free healthcare clinic

"You have to pick and choose. Can I go to the dentist this month or can I go for my varicose veins? You have to make decisions," said Diana Velazquez.

The five dental trends you should avoid

On the go and no time to finish that story right now? Your News is the place for you to save content to read later from any device. Register with us and content you save will appear here so you can access them to read later.

More than 7 million California adults enrolled in Medi-Cal will...

Starting in January, many of the dental services that were cut eight years ago will be restored for her and about 7.5 million adults on Medi-Cal, many of whom have had to get their teeth pulled instead of repaired. Some benefits were partially restored in 2014, such as fillings and X-rays, but critical treatments remain uncovered, including lab-processed crowns, root canals on back teeth, treatments for gum disease and partial dentures.

With lasers, there's hope for peri-implantitis treatment

Much like endosseous titanium implants changed the realm of implant dentistry, advances in technology hold the key to solving one of today's most pressing issues in the management of dental implants -- peri-implantitis, according to Dr. Samuel Low, chief dental officer at Biolase.


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The domino effect of disease: The mouth and bowel disease

Periodontist Dr. Alvin Danenberg tells his patients that onset and progression of disease are like dominoes, lined up in a pattern and falling one by one once put in motion. One example may be the cause of, and relief from, inflammatory bowel disease.


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What my son taught me about confidence

They have always been troublesome - they started pushing through his gums spookily early, when he was four months old, and falling out when he was still at kindy. He was the only child in his new entrants' class who had already been visited by the Tooth Fairy.

Tuesday, December 26, 2017

Plans for a new orthodontist dental surgery submitted to Poole council

If given approval by planning chiefs, the dental surgery would become the second to open in the area, with Ridgeway Dental Practice also situated in Lower Blandford Road. A design and access statement accompanying the plans states the proposed practice will employ a total of five members of staff, including two dentists.

Dentist turns heads with his “Back to the Future” car

He pauses at the stoplight in the center of town, and pedestrians do a double-take at the "BKNTIM" license plate. He turns the stainless-steel vehicle down Park Street, then pulls off into a parking lot and coolly pops up the gull-wing doors.

Adventure dentist brings dental help to far-flung locales

The owner of Three Rivers Dental in Kennewick had once again brought a team of fellow dentists and volunteers to operate a temporary clinic in the small coastal village of El Paredon. He expected that, like always, the group would put in long days extracting rotten teeth, filling cavities and cleaning away months and even years of neglect.

Should you hire more team members in 2018?

As you look into 2018, is your practice struggling? Is your staff overworked and stressed? Before you consider hiring a new team member, practice management consultant Sally McKenzie suggests asking yourself some questions to see if you need to hire or you need to train your current team.


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Do's and don'ts for scheduling: Keep control of scheduling

Your scheduling system is the core of your practice, and it drives production. If you create an excellent schedule, you'll be able to focus your resources more effectively -- and grow practice income, advises Dr. Roger P. Levin.


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Fluoride in the water: Too much of a good thing?

In the early 1900s, a young dentist named Frederick McKay moved to a Colorado town where the residents' teeth - though in some cases stained chocolate brown - had far less decay than was typical back then. He and other researchers eventually linked the phenomenon to fluoride in the town's drinking water - a eureka moment that would usher in what is often called one of the 10 great public health achievements of the 20th century.

Monday, December 25, 2017

Reflecting on Service: Outgoing Harvest Foundation board members look back

Cynthia Ingram, a retiring member of The Harvest Foundation Board of Directors, is pictured at the Martinsville Adult Education center, located at the central office building for Martinsville City Public Schools.

Popular resident to spend 95th birthday with neighbors

Ian Hamilton picks up the tab after an evening dinner out with his neighbors Nicole and Jacques Boiroux, whom Hamilton dines with every night. courtesy of JACQUES AND NICOLE BOIROUX Longtime Madison Park resident and former dentistry professor Ian Hamilton will celebrate his 95th birthday this month.

