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. 

Young Specialties, Torch Dental, and BISCO Partner Up. Image credit: © Torch Dental

Supply & equipment platform Torch Dental has announced its strategic partnership with dental products manufacturers BISCO and Young Specialties. According to a press release from Torch Dental, this partnership will reportedly offer clinicians new solutions through its offering of equipment and materials.

Head of Operations and Partnerships at Torch Dental Marissa Pan expressed excitement in the press release. “This partnership represents a convergence of innovation, quality, and dedication to advancing dental care. Together, we will empower dental professionals they need to achieve optimal patient outcomes.” 

Specializing in dental materials, BISCO will provide its array of products through this partnership. BISCO Special Markets Manager Sarah Peterson says that this will enable their adhesives, cements, and composites to reach a wider audience of clinicians. “Working with Torch Dental has made it easy to get our products to customers and has increased BISCO brand awareness within their growing customer base.”

Along with materials support from BISCO, Torch Dental’s platform will also now benefit from Young Specialties’ various dental products and innovations.

“We are proud to partner with Torch Dental. They support us and our customers by ensuring mutual satisfaction in all areas of the partnership,” Marketplace Channel Manager at Young Specialties, Courtney Mooney said in the press release. “We love how they strive for innovation and are driven to provide the best services for our customers.”

To learn more about this partnership, visit Torch Dental’s 

Articles

Young Specialties and BISCO will partner with Torch Dental to provide dental materials, products, and equipment to more clinicians. 

Young Specialties, Torch Dental, and BISCO Partner Up 

Dr Ron Brown, MD, Former EMS Medical Director and Founder & CEO at AeroClave

AeroClave CEO Ronald D. Brown, MD, founded AeroClave, a leading distributor in decontamination systems, in response to the 2003 SARS epidemic. He has decades of experience in emergency medicine, acting as the EMS Medical Director for the Seminole County Department of Public Safety from 1985–2000.

Image Credit: © Evgeniy Kalinovskiy / stock.adobe.com

Infection prevention has come to play a large role in patient care facilities. Hospitals and other medical facilities have approached infection control with conventional methods for decades, but following the COVID-19 pandemic medical professionals were obligated to completely alter their strategies and implement new tactics for mitigating viral spread. A key area of practice where this has changed is in dental offices. Infection preventionists play a large role in reimagining the way dentists and other dental staff approach infection control.

 published a major consolidation of its infection control recommendations in dentistry, including the management of occupational exposures, dental water-quality concerns, and more. These have since been expanded, providing a comprehensive checklist for the protection of dental care workers and their patients.

Patients and physicians are more aware than ever of the risks associated with patient care and the transmission of infectious diseases. While the pandemic is no longer a constant threat, there are numerous other transmissible diseases that dentists, dental hygienists, and other dental professionals are exposed to daily. By maintaining best practices such as proper hand hygiene, surface decontamination, water quality inspections, and other decontamination procedures, dental staff and patients can remain infection-free.

Surface decontamination is the most common best practice for maintaining a contamination-free environment. Three conditions should be considered before disinfecting surfaces and objects in a patient care facility; 1) the potential for direct patient contact; 2) the degree and frequency of hand contact; and 3) the potential contamination of the surface or area with bodily substances or environmental sources of microorganisms including soil, dust, or water.

, the nature and type of surface, and the extent of contamination, are determining factors for the level of chemical exposure needed to effectively decontaminate the surface. Dental patient-care equipment is categorized in three ways based on the potential risk of infection associated with their intended use: critical items, semicritical items, and noncritical patient-care items.

These patient-care items refer to surgical instruments and other equipment used in more invasive dental procedures. Critical items have the greatest risk of transmitting infectious diseases and should always be sterilized using heat.

Mouth mirrors, reusable impression trays, and any tools or equipment that come into contact with mucous or non-intact skin still pose a risk of transmission but are lower than critical items. Semicritical items should also be sterilized using heat. However, if the item is heat-sensitive it should be replaced with the proper heat-resistant alternative.

Noncritical patient-care items such as blood pressure cuffs, radiographic equipment, and curing lights pose the least risk of transmission. These items only come into contact with intact skin. In most cases, these objects and surfaces are protected with disposable barriers.

