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. 

Pearl and tab32 Partner for Software Integration. Image credit: © tab32 © Pearl


Dental artificial intelligence (AI) company Pearl has announced a new partnership with cloud-based practice management system tab32. This partnership will integrate Pearl’s Second Opinion® disease detection technology into tab32’s platform, which is specifically designed to serve dental service organizations (DSOs). Through the partnership, these companies are hoping to further streamline processes, making things more efficient across the board, according to a press release from both companies.

Pearl’s AI uses its computer vision technology to detect pathologic and non-pathologic findings in dental x-rays. It can view caries, bone loss, root abscesses, and other relevant findings, per the press release. This empowers clinicians to not only take more confidence in their clinical accuracy, but also to be able to better communicate with patients on treatment plans.

tab32’s cloud-based practice management software is all on 1 platform, making its accessibility a key highlight, particularly for DSOs. Per the press release, tab32’s platform can track millions of appointments across millions of patients. Partnering with Pearl to integrate AI, tab32 hopes to offer clinicians higher clinical confidence in the dental practice, according to founder and CEO of tab32, Kiltesh Patel.

“tab32 has been a leader in innovation around dental practice management technology that streamlines all touchpoints with the patient, before, during, and post-visit, on a group level,” Patel said in the press release. “Through this partnership with Pearl, we aim to continue this legacy by providing our customers with the most advanced AI-backed clinical tools designed to drive positive oral health outcomes for patients and financial outcomes for practices.”

Innovation was a key driver in the formation of this partnership, according to Pearl founder and CEO, Ophir Tanz.

“Pearl remains committed to partnering with other leading organizations at the forefront of innovation in dental technology,” Tanz said in the press release. “We look forward to working with tab32 on our journey to make AI-driven dentistry a global standard, empowering dental professionals across the U.S. to easily optimize clinical performance, elevate patient care, and boost practice productivity.”

Articles

Pearl’s Second Opinion® disease detection technology will now be directly integrated into tab32’s cloud-based practice management software. 

Pearl and tab32 Partner for Software Integration

Get Teeth Clean, Especially In-Between. Image credit: © Slate


If we had a nickel for every patient who sat in our dental hygiene chair and announced that they don’t floss “as often as they should” we would all have a lot of nickels. It is almost as if they are asking for forgiveness and expecting penance while confessing their dental health shortcomings.

While confession is good for the soul, it is time to revisit flossing and figure out a way to make it easier and more effective, as well as rewarding and enjoyable. All from a little piece of string. What if we could make flossing fun? That’s a tall order, but it can be done.

As dental health professionals, we know why we want people to incorporate flossing into their daily dental health routines: prevent tooth decay, keep the biofilm disrupted, maintain healthy teeth and gums, and prevent recession. Our goal behind flossing in between teeth is to disrupt and remove the plaque biofilm that grows there. What has gotten lost in our homecare instructions is the critical role floss plays. We know that folks who floss have healthier mouths.

 Flossing is actually more important than brushing. Dental disease starts between the teeth and underneath the gumline where colonies of bacteria, fungi, parasites, and viruses can live comfortably undisturbed. They repopulate and grow, creating an entire microbial pathogenic world that elbows out our good microbes. Dental plaque has been identified as a “biofilm.”

Biofilms are everywhere. They are sticky, tenacious, and hard to remove. As a dental biofilm matures, it becomes more anaerobic and creates a shell of extracellular polysaccharide matrix that protects it and allows it to live undisturbed.

These pathogens are very sophisticated. As I tell my school-age students, they had texting before we did; the pathogens communicate via quorum sensing. They excrete toxins, enzymes, and other harmful molecules that create a chronic inflammatory response in the body. Within a week, the immune system recognizes the presence of these toxins and activates our defense system.

Interleukin-I which plays a crucial role in inflammation. It promotes the migration of immune cells to the site of infection. It activates osteoclast production which destroys bone and collagenase which breaks down collagen.

C-reactive protein binds to bacterial cell walls marking them for destruction by the immune cells.

This is the beginning of the destruction of the jawbone. As the biofilm matures, the immune system escalates its response.

What happens in the mouth doesn’t stay in the mouth. These pathogens and their endotoxins enter the broken-down inflamed gum tissues with free passage into the bloodstream, or are swallowed or inhaled, and are then translocated within the body. They have found oral pathogens in the heart, lungs, brain, and synovial fluid of joints. They have been linked to 57 different systemic conditions.

