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.  

New RAYMILL C Chairside Milling Machine Designed for Speed and Precision | Image Credit: © Ray America

Designed for same-day ceramic restorations, the new RAYMILL C chairside milling machine from Ray America features advanced grinding capabilities to address various indications. Boasting the latest in cutting-edge technology and a compact design, the mill is designed for both efficiency and precision. Its advanced dual grinding technology is said to produce top-quality patient fittings quickly. Described as easy to operate by any dental staff member, the RAYMILL C can go anywhere in the practice due to its compact size and quietness (it does not require a separate compressor or direct water supply connection). The device uses a high-frequency spindle 60,000 rpm grinding tech for accurate results within 10 microns during repeated processing. With a diamond-coated cuttable material that provides optimal grinding performance, the milling machine is said to be ideal for thin veneer processing.

It is 25% faster than its predecessor to allow for quicker and more efficient production. Additionally, it can produce glass and hybrid ceramics simultaneously using dual 4-axis machining in less than 18 minutes, Ray America states. The intuitive user interface simplifies workflow for users, who are guided step-by-step through maintenance procedures and tool management. Another benefit of the machine is its Status Check Function, a display with updates on replacement and function for bur, water and filter. The RAYMILL C is designed to deliver a natural-looking prosthetic in 60 minutes or less, from the scan, to design, milling, post-processing and then the seating.

The company’s product offerings include a variety of digital dentistry solutions including scanners, CAD design, CBCT imaging, the RAYDENT Studio 3D printer, and now its latest milling machine.

Articles

Ray America’s latest launch is described as easy to use and said to deliver great-fitting prosthetics quickly.

New RAYMILL C Chairside Milling Machine Designed for Speed and Precision

VITA Expands its VITA AMBRIA Tooth Product Line | Image Credit: © VITA North America

tooth portfolio to offer more possibilities for users.

VITA AMBRIA brilliant press ceramics, made of zirconia-reinforced lithium discilicate, are formulated to offer optimal surface quality and true-to-shade brilliance. With this expansion to one of its most widely used tooth portfolios, users have even more options with additional shade variants and translucency levels, the company states.

It is now available in 16 VITA classical A1-D4

 tooth shades and 29 VITA SYSEM 3D-MASTER

 shades. Also new this year, VITA AMBRIA has been expanded to include 3 new medium opacity pellet shades. The new MO pellets offer a natural effect with full coverage, making them well-suited for veneers and crowns with a light target shade, especially for reliably masking discolored dies or titanium abutments, due to the opacity. The 3 new pellet shades are MO-0 opaque whitish, MO-1 opaque yellowish, and MO-2 opaque reddish.

VITA AMBRIA is formulated to deliver reliable results with impressive and accurate shade fidelity, and easy polishing and finishing make the tooth a top choice for esthetic restorations. The esthetics and ability to adjust the degree of translucency using the pressing temperature set a new standard for natural and lifelike restorations, according to VITA.

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. This latest tooth line expansion is just another example of how VITA seeks to help laboratory technicians and clinicians deliver high quality and esthetic results to patients quickly and efficiently.

New shade variants and translucency levels, including medium opacity 
pellet shades, now available to provide more possibilities for users.


 VITA Expands its VITA AMBRIA Tooth Product Line

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. 

Dentsply Sirona Sponsors FDI Sustainability Ambassador Prize. Image credit: © Dentsply Sirona


Dentsply Sirona has officially announced its sponsorship of the FDI World Dental Federation (FDI)’s Sustainability Ambassador Prize. This prize aims to recognize individuals who are vocal in their promotion of sustainability in dentistry, according to a press release from Dentsply Sirona, and is open now for applications. To be eligible, applicants must have successfully completed FDI’s Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) on Sustainability in Dentistry.

As advocates for sustainability in dentistry, Dentsply Sirona felt that this sponsorship was a good fit, according to chief business officer, EVP, Andreas Frank in the press release.

