Dentist should not have to be distracted by Practice Management Programs and Computer mishaps. They should be able to focus on their skills of Dentistry, make sure patients do not leave without an appointment or payment.

For dentists who treat an occasional child with localized aggressive periodontitis, or LAP, the research points to the likely culprit as a bacterium with a long name, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (Aa).

The gene TP53 encodes a multi-purpose protein that takes part in regulating the cell cycle, carrying out programmed cell death, initiating DNA repair, and regulating the transcription of a large cassette of genes that cells employ for various biological purposes.

The scientists identified 27 distinct gene transcripts that were over produced in the saliva of those with primary Sjogren’s syndrome.

A team of NIDCR-supported scientists and their colleagues report on a novel protein called LZAP. Discovered by the group in 2005, LZAP appears to be a new growth-inhibiting tumor suppressor gene.

The McDevitt laboratory published in the August issue of the journal Lab on a Chip the results of proof-of-principle experiments for a rapid chip-based diagnostic test for oral cancer. McDevitt spoke to the Inside Scoop about the device, its status, and future prospects.

If researchers were to describe the oral bacterium Porphyromonas gingivalis, three adjectives likely would come to mind: well adapted, opportunistic, and destructive. And with good reason.

Searching for new drugs and other treatments that might help restore adequate salivary flow in people whose salivary glands had been damaged by radiation treatment for cancer.

When placing a white composite filling into a decayed tooth, the devil is always in the polymerization process. That’s when dentists shine a high-energy light onto the dough-like filling packed into the cavity, prompting small unbound molecules, or monomers, within the material to link into polymer chains.

The National Academy of Sciences, NIDCR grantees and a colleague defined the adhesive qualities of a single amino acid that is prominent in mussel glue.