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 (

Optimizing Ergonomics: A Guide to Creating a Healthy Work Environment for Dental Hygienists. Image credit: © endostock – stock.adobe.com


In recent years, ergonomics has emerged as a crucial concept in the dental industry. This science and study of our work examines the individual, their environment, and the tools and equipment used. Many dental professionals grapple with chronic and acute work-related pain. Ergonomics offers a viable solution. By focusing on the posture and movements of the clinician, ergonomics can significantly improve the health and well-being of dental professionals, making it an extremely relevant and important topic in our profession.

Studies show that 97% of dental professionals experience pain in their careers.¹

² While many factors contribute to pain and injury in dentistry, ergonomics plays a significant role. Maintaining proper posture throughout the day can be challenging for dental professionals, who often sit in awkward positions with their heads down. The dynamic nature of dental work –involving the practitioner, the patient, the chairs, and various equipment – adds complexity to maintaining good ergonomic practices. In this article, we’ll explore the main elements necessary for proper ergonomics and, thus, improved health and well-being for dental professionals.

Our posture is the cornerstone of ergonomics. As dental professionals, establishing proper posture is the first and most crucial step. Posture, or what we commonly refer to as neutral posture, occurs when our body is in alignment. Our body functions optimally in this state, utilizing and requiring less energy to perform tasks and reducing the recovery time needed afterward.

Here are a few key points for achieving a neutral sitting posture:

Sit tall, maintaining the natural curves of the spine.

Roll shoulders down the back for an open-hearted feeling in the chest.

Maintain elbows by your side at a 90-degree angle (give or take 5-10°).

Keep wrists neutral (not bending forward or pinching back)

Ensure hips are even—both side to side and front to back.

Hips are higher than knees, depending on saddle stools vs operator chairs.

Align hips, knees, and heels, keeping legs and feet symmetrical.

While sitting for extended periods is not ideal for the body, dental professionals can mitigate its adverse effects by paying attention to how they sit, how often they sit, and how they rebalance their bodies from sitting and potentially awkward positions. Clinicians should be aware of their go-to habits and maintain a neutral posture as much as possible.

If someone sits most of the day, it’s essential to take breaks: get up, stretch, walk around, drink water, go to the bathroom, etc. Additionally, alternating between sitting and standing while treating patients can help alleviate strain on the body and works well for some clinicians. Regardless of the position chosen, practitioners should prioritize finding a neutral posture before adjusting other elements in their workspace (such as the patient, patient chair, and equipment).

Once a neutral posture is established, it’s crucial to understand how to position yourself and the patient. To help maintain a neutral posture, clinicians should work from 9 to 12 o’clock (or the opposite for left-handed clinicians). When clinicians work from a 7 to 8 o’clock position, they may experience torso twisting, so it’s necessary to align the head, shoulders, and hips with the patient. Framing the patient and workspace is essential to stay balanced and reduce the risk of injury.

Next up: patient positioning. While every patient is different, clinicians should get used to adjusting the patient chair and headrest to help support better visibility while also utilizing cushions and asking their patients to help. By taking the time to change the patient's chair, the practitioner can remain neutral and reduce the risk of developing an MSD, pain, and fatigue. When working on the maxillary arch, the patient will be supine with the headrest tilted slightly back to help lift the chin and give better access. When treating the mandibular arch, the patient will be semi-supine, with the headrest tilted forward, allowing the chin to tuck slightly. Pillows and cushions can be used behind the patient's neck or lower back for better comfort and visibility. Clinicians can also use verbal cues to guide their patients into a better position by lifting/lowering their heads or turning side to side to help reduce reaching, leaning, or twisting to see better.

While certain patients may present with limitations that don’t allow ideal positioning, clinicians should aim for good ergonomics at least 80% of the time. In challenging cases, practitioners should prioritize their ergonomic practices while considering alternative strategies to accommodate patients with mobility issues or other limitations.

Ergonomics aims to support the user. Ideally, clinicians should ensure that everything they use throughout the appointment is within arms reach, including the air/water, suction, instruments, handpiece, and easy access to the computer for charting. While common, rear delivery systems may pose challenges as clinicians must twist behind them to access equipment and instruments. However, there are strategies to optimize the workspace regardless of the current setup. Swivel trays stands, or carts can improve accessibility and reduce strain on the body, allowing dental professionals to perform their tasks effectively while prioritizing their health. Practitioners should evaluate and organize their workspace to support their bodies.

Maximizing Tools, Instruments, and Equipment

Hand pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and tennis elbow are common among hygienists. Our tools and equipment become extremely important because we use our hands so much. That’s why choosing the right tools, instruments, and equipment is essential for achieving ergonomic mastery in dentistry. When it comes to instruments, we want lightweight, balanced on both sides and easy-to-maneuver instruments with a wide textured grip to help reduce strain on the hand and forearm. Paradise Dental Technologies (PDT), HuFriendy’s Harmony series, and American Eagle sharpen-free instruments are great options. For optimal ergonomics, instruments are maintained well and in excellent condition.

Did you know that a handpiece cord can weigh up to 20 pounds? Think about the force needed to grip that handpiece while polishing. Heavy handpieces and cords can cause the muscles throughout the hand, arm, and shoulder to overwork. This strain, over time, can lead to pain, an injury, or MSD for dental hygienists. Because the handpieces and corresponding cords we use can add or reduce strain on the body, we want lightweight and easy-to-manage equipment. Innovative cordless handpiece options by companies like Young Innovations and Pac-Dent provide additional flexibility and freedom of movement compared to some corded options.