“At Dentsply Sirona, we strongly believe that education is one of the key drivers to further sustainability within our industry. With the Sustainability Ambassador Prize as an additional incentive, we hope to attract many dental professionals to the new FDI MOOC on Sustainability which we helped develop,” Frank said in the press release. “We believe that, upon completion of the course, the prize will inspire participants to reflect on their newly gained knowledge on sustainability–and then take action.”

Launched in December 2023, the FDI MOOC on Sustainability provides valuable insight on environmental sustainability in the dental practice and is an extension of FDI’s Sustainability in Dentistry initiative launched in 2021. With a Toolkit, a pledge, and a curriculum, there are various resources that clinicians can access to commit to a greener dental practice, according to the press release.

“Oral health plays a pivotal role in overall health, well-being, and quality of life. Like other industries, the dental sector urgently needs to reduce its environmental footprint,” President of the FDI World Dental Federation, Dr Greg Chadwick said in the press release. “Together with our partners, including Dentsply Sirona, we are working to provide everyone with the knowledge and the tools to reach that goal­–one step at a time.”

To apply for the Ambassador Prize or view the various sustainability resources mentioned visit the 

This prize will recognize dental professionals who are passionate about sustainable dental practice. 

Dentsply Sirona Sponsors FDI Sustainability Ambassador Prize

Access to Better Materials and Techniques Allow for Better Long-Term Outcomes for Dental Implant Patients | Image Credit: © Dentsply Sirona

In advance of last week’s Implant Solutions World Summit in Miami, Florida, Dentsply Sirona’s Tony Susino, group vice president, implant and prosthetic solutions, shared his thoughts on the dental implant industry and answered several questions from 

 to provide insight on the company’s strategies around implant advancements, digital dentistry, and educational events such as this year’s Summit.

Dental Products Report (DPR): What makes the field of dental implants so important today?

In today's dental landscape, the field of dental implants stands as a cornerstone of innovation and patient care. At Dentsply Sirona, we understand the paramount importance of dental implants for several compelling reasons.

I believe the implant market continues to be an opportunity for growth for all of us – for dental professionals and Dentsply Sirona alike for several reasons:

Aging populations are putting an increased emphasis on oral health, especially in developed countries. As populations age, more people will have missing teeth and many will want implants.

Increased acceptance and awareness of cosmetic dentistry means demand will continue to increase.

Technology is evolving and helping you to treat more patients effectively and efficiently.

Our focus on quality ensures that our implants not only restore function but also stand the test of time, ultimately benefiting both patients and practitioners alike.

Tony Susino, Group Vice President, Implant and Prosthetic Solutions, Dentsply Sirona

While they hold particular significance for the elderly, their benefits extend far beyond, dental implants emerge as a pivotal solution, offering not only functional restoration but also a significant enhancement in quality of life. As we navigate the demographic changes ahead, prioritizing oral health and embracing innovations in implant dentistry will be crucial in promoting healthy aging and enhancing quality of life for patients.

DPR: Why are events like the Implant Solutions World Summit so important?

Events like the Implant Solutions World Summit serve as catalysts for innovation, education, and community building within the field of implant dentistry.

It is a unique opportunity to show our customers the full implant workflow portfolio – including our EV implants, prosthetic and regenerative solutions, planning tools, and DS Core. With science at the forefront of our implant portfolio, we utilize these events to underscore our scientific expertise and commitment to long-term research and innovation.

Our Implant Solutions World Summit provides ample opportunities for networking and relationship building among attendees. Engaging with peers, industry experts, and key opinion leaders fosters collaboration, idea exchange, and professional growth within the Dentsply Sirona implants community.

We host a variety of implant-focused educational events, such as the highly successful Implants Congress in Warsaw, Poland every year, and the recent Implant Symposium in Scottsdale, Arizona. Dentsply Sirona invests significant time, resources, and funds in supporting the implants community we serve.

By offering a forum for education, collaboration, and networking, these events contribute to the cultivation of a strong and loyal customer base. Attendees feel valued and connected to the Dentsply Sirona brand, enhancing customer retention and fostering long-term relationships.

