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.  

Impressive Speaker Lineup Announced for the Clinician’s Choice Aruba Dental Conference 2025 | Image Credit: © Clinician’s Choice 

Always a popular event, the Clinician’s Choice® Aruba Dental Conference just announced its impressive speaker lineup for its 2025 event.

The Aruba Dental Conference 2025, scheduled for January 30 to February 1, 2025, will be held at the luxurious Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino. This conference is designed for dental professionals seeking education led by inspiring speakers and the event offers the perfect blend of professional development and island relaxation.

Attendees can earn up to 12 Continuing Education (CE) credits at this year’s conference during morning presentations.

The lineup of speakers and topics, includes:

Bob Margeas, DDS, "A Potpourri of Composite Resin Restorations."

Dennis Hartlieb, DDS, AAACD, "Canine Substitution or Space Appropriation – The Keys to Clinical and Esthetic Success with the Congenitally Missing Lateral Incisor."

Chad Duplantis, DDS, FAGD, "Let’s get DIGITAL: Indirect Workflows that Simplify the Complex."

Susan McMahon, DMD, AAACD, FAGD, "3D Printing in your Office: Profitability for your Practice, Convenience for your Patients, Predictability for your Cases."

Lee Ann Brady, DMD, "Top Clinical Tips for Esthetic Success."

Jennifer Bell, DDS, FAGD, FICD, "Digital Workflows for DIRECT Restorative? Really? It’s Time to Maximize your Investments in Digital Dentistry for Predictable Direct Restorative Care."

"Our Aruba Dental Conference consistently sells out as it offers an unparalleled opportunity to spend time with peers, exchange ideas, and truly interact with leading restorative educators. It's our premier destination education experience," Brian Allen, president of Clinician's Choice, states in a press release announcing the speakers.

The 2025 Aruba Dental Conference promises an inspiring experience, combining world-class education with Aruba’s breathtaking beauty, adds Clinician's Choice. During the event’s downtime, attendees can explore stunning beaches, including Palm Beach, renowned for its powdery white sand and clear waters. Additionally, adventurous visitors can enjoy snorkeling, scuba diving, and windsurfing, while those seeking relaxation can indulge in the island’s luxurious spas and

Early bird discounts are currently available. For registration details and to secure a spot, visit 

For 3 decades, Clinician’s Choice has developed innovative products designed to solve clinical challenges and deliver consistent results, supported by education.

Articles

Topics for the conference include digital dentistry, composite resin restorations, and clinical tips for esthetic success.

Impressive Speaker Lineup Announced for the Clinician’s Choice Aruba Dental Conference 2025

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 – July 19, 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 6 new products with launches from BioHorizons, quip, Cosmedent, Pac-Dent, Sikka.AI, and Midmark Dental.

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

Introducing the Tapered Pro Conical implants, designed for immediate implant cases from single sites to full-arch restorations. These implants feature a tapered body and threading to support immediate load protocols. The self-tapping helical cutting flutes ensure controlled placement, while the patented CONELONG connection is compatible with 2 prosthetic platforms, streamlining your surgical procedures. Additionally, a new surgical kit that combines free-hand and keyless guided approaches is now available for these implants.

Next up is the quip 360 Oscillating Toothbrush, which boasts replaceable heads with soft, dual-length bristles that adapt to teeth and gums, offering up to 11 times more plaque removal and twice the whitening effect compared to manual toothbrushes. It operates at 9630 oscillations per minute with 3 intensity settings. The integrated pressure sensor prevents over-brushing, and a 2-minute timer with 30-second pulses ensures thorough cleaning. This toothbrush includes a travel case, magnetic charging cord, and a countertop stand, with a battery life of up to 30 days.

Next, Cosmedent has launched 2 new opalescent Renamel shades: OPALITE™ Microfill and OPAL™ Flowable Microfill. These shades are designed to enhance the brightness and depth of restorations. Renamel® OPALITE is a color-adaptive Microfill resin shade for a subtle yet brightening effect, while Renamel OPAL is a flowable resin designed to recreate the natural dichroism of enamel. Both shades aim to improve the visual appeal of restorations, meeting patients’ desires for brighter and more natural-looking teeth.

Pac-Dent has introduced the EzAim SoftBite, a cushioned bite tab holder designed with peel-and-stick adhesive for secure attachment to digital sensors. This holder enhances patient comfort and accessibility, leading to more accurate imaging by reducing movement due to discomfort. These single-use, disposable bite tab holders are now available for purchase.