There are many options for dental hygienists who struggle with suctioning during appointments. Holding the suction can become problematic because of the force used to grip it and hold it in place. Devices for low-speed suctioning, like the Pink Petal by Zirc and ReLeaf, and high-speed evaluation, like the ErgoFinger and VacuVUE, are great options for practitioners who want to reduce the strain of slow-speed suction. These options offer various solutions, depending on the practitioner's needs.

Prioritizing ergonomics in the dental workplace is essential for promoting the health and well-being of dental professionals. By focusing on proper posture, positioning, workspace optimization, and the selection of ergonomic tools and equipment, dental hygienists can mitigate the risk of work-related pain and injury while enhancing the quality of patient care. While challenges inevitably arise with patients with unique needs or limitations, practitioners can protect themselves by implementing proper ergonomic principles.

By embracing ergonomics, dental hygienists create a healthy work environment that supports longevity and sustainability in their health and careers.

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

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

Saccucci M, Zumbo G, Mercuri P, et al. Musculoskeletal disorders related to dental hygienist profession. 

. 2022;20(3):571-579. doi:10.1111/idh.12596

Articles

Dental professionals can find value in putting ergonomics at the forefront, saving their physical bodies and the longevity of their practice.

Optimizing Ergonomics: A Guide to Creating a Healthy Work Environment for Dental Hygienists

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 – June 28, 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 National Dentex Labs, VITA, Overjet, Ray America, Buffalo Dental Manufacturing, and Practice by Numbers.

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

First up, we have exciting news from NDX. They’ve just launched NDX Aligners, an innovative aligner solution aimed at enhancing teeth straightening services in dental practices. Utilizing advanced materials like Zendura® FLX, these aligners promise clarity, stain resistance, and comfort thanks to their unique 3-layer construction. This design ensures optimal force retention, potentially reducing pain while still achieving desired tooth movements. NDX is also offering comprehensive support from a team of clinicians and orthodontists, ensuring precise and predictable outcomes. An internal study of over 3500 cases showed that two out of three did not require refinements at the end of treatment, highlighting a significant reduction in production time. Plus, their Doctor Portal streamlines case submission with high-resolution 3D viewers and guided treatment setup.

Moving on, VITA has expanded its VITA AMBRIA® tooth portfolio with the new MO pellets. These zirconia-reinforced lithium disilicate ceramics offer brilliant surface quality and true-to-shade results. Now available in 16 VITA classical A1-D4® shades and 29 VITA SYSTEM 3D-MASTER® shades, the new medium opacity pellet shades—MO-0, MO-1, and MO-2—provide natural effects with full coverage. This makes them ideal for veneers and crowns, especially in cases requiring reliable masking of discolored dies or titanium abutments. VITA AMBRIA promises impressive shade fidelity, easy polishing, and finishing for optimal esthetic restorations.

In the realm of dental education, Overjet has launched Overjet for Educators, an AI tool designed to train future dental professionals. This FDA-cleared technology, already in use by clinicians, enhances decision-making by analyzing x-rays and annotating them with precise, colorful details. Overjet is the only FDA-cleared AI for detecting, outlining, and quantifying oral diseases in x-rays, making it a valuable tool for educators to demonstrate pathologies and restorations.

For those focused on same-day ceramic restorations, the new RAYMILL C chairside milling machine is a game-changer. With advanced dual grinding technology, it offers top-quality patient fittings quickly and efficiently. Compact and quiet, the RAYMILL C doesn’t require a separate compressor or direct water supply, making it versatile for any dental practice. Its high-frequency spindle and diamond-coated materials ensure accurate results within 10 microns. The machine’s user-friendly interface guides users through maintenance procedures, while the Status Check Function keeps track of bur, water, and filter replacements. You can expect a natural-looking prosthetic in 60 minutes or less, from scan to seating.

Buffalo Dental has introduced a 3-tool bench system for precise fabrication of custom oral appliances. The system includes the ThermaKnife for trimming digital prosthetics and trays, the ThermaPlier for dimple aligners, and the V-35 Electric Handpiece for cutting and grinding. This integrated system offers ergonomic design, adjustable temperature control, and multi-speed options, ensuring smooth and powerful performance for various cutting needs.

Lastly, Practice by Numbers has launched its latest software solution, the Practice by Numbers Patient Portal. This new feature aims to streamline patient communications, providing access to forms, payments, appointments, and more. By keeping patients informed and engaged, this portal enhances the relationship between patients and dental practices.

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 products from National Dentex Labs, VITA North America, Overjet, Ray America, Buffalo Dental Manufacturing, and Practice by Numbers.

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.  

Productive Dentist Academy’s Alliance Partner Program Features Several Leading Dental Service Providers | Image Credit: © Productive Dentist Academy

Productive Dentist Academy (PDA) has announced a new Alliance Partner Program, a partnership with several innovative companies dedicated to advancing dental practice productivity and patient care.

These collaborations signify the dental practice management and coaching company’s commitment to providing dental professionals with comprehensive tools and solutions to enhance financial management, improve patient outcomes, streamline operations, and ensure overall practice growth.

"Our mission at PDA has always been to help dental practices become more productive while enhancing the quality of care they provide,” PDA Co-founder & CEO Victoria Peterson says in a press release. “By closely partnering with these forward-thinking companies, we are equipping our clients with the best tools and resources available in the industry. This is a significant step towards transforming how Investment Grade Practices™ operate and thrive.”

