The emergence of acupuncture is allowing some patients to relieve or significantly reduce dry mouth's debilitating
effects, according to a report in the May/June 2005 issue of General Dentistry, the Academy of General Dentistry's (AGD)
clinical, peer-reviewed journal.
Dry mouth (also known as xerostomia) is a painful condition caused by a decrease in the amount of saliva in the mouth when
salivary glands do not work properly. Saliva is a natural defense for teeth and plays a major role in preventing tooth decay
by rinsing away food particles and neutralizing harmful acids.
A decrease in saliva puts patients at risk for cavities, gum disease and discomfort since foods that are consumed adhere to
the teeth longer. Dry mouth can be caused by medications like antihistamines, decongestants, antidepressants and diuretics
and can often be treated by the dentist.
The quality of life of patients suffering from dry mouth is often profoundly impaired. Symptoms include extensive dental
decay, infections of the tissues of the mouth, difficulty in speaking, eating and swallowing, ulceration or soreness of the
mouth, an altered sense of taste and difficulty in wearing dentures.
However, "typical treatment options for dry mouth have been short-term at best," according to Warren M. Morganstein, DDS,
MPH, and associate dean at the Baltimore College of Dental Surgery, University of Maryland Dental School. "Studies have found
that acupuncture was a viable option to successfully treat dry mouth pain in patients and provide long-term relief."
After undergoing head and neck radiation therapy, seven patients with dry mouth were treated using acupuncture. Patients were
seen once a week for four to five weeks, followed by two or three biweekly sessions. Dr. Morganstein found that eight months
after treatment, all patients reported a reduction in dry mouth symptoms, as well as an increase in saliva flow and the
ability to eat and speak, and improved sleep.
In the United States, acupuncture is performed primarily by licensed, non-physician acupuncturists. Additionally, physicians
and a small number of dentists have been trained in medical acupuncture.
Acupuncture is effective in increasing the amount of saliva and, by doing so, alleviating or decreasing the symptoms of dry
mouth.
To Ease Dry Mouth Pain:
-- Brush and floss twice a day
-- Chew sugarless gum
-- Avoid alcohol and caffeine
-- Avoid smoking
-- Avoid overly salty foods
-- Drink plenty of water
-- Avoid citrus juices (tomato, orange, grapefruit)
-- Avoid dry foods, such as toast or crackers
-- Use over-the-counter moisture replacement therapies
-- Visit the dentist regularly
Contact: Jennifer Starkey
jennifersagd
312-440-4341
Academy of General Dentistry
agd
суббота, 14 мая 2011 г.
Osteoporosis Drug Linked To Bone Death In Jaw
A new US study found that even short term use of oral bisphosphonates like Fosomax (alendronate), commonly used to treat osteoporosis, may
leave the jaw vulnerable to devastating necrosis (death of bone tissue).
The study was the work of principal investigator Dr Parish Sedghizadeh, assistant professor of clinical dentistry with the University of Southern
California (USC) School of Dentistry, and colleagues, and is published in the 1 January 2009 issue of the Journal of the American Dental
Association (JADA).
Previous studies had already suggested that patients taking bisphosphonates like Fosomax orally were at higher risk of developing osteonecrosis (death
of bone tissue) of the jaw, but this study shows the side effect may be more common than had previously been suggested.
For the study, Sedghizadeh and colleagues looked at the electronic medical records of patients attending USC's School of Dentistry to find out who
had ever used alendronate (Fosomax) and of those who was also having treatment for osteonecrosis of the jaw.
After controlling for referral bias, they found that of 208 patients with a history of alendronate (Fosomax) use, nine were being treated for
osteonecrosis of the jaw. This is about 4 per cent of the patient population (or 1 in 23 patients).
The researchers concluded that this was "the first large institutional study in the United States with respect to the epidemiology of ONJ [osteonecrosis
of the jaw] and oral bisphosphonate use".
They wrote that more studies were now needed to "help delineate more clearly the relationship between oral BP [bisphosphonate] use and
ONJ".
In a separate press statement, Sedghizadeh commented on the contrast between this study's findings and the drug maker's assertions that
bisphosphonate-related ONJ risk is only noticeable with intravenous use of the drugs:
"We've been told that the risk with oral bisphosphonates is negligible, but four percent is not negligible," said Sedghizadeh.
