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.  

IDS 2025 Returns March 25-29, 2025, in Germany 

Expecting another big event in 2025, organizers of the International Dental Show (IDS) 2025 held a media breakfast Monday morning at the Greater New York Dental Meeting.

Hosted jointly by Koelnmesse and VDDI (Association of the German Dental Manufacturers), the press meeting shared updates with members of the media and dental industry officials on the next IDS, which will take place March 25-29, 2025, in Cologne, Germany.

Dr. Markus HeibachandMarkus Osterkicked off the morning bysharing success stories of previous IDS conferences, which take place every other year and draw attendees and exhibitors from across the globe.

IDS 2023 featured 1,788 exhibitors from 60 countries and 120,000 visitors from 162 countries.

“I believe it is vital that dental innovations are available worldwide,” Dr Heibach says.

Online registration opened early this year to help attendees with visa processing and travel arrangements. Once again, attendees who purchase tickets to IDS will be provided public transportation around Cologne.

Registration information can be found by 

Event organizers say the innovative strength of the dental industry is unabated. The rapid progress in research and development and the international competition are the drivers of the tireless product development. The companies of the dental industry are proving to be equally inventive and application-oriented.

Markus Oster (left) Dr. Markus Heibachtalk about IDS 2025 at a press breakfast in New York City on Sunday at the GNYDM. | Image Credit: Stan Goff

Below, IDS shared some examples designed to highlight how the manufacturers of dental medicine technology are bringing dentists, dental technicians and their teams forward.

Practices can rely on stronger support for caries diagnosis:

The aggregation of different imaging techniques such as x-rays, fluorescence and transillumination ensures a good overall picture.

The x-ray diagnosis occurs fully-automatically supported by artificial intelligence and is thus at the disposal of the dentist for the medical evaluation—enabling the improved detection of initial caries lesions.

The magnetic resonance tomography (MRT) has been introduced as a further digital imaging technology—for the improved detection of secondary and occult caries.

In the field of periodontal diagnostics, this already allows the detection of bone loss in its early stages.

The MRT can be combined with intraoral scans, 3D x-rays and a computer tomography in implantology to enable successful backward-planning.

Furthermore, there are new developments in all sections of the practice:

In the fields of periodontology and professional prophylaxis innovative multifunctional systems with an ultrasonic handpiece and a powder jet handpiece offer the team user-friendly operation and the patients a particularly pleasant therapy.

More and more esthetic, tooth-colored materials are available for filling therapies, such as nanohybrid ormocers, while new self-adhesive composites that bond without the use of separate adhesives are eagerly awaited.

In the field of endodontics, digital assistance systems reduce the risk of file breakage. Thanks to sensor-less control, the motor reacts immediately and a continual electronic length determination during the active processing helps keep the file always on the desired target.

At the same time, innovative trends are enriching the dental laboratory, and 3D printing and additive production continue to have larger impacts. IDS 2025 plans to provide something for the entire dental industry.

Other areas to be addressed include the aggregation of dental data in safe cloud systems that is making additional services accessible and depending on the structure promotes:

predictive maintenance of the dental equipment

safe and convenient data transmission between the laboratories, clinics and practices–for a seamless digital workflow regardless of the location and software licenses.

Furthermore, the industry is observing a larger spectrum of dental chairs from the pure chair with peripheral devices simply laid out in front through to strongly integrated units, as well as a concerted effort for more sustainability.

To what extent the current innovations will change the important framework conditions for running a dental practice or laboratory will ensue from the many expert discussions held at the 41st IDS, states organizers of the trade show.

For more information, you can reach out to Markus Majerus, public and media relations manager, at m.majerus@koelnmesse.de or visit the website 

Articles

Organizers of massive trade fair provided updates at this week’s Greater New York Dental Meeting.

IDS 2025 Returns March 25-29, 2025, in Germany

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

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

The Maximum Advantages of Being Minimally Invasive | Image Credit: © Phatsa - stock.adobe.com/Generated by AI

I’m back and ready to wrap up 2024 with this year-end issue of 

. We focus this month on minimally invasive dentistry (MID), a topic the profession has been interested in for some time. We have probably been focused on being minimally invasive for as long as modern dentistry has been around—and by that, I mean for the last 150 years or so.

Some incredible advances in this concept have been made over the course of my career. During my days in dental school, the focus was on really well-done amalgams. Of course, amalgams were anything but minimally invasive, unless we are talking about a buccal pit. Amalgams needed a minimal width and a minimal depth to resist fracture. That meant we often sacrificed unaffected tooth structure just to get the prep to an adequate depth and width, frequently a very conservative 2-surface restoration fractured at the isthmus because the operator was trying to conserve tooth structure and there was insufficient bulk to resist the occlusal forces.

Amalgam doesn’t bond to dentin or enamel, which means it also requires mechanical retention. Doctors were forced to create undercuts on the occlusal and interproximal surfaces to create a retention form that essentially locked
 the restoration.

I was also trained in the philosophy of “extension for prevention.” The basic idea was that if you were going to put bur to tooth, you might as well go into all the pits and fissures to include them in the prep. The thought was that as amalgam did not decay and teeth did, you might as well include areas of potential breakdown to the restoration to help prevent breakdown in the future.

