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Sun Life U.S. And Dentaquest Announce 2025 Recipients Of The Health Access Hero Awards

New Orleans Dental Association News

Sun Life and DentaQuest's Health Access Hero Awards recognize nonprofits and individual change-makers working to broaden access to health services and improve health outcomes for communities in need. One of the 2025 Health Access Hero Award winners is in NODA's own backyard: Dr. Douglas Cross, Dental Director at EXCELth Inc. Learn about both Dr. Cross and the awards in the article.

Noda News March 2026

New Orleans Dental Association News

New Orleans Dental Association (NODA) News includes regular columns with regional news impacting the New Orleans membership including: columns from the President and Executive Director, feature articles relating to the field of dentistry, association events and upcoming activities, component news, continuing education opportunities, and classifieds.

2025 Noda Honor Dentist: James “Jimmy” Edward Burns, D.D.S., David J. Hildebrandt D.D.S.

New Orleans Dental Association News

The New Orleans Dental Association Honors & Awards committee is pleased to announce the recipient of the 2025 Honor Dentist: Dr. James "Jimmy" E. Burns. Dr. Burns is an LSU graduate and avid LSU football fan. He is a member of many professional dental groups and an advocate of organized dentistry. Within the article he credits several professional mentors and his father as role models.

The NODA Honor Dentist Award is presented annually “In Recognition of Outstanding Contributions And Exemplary Conduct in the Profession of Dentistry”.

Noda News February 2026

New Orleans Dental Association News

New Orleans Dental Association (NODA) News includes regular columns with regional news impacting the New Orleans membership including: columns from the President and Executive Director, feature articles relating to the field of dentistry, association events and upcoming activities, component news, continuing education opportunities, and classifieds.

Comparative Evaluation Of Orthodontic Measurements Using Two Intraoral Scanners Versus Conventional Plaster Models: An In Vivo Study, Pranoy Nair, Achint Juneja, Monis Raza, Prashant Shahi, Ridhi Kothari, Deepthi Raj

International Arab Journal of Dentistry

Introduction: This study evaluated and compared the accuracy and reliability of two intraoral scanners, iTero Element 1 and Panda P2, with conventional plaster models for essential orthodontic measurements.

Methods: Thirty subjects were evaluated using three methods: plaster casts, iTero Element 1, and Panda P2. Inter-canine distance, inter-molar distance, overjet, overbite, and Bolton’s ratios were measured. Data was analysed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s post-hoc test after confirming normality (Shapiro–Wilk). Intra-operator reliability was assessed using Dahlberg’s formula and ICC.

Results: No statistically significant differences were observed among the three methods (p > 0.05). Both scanners demonstrated high repeatability and minimal measurement error, …

Camouflage Orthodontic Treatment Of Skeletal Class Ii Malocclusion With Missing Mandibular Incisors Using Improved Superelastic Ti–Ni Alloy Wire, Pin-Yu , Chen, Yuan-Hou Chen, Yuan-Hou Chen, Jian-Hong Yu

Taiwanese Journal of Orthodontics

This article presents a camouflage orthodontic treatment utilizing the improved superelastic Ti-Ni alloy wire (ISW) to address a case of skeletal Class II malocclusion with two missing mandibular incisors. A 28-year-old female patient with a chief complaint of poor dental alignment sought orthodontic evaluation. Clinical examination revealed a Class III molar relationship, mild crowding, and lingually positioning of tooth 35. Radiographic analysis confirmed a skeletal Class II pattern. The treatment plan included the application of an ISW curve over the maxillary arch to control anterior tooth inclination. Canine distal drive and anterior retraction were performed following the extraction of bilateral …

Interdisciplinary Orthodontic Management Of Class Ii Severe Hypodontia Using Improved Super-Elastic Ti-Ni Alloy Wire, Hsuan Jeng, Yuan-Hou Chen, Jian-Hong Yu

Taiwanese Journal of Orthodontics

This case report presents the orthodontic management of a 23-year-old male with severe hypodontia, specifically the congenital absence of all premolars and bilateral peg laterals. The patient sought treatment due to dissatisfaction with previous orthodontic outcomes, characterized by noticeable spacing in the upper anterior region. Clinical evaluation revealed a skeletal Class II relationship and several dental anomalies, prompting the need for an interdisciplinary approach.

The patient was treated using an improved super-elastic Ti-Ni alloy wire (ISW), which provided consistent light continuous forces, high elasticity, and super-elastic properties beneficial for controlling tooth movement in patients with missing teeth and anchorage limitations. …

Long-Term Interdisciplinary Management Of Severe Vertical Bony Defects Using Periodontal Accelerated Osteogenic Orthodontics (Paoo), Chun-Han Su, Huei-Mei Tsai, Yi-Min Liu, Yuen-Yung Tsang, Yu-Ling Cheng

Taiwanese Journal of Orthodontics

Background: Management of severe malocclusion in patients with chronic periodontitis poses significant challenges due to compromised periodontal support and alveolar bone loss. Periodontally accelerated osteogenic orthodontics (PAOO) may facilitate tooth movement while promoting bone regeneration in such cases.

