Testing of Benco Milling Unit to be Starting soon...

the Pride Best of Class (BOC) Technology Panel has been promoting "open source" communication amongst dental devcies for a while now.

It's our opinion that if your company makes a good product and it provides a good clinical result for patients, then dentists will purchase it.  Closed systems basically "force" a doctor to only purchase equipment that "talks" and "works" with other equipment in that closed system.  That's not something that I, nor my colleagues on the pride panel, feel comfortable endorsing.  That's why we made a position statement supporting "open source".

Along those lines, my team and I are about to embark on some clinical testing of a great open source system.

We have been using the iTero digital impression system for about 5 years now and would never go back to traditional impressions.

The other great thing about the iTero is that the digital impressions are stored in the .stl format.  This means that the digital impression files can be used by other equipment that can read those files.  Recently I've been approached by Benco who is selling the TS150 milling unit.  This milling unit was developed by Glidewell lab.  It seems that that Glidewell and Benco ore looking for an iTero user to do some work with the TS150 unit and provide feedback.  Needless to say, we're excited to be able to provide that feedback.

Sometime in the not too distant future we'll be offering same day crowns and other fixed prosthetics.  The impressions will be acquired by the iTero and the prosthetics will be milled by the TS150.  Rest assured you'll be getting my feedback right here before anyone  else hears about it.

Problems with iOS 8.0.1

Well, last week I went over some of the cool things one could/find from iOS 8.

I must admit that I wasn't too crazy about how it was delivered.  I was in Tampa getting ready for a JADA Live Event (the Journal of the American Dental Association).  We had dinner as a team and when I returned to my hotel room, I discovered that my iPad had downloaded the update and was ready to install.

What I didn't realize was how long it would take to get the update installed & ready to use.  My iPad is my alarm clock on the road and I couldn't go to sleep until I was *sure* the iPad was ready.  so, needless to say I couldn't go to sleep until I was done with the update.

Now comes word that the update has been causing some problems for those that jumped right on the bandwagon (like me).  While I have not had any problems at all, it seems that other folks  have had problems galore.  In order to rectify these problems, Apple quickly pushed out a "fix" update called iOS 8.0.1, but it also caused some problems.  In fact, the update caused some serious problems with the flagship products it was supposed to feature (meaning iPhone 6 and 6 Plus users).  This info is directly from Apple & discusses how *another* update is needed to fix a problem that rendered some 6 and 6 Plus phones incapable of making phone calls.  That's right.  The update turned the brand new iPhones into... iPods... very expensive iPods.  Oh boy...

Supposedly this problem would be fixed by patch iOS 8.0.2

Now granted all upgrades can be fraught with compatibility issues... but on the newest hardware?  Somewhere the soul of Mr. Jobs is spinning...

A Note from Nobel Biocare Regarding the Recent Acquisition by Danaher

There have been more than a few questions circulating around the industry regarding the recent purchase of Nobel Biocare by Danaher.  As a huge player in the global market for dental implants, Nobel users want to make sure things will continue on their current path of innovation & support.  Here is a press release from the company letting customers know what to expect as the transition happens:

Dear Nobel Biocare Customer, Perhaps you are aware of the exciting news announced last week where Nobel Biocare has entered into a definitive agreement with Danaher whereby Danaher has made a tender offer for all publicly traded shares of Nobel Biocare. With the addition of Nobel Biocare, Danaher's dental platform would be the largest consumable and equipment player in the dental industry with sales approaching 3 billion USD. Upon completion of the purchase, Nobel Biocare will continue to operate as a stand-alone company and a cornerstone within Danaher's dental platform maintaining our own brand identity, production sites and our headquarters in Switzerland. Our US and Canadian based operations will continue to be served from Yorba Linda, California and Toronto, Ontario, with our existing management teams. As a valued customer you should expect no change in our relationship, service level, local representative support or our dedication to help you treat more patients better with our superior products and services. In fact, Danaher will continue to invest in their dental platform. According to Henk van Duijnhoven, Senior Vice President of Danaher Dental, "The Danaher dental platform will continue to invest in a wide range of dental technologies and innovations to better serve our customers. Bringing Nobel Biocare's deep expertise in implant dentistry, digital prosthetics and software together with our extensive knowledge in 3D imaging, intraoral scanning and digital restorative solutions will further enable us to optimize and integrate workflows. This will lead to better clinical outcomes, shorter treatment times and fewer office visits to the benefit of patients and dental practitioners." As a pioneer and world leader in the field of innovative implant-based dental restorations, we hope to further strengthen our relationship with you and look forward to this promising next chapter and the exciting possibilities to come. Should you have any questions please don't hesitate to contact me directly at tom.olsen@nobelbiocare.com. Thank you for your continued support and partnership.

