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.  

USC Ostrow School of Dentistry Dean Avishai Sadan (left),and Nobel Biocare Director of Institutions TracyGlenn (right). | Image Credit: © Evista Holdings Corporation

In a move designed to help improve access to oral care, Envista Holdings Corporation and its charitable arm, the Envista Smile Project, recently announced that it has partnered with the University of Southern California's (USC) Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry and committed a $2.1 million donation to USC's Dental Health Equity and Access to Care Initiative.

The Access to Care Initiative provides comprehensive care, referral services, research, and education to underserved and vulnerable populations in California, particularly children with special needs, and this gift is part of both organizations' commitment to expand and improve access to oral health for those in need.

The donation will be distributed over 3 years. It will provide oral health equipment, products, and technology to enhance existing Ostrow community programs. It will also help upgrade equipment and expand the USC Pediatric Clinic and USC Mobile Clinic, Envista states.

The Chief Development Officer of the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC, Michele Cesca, says in a press release, "Enlarging the operatory areas will ensure there is adequate space to serve special needs patients who require additional care, increase telehealth services, and expand the care provided to those in need, including children, families, and veterans."

As part of the new collaboration, the Envista Smile Project and USC will partner on other philanthropic initiatives, including medical mission trips. Students and faculty from the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry will staff the mission work, bringing oral care to thousands of people in underserved, international communities.

Image Credit: © Envista Holdings Corporation

"Partnering with USC's School of Dentistry makes perfect sense as together we can advance dental care for the underserved in California and abroad," Rubin Casas, Envista Smile Project Board President, adds in the press release."We look forward to improving people's health and restoring their dignity with a healthy and confident smile both now and in the future."

The partnership can have a positive impact on communities in need going forward, Cesca says. "The philanthropic support of Envista and the Envista Smile Project for the USC Access to Care Initiative will enable the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC to expand and enhance its efforts to create long-lasting positive change in vulnerable communities," she says."With their support and partnership, we don't just change lives; we become the architects of hope, the guardians of smiles, and the forerunners of healthier tomorrows."

Envista is a global family of more than 30 dental brands, including Nobel Biocare, Ormco, DEXIS, and Kerr. Envista Smile Project is a philanthropic foundation that seeks to improve the smiles and oral health of disadvantaged communities by supporting increased access to oral care and oral health education. The Smile Project's mission is to collaborate with dental professionals and Envista employee volunteers to donate products, treatment, and oral health education.

Articles

The partnership expands both organizations' commitment to improve access to oral health for those in need.

Envista Smile Project Donates $2.1 Million to USC's Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry

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. 

Research Demonstrates Emotional Struggles Associated with Tooth Loss and Dentures. Image credit: © Nenad - stock.adobe.com

A study from the University of Sheffield has revealed patients’ emotional challenges and struggles when faced with tooth loss and the adoption of dentures. The research, conducted by the Healthy Lifespan Institute and the School of Clinical Dentistry, provides a new understanding of the emotional and physical challenges that patients endure, offering insights that could enhance denture care and tooth loss treatment, according to a press release from the University.

The study highlights that patients experience a wide range of emotional challenges after losing teeth. Feelings of self-consciousness, shame, and fear are common, as are physical sensations like pain and sensitivity, per the press release. These emotional responses can significantly impact patients' quality of life and their overall success in adapting to dentures. The research identifies 4 distinct stages in the patient journey:

A period marked by emotional turmoil, including self-consciousness, depression, and struggle with the new reality of needing dentures. Patients may feel shame, anger, or fear, but also a glimmer of hope, per the press release.

The stage where patients feel optimistic about regaining their smile and normal eating functions with dentures.

Patients adjust their expectations and learn to manage life with dentures, developing strategies to disclose their use comfortably.

With approximately 10 to 15 percent of the population wearing removable dentures, the study emphasizes that this can become a hidden disability for many. The emotional burden of feeling embarrassed or fearing dentures might fall out leads some to avoid social situations altogether. This can have severe impacts on their social interactions and daily life, per the study. While dentures are often the only viable option for many, alternatives like bridges and implants are usually too costly and less accessible due to the scarcity of care providers in the U.K. This financial and accessibility barrier further complicates the emotional and physical journey of patients dealing with tooth loss.