These surfaces and items should be disinfected at the beginning of the day, after each patient, and at the end of the day. The CDC recommends using an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered intermediate-level disinfectant for these contaminated surfaces.

Waiting rooms are equipped with multiple surfaces that can act as high transmission areas. There are several strategies for deploying EPA-registered disinfectants using decontamination technology, including electrostatic sprayers, fogging systems and more. Investing in 

 is one route that can reduce sick leave among staff and provide an all-encompassing approach to infection control.

 contracts at least one infection associated with their healthcare every day. Adhering to these surface decontamination protocols can help to diminish this issue and lower the rates of transmissible diseases in healthcare facilities such as dental offices.

Institute Routine Water Quality Monitoring

Water tools make up a significant amount of technologies and appliances used in dental practices. Maintaining clean water lines has long since been a recommendation from the CDC for dental hygiene, and there are simple and inexpensive products available for testing bacteria and PH levels in dental water units. There are also in-office testing kits and mail-in services available.

Oral health is uniquely connected to whole-body health. This poses an even larger threat when faced with the task of infection control. Dental staff must be knowledgeable and adhere to critical guidelines for the safe practice of oral health care. The goal of infection control in dentistry is to minimize or eliminate exposure to any potentially harmful contaminants. Maintaining dental unit waterlines, including the water quality provided during dental treatments, is an integral part of infection prevention protocols.

The following tactics are CDC recommendations for effectively monitoring and maintaining water lines in dental offices:

Consult with the unit manufacturer on the need for periodic maintenance

Consult with the unit manufacturer for appropriate methods for maintaining the proper quality of dental water

Discharge water and air for a minimum of 20-30 seconds after each patient from any device connected to the dental water system

In addition to water quality monitoring and purification standards, air quality is another key area of infection control. Dental offices, in particular, face unique challenges due to the proximity to the oral cavity and the potential for airborne transmission of viruses and bacteria. Generally, spaces with more people are in greater need of effective ventilation. However, smaller rooms such as dental surgical rooms with unmasked patients require just as adequate of air filtration systems if not more so than larger rooms. Since the pandemic, advanced air purification systems such as HEPA filters have become commonplace in healthcare settings, including dental offices.

This cutting-edge technology utilizes a combination of HEPA filtration, UV-C light, and activated carbon to effectively remove airborne contaminants, including viruses, bacteria, and volatile organic compounds. By continuously purifying the air, these systems help mitigate the risk of cross-contamination and provide a safer breathing environment for both patients and dental professionals. Decontamination fogging systems can also help to maintain a clean air space. Foggers emit very fine, non-toxic mist enabling the aerosolized particles to disperse in difficult-to-reach places in order to decontaminate the entire space.

Lastly, proper hand hygiene and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) are the most elementary best practices all healthcare professionals should implement; however, they can also be most effective in mitigating viral spread.

 (ADA), dental practitioners and staff should follow guidelines and regulations provided by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). These guidelines suggest that all dental healthcare personnel must wash their hands with water and soap or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when performing routine exams and nonsurgical procedures.

By incorporating these best practices and innovative technologies, dental offices can enhance their decontamination protocols and provide a safer environment for their staff and the patients they care for. These advancements not only help protect against the spread of infectious diseases but also instill confidence in patients, reassuring them that their health and safety are top priorities.

Ensuring a dental practice is keeping up with all of the required infection prevention tasks is among the most important parts practice operations.

Dental Office Decontamination Best Practices

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.  

DentalMonitoring Receives De Novo Approval From the FDA | Image Credit: © DentalMonitoring 

Orthodontic treatment remote monitoring company DentalMonitoring® has received De Novo approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the DentalMonitoring solution to be used by orthodontists.

The company’s product is designed to assist healthcare professionals in remotely monitoring dental treatments, orthodontic treatments, oral health, and treatment progress. The results of DentalMonitoring are intended to be used as an aid in diagnosis and not on a stand-alone basis for clinical decision-making.

The medical device software uses image processing algorithms to analyze pictures of the oral cavity (scans). Designed to optimize clinical care, scans are taken using the DM App, a smartphone, and the manufacturer’s proprietary hardware products.