Case presentation: A 33-year-old male with chronic periodontitis and severe malocclusion presented for orthodontic correction. Initial treatment included comprehensive periodontal therapy—oral hygiene control, open-flap debridement, and bone grafting—prior to orthodontic intervention. Congenital absence of tooth 12 resulted in mesial drift, and teeth 17, 24, and 27 were extracted due to poor prognosis. Despite initial periodontal improvement, inflammation and labial plate collapse at …

Correction Of Facial Asymmetry Using Bilateral Sagittal Split Osteotomy Combined With Anterior Mandibular Midline Split And Genioplasty, Po-Yu Yang, Chia-Tze Kao, Yi-Chieh Chen, Wen-Ken Tai

Taiwanese Journal of Orthodontics

Facial asymmetry accounts for approximately two-thirds of orthognathic surgical patients and may involve discrepancies in any of the three spatial planes. Conventional bilateral sagittal split osteotomy (BSSO) has limitations in correcting patients with significant discrepancies in bilateral ramus angles. This paper proposes a novel surgical approach for the correction of facial asymmetry using BSSO combined with an anterior midline mandibular split osteotomy and genioplasty.

A 30-year-old woman presented with a skeletal Class III pattern, occlusal canting, and a 3-mm deviation of the chin to the right. Intraoral examination revealed an anterior crossbite, dental midline deviation, and a left Angle’s Class …

An Ai-Assisted Digital Workflow For Clinical Planning And Guide Fabrication In Miniscrew-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion, Yu-Chiang Chen, Szu-Ching Lee, Ting-Fen Chang, Wei-Lun Chang, Shu-Cheng Lin, Tzu-Ying Wu

Taiwanese Journal of Orthodontics

Purpose: This article introduces a digital workflow for creating a miniscrew-assisted rapid palatal expander (MARPE) guide, to virtually determine the proper MARPE position and to precisely transfer it into the reality. Materials and Methods: A digital workflow was established by the following steps: (1) generating a digital model with palatal soft tissue from the digital scan, (2) isolating teeth on the digital model from the CBCT file for band size try-in using AI software (DentalSegmentator), (3) constructing a model with four parallel cylinders simulating the MARPE screws’ pathways, (4) superimposing the three models to determine the proper MARPE position, (5) …

To Extract Or Not To Extract: On What Basis Do We Make That Decision? (Part Ii), Ib Leth Nielsen

Taiwanese Journal of Orthodontics

The most common extraction pattern in orthodontic patients with crowding of the teeth is the four first bicuspids. This is usually done in cases with severe crowding or bimaxillary protrusion. In some instances, orthodontists have decided, instead of extracting the first bicuspids, to extract the second bicuspids, for various reasons that we shall discuss in this review. Several other extraction patterns have also been implemented in the past, including second molars, lower incisors, and even asymmetric extractions. In this review, we shall discuss the pros and cons of each of these choices. In some patients, clinicians have even decided to …

Health Professional Students' Experiences With Gender-Identity Inclusive Content In The Classroom And Supervised Clinical Learning, Perry Xinyi Zhang, Aria Grabowski, Olivia S. Anderson

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Gender-identity diverse populations have unique healthcare needs, but they experience stigmatization leading to negative health outcomes. Healthcare professionals have reported obstacles to delivering affirming care to gender-identity diverse patients due to limited training. We assessed how health profession students encounter gender-identity content and how students’ perceived preparedness to provide care for gender-identity diverse populations. Methods: A survey distributed to students enrolled in health professional programs at a large mid-western university included close-ended questions about exposure to gender-identity diverse curricular content in didactic and supervised clinical settings and perceived preparedness to work with gender-identity diverse populations. Open-ended questions asked what …

Staying Strong In Practice: Reducing Musculoskeletal Risks In Dentistry, Leslie Hovda Dpt

Metro Denver Dental Society Articulator Magazine

Dentistry’s physical demands and static postures put providers at high risk for musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), especially in the back, neck, shoulders and wrists. This article Dr. Leslie Hovda, outlines practical ways to reduce strain through proper equipment use, posture optimization and preventive self-care. Applying the “MEDS” approach: mindfulness, exercise, diet, and sleep, can extend career longevity for dental professionals.

