Viome Launches Clinically Validated Oral Health and Early Stage Cancer Detection Test For Dental Professionals

 

Oral Health Pro with CancerDetect™ is the first-of-its-kind designed to provide essential oral health insights with the goal of hyper-personalized oral care 

 Viome Life Sciences, a leading preventative health technology company committed to translating scientific advancements into practical and individualized health solutions, today announced the launch of Oral Health Pro with CancerDetect™. This groundbreaking test is set to revolutionize the industry’s approach to oral care by providing dental professionals with an unprecedented level of actionable insight into their patients' health. This test sets itself apart with the early detection of biomarkers associated with oral and throat cancer, achieving a specificity of 95 percent and sensitivity of 90 percent building on the clinical validation data just published in the Oral Oncology Journal. This makes it the most advanced oral & throat cancer screening test available today. 

“Viome’s holistic and scientific approach to health will transform how people approach oral hygiene and care,” said Ed Zuckerberg DDS FAGD, Viome’s Chief Dental Officer. “The Oral Health Pro test is ushering in a new era of preventative care that benefits patients and dental professionals. The current standard of oral care is extremely outdated, relying heavily on visual and tactile examinations. Viome is setting a new standard that uncovers the intricate interplay between microbial activities and human gene expression in the development of oral diseases and cancers.”

Utilizing Viome’s proprietary RNA sequencing technology and AI, Oral Health Pro with CancerDetect™ measures gene expression of the oral microbiome and human cells in each patient’s saliva to identify early biomarkers associated with oral and throat cancer. The transformative impact this test will have on many lives has earned the test underlying CancerDetect™ an FDA Breakthrough Device Designation for accelerated review.

Oral Health Pro is also changing the way dental professionals and individuals approach oral health, highlighting the profound link between the health of the mouth and the overall well-being of the body.  Oral Health Pro can detect a broad range of biomarkers associated with symptoms like poor gum health, cavities, bad breath, pathobiont activity, fungal activity, and genotoxic activity, many of which are associated with systemic health risks. 

This professional-grade solution benefits patients and dental professionals as well as their practices. Patients are empowered to take control of their health through an at-home test that only requires a simple saliva sample and provides detailed insights, while dentists are able to address patients’ needs with personalized treatments and improved clinical decisions.

“Viome’s unique technology can see a lot deeper than other tests since we detect the gene expression activity of a wide range of microbial as well as human cells,” said Guru Banavar Ph.D., Viome’s Founding Chief Technology Officer. “We further quantify the molecular pathways associated with oral health issues by applying machine learning on a very large dataset, trillions of nucleotides derived from tens of thousands of saliva samples. These analyses are translated into a simple report that helps dental professionals and patients understand their oral and systemic health risks.”  

 

As described in Viome’s published paper in the Oral Oncology journal, the biomarker for oral and throat cancer consists of both microbial and human transcripts. The clinical validation showed a high sensitivity and specificity for both early-stage and late-stage malignancies, across both oral and throat cancers. This clinical study, which involved 1,175 individuals, was a collaboration with leading salivary researcher Professor Chamindie Punyadeera of Griffith University, Dr. Salomon Amar of New York Medical College, and several others across multiple clinical centers. “This test represents a novel use of saliva for assays aimed at the improvement in test characteristics of oral cancer screening tools, along with being user-friendly,” said Dr. Amar.

Oral Health Pro is a cloud-based, no-cost, software product with a frictionless workflow so can easily be integrated into any practice. It is designed to increase patient retention and loyalty, monitoring oral and systemic health without taking up chair time. 

For more information please visit http://viomepro.com.

About Viome Life Sciences

Viome is a pioneering longevity and preventative healthcare company committed to bridging the gap between scientific breakthroughs and their practical implementation as health solutions. Utilizing cutting-edge AI and the world's largest gene expression database, Viome's home-based tests are benefiting consumers and medical professionals. Individuals are given the ability to take control of their health with personalized nutritional guidance and innovative microbiome health products, while professionals are given the tools necessary to improve clinical decisions and outcomes. 

