Feature originally published in Infection Control Today. Glowing monitors in the intensive care department. Night shift at ICU, patient in a critical state. Image credit: © Adobe Stock 252813850 @ Kirl Lis

This article was originally published on 


Hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) not only threatens patient safety but also exerts a significant financial burden on healthcare systems. According to the CDC's most recent point prevalence survey, HAP is the number one healthcare-acquired infection (HAI), accounting for one in every 4 infections.

 In addition to being highly prevalent, HAP impacts resource utilization, quality metrics, value-based purchasing (VBP) initiatives, and patient satisfaction.

HAP is a confirmed pneumonia diagnosis that occurs 48 hours after hospitalization and is not present on admission.

 Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is associated with the use of an artificial airway, although most health care-acquired pneumonia (HAP) cases are not linked to a ventilator. Nonventilator-associated HAP (NV-HAP) is now a larger concern 

Table 1. Impact of Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia21-22

VAP and NV-HAP are frequent and serious preventable conditions that impact patients and healthcare systems. High mortality, increased length of hospital and intensive care unit (ICU) stays, increased utilization of ICUs, and frequent hospital readmission contribute to increased costs to patients, families, and institutions. 

. In a retrospective case-control study of Medicare patients hospitalized in 2019, those with HAP were almost 3 times more likely to die within 90 days compared to matched controls without HAP, and those with HAP spent an extra week in the hospital, increasing the cost of care by 24%.


While medical interventions are essential in managing HAP, oral hygiene's prevention role is often overlooked and is one of the most frequently missed elements of care.

 However, recent research underscores the hidden benefits of oral hygiene practices in averting VAP and NV-HAP, improving overall patient outcomes, including substantial cost savings and enhanced value-based care benefits.

Why use oral hygiene to prevent pneumonia? Oral hygiene is the only intervention that addresses source control by reducing the pathogens that lead to pneumonia. During hospitalization, the healthy oral microbiome is disrupted, allowing the growth and replication of pathogens that can cause infection.

These pathogens are frequently microaspirated into the airway and can lead to pneumonia.

Comprehensive oral hygiene breaks this chain of infection and combats pneumonia-causing pathogens before they can enter the lungs. Daily oral care is recognized as an Essential Practice in the pneumonia prevention guidelines updated in 2022.

 In a recent systematic review, daily toothbrushing was the most effective aspect of oral hygiene and was associated with a reduction in HAP, mortality, and length of stay.

Multiple studies have shown a correlation between consistent oral hygiene and a reduction in HAP. One large urban hospital implemented a comprehensive oral hygiene program for all adult patients, including high-risk critical care and oncology. The 12-month study successfully increased oral care quality and frequency in all units and reduced NV-HAP by 39%, saving an estimated 8 lives, avoiding 500 hospital days, and saving $1.72 million in costs.

 As the implementation continued into another 12 months, oral care was incorporated into presurgical routines. Over 2 years, 164 NV-HAP cases were avoided, with an estimated 31 lives saved and $6.2 million in cost-avoidance.

Table 2. Impact of HAP on Key Quality Metrics


Preventing HAP through an oral hygiene intervention yields tangible cost savings for healthcare institutions by sparing precious resources. HAP has a direct impact on resources such as ICU and hospital days and antibiotic use. HAP extends the length of time in the hospital. Patients must stay in the hospital for an additional 6.6 days for NV-HAP and 28 days for VAP.

HAP drives ICU utilization from nonventilated ICU patients as well as patients on medical units. In a US 21-hospital study by Baker and Quinn (2018), 46% of patients with NV-HAP required critical care, and 27% were transferred to the ICU from medical and surgical units.

HAP requires the use of antibiotics at a time when stewardship is imperative. An astounding 50-70% of antibiotic usage in ICUs is prescribed to treat HAP.

 A large hospital system demonstrated a reduction in broad-spectrum antibiotic use when lowering NV-HAP.

 By providing an oral care intervention and preventing HAP, hospitals can decrease the length of patient hospitalization, minimize the need for intensive care services, and curtail antibiotic usage, all of which contribute to freeing up resources and lower healthcare expenditures.

Quality Metrics and Value-Based Purchasing


In addition to sparing resources, preventing HAP through oral hygiene aligns with quality metrics and VBP initiatives in healthcare. VBP programs incentivize hospitals to deliver high-quality, cost-effective care by linking reimbursement to performance on various quality measures, including infection rates and patient outcomes.

