Tariffs to impact ‘vulnerable’ dentists and patients, U.S. groups urge Trump to exclude dental products

Dentists are seen as the 'end result' of the supply chain, with costs potentially passed on to them

Like other Canadians, dentists are grappling with uncertainty as the Trump administration plans to impose a 25 per cent tariff on Canadian imports, effective April 2, following the previously enacted 10 per cent tariffs on Chinese-origin goods. Clifford Sosnow, chair of Fasken’s International Trade and Investment Group, said during a webinar hosted Tuesday by the … Read more

‘The future is now’: Mark your calendar for the Annual Spring Meeting in Toronto on May 8

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“The future is now!” is the theme of the 158th Annual Spring Meeting (ASM) 2025, hosted by the Ontario Dental Association (ODA). The ASM is always a popular event, providing a space for dental professionals to connect with colleagues, friends, and exhibitors. Bring your entire dental team to learn, network, and gain valuable insights that … Read more

Number of children with cavities reaches record low in Japan after school initiatives

Japan has long focused on schools to improve children’s overall health.

A survey by Japan’s health ministry shows the number of children with cavities in the country hit a record low in fiscal 2024, the Japanese Times reported Wednesday. Japan is now reporting the lowest proportion of cavities among children since the government began tracking their oral health in fiscal 1948. The latest data, collected between … Read more

U.S. scientists grow human-like teeth in pigs, advancing bioengineering

The researchers say their study validates a potentially clinically relevant bioengineered tooth replacement therapy for eventual use in humans. (iStock)

A team at Tufts University in Massachusetts has successfully bioengineered human-like teeth in pigs, marking a significant advancement in dental regenerative medicine. The researchers detailed their findings in a paper published in late December. “I 100 per cent think regenerating human teeth can happen,” said Pamela Yelick, professor and director at Tufts University, during an … Read more

Research suggests bad oral bacteria could contribute to dementia risk after 50

Prebiotics, a type of fiber found in some foods that feed the good bacteria in your gut, could possibly be used as an intervention to boost cognitive function. (iStock)

A recent study by researchers from the University of Exeter suggests that harmful oral bacteria may damage the brain, increasing the risk of dementia in individuals aged 50 and over. The study, published in PNAS Nexus, analyzed data from 110 participants over the age of 50. It found that elevated levels of the harmful bacteria … Read more

Align Technology says shipping from Mexico still ‘more economical’ despite U.S. tariff

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Align Technology, the U.S.-based global medical device company that manufactures dental products in Mexico before shipping them primarily to the U.S. and other markets, said Wednesday it is monitoring the “fluid” tariff situation while emphasizing its operational flexibility. U.S. President Donald Trump over the weekend imposed 25 per cent tariffs on Canada and Mexico. However, … Read more

Arizona dentist ordered to hire chaperones after ex-employee accused of sexually assaulting three minors

The Arizona Board of Dental Examiners ordered that chaperones be present at all of the dentist's offices until the lawsuit's proceedings are complete.

The Arizona Board of Dental Examiners has ruled that an East Valley dentist must have a chaperone present for all appointments involving minors after his former employee was accused of sexually assaulting three patients, all younger than 10. Local media outlet AZCentral reported Tuesday that the decision followed a lawsuit against dental assistant Deion Garcia, … Read more

Dentsply Sirona, Colgate, Henry Schein among 500 U.S. companies recognized by Newsweek for sustainability

Green, sustainability. Dental Industry and reduce CO2 emissions.

Dentsply Sirona, Henry Schein, and Colgate-Palmolive Co. are the only three companies within the dental industry among the 500 listed by Newsweek for their sustainability footprint this year. “We hope this ranking serves as a helpful guide for consumers who wish to support businesses serious about sustainability, paving the way for a greener tomorrow,” said … Read more

Canada and the U.S. pause tariffs, including on toothpaste and floss, for one month

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U.S. President Donald Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Monday that their two countries had agreed to a 30-day pause on reciprocal tariffs as a trade war loomed. “Proposed tariffs will be paused for at least 30 days while we work together,” Trudeau posted Monday afternoon on X, saying that his government would … Read more

NDP urges action on pharmacare, dental care as health ministers meet in Halifax

Medical and dental data integration efforts are not new. (iStock)

