The DMD Check-Up: Deadly Dentistry

A newspaper investigation in Texas reveals the perils of poor dental care. That story tops this week’s DMD Check-Up. Also making the news roundup: New state-by-state oral health rankings, and a closer look at the “bad teeth” stereotype plaguing Britain.

• Deadly Dentistry (The Dallas Morning News)

A hard-hitting investigation by a major Texas news organization finds that at least 85 dental patients have died in the state since 2010, and national estimates could be as high as a thousand dead — all due to poor dental care. Here it is for those in those trenches, everyday practicing dentists, to consider.

• The Empire Bites Back (The Washington Post)

The British have suffered a century of jokes about their bad teeth, but new research published in the journal BMJ shows that Americans are more likely to suffer poor dental health. Americans have significantly more missing teeth and oral health inequalities are worse between rich and poor in the US than in Britain.

• Most Dentists Don’t Follow Standards on Root Canal (Newswise.com)

A large national study of US dentists found that fewer than half (47%) always use a dental dam, considered the standard of care, during root canal treatment. According to the National Dental Practice-Based Research Network, practitioners say a “dental dam can be difficult to place or is not wanted by patients.”

• America’s Health Rankings 2015 (americashealthrankings.org)

The United Health Foundation is out with its 25^th annual America's Health Ranking report. The benchmark report is the longest-running, comprehensive state-by-state study of our nation’s health. Dentists should have a peek.

• Delinquent Dentists in Jamaica (The Gleaner)

You probably know about the sun, the fun, and the rum, but watch out for the dentistry. A news report reveals that “more than 60 dentists could be operating illegally across the island, having failed to meet the deadline for registration and providing proof of continuing education.”

• Pennsylvania Dentist Running for Congress (Reading Eagle)

Democrat Gary Wegman, DDS, has announced plans to seek a seat in the US House of Representatives in 2016. The congressional seat in southeastern Pennsylvania has been held for 20 years by a retiring Republican. The dentist-farmer said he is “left-of-center on social issues and right-of-center on fiscal issues.”

• California Dental Firm Hit with $1.7 Million Penalty and Banishment (Ocean County Breeze)

For over six years, United Dental Group parties are alleged to have “unlawfully owned, managed, and controlled several dental offices in Southern California without a dental license or the necessary permits and registrations.” The Orange County DA also sued owner Jeong Hoon Kim.

• 11 Cities with the Highest Demand for Dental Hygienists (Insider Monkey)

A solid working relationship between dentist and hygienist is vital to patient satisfaction. With more than 200,000 now working nationwide, according to BLS statistics, the following states have the highest number of jobs for dental hygienists.” Hint: Go West.

• Dental Insurance That Will Save Your Smile (Consumer Reports)

The nation’s best-known and most-respected consumer protection/advocacy organization is out with a new report that offers “10 ways to cut costs and find the best care for your teeth.” Practicing dentists might want to see what could be in store for them.

• Science Closer to Therapeutic Approach for Gum Disease (Science Daily)

Kentucky researchers have received a patent on a synthetic biochemical compound that “could lead to the formulation of a mouth rinse or tooth varnish to prevent gingivalis from colonizing in the mouth and establishing itself orally.”