The research underscores the importance of empathy from dentists during the adjustment period. Understanding the emotional difficulties can lead to better patient outcomes. Barry Gibson, Professor in Medical Sociology at the University of Sheffield, stated, "Tooth loss can be hugely traumatic, and this study has uncovered just how challenging it is for people needing partial dentures. Feelings such as embarrassment or shame can significantly affect the process of having dentures made and fitted."

To visually represent the diverse emotional journeys of denture wearers, the research team partnered with Sheffield artist Gina Allen. The resulting artwork, "Prosthetic Hope and Compromise," uses color and imagery to depict the varied experiences of patients, from a young woman with a successful outcome to an older woman still struggling with her denture.

Gina Allen commented, "It was a really interesting challenge to be involved in, trying to use the visual parameters of an artwork to convey some of that in an engaging and meaningful way." The collaboration has led to the development of a new patient questionnaire designed to identify and communicate patient needs to the practitioner.

Bilal El-Dhuwaib, Clinical Teacher in Restorative Dentistry at the University of Sheffield, emphasized the significance of the study, saying, "By equipping dentists with the tools to understand these challenges, we can create a more compassionate and effective approach to tooth replacement."

This study marks a crucial step toward improving the dental care system by acknowledging and addressing the hidden emotional challenges faced by denture wearers.

A new study examines the emotional effects of tooth loss and dentures and calls on care providers to employ empathy in these cases. 

Research Demonstrates Emotional Struggles Associated with Tooth Loss and Dentures

At 3Shape Discover, the company’s recent online digital dentistry event, 3Shape announced the launch of a trio of new intraoral scanning solutions. The new TRIOS Core model is a new economical scanner model, while the TRIOS 3 scanner was updated with a new design, and the new TRIOS Ready Tips are a single-use solution for the TRIOS 5 scanner.

Designed to provide highly accurate intraoral scanning and all the key functions of other TRIOS scanner models, the TRIOS Core intraoral scanner features TRIOS artificial intelligence (AI) technology, but is still priced at $12,400. The new scanner connects with the 3Shape Unite platform and is designed for in-office scanning with digital impressions then sent to outside dental laboratories or clinical partners through the network. The scans are saved in the cloud, and accessible from anywhere via a secure interface. The wired scanner model connects via USB-C cable and weighs less than 1 lb.

“Professionals seeking a lower-priced scanner should never compromise on the essentials like accuracy and usability,” 3Shape CEO Jakob Just-Bomholt says in a press release. “That’s what makes our new TRIOS Core intraoral scanner so exciting. TRIOS Core packs 3Shape core scanning technology and a seamlessly integrated workflow with treatment partners in our most affordable scanner to date.”

The updated TRIOS 3 scanner has been redesigned with a new tinted twilight titanium shell. Additionally, the scanner’s cradle pod is 30% lighter and 10% smaller to take up less counter space in the operatory. It includes integrated TRIOS engagement apps and also connects to the 3Shape Unite platform. Also a wired scanner with a USB-C connection, the TRIOS 3 is compatible with the TRIOS MOVE+ setup.

The update to the TRIOS 5, the new TRIOS Ready Tips, is aimed at making scanning more convenient and hygienic for clinicians and patients. The single-use tips are each stored in a sealed package, allowing a practice to use a new tip for every patient, reducing the risk of cross-contamination. New purchases of TRIOS 5 scanners will include both autoclavable tips as well as a box of 25 TRIOS Ready Tips.

“TRIOS Core along with the refreshed TRIOS 3, and our TRIOS 4 and 5 systems, now create an unmatched portfolio of award-winning 3Shape intraoral scanners enabling dental professionals to easily take advantage of digital pathways,” Just-Bomholt says.

Digital dentistry company announces a new economical TRIOS model, along with updates to the TRIOS 3 and new single-use tips for the TRIOS 5.

3Shape Launches Updated TRIOS Intraoral Scanner Solutions at 3Shape Discover Event

Always one to showcase his unique sense of style, former Outkast member and hip hop iconoclast André 3000 recently posted a short video to his 

 to announce the upcoming dates for his New Blue Sun Live tour.

The brief video shows the rapper/musician, whose real name is André Lauren Benjamin, seated in the dental chair with a clinician dutifully scanning his teeth with an Align iTero intraoral scanner. The camera briefly pans to the scanner monitor before panning back to André 3000 and announcing the dates and locations for the upcoming tour. The post included a note from André 3000 saying, "Summer teeth cleaning reminder."

