Stan Goff is a Managing Editor with MJH Life Sciences, which includes Dental Products Report, Dental Practice Management, Dental Lab Products, Modern Hygienist, and Dentist's Money Digest. He has covered the dental industry since 1999 and can be reached at sgoff@mjhlifesciences.com.  

Owandy Radiology Moves Into Larger, Modern Facility in Garden City, NY | Image Credit: © Owandy Radiology, Inc

Owandy Radiology, Inc recently moved its U.S. headquarters to a newly renovated office building on 585 Stewart Street, Suite L30, Garden City, New York as the dental radiology hardware and imaging software company continues to expand.

This latest move is the company’s third expansion and relocation on Long Island since establishing its U.S. headquarters there almost 2 decades ago. Owandy Radiology, well known for offering afull range of panoramic dental x-ray systems, CBCT, dental x-ray sensors, and dental software, last year launched the Owandy-IOS artificial intelligence (AI)–enhanced digital intraoral scanner.

The company’s new 1,800 sq. foot ultra-modern facility is a combination of office, showroom, and training center. According to Boris Loyez, Owandy’s VP of Sales and Marketing for North America, the new US headquarters will enable the company to provide great service to North America for quite some time.

“Our Paris-based company has a strong presence in 100 countries world-wide, but this new location will help us to better serve our largest market, North America, for years to come,” he said in a press release.

The recent move enables Owandy to hire additional employees such as field sales representatives, administrative personnel and technicians to respond quickly and efficiently to the growing demands of its North American customers. The custom-configured facility will also be able to host hands-on technical training for distributors and customers.

“We invite any GP dentist or specialist in the New-York tri-state area to schedule a visit to our new headquarters,” Loyez adds. “Here you can see first-hand our game-changing, wall-mounted, high-resolution I-Max 3D CBCT unit which is compact and affordable. Also available for on-site demonstrations are our full line of innovative digital radiology hardware including I-Max 2D pan ceph units,digital scanners, intraoral cameras, digital sensors, and our breakthrough AI-powered software for dental implant placement.”

In conjunction with the grand opening of its new facility, Owandy’s year-end special pricing is now in effect, the company states. For additional information, 

Articles

The company expands its U.S. headquarters’ facility to better serve large market in North America.

Owandy Radiology Moves Into Larger, Modern Facility in Garden City, NY

Caitlin Parsons is a RDH of 15 years and chronic pain survivor turned Certified Yoga Therapist and Ergonomic Consultant for dental professionals. Caitlin helps dental professionals prevent, reduce and overcome workplace pain, manage stress, and optimize their health so they can thrive in and out of the office. She is passionate about helping dental professionals and teams optimize their health to provide better patient care and become better clinicians through her in-person and online programs, speaking, writing team experiences, and her podcast, The Aligned Hygienist (

Finding Balance: Sitting vs. Standing for Dental Professionals | Image Credit: © Vladk213 - stock.adobe.com

As dental professionals, we often spend most of our workday sitting in static, awkward positions. While this may seem inevitable in our profession, it can lead to short- and long-term health issues if not managed correctly.¹ The key is finding balance in our daily habits, routines, and tools.

In this article, we’ll explore the risks of prolonged sitting, the importance of good posture and breaks, and the benefits of using a saddle stool and alternating with standing to support overall well-being as dental professionals.

The Risk Factors of Sitting for Dental Professionals


Sitting has often been called “the new smoking” due to its adverse health effects.² Unfortunately, sitting for extended periods is common in dentistry, especially when treating patients chairside. Prolonged sitting can contribute to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), particularly in the back, neck, and shoulders. Sitting for long periods can lead to tightness and tension in muscles, reduced circulation, and even increased risk of cardiovascular issues, diabetes, cancers, and more.³ Lack of movement restricts blood flow to the lower extremities, increasing stiffness and discomfort.

