Katrina M Sanders RDH, BSDH, M.Ed, RF, is a graduate and recipient of countless awards from the University of Minnesota’s School of Dentistry Division of Dental Hygiene. She is proud to currently serve on the alumni society for one of the most prestigious dental schools in the country. Katrina’s professional career emerged as an educator when she attained full-time employment with a career college in Phoenix, Arizona. A physical manifestation of Katrina’s commitment to her profession is in the development of her textbook, "Introduction to the Dental Hygiene Profession." Katrina proudly received her Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership with distinction through Northern Arizona University as a Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society distinguished member. Currently, Katrina is a distinguished speaker with Dental Hygiene Culture as she lectures nationally in a variety of dental hygiene continuing education content.

Join the Sanders sisters and expert Anne O Rice, RDH, as they discuss this debilitating and life-changing disease, and how to approach these patients and their needs with care.




Anne has been a clinical dental hygienist for 35 years, is a speaker, writer, and consultant. She created Oral Systemic Seminars in 2017 and now devotes much of her time, focus and study to dementia prevention. Anne received her preceptor for the Bale/Doneen method, is a Certified Dementia Practitioner and in 2020 became certified as a Longevity Specialist with the Alzheimer’s Research and Prevention Foundation, where she has also developed curriculum. She is a Fellow with The American Academy of Oral Systemic Health and on their advisory board. In 2024 she was added to Cloud Dentistry’s Empowering Women in Dentistry board and has a column for RDH magazine focusing on oral systemic health and is also on their 2024 editorial advisory board. She was chosen in 2024 as a recipient of Sunstar’s Award of Distinction and is looking forward to finishing her certification in the Buteyko Beathing Method. In 2021 Anne published her manuscript 

Alzheimer’s Disease and Oral-Systemic Health Bidirectional Care Integration Improving Outcomes

 She was included in an International Consortium of a diverse network of brain researchers, clinicians and institutions who support Alzheimer’s prevention. Her consulting has brought her to Weill Cornell Medical Center’s Alzheimer’s Prevention Clinic, Florida Atlantic College Center for Brain Health, and the Atria Institute.



Podcasts

Join the Sanders sisters and expert Anne O Rice, RDH, as they discuss this debilitating and life-changing disease, and how to approach patients and their needs with care.

Floss & Flip Flops – Episode 33 – World Alzheimer's Month with Anne O Rice, RDH

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.

Things to always or never say to dental patients and staff.

Mastermind Episode 40

Videos

Join Lisa Newburger, LISW-S, Rick Adelstein, DDS, John Flucke, DDS, and Shelley Brown, RDH, BSDH, as they dive into what topics to never (or always) bring up with patients or even the practice staff. [35 minutes]

Mastermind – Episode 40 – Things Never (or Always) to Say to Patients and the Dental Team

LISTERINE®, a brand of Kenvue, Inc, has unveiled this year’s The Whoa Collection, a creative combination of varied and sensory stimulating media from prominent Black artists Hebru Brantley and Frank Morrison and multi-award-winning artist and rapper Common.

The Whoa Collection from LISTERINE

The DIAGNOcam Vision Full HD is a groundbreaking advancement in dental diagnostics that allows for the simultaneous capture, presentation, and storage of 3 diagnostic images in under 1 second. 

DIAGNOcam Vision Full HD from KaVo Dental

Articles

All the latest dental product launches from August 26 through August 30, 2024. 

New Dental Products – August 26 - August 30, 2024

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.  

Dentsply Sirona World To Feature Top-Notch Speakers, Education, and Music from Third Eye Blind | Photo courtesy of Dentsply Sirona. 

Dentsply Sirona has announced that Vin Gupta, MD, MPA, a prominent medical expert and tech visionary, will deliver a keynote address on the future of healthcare at this year’s DS World Las Vegas event, which will also feature new product launches and the iconic band Third Eye Blind, which will perform on September 26.

