Nonprofit sues Ala. dental group; the pros and cons of dental Botox

Dear DrBicuspid Member,

The dispute between the Alabama Dental Association (ALDA) and Sarrell Dental Center heated up again last week. Just days after the U.S. Federal Trade Commission confirmed that it has launched an investigation of ALDA, Sarrell Dental filed a lawsuit against ALDA claiming the organization has undertaken an "illegal conspiracy" to drive the clinic out of business. Read more.

In clinical news, as the number of dentists offering Botox to their patients rises, so does the blood pressure of many dermatologists, plastic surgeons, and even some dental colleagues. Proponents claim there are therapeutic as well as cosmetic advantages to using Botox in oral-maxillofacial applications, but others question whether dental practitioners are adequately trained to offer the injections. Is this yet another turf war in the making? Read more.

In other Cosmetics Community news, patients suffering from temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJD) are more sensitive to pain overall, according to preliminary findings of a seven-year, $19 million study of the causes and effects of TMJD sponsored by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. Click here to read more about this study, which also aims to identify TMJD biomarkers and predictors.

Finally, over in the Coaches Corner, Dr. Don Deems takes a look at the many factors that influence our belief systems and how these, in turn, affect choice, attitude, and the ability to achieve success.