Articles related to Dentistry

A federal science panel has recommended revisions to a National Toxicology Program (NTP) report on the potential associations between fluoride and IQ. The NTP Board of Scientific Counselors unanimously voted to adopt the findings and recommendations of a working group that assessed the report. The systematic literature review, which has been ongoing for several years, aims to summarize the existing research on the relationship between fluoride exposure and neurodevelopmental and cognitive health. The panel identified potential biases in the study and suggested revisions to the meta-analysis based on reviewer comments. The American Dental Association (ADA) expressed concerns about the report’s methodology and transparency, urging the NTP not to publish it until the concerns are addressed. The draft report claims that higher fluoride exposure is associated with lower IQ in children, but several studies published after the study period ended in 2020 have questioned the methodology used and the strength of the conclusions. The BSC Working Group recommended that the NTP acknowledge potential publication bias and make improvements to the clarity and language used in the report. The recommendations will be forwarded to the NTP director for further consideration.

The article emphasizes the importance of finding fulfillment and purpose in dentistry beyond financial success. It highlights the phenomenon of dentists becoming enmeshed in their professional identities, which can lead to anxiety, depression, and despair when they retire or experience burnout. The author shares their personal experience of reevaluating their priorities and finding a way to achieve financial freedom while prioritizing time with their family. They urge dentists to break away from societal expectations and focus on their unique identities and purpose. The article encourages dentists to redefine success and find joy and prosperity in their work and personal lives without constantly striving for more. It concludes by emphasizing the importance of starting the journey towards retirement and inner peace now, rather than viewing it as a distant goal.

Are you knowledgeable about the best procedures for sanitizing dental instruments, or are you making mistakes that could be dangerous? Test your knowledge by completing this quiz.

In situations like trauma (both adult and pediatric), as well as for minor fractures where it may be challenging to handle composite masses or if a palatal stent would be unworkable, the blank canvas technique offers a quick way to fix polychromatic Class IV fractures. Dr. Volker mentions that nanofilled or nanohybrid composites can also be utilized for this approach if a smaller inventory is wanted; however, there may be a modest aesthetic and functional compromise. The article also includes a table listing the benefits and drawbacks of the procedure.

In this study published in the Journal of Restorative Dentistry, in both the diabetic and non-diabetic groups, there was no statistically significant difference in the overall pain felt by patients after a single visit and after two visits. Further research on a larger sample size is necessary to definitively determine if diabetes can serve as a disease modifier and alter postoperative pain in irreversible pulpitis following a single-visit RCT in managed T2 diabetics.

Have you ever experienced this? You either failed to properly read the patient, failed to obtain the necessary diagnostic information, or failed to spend enough time listening to your patient to determine what was best for them. How do you recover whether you absolutely face-planted or just made a tiny error? You will learn how to discuss your patient’s “wants and needs” so you minimize misunderstandings in this free 1-credit CE webinar on Tuesday, April 18, 2023, at 7:00 PM CST/8:00 PM EST. You will also review the predictable new patient experience, learn how to engage the entire team for a higher level of case acceptance, and learn how to react when things go wrong—how to diagnose, document, and recover so that the appropriate care is provided.