DS World events are immersive experiences offering exceptional clinical education, a showcasing of the latest Dentsply Sirona innovations, and networking opportunities that strengthen the bonds throughout the dental community. For this year’s edition of DS World Las Vegas, taking place at Caesars Forum from September 26-28, participants will gain a unique perspective on the trends and innovations shaping healthcare and their potential impacts on business.

Dr Gupta will offer insights on how organizations can stay ahead of industry trends and innovations and actionable strategies on how to adapt and thrive in a rapidly evolving landscape. With nearly 2 decades of experience in health policy and clinical practice, Dr Gupta is Chief Medical Officer of Amazon Pharmacy and serves as a practicing pulmonologist, affiliate assistant professor at the University of Washington, a medical analyst for NBC News, and contributor to the New York Times.

DS World Hands-On Courses and Educational Sessions


Building on the success of previous years, DS World Las Vegas will feature over 100 educational sessions led by more than 80 industry experts. These sessions will cover a wide range of topics, including Digital Dentistry & 3D Imaging, Endodontics, Implants, Clear Aligners, Restorative, Preventive, Dental Lab, Practice Management, and Assisting, providing attendees with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in their respective fields and confidently deliver the best care to their patients.

The number of hands-on courses has been increased to 17, covering specialty areas, assisting, and hygiene. A dedicated Tech Room, equipped with 40 laptop stations, will host design courses using DS Core Canvas to support 3D printing for splints, dentures, and more, offering participants the chance to engage in immersive, practical learning experiences, Dentsply Sirona states.

Among the highly anticipated hands-on sessions is "Bone & Beyond," a comprehensive 3-hour workshop utilizing pig jaws. This session will focus on essential skills such as the periosteal release incision and advanced suturing techniques, designed to offer participants a unique and highly valuable learning experience.

teased the launch of a new product at DS World.

President & CEO Simon Campion says in a press release: “It is a product that is transformative in its field, defines connectivity, and provides new momentum for the future of dentistry”.

Attendees at the event can expect first-hand experiences with this new solution, along with 2 recently launched endodontic solutions: the
X-Smart Pro+ endodontic motor with integrated apex locator and the universal Reciproc Blue file.


This year Dentsply Sirona will unveil a new entertainment concept for Thursday, September 26—

. Held outdoors, the evening will feature a diverse lineup of food-truck inspired fare and live entertainment, headlined by the iconic band Third Eye Blind, an American rock band with numerous hits including 

For Friday night and in reply to popular demand, DS World will bring back its Vegas Variety Show with memorable acts. Performers will soon be announced on the event’s website: 

https://www.dentsplysirona.com/en-us/lp/ds-world/entertainment.html

Renowned healthcare futurist Vin Gupta, MD, MPA, will deliver the keynote address for the September event in Las Vegas that will also include plenty of education, networking, and entertainment.

Dentsply Sirona World To Feature Top-Notch Speakers, Education, and Music from Third Eye Blind

KaVo Launches DIAGNOcam Vision Full HD, a 3-in-1 Intraoral Imaging Solution | Image Credit: © KaVo Dental

KaVo Dental has officially launched its new DIAGNOcam Vision Full HD, a groundbreaking advancement in dental diagnostics that allows for the simultaneous capture, presentation, and storage of 3 diagnostic images in under 1 second.

This innovative device is designed to seamlessly integrate into existing workflows to offer valuable insights to both dental professionals and their patients.

This 3-in-1 intraoral imaging solution is designed for efficient diagnostics and documentation. The technology increases the ability for clinicians to visually educate their patients, as well as provide quick diagnostics to assist in delivering optimal care.

The DIAGNOcam Vision Full HD leverages cutting-edge transillumination and fluorescence technology to deliver immediate, radiation-free diagnostic images. Early detection with the DIAGNOcam preserves healthy tooth structure and enhances long-term care, bringing benefits to both the clinician and the patient.