DentalLLM, built on de-identified data from over 30,000 practices, offers dental-specific content and insights. It provides data-driven analytics for business decisions, benchmarking, and trendspotting. DSOs can query practice-specific data or industry-wide information. The DentalLLM is also accessible via the Sikka ONE API for developers to incorporate dental-specific AI into their software, serving as a comprehensive database for scheduling, treatment planning, patient demographics, and billing.

Midmark has launched the M9 and M11 Steam Sterilizers, designed for durability and ease-of-use. Features include a 5-inch touchscreen interface, automated cycle recordkeeping for compliance, and a reengineered chamber with a lifespan of up to 25,000 cycles. These sterilizers offer lower operating costs and meet CDC and AAMI recommendations for wrapped instruments. Optional features include Autofill + Auto-Drain, easing staff workload, and accessories like a cool hand tool, USB kit, vertical cassette rack, and pouch racks.

That does it for this week's Product Bites from Dental Products Report. Stay up to date on all the latest dental product news by visiting dentalproductsreport.com/newdentalproducts.

I'm Kellie Nock saying thanks for listening. And we'll be back next week with all the latest new dental products on Product Bites from Dental Products Report.

Podcasts

A bite-sized look at all the latest dental product launches. This week's episode features launches from BioHorizons, quip, Cosmedent, Pac-Dent, Sikka.ai, and Midmark Dental.

, a dental technology company specializing in cloud-based practice management systems, digital imaging, and dental marketing services. Previously, Gaddis was the marketing director for two large dental service organizations. Prior to entering the dental industry, Gaddis was a journalist for 16 years in a variety of roles, including as a TV news producer at the CBS affiliate in Boston. You can connect with Beth Gaddis on 

Thomas Passalacqua, director of business development at The Smilest Management speaks at the 2024 Dykema DSO conference | Image Credit: © Courtesy Dykema DSO Industry Group

This year has been like a tsunami, with a deluge of difficult business conditions including high supply costs, high labor costs, high interest rates, and low insurance reimbursements overwhelming many dental practices.

At the Dykema DSO Conference in Denver on July 10, dental group executives shared how they’re faring and where they are focusing their attention for the rest of the year.

Standardization, Interoperability, and Visibility of Data

One hot topic at the Dykema DSO conference was standardization and efficiency.

“Getting all of our practices on one unified, cloud-based system was absolutely imperative for us. We’re completing our rollout of the Denticon practice management system across all of our GP practices and adding Cloud 9 practice management for ortho right after that,” says Jason Heffelfinger, CEO of Dental Care Alliance, a DSO with more than 400 affiliated practices in 26 states. With both Denticon and Cloud 9 produced by Planet DDS, the platforms are integrated so patient files can be entered or accessed from either application.

“When you have one system that you can utilize across all your practices, it just makes it easier for everybody to execute. When we think about staffing, doctor days, data—it just makes it so much easier to understand where you have opportunities. Then you can thank them for the work they do, and of course, you can course-correct when necessary,” Heffelfinger explains.

AJ Acierno, DDS, president of clinical operations for Smile Brands, agrees. The company has more than 650 affiliated practices in 32 states.

“We’re an acquisition-based company and that means we inherited a ton of different systems,” Dr Acierno says. “It means everything to be able to standardize the technology and have all your data all in one place. It lets you measure metrics, apples to apples.”

Increasing Same-Store Growth Through Systems

OMS360 drove 40% organic growth in the first half of 2024 across its oral surgery business after implementing a new patient workflow, says its CEO, Trevor Maurer.

“We wanted to understand why some of our surgeons were more efficient than others, so we performed a comprehensive analysis of surgeons and workflows. We literally did a time study of our patient journey, the staff, and even the surgeons. We needed to know who was doing what, and the impact that had on the entire patient experience. From this, we identified six phases of the patient journey and detailed how long each took for our highest-performing practices,” Maurer says.

When the research came back, the data showed that it wasn’t just something the surgeons were doing but the systems they had in place that made them successful. OMS360 then modeled the stages across its practices:

Pre-appointment, such as insurance verification

“We systemized the six phases and let each team know where the inconsistencies are in their methods. Not everyone will want to make a change, and it is truly their choice,” Maurer says. “Our commitment is to enable the doctors to practice at the top of their license. If they want to do it, OMS360 can get them there. Surgeons that were under $4 million have increased to over $6 million annually.” 

