Will dentistry embrace the iPad? And, Hall technique called more effective

Dear DrBicuspid Member,

Just a few months after its introduction, many dentists are already singing the praises of Apple's iPad.

Early adopters say it's great for charting, displaying x-rays, managing dental records, and entertaining and educating patients. Is the iPad just another technophile's toy, or a handy digital device that can improve communication throughout your practice? Read more here or by visiting the Practice Management Community.

In Restoratives Community news, Scottish researchers speaking at the International Association for Dental Research meeting in Barcelona, Spain, this week suggest that the controversial Hall technique -- in which a preformed metal crown is cemented to an unprepared primary molar -- is more effective than conventional restorations. Read more.

And in her latest Second Opinion column, mouth physician Dr. Helaine Smith takes Massachusetts lawmakers to task for failing hundreds of thousands of Medicaid patients who, as of July 1, have lost most of their dental benefits. Are midlevel providers the answer?