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 – August 23, 2024

Product Bites Script – August 23, 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 3 new products with launches from MedAssent DDS, Jensen Chemical & Remediation, and Aquasonic.

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

MedAssent DDS has launched the Digital Drug Handbook. This tool, created by dentists and pharmacists, delivers medication information up to 10 times faster than traditional methods. With two-thirds of U.S. adults on prescription meds, clinicians can now quickly access dental-specific details—like anesthetic warnings and dosing guidelines—in under a minute. The handbook also saves time and boosts patient care by storing past medication lists for easy retrieval. Plus, it reduces liability with timestamped records and keeps you up-to-date with the latest FDA and ADA guidelines. Think of it as your pharmacist-in-your-pocket, streamlining your workflow and ensuring patient safety.

Next, let's talk about PureFX, a chlorine dioxide-based line of cleaning products from Jensen Chemical & Remediation. PureFX is designed to disinfect dental instruments, equipment, and surfaces quickly and effectively. It's EPA-certified, kills bacteria, mold, and spores—including coronavirus—and doesn’t require sponges or wipes. The formula is safe, easy to mix, and can be used in any environment. PureFX packets last up to 2 years, and once mixed, the solution is potent for 30 days. There's also PureFXUltra Pure CLO2 for dental unit water lines and ActivePure-XL for air and surface disinfection, particularly effective at removing aerosolized methyl mercury from dental amalgam.

Finally, the Aqua Flosser by Aquasonic offers an alternative to traditional flossing. Its 360-degree rotary tip reaches areas regular floss can't, cutting flossing time by 90%. Clinically proven to be up to five times more effective, it also massages gums to boost circulation. This cordless, rechargeable device features three modes and various attachments, including tips for periodontal care, orthodontic needs, and a tongue scraper.

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.

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A bite-sized look at all the latest dental product launches. This week's episode features products from MedAssent DDS, Jensen Chemical & Remediation, and Aquasonic. 

Product Bites – August 23, 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.  

Every dental practice needs a sterilization center with reliable, intuitive equipment and protocols in place to ensure essential instruments and tools are sterile and readily available for patient care.

Sterilizers are often used constantly throughout the workday to ensure sterile instruments are always available for use. As one of the most used pieces of equipment in a practice, a reliable sterilizer is a critical investment for any dental practice.

Midmark sterilizers are designed with durability and ease-of-use in mind, offering features aimed at streamlining instrument processing workflow and documentation compliance. The units are inspected and certified to the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code by a licensed third-party inspector. Accessories are available to optimize instrument processing, including a cool hand tool, USB kit, vertical cassette rack, autofill, auto-drain, and Speed-Clean sterilizer cleaner. Midmark determined the sterilizers require lower operating and care costs compared to competitive models.

Next generation Midmark Steam Sterilizers feature a user interface with a clear, fingerprint-resistant 5-inch touchscreen, usable with gloves and offering both a light and dark mode. They provide streamlined compliance recordkeeping with device reminders and notifications, user authentication, unlimited storage of routine care events for the life of the sterilizer, and automated cycle recordkeeping to help stay audit-ready. Additionally, a re-engineered chamber is verified by Midmark to increase cycle life to 25,000 cycles, reducing maintenance frequency by more than half. These dynamic-air-removal steam sterilizers provide more preset cycles that meet CDC and AAMI recommendations for wrapped instruments than previous models and now feature optional autofill and auto-drain to enable fresh water for every cycle, easing the burden on staff.

Articles

The next generation Midmark® steam sterilizers are designed for enhanced durability, workflow, and instrument processing compliance for dental professionals.

5Ws: Midmark M9® and M11® Steam Sterilizers

Origin and Origin Instants Dissolvable Strips Designed to Whiten Teeth With Less Sensitivity

Origin and Origin Instants dissolvable teeth-whitening strips feature Bsolve Dental’s innovative combination of its patented HAP

 formula and dissolving strip technology.
This blend of hydroxyapatite, a natural enamel fortifier, and P3whitening technology is said to boost whitening by 40% more than peroxide alone, while also shielding enamel from stains and plaque. The formula remineralizes, reduces sensitivity, and protects against acid erosion, according to the manufacturer. Origin adds that consumers reported experiencing less sensitivity compared to a leading white strip in findings from a lab study.