“We’ve been focusing on same-day care initiatives,” says Teresa Williams, the chief financial and operations officer of Dental Express, a dental group with 6 affiliated practices in California. “We’re taking a hard look at what’s happening for each of our patients when they’re in the building. People want to get care immediately, so we’re making it easy for them through third-party financing, building larger teams so we can provide same-day care, and even expanding the footprint of our offices.”

Same-Store Growth Through Payer Mix Changes

Many DSO leaders predicted COVID-19’s impact on the global and local economy, from supply chain issues to higher prices for goods, higher wages, and higher interest rates. Himesh Kana, DMD, managing director of Dental Depot DFW, began evaluating their systems and payor mix in 2022. Dental Depot has 37 affiliated practices in Texas, Oklahoma, Arizona, and Missouri.

“We looked at our phones, we looked at our treatment acceptance rate, we looked at training, we looked at all of our payors, we looked at our data, and we looked at our patient volume,” Kana says. “We have a really solid membership model with Subscribili; it’s now our second highest segment of commercial payors, and our per visit output on our membership model is much higher, by 20% to 25%.”

The Smilist Management, a DSO with almost 100 affiliated practices in the Northeast, is focusing on revenue cycle management to drive same-store growth too.

“We negotiated a rate increase on our PPO plans. We tightened up on our RCM processes and our accounts receivable,” says Thomas Passalacqua, director of business development. “We added automation to our RCM, which has really improved patient communication, insurance verification, and collection rates.”

Artificial Intelligence to Increase Case Acceptance

Technology is another area that dental support organizations are leveraging to increase same-store growth.

“One of the newest technologies we’ve implemented is Pearl AI, which integrates directly into our Apteryx digital imaging,” says Bradley Dykstra, founder of MI Smiles Dental Group, which has 7 affiliated locations in Michigan. “A picture’s worth a thousand words, and it’s really helped the patients to visualize what we’re talking about. The clinicians like it, and it’s a time-saver for the hygienists because it shows where there is radiographic bone loss. For me, it’s a great way to gauge how each of the associates are diagnosing.”

“We have recently partnered with Overjet to incorporate AI into our operational and clinical processes,” says Kyle Smith, chief financial officer at My Community Dental Centers, a non-profit dental support organization with almost 50 locations in Michigan. The outcomes have been impressive, showcasing enhanced diagnostic accuracy, streamlined claim submissions, and improved reimbursements from payers.”

DSO leaders are evaluating other AI-powered technologies including call center bots.

“This new generation (of patients) doesn’t want to deal with people, right?” explains Dr Kana. “It’s inevitable that in 5 to 7 years, we’re going to see a lot of bots handling phone calls and bot-trained scheduling.”

A lot of the discussions at Dykema centered around new technologies and the results people have seen.

Dental Care Alliance is using Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT), which discloses the location of plaque and removes it using air and piezo technology from EMS Dental instead of traditional scaling, root planning, and polishing paste.

Dental Express has expanded its intraoral scanner technologies and is looking to bring in AI-based scheduling technology to reduce no-shows and last-minute cancellations.

Jill Nesbitt, the founder of Optimize Dental Consulting, hosted a technology workshop at the Dykema DSO Conference with more than 40 DSO leaders from operations and IT. They discussed the emergence of new dental analytics companies that pull in data from multiple software systems including accounting, human resources, call centers, and practice management systems to help dentists and managers have a holistic view of the data driving their profit and loss statements.

Some practice management systems like Denticon are moving away from branding themselves as an all-in-one solution and to a dental operating system model, where dental practices can choose to read, share and write back information with third parties via secure APIs.

“People want the freedom to be able to integrate different software solutions into their practice management system. You see that with RCM, for example. They want to be able to verify insurance, submit claims, and reconcile payments all within their PMS, without having to launch another application,” says Dee Fischer, the co-founder of a DSO with 6 affiliated locations and is one of the best-known consultants for group practices.

Staffing Shortages and the Importance of Culture

Staffing remains an issue for almost every dental group, especially when it comes to recruiting hygienists and dental assistants.

“I’ve hired a full-time HR director to help us because it takes so much time to hire,” says Robin Reich, DDS, a past president of the Georgia Dental Association and the founder of Reich Dental Centers, a dental group with 4 locations.

“We have to be more flexible. For example, we have 2 hygienists who are pregnant, and they’re going to job share.”

