Amoxicillin among latest drug shortages
Several manufacturers of amoxicillin have reported supply shortages. In dentistry, the shortages primarily affect the availability of amoxicillin oral suspension products used for pediatric patients. The causes of the shortages aren't entirely known; according to NBC News, the reason given for the shortage on the FDA website is "demand increase for drug" or "other."
WHO: Global oral health situation “alarming”
The Washington Post reported on the WHO’s recent report on oral heath that called the global situation “alarming,” noting that nearly half of the world’s population has untreated oral diseases. Such illnesses affect more people worldwide than mental disorders, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, and cancers combined.
Oral health and brain abscesses
A new study has shown a potential relationship between oral bacteria and brain abscesses. Researchers used microbiological data from abscess sampling and peripheral cultures and found that oral cavity could be considered as a source of occult infection in cases of brain abscess where no clear cause has been identified, concluding that good levels of oral health may help prevent the development of brain abscesses in some individuals.
A “perfect storm for a terrible holiday season”
The highest level of hospitalizations for flu in years are just part of a trifecta including RSV and COVID-19 that experts predict could pose a serious health threat over the holidays. Possibly compounding the issue is a relaxation of COVID protective measures that also prevented more widespread infections of the flu and other infections—“but we’re really no longer in that bubble,” said one expert.
Poll shows dentists in favor of insurance reform
Following Massachusetts’ passing of Question 2 that will require the state's dental insurance carriers to spend at least 83% of premium dollars on patient care rather than on administrative costs, salaries, and profits, some 80% of dentists in states other than Massachusetts who were polled by ADA/HPI indicated they'd be interested in participating in grassroots efforts to establish a medical loss ratio for dental plans in their state.