DPR: How have material and technique advances changed the way both clinicians and patients view dental implants? [While many clinicians realize how much the predictability has increased, and how today’s systems have improved greatly, are most patients and all GPs aware of this?]

Material and technique advances have significantly transformed the landscape of dental implants, from improved biocompatibility to shortened treatment times, benefiting both clinicians and patients alike. Clinicians now have access to a wider array of materials and techniques that offer improved durability, esthetics, and functionality. These advancements allow for more precise placement, leading to better long-term outcomes and reduced risk of complications. For patients, these advancements mean implants that look and feel more natural, with shorter recovery times and enhanced comfort.

Let me mention here our latest regenerative solutions.

Our OSSIX portfolio is designed to solve common regenerative challenges, offering clinical flexibility, predictable results, safety, and hassle-free handling, while allowing for soft and bone tissue regeneration. For almost 2 decades, clinicians have used OSSIX solutions to provide long-lasting results for patients across hundreds of thousands of procedures.

The latest member of the OSSIX family of solutions, 

 is an innovative pericardium membrane, powered by GLYMATRIX technology to provide a long-lasting barrier effect for bone and tissue regeneration, excellent biocompatibility, and easy handling. This has reduced the risk of rejection and enhanced the success rates of dental implants, instilling confidence in both clinicians and patients regarding the longevity and effectiveness of the treatment.

 portfolio were introduced with the needs of both clinicians and patients in mind, offering easy handling and a comfortable experience every step of the way.

The Symbios Allograft line consists of a diverse range of products spanning different clinical applications, including Granules bone grafts, Putty bone grafts and Acellular Dermal Matrix. The enhanced range was introduced for the first time here at the Implant Solutions World Summit in Miami and will be available in the USA from June 20.

For more on the Implant Solutions World Summit, which was held June 13-15, 2024,

Dentsply Sirona has collaborated with 2 trusted partners to develop the new granule, dermis, and putty products: RegenX for the granule portfolio with the patented Excellion® process for bone processing procedures. The granules are designed for a wide range of regenerative needs, including rapid bone regeneration, structural integrity, and remodeling.

We have also continued our long-term partnership with MTF Biologics® to deliver new dermis and putty products.

The esthetic aspect of dental implants has also undergone a remarkable transformation. Innovations in materials, including tooth-colored ceramics and improved surface textures, have enabled the creation of more natural-looking implants.

With tools such as 3D imaging, CAD/CAM technology, and intraoral scanning, clinicians can now tailor implant treatments to each patient's unique anatomy. Using DS Signature workflows from scan to crown mean fewer steps, less risk and reduced chair time, increased efficiency, and case acceptance. This results in better-fitting restorations and improved long-term outcomes, instilling confidence in both clinicians and patients regarding the predictability of implant therapy.

Why should more GPs get involved in implants and what is the best way for them to get educated and started?

 As populations age, more people will have missing teeth that require dentures or implants. Given this trend, there is a growing necessity for dentists to become more involved in implant dentistry. Dental implants offer a long-term solution for tooth replacement, providing patients with improved esthetics, functionality, and overall oral health.

Incorporating dental implants into a practice can lead to practice growth and differentiation. GPs who offer implants may attract new patients seeking comprehensive dental care, including implant treatments. This can help the practice stand out in a competitive market and increase revenue streams. Implants are a highly effective solution for tooth replacement, providing patients with a more permanent and natural-looking alternative to traditional options like dentures or bridges. Patients appreciate the convenience of receiving implant treatment from their regular dentist, rather than being referred to a specialist.

Learning and performing implant procedures can be professionally fulfilling for GPs. It allows them to expand their skills, stay current with advancements in dentistry, and tackle more complex cases. Engaging in implant dentistry can reignite passion for the profession and provide a sense of accomplishment.

This curriculum is designed to help build and expand clinicians' digital implant skills according to levels of experience and personal learning preferences. We invite those newer to implant dentistry to start from the beginning, and those with more experience to jump in further down the learning pathway.