 Flossing and its role in biofilm disruption are critical in stopping dental diseases and a pivotal role in systemic health.

Patients think that since they have an electric toothbrush or “brush really well” they are in the clear. They do not understand the role floss plays. They think flossing is all about food removal. They have no concept of microbes. Instead, they floss to remove food debris. And if they can’t see food, they think they are good to go.

Also, of note, is the fact most folks are self-taught. They think that by sliding the floss in and out quickly, they are in fact “flossing”. Flossing is actually very technique-sensitive. Proper flossing requires dexterity, and one-on-one coaching to learn how to curl the floss, hug the tooth surface, rub the tooth enough to remove the sticky biofilm, and go underneath the gumline without causing floss cuts. This takes patient education and coaching time in the dental hygiene chair as well as practice by the patient. 

Disclosing solutions or tablets are one of the tools that can show the patient quickly and easily how to slip the floss in between the teeth (because, as they have told you, they have tight teeth) and effectively disrupt and rub the plaque biofilm off the teeth.

Most folks just pop the floss between the contacts, slam the floss into the papilla, and end up cutting their gums. Flossing is not fun when it hurts. They didn’t grow up flossing so it’s not yet a true habit and part of their self-care routine. Until age 9, children do not have the fine motor skills and dexterity needed to manage proper and safe flossing.

 And, children learn by example, so if parents aren’t flossing, then children are not going to grow up to floss either. Compounding the problem can be the lack of other role models, and even television commercials and advertising demonstrate improper flossing techniques. It’s a wonder anyone flosses at all.

We all “remember to brush our teeth” and would never leave the house without doing that. Brushing, at its best, removes 50-60% of the biofilm on the smooth flat teeth surfaces but leaves behind the microbes in all the nooks and crannies as well as underneath the gumline.

 The toothbrush cannot access these areas. As I tell my patients, if I get a grade of 60% on a test, that means I fail. Brushing is important but only 1 part of the home care process.

Most people still use a manual toothbrush, and research shows they brush until the toothpaste foams, and then they spit and rinse. That takes approximately 45 seconds.

They think the toothpaste and its foam are the keys to removing plaque biofilm. Little do they realize it is the action of the brush on the tooth surface that is the key to removing the plaque biofilm.If my patients prefer a manual toothbrush, then I strongly suggest following Trisha O’Hehir’s dry brushing recommendations- no toothpaste or water- until their teeth feel and taste clean. Toothpaste often numbs the tongue so they cannot tell if the biofilm is properly removed. (It can take upwards of 15 minutes to properly and thoroughly remove all the plaque on the flat surfaces of the teeth. Most folks won’t manually brush that long.)

Brushing in a mindful pattern is also important. Most folks have a haphazard style, missing the same exact areas with each brushing. Once the teeth are thoroughly clean, then apply a pea-sized dab of toothpaste, brush, spit, and don’t rinse. And of course, don’t scrub and see-saw back and forth, like you are cleaning grout. Gentle strokes, on the teeth, the gums, tongue, cheeks, and palate. Plaque biofilm is everywhere in the mouth and removing it will reduce volatile sulfur compounds that contribute to bad breath.

Since this is the twenty-first century, we have much better oral health tools. Electric toothbrushes can do the job more quickly and effectively as they use fluid dynamics that create waves that forcefully expand and contract to disrupt the biofilms. Electric brushes do require water to be effective.

Most folks can remove the biofilm in 2 to f4 minutes. I always suggest they still jiggle the brush into the nooks, crannies, and gumline, doing little tiny circles while the brush is oscillating. Jiggling the brush helps break up the biofilm.

A patient recently brought to my attention that slippery flosses that easily slides into those tight contacts are flosses made with Teflon, and may be quite toxic. Those flosses contain an ingredient called Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)

 Also related are Perfluoroalkyl substances and a chemical called Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA). They are used to make substances water and grease-proof. Unfortunately, they remain in the body and environment forever. It is an ingredient within the wax used on waxed flosses.

To date, there is no established link to dental floss causing thrush or hormonal conditions. Since we know these products can cause health issues, and we do not know how little it takes to cause a tripwire, we can wisely select other flosses that are less risk to our well-being.

That being said, we are coming to learn that these chemicals, collectively referred to as PFAS affect hormone systems, suppress the antibody response, diminish the immune system’s ability to fight infections, and are a likely risk for neurotoxicity, interfering with the neurotransmission of dopamine, especially in young brains.

PFAS exposure is associated with ADHD in children, and research is also connecting exposure to PFAS accumulation in the central nervous system with Alzheimer’s and dementia.