HAP contributes to quality measures that impact financial reimbursement, hospital accreditation, and public reputation (See Table 2). One important metric is SEP-1, a VBP measure that affects CMS reimbursement.16 SEP-1 is a 3-hour all-or-none bundle focused on early recognition and treatment. SEP-1 compliance has been challenging, with a rate of less than 50% in US hospitals.

HAP is the most common site of infection for hospital-acquired sepsis and the leading cause of death among hospitalized patients.

 Focusing efforts on preventing HAP by providing oral hygiene can reduce the number of sepsis cases in the hospital and relieve the burden of adherence to time-sensitive treatment.


Improving oral hygiene brings financial benefits and enhances patient satisfaction, which is a crucial aspect of healthcare.

 When patients are hospitalized, they expect proper oral hygiene, and research indicates that they notice when it is not provided.

 To improve the patient's experience and sense of control, it is advisable to provide education about the importance of oral hygiene during hospital stays and assist with daily oral hygiene tasks.

 Engaging patients in daily oral hygiene offers an opportunity to improve a key quality metric: patient satisfaction. 


The benefits of preventing hospital-acquired pneumonia through oral hygiene go beyond cost savings. Prioritizing a standard oral hygiene program not only prevents the risk of HAP but also affects resource utilization, quality metrics, VBP initiatives, and patient satisfaction. Integrating oral hygiene protocols into routine infection prevention practices is essential for the well-being of hospitalized individuals and healthcare organizations.

Magill SS, O’Leary SJ, Janelle DL, et al. Changes in prevalence of healthcare-associated infections in U.S. hospitals. 

. 2018;379(18):1732-1744. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa1801550

. National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) patient safety component manual. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Chapter 6: Pneumonia. 2020;6-1 – 6-17.

Baker DL, Giuliano KK, Desmarais M, et al. Impact of hospital-acquired pneumonia on the Medicare program. 

Mainz H, Tei R, Andersen KV, Lisby M, Gregersen M. Prevalence of missed nursing care and its association with work experience: A cross-sectional survey. 

Kitsios GD, Morowitz MJ, Dickson RP, et al. Dysbiosis in the ICU: Microbiome science coming to the bedside. 

Scannapieco FA, Giuliano KK, Baker D. Oral health status and the etiology and prevention of nonventilator hospital-associated pneumonia. 

Klompas M, Branson R, Cawcutt K, et al. Strategies to prevent VAP, ventilator-associated events, and NV-HAP in acute-care hospitals: 2022 update. 

Ehrenzeller S, Klompas M. Association between daily toothbrushing and hospital-acquired pneumonia: A systematic review and meta-analysis. 

Quinn B, Baker DL, Cohen S, Stewart JL, Lima CA, Parise C. Basic nursing care to prevent nonventilator hospital-acquired pneumonia. 

Baker D, Quinn B, Ewan V, Giuliano KK. Sustaining quality improvement: Long-term reduction of nonventilator hospital-acquired pneumonia. 

Jones BE, Sarvet AL, Ying J, et al. Incidence and outcomes of non-ventilator-associated hospital-acquired pneumonia in 284 US hospitals using electronic surveillance criteria. 

Baker D, Quinn B. Hospital-acquired pneumonia prevention initiative-2: Incidence of nonventilator hospital-acquired pneumonia in the US. 

Albin OR, Admon AJ. Accurately measuring preventable ventilator-associated pneumonia deaths using observational data: It’s about time. 

Lacerna CC, Patey D, Block L, et al. A successful program preventing nonventilator hospital-acquired pneumonia in a large hospital system. 

The hospital value-based purchasing (VBP) program. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Updated February 6, 2024. Accessed May 25, 2024. https://www.cms.gov/medicare/quality-initiatives-patient-assessment-instruments/hospital-value-based-purchasing

Barbash IJ, Davis B, Kahn JM. National performance on the Medicare SEP-1 sepsis quality measure. 

HCAHPS: Patient’s perspectives of care survey. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Updated September 6, 2023. Accessed May 26, 2024. https://www.cms.gov/medicare/quality-initiatives-patient-assessment-instruments/hospital-value-based-purchasing/hcahps

Gustafsson N, Leino-Kilpi H, Prga I, et al. Missed care from the patient’s perspective: A scoping review. 

Murray J, Paunovic J, Hunter SC. More than a mouth to clean: Case studies of oral health care in an Australian hospital. 

Papazian L, Klompas M, Luyt CE. Ventilator-associated pneumonia in adults: A narrative review. 

Lodise TP, Law A, Spilsbury-Cantalupo M, et al. Hospital readmissions and mortality among intubated and mechanically ventilated adult subjects with pneumonia due to gram-negative bacteria. 