Viome has empowered over half a million users with its unique approach that leverages the analysis of epigenetic biomarkers to provide AI-driven health insights that contribute significantly to promoting a healthy lifespan. The company has also entered into the professional market, starting with dentists, to further expand its personalized solutions and help individuals age optimally. 

SprintRay Dental Sunsetting Some Resin SKUs for Bego Crown Resin

 

Amazing progress has been made over the last 3 years or so in the 3D printing of permanent restorations.  While I, as a practitioner, I am waiting to see where all this shakes out, some doctors have been doing some limited printing of crowns.  

Currently printing of permanent restorations is a pretty leading edge process and one of the drawbacks with leading edge treatment can be rapid changes.  In the case of 3D printing, the hardware and its accuracy have been clinically acceptable for years, but the resins used to create the restorations are where the rapid change and advancements are happening.  To that end, what was cutting edge a year or two ago can suddenly be replaced by a newer material.  That's a fairly common event in dentistry where material science and research is constantly evolving.  At some point, this evolution of printing resins might slow, but discoveries and evolution is going to be at a pretty rapid pace for the foreseeable future.

To that end, SprintRay is announcing the sunsetting of some of their permanent restoration resins in the not too distant future.  Read on for the details...

SprintRay Dental, a leading provider of 3D printing solutions for the dental industry, has announced that it will be sunsetting some of its resin SKUs for Bego Crown Resin. This decision is being made to streamline SprintRay's product offerings and focus on the most popular and innovative resins.

Bego Crown Resin is a high-quality, durable resin that is ideal for printing permanent crowns, inlays, and onlays. It is also radiopaque, making it easy to see on X-rays. SprintRay will continue to offer Bego Crown Resin in a variety of shades, so dentists can find the perfect match for their patients.

The following resin SKUs will be sunset on October 31, 2023:

• SprintRay Crown

• SprintRay Crown Plus

• SprintRay Crown HD

Dentists who are currently using any of these resins should order enough stock to last them until the sunset date. After October 31, 2023, these resins will no longer be available for purchase.

SprintRay recommends that dentists who are currently using SprintRay Crown, SprintRay Crown Plus, or SprintRay Crown HD switch to Bego Crown Resin. Bego Crown Resin is a high-quality resin that offers similar or better performance than these resins.

Here are some of the benefits of using Bego Crown Resin:

• High strength and durability

• Radiopaque for easy visibility on X-rays

• Excellent color match to natural teeth

• Easy to print and post-process

Dentists who have any questions about the sunset of these resin SKUs or who would like to learn more about Bego Crown Resin can contact SprintRay Dental customer support.

What does this mean for dentists?

If you are currently using any of the resin SKUs that are being sunset, you will need to order enough stock to last you until October 31, 2023. After this date, these resins will no longer be available for purchase.

SprintRay recommends that dentists switch to Bego Crown Resin. Bego Crown Resin is a high-quality resin that offers similar or better performance than the resins that are being sunset.

If you have any questions about the sunset of these resin SKUs or who would like to learn more about Bego Crown Resin, please contact SprintRay Dental customer support.

A Comparison of the Effects of Scaling and Root Planing, Plus Twice-Daily Toothbrushing, in a Stage I/II Periodontitis Population

 

I love my Philips Sonicare 9900 Prestige powered toothbrush.  I have been using a Sonicare toothbrush for the entire 21st century.  I know a lot of us are using powered toothbrushes these days.  Honestly, as a dentist I *know* that my Sonicare makes my teeth cleaner... plus I just flat out love the way my teeth feel when I'm done using it.  However, I'm also a man who loves science.  So how do I know that recommending a Sonicare toothbrush to my patients is a smart decision?  Read below for a pretty interesting study...

Objective

The objective of this study was to compare the effects of use of home oral hygiene with either a manual toothbrush or a Philips Sonicare powered toothbrush, on plaque and periodontal inflammation, in stage I/II periodontitis patients, following scaling and root planing, up to six months.