 We look forward to seeing more research on this topic. Slippery, easy-sliding floss is everyone’s favorite type of floss so ensuring its safety is important. 

Nylon flosses, while not toxic, do not biodegrade and may be a poor environmental choice. Charcoal flosses are either nylon or polyester-based (petroleum). Reading labels, even for floss can be beneficial. Knowing ingredients is important because chemicals can be

absorbed into the oral mucosa within a few minutes and it takes most people 1 to 2 minutes to floss.

These ingredients might be a good reason not to floss but, thankfully, we do have “safe” flosses. Safe floss is silk which is a natural and biodegradable product. Be sure your floss has natural flavors as well.

People do “forget” to floss. Though it’s incredible to think that they wouldn’t “remember” to clean the other 40% of their teeth.

Maybe they are in a rush and think they will do it later. It could also be because many people have an aversion to getting their fingers wet, putting their hands in their mouths, or even lack the confidence, ability, or dexterity to floss. Too often, in their zeal to be “good flossers," they floss too aggressively, cutting their gums, or amputating their papillae. That hurts.

Flossing is hard to do. It takes time and proper technique, and instructions can feel extensive. It requires us to teach our patients to use the middle fingers to hold the floss, use a small section to tease the floss at a slant between the contacts, curl and hug the teeth, complete 10 up-and-down strokes to ensure they have thoroughly disrupted the plaque biofilm, then up and out of the embrasure and rotate to a clean section of floss and repeat with the goal of squeaky clean teeth. 

All in all, flossing is hard to do and it certainly has gotten a bad rap, and the bottom line is most people don’t like flossing so they don’t want to do it.

Flossing tools can make all the difference. Just as electric brushes have made tooth brushing so much more efficient, flossing tools can do the same. (And, no surprise, but men prefer flossing tools.) Let’s save string floss for those who love it. For the folks that find flossing hard, or “don’t floss as often as they should”, let’s offer them a truly remarkable tool to make flossing easy and quick.

The Slate Flosser offers 3 devices in one flossing power tool. It flosses gently, stimulates the gum tissues, and also contains a tongue cleaner. Slate runs on 2 AA batteries, vibrates 12,000 times per minute, and uses 450 strands of high-grade woven floss free of wax, toxins, or Teflon (so, no PFAs or PTFEs). They even have special heads that can be used underneath wired braces.

The magic of the Slate flosser, or as they like to call it, their “secret sauce,” is contained in the “gum sweeps.” These little rubber bumpers on each side of the floss allow you to effectively clean interproximally while not cutting the gum tissues. Move the flosser from front to back and up and down while hugging the tooth. The gum sweeps stimulate and clean the tissues while vibrating. The tongue cleaner on the reverse side gently cleans the tongue while also vibrating all of the plaque and food debris out of the tongue follicles. Tongue cleaning is an important part of oral care. Having one tool makes it easy and quick to do both. Clean the teeth, flip it over, and clean the tongue.

The flosser is easy to use and the floss is reusable. Slant the floss, tease it between the contacts, and work it gently down between the teeth. The gum sweeps and vibration do the rest of the work. The best part may be that this can be done one-handed.

People are often motivated to do things to avoid pain or get a reward. Adding the Slate Flosser to your oral hygiene suggestion list may just change your patients' views of flossing. Using a one-handed tool frees them up to floss in unconventional places.

Flossing has no obvious, tangible “reward”. As dental health professionals, we know it is critical to oral health as well as the role it plays in systemic wellness. The best thing we can do for our patients is to make flossing easy and painless. Once they notice how great their teeth feel – 100 % clean and no longer fuzzy– they will realize the reward and appreciate the feeling of silky-smooth teeth. 

Just as electric toothbrushes revolutionized toothbrushing, this little amazing vibrating string on this fun tool just might turn your patients into daily flossers. Let’s save those nickels and stop the guilt. Dental operatories don’t need to be confessionals but rather a place where our patients thrive and look forward to seeing us.

Marchesan JT, Byrd KM, Moss K, et al. Flossing Is Associated with Improved Oral Health in Older Adults. 

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Marsh PD. Dental plaque as a biofilm and a microbial community - implications for health and disease. 

. 2006;6 Suppl 1(Suppl 1):S14. Published 2006 Jun 15. doi:10.1186/1472-6831-6-S1-S14

Flemming HC, Neu TR, Wozniak DJ. The EPS matrix: the "house of biofilm cells".

