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 all the latest dental product launches. 

Product Bites – October 11, 2024

Product Bites Script – October 11, 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 for this week, DPR Editor Kellie Nock, and on this week’s podcast we’ve got 4 new products with launches from Roland DGA, VOCO America, Lewie, and Microcopy.

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

Roland DGA’s DGSHAPE introduces the DWX-53D, a dry mill designed for in-office production of advanced dental prosthetics. Ideal for full-mouth reconstructions, All-On-X treatments, and implant-supported dentures, this milling solution offers enhanced spindle power, faster milling of materials like PMMA and zirconia, and increased precision thanks to its open-edge adapter. Plus, with a built-in webcam for tracking, it keeps things simple and efficient. Its open-architecture system is compatible with most intraoral scanners and CAD/CAM software, making it easy to integrate into your practice.

Next, V-Print DT – the 3D Print Resin for Permanent Denture Teeth. VOCO’s V-Print DT resin is designed to deliver highly esthetic, durable permanent denture teeth. Its sedimentation-free formula eliminates shaking or rolling, saving valuable time for lab techs. With a high filler rate for strength and wear resistance, V-Print DT promises long-lasting results, maintaining its natural tooth-like appearance over time. Available in multiple shades, this resin works with many popular 3D printers and fits into the VOCO Digital Denture system, providing a comprehensive, efficient solution for full dentures.

Lewie’s Whitening Wand offers an eco-conscious, enamel-safe whitening solution. Designed by dentists, it features a gentle but effective formula that removes stains without harsh chemicals. With natural ingredients like Bergamot and Clove, the wand provides fresh breath alongside brightening results. It’s portable for quick touch-ups after meals, and the recyclable wand makes it an environmentally friendly choice. Available as a single wand or in twin packs, it’s ideal for both on-the-go and home use.

Lastly, NeoSpiral Burs. Microcopy’s NeoSpiral Burs are optimizing dental procedures with their spiral, diamond-free channels. Designed to direct water flow and improve debris removal, these burs reduce cutting time and keep your workspace clear. Their single-patient-use design ensures every patient gets a fresh, clean tool, while the extensive range of 12 shapes allows you to find the perfect fit for any procedure.

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 Roland DGA, VOCO, Lewie, and Microcopy.

PlanetDDS Announces DentalOS™ Designed for Dental Support Organizations. Image credit: © Planet DDS

Cloud-based dental software service Planet DDS has announced a new offering specifically designed for dental support organizations (DSOs). This open API operating system, titled DentalOS, will enable DSOs to grow their practices through smoother data flow, according to a press release from PlanetDDS.

DentalOS was created to meet the challenges that are present when single solutions are incorporated across a plethora of problems. Some of these challenges may be inefficiencies in data management, limited third-party integration, and broken workflows, as mentioned in the press release. DentalOS utilizes the power of an open API platform, which lets DSOs customize their experience as needed. This open architecture also makes it scalable, which is said to empower DSOs to grow in the future. CEO of Planet DDS, Eric Giesecke, commented on this solution in the press release.

“DentalOS stands as one of our biggest launches to date, fundamentally changing how DSOs can leverage technology for growth,” Giesecke said. “With this launch, we’re empowering organizations to tailor their technology stacks and maintain data integrity across applications like never before.”

DentalOS gives practices access to real-time data exchange, streamlining workflows and making practice-to-practice communication even stronger, according to VP of Technology at Onsite Dental, Rod Ganjifard.

“DentalOS is going to change how we manage our entire business,” Ganjifard said in the press release. “It will provide live access to all data, allowing for actionable intel and better decision-making. This shift will move the dental industry from relying on outdated systems to embracing advanced, integrated technologies.”

To learn more about DentalOS, or to view Planet DDS’s eBook, visit the 

Articles

This first-of-its-kind operating system from Planet DDS will make data exchange, workflows, and growth easier and more efficient for dental support organizations. 

PlanetDDS Announces DentalOS™ Designed for Dental Support Organizations

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.  

Wisdom Offers Billing and Insurance Verification Services for Dental Practices | Image Credit: © Wisdom

Dental billing company Wisdom offers dental billing, patient billing, and insurance verification services designed to free up time for clinicians so that they can focus on stronger patient relationships.

