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6 World News DENTAL TRIBUNE Asia Pacific Edition Asbestos fibres may harm dentists too Daniel Zimmermann DTI Asbestos fibres (DTI/Photo Terry Davis) NEW YORK, USA/LEIPZIG, Germany: According to the US website Asbestos.net, dentist should be more aware of the hazards arising from asbestos. High concentrations of the microscopic fibres are often found in treatment rooms, from where they can penetrate the lung and cause mesothelioma, a rare and inoperable form of cancer that develops from the protective lining of the body’s internal organs. Annually, 20,000 people die of the condition around the world. High exposure to asbestos is common in trades such as construction, in which there is the danger of inhaling the carcinogen’s dust and fibres from plaster and other asbestos-containing products. In dentistry, the minerals are often used for the lining of casting rings or dental tapes. Dentists are at risk because they usually work in small confined rooms and do not take precautions against inhaling the fibres. Recent studies have found that daily occupational exposure over time, even at low asbestos levels, under poor ventilation conditions in a closed space could cause pleural lesions. The website said that symptoms of the tumour’s presence are usually not evident for another 20 to 50 years. They advise dentists who think they may have been exposed to asbestos to monitor their health carefully in conjunction with a physician. DT AD © Nobel Biocare Services AG, 2010. All rights reserved. Nobel Biocare, the Nobel Biocare logotype and all other trademarks are, if nothing else is stated or is evident from the context in a certain case, trademarks of Nobel Biocare. Limit staff access to drugs Robin Goodman DTA NobelActive TM A new direction in implants. TUCSON, USA: Dental offices and the pharmaceuticals used there present the risk of drug abuse, but dentists can put policies in place that help reduce the chance of illegal use of controlled substances, according to an article in Anesthesia Progress (2009, 56:112–113). Dr Joel M. Weaver writes that dentists who place too much trust in their employees make themselves and their practices vulnerable to people who abuse controlled substances. Dentists who regulate drug access and distribution are protecting more than their practice—they’re also protecting their patients, employees and reputation. While it’s often easier to stick with the way things have traditionally been done, making a few changes to drugaccess policies makes good business sense, Dr Weaver says. “Although change is difficult and usually meets with resistance, the thoughtful practitioner who can step back and observe his or her practice for potentially fatal weaknesses will be much less likely to succumb to a disaster,” Dr Weaver writes. “Accredited hospitals already have strict rules to help prevent drug theft, but private unaccredited offices without mandatory controls are highly vulnerable to drug theft and deception.” By taking sole responsibility for storing, filling and handling syringes containing controlled substances, dentists can reduce the chance of illegal drug use or mistaken dosages. It’s important to rely only on those licensed to handle medications, Dr Weaver says, such as physicians, dentists, nurses and pharmacists. Other employees who receive on-thejob training may be more likely to make mistakes with drug dosages and concentrations. “Who should have access to controlled substances in the dental office? The answer is simple: only licensed professionals and as few of them as is reasonable,” he says. DT (Edited by Daniel Zimmermann, DTI) Dual-function prosthetic connection. Built-in platform shifting. Bone-condensing property. High initial stability, even in compromised bone situations. Adjustable implant orientation for optimal final placement. H S WIT YEAR E 10 RFAC E® SU T TIUNI onfirm data c y. New stabilit g-term lon NobelActive equally satisfies surgical and restorative clinical goals. NobelActive thread design progressively condenses bone with each turn during insertion, which is designed to enhance initial stability. The sharp apex and cutting blades allow surgical clinicians to adjust implant orientation for optimal positioning of the prosthetic connection. Restorative clinicians benefit by a versatile and secure internal conical prosthetic connection with built-in platform shifting upon which they can produce excellent esthetic results. Based on customer feedback and market demands for NobelActive, the product assortment has been expanded – dental professionals will now enjoy even greater flexi- bility in prosthetic and implant selection. Nobel Biocare is the world leader in innovative and evidence-based dental solutions. For more information, contact a Nobel Biocare Representative or visit our website. www.nobelbiocare.com Nobel Biocare Asia Ltd. 14/F, Cambridge House, Taikoo Place, 979 King’s Road, Quarry Bay, Hong Kong; Phone +852 2845 1266; Fax +2537 6604 Disclaimer: Some products may not be regulatory cleared/released for sale in all markets. Please contact the local Nobel Biocare sales office for current product assortment and availability.