American Academy of Periodontology Installs New President, Officers in San Francisco

California Periodontist Joan Otomo-Corgel Takes Helm at 100^th Annual Meeting

SAN FRANCISCO – September 23, 2014 – Joan Otomo-Corgel, DDS, MPH, a periodontist from Manhattan Beach, Calif., has been installed at the American Academy of Periodontology’s (AAP’s) newest president during its 100^th Anniversary Annual Meeting, held Sept. 19-22, 2014, in San Francisco. Other newly installed AAP leaders include President-elect Wayne A. Aldredge, DMD, of New Jersey; Massachusetts’ Terrence J. Griffin, DMD, as Vice President; and Steven Daniel, DMD, of Tennessee as Secretary/Treasurer. New York’s Stuart J. Froum, DDS, will serve as the Academy’s immediate past president.

“I am excited about the opportunity to serve the specialty of periodontics as it enters its second century,” Dr. Otomo-Corgel said. “Periodontics is a dynamic specialty. What an exciting time for the AAP to expand its knowledge to best care for the health of the public we serve.” In addition to maintaining a private periodontal practice, Dr. Otomo-Corgel is the chair of research at the Greater Los Angeles Veteran’s Affairs Health Care Center. She is an associate clinical professor in the Department of Periodontics at the University of California Los Angeles’ (UCLA) School of Dentistry, where she earned her dental degree in 1979. She completed a Masters of Public Health degree from the UCLA School of Public Health in 1980. 

An AAP member since 1977, Dr. Otomo-Corgel has served on the boards of trustees for the AAP and the AAP Foundation. “Dr. Otomo-Corgel is a thoughtful leader whose valued contributions have made an impression on her colleagues and within our specialty. I am confident that she and our newest slate of leaders will leave a positive impact on the AAP’s legacy for years to come,” says Dr. Froum, who served as president from 2013 to 2014. 

About Other Installed Officers:

Wayne A. Aldredge, DMD, President-elect: A member of the AAP since 1995, Dr. Aldredge has nearly 20 years of professional dentistry experience, first honing his general dentistry skills as an army captain at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. In addition to his current work as a Holmdel, N.J., periodontist, Dr. Aldredge is a clinical assistant professor at Stony Brook University’s Department of Periodontics and Dental Implantology. A diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology, he is a dental graduate of the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, and he obtained a post-graduate degree in periodontology at the State University of New York at Stony Brook.

Terrence J. Griffin, DMD, Vice President: Dr. Griffin has served on eight AAP committees since becoming a member in 1973. The Boston periodontist also served as the chair and director of Tufts University’s periodontology program for 15 years. A veteran of the U.S. Navy, Dr. Griffin became a post-doctoral fellow at Tufts after a two-year tour of duty, earning his certificate of advanced graduate studies in periodontology in 1975. In addition to a DMD degree from Tufts, Dr. Griffin earned his undergraduate degree in biology from Boston College.  

Steven R. Daniel, DDS, Secretary/Treasurer: A Knoxville, TN., native, Dr. Daniel is a practicing periodontist in Murfreesboro, TN. With more than 31 years of experience, Dr. Daniel became a diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology in 2005. In addition to his service with the AAP, Dr. Daniel has served as a trustee for the Tennessee Society of Periodontists and the Southern Academy of Periodontology. He completed his DDS at the University of Tennessee School of Dentistry. 

Dr. Stuart J. Froum, DDS, Immediate Past President: Dr. Froum, a graduate of the New York University College of Dentistry, has been a member of the AAP since 1971. He is currently a clinical professor of periodontics and implant dentistry at the New York University Dental Center, where he is also the director of clinical research. In addition to operating a private practice in New York City, Dr. Froum has served on the AAP’s board of trustees since 2005 and has been a diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology since 2004. 

Newly-installed AAP officers will serve a term of approximately one year with new officers to be appointed at the AAP’s 101^st Annual Meeting in Orlando, to be held Nov. 14-17, 2015.

