Nobel Biocare has selected Dr. Virgilio Mongalo as a clinical instructor for their computer-guided surgeries.
A Miami cosmetic dentist and an associate professor of prosthodontics at the University of Florida, Dr. Mongalo's experience in the field is extensive. He was involved in the initial testing of the computer-guided procedures in 1993 before the system was approved by the FDA.
The system relies on a combination of computer and imaging technology to dramatically advance patient care. According to Dr. Mongalo, "It has enhanced our ability to ensure the success of implant procedures over traditional methods."
In the past, dental implants required multiple surgeries over the course of 4-9 months. With computer-guided surgeries such as Teeth in an Hour, it's a quick, minimally invasive procedure for replacing several or all of a patient's teeth in about an hour.
Performed in the office, dentists use computerized tomography to scan a patient's mouth. The CAT scan provides a detailed view of the patient's teeth and jaws. The data is transferred to a computer and displayed in 3 dimensions using software developed by Nobel Biocare. The 3D images enable a dentist to analyze the teeth and jaws from a variety of angles and even perform virtual surgery on the images.
Nobel's factory uses these same images to create a stencil-like mouthpiece to guide the dentist through the implant surgery. The images are also used to fashion new teeth to fit the patient's mouth before the surgery.
Consequently, patients can have new teeth implanted in about an hour.
The migration of digital technology into the dental office is revolutionizing the field. Medical practitioners must transcend disciplines. Accomplished instructors are required to provide the sophisticated training for these new skills and treatments.
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About Dr. Virgilio Mongalo
As a private practitioner in Miami, Dr. Virgilio Mongalo has performed cosmetic dentistry and implant procedures for more than 17 years.
As an associate professor of prosthodontics at the University of Florida, Dr. Virgilio Mongalo lectures on new technologies in cosmetic and prosthetic dentistry as well as dental implantology to students and dental professionals in Miami and throughout Latin America.
Awarded his Doctorate of Medical Dentistry from the University of Florida, Dr. Mongalo is also a member of the International Congress of Oral Implantology, the American Academy of Implant Dentistry and is president of the Scientific Committee for the Latin American Organization of Dental Implants.
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Monday, July 9, 2007
Negative Experiences With Dental Consulting
Dental consultants have disappointed many dentists, according to a Wealthy Dentist poll. The survey found that the majority of dentists report having had negative experiences with dental consulting.
Most dentists report having had at least one negative experience with a dental consultant. In a recent dental survey conducted by The Wealthy Dentist, dentists were asked if they had been disappointed by dental consultants. The majority (62%) indicate they have had problems with consultants in the past. On the other hand, 38% report being smart and/or lucky enough to avoid the bad ones.
The survey did not differentiate between dental marketing consultants and dental management consultants, but complaints about both groups were similar. Some consultants simply lack the experience and knowledge dental practices require. "I had the experience of working with a consultant who knew nothing of accounts receivables, good ratios, etc.," recounted a New Jersey dental office worker. "He was a podiatrist who decided to become a business consultant on the side. He should have stayed with feet!"
The cost of bad dental consultanting can exceed a hefty price tag. "I paid an excessive amount to a team who guaranteed a 30% increase in production and collections, then proceeded to almost destroy my practice," moaned a Kentucky dentist. "It has taken two years to repair the damage caused by following their 'program.'"
Other dentists were disappointed by consultants who act as though all dental practices in all areas have the same needs for dental management consulting. "Every dentist has his or her own style, both in management and clinical skills," said a South Carolina dentist. "Most consultants say they customize their 'plans.' However, they are all the same cookie-cutter ideas disguised as something different."
Sometimes consultants can be disastrous for a dentist's relationship with team members. "I ended up being sued by my staff... I never ever want to go to a dental consultant again," said one Michigan dentist. A Massachusetts pediatric dentist described another unpleasant experience: "She had the staff in tears at her initial presentation! She came on like a drill sergeant to the staff within minutes of meeting them." A North Carolina orthodontist commented, "The most recent consultant I had was very negative to my staff and did not return calls... Very bad experience."
Of course, some dentists have been delighted by their experiences with dental marketing consulting. "They absolutely turned our practice around with quality care and profitable days!" raved a Pennsylvania dental hygienist.