Methodology

This was an IRB-approved, randomized, parallel, single-blind clinical trial conducted in the United States. All subjects provided informed consent. Eligible subjects were non-smokers (>10 years), aged 18-75 years, with stage I/II periodontitis, confirmed by X-ray. Subjects with uncontrolled diabetes, or stage III or greater periodontal disease, were not eligible. Those enrolled on study received in-office scaling and root planing (SRP) within 4 weeks of the intake visit.

Thereafter, subjects were randomized to a home oral-hygiene regimen of either: twice-daily manual toothbrush (MTB) use (Colgate Classic Adult), or a Philips Sonicare DiamondClean Smart (DCS), used in Gum Health mode at high intensity, with Premium Gum Care brush head. Randomization was balanced for gender and periodontitis stage. The use of additional oral hygiene aids was prohibited over the study period. Subjects returned to clinic every four weeks for safety and efficacy evaluation, up to Month 6. A new brush head was provided for all participants every eight weeks.

The following efficacy parameters were assessed: Bleeding on Probing (BOP), Modified Plaque Index (MPI), Probing Pocket Depth (PPD) and Clinical Attachment Level (CAL). Safety was evaluated via subject diary report and intraoral exam. In the event of accelerated or worsening oral health status that was felt to put the subject at undue risk, the principal investigator was able to exit subjects from study, as needed. (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04254770.) 

Note, as a result of stay-at-home orders due to the COVID outbreak in the United States, in-clinic visits were suspended for all subjects at Weeks 8 and 12. Therefore, no efficacy outcomes are available for these timepoints. At these intervals, safety was conducted by interview and review of each subject’s diary card. 

 Results  

There were 336 enrolled subjects. Of these, 163 were randomized to DCS, and 165 to MTB, with 149 DCS, and 150 MTB subjects who completed the study. The mean(SD) age of all randomized subjects was 44.1(13.2) years, with 229 females (105 with stage I periodontitis, 124 with stage II), and 99 males (42 with stage I, 57 with stage II). 

Over the six-month study period, 33 subjects experienced at least one adverse event. None of the reported events were serious, or possibly related or related to study products. There were no reported unanticipated adverse device effects. 

 Conclusions

Following scaling and root planing, twice-daily home use of the Philips Sonicare DiamondClean Smart with Premium Gum Care brush head was statistically significantly more effective in reducing plaque, and symptoms of periodontal inflammation including bleeding and pocket depth, compared to use of a manual toothbrush. Both toothbrushes were safe on teeth and oral tissues. 

To see the study complete with graphics *and*to download the abstract, head over the Philips website for all the comprehensive info.  

Buffalo Dental Manufacturing Bundles Two Best Selling Dental Lab Products to Create the Dynamic Duo

 

Combining the High-Powered V35 Electric Handpiece with the Time-Saving ThermaKnife™ Keeps Lab Benches Organized and Boosts Productivity

Buffalo Dental Manufacturing (BDM), a leading dental company with the industry’s widest range of handpieces, lab products, lab equipment and vacuum forming materials and accessories, recently launched “The Dynamic Duo” a lab bench innovation that combines two of BDM’s best-selling products.

Specifically, The Dynamic Duo combines BDM’s V35 Electric Handpiece; a high-powered, reliable value-priced 35,000 RPM electric handpiece system for dental laboratories and the ThermaKnife; an effective and time-saving tool for fast and easy trimming of bleaching trays, night guards, mouthguards, and 3D printed prostheses.

According to Buffalo Dental Manufacturing CEO Don Nevin, “The Dynamic Duo not only saves dental labs time, money and bench space, it also makes workflows more efficient – especially when detailing aligners.”

The Dynamic Duo includes the following features and benefits:

• Four Multi-Speed options (14k, 22k, 27k, 35k rpm) enable ideal speed selection for most cutting needs.

• High-Torque motor provides smooth operation and powerful performance with less operator fatigue.

• Fully adjustable temperature control for precise cutting action. The cutting tip heats ultra-fast to save time and eliminate waiting.

• A & B selection switch enables the use of two different Thermal Pens to reduce time and increase trimming productivity.

• Lightweight pen features an ergonomic design and sharp, permanent tip for improved comfort and control.

• An optional Heated Aligner Dimple Plier is also available, which is used for creating dimples in the aligner where the doctor wants to apply additional pressure to accelerate and/or guide tooth movement.

