The mouth is the second most diverse microbial system in the human body after the gut—but researchers at Penn Dental Medicine say it behaves very differently when it comes to long-term health. In a study published July 16 in Microbiome, researchers compared the oral microbiomes of Nigerian children living with HIV, those exposed to the … Read more
DENVER (AP) — Colorado coach Deion Sanders may be losing a tailback but gaining a future dentist. Charlie Offerdahl stood in front of his teammates and coaches on the first day of fall camp Tuesday and announced he’s retiring from football due to a history of concussions. He’s on track to graduate in December and … Read more
An Alberta dentist facing criminal sexual assault charges has received a partial reprieve from the province’s top court, which found his professional college acted “unreasonably harsh” when it cancelled his practice permit, the Edmonton Journal reported. Dr. Shouresh Charkhandeh, 43, was charged in 2024 with four counts of sexual assault and one count of threatening … Read more
A review of 21 studies conducted between 2014 and 2024 suggests that artificial intelligence (AI), particularly deep learning (DL) algorithms, shows strong potential in detecting and predicting early childhood caries (ECC). Published July 26 in Nature, the study found that DL algorithms—models based on complex neural networks that mimic how the human brain detects patterns … Read more
A new University of Michigan study has found that tooth nerves are more than just pain detectors — they also play a protective role that could have major implications for future dental treatments and innovations. “When we consider regenerating a tooth pulp, we need to bring back the nerves.” In a peer-reviewed paper published in … Read more
While sweet drinks and snacks aren’t recommended for children, a new study has found no significant association between their consumption patterns and the development of early childhood caries (ECC) in low-income children under the age of two. Published July 13 in BMC Oral Health, the study followed 127 Medicaid-eligible children from birth at two university-affiliated … Read more
A Halifax judge is expected to rule Nov. 20 on whether retired pediatric dentist Dr. Errol Gaum, 82, is guilty of assaulting four former patients when they were children. The earliest allegation dates back to 1970. Gaum appeared in Halifax provincial court Monday for closing arguments in a trial that began in May. He originally … Read more
As the number of practising dentists has grown, solo practice ownership in Canada has steadily declined. Recent surveys show only about one-third of dentists now operate solo practices, according to the Canadian Dental Association (CDA). More than half report working alongside two or more other dentists, the CDA added. The CDA also outlined the historical … Read more
The American Dental Association (ADA) announced its support Monday for new U.S. federal legislation requiring evidence-based research to guide oral health policy. “Recently, there has been a growing distrust of credible, time-tested, evidence-based science about the safety and need for water fluoridation programs,” said Dr. Brett Kessler, president of the ADA. The ADA also praised … Read more
Engineers have developed a novel method to deliver vaccines without needles — using dental floss. In a study published July 22 in Nature Biomedical Engineering, researchers showed that vaccine-laced floss can deliver therapeutics through the junctional epithelium, a thin, porous tissue where the gums attach to the teeth, also known as the base of the … Read more
Drawing data from 7,633 children in Bristol, England, a recently published study shows that childhood abuse can increase the risk of developing caries in children ages 7 to 10. “This knowledge can help dentists identify vulnerable children or families during routine dental visits,” the researchers wrote in their paper, published in the Journal of Dentistry. … Read more
Artificial intelligence is already reshaping diagnostics in dentistry, but researchers at UT Health San Antonio and the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) are now exploring how AI could help evaluate and optimize dental composite materials. Their goal: to develop machine learning models that can accurately predict how commercially available dental composites—used in fillings … Read more
New York-based healthcare investment firm OrbiMed has invested a total of $85 million in Swiss company vVARDIS, known for its drill-free treatment for early tooth decay, the companies said in a recent statement. OrbiMed announced the closing of a $50 million funding round, adding to an initial $35 million investment made in February 2025. “After … Read more
Drawing on his interdisciplinary work in dental anatomy, geometry and human evolution, London-based dental surgeon Dr. Rory Mac Sweeney has proposed a new interpretation of the geometry behind Leonardo da Vinci’s Vitruvian Man. Historians and mathematicians have long debated the meaning of the famous sketch, including why da Vinci drew the man inside both a … Read more
Dentsply Sirona has confirmed three major entertainment names for its annual DS World Las Vegas event in 2025: Emmy-winning comedian Dana Carvey, Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Sheryl Crow and OrangeTheory Fitness co-founder Ellen Latham. Carvey will take the stage on Thursday, Sept. 25, at the MGM Grand for a night of comedy, followed by a live performance … Read more
After more than a year without a dentist, Inuvik is now on track to welcome a resident dentist by late fall. During a recent council meeting, Mayor Peter Clarkson said one potential dentist is soon expected to visit the Northwest Territories community to explore housing options. Inuvik’s only dental clinic, the Western Arctic Dental Group, has been closed since May … Read more
A new Japanese study has found that older adults with abnormal blood test results may also have declining oral health—suggesting a potential link between oral function and the risk of lifestyle-related diseases. The study, published online in the Journal of Oral Rehabilitation on April 17, 2025, was led by Professor Mitsuyoshi Yoshida, chair of the … Read more
Tufts University scientists are developing a new kind of dental implant they hope will eventually feel and function like real teeth — right down to sending signals to the brain. “They lack the nerve elements that natural teeth have.” That’s how Dr. Jake Jinkun Chen, professor of periodontology and director of the Division of Oral … Read more
Hudson’s Bay employees have been told they won’t receive severance pay — and they’ve also lost their health, dental and life insurance benefits, The Canadian Press reported. A law firm representing the workers says that because of the company’s significant secured debt, it’s unclear whether employees will be able to recover anything owed to them … Read more
Scientists have developed a novel biomanufacturing method that converts human urine into hydroxyapatite—a high-value, biocompatible mineral commonly used in dental and bone implants. The process, led by researchers at the University of California, Irvine, involves genetically engineered yeast that transforms waste into hydroxyapatite (HAp), a calcium phosphate compound that can also be used to restore … Read more