About the American Academy of Periodontology
The American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) represents nearly 8,000 periodontists—specialists in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of inflammatory diseases affecting the gums and supporting structures of the teeth, and in the placement of dental implants. Periodontics is one of the nine dental specialties recognized by the American Dental Association. 

Crest to Remove Microbeads from Toothpaste

Here's an interesting story from the world of dentistry and one of the industry's favorite products, toothpaste.

For consumers, the name "Crest" has got to be either the most recognized or the second most recognized toothpaste brand on the US market.  The brand has been around for longer than we've been alive and has always carried a very high degree of consumer confidence.

Recently it seems that the toothpaste industry has had a couple of less than stellar news items.  The first was concerns over the chemical "Triclosan" that has been in Colgate products for a while.  This issue does not affect Crest users at all.  If you would like more info, you can read about it on the Crest website.

The second item that hit the news does deal with Crest.  While it doesn't deal with any type of active chemical ingredient, it does deal with a component of some products.

It seems that Crest places small polyethylene microbeads in some of their toothpastes.  These beads, which are considered as a food additive by the FDA, are used to help scrub the teeth clean while you brush.  There is no concern about the chemical polyethylene, the concern from dentists has to do with the fact that the beads have the potential to become lodged somewhere between the tooth and gum which might create a foreign body reaction.

This potential exists because the microbeads will not dissolve in the mouth.  Thus, while I've never heard of a foreign body reaction due to these, the potential does exist.

Once Crest heard of the concern from dentists, they announced they will remove them from the products in which they are found.  The company anticipates all supplies will be polyethylene free by 2016.

For a nice overview written for patients, take a look at this article from Foxnews.com

For a look at this issue for dental professionals, my writing home Dental Products Report has a nice article dealing with it.

The Joy of Mac or Why I Pay Top Dollar for my Laptop

Sorry for the lack of posts on Friday and Monday, this post should pretty well tell you why…

On Friday, I was speaking at the JADA Live event in Tampa, Florida.  Unfortunately, the best laid plans sometimes go astray.  As I was setting up for the first presentation of the day, I plugged the projector into my trusty MacBook Pro and all heck broke lose on my poor Mac.  The screen twisted and looked like a combination of a bad electrical signal and a Salvador Dali painting.  I rebooted and tried again… same result.

Time was ticking down and I needed to get my presentation on the screen.  Thankfully, one of my presenting pals, Dr. Cynthia Brattesani was there with her MacBook Air.  Since I was using the Mac presentation software, Keynote, we simply pulled the lecture off my machine and copied onto hers.  I was up & running in no time.  Problem solved!  At least for Friday…

However, as many of you know I live a fair amount of my life on the road and there is another lecture to do this week in Dallas.  What do you do?  

In my case it was simple.   A trip to the Apple store when i got home allowed me to buy a new laptop without the projector problems.  I also had them do a data transfer which means the techs moved all of my data over to the new machine.  When I fired it up, it was identical to the old device.  Perfect.

I’m now posting from the new MacBook Pro using my regular blogging software.  I love how Apple can just make my life easier like that.  Nothing is perfect, but when you need your machine to perform this week like the old did all those times before, this is *great* piece of mind!

9 Eye-Catching Features in Apple's iOS 8

With my beloved Royals trying hard to make the playoffs, its hard to blog and be at the stadium all at the same time.

To that end, another short post today, but well worth the link.

If you are thinking about updating to a new iPhone, here are some great reasons to love the new iOS.

Check out the story by PC Mag.com

Gung Ho Data Protection

A short post today because the article I'm referring you to pretty much tells it all.

For a great look at protecting your data, take a look at this article from CIO.

Nobel Biocare to Join Danaher Dental Platform

 

World leader in innovative implant-based dental restorations will be a cornerstone of Danaher’s global dental business

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — (September 15, 2014) Danaher Corporation announced today that it has entered into a definitive transaction agreement to acquire Nobel Biocare Holding AG, the world leader in implant dentistry. Over the past 40 years, Nobel Biocare has established itself as a pioneer in nearly every aspect of implant dentistry — from PI Brânemark’s discovery of osseointegration, to Procera digital prosthetic solutions and treating fully edentulous patients. In doing so, Nobel Biocare has dramatically changed the lives of millions of patients. Implants and prosthetics are one of the most exciting categories in dentistry today, offering a unique opportunity for dental professionals to deliver long-term solutions to women and men who desire a smile that is both beautiful and functional. With the ways in which technology and materials science continue to shape the implant dentistry workflow, bringing Nobel Biocare to the dental platform upholds Danaher’s commitment to be a world leader in dentistry.