We created the content in collaboration with international key opinion leaders and world-renowned implant clinicians—including Prof Lyndon Cooper, one of the scientific chairs at this year’s Implant Solutions World Summit—these interactive online courses focus on patient cases and procedures found in everyday practice. Through this self-paced online curriculum, clinicians will be able to learn more about implant dentistry—from foundational through mastery levels.

In addition to our online courses, we regularly host hands-on workshops, study clubs and regional implant meetings. These events are promoted through our social media channels and by our dedicated sales representatives.

Our collaboration with Spear Education goes back a long way and we will soon introduce a series of 12 Implants Study Club modules under Spear’s CDOCS education platform starting from September. The modules cover a wide range of topics designed to enhance today’s dental professionals’ expertise in implant dentistry. Study Club topics include DS Core case communication and collaboration, digital implant planning, all-on-X procedures, handling implant complications, patient-specific abutments and peri-implantitis management. It’s a great a platform for sharing experiences, discussing challenges, and discovering innovative solutions.

DPR: Please address why some patients may be apprehensive to get dental implants and what Dentsply Sirona can do to help them overcome such fears. Are things like cost, long healing periods, failed implants they’ve heard about previously difficult obstacles to overcome?

 Education and communication. Patient concerns can be addressed by providing thorough education about the benefits of dental implants compared to alternative tooth replacement options. Clear communication about the implant process, including the expected costs, timeline, and success rates, can help alleviate anxiety and build trust. By emphasizing the predictability of modern implant procedures and discussing potential risk factors upfront, patients can feel more confident in their decision to proceed with treatment. Offering warranties or guarantees on implant treatments can provide patients with additional reassurance.

DPR: Tell us about the OmniTaper system and what makes this so beneficial.

 DS continuously assesses its implant portfolio with the aim of providing a clinically relevant assortment. One part is to always review existing systems and make them even better. DS OmniTaper is an excellent example of this: it combines clinical proven features with modern techniques (drilling protocols, prosthetics).

The investment in long-term science and clinical studies of the implant systems is a key differentiator in the premium market segment.

With the addition of DS OmniTaper Implant System to the EV implant family, we now offer parallel walled, apically tapered and fully tapered body shapes for surgical clinicians to have the flexibility they need. These implants also have the conical EV connection designed for one-position-only abutment placing for Atlantis patient-specific abutments and are compatible with our complete digital DS Signature Workflows (including Primescan, OSSIX and Atlantis).

While the implant design may not be a “novelty”, what is unique is the EV Family and its combination of these 3 implants that all share the EV Connection, OsseoSpeed surface and DS Signature workflows.

The DS OmniTaper Implant System is the choice for dental professionals who are looking for an implant system they can rely on in virtually all clinical situations—one that can be placed and restored using an intuitive treatment protocol. It ensures treatment success, patient satisfaction and improves the quality of life for the patient.

The design is based on the trusted apically tapered Xive Implant design, which has over 20 years of success, modernized with the conical EV connection and OsseoSpeed surface. The conical EV connection that provides access to the harmonized and comprehensive EV prosthetic portfolio for restorative flexibility and immediate chairside solutions. The OsseoSpeed® implant surface stimulates early bone healing and speeds up the healing process, for increased bone formation and stronger bone-to-implant bonding.

Experiences of users show that working with the DS OmniTaper Implant System demonstrates reliability and scalability. Clinicians appreciate the simplified drilling protocol of the implant system: This facilitates surgery and leads even more reliably to the desired result.

Dentsply Sirona’s Tony Susino explains some of the many benefits, including implants that look and feel more natural with shorter recovery times and enhanced patient comfort.

Access to Better Materials and Techniques Allow for Better Long-Term Outcomes for Dental Implant Patients

Ora’s Practice Management Solution Designed for Practices of All Sizes | Image Credit: © PracticeTek

Developed by PracticeTek, Ora practice management software integrates sophisticated technology from partners like DentalXChange, Pearl AI, ScriptSure, SOTA Cloud, and Treatment24Seven to deliver a seamless and eﬃcient workﬂow.

