Dental Blog News : December 2015

Tuesday, December 15, 2015

Teen gives illicit dental services

AN enterprising 17-year-old girl, who is waiting for her SPM results, was caught offering illicit services – in dentistry, Harian Metro reported.

She learnt how to carry out procedures by watching YouTube and also from a friend studying to become a dentist.

The main suspect was detained with her cousin, 24, and two assistants for offering dental and brace-fitting services out of a hotel room in Bukit Bintang.

She reportedly charged RM1,600 to fit orthodontic braces despite not having any professional training or a Health Ministry permit. Professional dentists normally charge RM3,000 to RM5,000 for the procedure.

The Health Ministry’s Private Medical Practice Control Unit, the Oral Health Enforcement Unit and the police took action after several customers complained of bacterial infections and shifting teeth after being fitted with the braces.

A source said the suspects claimed that they did not know they were committing an offence.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam had earlier raised his concern on the trend of fitting false braces.

> Nine bhangra belly dancers were arrested in a raid at a club in Jalan Dang Wangi early in the morning, Berita Harian reported.

The Bollywood-themed entertainment centre was found to have violated the terms of its permit by letting the dancers, who were from Bangladesh, Nepal and Pakistan, gyrate late into the night.

Deputy Dang Wangi police chief Supt Habibi Majinji said the club began operations without a special permit for dancing, but a few months later started offering bhangra dance services.

He added that the operators were also flouting conditions set by the Immigration Act as the dancers did not have work permits.

Police also arrested the manager, who is an Indian national, and three visitors who did not have valid travel documents.

> The paper also reported that actress Anzalna Nasir is set to marry next year following a five-year romance.

The actress made her plans known during a live TV show on Sunday.

She said she would marry businessman Hanif Zaki at the National Mosque next Feb 21.

Anzalna and Hanif, both 27, have known each other for more than 10 years.

“I’m not trying to evade the marriage topic but I decided not to talk about it unless I’m sure that I will proceed with it,” she said.

Found in translation is compiled from the vernacular newspapers (Bahasa Malaysia, Chinese and Tamil dailies). As such, stories are grouped according to the respective language/medium. Where a paragraph begins with a >, it denotes a separate news item.

Source: http://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2015/12/15/teen-gives-illicit-dental-services-clinic-operates-out-of-hotel-room/

In other dental news: Aurident's 3D dental scanners offer superior quality for both model and impression scanning. The Optimet DS 6000 Scanner uses patented proprietary conoscopic holographic technology to generate highly accurate and consistent scans. The DSi 6000 Impression & Model Scanner overcomes the limitation of other scanners by accurately scanning impressions and models where other scanners have difficulty.

Global Dental Implants Market 2015 – Industry Size, Growth, Analysis, Forecast

A dental implant refers to the replacement of tooth roots and has a high supportive interface between the jaw (skull) and bone. Dental implants help restore the missing teeth or tooth and consist of three major parts: the implant device itself, the abutment, and the crown or denture. A dental implant is made up of biocompatible metal, titanium, and zirconium that offer durability and strength with their unique properties, and which fuse directly into the bone.

Do Inquiry before Purchasing Report Here: http://www.marketresearchstore.com/report/global-dental-implants-market-2015-2019-1543#InquiryForBuying

Dental implants are used by people who suffer tooth loss. Some of the major reasons for tooth loss are tooth decay, gingivitis, injury, congenital defects, root canal failure, and excessive wear and tear. Osseointegration is a process that helps to lock or joint the implant directly into the jawbone, and it is used to replace teeth of different designs and structure, and it can also replace a single tooth to a full arc. Dental implants are available in a wide variety and different colors and can also be customized.

Covered in this Report

This report covers the present scenario and growth prospects of the Global Dental Implants market for the forecast period 2015-2019. To calculate the market size, the report considers the revenue generated from different types of dental implants material involved in the dental implants/restoration.

The report presents the vendor landscape and a corresponding detailed analysis of top six vendors in the Global Dental Implants market. The vendor landscape in this report focusses on vendors that provide new prosthetic dental implants and also outlines the challenges faced by the vendors and the market at large, as well as the key trends emerging in the market.