Articles

Originally posted on Infection Control Today. Hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) is a significant infection prevention concern, leading to high patient mortality, increased health care costs, and ICU usage. Oral hygiene is an effective preventive measure.

Maximizing Value: The Hidden Benefits of Preventing Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia Through Oral Hygiene

Nisha Krishnaiah, DDS, and Brad Jones, FAACD

Dr Krishnaiah, DDS, is an experienced cosmetic and general dentist practicing at Aesthetic Dentistry of Noe Valley, located in the Noe Valley neighborhood of San Francisco, California. Dr Krishnaiah graduated from Baylor College of Dentistry Texas A&M system in 1997 and went on to complete a hospital residency at the University of Illinois in Chicago. For over 23 years she has been in private practice, first in Arizona and for the past 20 years in San Francisco’s Noe Valley. Her passion and focus have always been on creating

beautiful smiles. She is one of a handful of dentists in San Francisco that is a 15-year long member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and accredited. She is a member of AACD and AAID and SFDS.

Brad Jones has achieved his Fellowship in the AACD. He has served 7 years as an accreditation examiner as well has served 2 terms on the AACD Board of Directors. He has lectured internationally on advanced ceramic techniques. Brad co-founded and co-directs Total Team Advantage, a hands-on live patient seminar where clinicians and technicians are given experience and confidence in high-level esthetic smile designs. He owns and operates a boutique laboratory, EDGE Productions, in Pocatello, located in the heart of the Idaho mountains. EDGE Productions' exclusive services range from simple smile design cases to complex, full mouth reconstructions. This gives Brad the opportunity to excel in creating some of the most beautiful smiles in the world.

As our patients’ expectations continue to rise, it becomes profoundly important to use tried and tested protocols and techniques that deliver beautiful and predictable results. This article details the clinical and technical aspects of transforming severe dark brown–stained teeth to a natural, gorgeous smile.

This case had 2 main objectives. The first was to take away the tetracycline stains, and the second was to pull back the splaying of the upper anterior teeth. Additionally, we wanted to brighten, refine, and harmonize the patient’s smile.

Our patient presented with prenatal exposure to the antibiotic tetracycline. Her dentition had severe dark brown staining (

). This appearance is a result of tetracycline binding to calcium ions in teeth during mineralization, or calcification. The phenotypic result can vary between gray, brown, or greenish hues and varying degrees of each.

In our patient’s case, it was a deep, dark brown color on the severe end of tetracycline staining. She stated she hated to smile, and when she did smile, she tried to show as little of her teeth as possible. She desired a change and was seeking more information about treatment options.

Although the patient was fixated on the darkness of the staining, the length/protrusion of her upper anterior teeth were not obvious to her because they were overshadowed by the dark colors. The patient expressed several reservations as the discussion progressed. First, due to her family culture, her parents did not approve changing her smile. Thus, her parents were not going to 

IPS e.max® Press is a lithium disilicate glass-ceramic (LS2) for the press technique. The ingots are available in 5 translucency levels. The polychromatic IPS e.max Press Multi ingots are particularly attractive, showing a lifelike color transition. The ingots are selected to suit the case at hand and the preferred processing technique (staining, cut-back, or layering technique). The restorations are veneered or characterized using the matching IPS e.max Ceram layering ceramic or the innovative IPS Ivocolor® stains. The results look very natural, regardless of the shade of the prepared tooth.

be involved in the decision-making. Second, cost was a factor. Lastly, she wanted the case to have minimal preparation, as she was not comfortable with too much tooth reduction. We discussed all her concerns and addressed them to her satisfaction. Once she decided to move forward, we involved the ceramist.

Brad Jones, FAACD, fellowed master ceramist with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, created a diagnostic wax-up and clear matrix along with a reduction stent. This diagnostic wax-up is essentially the blueprint of the proposed final shape/form. The patient was able to visualize our mutual goals, and as a result, the patient felt at ease to move forward.

As the appointment arrived, our patient was a bit nervous, but she did well overall. The internal dark brown tetracycline stains turned darker as the preparation enters the dentin layer. After we finished the preparations, I made a set of provisionals using the clear matrix to check for thickness. They were too thin, and had show-through of the dark brown stains on the facials of teeth #6 to #11.

Because we wanted to be mindful of the patient’s wishes and prepare conservatively, we went back in our toolbox, and after preparing only on the facials of the prominent dark areas, we bonded Cosmedent Pink Opaque and then Cosmedent Renamel Microhybrid Composite shade A1 to mask (Cosmedent, Inc).

