CHICAGO--The Academy of General Dentistry has announced a continuing dental education-based strategic sponsorship made possible through an unrestricted educational grant from GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare.
This year-long sponsorship will focus on developing and producing high-quality educational opportunities and materials for general dentists on the subjects of tooth wear and acid erosion. In addition, programs will be developed that are aimed at increasing the understanding and management of oral health and the
expectations of aging patients.
A recent survey of AGD members revealed that dentists think tooth erosion is
more common today compared to five years ago and many respondents stated
that consuming soft drinks, as well as other foods with a low pH value (such as fruit juices, pickles, fresh fruit and yogurt), contribute to tooth erosion.
Tooth erosion is the breakdown of tooth structure caused by the effect of acid on the teeth. Dental enamel is the thin, outer layer of hard tissue that helps maintain the tooth's structure and shape while protecting it from decay.
"At GSK Consumer Healthcare, we are committed to working with the AGD to
increase awareness and knowledge of these issues to ensure that information
important to general dentists will be shared with a larger dental audience and a wider patient population," said Ronald L. Rupp, DMD, GSK Consumer Healthcare senior manager, professional relations. "As a leader in continuing dental education and an advocate for lifelong learning, we are pleased to support the AGD in bringing initiatives such as this one to its member dentists."
"GSK Consumer Healthcare, an industry leader in oral care shares the AGD's
vision to create program content that will advance the value and excellence of general dentistry," said AGD President, Vincent C. Mayher, Jr., DMD, MAGD. "Many of our members go above and beyond basic licensure requirements in their state to keep their practice on the cutting edge, and we know this initiative will help us provide our members with even more access to new CDE
options."
As part of this effort, the AGD featured an educational track related to these oral health issues during AGD 2007 in SanDiego, the AGD's annual meeting and exhibits, which took place June 27–July 1.
The courses were open and free of charge to registered meeting attendees. Dr. David Bartlett presented a program which provided attendees with an objective overview that increased their knowledge and awareness of acid erosion and its etiology, diagnosis and clinical management. In addition, Dr. Gregory Folse's program updated attendees about denture care and offered guidance on how to improve the quality of life issues faced by older patients.
For more information about the AGD, visit Academy of General Dentistry.