A recent report published on the Dental Implants Market presents an analytical overview of the Dental Implants industry. It studies the global Dental Implants market in detail to update the stakeholders about the latest market trends, and help them in determining crucial business strategies. In a coherent chapter-wise format, the Dental Implants Industry report presents the findings from the analysis of the present Dental Implants market dynamics. Data included in these chapters are logically interspersed with infographics and graphical representations.

Information and statistics the analysts have referred to for compiling the Dental Implants report are obtained from trusted industrial sources and have been plausibly collated. The data sourced is filtered through several research stages using industry-leading analytical tools to ensure that the Dental Implants market report encompasses only authenticated data derived from validated industrial sources. To enrich the Dental Implants industry report with industry-specific statistics, relevant data is also sourced from the repository of financial records of the leading companies.

The report begins by introducing the global Dental Implants market. The products and services offered in the Dental Implants market are evaluated in-depth. To study the growth trajectory of the Dental Implants market, the report studies the development trends it has exhibited in the last couple of years. The prevailing competitive landscape of the Dental Implants market is analyzed in the report. It also presents an in-depth study on the development status of the Dental Implants market.

The report includes information obtained from Dental Implants industrial sources such as financial records of the leading companies operating in the global Dental Implants market, present market trends, historical statistics, and insights from industry experts. Using reliable and precise analytical tools such as SWOT analysis, the Dental Implants report studies the strengths and weaknesses of the leading companies. To measure the market size, the report has profiled key players of the industry.

Source: http://www.medgadget.com/2015/12/global-dental-implants-market-2015-industry-size-growth-analysis-forecast.html

In other dental news: Aurident offers the Optimet DS 6000 Scanner which uses patented proprietary conoscopic holographic technology to generate highly accurate and consistent scans.

The DS 6000 Scanner can be used for all dental applications such as copings, full contour crowns, bridges up to 14 units, implants, implant bars and dentures.

1-800-Dentist announces partnership with Sirona Dental Systems Inc.

1-800-Dentist (Los Angeles, California), a provider of pre-screened new patient leads for dental practices, announced today that it is partnering with Sirona Dental Systems Inc. to provide marketing support to the more than 15,000 dental practices in the United States offering CEREC single-visit dentistry.

The partnership between the dental marketing company and Sirona, a global dental technology leader that made headlines earlier this year after being acquired by Dentsply, is designed to increase consumer awareness of CEREC (Chairside Economical Restorations of Esthetic Ceramics), a CAD/CAM system that enables dentists to create high-quality dental restorations in a single appointment.

According to 1-800-Dentist, a key component of the strategy is a major national consumer advertising campaign. Television commercials and online advertising promoting the advantages of CEREC single-visit dentistry will begin appearing in January 2016.

Fred Joyal, co-founder of 1-800-Dentist and it's parent company, Futuredontics, is working with Sirona’s executive team to create new opportunities for CEREC practices to grow their patient bases. One of the programs will feature Joyal appearing with Michael DiTolla, DDS, Sirona’s director of clinical affairs, in “Guardians of Dentistry,” a series of free educational events where dentists can learn marketing best practices for attracting high-value CEREC patients.

“Teaming up with Sirona is a win-win for patients and CEREC dentists,” Joyal said. “Today’s consumers are busier than ever, so they want to get in and out of the dentist’s chair as quickly and easily as possible. CEREC is the solution they want but don’t know about.”

“1-800-Dentist is putting its considerable consumer advertising budget behind a single-visit dentistry message that will get patients asking for CEREC by name,” Joyal continued. “Once consumers learn about the availability of single-visit dentistry, demand for practices offering CEREC technology is projected to hit an all-time high.”

As part of the partnership with Sirona, 1-800-Dentist is offering CEREC practices that become members of its patient leads program a variety of exclusive services and marketing tools. These include a 2:1 production guarantee on patient leads that will generate a minimum of $24,000 annually and special discounts on PatientActivator, a dentistry-focused communications, social, and online reputation management tool featuring exclusive CEREC marketing content.

Source: http://www.dentistryiq.com/articles/apex360/2015/12/1-800-dentist-announces-partnership-with-sirona-dental-systems-inc.html

International Association for Dental Research Names Rena D’Souza Vice President

An Indian American associate vice provost for research at the University of Utah was chosen by members of the International Association for Dental Research as its next vice president.

Rena N. D’Souza, who is also a professor of dental sciences, pathology and neurobiology and anatomy at the university, will start her term at the conclusion of the 94^th IADR general session in Seoul, South Korea, June 25, 2016.

