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

Enhancing Security and Compliance | Image Credit: © Tackey - stock.adobe.com

In the increasingly digital landscape of health care, protecting sensitive patient data and ensuring the integrity of clinical operations are paramount. Cybersecurity threats, such as ransomware and malware, pose significant risks to dental practices, potentially compromising patient care and data privacy. One effective measure to mitigate these risks is application whitelisting. This security approach can play a critical role in safeguarding your practice management software data and maintaining regulatory compliance.

Application whitelisting is a cybersecurity practice that allows only preapproved applications to run on a system. Unlike traditional antivirus solutions that blacklist known malicious software, whitelisting takes a proactive stance by permitting only trusted applications. Any software not on the whitelist is blocked from executing, thus preventing unauthorized or potentially harmful programs from compromising the system.

Below are a few reasons why this is important.

Dental practices handle vast amounts of sensitive data, including personal health information and electronic health records. A data breach can lead to severe consequences, including identity theft, financial loss, and damage to the practice’s reputation. Application whitelisting helps ensure that only verified applications access and manage these data, significantly reducing the risk of unauthorized access and data breaches.

Ransomware attacks are a growing threat to dental practices. These attacks can encrypt critical data, rendering it inaccessible until a ransom is paid. Application whitelisting prevents unknown and unauthorized applications, including ransomware, from executing within the system. By limiting the software that can run, you can effectively block ransomware from infiltrating your networks.

Dental offices must comply with various regulations and standards, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). HIPAA mandates stringent measures to protect patient data and ensure data confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Application whitelisting supports compliance efforts by providing a robust mechanism to control and monitor the applications that interact with patient data, thus meeting regulatory requirements for protection.

Maintain System Integrity and Availability

The availability of patient data systems is crucial for patient care. Downtime due to cyber attacks or system failures can have dire consequences, including delayed treatments and compromised patient safety. Application whitelisting helps maintain system integrity by preventing unauthorized modifications to critical software and systems. This ensures essential health care services remain available and operational.

Identify and Approve Trusted Applications

The first step is to identify all the applications necessary for day-to-day operations. This involves collaborating with information technology (IT), clinical staff, and administrative personnel to compile a comprehensive list of trusted software. Each application should be thoroughly vetted to ensure it is secure and necessary for office functions.

Once the list of trusted applications is established, health care organizations can deploy whitelisting technology. Various solutions range from built-in operating system features to third-party security software. The chosen technology should be compatible with the existing IT infrastructure and capable of managing the whitelist efficiently.

Application whitelisting is not a one-time setup; it requires continuous monitoring and updating. Practices must regularly review and update the whitelist to accommodate new applications and software updates. Continuous monitoring ensures any unauthorized attempts to run applications not on the whitelist are detected and blocked promptly.

Although application whitelisting offers significant benefits, it also presents challenges. Managing and maintaining an up-to-date whitelist can be resource intensive, requiring ongoing effort from IT staff; it really is something that dentists and their staff should not be doing. Additionally, whitelisting may inadvertently block legitimate software updates or new applications, potentially disrupting operations.

Articles

By creating an application whitelist system, you can keep your operations running smoothly while reducing threats from malicious software such as ransomware.

Application Whitelisting in Dentistry: Enhancing Security and Compliance

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. 

As digital imaging and digital workflows empower clinicians to better streamline their dental care, the accessibility of technologies becomes key. In the past, there may have been a high barrier of entry to solutions and systems that could provide a variety of benefits for dental patients. These barriers often included high costs, complex implementation processes, and a steep learning curve for dental professionals.

According to Eric Relyea, vice president of marketing at Glidewell, dental practices are often faced with 3 main concerns when it comes to implementing digital dentistry and new technologies: affordability, disruption to the workflow, and concerns around ongoing support and training.

The initial investment required for purchasing advanced digital equipment and software can be substantial, making it challenging for some practices to justify the cost. Additionally, there are ongoing expenses associated with maintenance and updates that can add to the financial burden. Meanwhile, disruption to the workflow is another critical issue. Integrating new technologies often requires changes to established procedures and practices, which can initially slow down operations and reduce efficiency. Dental teams must adapt to new systems, which can take time and may temporarily affect patient scheduling and overall productivity. This transition period can be a source of stress for both staff and patients.

The fastscan.io™ Scanning Solution is optimized for dentists to easily submit cases to Glidewell and save $20 or more per unit on restorations, and comes fully integrated with the glidewell.io™ In-Office Solution to fabricate same-day BruxZir® crowns right in their office. With no monthly subscription or licensing fees, fastscan.io is an ideal solution for those seeking an innovative and cost-effective scanner for their practice. Designed for an optimal user and patient experience, the scanner features an innovative touch band control interface with real-time haptic feedback, an optimized lens for edentulous and metal scanning, and a light weight of only 165 grams. The scanner comes bundled with a portable cart, monitor and laptop that meets the recommended—not minimum—specifications for the best out-of-box experience and highly accurate scans every time. Manufacturer-direct training and support from Glidewell ensures easy implementation for any practice.

