Ivoclar Group Launches Global Aid Program "Ivoclar Joy" to Bring Smiles Through Dental Care. Image credit: © Ivoclar

In celebration of its 100-year anniversary, the Ivoclar Group, in collaboration with the Ivoclar Vivadent Charity Foundation, has proudly announced the launch of its international aid program, "Ivoclar Joy,” according to a press release from Ivoclar. This program, aimed at benefiting children and young people across three continents, marks a significant milestone in the Liechtenstein-based family business's commitment to global oral health and overall well-being.

With a workforce of approximately 3,700 employees, the Ivoclar Group has been dedicated to ensuring optimal oral health and enhancing the quality of life for people worldwide for a century, per the press release. The newly unveiled Ivoclar Joy program reflects the company's ongoing dedication to social responsibility, with a particular focus on providing dental care to those in underserved regions.

Initiated in 2022 under the guidance of Christina Zeller, Supervisory Board Member responsible for CSR, Ivoclar Joy aims to provide dental care to children and young people in underserviced regions across the globe. The program has already made strides in Ghana, Cambodia, and Peru, treating over 2000 patients as of June 2023. “Going forward, the goal is to involve interested Ivoclar employees around the world in the years to come and establish our aid program in additional locations,” Zeller says in the press release.

To facilitate on-location dental care, Ivoclar Joy employs 3 portable dental units equipped with state-of-the-art dental equipment. These units enable local teams of professionals to deliver preventive measures, minor restorative procedures, basic fillings, and surgical interventions even in remote regions. The program is committed to expanding its reach by involving Ivoclar employees worldwide in the coming years.

The Ivoclar Joy program goes beyond clinical care, emphasizing the importance of raising awareness about oral health in underserved communities. It seeks to enhance the potential for a positive and successful future for children and young people by providing not only essential dental treatments but also education on oral health in schools.

Emphasizing sustainable action as a core principle, Ivoclar Joy stands on three pillars of responsibility: on-location dental care, advancing the skills of local dental professionals, and delivering oral healthcare education. The company's commitment to sustainability is further underscored in its 2022 CSR report, where it highlights the interconnected system of these three pillars.

For more detailed insights into Ivoclar Joy's projects and charitable commitment, 

As Ivoclar unveils this humanitarian initiative as part of its anniversary celebration, it reaffirms its dedication to making a positive impact on global oral health and shaping a brighter future for the next generation.

Articles

Ivoclar’s Global Aid Program, “Ivoclar Joy” aims to serve patients all over the world in improving oral care and outcomes. 

Ivoclar Group Launches Global Aid Program "Ivoclar Joy" to Bring Smiles Through Dental Care

Sami Jo Strickland, Territory Manager of Hygiene Support for Aspen Dental® in Kentucky, spent 5 years working as a clinical hygienist and is now responsible for training, implementing, and scaling hygienist support programs for the Dental Support Organization in the 20 offices she oversees. Long before beginning her career as a clinical hygienist, she knew at the age of 5 that she wanted to positively impact others through healthcare. Her passion for making dental care more accessible and efficient for all parties is what drives her work. Since the start of her clinical career, Strickland has witnessed the rapid development of new tools and technologies that hygienists are increasingly expected to master in the digital dentistry age.

Artificial Intelligence: The New Normal for Hygienists. Image credit: © HBS - stock.adobe.com

Over the past decade, technologies available to hygienists have advanced dramatically. With the introduction of tools like digital dental assistants and 3D scanners, day-to-day operations have evolved alongside the technology—streamlining administrative and clinical processes, improving employee satisfaction, and enhancing the patient experience. While the time that goes into learning the new systems may at first be lengthy, the efficiencies gained have benefits for hygienists, patients, and businesses alike. Embracing new cutting-edge innovations is a short-term investment for long-term solutions and results.

The introduction of artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled tools has decreased the amount of time hygienists are spending on day-to-day administrative tasks. For example, instead of requiring dental assistants to transcribe a patient’s periodontal information into a chart or to complete the process themselves, potentially introducing cross-contamination risks for those going between gloves and keyboards, technology has significantly streamlined the periodontal charting process. When implemented appropriately, innovative clinical technology can improve the patient experience and allow providers to focus more on patient care. This is just one of the many ways that Aspen Dental® removes the stresses and tedious administrative tasks that often automatically come with running a dental practice, so clinicians can fully focus on addressing a patient’s issue. 

AI-enabled tools like the digital dental assistant, currently in use at many Aspen Dental locations, allow hygienists to issue vocal commands that are then translated by an AI virtual assistant into updates in a patient’s periodontal chart. The voice-activated periodontal charting solution was designed as an intelligent layer between the provider and the management system that allows for more clinically sound workflows and seamless digital documentation. The technology not only enhances the efficiency of dental processes but also ensures greater accuracy in patient recordkeeping. By reducing the reliance on manual data entry, AI-driven solutions help minimize the risk of error and streamline administrative tasks, which has benefits for patients and hygienists.