Immediately following her term as vice president, D’Souza will remain with the association on the board of directors with three consecutive terms as president-elect, president and immediate past president, the association said in a statement.

Previously, she served as the director of research in the orthodontics department at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Dentistry. Additionally, she was the department of biomedical sciences chair at Baylor College of Dentistry in Dallas.

D’Souza earned her B.D.S. from the Government Dental College at the University of Bombay. She also received her general practice residency certificate in oral surgery, operative dentistry and periodontics from the Government Dental College and Hospital at the University of Bombay.

She later received her M.S. and doctorate degrees in biomedical sciences at the GraduateSchool of Biomedical Sciences at UTHSCH, as well as a D.D.S. from the dental branch at UTHSCH.

An active member of IADR since 1984, D’Souza was previously president of the American Association for Dental Research, serving from 2012 to 2013. She has also been president and councilor for the association’s pulp biology and regeneration, and craniofacial biology groups.

For more than 25 years, D’Souza has led a research program on tooth development and genetics, matrix biology and tissue regeneration. The program remains active. In addition, she has directed National Institute of Health research training and development programs.

Over the years, D’Souza has received many awards for her efforts in research, student advocacy, mentoring and faculty development, according to the IADR statement.

D’Souza is a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, director on the Friends of NIDCR Board and member of the German National Academy of Sciences.

Source: http://www.indiawest.com/news/global_indian/international-association-for-dental-research-names-rena-d-souza-vice/article_b8c8c4e4-a2a5-11e5-958d-1fec92925c0c.html

In other dental news: Aurident offers the Optimet DS 6000 Scanner which uses patented proprietary conoscopic holographic technology to generate highly accurate and consistent scans.

The DS 6000 Scanner can be used for all dental applications such as copings, full contour crowns, bridges up to 14 units, implants, implant bars and dentures.

Northcutt Dental celebrates opening

Members of the Helena community gathered at 4685 Shelby County 17 on Dec. 3 to celebrate a ribbon cutting ceremony for the grand opening of the new Northcutt Dental Practice office.

The opening of the Helena location marked the practices fifth location as other locations include Bay Minette, Fairhope, Mobile and Semmes.

Those who attended the grand opening celebration enjoyed light refreshments while receiving tours of the new, state-of-the-art dental practice.

Dr. David Northcutt attended the grand opening and serves as one of six dentists on the Board of Dental Examiners for the State of Alabama and spends most of his time between the five offices mentoring other doctors.

“We liked the great sense of community and we liked the other businesses that were in the area,” Northcutt said referring to the decision to open a new location in Helena. “We liked the demographics as far as population and we thought there was an opportunity. Probably the thing I’m most excited about is how well we’ve been received by the community and the second thing I’m excited about is our close proximity to other businesses that we respect greatly.”

The doctors that will be practicing in Helena are Dr. Aaron Yarnell and Dr. Kara Ward, who are both graduates of UAB School of Dentistry and members of the American Dental Association.

The Northcutt Dental location in Helena features 11 outfitted exam rooms with the ability to upgrade to 15 if needed.

In addition to routine dentistry, the practice will also offer a full range of high quality treatments including: dental implants, porcelain crowns and bridges, white fillings, full smile makeovers, teeth whitening, veneers, dentures and more.

Northcutt Dental in Helena is located at 4685 Highway 17, Suite C. The practice hours will be Monday 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Wednesday and Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday 7:30 a.m. to noon.

Source: http://www.shelbycountyreporter.com/2015/12/14/northcutt-dental-celebrates-opening/#sthash.wutjMNtR.dpuf

In other dental news: Aurident's 3D dental scanners offer superior quality for both model and impression scanning. The Optimet DS 6000 Scanner uses patented proprietary conoscopic holographic technology to generate highly accurate and consistent scans. The DSi 6000 Impression & Model Scanner overcomes the limitation of other scanners by accurately scanning impressions and models where other scanners have difficulty.

Dental Insurance That Will Save Your Smile

Doling out the cash to get a toothache treated can hurt almost as much as the tooth itself. That’s because about 40 percent of people in the U.S. have no dental insurance. And most who have dental plans lose their coverage once they retire.

