Dear DrBicuspid Member,
A 53-year-old woman was treated for a rare mycotic internal carotid artery aneurysm that developed when a dental abscess-linked germ infected the artery. Our top story of the week covers the details of the new case report.
The case is believed to be the first in which the rare vascular phenomenon developed from Haemophilus parainfluenzae, a Gram-negative pathogen that is associated with dental abscesses and infections. The patient had recently had tooth #18 extracted and experienced significant purulent drainage.
Major antibiotic study published
A major antibiotic study was published this week in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology. The study of nearly 8 million U.S. patients found a significant link between invasive dental procedures, especially extractions and oral surgeries, and subsequent infective endocarditis in high-risk patients.
The use of antibiotics to prevent infective endocarditis has been a major talking point in dentistry this year after a study published in January in JAMA Network Open showed no relationship between invasive dental procedures and subsequent prosthetic joint infections in a U.K. population. Guidelines from the American Heart Association and the European Society of Cardiology recommend the use of prophylactic antibiotics in high-risk patients.
Introducing SalaryScan
I'm excited to introduce SalaryScan, a new benefit for DrBicuspid members to see how your salary compares to that of your peers. Take this quick survey to see how your income, debt, and more compare to those of your colleagues. We'll report the anonymous results on DrBicuspid.com. Hurry, though! The SalaryScan survey ends on Sunday.
SalaryScan isn't the only exciting initiative from DrBicuspid. We have an upcoming webinar sponsored by Dandy in which a dentist will share his experience with two-appointment dentures. You can also view our minimally invasive dentistry webinar sponsored by Pulpdent in which a dentist shares case studies to accomplish an ideal restoration.
CDT codes to change again
As we hit the peak of summer, you're likely not yet thinking about the winter and upcoming new year. But now is the time to learn about new Code on Dental Procedures and Nomenclature (CDT) changes before they take effect on January 1, 2023. Columnist Dr. James V. Anderson highlighted the CDT changes you can expect to see in the new year.
In other Practice Management news, columnist Dr. Roger P. Levin shared some do's and don'ts for increasing production. Generating more referrals, bringing in new patients, and adding services will all work, but he has one other approach to yield good results.
Book review of Ethically Challenged
Last but not least, I want to bring your attention to Dr. Michael W. Davis's thought-provoking review of Laura Katz Olsen's book Ethically Challenged: Private Equity Storms US Health Care. Davis calls Olsen's take on private equity in the U.S. healthcare system "essential reading" for aspiring doctors, dentists, and healthcare providers as well as policymakers and legislators.