These issues are even more pronounced for dental professionals, who often sit in awkward positions, leaning over patients to see inside their mouths. Studies show that 97% of dental professionals experience some form of work-related pain throughout their careers.⁴⁻⁵ Poor posture exacerbates these problems. When we slouch, round our shoulders, or lean too far forward or to one side regularly, we add pressure to the spine and the muscles that support it. Over time, these misalignments can lead to chronic pain and even injury. However, when we sit with proper alignment, our spine maintains its natural curves, supporting our body’s homeostasis and promoting optimal function.

The good news is that we can reduce the risks associated with sitting by focusing on better posture and incorporating breaks. Here are some tips for sitting well in the dental office:

: Keep your feet flat and ensure your hips are higher than your knees to reduce strain on your back and hips.

: Sit with a long spine, maintaining its natural curves. Engage your core muscles to support your lower back, optimize posture, and prevent slouching.

: Keep your head aligned over your shoulders, with your shoulders relaxed. Avoid hiking them up toward your ears, contributing to neck and upper back tension.

In addition to good posture, taking regular micro-breaks is essential. Set a timer as a reminder on your phone or schedule to get up, stretch, or move around throughout the day. Helpful stretches like neck or wrist rolls, a forward fold, or a chest opener are easy to implement throughout the workday. These small breaks help reset your posture, improve circulation, and give your muscles a much-needed breather.

The Saddle Stool: The Best of Both Worlds


A saddle stool can be a game-changer for those looking to reduce the strain of sitting without standing. Unlike traditional chairs, saddle stools encourage a sit/stand position that naturally promotes better spinal alignment and engages the core. Sitting on a saddle stool helps tilt your pelvis forward, maintaining the spine’s natural curves and reducing the tendency to slouch.

The saddle stool keeps your body more active throughout the day by placing you in a semi-standing position. This posture allows for a more open angle between the torso and the thighs, reducing tension on your hips and spine and helping distribute weight more evenly across your sit bones. For many dental professionals, the saddle stool offers a comfortable middle ground between standing and sitting, giving you the support of a seat without the drawbacks of prolonged sitting.⁶
Not every saddle stool is created equal. Dental professionals should invest in a quality saddle stool designed for dentistry. Saddle Stool companies like Crown Seating and BQ Ergonomics offer high-quality saddle stools designed for dentistry. Additionally, dental professionals should find a saddle stool that fits their body. Every practitioner is built differently (height, leg length, hip width, torso length, etc.), so it is essential to try different saddle options to find the one that feels good and supports your body best. 

Let’s talk about standing. Regularly standing can relieve the risks of prolonged sitting while increasing muscle engagement, promoting better circulation, and helping you stay focused. When standing, your body distributes weight across your legs and feet, which takes pressure off the spine and reduces stiffness in the hips and lower back.

However, as with sitting, standing should be done correctly to avoid strain. Here are some tips for maintaining a neutral posture while standing:

: Keep your feet hip-width apart to ensure even weight distribution and balance.

: Avoid locking your knees, which can lead to muscle fatigue and restrict blood flow. A slight bend in the knees helps keep your legs strong and stable.

: Just as with sitting, engage your core muscles while standing to support your spine and maintain good posture.

: Align your ears over your shoulders, keeping the shoulders relaxed. Avoid rounding or leaning forward, which can strain the neck and back.

Alternating between sitting and standing throughout the day is one of the best ways to keep your body healthy and balanced. Whether treating patients or working at your desk, incorporating both into your routine will keep your muscles engaged and your spine healthy.

Balance is key. By experimenting with what works for you—sitting in a saddle stool, standing periodically, or taking regular breaks—you can create a healthy routine that supports your career and overall well-being. Pay attention to your body’s signals throughout the day; if you feel stiff or uncomfortable, it’s a sign that it’s time to shift positions or take a quick stretch break.

Dentistry is demanding work, both mentally and physically. By focusing on ergonomics, using tools like a saddle stool, and prioritizing movement, you can prevent pain and protect your health for the long haul. It’s about more than just avoiding discomfort—building a sustainable, healthy career in and out of the office.

For more articles from this author, including "

Optimizing Ergonomics: A Guide to Creating a Healthy Work Environment for Dental Hygienists

https://www.dentalproductsreport.com/hygiene

1. Daneshmandi H, Choobineh A, Ghaem H, Karimi M. Adverse Effects of Prolonged Sitting Behavior on the General Health of Office Workers. 