“At My Community Dental Centers, we are experiencing this growing demand from our team members for shorter workweeks and alternative schedules,” says  Smith. “The challenge arises from the need to be an adaptable employer and foster a culture that emphasizes work-life balance and well-being while managing a reduced workforce and a surge in patient demand that is at unprecedented levels.”

Multiple DSO leaders cited some of the changes employees and new hires are requesting, including:

Higher salaries now instead of generous retirement plans

The staffing shortage is causing companies to recruit outside of dentistry. Fischer suggests hiring people for their personalities and skills sets:

Realtors and jewelry store salespeople for treatment presentation and collections

One tip: Evaluate the salaries in your geographic area quarterly to ensure you’re competitive. If the local Starbucks is paying $16 per hour, then you may find it hard to hire somebody for less.

Advice for Dental Practices and Emerging DSOs

“Culture is the first thing. The second is operations: build a great platform. Find those partners that you can grow alongside and really lean in with them,” says Jason Heffelfinger, CEO of Dental Care Alliance.

“For anyone looking to scale up, take a hard look at what’s made you successful and ensure you have documented those processes. Codify your SOPs so that you can replicate them,” adds Williams of Dental Express.

“If you’re looking to scale up, really sit down and look at your available cash flow,” recommends Fischer, the consultant who has worked with more than 1,000 practices. “Where people get in trouble is when they don’t understand their cash flow. If you do, then you know what you really have to work with and you can expand staff, expand hours, expand services, or expand locations.”

“We make sure all of our doctor contracts are designed for a minimum of 3 to 5 years, and we reward them with a loyalty bonus once they hit those,” explains Hoss Said, managing director of Massoumi Dental Corporation, a dental group with 6 affiliated practices in Southern California. “Our doctors have to have pride in what they do, and they make their own decisions with clinical autonomy.”

Omid Barkhordar, DDS, and his brother Hamid Barkhordar, DDS, MMSc, are co-presidents of Care Dentistry Group, a DSO with 16 affiliated locations in California.

Hamid Barkhordar has this advice for dental groups that are looking to grow.

“Keep going. It’s going to be hard. There are a lot of obstacles, but if you build a strong foundation, you focus on what you want your organization to be, then you can achieve it.”

Highlights of the hot topics and expert insights being discussed during the recent Dykema DSO Conference in Colorado.

Dykema 2024 DSO Conference: DSO Leaders Share 6 Areas of Focus for Next 6 Months

New DentaJet XL 3D Printing Solution from Stratasys Designed to Improve Lab Production and Reduce Costs | Image Credit: © Stratasys 

The new DentaJet™XL highspeed 3D printer is the latest addition to the DentaJet series from Stratasys Ltd. The 3D printer is designed to further improve dental lab productivity and reduce costs with its larger resin cartridges, large print tray, Super High-Speed mode, and minimal post processing workﬂow, Stratasys states.

"The Stratasys DentaJet XL solution is engineered speciﬁcally for digital dental labs that must deliver high volumes of applications without sacriﬁcing quality, helping them overcome signiﬁcant challenges in ﬁnding and retaining qualiﬁed technicians as they work to meet growing market demand,” Ronen Lebi, vice president, Stratasys Dental, says in a press release. “It is the most eﬃcient production solution we have developed to date, geared to produce highly accurate crown and bridge, implant, and aligner models and surgical guides simultaneously at scale.”

With a reduction in labor costs in mind, the new PolyJet™ multi-material 3D printer is designed to run in a production setting with minimal human intervention. Featuring advanced software print prep and print management features, as well as unattended printing and curing, dental labs can reduce up to 90 percent of their labor costs, the company says. Additionally, the introduction of new printing modes and larger cartridges reportedly results in up to 67% lower cost per part. The DentaJet XL printer can be integrated with new validated, fast and large batch post processing workﬂows for support removal, and allows for printing 2 materials simultaneously. Designed to improve lab productivity and lower costs, the printer provides an ideal solution for large volume production labs around the world.

"Incorporating the DentaJet XL 3D printer into our laboratory has signiﬁcantly improved our digital workﬂow,” adds James Dobson, vice president, digital production, Dobson Ortho Laboratories and one of the ﬁrst to implement the solution. “With its large print tray, 4X larger resin cartridges, and hot-swap capabilities, we have already achieved signiﬁcant material and labor savings. Creating print jobs has become extremely fast and simple with the automatic part nesting features. Furthermore, its sealed resin system ensures a healthier workplace for our team."