The USC statement said that most doctors who have prescribed bisphosphonates have not told their patients about the potential risks, even from
short term use, due to the drug taking a long time to leave bone tissue (after stopping use it takes 10 years for the drug's level to halve).
The statement related how Lydia Macwilliams of Los Angeles said no one had told her about the risk of Fosomax. She was on it for three years before
she became Sedghizadeh's patient of at the USC School of Dentistry. She said she was "surprised" that her doctor who prescribed Fosomax "didn't tell
me about any possible problems with my teeth."
Macwilliams was especially at risk for because she was to have three teeth removed, said Sedghizadeh, explaining that bisphosphonate use makes
mouth and jaw tissue bacterial infection more aggressive because it sticks more firmly to the jaw. The type of infection that occurs here is often
resistant to many antibiotic treatments because it is a "biofilm bacterial process" where the germs live in a slimy protective matrix. Procedures like
tooth extractions that directly expose the jaw bone, raise the danger under these circumstances.
Two of Macwilliams' three tooth extractions had difficulty healing due to infection. But she said luckily they healed slowly but
completely because of the treatment and USC's rigorous oral hygiene routine for patients with a history of bisphosphonate use.
"It took about a year to heal," said Macwilliams, "but it's doing just fine now."
Sedghizadeh said he hoped more studies would confirm their findings so that more doctors and dentists are encouraged to talk to their patients about
the oral health risks of these widely used drugs.
"Here at the School of Dentistry we're getting two or three new patients a week that have bisphosphonate-related ONJ," said Sedghizadeh.
"I know we're not the only ones seeing it," he added.
Today, osteoporosis affects about 10 million people in the US and according to a 2007 report from IMS Health, Fosomax is the most widely
prescribed oral bisphosphonate and ranks as the 21st most prescribed drug on the market since 2006.
"Oral bisphosphonate use and the prevalence of osteonecrosis of the jaw: An institutional inquiry."
Parish P. Sedghizadeh, Kyle Stanley, Matthew Caligiuri, Shawn Hofkes, Brad Lowry, and Charles F. Shuler.
J Am Dent Assoc 1 January 2009, Volume 140, Issue 1, pages 61-66.
Click here for Abstract.
Sources: Journal abstract, University of Southern California.
, PhD
leave the jaw vulnerable to devastating necrosis (death of bone tissue).
The study was the work of principal investigator Dr Parish Sedghizadeh, assistant professor of clinical dentistry with the University of Southern
California (USC) School of Dentistry, and colleagues, and is published in the 1 January 2009 issue of the Journal of the American Dental
Association (JADA).
Previous studies had already suggested that patients taking bisphosphonates like Fosomax orally were at higher risk of developing osteonecrosis (death
of bone tissue) of the jaw, but this study shows the side effect may be more common than had previously been suggested.
For the study, Sedghizadeh and colleagues looked at the electronic medical records of patients attending USC's School of Dentistry to find out who
had ever used alendronate (Fosomax) and of those who was also having treatment for osteonecrosis of the jaw.
After controlling for referral bias, they found that of 208 patients with a history of alendronate (Fosomax) use, nine were being treated for
osteonecrosis of the jaw. This is about 4 per cent of the patient population (or 1 in 23 patients).
The researchers concluded that this was "the first large institutional study in the United States with respect to the epidemiology of ONJ [osteonecrosis
of the jaw] and oral bisphosphonate use".
They wrote that more studies were now needed to "help delineate more clearly the relationship between oral BP [bisphosphonate] use and
ONJ".
In a separate press statement, Sedghizadeh commented on the contrast between this study's findings and the drug maker's assertions that
bisphosphonate-related ONJ risk is only noticeable with intravenous use of the drugs:
"We've been told that the risk with oral bisphosphonates is negligible, but four percent is not negligible," said Sedghizadeh.
The USC statement said that most doctors who have prescribed bisphosphonates have not told their patients about the potential risks, even from
short term use, due to the drug taking a long time to leave bone tissue (after stopping use it takes 10 years for the drug's level to halve).
The statement related how Lydia Macwilliams of Los Angeles said no one had told her about the risk of Fosomax. She was on it for three years before
she became Sedghizadeh's patient of at the USC School of Dentistry. She said she was "surprised" that her doctor who prescribed Fosomax "didn't tell
me about any possible problems with my teeth."