For more information, or to order the Dynamic Duo, visit www.BuffaloDental.com, call 800-828-0203, or send an email to sales@mailBDM.com. Distributor inquiries welcome.

 About Buffalo Dental Manufacturing:  

Headquartered in Syosset, NY, Buffalo Dental Manufacturing (BDC) supplies the dental profession with the  widest range of handpieces, lab products, lab equipment and vacuum forming materials and accessories. Dental offices and lab facilities worldwide choose BDC to protect their staff and patients alike. While Buffalo is proud to serve the global healthcare community, a majority of its products are manufactured in the United States, bringing you quality and value that are close to home.

TBS Dental Teams Up with Wounded Warrior Project to Support America's Bravest

In addition to my profession, my patients, and tech... I am also very passionate about the Armed Services of the United States.  I never served, unfortunately, and that is one of my regrets about my life.  In fact, just last week I was telling that to a patient who served in Desert Storm.  He told me, "Doc, we all get our callings and our gifts.  I think you did ok."  It was a compliment I am tremendously grateful for!

However, today's post isn't about me.  No, it's about those who served and need our help.  Since I never served, I feel it is tremendously important to support those who have.  That's why I was really excited to learn about TBS Dental announcing their support of the Wounded Warrior Project.

I truly believe "no one has greater love than this: to lay down his life for his friends."  So if you have the opportunity, let's help TBS help our wounded warriors!

GUZ8Y9

TBS Dental, a leading dental equipment manufacturer, is proud to announce a new partnership with Wounded Warrior Project (WWP). Through this partnership, TBS Dental will donate funds, volunteer time, and host events to support WWP's mission to honor and empower wounded warriors.

"We are passionate about giving back to the communities we serve," said Haseeb Sajid, CEO of TBS Dental. "Teaming up with Wounded Warrior Project is a natural fit for us, as we share a commitment to supporting those who have served our country. We are honored to have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of wounded veterans and their families."

WWP is a non-profit organization that provides a variety of programs and services to wounded veterans, including mental health support, career counseling, long-term rehabilitative care, and policy advocacy. The organization has served over 3.7 million veterans and their families since its inception in 2003.

"We are grateful for the support of TBS Dental," said Brea Kratzert Todd, WWP vice president of business development. "Their partnership will help us continue to provide our life-changing programs and services to wounded warriors and their families."

As part of the partnership, TBS Dental will donate a minimum of $250,000 to WWP over the next two years. The company will also host events and volunteer time to raise awareness of WWP's mission.

"We are committed to making a lasting impact on the lives of wounded veterans," said Sajid. "We believe that this partnership is a step in the right direction."

To learn more about TBS Dental's partnership with Wounded Warrior Project, please visit the company's website.

How You Can Help

There are many ways you can help support TBS Dental's partnership with Wounded Warrior Project. You can:

• Donate to WWP.

• Volunteer your time to WWP.

• Spread the word about the partnership.

Every little bit helps. Thank you for your support!

Aziyo Biologics Announces Voluntary Recall of Viable Bone Matrix Products

 

Not too long ago, I made a post to let readers know about a recall and product warning regarding a VBM (Viable Bone Matrix) material.  The material, "AlloOss Plus" is made by Aziyo Biologics, Inc.  The company recently annouonced a recall on the product.

Here is the information (via a press release) that Aziyo Biologics has posted regarding the situation.  Please note this information is dated and was posted on July 13, 2023

SILVER SPRING, Md., July 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Aziyo Biologics, Inc. (Nasdaq: AZYO), a company that develops and commercializes biologic products to improve compatibility between medical devices and the patients who need them, today announced a voluntary recall of its viable bone matrix products, which are bone repair products made from human tissue that are used primarily in orthopedic and spinal procedures.

