Kristen Pratt Machado is executive editor for Dimensions of Dental Hygiene and Decisions in Dentistry and director of publishing operations for Belmont Publications, Inc. She has been with Belmont Publications since its inception in 2002.
A groundbreaking study reveals that denture use may slow cognitive decline in older adults with tooth loss. With significant implications for oral and overall health, this research underscores the critical role of prosthodontic…
A ransomware attack on Indianapolis-based Westend Dental exposed patient data, resulting in a $350,000 settlement and heightened scrutiny of its HIPAA compliance. The breach highlights the critical need for dental practices to strengthen…
Dental spending increased by $4 billion in 2023, primarily due to Medicare, marking a 2.5% growth from 2022 after inflation adjustments. While private dental spending declined slightly, government program spending surged, reflecting a…
A revolutionary drug being developed in Japan aims to stimulate the growth of a third set of teeth in humans, offering hope for patients with missing teeth. Clinical trials are underway, and the breakthrough could transform dental treatment…
With 25% of Minnesotans lacking dental insurance, Hope Dental Clinic has been a lifeline for uninsured patients across multiple states. Now facing closure, the clinic’s future is uncertain, leaving thousands without access to essential…
A recent study reveals that only 8.4% of Medicare Advantage plans offer comprehensive dental benefits, leaving millions of beneficiaries without adequate coverage. This gap may contribute to low dental visit rates, even among those with…
Biofilm formation on dental implants is a complex, patient-specific process that begins within minutes of implantation. This study uses advanced microscopy and gene sequencing to uncover the dynamic early stages of biofilm development,…
The Late Triassic reptile Threordatoth chasmatos, unearthed in England, reveals unique jaw and tooth adaptations unseen in its relatives. These findings shed light on its specialized diet and survival during a time of dramatic climate…
A comprehensive Australian study confirms that early-life exposure to fluoride, including fluoridated water, does not negatively affect cognitive development in young adults. These findings, supported by rigorous analysis and major…
New research sheds light on the genetic basis of human dental morphology, revealing how genes like EDAR, PITX2, and HS3ST3A1 influence tooth size and shape. These findings bridge evolutionary history and developmental biology, offering…