These dissolving strips quickly absorb saliva, allowing rapid diﬀusion of the active ingredients for maximum impact with minimal eﬀort. By contrast, non-dissolving strips can trap residual peroxide, hindering eﬃcacy and potentially causing discomfort, according to Bsolve Dental.

The company adds that extensive lab testing ensures the products are not only eﬀective and convenient, but also gentle on teeth. This convenient way to whiten teeth is designed to be fast, deliver optimal results, and to provide hydroxyapatite enamel protection for reduced sensitivity.

Bsolve Dental scientists created the patented P

 formulation to deliver powerful whitening results with lower levels of peroxide. With over 20 years of experience in the formulation and manufacture of dissolving teeth whitening strips, the company uses research and clinical effectiveness data to develop new product innovations to improve whitening efficacy, lower sensitivity, increase convenience, reduce waste and enhance enamel protection.

Created by Bsolve Dental, these whitening strips feature a patented P3 formula featuring hydroxyapatite to deliver powerful whitening results with lower levels of peroxide.

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

Revolutionize Your Routines: Habit Stacking for Dental Hygienists. Image credit: © Cagkan – stock.adobe.com


Imagine effortlessly incorporating self-care into your busy schedule as a dental hygienist. Our profession is often demanding—physically, mentally, and emotionally—and can lead to work-related pain, injuries, chronic stress, and burnout. The toll it takes can be exhausting and even discouraging. Reports show that 97% of dental professionals experience pain throughout their careers, with nearly 59% of dental professionals having pain in the last year.¹⁻² Studies show that 80% of dental professionals report higher levels of stress at work.³ Studies also indicate that a significant percentage of dental hygienists experience symptoms of burnout, such as emotional exhaustion and depersonalization. According to one study, 36% of dental hygienists meet the criteria for burnout, meaning that one in three hygienists experience burnout.⁴⁻⁶

The Importance of Self-Care for Dental Hygienists

Because of these statistics, many dental professionals believe that work-related pain, stress, and burnout are inevitable. However, many things can be done in and out of work to reduce the risk of pain and injuries among dental professionals. Prioritizing self-care is essential for maintaining both physical health and mental well-being, yet the busy nature of our work often makes this challenging. Finding a moment of time for ourselves amidst a hectic, go-go-go workday can feel impossible. This is where habit stacking comes in—a powerful technique to help you take better care of yourself without adding extra time to your day.

Remember piggyback rides as a kid? Habit stacking involves pairing a new, beneficial habit with an existing one to create a seamless routine. This concept, popularized by James Clear in his book "Atomic Habits," uses the power of our existing habits to make new behaviors easier to adopt. One example of habit-stacking for someone who wants to drink more water throughout the day could be to drink a glass of water as your coffee brews each morning. For dental hygienists, habit stacking can be a game-changer in managing stress, reducing pain, and improving overall health. Habit-stacking can be used both in and out of work.

Research has shown that habit stacking can effectively promote long-term behavior change by anchoring new habits to established ones.⁷ This method taps into the brain's natural tendency to link behaviors, making it easier to incorporate new habits into daily routines. By embedding self-care practices into activities you already do, you can enhance your well-being without feeling overwhelmed by additional tasks.

Practical Habit Stacking Ideas for Dental Hygienists

Let’s dive in and review some really simple examples of habit-stacking that we can use throughout the week. Before we begin, I invite you to think about one or two habits that you would like to incorporate into your day—at home or at work—and brainstorm different habits you can piggyback this new one onto.

Morning Routine: Foot Massage with a Tennis Ball


While brushing your teeth each morning or evening, use a tennis ball under the bottom of your foot to decrease pain and discomfort. This simple practice can help alleviate foot pain and improve circulation, setting a positive tone for the day. Bonus hack: if you have an electric toothbrush, switch feet halfway through brushing your teeth.

During Patient Notes: Chairside Stretches


Implement different chairside stretches while writing patient notes or reviewing chart notes. Regular stretching can reduce muscle tension, prevent pain, improve circulation, and support better recovery.

End of the Workday: Yoga or Stretching Instead of Scrolling


When you get home from work, set out your yoga mat and take just 5 minutes to do some yoga, stretching, strengthening, and/or foam rolling instead of scrolling through social media or turning on Netflix. This practice can help transition from work mode to relaxation, reducing stress and promoting physical recovery.