Notice of the voluntary recall was issued to centers after the Company learned of post-surgical Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) infections in two patients treated with viable bone matrix product from a single donor lot. Prior to release, samples from this specific lot had tested negative for MTB by an independent laboratory using a nucleic acid test that is designed to specifically detect the MTB organism. Aziyo is fully cooperating and investigating the events in coordination with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Out of an abundance of caution, the Company has suspended shipments of all viable bone matrix products from all donor lots. The Company is also working closely with CDC staff to notify physicians of the patients who received the particular donor lot at issue to initiate post-exposure prophylaxis.

“We are taking immediate action to safeguard patients by implementing a full product recall as we work with the CDC to investigate this event,” said Dr.

Randy Mills, President and Chief Executive Officer of Aziyo Biologics. “The people of Aziyo care deeply about the patients we serve and will continue to work with the medical community, patients, and regulatory authorities as we gather additional information.”

About Aziyo Biologics

Aziyo develops and commercializes biologic products to improve compatibility between medical devices and the patients who need them. With a

growing population in need of implantable technologies, Aziyo’s mission is to humanize medical devices to improve patient outcomes. For more

information, visit www.Aziyo.com.

Understanding and Manipulating Color by Fay Goldstep, George Freedman

 

I have known Dr. George Freedman and his wife Dr. Fay Goldstep for around 20 years know.  They are a great c couple, but more to the point of today's post... they are smart.

Recently the duo created an article of how to understand color.  It's sponsored by the very smart folks at AdDent.  I've been using AdDent products for probably longer than I have know George & Fay.  They make some really cool products that can make practicing dentistry easier.  For sure you should check them out.

Here is what AdDent has to say about Fay and George's article and the link to the article will follow...

The study of color can be extremely complex and involved. In fact, the understanding of color and its manipulation is fundamental to the ability to create esthetically pleasing restorations in the mouth.

 

In today’s dentistry, both composites and porcelains are expected to mimic not only the shade of natural dentition, but also the translucence, opacity, and shade distribution of a real tooth.

 

Overall the indications for color and shade matching can encompass both the direct and the indirect procedures that are undertaken by the dentist on an everyday basis. Much of today’s dentistry is esthetically related or expected to be esthetic by patients. Whether the restoration is a direct composite filling or an indirect ceramic or ceramic porcelain-fused-to-metal procedure, it is expected to match the coloration of all the existing teeth.

 

If the procedure is done incorrectly, then the resulting restoration will not match the teeth; and, of course, in that case the procedure will have failed even before the restoration is placed in the patient’s mouth.

To read the full article, follow this link:  https://pocketdentistry.com/7-color-and-shade/ 

Patients File Lawsuit Against Meta for Potential of Collecting Protected Health Information

 

Meta, the parent company of Facebook, is facing a lawsuit for their use of a tracking tool called Pixel.

Meta Platforms Inc. is facing a number of lawsuits from patients who allege that the company's Pixel tracking tool has been improperly used to collect their protected health information (PHI). The lawsuits allege that Meta and its healthcare clients have violated HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) and state privacy laws by sharing PHI without the patients' knowledge or consent.

The lawsuits stem from allegations that Meta Pixel code has been embedded in the websites and patient portals of healthcare providers. This code allows Meta to collect information about patients' visits to the websites, such as the pages they view and the information they enter into forms. This information can be used to target patients with personalized advertising on Facebook and Instagram.

The plaintiffs in the lawsuits allege that Meta and its healthcare clients have violated HIPAA by failing to protect PHI. HIPAA requires healthcare providers to take steps to safeguard PHI from unauthorized access, use, or disclosure. This includes implementing technical safeguards to prevent unauthorized access to electronic health information (EHI). The plaintiffs allege that the use of Meta Pixel code on healthcare websites violates these safeguards by allowing Meta to access PHI without the patients' authorization.

It will be interesting to see how this lawsuit progresses and what comes out of it.  Private practitioners normally trust a third party to create their website(s) and normally this is a good idea simply because the office lacks the knowledge to create the site themselves.  Holding them responsible for code put in by the web designer or programmer is a difficult call.  While I'm a huge fan of protecting privacy it's also a hard call to make as this is an issue which most doctors would not have had the knowledge to be aware of.  I plan on making every effort to follow these lawsuits to see what decisions are made...