Tips for the holiday season

Need some advice on staying balanced and managing stress through the holidays? Perhaps you spent too much this year and need to plan for better budgeting in 2018? Here are some archived Mouthing Off blog posts to help keep you on track:

Staying balanced through the holidays
For many, the holidays bring memories of frosted sugar cookies, spending precious time with family near and far, and looking forward to a bright new year. Unfortunately for others, the holidays can look and feel very different. They may spend the season in solitude, or their holiday obligations may bring on unnecessary stress. I know for me, the holidays have been more difficult to celebrate since losing both my mother and father. Those of us who have lost close family members may find if painful to take part in the same holiday traditions once celebrated.

4 tips to keep holiday spending in check
We all love to spend money during the holidays. Between holiday parties, gifts for our families and friends, and a little extra for those who provide services throughout the year, the holiday expenditures add up fast! While holiday expenses add up, it is a good time to remember some budget-friendly tips that can be used year-round.

Tips for managing holiday stress
It’s supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year, but dental students may disagree. Along with final exams and patients stressing you out, holiday traveling and numerous holiday activities might be more stress than you’re ready for. So how do you manage to actually enjoy the holiday break instead of worrying about it?

What holiday cinema has taught me about the season
Spring can keep its flowers and its insects. Summer can keep its sweaty tank-tops and severe thunderstorms. Halloween can keep its blustery winds and candy-munching ghouls. All I need is Christmas. I grew up in a house where the last decoration didn’t come down until it hit 85 degrees outside. I wrote letters to Santa. I left carrots for reindeer. I boxed up gifts for the elves and left them by the fireplace.

3 ways to give back during the holidays
As I kid, it was a family tradition to participate in something called the “mitten tree” at our church. There was a Christmas tree decorated with paper mitten ornaments. Each had a first name of a child and his or her age. Our family would each choose a mitten, bring it home and then go shop for hats, gloves and scarves for the kids we chose. Then we’d bring the items back to church wrapped up with the paper mitten on top.

Grant helps West Marin dentist retire student loans

The mobile dental clinic started as a pilot program in 2014. It goes to underserved West Marin communities two or three times a year.

Financial Review: Sirona Dental Systems

Sirona Dental Systems and Abaxis are both advanced medical equipment & technology - nec companies, but which is the superior business? We will contrast the two companies based on the strength of their dividends, valuation, analyst recommendations, risk, profitability, institutional ownership and earnings. This is a summary of recent recommendations and price targets for Sirona Dental Systems and Abaxis, as provided by MarketBeat.com.

Sunday, December 24, 2017

Chopper Topper program protects the teeth of Denver metro's low-income children

Johnson Elementary School second grader Maxton Metz, 7, stretches out in the dentist chair as Chopper Topper hygienist Lisa Valdez prepares for the check-up at Johnson Elementary Nov. 01, 2017. Chopper Topper dental hygienist Lisa Valdez applies a sealant to Maxton Metz's tooth during a check-up at at Johnson Elementary Nov. 01, 2017.

Patterson Companies (PDCO) Getting Somewhat Favorable Media Coverage, Report Finds

Media coverage about Patterson Companies has been trending somewhat positive recently, according to Accern Sentiment Analysis. Accern identifies negative and positive press coverage by analyzing more than 20 million news and blog sources in real-time.

The new Welsh company delivering toothbrushes to the doorstep

The first dedicated online service in the UK delivering toothbrushes and other oral hygiene products to the doorstep, will be launched by a Welsh start-up company next month. Online venture Brushbox , whose backers include former Welsh rugby international Martyn Williams and his wife Samantha, is the brainchild of Mike Donovan and aims to become the world's leading online brand for personal oral care products.

This Kennewick dentist has worked for years to heal smiles in Guatemala. His effort is paying off

The Tri-City Herald and Northwest Public Radio/Television spent a week in Guatemala with Kennewick dentist Bart Roach as he led a volunteer dental clinic. The Tri-City Herald and Northwest Public Radio/Television spent a week in Guatemala with Kennewick dentist Bart Roach as he led a volunteer dental clinic.

Comfort Dental brings good tidings by offering free services

Deedee Gallogly has gone years without seeing a dentist due to her fixed income and lack of insurance, fortunately Comfort Dental's free care day on Saturday provided her with cleaner, healthier teeth along with some peace of mind for the holiday season. "I know there's at least three areas that need addressing," she said while filling out the paperwork in the empty waiting room.