Finally, dental professionals need adequate training to effectively use new technologies, and they require continuous support to troubleshoot issues and maximize the benefits of these tools. Without reliable support and comprehensive training programs, the adoption of new technologies can lead to frustration and underutilization of the equipment. Ensuring that staff members are confident and proficient with new systems is crucial for a smooth transition and long-term success.

Glidewell’s fastscan.io, integrated with the glidewell.io™ In-Office Solution, aims to reduce the stresses of these 3 core concerns through its advanced features.

The fastscan.io harnesses the power of Medit® i900® hardware to ensure not only fast scanning, but also the precision required for same-day restorations. This technology is designed to capture highly detailed digital impressions of a patient’s teeth and oral structures quickly and accurately, at a speed that allows dental practitioners to reduce chair time and enhance the overall patient experience.

According to Relyea, the i900 was a perfect match for the workflow Glidewell wanted to provide for clinicians.

“We saw Medit as an ideal partner, as they are very much moving forward on the technology side,” he says. “We are providing a system that has no fees and no extra subscriptions associated with it, which is something very positive to the doctors.”

Also key to this decision was Medit’s frequency of updates, per Relyea.

“It’s a very powerful tool. They’re constantly updating it through new apps in their ecosystem,” he says. “And they were very open to integrating with both our in-office solution and our lab.”

Included with the scanner are a rolling cart, a laptop, a monitor and a backup battery—all at no additional cost to the practice. These features are complemented by the i900’s design, hosting a variety of optimal qualities for clinicians. Some of these features include the scanner’s lightweight wand, its 10.9 µm ± 0.98 accuracy, a 360º touch band, and a 3rd-generation optical lens.

“Glidewell is very much about helping make dentistry more accessible and more affordable,” Relyea says. “Medit has done that on the scanning side. So, there’s a nice synergy there.”

Accessibility Through Artificial Intelligence

The fastscan.io software harnesses the power of artificial intelligence (AI) by using the company’s existing database of successful cases to create crown proposals. These machine-learning software components, known as CrownAI™ and MarginAI™, will auto-generate a design for the clinician. Doctors can then approve that design or make adjustments if needed. Once it’s ready, it can go straight to the mill.

“We let AI do the work,” Relyea says. “We benefit from the fact that we run millions of cases to the lab on a regular basis. There are tons of data that allow us to create proposals that, by and large, are ready to be printed or milled with very minimal adjustments. So, that makes it very accessible to the doctor.”

Glidewell’s fastscan.io is indicated for 3D printing as well, providing clinicians with the ability to fabricate their own appliances and nightguards, according to Relyea.

“On the 3D printing side, we’ve really focused on making nightguard creation very simple by using the same one-click AI design system that doctors use for crowns,” he says. “Doctors can then accept and send to print, or make adjustments as needed. The same workflow used to design crowns applies to making nightguards. So, both of those pieces link together and make them make a very complementary package for clinicians.”

And clinicians can take confidence in Glidewell’s AI and production systems, per Relyea.

The fastscan.io harnesses the power of Medit® i900® hardware to ensure not only fast scanning, but also the precision required for same-day restorations.

“The AI systems have been in use here at the lab since before 2018. It’s something that we’ve really pioneered,” he says. “It’s more than a lab. We also have a full materials [research and development] and engineering division, so that we are truly integrated and able to do things like create the software for these systems and create the mill itself. We make it right here on campus. Our support team is here as well. The materials were all created here too. So, it’s really a purpose-built system or set of systems.”

Purpose-Built Support With Savings Potential

Key to glidewell.io as well as the fastscan.io is its support services. Installation and in-office training are provided, as well as a fully staffed technical support team that’s available any time.

“We have field service reps that are available to them at any time at Glidewell. We don’t contract any of this out,” Relyea says. “It’s all internal people, all internal training. It’s a very easy situation for clinicians to get started and to be confident in what they’re doing.”

Clinicians can also take confidence in the lab support provided by Glidewell, which can assist and support in cases where the system is unavailable. The seamless connection to the lab includes a 3-day turnaround and $20 savings or more per unit on model-free cases. The more the scanner is used to send cases to Glidewell, the more doctors can save. Because the scanner is designed as an open system, doctors also have the choice to send scans to another lab of choice.

By offering a cost-effective solution that does not compromise on quality, fastscan.io aims to make advanced digital dentistry accessible to a broader range of dental practices.

Glidewell aims to make digital dentistry, including chairside milling and 3D printing, more accessible and affordable for dental clinicians with this integrated scanning solution.

Deep Dive: Expanding Accessibility With Glidewell’s fastscan.io Solution

John Flucke, DDS, is in private practice in Lee’s Summit, Mo. He also serves as chief clinical editor and technology editor for 

® and keeps an active blog filled with thoughts and tidbits on the world of technology at blog.denticle.com.

