Dentists

Dentists who practice in the Western U.S. and urban areas are more likely to write unnecessary prescriptions to patients prior to dental procedures, according to a study by researchers at the University of Illinois at Chicago.

Here is the latest roundup of dental companies and practices that have been in the headlines, including SmileDirectClub and UnitedHealthcare Dental.

The introduction of price transparency in the healthcare space comes with mixed emotions.

SmileDirectClub has increased its spending with Pinterest over the past year, according to DTC Daily.

Joplin, Mo.-based Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences has plans to develop a dental college on its Joplin campus, according to The Joplin Globe.

A dentist in Kent, Wash., had his license suspended after an investigation by the Washington Department of Health unveiled infection control violations, according to local news state KIRO.

UnitedHealthcare Dental selected Colleen Van Ham to serve as CEO, according to the Chicago Tribune.

Harrisburg, Pa.-based Capital City Dental Care was hit with an age discrimination lawsuit by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission after the dental practice allegedly unlawfully fired a group of dental hygienists, according to publisher Plansponsor.

The Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center had to suspend dental procedures and other surgeries due to a problem with sterilize processing, the center's public affairs officer Bret Bowers told local CBS affiliate KREM.

Colorado Springs, Colo.-based Peak Vista Dental is alerting 27 patients that they may have been exposed to disease after equipment was improperly sterilized, according to local CBS affiliate KKTV.