I spent this past weekend in the  mountains of Utah.  While I did spend a couple of half days on the slopes of Brighton Ski Resort in the Wasatch Mountains, the main reason for the trip was to meet with like-minded dentist to learn about the latest and greatest dental materials and instruments to keep me up-to date.  I learned... read more »

It was during a layover at DIA (Denver International Airport) that I first noticed these.  I had 3 hours to kill, PLUS a flight delay (go figure--delays at Denver.) I was walking through the terminal when I noticed a display that contained artwork.  Having time to kill, I stopped to see the display. As I read the information card,  I... read more »

Recently there  was a lot of news about the recommendations to reduce the amount of fluoride in municipal drinking water.  Studies have proven, beyond a doubt, the improvement that has occurred in the dental health of children who live in areas where fluoride was added to the drinking water. The reason for this change is the increase in number of teens who... read more »

Recently  I have been seeing a trend in my practice.  A healthy, young adult who has received regular dental care finds they suddenly have several new cavities.  I have seen it three times in the last week.  What is going on here? In visiting with each, I have found a common thread.  Each is concerned about their health and have... read more »

While many in the northern tier of states are shoveling out from under lots of snow and enduring bone-chilling temperatures, here in the Four States (SE Kansas, SW Missouri, NE Oklahoma and NW Arkansas) we are just cold. It has been so cold the last couple of days that I had to move the Harley to the front of the garage to... read more »

It was 1983.  I was attending my first full semester at Brigham Young University when it hit me!  I had finally figured out what I was going to do when I grew up.  The fact that I was 21-and-a-half years old (back then the 1/2 was important--now at 4o-something the 1/2's are more troubling) did not seem like a bad time to... read more »

Not everyone experiences symptoms of prostate cancer. Many times, signs of prostate cancer are first detected by a doctor during a routine check-up. Many times, men will experience changes in urinary or sexual function that might indicate the presence of prostate cancer. These symptoms include: • A need to urinate frequently, especially at night • Difficulty starting urination or holding... read more »

Of all the non-skin cancers in America, Prostate cancer is THE most common. A staggering 1 in 6 men are affected by it!  Who is at most risk for this cancer, and why?   There are many risk factors.  Unfortunately many are not under our control, but some are. Age: The older you are, the more likely you are to be... read more »

Because of the close proximity of the prostate to several vital structures, prostate cancer and its treatment strategies can disrupt normal urinary, bowel, and sexual functioning. Urinary function—Under normal circumstances, the urinary sphincters (bands of muscle tissue at the base of the bladder and at the base of the prostate) remain tightly shut, preventing urine that’s stored in the bladder... read more »

Did you know the prostate is a small gland about the size of a walnut that sits under the bladder and in front of the rectum? The urethra is the narrow tube that runs the length of the penis and carries both urine and semen out of the body, and runs directly through the prostate. Sitting just above the prostate... read more »