The Next Step In Oral Systemic Health: Educating The Public, Gary Pickard

Metro Denver Dental Society Articulator Magazine

Oral inflammation contributes to eight of the ten leading causes of death in the U.S., highlighting the need to integrate oral health into overall healthcare. Despite strong evidence linking gum disease to diabetes, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s, public awareness remains low. This article urges dental professionals to promote preventive care through patient education, saliva and blood pressure screenings and partnerships with medical providers. Initiatives by MDDS and RMDC show how integrated care can improve early detection and overall health outcomes.

Articulator Volume 32, Issue 1

Metro Denver Dental Society Articulator Magazine

The 1st Quarter 2026 issue features articles highlighting insights from the 2026 Rocky Mountain Dental Convention (RMDC) and perspectives on the evolving dental profession. Articles include:

• A reflection from Dr. Byran Savage on this year’s RMDC, celebrating education, innovation and professional connection.
  
  
• Practical strategies from physical therapist, Dr. Leslie Hovda, for reducing musculoskeletal strain and improving ergonomic health for dental professionals.
  
  
• An article from Mr. Gary Pickard of PDS Health exploring the critical link between oral and systemic health and how integrated care can improve chronic disease prevention.
  
  
• Guidance from Ms. Katherine Eitel Belt on having courageous, constructive conversations to …

Update On Colorado Non-Compete Agreements For Dentists, Josh Austin

Metro Denver Dental Society Articulator Magazine

Colorado’s Senate Bill 25-083 (SB 83) makes non-compete and non-solicitation agreements unenforceable for associate dentists, regardless of compensation. While non-competes tied to the sale of a dental practice or minority ownership remain valid if reasonable, most employment-based restrictions are now void. The law also preserves dentists’ rights to inform patients of their new practice and maintains penalties for non-compliance.

The Clear Custom Matrix Technique For Class Ii Light-Cured Composites, James C. Hamilton, Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This clinical article details the Clear Custom Matrix Technique (CCMT), an innovative method for placing posterior composite restorations. The technique uses a pre-operative PVS impression to act as a die, reforming unset composite to precisely match the tooth's original anatomy. The author provides a step-by-step guide, demonstrating how the method saves chair time, reduces the need for finishing and polishing, and eliminates the air-inhibited layer. The article also discusses matrix selection, layering techniques, and troubleshooting common clinical challenges to achieve highly accurate and aesthetic results.

Cultivating The Future Of Dentistry: Evolution Of Dental Education, Eric Mediavilla Dds, Fagd

Metro Denver Dental Society Articulator Magazine

This article explores how dental education and practice are rapidly changing with rising enrollment, growing female representation, and advanced digital technologies like VR simulators, 3D scanning and AI imaging. As educators balance innovation with foundational techniques, dentistry continues to evolve.

Credit Card Reform Tops Legislative Wins For Dentistry, Lance Plunkett Jd, Llm

The New York State Dental Journal

Several new laws of interest to dentistry were passed in 2025 and two of them were NYSDA’s own proposals, making the 2025 legislative session a productive one for the State Association, arguably the best in years.

Extraction Of Teeth Or Root Tips From Underneath Fixed Partial Denture Abutments Or Pontics: A Case Report, John S. Mamoun D.M.D.

The New York State Dental Journal

A dental patient may present with a fixed partial denture such that a tooth or a fractured tooth root that was once a terminal abutment or a pier abutment of the fixed partial denture may need extraction from underneath the abutment without removing the fixed partial denture. The patient may need to retain the fixed partial denture for financial or esthetic reasons, or to use the fixed partial denture as a long-term provisional restoration until the extraction site heals, or until a new fixed partial denture is fabricated.

This article presents a clinical report describing a technique for extracting a …

N Y State Dent J March 2026

The New York State Dental Journal

In the March 2026 issue, the reader will find the following feature articles:

• Pebbly Gingival Nodule in an Older Male
• Extraction of Teeth or Root Tips from Underneath Fixed Partial Denture Abutments or Pontics
• Successful Regenerative Endodontic Therapy of an Immature Dens Evaginatus Mandibular Second Premolar with Apical Periodontitis

This issue includes regular columns with regional news impacting the New York membership including editorial and perspectives columns, legal, association activities, component news, continuing education opportunities, and classifieds.

Rmdc: Dig Deeper. Grow. Connect. Have Fun., Bryan Savage

Metro Denver Dental Society Articulator Magazine

The 2026 Rocky Mountain Dental Convention (RMDC) brought together approximately 6,500 dental professionals for a three-day event organized by MDDS. The convention featured top national speakers, a dynamic Expo Hall, and emerging research connecting oral and systemic health. Insights from ADA Forsyth Institute researchers highlighted advances in understanding the oral microbiome, inflammation, and environmental impacts on dental development. The RMDC continues to emphasize medical-dental integration through expanded programming and hands-on diagnostic experiences, fostering collaboration across disciplines.

