Dentist Fesses up to Drug Addiction, Gives up License

Written by Dentistry TodayWednesday, 05 September 2012 15:53



The dentist that reused syringes came clean about his drug addiction.

Dr. Stephen Stein gave up his license to practice dentistry as well. He also signed a Stipulation and Final Agency Order, after which he conceded that he’s been addicted to drugs for some time now.

By surrendering his license, Stein will have the chance to apply for a new license in two years. If he is lucky enough to receive a new license, it will be linked to the old license in public records.

According to the investigation, Stein’s drug addiction caused him to seek help in the summer of 1998. The Board of Dental Examiners did not become of aware of this until June 2011 when an anonymous complaint was filed against Stein.

Stein’s addiction included Vicoprofen and Vicodin. He wrote prescriptions for the drugs and asked the patients to bring the medication to their appointments. During this time, he would take the drugs for his personal usage.

Three people may have been infected by Stein. This was after the Colorado Department of Public Health mailed letters advising that 8,000 patients should be tested for HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C.

The dentistry board voted to suspend Stein earlier this year. During the process, the board did not state the length of time in which Stein had been using drugs. In 2005, Stein called in a prescription under a patient’s name and proceeded to the pharmacy to pick up the drugs and use them. There likely were times when Stein practiced dentistry while impaired.

The misusage of syringes was the main findings of the board. Stein has yet to be charged with any criminal offense.

Some Bacteria may Develop Ability to Move within Mouth

Written by Dentistry TodayThursday, 06 September 2012 15:26



A new study indicates that some bacteria may be capable of grow an appendage and swimming to a new area. This activity has recently been seen in marine sponges.

This information is applicable to dentistry because it may aid the way harmful bacteria in the mouth are understood. It’s possible that the bacteria in the plaque on teeth and in other areas of the body could be treated in a different, more advanced manner.

Bacteria have the ability to communicate with other bacteria. When a critical mass of bacteria is present in a certain area, an appendage known as a flagellum appears and finds a way to swim to a new area. A new biofilm can then develop.

All things considered, there are more bacteria on earth than all other forms of life combined. The more that is understood about bacteria, the more chance there is that the bacteria will be combatted in a more educated way.

This new study by scientists from the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science’s Institute of Marine and Environmental Technology, Indiana University, and University of Colorado Denver’s School of Medicine, appears in the September issue ofMolecular Microbiology.

Some Foods May Boost Oral Health

Written by Dentistry TodayFriday, 07 September 2012 14:41



At this point, it’s clear that acidic drinks and sugary foods have a negative impact on your teeth. But there are some foods and beverages that could aid your oral health.

Foods such as salmon, quinoa, basil, onions, broccoli and mushrooms will most likely make sure your oral health stays the way it should.

Salmon is high in omega 3 oils, which enables it to prevent inflammation.

Basil could be considered a natural antibiotic, meaning it lowers the amount of bacteria in the mouth.

Quinoa is rich and protein and calcium. This characteristic gives it the ability to keep teeth and bones strong.

Onions possess a sulfur compound that can combat Streptococcus bacteria.

The iron in broccoli forms a protective barrier against tooth decay.

Shitake mushrooms limit the ability of plaque to get caught in the teeth and gums, while fruits high in vitamin C could be considered natural tooth whiteners.

By sticking with these foods instead of foods high in sugar, one can ensure that good oral health is maintained.