“Top-producing dentists rely on a team of advisors and build close relationships with industry partners,” says PDA Co-founder & host of the award-winning 

, Dr. Bruce B. Baird. “PDA Vice President of Partner Services Sandy Porrit has done an amazing job of aligning our core values with like-minded partners.”

The PDA Alliance Partner Program provides customized options at 3 levels of participation: Celebration level, Relationship Level, and Welcome Level. Each level is designed to help service providers and dental professionals build successful relationships through consistent exposure that spans far beyond a single live meeting or one-time marketing channel, the academy states.

“These partnerships are carefully selected to cover every aspect of a dental practice's needs, from financial management to patient care and technology optimization,” PDA Chief Communications Officer Regan Robertson adds in the press release. “We believe that by integrating these services, our clients will see significant improvements in their operations and patient satisfaction.”

This year, PDA’s Alliance Partners include:


AcceptCare elevates dental case acceptance rates up to 70 percent through an innovative fee presentation and range of payment plans that ensure patients say “Yes” to the necessary care without financial strain. Its user-friendly platform allows your dental practice to seamlessly integrate financing options into your services, enhancing your patients’ satisfaction and retention.


Providing commission-free, comprehensive, and personalized advice on practice finances, retirement planning, and wealth management, Dentist Advisors help dental professionals achieve their financial goals and secure their future.

Connect is a fast-growing job connection platform that helps practice owners hire the right associates, unlocking clinical freedom and improving work-life balance. Their platform allows you to create a listing, search through resumes, and start connecting with more than 4,000 job seekers.


Five Lakes provides full-service credentialing for PPO plans across the country. Its MarketPlace Solutions offer all the insights dentists need, whether you are starting a new practice, growing through acquisition, merging with another business or evaluating potential new locations. Users can develop a Marketplace Analysis Solution specifically designed to help them understand market opportunities for their practice and drive insurance participation decisions.

Mango Voice is a cloud-based phone system designed for dental practices that offers exceptional customer support and seamless dental software integrations. Because Mango is cloud-based, it provides dentists flexibility by enabling access from anywhere, eliminating the need for traditional on-premises systems. Mango Voice also integrates with popular dental software to enhance practice efficiency, workflows, and allows for an improved overall patient experience.


Specializing in comprehensive IT services for dental practices, including network security, data backup, HIPAA compliance, and IT support, Medix Dental IT ensures practices optimize technology infrastructure, reduce downtime, and improve patient care.


Overjet AI leverages artificial intelligence to revolutionize dental diagnostics and treatment planning, enhance clinical decision-making, improve patient outcomes, and streamline workflows within dental practices.


Perio Protect offers dental practices a non-invasive treatment solution for gum disease through their customized Perio Tray® system.


Professional Transition Strategies specializes in assisting clinicians with the sale, merger, or acquisition of their dental practices. Their team provides comprehensive support throughout the transition process, including practice valuations, marketing, and negotiation.


Providing accounting and financial advisory services tailored for dental practices, including bookkeeping, tax planning, financial reporting, and practice management consulting, ProFi 20/20 is designed to help optimize practices’ financial performance and achieve long-term success.


Support DDS provides dental practices with high-quality, cost-effective outsourcing solutions for administrative and clinical support. Their services include dental billing, insurance verification, scheduling, and patient communication.


CariFree provides dental practices with innovative dental products and professional treatments, including pH-neutralizing rinses, gels, and toothpastes, designed to help patients prevent and manage dental caries and maintain a balanced oral environment.


By providing comprehensive dental billing and insurance claim services, E-Assist Dental Solutions helps practices streamline their operations, manage claims, improve revenue, and focus on patient care.

Financially Led (formerly Cash Flow Coach):


Financially Led — formerly Cash Flow Coach — offers personalized financial coaching and consulting services tailored to help dental professionals manage cash flow, reduce debt, and increase profitability.


Smile Advantage is a dental membership plan that provides the tools and support necessary for practices to offer affordable, in-house dental plans to their patients, improving patient retention and revenue.


An exclusive membership for female dental practice owners, offering resources for personal and professional growth. The Mint Door offers members access to workshops, masterminds, and wellness programs designed to address the unique challenges faced by women in dentistry.


Tasty Clean offers dental practices a convenient, all-natural cleaning spray for oral appliances, such as retainers, mouth guards, and toothbrushes, helping patients promote hygiene with safe, food-grade ingredients.

“Our goal is to provide dental practices with the tools they need to not only survive but thrive in today's competitive environment,” adds PDA’s Porritt. “These partnerships align perfectly with our vision of supporting dental professionals in delivering exceptional care while growing their businesses.”

will host its 20th Productive Dentist Academy Conference, Sept. 12-14, 2024, in Texas.

Strategic partnerships aligned to provide dentists and staff with tools to enhance practice productivity and patient care.

 Productive Dentist Academy’s Alliance Partner Program Features Several Leading Dental Service Providers

VITA EXCELLENCE AWARD Winner Will Get a Free Trip to IDS 2025 | Image Credit: © VITA

VITA is celebrating its 100-year anniversary with the VITA EXCELLENCE AWARD 2025, and the winner of the competition will receive a trip to IDS 2025 and an Apple iPad Pro.The focus of the 2025 award is outstanding patient cases using the company’s leucite-enhanced, glass-ceramic veneering ceramic VITA LUMEX

To be considered, patient cases and all required documentation must be submitted by November 15, 2024 to excellenceaward@vita-zahnfabrik.com. A jury will evaluate the patient cases using the following criteria: esthetics, function, documentation and preparation work, the company states. The winner will receive an invitation to IDS 2025 in Cologne, Germany, including travel costs, hotel accommodation and breakfast, plus a brand new 12.9-inch Apple iPad Pro. Additionally, the winner will also have the opportunity to present their patient case live at IDS 2025 to a professional audience.

