U.S. mulls malpractice reforms; new therapies for burning mouth syndrome

Dear DrBicuspid Member,

Could favorable changes in U.S. malpractice laws be in the works?

In a report issued October 9, the Congressional Budget Office estimated that limiting liability could save the U.S. $11 billion in healthcare expenditures annually. The findings give new impetus to malpractice liability reform being debated by the U.S. Congress. Read more.

Contributing editor Rosemary Frei attended the annual meeting of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons in Toronto last week. Among the hot topics she covered: advances in the understanding and treatment of burning mouth syndrome that could ease the anxiety, depression, and frustration many patients and dentists experience when dealing with this painful condition. Read more.

In other research news, an article in this month's Journal of Dental Research offers an interesting analysis of F. Scott Fitzgerald's short story, "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button," examining the role dental research can play in improving our understanding and treatment of progeria, an extremely rare accelerated aging condition, and the aging process itself. Read more.

Finally, in this week's Coaches Corner, Dr. Ron Arndt offers tips on how to make the most of your dental team -- and make them happier in the process.