Third-molar debate heats up; ADA questions DHAT study

Dear DrBicuspid Member,

The debate over the appropriateness of healthy third-molar extractions in young adults was rekindled last week when the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS) presented research that broadly supports the practice.

While the AAOMS is hoping this settles the matter once and for all, not everyone in the dental community is convinced. Read more in this Restoratives Community feature.

Meanwhile, following the release this week of the first major independent evaluation of Alaskan dental health aide therapists (DHATs) -- which found that the midlevel providers are offering safe and competent care -- the ADA is questioning the value of the data for making "major health policy decisions." Read more about the study and what the dental community thinks of its findings by clicking here or visiting the Practice Management Community.

And while initial enthusiasm for intraoral scanning as a more precise and patient-friendly option to traditional impression-taking was high, sales of these products have yet to meet expectations. So vendors are working to create a better value proposition. Read how in our latest Imaging & CAD/CAM Community feature.