The Dangers of the Status Quo | Image Credit: © Michael Brown - stock.adobe.com

I’ve seen a lot in my years in this profession. I was lucky to have entered dentistry at the time I did. I love change, and I have been fortunate enough to see a lot of them in my career. There are always better ways to do things. Those processes are out there just waiting to be discovered or uncovered. Like valuable minerals trapped inside a mountain, they just take a spark of motivation and a lot of digging to get to the gold.

Younger doctors will probably laugh when they read this, but in my first couple of years in practice, I charted with a red and blue pencil on a paper chart. We used film and a chemical processor to take radiographs, and when they were dry, we would put them in a small coin envelope and write the date on the outside of it. My procedural chart notes were written by hand, and I was sure to use ink so there was no way they could be edited. I had to print when I wrote up notes, because my cursive is so abysmal that sometimes even I can’t read it. I didn’t have time to write up those notes during the day, so at the end of the workday, I would spend approximately 30 minutes at my desk doing my notes.

Those days were long, and looking back, they seem so tedious. Of course, at the time, they didn’t seem that way. Simply put, I didn’t know any better. That’s just the way it was, and I slogged along blissfully unaware of how great the future would be. So this month, because the focus of this issue of 

 is our Tech Census, let’s take a look at 4 things you should be using at this point along the dental timeline.

The things I’m mentioning here are what I think you should be using at minimum. I understand that acquiring and integrating technology requires an investment in capital and time, so my recommendations here are for things that have been available for a while, are easy to use, and won’t put a huge dent in your operating revenues while enhancing productivity and giving you better clinical outcomes.

I’m sensing some eye rolls here, so please bear with me. I was peer review chair for the state of Missouri for approximately 25 years, and I also do expert witness work in the malpractice space. Because of my work in these areas, I’ve seen a lot of dental records in my career. I was constantly amazed by how many doctors were still using paper in their recordkeeping. Something to keep in mind if you ever end up in litigation: Perception by a jury is tremendously important. If your records look sloppy and unorganized, people may be inclined to assume the doctor is sloppy and unorganized, whether that’s true or not. I’ve also read records where the handwriting was worse than mine, and that is saying something. If your records cannot be understood, are sloppy, or are minimal, they could come back to haunt you.

Keeping all your clinical notes and charts digital is a tremendous time saver. Nothing is illegible, it’s hard to lose things, everything is in sequential order, and clicking a mouse is inordinately easier than coloring with that red and blue pencil. Knowing that charting, periodontal probing, and notes are instantly available and easy to use makes your day easier and less stressful.

American Dental Association statistics state that 90% of doctors are currently using digital radiography. That’s great news to me. My question is, why are there around 10% who are still holding out?

For those doctors, I have one thing to say. The 1990s just called, and they want their film back.

In all seriousness, in all my years talking with my peers, I’ve never had one person tell me that they got rid of their sensors and went back to film. Once you go digital, you’ll wonder why you waited so long.

Add to that the explosion the industry has seen with artificial intelligence (AI) in radiographic analysis. The number of users increases every month, and the more radiographs these systems see, the smarter and better they become. Of course, digital radiographs are necessary to use AI, so that’s one more reason to make the change from film. For those of you who are already on board with digital, you should be considering which AI system you want to implement.

For those of you who read this column regularly, you know how passionate I am about communicating visually with patients. It’s much easier for patients to comprehend their problems and understand treatment recommendations if they can see what those problems are.

The great news in this area is that the prices of intraoral cameras have fallen significantly in the past 5 to10 years. This allows the office looking to provide an image to use as a focus of communication with patients to purchase a camera for a few hundred dollars.

Two examples of very affordable intraoral cameras are the MouthWatch and the Shofu EyeCam. Both connect to a computer via a standard USB cord and are incredibly portable. However, the prices of these devices are low enough that buying a camera for every operatory can be accomplished without breaking the budget. The last time I checked, these 2 cameras were both under $300.

For offices that perform a lot of cosmetic or full-mouth reconstruction treatment, there are several cameras that provide stunning images in the higher price range. Every doctor has different wants or needs. The takeaway is that you should have an intraoral camera and use it regularly.

This is another product category that has seen amazing progress coupled with astounding price drops since the product first came to market. It’s incredible to me that when I was a kid, lasers were things only superheroes used, and now I pick one up every day. When I bought my first laser, it cost approximately $35,000 and was approximately the size of a 2-drawer filing cabinet. Today, a laser with similar power and settings can be purchased in the same form factor as a powered toothbrush for less than $5000.

Lasers can make everyday operative and surgical tasks easier and faster. One of the best things about them is that laser wounds heal incredibly fast and with minimal, if any, postoperative pain. They also rarely require sutures, even for large areas. A diode laser has an affinity for hemoglobin, which creates immediate hemostasis. This allows the doctor to work in a practically bloodless field. Being able to see the field while reducing the need for chemical hemostatic agents and sutures means more clinical efficiency, fewer postoperative visits, and fewer postoperative calls from patients.

