NYU students help victims of torture; flowable composites lauded

Dear DrBicuspid Member,

One woman couldn't bear to have a light shone in her eyes because it reminded her of what her captors did whenever they let her out of the box they kept her in. And a man who had his teeth bashed in with a rifle butt was reminded of the beating every time he took out his partial denture.

These are just two of the more than 300 patients from around the world who have received free dental treatment through New York University College of Dentistry's Program for Survivors of Torture. Click here to read more about this unique program, which both patients and practitioners say has changed their lives.

And in Restoratives Community news, Dr. Phil Brown sings the praises of flowable composites, which he calls the unsung heroes of bonding. Read more.

In other news from our News in Brief department:

• New York's Medicaid program paid out $40 million for excessive dental cleanings and exams over five years, according to an audit from the state controller's office.
• With methamphetamine use in the U.S. at epidemic proportions, the Pennsylvania Dental Association is bringing the risks of this destructive drug to the attention of both the public and dental professionals.
• A dentist in Takasaki, Japan, has developed a new computerized system designed to speed up forensic identification of crime and accident victims through dental records.
• When his wife's dentures broke and they couldn't afford to replace them, a Pennsylvania man became so desperate he posted an ad on Craigslist looking for used dentures.

Finally, for those of you who've queried us regarding posting comments or asking questions about the Case Studies, now you can. Each individual case study now features a button that enables you to start a discussion thread in the DrBicuspid Forums. Check it out!