. 2007 Nov;189(22):7945-7. doi: 10.1128/JB.00858-07. Epub 2007 Aug 3. PMID: 17675377; PMCID: PMC2168682.

Takayanagi H. Osteoimmunology: shared mechanisms and crosstalk between the immune and bone systems. 

Sproston NR, Ashworth JJ. Role of C-Reactive Protein at Sites of Inflammation and Infection. 

. 2018;9:754. Published 2018 Apr 13. doi:10.3389/fimmu.2018.00754

Rice A. Do You Really Know What Oral-Systemic Means? Registered Dental Hygienists. Published August 2, 2023. Accessed March 14, 2024. www.rdhmag.com/patient-care/article/14275130/do-you-really-know-what-oral-systemic-means

Flossing and Children. Stanford Medicine Children’s Health. Accessed March 14, 2024. www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=flossing-and-children-90-P01852

Petker W, Weik U, Margraf-Stiksrud J, Deinzer R. Oral cleanliness in daily users of powered vs. manual toothbrushes - a cross-sectional study. BMC Oral Health. 2019;19(1):96. Published 2019 May 29. doi:10.1186/s12903-019-0790-9

O’Hehir T. The Toothpaste Secret. Published March 17, 2015. Accessed March 14, 2024. www.onlineoralhealth.com/the-toothpaste-secret/

Mogilnicka I, Bogucki P, Ufnal M. Microbiota and Malodor-Etiology and Management. 

. 2020;21(8):2886. Published 2020 Apr 20. doi:10.3390/ijms21082886

Ng C, Tsoi JKH, Lo ECM, Matinlinna AJP. Safety and Design Aspects of Powered Toothbrush-A Narrative Review. 

. 2020;8(1):15. Published 2020 Feb 5. doi:10.3390/dj8010015

Dental Flossing and Other Behaviors Linked with Higher Levels of PFAS in the Body. Silent Spring Institute. Accessed March 14, 2024. silentspring.org/news/dental-flossing-and-other-behaviors-linked-higher-levels-pfas-body

PFAS Chemicals in Dental Floss. ConsumerLab.Com. Published February 29, 2024. Accessed March 14, 2024. www.consumerlab.com/answers/toxic-pfas-chemicals-in-dental-floss/pfas-dental-floss/

Risks of PFASs Known Decades before Research Revealed, Says Expert. Published August 1, 20118. Accessed March 14, 2024.hsph.harvard.edu/news/hsph-in-the-news/pfas-health-risks-grandjean

Forns J, Verner MA, Iszatt N, et al. Early Life Exposure to Perfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) and ADHD: A Meta-Analysis of Nine European Population-Based Studies. 

Starnes HM, Rock KD, Jackson TW, Belcher SM. A Critical Review and Meta-Analysis of Impacts of Per- and Polyfluorinated Substances on the Brain and Behavior. 

. 2022;4:881584. Published 2022 Apr 11. doi:10.3389/ftox.2022.881584

A closer look at how we can emphasize the importance of flossing to our patients. 

Get Teeth Clean, Especially In-Between

Kerr Announces OptiBond Universal 360 Bonding Agent. Image credit: © Kerr Dental

Kerr Dental has introduced its latest offering––a new bonding agent called OptiBond Universal 360. Designed specifically to bond to zirconia, gold, base metal alloys, alumina, lithium disilicate, titanium, PFM, and PFZ, this agent aims to be a sole product for optimal bond strength, according to a press release from Kerr. In a move made to help dental practices save on inventory space, OptiBond Universal 360 also does not require a separate ceramic or metal primer. The bottle is designed with ergonomics in mind and does not require refrigeration.

This agent is reportedly compatible with self-etch, selective-etch, and total-etch techniques, and is indicated for both indirect and direct restorations. It harnesses the power of Kerr’s patented material sciences which aim to prevent post-op sensitivity.

Dr Floyd Garrett has been using OptiBond Universal 360, and expressed his satisfaction with the product in the press release. “OptiBond Universal 360 seems to have a stronger bond than the other bonding agent I have been using,” he said in the press release. “I’ve previously had trouble with adhesion and esthetics when using [another leading bonding agent], but I’ve had none of the same issues when using the new OptiBond! I plan on switching to OptiBond Universal 360 as my go to bonding agent.”

This product is available now. To learn more, visit the 

This new bonding agent from Kerr Dental promises bond strength to a variety of surfaces and substrates all while reducing post-op sensitivity. 