Dentbird AI: A New Way to Design Dental Crowns

 

In January of this year I went out on the proverbial limb and stated in my first column of the year that 2023 would be "The Year of AI in Dentistry".  My thought process was that I was seeing several companies making inroads to using the technology in dentistry and I thought, because of that, we'd see some interesting changes in the profession.  Wow!  Honestly, I didn't think it would explode like it has.  Now it seems that every little piece of dental tech is somehow improving with AI.  

Today's post goes that just a little bit further.  Dentbird AI has got a lot potentially going for it...

Dentbird AI is a cloud-based dental CAD software that uses artificial intelligence to automate the design of dental crowns. The software can be used to design crowns for both single and multiple teeth, and it can be accessed from any device with an internet connection.

The dental office first scans the patient's teeth using an intraoral scanner. The scan data is then uploaded to the Dentbird AI cloud platform, where the AI software analyzes it and generates a CAD design for the crown. The design can then be modified by the dentist or dental technician before it is sent to a dental lab for fabrication or the file can then be downloaded and the prosthesis created in the office by milling or 3D printing.

Dentbird AI offers a number of advantages over traditional methods of designing dental crowns. First, it is much faster and more efficient. The AI software can generate a CAD design in a matter of minutes, compared to the amount of time that it can take to design a crown manually.

Second, Dentbird AI is more accurate. The AI software is trained on a large dataset of real-world cases, so it is able to generate designs that are more accurate and precise than those that can be created manually.

Third, Dentbird AI is more affordable. The software is a subscription-based service, so dentists and dental technicians only need to pay for the time that they use it. This can potentially save money over the cost of traditional CAD software, depending on the amount of usage.  There is of course, the reliability of the office Internet connection as well.

If you are a dentist or dental technician, click this link to learn more about Dentbird AI.   

Philips Reaches Resolution of US Economic Loss Litigation for CPAPs

 

As many of you regular readers know, I treat a fair amount of OSA (Obstructive Sleep Apnea) in my practice.  I'm even such a big believer in what a good night's sleep can do for our health that I am now on the Board of Directors of the Foundation for Airway Helath.  So, as you can well imagine, I am also pretty in tune with the situation that has developed since 2021 over devices manufactured by Philips Respironics.  The company manufactures CPAP machines to help patients breathe easier while they sleep.  

It's now been announced that a class action lawsuit filed by patients has reached resolution.  Below is the information released by Philips.

Amsterdam, the Netherlands – Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA) announced today that the company and certain of its US subsidiaries, including Philips Respironics, have reached an agreement to resolve all economic loss claims in the US Multidistrict Litigation (MDL) related to Philips Respironics’ voluntary recall of certain sleep and respiratory care devices. This settlement, which is expected to be submitted to the US District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania later today, does not include or constitute any admission of liability, wrongdoing, or fault by any of the Philips parties.


The agreement, which is subject to approval by the court, will provide predefined cash awards to all eligible participants in the US depending on the type of device, extended warranties on all replacement devices, and an additional cash award if they return the recalled device to Philips Respironics. The settlement will further compensate certain individuals who acquired replacement devices post-recall. 


The final cost of the settlement may vary based on, among other things, how many patients participate in the settlement and what the Court awards for the professional fees relating to the resolutions. Philips Respironics has recorded a provision for an amount of EUR 575 million in the first quarter of 2023 to cover for the estimated costs of the final settlement.


Subject to final Court approval, payments to class members under the settlement are not expected to begin until the first quarter of 2024 at the earliest.


The agreement does not settle any personal injury or medical monitoring claims in the MDL, which the Philips parties have moved to dismiss.  

• Patients, hospitals, and sleep labs in the US eligible for benefits under the agreement do not need to take any action at this time in order to participate in the settlement. 
• The settlement must be approved by the US District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania, and additional information will be provided in the future.
• All related inquiries by patients, hospitals and sleep labs in the US should be directed to the third-party Settlement Administrator, Angeion Group. More information will be available at www.RespironicsCPAP-ELSettlement.com.