Pink is the opposite of gray, so this application helped us arrive at the desired stump shade, which allowed us to achieve our desired final shade. When we made her temporaries a second time, there was much less show-through, which indicated that the preparation was sufficient, especially knowing that Brad [Jones], the ceramist, applies an opaque internal filter to the IPS e.max (Ivoclar) restorations in these types of cases.

Shade selection was straightforward. Because the patient was having all upper 10 teeth restored, we did not have to match to her other teeth. We simply chose which shade was the best fit for her. Our patient is young, and she desired a lighter/brighter shade but authentic-looking restorations, so we mutually chose Vita B1. Also, our shade selection factored in that someday this patient would have her lower 10 teeth restored with porcelain veneers as well. Satisfied with our preparations and shade selection,we sent all the necessary materials to Brad Jones for the fabrication of the final porcelain restorations.

In order to predictably exceed patient’s expectations in today’s world, it is necessary to follow the smile design protocol. This starts out with preoperative records in the way of photography and full-arch impressions. Once the patient has been prepared, master impressions have been made, and the provisional has been placed and idealized, it is most important to record them with a full-face photo (patient must be standing for this photo) and an impression of the provisional.

This middle step, of providing a diagnostic wax-up and matrix to be used in the way of provisionals, is the first chance to get it right. Through the cast of the provisionals and a full-face photograph of the patient smiling in their provisional, we were able to assess and make any necessary corrections to the cast of the provisional. Tripod bites are used to record the patient’s preparation to opposing dentition so that the technician can replicate the actual bite relationship.

The core restorative units can be acquired in several different ways. I use a Pro-Craft wax injector from Grobet USA (

), with beige wax (Yeti Dental) being injected through a clear matrix over the lubricated master dies (

). This clear matrix is formed over the corrected cast of the provisional, giving us an exact copy, in wax, of the corrected cast of the provisional.

Through the process of the lost wax technique, we press IPS e.max lithium disilicate (Ivoclar)—in this case, MTB1. The MT signifies medium translucency, which is necessary for this case because of the underlying tooth discoloration.

This extreme case of tetracycline staining was controlled by a 3-prong technique. First, the clinician blocked out the facials for tooth #s 6 to 11 (

) with pink opaque composite. Second, by evaluating the 1:2 photos of the provisional (

), a medium translucent IPS e.max ingot (Ivoclar) was chosen for the restorative material. Last, it was evaluated and found necessary to place an internal opaque composite filter inside the veneers (

When this internal opaque filter technique is used, the ceramist is responsible for the composite interface with the veneer and they need to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines in its application. It is also necessary to inform the clinician not to etch the areas inside the veneers where this opaque filter is placed because it will etch away. I let the clinician know these restorations are ready for the luting dual-cure (DC) cement. In this case, all the restorations were cemented with light cure cement with the exception of teeth # 7 to #10.

In order to mimic the illuminating beauty of a natural anterior tooth, it is necessary to cut back and layer at least the restorations on teeth # 7 to #10 (

). A natural tooth not only reflects light but also absorbs light, especially in between the internal lobes and under the halo found on a natural anterior tooth’s incisal edge. The facial enamel in nature is approximately 0.5 mm in thickness and filters these internal effects, which lie underneath (

Because the IPS e.max MT ingot has built-in vitality, it is not always necessary to fully cut back and layer the entire facial of the incisors. In this case, we cut back and layered about two-thirds of the facials. A guaranteed halo effect was created by undercutting and embossing an extremely thin incisal edge, and then high- and low-value stain was applied and fired in between where the mamelons will be placed (

Opal Effect 1 (OE1) powder (Ivoclar) was color-tagged blue and added into the mesial and distal trough cutback (

). A 50-50 mixture of Mamelon Material (MM) light and Dentin A1 powder was color-tagged orange and placed in for the mesial and distal mamelons (

The middle mamelon was made up from MM salmon, color-tagged in pink, and a sliver of MM light powder, which shows up as white color. Then, Opal Effect 4 powder (Ivoclar) was applied as a high-filter band found in nature, which shows up in the midsection as white in color (

Lastly, the internal powder effects were finished off with an extremely thin line across the incisal edge, which shows up white in color and will strengthen the halo effect in mimicking the incisal edge of a natural incisor. The precise addition of the complete internal IPS e.max powder effects are shown in 

. The fired internal effects are shown in 

.Note the mamelons, halo, and high-value filter band found in a natural incisor tooth.

