Dental Tribune Untited Kingdom Edition

J apanese scientists have found that the odorous compound responsible for halitosis – otherwise known as bad breath – is ideal for harvest- ing stem cells taken from human dental pulp. In a study published in IOP Publishing’s Journal of Breath Research, researchers showed that hydrogen sulphide (H2S) in- creased the ability of adult stem cells to differentiate into hepatic (liver) cells, furthering their rep- utation as a reliable source for future liver-cell therapy. This is the first time that liver cells have been produced from human dental pulp and, even more impressively, have been produced in high numbers of high purity. “High purity means there are less ‘wrong cells’ that are being differentiated to other tissues, or remaining as stem cells. Moreo- ver, these facts suggest that pa- tients undergoing transplanta- tion with the hepatic cells may have almost no possibility of de- veloping teratomas or cancers, as can be the case when using bone marrow stem cells,” said lead author of the study Dr Ken Yaegaki. The remarkable transform- ing ability of stem cells has led to significant focus from re- search groups around the world and given rise to expectations of cures for numerable diseases, including Parkinson’s and Alz- heimer’s. In this study, Dr Ken Yaega- ki and his group, from Nippon Dental University, Japan, used stem cells from dental pulp – the central part of the tooth made up of connective tissue and cells – which were obtained from the teeth of dental patients who were undergoing routine tooth extractions. Once the cells were suf- ficiently prepared, they were separated into two batches (a test and a control) and the test cells incubated in a H2S cham- ber. They were harvested and analysed after 3, 6 and 9 days to see if the cells had successfully transformed into liver cells. To test if the cells success- fully differentiated under the in- fluence of H2S, the researchers carried out a series of tests look- ing at features that were charac- teristic of liver cells. In addition to physical observations under the microscope, the researchers investigated the cell’s ability to store glycogen and then record- ed the amount of urea contained in the cell. “Until now, nobody has pro- duced the protocol to regenerate such a huge number of hepatic cells for human transplanta- tion. Compared to the traditional method of using fetal bovine serum to produce the cells, our method is productive and, most importantly, safe” continued Dr Yaegaki. Hydrogen sulphide (H2S) has the characteristic smell of rotten eggs and is produced throughout the body in the tissues. Although its exact function is unknown, researchers have been led to believe that it plays a key role in many physiological processes and disease states. DT • Source: Institute of Physics, Journal of Breath Research Dental pulp stem cells transformed by ‘bad breath’ chemical T he new legislation comes as Northern Ireland fol- low the precedent set by England and Wales by banning the sale of tobacco products from vending machines in an attempt to make it more difficult for young people to purchase tobacco. In a speech made last year, Health Minister Edwin Poots re- vealed that for 14 per cent of 11- 16 year olds, cigarette vending machines were the usual source of obtaining tobacco. A recent survey by the Brit- ish Dental Health Foundation revealed around one in seven (13 per cent) of 12-16 year olds in the UK admitted to smoking. While 97 cent of young people knew the harmful effects of smoking, only half would change their ways. Smoking is the major cause of mouth cancer in the UK. Drink- ing alcohol to excess, poor diet and some sexually transmitted infections (Human Papilloma Vi- rus or HPV) are also known risk factors for mouth cancer which is likely to affect 60,000 people in the UK over the next decade. Chief Executive of the Foun- dation, Dr Nigel Carter, wel- comed the ban. Dr Carter said: “The ban is another welcome measure to stop young people from ob- taining tobacco from what is a largely unsupervised source. “By joining England and Wales in introducing such leg- islation, the ban makes it more difficult for young people to engage in smoking. It will also protect them from the long- term ill-effects of tobacco use, including the risk of mouth cancer. “It is really important that everyone knows the warning signs for mouth can- cer. They include mouth ulcers which do not heal with- in three weeks, red and white patches in the mouth and un- usual lumps or swellings in the mouth. Our message to everyone is ‘If in doubt, get checked out’.” DT Cigarettes vending machine ban reaches Northern Ireland Cigarette vending machines will be banned T he majority of those den- tists who are looking to sell their dental