Although retraction cord is still an option, I rarely use it anymore. I can create clear, clean views of my margins in approximately 1 minute using a diode laser and sometimes by adding VOCO Retraction Paste into the mix.

Diode lasers are a critical part of my clinical armamentarium. A day rarely goes by when I don’t pick one up for a procedure. When you consider the tremendous benefits, ease of use, and low price tag for many of these units, it’s hard to find a reason not to own one.

Let’s take a quick look at some technologies with either less time on the market or a higher price tag. If you already have the 4 things I discussed previously, this is where I’d direct your interest.

I won’t cover this in-depth because I’ve written on this subject recently. Let me just state that this is a technology that is now ready for prime time. Users are finding AI critical to help increase diagnostic accuracy and productivity. Having an objective “second opinion” always available to point out areas of interest is a game changer for the profession. As more features are added by the vendors and the products mature, they will continue to be game changers for doctors who embrace them.

This is another product category that has seen amazing progress in both features and lower prices. At this point, there is a scanner for every budget. Many offices, mine included, cannot imagine being without it.

Add to this the fact that an intraoral scanner is the entryway to a truly digital workflow. If you have not yet purchased a scanner and are looking to improve both your workflows and your clinical outcomes, this should be on your short list of technologies to invest in.

The devices can be used for fixed and removable prosthetics, orthodontics, diagnosis, and even hygiene, making them universal must-haves for practices. This is a technology that has a model with the right features for any office, no matter the budget. They save time and improve clinical results, and patients are fascinated by the technology.

Whether you are interested in same-day dentistry, improving results, or controlling costs, in-office milling has something to offer you. Today’s mills can create results previously thought to only come from a skilled laboratory technician with years of experience. We installed the DGSHAPE DWX-42W in our office more than 2 years ago, and I am still amazed at the results it creates.

When you combine the results with the lineup of materials you can select for your patients, in-office milling has tons to offer. The materials have a proven track record of success. That means that things you mill today have the longevity you expect from something created in a laboratory. There is also the fact that many laboratories are now milling most of their restorations. That translates to having the quality of materials you can purchase for your office match that of the same materials being used by dental laboratories around the world.

Milling in our office has improved efficiency, which our patients love, and given us the results we demand as clinicians.

Behold the next wave in the world of dental technology. The next 18 months are going to see in-office 3D printing take the industry by storm. For the past 3 to 4 months, I’ve been up to my elbows in the world of 3D printing, and I can tell you that from what I’ve seen behind the curtains, you are going to be thrilled.

Workflows are going to be changed for the better as we eliminate steps in our processes that are rapidly becoming unnecessary or redundant. Cloud-based design systems that use AI to help create all kinds of dental devices are on the horizon. Imagine diagnosing the need for an implant on Monday morning and performing the placement on Tuesday morning with precision and confidence and with a guide printed to your specifications right in your office. Then imagine placing a transitional removable partial with the pontic custom-designed to create the tissue contours exactly as you, the doctor, want them—also printed in your office.

Plaster and stone will rapidly become “remember when” materials as we move to virtual design using models that exist only in the design software. Occlusal guards, bleaching trays, interim partials, full dentures, and more will be delivered, sometimes within hours, to happy patients.

Our profession has become a moving sidewalk of progress. It seems that the only way to make sure you stay current is by constantly moving forward. Of course, I appreciate the fact that offices are always walking the tightrope of investment in technology vs maintaining profitability. However, in my career, I’ve seen doctors wait too long to pull the trigger. By not embracing the future, doctors are often overwhelmed by how much it will cost to invest in several new things at once. The best way to avoid this is to implement a policy of a technology budget. This allows you to set aside a specific amount of money every month knowing that at some point, those savings will be used to bring in new technology or to replace legacy systems.

The good news is that technology can decrease stress, streamline workflows, and give you amazing clinical outcomes. If you have not yet implemented the 4 must-haves I listed here, I highly advise you to do so. Then implement a technology budget and begin the process of saving to invest in even more cutting-edge products.

I’ve been lucky enough to have lived through this tremendous time of advancements in dentistry, and my perspective tells me that things are only going to get better. Even though I’m closer to the end of my career than I am to the beginning, I believe I was born right on time. See you next month.

Doing the same thing the same way will never move your dental practice forward.

The Dangers of Status Quo

Dr. Lou Shuman is the CEO of Cellerant Consulting Group, dentistry’s leading corporate incubator and accelerator; a venturer-in-residence at Harvard’s i-Lab; the chairman of the technology advisory board at WEO Media; a long-time contributor to Dental Products Report; and the founder and creator of the Cellerant Best of Class Technology Awards.

The Eyes Have It | Image Credit: © OCU-GUARD

My perspective on shielding patients during x-rays changed when I met Steve Maiman, founder and CEO of OCU-GUARD, and was introduced to his novel, cost-effective, intricately designed eye shield tailored for both adults and children. Although I previously hadn’t considered eye protection for radiation exposure, Maiman showed me a wealth of compelling scientific evidence underscoring the imperative of safeguarding the eyes against even minimal doses of radiation.