The mesial and distal cut and stained low-value troughs were again filled in to full contour with OE1 powder (

). The Transpa Incisal for B1 shade (TI1) powder, color-tagged fluorescent yellow, was filled in to full contour.

Final shapes and contours with surface morphology and perikymata were added to the restorations using diamond rotary instruments with an electric handpiece. The entire surface, both facial and lingual, was softened using a carborundum-impregnated knife-edge rubber wheel, then cleaned with soap and water and steam cleaned.

IPS e.MAX Non-Fluorescent Glaze paste (Ivoclar) was thinned out with glaze liquid and carefully applied to the restoration’s entire surface. After drying this applied glaze surface in front of the porcelain furnace’s muffle, the restorations were fired at 720 °C at the rate of 70° per minute.

Continuing to mimic a natural tooth, the artificial glazed surface was knocked down using the same carborundum-impregnated knife-edge rubber wheel. We then highlighted the polish in some areas using a felt wheel and diamond paste (

Figure 25. Postoperative 1:10 image immediately after cementation. | Image Credit: © Nisha Krishnaiah, DDS

Even after having more than 25 years of clinical experience and working with a world class ceramist for the same period, we are always learning, Dr Krishnaiah states. This case had its challenges, but with an armamentarium of dental knowledge, tools, and techniques at hand, we overcame these challenges and delivered an outstanding end result. Our patient was extremely thrilled with the results. She could not stop smiling. The completed case is shown in 

, and the happy patient’s smile is shown in 

The authors used a variety of products from several manufacturers to complete this case. Dr Krishnaiah wanted it noted that she used milky color Variolink Light (Ivoclar) during the cementation process. Afterward, she handed the patient the mirror and noted her reaction. 

shows the prepared 1:2 photo of retracted view.

In this case presentation, IPS e.max and other Ivoclar products are used to remove tetracycline stains, pull back the splaying of the upper anterior teeth, and deliver a great new smile to the patient.  

Restoring Severe Tetracycline-Stained Teeth and Correcting Protruding Anterior Teeth

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.  

Dental artificial intelligence (AI) company Pearl recently announced that it had raised $58 million in Series B funding to accelerate its mission to elevate patient care in dentistry. Founder and CEO Ophir Tanz followed up this big news with an email announcement this weekend that reads: “Backed by the largest-ever investment in dental AI, we are now equipped to harness that potential with greater speed and deliver its value more fully.”

Left Lane Capital led the round, with participation from Smash Capital, Alpha Partners, and existing investors, Craft Ventures and Neotribe Ventures, according to Pearl. This funding marks the largest investment ever in dental artificial intelligence.

Earlier this year, Pearl was granted a patent for its dental practice data analysis AI technology—a patent that covers the machine learning techniques used to analyze data associated with 1 or more dental practices to identify missed treatment opportunities, future treatment opportunities, or provider performance metrics. Prior to that, the company was issued a patent for its “Systems and Methods for Automated Medical Image Analysis,” which grants it the exclusive rights to the computer system technology supporting the application programming interface (API) of its chairside AI disease detection software, Second Opinion®.

“In the field of healthcare, dentistry has become an AI standard-bearer, demonstrating the technology’s enormous utility and benefit in day-to-day patient care––and Pearl has led the AI charge in dentistry,” Tanz, says in the press release. “This historic funding round underscores the impact of Pearl’s capabilities and supports our belief that high-quality, AI-powered dental care should be accessible to everyone. With this investment, Pearl will continue to push the envelope, providing pioneering machine learning to improve oral health outcomes and strengthen trust between the patient and dental professionals.”

With this investment, Pearl will look to continue to advance innovation in technologies that enhance the health of dental patients around the world by expanding its line of dental AI products, broadening its regulatory and patent portfolio, and increasing global access to the transformative benefits of AI in dentistry. At present, Pearl’s machine learning and computer vision tools are designed to solve a core challenge in dentistry: inconsistency in diagnostic accuracy, which directly impacts the quality of patient care. The company’s AI serves as a real-time aid to help dentists read patient x-rays, deliver consistent, objective, and accurate diagnoses, and clearly communicate findings to patients with precision, clarity, and confidence.

Pearl Launches Dental Insurance Precheck Tool

Since receiving the first-ever FDA clearance for AI software to help dental professionals detect multiple different pathologies and other conditions in x-rays, Pearl’s clinical AI has gained regulatory authorizations for chairside use in over 120 countries and recognition among TIME’s Best Inventions, Pearl states. The company plans to use the funding both to accelerate ongoing development of computer vision capabilities – including detection and tracking of disease in 3D and other imaging modalities – and introduce new AI tools to improve patient treatment planning, insurance claim approvals and dental education.