In the end, all agreed that it's the dentist's job to pick a dental practice consultant that will suit their practice. "As business owners, we must take responsibility to do due diligence when making decisions concerning our future," said a North Carolina dentist. "We cannot become lemmings and blindly follow the ideas of a so-called expert."
Moreover, it requires work on the dentist's part to find the right dental management consultant. "I've had good experiences, but not all dental consultants' styles or messages are right for you. Before you sign, seriously interview the consultant and have a trial period," suggested a Connecticut dentist.
It turns out that a number of dental consultancies actually have quasi-religious affiliations; this was the most common complaint cited by dentists in this survey. (In fact, there have been a number of lawsuits on that subject.) One Arkansas dentist explains his experience: "I got invited to a teaser meeting and returned the next week to experience an aggressive attempt to humiliate me into signing on to an outrageously expensive no-end-in-sight series of coaching meetings. Not only that, it would eventually involve a religious change."
"I'm a dental consultant myself, and have been for more years than I'd care to remember," commented Jim Du Molin, founder of both The Wealthy Dentist and the Internet Dental Alliance. "Now, it's possible I'm just a little biased, but I consider myself one of the good ones. And I know there are plenty of other great dental consultants out there as well. But some of the bad ones can be so monstrously bad that they scare some dentists away from the profession as a whole!"
Most dentists report having had at least one negative experience with a dental consultant. In a recent dental survey conducted by The Wealthy Dentist, dentists were asked if they had been disappointed by dental consultants. The majority (62%) indicate they have had problems with consultants in the past. On the other hand, 38% report being smart and/or lucky enough to avoid the bad ones.
The survey did not differentiate between dental marketing consultants and dental management consultants, but complaints about both groups were similar. Some consultants simply lack the experience and knowledge dental practices require. "I had the experience of working with a consultant who knew nothing of accounts receivables, good ratios, etc.," recounted a New Jersey dental office worker. "He was a podiatrist who decided to become a business consultant on the side. He should have stayed with feet!"
The cost of bad dental consultanting can exceed a hefty price tag. "I paid an excessive amount to a team who guaranteed a 30% increase in production and collections, then proceeded to almost destroy my practice," moaned a Kentucky dentist. "It has taken two years to repair the damage caused by following their 'program.'"
Other dentists were disappointed by consultants who act as though all dental practices in all areas have the same needs for dental management consulting. "Every dentist has his or her own style, both in management and clinical skills," said a South Carolina dentist. "Most consultants say they customize their 'plans.' However, they are all the same cookie-cutter ideas disguised as something different."
Sometimes consultants can be disastrous for a dentist's relationship with team members. "I ended up being sued by my staff... I never ever want to go to a dental consultant again," said one Michigan dentist. A Massachusetts pediatric dentist described another unpleasant experience: "She had the staff in tears at her initial presentation! She came on like a drill sergeant to the staff within minutes of meeting them." A North Carolina orthodontist commented, "The most recent consultant I had was very negative to my staff and did not return calls... Very bad experience."
Of course, some dentists have been delighted by their experiences with dental marketing consulting. "They absolutely turned our practice around with quality care and profitable days!" raved a Pennsylvania dental hygienist.
In the end, all agreed that it's the dentist's job to pick a dental practice consultant that will suit their practice. "As business owners, we must take responsibility to do due diligence when making decisions concerning our future," said a North Carolina dentist. "We cannot become lemmings and blindly follow the ideas of a so-called expert."
Moreover, it requires work on the dentist's part to find the right dental management consultant. "I've had good experiences, but not all dental consultants' styles or messages are right for you. Before you sign, seriously interview the consultant and have a trial period," suggested a Connecticut dentist.
It turns out that a number of dental consultancies actually have quasi-religious affiliations; this was the most common complaint cited by dentists in this survey. (In fact, there have been a number of lawsuits on that subject.) One Arkansas dentist explains his experience: "I got invited to a teaser meeting and returned the next week to experience an aggressive attempt to humiliate me into signing on to an outrageously expensive no-end-in-sight series of coaching meetings. Not only that, it would eventually involve a religious change."