Macwilliams was especially at risk for because she was to have three teeth removed, said Sedghizadeh, explaining that bisphosphonate use makes
mouth and jaw tissue bacterial infection more aggressive because it sticks more firmly to the jaw. The type of infection that occurs here is often
resistant to many antibiotic treatments because it is a "biofilm bacterial process" where the germs live in a slimy protective matrix. Procedures like
tooth extractions that directly expose the jaw bone, raise the danger under these circumstances.
Two of Macwilliams' three tooth extractions had difficulty healing due to infection. But she said luckily they healed slowly but
completely because of the treatment and USC's rigorous oral hygiene routine for patients with a history of bisphosphonate use.
"It took about a year to heal," said Macwilliams, "but it's doing just fine now."
Sedghizadeh said he hoped more studies would confirm their findings so that more doctors and dentists are encouraged to talk to their patients about
the oral health risks of these widely used drugs.
"Here at the School of Dentistry we're getting two or three new patients a week that have bisphosphonate-related ONJ," said Sedghizadeh.
"I know we're not the only ones seeing it," he added.
Today, osteoporosis affects about 10 million people in the US and according to a 2007 report from IMS Health, Fosomax is the most widely
prescribed oral bisphosphonate and ranks as the 21st most prescribed drug on the market since 2006.
"Oral bisphosphonate use and the prevalence of osteonecrosis of the jaw: An institutional inquiry."
Parish P. Sedghizadeh, Kyle Stanley, Matthew Caligiuri, Shawn Hofkes, Brad Lowry, and Charles F. Shuler.
J Am Dent Assoc 1 January 2009, Volume 140, Issue 1, pages 61-66.
Click here for Abstract.
Sources: Journal abstract, University of Southern California.
, PhD
Compulsory CPD For Dental Care Professionals Coming Soon, UK
Following public consultation the GDC has agreed that all dental care professionals (DCPs) will be required to complete and record 150 hours of continuing professional development every five years, a third of which should be verifiable (50 hours). We expect to introduce this requirement from July 2008 when registration will become compulsory for dental nurses and technicians.
Dental care professionals will be required to complete CPD in the same core subjects as dentists:
-- medical emergencies (10 hours per cycle)
-- disinfection and decontamination (5 hours per cycle)
-- radiography and radiation protection (5 hours per cycle)
Dental technicians should substitute radiography and radiation protection for materials and equipment (5 hours per cycle) as radiography is not within the dental technician curriculum.
In line with the dentists' CPD scheme, we recommend that DCPs involved in the care of patients should undertake CPD in legal and ethical issues and complaints handling.
Duncan Rudkin, Chief Executive and Registrar, said:
"Compulsory CPD maintains public confidence in the Dentists and Dental Care Professionals Registers by showing that dentists and registered dental care professionals keep up to date so that they can give their patients a good standard of care.
The CPD hours requirement is lower for dental care professionals than for dentists as CPD provision is still developing for these groups. We would like to see greater availability of training courses for dental care professionals and hope the introduction of compulsory CPD will drive this provision."
There are many ways for dental care professionals to complete CPD, ranging from attendance at courses, lectures and staff training to reading journals and private study. Further information about CPD for DCPs is available on the
GDC website.
1. The consultation 'Compulsory continuing professional development for dental care professionals' took place between December 2006 and March 2007, the results of the consultation can be downloaded from the GDC website.
2. CPD is defined as "study, training courses, seminars, reading and other activities under taken by a dental professional, which could reasonably be expected to advance his or her professional development as a dental professional."
3. Verifiable CPD means the activity must have:
-- concise educational aims and objectives - a clear purpose or goal;
-- clear anticipated outcomes - you should know what you can expect to gain as a result of taking part in the activity;
-- quality controls - you should have the chance to give feedback; and
-- documentary proof (e.g. a certificate) - to prove that you took part in the activity.