Dental team secures regional award

The team at Imogen Dental, which has a base in North Street, Kingsclere, is celebrating after reaching the finals of the UK Dentistry Awards 2017 and then scooping the best team in the south east award. Imogen Dental has a charity initiative and has raised over A 12,500 for local charities by taking part in abseils, walks, runs and more recently a climb up Mount Snowdon.

When are doctors surgeries and pharmacies in Cambridge open on Christmas?

How to access support from GPs, dentists, mental health specialists and Minor Illness and Injury Units during the festive period. People needing access to NHS support over Christmas and New Year are urged to choose the right service for the illness or injury.

Saturday, December 23, 2017

Right to privacy, instant triple talaq, age of consent: SC's crucial orders in 2017

Read on the important cases that reached its end and crucial judgments of 2017 that changed the course of law. From making privacy a fundamental right to declaring instant triple talaq invalid, the Supreme Court passed some landmark judgments in the year 2017.

How gum disease affects your overall health: Bacteria from your mouth ...

Here's something to make you check your teeth today: Bacteria in the mouth have long been known to cause various diseases in other parts of the body. While saliva may serve as the first line of defense against unwanted contaminants, some bacteria may be tougher to break down.

Kids Teeth offers free dental health puppet show

Parents can remind their kids to brush and floss all day long, but there's something about Dudley the Dinosaur and his over-sized toothbrush that really gets their attention.

Dentists Swear By This $27 Electric Flosser

Who likes flossing their teeth? No one! But what if you had a tool that made the whole process way easier and cut down the time it takes to floss? Look no further because we've just added the best electric flosser-the Aqua Flosser Water Flosser -to the SheFinds Shop -and we're giving it to you for a serious discount! What's so special about it? Aside from it being electric , this dentist recommended tool so much more effective at cleaning your gums and teeth. How could it not, as this electric flosser has water jets to help clean your teeth-not to mention three adjustable cleaning modes.

California gives Medi-Cal enrollees something to smile about

In 2018, dental benefits will be restored for 7.5 million people on California's Medi-Cal insurance program. But they may have problems finding a dentist who accepts the program's rates.

Friday, December 22, 2017

Get a free ride home over the holidays and other deals around Denver, Dec. 22-28

Those who enjoy a few drinks at the office holiday party or family gathering can spare themselves the risk of a DUI or worse. Call a cab for a free ride from a single location to your home in the Denver Metro area, pay the driver and send your receipt to the Sawaya Law Firm for reimbursement The safe-driving offer runs through Jan. 1, 2018.

Bone Putty Market to Rear Excessive Growth During 2017 - 2025

Commencement of unconventional and inventive man made or natural bone putty is changing the overall bone putty market. Bone putty is a type of waxy biomaterial applied to control and normalize excessive bleeding from bone or bone surfaces during surgery.

Dental Clinic Helps Truck Drivers Keep A Healthy Smile On The Road

Another big problem truck drivers face is that they have little or no access to quality dental care while on the road. Regular check-ups and cleanings can mean the difference between having a great smile or having chronic dental problems that require expensive treatment.

Dentistry in the U.S. Navy

Traditionally, many students graduate after four years of dental school and enter a residency or the civilian workforce. However, there is another group of dental school graduates who will serve in the military following graduation. Many of these graduates were awarded a scholarship from the Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP).

HPSP recipients are awarded a three- or four-year scholarship to cover the expense of dental school. In a lot of cases, the scholarship allows students to graduate debt-free. The Army, Navy and Air Force all provide scholarships to dental students. In addition to scholarships, all branches of the military offer new graduates an opportunity to enter the military through the direct accession program.

For students enrolled in the HPSP, there is much to look forward to. For dental students, like me, who do not know the specifics of military dentistry, here is what I learned.

Since dental school graduation, Dr. Peter Ham and Dr. Daniel Hammer have served and continued their post-graduate education with the Navy. Dr. Ham completed his dental training at New York University and is currently an endodontic resident at the University of Washington. Dr. Hammer graduated from the University of the Pacific, completed an oral surgery residency through the Navy at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, and is looking forward to a fellowship in head and neck cancer reconstruction.