Prof. Armando Razionaleb (AirNivol), one of the ﬁrst customers implementing the solution in Europe, states in the press release, “The new Super High-Speed Mode allowed us to signiﬁcantly increase our production of clear aligners by nearly 50%, without adding any additional labor and at a much-reduced cost per part. Plus, by integrating the DentaJet XL with the automatic support removal workﬂow, we are saving a tremendous amount of time and labor in the ﬁnal stage of production. It’s almost like we added a virtual lab technician!"

According to Stratasys, the ﬁrst Denta Jet XL customers were able to achieve notable production results:

Up to 16 implant cases (surgical guide and model) in 6hours 30minutes 

Up to 102 crown & bridge models in 4 hours 31 minutes

Up to 28 orthodontic models in 6 hours 37 minutes 

Up to 36 aligner arches in 2 hours 14 minutes

Notable features of the new system include:

Uninterrupted printing, even for the largest jobs with 4kg resin cartridges and hot-swap.

Signiﬁcantly reduced print prep times and integrated ﬂeet management with intuitive

Increased production speed of clear aligner arches by up to 30 percent with a super high-speed mode.

Dual-material printing, which allows labs to increase output by printing two materials at once.

Eﬃcient post-processing with integrated third-party workﬂows for large batch support removal. This streamlines processes and saves time and labor.

The new printer provides unprecedented efficiency for high-volume dental labs printing at scale; dramatically reducing cost-per-part

New DentaJet XL 3D Printing Solution from Stratasys Designed to Improve Lab Production and Reduce Costs

Seattle Study Club & American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry Launch Global Search for Top Dentist. Image credit: © Seattle Study Club


Seattle Study Club and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) have launched the Best Case Wins Challenge, a global competition to identify the best dentists in 4 clinical categories. The total prize package is valued at over $50,000, according to a press release from the Seattle Study Club.

The competition began July 17, 2024, and will run until August 31, 2024. Dentists are invited to submit cases in 4 categories: implant restorative case, crown lengthening, ortho restorative case, and restorative full mouth rehabilitation, per the press release.

“We wanted to develop a contest that was created by clinicians, for clinicians,” Dr Amanda Seay, President-elect of AACD and Clinical Director of Seattle Study Club, said in the press release. “The AACD and Seattle Study Club have always held comprehensive dentistry in the highest regard and this search for the best dentist in the world will reflect that, plus it will be a lot of fun!”

The Best Case Wins Challenge recognizes 4 different case categories. Image credit: © Seattle Study Club

The Best Case Wins Challenge is designed to empower dentists not only to spotlight their clinical work but to also engage in collaborative, engaging peer-to-peer conversations. Submissions will be reviewed by Seattle Study Club clinicians and AACD Examiners, and finalists will compete in head-to-head challenges. Voting will be conducted anonymously by fellow dentists to ensure the best clinical work is recognized. Winners will be announced at the Seattle Study Club Symposium, January 22-25, 2025.

Each of the 4 winners will receive a prize package valued at over $12,500. For more information and to submit your entry, 

Dentists will have the opportunity to be crowned the best in 4 different case categories, including implant restorative, crown lengthening, ortho restorative, and full mouth rehabilitation.


Seattle Study Club & American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry Launch Global Search for Top Dentist

Oclean Announces Artificial Intelligence-Integrated Electric Toothbrushes. Image credit: © Oclean


Oral care brand Oclean has announced the X Ultra, an artificial intelligence (AI)-integrated toothbrush. Coming in 2 forms, the Oclean X Ultra WiFi Smart Sonic Toothbrush and the Oclean X Lite Electric Toothbrush, this new line harnesses the power of AI to provide guidance for users. The AI voice guide acts in real time to assess the pressure of the brush and inform users if they are brushing too hard or too fast. This is all made possible by bone conduction technology, according to a press release from Oclean.

The X Ultra leverages WiFi to connect the brush to an app on the user’s phone, which allows them to track brushing progress and patterns. These insights can allow the AI to craft suggestions for users to brush better. Another tool in the X Ultra’s arsenal is its smart touchscreen, that can show users if they’ve missed any areas culminating in a brushing score that can also enable better brushing in the future.