4. From 31 July 2008 all dental nurses and dental technicians must be registered with the GDC to work in the UK. The GDC is encouraging dental nurses and technicians to join the register during the two-year transition period, which will enable dental nurses and technicians who have been working in their role for a number of years to join the register on the basis of validated experience. Dental nurses and technicians joining the register after 30 July 2008 will need to have a GDC-recognised qualification.
gdc-uk
Dental care professionals will be required to complete CPD in the same core subjects as dentists:
-- medical emergencies (10 hours per cycle)
-- disinfection and decontamination (5 hours per cycle)
-- radiography and radiation protection (5 hours per cycle)
Dental technicians should substitute radiography and radiation protection for materials and equipment (5 hours per cycle) as radiography is not within the dental technician curriculum.
In line with the dentists' CPD scheme, we recommend that DCPs involved in the care of patients should undertake CPD in legal and ethical issues and complaints handling.
Duncan Rudkin, Chief Executive and Registrar, said:
"Compulsory CPD maintains public confidence in the Dentists and Dental Care Professionals Registers by showing that dentists and registered dental care professionals keep up to date so that they can give their patients a good standard of care.
The CPD hours requirement is lower for dental care professionals than for dentists as CPD provision is still developing for these groups. We would like to see greater availability of training courses for dental care professionals and hope the introduction of compulsory CPD will drive this provision."
There are many ways for dental care professionals to complete CPD, ranging from attendance at courses, lectures and staff training to reading journals and private study. Further information about CPD for DCPs is available on the
GDC website.
1. The consultation 'Compulsory continuing professional development for dental care professionals' took place between December 2006 and March 2007, the results of the consultation can be downloaded from the GDC website.
2. CPD is defined as "study, training courses, seminars, reading and other activities under taken by a dental professional, which could reasonably be expected to advance his or her professional development as a dental professional."
3. Verifiable CPD means the activity must have:
-- concise educational aims and objectives - a clear purpose or goal;
-- clear anticipated outcomes - you should know what you can expect to gain as a result of taking part in the activity;
-- quality controls - you should have the chance to give feedback; and
-- documentary proof (e.g. a certificate) - to prove that you took part in the activity.
4. From 31 July 2008 all dental nurses and dental technicians must be registered with the GDC to work in the UK. The GDC is encouraging dental nurses and technicians to join the register during the two-year transition period, which will enable dental nurses and technicians who have been working in their role for a number of years to join the register on the basis of validated experience. Dental nurses and technicians joining the register after 30 July 2008 will need to have a GDC-recognised qualification.
gdc-uk
MRSA Discovered On Braces, UK
A recent study has revealed some of the bacteria found on orthodontic retainers, worn after orthodontic treatment is completed, can be associated with the hospital superbug MRSA, a condition which can lead to blood poisoning.
The research, carried out by the UCL Eastman Dental Institute in London (1), also found a further two thirds of retainers examined contained a type of yeast connected with fungal infections, with both types of organism found potentially harmful to the population.
According to the British Orthodontic Society, nearly one million people in the UK began orthodontic treatment last year, and with more adults than ever before wanting treatment, Chief Executive of the British Dental Health Foundation, Dr Nigel Carter, took the opportunity to encourage those who wear removeable braces or retainers to develop high standards of oral hygiene.
Dr Carter said: "If you wear a removable appliance, it's important you take the time and effort needed to keep your teeth and braces clean. If you have good oral hygiene while wearing a brace, this will help avoid developing problems such as dental decay, gum disease and tooth decalcification, and can often be the difference between a successful course of treatment or otherwise. Removable appliances should be cleaned with a brush soak brush method of cleaning using an effervescent denture cleaner to help remove the bacteria and other organisms from the surface of the appliance. Simple things such as washing your hands before touching anything that can come into contact with your mouth can go a long way to reduce the risk of infection."
Keeping to the Foundation's three key messages, regardless of whether you have a fixed or removable brace, can go a long way to ensuring successful treatment. Visiting your dentist, as often as they recommend, will help your dentist monitor how effective the brace is, and make any necessary adjustments. Brushing for two minutes twice a day, using a fluoride toothpaste and paying special attention to each individual tooth and gum line around it can stop white spots on your teeth showing up after the brace is removed. Cutting down on how often you have sugary foods and drinks will help reduce tooth decay and erosion. Using interdental brushes or floss threaders will help to remove trapped particles of food, particularly around fixed braces.
Living with a brace can, at first, alter the foods you consume. The Foundation's own 'Tell Me About' leaflet range has a title devoted to the topic called 'Living With My Brace', which gives all the relevant information about a fixed or removable brace. The title, and many more, are also available online.