Now optimized for all individual and group dental practice structures, Ora is described as the ﬁrst-of-its-kind to deliver on the promise of providing “all-in-one” practice management software to dental practices. It features a comprehensive suite of tools integrated to create a truly uniﬁed experience—1 platform, 1 support team, 1 login, and 1 bill.

The practice management solution was purpose-built with the end user and their existing challenges in mind, the company says. It was initially built for dental service organizations (DSOs) but is ideal for all practices.

Ora centralizes solutions, reliable technology, continuous optimization, and expert support—all in a single place. By consistently integrating patient data, it ensures a clear and comprehensive picture of each patient and eliminates the need to maintain multiple solutions. Practices and organizations can work with a trusted partner who provides advanced technology that’s built to scale in a quickly evolving industry. Constantly seeking to improve practice outcomes, the solution is designed to deliver continued practice success.

The platform includes fundamental tools like EHR, patient scheduling, billing and payments, automated reminders, digital waitlist management, and patient recall systems centralized in 1 continuous workﬂow. | Image Credit: © PracticeTek

The versatile platform includes fundamental tools like electronic health records (EHR),patient scheduling, billing and payments, automated reminders, digital waitlist management, and patient recall systems centralized in 1 continuous workﬂow. Additional features designed to help practices stay ahead include:

Imaging and lab management for streamlined clinical workﬂows. 

Consult management and e-claims to improve operational eﬃciency.

eRX and attachment services to enhance patient care and record keeping. Comprehensive patient communication tools, including coupons and campaigns.

Automated eligibility veriﬁcation and reputation management to support practice growth.

RCM solutions to simplify the complexities of billing, collection and management of insurance authorization, improving cash ﬂow.

Dental practice management software solutions that are decentralized lack the comprehensive capabilities needed to empower practice owners to eﬀectively manage their businesses, PracticeTek states. This fragmentation can result in the inability to integrate data and patient information across various products, and create an incomplete picture of each patient. Consequently, avoidable system errors and ineﬃciencies arise in patient care, billing, and revenue cycle management, all obstacles that hinder efficiency and patient satisfaction.

“Ora is the ﬁrst platform to fulﬁll the promise of a uniﬁed solution, designed to centralize and streamline practice management, supporting the needs of all dental practices, from small private clinics to large multi-specialty organizations,” Marc West, Practice Tek CPO, says in a press release. “We’re continuously innovating and enhancing the Ora platform to integrate even more best-in-class solutions to remain at the forefront of dental practice management technology.”

Ora’s cloud-based platform is designed to redeﬁne enterprise practice management by oﬀering seamless, secure access to patient data anywhere, anytime. The company adds that its commitment to strong relationships with top software providers enables it to deliver on promises of leading-edge technology and experience for users

) scales to support all dental practices — from single oﬃces to multi-specialty practices and DSOs. PracticeTek (

 ) is a provider of comprehensive healthcare technology solutions for retail healthcare clinics that oﬀers end-to-end software products and services that help clinics improve eﬃciency, streamline workﬂows, and deliver better patient care.

Developed by PracticeTek, the centralized platform allows dental practices to see and manage everything from a single login.


Ora’s Practice Management Solution Designed for Practices of All Sizes

Denstply Sirona President and Chief Executive Officer Simon Campion speaks at the Implant Solutions World Summit in Miami. | Image Credit: © Dentsply Sirona

It was another big week and another impressive event from Dentsply Sirona as this year’s Implant Solutions World Summit came to a close Saturday in Miami, Florida.

The 3-day Summit included plenty of lectures, master courses, hands-on education, networking, and some great discussions on the latest topics and developments in the world of dental implants.

Here, Denstply Sirona’s President and Chief Executive Officer Simon Campion answers a few questions from 

 to provide insight on the company’s strategies around implants, digital dentistry, and live events such as the Implant Solutions World Summit, which last year took place in Athens, Greece.

DPR: Why is Dentsply Sirona so invested in dental implants and how does this specialty fit in with the company’s overall strategy/goals for clinicians and patients?