Both Drs. Ham and Hammer note that the best part of their jobs is their ability to offer each service member they treat the ideal treatment plan. Because dental services are covered by TRICARE, they can provide their patients the best individual care without their patient’s finances being a primary concern. They also do not have to worry about the pressure created by a practice’s overhead on patient treatment planning and scheduling. This means more time to learn and grow at the rate needed to progress clinically. The main goal is to ensure each patient gets the best definitive treatment possible so they can maintain military readiness. Our service members often go long periods of time without a dentist.

Dr. Ham discussed certain dental considerations for the Navy, including the risk for trauma that occurs on ships and increased caries due to a change in diet. In an operational environment (ships, aircraft, etc.), service members are naturally at a greater risk for facial and dental trauma. Dr. Ham has treated many trauma cases during his time aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln. Treating and studying trauma ultimately inspired him to pursue endodontics. Many sailors enlist with or develop restorative, prosthodontic, endodontic or oral surgery needs. Orthodontic and other elective treatments are only provided when the service member is not operational. Because the military is a 24-hour operation, staying alert and on task during long and late hours often has an influence on the patient’s dietary choices. To compensate for the consumption of sugary and acidic caffeinated drinks, the dentists strongly emphasize patient education and oral hygiene instruction.

The leadership provided by a Naval dental officer is essential to providing exceptional patient care in an operational environment. As a past District 11 trustee, Dr. Hammer emphasized the impact ASDA’s national leadership training had on his ability to lead a team in the Navy. Military officers carry the responsibility of leading the enlisted service members and require skills to mobilize their teams toward a common goal. He says the ability for a clinician to provide good dentistry in the military is expected, but strong leadership is what makes you a great Navy dentist.

Dr. Hammer stresses the importance of leadership not only because of the skills needed for officer duties, but also because the methods of incentivizing his team differ from civilian dentistry. Outside of the military, dentists pay their staff directly and can use salary and bonuses as incentives. However, in the military, leadership is earned. They do not pay their staff directly, so it takes skill to guide the team toward a common vision.

Being a military dentist is not without challenges. Both dentists mentioned sacrificing time away from friends and family. In addition, service members must be willing to take on assignments that dictate where they and their families live. Aside from time and distance from loved ones, military dentistry carries unique operational challenges such as long hours and early morning wake-up calls for emergencies.

Despite the challenges, Drs. Ham and Hammer have gained unique experiences from serving that have helped them develop strong leadership skills, well-rounded clinical skills and a larger worldview. Ultimately, remembering the bigger picture and using a dental career to serve our country in a higher capacity distinguishes military dentistry from any other experience.

~ Christine Chen, Washington ’19, District 10 Trustee

Auckland Dentists Give Back for Christmas

A group of Auckland dentists is pledging more than $30,000 of dental treatment, dentures, and other equipment to Auckland's most needy. The Smile for Christmas campaign has teamed up with the Auckland City Mission to deliver free dental treatment to those who cannot afford it.

Top 5 columns from fall 2017

DrBicuspid.com takes a look back at the five most-read columns and practice management articles from fall 2017, as measured by page views. These columns focus on a wide variety of topics, from legal cases to teeth whitening to overprescription of antibiotics.


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Top 5 news stories from fall 2017

DrBicuspid.com takes a look back at the most-read news and clinical articles from fall 2017, as measured by page views. The most popular article was our coverage of the newly issued high blood pressure guidelines, followed by a report on antibiotic use by dentists.


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Why Good Oral Hygiene Can ...

If you want to have a baby or wish to add to your family then having good oral hygiene can help improve your chances. Not only does a healthy mouth help make you more attractive, it could help improve your fertility and this applies to both men and women.

Thursday, December 21, 2017

Dentist pleads no contest to giving girl unnecessary fillings

Click through to see violent crimes reported by Bay Area cities in 2016, starting with the cities that reported the highest incidents of violent crime. Statistics from the FBI Uniform Crime Report for 2016.