Notes
1. Pratten, J., Al Groosh, D., Roudsari G.B., Moles D.R., Ready, D., and Noar, J.H. (2010) The prevalence of opportunistic pathogens associated with intraoral implants, Letters in Applied Microbiology 52, 501-505.
The research, carried out by the UCL Eastman Dental Institute in London (1), also found a further two thirds of retainers examined contained a type of yeast connected with fungal infections, with both types of organism found potentially harmful to the population.
According to the British Orthodontic Society, nearly one million people in the UK began orthodontic treatment last year, and with more adults than ever before wanting treatment, Chief Executive of the British Dental Health Foundation, Dr Nigel Carter, took the opportunity to encourage those who wear removeable braces or retainers to develop high standards of oral hygiene.
Dr Carter said: "If you wear a removable appliance, it's important you take the time and effort needed to keep your teeth and braces clean. If you have good oral hygiene while wearing a brace, this will help avoid developing problems such as dental decay, gum disease and tooth decalcification, and can often be the difference between a successful course of treatment or otherwise. Removable appliances should be cleaned with a brush soak brush method of cleaning using an effervescent denture cleaner to help remove the bacteria and other organisms from the surface of the appliance. Simple things such as washing your hands before touching anything that can come into contact with your mouth can go a long way to reduce the risk of infection."
Keeping to the Foundation's three key messages, regardless of whether you have a fixed or removable brace, can go a long way to ensuring successful treatment. Visiting your dentist, as often as they recommend, will help your dentist monitor how effective the brace is, and make any necessary adjustments. Brushing for two minutes twice a day, using a fluoride toothpaste and paying special attention to each individual tooth and gum line around it can stop white spots on your teeth showing up after the brace is removed. Cutting down on how often you have sugary foods and drinks will help reduce tooth decay and erosion. Using interdental brushes or floss threaders will help to remove trapped particles of food, particularly around fixed braces.
Living with a brace can, at first, alter the foods you consume. The Foundation's own 'Tell Me About' leaflet range has a title devoted to the topic called 'Living With My Brace', which gives all the relevant information about a fixed or removable brace. The title, and many more, are also available online.
Notes
1. Pratten, J., Al Groosh, D., Roudsari G.B., Moles D.R., Ready, D., and Noar, J.H. (2010) The prevalence of opportunistic pathogens associated with intraoral implants, Letters in Applied Microbiology 52, 501-505.
AAPD Offers Tips That Scare Away Cavities And Promote A Healthy Holiday
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), the recognized leader in children's dental and oral health, is providing parents with recommendations on how to help preserve children's teeth during Halloween and throughout the year.
AAPD offers the following tips that allow children to enjoy Halloween fun, while keeping their teeth healthy and establishing a foundation of a lifetime of oral health, including:
- Mix in healthy snacks along with Halloween candy: A balanced diet is one that includes cheese, fruits, vegetables, grains, lean meat, milk and yogurt.
- Be the tooth-healthy house on the block: Pass out alternative treats to ghouls and goblins such as cracker snack-packs, trail mix packs, rice crispy treats, etc.
- Avoid chewy treats that tend to stick to teeth and cause more damage.
- Monitor candy consumption: Only allow Halloween treats in moderation.
- Take the fear out of flossing: Teach children flossing techniques for improved oral health at Halloween.
- Make tooth brushing fun: Seasonal tooth brushes featuring Halloween themes get children excited about taking care of their tiny teeth.
- Don't be afraid of the dentist: With all of the sweet treats consumed around Halloween, now is a great time for parents to schedule a pediatric dental appointment for their children.
"Let's face it, Halloween is a holiday that every child looks forward to and embraces each year," stated Dr. John R. Liu, President of the AAPD. "Rather than denying children the option to trick or treat, we advise that parents maintain their regular routine. In anticipation of their candy consumption, choose each child's favorite treat and allow them to enjoy one piece after a meal. The remainder of the candy can then be given to a local homeless shelter or a food bank in order to prevent overindulgence. Again, the key is to continue doing everything in moderation so that a healthy Halloween celebration can be enjoyed by all," concluded Liu.