Back when restorative dentistry began, MID had a different definition, probably because anesthesia did not exist yet. When you were excavating decay, you wanted to stay as far away from the pulp as possible simply because it hurt. A revolution occurred in the 1870s when actual dental-
specific handpieces were invented. However, there was still no local anesthesia. I feel this was when the extension-for-prevention idea became a real thing. If you had a chance to prevent further decay by being able to run out grooves, why not? In those days, people only sought treatment when in pain. If a patient was having a restoration done anyway, why not decrease the chance of future problems?

In 1884, the brilliant surgeon Dr William Stewart Halsted (chief of surgeons at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine) read about the topical anesthetic properties of cocaine. This led him to conduct some experiments where he prepared a solution of cocaine powder and water that was placed in a syringe and used in various areas of the arms and legs to cause anesthesia. He then delivered it to a medical student volunteer. The result was the first successful anesthesia of the inferior alveolar nerve. This changed everything.

However, the profession was still far from having safe and predictable local anesthetics. Injecting cocaine into patients had many drawbacks. Of course, when it was first discovered, it was considered a wonder drug. The year 1904 saw the discovery of procaine (Novocaine), which worked without the problems of cocaine but was quickly metabolized, which meant a short duration of action. The real revolution in dental local anesthesia came in 1946 with the discovery of lidocaine. At long last, patients could be reliably anesthetized for an entire procedure.

Then along came composite, and the world was rocked again. At long last, dentistry had a material that did not require mechanical retention. It flexed similarly to tooth structure, so bulk was not always needed for strength. Plus, it was beautiful.

Composite allowed doctors to be much more conservative than ever before. Dentistry went from extension for prevention to constriction with conviction, where the focus became on removing only diseased or weakened tooth structure. Gone were the days of 2-surface restorations dovetailing into the occlusal surface, replaced by the current philosophy of “slot preps,” where only the marginal ridge and interproximal caries are removed and replaced.

Our decision-making process has also undergone major shifts. Bringing digital tools into the treatment sphere has allowed us to see things better than ever before. Almost everyone has readily available intraoral cameras, but other tools exist. Transillumination and fluorescence are also great ways to find caries at the earliest stages.

The Microlux DWfrom AdDent is a great, affordable device for transillumination and fluorescence detection. The device is a small handheld unit with a small tip (3-mm diameter) that can be easily used in both the interproximal and occlusal areas. It has 2 settings: 1 for white visible light for transillumination and 1 for purple (405 nm) that can be used to look for caries fluorescence.

KaVo also has a recently released device called the DIAGNOcam Vision Full HD—a sleek device that looks like an intraoral camera. However, it does much more. The device takes high-definition intraoral photos, transillumination (using infrared) photos, and fluorescence caries detection photos. The best part? You can take all
3 image types with the push of 1 button.

Advanced devices such as these can help us find problems when they are tiny and allow us to perform equally tiny restorations.

Now dentistry has moved into the realm of truly bioactive materials that can help the tooth rebuild itself. We all know that the area most susceptible to recurrent caries is at the restorative margin. I like to say that the margin is the trench warfare of dentistry. Because of that, I am excited to see manufacturers creating restorative materials that not only seal the margin but contain components that can fight recurrent decay and even remineralize weakened structure. Another great thing about these products is that although some are fairly recent additions, they contain components with a long track record.

As an example, I will use the RE-GEN™ product line from Vista Apex. This product line contains Bioglass, which was discovered in the late 1960s and has been used in orthopedic surgery for decades. Without going into excessive detail, Bioglass helps create hydroxyapatite where it contacts the tooth. That means it helps seal margins and helps the tooth repair itself under restorations. It also creates an alkaline environment along the margins, which has bactericidal effects.

Bioglass is currently available in the RE-GEN product line, which includes a bonding agent, a pit and fissure sealant, a flowable composite, a bulk fill composite, and an endodontic sealer.

Then there is GIOMER technology from Shofu Dental. GIOMER has a history dating back about 20 years and is present in many Shofu products. It is a bioactive surface prereacted glass that releases fluoride and 5 other beneficial ions, and one nice feature is that it also recharges them. That means that there is an active effect. GIOMER is a part of many of Shofu’s products, including universal composites (Beautifil II and Beautifil II LS), specialty composites (Beautifil II Gingiva and Beautifil II Enamel), flowable composite (Beautifil Flow), and more.

Another product line with bioactivity is ACTIVA™ BioACTIVE from Pulpdent. These products contain a product called Embrace Resin Cement. The unique aspect is that Embrace resin contains a small amount of water as well as phosphate acid groups. In the oral environment, this material loses hydrogen ions, which are replaced by calcium ions from the tooth; this forms a resin-hydroxyapatite complex and helps seal the restoration to prevent microleakage. It also absorbs ions from the saliva to help recharge its bioactive properties.

Bioactivity also can promote healing and aid reparative dentin in areas where caries approach the pulp. Usually we think of minimally invasive as being tiny preparations with tiny restorations, but we can apply bioactive materials in areas of near pulpal exposures for large restorations, even full coverage.

When deep decay approaches the pulp, reparative dentin formation can help prevent sensitivity and help the tooth recover from the mechanical insult of caries removal. In these situations, the go-to has always been calcium hydroxide. However, new materials have put a new spin on this.

BISCO’s TheraCal® LC is a resin-modified calcium silicate material. It is designed to be used in direct and indirect pulp capping procedures and as a general protective liner. Additionally, it releases calcium and helps create an alkaline environment to promote healing. The material assists with hydroxyapatite crystal formation. Plus it is light cured, which ensures the set and reduces the amount of time required for the procedure.