Pair drinking water and staying hydrated with going to get your patient or another task you do regularly. Staying hydrated throughout the day is important for pain prevention, recovery, and overall health of the body.

Post-Procedure Routine: Hand and Wrist Stretches


After each appointment or break in the procedure, take a moment to do a couple of hand and wrist stretches. These stretches can alleviate tension from repetitive motions and reduce the risk of injury.

Clean Up Crew: Incorporating Mindfulness Practices


Introduce simple mindfulness techniques, such as breathing practices (example: Box Breathing) or mindfulness practices (example: body scan) during breaks like when breaking down and cleaning your room. Research shows that mindfulness can significantly reduce stress and improve overall mental health.

Think about something you've been wanting to try but just can't seem to find the time for it. Maybe it's a few minutes of stretching, mindfulness, or simply drinking more water. Now, consider how you can incorporate it into your existing routines through habit stacking. Start small by choosing one or two habits to stack and gradually build from there. Research suggests that it takes about 21 days to form a new habit, though some studies indicate it can take anywhere from 18 to 254 days, depending on the complexity of the habit and individual differences.⁸

As dental hygienists, we often advise our patients about the importance of regular flossing, emphasizing patience and consistency. We encourage our patients to incorporate different oral health practices, like flossing, into routines they already have, like brushing. Apply the same principles to your self-care routines. Building new habits takes time, dedication, and compassion for yourself. Remember, each small step you take towards better self-care can have a profound impact long-term.

Incorporating habit stacking into your daily routine can significantly improve your work and well-being as a dental hygienist. By making small, intentional changes, you can create a sustainable and healthy work-life balance. Developing new habits takes time, dedication, and consistency, so start with one or two new habits and build from there. Prioritize your well-being, be patient with the process, and have fun weaving in healthy habits to support your overall health and career longevity.

Kumar M, Pai KM, Vineetha R. Occupation-related musculoskeletal disorders among dental professionals. 

. 2020;93(4):405-409. doi:10.15386/mpr-1581

Hegde, Sushmini & Donly, Arsha & Muttanahally, Kavya Shankar. (2018). Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Disorders among Dental Professionals- A Questionaire Study. Indian Journal of Public Health Research & Development. 9. 33. 10.5958/0976-5506.2018.00178.X.

American Dental Association. 2021 Dentist Well-Being Survey Report. Updated 2/01/2022. Accessed October 2023. https://ebusiness.ada.org/Assets/docs/101863.pdf

Knutt A, Boyd LD, Adams JL, Vineyard J. Compassion Satisfaction, Compassion Fatigue, and Burnout among Dental Hygienists in the United States. 

American Dental Hygienists’ Association

. 2022;96(1):34-42. https://jdh.adha.org/content/96/1/34

Bercasio L, Rowe D, Yansane AI. Factors Associated with Burnout among Dental Hygienists in California. 

. 2020;40(6). https://jdh.adha.org/content/jdenthyg/94/6/40.full.pdf

Haslam SK, Wade A, Macdonald LK, Johnson J, Rock LD. Burnout syndrome in Nova Scotia dental hygienists during the COVID-19 pandemic: Maslach Burnout Inventory. 

. 2022;56(2):63-71. Published 2022 Jun 1.

Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones

. Avery, An Imprint Of Penguin Random House; 2018.

Lally P, van Jaarsveld CHM, Potts HWW, Wardle J. How are habits formed: Modelling habit formation in the real world. 

. 2010;40(6):998-1009. doi:https://doi.org/10.1002/ejsp.674

Incorporating new habits in your life doesn’t have to be challenging. Here are a few key ways to introduce healthy habits into your daily routine. 

Revolutionize Your Routines: Habit Stacking for Dental Hygienists

Emmitt Smith will be the keynote speaker at the Productive Dentist Academy Conference in September. | Image Credit: © Productive Dentist Academy 

 Productive Dentist Academy (PDA) has big plans to mark its 20th conference next month in Texas and those plans include having the NFL’s all-time leading rusher speak at the event held in September.

PDA, a leading dental consulting and marketing firm, has announced that Pro Football Hall of Fame running back Emmitt Smith will be the keynote speaker at the Productive Dentist Academy Conference, Sept. 12-14, 2024, at the Hyatt Regency in Frisco, Texas. Smith helped the Dallas Cowboys win 3 Super Bowls in the 1990s and he is the league’s all-time leading rusher with 18,355 yards after breaking the record previously held by Walter Payton.