Wisdom is a full-service dental billing company that handles insurance and billing needs to help clinicians collect every dollar they’re owed fast and affordably. Co-founded by dental billing expert Ashley Bond (who began her own billing career in her father’s dental practice), the company offers a range of services including insurance billing, insurance verification, patient billing, and more.

The company pairs dental practices with a dedicated team of US-based billers, freeing the dental team from tedious billing tasks and enabling greater speed and accuracy. What’s more, over 98% of practices increase their insurance billing revenues while working with Wisdom, the company states.

Whether your team is short staffed, losing a team member, falling behind on accounts receivable, starting new, or just looking for a more efficient billing process, Wisdom has services designed to help. The company will also provide a free, no-obligation practice assessment to help clinicians see where they stand.

For more information on how practices can reduce insurance headaches and maximize revenue, visit 

The full-service dental billing company handles insurance and billing needs with services designed to help clinicians focus on dental care and practice efficiency.

Wisdom Offers Billing and Insurance Verification Services for Dental Practices

Matt Kunzler, Fast Track Technology Advisor, Henry Schein, talks about new technologies and financing solutions at Dentsply Sirona World 24 in Las Vegas. 

DS World 2024 Interview with Henry Schein Tewcnology Advisor Matt Kunzler

Hey everybody, Matt Kunzler with Henry Schein. I'm a technology advisor with Henry Schein here at Dentsply Sirona World 2024. We're here showing off the brand new innovations from Dentsply Sirona, including Primescan 2, a first of its kind cloud native scanner.

We are also promoting our flex financing for everyone. So, to get into these types of technologies, we have great financial incentives for you. We help you make payments toward these machines or whatever device it is that you're looking to integrate [into your practice].

If you have a chance, reach out to your local Henry Schein representative to hear more about these and all the other technologies that we represent.

Videos

At Dentsply Sirona World 2024 in September, Henry Schein's Matt Kunzler talks about the brand new innovations from Dentsply Sirona, including Primescan 2, a first of its kind cloud native scanner, as well as Henry Schein's flex financing solutions. [ 1 minute ]

DS World 2024 Interview with Henry Schein Technology Advisor Matt Kunzler

Ross Isbell, DMD, MBA, currently practices in Gadsden, AL. He is a graduate of UAB School of Dentistry and the UAB Hospital GPR program. Dr Isbell practices a full range of dental procedures including oral surgery, endodontics, orthodontics, and prosthodontic restoration.

Elevation extractions, when completed atraumatically and efficiently, are among the most satisfying to me. It’s the feeling of going into a potentially challenging situation with a plan and then only needing to utilize a portion of the plan to accomplish the entire goal that gives me joy. Sometimes it happens because the anatomy was favorable but more often, it’s experience and an advanced armamentarium that resolves the issue at hand.

In this article, I plan to discuss structural and procedural aspects of the Xpanders elevator, my standard extraction process and 2 case studies explaining why these atraumatic elevators from ArtCraft Dental are a crucial part of my surgical kit.

Xpanders atraumatic elevators are designed to enable clinicians to avoid broken root tips in their practice. Invented by David Fyffe, DDS, these atraumatic elevators are designed to upgrade extractions, making the procedure faster and easier. They’re designed to help avoid the dreaded deep broken root tip mishaps. The Xpanders power comes from the double-action tips. Just a small amount of penetration into the PDL space is all that is needed for maximum lateral tooth movement. With these elevators, users achieve both buccolingual movement and mesiodistal movement. The more movement you can get prior to the use of forceps, the less likely root tips break off, the company says. Xpanders tips allow for a stable 2-point contact between the crest of bone and the neck of the tooth. With simple twisting, one point locks onto the bone, while the other point pushes the tooth laterally, causing buccolingual socket expansion and superior preforceps loosening. These powerful intraligamental elevators are designed to make extractions less stressful.

The Xpanders at first glance look similar to the 301 surgical elevator you first grabbed in dental school. A bulbous handle extends into a round shank that eventually develops a concave and convex semicircle shape as you approach the tip. Then the details emerge about why they are so special. Most obviously, the Xpanders have a 2-pronged tip instead of a standard shovel shape.

Curved to engage the surface of the root, they are also impregnated and roughened with a proprietary ceramic material that is blown onto the tips during an intense heat treatment process. These tips concentrate force from the large handle to allow quick and focused compression of bone and penetration of the periodontal ligament (PDL) space during a vertical elevation approach.