Dentsply Sirona has a proud history of innovation that spans across all areas of dentistry. For more than 4 decades, Dentsply Sirona has collaborated with clinicians and scientists to pioneer innovations in implant dentistry that help dental professionals to advance with confidence and achieve excellent results for their patients. That experience led us to where we are today with The EV Implant Family – 3 implant systems with different body shapes that share common DNA, unified by key features such as OsseoSpeed® and EV connection.

Dental implants help to give patients confidence in their mouth and their smile, and that confidence can be life changing. Today it is even possible to create full arch implants.This fits with our company’s vision to transform dentistry to improve oral health globally.

Our focus on dental implants aligns with our broader strategy of delivering innovative, comprehensive solutions that empower clinicians and improve patient outcomes.We believe that digital dentistry is the future and have leveraged our expertise, product and technological advancements to build our DS Workflows that are powered by our cloud solution, DS Core.

These Workflows allow dentists and specialists to integrate procedures and equipment with our end-to-end portfolio. This helps to simplify, reduce risk and easily synchronize with other practice team members and lab partners to provide exceptional patient care.

For implant dentistry specifically, the integration of products like the EV Implant Family, with the DS Core platform enables clinicians to do more – be that increased volume through efficiency or cases of increased complexity and enhance patient outcomes while ultimately providing a better experience for the practice team and patients.

Our goal is to help clinicians not only be prepared for the emerging technologies in dentistry, but to take full advantage of them. We aim to be a partner in the digital future.

DPR: Your company hosts DS World each year along with events like the Implant Solutions World Summit. Why do you feel these types of events are so important?

High-quality clinical education is a part of Dentsply Sirona’s mission to transform dentistry so that we can improve oral health globally. Dentsply Sirona commits significant time and resources to the implants community we serve because we aim to be a true partner, helping professionals to grow their practices and leverage new technologies. And we are mission-focused to empower our customers to proudly create innovative solutions for healthy smiles and the clinical education they need.

The Implant Solutions World Summit was hosted by Dentsply Sirona from June 13-15, 2024 in Miami, Florida. | Image Credit: © Dentsply Sirona

This ties into part of the answer above about partnership – dentistry moves forward when clinicians and manufacturers work in tandem – we want to be a true partner to dental professionals. And high-quality clinical education events like the Implant Solutions World Summit in Athens last year, the US Implant Symposium in Scottsdale, the Implant Solutions World Summit here in Miami, and of course Dentsply Sirona World are opportunities to connect and to better understand the needs of our customers and dental professionals as a whole.

We believe that digital solutions will be a part of every dental treatment because digital workflows create opportunities to make treatment easier, safer and more efficient and help clinicians to have more time with their patients.

Our clinical education events bring together local and internationally renowned experts to share their knowledge and give participants new skills/tools to bring home with them.

DPR:Why should more GPs get involved in implants and what is the best way for them to get educated and started?

As populations age, more people will have missing teeth that require dentures or implants. Combine this with a trend toward greater acceptance and awareness of cosmetic dentistry, more patients are seeking implants to maintain their smiles.

That represents a growing market for implant dentistry specialists and an opportunity for GP practices.Dentsply Sirona works to improve oral health globally and to do so, we work in partnership with all stakeholders. We support dental professionals – both specialists and general practitioners.

The depth of our digital solutions in tandem with the training to fully leverage them enables all our customers to advance with confidence and provide optimal care to their patients. The digital transformation is making it easier to add new capabilities to the dental practice.

At the same time, digital dentistry is helping to make the implant process more efficient and safer. For example, Dentsply Sirona offers its Simplant service for guidance from the treatment planning stage to implant placement. We offer the technology, the service, and through our DS Academy, the clinical education to help our customers add an implant capability to their practice.

We have 57 education centers in 35 countries. Dental professionals are taking advantage of these clinical education opportunities: 1.95 million course registrations since 2019 and 9,200 courses in 84 countries in 2023.

Through the DS Academy, dental professionals can also access several clinical education course series including a 23-course implants series that will assist in building and expanding clinicians' digital implant skills and knowledge.