Coincidentally, during a recent dental visit where I underwent a comprehensive series of images, I took careful note of the proximity of the x-ray unit to my eyes, particularly during anterior imaging. Although opinions about radiation protection during dental radiographs have recently been modified, the eyes were not addressed by the American Dental Association.

Lou Shuman (LS): Why did you create OCU-GUARD?

 I was getting dental x-rays at a routine appointment, and the assistant put a protective lead apron on [me] that covered my body and my neck. After the x-rays, I asked my dentist if they ever considered covering the eyes. He said no but did not have a definitive answer on why not. I decided to pursue the question further and asked my brother, a practicing radiologist, whether ionizing x-rays are harmful to the eye, particularly the lens tissue. This led me to both further research and to the creation of OCU-GUARD.

LS: Can x-rays harm lens tissue of the eyes?

 The lens tissue of the human eye is very sensitive. And the sensitivity is exponentially increased in children because they are still developing physically and their cells are multiplying quickly. They are far more sensitive than adults to radiation. Even more importantly, radiation is cumulative—once irradiated, the damage stays with you. When kids start their early dentistry and orthodontic treatment and they keep getting x-rays, radiation exposure keeps adding up, from youth to old age.

LS: So why does that matter, if modern x-rays emit lower amounts of radiation?

 As we get older, we [are] more susceptible to cataracts regardless of whether we’ve gone to the dentist or not. But having x-rays to the eyes over a lifetime can contribute to an early onset of cataracts. So that can be part of the problem.

LS: Is there any research to back up the need for this product?

There are now [findings from] over 30 published studies demonstrating that x-rays cause tissue changes and damage to the lens tissue. The unique cells of the eyes are extremely radiosensitive, and unlike most cells in the human body, once irradiated, [they] will not regenerate.

At a session of the FDI General Assembly called “Radiation Safety in Dentistry,” the speaker said, “Exposure to ionizing radiation carries the risk of harm. The effect on the eye may be caused by lower doses than previously considered. All reasonable means should be used to reduce radiation exposure, without compromising diagnosis, when radiographs are taken.”2

Roy Rubinfeld, MD, MA, agrees, saying, “As a clinical professor of ophthalmology and practicing eye surgeon, [I can say] it is known that dental x-rays, even in low dosages, can increase the risk of earlier cataract development, especially in younger people. To help safeguard against this, eye shields should be an integral part of every dentist’s safety protocol.”

LS: What can dentists do to help prevent this potential problem?

 The solution is an eye shield. The flexible OCU-GUARD is composed of finely divided, specially graded, pure lead particles, fully encapsulated within a durable vinyl matrix. The lead content offers radiation attenuation greater than 93%. It is contained within the vinyl structure to prevent absorption from the product to the skin.

It is extremely durable [and] comfortable and can be cleaned with standard disinfectant wipes. Each shield is guaranteed to last a minimum of 500 complete examinations, making the cost per examination under 10 cents. The OCU-GUARD core leaded material passes the 3 most universally recognized testing procedures for radiation products: ASTM [American Society for Testing and Materials], [the] US standard; IEC [International Electrotechnical Commission] 61331-1, widely used throughout the world; and DIN [Deutsches Institut für Normung (German Institute for Standardization)] 6857-1, [the] German standard and considered to be the strictest in the world.

 Whether you are a parent or a patient yourself, once you realize that ionizing radiation is harmful to the eyes, you will be relieved to know that your dentist is doing something to prevent possible damage. Also, every practice has patients who refuse x-rays or who are very reluctant to allow x-rays to be taken because they are radiation averse. This is very helpful to show those types of patients that you’re taking every step you can, including protecting the eyes.

LS: Why should dentists add an eye shield to their protocols?

Dentists know they have always done their best with ALARA [as low as reasonably achievable] radiation initiatives. But now that we know a bit more than we used to, there is a need to be more protective, especially with children. We need to do what is best for the patient, even if it is not mandated, because it is the right thing to do. For more information, visit 

1. Benavides E, Krecioch JR, Connolly RT, et al. Optimizing radiation safety in dentistry: clinical recommendations and regulatory considerations. 

. 2024;155(4):280-293.e4. doi:10.1016/j.adaj.2023.12.002

2. FDI World Dental Federation. FDI policy statement on radiation safety in dentistry: adopted by the FDI General Assembly: 13 September 2014, New Delhi, India. 

. 2014;64(6):289-290. doi:10.1111/idj.12148

Radiation sensitivity shows a need for eye shielding during dental x-rays.

The Eyes Have It

Matt Muscolo is senior vice president and general manager of dental practices at CareCredit.