However, since they are made of relatively thick steel, they will only penetrate about 0.5 mm and are therefore relatively noninvasive. Then, even with minimal rotation forces applied, this instrument will quickly create instability of a root that was otherwise firmly held in its socket.

The handles are made from surgical-grade French stainless steel. They are wide and easy to grip but hollow for lighter weight and correspondingly less wrist fatigue. The interior is confirmed to be airtight during the manufacturing process so they are still safe for standard sterilization protocols. The tips are thick and strong enough to be used in a horizontal elevation motion or direction but that could possibly affect the lifetime of the instrument. In extreme situations, I find that the spread of the tips creates a great 2-point contact where one establishes a purchase point on the ridge and the other provides the upward and outward force needed for expulsion of the remaining root.

The class I lever action that’s typical for an elevator lifting tooth against bone is even more effective with the shape of the Xpanders forceps because of the increased distance between the active points. A typical elevator functions by putting force on the tooth with one edge and then resting with the center of its convex back against the bone. Compared with an equally wide 301, Xpanders achieve almost double the distance of a lever action due to the double-pronged design. Since an average PDL width is under 0.5 mm, there is often very little space to penetrate. Assuming that there is some ferrule remaining at least 2 mm above bone, I choose the Xpanders as my first option for a specialized lifting instrument since it can generate high moment forces between its arms and it grips well with the ceramic coating. If the tooth is equal in height to the bone or below, I prefer using a PDL knife, luxator, or spade elevator to open the space just a little farther using apically directed wedge action and more delicately sever the ligaments before advancing to the Xpanders.

While they are strong enough to withstand rolling wheel-type elevation motions, I don’t rely on the Xpanders for interproximal pressure with molars unless I have sectioned the roots out of concern for breakage of the arms. That being said, I also haven’t witnessed breakage or signs of fatigue in the year that I have been using them. I do find that they are more helpful at removing conical-shaped roots than tripod roots, but that isn’t an issue if you plan to section and separate the roots anyway.

My usual protocol for extraction is as follows:

3. Radicular stability test with 301 or standard elevator

5. Choice of spade or PDL knife vs Xpanders for luxation

6. Use Xpanders with vertical apically directed force with ¼ reciprocal twisting motion and complete this motion on each of 4 interproximal corners if possible with properly angled instruments.

7. If the root is lifted and mobile enough, secure with a 151 or 150 and remove or if the PDL space is wide enough, reintroduce a standard elevator.

9. Curette socket with serrated spoon curette.

10. Place collagen clotting aid or graft if appropriate and close with membrane and sutures.

Oftentimes, I am able to extract teeth with only periosteal and Xpanders elevation, but they are also useful in more difficult cases. To illustrate the effectiveness of the Xpanders and expound on how I use them, below are 2 recent clinical examples.

The first case involves a 34-year-old man who was currently taking no medications, was a nonsmoker, and had a midrange caries risk due to past issues with substance abuse (

). He needed extraction of #12 following a chronic apical abscess that led to a large swelling extending to the orbit.

After reducing the swelling with antibiotics and steroids, I saw the patient for the extraction of the tooth and grafting of the site in preparation for a future implant. I anesthetized the site with 3 carpules of Septocaine (Septodont USA) circumferentially and then lifted the surrounding gingiva and periosteum (

). The goal is always to maintain all walls of the socket, but I am especially careful with bony structures when I am planning to graft. After exposing the tooth-bone interface, I inserted a 301 into the embrasure on the non-
decayed mesial of the tooth to create some minor horizontal force and mobility (

Then I placed the tips of the straight Xpanders into the mesiobuccal corner of the tooth at the PDL line and apically pressed about 30° off the vertical axis of the tooth while doing quarter-turn twists back and forth in a reciprocating fashion. After increasing the mobility and reaching a vertical stopping point, I moved to the mesiolingual corner of the tooth and completed the same motion. The distobuccal corner had significant decay so I gained greater access to the PDL with a spade elevator before engaging with the Xpanders. The distolingual corner wasn’t easily accessible, and I chose not to open more of the Xpanders kit since enough mobility had been gained. I attempted to deliver the tooth with a set of 150 forceps but the coronal portion fractured (

). I reengaged the straight Xpanders and drove them apically until the root popped up enough to grip with the forceps. I followed through with curettage until the site was devoid of granulation tissue and adequate bleeding had been established with a serrated spoon (

). All walls were maintained so I filled the site with particulate allograft to the height of the ridge and closed with a membrane and Vicryl sutures. 