. 2017;7(2):69-75. doi:10.15280/jlm.2017.7.2.69

2. Owen N, Healy GN, Matthews CE, Dunstan DW. Too much sitting: the population health science of sedentary behavior. 

. 2010;38(3):105-113. doi:10.1097/JES.0b013e3181e373a2

3. Sn, & Arora, Shrushti. (2022). Prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorder in sitting professionals. International Journal of Community Medicine and Public Health. Vol. 9. 892-895

4. Kumar M, Pai KM, Vineetha R. Occupation-related musculoskeletal disorders among dental professionals. Med Pharm Rep. 2020 Oct;93(4):405-409. doi: 10.15386/mpr-1581. Epub 2020 Oct 25. PMID: 33225267; PMCID: PMC7664727

5. Ohlendorf D, Naser A, Haas Y, et al. Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Disorders among Dentists and Dental Students in Germany. 

. 2020;17(23):8740. Published 2020 Nov 24. doi:10.3390/ijerph17238740

6. Gouvêa GR, Vieira WA, Paranhos LR, Bernardino ÍM, Bulgareli JV, Pereira AC. Assessment of the ergonomic risk from saddle and conventional seats in dentistry: A systematic review and meta-analysis. 

. 2018;13(12):e0208900. Published 2018 Dec 17. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0208900

Using a saddle stool and alternating between sitting and standing are just 2 important ways the dental staff can strive for good posture and better health. 

Finding Balance: Sitting vs. Standing for Dental Professionals

Lisa Newburger, a master's level social worker supervisor, helps audiences find humor in talking about tough topics. Her "in-your-face" style of presentations and writing will make you smile or just shock you into taking some action. Either way, she is very effective at empowering others to reach their goals and feel better about themselves. Her entertaining workshops are available for national and international audiences. Writing for the dental industry since 2010, she uses an alterego (Diana Directive) to illustrate her points in a sarcastic but effective way. Presentations can be scheduled by contacting Lisa at www.discussdirectives.com/dental.html.

Join Masterminders, Rick Adelstein, DDS, Debbie Zaller, RDH, Shelley Brown, RDH, Steve Marsh, DDS, and host Lisa Newburger LISW-S as they follow up on last month's discussion on how to handle both positive and negative Google reviews.

Mastermind 42 – Episode 42 – Getting Those 5-Star Reviews for Your Dental Practice Part 2

Videos

Join Masterminders, Rick Adelstein, DDS, Debbie Zaller, RDH, Shelley Brown, RDH, Steve Marsh, DDS, and host Lisa Newburger, LISW-S, as they follow up on last month's discussion on how to handle both positive and negative Google reviews. [31 minutes]

Kellie Nock is the assistant editor for Dental Products Report. She graduated from Kent State University in 2018 with a Bachelor's in Journalism. Kellie enjoys multimedia content creation with a focus on audio and video storytelling. 

A bite-sized look at new launches from Ivoclar, VITA, and Wisdom. 

Product Bites – October 18, 2024

Product Bites Script – October 18, 2024

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

I’m your host, DPR Editor Kellie Nock, and on this week’s podcast we’ve got 3 new products with launches from Ivoclar, VITA North America, and Wisdom.

So let’s get to it and learn about these newly launched dental products.

Introducing the Bluephase EasyCure — the latest innovation in Ivoclar’s Bluephase family of curing lights. Designed for ease of use and optimal performance, it brings a reliable, intuitive option for efficient light-curing in your daily practice. With a light intensity of 1200 mW/cm², it ensures fast and uniform polymerization for all types of restorations. The 1-button operation simplifies your workflow, letting you focus on your patients without being bogged down by complicated settings. Its versatility also stands out, covering a full wavelength spectrum of 385 to 515 nm, compatible with all common light-curing materials.