There is also Ultra-Blend™ plus from Ultradent. This material contains calcium hydroxide in a urethane dimethacrylate base. It is light activated, and the resin is highly filled, which means it experiences minimal shrinkage as it polymerizes.

The profession has seen some amazing advances in materials in the past decade. During the early explosion of bonded restorations, doctors’ greatest concerns were polymerization shrinkage and occlusal wear. The material scientists who make our jobs easier have more or less solved those problems. We are now moving into materials that continue to work long after the patient leaves our office.

Study data show that many composites fail within 5 years, and that failure has been mainly due to the problem of recurrent decay at the margin. However, we are now seeing materials that can better seal the margins, help regenerate the needed mineral matrix, and even kill bacteria at the tooth or restoration interface. Beauty is a terrific quality, but beauty anddurability in the challenging world of the oral environment are what we all strive for daily. We are now seeing materials that are helping make that goal a reality. What a great time to be in dentistry.

The way we practice minimally invasive dentistry and how we define it have changed greatly over dentistry’s history.

The Maximum Advantages of Being Minimally Invasive

Air Techniques Unveils New Vista Position PSP Holder System at GNYDM | Image Credit: © Air Techniques, Inc

Air Techniques, Inc unveiled its new VistaPosition PSP Holder System at this week’s Greater New York Dental Meeting (GNYDM), and is also showcasing its recently launched FlowStar Nitrous Oxide/Oxygen Sedation system.

The company, a leading innovator and manufacturer of dental equipment, is exhibiting at the New York dental show from Dec. 1-4 at Booth 3809.Attendees this week have the chance to win prizes and enjoy significant year-end savings on some of the company’s premier equipment and digital systems.

The FlowStar Touch and Analog Nitrous Flowmeters and their components are on full display. These state-of-the-art systems feature multiple innovations designed to reinvigorate a previously uninspiring product category. FlowStar offers ultra-soft double nasal hoods, touch and analog nitrous flowmeters, various mounting options, and mobile products. After receiving a personalized demonstration, attendees are invited to scan a QR code in the booth for a chance to win a Visa gift card.

The VistaPosition PSP was specifically developed for PSP plates, incorporating several practical solutions into a single product. This holder system is compatible with nearly all commonly used PSP systems and intraoral x-ray units, the company says. Specially designed bite blocks secure the image plates gently yet effectively in place.

In addition to showcasing these new products, Air Techniques invites attendees to participate in a chance to win exciting prizes by participating in a demonstration of the imaging software VisionX, which utilizes artificial intelligence. VisionX software is user-friendly and is easy to map out an implant using just 5 simple clicks.

Air Techniques is a part of the GNYDM’s historic 100th anniversary, and the company celebrates over 60 years of innovation in the dental industry. "Our customers inspire us to create both technologically advanced and esthetically pleasing products that reliably support their practices and enhance diagnostic capabilities," Scott Borden, vice president of North American Sales and Marketing at Air Techniques, says in a press release. "We take pride in our legacy and are excited about future offerings that will deliver exceptional value and effectiveness."

Air Techniques’ complete product portfolio of utility systems, digital imaging, and merchandise can equip practices of any size, from small clinics to large universities or hospitals.

The dental equipment company also showcasing its FlowStar Nitrous Oxide/Oxygen Sedation system, imaging software, and more this week.


 Air Techniques Unveils New Vista Position PSP Holder System at GNYDM


Dentsply Sirona, the largest manufacturer of professional dental products and technologies, with more than 100 years of experience in oral healthcare, is celebrating the 30th anniversary of its innovative SureSmile® Digital Orthodontic system, which has transformed the field of orthodontics. More specifically, SureSmile® has played a pivotal role in treating malocclusion, a pervasive oral health issue associated with numerous diseases and conditions that may affect a patient’s overall health and quality of life. SureSmile® captures the abilities of today’s technological advancements to provide customized solutions for patients and streamlines processes for dental professionals.



THE IMPACT OF MALOCCLUSION ON PATIENT HEALTH


Malocclusion is broadly defined as the misalignment of the teeth and jaw, although it is generally referred to as crowded teeth, crossbite, overbite, underbite, or open bite.

 Misaligned teeth can cause more than changes to a patient’s face and discomfort when chewing, however. The aesthetic impact of malocclusion can significantly affect patients' self-esteem, confidence, and social interactions. Studies have shown that malocclusion can lead to anxiety, depression, and interpersonal challenges related to concerns about appearance.



Furthermore, researchers have identified a range of systemic health problems linked to malocclusion. The systemic spread of oral bacteria associated with malocclusion can lead to chronic inflammation, which has been linked to various gastrointestinal disorders, including acid reflux and leaky gut syndrome.

 Additionally, oral bacteria have been identified in Alzheimer's lesions

. Periodontal disease, a common consequence of malocclusion, is also a well-established risk factor for cardiovascular disorders,

. Emerging research suggests that underdeveloped jaws and malocclusion may contribute to upper airway resistance and obstructive sleep apnea.


These findings highlight the necessity of taking a holistic approach to oral health when assessing malocclusion. It's essential for dental professionals to consider patients' behaviors, attitudes, and other risk factors to develop comprehensive treatment plans that address both the functional and psychological aspects of malocclusion.

“Recent studies have revealed that 2 out of 3 US patients have some meaningful form of untreated malocclusion

, showcasing the widespread need for orthodontic care,” highlights Dentsply Sirona’s Chris Schlenk, Group Vice President of Orthodontic Aligner Solutions & Wellspect.