Additional information, along with the eligibility requirements are available online at

The VITA LUMEX AC glass-ceramic veneering system features an innovative material formula for vivid and reliable results with shade accuracy and includes GINGIVA, OPAQUE, OPAQUE DENTINE, DENTINE and ENAMEL materials, as well as several effect materials (e.g., OPAL TRANSLUCENT, FLUO INTENSE and more).

VITA pioneered the field of tooth shade determination with the development of the world-renowned VITA classical®A1-D4 shade guide and its proprietary VITA SYSTEM 3D-MASTER®, the first and only system of its kind that covers the complete range of natural tooth shades.

Patient cases are now being accepted for the 2025 award with a focus on great results using the company’s VITA LUMEX® AC.

VITA EXCELLENCE AWARD Winner Will Get a Free Trip to IDS 2025

Yapi Adds Dental Insurance Verification to Yapi Leap. Image credit: © Yapi

Software manufacturer Yapi has announced a new Dental Insurance Verification feature for its Yapi Leap platform. This new feature verifies patient insurance eligibility, cutting out the time taken by the clinician or front office staff who would previously have to use an outside source to verify this information. Over 200 insurance providers are verifiable through this new feature, according to a press release from Yapi.

Other features introduced with Insurance Verification are rapid eligibility checks, which provide a single-click solution to verify eligibility; detailed benefits summaries that demonstrate both in-network and out-of-network coverage details like deductibles and other insights; plan usage, to monitor coverage used and coverage remaining per patient/family; and error detection, which can monitor if a policy term is expired or if there are any discrepancies.

The Dental Insurance Verification integrates directly into Yapi Leap and aims to boost revenue and optimize insurance processes in the front office, according to Yapi Chief Revenue Officer Kevin Keller.

“Verifying insurance coverages for patients has always been a dreaded activity for the office staff. Long wait times with carriers, inaccurate coverage results from other tools, lack of broad network coverage of providers, etc., have made these tasks undesirable for our clients,” Keller said in the press release. “With this release, we’ve received tremendous feedback from clients about how quickly the verification is confirmed, in seconds, and the level of detail they received on coverages for that patient’s specific plan.”

This new feature is available now in Yapi Leap. To learn more, visit the 

Dental Insurance Verification is now available directly through Yapi Leap, streamlining insurance verification processes and optimizing office efficiency.

Yapi Adds Dental Insurance Verification to Yapi Leap

 (BMWS) with 7 years of experience specializing in biomedical waste management.

Are We Doing Enough to Manage Biomedical Waste in Our Dental Practices? Image credit: © tong2530 – stock.adobe.com


Every day, dental practices across the nation face the challenge of managing the waste they generate. Unlike ordinary business waste, the byproducts of dental procedures can pose significant health risks. This necessitates stringent management and disposal strategies to ensure patient safety, staff welfare, and environmental protection. The stakes are particularly high in the realm of biomedical waste, where the risk of contamination and infection is a constant threat. How can dental practices improve their waste segregation to meet these challenges effectively? This article delves into the best practices for effective biomedical waste segregation in dental offices, focusing on streamlined processes that ensure safety and compliance.

The Importance of Effective Biomedical Waste Segregation

Biomedical waste, if not properly managed, can become a conduit for disease. It encompasses any waste containing infectious (or potentially infectious) materials, such as blood-soaked bandages, discarded surgical gloves, and other materials contaminated with bodily fluids. In dental practices, where exposure to human blood and saliva is routine, effective waste segregation isn't just a regulatory requirement—it's a critical safeguard for health. By understanding and implementing rigorous segregation strategies, dental practices can significantly reduce the risk of cross-contamination, protecting both healthcare workers and patients alike.

Implementing a Standardized Color-Coded System

One of the most effective ways to ensure proper segregation of biomedical waste is through the implementation of a 

. This method, widely recognized by regulatory bodies such as the WHO and OSHA, involves the use of different colored bags and containers to distinguish between types of waste. For example, sharps such as used needles and scalpel blades should be disposed of in puncture-resistant containers, typically marked with a red or yellow color. Other potentially infectious materials, like gauze and cotton swabs soaked in bodily fluids, should be disposed of in bags marked with a red color to signal hazardous content.

Implementing this system requires training and consistent practice. Staff should be regularly trained not only on the use of this system but also on the reasons why it is important, ensuring compliance and reinforcing safety protocols. Additionally, clear signage and easily accessible containers are crucial to minimizing errors in waste disposal. Regular audits and feedback sessions can help maintain high standards and address any areas of confusion.

Strategic Placement of Disposal Containers

The placement of disposal containers within a dental practice plays a pivotal role in the effectiveness of waste segregation. Containers for 

 should be conveniently located near the point of waste generation but also in a manner that does not interfere with the movement and functionality of the clinic. For example, sharp disposal containers should be placed close to dental chairs to ensure immediate disposal after use, reducing the risk of injury and contamination.

Furthermore, each area of the practice should be equipped with appropriate containers for non-sharp biomedical waste, such as gloves and masks, ensuring they are easily accessible without cluttering the workspace. The strategic placement not only aids in effective waste management but also enhances the overall efficiency of the dental practice’s operations.