practices in 2012 are not ready for new legis- lation in regard to EPCs according to Andy Acton of Frank Taylor and Associates and Phil McCabe of the Forum of Private Business. The new changes will come into force on 6th April and mean that: • An energy performance certifi- cate will be required on all mar- keting for all properties that are to be sold or let • The responsibility for the EPC will rest with the ‘rel- evant person’ – defined as either the owner or the agent. Both will have a duty to ensure an EPC is commissioned before marketing a property • Trading Standards Officers will have new powers to force sellers and agents to produce copies of EPCs for inspection • It will also be a mandatory re- quirement for air conditioning inspection reports to be lodged on the central Non Domestic EPC Register • EPCs will need to be attached to written details of the property – the option to include the asset rat- ing will no longer apply. The first page of the EPC must be included Andy commented, “This legis- lation may slip under the radar as it seems to have been announced quite quietly and we want to en- surethatdentistsareawareofthis. Put simply, after the 6th April, the marketing of a dental practice just cannot happen without an EPC.” Phil McCabe, Senior Policy Adviser at the Forum of Private Business added, “Any costs like these are an extra burden for small businesses to bear. The EPC scheme is essentially a watered down version of the unpopular Home Improvement Pack (HIP) scheme, which was dreamed up by the last Government but quick- ly abandoned by the Coalition af- ter it came in to office for being unnecessary and costly. We would say the same of the EPC. Aside from the cost implica- tions, there’s also the extra paper- work that will be involved. More red tape and yet more form filling for businesses at a time the Gov- ernment is pledging to cut bu- reaucracy is just not necessary.” DT Most dentists not ready for compulsory EPCs N ow in its 35th year, the BDA/DENTSPLY Stu- dent Clinician Awards is an outstanding showcase event, featuring research presented by some of the best young talent in UK dentistry. Ross Leader of Liverpool Uni- versity was recently awarded first prize for his research into the Wilms’ Tumour Protein (WT1). As part of his prize won a trip to San Francisco to present his research to the American Dental Associa- tion in October: “The Student Clinician Awards is a once in a lifetime opportunity, and I urge the other entrants to make the very most of it,” he says. “I’m now really looking forward to meeting delegates from around the world, and I am keen to find out more about their research interests. There’s a whole world of opportunity out there – I really can’t wait to see what it brings!” DT Unlocking a whole world of opportunity T he General Dental Council (GDC) has published the findings of its recent sur- vey exploring what registrants, stakeholders and providers think about mandatory Continuing Pro- fessional Development. Almost 6,000 registrants re- sponded to the online survey which was carried out by ERS: Research on behalf of the GDC as part of its wider review of CPD re- quirements. Some of the key findings in- clude: • Online learning is generally the preferred learning style of over half of all GDC registrants • Dental Technicians find it least easy, compared to other registrant groups, to identify the right CPD for them • 27 per cent of all registrants have never had an appraisal in their current workplace • 65 per cent of all registrants gen- erally do CPD outside of working hours • Time and cost are perceived as the greatest barriers to undertak- ing CPD The GDC introduced com- pulsory CPD for dentists in 2002 and for Dental Care Professionals (DCPs) in 2008. The current re- quirements for both registrant cat- egories have been in place since 2008 and the GDC felt the time was right to undertake a review. The findings of the survey will feed into the on-going review of CPD. Throughout 2012 work will continue with an event for stake- holders in April, development of a CPD model, extensive stakeholder engagement and public consulta- tion. All the details will be avail- able on the GDC’s website www. gdc-uk.org Any new CPD requirements will not be introduced before 2013. As registered dental profes- sionals, all registrants have a duty to keep their skills and knowledge up to date so they can give patients the best possible treatment and care. Any changes to the GDC’s CPD scheme will have an impact on registrants in the future so they are being encouraged to have their as the review continues. The full survey can be found at www.gdc.org. General com- ments about CPD can be sent to CPDReview@gdc-uk.org DT So, what were your views on CPD? March 5-11, 20124 News United Kingdom Edition