To celebrate 100 years, VITA has introduced new shades to its VITABLOCS CAD/CAM block lines: TriLuxe forte and Mark II. TriLuxe forte now includes 5 additional VITA classical A1-D4® shades like B1 and C3. With its 4-layer gradient, TriLuxe forte mimics natural teeth for more precise color matching and allows for single-session treatments. VITABLOCS Mark II now features the B1C shade, expanding its range. Known for its durability and fine structure, this ceramic block closely matches natural enamel, with over 20 million restorations completed using it worldwide.

Wisdom is here to streamline your billing processes. Co-founded by billing expert Ashley Bond, the company offers comprehensive services including insurance billing, patient billing, and insurance verification — freeing you and your staff to focus on patient care. Wisdom partners practices with US-based billing experts, offering increased speed and accuracy in collections. The company reports that over 98% of practices increase their insurance revenue when working with them. Plus, they offer a free practice assessment to help you evaluate your current billing setup.

That does it for this week's Product Bites from Dental Products Report. Stay up to date on all the latest dental product news by visiting dentalproductsreport.com/newdentalproducts.

I'm Kellie Nock saying thanks for listening. And we'll be back next week with all the latest new dental products on Product Bites from Dental Products Report.

Podcasts

A bite-sized look at all the latest dental product launches. This week's episode features products from Ivoclar, VITA North America, and Wisdom. [2 minutes]

DEXIS Showcasing Its Expanded Digital Ecosystem at ADA SmileCon | Image Credit: © DEXIS

DEXIS has announced new offerings across its digital ecosystem to aid clinicians in important workflow elements from visualizing progressive dental issues to designing chairside surgical guides. The expansion of this digital ecosystem includes 3 significant product launches, including the new DEXIS ORTHOPANTOMOGRAPH™ OP 3D™ EX imaging system.

DEXIS is showing these innovations for the first time at this week’s ADA SmileCon, October 17-19 in New Orleans at booth #1626. Earlier this year, the company introduced its digital ecosystem, a suite of tools and software designed to connect and streamline the implant workflow from diagnosis to delivery.

“Our technology makes it easy to organize information and execute treatments, which is at the core of what clinicians expect from us,” DEXIS President Robert Befidi says in a press release.“We are connecting and standardizing the implant workflow while also constantly evaluating our efforts to ensure we provide deeper patient insights and flexible, intuitive solutions that reduce complexity.These 3 launches are consistent with our focus on continuous innovation across the ecosystem to deliver diagnostic confidence, productivity, and smart simplicity.”

The brand-new x-ray platform, now available, is designed specifically for general practitioners looking to expand their diagnostic capabilities with 3D imaging. The ORTHOPANTOMOGRAPH™ OP 3D™ EX is designed to capture consistently accurate images through a simple, easy-to-learn workflow. The unit has a wide range of field of view sizes to support multiple clinical indications including implant placement, endodontics, periodontics, and analysis for airway and TMJ.

“When choosing a CBCT, the key factors for me were a large sensor, predictable acquisition, stellar image quality and intuitive software that wouldn’t interrupt my workflow,” adds Tyler Tolbert, DDS, of Smile Now Dental Group. “Once the OP 3D EX got here and we started taking some scans, I thought to myself, ‘We really made the right choice here!’”

In addition to new hardware, a new software release will provide advanced tools to plan and execute same-day, prosthetically driven implants, according to DEXIS.

Serving as the unifying software and central hub of the ecosystem, DTX Studio™ Clinic stores and manages all patient data as well as helps clinicians execute each step of the implant process from diagnostics to delivery.

The software’s new functionality allows clinicians to plan an implant treatment and generate a surgical guide chairside–all in less than 3 minutes. Clinicians can virtually extract teeth, adjust photorealistic abutments and crowns, and create an automated surgical guide that can be sent to a lab or produced in-house for same-day delivery, the company states.

“We were able to implement the OP 3D EX quickly and start taking scans largely due to the included DTX Studio Clinic software,” says Nicholas Varney, DMD, of Varney Dental. “Once we got going, we found that so much of the work involved in prepping a 3D scan for confident diagnosis was done by the software automatically. DTX Studio Clinic has improved how we work in all aspects–communicating with patients, implant planning and even treatment team collaboration.”

