Top 5 stories of fall 2014

With winter officially starting this weekend, DrBicuspid.com takes a look back at the most-read stories from the fall, as measured by page views.

Reflecting the diversity of interests of DrBicuspid.com readers, our most-read stories for the past quarter include a new Environmental Protection Agency proposal on amalgam separators, the historic agreement between Boston University and Sirona that was announced at ADA 2014, and the contentious North Carolina teeth-whitening case, which was heard by the U.S. Supreme Court earlier this fall. If the season lasted another week, it is likely Dr. Doyle Williams' columns on insurance approvals would have made the list.

1. EPA proposes rule requiring dentists to install amalgam separators
   September 25, 2014 - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today proposed a rule under the Clean Water Act requiring dentists to install amalgam separators to help cut discharges of dental amalgam to the environment.

2. Sirona, Boston Univ. enter into unprecedented agreement on digital dentistry
   October 10, 2014 - SAN ANTONIO - Friday morning, Sirona Dental Systems and the Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine announced an agreement that will enable the school to become the first all-digital dental school in the U.S.

3. U.S. Supreme Court justices divided in teeth-whitening case
   October 15, 2014 - U.S. Supreme Court justices appeared divided during oral arguments Tuesday in the closely watched North Carolina teeth-whitening case, with some concerned that the state dental board may be unfairly restricting competition for the lucrative work.

4. Dental Sedation Death and Injuries: Part 1 -- Perspectives
   October 28, 2014 - There is no official reporting or tabulation of dental sedation morbidity and mortality. The dental profession sees the occasional "horror story" in sensational media reports and is left to wonder. What are the real risks to the public welfare? Who provides oversight? What are the facts relating to these unfortunate events, and what can the dental profession learn to better protect and serve the public?

5. Dental eye-protection movement born from infection-control issues
   October 28, 2014 - More than a year ago, Jenn Morrone went to her dentist for a root canal. As she sat in the chair waiting for the routine procedure to begin, she wasn't offered eye protection, and this would have important consequences.