Chris Schlenk
Group Vice President, Orthodontic Aligner Solutions and Wellspect Healthcare
Dentsply Sirona


DENTSPLY SIRONA: ADVANCING DIGITAL ORTHODONTICS WITH INNOVATION & EXPERTISE


For over a century, Dentsply Sirona has been at the forefront of innovation. “Some of our landmark dental innovations include introducing the first dental X-ray unit, inventing in-office dental restorations, pioneering ultrasonic scaling, and developing the first electrical dental drill,” says Schlenk.

Each year, Dentsply Sirona leverages insights collected from research and collaboration with partners to develop more than 30 innovative, next-generation solutions. The company portfolio is a comprehensive range of brands and technologies organized into 5 main global business units encompassing over 40 distinct brands and technologies, demonstrating Dentsply Sirona's broad expertise and commitment to advancing dental and healthcare solutions.

“Innovation and technology are at the heart of everything we do,” says Schlenk. “Dentsply Sirona is a technology and innovation leader in part because we devote such significant resources to research and development. We spend approximately 4% of our annual sales in R&D and have a team of over 650 scientists and engineers working together with our customers and dental experts to understand their needs in practice and develop the solutions of tomorrow.”

The company’s commitment extends beyond product development, explains Schlenk. “We also prioritize education and training for dental professionals. We continue to invest in the implants community, helping professionals to grow their practices, and adopt new technology. We have 57 education centers in 35 countries, and we continue to invest significantly in clinical education resources to give dental professionals opportunities to train in person on the latest techniques and digital workflows as well as to experience the latest innovations.”



CELEBRATING 30 YEARS OF SureSmile® FOR MALOCCLUSION


Specifically through its SureSmile® Digital orthodontic platform, Dentsply Sirona has made significant strides in transforming orthodontic care, addressing the complexities of misaligned teeth with flexibility and efficiency.


SureSmile® features 3D imaging technology that can create detailed, high-quality digital models of patient impressions. The platform is compatible with commonly used intraoral scanners, making it easy to integrate into existing digital workflows. All patient impressions are verified by the SureSmile® Data Integrity team, and intraoral and extraoral photos are used to set the correct global position of the model based on the natural position of the smile on a patient’s face. With an established link between patient records and 3D models, SureSmile® Digital Lab technicians use proprietary treatment planning software and visualization tools to customize patient treatment plans that efficiently treat malocclusion. All treatment models generated by the Digital Lab are then passed along to a Quality Control team to review.

“The SureSmile® Digital orthodontic system stands out in the orthodontic world for its comprehensive, versatile and customizable approach,” says Schlenk. “The system offers solutions for various treatment needs, from clear aligner cases to complex bracket treatments. This modular approach allows dental professionals to select the exact level of customization and control suited to each patient’s case.”

SureSmile® accommodates a wide range of orthodontic treatments, including labial and lingual bracket cases, and indirect bonding treatments. This adaptability makes it ideal for practices that handle diverse cases and require a single system that can manage them all. At the same time, the system’s advanced planning tools, like custom archwire and indirect bonding (IDB) design, robotically bent archwires, and full-service aligner options enable clinicians to execute predictible treatments tailored to each patient’s unique dental structure. SureSmile® also offers custom-made retainers that help preserve the position of the teeth, preventing them from shifting back to their original state after active phases of treatment are complete.

“Our holistic approach, from diagnosis to treatment planning and execution, has ultimately benefitted the oral health and overall well-being of over 1 million patients worldwide,” says Schlenk.

“I've been using SureSmile® since 2019. While there’s no perfect orthodontic system, SureSmile® brings us closer to that ideal by enhancing control over both braces and aligner cases,” comments Dr Josh Rowley, a specialist orthodontist based in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Josh Rowley, BDS, MFDS, DClinDent, Morth, MRACDS
Bite Dentistry
Edinburgh, UK




“SureSmile® has been particularly transformative in our multi-doctor setting,” adds Dr J. Peter Kierl, a specialist based in Edmond, Oklahoma, and a professor at the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry.”

In 1994, SureSmile® was first developed by OraMetrix GmbH, an industry provider of innovative technology solutions designed to improve the predictability and efficiency of orthodontic care. Using innovative treatment planning software and a 2D/3D intra-oral camera system with the world’s first wire-bending system, SureSmile® set the stage for modern, digital orthodontic practice.


J. Peter Kierl, DDS, MS
Professor, University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry
Orthodontist, Kierl Orthodontics
Edmond, Oklahoma



By 2008, SureSmile® had evolved to leverage cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), which provided dental professionals with capabilities to assess patients’ teeth soft tissues and bone structure in the oral cavity. A first of its kind, SureSmile® made it possible for dental professionals to not only assess tooth alignment but to also explore the positioning of tooth roots and surrounding bone to more predictably treatment plan.

Soon after 2008, SureSmile® became the first system to support both lingual and labial orthodontic cases, giving dental professionals the ability to offer more tailored treatment plans. By 2015, a suite of software offerings had become available to dental professionals to respond to workflow inefficiencies. The SureSmile® Doctor Designed Treatment Planning software provided dental professionals with more control over treatment processes, while the Indirect Bonding System and Interdisciplinary Planning offerings opened the door to advanced treatment possibilities.