But ignoring dental problems or skipping preventive care can harm you. Some studies suggest that chronic gum infection is associated with an increased risk for heart attack. So how can you maintain oral health without wrecking your budget? Our experts recommend these 10 steps:

Savvy Strategies

Get dental insurance through work if you can. Most employers who offer dental insurance pay half or more of the premium cost, and most plans fully cover exams, X-rays, and cleanings; 80 percent of basic procedures such as fillings; and 50 percent of bigger-ticket work such as crowns, says Evelyn Ireland, executive director of the National Association of Dental Plans. Expect an annual deductible of $50 to $100; the yearly maximum many insurers pay out is usually $1,000 to $1,500.
Consider dental savings plans. No dental insurance through work? Participants in these buying-club-like programs pay an annual fee of $80 to $200 to access a large network of dentists (60 percent of those nationwide) who offer discounts of up 50 percent for members. Find dental plans here.
See whether a dental HMO may work. Dental health maintenance organizations, most often available in larger urban areas, charge $200 to $300 per person per year. Participants get twice-yearly cleanings and exams with no additional fee, and pay a few dollars to a few hundred for fillings, root canals, and crowns. About 20 percent of dentists nationwide participate. Search for dental plans here by checking the “DHMO” box and then your state.
Consider ACA coverage. If you get health insurance through the Affordable Care Act, you can also purchase optional dental insurance. Currently, dental is available only when you enroll in a full health plan. But dental coverage will be available separately next year for Medicare recipients on the exchange in Kentucky, and more states are expected to follow suit.
Check veteran’s benefits. If you have a service-connected disability, you’re eligible for free comprehensive dental care from the Department of Veterans Affairs. Other veterans can buy comprehensive dental insurance at a reduced rate.
Bargain hunt. Look up local rates for dental procedures at Fair Health Consumer and Healthcare Bluebook, then ask your dentist for a discount. In our 2012 survey, Consumer Reports readers who asked for a break were often successful.
Create an emergency dental fund, and put aside money every month. “Unpredictable things happen, and you have to have a way to pay for it,” says Julia Hallisy, D.D.S., president of the nonprofit Empowered Patient Coalition in San Francisco. “You could bite on a peach pit and crack a tooth.”
Check community health centers. Some offer low-cost dental care but may have limited services and, possibly, waiting lists. Call the local health department or state dental association, or go to Tooth Wisdomto find those centers.
Try university dental schools. Many charge 30 to 40 percent less than private dentists, and you’ll be treated by supervised students. “The quality of care is excellent,” says Judith Jones, D.D.S., professor of dentistry at Boston University and an American Dental Association spokeswoman. Find dental schools here.
Help your teeth last longer. Brush for a full 2 minutes—most of us stop after 30 seconds—twice each day with a soft-bristle manual or electric toothbrush, and floss before bed. Drink tooth-friendly beverages, including plain water. (Soda and drinks with lemon and lime can erode enamel and weaken teeth.) Increase your production of saliva, which helps protect teeth, with sugar-free hard candy and gum. Avoid sugary food and drinks. See a dentist once each year—more often if you have periodontal disease or are still getting cavities.

Dental Insurance You Can't Rely On

Medicare. It covers little dental care (except for hospital services such as post-accident jaw reconstruction). Medigap (the supplemental private insurance) generally offers no dental insurance. Medicaid coverage is quite limited.
Dental insurance you buy on your own. Just 4 percent of Americans do that. “Insurance makes you feel protected, but there are often one-year waiting periods before you can qualify for work like root canals and crowns,” says Julia Hallisy, D.D.S. “Some plans exclude these altogether.” One typical plan, AARP’s PPO “Plan B” dental insurance, begins at $474 per year per person. It has a $100 deductible and an annual cap of $1,000, and you pay part of the cost for all services and procedures. So you’d spend at least $574 before reaping a benefit.

Source: http://www.consumerreports.org/health-insurance/dental-insurance-that-will-save-your-smile

In other dental news: Aurident offers the Optimet DS 6000 Scanner which uses patented proprietary conoscopic holographic technology to generate highly accurate and consistent scans.

The DS 6000 Scanner can be used for all dental applications such as copings, full contour crowns, bridges up to 14 units, implants, implant bars and dentures.

Many not getting dental care they need

The media's coverage of the rows of dental stations that lined the KeyArena floor earlier this fall was an incredible sight. Had I not known otherwise, I would have thought the large-scale humanitarian effort was in a developing country rather than in of one the most prosperous regions in our state.