His most recent album, New Blue Sun, is an ambient jazz excursion that impressed critics and surprised some fans of the Atlanta rapper known for hits including, "Hey Ya!", "Ms. Jackson", "Rosa Parks," and "So Fresh, So Clean" among others. With dates at jazz festivals including the Toronto Jazz Festival, Montreux Jazz Festival, Newport Jazz Festival, and Blue Note Jazz Festival, the tour will also feature musicians Carlos Niño, Nate Mercereau, Surya Botofasina, and Deantoni Parks who contributed to the album. 

In a video showing him having his teeth scanned at the dentist's office, the former Outkast member announced upcoming dates for his New Blue Sun Live tour.

Hip Hop Icon André 3000 Announces Tour Dates With Video of Dental Appointment

Aseptico Unveils GO Ultra Portable Dental System with Ultrasonic Scaler. Image credit: © Aseptico

Dental equipment manufacturer Aseptico has announced its newest innovation, the GO Ultra Portable Dental System featuring a fully integrated piezoelectric ultrasonic scaler. This portable system is designed to expand hygiene capabilities in on-the-go settings like nursing homes or in-home care, per a press release from Aseptico. Weighing in at 32 lbs, the GO Ultra Portable is designed to be lightweight and portable, also maintaining the specifications for air travel.

Along with its design, the GO Ultra Portable features a variety of advanced technologies that enable high-quality, mobile care. These include a brushless motor that utilizes fiber-optic illumination, as well as advanced pathogen filtration that comes courtesy of a replaceable Vacuum Line Filter. This vacuum system only activates as needed so unnecessary noise is reportedly not a concern. The GO Ultra Portable also benefits from its compatibility features, including a universal AC power input, and its ability to operate on external 24V batteries.

Notably, its standout feature is the fully integrated piezoelectric ultrasonic scaler. This LED-illuminated scaler will enable hygienists and clinicians to remove plaque on the go, eliminating the need to haul around various equipment.

To learn more about the GO Ultra Portable Dental System, visit Aseptico’s 

This new portable dental unit features a fully integrated ultrasonic scaler to optimize on-the-go hygiene workflows. 

Aseptico Unveils GO Ultra Portable Dental System with Ultrasonic Scaler

The Association for Dental Safety Awards Infection Control Scholarships. Image credit: © Association for Dental Safety


, the Association for Dental Safety (ADS), which was previously known as the Organization for Safety, Asepsis, and Prevention (OSAP), along with the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) and the DALE Foundation, came together to create a new scholarship. This scholarship, titled the ADS-DANB-DALE Foundation Andrew Whitehead Education and Certification Scholarship, was created to aid individuals in infection prevention and control, per a press release from ADS.

As infection prevention and control are so vital in dentistry, it can be debilitating to lack financial resources to ensure best practices. That’s why Andrew Whitehead and his family along with the aforementioned organizations came together to create this scholarship.

Recipients will receive the Dental Infection Prevention and Control Certificate. Their exam fees will be covered to become Certified in Dental Infection Prevention and Control or Dental Industry Specialist in Infection Prevention and Control Certified. Recipients will also be awarded 1 year of ADS membership if they are not already a member.

Recipients range from all across the dental practice, including hygienists and assistants. The 30 scholarship recipients are as follows: Michele Abraham, June Aoki, Jennifer Ashley, Crystal Bartlett, Quinesha Bonner, Teralyn Broussard, Jennifer Brozek, Rebekah Clark, Jennifer Colin, Jasmine Davis, Karina Dryden, Sara Ebe, Lyudmila Fedonchuk, Elsa Gamboa, Monica Gary, Jillian Godfrey, Aida Helena, Robin Keller, Tania Lassalle Rios, Ashely Logan, Hydeen Macey-Purnell, Sheyla Martinez Rivero, Rodney Matthews, Rebecca McFadden, Chana Mckenzie, Amanda McQueary, Sylvia Mendoza, Lauren Menkes, Donna Murray, and Nicole Musgrove.

30 dental professionals were awarded with the ADS-DANB-DALE Foundation Andrew Whitehead Education and Certification Scholarship to gain financial assistance in bolstering infection control. 

