ADA researchers recently collaborated with the National Institute of Standards and Technology on a study that could lead to more information on how experimental gum disease drugs affect blood vessels. 

Patients given alternative antibiotics to amoxicillin are more than twice as likely to experience dental implant failure compared to those given amoxicillin, according to a study by researchers at NYU College of Dentistry in New York City.

The Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act, a legislation requiring insurers to cover dental and oral procedures to treat birth defects, passed the House of Representatives April 4.

At the fourth Conference of the Parties to the Minamata Convention on Mercury, more than 130 nations unanimously agreed to an amendment requiring countries to protect vulnerable populations from dental amalgam use.

The National Commission on Recognition of Dental Specialties and Certifying Boards on March 28 recognized the American Board of Orofacial Pain as the national certifying board for orofacial pain specialists.

Most dentists still require clinical staff to wear masks continuously regardless of region, according to the American Dental Association.

The National Council on Disability recently sent a report to President Joe Biden that details the costs and benefits of establishing basic Medicaid dental coverage for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. 

Two-thirds of dentists continue to require masks in their offices for patients and staff, according to the American Dental Association.

The American Dental Association applauded Congress' inclusion of oral health initiatives in its Cures 2.0 Act and voiced its support for several others to be added.

Dean of the University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Laurie McCauley, DDS, PhD, has been appointed university provost and vice president of academic affairs, The Michigan Daily reported March 28.

Here are three COVID-19 infection control updates for dentists:

The American Dental Association's Code Maintenance Committee approved updates to six CDT code categories during its March 10 meeting.

There have been several updates from clinical leadership organizations affecting the dental industry, including COVID-19 protocol changes and advocacy for oral healthcare.

Dental professionals can use the mobile application CDC DentalCheck to assess and ensure practices meet expectations for safe care.

The World Health Organization published a briefing March 16 that details the use of mercury-free products for proper oral care.

HHS recommended increased cybersecurity measures for healthcare organizations, and several dental groups called for the authorization of FDA regulation for synthetic nicotine products.

CareQuest Innovation Partners has partnered with Matter, a healthcare startup backer, to launch SMILE Health, a program designed to support early-stage startups prioritizing oral healthcare equity.

Researchers from Seattle-based University of Washington have created a dental tool that can measure cavity-causing acidity built up by the bacteria in plaque.

Five dental organizations recently joined 57 other health groups asking legislators to allow the FDA to regulate synthetic nicotine products. 

A team of professors from University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora have created a dental coating that inhibits cavity-causing bacteria, the university said this week.