Smith's keynote is set for September 12 and the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders will appear the next day at the conference.

This year’s conference is especially significant as it marks the 20th anniversary of PDA, celebrating 2 decades of enhancing dental productivity, practice growth, and creating Investment Grade Practices™ around the nation.

“We are leveling up our speakers and content this year, and inviting Emmitt Smith—an icon of perseverance and excellence—as our keynote speaker is a testament to that,” PDA Co-founder & CEO Victoria Peterson says in a press release. “To celebrate our 20th year, PDA is committed to providing an unparalleled experience for our attendees, ensuring they leave empowered and equipped to transform their practices and earn the lives they deserve to live.”

Smith’s illustrious professional football career spanned 15 seasons, during which he set records for most career rushing yards and rushing touchdowns. In addition to 3 Super Bowl championships, he was selected to 8 Pro Bowls and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2010.

Beyond football, Smith is a philanthropist, entrepreneur, and motivational speaker, which makes him an ideal keynote speaker for the PDA Conference.

“I am truly excited to present the keynote address at the Productive Dentist Academy Conference,” Smith adds.“I look forward to sharing my journey and insights with productive dental professionals who are all dedicated to excellence and continuous improvement.”

The PDA Conference provides a comprehensive, full-immersion experience designed to help dental professionals increase production, decrease stress, and elevate the patient experience. Attendees will benefit from tailored learning tracks, including:

For first-time attendees, focusing on unlocking peak productivity through scheduling, patient advocacy, team alignment, comprehensive diagnosis, financial access, and authentic marketing.

Enhancing co-diagnosis, periodontal care, risk assessment methods, and patient communication.

™: Aimed at maximizing practice value and positioning for long-term success, with a focus on business acumen, market messaging, and attracting high-quality employees.

“This year’s conference is designed to immediately boost productivity and well-being for our attendees,” PDA Chief Communications Officer Regan Robertson says in the press release. “With hands-on workshops and expert-led sessions, we’re excited to provide an environment where dental professionals can align their team systems, reclaim their time, and achieve their personal and professional goals.”

For the first time in dental history—Productive Dentist Academy and 

will present the Dental Media Roundtable at the PDA 20th Anniversary Conference. Hosts Regan Robertson and Dr. Chad Johnson will guide a conversation about the future of the dental profession with Dr. Thomas Giacobbi of Dentaltown, Dr. Pamela Maragliano-Muniz of Dental Economics, Anne Duffy of Dental Entrepreneur

For more information about PDA or to register for the upcoming conference, visit 

PDA is an award-winning dental business and marketing consulting firm based in Anacortes, Washington. The company built the Investment Grade Practice platform to be an advocate and level the playing field for independent dentists with uncertainty around the future of private practice and the expansion of dental service organizations. PDA’s services are designed to optimize profitability, improve patient experience, and align dental teams to the dentist's core vision.

PDA’s September conference features Pro Football Hall of Famer, all-star speaker lineup, and transformative learning tracks.

Emmitt Smith to Keynote at the Productive Dentist Academy Conference’s 20th Anniversary Event

Getting Patients to Care: From Booking to Follow-Up to Oral Health Engagement, Here Are Some Things That Work. Image credit: © hedgehog94 – stock.adobe.com


It is no secret that getting patients to care physically and emotionally is challenging for any dental practice. Today, we explore booking and follow-up tactics and oral health engagement tips that any dental practice can use.

Tactic #1: Leverage the Functionality of Your Dental Office Communication System

One way to get patients to care—at least regarding their physical presence—is through technology. Your dental office communication system has different features that connect various parts of the practice, enhancing patient scheduling, communication between staff and patients, and overall dental care processes.

For example, automated appointment reminders reduce no-shows and cancellations, improving scheduling efficiency. Telehealth and teleconsultation advancements allow for remote assessments, saving time for both patients and dental professionals. Patient portals offer secure access to records, treatment plans, and communication with the practice. Electronic health records (EHRs) provide immediate access to patient records, ensuring the dental team is well-prepared for each visit and elevating the patient experience.