An additional resource: Last year we also launched the DS Academy Campus – a new digital education platform through which dental professionals will find a range of on-demand content covering topics in implant dentistry, restorative, orthodontics, and digital dentistry as well as a number of live webinars on pertinent topics led by notable experts.

DPR: From the patient’s perspective, what can the company do to help them overcome obstacles such as high costs, long healing periods, fear of failed implants or any other obstacles that may prevent them from choosing implants when it clinically is in their best interests?

 Our company is dedicated to extensive and rigorous testing to verify and validate product performance. Our clinical research program is robust, with Investigator Initiated Studies being an important component.

Since the beginning of the development of our implant systems we have based our products claims on a solid foundation of pre-clinical and clinical data. We have over 2,000 scientific publications supporting our products and solutions (implants portfolio). This includes data from more than 40,000 patients with over 70,000 implants. And we continue our dedication to research and science with our ongoing clinical research programs. Patients can have confidence in the technologies used by their clinician.

The other way that Dentsply Sirona can play a role in patient confidence is by facilitating communication between clinician and patient through our DS Core cloud platform. Not only are these solutions cutting-edge for their safety and efficiency, but they also help to visualize the treatment planning process.

Simon Campion explains why events such as the Implant Solutions World Summit, combined with dental implant product developments, have a big impact on improved patient care.

Implants Improve Smiles and Give Patients Life-Changing Confidence, Dentsply Sirona President/CEO Says

Lisa Newburger, a master's level social worker supervisor, helps audiences find humor in talking about tough topics. Her "in-your-face" style of presentations and writing will make you smile or just shock you into taking some action. Either way, she is very effective at empowering others to reach their goals and feel better about themselves. Her entertaining workshops are available for national and international audiences. Writing for the dental industry since 2010, she uses an alterego (Diana Directive) to illustrate her points in a sarcastic but effective way. Presentations can be scheduled by contacting Lisa at www.discussdirectives.com/dental.html.

A discussion on out-of-the-box thinking for dental practices solutions. 

Mastermind Episode 37

Join Lisa Newburger, LISW-S, Tija Hunter, CDA, EFDA, Shelley Brown, RDH, BSDH, and Melissa Turner, BASDH, RDHEP, EFDA, for an engaging 31-minute discussion. Together, these experts in the dental field explore innovative approaches to problem-solving within dental practices. By encouraging out-of-the-box thinking, they provide fresh perspectives on tackling challenges and enhancing patient care. Whether it's leveraging new technologies, optimizing workflows, or improving patient communication, this panel offers valuable insights to inspire and empower dental professionals.

Videos

Join Lisa Newburger, LISW-S, Tija Hunter, CDA, EFDA, Shelley Brown, RDH, BSDH, and Melissa Turner, BASDH, RDHEP, EFDA, as they discuss new ways to find solutions in the dental practice by thinking outside the box. [31 minutes]

Mastermind - Episode 37 - Thinking Outside the Box for Dental Practice Solutions

NDX has announced the launch of NDX Aligners, a new aligner solution designed to enhance dental practices' teeth straightening services. NDX Aligners use advanced materials like Zendura® FLX and technology with the aim to offer enhanced orthodontic care, according to a press release from NDX.

Zendura FLX is known for its clarity, stain resistance, and comfort via its 3-layer construction. This construction reportedly provides optimal force retention, which is said to reduce pain while still enabling the tooth movement that both patients and practitioners desire.

NDX is also offering a customer service team composed of clinicians and orthodontists with combined experience in aligner design. This support team aims to ensure precise and predictable outcomes, per the press release. An internal study of over 3500 cases showed that 2 out of 3 did not require refinements at the end of treatment, demonstrating a reduction in production time. The NDX Aligners Doctor Portal is also designed to streamline case submission, with high-resolution 3D viewers, guided treatment setup, and advanced treatment options.

Brandon Rogers, Chief Commercial Officer at NDX, remarked in the press release, "Partnering with NDX allows dentists to offer a premium orthodontic solution that can attract new patients and improve overall patient satisfaction. With our comprehensive support and innovative tools, dental practices can enhance their services and drive significant growth."