In addition to 3D imaging enhancements, DEXIS’ intraoral scanning software update offers scan quality and usability improvements as well as clear visualizations of progressive dental issues over time, through a new tool called Oral Compare. Additionally, the software’s new integration with SmileFy allows for the ability to simulate treatment outcomes chairside designed to give patients further confidence in proposed treatment plans.

Clinicians also can access their intraoral scan data through a newly launched Cloud solution–DEXIS IS Connect Cloud. Data sets can easily be shared with partners, and clinicians can access their intraoral scan data anytime, anywhere, through the Cloud.

 to read more about the service platform for DEXIS CBCT and intraoral sensor devices.

The company has launched 3 products including the DEXIS ORTHOPANTOMOGRAPH™ OP 3D™ EX X-Ray Platform.

DEXIS Showcasing Its Expanded Digital Ecosystem at ADA SmileCon

Henry Schein One Partners with Bridge to Launch axiUm Engage for Dental Schools and Care Organizations. Image credit: © Henry Schein


Henry Schein One has teamed up with Bridge to develop axiUm Engage, a new platform designed to simplify workflows and boost patient engagement for dental schools and care organizations. Set to launch in 2025, axiUm Engage will integrate patient intake, messaging, appointment scheduling, and online bill payment into the existing axiUm software, according to a press release from Henry Schein One.

Dental schools often struggle with balancing education and patient care, relying on manual processes that add to administrative tasks. The new platform aims to fix this by offering self-service tools for patients, such as online appointment booking, secure messaging, and access to dental records. Providers will benefit from reduced administrative work, allowing more focus on patient care, per the press release.

“We’re thrilled to partner with Bridge to bring axiUm Engage to the academic dental community,” Rick Gay, General Manager, Academic at Henry Schein One, said in the press release. “This upcoming solution will help dental schools and care organizations simplify their administrative processes, while enhancing the patient experience by offering the same level of convenience that patients have come to expect from private practices.”

The collaboration is expected to help dental schools and care providers deliver more efficient care while enhancing patient satisfaction, per the press release.

Henry Schein One Partners with Bridge to Launch axiUm Engage for Dental Schools and Care Organizations

OrthoProtect can be found in dental and orthodontic offices. It is a professional product sold only through dental professionals. This rinse is recommended for patients in brackets or aligners to help keep tooth surfaces clean, reduce the occurrence of demineralization, and aid in strengthening of the tooth structure.

For everyday use to assist patients receiving orthodontic treatment in achieving better results and a healthier mouth long term. Provides gentle cleansing of the oral cavity with no burning or discomfort and provides additional relief from mouth sores.

Orthodontic patients struggle to keep their mouths clean. Because of poor homecare, patients end up with decalcification, decay and gum disease. It is important to provide these patients with easy, simple tools for use so that they do not experience the common complications compromising their treatment outcomes.

OrthoProtect is scientifically proven to help reduce plaque, aid in remineralization, and improve overall gingival health. It utilizes a 2-bottle system to create Activated Chlorine dioxide. Chlorine dioxide has the ability to kill bacteria (including S.Mutans), viruses, fungi, and break up biofilm. It uses a combination of additional ingredients including calcium lactate, poloxamer 407, and xylitol. This merger of ingredients will help to kill decay causing bacteria, pathogens that cause gum disease, and also increase calcium ions in the saliva to strengthen the teeth. Furthermore, it minimizes plaque accumulation, providing patients with improved homecare. By reducing these risk factors we can optimize the effectiveness in our approach for maintaining and enhancing patient’s oral health.

This rinse is formulated to meet the needs of patients undergoing orthodontic treatment with traditional brackets or clear aligners.

5Ws: OrthoProtect Rinse

CariFree products from Oral BioTech are celebrating 20 years of cavity prevention and have recently expanded their product line to include a new mouth rinse and a new toothpaste specially formulated for children.

CariFree Naturals Mouth Rinse is a fluoride-free rinse, with an elevated pH and xylitol, containing powerful ingredients like magnolia bark extract and rosemary leaf oil. This unique pH elevated rinse is designed to freshen breath while improving your patient’s oral health.