Incidence Vs. Prevalence, Allen Vean Dmd

Metro Denver Dental Society Articulator Magazine

Despite advances in dental technology, dental caries remain the most common chronic disease in children and adults. This reflection highlights the ongoing challenge of early childhood caries and the critical role of parental supervision, preventive care and collaboration with medical providers.

Courageous Conversations: A Dental Professional’S Most Powerful Skill, Katherine Eitel Belt

Metro Denver Dental Society Articulator Magazine

Many professionals avoid difficult conversations out of fear of conflict or failure, but avoidance only worsens problems and erodes trust. This article by Ms. Katherine Eitel Belt offers practical tools for having courageous, productive dialogues. The author shared tips, including listening first, starting from agreement, suspending judgment and emphasizing choice. Ms. Eitel Belt makes a case that by approaching conversations with empathy, openness, and curiosity, leaders can resolve issues more effectively, strengthen relationships, and build healthier, more collaborative teams.

Pebbly Gingival Nodule In An Older Male, Victoria L. Scarpa D.D.S., M.S., Yussra O. Mahmud M.P.H., B.S., Daria Vasilyeva D.D.S., Ph.D.

The New York State Dental Journal

We herein present a case of a giant cell fibroma in an older adult male that clinically has a pebbly or bosselated surface architecture, mimicking a squamous papilloma. The giant cell fibroma is a fibrous tumor distinct from the common irritation fibroma and may easily be mistaken for a papilloma based on clinical features. This case is reported to provide diagnostic value to the general practitioner.

Successful Regenerative Endodontic Therapy Of An Immature Dens Evaginatus Mandibular Second Premolar With Apical Periodontitis Case Report, Jake Horowitz D.D.S., Prashant Sukhani D.M.D., Aaron Brandwein D.D.S., Fagd, Ficd, James Sconzo D.M.D.

The New York State Dental Journal

Background: Dens evaginatus cusps typically have pulpal tissue, and fracturing of the cusp leads to necrosis. Immature permanent teeth with pulp necrosis have traditionally been treated with apexification, which eliminates infection but does not promote root development.

Methods: Regenerative endodontics utilizes revascularization by infiltrating stem cells from the apical papilla and using them to treat an immature necrotic tooth with periapical infection.

Results: Periapical radiolucency completely resolved, root length and thickness increased, and vitality returned at the one-year follow-up.

Conclusion: Regenerative protocols promote root development, reducing fracture risk. This treatment offers improved outcomes with fewer appointments and shorter treatment duration.

There’S A Vaping And Marijuana Crisis. Dentists Can Help Stem It, Bernard Fialkoff D.D.S.

The New York State Dental Journal

Dentists are perfectly positioned to deliver important information to their patients about the dangers of toxic alternatives to tobacco smoking.

Effect Of Dynamic Fatigue Loading On The Adaptation And Retention Of Maxillary Single Dentures Reinforced With Digitally Constructed Zirconia And Cobalt–Chromium Frameworks, Ghada Elgindy, Fardos N Rizk, Marwa Ezzat Sabet, Hebatallah Tarek Mohamed

Dentistry

Background. The impact of dynamic fatigue loading on denture adaptation and retention is clinically important. Zirconia and cobalt–chromium (Co–Cr) frameworks enhance denture strength, but their performance under cyclic loading remains unclear. Objectives. The aim of the study was to evaluate the adaptation and retention of maxillary single dentures reinforced with digitally constructed Co–Cr or zirconia frameworks after a simulated 1 year of function. Material and methods. Three types of maxillary single dentures were constructed on maxillary master casts. Group A included maxillary dentures without reinforcement (control group), whereas groups B and C encompassed maxillary dentures reinforced with digitally designed and …

Dental Rankings: Relevant Or A Psychological Rollercoaster?, Stuart L. Segelnick Dds, Ms

The New York State Dental Journal

It may take a village of dentists honing in on their own rankings to reverse the profession’s downward trend.

Living Evidence-Informed Guideline On The Early Detection Of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma And Potentially Malignant Disorders: Cytology Adjuncts To Determine The Need For Biopsy, Version 2026 1.0, James C Melville, Anita S H Patel, Alessandro Villa, Michael Glick, Mark W Lingen

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: Early detection of oral potentially malignant disorders and oral cavity cancer can improve patient prognosis. The guideline panel addressed the use of cytology adjuncts to screen adults without mucosal abnormalities and determine the need for biopsy among adults with mucosal abnormalities.

Types of studies reviewed: The guideline panel used the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation Evidence to Decision framework to formulate recommendations. The authors conducted reviews to assess the benefits and harms of cytology adjuncts and people and clinician values and preferences as they relate to adjunct tests and biopsy of mucosal abnormalities. As part of the …