Court Upholds Verdict Against UConn For Sexual Harassment By A Health Center Dentist

A federal appeals court has found that the University of Connecticut Health Center is responsible for the behavior of a dentist who sexually harassed a co-worker and upheld a $125,000 verdict awarded to the coworker by a jury in Hartford a year ago. A three judge panel on the U.S. 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in a summary order Tuesday that the hospital had reason to be aware of Dr. Michael Young's behavior and should have acted to prevent it.

Syracuse dentist admits he drove drunk, hit teen near Destiny USA

A Syracuse dentist admitted today that he drove drunk and hit a boy walking in the street this past February. Draveck admitted to driving drunk and causing the 15-year-old boy serious injuries.

Periodontal treatment could reduce gastric cancer risk

Can failing to floss regularly increase your patients' risk of gastric cancer? A new study investigated the relationship between the presence of precancerous gastric lesions and factors such as oral hygiene habits and periodontal pathogen colonization.


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Temporary healing abutments stand up to the test

Implant healing abutments appear to be safe to use immediately after implant placement, according to the findings of a new study. These temporary abutments may be able to promote healthy soft-tissue healing, thereby reducing the risk of peri-implantitis.


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Ten Dental owners Dr Martin Wanendeya and Dr Nikhil Sisodia

A Wandsworth dental practice has been named the best in the United Kingdom for 2017 at a prestigious awards ceremony. Ten Dental's Balham branch, in Balham High Road, was named London's 'Practice of the Year' while the Clapham practice near Clapham Common station scooped 'Best Referral Practice' at the Private Dentistry Awards.

Wednesday, December 20, 2017

The hottest stock of the year: Invisalign

Invisalign is one of the hottest products of the year thanks to teens and adults who want straight teeth without metal in their mouths. Invisalign is one of the hottest products of the year thanks to teens and adults who want straight teeth without metal in their mouths.

Trump: Stock market winners and losers since the president took office

Although U.S. financial markets have continued to boom during the Trump administration, the broadest gauge of stocks - the Standard & Poor's 500 - has seen big winners and losers since the nation's 45th president took office in January. File photo shows President Trump being sworn in as the nation's 45th president on Jan. 20, 2017 as his family looks on.

Woman accused of killing husband pleads guilty to $10G tax fraud

Roslyn Pilmar, 60, who is suspected in the 1996 killing of her husband Howard Pilmar, pleaded guilty to tax fraud in Manhattan Criminal Court. A dental hygienist accused of murdering her wealthy husband admitted Tuesday to cheating the state and city out of $10,000 in taxes.

What do you do after NLC?

This year was my second time attending ASDA’s National Leadership Conference (NLC), which was held this past November. Each year, the event gets bigger and better. Now that we’re back to the dental school grind after the conference, it can be easy to return to our routines. But there are a lot of things we learned in Chicago that we can implement now in order to prepare for our careers.

1. Develop your personal brand. Personal branding was a common theme at NLC. Your brand is, essentially, what you do to differentiate yourself. The best part about this is that it doesn’t have to wait until graduation. Defining your personal brand and image now can help you when you apply for residencies, jobs or even open your own practice. Take a minute to look at your social media pages. What image are you projecting for your future patients and employers/employees? Your personal brand should reflect how you treat your patients in school as well as how you interact with staff, colleagues and even your friends. Decide now how you want to portray yourself in the future, even if it is as simple as how you dress, what you post online or how you interact with patients.

2. Start working on your CV. If you are applying for a national ASDA position, you’re in luck because you have to do this anyway! The reality is, developing your CV takes some effort. A wonderful suggestion at NLC during the session “How to Get into a Residency” was to make a CV box and put receipts in it from events you attend, so they can jog your memory as you prepare the CV. Maybe you had a chance to attend the “Hands-on Lesson in CV Writing” session at NLC, so have a solid head start. My suggestion is to make a rough draft of the document now and update it every year. Don’t wait until you are applying for jobs or residencies to start.