Voice-activated periodontal charting is not the only technology that has changed the hygiene workflow in recent years. Intraoral scanning has also dramatically improved hygienists’ day-to-day work. At Aspen Dental locations, all patients are scanned prior to treatment. Not only do intraoral scans help hygienists better educate patients, but they also increase patient acceptance when it comes to treatment. Seeing is believing, and scans help explain through imagery what might otherwise be difficult to follow during a case presentation.

On top of the educational benefits for patients, the scanning technology improves the accuracy and completeness of clinical records, strengthens risk and compliance, and allows more time and attention to be spent with patients. While some private practices do still regularly use more traditional practices like dip X-rays, Aspen Dental sees intraoral scans as a mainstay for the industry. When hygienists are able to quickly show their patients the numbers on their periodontal charts, they get more buy-in. More buy-in from patients benefits hygienists and dentists because it means patients are more likely to listen and trust their providers.

The time saved from going between screens and charts for hygienists means they are more present with their patients in the chair. The more present a hygienist can be with their patient, the more engagement they’re likely to get from them. Building the connection between the patients and the dental professionals responsible for their oral care is what sets apart a good care specialist from a great one. Engaging in conversation and being personable encourages patients to ask more questions, so providers can gain more insight into how to best tend to each patient’s needs and lifestyle. This humanized approach to dental care through technological integration places a strong emphasis on empathy, communication, and personalized care, recognizing that a patient’s emotional and psychological well-being is as important as their oral health. Moreover, technology serves as a catalyst for changing how dentists, hygienists, and other professionals alike can treat patients with the compassion and respect they deserve.

Staying ahead of the latest technologies is a high priority for Aspen Dental hygienists and is easily enabled because of the unique dental support organization model that Aspen offers providers. Hygienists are on the front lines of new technology, acting as the initial party who can accept new advancements and incorporate them into everyday hygienist processes. Ensuring these essential members of each practice are supported is paramount to providing patients with quality care.

Through train-the-trainer programs and continuing education courses, Aspen Dental’s hygienists are among the first to know and the first to train on emerging tools. The use of 3D scanners for dentures is another example of how Aspen Dental is integrating the latest technologies into its practices and leading the way when it comes to expanding access to care more broadly.

As technology in the industry continues to advance, hygienists will continue to find ways to work alongside these advancements and reimagine what the patient care experience can be.

As the dental industry grapples with the technological advancement of artificial intelligence, dental practice insight expert Sami Jo Strickland discusses the impact it could have on dental hygiene. 

Artificial Intelligence: The New Normal for Hygienists

Brandi Hooker Evans is a registered dental hygienist and consultant. 

She acquired her formal education from Idaho State University, most recently earning a master's degree in health education. Hooker Evans has served the Idaho Dental Hygienists' Association as President, as well as her local Portneuf Valley Dental Hygiene Society. With nearly 2 decades of experience as a clinician in private practice, she has treasured her time as clinical dental hygiene faculty at Idaho State University and served on the ISU Dental Hygiene Advisory Board. Currently, Hooker Evans owns and operates Stellar Outcomes and Evans Dental with her husband, Dr. Eron Evans. Furthermore, she is an American Academy of Dental Hygiene accredited continuing education provider.

Image Credit: © Sultan / stock.adobe.com

How do you describe biofilm construction to your patients?

I often compare it to building a house. I like to illustrate that the bacteria first on scene build the foundation, then the framers show up, followed by drywallers. Last to the work site are the painters who also happen to be the most virulent microbes.

This works well because the comparison describes the process, inspires “at home” biofilm disruption, and reinforces the need for regular professional dental hygiene care. I really like multipurpose analogies, please send me a new one that has worked well for you!

For quick reference, here is a review of the more scientifically accurate description of the life cycle of biofilm:

The acquired pellicle attaches to a surface

Microbes begin to arrive and colonize the area

More plaque with microbes connect with one another (co-adhesion)

Biofilm matures and alerts the immune system

Biofilm detaches and launches into other areas of the mouth and body

The immune system realizes it has work to do and begins to respond to the invasion with a myriad of fluid, cells, and techniques

Biofilm is removed by a person with their homecare or via professional dental hygiene care

Biofilm begins to reform immediately upon removal
(Insert favorite curse word here).

What are we to do with this never-ending biofilm building process? It is like the dang laundry. It starts building up the moment it is done being removed. In college, I used to sit sans clothes for a few just so the laundry could be done for five stinking minutes. Because being naked won’t help reduce oral bacteria and isn’t appropriate to recommend to our patients, let’s jump into how we can help them mitigate this biofilm issue.

First, we must give them a clean slate at the office. This is our chance to do a stellar job with our awesome clinical skills. Recent research has shown that ultrasonic instrumentation removes fifty percent more biofilm than hand instrumentation alone. The crowd favorite response is, “That’s why we use the blended approach.” However, did you know that hand instruments remove 10 times more cementum than ultrasonic instrumentation? These two pieces of evidence have been the impetus for a complete reconstruction of my clinical routine.