NYU School of Dentistry finds Protein that Promotes Growth of Oral Cancer

 

A team of researchers at NYU School of Dentistry has identified a protein that plays a key role in the growth of oral cancer. The protein, called ORAI1, is a calcium channel that allows calcium to enter cells. When ORAI1 is activated, it can promote the growth of cancer cells and also increase the pain associated with oral cancer.

The study, which was published in the journal Science Signaling, was led by Rodrigo Lacruz, PhD, professor of molecular pathobiology at NYU College of Dentistry. The researchers analyzed tissue samples from human oral cancer tumors and healthy tongues. They found that the ORAI1 gene, which contains instructions for creating the ORAI1 calcium channel, was heavily overexpressed in the cancer tissue but not the healthy tissue.

The researchers also found that when they activated ORAI1 in human oral cancer cells, it caused the cells to grow faster and become more resistant to chemotherapy. Additionally, they found that ORAI1 activation increased the production of pain-sensing molecules in the cells.

"Our findings suggest that ORAI1 is a promising target for the development of new therapies for oral cancer," said Dr. Lacruz. "By targeting ORAI1, we could potentially slow the growth of cancer cells and reduce the pain associated with the disease."

The researchers are currently conducting further studies to explore the role of ORAI1 in oral cancer. They are also working to develop new drugs that could target ORAI1 and prevent the growth of cancer cells.

This discovery is a significant step forward in the understanding of oral cancer and could lead to the development of new treatments for the disease. The researchers are hopeful that their findings will help to improve the lives of patients with oral cancer.

In addition to Dr. Lacruz, the study's authors include Jun Son, PhD, a postdoctoral researcher in Dr. Lacruz's lab; and Mark A. Rubin, MD, PhD, the William J. Gies Professor and Chair of the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at NYU College of Dentistry.

The research was supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Spotify Roles Out AI Interface Xavier - "Call me 'X'"

 

AI is penetrating all kinds of things in our lives, sometimes before we even realize it.  Now AI has come to my fave music app.

I *love* music... always have.  I almost always have something playing in the background of my life.  Whether I'm seeing patients, writing, relaxing; chances are I've got some music playing in the background.  Like a lot of you, I go through phases.  Sometimes it's hard rock, sometimes it's relaxing instrumentals, sometimes classical... even sometimes there's K-Pop.

Along those lines I love December when Spotify will send me a playlist of my most played songs for the year.  There have been times when I've looked at that playlist and thought, "wow, I forgot how much I listened to that one!"

 So I was thrilled the other day when I logged into Spotify in my car and heard a voice say something along the lines of, "Hey, how you doin'?  My name's Xavier, but my friends call me X.  I'm Spotify's new A.I. dj.  I'll be picking tunes I know you like and let you listen in.  Let's get started..."

The system's voice is that of Spotify's Head of Cultural Partnerships, Xavier “X” Jernigan. Previously, X served as one of the hosts on Spotify’s first (and personalized) morning show, The Get Up.   I've got to admit that X has the *perfect* voice to make me want to listen.

I love Spotify!  I've been a listener since the service was in Beta and you had to 'know someone' to get an account (Thanks Adam!!!)  I continue to use the service daily.  Most of the time I still select artists or genres on my own... but sometimes there is nothing better than sitting back and letting X take over.

For all the details on the new Spotify A.I. dj, follow this link.

 

As a founding member of the Cellerant Best of Class panel, I take a lot of pride in working hard every year to create the list that we refer to as the "Cellerant Best of Class Technology Awards".  My fellow panelists and I are always on the hunt for a product that we can recommend to our peers that will improve outcomes for the doctor *and* the patient.  The 2023 winners have been announced, and one of those winners is ReGen Universal Adhesive from Vista Apex.  As a general practitioner, I love what ReGen provides, but here is what Vista Apex has to say about it.  They are much more eloquent than I am...

RE-GEN™ Universal Adhesive has been selected as a 2023 Cellerant Best of Class Technology Award recipient. This is the second Cellerant award the adhesive has won. It was also awarded the 2022 Cellerant Best of Class Technology Award. RE-GEN™ was developed by Vista Apex, a market leader in Endodontic and Restorative dental products. RE-GEN™ was given the award for its innovation in the world of restorative dentistry. Vista Apex is honored to be recognized for the development of RE-GEN™, the world’s first bioactive dental adhesive system.

