Dental clinic in Ontario accused of improper sterilization for nearly six years

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Patients who received treatment at a dental clinic in Hamilton, Ontario, may have been exposed to improperly sterilized instruments for nearly six years, CTV News reported Wednesday. Hamilton Public Health Services (HPHS) is advising patients who received care at the office operated by Dr. Merenisa Gonzales-Diaz between July 25, 2019, and Feb. 20, 2025, to … Read more

Canada’s dental industry ‘closely monitoring’ Trump tariffs, DIAC says

Canada launched its retaliatory 25 per cent tariffs eeffective March 4 on $30 billion in goods imported from the United States.

The Dental Industry Association of Canada (DIAC) said Tuesday it is “closely monitoring developments” after U.S. President Donald Trump imposed tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico — a 25 per cent across-the-board levy. Trump, however, imposed a lower 10 per cent charge on Canadian energy and 10 to 20 per cent tariffs on Chinese-origin … Read more

More than 20,000 attend Chicago Dental Society’s Midwinter Meeting, marking its 160th anniversary

Opening of this year's Chicago Dental Society Midwinter Meeting. (Photo: CDS)

More than 20,000 dental professionals gathered at the Chicago Dental Society (CDS) Midwinter Meeting, held Feb. 20-22 at McCormick Place West, to celebrate its 160th anniversary. “It is a huge milestone to celebrate 160 years of the Midwinter Meeting, and I believe its success lies in our unique blend of tradition and innovation,” said Heather … Read more

The silent killer of team morale: How to banish gossip and negativity from your dental office

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Dentistry has been around for centuries, evolving with advances in technology, techniques, and patient care. Yet, despite its longstanding history, many dental practices still struggle with a persistent and destructive force: gossip and negativity. In an industry so rooted in precision and professionalism, why does this issue remain prevalent? The answer often lies in human … Read more

Recognizing early signs of hearing loss in dental patients: Why it matters for oral health professionals

Hearing loss and oral health

As oral health professionals, dentists and hygienists often serve as early detectors of health conditions that go beyond the teeth and gums. While the connection between oral and systemic health is well-documented, hearing health is a lesser-known yet equally important aspect of patient care. Early signs of hearing loss can surface during dental visits, and … Read more

Quebec company’s papain-based gel approved for anesthesia-free caries removal

The papain enzyme in the gel breaks down decayed proteins, softening infected dentin.

Quebec-based Oral Science has announced the approval of its papain-based enzyme gel, Papacárie Duo, for minimally invasive and anesthesia-free caries removal. Papacárie Duo, which uses an innovative chemomechanical process, has received Health Canada approval (NPN 80129669), offering an alternative to traditional drilling techniques. How it works Papain works by selectively breaking down denatured collagen found … 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

Dalhousie University renames dental hygiene programs, adds Honours degree

Halifax, N.S., Aug. 9, 2021 – A sign at Dalhousie University.

Dalhousie University announced Tuesday that it will offer a new Bachelor of Dental Hygiene Honours program, with classes beginning in September 2025. The university’s current Diploma in Dental Hygiene will be renamed the Bachelor of Dental Hygiene, while the existing Bachelor of Dental Hygiene will become the Bachelor of Dental Hygiene Honours. “Apart from the … 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

Canadian small businesses working to fend off effects of tariffs, despite reprieve

Tapmaster president Tyler Pubben, at his company's manufacturing facility in Calgary, Alta., Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025. (The Canadian Press/Jeff McIntosh)

U.S. President Donald Trump might have delayed 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian goods for a month, but Tyler Pubben isn’t letting his guard down. The president of Tapmaster — a Calgary business making faucets with brass and polymer from the U.S. — is looking to lessen the company’s reliance on the U.S. by beefing … Read more

Study: Rabbits may absorb calcium by grinding their own teeth

study reveals rabbits might 'eat' their own teeth for calcium

A new study published in the February issue of The Veterinary Journal suggests that rabbits may obtain a steady source of calcium by ingesting the fine powder resulting from the natural grinding of their continuously growing teeth. This finding challenges the previous assumption that rabbits primarily rely on calcium-rich foods, such as leafy greens, to … 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

B.C. Dental Association launches petition against new health act, warns of higher costs for patients

BCDA warns the new law could lead to fewer available professionals, longer wait times and higher costs for patients

The British Columbia Dental Association (BCDA) has launched a public petition urging the provincial government to make critical changes to the Health Professions and Occupations Act (HPOA). The HPOA, formerly known as Bill 36, received royal assent in 2022 and is expected to come into force in 2025, replacing the Health Professions Act. “If enacted, … 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

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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