“The DIAGNOcam Vision Full HD represents a significant leap forward in dental technology,” says Brian Sommerhauser, VP of sales and marketing at KaVo Dental, in a press release. “Our goal is to equip dental professionals with tools that not only improve diagnostic accuracy but also enhance patient care. This device embodies that commitment, offering an unprecedented level of detail and convenience.”

Click here to read an article from John Flucke, DDS,

 who has been trying out the DIAGNOcam Vision Full HD in his practice.

The device easily integrates into existing software, providing valuable information to both doctors and patients via TWAIN driver or proprietary DIAGNOcam software for easy capture and saving of images. Key features include:

Lightwaves illuminate the tooth, creating x-ray-like images for early detection of occlusal, interproximal, and secondary caries, as well as cracks and fractures, with extreme accuracy.

Detection of bacteria on occlusal surfaces, confirmation that all caries have been removed, and a final check before placing restorations or sealants.

Permanent auto-focus for crystal clear images both intra-and extra-orally, a gyro sensor for easy orientation, and distortion-free macro photos to detect the smallest lesions or cracks in filling materials.

Seamless Integration and User Flexibility: 

The DIAGNOcam Vision Full HD is designed with user flexibility in mind. It features ergonomically positioned control panels on the camera or the option to use a keyboard/mouse for image capture. The lightweight design ensures stress-free operation, and the integrated LEDs provide clear status indications during use.

To watch a Video Test Drive with Dr Flucke, 

Chief Clinical Editor and Technology Editor,

In this 6-minute video he gives a hands-on explanation of why the KaVo DIAGNOcam Vision Full HD imaging solution works efficiently and effectively.

For over 100 years, KaVo has been developing, manufacturing and selling high-quality products that set new market standards in the dental industry. The company is one of the world’s leading creators of equipment for dental professionals, including skillfully designed dental instruments. KaVo offers a comprehensive line of electric and air-drive handpieces as well as the QUATTROcare™ Plus handpiece maintenance system designed to clean, lubricate and purge instruments with the simple push of a button.

This new device is designed to seamlessly integrate into existing workflows to offer rapid, valuable insights to both dental professionals and their patients. 

KaVo Launches DIAGNOcam Vision Full HD, a 3-in-1 Intraoral Imaging Solution

Image Credit: © Productive Dentist Academy and AcceptCare

Productive Dentist Academy (PDA) and AcceptCare have quite the lineup of events and speakers for PDA’s 20th Anniversary Conference including a Pro Football Hall of Fame running back, the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, and a Dental Media Roundtable scheduled for Saturday, September 14 in Frisco, Texas.

PDA, a leading dental practice management and coaching firm, and AcceptCare, the first all-in-one fee and treatment presentation software for dental offices, are hosting the groundbreaking Dental Media Roundtable at 9am on the main stage, bringing together 5 of the most influential editorial voices in the dental profession. On September 12, Emmitt Smith, who helped the Dallas Cowboys win 3 Super Bowls in the 1990s and is the league’s all-time leading rusher with 18,355 yards, will serve as the keynote speaker at the PDA conference.

Moderated by the dynamic co-host of the award-winning 

, Regan Robertson, the media panel promises to offer enlightening insights and forward-thinking perspectives on the future of dentistry. The distinguished panelists include:

“We are incredibly excited to host such a historic gathering of dental media leaders at our conference,” PDA Cofounder & CEO Victoria Peterson says in a press release. “This roundtable discussion aligns perfectly with our mission to provide cutting-edge education and foster innovation within the dental community. We know our attendees will gain invaluable insights from these industry experts, and this program will enhance the overall educational experience at the PDA Conference.”

Known for their pioneering solutions to elevate case acceptance rates, AcceptCare has been a pivotal partner in ensuring the success of the Dental Media Roundtable.

“We are honored to partner with PDA on this groundbreaking event at the PDA Conference,” adds AcceptCare CEO Dave Ternan. “We believe in the power of collaboration and the importance of bringing together thought leaders to discuss and shape the future of dentistry. This roundtable is a perfect example of how we can drive progress and inspire new ideas within the dental community.”

