Laura Dorr

2015 has been a remarkable year in dental advancements, from emerging technology and new products, to scientific discoveries and research breakthroughs.

The year is winding down, and boy, has it been a weird one! From fake dentists to dental amnesia to patients using superglue as dental cement, there were a plethora of bizarre tooth-related stories gracing the headlines in 2015.

As the year winds down, now is the perfect time to look back at 2015 and the dental news stories that stole the show. From hygiene breaches to legal decisions to insurance fraud and cyber attacks, dentistry graced the headlines frequently (and no, we aren't talking about Cecil the lion!).

With the holidays-and all of the accompanying sweet treats seemingly destined to cause dental caries-right around the corner, researchers at the University of California have made a timely discovery that may lessen or even eradicate pain caused by tooth decay.

While examining how cement sets in real time, a recent study found that the cement used in dental fillings has ‘sweet points,’ that could have implications for increasing longevity and durability of dental fillings.

Any dental procedure comes with the chance of infection, but a recent study out of Sweden has discovered that patients with dental implants run a high risk – and that several contributing factors can exacerbate this risk.

Ross Greenberg tells Dental Lab Products how he uses Wonderfill, a tongue and void filler from Dental Creations, to create soft tissue models.

A toothbrush is all one California woman needs to clean her engagement ring – because in lieu of a diamond, her engagement ring features her fiancée’s tooth.

Despite best infection control practices, surfaces in medical facilities such as dental practices and hospitals are inevitable breeding grounds for bacteria. Now, Sherwin-Williams has introduced a new paint that can kill infectious pathogens on painted surfaces.

What’s a dentist to do when his drug-trafficker son goes to prison? Why, take over the family business, of course! One California dentist who thought this was a good idea is now being held on $75K bail after being busted for his participation in a cross-country drug smuggling operation.

Losing a tooth is a right of passage of sorts, and some parents are ensuring that it is a memorable one for their loose-toothed children. We gathered up the nine most creative, bizarre and downright insane ways that folks have pulled loose baby teeth, and boy, are they impressive.

Losing a tooth is a right of passage of sorts, and some parents are ensuring that it is a memorable one for their loose-toothed children. We gathered up the nine most creative, bizarre and downright insane ways that folks have pulled loose baby teeth, and boy, are they impressive.

It’s a no brainer that smoking is bad for your health, and the health of those subjected to your secondhand smoke. Now, researchers say that secondhand smoke can have even more detrimental effects than previously believed – on the dental health of children.

The Trojan horse ploy worked for the Greeks, and now it’s working for researchers, too. A team from the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine is employing the age-old strategy to combat a common oral fungus – and it appears they will win the battle.

Knock an adult tooth out, and you’re out of luck: Humans only get two sets of teeth that have to last for an entire lifetime. Not true for one type of fish, that can constantly regrow teeth to replace missing ones – a fish that researchers hope holds the secret to tooth regeneration in humans.

Anyone who’s had a fixed orthodontic appliance knows how frustrating oral hygiene can become. Fixed appliances often make the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and plaque, which can accumulate under the appliance. In an attempt to abort development of bacteria, researchers recently examined if daily doses of xylitol could make a difference.

With the debate about Planned Parenthood raging, Louisiana attorneys set out to put together a list of health care providers that could provide equivalent family-planning care should Planned Parenthood be defunded. However, the list included some unconventional options – options that left many people skeptical and scratching their heads.

When you’ve been in the dental industry for a while, it can be hard to look at it with fresh eyes. This makes it important to listen to the new voices entering the industry and hear about their experiences, the challenges they face and perhaps, most importantly, the things the industry needs to address.

A recent study in Germany examined a group of over 23,000 subjects to explore the relationship between cigarette smoking, smoking cessation and rates of tooth loss.

When dental problems necessitating surgery arise, the logical response is to treat the condition. However, recent research has found that numbing children up for dental procedures may be causing damage to the very teeth the dentist is trying to treat.

Criminals be warned: Leaving a tooth fragment at a crime scene could be your undoing. A new test lets police determine important identifying information about suspected perpetrators from tooth samples.

Blueberries are a popular snack, but do their benefits go beyond their satisfying taste? Absolutely, says a new study by the American Chemical Society, which found that blueberries could help treat periodontitis and reduce the need for antibiotic therapy.

In the world of dentistry, your hands are crucial to your livelihood. So what happens when these indispensable tools become injured? One dental hygienist learned the answer the hard way after she tripped on a faulty sidewalk during a lunchtime stroll.

"Regardless, women will be in control of a good portion of practices, making many more major administrative and purchasing decisions. Shortly, 80 percent of all practices may be 100 percent women.

The Top 25 Women in Dentistry was designed to recognize women who excel in their fields. The honorees come from across the dental industry, including dental professionals, industry leaders and practitioners. Each of the honorees will be featured in the October edition of Dental Products Report.

Electronic records can protect patient files from office catastrophes such as fire or natural disasters, but storing your patient database electronically poses other dangers. In a story that is becoming all too familiar, a Minnesota dentist learned this the hard way after his patient data was held hostage by computer hackers.

“Jedes kind kostet die mutter einen zahn,” says an old German saying; “every child costs the mother one tooth.” While many people dismiss old wives tales, this is one that has some basis in reality: According to researchers at New York University, the risk of tooth loss and gum disease increases with the number of children a woman bears.

Many people dread going to the dentist, but at least they only have to think about it a few times a year. This is not the case for one British man who, due to a bizarre case of amnesia, wakes up every morning thinking it’s the day of his dental appointment.

While stretching out in the sun this summer has its cancer-causing risks, it can also ensure a healthier smile. Research has found that a healthy dose of sunlight could actually help stave off gum disease and increase gum health.

Almost 11,000 Australian patients have been warned that they may have been exposed to HIV, hepatitis and other blood-borne diseases due to appalling hygiene negligence in Sydney dental clinics.