Comprehensive Training Programs for Staff

Effective biomedical waste management begins with comprehensive education and training for all staff members. Dental practices must invest in regular training sessions to ensure that every employee, from the dental hygienists to the administrative staff, understands the importance of waste segregation and the specific procedures to follow. These programs should cover the different types of waste generated in a dental office, the potential risks associated with improper handling, and the detailed use of the color-coded system. Interactive sessions, including quizzes and practical demonstrations, can enhance engagement and retention of the information.

CDC’s guidelines on infection control in dental settings

 provide an authoritative basis for these training programs. Additionally, online courses from recognized health organizations can be invaluable, offering staff the flexibility to learn at their own pace while staying updated on the latest practices and regulations.

Compliance with local, state, and federal regulations is crucial for any dental practice managing biomedical waste. In the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) set forth specific guidelines that must be followed. These regulations ensure that biomedical waste is handled, stored, transported, and disposed of in a manner that minimizes potential harm to public health and the environment.

Dental practices should conduct regular reviews of their compliance status with these regulations and adjust their waste management practices as necessary. This might include updating disposal protocols, re-evaluating the effectiveness of current waste handling procedures, and ensuring that all waste disposal records are accurately maintained. The 

 offers resources and updates on relevant regulations, which can be an excellent reference point for ensuring compliance.

Leveraging Technology in Waste Management

Technology plays a pivotal role in enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of biomedical waste management in dental practices. Innovations such as touch-free disposal containers and automated waste tracking systems not only improve safety but also streamline the overall waste management process. For instance, smart bins equipped with sensors can alert staff when containers are nearly full, ensuring timely disposal and preventing overflow.

 can provide detailed insights into the types and quantities of waste being generated, which can help in refining waste reduction strategies and compliance reporting. These technological solutions not only support better waste management practices but also contribute to a more sustainable operation by minimizing the environmental impact of waste disposal.

Sustainability should be a core value in the management of biomedical waste in dental practices. This involves not just compliance with regulations and efficient waste handling, but also adopting practices that reduce waste generation. For example, choosing reusable items where safe and feasible, and selecting products with minimal packaging, can significantly reduce the amount of waste produced.

Educating staff about the environmental impact of biomedical waste and encouraging participation in sustainability initiatives can foster a culture of environmental responsibility. Practices can also engage in community education programs to raise awareness about the importance of sustainability in health care settings.

Ensuring Safety and Sustainability in Dental Waste Management

Effective biomedical waste segregation is crucial for maintaining safety, ensuring compliance, and promoting sustainability in dental practices. By adopting a systematic approach that includes the use of a color-coded system, strategic placement of disposal containers, comprehensive staff training, adherence to regulations, and the integration of technology, dental practices can handle biomedical waste more effectively. Building a culture that prioritizes sustainability can further enhance these efforts, benefiting not only the practice but also the community and the environment.

By addressing these key areas, dental practices can establish themselves as leaders in the responsible management of biomedical waste, setting a standard for others in the healthcare industry to follow.

For further reading and resources on sustainable practices in healthcare, the 

 provide additional valuable information.

With all the risks associated with biomedical waste, it's vital for dental practices to dispose of it responsibly while also maintaining best practices. 

Are We Doing Enough to Manage Biomedical Waste in Our Dental Practices?

Clinician and educator Lauren Yasuda Rainey, DDS, joins editorial director Noah Levine to talk about what makes the Thera Family of materials from BISCO great.

Dental Product Insights: BISCO's Thera Family – an Interview with Lauren Yasuda Rainey, DDS

Hello, I'm Noah Levine Editorial Director with Dental Products Report. Today I'm joined by Dr Lauren Yasuda, Rainey. And she's here to talk with us a little bit about some cutting edge materials in the dental industry. Dr. Rainey, thanks so much for joining us.

Hi. Good morning. Thanks so much for having me.

Well, to get started, can you tell everyone who's watching a little bit about yourself and the type of practice you do?

Sure, I'm currently doing a bit of a split schedule. About half of my time is in clinical practice, and the other half of my time is in education. It wasn't always that way. I am a former owner. I owned and operated my own solo practice in Berkeley, California for almost 7 years, and recently relocated to the Pacific Northwest to be closer to some extended family. So currently, I'm an associate. And I think I bring a bit of a unique perspective as a former owner, and not like a soon to be retiree to the practice that I work in. A lot of people that sell tend to be sort of at the end of their sort of clinical years. And that's certainly not me. But I would say in the last decade of my career in the bay, I was treating a mostly retiree population, like 65 Plus demographic. So I saw a lot of worn teeth, broken amalgams, fractured teeth, abfractions, and a pretty heavy focus on direct restorative was my focus there. And in education, I do kind of a mixed bag of stuff. I teach direct restorative techniques, mostly using composite as an alternative for crowns, a little bit about soft tissue management and clinical dentistry, and also a little bit about how to take your practice to a fee for service model. So that is kind of the scope of what I'm working on right now.

Well, that is wonderful. And we really appreciate you taking the time to talk with us. And we did want to talk a little bit about the Thera line of products from BISCO. And I guess to start off, how long have you use these products and kind of what first attracted you to put these into your practice?

