The oral microbiome plays a vital role in immune defense against pathogens such as COVID-19. A recent study by researchers from J. Craig Venter Institute, Ministry of Health in Kuwait, Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Tufts School of Dental Medicine, and University of Alberta, explored this relationship. They found that individuals with a more diverse oral microbiome experience milder COVID-19 symptoms, while those with less diversity experience severe symptoms due to a dysregulated immune response. Analyzing saliva using artificial intelligence can predict COVID-19 presence and severity, o ..read more

Researchers have unveiled detailed images of rodent incisors, revealing the intricate structure of their enamel and its protective qualities. Contrary to previous beliefs, the orange-brown color of these teeth does not stem from iron-rich enamel but rather from a surface layer of aromatic amino acids and minerals. Through high-resolution imaging, scientists observed tiny pockets of iron-rich materials within the enamel, enhancing its acid resistance without affecting its hue. This breakthrough sheds light on the composition and formation of rodent tooth enamel, offering potential insights for ..read more

A Native American man, Keith Crow, who is incarcerated at Rush City Prison in Rush City, Minnesota, recently wrote an opinion piece decrying the lack of dental care. Despite constitutional mandates for medical care, inmates are left grappling with decaying teeth and abscesses without recourse to proper treatment. When Crow sought dental care at the health services office in the prison, he was treated by a dental assistant who explained that the institution had not had a dentist on staff in more than 3 years. She advised him to seek Tribal funding for dental care outside of the prison. Crow’s ..read more

Kansas recently became the sixth state to enter the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact, facilitating license portability for oral health professionals. Governor Laura Kelly signed House Bill 2453 into law on April 12, ushering in a new era of streamlined practice across participating states. The compact eliminates the need for professionals to obtain individual licenses in each state they wish to work in. Kansas’s inclusion means greater influence in shaping the rules and application process, as part of the founding states leading this initiative. Seven states must join the compact before i ..read more

The National Council of Insurance Legislators (NCOIL) has approved model legislation aimed at enhancing the value patients receive from dental insurance plans. Backed by the American Dental Association (ADA), this legislation introduces a dental loss ratio (DLR), ensuring transparency by disclosing the portion of premiums allocated to patient care vs executive salaries and marketing costs. If the set percentage isn’t met, refunds to insured patients are mandated. This legislation aligns with the Affordable Care Act standards, emphasizing patient care over company profits. The ADA has partnere ..read more

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Checklists, initially adopted by the United States military following a fatal plane crash, have evolved into invaluable tools across various sectors including aviation, nuclear energy, and medicine. Tufts University School of Dental Medicine (TUSDM) Professor Emeritus Morton Rosenberg, DMD, led a team to develop the “10 Minutes Saves a Life” app. This digital tool guides dental professionals through emergencies, covering scenarios from anxiety-induced hyperventilation to cardiac distress. The app, also useful for physicians administering moderate sedation, offers step-by-step instructions and ..read more

The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is urging healthcare workers, including oral health professionals, to ensure they have received the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccination amid a surge in measles cases across 17 US states. The CDC reports 97 cases as of March 28, a stark increase from 58 in all of 2023. To combat transmission, the CDC recommends implementing infection prevention measures, including confirming healthcare workers’ immunity to measles or administering two doses of MMR vaccine if not immune. Additionally, facilities are advised to promptly ident ..read more

The number of medical professionals, particularly pediatricians, who are taking on dental duties to provide oral healthcare to low-income and uninsured patients, continues to grow, according to KFF Health News. Driven by the significant oral health needs within underserved communities, programs across the United States are integrating oral health into medical checkups for children and pregnant women. This integration involves assessing oral health; providing preventive care, such as fluoride varnish and sealant application; and making referrals to dentists when necessary. Despite the pro ..read more

Researchers at New York University College of Dentistry’s Pain Research Center have secured a 5-year National Institutes of Health grant to delve into the signaling mechanisms behind oral cancer pain. Part of the NIH’s HEAL Initiative, aimed at addressing the opioid crisis, the funding will fuel investigations into G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) within endosomes, key organelles in cells. These receptors play pivotal roles in physiological and pathological processes, including cancer pain. The team aims to decipher how these receptors contribute to pai ..read more