newsline New York University College of DentistryResearchersAwarded $13Million for Caries Study The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute has awarded $13.3 million to New York University College of Dentistry (NYU Dentistry) to study effective and cost-efficient, school-based caries prevention methods. The grant will fund a 5-year study comparing the effectiveness of two caries-prevention techniques — a “simple” treatment of topical silver diamine fluoride and fluoride varnish, and a “complex” treatment of sealants and fluoride varnish. Led by NYU Dentistry’s Richard Niederman, DMD, and Ryan Richard Ruff, MPH, PhD, the team will compare caries prevention programs in 60 high-need elementary schools in the Bronx, an area characterized as having a shortage of oral health care providers and clinics. Schools will be randomly selected to receive either the simple or complex treatment. All children will receive equal levels of preventive care twice each year. Researchers will assess untreated caries, quality of life and student achievement to compare the outcomes of the simple and complex treatments. Additionally, a collaborative study between NYU Dentistry and NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing will compare care delivered by NYU nurses and NYU dental hygienists. The study builds on to the team’s prior work conducted in New York, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine and Colorado. CDC Urges Early Recognition, Prompt Treatment of Sepsis Recognizing the early symptoms of sepsis is imperative for preventing and treating infection that can become life threatening if not addressed promptly. In light of this, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has launched an edu- cational initiative, “Get Ahead of Sepsis,” to help pro- tect against its devastating effects, including tissue damage, organ failure and death. The initiative calls on health care professionals to educate patients, pre- vent infections, suspect and identify sepsis early, and start treatment quickly. The CDC also encourages patients and their families to prevent infections, and be alert for the symptoms of sepsis. Patients are urged to seek immediate care if sepsis is suspected, or for an infection that is not improving or worsening. Updated ‘Chairside Instructor’ Book Aids Patient and Staff Education The American Dental Association (ADA) has released the 11th edition of The Chairside Instructor to help dentists educate patients and staff about a variety of oral health conditions. The book features more than 250 photos and illustrations, 51 of which are new or revised from the previous edition. Designed to allow clinicians to point to a picture to help patients better understand complex topics — including anatomy, temporomandibular joint disorders, radiography and more — the book contains new and expanded content about the effects of sugar and tobacco on oral health, gingival recession, erosion and more. The spiral-bound book is also avail- able as an e-book or app, and can be viewed in either English or Spanish. 10 Decisions IN DENTISTRY • December 2017 Partnership Supports Independent Living by Individuals With Cognitive Special Needs Colgate-Palmolive is partnering with Magnusmode to offer a mobile app that empowers individuals with cognitive special needs, such as autism, to independently manage daily activities, including oral hygiene. Magnusmode’s innovative MagnusCards help caregivers — including parents, support workers and teachers — reinforce routines through a series of positive and easy-to-understand digital card “decks.” Developed with Colgate, the five new oral care decks cover brushing, brushing with braces, rinsing, flossing and visiting the dental office. “For caregivers of individuals with cognitive special needs, forming daily routines — such as toothbrushing — can be challenging,” notes Barbara Shearer, BDS, MDS, PhD, scientific affairs director for Colgate. “A healthy oral cavity is integral to healthy living, and Colgate is honored to partner with this helpful app to make routines, like oral care, easier for individuals with special needs and their caregivers.” The MagnusCards app is available for free download on the App Store or Google Play; users can also sign up at magnuscards.com. DecisionsInDentistry.com APOMARES/ISTOCK/GETTY IMAGES PLUS; WAVEBREAK/ISTOCK/GETTY IMAGES PLUS; COLGATE ORAL PHARMACEUTICALS