Confusion and Cost May Affect Dental Health Decisions | Image Credit: © Togrul - stock.adobe.com

In 2023, Synchrony, on behalf of CareCredit, conducted the Dental Lifetime of Care study (dentallifetimeofcare.com) to understand people’s perceptions of the cost of dentistry and to gain insights on how that perception may shape their dental health care decisions. A few of the study’s key findings suggest that patients may be confused about their insurance benefits and the cost of dental care. In fact, only 30% of survey respondents found understanding dental health expenses easy and only 50% with dental benefits knew their annual maximum.

When patients are confused about cost or are not aware of how their benefits may offset that cost, they may accept partial treatment, delay care, or choose not to accept treatment at all. The 2023 Dental Lifetime of Care study findings also found that because of cost, 17% of patients surveyed ignored a recommended procedure, 29% delayed treatment, and 13% chose a less costly treatment. Combined, that’s 59% of patients who did not move forward with recommended and needed dentistry. So what does that mean for dentists? Results from the Dental Economics/Levin Group Annual Practice Survey found that the average dentist’s personal production was $733,000 (excluding hygiene production).

 So even if 10% of patients are not moving forward with treatment, it’s not only patients walking out the door without needed care but also potentially $73,000 in production lost for the practice.

The dental team can play a pivotal role in informing patients so that they have clarity on the value of care but also on costs and how to pay for it. Here are 4 best practices to consider:

Proactively review patient insurance benefits and how they work prior to the examination so that patients know what their benefits will cover.

Put patients at ease by letting them know you have payment options, including the CareCredit credit card, should there be a gap in the cost of care and their benefit contribution. Make sure to reinforce that they thoroughly review the terms and conditions while considering payment options.

Use visual aids when presenting cost, and tie the cost to the value of the dentistry being recommended—specifically how it will benefit the patient or solve a problem. CareCredit has resources, such as a payment options form, available to enrolled practices at 

Let patients know whether there are any potential consequences for delaying, declining, or compromising care.

Most Americans have been faced at one time or another with an expense that they did not plan or save for, and that can cause financial stress. The study results found few patients proactively save for dental care. In fact, almost 75% of study respondents said they don’t save for dental care and of those who do, the average is only $648.

Confusion about the cost of dentistry and insurance benefits may also affect patients’ decisions to make an appointment in the first place. In the Dental Lifetime of Care study findings, of the people surveyed, only 73% went to see their general dentist in the past 12 months. Of those who did not, 54% cited expense as the reason.

Ongoing patient communications can encourage those who hesitate to schedule an appointment by increasing awareness of the average cost of care, how benefits work, and ways to manage out-of-pocket costs. Proactively educating patients about cost and insurance benefits can help patients have clarity and make care decisions to improve their oral health.

1. Levin R. The 2024 DE/Levin Group Annual Practice Survey: a period of higher production and long-awaited stability. 

. Published online May 8, 2024. https://www.dentaleconomics.com/practice/article/55016675/higher-production-and-much-needed-stability-the-2024-de-levin-group-annual-practice-survey

This content is subject to change without notice and offered for informational use only. You are urged to consult with your individual advisers with respect to any information presented. Synchrony and any of its affiliates, including CareCredit (collectively, “Synchrony”), make no representations or warranties regarding this content and accept no liability for any loss or harm arising from the use of the information provided. Your receipt of this material constitutes your acceptance of these terms and conditions.

CareCredit research indicates that many patients are unclear about their insurance benefits and the costs of dental treatments.

Confusion and Cost May Affect Dental Health Decisions

Artificial intelligence (AI) leader Perceptive has completed the world's first fully automated dental procedure on a human, combining advanced imaging, AI, and robotics to create an industry benchmark, according to a press release from the company.

The Perceptive dental robotics system harnesses AI-driven 3D imaging along with a robotic arm specifically designed to perform dental procedures, initially focusing on restorative dentistry. The system aims to complete tasks like crown placements in 15 minutes, compared to the traditional method requiring 2 office visits of at least 1 hour each.

"We’re excited to successfully complete the world's first fully automated robotic dental procedure," said Dr Chris Ciriello, CEO and Founder of Perceptive, in the press release. "This breakthrough enhances the precision and efficiency of dental procedures and democratizes access to better dental care, for improved patient experience and clinical outcomes.”

The system uses 3D volumetric data for diagnostics and treatment planning, which is said to allow earlier and more accurate diagnoses. The process starts with an OCT scan of the patient’s tooth and mouth using Perceptive's handheld intraoral scanner, capturing detailed 3D images beneath the gum line. Perceptive’s AI algorithms then analyze the 3D data and plan the procedure with high precision. By automating these procedures, Perceptive enables dentists to diagnose and treat more patients with higher quality care in less time, reducing the need for manual labor and minimizing human error.

Stephen E. Thorne IV, Founder and CEO of PDS Health, praised the technology, stating in the press release, "I have seen the promise of Perceptive’s incredible technology firsthand. We are excited to help them operationalize their vision of fully completed dental restorations in minutes."