CariFree Naturals Kids Toothpaste will gently clean even the smallest teeth with a thoughtful, pH elevated formula free of artificial ingredients and fluoride. It contains 40% xylitol and is bursting with organic berry flavors.

All the CariFree products are safe to use every day, and the non-abrasive products are highly effective and scientifically proven to prevent cavities through remineralization, according to Oral BioTech, which was founded in 2004 by V Kim Kutsch, DMD.

The company’s cavity prevention blueprint includes:

CariFree products are manufactured in Albany, Oregon by Oral BioTech.

For information on the company’s complete line of products as well as its Caries Assessment Forms, visit 

The company’s newest products are formulated to prevent cavities through remineralization.

Oral BioTech Introduces New CariFree Rinse and Kids Toothpaste

Greg Campbell, DDS, discusses the benefits of the brand new Kuraray KATANA Zirconia Speed One CAD/CAM blocks at Dentsply World in Las Vegas. The esthetic zirconia blocks are fast and available in 14 shades.

Greg Campbell, DDS, interview on the launch of Kuraray's new KATANA Zirconia Speed One CAD/CAM blocks at Dentsply Sirona World.

Hello everyone, I'm Dr Greg Campbell [DDS], and I'd like to welcome you to the next generation zirconia here at the Kuraray booth and at DS World here in Las Vegas.

I've had the pleasure of working on this block for quite some time, and we now actually have an esthetic zirconia block that can mill at 5 minutes for a molar, about 3-and-a-half for a bicuspid. And get this, you're not going to believe this, a 9-minute sintering time with higher strength, 0.80 [mm] reduction, 14 shades and you get the translucency. You don't lose any strength; you’ve gained it. And I mean, people are walking by here going, I just don't believe it—you have to show it to me. But we have it here.

It's going to…the launch was yesterday. The buzz is amazing. I'm so honored to work on this project. And again, we have the 14 shades, which is available. They're going to start doing the sell early part of next year, and I can't wait to share more information with you about this.

It really is a transforming block for CAD/CAM, and you have options for your patients’ needs. It could be cemented, it could be bonded. You have the options, whatever you want to do for the best patient care. So again, I'm Dr Greg Campbell. Welcome to KATANA [Zirconia] Speed One.

Greg Campbell, DDS, talks about the launch of Kuraray's new KATANA Zirconia Speed One CAD/CAM blocks at Dentsply World in Las Vegas. [ 1.5 Minutes ] 

DS World 2024 Interview with Greg Campbell, DDS, on the Launch of Kuraray's KATANA Zirconia Speed One

Beaverstate Dental Systems’ new RD-3250 delivery unit features a compact and versatile design to provide seamless patient care and maximize operatory layout.

Headquartered in Newberg, Oregon, Beaverstate Dental Systems (BDS) has been providing high-quality and affordable dental equipment since 1970, and this latest delivery unit is filled with features designed to help clinicians with the best access and ergonomics in the operatory.

The RD-3250 delivery unit has several key features that set it a part, including:

• Compact and Versatile Design: The RD-3250's narrow mounting footprint allows for efficient use of limited operatory space without sacrificing functionality. Its flexible positioning options enable optimal workflow and accessibility for both clinician and patient.

• Multi-Positioning Preferences: Dental professionals can configure the delivery unit to suit their specific needs, with a range of positioning options to ensure optimal ergonomics and accessibility.

• Cost-Effective Solution: Aligning with the company’s mission to provide high-quality equipment at an affordable price point, the RD-3250 offers excellent value for dental practices looking to maximize their equipment budget, the company states.

"The RD-3250 delivery unit is a true testament to our commitment to innovation and customer-centric design," Jeff Bunker, VP of Marketing and Sales at BDS, says in a press release announcing the launch. "We're excited to offer our customers a compact, versatile, and cost-effective solution that will enhance their operatory workflows and patient experiences."

The RD-3250 joins BDS' comprehensive lineup of reliable and durable dental equipment, backed by the company's strong customer service and industry-leading warranty. For more information about this new delivery unit or BDS' full product portfolio, visit

The company’s latest delivery unit is designed to deliver versatility, efficiency, ergonomics and accessibility.