“People typically only get insights into their brushing habits when they visit the dentist every 6 months. We’re using the latest technology to improve people’s oral care and make it fun,” Oclean CEO Suring Liu said in the press release. “Through integrative AI technology, we’re offering users access to groundbreaking innovations that give them advanced insights into their oral health and oral care routines.”

The brush has 6 different modes, a Maglev 3.0 motor that is said to deliver 84,000 movements per minute, and reportedly a 40-day battery life.

Alternatively, the Oclean X Lite contains the insight functionality without the need to connect to the app. It harbors a smart screen that can both allow users to switch brushing modes as well as view their brushing diagram. Oclean X Lite has a Maglev motor that is said to deliver 72,000 movements per minute and 5 brushing modes. This brush will reportedly be available in October 2024.

To learn more about the X Ultra or the X Lite, visit the 

These toothbrushes harness the power of artificial intelligence to tell the user when they’re brushing too hard or too fast as well as if they've missed an area, enabling better home care. 

Oclean Announces Artificial Intelligence-Integrated Electric Toothbrushes

Addressing the Mental-Oral Health Link for Veterans. Image credit: © Aspen Dental


Lack of access to dental care is a problem for many Americans–over 68 million, or nearly 26%, of American adults do not have dental insurance.

While that number is shocking, the problem is even more pronounced in the veteran population. Eighty-five percent of veterans are ineligible for dental coverage through the Veterans Affairs (VA), making lack of access to dental care a significant and devastatingly common issue for those who have served our country.

When veterans can access dental care, they often have unique needs. Mental health conditions that are prevalent among veterans, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), can have oral health ramifications that dental professionals should be aware of as they design treatment plans.

I am a veteran myself, having served in the United States Air Force. I care deeply about providing the highest level of care for all my patients, and I recognize the importance of being attuned to the specific oral health needs of veterans.

Veterans Have Poorer Oral Health than Nonveterans

On average, veterans have poorer oral health than the nonveteran population. In a recent study, over half (56%) of veterans had a higher than average Decayed, Missing, Filled Teeth score–compared to 37% of nonveterans in the study. Additionally, approximately 42% of veterans experienced periodontal conditions such as gum issues or bone loss, compared to 27% of nonveterans.

 Further, when asked to describe their oral health, 40% of veterans answered ‘fair’ or ‘poor.’

In my practice, I’ve seen the disparity between veteran and nonveteran oral health firsthand. Many veterans who come to my practice suffer from inflammation of the gums, tooth decay, and severe plaque buildup due to lack of oral health care access.

One patient, who I’ll call John, provides a shocking example of the consequences of lack of dental care access for veterans. John sought treatment at a VA clinic, and the care providers removed John’s teeth so he could have dentures made. After having his teeth removed, he was told to wait 6 months, then come back to the clinic to have his dentures produced and fit. During those 6 months, the funding for the VA was cut, and by the time John was supposed to have his dentures made, he was told he was no longer eligible to receive them. John came into our practice on our Day of Service, during which we treat veteran patients free of charge, and we were flabbergasted that he’d had to endure six months of no teeth, only to find out he could not receive the dentures he was promised. We were able to make him a set of dentures on the spot, which dramatically improved his oral health and gave him his smile back.

Although John’s story has a happy ending, what happened to him is an unfortunately common occurrence for veterans seeking dental care within the VA.

Mental Health Plays a Role in Oral Health

In addition to compounded oral health problems due to lack of access to care, veterans have another factor affecting their overall well-being: mental health.

During their service, veterans face a litany of terrifying and life-threatening situations that can lead to PTSD. A recent study found that the prevalence of PTSD among veterans at some point in their lives differs by service era. World War II and Korean War veterans had the lowest prevalence at 3%, while Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom veterans had the highest, at 29%.

There is a strong but often overlooked relationship between mental and oral health.

 Poor mental health can lead to neglect of regular dental care, which can lead to tooth decay, periodontal disease, and oral pain. Additionally, the state of your teeth can give clues about your mental health, revealing factors such as your anxiety levels or any eating issues.

PTSD has Specific Effects on Dental Health

For veterans dealing with PTSD, there are specific oral health problems that can arise, including a higher likelihood of orofacial pain as well as difficulty with chewing.

 Further, PTSD can lead to bruxism, which is involuntary teeth grinding. Grinding the teeth can cause enamel wear and additional jaw pain. Finally, PTSD can increase susceptibility to gingivitis, tooth plaque, and gum disease.