 AcceptCare Case Acceptance Platform Reports Strong Case Acceptance and Productivity Results

The Dental Media Roundtable represents a unique opportunity for attendees to engage with top editorial professionals who have their fingers on the pulse of industry trends. This is the first time these influential voices have come together to discuss the future of dentistry in such a format, making it a truly historic event that should not be missed.

“PDA is known for its commitment to excellence in dental education, and the inclusion of this landmark roundtable discussion underscores our dedication to providing attendees with diverse and enriching opportunities to learn from the best in the field,” says PDA cofounder Bruce B. Baird, DDS. “This event will not only highlight the positive developments in dentistry but also inspire practitioners to look forward to a bright future in our profession. And we are excited to be doing this with our trusted partner, AcceptCare.”

The event, which will feature inspiring and optimistic conversation, is just part of the PDA Conference, held September 12-14, 2024, at the Hyatt Regency in Frisco, that will feature a wide array of educational sessions, workshops, and networking opportunities designed to elevate the practice of dentistry for all who attend. The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders will appear at the conference on September 13.

To learn more about Productive Dentist Academy and the PDA 20th Anniversary Conference, visit 

Productive Dentist Academy and AcceptCare to host unique event on the main stage at conference in Texas.

Dental Media Roundtable Set for Sept. 14 at PDA Conference

LISTERINE Launches Limited-Edition Bottle Art Designed To Help Close Diversity Gap

Building off its inaugural partnership last year, LISTERINE® is once again joining forces with Black-owned creative agency Compound to launch the next installment of The Whoa Collection, a collaboration reinforcing the company’s commitment to help close the diversity gap in dentistry within the Black community.

LISTERINE®, a brand of Kenvue, Inc that features a variety of mouthwash and other oral care products, has unveiled this year’s 

, a creative combination of varied and sensory stimulating media from prominent Black artists Hebru Brantley and Frank Morrison and multi-award-winning artist and rapper Common.The collection is designed to raise awareness, inspire long-term support, and ultimately improve representation in the dental community.

The collaboration includes the launch of limited-edition mouthwash bottle art designed by Brantley and Morrison, emblematic of each artist’s signature afro-futuristic style. The bottles are available only at Target and online at Target for a limited amount of time, the company says.

This LISTERINE bottle artwork is part of the new The Whoa Collection available from Target stores and online. | Image Credit: © LISTERINE

Also part of the initiative is the release of a bold, bespoke track titled 

The track, which brings a dynamic auditory element to the overall initiative aimed at spreading awareness, is available at LISTERINE.com and on the brand’s YouTube channel.

Additionally, The Whoa Collection features social and digital content, as well as a unique documentary directed by Compound’s Set Free Richardson, to further spotlight the brand’s mission to help close the diversity gap in dentistry within the Black community, and to emphasize the need for representation in healthcare while showcasing the inspiration behind the program’s various artwork. The documentary will be available to watch on LISTERINE.com and LISTERINE social channels.

The program also looks to spread awareness and support for the 

Increasing Diversity in Dentistry Pipeline Program 

(IDID) – a growing non-profit that supports cultivating, nurturing and mentoring underrepresented minority pre-dental students in the US. The brand makes a $150,000 donation to the organization to help students through test preparation, application assistance, scholarships and practice grants, according to LISTERINE.

Mouthwash bottle artwork is part of the next installment of The Whoa Collection, a collaboration seeking to help close the diversity gap in dentistry within the Black community.

Image Credit: © Planet DDS and DentalXChange

Planet DDS plans to leverage the new XConnect APIs from its long-time partner, DentalXChange, to deliver significant upcoming enhancement to its Revenue Cycle Management (RCM) workflow.

Planet DDS, a leading provider of cloud-based dental practice management solutions, made the announcement Tuesday, marking a new milestone in the nearly 20-year partnership between the 2 companies. The development further optimizes data access across the dental insurance journey for dental service organizations (DSOs) and group practices, the companies state.