"We have spent the past year evaluating this market and it is clear that Pearl stands above peers at the forefront of dental innovation," adds Vinny Pujji, managing partner at Left Lane Capital. "Pearl's pioneering dental Al improves diagnostic accuracy and efficiency while transforming the provider-patient relationship. We're confident in Pearl's ability to continue setting new standards of care and are thrilled to support their next phase of growth."

This investment follows a period of significant growth as Pearl reportedly grew its revenue by 458% in 2023 and remains the only dental AI company with a global market presence. Pearl’s technology is used in dental practices across 6 continents and is commercially available to over 500,000 dental practices and millions of dental professionals worldwide. The company has also integrated its AI into dozens of popular imaging and practice management systems and is the preferred radiologic AI provider for leading dental technology distributors.

The AI technology is designed to offer a seamless and less invasive approach to dental diagnostics. By accurately detecting disease and displaying clinical findings that are easy for patients to understand, the company’s FDA-cleared software enhances the efficiency, consistency, and precision of radiologic exams, while also facilitating patient education and engagement in their dental health, Pearl states. Leveraging its new funding, the company will enable dental professionals to continually raise the standard of care with more transparent, accurate and objective diagnoses, more effective individualized care, and deeper patient trust in dentistry.

For additional information on Pearl’s suite of solutions for dental practices, visit 

The landmark investment in dental artificial intelligence enables company to further expand its dental AI solutions and improve oral health outcomes for patients.

Dental AI Company Pearl Raises $58 Million in Series B Funding

This guide from offers solutions to common restorative dentistry challenges, emphasizing the importance of science-backed products for effective treatment. It addresses issues such as post-op sensitivity, bonding to zirconia, and excess cement cleanup. BISCO’s innovative products, including selective-etch techniques and specific bonding agents, are designed to improve outcomes and simplify procedures.


Complete the form below to download the eBook.

Restorative Dentistry: Common challenges, Better solutions

Carestream Dental made a pair of big announcements today, one dealing with new investment and the other introducing the launch of the company’s Oral Healthcare Innovation Hub (OHIH).

Carestream Dental Technology Parent Limited has announced that it has secured new investment as part of a recapitalization to support the continued execution of its strategic innovation agenda. Facilitated by raising more than $525 million of new capital, with General Atlantic Credit’s (GA Credit) Atlantic Park fund leading a 6-year first lien term loan, the transaction establishes an equity partnership comprising GA Credit, Canyon Partners, and several others, according to today’s press release. Clayton, Dubilier & Rice will continue as a minority investor. The proceeds from the transaction will aim to significantly reduce debt, meaningfully extend maturities and provide ample flexibility for continued investment in tools and technology and support organic and inorganic strategic initiatives, Carestream Dental states.

Carestream Dental was formed in 2017 as an innovation and digital-led dental company with a mission to transform dentistry, simplify technology and change lives. Serving more than 1 million users across over 100 countries, the company delivers industry-leading oral healthcare solutions, supported by market leading expertise and experience in engineering; practice and dental service organization operational and clinical workflow; and treatment planning.

Year to date, Carestream Dental has successfully expanded its range of products and solutions, including the launch of a new cone beam computed topography (CBCT) system; executed the significant expansion of its Sensei Cloud practice management software for specialty and enterprise customers; and formed several new partnerships to provide customers with a more seamless and integrated workflow experience. In February of 2024 the company launched the CS 8200 3D Access, described as a 4-in-1 system is designed to enhance user experience, leading to improvements in diagnoses, patient care, and business growth.

“We are thrilled to partner with GA Credit, Canyon Partners and our broader investor base as we work to build the future of oral healthcare,” Lisa Ashby, chief executive officer, Carestream Dental, says in the press release. “This transaction significantly strengthens Carestream Dental’s financial position, providing a stronger platform for us to continue investing in our business and customers. We will continue to innovate with expanded partnerships; the application of AI across our solutions; and novel technology focused on the prevention, treatment and management of oral healthcare. We are excited for our strong future ahead.”

In addition to the recapitalization, Carestream Dental launched the OHIH, an innovation incubator focused on revolutionizing oral healthcare. OHIH will unveil Oral Healthcare Practice 2040 at the International Dental Show (IDS) in March 2025 in Cologne, Germany.