The makeshift dental department was part of the Seattle/King County Clinic: a four-day event to provide free dental, medical and vision care to people throughout the state. Of 4,010 patients admitted, 2,314 sought dental care. Many of the patients seeking dental care traveled from Lynnwood, Everett, Marysville and as far north as Mount Vernon. Organizers said the demand was so great that many others were turned away by late morning each day.

The demand illustrates the reality that dental care remains out of reach for many people in Washington. That includes many lower income adults with Apple Health coverage, the state's Medicaid program.

That's because the adult Apple Health dental program as it exists today is underfunded and unable to meet current demands, so many who need the care the most are often the least likely to get it.

For many Apple Health patients, their only options are to either seek care at a rare charitable event or go to a hospital emergency room, where they may receive medication to relieve pain and infection, but not the care needed to address the underlying causes of their suffering.

People who cannot get oral health care often experience serious, and expensive, health complications. Untreated dental disease can affect an individual's overall health, employment opportunities, nutrition and quality of life.

Among those seeking dental care was Kevin of Lake Stevens. The 43-year-old mechanic cracked a front tooth more than year ago. He had been unable to find a dentist who would accept his Apple Health coverage, and paying out of pocket was too expensive. Kevin said the day at the Seattle Center was time well spent.

“I'm in a lot of pain and this is my only option,” he said. “Without this [Seattle/King County Clinic], I don't know what I'd do.”

Lawmakers are currently looking at raising reimbursement rates for lower-income diabetic and pregnant dental patients, because studies have shown that preventive care reduces the likelihood of severe and costly complications.

But others with dental coverage through Apple Health, including the working poor living in urban, suburban and rural communities, are also underserved when it comes to dental care.

And because Apple Health provides a reimbursement rate of only about a quarter (28 percent) of private rates, dental care access for these people will continue to be a growing problem. On the other hand, raising Apple Health rates will make it possible for providers to treat Medicaid patients.

I am thankful for the Seattle/King County Clinic, which aimed to fill unmet needs for people who can't afford or can't get health care, was a partnership of more than 100 health organizations and more than 1,500 health care workers. The four days of care for people of all ages, including the majority who arrived before sunrise, constituted one of the largest nonprofit undertakings in our region for the second year in a row.

However, it's time our Legislature and health policy makers partnered with the community to help increase long-term access. Targeted investments in dental care will lead to better health, and to taxpayer savings in the long run.

Source: http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20151215/OPINION03/151219468

In other fashion news: Aurident's 3D dental scanners offer superior quality for both model and impression scanning. The Optimet DS 6000 Scanner uses patented proprietary conoscopic holographic technology to generate highly accurate and consistent scans. The DSi 6000 Impression & Model Scanner overcomes the limitation of other scanners by accurately scanning impressions and models where other scanners have difficulty.

Committee recommends creating new dental practitioner job to expand access to care in Massachusetts

A legislative committee has given a positive recommendation to a bill that would create a new category of "dental hygiene practitioners," who could perform certain common dental procedures under a dentist's supervision, in order to expand access to dental care.

"This bill, which would create a midlevel dental provider, similar to a physician's assistant or nurse practitioner, has the potential to dramatically increase access to dental care for many people in the Berkshires and beyond who are simply not getting the care they need right now," said State Rep. Smitty Pignatelli, D-Lenox, who sponsored the bill, in a prepared statement.

State Rep. William "Smitty" PignatelliMalegislature.gov

The Legislature's Joint Committee on Public Health gave a favorable recommendation to the bill, S.2076, on Monday and sent it to the Committee on Health Care Financing. A committee vote is the first step toward bringing the bill to a vote before the full House and Senate, which will return to formal sessions in January.

As The Republican/MassLive.com previously reported, the bill would create a new category of dental hygienists who, with additional training, would be allowed to fill cavities and extract teeth, under a dentist's supervision.

Advocates of the bill say it will help provide access to dental care for people who now struggle to get care, either because there are not enough dentists in a geographic area or because they cannot find a dentist who takes their insurance.

This problem is particularly acute for poor residents on public insurance. According to the bill's supporters, only 21 percent of Massachusetts dentists accept Medicaid.