 Now, I do my very best to use ultrasonic instrumentation only. I hope you will give this a go too. The increased speed, decreased tax on the hygienist’s body, increased biofilm elimination, and decreased cementum removal is incredibly enjoyable and effective.

Gaining confidence to let go of my precious hand instruments and the “blended approach” most of us learned in school was difficult. However, as the evidence kept coming into my view, I felt I had no choice but to practice Maya Angelou’s advice, “Do the best you can with what you know. Then when you know better, do better.”

Here is the recipe I use to ensure an efficient and effective prophylaxis, scale and root plane service, or periodontal maintenance:

Choose the Correct Ultrasonic Tip for the Type and Volume of Deposit Present

Test your choice by tapping and swiping that tartar! If the calculus comes off easily, you know that you have the correct combination. Ultrasonic the lower anterior teeth until you believe they are completely free of deposit. Move on to the surfaces toward, and finish with surfaces away. Rinse and repeat for the maxillary teeth. Then switch ultrasonic tips to a slim or thin attachment and proceed to use it like an explorer. If, and when you find a deposit that the first tip missed, simply activate this thinner tip. Stay with the calculus until it is completely removed. Floss the teeth as an additional round of exploration. Voila! Hygiene routine elevated and simplified!

Use at least two ultrasonic tips per patient. As more complicated conditions present themselves, use the appropriate tip styles and as many different tips as you need to complete the task well.

Wondering why I didn’t recommend a new piece of equipment or some magical product? Certainly, the very best tool (in this case the ultrasonic) is the one you already have. My only limitation to this statement is that the ultrasonic unit must be in working order with appropriate tips that are less than 50% worn.

The research regarding ultrasonic instrumentation is irrefutable and has decades backing it up. No gimmicks needed. Just great information for utilizing what we already have. Additionally, I truly have not seen anything show better, more repeatable, long-term results. Perhaps it is due to the lack of research and time on the market of the newer technologies. While many of these are showing promising signs of biofilm disruption and removal, I believe it is a mistake to avoid addressing the need to maximize our ultrasonic use.

Now that we have our part done let’s strategize how to guide our patients in between appointments. Before you recommend a tool or a technique for their home care, assess whether your words will fall upon open ears. I often find that brushing, flossing, water flossing, interdental brushing, and the like are counterproductive to recommend. Sounds crazy, I know, but hang with me for just a second.

Our wonderful patients are whole human beings, and they regularly have no idea that their oral health is connected to (i.e. the same thing as) their overall health. Ergo, I have better luck grabbing their attention and inspiring a change when I discuss anti-inflammatory living to support their gum health. More people are inspired to buy a power toothbrush (and use it) when they find out the positive effects of adding a veggie to every meal. Seems a bit disjointed, but it has been a predictably repeatable occurrence. I believe the reason this works better than recommending our favorite electric toothbrush is that it disrupts their thinking pattern. It is a conversation our patients aren’t expecting. It gains our patients’ attention and motivates them to act. Another fabulous reason to talk about overall wellness as a support to their gum health is that it shows that we care deeply about them as a whole human being.

What if they have open ears? Or better yet, what if they ask us what to use? Yee-haw! Time to have some fun. Never underestimate the power of recommending what you choose for your own mouth. The dental homecare market is incredibly robust right now. If we tell them to go research options, it is likely analysis paralysis will set in. If this happens our patient will show back up to their next recare appointment with the same routine they were using before this conversation happened. Best to give them specific recommendations.

A fantastic first place to begin is with that power toothbrush we talked about earlier. Repeatedly we see power brushes remove more plaque and biofilm than manual toothbrushes. Electric toothbrushes also cause less damage to the soft tissue. The biofilm is effectively disrupted by the mechanical action of the toothbrush. Any of the brushes that use sonic technology are extra awesome because the waves of energy emitted disrupt the outer layer of the biofilm. When the biofilm is disrupted, it must repair itself. We would rather the biofilm be working on building itself than being mature and able to detach and launch to other areas.

If your patient already has brushing down, we can move to the interdental space. I prefer floss and use “Reach Clean Burst” on myself. If asked, I share that piece of information. If I am not asked, it is useful to find out more about our patient’s daily routine. If we can figure out a habit they do every day that we could pair flossing, floss picking, soft picking, or interdental brushing with, we will be more likely to have compliance.

For example, Johnny has a 20-minute commute to work every day that he uses for his Zen time. Heavy metal blasting first thing in the morning puts him in a great headspace for a productive workday. This is our chance to say, “I love Metallica too! Reminds me of the cruise in high school. Johnny, you might love throwing some floss picks in your truck and busting them out during 

. If we can kick out the bacteria that are growing in between your teeth, we will see your gums and body heal. Talk about increasing Zen!” Did you catch what we did there? We related to him as a human, recommended something easy, and habit-paired it for optimal success potential.

All of it: Well thought out and tailored to his specific needs.