German Gallucci, Chairman of Restorative Dentistry at Harvard School of Dental Medicine, highlighted the technology's accuracy, noting in the press release, "Perceptive’s technology achieves over a 90% accuracy rate for detecting caries without the ionizing radiation associated with traditional X-rays and CBCT scanners."

Edward Zuckerberg, a pioneer in dental technology integration, emphasized the system's safety, stating, "The robotics system has been designed and rigorously tested to ensure that dentists can perform treatments safely, even in conditions where patient movement is prevalent."

Karim Zaklama, a general dentist and member of Perceptive’s clinical advisory board, added, "The advanced imaging capabilities, particularly the intraoral scanner, provide unparalleled details, enabling us to diagnose issues earlier with greater accuracy and allow us to connect with patients more effectively.”

Perceptive has raised $30 million in funding to date, with leading investors including PDS Health, Dr. Ed Zuckerberg, Innospark Ventures, KdT Ventures, Primavera Capital, Plaisance Capital, and Y Combinator.

Perceptive has completed the world's first fully automated dental procedure using its AI-driven robotic system, significantly enhancing precision and efficiency in dental care.

Perceptive Achieves Milestone with First Fully Automated, AI-Driven Dental Procedure

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 immunization expert Lancette VanGuilder, BS, RDH, PHEDH, CEAS, as they discuss immunizations in dental practices and how to navigate potentially tricky conversations.




Lancette VanGuilder, BS, RDH, PHEDH, CEAS, graduated from the University of South Dakota in 1995 and has spent the last two decades actively involved in the dental industry as a leader, speaker, clinician, and public health advocate.
Lancette is the current Vice-President of the American Dental Hygienists Association. She is a past president of the Nevada Dental Hygienists Association, is a past recipient of the Nevada Dental Hygienist of the Year and received the Innovative Career Vision Award for her work in all 7 professional roles of the dental hygienist. In 2018 she received the ADHA Irene Newman Professional Achievement award, recognizing her for her contributions to advancing the art and science of the dental hygiene profession over the last 15 years. She was selected as one to the Top 6 Dental Hygienists to know in 2021, by the national publication Dimensions in Dental Hygiene for being a mover and shaker in dentistry. In 2022, she received global recognition, receiving the Denobi “All-Star” award for her public health, mobile dentistry, advocacy, speaking and vaccine accomplishments. Most recently, she received one of the highest honors given by the American Dental Hygienists Association by being recognized with the 2022 ADHA Award of Excellence. This award has only been given to a small number of select individuals over the last 100 years.

Lancette has received advanced education for complete health dentistry, including sleep related disordered breathing disorders and brain health. She received her Certificate in Alzheimer’s Prevention and Reversal, ReCODE, from Apollo Health and her training in airway health from Institute for Craniofacial Sleep Medicine.

Lancette is an internationally recognized continuing education speaker and is recognized as a key leader and mentor in the dental industry. She serves as the clinical director for Sierra Sleep, Airway and Wellness Center in Reno, Nevada. In addition, she works as a clinician in private practice, owns a mobile dentistry business, a national AGD PACE continuing education company and provides ergonomic coaching. Amidst the pandemic, she became a proud COVID vaccinator with Battle Born Medical Corp and has traveled across the globe advocating for vaccine administration by dental hygienists. She co-founded The RISE Experience and Abundant life. RISE retreats provide education and support for women in healthcare who want to make an impact in the world and pursue entrepreneurship in dentistry. Abundant life is a wellness hub for dental professionals to have access to resources to support the 8 pillars of health.

Lancette is most proud of her work transforming healthcare, increasing access to care and bridging the medical-dental divide.



Podcasts

Join the Sanders sisters and immunization expert Lancette VanGuilder, BS, RDH, PHEDH, CEAS, as they discuss immunizations in dental practices and how to navigate potentially tricky conversations.

Floss & Flip Flops – Episode 32 – National Immunization Awareness Month with Lancette VanGuilder, BS, RDH, PHEDH, CEAS

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.  

Featuring additional torque and stable removal rate, the new Synea Power Edition range of handpieces from W&H is being launched today.

The new handpieces offer a robust design and are designed to tackle highly demanding applications such as the removal of zirconia crowns and bridges. With the release of the Synea PowerEdition, the company has introduced an innovative solution and an ideal addition to the existing high-speed handpiece inventory in a dental practice.

Key benefits of the new handpieces include the robust design with optimized gear ratio, at least 20% longer service life with less service time according to W&H, higher cutting efficiency for better removal rate, easier bur change with new push-button design, HeatBlocker technology that keeps the push-button cool, and a new head design for more precise bur guidance.

The ergonomic head design of the handpieces offers improved bur guidance, while the multi-nozzle spray with high water flow ensures optimal cooling of the treatment site. | Image Credit: © W&H

When cutting harder materials, conventional handpieces are subject to considerable wear, which can result in downtime and high repair costs. In comparison, the Synea Power Edition handpieces are extra durable and feature a robust clamping system, the company says. The new chucking system holds the bur in place with 20% more clamping force, and the new push-button design also makes changing the burs easier, as the load is distributed more evenly. Additionally, the ergonomic head design of the handpieces offers improved bur guidance, while the multi-nozzle spray with high water flow ensures optimal cooling of the treatment site.