The Association for Dental Safety Awards Infection Control Scholarships

Tetric EvoCeram Aligner from Ivoclar

TempOff® from ArtCraft Dental

Xpanders™ from ArtCraft Dental

Ceramir Pediatric Crowns from Directa USA

All the latest dental product launches from June 3 – June 7, 2024. 

New Dental Products – June 3 - June 7, 2024

Product Bites – June 7, 2024

Welcome to Product Bites a weekly podcast from Dental Products Report providing you with a rundown of recently launched and updated dental technologies, materials, instruments, and everything else you might use with patients or while running your practice.

I’m your host for this week, DPR Editor Kellie Nock, and on this week’s podcast we’ve got 1 new product with a launch from Nordent.

So, let’s get to it and learn about this new product.

Nordent® has added 40 new tips to their product lineup with the reintroduction of the Hartzell™ Cone Socket Scalers and Curettes. The industry-proven Hartzell line is now available with Nordent’s signature stainless steel or the long-lasting, sharpen-free titanium nitride (TiN) infused tips. This provides a unique and customizable experience for dental professionals. One of the standout features is the ability for dental professionals to replace individual tips one at a time, which helps reduce office waste and costs. The Hartzell instruments feature a 9.5-mm diameter, lightweight, and ergonomically designed handle. This design ensures a secure grip and allows users to customize the instruments to their specific needs.

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

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

Podcasts

A bite-sized look at all the latest dental product launches. This week's episode features a product from Nordent.

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.

Join Lisa Newburger, LISW-S, Melanie Adelstein, DMD, and Rick Adelstein, DDS, as they discuss some of the ethical dilemmas they have faced in dental practices.

Mastermind – Episode 36 – Dealing with Ethical Dilemmas in the Dental Practice

Join Lisa Newburger, LISW-S, Melanie Adelstein, DMD, and Rick Adelstein, DDS, for an insightful discussion on ethical dilemmas in dental practice. In this 28-minute video, these professionals share real-world scenarios they have encountered and provide practical advice on how to handle these challenging situations with integrity. From patient confidentiality issues to conflicts of interest, learn how they navigate the complexities of ethics in dentistry. Whether you're a dental professional or simply interested in the ethical aspects of healthcare, this video offers valuable perspectives and guidance. 

Videos

Join Lisa Newburger, LISW-S, Melanie Adelstein, DMD, and Rick Adelstein, DDS, as they discuss some of the ethical dilemmas they have faced in the dental practice and how they navigate these tricky situations. [28 minutes]

Dental technology and products supplier Benco Dental has teamed up with Matthews Specialty Vehicles to create mobile dental coaches for on-the-road oral care. These coaches will contain 2 operatories, a stericenter, and even a reception area, per a press release from Benco. Matthews assures that coaches can be ordered to meet the specifications of the customer, and these vehicles can be customized as needed. The coaches tout full ADA compliance and are reportedly suited for schools, institutions, and other care centers.

“This one-of-a-kind partnership truly reflects how Benco Dental is driving dentistry forward, together, and exemplifies our values of innovation and helping the communities our customers serve,” Benco’s VP of Business Development, Julie Radzyminski said in the press release. “The Benco Dental Mobile Dental Coach was conceived to make it easy for providers to deliver the best patient outcomes. It’s a solution-focused product that’s easy to drive, straightforward to maintain, and goes where its owners do with peace of mind, security, and safety they can rely on.”

Each unit is designed and outfitted by Benco’s team as well as in-house interior designers that utilize ideas and equipment from the CenterPoint showrooms across the U.S. Leading equipment from DCI, Vatech, Midmark, Belmont, and SciCan are some highlights. Customers can also take advantage of Benco’s in-house graphic design team, Build Your Brand, to design the branding of the vehicle.

Matthews specializes in mobile health clinics, so partnering with Benco to create the mobile dental coach was a no-brainer, according to Director of Sales and Marketing at Matthews, Michelle Shupe.

“Partnering with Benco Dental–and leveraging our long track record of successfully building mobile health clinics for the purpose of expanding access to care–is a unique and gratifying opportunity for the Matthews team,” Shupe said in the press release. “We’re excited at the prospect of working with a wide range of future clients to co-develop one-of-a-kind vehicles that open up new possibilities.”

New mobile dental units are designed and outfitted with operatories, stericenters, and reception areas courtesy of Benco Dental and Matthews Specialty Vehicles. 