If a patient is managing his or her PTSD with antidepressants or other medications, there are additional factors to consider. Medications like these can lead to dry mouth as a side effect. This can be especially detrimental to oral health because saliva is necessary for flushing out food particles, aiding in swallowing, and delivering tooth-strengthening minerals like phosphate and calcium. As a result, dry mouth, which can seem innocuous, can have considerable consequences, from tooth decay to fungal infections.

Providing the Highest Quality Care to Veterans

So many veterans who come into one of my offices suffer from severe dental health issues that arise from the lack of access to proper care. Short of increasing care access, which would have the biggest impact on veterans’ oral health, there are several issues I address with my veteran patients to improve their dental health. Firstly, I always encourage daily brushing and flossing for all patients, but it’s especially important for those who can’t regularly visit a dentist. Secondly, I discuss my patients’ medications, such as antidepressants, which could be causing dry mouth and leading to other oral issues. Finally, I try to address the connection between mental and oral health, because I want to be sure I am providing the most comprehensive care for my patients.

As a veteran, I try to be especially sensitive to the oral health needs of my fellow servicemen and women. Across my 7 Aspen Dental® offices, nearly every staff member participates in our annual Day of Service, during which we provide free, comprehensive care to veterans. This Day has become something we all look forward to, because everybody feels it’s very important to be able to give back to their communities and take care of the veterans who served our country.

The American Institute of Dental Public Health and CareQuest Institute for Oral Health. Veteran Oral Health: Expanding Access and Equity. Boston, MA: December 2021. doi;10.35565/CQI.2021.2041

Vetsmile Experience. VA Center for Care and Payment Innovation. Accessed May 29, 2024. www.innovation.va.gov/careandpayment/VETSmile/veteran-need.html#:~:text=42%25%20of%20Veterans%20reported%20having,health%20as%20fair%20or%20poor

How Common Is PTSD in Veterans? U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Published July 24, 2028. Accessed May 29, 2024. www.ptsd.va.gov/understand/common/common_veterans.asp#:~:text=These%20types%20of%20events%20can,have%20PTSD%20in%20their%20lifetime

Kisely S, Baghaie H, Lalloo R, Siskind D, Johnson NW. A systematic review and meta-analysis of the association between poor oral health and severe mental illness. 

. 2015;77(1):83-92. doi:10.1097/PSY.0000000000000135

De Oliveira S, Ana C, et al. “Impact of post-traumatic stress disorder on oral health.” 

, vol. 219, Sept. 2017, pp. 126–132. doi:10.1016/j.jad.2017.05.033

Dry Mouth. National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Published November 2023. Accessed May 29, 2024. www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/dry-mouth#:~:text=Dry%20mouth%20can%20happen%20to,keep%20harmful%20germs%20in%20check

Military veterans have specific mental and oral health needs that clinicians should consider when employing care. United States Air Force veteran and dentist Jere Gillan, DMD, provides insight on this topic. 

Addressing the Mental-Oral Health Link for Veterans

AnatotempSC Partnering with Ditron Dental to Enhance Digital Dental Implant Workflows with 3Shape and Exocad Software | Image Credit: © Anatotemp

A new strategic partnership with Ditron Dental USA is allowing AnatotempSC® to offer a comprehensive digital clinical and laboratory implant workflow that leverages 3Shape and Exocad software.

AnatotempSC is known for its innovative anatomic healing abutment and scan body, and with this new collaboration looks to simplify digital implant workflows. Using the AnatotempSC significantly streamlines the restoration process, saving 4 restorative steps and eliminating one appointment for the restoring clinician.

Once placed during implant surgery, the AnatotempSC can remain in place until the final prosthesis is placed, enhancing efficiency and reducing patient visits, the company states.

AnatotempSC is compatible with numerous implant system connections, and utilizing its digital workflow within 3Shape and Exocad laboratory software is said to deliver a seamless process to create custom abutments. Now, with the integration of Ditron ti-bases and custom abutment blanks, the AnatotempSC digital workflow is enhanced and more versatile.

"The dental laboratory digital workflow has become even easier with the inclusion of Ditron ti-bases and custom abutment blanks within 3Shape and Exocad software," Terry B. Philibin, DDS, MS, MBA, president and CEO of Anatotemp, says in a press release.

The Anatotemp Anatomic Dental Implant Healing Abutment is designed to replace the conventional, round healing abutment, and all Anatotemps are provided sterile with a titanium abutment screw, the company states.