The enhanced RCM workflow will integrate DentalXChange’s XConnect APIs directly into Denticon, the flagship practice management solution of Planet DDS. This will streamline critical insurance transactions, including eligibility verification, claims processing, claims management, and payment posting. The integration is designed to ensure that DSOs and dental groups can operate with more clarity, efficiency, and accuracy, according to Planet DDS, which adds that by allowing once fragmented tools to now talk to each other, the result is a unified, cloud-based solution.

“Our enhanced RCM workflow with DentalXChange’s XConnect APIs represents a significant step forward in optimizing the dental insurance process,” Eric Giesecke, CEO of Planet DDS, says in the press release. “This open ecosystem approach allows DSOs and group practices to leverage diverse technologies to strengthen their capabilities and competitiveness and build their own tech stack to customize workflows as they choose for their needs and growth plans.”

Planet DDS and DentalXChange have been partners since 2005, continually innovating to bring new products and services to dental practices, groups, and DSOs. Planet DDS is the first partner to leverage DentalXChange's XConnect APIs for claims, eligibility, and electronic remittance advice (ERA), bringing new efficiencies to dental practices.

“At DentalXChange, we are proud to strengthen our nearly 20-year partnership with Planet DDS through our fully integrated RCM workflow that leverages new APIs. This deeper integration optimizes insurance transactions, including eligibility verification, claims processing, claims management, and payment posting, providing our mutual clients with enhanced efficiency and accuracy in their RCM process while keeping the entire client experience in Denticon,” adds Paul Kaiser, CEO of DentalXChange.

The enhanced RCM workflow is set up to eliminate inefficiencies, reduce manual errors, and accelerates payments, the companies state. This integration ensures real-time, accurate data and automated workflows designed to drive financial health and operational efficiency for DSOs and group practices. Along with

, which makes payment acceptance more seamless and secure, the enhanced workflow with DentalXChange ensures a fully integrated revenue cycle management experience.

If you’re interested in learning more about how the enhanced RCM workflow in Denticon can improve efficiency and accelerate payments for your DSO or group practice, 

Planet DDS, which serves over 13,000 practices in the United States and has over 118,000 users, offers a platform of solutions for dental practices, including Denticon Practice Management, Apteryx Cloud Imaging, Cloud 9 Ortho Practice Management, and Legwork Practice Marketing.

Headquartered in Irvine, California, DentalXChange has been on the forefront of modernizing and innovating dental claims creating dental RCM solutions designed to bring ease to the payments process. Today, it has grown to support a current client base approaching 200,000 dental providers and connectivity to over 1,050 payers, the company states.

Integration with DentalXChange’s XConnect APIs within Denticon is designed to optimize insurance transactions, and increase efficiency and accuracy for DSOs and dental groups.

Planet DDS and DentalXChange Working Together To Enhance RCM Workflow

Dr Lisa Chan has devoted her career to promoting equity in care in both dentistry and her community. She brings over 35 years of diverse experience in dentistry to her role, after receiving her DDS degree from the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC. Her background includes significant positions such as a hospital dentist at Kaiser Permanente, a private practice dentist in Los Angeles, and a consultant for the California State Dental Board. Throughout her career, she has observed firsthand the critical challenges in the field, particularly the issues arising from patients withholding their medical histories and current medications. She co-founded MedAssent DDS with the mission of elevating patient safety through integrated care. In addition to her entrepreneurial achievements, Dr Chan is an active board member at educational institutions including Santa Monica College and UC San Diego. She also contributes her expertise to community engagement boards such as the Los Angeles FBI and the Salvation Army. Through these roles, she continues to champion accessible, equitable, and integrated care, further establishing her as a leader dedicated to enhancing health outcomes.

I vividly recall the moment that marked the beginning of my experience utilizing canines for pet therapy to promote wellness. I was 7 months pregnant, walking down the street with my Golden Retrievers when I was approached by the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Director of Animal Assisted Therapy. She shared exciting news about a groundbreaking pilot program aimed at using canine visits to help hospital patients lower their blood pressure, uplift their spirits, and slow their heart rate.