With this De Novo approval, DentalMonitoring is also introducing the innovative SmartSTL™ feature to North American orthodontist customers. With SmartSTL,

clinicians can request updated STL ﬁles via the DentalMonitoring dashboard without bringing the patient back into the oﬃce.

The software solution is designed to provide additional information compared to traditional orthodontic treatment follow-up. It is an additional asset to ensure patient compliance to orthodontic treatment requirements. With DentalMonitoring, clinicians receive an elevated level of insight into treatment progress and their patients experience increased convenience. Automated notifications and in-app communication with practice staff increase patient accountability and enhance communication between patients, healthcare providers, and caregivers, the company states.

DentalMonitoring is indicated for use for patients over the age of 6 and reports results solely on permanent teeth.

“We are proud to be the new standard of care in orthodontics. This is a recognition of our 10 years of research and development in Deep Learning Artiﬁcial Intelligence. FDA approval of this improved version of DentalMonitoring software is a key milestone for DentalMonitoring and marks the beginning of a new era in orthodontics,” Philippe Salah, CEO and co-founder of DentalMonitoring, says in a press release.

Since 2012, only 4 De Novos have been granted by the FDA Dental panel, and none were software-based devices. DentalMonitoring is the ﬁrst Artiﬁcial Intelligence/Machine Learning-enabled Software as a Medical Device in dentistry, establishing a classiﬁcation within FDA dental regulation numbers and product codes, the company says. With the grant of this De Novo and the creation of a new regulatory category, DentalMonitoring is setting the stage for future innovations in the software as a medical device in the dental ﬁeld category.

The medical device software, which uses image processing algorithms to analyze pictures of the oral cavity, gets approval to be used by orthodontists.

DentalMonitoring Receives De Novo Approval From the FDA

Halo Dental Technologies Showcases New Digital Mirror at CDA and Opens Waitlist | Image Credit: © Halo Dental Technologies

Halo Dental Technologies showcased its Digital Mirror at last week’s CDA Presents the Art + Science of Dentistry annual session in Anaheim, California. The company also opened the waitlist to receive its innovative mirror—and patient education tool— when it’s ready for delivery in early 2025.

While at CDA, which was held May 16-18, the company hosted live demos of the Digital Mirror to conference attendees, giving dental professionals the opportunity to see its features, capabilities, and design traits up close. Those interested in receiving the mirror when it’s available for delivery in early 2025 were encouraged to join the waitlist at a cost of $200.

More than just a standard mirror, the Halo Digital Mirror is crafted for innovative patient engagement, and seamlessly integrates into the practice at the point of care, helping elevate patient’s comprehension about their care during dental procedures, the company states.

The new Halo Digital Mirror is designed to not only enhance patient communications while allowing for dental professional efficiency at the point of care, but to improve customer care while reducing flow interruptions and potentially lower costs. According to the manufacturer, when used, the instrument will help shift dental practices toward a more efficient and patient-centric business.

Halo Dental designed the Digital Mirror to eliminate disruptions between the care provider and patient, reducing “noise” during the patient visit. It also enables providers more focused time with the patient, a benefit that can enhance the patient experience and improve clinical workflows and data capture.

Specifically, the Halo Digital Mirror is designed to provide:

Patient Empowerment: Empowering patients with visual aids for enhanced understanding and engagement of their care through images.

Image Capture at your fingertips: Streamlining patient education and treatment planning with effortless intraoral image capture.

Streamlined processes: A wide range of frequently used tools and processes rolled into 1 handy device that is designed for all-day use.

The new mirror also provides integrated LED diffused light and a wide-angle camera for improved fog-free visibility to facilitate detailed examinations. It’s also made of high-strength cassette autoclavable construction for enduring durability without compromising on weight and feel that is like conventional dental mirrors.

With these benefits included, the mirror is designed to participate in every part of the patient’s clinical journey – from education to examination, the company says.