SureSmile® expanded its product offering in 2018 with the launch of SureSmile® Clear Aligners, based on the same orthodontic philosophy as the cutting-edge robotic wire bending products, offering doctors high level customization but in a more discreet form. The same year, Dentsply Sirona acquired OraMetrix to enhance its digital orthodontics portfolio. This acquisition aimed to integrate OraMetrix's advanced software solutions for 3D treatment planning and visualization, aiding in workflow efficiency and predictable outcomes. This strategy was part of Dentsply Sirona's effort to strengthen its position in the dental market by expanding its digital capabilities and offering comprehensive solutions for dental professionals.

Most recently, in 2023, SureSmile® introduced the SureSmile® Simulator, powered by DS Core™. “The SureSmile® Simulator empowers dental professionals to transform treatment conversations,” says Schlenk. “By utilizing Primescan scan data, the Simulator generates personalized 3D visualizations of potential smiles following SureSmile® Clear Aligner treatment.”

The SureSmile® Simulator helps educate patients about the potential esthetic and oral health benefits of treatment and serves as a strong communication tool to help patients make informed decisions and understand the value of their investment, he explains.

“With the SureSmile® Simulator, we are taking aligner treatment with SureSmile® to the next level. When patients get an idea of what the outcome may look like before treatment, it boosts their relationship with their practitioner and provides the opportunity to make an educated decision about treatment,” Schlenk adds.




Dentsply Sirona's SureSmile® Digital orthodontic platform offers a compelling value proposition in the realm of orthodontic care.

“We understand that each patient's orthodontic journey is unique,” says Schlenk. “We are dedicated to providing an excellent treatment experience for both doctors and patients, from the initial tray to the final smile.”

“SureSmile® diagnostic tools enable me to plan more precisely, providing insights into a patient’s malocclusion that help me optimize their treatment journey. The ability to visualize the final outcome digitally has made my work more predictable and improved the quality of finishes for my patients,” says Dr Rowley.

Learn more about SureSmile® at 

1. Baskaradoss J, Bhagavatula P. Measurement and distribution of malocclusion, trauma, and congenital anomalies. Elsevier; 2021. doi:10.1016/B978-0-323-55484-8.00018-6.

2. Koskela A, Neittaanmäki A, Rönnberg K, et al. The relation of severe malocclusion to patients’ mental and behavioral disorders, growth, and speech problems. Eur J Orthod. 2021;43(2):159-164.

3. Koike S, Sujino T, Ohmori H, et al. Gastric emptying rate in subjects with malocclusion examined by [(13)C] breath test. J Oral Rehabil. 2013;40(8):574-581.

4. Liu S, Dashper SG, Zhao R. Association between oral bacteria and Alzheimer’s disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Alzheimers Dis. 2023;91(1):129-150.

5. Tada S, Ikebe K, Kamide K, et al. Relationship between atherosclerosis and occlusal support of natural teeth with mediating effect of atheroprotective nutrients: From the SONIC study. PLoS One. 2017;12(8):e0182563. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0182563.

6. Sanz M, Marco Del Castillo A, Jepsen S, et al. Periodontitis and cardiovascular diseases: Consensus report. J Clin Periodontol. 2020;47(3):268-288.

7. Costea CA, Christodorescu R, Soancă A, et al. Periodontitis in ischemic stroke patients: Case definition challenges of the new classification scheme (2018). J Clin Med. 2022;11(3):520. doi:10.3390/jcm11030520.

8. Aizenbud I, Wilensky A, Almoznino G. Periodontal disease and its association with metabolic syndrome: A comprehensive review. Int J Mol Sci. 2023;24(16):13011. doi:10.3390/ijms241613011.

9. American Orthodontic Society. How orthodontics affects your dental patient’s sleep apnea. American Orthodontic Society. Updated January 2, 2022. Accessed May 15, 2023. https://orthodontics.com/how-orthodontics-affects-patients-sleep-apnea/

10. Asiri SN, Tadlock LP, Buschang PH. The prevalence of clinically meaningful malocclusion among US adults. Orthod Craniofac Res. 2019;22(4):321-328. doi:10.1111/ocr.12328.


No refinements were required in 3 out of 4 SureSmile aligner cases. Based on an internal analysis in excess of 150,000 global SureSmile® aligner cases started and completed between Jan 2021 - June 2023


Requires user to have a DS Core subscription and Primescan IOS. Displayed results are a simulation of potential aligner treatment and not a prescribed treatment plan, which must be directed by the dentist and complied with by the patient. Actual treatment outcomes may differ substantially.



For 30 years, Dentsply Sirona’s SureSmile® technology has evolved with innovations that enhance the orthodontic experience for dental professionals and patients. SureSmile® has played a pivotal role in treating malocclusion, a pervasive oral health issue associated with numerous diseases and conditions that may affect a patient’s overall health and quality of life.

SureSmile® at 30: How Digital Solutions are Shaping the Future of Orthodontic Care

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

Dental Innovation Alliance: Venture Capital Reimagined | Image Credit: © Dental Innovation Alliance

Dental Innovation Alliance (DIA) is a unique investment firm built by more than 40 individuals and organizations dedicated to ushering in the next generation of dental innovation. Working to create positive change through technology, DIA has connected innovators and investors across the industry to improve practice performance and patient outcomes through competitive research and innovation. I spoke with cofounders and managing partners Doug Brown and Thomas Sharpe to explore the goals of this dynamic group and learn about its impact to date.

