Industry News

June 1, 2008
The off-site event on Friday, Aug. 1, at the RDH Under One Roof (UOR) conference in Chicago will be hosted at the headquarters for Hu-Friedy, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year.

Hu-Friedy Celebrates Birthday at UOR

The off-site event on Friday, Aug. 1, at the RDH Under One Roof (UOR) conference in Chicago will be hosted at the headquarters for Hu-Friedy, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year.

“Hu-Friedy has hosted several events in our back parking lot, in which we had a large tent built to accomodate up to 1,000 people,” said Julie Jacobson, senior marketing communications coordiantor for Hu-Friedy. “When the guests arrive, they will be escorted into Hu-Friedy and led though the factory to the outside tent area. Food and beverages will be available at that time, and they will have the option to take a Hu-Friedy tour at any time before 8:30 p.m.” Jacobson also said the birthday event also features a “fabulous band playing throughout the entire event, so attendees can dance the night away.”

In addition to observing the Hu-Friedy artisans displaying their craftsmanship, heavy hors d'oeuvres will be served at various stations, as well as beer and wine. The off-site event will cost $10 for UOR participants. The fee is in addition to the UOR tuition, but it covers all expenses for the evening. In addition, Hu-Friedy will host raffles and give away free prizes.

JADA Issues Sealant Recommendations

The ADA Council on Scientific Affairs recently released clinical recommendations for the use of pit-and-fissure sealants, which were published in the March 2008 Journal of the American Dental Association (JADA). The recommendations are also available at ADA.org in full-report format and as an executive summary for chairside use.

The recommendations were based in part on a 2004 survey conducted by the ADA when members were asked about “the effectiveness of dental sealants for managing or arresting carious lesions in permanent teeth.”

Survey Kicks Off National Smile Month

Oral health is a top health priority for 64 percent of adults in the United States right now, but even more adults (82 percent) are unaware of the role that infectious bacteria can play in tooth decay, according to a new public opinion survey sponsored by Oral Health America and Philips Sonicare. The survey, conducted by Harris Interactive®, was part of the first-ever U.S. National Smile Month from May 18 to June 17.

The survey results indicate overall good news about the oral care habits of adults in the United States. On average, adults say they brush their teeth for the recommended two minutes. National Smile Month comprises a variety of initiatives to raise awareness about the connection between oral health and overall health. More information is available at www.nationalsmilemonth.org.

Entries For Office Designs Accepted

Matsco, Dental Economics, and ADA Member Advantage are accepting entries for the ninth annual Dental Office Design Competition. All newly built offices with leasehold improvements or renovations completed between Jan. 1, 2005 and Dec. 31, 2007, are eligbile to enter.

Entries must be postmarked by July 31, 2008. The winners are announced at the ADA annual session in San Antonio, Texas. Entry forms can be found at www.matsco.com/DODC.

Tony Riso Co. Acquires Instrument Grips

The Tony Riso Company recently announced the acquisition of the Acushy line of dental hand instrument grips. The product line is offered under the name SoftDentalGrips. Dr. Ralph Milliken, president of the company, points out that the grips were designed by a dental hygienist who experienced musculoskeletal discomfort due to tightly gripping hand instruments. For more information, visit www.softdentalgrips.com.