Another oral physiotherapy aid that is very effective is the water flosser. This is great for your patients with hard-to-reach areas that enjoy something new and different. Water flosser use is a fun conversation to have because we get to share that many people prefer to skip the mess and use their cordless water flosser in the shower. I think people visualize themselves doing this and it almost always produces a giggle. It is common knowledge that laughing enhances information retention, so I am all for promoting that giggle!

Water flossing is of utmost value to our patients with braces. Blasting water around brackets is an extremely helpful tool against all that extra material in the mouth for biofilm to build on. 

I swear my teenagers still have teeth because of this gem of an oral care aid. It is also highly handy if you are recommending medicaments/mouthwashes/bleach therapy to your patients. It is quite simple to have them add the solution of your recommendation to the water reservoir and complete 2 tasks at once.

Speaking of mouthwashes, the conflicting information has turned into quite a can of worms for us, hasn’t it? I am a hygienist raised on essential oil/anti-septic mouthwashes such as Listerine and antimicrobials like Chlorhexidine (CHX). However, the newest data shows that we might not want to use these rinses because they disrupt the good bacteria too.

We used to recommend 2 weeks of CHX after scaling and root planning, but there is some argument that CHX disrupts the precious fibroblasts we want to be active for quick healing of the newly treated gingival tissue. We are learning that antibiotic-resistant or “super-bugs” are being created in some of these environments. We know that treating superbugs is difficult and can become dangerous. Most often, good brushing and interdental cleaning habits seem to be adequate in achieving the desired results without adding mouthwash. The simpler we can keep a hygiene routine, the more likely our patients will be to demolish their biofilm.

Might I qualify the above recommendation to skip mouthwashes? If your patient has a specific ailment that needs addressing, a mouthwash specially designed for them can be incredibly useful. Dry mouthwashes have been instrumental in helping patients going through chemotherapy, radiation, Sjogren’s Syndrome, medication/age-related xerostomia, and the like. Additionally, pH-neutralizing rinses are showing promising results for our patients with highly acidic mouths due to internal and external factors such as GERD and their diet. Because we are focusing on biofilm removal today, it was pertinent to share that the mouthwash may not be the saving grace. However, there are many occasions where mouthwashes are very helpful.

Do you ever feel as though people are looking for a new magic wand or pill to solve their problems? They often want it to take no time and be cheap if not free. As you can imagine, we are still searching for such wands and pills. In my experience, mastering the use of the underutilized tools we already have has provided the most predictably positive results. This applies to at the office and at home when getting rid of the pesky, never-ending biofilm.

The options, technologies, and techniques for eliminating biofilm continue to expand. Let’s challenge one another to do the best we can with the tools and strategies we know work well. Let’s use our ultrasonic to the best of its capability. Let’s encourage amazing biofilm removal at home. Finally, let’s join in promoting anti-inflammatory living. Together, we can make a profound and lasting impact on the lives of our patients one well-completed hygiene appointment at a time. Cheers to great biofilm elimination in and out of the dental office.

Johnston W, Rosier BT, Artacho A, Paterson M, Piela K, Delaney C, Brown JL, Ramage G, Mira A, Culshaw S. Mechanical biofilm disruption causes microbial and immunological shifts in periodontitis patients. Sci Rep. 2021 May 7;11(1):9796. doi: 10.1038/s41598-021-89002-z. PMID: 33963212; PMCID: PMC8105330.

Ritz L, Hefti AF, Rateitschak KH. An in vitro investigation on the loss of root substance in scaling with various instruments. J Clin Periodontol. 1991 Oct;18(9):643-7. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-051x.1991.tb00104.x. PMID: 1960232.

How one hygienist is changing her approach to combating biofilm build-up in her patients.

Setting Site on Biofilm: Technologies and Techniques to Help Patients Eliminate Biofilm Buildup

This week's Product Bites podcast features the latest from Dentsply Sirona, Yapi, DEXIS, DentXcel.ai, Tops, Burst Oral Care, and NSK America.

Product Bites — October 13, 2023

Welcome to Product Bites, a weekly podcast from Dental Products Report, providing you with a rundown of recently launched an updated dental technologies, materials, instruments and everything else you might use with patients or while running your practice.

I'm your host for this week, DPR Editorial Director Noah Levine, and on this week's podcast we've got a whole bunch of new product launches coming from Dentsply Sirona, DEXIS, Tops, Yapi, NSK America, DentXcel.ai, and Burst. So let's not waste any time and get right to these new innovative solutions.

Orthodontic practice management software company Tops recently unveiled Tops DPX, a patient engagement platform designed to optimize communication within orthodontic practices. Tops DPX integrates various essential communication services into a unified platform, including HIPAA-compliant 2-way texting, appointment reminders, patient review management, and email templates. This comprehensive approach aims to boost staff efficiency and patient satisfaction.

With a redesigned user interface and user experience. Yapi Leap offers features like universal online dental forms, enhanced 2-way texting, configurable online scheduling, and much more. It's designed to enhance the patient experience and optimize efficiency and revenue for dental practices. This innovative solution is a result of a strategic capital growth investment in collaboration with M33Growth.

