Dear DrBicuspid Member,
In response to the U.S. Supreme Court ruling that overturned the precedent of considering race in college admissions, the American Dental Education Association (ADEA) reaffirmed its commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion in oral health education. Read more in our top story of the week.
Speaking of education, the University of Maine at Augusta may establish a dental therapy degree program, which would be the first in the state. Maine legislators recently passed a law tasking the university with studying the feasibility of establishing such a program at the school and submitting its findings to legislators by 2024.
Additionally, another study has shown a link between gum disease, tooth loss, and brain health. Researchers in Japan reported that brain shrinkage in the hippocampus, a region that has significant ties to memory and Alzheimer’s disease, may be associated with gum disease and tooth loss, even in mild cases of periodontitis.
In other news, cone-beam computed tomography may not be a reliable tool in assessing alveolar bone loss in adolescent orthodontic patients, according to what is believed by the first study of its kind. On the flip side, ultrasound may be a better diagnostic tool.
Finally, a patient was diagnosed with lymphoma that was camouflaged by jaw pain, fainting, and headaches, according to a recent case report that was published in the Journal of the American Dental Association. The case highlights the importance of dentists having a thorough knowledge of head and neck anatomy so they can identify orofacial pain, as well as cancer, in patients.
Don’t forget to take our 2023 SalaryScan survey to see how your income, debt, and more stacks up against that of your colleagues. The survey ends next Friday, July 14.
Until next time, have a good weekend. Editor-in-Chief Theresa Pablos will be back next week.
