Sunstar Butler, Chicago, received excellent reviews from independent research firms on two products: Rincinol™ PRN and GUM^® Delicate Post-surgical Toothbrush. Rincinol is a soft tissue pain relief product; 93% of the independent dental practice evaluators who participated in the research said they would use Rincinol PRN in their daily office routine. Part of Sunstar Butler’s specialty line of toothbrushes, the Delicate Toothbrush is designed for post-surgical use and for those with other sensitive oral tissue conditions. In the independent evaluation, 77% of participants stated they would recommend the Delicate Toothbrush to their colleagues. Contact Sunstar Butler to receive a copy of the full report.

New Study Looks At Arestin^®

A new study investigating the antimicrobial effectiveness of ARESTIN 1 mg Microspheres, made by OraPharma Inc, Warminster, Pa, in the treatment of periodontal diseases was presented at the first joint annual session of the American Dental Education Association and the American Association of Dental Research in Orlando, Fla, this past March. The study reported that when used in combination with scaling and root planing, ARESTIN significantly reduced the numbers of red complex bacteria when compared to scaling and root planing alone. Red complex bacteria include three pathogens associated with microbial infection in people with periodontal disease: Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythensis, and Treponema denticola.

ADSTRA Systems, Chaddsford, Pa, has launched an updated website designed to showcase the company’s complete range of software products for dentistry. The new site—www.adstra.com—provides extensive information on each of the company’s software products, product support and training, and availability of remote training along with sections for press releases and company information.

OSAP Begins Fundraising Campaign

The Organization for Safety and Asepsis Procedures (OSAP), Annapolis, Md, has launched a fundraising campaign with the goal of raising $1 million by 2008. The funds will support OSAP’s programs to improve the health and safety of people in the global dental community. Called the “1 Million Dollars...1 Million Lives Safer” campaign, the funds raised will allow OSAP to expand its programs, undertake new projects, and lead the way in helping dentistry address the rising threat from infectious disease.

Colgate Buys Majority Interest In Tom’s of Maine

Colgate-Palmolive Inc, New York, is buying control of the natural oral health care products maker Tom’s of Maine, a privately-held company located in Kennebunk, Me. Colgate will hold 84% of Tom’s while the Chappell family—the founders of Tom’s of Maine—will keep 16%. The deal will close in the second quarter of 2006.