Nobel Biocare will be a cornerstone of the dental platform. With the addition of Nobel Biocare, Danaher will be the strongest consumable and equipment player in the dental industry, with sales approaching $3 billion. Dental implants is a $3.5 billion market with attractive long term growth drivers, including an aging population, growing income in high growth markets and low penetration rates of dental implants in most geographies today. With this acquisition, Danaher will have an unmatched position in dental implants with Nobel Biocare in the premium segment and the Implant Direct joint venture in the value segment; the company plans to further invest in both these segments. Nobel Biocare will operate as a stand-alone company within Danaher’s dental platform, maintaining its own brand and identity. Implant Direct will remain as a stand- alone joint venture with no change in its go to market strategy.

“We will continue to invest in a wide range of dental technologies and innovations to better serve our customers. Bringing Nobel Biocare’s deep expertise in implant dentistry, digital prosthetics and software solutions together with our extensive knowledge in 3D imaging, intraoral scanning and digital restorative solutions will further enable us to optimize and integrate workflows. This will lead to better clinical outcomes, shorter treatment times and fewer office visits to the benefit of patients and dental practitioners,” said Henk van Duijnhoven, Senior Vice President of Danaher’s dental platform. “This combination will further support our business strategy and position our dental business for future growth.”

Danaher’s dental platform reaches 99% of all dental practices through an extensive network of dealer partners as well as direct sales. It will continue its strategy of working closely with its highly valued distribution partners as well as direct sales to maximize market access for all its brands.

“Nobel Biocare’s leadership team has done an outstanding job creating a strong platform for future growth over the last couple of years,” van Duijnhoven added. “Our team is excited to work with CEO Richard Laube and the Nobel Biocare team to build on their efforts toward

continued innovation, growth and business improvement. We look forward to welcoming all Nobel Biocare’s associates, customers and key opinion leaders to the Danaher team.”

###

About the Danaher Dental Platform:

The Danaher Dental Platform is a global portfolio of leading dental brands that share common values of Trust, Experience, Choices, Quality and Smart Innovation. Brands include KaVo, Kerr, Kerr Total Care, Pentron, Axis|Sybron Endo, Orascoptic, Pelton & Crane, Marus, Gendex, DEXIS, Instrumentarium, SOREDEX, i-CAT, NOMAD, DUX Dental and Ormco. With over 500 years of combined experience and proven solutions, Danaher’s dental platform uniquely serves 99% of all dental

practices. Visit www.kavokerrgroup.com for more information. 

DenMat to Support Breast Cancer Awareness

 

As someone who has a breast cancer survivor in their family, I've become very acquainted with my "inner pink".  I've also learned to support those who support the cause.

 

That's why I'm happy to announce that the good folks at DenMat have come out in support of the cause.  The company will be selling Pink Themed Curing lights and Perioptics Surgical Telescopes to help support breast cancer awareness.

 

They will also be donating a portion of their sales at the ADA Meeting in San Antonio to the cause as well!

 

I'd like to personally thank the good folks at DenMat for taking this opportunity to support Breast Cancer Awareness.  It's a great gesture and I strongly encourage anyone reading this to support the company for this effort.  Buying from DenMat is a great way to show your support!

 

For more info, check out the write-up at Dental Products Report!

SanDisk Announces 512GB SD Card

The increasing amount of memory just amazes & thrills me. 512GB in a memory card? Incredible!

Here are the details from San Disk:

With write speeds up to 90 MB/s** and recording at the UHS Speed Class 3 (U3)** rating, our most powerful, highest capacity UHS-I SD memory card enables your DSLR, advanced digital or HD video camera** to deliver high resolution, real-world color and stutter-free video. Transfer speeds up to 95 MB/s ensure that your data moves fast for a more efficient post-production workflow.
Shot speeds up to 90MB/s; transfer speeds up to 95 MB/s**
Engineered to capture 4K Ultra High Definition**
Up to 512GB** capacity for uninterrupted video capture at super-fast UHS Speed Class 3 (U3)**
Built for and tested in harsh conditions; temperature proof, water proof, shock proof, and x-ray proof**
Limited lifetime warranty**


-Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Brasseler USA® Introduces HygienePro™ Ultrasonic Scaler Inserts

 

Hygienists the world over are smiling this  morning as Brasseler announces their new Ultrasonic Scaler Inserts.  Read on for all the details from the  press release I received...