Practice management software integrates all these tools, creating a unified system for dental office operations. It enables efficient scheduling, integrates EHRs, automates reminders, and fosters direct patient communication while ensuring data security. By utilizing practice management software, dental practices can create a seamless, patient-centric communication system, enhancing the overall quality of care.

Dental hygiene educator and international speaker Katrina Sanders, RDH, agrees that clear communication is essential. Sanders is a periodontal hygienist who often treats the various stages of gum disease. If the patient has a condition that requires multiple treatments and ongoing maintenance, she says it's best to establish that when they get started. Otherwise, patients tend to think of periodontal treatment as one-and-done.

Additionally, Sanders encourages leaving the scientific language out of the conversations. Most patients do not respond appropriately to it. However, setting up the condition and procedure as a disease you are treating makes patients more receptive to ongoing care. Sanders often tells patients that she hopes to move them from a state of active disease to a stage of remission.

"I love using the word' remission.' It aligns with the AAP [American Academy of Periodontology] staging and grading guidelines," Sanders explains. "So now I'm telling the patient, 'I want to put you back into remission, and if I can get you back into remission, then our next step is to continue working together to keep you in remission.'"

Sanders says that the idea of a partnership is integral to getting patients to care. She also ensures that she takes a full medical history to get the full picture of the patient's overall health. Then, she can see if the patient is at an elevated risk for disease showing up in different ways, whether that is from chronic issues with general health, medications the patient takes, or the patient's age. She explains that these factors can potentially complicate the work she and the patient are doing together.

Moreover, it is important to emphasize that some oral health conditions persist beyond the initial treatment. A common misstep Sanders sees in this conversation is that post-treatment instructions often focus on the immediate management of the first one or two weeks after treatment. However, she says it is important to communicate that the dental team needs to see the patient back to see if the body responds favorably to treatment.

However, the conversation should not feel scripted. Sanders thinks that scripts get in the way of genuine conversation.

"A lot of times when we talk about communicating with our patients," Sanders explains, "We feel like we have to have a script like we have to do all the talking to educate them and to bring awareness to them. And I'll tell you, I love a good script. I'm a theater kid. I grew up reading scripts, but scripts are for the theater. They are not for communicating with human beings about a customized approach."

Tactic #3: Book the Appointment as Soon as Possible.

Speaker and educator Jeffrey Lineberry, DDS, AAACD, owner of the Carolina Center for Comprehensive Dentistry in Mooresville, North Carolina, thinks setting the schedule at the time of diagnosis is key. Sanders agrees, adding that the same policy applies to surgical follow-up appointments.

"No patient should ever leave an active surgical situation without the next appointment set," Sanders says. "If we know the patient is going to be sedated, we schedule that reevaluation before the patient undergoes treatment."

In his practice, they start by showing the patient photos and telling them what they are seeing in the image. Once the patient decides to treat the condition, the team repeats the diagnosis and treatment plan for charting, and Dr Lineberry confirms and asks the patient if they have any questions.

After answering any patient questions, Dr Lineberry sends the assistant and hygienist with the patient to communicate the diagnosis and treatment plan to the scheduler. He finds that having the people with the patient in the room for the conversation creates a sense of community for the patient, which makes it easier to move forward with the treatment plan.

After booking the appointment, the scheduler confirms with the patient. Dr Lineberry has the team tell patients how long the appointment will be and that the time scheduled is set aside for the patient. So, if they need to cancel or reschedule, the scheduler asks them to give them 48 hours' notice. Dr Lineberry says that knowing the time is scheduled specifically for them makes patients assign more value to the appointment—and also makes them more likely to show up.

But What About Getting Them to Care About Their Oral Health?

Getting people to fix a problem with their oral health is one thing; getting them to care about how the problem occurred could be quite another. Patient engagement about their oral health and the patient's role in it is a challenge in any dental practice.

Getting patients to care about their dental health also means empowering them with knowledge. Effective communication in a dental practice involves ensuring that patients understand the information provided. Often, a gap exists between what the dentist explains and the patient comprehends. Patients typically do not retain new information after hearing it once. Technology-facilitated communication and building relationships are essential but not usually enough to ensure comprehension.

The "Rule of 7" suggests at least seven exposures to new information are necessary for retention. Therefore, providing patients with resources they can review at their own pace, such as brochures or app-driven instructional videos, helps bridge this gap. These resources enhance patients' understanding of dental procedures and conditions, leading to better dental outcomes.

