In brief: "Game-changing" implant technology; another Henry Schein data breach
Schein hit by cyberattack again; same “threat actors” instigate breach
For the second time in just over a month, dental supplier and health-care solutions provider Henry Schein was hit by a cyberattack by the same “threat actor from the previously disclosed cyber incident” at the end of October. According to a brief release from Schein dated November 22, some applications, including its ecommerce platform, were made unavailable due to the breach. An additional update from November 27 indicated its ecommerce platforms were restored.
Following a data breach that Schein first reported in October, in mid-November the company warned customers and suppliers that sensitive information may have been exposed in the cyberattack and encouraged them to be on the lookout for suspicious activity.
“A new era in dental implantology"
Researchers from UCLA have developed an ultraviolet technology they say ensures “near-perfect osseointegration" that not only enhances the effectiveness of dental implants but also improves the quality of life for patients. According to a UCLA news release, the development involves a device blasting one minute of ultraviolet (UV) light treatment on titanium implants immediately before an implant procedure, with “profound” results: UV-treated implants exhibit nearly 100% bone integration, doubling their anchoring capability and reducing bacterial susceptibility by 60% compared to untreated control implants. The procedure "induces unprecedented action of gingival (gum) cells to seal the implants, limiting bacterial invasion and reducing incidents of peri-implantitis."
“Your son is my son”
As part of its “My Unsung Hero” series, NPR highlights the profound words of a young doctor to parents whose 4-year-old son was to have a serious dental surgery. By telling the patient “today, your son is my son,” the doctor not only alleviated the parents’ worries; he also provided a lasting memory of the power of kindness in such situations.