There are also geographic disparities. A 2007 study found that in Hampshire County, 31 percent of kindergarten-age children had untreated tooth decay, the highest percentage in the state. Studies have found high rates of untreated tooth decay in seniors in nursing homes and among disabled adults.

In a few other states – Minnesota, Maine and Alaska – mid-level practitioners have been used to provide care in rural areas or to save money by providing a cheaper alternative to dentists, which allows practices to accept more Medicaid patients. The bill's supporters say a dental hygiene practitioner could provide services in nursing homes or schools, while consulting electronically with a supervising dentist.

"We have a deep divide in access to dental care in Massachusetts," said State Sen. Jason Lewis, D-Winchester, the Senate chairman of the Joint Committee on Public Health, in a statement. "This is an effective way to close that gap, meaning more children, seniors, and people with special needs will receive care."

Source: http://www.masslive.com/politics/index.ssf/2015/12/legislative_committee_recommen.html

In other fashion news: Aurident offers the Optimet DS 6000 Scanner which uses patented proprietary conoscopic holographic technology to generate highly accurate and consistent scans.

The DS 6000 Scanner can be used for all dental applications such as copings, full contour crowns, bridges up to 14 units, implants, implant bars and dentures.

Ask Well: How Often Should You Get Dental X-Rays?

People who see a dentist regularly and have good oral hygiene and no current dental problems might need bitewing X-rays of molars only every two to three years to check for early cavities, said Dr. Aruna Ramesh, director of the oral and maxillofacial radiology division at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in Boston. More extensive X-rays may be needed every three to five years to check the health of roots and adjacent bone.

Children may need X-rays as often as every year or two because their teeth are changing rapidly, said Dr. Ada Cooper, a practicing dentist in New York City and a spokeswoman for the American Dental Association.

“We all know that dental X-rays are a very useful tool,” detecting dental damage and disease that can’t be seen with the eye, Dr. Cooper said. With some gum disease, for instance, “the only way your dentist is going to be able to know the severity of bone loss is to take X-rays.”

Although X-rays expose people to radiation, the risk from dental X-rays is low and dropping, as manufacturing companies work to reduce dosage, said Dr. Denis Kinane, dean of the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine.

There are a few reports of links between dental X-rays and cancer, including a 2012 study that found a small association with brain cancer. But Dr. Kinane said this connection could be explained by a variety of factors besides X-rays, including the fact that pain from a developing tumor might have led to more X-rays. If there were a problem, it would show up first in dentists and dental nurses, who might shoot 10 to 20 X-rays a day, even though they step out of the room when the radiographs are taken -- but there is no evidence that they are at higher risk of cancer than the general population, Dr. Kinane said.

Some procedures will need to be guided by X-rays or will require a series of X-rays for proper treatment, Dr. Kinane said.

Dr. Ramesh said that patients should ask their dentists whether they absolutely need the images to help with treatment decisions. Also, patients may want to inquire whether dentists are using the fastest possible exposure to minimize radiation, she said.

Source: http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/12/15/ask-well-how-often-should-you-get-dental-x-rays/

Monday, December 14, 2015

Free dental treatments to spread the Christmas cheer

A Napier dental surgery is doing its bit to lighten the load this Christmas, by opening its clinic to a day of free dental treatments for as many people as they could see in a day. Hundreds lined the block waiting for their turn.

Hundreds of people got up early to get their place in the queue, driving from across the country, and some even camping out overnight.

“It’s a small price to pay for about $300 worth of treatment” says Nathan Hutley who arrived at 5:15am in morning.

“We would never have been able to afford anything like this so it's an awesome opportunity and awesome to these dentists” says Sharne Repia.

“I just wanted to get this toothache out of the way it's been painting me for a while and I thought what a good idea to get it done while it's free” says Eugene Toko.

Because of the sheer volume of people, only emergency dental work to relieve pain could be performed, like pulling out teeth and fillings.

Regardless of the pain Whitney Olsen was glad to have her problem sorted, “My mouth isn't feeling that good right now. I've had a tooth pulled out but I'm just so thankful to the staff here.”

The two dentists performing all the work, have their work cut out for them, seeing around five patients between them every half hour.

For dentist Gary Winter it was his way of giving back to the community, “We see people in need and it’s one way of helping some people have a comfortable Christmas.

Garth Forbes the other dentist who perform procedures said all the staff were there on a voluntary basis as well, “Well it's entirely voluntary they don't have to do it and everyone gets a real good buzz out of it.”