Kerr Announces OptiBond Universal 360 Bonding Agent

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.  

onDiem Announces New Locum Tenens Dentist Staffing Service and Partnership with igniteDDS Founder | Image Credit: © onDiem

With a goal of ensuring clinicians and dental practices receive the most value from their dental staffing services, onDiem has announced a strategic partnership with David R. Rice, DDS, founder of igniteDDS, along with an expansion of their professional community and platform to include locum tenens dentists.

onDiem, the country’s first fully W-2 compliant and nationally available dental staffing service, provides practices access to the largest network of W-2 compliant and vetted dental hygienists, assistants, and front-office staff, the Portland, Oregon company states.

“Through igniteDDS, Dr Rice has been a tireless advocate and experienced advisor for dentists’ careers, businesses, and personal well-being. His mentorship is crucial at a time when dentists’ student loan debt is at an all-time high, and as dentists seek to pick up additional shifts to increase income and patient access to care,” Joe Fogg, CEO and founder of onDiem says in a press release. “Dr Rice’s insights will not only impact the way we roll out our expanded locum tenens service, but also guide our team as we build more features and benefits to meet dentist and dental practice needs.”

As an integral part of onDiem’s locum tenens launch, the company will be applying its Digital ID credentialing service to ensure primary source verification (PSV) for all onDiem dentists. This service will include monitoring for state sanctions, exclusions, and licensure—and verification for regulating entities including but not limited to OIG, SAM, NPI, DEA, and OFAC.This is designed to ensure that onDiem’s dental practice managers and owners can streamline hiring, mitigate risk, and remain confident in the qualifications of their onDiem hires.

“I’m looking forward to collaborating with onDiem to ensure that dentists are best equipped to meet the needs of our practice community, and to improve the overall value of their businesses and careers,” adds Dr Rice. “onDiem’s a key leader in boosting business value for practices, and will be an instrumental part of our mission to not only add and boost business value for our practice consumer, but also to improve their capacity for patient care.”

With this new development, clinicians will now be able to sign up for onDiem as job-seeking professionals. As locum tenens staff, they will be able to book jobs and earn income, set their own work schedules, and enjoy onDiem’s unique suite of W-2 benefits and protections.onDiem’s benefits include PTO accrual, health benefits, comprehensive insurance, and more, the company states. To improve capacity, revenue, and access to care, dental practice managers and owners can now complement their teams with vetted and qualified dentists.

For more information about onDiem’s expansion into locum tenens staffing or the company’s partnership with igniteDDS, contact Beth Deutsche at 

As founder of igniteDDS, the nation’s largest student and new-dentist community, Dr Rice travels the world speaking, writing, and connecting top young dentists with successful practices. He also leads a team-centered restorative and implant practice in East Amherst, NewYork.

Portland company has launched a strategic partnership with David R. Rice, DDS, along with an expansion of their services to include locum tenens dentists.

onDiem Announces New Locum Tenens Dentist Staffing Service and Partnership with igniteDDS Founder

CareQuest Innovation Partners and MATTER Announce Startups for 2024 SMILE Health Program. Image credit: © CareQuest Innovation Partners © MATTER


CareQuest Innovation Partners and its partner MATTER have announced the startups they’ve chosen for the 2024 SMILE Health Program. This year’s recipients are DentKits, DifferentKind, Oraliva, ThriveLink, Umayana, and Yumlish, each being recognized for its ability to leverage technology to improve care, according to a press release from CareQuest and MATTER.

Each startup focuses a on a different arena of dental care with DentKits providing teledental at-home dentures; DifferentKind providing patient insight for improved outcomes; Oraliva providing artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted diagnostics for oral lesions; ThriveLink providing AI telephonic social and health program enrollment for families; Umayana providing Murnia, which treats severe cancer and acute wounds; and Yumlish providing health education programs for Medicaid enrollees.

These 6 recipients also are uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between dental and oral care, according to vice president of growth & innovation at CareQuest, Katie D’Amico.

“We are thrilled with the high caliber of startups participating in this year’s SMILE Health program, furthering the momentum towards integrated health,” D’Amico said in the press release. “As our largest and most diverse cohort in the history of SMILE Health, this year’s innovative startups, together with our industry-leading partners, are redefining how we care for the whole person, inclusive of their oral health, and igniting the health innovation ecosystem to drive better health outcomes for all.”