Dr Lineberry says getting people engaged in their overall health requires determining what they value and what their currencies are. By slowing down and discovering why they are doing what they are doing, what past experiences have influenced this behavior, and what misconceptions they may or may not have, you can engage with patients in a real conversation about oral health.

"There's an old saying, 'People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care," Dr Lineberry continues. "That's where you start figuring out things. The bottom line is that in this busy world, we all know that most people breeze over stuff, and it's in and out to get things done, and some patients need that type of interaction. But also, there are a lot of patients who have stories, and they need to be heard."

Discovering where patients are regarding their engagement with their oral health means avoiding assumptions and asking open-ended questions. The answers patients provide allow the clinician to go deeper into relationship building, which will lead to trust.

For example, instead of asking patients if they are flossing daily, ask them what they do at home to maintain their oral health. Dr Lineberry says reframing the question this way allows patients to answer you without simply telling you what they think you want to hear.

"It's about going there in a deep, deep-seated question and staying in the question and finding out, really connecting with patients on a higher level," Dr Lineberry says.

Sanders agrees that you will encounter varying levels of dental IQ in your chair. Some patients grew up going to the dentist every 6 months and value routine care, while others did not. The amount of exposure to oral health information also varies, leading to different ideas and understandings of how to approach oral health care.

Therefore, she thinks it essential to discover what type of patient you have in front of you and what their goals are for oral health. Then, the patient starts the conversation, and the clinician can guide them.

"We have to know what that goal is, and we have to remind our patients that we are with you alongside those goals, whatever that might be," Sanders says.

Additionally, Sanders thinks that dental professionals should be a bit more assertive regarding their continuing education and practice investments with patients. Many patients are interested in wellness and want to know that their dental team can help them in that area.

"Patients want you to tell them that you are reading the research and what you're giving to them is the newest research as you have it," Sanders says. "Dentistry shies away from that sometimes."

Sanders says there is an opportunity for dentistry as a collective to be more confident in how they share recent findings with patients and how that changes their approach to patient care.

For example, Sanders thinks explaining to patients that you take the full medical history is important because of the connections between oral health and overall health. Many patients might not know about those connections yet and how their genetic and family history plays a role in their risk for disease. As a periodontal hygienist, Sanders wants to know of any risk or history of systemic conditions that could complicate their gum disease. This conversation and awareness make their gum disease more relevant to the patient.

"Patients want innovation. They want the research. They want to know that you are looking at them as a unique individual, not as your 10 o'clock patient who's here to complete these CDT codes today," Sanders says. "And that's a reasonable patient who wants to trust what you're putting in front of them."

Optimizing Your Dental Office Communication Systems. Spear Review RSS. Published January 25, 2023. Accessed June 7, 2024. https://www.speareducation.com/spear-review/2024/01/optimizing-dental-office-communication-systems

We explore the challenges of getting patients in the chair for necessary care and how to overcome them. We also look into how to ensure patients care more about their role in essential care for their oral health. 

Getting Patients to Care: From Booking to Follow-Up to Oral Health Engagement, Here Are Some Things That Work

Bruce Bryen is a certified public accountant with over 45 years of experience and is a part of Baratz & Associates CPAs. He specializes in deferred compensation, such as retirement planning design; income and estate tax planning; determination of the proper organizational business structure; asset protection and structuring loan packages for presentation to financial institutions. He is experienced in providing litigation support services to dentists with Valuation and Expert Witness testimony in matrimonial and partnership dispute cases. He is also a financial writer for several dental journals. You may contact him at 609-502-0691 or at 

When the owner of a dental practice has been negotiating with numerous buyers and both buyer and seller feel they can’t go any further, an earn out may be attempted to complete the transition. When comparing the parameters of the earn out to an acquisition of a dental practice by a dental service organization (DSO), there are some surprising similarities.

One of the biggest comparisons of all is the fact that the earn out has a list of incentives that must be reached before the earn out is completed and each side to the transaction is happy. These incentives are all about money and how much each party to the transition earns. The earn out sounds just like what it is. Funds are earned based on certain things happening between the buyer and seller of a dental practice.