Dental equipment manufacturer NSK America recently introduced the Ti-Max Z2 series of air turbine dental handpieces. This series, featuring the powerful Z990L, is designed to set new benchmarks in dental precision and efficiency. It incorporates NSK's proprietary dynamic power system rotor technology, which is designed to ensure seamless and consistent power delivery. Key features include 44 watts of power, an enhanced chuck mechanism, a quick stop function, and a user replaceable turbine.

DentXcel.ai is a comprehensive dental software ecosystem with 26 AI-driven tools tailored for modern dental professionals. It offers diagnostic assistance, treatment planning, and dental equipment management. New users can start with a free membership that allows up to 10 uses. DentXcel.ai can customize AI tools swiftly to meet unique needs and challenges of dental practices. The software is designed to stay ahead of evolving dental technology and to expand clinical capabilities. The company has plans to expand the software to include intraoral image and x-ray interpretation in 2024.

The SureSmile simulator from Dentsply Sirona is a software tool that uses Primescan data to create a custom 3D visualization of a patient's smile after SureSmile clear aligner treatment. It facilitates communication with patients by showing them their potential new smiles before they start treatment. The simulator is designed to support treatment acceptance, educate patients about treatment duration and results, and streamline the SureSmile workflow. It incorporates the benefits of both the DS Core software platform and the Primescan intraoral scanner. This empowers clinicians to identify key focus areas and provides an easy way to share their images with patients.

Also from Dentsply Sirona, OSSIX Agile is a pericardium-based membrane offering a strong, easy-to-handle and biocompatible solution for guided bone regeneration and guided tissue regeneration procedures. It delivers a lasting barrier with greater resistance to degradation thanks to GlyMatrix technology. The membrane is designed for easy handling, and can be applied in various dental procedures including alveolar ridge augmentation, alveolar ridge preservation, and sinus elevations.

Dental imaging technology group DEXIS has launched DEXassist, a solution featuring assisted intelligence enabled 2D findings as an addition to the DEXIS 10 Imaging Suite software. This AI-assisted software supports dental practitioners in analyzing and interpreting dental images. DEXassist is designed to identify specific pathologies in 2D intraoral x-rays, enhancing diagnostic accuracy and streamlining the decisionmaking process. It also facilitates communication with patients by presenting AI findings in an easily understandable format.

The Pro Sonic Toothbrush, developed in partnership with BURST's Ambassador Network, offers a high-quality oral care experience. It features an LED screen, smart responsive software, and a 9-month rechargeable battery. The toothbrush provides feedback for proper brushing and includes 5 custom brushing modes. It's hygenist approved bristles are soft and tapered for efficient plaque removal.

Finally, the Curve Sonic Toothbrush, also developed with BURST's Ambassador Network, is designed for optimal oral health on the go. It offers sonic vibrations, whitening and sensitive modes, and a 2-minute timer. The toothbrush has a battery life of up to 75 days and comes with a sanitary travel cap.

That covers all the new innovations we've had on the website this past week. As always, find the latest information on new dental products at dentalproductsreport.com/newdentalproducts. That does it for Product Bites this week. We'll see you next week on Product Bites from Dental Products Report. Thanks for listening.

Podcasts

This week's Product Bites podcast features the latest from Dentsply Sirona, Yapi, DEXIS, DentXcel.ai, Tops, Burst Oral Care, and NSK America. [6 Minutes]

ZimVie Unveils Biotivity™ A/C Plus Membrane, Elevating Dental Biomaterials Portfolio. Image credit: © ZimVie

ZimVie, a prominent global player in dental and spine solutions, has introduced its latest innovation–the Biotivity™ A/C Plus Membrane. This growth factor-rich membrane marks a significant expansion for ZimVie into the burgeoning growth factor biomaterials sector and is now readily available across the United States, according to a press release from ZimVie.

Dental professionals often rely on bone grafting procedures, coupled with protective barrier membranes, to repair and reconstruct the jaw, laying a foundation for successful dental implant placements. ZimVie's Biotivity A/C Plus Membrane distinguishes itself by offering a novel approach to dental biomaterials, particularly by delving into the expansive growth factor segment. The membrane, designed for site coverage and protection against the oral environment, contains a rich blend of growth factors, cytokines, chemokines, and hyaluronic acid proven to facilitate optimal wound healing.

Indraneel Kanaglekar, Senior Vice President and President of ZimVie Dental, emphasized the company's commitment to addressing customer needs and providing cutting-edge solutions. "We remain focused on bringing new products to market to meet customer needs and ensure their teams have the best solutions at their disposal," said Kanaglekar. He further highlighted the unique features of Biotivity A/C Plus, stating, "Biotivity's triple-layer structure is thicker than conventional A/C membranes and may contribute to enhanced conformability and growth factor content.”