Occasional snacking isn't enough to harm teeth, however, the degree to which children eat Halloween treats, and candy in general, can severely affect dental decay. In fact, candy is no more likely to cause cavities than most other foods. Children who snack frequently, whether on candy or healthful offerings, are at the greatest risk for cavities.
For more helpful tips to ensure that your family enjoys a happy and healthy Halloween, please visit here.
AAPD offers the following tips that allow children to enjoy Halloween fun, while keeping their teeth healthy and establishing a foundation of a lifetime of oral health, including:
- Mix in healthy snacks along with Halloween candy: A balanced diet is one that includes cheese, fruits, vegetables, grains, lean meat, milk and yogurt.
- Be the tooth-healthy house on the block: Pass out alternative treats to ghouls and goblins such as cracker snack-packs, trail mix packs, rice crispy treats, etc.
- Avoid chewy treats that tend to stick to teeth and cause more damage.
- Monitor candy consumption: Only allow Halloween treats in moderation.
- Take the fear out of flossing: Teach children flossing techniques for improved oral health at Halloween.
- Make tooth brushing fun: Seasonal tooth brushes featuring Halloween themes get children excited about taking care of their tiny teeth.
- Don't be afraid of the dentist: With all of the sweet treats consumed around Halloween, now is a great time for parents to schedule a pediatric dental appointment for their children.
"Let's face it, Halloween is a holiday that every child looks forward to and embraces each year," stated Dr. John R. Liu, President of the AAPD. "Rather than denying children the option to trick or treat, we advise that parents maintain their regular routine. In anticipation of their candy consumption, choose each child's favorite treat and allow them to enjoy one piece after a meal. The remainder of the candy can then be given to a local homeless shelter or a food bank in order to prevent overindulgence. Again, the key is to continue doing everything in moderation so that a healthy Halloween celebration can be enjoyed by all," concluded Liu.
Occasional snacking isn't enough to harm teeth, however, the degree to which children eat Halloween treats, and candy in general, can severely affect dental decay. In fact, candy is no more likely to cause cavities than most other foods. Children who snack frequently, whether on candy or healthful offerings, are at the greatest risk for cavities.
For more helpful tips to ensure that your family enjoys a happy and healthy Halloween, please visit here.
University Of Colorado Professor To Receive IADR Wilmer Souder Award
The 2009 Wilmer Souder Award is being presented to Dr. Jeffrey Stansbury, from the University of Colorado, Aurora, USA. The International Association for Dental Research (IADR) will present the award at its 87th General Session & Exhibition in Miami, Florida, USA, on April 1, 2009.
Dr. Stansbury is vice-chair of the Department of Craniofacial Biology at the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine. He began his undergraduate studies at the University of Maryland, College Park, USA, where he completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry and a Ph.D. in organic chemistry. In 2000, after more than 20 years in various roles at the National Bureau of Standards (now the National Institute of Standards and Technology), Dr. Stansbury moved to the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine.
Dr. Stansbury's current research is centered on dental and biomedical polymeric materials, and his research group is designing, synthesizing, characterizing and evaluating novel polymeric materials for a wide array of dental and biomedical applications. Dr. Stansbury has presented various papers on this subject at IADR General Sessions and other scientific meetings.
Dr. Stansbury has more than 60 peer-reviewed publications and 18 patents. Recent honors include the University of Colorado's Pinnacles of Inventorship Group New Inventor of the Year and the Department of Commerce Bronze Medal.
Supported by the William T. Sweeney Memorial Fund and the IADR Dental Materials Group, this is the oldest of the 16 IADR Distinguished Scientist Awards and consists of a monetary prize and a plaque. The award honors Dr. Wilmer Souder, the motivating force in establishing the Dental Section at the National Bureau of Standards, and is designed to encourage interest in dental materials research. It is one of the highest honors bestowed by IADR.
Notes:
About the International Association for Dental Research
The International Association for Dental Research (IADR) is a nonprofit organization with more than 11,300 individual members worldwide, dedicated to: (1) advancing research and increasing knowledge to improve oral health, (2) supporting the oral health research community, and (3) facilitating the communication and application of research findings for the improvement of oral health worldwide.
Dr. Stansbury is vice-chair of the Department of Craniofacial Biology at the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine. He began his undergraduate studies at the University of Maryland, College Park, USA, where he completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry and a Ph.D. in organic chemistry. In 2000, after more than 20 years in various roles at the National Bureau of Standards (now the National Institute of Standards and Technology), Dr. Stansbury moved to the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine.