Here’s an example of an earn out: when the buyer and seller of a dental practice can’t agree upon a price, there is a base amount of the sale price agreed upon which is not what the buyer or the seller wanted. Maybe after months of negotiating, the buyer and seller agree on an amount but add a strategy that if the buyer and seller agree to a schedule of additional gross revenue to be achieved during a 2- to 3-year period after the closing of the first piece of the earn out, the seller receives additional monies based on an agreed upon in advance methodology determined at the initial closing of the earn out.

In this case, the buyer is happy because he or she has reached the gross revenue plateau that was needed to have net earnings that was needed to assist with the financing needed to acquire the dental practice. The seller is happy because he or she received additional payments based on what was thought to be the correct amount of the sale price but not totally accepted by the buyer. The earn out forces both the purchaser and the dentist transitioning his or her practice to each see the advantage of the earn out since there would have been no transition to this buyer without it. Now there is a buyer who paid what the seller wanted and a seller who achieved what he or she wanted because of the provisions of the earn out.

Now we will describe a major comparison between provisions of the earn out with provisions of an acquisition of a dental practice by a DSO.

The DSO and some similarities to the earn out:

In the prior paragraph one can see how the earn out begins with a price that is not necessarily the final price of the transition. The seller and the buyer don’t want the initial amount to be the final price. From a seller’s perspective, the additional amounts that are part of the contract add an incentive to the buyer and the seller. If the buyer reaches the additional gross revenue, he or she will earn additional net income from the DSO. The seller will earn additional income from the extra revenue that is paid to him or her by the buyer having reached the gross revenue goals over the next few years.

The DSO has a similar approach in that an initial amount is set for the base sale price. Then there are incentives set that the solo practitioner could never reach on his or her own. Just like the earn out, if the seller should reach his or her goals, an additional amount would be earned by him or her. The DSO would be happy because if the selling dentist reached the agreed upon incentive goals then it would have enjoyed additional gross revenue and net income.

One of the problems with the comparison of the DSO and the earn out is that the DSO sets the incentives as part of its overall goals for acquiring this dental practice as well as additional dental practices. With the earn out, each dental practice is looked at individually and every one of them has its own purchase price and terms of earn out provisions. The DSO has an overall goal of acquiring many dental practices with as much of a standardized format as possible. The owners, attorneys and others who have substantial input into the master plan designed for the DSO do not have much wiggle room for changes in the basic incentive terms that are being offered to the dental practices that they want to own. Compared to the earn out, a variable offer of compensation may be negotiated with the seller of each dental practice. The DSO almost must have a specific formula for those dental offices that are acquired since the hope of having many offices leads to sellers asking each other questions about how their compensation and benefits compare to each other. That doesn’t happen with an earn out since an office is purchased on its own and is not part of a general mix of offices.

Which buying entity approach is the best for the solo dental practice owner thinking of transitioning his or her dental office?

The answer to this question depends on so many things that those advisors to the seller should be totally immersed in the transaction from beginning to end. An example is the base price and the incentives compared from the earn out and achieved by himself or herself since the buyer who may achieve the earn out provisions remains as the owner. The DSO comparisons with the earn out are those where the seller is not the owner anymore.

The compensation being offered by the earn out and the DSO is another major point that must be reviewed by the buyer. The benefits that are available and which will or will not be achieved by the seller are also critical items needed to be understood. The basic question besides the financial points can be summarized as one in which the buying dentist becomes the owner. The selling dentist to the DSO is no longer the owner and must be satisfied with that role.

Understanding the similarities of these dental practice transition situations can be critical during difficult negotiations.

What To Know When Comparing DSO Acquisitions To Earn Outs

Solventum has introduced 3M Clinpro Clear Fluoride Treatment, a new fluoride treatment designed to enhance patient comfort and streamline the application process for dental professionals, according to Solventum.

The water-based formula is said to provide a smooth coating that is designed for a clean, fresh feel afterward. It also allows patients to eat and drink just 15 minutes after treatment. To boost comfort, this treatment is free of sticky rosins and common allergens, aiming to offer a more pleasant taste, smell, and mouthfeel.

Clinpro Clear Fluoride Treatment also delivers effective fluoride uptake with a lower dosage of 2.1% sodium fluoride, compared to the typical 5% found in comparable products. It is available in watermelon, mint, and flavorless options.

Karim Mansour, President of Solventum Dental Solutions, emphasized that this product was developed in response to feedback from both patients and dental professionals.

