Dr. Trepp is reviewing the DANB Expanded Function Dental Assistiing Exam questions with DANB & the MD Dental Examiners to make the exam more fair. One face to face meeting has already occured with a followup webinar scheduled in mid-May.

Environmental activists are pushing the FDA to finalize the FDA’s regulation of triclosan, an active ingredient in Colgate Total toothpaste and some soaps. Activists say triclosan can disrupt hormone levels. Being cautious, we will no longer recommend triclosan products. AP Newspaper Article

Paul Corcoran DDS reminds dentists that they are in a position to spot skin cancer and shows dentists skin cancers more common appearances. Congrats to Dr Corcoran, Dr Trepp’s dental school roommate. Here is a link:

https://www.dentalaegis.com/cced/2013/03/head-and-neck-skin-cancer-dentists-responsibility-in-early-detection

New research indicates that flu virus is spread more by airborne droplets from coughs and sneezes than by touching contaminated surfaces. People infected with flu should wear a mask to prevent airborne virus spread to others.

We hope that the extra daylight gives employee and patient families more time to enjoy each other and their outdoor surroundings.

Local lack of snow from the prdicted “blizzard” provided a day for many to get caught up on home projects and sneak in a little unplanned mid-week rest.

Cutting fees paid to doctors is not going to increase the quality of care. Sending kids home from head start is not going to make easier for their parents to work. Propagating pork barrel will not pay essentials. Government must lose their ego, return to reality or watch another form of government evolve.

In their AGD Impact magazine, the Academy Of General Dentistry states that experts recommend that children stop using pacifiers after age 2.

The winter issue of John Hopkins Health states that researchers are looking at how to use a swab of mouth saliva as an alternative to blood collection for testing.

The new healthcare bill which became effective on January 1, 2013 places a new tax on manufactured medical devices. The medical device manufactures will pass the expense of the tax to the healthcare provider/dentist and the dentist may choose to pass the cost on to the patient in the form of increased dental fees.