With the integration of Ditron ti-bases and custom abutment blanks, the AnatotempSC digital workflow becomes enhanced and more versatile.

AnatotempSC Partnering with Ditron Dental to Enhance Digital Dental Implant Workflows with 3Shape and Exocad Software

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 (

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Imagine finishing a long day at the dental office without that familiar ache in your back or the nagging stiffness in your neck. As dental hygienists, we often accept discomfort as part of the job, but it doesn’t have to be this way. What if I told you that a few simple stretches in your operatory could transform your daily work experience and significantly improve your spinal health?

In our profession, we spend countless hours in static positions, leaning over patients, and performing repetitive tasks that take a toll on our backs. Over time, this can lead to chronic pain and even serious issues. But there’s good news—by incorporating regular stretching into your daily routine, you can enhance your flexibility, reduce muscle tension, and promote a healthy spine.

Beyond stretching, dental professionals can stay healthy at work through ergonomics, maintaining good posture, stress management, and prioritizing rest and self-care. However, in this article, we’ll focus specifically on chairside stretches. Research shows that yoga, combined with stretches and breathing practices, is particularly effective in supporting pain prevention, aiding injury recovery, improving posture, and reducing stress. Studies have demonstrated that yoga can reduce chronic lower back pain, enhance spinal flexibility, and promote better overall alignment.¹⁻⁴ The mindfulness aspect of yoga also helps in managing stress and anxiety, which are common in high-pressure work environments like dentistry.⁵⁻⁸

This article will explore 5 essential chairside stretches specifically designed for dental hygienists. These stretches are easy to perform, require no special equipment, and can be done in just a few minutes throughout your workday. Let’s dive into these practical solutions for a pain-free, healthier back and discover how small changes can make a big difference in your well-being and career longevity.

This dynamic stretch improves flexibility and mobility throughout the spine. It releases tension in the neck, shoulders, and back, promoting better posture and reducing the risk of musculoskeletal disorders.

1. Sit on the edge of your chair, your feet flat on the ground and your spine long.

3. Inhale, arch your back, open your chest, and look up (Cow Pose).

4. Exhale, round your spine, hug your belly in and tuck your chin to your chest (Cat Pose).

5. Continue this movement intentionally, repeating for 5-10 breaths.

The Seated Cat-Cow Stretch enhances spinal coordination and increases cerebrospinal fluid flow, improving focus and mental clarity.

This stretch targets the lower back, hamstrings, hips, and shoulders. It helps relieve tension and promote relaxation, reducing stress and improving comfort during long work hours.

1. Sit on the edge of your chair with feet hip-width apart and flat on the ground.

2. Inhale, lengthen your spine, and open your chest.

3. Exhale, fold forward so your torso rests near your thighs, sliding your hands toward the floor or your feet.

4. Stay 5-10 breaths, relaxing your head and shoulders, then slowly rise back on an inhale.

Seated Forward Bends promotes better digestion by stimulating the abdominal organs and helps calm the mind, reducing anxiety.

This pose increases spinal mobility and flexibility, alleviating lower back pain. It aids digestion by stimulating the abdominal organs and improves posture.

1. Sit upright with feet flat on the ground and spine long.

2. Inhale, lengthen your spine, and relax your shoulders.

3. Exhale, twist to the right, look over your shoulder, and place your right hand on the back of the chair and your left hand on your knee.

S4. tay 5-10 breaths, focusing on lengthening the spine and deepening the twist without pushing or pulling, then switch sides.

The Seated Spinal Twist helps detoxify the body by encouraging blood flow, enhancing energy levels, and reducing fatigue.

This stretch targets the obliques and intercostal muscles, increasing spine flexibility and promoting better posture. It alleviates tension in the shoulders and upper back.

1. Sit upright with feet flat on the ground.

2. Place your right hand on the side of the chair.

3. Inhale, reach your left arm overhead, relaxing your left shoulder.

4. Exhale, lean to the right, feeling a stretch along your left side.

5. Stay for 5-10 breaths, then switch sides.

The Seated Side Stretch improves respiratory function by expanding the ribcage and increasing lung capacity, enhancing energy levels, and reducing fatigue.

This pose opens the hips and stretches the glutes and lower back, relieving sciatic pain and tension. It improves hip flexibility, enhances overall mobility, and reduces lower back tension.

These chairside solutions for dental hygienists can lead to a healthy spine, fewer aches and pains, better posture, and more energy to thrive in and out of the office.