"At Solventum, we promise to never stop solving for our customers – and we developed Clinpro Clear Fluoride Treatment in direct response to patient and professional needs for improved fluoride treatment options,” Mansour stated in the press release. “It represents the first significant advancement in fluoride treatment technology in years, and we’re excited to introduce this next-generation product to the dental community.”

The treatment is reportedly easy to apply using the L-Pop unit dose and won't clog suction lines, making it a practical option for dental practices. For more information, visit the 

Solventum has introduced 3M Clinpro Clear Fluoride Treatment, a new water-based formula that aims for smoother application and a more comfortable patient experience. 

Solventum Launches 3M™ Clinpro™ Clear Fluoride Treatment

The new Digital Drug Handbook by MedAssent DDS is described as a game-changer for dental providers.

Digital Drug Handbook from MedAssent DDS 

PureFX line of chlorine dioxide cleaning products 

PureFX from Jensen Chemical & Remediation

The Aqua Flosser from Aquasonic

All the latest dental product launches from the week of August 12 through August 16, 2024.



New Dental Products – August 12 - August 16, 2024

It was an up-and-down night for friends, family and TV fans of Chris Walinski, DDS, who watched the back-to-back episodes of the FOX cooking show MasterChef Wednesday night.

Dr Walinski, who garnered support from many fellow dentists after claiming the coveted white apron as a Baby Boomer contestant on the popular Fox TV cooking show featuring Gordon Ramsay earlier this season, was one of the stars on Wednesday’s first episode which was a birthday cake baking competition.

Dr Walinski’s 3-layer black forest cake with whipped cream frosting and a maraschino cherry topping was selected as the best from his Baby Boomers team and Gordon Ramsay said it was “beautifully constructed and artfully decorated.” Fellow judge Joe Bastianich added, “I think this cake of all the cakes this evening has the most professional esthetic.”

Dr Walinski, who considers main dishes a strength of his in the kitchen, had a feeling his baking effort would be well received during the birthday cake competition. Ramsay spent some time talking with him and even gave him pointers on shaving the chocolate for the outside of the cake.

“Gordon did come over and he helped me,” Dr Walinski says. “He asked me how I was shaving the chocolate, and I was using a peeler. He came back with a big knife, and he started shaving off these pieces to show me. His pieces were too big and they didn't match mine, so I couldn't use them, but we had a nice conversation. So, I kind of had a good feeling that, like, oh wow, he's over here. That's neat.”

While the first of Wednesday’s episodes was a great one for the dentist, Dr Walinski came up short in the second one, which featured a cooking challenge with a box of mystery ingredients from the various generations. His pan-seared chicken thigh with feta & eggplant salad, and jackfruit relish and matcha garnish did not make the cut and his impressive MasterChef journey ended. But not before checking a few items off his bucket list and creating a lot of lasting memories.

Dental Laser Expert In the Running to Be America’s Next MasterChef

“It was absolutely a life-changing experience. It was just really enjoyable,” he says. “It was fun, it was exciting, it was kind of nerve wracking. And in the end, I'm proud of the fact that I was able to get on the show and not only have Gordon Ramsay taste my food a few times, but to comment on your food.”

Dr Walinski did the dental profession proud and he has been overwhelmed by the great response he has received these last few weeks.

“I can't believe how many people have reached out,” he says. “It seems like every dentist knows and so even people I don't know are sending messages of support.”

Some 45,000 applicants tried out for the show and Dr Walinski made the final cut.

In the season’s second episode of MasterChef, televised in June, Dr Walinski proved to be just as skilled with a pan and a knife in his hand as he is with a dental laser or a scalpel. During this final audition, he was worried a bit that his Japanese-fried chicken dish was a little under-seasoned and that he might be eliminated. However, he claimed the final apron offered to the 5 Baby Boomer contestants. Ramsay said he “enjoyed the meal plenty” and, with the help of Chris’ recently reunited birth father Rod Jones, presented the coveted white apron to the dentist-chef in an emotional moment.

Receiving the apron meant he passed his audition to be one of 20 final contestants on the show’s new season, “MasterChef Generations,” which continues to air Wednesday in Primetime on Fox. Besides the Baby Boomers, the show also has cooks competing as GenZ, GenX and Millennials.

Chris Walinski, DDS, garnered much support from the dental community while competing on the cooking show.