Dr. Stansbury's current research is centered on dental and biomedical polymeric materials, and his research group is designing, synthesizing, characterizing and evaluating novel polymeric materials for a wide array of dental and biomedical applications. Dr. Stansbury has presented various papers on this subject at IADR General Sessions and other scientific meetings.
Dr. Stansbury has more than 60 peer-reviewed publications and 18 patents. Recent honors include the University of Colorado's Pinnacles of Inventorship Group New Inventor of the Year and the Department of Commerce Bronze Medal.
Supported by the William T. Sweeney Memorial Fund and the IADR Dental Materials Group, this is the oldest of the 16 IADR Distinguished Scientist Awards and consists of a monetary prize and a plaque. The award honors Dr. Wilmer Souder, the motivating force in establishing the Dental Section at the National Bureau of Standards, and is designed to encourage interest in dental materials research. It is one of the highest honors bestowed by IADR.
Notes:
About the International Association for Dental Research
The International Association for Dental Research (IADR) is a nonprofit organization with more than 11,300 individual members worldwide, dedicated to: (1) advancing research and increasing knowledge to improve oral health, (2) supporting the oral health research community, and (3) facilitating the communication and application of research findings for the improvement of oral health worldwide.
Dental student calls on dentists to take patients' blood pressure
University of Michigan dentistry student Sara Kellogg believes dentists could save lives simply by taking a few minutes to measure the blood pressure of every patient.
This isn't just the opinion of one dentist-to-be. Kellogg has data to back it up.
In an article in the Sept. 10 issue of the Journal of Dental Education, Kellogg reports that after reviewing the records of patients treated at U-M School of Dentistry clinics in 1999, she found about one third had high blood pressure. More significantly, nearly half of those had never been diagnosed as hypertensive.
High blood pressure is called the silent killer because although it contributes to such potential killers as stroke and heart attack, those who suffer from it often have no signs or symptoms.
"As dentists, we have the opportunity to screen for this medical condition," said Kellogg's faculty advisor, Jack Gobetti, U-M professor of dentistry. "Blood pressure screening is going to be part of the modern dental office protocol.
"It is a tremendous public service to do this as a public health screening," Gobetti said.
U-M student dentists are encouraged to follow the protocol to measure patients' blood pressure before treatment, Gobetti and Kellogg noted. They told the story of one healthy-looking woman who came in for treatment and the student measuring her blood pressure thought the equipment must be faulty because it showed a reading of 226 over 136. After repeated checks, Gobetti confirmed that, yes, the equipment was working. The woman was referred to the emergency room and immediately put on medications to control her previously undiagnosed hypertension.
High blood pressure is defined as 140 over 90 or higher. Blood pressure of 120 over 80 is generally considered ideal. People between these categories are called pre-hypertensive, a category that also requires medical observation.
Kellogg noted that many people see their dentist more regularly than a physician and could get an early warning about high blood pressure when getting their teeth cleaned or having some other dental treatment done.
Kellogg would like to see every dentist take an initial blood pressure reading for every new patient, then record blood pressure with every follow-up visit.
The benefit is not only for the patient. Gobetti said anesthetic behaves differently in patients with high blood pressure and hypertensive patients typically bleed more during surgery, so dentists should know patients' blood pressures before beginning treatment. Some patients, he said, should be referred for medical evaluation before receiving dental treatment, and should not be treated until their blood pressure is under control.
Few people relish the thought of a filling or root canal. Gobetti said a typical patient's blood pressure might rise by 10 or 15 points because of nervousness just walking into a dentist's office. However if the dentist has a record of blood pressure readings for the last few years of office visits, the dentist can see if a reading is particularly high for that patient.
A Health and Human Services study released in August states that about 31 percent of Americans suffer from hypertension, almost identical to the rates Kellogg found.
Still, Kellogg said that because the dental school tends to see a population that includes many patients without insurance or with minimal insurance, it is possible they are less likely to visit their doctors for check-ups than the general population. If that is the case, she said, it is even more important that dental schools around the country take the lead in making blood pressure determination a standard part of office visit procedure.