Yeah, so the Thera products in particular, I've been using those for a little over a year now. But I've been using products from BISCO since about 2016, 2017. In 2017, a fantastic 20-plus-year, veteran, prosth assistant joined my practice, and she was an absolute wealth of knowledge on materials and materials selection. Having sat chairside, with a fairly prominent prosthodontist in downtown San Francisco. So she's who first introduced me to BISCO. But mostly she had a sense of what products were really lasting for a long time. And, you know, when she started saying, "Hey, you should start using these adhesives and take a look at their product line." That's what like first introduced me to their products in particular. And the Thera line wasn't something that I really knew about, and that was on me, til a little over a year ago. And once I started to really learn more about their benefits, I was diving in headfirst. You know, I've been that solo provider out there. It's easy to get into the habit of doing what you do and using what you use. But having a vested interest now in education that really helps keep me up to date on developments in real life anecdotal evidence, both from like what I'm doing in my educational peers in dental products. So that's the long answer to how I started using their stuff.

Now, they've got a range of products in this line, but with things like TheraCal LC, and TheraBase, and mostly these are, you know, as you mentioned, cements and liners and products that are used beneath restorations. Is that your primary use, kind of what do you you know, go to and how do you decide this is a case where I want to put a Thera product in that mouth?

Yeah, for sure. So, again, my sort of clinical demographic has been a 65 plus crowd and a lot of those teeth are pretty heavily restored even before I even get in there. So I'm reaching for these things if there's deep caries and like lots of exposed dentin. You know, JADA released the recommendations for selective caries removal in July of 2023 as their sort of desired prep design, and that's something I've actually been practicing for some time, so it's nice to see it actually in the literature. You don't always need to go directly into the pulp to remove everything that you can. Leave a little bit of that orange-brown dentin in there, as long as it's, you know, not like mushy, but being able to add something from the Thera line to that affected dentin.

And, you know, obviously, there is no shortage of selection for dentists to pick from when it comes to the materials they're choosing. So why do you think people should be choosing materials that have a calcium and you know, some of these materials also, in some cases, release fluoride as well or recharged fluoride? What is the benefits that patients get? And why should these be considerations for clinicians?

Again, I'm treating a lot of dentition, that's like pretty well, seasoned, maybe we could say. When we're working with teeth that are already had an occlusal, and then they get an MOA, and they get a DO, and now we're either looking at an MOD, or full coverage, or full coverage for the second or third time, I'm gonna throw everything I've got from the science perspective. And I know and I trust that BISCO has their line of scientists, and they are looking at these materials from, you know, the chemical sort of side of things, and I'm looking at it from the clinical side. And if we can marry those two things together, then I know that these products are going to be working with the tooth, and with me, not against it.

So we've talked a little bit about the properties of these products, and the fact that they are helping the teeth restore itself a little bit at the, you know, marginal area where we have a lot of recurrent decay problems with patients, and especially older patients who often have had work done on their teeth. So you know, why are these are the types of products that dental professionals should be looking at, for those situations, and do they have a chance to help prevent further recurrent decay from the for these patients so that they won't have need another restoration, as soon as they might?

Yeah, I think you've nailed it on the head there that these are already teeth that are compromised, by the time I get in there. If we can give the tooth any further chance of inhibiting recurrent decay, and having an alkaline pH is really important for that. And these products, I know do have that alkaline pH. We know now that the bacteria that cause cavities, like a slightly acidic environment. If we can keep that environment, just you know, north of pH neutral and get everything a little bit basic, we know that those bacteria won't really have an opportunity to thrive. So from that perspective, sure, like that will decrease the risk of recurrent decay moving forward. From a clinical perspective, these products are radiopaque. So we can see them on the x-ray. They're very easy to see that there is a very clear demarcation between restoration, cement, and tooth, and we will be able to see those on recalls and be able to kind of like tackle those recurrent areas a little bit sooner, because there's not going to be that question of is that or isn't that cement? Or is that or isn't that restoration? It becomes clear from not only what I'm looking at, but also the hygiene team and the assisting team as well.

Now, two of the products in the Thera line TheraCal LC and TheraBase are both, as the name would apply base liner materials. Not every clinician uses a base or a liner in every case. How would you decide this is a case where I really want to place a base layer beneath the restoration?

That's probably not a great question for me. I don't place a lot of bases to be to be frank, and I'm really finding that the TheraCal LC kind of acts as both of those things. So I'm not reaching for TheraBase as often as I would for TheraCal. If I'm already looking at the dentin looking a little bit blushed a little bit pink, if I'm looking at the radiograph, and I'm kind of like, I know that I'm getting close, that's when I'm saying, "You know what, let's give this tooth every opportunity to heal itself with the materials that we're working with." So I think that's a person to person, clinician to clinician question. I know there's a lot of people out there that just say, "Hey, let's go straight to Endo." I love endodontists. I've worked with a great endodontist before, but I'm not rushing to get in there any sooner than I need to. So for me, it just gives me a little bit of peace of mind. And I can share with our patients that, "Hey, I put a little bit of medicament next to your nerve, it seemed like we might be getting a little close. Call me if you're having some sensitivity, but I I did everything I could today to make sure that you're comfortable." And so a little bit of reassurance for my own heart, but also for our patient's minds goes a long way.

Now, the cement in this product line TheraCem is dual-cure cement. What are some of the advantages you find in working with that type of cement product?

