HPV pushing oropharyngeal cancer rates; rings under gloves are risky

Dear DrBicuspid Member,

Lots of interesting clinical and practice management news from the International Association for Dental Research (IADR) meeting in San Diego last week:

• Oropharyngeal cancers associated with the human papillomavirus (HPV) are increasing, especially among younger patients, but these patients have a better prognosis than those with HPV-negative cancers, according to researchers from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
• Wearing jewelry under dental gloves could be riskier than you might think, with the potential for tearing, leakage, and microbial cross-contamination, according to a study conducted at the University of Louisville.
• In a four-year clinical study of N'Durance, a nanohybrid composite developed by Septodont, researchers so far are reporting "excellent" results for anterior restorations when used with OptiBond Solo.
• Researchers from Loma Linda University looked at four different bleaching tray designs to determine if one is more effective than the others in whitening teeth and reducing pulpal and gingival irritation and sensitivity. Click here to see what they discovered.

Meanwhile, Novalar announced that it has sold its OraVerse anesthesia reversal product line to Septodent for an undisclosed amount. What prompted this divestiture? Read more.

And don't forget to check out the latest Practice Success tip, which showcases the importance of effective patient communication.