The startups chosen will go through a 12-week program where they’ll partner with Cigna, Colgate, DentaQuest, Henry Schein, and more, to validate their solutions to the proper programs, per the press release. This all leads to a demo day which will take place at the annual HLTH conference in Las Vegas, Nevada on October 22, 2024. Through this program, recipients will also receive a stipend and resources to support their solutions.

“SMILE Health creates unique opportunities for startups to accelerate their development and for large, institutional players to explore and test emerging solutions,” CEO of MATTER, Seven Collens said in the press release. “We appreciate the opportunity to work with CareQuest Innovation Partners and this cohort of outstanding entrepreneurs to help shape a brighter, more connected health care future.”

This is the third year of the SMILE Health Program. To learn more, visit the 

New startups have been chosen for the 2024 SMILE Health Program, demonstrating a deeper emphasis on the oral-systemic link. 

CareQuest Innovation Partners and MATTER Announce Startups for 2024 SMILE Health Program

LuxCreo Expands 3D Printing Capabilities with New Resin Options. Image credit: © LuxCreo

Digital dental solutions provider LuxCreo, Inc. has announced the expansion of its iLux Pro Dental 3D Printing Solution to support a wide range of certified third-party resins, per a press release from the company. These resins cover various dental applications, including aligners, retainers, splints, night guards, surgical guides, denture bases and teeth, crowns and bridges, impression trays, IBT, restorative models, and gingiva masks.

The iLux Pro Dental solution, known for its efficiency, operates on LuxCreo's patented LEAP™ Platform and Digital Polishing™ technology. According to LuxCreo, it offers 24/7 production capabilities and integrates with the iLux Automation Ecosystem, which includes LuxDesign, LuxFlow, LuxLink, iLux Automation, iLuxWash, and iLuxCure. This system is designed to simplify the design, printing, post-processing, and fleet management processes, reportedly reducing workload by 90% and requiring less than 10 minutes of training.

Michael Strohecker, CRO of LuxCreo, expressed pride in the company's comprehensive and user-friendly suite of high-quality dental resins. “With the iLux Pro Dental Solution and 1-Click simplified digital workflows, LuxCreo and our resin partners can now offer a comprehensive and easy-to-use suite of high-quality dental resins to clinics and laboratories,” he said in the press release.

The 1-Click Workflow allows users to quickly set up and print dental models with minimal effort. It automates orientation, support generation, and nesting for each resin and indication, significantly reducing manual post-processing time and complexity. LuxCreo's extensive testing ensures optimal support structure, orientation, accuracy, print speed, and fast batching.

For more information about these new resin options, visit the 

LuxCreo has announced a plethora of new dental resins that are now supported by its 1-click 3D printing workflow. 

LuxCreo Expands 3D Printing Capabilities with New Resin Options

Shofu Dental Unveils BeautiBond Xtreme Universal Bonding Agent Featuring Quad-Adhesive Technology | Image Credit: © Shofu Dental Corporation

Shofu Dental Corporation’s new BeautiBond Xtreme is a universal bonding agent with proprietary Quad-Adhesive Technology. Due to its unique proprietary chemistry, a single layer provides a fast, strong, and reliable bond.

Described as a powerful all-in-one universal bonding agent, BeautiBond Xtreme’s technology facilitates bonding to enamel, dentin, zirconia, precious metal alloys, composite resins, and glass ceramics.

This new bonding agent is ideal for direct and indirect restorations using any light-cure, dual-cure, or self-cure material without the need for additional primers, Shofu states. BeautiBond Xtreme is a truly universal adhesive formulated to offer flexibility with self-etch, selective-etch, or total-etch techniques. Additionally, BeautiBond Xtreme provides an optimal seal to wet or dry dentin, penetrating deep into the tubules to create resin tags for secure adhesion and dramatic reduction of postoperative sensitivity.

The material’s HEMA-free formula improves the stability of the adhesive, providing a thin and uniform layer with reduced technique sensitivity. With an extremely low film thickness of 5µm, BeautiBond Xtreme prevents marginal stain lines caused by brands with thicker bonding layers. Its easy, 1-step application makes the bonding process consistently reliable and clinically efficient, the company adds.

BeautiBond Xtreme is available in a 50-unit, 0.1ml dose set with microbrushes (MSRP $169.99), and a 5ml, ergonomic-designed, 1-hand-controlled dispensing bottle (MSRP $164.99).

The company’s newest dental material is formulated to deliver a fast, strong, reliable bond with a single layer.

