In 1853, Pravex invented the syringe. Almost 150 years later, there have been few changes to the original design. In the early 1920s, Cook Laboratories added the ability for the syringe to accept a local anaesthetic cartridge and in the mid 1950s; the syringe was given the ability to aspirate.1 Over the past six years, … Read more
Given the shortcomings of the most current classifications for periodontal diseases (the 1989 World Workshop in Clinical Periodontology and the 1992, 1st European Workshop in Periodontology) and responding to the advancements in our understanding of the underlying disease mechanisms, the Academy of Periodontology initiated a review of the existing disease classification. The resultant International Workshop … Read more
A 4 year old male patient presented with a firm, painless swelling in the area of tooth #63. Intraoral examination revealed a 6.0mm x 6.0mm painless hard buccal swelling over the superior area of the crown of tooth #63 (Fig. 1). The appearrance of the mucosa was normal in texture and color.Radiographic examination consisted of … Read more
The SLSA program is based on current, referenced literature and consists of 40 questions, answers, rationales and references. Answers appear at the end of each quiz.Dentists who complete the 15 question quiz in the November, 2001 issue of Oral Health may be eligible to receive continuing education points. The names and license numbers of all … Read more
Re: “The Pregnant Dental Patient” Marylin C. Miller, DDS, Oral Health, March, 2001Congratulations to Dr. Miller for her important article in the March 2001 edition of Oral Health. Dentists need to be regularly reminded of how to best protect the developing foetus.I would like to point out one important omission in the article, however, concerning … Read more
Due to space and quality requirements, we are unable to print every photo we receive.Please note: PHOTOS WILL NOT BE RETURNED.
Very shortly, many major cities in Canada will impose the use of amalgam separators in dental clinics. This obligation will be linked to others concerning the appropriate management of amalgam waste collected by dental clinics. During the Summer of 2000, the City of Toronto and the Montreal Urban Community (MUC) adopted new by-laws concerning wastewater … Read more
Pretreatment of wastewater prior to discharge to the sewer system has been a common practice for many industrial wastewater dischargers for a number of years. Treatment of industrial discharges high in metals is commonly used to prevent upsets of biological treatment systems at municipal wastewater treatment plants or pass through of metals into the environment. … Read more
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency operates an Environmental Verification Testing Program. Some of the following amalgam capture devices will be tested under this program. The effectiveness of some of the treatment units will be documented under actual conditions.NamePhone Email/Web AddressType of UnitCostADA Technologies800 232-0296www.adatech.comCombinationCall for informationAvprox, Inc800 300-1249www.avprox.comFilterDRNA800 360-1001www.drna.comCombination$100 / monthMetasys305 576-5955MetasysUSA@aol.comSedimentation $300 / year … Read more
What does a facility do when faced with a “positive” spore test after monitoring its sterilizer? According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) guidelines…” If spores are not killed in routine spore tests, the sterilizer should immediately be checked for proper use and function and the spore test repeated. If the spore … Read more
Secrets for preventing your lab from supplying work that doesn’t fit.
In previous issues, we’ve explored the details of creating imaging and video systems in dental offices. Interestingly, the most confusing part for most practices is not the technical details of their systems, but getting the maximum benefit from the new technology. Most practices make sizable expenditures on new digital technologies, but then only make use … Read more
First, a bit of Berkshire Hathaway history is in order. In 1969, investment guru Warren Buffet decided to roll all of his assets into Berkshire Hathaway, an ailing textile mill, which he had been buying since 1962. Berkshire became Buffet’s sole investment vehicle, through which he would buy companies and manage his, as well as … Read more
You’ve built up a successful practice. It’s busy. You have terrific patients. You have a great staff. Well, for the most part your staff is great. Actually it hasn’t been all that great for a few months now, and it’s starting to be a problem. You employ a receptionist and two assistants. Your two assistants … Read more
Design for dental offices today must offer more than efficient delivery systems, good traffic flow and well-placed support stations. The dental work environment must also encompass interiors with rich materials and textures, pleasant sight lines and a relaxing palette of colours. All of these elements influence the psychological impact on the dental client. With these … Read more
In August, 1999, a 47-year-old female patient of mine, Mrs.”X”, visited for her nine-month regular continuing care appointment. An update of her medical history showed her in good health, taking no medications. She stated, however, that she was experiencing a “dry mouth” and was dieting to lose weight. Another concern was her “two front teeth” … Read more
Table 1: Analysis Grid for Equipment and Services Concerning Dental Amalgam Waste ManagementStandard and Norms Required by AuthoritiesDentist’s PerspectiveEquipmentDentist’sCost EquipmentServicesCompatibilityNeedsPreoccupationAnalysis1. For CRD and MUC: ISO 11143 certified amalgam separator (with an efficiency level over 95%)2. For the City of Toronto:* ISO 11143 certified amalgam separator or Canadian Wide Standard (CWS) (with an efficiency level over … Read more
In every practice, the issue of hygiene downtime is a high priority for everyone involved. An acceptable, measurable percentage for non-productive time in hygiene is 5-8%. If the hygiene program is appropriately designed, the hygiene coordinator or the person responsible for booking the hygiene schedule will no longer need to operate from a place of … Read more
According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry’s 2000 Member Poll: Teeth whitening/bleaching has increased by more than 300 percent over the past five years; Direct bonding has increased by more than 100 percent over the past five years and veneers have increased by more than 250 percent over the same time period. A sparkling … Read more
