Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) is being extensively used by dentists and dental specialists. Although the advantages of using this modality are enormous, with information comes responsibility. Most dental clinician...Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) is being extensively used by dentists and dental specialists. Although the advantages of using this modality are enormous, with information comes responsibility. Most dental clinicians are not maxillofacial radiologists and are generally not familiar with interpretation of anatomy and pathosis in the head-and-neck area outside their immediate area of clinical interest. This leaves a larger part of extragnathic anatomy unassessed in a CBCT volume that is prescribed for specific dental diagnosis and treatment planning. This is critical because literature shows that most often, incidental findings--those that are found unrelated to immediate clinical interest--are found in the extragnathic areas. Incidental findings are abnormal findings that are unrelated to the initial purpose of the CBCT study. The failure to identify and report these findings, especially if these findings are pathological in nature, can lead to medical complications in the patient and have potential medicolegal ramifications for the dentist/specialist.
Massachusetts is fortunate to have three of the most prominent dental schools located right in our backyard: Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine, and Tufts Univ...Massachusetts is fortunate to have three of the most prominent dental schools located right in our backyard: Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine, and Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. The Massachusetts Dental Society (MDS) has a long history with each of these three institutions, with many prominent MDS Officers and Trustees having graduated from these schools. To commemorate the MDS 150th anniversary, the Journal of the Massachusetts Dental Society asked the deans of the three dental schools to reflect on their school's relationship with the MDS.
A patient entering a dental office is often greeted and then checked in through the practice management system's digital appointment book. The provider is notified by an electronic signal that is visual, audible, or both...A patient entering a dental office is often greeted and then checked in through the practice management system's digital appointment book. The provider is notified by an electronic signal that is visual, audible, or both. The patient is led to the treatment area and sits in a dental chair which is adjusted to the individual's size and position for the treatment, and the light is positioned. Sometimes a radiograph is taken, local anesthetic is delivered, and a handpiece--air turbine or electric--is used for the procedure. How different is this process today from a dentist treating a patient in 1864?
One of the Founders of the Massachusetts Dental Association (which would become the Massachusetts Dental Society upon its incorporation in 1865), Dr. Ira A. Salmon served as the Association's first leader. At the Associa...One of the Founders of the Massachusetts Dental Association (which would become the Massachusetts Dental Society upon its incorporation in 1865), Dr. Ira A. Salmon served as the Association's first leader. At the Associations first Annual Meeting in May 1864, Dr. Nathan C. Keep was elected President. Since then, 148 dentists have followed in his footsteps and served in the organization's highest role. The President is nominated by the Society's Nomination Committee and elected by the House of Delegates. Presidents are also required to serve as the Society's Vice President, President-elect, and Immediate Past President.
The Yankee Dental Congress is such a big part of the Massachusetts Dental Society (MDS) that it's sometimes hard to think of one without thinking of the other. The dental meeting, which is the fifth-largest dental confer...The Yankee Dental Congress is such a big part of the Massachusetts Dental Society (MDS) that it's sometimes hard to think of one without thinking of the other. The dental meeting, which is the fifth-largest dental conference in the United States, is so integral to the Society that the entire MDS staff moves to Boston's Seaport District and the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center (BCEC) for the four days of the conference, working both behind the scenes and on the front lines to make sure that everything runs smoothly and that attendees and exhibitors get as much out of the meeting as possible.
I shook my head on many occasions as I contemplated the changes in dentistry that have occurred over the past 150 years that I would discuss in this article, often thinking to myself, "How could the early dentists have p...I shook my head on many occasions as I contemplated the changes in dentistry that have occurred over the past 150 years that I would discuss in this article, often thinking to myself, "How could the early dentists have possibly practiced dentistry every day under those circumstances and with those tools?" It made my own clinical career seem pretty easy but engendered in me great admiration for my predecessors and our profession.
When I was asked to write an article celebrating 150 years of the Massachusetts Dental Society (MDS), I wanted to focus on what I believe has been the key to our long-standing success--a solid organizational structure.When I was asked to write an article celebrating 150 years of the Massachusetts Dental Society (MDS), I wanted to focus on what I believe has been the key to our long-standing success--a solid organizational structure.
Over the last century and a half, the Massachusetts Dental Society (MDS) has evolved from a small group of dentists meeting to share knowledge into a complex, well-functioning organization of nearly 5,000 dentists that m...Over the last century and a half, the Massachusetts Dental Society (MDS) has evolved from a small group of dentists meeting to share knowledge into a complex, well-functioning organization of nearly 5,000 dentists that meets the needs of its members, as well as those of the general population. Its mission is dedicated to "improving the oral health of the public and professional development of its membership through initiatives in education, advocacy and promotion of the highest professional standards." What began as a small group of dentists has evolved into a large, effective body that has endeavored to better the practice of dentistry and improve the oral health of residents in the Commonwealth. And in 2014, the MDS is celebrating its Sesquicentennial.
A 66-year-old female was referred to our department for evaluation of exposed bone in the hard palate. She was asymptomatic at the time of her initial consultation; however, she was concerned about a non-healing lesion t...A 66-year-old female was referred to our department for evaluation of exposed bone in the hard palate. She was asymptomatic at the time of her initial consultation; however, she was concerned about a non-healing lesion that had been present for five months. The patient reported having injured her hard palate while eating sometime in November 2011. Subsequently she was followed by her general dentist, who had noticed improvement of the area. Approximately three months later, she noticed worsening of the lesion along with discomfort. She was conservatively managed at that point with penicillin and chlorhexidine mouth rinse without any improvement of her condition.
One of the major objectives in endodontic therapy is to disinfect the entire root canal system. This goal may be achieved using mechanical instrumenation and chemical irrigation in conjunrction with medication of the roo...One of the major objectives in endodontic therapy is to disinfect the entire root canal system. This goal may be achieved using mechanical instrumenation and chemical irrigation in conjunrction with medication of the root canal between treatment sessions. Microorganisms and their by-products are considered to be the major cause of pulpal and periradicular patholic. In order to reduce or eliminate bacteria and popular tissue remnants, the use of various irrigation solution during treatment have been suggested. Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCI), the most common irrigant, is an excellent nonspecific proteolytic and antimicrobial agent. The purpose of this paper is to review the antimicrobial activity of sodium hypochlorite.