Primary Maxillofacial Large B-Cell Lymphoma in Immunocompetent Patients: Report of 5 Cases

Lymphomas of the oral cavity represent 5% of all lymphomas. They usually occur in immunocompromised patients. Lymphoma arising within a single bone, without visceral or lymph node involvement, is known as primary intraosseous lymphoma. It is a rare condition and constitutes 3.1% of malignant bone tumors and 5% of extranodal lymphomas. Primary lymphoma of the jaw is seldom seen and it is often misdiagnosed. Clinically, the manifestations are usually similar to an odontogenic tumor, cyst, or infection. Radiographically it appears as a radiolucent area that may mimic endodontic lesion, periodontal pathology, or odontogenic cyst or tumor. The initial presentation is commonly followed by multiple unnecessary extractions and/or root canal treatments. We present five cases of rare primary lymphoma of the maxillofacial complex, four of them intraosseous

Evaluation of Faculty Mentoring Practices in Seven U.S. Dental Schools

The aim of this cross‐sectional study was to examine the faculty mentoring practices in seven dental schools in the U.S. A 34‐item survey was administered electronically to dental faculty members of all ranks, tracks, and job categories in seven dental schools using faculty listservs. Survey questions addressed current mentoring practices in which the faculty members were involved; their perceptions of those mentoring practices; their perceived characteristics of an ideal mentoring program, mentor, and mentee; perceived best practices; and respondents’ demographics. The survey was conducted from October 2017 to February 2018. A total of 154 surveys were completed (response rate 22%). Over 58% (90/154) of the respondents reported receiving no mentoring; 31.9% (49/154) said they received informal mentoring; and 9.7% (15/154) received formal mentoring. Of the 64 respondents who received mentoring, both formal and informal, 92.2% (59/64) were full‐time faculty, and 7.8% (5/64) were part‐time faculty (p=0.001). Approximately 39% of the respondents indicated that their mentoring program was not overseen by anyone and that participation was voluntary. The top three perceived benefits of mentoring were increased overall professional development, development of a career plan, and increased professional networks. The three most important characteristics of an ideal mentoring program for the respondents were a program based on the needs of the mentee, a mentor who has the desire to help the mentee, and a mentee who is eager to learn. The results of this study showed a very low level of formal or informal faculty mentoring programs in the dental schools surveyed. Future studies are needed to determine best practices and strategies to expand and enhance mentoring of faculty members

Evaluation of Scatter and Zone of Occupancy for a Hand-Held X-Ray Device

Scatter radiation from the patient could be of concern for the population in close proximity to the occupancy zone when using a hand-held x-ray device. It is claimed that Kavo Nomad Pro-2 (Kavo Kerr) external shielding device eliminates scatter radiation. The objective of this study was to test and verify this claim. The scatter radiation of the Kavo Nomad Pro-2 was tested in an operatory room evaluating the horizontal and vertical occupancy zones. The scatter radiation was measured using a solid-state detector TNT 12000 Dosimeter detector and ion chamber. In the center of the room the operator was located at o degree coordinate point. From “0” degree coordinate point were tracings every 30 degrees in the floor. The exposures using the Kavo Nomad Pro-2 will be made at intervals of 10 seconds from 0 to 140 cm distance in 35 cm increments every 30 degrees intervals and the ion chamber will be placed in each location. The highest scatter radiation at a horizontal occupancy zone was reported at 180 degrees. Whereas the highest scatter radiation measured at the vertical occupancy zone was at 180 and 150 degrees at a distance of 35 cm