Align sues ClearCorrect; VA dental patients test positive for hepatitis

Dear DrBicuspid Member,

Align Technology has filed two lawsuits against ClearCorrect, a growing competitor in the clear aligner market, claiming patent infringement and unlawful business practices. But just two years ago, Align told court officials it had no intention of suing ClearCorrect over patent infringement. Read more in this developing Cosmetics Community story.

In other news, of the 535 veterans potentially exposed to hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV by a dentist at a Veterans Affairs (VA) medical center in Ohio, seven have tested positive for hepatitis C and two for chronic hepatitis B, VA officials confirmed today. Read more.

Over in the Practice Management Community, a report released this week by the Association of State and Territorial Dental Directors (ASTDD) says the number of preschools and K-12 schools in the U.S. being asked to allow oral health services to be delivered onsite is on the rise. Click here to read what the ASTDD recommends local, state, and federal agencies do to support the implementation of mobile-portable oral care programs in schools, and why.

Finally, in response to a recent Wall Street Journal article questioning whether there are too many brands of toothpaste on the market, comedian Steve Colbert claims his rights are being violated by toothpaste manufacturers who are pulling many of their products from store shelves. Read more.