“It is exciting to see RE-GEN™ recognized for its innovative design” said Dr. Michael Miyasaki, Chief Dental Officer at Vista Apex. “Combining proven adhesion with the properties of Bioglass 45S5 to make an adhesive, flowable composite liner and Pit & Fissure Sealant that does what the other products that call themselves bioactive do. But then Vista Apex took it a step farther giving the RE-GEN™ based materials the ability to stimulate the tooth to create hydroxyapatite like material.”

RE-GEN™ reduces restorative failure and sensitivity, and constructs a longer lasting restoration. Vista Apex has been focused on delivering exceptional products within the restorative and endodontic markets for over two decades. With a focus on innovation, Vista Apex works with Clinicians to achieve better patient outcomes.

“My patients have been impressed, and I have been pleased with the success we have seen even in the deepest of 'pink eyed' preparations. I feel RE-GEN™ is the best we can offer to our patients today and applaud the Cellerant group for recognizing the design ingenuity." said Dr. Miyasaki.

This is the fourth Cellerant award that Vista Apex has received. The Phasor™ Composite Warming System and PinkWave™ have also received the Best of Class Technology award. Vista Apex will continue to stride towards making innovative products and help make dentistry better for everyone.

About Vista Apex. Founded in 1997 and headquartered in Racine, Wisconsin, Vista Apex designs, manufactures, packages, and distributes more than 500 cataloged dental products, many of which offer significant clinical advantages. The company is best known for its endodontic irrigating solutions and restorative dental materials that outperform traditional products, leading to better patient outcomes. Vista Apex has a passion for being a trusted partner who provides quality solutions for their Clinicians.

Ultradent Named a Fortune Magazine Top Workplace for Third Straight Year

 

For years now I have been a huge fan of Ultradent.  They have great products *and* great people.  Their founder, Dr. Dan Fischer, has created an amazing culture that permeates every corner of the company.  If. you interact with someone from Ultradent, you know what I mean.  I count Dr. Fischer as one of my personal friends and I am incredibly proud of what he has created!

SOUTH JORDAN, Utah September 5, 2023. Ultradent Products, Inc., a leading developer and manufacturer of high-tech dental materials, is being recognized for the third consecutive year as a Fortune Magazine Top Large Workplace in Manufacturing and Production. Ultradent is fourth on the list in 2023, after being fifth and ninth in 2022 and 2021, respectively. Ultradent is the only company in Utah, as well as the dental industry, to ever make the list. 

Fortune bases its rankings on a rigorous evaluation of the company’s culture, values, employee satisfaction, and extensive 3rd party employee surveys and feedback. 

“Above all else, we value our people,” says Ultradent CEO Dirk Jeffs. “Without their passion and dedication, we wouldn’t be able to make such a distinct impact on oral health care around the world. I’m continually inspired by the efforts and innovation of our team members.” 

Established in the basement of Founder and CEO Emeritus Dr. Dan Fischer in 1978, Ultradent has sought excellence in both its products and in what its founder calls “happiness in the workplace” since its inception. 

About Ultradent Products, Inc. 

Ultradent Products, Inc., is a leading developer and manufacturer of high-tech dental materials, devices, and instruments worldwide. Ultradent’s vision is to improve oral health globally. Ultradent also works to improve the quality of life and health of individuals through financial and charitable programs. For more information about Ultradent, call 800.552.5512 or visit ultradent.com or find us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram. 

Interdisciplinary group focuses on developing personalized oral cancer vaccine

 As a general dentist, I've bee interested in Oral Cancer for quite some time from a preventative aspect.  However, once a patient is diagnosed with cancer, as much as possible needs to be done to remove the disease and keep it gone.

That's why I was intrigued to see an announcement from MUSC about research into a potential personalized cancer vaccine.

The article is a short but pretty thorough explanation of what they are doing and it makes good sense from a scientific overview.  Rather than repeat what they've written, I'll provide this link and let you read the in formation from their site.

If this works as they are hoping, this has the potential to be a major step forward...