So, a lot of providers are using it. There's more zirconia now than, you know, 10,15 years ago. And one of the benefits of the TheraCem is that it's self adhesive. Also calcium releasing, and a cement that contains MDP. That means that it allows material to bond to zirconia without the need for extra primers. The cementation protocol can be very efficient and streamlined, you don't utilize other things going on. The MDP makes it a great option for adhering to dentin, enamel, and restorative materials. Altogether, it has a pretty low film thickness, which means it's not going to be like goopy and thick. So when you go to seat your restoration, that's not going to end up you know, high on the occlusion. And again, the radiopacity makes it very easy to visualize in the moment and postop. And this can be reviewed pretty clearly with patients on a postop radiograph if they're interested, and looking at that, it acts as a great patient informational and educational tool.

Now, you mentioned kind of the simplicity of application, that's something BISCO likes to you know, design for. How does that play out clinically for you, and is that something that you really are looking for, when you're evaluating if the material is going to fit into your practice?

it's not the first thing I look at, but if there's a product that needs to have an extra dry, you know, 4 bottles, 18 steps, that becomes really challenging for not only me to know, but for an assisting team to also know. And I know right now there's a lot of flux in the dental industry, especially in teams. So if we can make this simple, where I can remember the steps, and I can communicate that very quickly, and the assisting team, depending on you know which one of the assistants is working with you, if they can communicate that to each other, we don't need this to be a game of telephone with 18 steps because something's gonna get lost along the way. And then what's gonna end up happening is the patient suffers from that. That's not something that's going to bother me, that will clinically affect the patient's outcome. So, you know, I'm a big fan of, you know, less is more. And if we can make sure that we've got a product that's going to be effective every single time. That works for me.

Now, you we've talked a little bit about the fact that these are materials that provide benefits to the patient after they leave practice, is this something that you talk with the patients about, during the treatment or after the treatment? And, you know, what do you like to share about the materials you choose?

Yeah, absolutely. I would say I absolutely am an oversharer with patients about what we're doing and why. Okay, so I'll say we talked to it just a hair about fluoride, but I'll say, you know, I do see a handful of patients that are not open to fluoride, they're not open to BPAs, or whatever it is. And that's important for me to be knowledgeable on ,which of the products contain things like that. Those patients tend to feel heard when we make a point to discuss, like, we're going to use this product and why and then that way, I can also respect their preferences. They're the one that's wearing the restoration home, not me. But I would say for the vast majority of patients that I treat, I ask if they're if they're open to, you know, we're going to rely on a little bit of science, is that okay with you. And here's why. And I think that worked for me, especially in Berkeley, I was about a mile from UC Berkeley, so lots of engineers, lots of highly cerebral individuals, many people that are used to sort of evidence and going back to the evidence. So when I go to the evidence, and I can feel confident about what that says, I'm happy to share that with our patient. And I think that should be part of the informed consent. Informed consent is a conversation about what we're going to do, why we're going to do it, here are the risks, the benefits, the alternatives to treatment. And I'm happy to take 18 pictures during the process and share those with the patient at the end of the appointment. So I think that for the patients that want to hear it, I'm happy to have that conversation. I think it gives our practice a lot of credibility, if myself and the team are knowledgeable on what we're doing and why. And if we can answer any questions a patient has, it puts their mind at ease. They can't see what we're doing, like poking around in their, you know, in increments of millimeters, but if we can communicate to them that we have used materials today that are going to allow your body to heal. We're going to use materials today that have stood the test of time. We're going to use materials today that I know work well with the materials that were like that they are compatible with each other. Again, I think that being able to rely on the science and communicate that to our patients leads to a lot of patient raport. And if there's something that goes you know, haywire if the nerve starts to act up, I know that I've done everything that I could. And more often than not, the patients are not upset because they have been informed that, hey, we try and X, Y and Z things. Now we've got a pivot to Plan B.

When you talk to patients about, you know, the properties of these Thera products, and the fact that they are going to produce calcium that's going to help your tooth heal and are going to be alkaline and help prevent bacteria from you know, living right there. What's the response you get? Are they even aware that, you know, these types of things are possible, let alone normal in the dental industry?

I would say they are a little bit surprised. Unless they've known me for some time, in which case we have a conversation about acid/base chemistry almost from the very first appointment. That's part of our like clinical intake is doing a caries risk assessment and caries risk assessment includes how often are you snacking? What kind of toothpaste you're using, what are you drinking at home? Is it water? Is it sparkling water? And can we bring sort out those acid/base balance challenges, sort of back to neutral. So that conversation is not usually new. But if we can take that conversation from like a global oral health perspective, and then target that down to the individual tooth, I think people are surprised. And a lot of times kind of go, "Ooh, I don't want bacteria living in my crown. That sounds you know, that doesn't sound very nice. So yeah, please, like whatever you're gonna do to prevent that bacterial overgrowth, like by all means, you know, I trust you to use your judgment. And thank you for cleaning out whatever mess is in there."

Wonderful. Well, is there anything that we haven't talked about around the Thera products or this type of decisions that you make when you're choosing the products to use with your patients,

I think the only thing that I would say is that some of the older sort of bases and liners came in these little tubes, and you had to mix them together on this little like the little instrument the dycal with a little ball on there. And that can be a little bit tedious to get a honey-like consistency and then bring it over not drip it on the rest of the tooth or to place it exactly where you want it. With the BISCO products, the Thera line especially, I mean, they have everything is you know, the tip mixes onto the tube and then you just inject it directly into the tooth that doesn't drip everywhere. It's very visually easy to see, you're not putting it in there and like wondering like, where did it go. The fact that some of these are dual-cure is great, because if it's in a deep, hard to reach corner area, and you'll know that it will set up on its own because never like you're never putting these are rarely putting these products like right on the top of the tooth where everything is peachy. These are hard to reach places these are teeth that are already compromised. So I think the ease of placement, the ease of use, and the fact that it has the mixing tips already on there, make it a very predictable outcome.

