Dear Restoratives & Cosmetics Insider,
Young children's molars treated with sealant stay caries-free longer and are cheaper to treat, which could save the U.S. health system an estimated $149 million per year, according to a study published in the October issue of the Journal of the American Dental Association.
Due to the cost savings and caries prevention associated with pit-and-fissure sealant treatment, policymakers should consider paying for the treatment in children who are at high risk of developing cavities. Read more in this edition's Insider Exclusive.
Additionally, another recent study in the Journal of the American Dental Association revealed that more than 20% of children need restorative treatment by the time of their first dental exam. The risk of treatment increased with each year a child waited to see the dentist.
Also new in our Restoratives & Cosmetics Community, Dr. Matthew Burton, creator of the VursaWedge, spoke at the ADA's SmileCon 2021 annual meeting about how his invention helped meet the challenges of performing class II restorations. Furthermore, he emphasized that the dental industry needs more clinicians to create tools and solutions.
In other news, the Board of Dental Examiners of Alabama has agreed to settle charges filed by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The FTC accused the state dental board of violating federal antitrust law by unreasonably excluding cheaper teledentistry providers from competition. Under the agreement, the state dental board will stop requiring licensed dentists to provide onsite supervision during oral scanning of patients seeking tooth straightening treatments, such as clear aligners.
Did you know that oral health is having its moment on the global stage? The World Health Organization is adding fluoride toothpaste, silver diamine fluoride, and glass ionomer cement to its list of essential medications for adults and children. The list contains medications considered the safest and most effective way to meet the most vital needs in a health system.
Finally, Dr. Samuel Low, a professor emeritus at the University of Florida College of Dentistry and associate faculty member of the Pankey Institute, debunked three common misconceptions about the use of laser technology in dentistry. Check out his responses to the myths. His answers may surprise you.
