Sugar industry influenced caries research; Naked Dentist debuts; glass ionomer cement strength

Dear DrBicuspid Member,

The sugar industry influenced U.S. caries eradication research during the 1960s and 1970s, according to a new study in PLOS Medicine. The report claims that by working closely with the National Institutes of Health, a sugar industry trade organization helped to shift the focus of federal research at the time from limiting sugar intake to finding alternative caries prevention strategies. Find out more by clicking here.

Many of us are reasonably happy with the way our favorite clothes make us look. They cover up flaws and sometimes even make things look better than they really are. Well, the same is true for dental practices across the U.S., where most practices look pretty good on the surface, according to the first column in our new Naked Dentist series by Curtis Marshall. His columns will take a closer look at dental practices, looking past the surface to uncover their flaws and offering solutions for improvement.

Using neutron imaging, European researchers have shown how the lower mechanical strength in glass ionomer cements results from the presence of pores and also the increased hydrogen mobility within the material, according to a new study in the journal Scientific Reports.

An overall shortage of more than 15,000 dentists is projected in the U.S. by 2025, according to a report released last week by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). However, the reverse is projected to be true for dental hygienists, as supply will be greater than demand. However, the ADA Health Policy Institute recommended interpreting the HRSA's overall conclusions with some caution. Read more here.