 

24 Ergonomic Scaler Inserts Available for Greater Patient Comfort 

and Practice Efficiency

 

SAVANNAH, GA (September 10, 2014) – Brasseler USA^®, a leading manufacturer of quality instrumentation, is pleased to introduce a wide variety of new ultrasonic scaler inserts for its popular HygienePro^™ family of products for the dental hygiene professional. 

 

HygienePro^™ Ultrasonic Scaler Inserts are ergonomically designed to substantially reduce user fatigue while increasing patient comfort. Available in both hard and soft grips, the new inserts are extremely versatile and easy to implement. HygienePro Ultrasonic Scaler Inserts are compatible with all magnetostrictive devices.  

 

Ergonomic grip designs feature a textured, non-slip surface that significantly reduces hand and wrist fatigue for enhanced user comfort and control.  Moreover, HygienePro Ultrasonic Scaler Inserts are equipped with a patented laminate solder joint ensuring extraordinary durability, consistent spray, and an even vibration.  

 

A wide variety of tip designs are available in both 25K and 30K frequency options to suit each user’s unique individual requirements:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• •Universal – the universal tip design is available in slotted and direct focus water delivery options
• •Slim – the slim tip design is also available in slotted and direct focus water delivery options
• •Triple Bend – the triple bend tip design is available exclusively in slotted water delivery option 
• •Beaver Tail – the beaver tail tip design is available exclusively in slotted water delivery option

 

For more information about the HygienePro Ultrasonic Scaler Inserts, please visit www.BrasselerUSA.com or call 800-841-4522.

 

About Brasseler USA^®

 

Brasseler USA^® is a leading ISO Certified healthcare company, providing quality instrumentation to healthcare professionals for use in restorative dentistry, endodontics, oral surgery and oral hygiene. Over the past 35 years, Brasseler USA 

has developed a reputation as an innovative market leader in diamonds, carbides, polishers, endodontics, hand instruments and handpieces. Today, Brasseler USA offers the most comprehensive assortment of instruments and power systems under one brand in the world. For more information, please visit www.BrasselerUSA.com.   

 

It seems for years now, we've been hearing rumors about some type of Internet connected watch coming down the pipe from Apple.  Well today, Apple entered the market that people are now calling wearable technology with an announcement at the Flint Center for the Performing Arts in Cupertino, California.  At the event, Apple CEO Tim Cook announced the Apple Watch and revealed the new gizmo will be available early in 2015 for a price tag of $349.  The delivery date is a bit confusing to me.  Usually tech companies announce new device at this time of year to catch the holiday buzz and get them on people's wish lists.  Making the watch available in 2015 sort of defeats that purpose.

 

This type of device has been brewing for a while now.  Some of you have been using wearable fitness devices to track your workouts, sleep patterns, etc for a while now.  However, Apple was quick to let consumers know that this watch is not something that will replace your existing devcies.  Instead, the Apple Watch is a gadget designed to work with your iPhone.  It will also *only* work with the iPhone 5, 5c, 5s, 6, or 6 Plus.  Users of older iPhones will need to purchase a new phone to get integration with the Apple Watch.

 

The new iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus are phones that appear to be designed to compete with the Samsung Galaxy S5.  The iPhone 6 sports a 4.7" screen while the iPhone 6 Plus sports a 5.5" screen.  Compare that with the Samsung Galaxy S5 that has a 5.1" screen.

 

The New York Times has a *great* article that goes over the entire announced changes.  You can read all the details here.  Way to go NYT!!!   

 

 

 

Brasseler USA introduces the Forza V3 Piezo Ultrasonic System

 

I absolutely *love* piezo electric systems.  They are great for hygiene (perhaps nothing is better at removing calculus), but they also have a place in the restorative realm as well. Needless to say, I was excited to see the following press release:

 

Brasseler USA, a leading manufacturer of quality instrumentation, is pleased to unveil the Forza V3 Piezo Ultrasonic System.  Featuring stunning LED illumination, a slim  handpiece design, and an intuitive interface, the Forza V3 provides users a long list of features and benefits all in one compact, space-saving unit.

 

Available in both fiber optic and non-fiber optic models, the Forza V3 is easily installed in any dental operatory. With a wide range of piezo ultrasonic tips available, the Forza V3 is ideal for a variety of clinical procedures including restorative, hygiene, periodontal, general scaling, implant maintenance, and endodontic surgery.