The second case involves a 39-year-old man with no significant medical history or medications (

). Tooth #15 had a history of root canal treatment and crown (

). Hewas seen at a previous appointment by my associate with the crown off and significant recurrent decay was diagnosed on the mesial aspect from a food pack.

The failure of the crown rendered the tooth nonrestorable but it was recemented and the patient was scheduled with me for the extraction. There was no swelling or purulence, so effective anesthesia required only 2 carpules of infiltration with Septocaine. Since the crown attachment was likely compromised due to the decay, I proceeded to periosteal elevation (

I was able to use the “Posterior In” Xpanders to get a good purchase point on the mesiobuccal corner of the mesiobuccal root and worked that angle until the crown popped off (

). Since there was extensive decay and it was root canal treated, I had expected to section the roots at some point during the procedure and prefer to do this prior to elevation. However, in this situation, I elevated first since I knew the cemented crown would not hold up to pressure. I use a reverse-vent, air-driven surgical handpiece but still like to maintain a periosteal seal as much as possible to prevent pneumonias from debris, air, or water into the fascial planes.

I completed a y-shaped sectioning of the roots with my handpiece and was then able to engage the distobuccal root on its mesiobuccal corner. This quickly created instability, and I removed the distal root with the Xpanders only. The decay on the mesial root caused repeated fracturing upon elevation force and necessitated further osseous reduction. Final removal of the apical portion required root picks. The palatal root was easier to access with the “Posterior Out” Xpanders on the distolingual aspect and the “Posterior In” Xpanders on the mesiolingual and moved buccally enough to allow for removal with a set of 150 forceps. The patient elected not to graft at this location, so hemostasis was confirmed and the patient released. 

The first case was atraumatic to surrounding bone, swiftly completed in about 15 minutes, and the site is now moving on its way to ridge regeneration for future restoration. The second case was not so quick and easy but we achieved success through implementation of a good plan with great instruments. I hope this article has provided you with ample reason to try something a little different and to elevate your surgical setup with an Xpanders kit (

). The drawing indicates the proper positioning for use (

One clinician explains why the Xpanders elevator from ArtCraft Dental is a valuable asset in his practice.

How to Perform Elevation Extractions Atraumatically and Efficiently

Ankur Gupta, DDS, after completing a 1-year GPR in Cleveland, Ohio, started a practice from scratch in 2005. Armed with what he considered adequate knowledge, hand skills, and a personable demeanor, he watched as his practice floundered, finances became unpredictable, and his lower back and spirit toward life became worrisome. Rather than continue the trend, he made a guinea pig out of his office, family, and self, attempting any and all personal and professional “experiments” in self-improvement. More than a decade later, he enjoys enviable new patient numbers and case acceptance, a solution- oriented dental team, and, most importantly, a meaningful and positive identity. He happily shares the failures and successes with dental and community groups throughout the country, always ending his presentations with practical, implementable, step-by-step ways to be better.

Figure 1. Despite fully curing for the entire manufacturer-recommended amount of time, our curing light simply was unable to penetrate further than 5 mm of thickness into this particular bulk-fill flowable composite product (I have purposely omitted the brand name).

Nausea, indigestion, upset stomach, diarrhea.” If you are even close to the same age as I am (I was born in 1978), you probably will have no difficulty placing these lyrics. They are from a hugely popular Pepto Bismol commercial jingle. The symptoms listed above, while incredibly displeasing, are a part of life, and thankfully the pharmaceutical industry has provided products that aim to mitigate 

Whenever I am faced with a bulk-fill situation, a much less catchy jingle plays in my head:

“Depth of curing, polymerization shrinkage, marginal leakage, sensitivity.”

Every dentist is quite familiar with these terms. We hate them, and like the occasional gastric issues we must face, they have been relegated to a displeasing part of life. Many products have been introduced that aim to mitigate these issues, but most have 1 or 2 glaring characteristics that make them less than ideal for the incredibly common need for placement of huge restorations. Let’s talk about each one of these products.