Canada’s provincial and territorial health ministers are meeting with their federal counterpart in Halifax this week, and the New Democrats are urging them to ink pharmacare deals. The national pharmacare law calls for the federal government to sign deals with provinces and territories to start funding coverage of birth control and diabetes medications.  Federal Health … Read more

Study links frequent recreational cannabis use to increased risk of dental issues, including severe tooth loss

cannabis tooth loss

A study published in the Journal of the American Dental Association has found that frequent recreational cannabis (FRC) use is associated with a higher likelihood of dental problems. The research analyzed data from 5,656 U.S. adults aged 18 to 59, collected between 2015 and 2018 through the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). According … Read more

The ‘first ever’ in-office Personalized Xerostomia Protocol tool for dentists to help patients with dry mouth

prevalence is at least 20 per cent in the general population, with increased prevalence in females (up to 30 per cent) and the elderly (up to 50 per cent).

With many patients unaware they have dry mouth, privately held K Pharmaceuticals has introduced the “first ever” in-office Personalized Xerostomia Protocol (PXP) tool to assist dentists in identifying and managing the condition. Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all solution, the PXP is designed for use with every patient at every appointment. It provides clear guidelines and … Read more

Study identifies ‘dental deserts’ in U.S., one of the first to map access to care nationally

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A study published in December led by a Harvard associate professor identified “dental deserts” across the U.S. and was among the first to map spatial accessibility to clinics nationally, the university announced Jan. 22. Published in JAMA Network Open on Dec. 23, the study found that approximately 1.7 million people in the U.S. lacked access … Read more

Septodont invests in Balanced Pharma to develop new pain-relief dental injection drugs

The goals is to bring enhanced dental pain-relief drugs and reduce opioid use.

Balanced Pharma Inc. (BPI), a North Carolina-based company, has recently announced that France-based Septodont has made a strategic investment to support the development of its new dental injection drugs. BPI also said that Septodont COO Atif Zia has joined its Board of Directors. “We are very proud to add Septodont to the growing list of … Read more

How Justin Trudeau’s resignation could affect the future of the Canadian Dental Care Plan

Trudeau's resignation impact on Canadian dental care plan.

Justin Trudeau’s resignation raises questions about the future of the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP).  Proroguing Parliament until late March will have an impact. While existing spending for the CDCP will continue, the supplementary estimates tabled last fall that were waiting for parliamentary approval — about $317 million and $1.5 million respectively in new spending for Health … Read more

NFL star Patrick Mahomes joins Align Technology as brand ambassador after closing his teeth gap with Invisalign

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During his early years in the NFL, quarterback Patrick Mahomes famously had a gap between his teeth. On Thursday, Align Technology announced that Mahomes has joined the leading global medical device company as its brand ambassador, representing the Invisalign Smile Squad. “After many years of speculation, I figured it was finally time to set the … Read more

Canada’s health-care system falls behind peers, report says expanding dental and drug coverage is key

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A new report says Canada’s health-care system has fallen behind international peers in access to care, equity and wait times, outperforming only the United States. The not-for-profit think tank C.D. Howe Institute says Canada ranks ninth out of 10 countries evaluated, including the Netherlands and United Kingdom, who were top performers. The report also says … Read more

‘New obturators’: Australian team combines 3D printing, AI and new materials for fine-tuned dental prosthetics

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An Australian team from Metro South Oral Health is working to combine advanced 3D printing with AI and new materials described as “light” and “durable,” the Queensland government said Thursday. The goal is to improve both the precision and speed of creating dental prosthetics, including dentures and crowns. “In the future, we aim to reduce … Read more

ClearDent partners with The Aurum Group in Calgary to offer hands-on education on the latest dental technology

The partnership will facilitate joint research initiatives that explore new frontiers in dental technology and practice management.

ClearDent Dental Software, based in B.C., has announced a strategic partnership with a Calgary institution dedicated to advancing dental education and research. Through this partnership, ClearDent’s innovative dental practice management solutions will help The Aurum Group, which includes FACE4D Diagnostic Imaging Centre and Hyo Maier Centre for Dental Excellence, offer hands-on education to students and … Read more

More U.S. dentists are getting younger, but average retirement age reaches 69

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U.S. dentists, on average, are retiring at 69 as of 2023, returning to their pre-pandemic retirement age, according to data released by the American Dental Association’s Health Policy Institute. Over the last 20 years, the average age of retirement for U.S. dentists has steadily increased, from 64.7 in 2001 to over 65 in 2003. This … Read more