Clients were asked to bring in canned food so that it could be donated as a way of returning the Christmas cheer.

Source: https://www.maoritelevision.com/news/regional/free-dental-treatments-spread-christmas-cheer

Minersville family dental practice welcomes 2nd generation owner

Dr. Earl J. Buehner Jr., a dentist who has had an office in Minersville since May 1979, said last week his son, Ryan G. Buehner, will soon be taking over the practice.

“My son will take over the business officially as of January 1,” Earl Buehner, 65, said Wednesday.

His office at 517 W. Sunbury St. includes five employees, one full-time and four part-time.

His son, Ryan, 37, owns Hershey Dental Associates, 237 Hershey Road, Hummelstown, and will continue to run that office while running the office in Minersville, Earl Buehner said.

“My father, Dr. Earl Buehner Jr., has been caring for the Minersville community for over 35 years. As a child, I remember patients coming into our home as I played in the yard and, on occasion, watching him work with someone inside the office. He has always been highly dedicated to the health of his patients, and he genuinely cares about each and every person that comes into his practice,” Ryan Buehner said in a recent press release.

“It was watching my father’s commitment to his patients that made me want to become a dentist. I graduated from Minersville High School in 1996 and went on to study at the local Penn State Schuylkill Campus. I earned my doctorate degree from Temple University School of Dentistry in 2005, and I have been practicing ever since,” Ryan Buehner said.

“Starting in 2016, my father will be transitioning into more of a retirement role within the practice. You will still be able to see his smiling face around the office from time to time, but he will mostly work in a supporting role with the current staff and the new faces you’ll see at the office. I am honored that I have this opportunity to practice dentistry alongside my father and provide the same quality of care he has over the past several decades. I hope to carry on this legacy, and I also intend to foster community growth, increase dental education and raise the level of dentistry in Schuylkill County,” he said.

New hours will be from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday and from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday. Ryan Buehner said he will work with patients if it is necessary to reschedule an appointment previously made outside the new hours.

Source: http://republicanherald.com/news/minersville-family-dental-practice-welcomes-2nd-generation-owner-1.1982927

In other dental news: Aurident offers the Optimet DS 6000 Scanner which uses patented proprietary conoscopic holographic technology to generate highly accurate and consistent scans.

The DS 6000 Scanner can be used for all dental applications such as copings, full contour crowns, bridges up to 14 units, implants, implant bars and dentures.

Local Dental Clinic Offers Free Dental Service

Community members got a chance to have free dental work done on Saturday at Comfort Care Dental of Pocatello’s ‘Smiles from Santa.”

KPVI News that Works for You was there and talked to people that got to take advantage of the free service.

“It helped me so that I don’t have to pay so much,” says Sasha Robinson, dental patient.

Sasha Robinson and her daughter were getting work done on their teeth at Comfort Care Dental of Pocatello’s ‘Smiles from Santa’ event on Saturday.

“Because I have about six cavities and I wanted to get one done so that it lessened my bill amount,” says Robinson.

Over the past 11 years the program has provided more than 300 thousand dollars in free dental care and helped over 12 hundred people.

Dr. Nathan George was doing the dental work on Robinson and her daughter. He says it feels good to be able to provide this free service at this time of year.

“It is a tough time and we feel very blessed and we feel like we are very fortunate here in our practice and it’s our opportunity to give back to the community that we love,” says Dr. Nathan George, Dentist at Comfort Care Dental.

Cody Mitchell came to Comfort Care to get a free filling. He says he doesn’t have insurance and hasn’t seen a dentist in 10 years.

“I think it’s an awesome thing. It’s the time of the season. It’s all about giving and this is good that these people can give to all of us unfortunate who don’t have insurance,’ says Cody Mitchell, dental patient.

As for Robinson, she says the free service offered lets her know that they care about the community.

“I just want to thank them. I think it’s awesome what they did today,” says Robinson.

This is the first year that Comfort Care Dental offered the ‘Smiles from Santa’ event in Pocatello.

People were offered one free extraction or filling.

Over 30 volunteers donated their time.

Source: http://www.kpvi.com/mostpopular/story/Local-Dental-Clinic-Offers-Free-Dental-Service/veq7Ib4aFEaY1wfeG8TQcQ.cspx