Top 5 news stories from spring 2017

DrBicuspid.com takes a look back at the most-read news and clinical articles from spring 2017, as measured by page views. The most popular article was our coverage of the ADA creating a new licensing exam, followed by our list of the 10 largest dental service/support organizations in the U.S.

1. ADA to create new licensing exam
   March 28, 2017 -- To end licensing exams that use live patients, the ADA is creating its own exam to test the clinical competency of dentists. The association plans to have the exam developed, tested, and available for states to license by 2020.
2. The 10 largest DSOs in the U.S.
   May 30, 2017 -- Almost 7% of dentists in the U.S. are associated with dental service/support organizations (DSOs), according to a recent ADA Health Policy Institute report. While there is much discussion in the industry about these organizations, there's no readily available list of which are the largest. Here we offer our list, with data taken from publicly available sources.
3. Is 4% articaine or 4% lidocaine more effective in third-molar removal?
   April 17, 2017 -- When patients need to have their impacted third molars extracted, many dentists choose to use either 4% articaine or 4% lidocaine hydrochloride to block their pain. But which is more clinically effective when treating these patients?
4. Which material kills the most biofilms in root canal systems?
   April 24, 2017 -- The buildup of biofilms can delay the healing process in a root canal system. Getting rid of these biofilms, however, often requires treatment beyond irrigation and instrumentation. A study looked at which material was most effective in killing these biofilms.
5. EPA regulation on amalgam waste to be reinstated
   June 13, 2017 -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will lift its hold on finalized standards to reduce the discharge of mercury and other metals in wastewater from dental practices into municipal sewage treatment plants on June 14, 2017. The rule will go into effect on July 14, 2017, with a compliance date for dental offices of July 14, 2020.