“Carestream Dental has a demonstrated track record of successfully delivering differentiated products and comprehensive solutions to its global customer base,” adds Matthew Bonanno, managing director, GA Credit. “We believe this recapitalization positions Carestream Dental to take advantage of strong secular tailwinds in the global marketplace by continuing to invest in innovation and strategic partnerships. Further, we believe Carestream Dental is poised for meaningful growth across multiple markets as the standard of care continues to migrate to the digitally enabled dental market. We look forward to leveraging our healthcare and software expertise to support Lisa [Ashby] and the team in achieving the company’s growth objectives.”

Additional financial terms were not disclosed.

Company says investment, secured as part of recapitalization, is led by General Atlantic Credit’s Atlantic Park Fund.

Carestream Dental Announces New Investment and New Oral Healthcare Innovation Hub

Microcopy’s NeoBurr Max2 metal cutter is a single-patient-use bur.

NeoBurr Max2 from Microcopy

Powered by the company’s DS Core cloud platform, Primescan 2 is a cloud-native wireless intraoral scanner capable of scanning on any internet-connected mobile or desktop device— without needing a dedicated computer. 

Primescan® 2 Powered by DS Core from Dentsply Sirona

Expedition from PreXion

BEGO VarseoSmile TriniQ from Formlabs

Clear Cast Resin from Formlabs

SLA and SLS Post-Processing Tools from Formlabs

VOCO has introduced V-Print c&b temp, a 3D print resin for creating highly esthetic long-term temporary restorations. 

V-Print c&b temp from VOCO America

All the latest dental product launches from September 2 through September 6, 2024. 

New Dental Products – September 2 - September 6, 2024

From staffing issues to overhead costs, you need ways to do more with less. Fuse can help you spend less, increase production and maximize efficiency.


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Take control of a challenging marketplace and do more with less – with Fuse

VOCO has introduced V-Print c&b temp, a 3D print resin for creating highly esthetic long-term temporary restorations. The new material, like all V-Print resins, is sedimentation-free, eliminating the need for shaking or rolling before use, thus saving time for clinicians and lab techs.

With a flexural strength of 132 MPa, V-Print c&b temp is formulated to ensure durable and stable temporary restorations. Its high filler rate provides wear resistance, allowing crowns and bridges to last up to 12 months, offering patients long-lasting solutions, according to VOCO.

Additionally, V-Print c&b temp has low water absorption, making it resistant to discoloration and ensuring color stability. Its high luster polish and natural fluorescence are designed to deliver the esthetic look of a final restoration, and to meet high esthetic demands.

Available in 6 shades (A1, A2, A3, A3.5, B1, and BL), V-Print c&b temp offers versatility and customization for dental professionals. As a composite material, it can be easily characterized or combined with a flowable restorative, allowing seamless integration into various clinical scenarios, the company says.

This material is part of VOCO's growing V-Print line of 3D printer materials and is validated for use with high-quality 3D printers such as Ackuretta, Asiga, Microlay, Shining 3D, and more. In addition, it is compatible with design software from 3Shape and Exocad.

The company’s temporary material offers versatility and customization for dental professionals.

VOCO’s V-Print c&b temp 3D Resin Designed to Deliver Esthetics and Durability

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. 

Imaging company PreXion has announced the launch of its Expedition CBCT Scanner. The Expedition is designed to produce vivid, high-quality images utilizing its IGZO flat panel detector (FPD). IGZO is named for the indium, gallium, zinc, and oxide that are contained inside the FPD. The IGZO FPD is designed for enhanced power-savings, using more current and reducing scatter, according to PreXion. This higher quality image can improve diagnostics in the dental practice while reducing power consumption.

Expedition maintains 4 fields of view, including 5x5cm, 8x8cm,12.5x10cm, and an optional 15x15cm, giving clinicians a wide range of imaging capabilities to suit their specific practice’s needs ranging from general diagnostics to endodontics to implants and more, per PreXion.

The open-source platform is designed to be compatible with most DICOM merging software. It reportedly requires no graphics card updates to operate. Purchase of the Expedition also comes with a 10 year all-parts warranty. To learn more, visit the 

This new CBCT scanner from PreXion has a variety of field of view options, enhanced image capture quality, and open-source platform compatibility.

PreXion Introduces Expedition CBCT Scanner

Not to oversimplify matters, but DentiMax Implementation Manager Micah Huish credits much of the company’s success to following some basic principles: produce quality products that are easy to implement in any practice; back them up with support; and get the products into the hands of as many clinicians as possible.

The Arizona-based company that offers digital x-ray sensors and dental practice management software has built a reputation for delivering x-ray sensors that feature incredible detail and capabilities without the high cost of some of the larger companies.