Can you share some of your backgrounds in dentistry?

I started my career in finance. After that, I led and grew 2 national dental support organizations for more than 20 years, most recently as CEO and vice chairman of Affordable Care, d/b/a Affordable Dentures & Implants. In the late ’90s, I brought together several prominent dental industry leaders into a small study group, which over time grew and eventually led to the formation of the Association of Dental Support Organizations (ADSO). I have been both president and chairman of the Government Affairs Committee of ADSO, and currently serve on ADSO’s Executive Committee.

I met Thomas when we were chosen as co–vice chairmen for Affordable Care. We both saw a huge opportunity to invest in early-stage dental technology companies and began to lead the process to invest alongside several of our trusted industry colleagues. We then decided to take it to the next level by launching DIA in October of 2022, so that we could bring more investors in to scale this important work. We now have 11 professionals on the DIA team, and 34 industry investors, who collectively bring their diverse expertise and backgrounds to make DIA so successful.

Separate from DIA, in 2021, Thomas and I launched a successful nonprofit clinic and learning center, Local Start Dental, in Durham, North Carolina, which works closely with faculty and students from the nearby UNC Adams School of Dentistry, where I’m on the Dean’s Advisory Board. It serves underserved populations but is also a hands-on learning center for GPs [general practitioners] who wish to advance their clinical skillset into implants, surgery, digital workflows, and advanced prosthodontics. Local Start often has the first look at new concepts brought to DIA, which provides us with real-world feedback in the early stages of a company going to market.

I have a business background and an MBA from Vanderbilt University and a law degree from the University of Oklahoma. I currently serve on the Innovation Investment Committee at Vanderbilt, which helps augment my work at DIA. After graduating from law school, I helped form a DSO [dental service organization] concept called DDS, which we successfully grew from eastern Oklahoma to 10 states in width and 52 units in size. We subsequently joined forces with Affordable Care, where Doug and I met. When the company was sold to a private equity firm in August 2021, we turned our knowledge, wisdom, connections, and financial resources to DIA.

Doug and I come from decades of operational roles and have an investor’s passion but with the scar tissue of veteran operators. We know the pain points and dynamics of dental offices and what it takes to operate complex companies, both DSOs and product and service companies that support them.

 DIA is a uniquely designed venture capital firm made up of a diverse group of investors—industry veterans, business leaders, dental clinicians, some of the largest global dental OEMs and distributors, a large DSO, and even the Florida Dental Association. This sets us apart from other venture funds that don’t have the scope of industry knowledge and connections that we do,and increases the chances of success for new ventures.

 I like to describe DIA as a rising tide that lifts all stakeholder boats. These stakeholders include the following: innovators, investors, end users of the innovation, patients who benefit from the innovation, and the dental industry overall. Through its network, DIA is leveraging its collective power to benefit all of them. Our pipeline is robust, with more than 1000 companies in our database, which is growing at between 30 to 45 new companies per month. This tells us it’s a good time for dental technology growth. It’s exciting!

LS: What does this mean for dentists? What’s in it for them?

 For dentists, it’s very difficult to keep up with all the innovations that are developing so quickly and so broadly. Dentists are—and should be—focused on patient care. It can be overwhelming for even larger DSOs with internal business teams to keep up with technology development at the current rate of new concepts coming to market. So, we view DIA as being a hub for information of all things relating to innovation. We have divided the dental technology industry into 40 vectors, and we have a mix of current and pending portfolio companies that fit into those vectors. We also conduct deep analysis into how potential competitors overlap and differentiate themselves. As we make investment decisions, we compare the advantages of certain companies over others, analyze which are competitively best positioned to succeed, and which have the best technology and approach to going to market. When provided to forward-thinking dentists, this research can help guide them and their teams to the services and products that can best improve practice efficiencies and patient outcomes. Many dental practices and group practices are highly leveraged. So, if we can help provide the information and guide dentists and group practices in making smart decisions about their technology choices, then we feel like we’ve elevated the profession.

LS: How are you different from other venture capital firms?

 DIA is pursuing a business model of venture capital [VC] reimagined. We are more deliberate in our investments than many other VC firms; specifically, we invest in a relatively small number of companies so we can use our resources to support each one more deeply.

 Simply stated, our strategy of being narrow and deep with our investments means fewer investments, more support, and larger checks. We also reserve significant investment dollars for critical second and third rounds of capital for our growing companies as they scale.

 The world is taking notice of artificial intelligence [AI], and Pearl was DIA’s first AI investment. We’re happy to report that Pearl recently had a tremendous round—$58 million raised at a $400 million premoney valuation in a Series B funding in July 2024. The company noted that this funding marks the largest investment ever in dental AI. We’re very excited about its future.

 Another company that we are engaged with, Perceptive, has developed 2 ground-breaking technologies: 1. a new scanner and imaging system that uses optical coherence tomography [OCT], giving it the ability to capture 3D volumes of data — including below the gum line, through fluids, and under the tooth surface without exposing patients to ionizing radiation; 2. coupled with the OCT imaging, the company also has developed a robot that can complete crown and filling preps fast (targeting 5 minutes), safely and accurately. We are eager to see how this combination of advanced imaging, AI, and robotics evolves over time.

 Also important are developments in revenue cycle management [RCM] products, software that manages items from payment options and processing to dental plans to insurance verification and processing. Beyond the ever-present staffing concerns, one of the biggest pain points reported by dentists includes RCM.

