Natalie Hasselbacher

From dental instruments to dental composites, here's what you missed this week.

The Tech Census Survey suggests that while the majority of dentists are using 

, there's still a notable few that don't see the technology bringing value to their workflow.

Out of the 63 respondents, 60% said they are already using a dental laser in their practice. Eighty-one percent of those are diode lasers.

Interestingly, 22% of the respondents who don't have a laser said it's not a good fit for their practice.

Acknowledging that making a laser purchase is not to be taken lightly or without understanding which type of technology will work best in your practice, we've compiled a 

roundup of some of the best dental laser technologies

DUX Dental's new translucent color blending temporary cement

, ZONEfree, offers strength and esthetics. 

 and what dental professionals are saying about it.

Our recent Tech Census Survey polled dental professionals about what type of, if any, 

caries detection and oral cancer screening devices

 they use and what their purchasing plans are for the future.

Out of 59 total respondents, 42% of them said they are currently using a high-tech caries detection device in their practice, while 50% of them also said they have an oral cancer screening device.

Here's a roundup of some of the best-performing diagnostic technologies

Tokuyama's Estelite Sigma Quick universal resin composite 

technology eliminates the need for sharpening dental instruments. 

Read a happy hygienist's story about the curettes

 bodes significant patient demand for digital radiography solutions in your dental practice. Seventy-seven percent of 93 respondents said they currently have a digital radiography system in their dental practice, while 40% of the those who do not have one plan to purchase one before the year is up. If another practice down the street can provide dental x-rays with less discomfort and in less time, patients will catch on.

Did we miss something? Share with us in the comments section below.

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Dental Products: What's Hot Summer 2012

	On July 6th, a segment called "Who's Hiring Now" aired on ABC's daytime talk show "

." The segment was geared towards examining the current state of the U.S. job market, featuring a special analysis from guest panelist and financial expert Regina Lewis.

	After a long discussion about current industries that are not hiring, Lewis proceeded to discuss careers that do not require college degrees. Dental hygienists, she said, is a good example of a career option for those who have not completed college.

	She went on to say, "I only care if you know how to use this tool on that tooth, right?" "It doesn't matter what degree you have. That's an example of a job that you want to have a very specific accreditation to get that job."

	During the segment, it was also reported that the average annual salary for dental hygienists is $45,000.

	Dental hygienists soon took to Twitter and Facebook to sound off against the information that was shared.

	One Facebook user, KellyJ0118, wrote the following comment on the 

"This is very offensive to all of us LDH and RDH across the nation. I worked very hard for my degree in dental hygiene and have the student loans to prove it. I do so much more than "clean" teeth, and can not believe she went on air with this absurd information with out knowing the education required. I know that the ADHA will be contacting the show about this mistake and I hope that a public apology will be soon to come." 

	Another Facebook user, NitraRDH, responded with the following comment:

"Registered Dental Hygienist is a 2 yr college accredited program with 1 year of prerequisites. Depending on the school- one gets a certificate after 3 years of education or a college degree. Either way- you don't just pick up an instrument and start cleaning teeth as Regina puts it." 

 wasted no time in responding to the show's claims. The group released a press release stating that it had sent a letter to ABC to set the record straight. In that letter, it stated the following key information:

		There are 334 entry-level dental hygiene programs in the U.S.

		There are also 20 programs that offer either a master’s degree in dental hygiene or related health sciences

		According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median salary of dental hygienists in 2010 was $68,250 annually

	What do you have to say? Share in the comments section below.

On July 6th, a segment called "Who's Hiring Now" aired on ABC's daytime talk show "The View." The segment was geared towards examining the current state of the U.S. job market, featuring a special analysis from guest panelist and financial expert Regina Lewis.

Hygienists sound off on The View's false claims about the profession

In light of the recent investigative film that examined the flaws in the dental care system, dental professionals from across the country have expressed mixed reactions. 

The coverage has sparked deep reactions from members of the dental community, as well as from consumers. Let's face it-The issue facing the nation's underprivileged children concerning dental care is becoming a crisis; and one that provokes an outpouring of varying perspectives and problem-solving theories.

It is estimated that more than 100 million Americans forego going to the dentist because they can’t afford it, which is one factor that led producers to want to do the documentary. 

“The issue of underserved minority populations is a huge one,” said Randy Barrett, Communications Director for the Center for Public Integrity. “We felt it was a compelling story and we wanted to dig into it.”

The film aired just two days before the Supreme Court would announce its decision to rule the 

that the ACA requires insurers to offer dental care for children but not adults, funds national public education programs on preventing oral diseases, and asks for additional funding to expand access to care for people who live in an area with a shortage of dental care providers. 

Here's a roundup of reactions and statements from key dental organizations.

The American Dental Hygienists’ Association

 that it "applauds PBS’s FRONTLINEfor its special, ‘'Dollars and Dentists,'’ a program addressing the “broken nature” of the current dental care system in the United States. The program highlighted the significant obstacles many Americans face in accessing oral health care – a shortage of dentists in many parts of the country and the high cost of dental treatment. The access to care crisis in America is complex and requires a myriad of solution strategies to create a true system of quality oral health care that is lacking today." Read the full press release 

 that although they appreciated the growing media interest in oral disease, but regrets that FRONTLINE chose to title its program ""Dollars and Dentists" and devoted so much time to cover the debate over allowing so-called "dental therapists" with as little as 18 months post-high school training to perform surgical procedures like extractions."

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry

 that it commends FRONTLINE and the Center for Public Integrity for shining a light on the importance of dental care by airing its joint investigation of the nation's ruptured dental care system and bringing appropriate attention to America's dental care crisis. While the program showcased the extreme difficulties millions of Americans - including children with government-provided insurance - experience seeking dental care, it's important to note that pediatric dentists have been consistent advocates for improvements in the system, which will result in better access to care. Pediatric dentists speak from experience as they disproportionately treat our country's most vulnerable children, including those on public insurance.

Did you watch the documentary? Share what you think in the comments below.

	
	Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/2012/06/28/4596964/aapd-responds-to-pbs-frontlines.html#storylink=cpy

In light of the recent investigative film that examined the flaws in the dental care system, dental professionals from across the country have expressed mixed reactions. FRONTLINE and the Center for Public Integrity were behind the production of the film.

Dental community reacts to Dollars and Dentists

	The sterilized, individually packaged single-use instruments 

Cross-contamination and infection control procedures and methods are enhanced

 during usage, while patients receive high quality care.
	
	The label features a red dot that indicates t

	One box contains 25 instruments made from a 

. The diamonds are available in 115 different combinations of diameter, size and grit.
	
	It is not necessary to clean  and autoclave Midwest Once diamonds. 

, ensuring sharpness and cutting efficiency that comes from a new instrument each time.

 The sterilized, individually packaged single-use instruments boost productivity and reduce operating costs.  Cross-contamination and infection control procedures and methods are enhanced during usage, while patients receive high quality care.  The label features a red dot that indicates the diamonds have been irradiated.

Author | Natalie Hasselbacher

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