Although this is not intended to disprove a causal link between periodontal and vascular disease, its intent is to avoid the diversion of efforts aimed at mitigating cardiovascular and cerebrovascular risk away from other factors that have a stronger and more statistically established risk. See:

http://circ.ahajournals.org/content/early/2012/04/18/CIR.0b013e31825719f3.full.pdf

While this serves to underscore the need to utilize x-rays only when the expected benefit justifies the small risk, it is important to view the conclusions of this study in the proper context. Perhaps the study’s most significant weakness is its vulnerability to selection bias. First, it relies solely on patient recollection of x-ray exposure, which is unreliable. Secondly, it fails to account for the selective inclusion of the more active health care consumers in the experimental group when compared with the control group– i.e., those patients who are more likely to be conscientious dental consumers are also more likely to seek care for and be diagnosed with central nervous system tumors. There are also some conflicting data as regards the correlation between the particular type of dental imaging and the incidence of meningioma. For example, the incidence of meningioma is more strongly correlated with bite wing x-rays, in which the direction of the x-ray beam would cause less cranial exposure to ionizing radiation, than a full set of intra-oral x-rays, where the cranial exposure is significantly greater.

So, although it is undeniably considered prudent for a clinician to use discretion in choosing when to employ diagnostic radiographic imaging , the results of this study should be viewed in the context of the potential for selection bias, which could invalidate its conclusions.

See: Understanding Systemic Inflammation, Oral Hygiene, and Cardiovascular Disease.

Researchers at the Columbia University College of Dental Medicine have identified a genetic variation that raises the risk of developing serious necrotic jaw bone lesions in patients who take bisphosphonates (a group of medications commonly prescribed for osteoporosis and other conditions).

The researchers speculate that this discovery could have potential for allowing the development of a test to determine those patients for whom this class of medications would pose particular risk. This might allow either the selection of alternative osteoporosis treatments, or the implementation of  preventive dental measures prior to initiating bisphosphonate therapy. See:

Genetic variation that raises risk of serious complication linked to osteoporosis drugs identified.

I’ve chosen to devote my time and resources to this organization because I see no other dental charity that has the impact on society that Dental Lifeline Network does.  For the patients we serve, the care we provide is about more than the dental treatment – it’s about restoring health, dignity, and offering a new lease on life.

The organization is currently celebrating the 25^th year of Donated Dental Services (DDS).  Through this program, over 106,000 needy and deserving individuals have received $200 million in comprehensive donated dental treatment that has transformed their lives.

Though volunteers like me donate our services, some monies are needed to support our work.  Dental Lifeline Network manages the applications and does intake and qualification assessments, matches patients to participating dentists, coordinates care with specialists and dental labs, serves as liaisons with referring agencies, and provides support and treatment follow up for the patients.

Despite a strong history of support from the dental community, Dental Lifeline Network now faces challenging times as more and more state government budgets cut funding for the programs; indeed, $1 million in state funding for Donated Dental Services (DDS) has been lost since 2008 – the lost potential to serve thousands of additional deserving patients.

Last year Dental Lifeline Network provided life-transforming care for 7,572 deserving individuals nationwide.  Yet over 17,000 are still on the wait list, and more call every day, desperate for help.  All of us who partner with Dental Lifeline Network are committed to serving these vulnerable members of our society, but it will be increasingly difficult as previous financial resources are eliminated.  Your partnership can make a difference.

Please join me in making a gift that will restore dignity, hope and health to those in desperate need.  Each $1 donated generates $9 in life-transforming care.  You can make your tax-deductable donation online at www.DentalLifeline.org or mail your check payable to Dental Lifeline Network at 1800 15^th Street, Denver, CO 80202.  If you have questions please contact Heather O’Connor at 888.471.6334 or hoconnor@DentalLifeline.org.

Many thanks, again, for your consideration.

Mark

Well as they say in France, plus ça change, plus c’est la même chose. An overt case of improper termination of an HIV-positive employee by Great Expressions Dental Centers has raised this ugly issue once again– see: HIV-positive man to sue dental clinic over harassment. The defendant in the case, missing no opportunity to trash the Bill of Rights, has decided to ignore the first amendment as well, and has strong-armed an online petitioner to remove his web page or face charges of libel. Fortunately, a new petition calling for the censure of Great Expressions is available for your support at change.org, and we encourage you to sign it.

via ScienceDirect – Experimental and Molecular Pathology : Human cytomegalovirus and mucoepidermoid carcinoma of salivary glands: Cell-specific localization of active viral and oncogenic signaling proteins is confirmatory of a causal relationship.

via Randomized controlled trial of acupuncture for prevention of radiation-induced xerostomia among patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma – Meng – 2011 – Cancer – Wiley Online Library.

via Potential Autonomic Risk Factors for Chronic TMD: Descriptive Data and Empirically Identified Domains from the OPPERA Case-Control Study.

In Japan, a Trend to Make Straight Teeth Crooked – Noticed – NYTimes.com.

A trend that could spell real trouble for orthodontists…