Derived from human placental tissue, the Biotivity A/C Plus Membrane boasts a growth factor-charged composition. Comprising the amnion, intermediate, and chorion layers, this biomaterial undergoes minimal manipulation using proprietary processing techniques. These methods preserve natural mechanical properties, elasticity, and a host of biological enhancers, including growth factors and cytokines.5,6 The product's sterilization is ensured through the Excellion® Process and terminal sterilization with Electron-Beam irradiation. An important distinction from other A/C membranes in the market is that Biotivity A/C Plus is not treated with antibiotics during processing.

Wound healing plays a pivotal role in dentistry, serving as a linchpin for successful oral and maxillofacial interventions. Dental procedures, such as extractions, implant placements, and bone grafting, inherently involve tissue manipulation, necessitating a robust and efficient healing process. The integrity of oral tissues, including gums and bones, directly influences the outcomes of these interventions. Efficient wound healing not only accelerates recovery but also mitigates the risk of complications, such as infections and delayed tissue regeneration, which are critical considerations in maintaining optimal oral health. In the context of innovations like ZimVie's Biotivity A/C Plus Membrane, rich in growth factors and biological enhancers, the emphasis on wound healing becomes even more pronounced. By leveraging advanced biomaterials designed to facilitate and expedite the healing cascade, dentistry not only ensures the durability of restorative work but also enhances the overall patient experience by minimizing discomfort and promoting long-term oral well-being.

Professionals interested in learning more about ZimVie's dental implants, connected solutions, and continuing education opportunities can explore the company's offerings at 

This new biomaterial from ZimVie called Biotivity aims to increase comfort and growth factor. 

ZimVie Unveils Biotivity™ A/C Plus Membrane, Elevating Dental Biomaterials Portfolio

In a thrilling competition that drew dental technicians from around the world, Patricia Strimb of Germany emerged as the grand winner of the prestigious 2023 Panthera Master Cup. The award ceremony, hosted by Panthera Dental, a global leader in CAD/CAM implant solutions and dental sleep appliances, took place on October 6, 2023, at the Panthera Dental headquarters in Quebec, Canada.

Patricia Strimb's skills and craftsmanship secured her the coveted first place in this year's Master Cup. She triumphed out of an initial field of 10 technicians including semi-finalists Evgeny Korneychuk and Nina Frketin, who clinched the second and third positions, respectively. The three winners collectively earned prizes valued at over CAN$75,000.

This year's Master Cup attracted 10 talented participants from 7 different countries, all vying for the top spot. Each contestant was provided with the same materials and a common patient profile, setting the stage for a level playing field. After 3 months of intense effort and dedication, their work was evaluated by a panel of renowned judges and dental technicians, including Oleg Glozanski, Margaret Wibberley, John Wibberley, 2022 Panthera Master Cup winner Sébastien Mioranza, and Dr Michael J. Tholey. The judges evaluated each finished set of dentures, assessing each competitor’s knowledge, skills, functionality, and the restorations’ esthetics.

Notably, the competition's top three finalists, Nina Frketin from the UK, Evgeny Korneychuk from Ukraine, and Patricia Strimb from Germany, were awarded an exclusive trip to the Panthera Dental headquarters to attend the award ceremony.

All three finalists collectively received more than CAN$75,000 in prizes, which included valuable items like an articulator, a furnace, technical articles published in various dental magazines, and a unique 3D-printed ring, all courtesy of Panthera Dental and the competition's official partners, VITA, Amann Girrbach, and LMT.

In addition to the main competition, VITA acknowledged Lola Welch from the UK with a €500 voucher for submitting the best documentation of her case.

“The entire Panthera Dental team would like to congratulate Patricia on her outstanding work. All functional, esthetic, and documentation criteria were skillfully met,” says Béatrice Robichaud, co-founder and VP of marketing and customer experience at Panthera Dental. “Congratulations once again to Evgeny and Nina, and especially to the 10 participants who submitted impressive work in this edition’s very complex case.”

The 2023 Panthera Master Cup not only recognized excellence but also served as a valuable learning experience for all participants. Special congratulations go out to Sophie Dallem, Olivier Herblot, Salvatore Marono, Shawna Schonauer, Ryan Tran, Derek Walker, and Lola Welch, who each received an Artex CR articulator supplied by Amann Girrbach. These individuals have not only proven their skills but have gained invaluable knowledge from this unique competition.

German technician wins prestigious denture design and fabrication competition.

Patricia Strimb Takes Grand Prize at 2023 Panthera Master Cup

With a goal of streamlining digital dental workflows, DEXIS announced IS ScanFlow Quick Connect is now integrated with digital dental lab prescription platform EasyRx.

This integration holds the promise of simplifying the prescription process by enabling dental practitioners to seamlessly transfer digital impressions captured with DEXIS intraoral scanners to their selected EasyRx lab. The seamless transfer of digital images and case information enhances collaboration between dental labs and dental practices.

”We are thrilled to offer our clients the enhanced convenience and efficiency of integrating IS ScanFlow with EasyRx to simplify lab submissions," Eric Vermelle, global product Line manager at DEXIS, says in a press release. "This collaboration enables us to offer an even more seamless experience to our clients and we are confident that it will help improve patient care.”