3. Decide where you want to go and what you want to do there. There are many different ways to practice dentistry. Essentially, everyone does it a little differently, and obviously student debt and licensure limitations can influence your career path. But as one of my professors said recently, “Figure out which part you are good at, become better at it, then focus your practice on it.” Do you want to treat an older population? Do you want to treat families and get to know them all as they grow up? Do you just want to take referrals, or do you want to help people in underserved populations? Your options are almost limitless, but you will likely start to get a hint of what you like once you start seeing patients. Too often, dental students are bashful about their goals and plans. Don’t be! Own your personal vision, and you will be surprised about who will be willing to help you get there.

The path to becoming a dentist is a long one. While in school, we often feel like our lives are on hold. ASDA and NLC, in particular, remind me that there is a lot more to dentistry than what happens at school. I hope you will spend time thinking about what happens after dental school and some of the little things you can do now to make that transition easier once you are done.

~Lincoln Fantaski, Georgia ’19, Chapter Legislative Chair

Abano posts 2% gain in first-half profit on dental growth

Abano Healthcare Group posted a 2 percent gain in first-half profit to a record, meeting guidance while announcing the exit from its remaining non-dental business with the $17 million sale of Ascot Radiology. Profit was $6 million in the six months ended Nov. 30, from $5.9 million a year earlier, the Auckland-based company said in a statement.

Over 450 useful things from Recomendo

There is so much more cool stuff in the world besides cool tools. Every week Mark, Claudia and I encounter great podcasts, bingeable video series, amazing people to follow, memorable destinations, perfect tips, and many other types of things besides tools we'd like to recommend.

Gunnedah Shire Council votes to fluoridate town water

FIGHT FOR DENTAL HEALTH: Dr Michael Jonas and Dr Sarah Raphael spoke at fluoridation meetings in Gunnedah and Tamworth last month on behalf of dentists and the ADA NSW. Photo: Peter Hardin GUNNEDAH Shire Council has approved plans to fluoridate the town's water supply on the back of "overwhelming community support".

Leaders in Dentistry: Dr. Sammy Noumbissi

When you think of implants, do you think of conventional, metal ones? Dr. Sammy Noumbissi, president of the International Academy of Ceramic Implantology, would like to expand that thought to include ceramic implants. He discusses the advantages and disadvantages of these implants in the latest installment of the Leaders in Dentistry series.


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What you need to know about fee schedules versus write-offs

When billing a preferred provider organization, does your office use a fee schedule or a write-off system? Dayna Johnson, founder of Rae Dental Management, considers the advantages and disadvantages of both systems to help you determine which is best for your practice.


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Tuesday, December 19, 2017

YTH Dentist To Lead Georgia Oral Health Council

YourTown Health is both proud and a bit sad to announce that Adam Barefoot, DMD, MPH, is leaving us after six years to become the Oral Health Director for the state of Georgia. In his capacity as a dentist at YTH, Dr. Barefoot helped hundreds of people in our community to realize healthier smiles.

Laid-off part-timer wonders about jobless benefit eligibility

DEAR CARRIE: I am a dental hygienist. For 1 1 2 years I worked one day a week for a dentist.

Teen Bullied Over Her Smile is Moved to Tears by Parentsa Birthday Surprise

Many middle schoolers ask for gadgets or technology for their birthdays, but not Texas eighth grader Aeva Leck, who has asked for the same thing since the third grade - braces. "Aeva's been asking for forever," says her mother Jessica Benenate.

Dentist treats patients who have anxiety, special needs

Photos are displayed on the walls on Dec. 12, 2017 at Children's Dentistry, 1820 E. Lake Mead Blvd., Suite 6. @KailynHype Children's Dentistry employees, from left, Lynn Campos, scheduling coordinator, Lamarious Nichols, dental assistant, and Elizabeth Castillo, who is a biller, pose for a portrait on Dec. 12, 2017 at 1820 E. Lake Mead Blvd., Suite 6. @KailynHype The exterior of the newest Children's Dentistry location at 1820 E. Lake Mead Blvd., Suite 6. @KailynHype A photo of an operating room at Children's Dentistry, 1820 E. Lake Mead Blvd., Suite 6. @KailynHype Photos are displayed on the walls on Dec. 12, 2017 at Children's Dentistry, 1820 E. Lake Mead Blvd., Suite 6. @KailynHype Children's Dentistry employees, from left, Lamarious Nichols, Elizabeth Castillo and Lynn Campos working at the front desk on Dec. 12, 2017 at 1820 E. Lake Mead Blvd., Suite 6. @KailynHype Shanti Coleman ... (more)

Why and how to get involved in community outreach programs at your dental school

To make the most of your dental education, collaborating with community outreach opportunities is essential.  Get out of your comfort zone to learn about issues impacting your communities while gaining clinical and inter-professional skills.