NDX Aligners are available now for order. To learn more, or see the portal in action, visit the 

NDX has launched NDX Aligners, a new orthodontic solution made from Zendura® FLX, offering clear, comfortable, and effective teeth straightening.

NDX Introduces NDX Aligners

University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio to Launch Center for Regenerative Sciences. Image credit: © growth.ai - stock.adobe.com

The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio School of Dentistry is set to launch its Center for Regenerative Sciences, with the goal of becoming a leader in regenerative dentistry and other medicines, according to a press release from the institution. This center will focus on interdisciplinary collaborations, per Yong-Hee Chun, DDS, PhD, MS, associate professor of periodontics. Dr Chun researches the molecules that are key to tooth remineralization, and she expressed how key regeneration is in future therapies in the press release.

“When teeth and their support structures are malformed, such as with molar-incisor hypomineralization, or are damaged by diseases like periodontal diseases, new treatments are needed. These treatments aim to regenerate the affected tissues and restore normal function,” she said in the press release.

Anibal Diogenes, DDS, PhD, professor and chair of the Department of Endodontics, emphasized the center’s capacity to rapidly advance the field by translating biological advancements into clinical applications. The center will focus on advanced tissue regeneration strategies, 3D printing of tissues, acellular scaffolds, and targeted drug delivery using encapsulated growth factors and chemotactic molecules, according to the press release.

“This center represents a huge opportunity to bootstrap the field, diversify our research, and enhance collaboration among our scientists,” Dr Diogenes said in the press release.

The center will also explore stem cell-based therapies, such as root canal treatments for children, which can activate their own stem cells to reestablish dental pulp and allow continued tooth development, crucial for overall growth.

Brij B. Singh, PhD, associate dean of research, stated that the initiative would bring in talent from different concentrations and create a collaborative environment for breakthroughs in dental and medical sciences.

“The vision is to become a global leader in regenerative sciences, ultimately improving patient care outcomes everywhere,” Dr Singh said in the press release.

The Center for Regenerative Sciences will be formally launched later in fall 2024. For more information, visit the 

The center aims to translate preclinical discoveries into therapies for dental and craniofacial diseases, leveraging the school’s expertise in stem cell-based treatments and 3D printing technologies.

University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio to Launch Center for Regenerative Sciences

America’s ToothFairy, Sun Life, and DentaQuest are highlighting oral health disparities and the importance of healthy smiles during Oral Health Month this June, according to a press release from the groups. As millions of people in the U.S. do not have or struggled with access to dental care, this partnership was created to provide education and resources. This is particularly important for those in rural or remote areas, individuals with special health care needs, indigenous communities, people of color, and migrant populations that face significant barriers to dental care, leading to higher rates of dental disease and poorer overall health.

"Chances are, the first thing you notice about someone is their smile. However, not everyone has a smile they’re proud to share. Together, we can build awareness of dental health inequities, the effect is has on children as they grow, and actions people can take to help," said Jill Malmgren, executive director of America’s ToothFairy, in the press release.

Malmgren added, "Kids can get lax with their dental hygiene routine during the summer. Our Share Your Smile campaign aims to help kids stay on track with their dental hygiene habits and encourages teens to consider careers in dentistry to support marginalized communities where children often grow up with higher rates of poor oral health."

The Share Your Smile Campaign will offer a variety of resources, including free educational resources, a free social media kit to advocate for oral health, and oral health habit trackers for children. Key points made in the campaign include smiling’s impact on life, why children may lack access to dental care, dental career information, and the long-term effects of poor dental health.

"DentaQuest is committed to helping everyone access the dental care they need to be healthy," said Steve Pollock, president of DentaQuest, part of Sun Life U.S. "We are proud to partner with America’s ToothFairy once again to raise awareness about the importance of oral health—especially in children—and to help bring about meaningful change in communities that need it most."

To learn more about the campaign and access free educational resources, visit 

America’s ToothFairy, Sun Life, and DentaQuest are raising awareness about oral health disparities and promoting dental careers during Oral Health Month in June, providing free educational resources through the Share Your Smile campaign.