Well, Dr Lauren Yasuda Rainey, thank you so much for joining us today and sharing some of your experience with our audience.

Videos

Clinician and educator Lauren Yasuda Rainey, DDS, joins editorial director Noah Levine to talk about what makes the Thera Family of materials from BISCO great material options for many of her patients. [18 Minutes]

Software solutions company Weave has announced its multi-practice enterprise experience platform, designed to specifically meet the needs of practices with more than 1 location, including dental service organizations. Weave wanted to meet the needs of these places as they continue to grow, according to chief product and technology officer at Weave, Branden Neish, in a press release from the company.

“Increasingly, health care practices have more than 1 location, through organic growth, consolidation, or acquisition,” Neish said. “Weave is now optimized for enterprise organizations to empower practice to achieve operational excellence, drive revenue growth, and deliver an exceptional patient experience across all locations.”

The enterprise experience has a few key features highlighted in the press release. These include a revenue cycle management feature that homes in on optimizing digital forms, insurance processing, payment requests, and payment plans. It aims to save front office staff time as it automates data entry and communications.

Another feature is its new office integration capabilities, which can consolidate phones, forms, reminders, and other communications to eliminate redundancies. This secure data exchange also aims to make it easier to train staff and enable remote work via browser access.

Reporting and information features provide actionable insights on practice locations, identifying areas for improvement or areas of success. Churn reduction features include the ability to automate messaging across practices to ensure appointment recalls and reminders are always on time. Weave also maintains an automated response assistant for online review processes. Finally, the enterprise experience enables multi-location practices to have a centralized management platform to maintain messaging, patient communications, forms, and more, all from a single login.

To learn more about the enterprise experience, visit Weave’s 

This new solution from Weave aims to provide a single, centralized hub for multi-location dental practices to conduct communications and administrative tasks. 

Weave Launches Enterprise Experience for Multi-Location Practices

Formerly known as Pacific Dental Services®, PDS Health® has now been serving dental and medical professionals for 30 years and is celebrating with the opening of its 1000 supported practice.Dentists of West Ashley in Charleston, South Carolina, stands as PDS Health’s 1000 practice, and is a testament to the organization’s commitment to care, according to PDS Health Founder Stephen E. Thorne IV.

“Our 30-year journey and the opening of our 1000th practice symbolize our relentless pursuit of excellence and innovation in health care,” Thorne said in a press release from PDS Health. “We are committed to providing integrated care that enhances patient outcomes and promotes the importance of oral health to overall health.”

Key to PDS Health’s mission is the Mouth-Body Connection®, the connection between oral health and full body health as mentioned by Thorne in the press release. Other notable initiatives and achievements include PDS Health’s early adoption of Epic® electronic health records system for optimized communication between medical and dental; a collaboration with MemorialCare Health System that harnessed the power of that Epic integration to coordinate care; educational initiatives with over 1000 free continuing education courses; and a collective 650,000+ hours of volunteer time from PDS Health team members.

“Our success over the past 30 years is a reflection of the hard work and dedication of our clinicians, team members, and partners,” Thorne said in the press release. “We remain committed to driving innovation in dental-medical integration and continuing to elevate the standard of care for patients. I look forward to our sustained growth as we continue helping clinicians thrive and create healthier, happier patients across the nation.”

PDS Health®, founded as Pacific Dental Services®, is celebrating 30 years of service with an emphasis on its contribution to the oral-systemic link and the opening of its 1000th practice.  

PDS Health Celebrates 30 Years With Opening of 1000th Practice

Avenacy’s new Tranexamic Acid Injection, USP, indicated for use during and following tooth extraction, is now available in the United States.

The Schaumburg, Illinois-based specialty pharmaceutical company, which is focused on supplying critical injectable medications, announced Monday that it had launched Tranexamic Acid Injection, USP as a therapeutic generic equivalent for Cyklokapron® as approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.The new product is indicated in patients with hemophilia for short-term use (2 to 8 days) to reduce or prevent hemorrhage and reduce the need for replacement therapy during and following tooth extraction.

“In less than one year since starting Avenacy, we have launched 10 essential injectable medications – a formidable achievement and testament to our commercial expertise in specialty pharmaceuticals,” Jeﬀ Yordon, co-founder and CEO of Avenacy, says in a press release. “Since our company’s inception in October 2023, we have aimed to quickly deliver safe, eﬀective, quality specialty injectables to hospitals and providers across the U.S., and the launch of Tranexamic Acid injection marks another important step in fulﬁlling this mission. The rest of 2024 is poised to be a transformative year for the business, as we remain focused on launching several additional products.”

Avenacy's Tranexamic Acid Injection, USP is available in 1,000 mg/10mL(100 mg per mL) 10-pack single-dose vials. In line with the company’s mission to champion patient safety and streamline patient care, it will feature Avenacy's highly diﬀerentiated packaging and labeling to support accurate medication selection.

Avenacy will begin shipping Tranexamic Acid Injection, USP to wholesale partners this week. The specialty pharmaceutical company is supported by a global network of development and contract manufacturing partners that have undergone successful FDA inspections based on cGMP-standards, Avenacy states.

Tranexamic Acid Injection, USP had U.S.sales of about $28 million for the 12 months ending in June 2023, according to IQVIA, the press release states.

The product’s indications include for use with patients to reduce the need for replacement therapy during and following tooth extraction.