Following rigorous testing and training, my Golden Retrievers and I proudly became one of the first pet teams at UCLA Medical Center. Being able to help patients in this way was profoundly rewarding, and it was exhilarating to be at the forefront of such an innovative form of therapy.

One of my most memorable cases was a visit with a 17-year-old girl who had been shot in the head during a gang altercation. She was extremely embarrassed by her inability to speak normally. What struck me was her willingness to practice her speech with my dogs, though not with humans. This crucial insight is now widely incorporated by 

 in schools, libraries, and rehabilitation centers to help patients relearn speech after strokes or head trauma or to help children improve their reading skills. This pioneering program has paved the way for 

 across various health care settings today.

When I started in the 1990s, animal-assisted therapy (AAT) was still relatively new. Since then, a 

 of research has shown its efficacy in alleviating stress, pain, and anxiety across different patient populations.

This is particularly relevant for dentistry - a 

 found that more that 60% of people suffer from fear of the dentist. Even worse, the 

 found that the global prevalence of anxiety and depression increased by a massive 25% following the COVID-19 pandemic.

While therapy dogs are incredibly effective in reducing anxiety, there are times when additional support, such as nitrous oxide or benzodiazepines, is necessary.

 prior to the procedure to ease patients’ anxiety. However, it may not be the best answer for every patient.

Before prescribing, dentists must carefully review the patient's medication history to avoid dangerous medication interactions. For instance, combining benzodiazepines with opioids, muscle relaxants, or even over-the-counter medications such as Benadryl may increase the risk of excessive sedation, central nervous system depression, respiratory depression, or impaired psychomotor function. Using vetted, dentistry-specific tools like the 

 can significantly accelerate your medical review while minimizing risk of oversight.

It may be prudent to consider alternative anxiety-relief options before prescribing benzodiazepines. Image credit: © MedAssent DDS

Additionally, as patients age, their bodies process medications differently. Beers Geriatric criteria states patients 65 years and older should avoid benzodiazepines due to the increased risk of 

. In rare cases, elderly patients might even experience 

like aggression, agitation, or hyperactivity. A 

 found that an alarming 57% of older adults were prescribed a potentially age-inappropriate Beers criteria medication by their dentist, highlighting the crucial need for clinicians to carefully evaluate before prescribing. If benzodiazepines are necessary for an older patient, Alprazolam (Xanax), Lorazepam (Ativan), or Temazepam (Restoril) are preferred because they are 

, which reduces the likelihood of adverse effects.

How Animal-Assisted Therapy Helps My Practice

Integrating my Golden Retrievers into my dental practice has not only endeared them to patients but has also greatly enhanced the overall treatment experience for both patients and staff. Their journey to becoming therapy dogs begins in puppyhood, where they are trained through frequent interaction with adults and children, exposure to loud noises, and acclimation to large groups. Over time, they learn the important difference between playtime at home and maintaining a professional demeanor while on the job. In the clinic, they sit patiently next to the chair, gently nudging a patient’s arm with their nose or placing a paw to encourage petting. This technique, which has proven effective in rehabilitation centers by motivating stroke patients to use their large muscles, brings similar benefits in the dental setting.

While anti-anxiety medications are still useful in certain situations, the universal therapeutic impact these dogs provide is invaluable, making every shared smile and wag undeniably worthwhile.

Dr Chan's journey into animal-assisted therapy began when she and her Golden Retrievers joined a pioneering program at UCLA Medical Center, where they helped lower patients' stress levels. Now integrated into her dental practice, these therapy dogs provide calming support to patients.

Better Than Benzodiazepines

3M™ Clinpro™ Clear Fluoride Treatment from Solventum

Origin and Origin Instants dissolvable teeth-whitening strips feature Bsolve Dental.

Origin and Origin Instants from Bsolve Dental

New Dental Products – August 19 - August 23, 2024

All the latest dental product launches from August 19 through August 23, 2024. 