There are tremendous oral health disparities in the US. Early Childhood Caries (ECC) is the most common chronic childhood disease, being five times more common than asthma. [1] Research shows that approximately one in four children aged 3-5 and 6-9 living in poverty in the U.S. have untreated dental caries. [2] Untreated caries is nearly twice as high for Hispanic children compared with non-Hispanic white children aged 6-9 years. Fortunately, there are many oral health initiatives that focus on improving the status of ECC in the U.S.

An example of a successful U.S. outreach program is the Access to Baby and Child Dentistry (ABCD) program. The goal was to increase the number of children under 5, who visit the dentist through educational initiatives for parents and dental professionals. [3]

There are many ways dental students can become involved in community outreach.

Here are 6 easy ways dental students to get started:

  1. Reach out to faculty members conducting research or programs in the community. A meeting with faculty will allow students to learn about exciting opportunities happening on and off campus.
  2. Contact local community health clinics for dental volunteer positions. FQHCs/Local community health clinics provide many resources for underserved communities.
  3. Connect underserved community members to a dental home. Visit local pre-schools, high schools, or other community centers for opportunities to provide information on how to schedule an appointment at local dental clinics.
  4. Brush up on your languages. As dental providers, communicating with your patient is important. Learning key phrases in the language of your community will help patients understand and communicate with you.
  5. Get familiar with your dental school clinic’s appointment protocols. Learning about your institutions’ appointment procedures can help patients receive dental treatment faster.
  6. Ask your dental school administration to open and establish opportunities with your local community health centers, be an advocate of community collaboration.

There are vast opportunities and support that offer students experience to acquire useful skills to use throughout their professional career. We need to take care of the dental needs of our community first!

Your time at dental school goes by fast, so make the most of your incredible opportunity connect with your community partners now!

~ Francisco Ramos-Gomez DDS, MS, MPH, Professor of Section of Pediatric Dentistry, UCLA

[1] US Department of Health and Human Services, “Oral health in America,” A Report of the Surgeon General, 2000, http://www.surgeongeneral.gov/library/reports/oralhealth/.
[2] Dye BA, Li X, Thornton-Evans G. Oral health disparities as determined by selected Healthy People 2020 oral health objectives for the United States, 2009–2010. NCHS data brief, no 104. Hyattsville, MD: National Center for Health Statistics. 2012.
[3] Kobayashi M, Chi D, Coldwell SE, Domoto P, Milgrom P. The effectiveness and estimated costs of the Access to Baby and Child Dentistry program in Washington State, 2005. The Journal of the American Dental Association, vol. 136, no. 9, 2005, www.ada.org/goto/jada. Accessed 1 Dec. 2017.

Center City Emergency Dentist Provides Orthodontic Repair During the Holidays

Residents who live near Center City and wish to learn more about orthodontics this holiday season are encouraged to give Center City Emergency Dentist a call today to make an appointment with Dr. Han Lee. Sticky, hard or chewy foods have the potential to misalign wiring or crack brackets off the teeth, which can lead to damage to the forming dental work if not corrected quickly.

Second Opinion: Trust

In this Second Opinion, Dr. Lisa Knowles discusses the fallout that occurs when healthcare practitioners abuse the trust placed in them. Using a prominent case of patient abuse as an illustration, she writes that all practitioners lose credibility when one person in the professional community errs in judgment.


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Plant-based mouthwash rivals chlorhexidine in new study

A plant used in traditional Indian medicine may also benefit orthodontic and dental patients. A new study found that neem mouthwash rivaled chlorhexidine at reducing three oral health indicators for patients with braces.


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