"I'm a dental consultant myself, and have been for more years than I'd care to remember," commented Jim Du Molin, founder of both The Wealthy Dentist and the Internet Dental Alliance. "Now, it's possible I'm just a little biased, but I consider myself one of the good ones. And I know there are plenty of other great dental consultants out there as well. But some of the bad ones can be so monstrously bad that they scare some dentists away from the profession as a whole!"
Sugar with their tea reverses benefits
Sugar with their tea reverses benefits
The UK’s leading dental health charity has backed reports that tea can be good for oral and general health - but says many of these benefits will be reversed if people take sugar with their tea.
The British Dental Health Foundation was reacting to a report in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition that drinking tea can be even better than drinking water when it comes to health.
Dr Nigel Carter, chief executive of the Foundation, commented: “It is absolutely true that tea can have a variety of oral and general health benefits.
“It contains fluoride which strengthens tooth enamel and has been proven to reduce tooth decay, it has anti oxidants that clear your system and it re-hydrates you.
“However, many people take sugar with their tea and this can cause tooth decay if consumed too frequently.
The UK’s leading dental health charity has backed reports that tea can be good for oral and general health - but says many of these benefits will be reversed if people take sugar with their tea.
The British Dental Health Foundation was reacting to a report in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition that drinking tea can be even better than drinking water when it comes to health.
Dr Nigel Carter, chief executive of the Foundation, commented: “It is absolutely true that tea can have a variety of oral and general health benefits.
“It contains fluoride which strengthens tooth enamel and has been proven to reduce tooth decay, it has anti oxidants that clear your system and it re-hydrates you.
“However, many people take sugar with their tea and this can cause tooth decay if consumed too frequently.
Oral Healthcare Habits Worsen
People only brushing their teeth once a week, using household items like forks, shoelaces and drill bits to pick the teeth, toothbrush sharing and using old brushes were just some of the habits uncovered by the National Smile Month Survey 2007.
The survey, commissioned by the British Dental Health Foundation in association found a worrying trend of people making little effort to look after their teeth – and leaving themselves at risk of a wide variety of oral and general health problems.
Dr Nigel Carter, chief executive of the Foundation commented: “The number of people who don’t even brush once-a-day is eight times that of last year, while the number of people who can’t remember when they last changed their toothbrush is up by a similar amount.
“When you put that alongside the fact that people are using anything from drill bits and hammers to fish bones and toe nails to pick their teeth, then you can see that there is still a long way to go in improving oral healthcare in this country.
“Good oral healthcare is needed to prevent a wide range of conditions and, in particular, tooth decay and gum disease - which has been linked to heart disease, heart attacks, diabetes, strokes and low birth weight babies.
Dental Survey Statistics 2007 versus 2006:
• 12% brush ‘a few times a week’ or ‘never’ – compared to 1.5% last year
• Only 30% say they brush for two minutes – compared to 47% last year
• 17% ‘can’t remember’ when they last changed their brush – opposed to only 2% last year
• 60% of people would share their brush with their partner, child, friend or favorite celebrity
Top 10 strange things people floss with:
1. Drill bit
2. Saw
3. Shoelaces
5. Hammer
6. Fish bones
7. Fork
8. Twig
9. Safety pin
10. Toe nails
The survey, commissioned by the British Dental Health Foundation in association found a worrying trend of people making little effort to look after their teeth – and leaving themselves at risk of a wide variety of oral and general health problems.
Dr Nigel Carter, chief executive of the Foundation commented: “The number of people who don’t even brush once-a-day is eight times that of last year, while the number of people who can’t remember when they last changed their toothbrush is up by a similar amount.
“When you put that alongside the fact that people are using anything from drill bits and hammers to fish bones and toe nails to pick their teeth, then you can see that there is still a long way to go in improving oral healthcare in this country.
“Good oral healthcare is needed to prevent a wide range of conditions and, in particular, tooth decay and gum disease - which has been linked to heart disease, heart attacks, diabetes, strokes and low birth weight babies.