The Forza V3 Piezo Ultrasonic System operates in a linear motion, providing less sensitivity for patients. Moreover, the Forza V3 requires less water to control heat and operates with little to no vibration, increasing overall tactile feel.

“One of the most impressive features incorporated into the Forza V3 is the lightweight, slim handpiece,” according to Ronnie Hiers, Product Manager at Brasseler USA. “Traditionally, piezo users had to compromise on weight and size if they wanted to include fiber optics. With the Forza V3, not only are users provided the brightness and natural daylight color of an LED, but they also gain superior access and visibility from the ultra-thin design.”

The Forza V3 is equipped with an exclusive Piezo Accelerator Mode that instinctively provides additional power at the most critical moments when more power is needed. Continuously activated, the Piezo Accelerator Mode provides reliable power and stable frequency output.

Dr. Alex Fleury, an endodontist located in Dallas, Texas, attested to the Forza V3’s superior performance, “One word: Fantastic! LED light is great and especially useful for those not using a microscope. The power is excellent, and overall, the Forza V3 is a great machine; indispensable for my line of work.”

Other key features of the Forza V3 include:

• Weighing in at only 33 grams, the slim, ergonomic design of the Forza V3 handpiece provides excellent access while reducing hand fatigue.
• Dual LED fiber optics deliver clearer vision and maximum visibility.
• A control unit holder provides multiple mounting options and a sliding bracket feature that allows the unit to be conveniently stored away when not in use.
• Easy power and water adjustment knobs on a simple-to-operate control panel.
• Over 80 piezo tips to choose from for a variety of clinical applications.

For more information about the Forza V3 Piezo Ultrasonic System, please visit BrasselerUSA.com or call 800-841-4522.

Aurum Ceramic Launches New Re-Designed Website

 

See What’s “New” in Dentistry Today!

Spokane, WA – August 26, 2014 – Aurum Ceramic Dental Laboratories, and its affiliated Aurum Group companies (Aurum Ceramic @ LVI and Space Maintainers – Pacific Northwest), are pleased to announce the launch of its re-designed, fully-featured website at www.aurumgroup.com. The new site has extensive content, both on-line and available for download, including full details on what’s new in dentistry today: new products, new techniques, new on-line tools and new Continuing Education opportunities.

The Aurum Ceramic website is designed to assist dental professionals in comparing and applying the latest alternatives in state-of-the-art dentistry today, including the rapidly expanding areas of implantology and digital dentistry. The site features robust Brochure and Technical Information download sections for dentists, laboratory technicians and patients. Along with a more contemporary design, changes have been made to the site-wide navigation to help clinicians, and their extended teams, find the information and materials they need faster, both on-line and via mobile media. The site reflects Aurum Ceramic’s, and the Aurum Group’s, commitment to providing Complete Root-To-ToothTM Solutions in all aspects of the dental industry.

To visit the new site, visit www.aurumgroup.com.

About Aurum Ceramic Dental Laboratories

Aurum Ceramic (www.aurumgroup.com) specializes in Comprehensive Aesthetic and Implant Dentistry. As a leader in state-of-the-art dentistry, we are committed to setting the platinum standard in laboratory services and outstanding results. Aurum Ceramic has always been committed to supporting dentistry with not only the most technologically advanced restorative materials and techniques available but also in terms of research, education and program assistance. We are proud to be a Platinum Lab Partner at LVI Global (The Las Vegas Institute of Advanced Dental Studies). Aurum Ceramic works closely with the Pacific Implant Institute, Common Sense Dentistry (Dr. Louis Malcmacher) and PTC; is a Corporate Gold Member of AACD; and are supporters of Oral Health America and many other foundations and initiatives. 

White House Nabs Google's Megan Smith to be CTO of Administration

 

In 2009, President Obama created a (in my opinion) much needed post of White House CTO (Chief Technology Officer).  Since that time, the job has only been held by three people, with Ms. Smith being the third.

 

Personally, I can't think of many better choices.  Let's face it, for this job you want someone with some serious tech background and Ms. Smith certainly has that.  Until picked for the CTO position she was vice president of Google's department called Google X.  This is the free wheeling, outside the box thinking part of Google that deals with special products/ideas the employees come up with.  That area is where the way cool projects are developed.  She has seen the work done on Google Glass, the balloon based high altitude universal wireless project, and the car that drives itself (sans driver) just to name a few.  Someone with those types of projects under her belt should be well suited to help the US government with its technology issues, questions, and projects.