Traditional Light-Cured Bulk-Fill Flowable Composite

Flowable light-cured material that has higher levels of filler particles is incredibly convenient. The flowable nature allows the material to seep into deeper crevices, and the high concentration of filler product at least attempts to reduce the amount of polymerization shrinkage of the resin monomers when cured.

There are 2 big problems with this option. First, the more filler particles, the less chance for the curing light to penetrate deep into the prep (

). Second, even if the light cure penetrates to the entire bulk fill, this will result in simultaneous monomer polymerization, making shrinkage, marginal leakage, and sensitivity highly probable.

Packable composite has a much higher concentration of filler particles, giving it a higher modulus of elasticity and resistance to wear. Because of the filler particle density, however, curing-light penetration is limited to 2 to 3 mm, requiring the clinician to apply, pack, and cure in small increments. This is not only inconvenient and time-consuming, but every incremental fill opens the door to the possibility of voids (

). Large fillings by their very nature have small crevices and potential undercuts, so it is impossible for the clinician to have complete confidence that all of those were filled in with the already-firm composite.

Although resin-modified glass ionomers (RMGIs) generally require a curing light, there is a self-cure component that makes the RMGI mechanism different from traditional composites. If a dentist chooses to wait for the product to chemically cure, it should, theoretically, eliminate the issues of curing-light penetration, shrinkage, and leakage. And RMGIs do successfully eliminate the first 2 issues; however, leakage and voids are still highly probable given the overall viscosity of this material.

The material is somewhere between flowable and packable, so if a dentist chooses not to light cure, they would extrude the material, wait a little while, and then attempt to pack it. Moreover, the limited amount of material in each RMGI capsule often runs out and requires another mix for large restorations. This is time-consuming and inconvenient, but more importantly, it introduces the potential for voids and leakage as we attempt to pack the newly mixed material onto the already-packed material (

). Because most dentists choose to light cure this material to save time, the same issues of microgaps and shrinkage can still occur.

Lastly, RMGIs simply do not have the same surface shine and polishability of traditional composites. The surface poses aesthetic problems and feels rough to the tongue. This is not an issue for crown buildups but certainly can be frustrating for direct resin restorations.

Dentistry is, and probably always will be, difficult at times. No matter how much we try, patients will have limited opening, chubby cheeks, poor oral hygiene, and “gagginess.”

Thankfully, innovators constantly introduce strategies and products that make our lives just a little less painful. In this article I show how SDI’s Stela solution makes lives easier for clinicians.

In part 2 of this feature, we’ll take a close look at how this a self-cure bulk-fill flowable performs. This unique product self-cures at the point of contact with its proprietary primer/adhesive.

Stay tuned to learn more about the benefits of SDI’s Stela solution.

[ Sponsored ] In this article the author shows how SDI’s Stela solution makes lives easier for clinicians.

SDI’s Stela Self-Cure Bulk Fill Flowable Self Cure Restorative Delivers Stress-Free Bulk-Fill Restorations

Every dental practice needs a sterilizer that is reliable, simple to use, cost-effective, and has very low maintenance.

Dental sterilizers are the workhorse of the practice. The RapidHeat RH-Pro Sterilizers provide a fast turn-around on instruments and handpieces, allowing clinicians to provide optimal patient care.

The RapidHeat RH-Pro Sterilizers give dental practices a fast, waterless, chemical-free, and low-maintenance solution for the sterile processing of instruments and handpieces. Without water or steam, the RapidHeat RH-Pro Sterilizers eliminate the drying cycle, prevent wet pouches and corrosion of instruments, and help handpieces last longer. The RH-Pro sterilizers process your wrapped and unwrapped instruments and handpieces with greater efficiency.

The RapidHeat RH-Pro Sterilizers utilizes an advanced proprietary sterilization technology of circulating “High-Velocity Hot Air” (HVHA) in a sealed chamber at the rate of 200-300 air exchanges per minute. The uniform distribution of the air allows the RH-Pro sterilizers to process wrapped and unwrapped instruments in as little as 14-21 minutes to achieve a 12-log spore kill. These sterilizers also process temperature-sensitive instruments in the “Low-Temperature” sterilization cycles with processing time equivalent to steam sterilizers. The RapidHeat RH-Pro sterilizers also come with a 3-year parts and labor warranty.