Dental Survey Statistics 2007 versus 2006:
• 12% brush ‘a few times a week’ or ‘never’ – compared to 1.5% last year
• Only 30% say they brush for two minutes – compared to 47% last year
• 17% ‘can’t remember’ when they last changed their brush – opposed to only 2% last year
• 60% of people would share their brush with their partner, child, friend or favorite celebrity
Top 10 strange things people floss with:
1. Drill bit
2. Saw
3. Shoelaces
5. Hammer
6. Fish bones
7. Fork
8. Twig
9. Safety pin
10. Toe nails
Bad breath a stinking problem for couples
One in five people believe that their partner has bad breath according to a new UK-wide dental survey.
The National Smile Month Survey, commissioned by the British Dental Health Foundation found that 20% of people would describe their partner as ‘having bad breath’ – and the result was the same for both men and women.
Dr Nigel Carter, chief executive of the Foundation, commented: “Bad breath can be a real turn-off for both sexes so it must be a worry that so many people are noticing it in their partners.
“With a further 42% revealing they have friends or colleagues with bad breath it seems that this is still very much a common problem.
“Although there can be other causes, such as spicy foods and some medical conditions, most bad breath is the result of poor oral hygiene. People need to brush their teeth twice-a-day with fluoride toothpaste, cut down on how often they have sugary foods and drinks and visit the dentist regularly, as often as they recommend.
“With the survey’s findings that the majority of people wouldn’t risk their friendship by telling someone they had bad breath it seems that people need to find out for themselves.
“Try the ‘lick and sniff’ test to see if your breath smells. Simply lick the inside of your wrist, leave it for a few seconds and the sniff. If the smell is unpleasant the chances are your breath is too.”
The National Smile Month Survey, commissioned by the British Dental Health Foundation found that 20% of people would describe their partner as ‘having bad breath’ – and the result was the same for both men and women.
Dr Nigel Carter, chief executive of the Foundation, commented: “Bad breath can be a real turn-off for both sexes so it must be a worry that so many people are noticing it in their partners.
“With a further 42% revealing they have friends or colleagues with bad breath it seems that this is still very much a common problem.
“Although there can be other causes, such as spicy foods and some medical conditions, most bad breath is the result of poor oral hygiene. People need to brush their teeth twice-a-day with fluoride toothpaste, cut down on how often they have sugary foods and drinks and visit the dentist regularly, as often as they recommend.
“With the survey’s findings that the majority of people wouldn’t risk their friendship by telling someone they had bad breath it seems that people need to find out for themselves.
“Try the ‘lick and sniff’ test to see if your breath smells. Simply lick the inside of your wrist, leave it for a few seconds and the sniff. If the smell is unpleasant the chances are your breath is too.”
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
Periodontal bacteria found in amniotic fluid
Study evaluates women at risk for premature labor and finds periodontal bacteria in amniotic fluid
A study appearing in the July issue of the Journal of Periodontology found bacteria commonly found in the mouth and associated with periodontal diseases in the amniotic fluid of some pregnant women.
The study, which evaluated 26 pregnant women with a diagnosis of threatened premature labor, found the presence of periodontal bacteria, P. Gingivalis, in both the oral cavity and amniotic fluid in 30% of the women. Amniotic fluid is a liquid that surrounds an unborn baby during pregnancy. Any disruptions in the amniotic fluid, such as a bacterial infection, could potentially be dangerous to both the mother and baby.
“We evaluated women who were at risk of premature labor,” said study author Gorge Gamonal, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Chile. “We know that there are many reasons a woman can be diagnosed with threatened premature labor, including bacterial infection. Past research has shown a relationship between adverse pregnancy outcomes and periodontal disease, a chronic bacterial infection.”
“While this study’s findings do not show a direct causal relationship between periodontal diseases and adverse pregnancy outcomes, it is still important for women to pay special attention to their oral health during pregnancy,” explained Preston D. Miller, Jr., DDS, President of the American Academy of Periodontology. “Woman who are pregnant or considering becoming pregnant should speak with their dental and health care professionals about their oral health during pregnancy.”
Be sure to also keep in mind your “pocket size” guide to periodontal health; periodontal pockets of one to two millimeters with no bleeding are not a concern but pockets of three and four millimeters may need a more in depth cleaning called scaling and root planing.
A study appearing in the July issue of the Journal of Periodontology found bacteria commonly found in the mouth and associated with periodontal diseases in the amniotic fluid of some pregnant women.