RCM technology is currently very siloed, and many dental practices are paying multiple subscription fees to several platforms, which involves considerable effort by staff members to learn and operate through this complexity and clunkiness. We see DIA constructing a conduit to ideally combine these technologies so they can work together as one de facto system, one integrated product, one subscription fee that ties into the practice management software systems. This will take some time, but with our knowledge and access to most of the SaaS dental products, we are in a unique position to help make this happen.

We want large group practices and individual dentists alike to view us as the world’s most innovative investment firm for supporting early-stage dental and health technology companies. We want to be at the center of the ecosystem for improving practice efficiencies, expanding care, and achieving better clinical results in dentistry.

 We are now developing DIA’s InnoCircle, a virtual community where members of the dental industry can share best practices and knowledge of the top emerging technologies. The InnoCircle will provide unmatched research on the most important innovative tech trends impacting the future of dentistry and be the connective tissue for dental professionals. This initiative is a key part of DIA’s strategy to position itself as a hub for innovation, fostering collaboration, and driving the future of the industry.

What is the best way for practitioners and companies to get more information?

 Contact Tori Cockman at tori@dialliance.com to get in touch with us about DIA and how you can plug in. You can also follow DIA on LinkedIn, sign up for our monthly Dental Innovation Insights newsletter, and listen to our Bright iDIAs podcast.

This alliance is built by dental experts for dental experts.

Dental Innovation Alliance: Venture Capital Reimagined

OrthoNu has extended its product portfolio to include the new Oral Relief Kitz™ product line designed to alleviate common discomforts experienced by orthodontic patients.

Oral Relief Kitz from OrthoNu

The new Panthera Fusion BarTM is the first splitting protocol on the market that allows in-lab milling of the overlay while Panthera manufactures the implant bar. 

Panthera Fusion Bar from Panthera Dental

All the latest product launches from the week of November 25-29, 2024.


New Dental Products – November 25-29, 2024

Owandy Radiology’s New I-Max 3D XPro Unveiled at GNYDM | Image Credit: © Owandy Radiology, Inc

Featuring artificial intelligence (AI) processing and reduced radiation, Owandy Radiology Inc’s new l-Max 3D XPro CBCT unit is being launched this week at the Greater New York Dental Meeting in New York City.

The global leader in the manufacture of dental radiology hardware and digital imaging software is unveiling the new compact CBCT unit in their booth (#3614) at the Javits Center, from Dec. 1-4.

“The new, I-Max 3D XPro is the most advanced and versatile CBCT unit on the market, and like all Owandy innovations, it’s an outstanding value,” Owandy Radiology’s General Manager Boris Loyez says in a press release. “Available as a wall- or column-mounted option that can fit in virtually any space, I-Max 3D XPro is redefining the cone beam x-ray category with its 2D, 3D, and CAD/CAM capabilities and other advanced features—making it the perfect choice for any dentist’s budget or office size.”

The I-Max 3D XPro includes the following sophisticated features:

 Improves image quality up to 52%, according to Owandy

Enables full-jaw radiographs which are useful for the diagnosis and treatment of TMJ and sleep apnea

 Designed to reduce radiation and increase patient safety

 Ideal for guided implant surgery. Seamlessly imports STL. files from labs or digital scanners

 Produces sharper diagnostic images for more accurate treatment plans

Easily integrates with all practice management programs

“The Owandy I-Max 3D XPro is the sound year-end investment that will provide superior ROI and expanded clinical capabilities for years to come,” adds Loyez. “See it for yourself at booth #3614 during the Greater New York Dental Meeting.”

As part of this new product release, the first 25 buyers of the brand-new and innovative I-Max 3D XPRO CBCT will receive $10,000 off the regular price, the company says. For information on ordering, you can visit 

The 4-in-1 compact CBCT unit features AI processing, reduced radiation, 16x11 FOV, improved resolution and mounting options.  


Owandy Radiology’s New I-Max 3D XPro Unveiled at GNYDM

New VeneerNow™ Injectable Matrix System Designed to Simplify Anterior Composite Restorations | Image Credit: © Premier Dental 

Premier Dental has launched the VeneerNow™ Injectable Matrix System, an innovative solution designed to simplify chairside anterior composite restorations. VeneerNow allows clinicians to quickly and efficiently create beautiful, natural-looking chairside composite veneers and anterior restorations with minimal clean-up, according to the manufacturer.

The new system works seamlessly with both ﬂowable and packable composites, delivering versatility and ease of use. Described as an essential addition to the operatory toolkit, the injectable matrix system enables clinicians to achieve predictable, high-quality esthetic results for anterior composite restorations.

Replicates natural tooth shape for optimal results

Enhance stability and minimizes interproximal clean-up

Provides a void-free smooth composite layer for easier ﬁnishing and polishing

Delivers a precise anatomical emergence proﬁle

Injection stalk for ﬂowable composite—

Provides easy injection for optimal placement

Available now through authorized distributors, VeneerNow is set to transform the process of anterior composite restorations, Premier Dental states.

Premier Dental’s new product allows clinicians to quickly and efficiently create natural-looking chairside composite veneers and anterior restorations with little clean-up.

New VeneerNow™ Injectable Matrix System Designed to Simplify Anterior Composite Restorations

Dental Marketing Veterans Team Up To Form Personify Group – Dentistry’s Brand Growth Partner | Image Credit: © Personify Group

Mark Ross and Michael Ventriello, veteran dental marketing leaders who introduced dentistry’s first virtual focus group platform; 

 as well as a leading investor pitch deck service; 

, recently launched their most ambitious initiative to date; Personify Group – Dentistry’s Brand Growth Partner.