These high-velocity, hot air sterilizers from CPAC Equipment, Inc feature technology evolved from NASA’s early research to discover the best efficacious and non-destructive decontamination technology for spacecraft.

CPAC RapidHeat™ RH-Pro11 and RH-Pro9

Carestream Dental's CS 9600 CBCT system has secured its sixth consecutive Cellerant Best of Class Technology Award in the 2024 competition. This recognition highlights the system's consistent innovation and its impact on oral healthcare, according to a press release from the company.

The CS 9600 reportedly offers five-in-one capabilities: 2D and 3D imaging, object and face scanning, and cephalometric imaging. These options allow dental professionals to customize imaging based on patient needs, covering a wide range of procedures like implant placement, orthodontics, and airway analysis. Its advanced automation and artificial intelligence (AI) help capture accurate images on the first try, reducing retakes and improving patient care.

The system is powered by CS Imaging version 8 and CS 3D Imaging software, providing centralized image management and AI-driven analysis. Additional modules, such as the Prosthetic-driven Implant Planning module and CS Airway, allow practices to expand the system's functionality.

Philippe Maillet, general manager at Carestream Dental, said in the press release, “Receiving the Cellerant Best of Class Technology Award for the sixth year in a row is a true testament to the innovation and ease-of-use of the CS 9600 system. We’re committed to providing dental professionals with the advanced tools they need to deliver exceptional patient care, and the CS 9600 continues to evolve to meet the growing demands of modern practices.”

In addition to the Best of Class Technology Awards, the CS 9600 has earned other honors, including the 2019 Edison Award and the Krakdent Medal of the Highest Quality.

The system's features, including AI-powered automation and modular expansion options, help dental professionals improve accuracy and patient care.

Carestream Dental's CS 9600 Wins Sixth Cellerant Best of Class Technology Award

Lorne Lavine, DMD, founder and president of The Digital Dentist, has more than 30 years invested in the dental and dental technology fields. A graduate of USC, he earned his DMD from Boston University and completed his residency at the Eastman Dental Center in Rochester, N.Y. He received his specialty training at the University of Washington and went into private practice in Vermont until moving to California in 2002 to establish TDD, a company that focuses on the specialized technological and HIPAA needs of the dental community. He can be reached at drlavine@thedigitaldentists.com or 866-204-3398.

Over the course of the last 7-plus years, I’ve written in great detail about the need for dental offices to protect and secure their most critical asset, their patient data. Much of the discussion has centered around ways to deal with a virus infection, such as application whitelisting, restoring a backup, and antiransomware protection. However, as the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and one item that is often overlooked but incredibly critical to this process is a firewall.

Data flows into and out of devices, such as your router or modem, through what we call ports. A firewall is what controls what is—and more importantly isn’t—allowed to pass through those ports. You can think of it like a security guard standing at the door, checking the ID of everything that tries to enter or exit.

For most normal computers or office networks, the firewall should allow very little, if any, inbound traffic. There’s rarely any legitimate reason for other devices to need to connect to your device, or office network, unsolicited.

Firewalls can be either software or hardware, and most likely you’re being protected by both. The router (sometimes called a cable modem) that brings the internet from your internet provider to your home or office is usually a hardware firewall. And your computer, whether it’s running Windows or macOS, most likely has a software firewall running.

However, what I highly recommend for all dental offices is that they consider a business-class firewall. One of the primary reasons a business-class firewall is better than a consumer-grade firewall is the advanced security features it offers. Business-class firewalls are designed to protect against a wide range of threats, including viruses, malware, phishing attacks, and ransomware. They can also detect and prevent more sophisticated attacks,
such as advanced persistent threats and zero-day exploits.

Business-class firewalls offer a variety of security features, such as intrusion prevention and detection, deep packet inspection, and advanced malware protection. These features are critical for protecting sensitive data and preventing data breaches. For example, deep packet inspection allows the firewall to analyze the contents of network packets and block traffic that violates security policies.

They also offer centralized management, allowing your information technology (IT) provider to configure and monitor the firewall from a single console. This makes it easier to manage network security across multiple locations and devices. Consumer-grade devices may require individual configuration, making it more difficult to manage and monitor network security.