Kellogg began this research project while an undergraduate student at Kalamazoo College in western Michigan. She knew she wanted to come to Michigan for dental school, so she sought out a research project at U-M School of Dentistry to initiate her senior project, required by Kalamazoo for graduation.
Now beginning her second year of dental school, Kellogg already has won first place at the American Dental Education Association for her student research presentation. Gobetti applauded her ambition and dedication, and said she's gotten an ideal educational experience about the demands and rewards of research.
Kellogg will graduate from the School of Dentistry in 2007.
For Gobetti's profile: ompo.dent.umich/jpgbio.html
Journal of Dental Education: jdentaled
A recent AP story on the number of Americans with hypertension: cnn/2004/HEALTH/conditions/08/23/blood.pressure.ap
Contact: Colleen Newvine
Phone: (734) 647-4411
E-mail: cnewvineumich
This isn't just the opinion of one dentist-to-be. Kellogg has data to back it up.
In an article in the Sept. 10 issue of the Journal of Dental Education, Kellogg reports that after reviewing the records of patients treated at U-M School of Dentistry clinics in 1999, she found about one third had high blood pressure. More significantly, nearly half of those had never been diagnosed as hypertensive.
High blood pressure is called the silent killer because although it contributes to such potential killers as stroke and heart attack, those who suffer from it often have no signs or symptoms.
"As dentists, we have the opportunity to screen for this medical condition," said Kellogg's faculty advisor, Jack Gobetti, U-M professor of dentistry. "Blood pressure screening is going to be part of the modern dental office protocol.
"It is a tremendous public service to do this as a public health screening," Gobetti said.
U-M student dentists are encouraged to follow the protocol to measure patients' blood pressure before treatment, Gobetti and Kellogg noted. They told the story of one healthy-looking woman who came in for treatment and the student measuring her blood pressure thought the equipment must be faulty because it showed a reading of 226 over 136. After repeated checks, Gobetti confirmed that, yes, the equipment was working. The woman was referred to the emergency room and immediately put on medications to control her previously undiagnosed hypertension.
High blood pressure is defined as 140 over 90 or higher. Blood pressure of 120 over 80 is generally considered ideal. People between these categories are called pre-hypertensive, a category that also requires medical observation.
Kellogg noted that many people see their dentist more regularly than a physician and could get an early warning about high blood pressure when getting their teeth cleaned or having some other dental treatment done.
Kellogg would like to see every dentist take an initial blood pressure reading for every new patient, then record blood pressure with every follow-up visit.
The benefit is not only for the patient. Gobetti said anesthetic behaves differently in patients with high blood pressure and hypertensive patients typically bleed more during surgery, so dentists should know patients' blood pressures before beginning treatment. Some patients, he said, should be referred for medical evaluation before receiving dental treatment, and should not be treated until their blood pressure is under control.
Few people relish the thought of a filling or root canal. Gobetti said a typical patient's blood pressure might rise by 10 or 15 points because of nervousness just walking into a dentist's office. However if the dentist has a record of blood pressure readings for the last few years of office visits, the dentist can see if a reading is particularly high for that patient.
A Health and Human Services study released in August states that about 31 percent of Americans suffer from hypertension, almost identical to the rates Kellogg found.
Still, Kellogg said that because the dental school tends to see a population that includes many patients without insurance or with minimal insurance, it is possible they are less likely to visit their doctors for check-ups than the general population. If that is the case, she said, it is even more important that dental schools around the country take the lead in making blood pressure determination a standard part of office visit procedure.
Kellogg began this research project while an undergraduate student at Kalamazoo College in western Michigan. She knew she wanted to come to Michigan for dental school, so she sought out a research project at U-M School of Dentistry to initiate her senior project, required by Kalamazoo for graduation.
Now beginning her second year of dental school, Kellogg already has won first place at the American Dental Education Association for her student research presentation. Gobetti applauded her ambition and dedication, and said she's gotten an ideal educational experience about the demands and rewards of research.
Kellogg will graduate from the School of Dentistry in 2007.
For Gobetti's profile: ompo.dent.umich/jpgbio.html
Journal of Dental Education: jdentaled
A recent AP story on the number of Americans with hypertension: cnn/2004/HEALTH/conditions/08/23/blood.pressure.ap
Contact: Colleen Newvine
Phone: (734) 647-4411
E-mail: cnewvineumich
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