The DMD Check-Up: Dentist pleads guilty to drug, gun charges

A Des Moines, Iowa dentist pleaded guilty to charges that he used and improperly prescribed drugs to patients. That tops this week’s news so far in the world of dentistry. Also making the list: DIY dentistry, public health policy and pre historic dentists.

• Dentist pleads guilty to drug, gun charges (KCRG.com)

“A dentist who operated clinics in West Des Moines and Des Moines has pleaded guilty to drug and gun charges. Court records say Shawn Kerby pleaded guilty Wednesday to obtaining a painkiller by misrepresentation and being a user of a controlled substance who also possessed firearms. Prosecutors dropped several other charges in return for Kerby's pleas. His sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 17.”

• Oral health should be part of public health policy (Albuquerque Journal)

“I’ve given birth to three babies, shattered my wrist, broken my tailbone twice, gotten tattooed, and, once, when I was suspected of having contracted West Nile Virus, had two consecutive spinal taps — one failed – in the name of advancing medical students’ knowledge while securing a diagnosis.

But never have I suffered worse from deep, bone-rattling pain — the kind of pain where you just want to die to end the misery – than when I had tooth issues.”

• Neanderthals attempted dentistry 130,000 years ago, believe scientists (Independent)

“A Neanderthal who lived 130,000 years ago appears to have carried out some “prehistoric dentistry” in an attempt to deal with an impacted tooth, researchers have said.”

• Dentist in toddler death case sues multiple national media outlets (KVUE)

“The Austin dentist involved in the accidental death of a 14-month-old Daisy Lynn Torres in 2016 is suing multiple national media outlets over their coverage of the case.”