The study, which evaluated 26 pregnant women with a diagnosis of threatened premature labor, found the presence of periodontal bacteria, P. Gingivalis, in both the oral cavity and amniotic fluid in 30% of the women. Amniotic fluid is a liquid that surrounds an unborn baby during pregnancy. Any disruptions in the amniotic fluid, such as a bacterial infection, could potentially be dangerous to both the mother and baby.
“We evaluated women who were at risk of premature labor,” said study author Gorge Gamonal, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Chile. “We know that there are many reasons a woman can be diagnosed with threatened premature labor, including bacterial infection. Past research has shown a relationship between adverse pregnancy outcomes and periodontal disease, a chronic bacterial infection.”
“While this study’s findings do not show a direct causal relationship between periodontal diseases and adverse pregnancy outcomes, it is still important for women to pay special attention to their oral health during pregnancy,” explained Preston D. Miller, Jr., DDS, President of the American Academy of Periodontology. “Woman who are pregnant or considering becoming pregnant should speak with their dental and health care professionals about their oral health during pregnancy.”
Be sure to also keep in mind your “pocket size” guide to periodontal health; periodontal pockets of one to two millimeters with no bleeding are not a concern but pockets of three and four millimeters may need a more in depth cleaning called scaling and root planing.
Monday, July 2, 2007
Federal Preemption of State Dental Practice Act
American Dental Association Comments on Court Ruling in Case Finding Federal Preemption of State Dental Practice Act
The American Dental Association (ADA) released the following statement regarding the decision yesterday to preempt the State Dental Practice Act.
- - - -
"We're plainly disappointed with this ruling," said Dr. Kathleen Roth, ADA president. "Our only objective in this litigation has been to improve access to high-quality oral health care in remote areas of Alaska, to ensure that dental personnel providing this care are properly trained, and to maximize patient safety. Our pledge to the tribal community, both in Alaska and elsewhere in the United States, is that this judgment will not deter us from joining them in fighting for the public health resources that will ensure that Alaska Natives have access to the same dental care as all other Americans. As the Native American/Alaska Native community well knows, the ADA has a long history of advocating for Indian Health Service dental programs, and those efforts will continue."
The issue argued before the state Superior Court, Anchorage, was whether the Indian Health Care Improvement Act (IHCIA), a federal law governing the provision of health care to American Indians and Alaska Natives, preempts Alaska state law that requires those who perform invasive, permanent, and irreversible dental procedures to be properly trained and licensed. The ADA believes that Congress never intended the IHCIA to remove these important safeguards in connection with the dental services provided to Alaska's native population and that the state law does not conflict with the IHCIA.
"While we respectfully disagree with the court and will have to review our legal options," Dr. Roth continued, "we want to work with the ANTHC and other interested parties to develop the means to get sufficient dentists into remote Alaska to meet the complex dental needs of Alaska Natives."
The American Dental Association (ADA) released the following statement regarding the decision yesterday to preempt the State Dental Practice Act.
- - - -
"We're plainly disappointed with this ruling," said Dr. Kathleen Roth, ADA president. "Our only objective in this litigation has been to improve access to high-quality oral health care in remote areas of Alaska, to ensure that dental personnel providing this care are properly trained, and to maximize patient safety. Our pledge to the tribal community, both in Alaska and elsewhere in the United States, is that this judgment will not deter us from joining them in fighting for the public health resources that will ensure that Alaska Natives have access to the same dental care as all other Americans. As the Native American/Alaska Native community well knows, the ADA has a long history of advocating for Indian Health Service dental programs, and those efforts will continue."
The issue argued before the state Superior Court, Anchorage, was whether the Indian Health Care Improvement Act (IHCIA), a federal law governing the provision of health care to American Indians and Alaska Natives, preempts Alaska state law that requires those who perform invasive, permanent, and irreversible dental procedures to be properly trained and licensed. The ADA believes that Congress never intended the IHCIA to remove these important safeguards in connection with the dental services provided to Alaska's native population and that the state law does not conflict with the IHCIA.
"While we respectfully disagree with the court and will have to review our legal options," Dr. Roth continued, "we want to work with the ANTHC and other interested parties to develop the means to get sufficient dentists into remote Alaska to meet the complex dental needs of Alaska Natives."
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