 

Let's face it, outside of areas like the NSA, CIA, and other national security type departments, the US government is badly in need of someone that can help them with technology (think the Obama-care website debacle as one).  

 

The government's need for someone with serious tech chops is pretty obvious.  We *need* someone like Megan Smith to help lead this charge.  Here's hoping she can do it.

 

Also, this is not a *guaranteed* type position.  This is a job that was created by President Obama in 2009.  That means the job has the potential to cease to exist when the next president is elected.  My personal feelings are that this should be a full time position that does not exist at the whim of one administration or another.  Heck, I even feel this is a cabinet level job… it's that important.  Of course, I'm just a molar mechanic and no one from the halls of power ever calls up and asks my opinion.  If they ever did, I know what I would say about this subject.  To me it's a pretty simple decision.

DEA to Publish Final Rule Rescheduling Hydrocodone Combination Products

 

 

AUG 21 (WASHINGTON)–On Friday the U. S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will publish in the Federal Register the Final Rule moving hydrocodone combination products (HCPs) from Schedule III to the more-restrictive Schedule II, as recommended by the Assistant Secretary for Health of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and as supported by the DEA’s own evaluation of relevant data.  The Federal Register has made the Final Rule available for preview on its website today at http://go.usa.gov/mc8d. 

This Final Rule imposes the regulatory controls and sanctions applicable to Schedule II substances on those who handle or propose to handle HCPs.  It goes into effect in 45 days.

The Controlled Substances Act (CSA) places substances with accepted medical uses into one of four schedules, with the substances with the highest potential for harm and abuse being placed in Schedule II, and substances with progressively less potential for harm and abuse being placed in Schedules III through V.  (Schedule I is reserved for those controlled substances with no currently accepted medical use and lack of accepted safety for use.)  HCPs are drugs that contain both hydrocodone, which by itself is a Schedule II drug, and specified amounts of other substances, such as acetaminophen or aspirin.

“Almost seven million Americans abuse controlled-substance prescription medications, including opioid painkillers, resulting in more deaths from prescription drug overdoses than auto accidents,” said DEA Administrator Michele Leonhart, “Today’s action recognizes that these products are some of the most addictive and potentially dangerous prescription medications available.”

When Congress passed the CSA in 1970, it placed HCPs in Schedule III even though it had placed hydrocodone itself in Schedule II.  The current analysis of HCPs by HHS and the DEA shows they have a high potential for abuse, and abuse may lead to severe psychological or physical dependence.  Adding nonnarcotic substances like acetaminophen to hydrocodone does not diminish its abuse potential.  The many findings by the DEA and HHS and the data that support these findings are presented in detail in the Final Rule on the website.  Data and surveys from multiple federal and non-federal agencies show the extent of abuse of HCPs.  For example, Monitoring the Future surveys of 8th, 10th, and 12th graders from 2002 to 2011 found that twice as many high school seniors used Vicodin®, an HCP, nonmedically as used OxyContin®, a Schedule II substance, which is more tightly controlled.

In general, substances placed under the control of the CSA since it was passed by Congress in 1970 are scheduled or rescheduled by the DEA, as required by the CSA and its implementing regulations, found in Title 21 of the Code of Federal Regulations.  Scheduling or rescheduling of a substance can be initiated by the DEA, by the HHS Assistant Secretary of Health, or on the petition of any interested party.  (Detailed information on the scheduling and rescheduling process can be found beginning on page 8 of Drugs of Abuse on the DEA’s website at http://www.justice.gov/dea/pr/multimedia-library/publications/drug_of_abuse.pdf.) 

The rescheduling of HCPs was initiated by a petition from a physician in 1999.  The DEA submitted a request to HHS for a scientific and medical evaluation of HCPs and a scheduling recommendation.  In 2013, the U. S. Food and Drug Administration held a public Advisory Committee meeting on the matter, and the committee voted to recommend rescheduling HCPs from Schedule III to Schedule II by a vote of 19 to 10.  Consistent with the outcome of that vote, in December of 2013 HHS sent such a recommendation to the DEA.  Two months later, on February 27, the DEA informed Americans of its intent to move HCPs from Schedule III to Schedule II by publishing a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in the Federal Register, outlining its rationale and the proposed changes in detail and soliciting public comments on the proposal, of which almost 600 were received. A small majority of the commenters supported the proposed change.