DEXIS IS ScanFlow is designed to be easy to use, flexible, and accurate. It has an open architecture that allows it to be integrated with other dental software systems, and it is compatible with a wide range of clinical applications, including restorative, implants, orthodontics, removables, and sleep. It features artificial intelligence-driven tools that can help to simplify the scanning process and automate tasks. This can help dental practices to improve their efficiency and accuracy.

EasyRx is a cloud-based digital workflow software for dental practices and labs designed to help streamline the entire digital dentistry process, from patient management, to lab work, to 3D printing. This integration opens up new opportunities for clinicians to find and work with new labs and services, as well as to more tightly integrate workflows with the labs they work with.

”We’re likewise thrilled to announce the integration of DEXIS into the EasyRx universal lab prescription workflow. This integration will enable clinicians to easily attach and share DEXIS images when submitting cases to labs, fully integrating DEXIS into their EasyRx digital workflow,” says Todd Blankenbecler of EasyRx.

The IS ScanFlow integration with EasyRx is available now. DEXIS customers can access the integration through their IS ScanFlow software.

New connection speeds collaboration between clinician’s capturing digital impressions chairside and technicians fabricating restorations in the lab. 

DEXIS Enhances Its Intraoral Scanners with EasyRx Integration

Richard Payerchin is editor of Medical Economics.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is forming an advisory committee to guide use of 

 for a nine-member group to weigh in on artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML), augmented reality, virtual reality, digital therapeutics, wearables, remote patient monitoring and software. FDA 

 on Oct. 11 and will collect applications through Dec. 11.

The new Digital Health Advisory Committee will advise the commissioner of food and drugs about the technologies. Issues will include benefits, risks and clinical outcomes involved with use of digital health technologies (DHTs), along with risks, barriers or unintended consequences from proposed policies or regulations, according to FDA.

The committee may advise about using DHTs in clinical trials or post-market studies subject to FDA regulations, according to plans.

“As one of our strategic priorities, our goal is to advance health equity in part through expanding access by bringing prevention, wellness and healthcare to all people where they live – at home, at work, in big cities and rural communities,” FDA Center for Devices and Radiological Health Director Jeff Shuren, MD, JD, said in a statement.

“Digital health technologies are critical for achieving this transformation in care delivery,” Shuren said. “As digital health technologies advance, the FDA must capitalize on knowledge from inside and outside of the agency to help ensure we appropriately apply our regulatory authority in a way that protects patient health while continuing to support innovation.”

 will interact with AI has exploded in health care this year.

In spring, FDA Commissioner of Food and Drugs Robert M. Califf, MD, FACC, said new technologies, including large language models of AI, could lead to a revolution in medicine, improving doctors’ abilities and patients’ health. But there are risks, he said.

“If we’re not nimble in the use and regulation of large language models, we’ll be swept up quickly by something that we hardly understand,” Califf said at the time. “The great things are really great: Imagine a world in which your questions were answered immediately in language appropriate for your literacy and numeracy; also your clinician can actually talk with you rather than spending all their time cutting, pasting and writing clinic notes; I could go on and on, but I see the regulation of large language models as critical to our future.”

This summer, the U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, a sister agency to FDA under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, published a report predicting AI will become not just a too, but 

 of physicians and other clinicians working with patients.

[This article was originally published by 

AI is part of it, but not the only factor as physicians and patients interact with computers.

The FDA is Creating an Advisory Committee Focused on Digital Technologies in Health Care

A trio of new Listerine formulations made their debut at SmileCon 2023 as Kenvue Inc., a global leader in consumer health, presented the expansion of its renowned Listerine® brand known as Listerine® Clinical Solutions at the American Dental Association’s annual event.

The new Listerine Clinical Solutions mouthwash line features 3 distinct formulations designed to meet specific patient needs—Antiseptic Gum Health Mouthwash, Breath Defense Mouthwash, and Teeth Strength Mouthwash.

SmileCon 2023 attendees had the opportunity to experience these new products firsthand before they hit the shelves at Walmart stores across the United States by the end of October and a broader selection of retailers in early 2024.

"Listerine’s latest line emphasizes the importance of everyday oral care through our most advanced formulations designed to address key oral health concerns: early gum disease treatment, cavity prevention, and fresh breath. We are proud to expand our portfolio of industry-leading brands with these innovative products that enhance oral health and breath," Jonathan Miller, vice president of Kenvue Global Essential Health R&D, says in a press release.

Clinical Solutions Antiseptic Gum Health:

 This mouthwash is loaded with more tartar-preventing zinc chloride than other Listerine Antiseptic products and is the first mouthwash to promise reduced gingivitis and a remarkable 64% decrease in gum bleeding within just 1 week compared to brushing alone, according to the company. Additionally, using Listerine Antiseptic is said to provide patients with 4.6 times more prolonged plaque reduction above the gumline between dental hygiene visits compared to dental flossing. This new formula is specifically crafted to optimize the oral microbiome for gum health without altering healthy salivary flow or oral pH.

