Dental E-Update
Collaboratively sponsored by the New Mexico Primary Care Association and the
New Mexico Dental Support Center a project of
the New Mexico Department of Health
July 2011 Issue # 11-07
Address Questions to: Eileen Goode @egoode@nmpca.org or Carol Hanson @carol.hanson@state.nm.us
Obesity Oral Health Study –
According to Medical News Today, a study conducted in the UK showed a correlation between depth of
periodontal pockets and obesity. The subjects in the study with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or over
had the deepest periodontal pockets. A team from North Carolina analyzed data from several decades and
concluded that portion sizes as well as the number of times a person eats in a day are contributing factors.
Dr Nigel Carter, Chief Executive of the British Dental Health Foundation is quoted in the article as
saying, “Snacking and grazing is becoming an increasing problem …but it is considerably better for your
teeth and general health if you eat three meals a day instead of having seven to ten ‘snack attacks’. If you
do need to snack between meals choose foods such as cheese, breadsticks, nuts or raw vegetables.”
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/230556.php
Correlation Noted Between Hospital Stay and Oral Health –
Research that was recently published provides evidence that oral health declines with hospital stays.
According to Dr Bicuspid.com (June 23, 2011) the research was published in the Journal of Clinical
Periodontology (July 2011, Vol. 38:7, pp 628-636) offered new evidence that oral health is overlooked in
hospitals and potentially leads to complications. The worst plaque accumulation and gingival
inflammation and a decrease in mucosal health were noted in patients who needed to have help with their
breathing. The researches noted, “On the basis of current evidence, a deterioration would be expected to
increase the risk of hospital-acquired infections, increase care costs, and have a negative impact on
health-related quality of life.” According to the researchers, a risk of poor oral health and hygiene is
respiratory disease.
NMHR Provider Retreat Follow-up –
New Mexico Health Resources planned to have the educational materials (including speaker
presentations) for the 2011 Provider Retreat on the NMHR web site by June 2011. There has been a delay
but the presentations and other materials such as handouts will be available soon at: http://www.nmhr.org.
Technical Assistance Available for Your Dental Practice –
The New Mexico Dental Support Center offers technical assistance at no charge. When you have dental
practice questions contact Carol Hanson (see contact information above) who is available to assist you in
finding the right answers.
Safety Net Dental Clinic Manual Redesigned and Expanded –
The National Network for Oral Health Access (NNOHA) has announced that the Safety Net Dental Clinic
Manual now includes a chapter on program sustainability. The manual is available at
http://www.dentalclinicmanual.com.
ADA Releases Guidelines for Exchanging Electronic Health Information –
The ADA Council on Dental Practice and ADA Standards Committee on Dental Informatics released two
technical reports on the secure electronic transmission of digital radiographs and photographs. ADA
Technical Report #1060 for the Secure Exchange and Utilization of Digital Images in Dentistry outlines
the methods for the secure exchange and utilization of electronic digital image files. ADA Technical
Report #1048 for Attachment of DICOM Datasets Using Email in Dentistry covers the DICOM
requirements for transmitting files via email. According to the ADA News report, it is “imperative” that
clinicians request that their practice management and dental imaging management programs be set up to
follow the guidelines. Please see news article on guidelines at: http://www.ada.org/news/5962.aspx.
Kids Need to Avoid Sports and Energy Drinks –
A recent ADA News article states, “The American Academy of Pediatrics is taking aim at energy and
sports drinks, saying that in most cases, kids don’t need them and some products contain substances that
can be harmful to children”. The ADA News article points out that energy drinks contain excessive
caffeine and even sport drinks have the potential to erode enamel. Caffeine has a detrimental effect on
cardiovascular and neurological systems as they are developing. The article affirms that water is the best
drink for children even following most exercise. http://www.ada.org/news/5970.aspx.
Cigarette Warnings to Change –
According to Dr Bicuspid.com (June 21, 2011), the U.S. Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) will begin using larger and more prominent health
warnings on all cigarette packages in September 2012. This is required by
the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act passed into law in
2009. Nine graphic images have been chosen. Each image will also include a
smoking cessation phone number, 1-800-QUIT NOW.
Root Canal Irrigation Methods Studied –
A study by Swiss researchers published in Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology, Oral Radiology
and Endodontology ,the Official Publication for the American College of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery,
American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, American Academy of Oral Medicine, and the
American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, April 2011(Vol. 111:4, pp. 529-534), showed
that hydrodynamic and ultrasonic irrigation performed better than syringe irrigation when cleaning dentin
debris during a root canal. According to a brief article about the study in Dr Biscuspid.com (June 14,
2011), “the researchers found that ultrasonic irrigation is most effective in straight canals, while
hydrodynamic irrigation is superior in curved canals.” The study does not suggest that dental providers
stop using the well known syringe technique.
ADA Response to AAPHD Educational Plan –
In the June 2011 edition of this newsletter, we provided information about a 2 year educational plan for
dental therapists. The ADA response to that plan was released in ADA News on June 10, 2011. “In
response, the American Dental Association issued a statement saying that the ADA remains committed to
its position that only dentists should perform irreversible/surgical procedures.” See the ADA News
release at: http://www.ada.org/news/5940.aspx.
Community Health Dentistry Orientation –
The NMDSC is offering an orientation to Community Health Dentistry for those who are new to rural
areas and Community Health Centers. Please contact Carol Hanson (see above) for more information.
Calendar of Events
Event
NMPCA Dental Providers
& NMDSC Rural
Providers Group Meeting
SAVE THE DATE
ADHA Annual Scientific
Session
SAVE THE DATE
2011 National Primary
Oral Health Conference
Date
Time
August 12, 2011
10:00 am – 4:00 pm
October 21 -22, 2011
Daily
Location
NMPCA Office
4206 Louisiana Blvd NE
Albuquerque, NM 87109
Marriott Pyramid
Albuquerque, NM
October 23 – 26, 2011
Daily
Gaylord National Hotel
National Harbor, MD
You are invited to share news & event notices via this newsletter. The deadline to submit items of
interest is the second Tuesday of each month.