The "all-in-one light, camera, voice activation, heated mirror" instrument will be ready for delivery in early 2025. | Image Credit: © Halo Dental Technologies

"We're thrilled to bring the Halo Digital Mirror to CDA, to share the mirror and discuss its potential positive impact on dental care," Peter Khoury, co-founder and CEO of Halo Dental Technologies says in a press release. "We believe this tool is a game-changer that will optimize patient care and improve the patient experience as they work to deliver the best care outcomes. Based on what we heard and the reactions witnessed at DIA [Dental Influencers Alliance], we’re confident that we’ve hit a nerve with this technology.”

Reaction to the Digital Mirror has been positive, Halo says. Recent attendees of the DIA, where the mirror was showcased, said of the Halo Digital Mirror in the press release:

“A unique package: all-in-one light, camera, voice activation, heated mirror, autoclavable, reusable.”

“I am a general dentist with a passion for innovation and this is something I’m very excited about … to use as a communication tool for the patient.”

“Very clean, minimal, the design language is impressive; I’m excited to see how it performs in the field.”

“This is a great idea, so practical.”

Dental influencer Chris Ramsey, DMD, a Florida dentist, adds the Halo Digital Mirror is “outrageous” new dental technology. “The technology that’s put into just this simple mirror will blow your mind. My name is going to be number one on the waitlist because this needs to be in my practice, and it needs to be in yours.”

For additional information about the mirror, or to join the waitlist, which opened May 16, 2024, visit 

Dentists and hygienists who want to be among the first to secure the Halo Digital Mirror can join waitlist for the new product that will be available for delivery early next year.

Halo Dental Technologies Showcases New Digital Mirror at CDA and Opens Waitlist

Peter Khoury is the CEO of Halo Dental Technologies.

Dental technology has undergone remarkable advancements, reshaping the landscape of modern dentistry and enhancing, in many cases, patient care. From digital imaging to 3D printing, these innovations have revolutionized diagnostics, treatment procedures, and overall patient experience.

Digital x-rays have elevated imaging to new heights. Traditional x-rays, while effective, often require higher levels of radiation exposure and longer processing times. Digital x-rays, on the other hand, use electronic sensors to capture images of teeth and surrounding structures, offering immediate results and reducing radiation exposure by up to 90%. This technology enables dentists to detect issues such as cavities, bone loss, and infections at earlier stages, leading to more timely and effective treatment.

Likewise, intraoral cameras provide patients with a unique perspective on their oral health. By capturing high-resolution images of the mouth's interior, these devices empower patients to better understand their diagnoses and treatment options. Dentists can use intraoral cameras to visually demonstrate oral health concerns, fostering communication and patient engagement in their dental care decisions.

Intraoral scanners and 3D printing have streamlined restorative procedures. Gone are the days of messy dental impressions. Intraoral scanners use 3D scanning technology to create digital impressions of patients' teeth, simplifying the process of creating custom restorations such as crowns and bridges. These digital impressions can be sent directly to a computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) system, where restorations are designed and milled with exceptional precision using 3D printing technology. This results in faster turnaround times, better-fitting restorations, and reduced chair time for patients.

Despite these critical advancements, there are important tools used throughout the dental practice (and at the point of care) that have experienced very little innovation. Dental mirrors are one such instrument. Traditional mirrors are pretty much the same as they’ve been for more than a century, but dental mirrors, often considered an extension of a clinician’s hand, remain a staple in dental practices worldwide.

The concept of using mirrors for dental examinations can be traced back to ancient civilizations. In ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome, physicians and healers used polished metal surfaces to inspect the mouth and teeth of their patients.

During the Middle Ages, dental care was often rudimentary, but mirrors continued to play a role in oral examinations. However, these mirrors were typically handheld and made of polished metal, often with limited effectiveness because of their small size and lack of proper lighting.

In the 17th and 18th centuries, there were notable advancements in mirror technology and dental instruments. Dentists began using larger handheld mirrors with handles, allowing for better visibility and maneuverability during oral examinations. These mirrors were still made of metal and required natural or artificial light sources for proper illumination.

One significant development in the history of dental mirrors occurred in the 19th century with the introduction of reflectorized mirrors. These mirrors featured a reflective coating on the back surface, enhancing the clarity and brightness of the reflected image. Reflectorized mirrors significantly improved visibility during dental examinations and procedures.