 Offering 24-hour fresh breath when used twice daily, this mouthwash includes zinc chloride and cutting-edge technology that neutralizes and transforms odor molecules, along with 4 essential oils that effectively combat bacteria.

 Powered by Rapid Fusion Technology, this formulation reinforces tooth surfaces by enhancing fluoride uptake and promoting remineralization. Used in conjunction with brushing, it reportedly repairs enamel immediately, preventing cavities and making teeth three times stronger and longer lasting.

Clinical Solutions Teeth Strength is formulated to reinforce tooth surfaces by enhancing fluoride uptake and promoting remineralization. | Image Credit: © Kenvue Inc.

Anthony Mariani, Kenvue's principal scientist for Global Oral Care Product Development, states in the press release, "As Listerine scientists, we're always excited to utilize consumer insights to create new products that address unmet needs. Formulating the Listerine Clinical Solutions line offered us a unique opportunity to generate new insights for our brand and deliver exceptional benefits to our consumers."

The company announced that the entire Listerine Clinical Solutions range, including Breath Defense, Teeth Strength, and Gum Health formulas, has received the ADA's Seal of Acceptance. This prestigious seal, recognized for 90 years, is awarded to products supported by clinical or laboratory data that demonstrate safety and efficacy.

All 3 formulations are designed to be a part of a targeted homecare routine for patients and can be used as tools to help patients prevent potential oral health issues through improved care between dental treatments.

New mouthwash line features 3 distinct formulations designed to meet different patient needs.

Kenvue Introduces Listerine Clinical Solutions Mouthwash Line at ADA’s SmileCon 2023

CareQuest Institute for Oral Health Unveils Alarming Data on Oral Health Disparities | Image Credit: © CareQuest Institute for Oral Health 

CareQuest Institute for Oral Health, a prominent national nonprofit dedicated to advancing a more inclusive, fair, and integrated oral health system, has released groundbreaking data highlighting the profound impact of discrimination and socioeconomic factors on enduring oral health inequalities in the United States.

According to the latest survey, a striking 37% of adults who have encountered discrimination in various aspects of their lives and social contexts over the years have not had a routine dental visit in the past 12 months. In contrast, only 31% of those who have not faced discrimination reported the same. Furthermore, the study unveils a significant connection between discrimination in oral health care and economic variables. For instance, individuals without dental insurance were nearly twice as likely to report experiencing discrimination in oral health care (11%) compared to their counterparts with dental insurance (6%).

“The findings from this year’s survey underscore the troubling health disparities based on race, ethnicity, and economic status that continue to plague our healthcare system,” Kaz Rafia, DDS, MBA, chief health equity officer and executive vice president of CareQuest Institute for Oral Health, says in a press release. “Every person should be able to achieve optimal health regardless of their background, and we will continue our work with policymakers, legislators, and advocates to ensure that dental care becomes more accessible for all.”

The report, which is based on a nationally representative survey of more than 5,000 adults, brings to light significant gaps in healthcare access and affordability for Hispanic, Black, and Asian adults. It reveals that individuals from minoritized communities consistently report poorer oral health and irregular access to sufficient dental care, despite demonstrating similar, and sometimes even superior, oral hygiene habits such as regular brushing and interdental cleaning. Additionally, adults identifying their race/ethnicity as "other" were more likely to report encountering discrimination in the oral health care context.

Key findings from the "Cost, Race, and the Persistent Challenges in Our Oral Health System" report include:

Over half of Black adults (52%) reported the loss of 1 or more permanent teeth due to decay or gum disease, in contrast to 43% of all adults.

Adults with an annual income of $100,000 or more were much more inclined to rate their oral health as excellent, very good, or good (87%), compared to 60% of those earning less than $30,000 per year.

Homeownership was linked to higher rates of having a dental home, better self-rated oral health, and more consistent dental visits, compared to renting or residing in a home without payment.

Among adults with a disability, 14% indicated experiencing discrimination in dental settings, with 27% reporting denial of oral health care due to discrimination.

These findings underscore the urgency of continued efforts toward an oral healthcare system that provides comprehensive dental coverage for everyone, including those enrolled in public programs like Medicare and Medicaid.

The "State of Oral Health Equity in America" survey, conducted by CareQuest Institute, represents a nationally representative sample of 5,240 adults, aimed at studying knowledge, attitudes, experiences, and behaviors related to oral health. It stands as the largest survey of its kind in the industry.

For more information and access to the complete report, please visit: 

https://www.carequest.org/resource-library/cost-race-and-persistent-challenges-our-oral-health-system

CareQuest Institute for Oral Health is a national nonprofit championing a more equitable and integrated health system, so all people can achieve optimal oral health. The organization drives healthcare transformation by promoting comprehensive, integrated, and equitable healthcare across the United States, focusing on the most underserved.

New survey report reveals income, race, and ethnicity directly tied to dental access.