Friday, December 25, 2015

Merry Christmas!

Luke
Chapter 2
  1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.

  2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) 

  3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

  4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)

  5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

  6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

  7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. 

  8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

  9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

  10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 

  11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

  12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. 

  13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 

  14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. 

  15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. 

  16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. 

  17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

  18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

  19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. 

  20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them. 

  21 And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb.


Merry Christmas Everyone

Thursday, April 18, 2013

Will Oklahoma Dentist W. Scott Harrington Face Criminal Charges for Unsanitary Dental Practices?

Oral Surgeon Dr. W. Scott Harrington


More than 60 former patients of dentist Dr. W. Scott Harrington tested positive for hepatitis and HIV, the Tulsa Health Department said Thursday.

The department’s investigation of Harrington’s practice identified 57 former patients who test positive for hepatitis C, three people who test positive for hepatitis B and less than three people who tested positive for HIV.

“We understand these first reported test results may be of concern,” said THD Director Dr. Bruce Dart. “Thorough investigations are routinely conducted upon notification of a positive report for these infections. This response will be handled in the same manner, as disease investigation is a core public health service and staff are well trained to conduct this type of response.”

 Some time in an Oklahoma prison is warranted for this egregious gross negligence.

The case will grind on as more patients are screened and treated.

Sunday, April 07, 2013

The Sunday Drill: April 7, 2013

Good afternoon.

I have been tardy in posting lately since I have been practicing dentistry on a long term contractual assignment with a long commute.

So, for the next few months, bear with me.

On to today's dentistry and health headlines:

Dental Bib Clips Can Harbor Oral and Skin Bacteria Even After Disinfection, Study Finds

Researchers at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine and the Forsyth Institute published a study today that found that a significant proportion of dental bib clips harbored bacteria from the patient, dental clinician and the environment even after the clips had undergone standard disinfection procedures in a hygiene clinic.

Although the majority of the thousands of bacteria found on the bib clips immediately after treatment were adequately eliminated through the disinfection procedure, the researchers found that 40% of the bib clips tested post-disinfection retained one or more aerobic bacteria, which can survive and grow in oxygenated environments. They found that 70% of bib clips tested post-disinfection retained one or more anaerobic bacteria, which do not live or grow in the presence of oxygen.

Dental groups dispute Consumer Reports cancer screening story

The dental community is up in arms over a recent Consumer Reports article that claims oral cancer screening is one of several medical tests that are over recommended and unnecessary for all but high-risk patients.

The article, which appears in the March 2013 issue, concluded that "most people shouldn't waste their time" on most diagnostic tests, including chairside visual screenings for oral cancer.

"Most people don't need the test unless they are at high risk, because the cancer is relatively uncommon," Consumer Reports wrote.

But the ADA and the Oral Cancer Foundation vehemently disagree with the magazine's conclusions, asserting that visual screening can result in earlier diagnosis of oral cancer and other oral diseases.

The Consumer Reports article recommends only three cancer tests -- cervical, colon, and breast -- as worthwhile, and includes oral cancer screening among "eight to avoid" tests: ovarian, pancreatic, testicular, prostate, bladder, lung, oral cavity, and skin cancer.

The magazine said its ratings were based mainly on reviews from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.

Anonymous Dentist Sends Letters Criticizing Okla. Board of Dentistry

Many dentists in the Tulsa area received letters from an anonymous writer criticizing the Oklahoma Board of Dentistry for the way it has handled the Dr. Scott Harrington case.

The writer calls him or herself "Anonymous Dentist," and writes "Friends, I can tell you that this could happen to any of us." The writer said the board wrongfully handled the Harrington case publicly before he had had a hearing.

"The state board is really paid by and organized for the public," said Dr. Raymond Barnum at the North Tulsa Dental Center at Westview Medical Center. He said he also believes it is important to reserve judgment on Dr. Harrington until all the facts are gathered. However, he said the board's driving force was to inform and protect the public. Dr. Barnum said the media is necessary in spreading that message.

"The fact needed to be brought to the public's attention, and loudly enough, so that we get some response, so that people would go ahead and get their testing done," said Dr. Barnum.

Dr. Barnum said he believes the issue will bring about more awareness of cleanliness in dental offices. He has posted a notice in his waiting room about infection control in his office. However, he said he does not think additional regulation is necessary.

UCLA School of Dentistry awarded $11 million to help underserved communities

The UCLA School of Dentistry was awarded more than $11 million from the Los Angeles-based child advocacy and grant-making organization First 5 L.A. to expand access to dental care for children and pregnant women, the school announced today.

The funds will establish the UCLA-First 5 L.A. Children’s Dental Care Program, which will support the delivery of care to children, from birth to age 5, and pregnant women over the next five years.

School officials said they expect the program to be especially beneficial to those in underserved communities, who are at high risk for dental disease.

First 5 L.A. awarded $9.23 to the dental school last year, bringing the total amount it has received from the organization to nearly $21 million over the past 12 months.

Enjoy your weekend!

Wednesday, March 06, 2013

Dentistry Wednesday Watch: March 6, 2013



Dentistry Today magazine has developed this video series to highlight dentistry news and, of course, their advertisers.

But, it is a smart, short production and worth a watch.

Here is the video description:

This week, we are joined by Dentistry Today March cover author, Dr. Lee Ann Brady, who tells us more about her article on avoiding restorative failure. Also, learn about clinical trials of a new oral cancer drug, and find out more about this week's innovative products: a metal refining service and a new canal-shaping system. And don't miss our special report -- learn how to enter to win an iPad with Retina Display! Visit http://www.dentistrytoday.com/ipad to ENTER GIVEAWAY.

Enjoy your morning!