“The proof is…in the pudding. When you see our product and actually get to use it in-house, you’ll find that what we’re stating, what we’re advertising, is true,” Huish explains.

DentiMax’s Dream Sensor has garnered awards and high ratings from the likes of Clinician’s Report and DENTAL ADVISOR, and the company’s newer sensor—the Open Sensor—provides a lower-cost option with great images and the same functionality.

Several practices are using both sensors. Not only is the Open Sensor ideal for hygienists, but the images are of such high quality that most staff members are hard-pressed to notice any differences from the Dream Sensor’s diagnostics, the company says.

“Actually, we do have a lot of practices that use both our sensors,” says Huish, who has worked with DentiMax for 6 years. “The Dream Sensor is a little [more of a] higher-resolution sensor, and because of that, it does produce a little bit higher image [resolution]. [But] the functionality between the sensors we have developed is pretty much the same. So it wouldn’t really matter in most cases. If practices had both [sensors, they would find] they’re interchangeable.”

DentiMax’s digital sensors are designed to deliver extraordinary anatomical details with reduced noise and improved tissue contrast for accurate diagnoses. The sensors have an active imaging area of around 900 mm2, allowing clinicians to capture more teeth in the x-ray. Additionally, the software enables you to tailor the x-ray to be sharper, smoother, lighter, or darker, ensuring you get the perfect image.

Kent Stapley, DMD, receives x-rays from other offices, and in many cases, the imaging is not as good as what his practice gets with its DentiMax sensors. A dentist who practices in the same building uses a competitor’s sensors, and, according to Dr Stapley, the results cannot be compared.

Huish works with new customers regularly, talking to practices looking to learn about DentiMax products, setting up and training offices that have purchased sensors and software, and demonstrating the benefits and explaining the free trial programs.

“I do most of the trainings and the demos, and introducing DentiMax to the world is what I do,” Huish explains.

The openness of a sensor is what allows the sensor to function in more software programs, and a lot of software on the market is closed, he says.

“Because our sensor is so open, it pretty much works with any of the mainstream software on the market,” Huish says. “You have Eaglesoft, Schick products, DEXIS products, and Carestream, all the bigger named companies.

“Because our sensors are open, [they’re] going to function as close to how their current sensors work, so there’s very little learning curve. In many cases there is little to no training needed. Offices get compatibility and functionality in one seamless integration.”

The x-ray sensors have won awards for producing high-resolution images and excellent diagnostics, and the DentiMax support team ensures clinicians get the best results possible.

“What I think is amazing about these sensors, and what we have been told by many doctors, is we have a very high-resolution sensor that can compete with the most expensive sensors…. It’s a very high-quality product,” he adds.

Throw in a strong support team knowledgeable about all the DentiMax products and all the software systems it integrates with, and you get practices that are happy with their everyday results.

“We have a huge team that is very knowledgeable about our products and how everything integrates,” Huish says. “Because our sensors are such open products, our support team is very knowledgeable about many different software [programs], many different products, and how our solutions integrate and function with them.”

DentiMax handles the office set-up process remotely, which allows them to offer quality products at a lower cost than many of their competitors.

“We do everything remotely. That’s part of what allows us to keep the costs as low as possible,” he says. “When we do our installs, we schedule a time to [connect] to their computers, and then we follow instructions from either the practice’s IT [department] or…the office, and we do all the work.”

Huish says practices get set up, installed, and fully functioning, and then the office gets more involved. DentiMax shows them how it works; makes sure they are familiar, comfortable, and happy with how everything is working; and then at that point “they’re off and running and doing their thing.”

“Our products are set up to function like their existing sensors, so there is very little training needed, which is another big selling point of our sensor,” he adds. “It’s really like you’re using your current sensor. You plug it in, and if ours is plugged in, it’s going to work pretty much the same way as if you had the sensor you’ve been using for years plugged in. The trainingis very simple, andthe installation isquick.”

The images can be filtered and adjusted to provide the diagnostics quality each clinician is seeking. Much of what Huish and his team do each day is adjust the image quality to help doctors get the x-ray to look more like how they want it.

Huish adds that the company’s free trial program is so successful because DentiMax products don’t make claims they can’t deliver on.

“If doctors give us a [chance] and try it, a lot of offices end up purchasing our product because we do stand behind [it]. We have an amazing product with an amazing image,” he concludes. “That’s why our trial program has been so successful for us.”

[Sponsored] The company’s Dream Sensor and Open Sensor, as well as its strong support and software, allow clinicians to get the best diagnostic results.