 Shofu Dental Unveils BeautiBond Xtreme Universal Bonding Agent Featuring Quad-Adhesive Technology

Designed specifically for dental clinics, Heygent Dental AI has launched conversational Dental AI Receptionist software. The artificial intelligence- (AI-) powered patient engagement and communication platform features state-of-the-art software built from the ground up with AI.

The new platform leverages conversational AI to instantly engage with patient calls and leads, automate appointment bookings, save dental front staff time, and is designed to win new patients. The Dental AI Receptionist handles all conversations over SMS, web chat, and responds to marketing leads and missed calls to immediately engage with patients and intelligently book appointments directly in the clinic patient management software through cutting-edge AI technology, the company states.

Founded by seasoned entrepreneurs and designed by dentists, Heygent Dental AI offers a suite of advanced AI-enabled features designed to enhance patient engagement and streamline dental practice operations. With instant missed call and marketing lead response, the AI ensures immediate engagement with patients 24/7 to help attract new patients and boost the practice’s production.

The automated appointment booking feature allows the AI to handle back-and-forth conversations with patients to find the best time and day to book the appointments directly into the dental practice’s practice management software. It is said to integrate seamlessly with all major dental software solutions including Dentrix, Eaglesoft, Open Dental, and Curve Dental.

The Dental AI Receptionist is designed to follow up on patient leads to maximize appointment bookings, excel in overdue patient follow-up, and re-engage inactive patients to book cleaning and other appointments. The platform’s AI web chat mounts on the dental practice’s website and automates appointment booking over web.

Designed for high accuracy, it is well-versed in clinic-specific details such as appointment calendars and insurance/procedure information, offering precise, human-like conversations in multiple languages, according to Heygent Dental AI. The robust patient conversation management dashboard helps keep practices in full control, enabling AI engagement during specific times such as after-hours and weekends, and assisting in bringing patients back into the office efficiently.

The user-friendly patient conversation management dashboard is designed to give the dental practice full control. Key features include reviewing text message transcripts with AI-produced summaries, confirming appointments, filtering conversations, and enabling 2-way messaging with AI-enabled emergency care detection and notifications. The Heygent conversational Dental AI is poised to change the way dental practices engage with their patients, providing optimal convenience, efficiency, and support.

Heygent.ai is now launching its cutting-edge Dental AI technology across United States and Canada.

The company’s conversational Dental AI Receptionist software responds to patient missed calls, web chat, and marketing leads instantly, automating appointment bookings, and following up with patients to boost efficiency, save time, and attract patients.

Heygent Dental AI Launches AI-Powered Patient Engagement/Communication Platform

Dental artificial intelligence (AI) company Pearl has announced its new Precheck™ tool. Pearl’s AI-powered Precheck is an insurance eligibility and benefits verification tool that exists as an add-on to Pearl’s platform Practice Intelligence®. Altogether, Pearl is aiming to optimize data processes in the dental practice through this streamlined integration, according to a press release from Pearl.

Precheck harnesses natural language processing to analyze patient insurance data so that front office and clinical staff can reduce time wasted trying to match the right treatment with the right insurance. This facilitates enhanced care, according to CEO and founder of Pearl Ophir Tanz.

“What makes this product truly innovative is its unique approach to aggregating data from diverse sources, enabling Pearl to identify coverage for 30% more patients compared to other insurance verification platforms on the market,” Tanz said in the press release. “By eliminating the guesswork and providing patients with the most reliable and comprehensive coverage details, Precheck enables dental professionals to spend more time on what is most important: providing quality patient care.”

Precheck has a variety of features that aim to provide a whole insurance verification solution for dental practices. Other features include multi-source verification, which pulls in data from clearinghouses, payors, and patient EOBs; code-level feedback, which providing exact answers on which treatments insurance will cover; and a comprehensive coverage breakdown feature that lists benefits, limitations, and other actionable insights for clinicians to take confidence in their decision making.

This new feature for Pearl’s Practice Intelligence platform aims to make insurance eligibility and benefits verification more streamlined for dental practices. 

Pearl Launches Dental Insurance Precheck Tool

Like most people, Chris Walinski, DDS, has dealt with plenty of stress, and like most of us, it can get overwhelming at times.

Luckily for Dr Walinski, he has a great wife, Veronica, by his side, and he has cooking. With her support and encouragement, he decided to apply for the MasterChef television competition on Fox TV featuring Gordon Ramsay and other renowned chefs. Dr Walinski, who is a pioneer in the use of dental lasers and has lectured across the globe, barely made the application deadline, which was a little stressful as it required weeks of grueling, thorough interviews and cook-offs. But boy is he glad he took Veronica’s advice.

