DT U.S. Edition, October 2010, Vol. 5, No. 21

DENTAL TRIBUNE The World’s Dental Newspaper · U.S. Edition PRSRTSTD U.S.Postage PAID Permit#306 Mechanicsburg,PA HYGIENE TRIBUNE The World’s Dental Hygiene Newspaper · U.S. Edition AD upage 1Cu page 1Bu pages 8A–10A Direct splinting Case study using this procedure for maintenance of perio-compromised teeth. Apical microsurgery The conclusion of this six-part series discusses sutures and suturing technique. Las Vegas or Santa Barbara? If you’re going to AMED or AADOM, we’ve got the highlights of each for you. g DT page 2A, ADA ADA conference seeks solutions for older adults g DT page 2A, GUM DISEASE Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most common malignancy of the oral cavity and has several known variants. The papillary variant of OSCC affecting the palate is rare compared to more common sites of involvement that include the larynx, pharynx and nasopharynx. g See page 5A Papillary squamous cell carcinomaGum disease a significant public health concern The American Dental Associa- tion (ADA) is extending invitations to those concerned about the oral health of vulnerable older adults and people with disabilities to attend a national conference and help shape the future of oral health care for this underserved and growing popula- tion. The national coalition conference, titled Oral Health of Vulnerable Older Adults and Persons with Disabilities, is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 18, at the JW Marriott in Washington, D.C. “We look upon this conference as the first step in building a consen- sus among a multi-disciplinary group of professionals in seeking solutions about oral health care for the vulner- able older adult and the disabled,” said Dr. Raymond F. Gist, ADA presi- dent. “We are looking for attendees’ ideas, collaboration and support in The prevalence of periodontal dis- ease in the United States may be signif- icantly higher than originally estimat- ed. Research published in the Journal of Dental Research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) suggests that the prevalence of periodontal disease may have been underestimated by as much as 50 percent. The implication is that more American adults may suffer from moderate to severe gum disease than previously thought. In a National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) pilot study, funded by the CDC’s Division of Oral Health, a full-mouth, compre- hensive periodontal examination was conducted on over 450 adults over the age of 35. Periodontal disease was clas- sified according to definitions deter- mined by the CDC in collaboration with the AAP. The prevalence rates were then compared against the results of pre- vious NHANES studies, which used a partial-mouth periodontal examina- tion. Historically, NHANES has served as the main source for determining prevalence of periodontal disease in U.S. adults. The pilot study finds that the original partial-mouth study meth- odology may have underestimated true disease prevalence by up to 50 percent. Several research studies have asso- ciated gum disease with other chronic inflammatory diseases, such as diabe- tes, cardiovascular disease and rheu- matoid arthritis. “This study shows that periodontal disease is a bigger problem than we all thought. It is a call to action for anyone who cares about his or her oral health,” said Samuel Low, DDS, MS, associate dean and professor of peri- odontology at the University of Florida College of Dentistry and president of the AAP. “Given what we know about the relationship between gum disease and other diseases, taking care of your oral health isn’t just about a pretty smile. It has bigger implications for overall health, and is therefore a more sig- nificant public health problem,” Low added. Low explained that the increased prevalence of periodontal disease makes it essential to maintain healthy teeth and gums. “Not only should you CosmetiC tRiBUNe the World’s Cosmetic Dentistry Newspaper · U.s. edition ENDO TRIBUNE The World’s Endodontic Newspaper · U.S. Edition DentalTribuneAmerica 213West35thStreet Suite#801 NewYork,NY10001 OctOber 2010 www.dental-tribune.com VOl. 5, NO. 21 SpecialaMeD & aaDOM eDitiOn (Photo/Molka, Dreamstime.com)