"Let the handpiece do all the work with its optimal gear ratio. Less manual hand pressure with increased torque creates an effortless feel", says Bobbi Stanley, DDS, MAGD, from The Stanley Institute, in today’s press release announcing the launch.

Ceramic materials such as zirconia are being used more frequently in restorative dentistry, but removing zirconia restorations using conventional handpieces can be a challenging and lengthy procedure for clinicians. Attempts to do so often result in damage to the burs and delays in treatment, which can be frustrating for dentists and their patients.

The strong, durable design of the Synea Power Edition handpieces solves this problem, according to W&H, as the new handpieces are less susceptible to mechanical failures and offer an impressive longer service life of at least 20% compared to standard transmission instruments.

According to Rick Pinero, general manager of the dental equipment business unit for W&H, “We are extremely excited to get this revolutionary handpiece in the hands of every dentist who faces routine challenges of cutting through zirconia, so they can feel and experience the difference. I’ve witnessed firsthand during our Voice of the Customer experiences that this handpiece is truly a game changer in enabling doctors to do the toughest jobs faster and more effectively while preserving their other handpieces. An overall better experience for both the doctor and their patient.”

Dental professionals interested in more information on the Synea Power Edition handpieces can schedule an appointment by 

These high-speed handpieces are specifically designed for the removal of high-strength ceramic materials such as zirconia, feature a robust design, and are built to last longer.

W&H’s New Synea Power Edition Handpieces Designed for the Hardest Materials

Every dental practice looking for a simplified, high-performance adhesive for a wide range of restorative procedures.

Whenever a bonding agent is required for direct restorations using light-cured composite resin, sealing prepared cavities, treating hypersensitive teeth, or cementing indirect restorations.

CLEARFIL Universal Bond Quick 2 simplifies the bonding process while delivering exceptional performance. It features Advanced Rapid Bond Technology, enabling quick and easy application without a waiting period. This technology combines MDP, Amide, and Urethane Tetramethacrylate (UTM) monomers to create a strong and uniform bond layer, preventing adhesive pooling and ensuring high bond strength to both enamel and dentin. The adhesive’s low viscosity provides a thin, even film layer, reducing technique sensitivity and ensuring consistent results.

The application of CLEARFIL Universal Bond Quick 2 is straightforward and efficient. It can be used in self-etch, selective-etch, and total-etch modes, providing versatility for various clinical scenarios. The product is available in both bottle and unit-dose delivery options, making it suitable for different practice needs. Its room temperature storage adds convenience, and the bonding agent is compatible with other self-adhesive resin cements, expanding its usability across multiple restorative procedures.

Simplify your bonding process with this advanced, high-performance adhesive for reliable results.

5Ws: CLEARFIL™ Universal Bond Quick 2

ZimVie’s new RealGUIDE® 5.4 dental implant software update helps dental professionals manage procedural risk more effectively and plan complex cases in a fraction of the time.

The Florida company—which develops, manufactures, and delivers a comprehensive portfolio of products and solutions designed to support dental tooth replacement and restoration procedures— announced the release of its RealGUIDE 5.4 software Wednesday and adds that the update is now available in all markets where RealGUIDE is sold.

The biggest enhancement in this version is one-click nerve detection and automated bone and tooth segmentation, the company states. This allows clinicians with greater case insights and treatment planning confidence, as well as significant time savings. Additionally, RealGUIDE 5.4 introduces new dental restorative design workflows meeting the evolving needs of the most demanding clinics and dental laboratories.

The software also features new amplified CAD workflows designed to empower labs to create the most attractive designs in implant dentistry. Now with an automated 'split-bar' tool set, this new feature makes the creation of complex multi-material prostheses for full-mouth rehabilitation intuitive and efficient, according to ZimVie. Additionally, new cloud-based design libraries offer improved accessibility for clinicians.

“This most recent version of RealGUIDE software underscores ZimVie’s commitment to innovation and empowers healthcare providers to deliver exceptional dental care with greater efficiency, safety, and esthetic outcomes, thereby lowering the cost and improving the quality of implant dentistry,” Vafa Jamali, president and chief executive officer at ZimVie says in a press release. “Our goal is to drive guided surgery to be the standard of excellence for all implant cases and subsequently drive greater adoption of implant dentistry.”

The company’s RealGUIDE software suite offers precise planning, designing, and predictable placement of dental implants and restorations. It consists of several software modules that may be combined as desired for a thorough diagnosis, intended implant positioning, advanced surgical guide design, and cutting-edge restorative design and manufacturing. With this complete digital platform lab technicians and clinicians can collaborate and discuss different clinical cases with a team of exports.

Additional information on RealGUIDE can be found by 

The latest update for the company’s RealGUIDE® dental implant software suite brings new features geared toward to efficiency and savings.