Some 45,000 applicants tried out for the show and Dr Walinski made the final cut. Without a lot of notice, he was asked via a phone call what day was best to fly to Los Angeles for the competition. Veronica and Chris already had plenty on their plates when he traveled to LA. Unfortunately, Veronica was not able to attend the filming due to a health issue.

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

Receiving the apron meant he passed his audition to be one of 20 final contestants on the show’s new season, “MasterChef Generations,” which continues to air every Wednesday in Primetime on Fox. Besides the Baby Boomers, the show also has cooks competing as GenZ, GenX and Millennials. While the show runs throughout the summer, the filming is complete, and the secretive results are unknown to the public.

Born in Japan, Dr Walinski was raised in Hope, New Jersey, and his adoptive father was a cook. “Cooking is a very creative process,” he says. “You try to make your food look good when plating, but I care more about how my food tastes versus how it looks. I guess that’s a Boomer trait. At times, it seemed like the GenZ's number one priority was to make their dish look good enough to post on social media. One contestant said, ‘I cook for the camera first and for flavor second.’”

That’s not to say his plates don’t look impressive when he presents them to the show’s judges, says Dr Walinski. At times, he even uses dental instruments to make some plates look just right.

In the recent episode, one of the judges, restaurateur Joe Bastianich, gave Chris a “Yes” on his plate, as did Joe’s mother, Lidia. The two co-own several restaurants in multiple countries and are cooking show celebrities. Dr Walinski’s Japanese chicken karaage with yuzu mayo won over the mother and son chefs. The plate also featured gomoku rice and pickled red dragon fruit.

Regular viewers of the show will tell you that Joe Bastianich is not an easy judge to please. His “bad cop” role plays counterpart to the other judges, so he is not quick to dish out compliments. Yet, he seemed to find Dr Walinski’s dish to his liking.

“Joe actually liked my food to the point where even after the judges were finished tasting, he was still eating more of my chicken. He really liked it,” Dr Walinski said. “He said, ‘I like it all. This is comfort food I want to eat.’”

With two “Yes” votes down, Gordon Ramsay seemed as if he was trying to talk Dr Walinski out of continuing with the competition, noting that his prostate cancer diagnosis two years ago might make some of the physical requirements of future episodes too challenging.

Ramsay then left the room, leaving the fellow judges and Dr Walinski to wonder what was next.

“What the audience ends up seeing is Gordon walking out to the kitchen, while my birth father and his wife and friend John [Bernhard] are standing there. He goes up and talks to them, but the entire time, I don't know what’s going on,” Chris explains. “I’m talking to Aaron, Lidia and Joe, just like I'm talking to you.”

Chef Aaron Sanchez told Dr Walinski that Ramsay was calling him over, so he headed back out into the kitchen and Gordon announced that he had some news for Dr Walinski, but he was not the one who would deliver it. That’s when Ramsay nodded to Jones, who was stone-faced.

“Rod, my birth father, didn’t give anything away. He wasn’t smiling and my stress level was 100,” Dr Walinski explains of the revealing moment of the show. “Then he slowly slid the apron out from behind his back and I lost it. So much pressure.”

“I've watched other seasons of MasterChef and grown men were crying, and I thought, why are they crying? It’s a cooking show! Now, having gone through the process myself, I completely understand. They put you through so much, just to get to the audition.”

Only one home cook can win it all, earning a cash prize and the title of America’s newest MasterChef, but Dr Walinski is not allowed to reveal the winner and spoil the suspense for all the TV viewers who tune in to Fox each week.

Dr Walinski recently ended his tenure as an Associate Professor and Director of Laser Dentistry at the Touro College of Dental Medicine. Previously he had a similar position at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Dentistry. He also holds Fellowships from multiple organizations,and has been a longtime consultant and educator in laser dentistry.

For now, in addition to moving, buying a house and starting up a new dental practice, Dr Walinski plans to use his new fame to help increase awareness for prostate cancer screenings. He’s grateful for his team of heroes at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in Montvale, New Jersey. Dr Walinski runs a non-profit organization called the 1000 Cranes Project for prostate cancer awareness. The website (1000cranes.kitchen) and YouTube channel (@1000cranes.kitchen) include videos, information and nutrition tips for people with prostate cancer, or those in high risk demographics. Donations may be made through the website by purchasing a custom lapel pin designed by Dr Walinski.

Chris Walinski, DDS, claims the coveted white apron as a Baby Boomer contestant on the popular Fox TV cooking show.