Personify Group Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer Mark Ross says in a press release: “The dental industry is being disrupted by companies introducing new technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, 3D Printing, Robotic Surgery, Teledentistry and advances in Implant Dentistry. In order for these brands to succeed and thrive in a competitive marketplace, there needed to be a new non-traditional marketing partner – willing to disrupt alongside them with non-traditional growth solutions.”

Personify Group is built on 6n integrated pillars of brand growth acceleration. Its service offerings will include the following solutions categories:

 Audits, corporate identity, story creation, virtual focus groups and website development.

Beta testing, KOL unboxing videos, advertising, public relations, Return-On Branding™ Analysis.

Lead funnel automation, customer journey automation and sales conversion

Investor Pitch Decks, investor introductions and marketing support for venture capital portfolio companies.

Dental Educator Network, future KOL training,virtual and onsite CE programs.

Blog, podcast, articles, newsletters, whitepapers and social media.

“Although there are many self-proclaimed disruptors entering the dental market, their

marketing is very often yawn-inducing,” adds Ventriello, Personify Group co-founder and chief communications officer. “So much of the dental brand marketing that we see today not only lacks a creative spark, it simply isn’t memorable. This can be fatal when you consider that the average person is bombarded with 4,000 t 10,000 ads a day. Our goal is to help our clients rise above the noise.”

At the present time, the following dental industry experts have joined Personify Group as Advisor Partners: Amber Auger, RDH, Dental Hygiene; John Flucke, DDS, Dental Technology; Thomas Jackson, DDS, Dental Implants; Tonie Koenig, Digital Automation; Jeremy Krell, DMD, Venture Capital; Paige Mead, Corporate Culture; Fred Pesce, Web/UX Development; Jim Shavel, DSO Data Strategies Advisor.

The new group looks to redefine dental branding, marketing, and communications with an integrated mix of disruptive and dynamic solutions specifically designed to accelerate growth. 

Dental Marketing Veterans Team Up To Form Personify Group – Dentistry’s Brand Growth Partner

Today is the first of 4 days at the 2024 Greater New York Dental Meeting (GNYDM) at the Jacob K. Javits Center and Henry Schein, Inc kicks off its presence by showcasing a wide range of solutions integral to each stage of the dental practice workflow. These solutions and more will be available at the Henry Schein Dental (#4215) and Henry Schein One (#4022) booths.

Henry Schein’s Fast Track advisors will be in the booth to help prioritize options that work best for each practitioners’ individual needs. Demonstrative of the company’s coordinated approach, which leverages the Henry Schein portfolio of brands to enhance the customer experience, Team Schein will address how to maximize use of products from key national suppliers.

“As part of Henry Schein’s BOLD +1 strategy, we continue to leverage our strong product portfolio to provide integrated solutions that help deliver an exceptional customer experience,” Mackenzie Richter, vice president, Global Commercial Digital Workflow Solutions, Henry Schein, says in today’s press release. “We are eager to connect with oral health professionals in person, helping dental teams discover the integrated solutions and tailored services that can help create high-performing digital workflows.”

Recently launched products, designed to deliver high-quality, cost-effective solutions for dental teams who prioritize quality and value, will be available for demonstration, including:

, helps to reduce user fatigue and enhance tactile sensitivity;

, helps reduce particle emissions for a cleaner, safer dental workspace, as well as supports better handling;

, helps clinicians capture clear and accurate x-ray images while affording patients a more comfortable imaging experience, according to Henry Schein.

For practitioners looking to simplify every aspect of practice management, Henry Schein One (booth #4022) is available to showcase the company’s industry-leading dental practice management platforms, Dentrix® and Dentrix Ascend®. From purpose-built suites for insurance eligibility and claims management, to patient billing and payments, Henry Schein One offers comprehensive solutions that empower practices to streamline operations and enhance efficiency. Attendees can explore tools designed to help improve clinical diagnosis, drive practice growth through marketing, and elevate the patient experience, all while helping practices work smarter, not harder, the company says.

In addition to solutions and software, Team Schein will feature information about its services and support capabilities available from Dental Practice Transitions (Booth #3918), Henry Schein Financial Services, Henry Schein Products, Handpiece and Small Equipment, and Thrive Reward and Thrive Signature, which are part of Henry Schein’s Thrive brand, a portfolio of offerings designed to provide savings, rewards, support, and experiences specifically designed to help practices be successful. Visitors can also receive a $100 discount on THRIVELIVE 2025 registration, which can be completed in the booth, or online at 

. This premier dental event, hosted by Henry Schein, will take place at Resorts World in Las Vegas, April 30 – May 3 in 2025.

At GNYDM, Henry Schein will also celebrate The International College of Dentists’ (ICD) newly rebranded 

 (GOHL), formerly known as the Senior Dental Leadership Program. This program, which Henry Schein has supported for more than a decade and reflects its enduring commitment to expand access to health care globally, helps foster collaboration and leadership among emerging health care trailblazers globally.

To learn more about Henry Schein’s full presence and offers at this year’s Greater New York Dental Meeting and other upcoming events, you can visit 

The company is showcasing a variety of dental products and solutions at the 4-day event that kicks off today at the Javits Center.