Centralized management also allows for more efficient security management. For example, your IT provider can create and manage security policies from a central console, ensuring consistent application of security policies across the entire office. This helps to ensure that all devices on the network are properly secured and reduces the risk of security gaps.

A good firewall for a dental office, from a company like Sophos, WatchGuard, or SonicWall, is a great investment in your overall security and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act compliance plan. While a bit costlier than consumer firewalls, the added protection is well worth the cost, in my opinion.

A key aspect of securing patient data is a powerful firewall. Here we explore the best ways to build up a strong firewall for your dental practice. 

Building a Strong Firewall for Your Dental Practice

Benevis’ Happy, Healthy Smile Month Recognizes the Importance of Both Dental Hygiene and Orthodontics | Image Credit: © Benevis

Benevis is celebrating both Dental Hygiene Month and Orthodontic Health Month this October with Happy, Healthy Smile Month.

The leading dental healthcare and orthodontics delivery organization committed to providing quality care to underserved communities, is recognizing the 2 national celebrations – Dental Hygiene Month and Orthodontic Health Month – noting the critical role of dental hygiene and orthodontia in a comprehensive oral health program that can help maintain a happy, healthy, confident smile for an entire lifetime. 

Orthodontics is often thought of in terms of esthetics, with 

 believing straight, bright teeth can help them get ahead in life, according to the Health Policy Institute and the ADA. But it is much more than that, and Benevis strives to make people aware of the health benefits provided by orthodontics. Crowded, crooked teeth present hygiene challenges as the teeth and gums are harder to clean, which can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, and even tooth loss. Also, a misaligned bite can wear down tooth enamel and make it harder to speak and chew.

“At Benevis, we care deeply about expanding access to comprehensive oral healthcare, particularly for underserved communities, through education on dental hygiene, orthodontics, and preventive care,” Bryan Carey, CEO of Benevis, says in a press release. “While some view orthodontics as a luxury, we believe it’s essential healthcare. Our goal is to make high-quality, affordable orthodontic and dental care possible for everyone.”

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children receive an orthodontic check-up by age 7, which is earlier than many families might expect. Grant Zakhar, DDS, orthodontist at Savannah Smiles Youth Dentistry & Braces, a Benevis-supported dental practice, explains the benefits of this assessment. “A lot of teeth and jaw issues can be corrected early on that can make other dental adjustments easier in the future. That 7-year-old mark is worth it for families to check in and see how the growth and development of their child’s dental health is going,” he says. “Most likely, they won’t need anything early on, but it is good to catch in the rare instance that we can intervene early for more complex conditions.” 

Families may be hesitant to have an orthodontic assessment due to worries over the cost, Benevis admits. Consumer Affairs found that braces can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $13,000 per child. Benevis offices accept a variety of payment forms, including Medicaid, Children’s Health Insurance Programs (CHIP), private insurance, payment plans, and dental discount plans for patients without insurance. All Benevis financing options are factored based on the total cost of treatment, insurance coverage including Medicare and CHIP, Flexible Spending Account or Health Spending Account contributions, down payments, and the length of treatment, the company states. The organization offers an 

 available on Benevis-affiliated dental websites to give patients, families, and caregivers a visual tool to understand potential payment or financing options better. Families should schedule a consultation with a board-certified orthodontist for actual treatment costs.

It's important for dentists and orthodontists to collaborate on the joint care of their patients, and Benevis dentists and orthodontists work together with patients and their families to find ways to meet their patients’ needs.

Latoya Colenberg Eakins, DMD, provides care to patients in Mississippi at Benevis-supported Sunnybrook Dentistry & Braces and shared one of her patient’s orthodontic stories as an example. “After repeated insurance denials and dental work too costly to afford, I watched one of my patients navigate ... her toughest teenage years with a missing front tooth ... and it was heartbreaking,” Dr Eakins says in the press release. “Our team persisted ... [with] her dental and orthodontic treatment ... [and] for the first time in years she’s smiling again.”

Benevis provides orthodontic care in 100 community offices across 13 states and the District of Columbia, working with families to design the best care path forward for patients who need braces.

 focuses on delivering life-changing oral care and orthodontics to underserved communities, and advocates for programs and legislation that ensure all families have access to the oral healthcare they need and deserve.

The celebration recognizes 2 national observances, Dental Hygiene Month and Orthodontic Health Month.