In the 20th century, dental mirrors underwent further modernization and standardization. Mirrors with standardized sizes and shapes became widely available, allowing for consistency in dental examinations and procedures. Additionally, advancements in materials, such as the use of stainless steel, improved the durability and sterilization capabilities of these instruments.

In recent decades, dental mirrors have started to incorporate technology for enhanced functionality. Some mirrors feature built-in LED lights to provide better illumination, while others may include magnification capabilities for more detailed examinations. Additionally, digital imaging systems have been developed that allow for real-time display and capture of intraoral images using mirrors.

Overall, the history of the dental mirror reflects the ongoing evolution of dental instruments and technologies aimed at improving oral health care and patient outcomes. From ancient origins to modern innovations, the dental mirror remains an essential tool in the dental profession, facilitating thorough examinations and precise treatments.

Current iterations of digital mirror technologies include intraoral cameras that provide detailed visuals of the oral cavity, providing direct visualization of hard-to-reach areas and facilitate proper illumination during examinations and treatments.

Other technology integrations include on-demand lighting to illuminate all portions of the mouth, and technology to facility record capture such as voice-enabled annotation. This provides dentists with valuable insights about their patients’ oral care and can further streamline the examination process.

The latest digital dental mirror technology capabilities further enable point-of-care discussions with patients about needed care while chairside. This leads to better patient engagement and improved ability for increased revenue capture.

While dental mirrors may not have seen the same level of innovation as other technologies, their reliability and simplicity continue to make them indispensable tools in the dental profession. Nonetheless, there is potential for future innovation to further enhance their functionality and contribute to the ongoing evolution of dental care.

The evolution of dental technology has transformed the dental experience, making it more patient-friendly, precise, and efficient. Digital x-rays, intraoral cameras, laser dentistry, intraoral scanners, and 3D printing have collectively revolutionized diagnostics, treatment procedures, and patient engagement in dentistry.

Embracing these advancements is crucial for dental practices to deliver exceptional care and stay at the forefront of modern dentistry, ensuring patients receive the highest standard of oral health care possible. But these innovations grow more powerful when integrated with critical tools and instruments such as the once humble dental mirror.

The history of the dental mirror includes numerous innovations, but most of them occurred centuries ago.

Dental Technology Continues to Rapidly Progress, But the Evolution of the Dental Mirror Has Been Slower

Planmeca Adds the Viso G3 to its CBCT Offerings | Image Credit: © Planmeca

Planmeca has expanded its imaging line for the North American market with the addition of the Planmeca Viso® G3, a multifunctional CBCT device designed to meet all 2D to 3D extraoral imaging needs. The new imaging system delivers usability and visibility for diverse clinics and clinical needs, including endodontics and implantology.

The Planmeca Viso G3 completes the company’s next-generation CBCT units alongside Planmeca Viso G7 and Planmeca Viso G5—all powered by all-in-one Planmeca Romexis dental software.

"We are thrilled to offer this addition to our highly regarded Viso product line," states Glen Kendrick, Planmeca USA president, in this week’s press release. “With all the benefits of Planmeca Viso technology, the Viso G3 allows clinics desiring a 3D with fantastic usability and outstanding image quality to be introduced to the superiority of Planmeca CBCT imaging."

With a Field of View (FOV) ranging from 3 x 3 to 20 x 10 cm, the Planmeca Viso G3 offers high-quality 3D images of the full dentition and the capacity to capture detailed panoramic images and bitewing images for highly detailed diagnosis of interproximal caries.

The multifunctional CBCT device features the Planmeca Ultra Low Dose™ protocol, which has been scientifically proven in 9 studies to reduce the effective patient dose without a statistical reduction in image quality, according to the company. Additionally, the proprietary Planmeca CALM® algorithm for motion artifact correction can be applied both before and after acquisition to limit retakes and reduce radiation exposure.

Planmeca Launches Artificial Intelligence Tools for Romexis Platform

The Planmeca Viso G3 includes freely adjustable 3D volume size and anatomical target selection, while the user-friendly patient positioning programs—with a live video view and virtual FOV adjustments—prioritize a patient comfort workflow. Its feature set also is designed to provide a smooth and efficient imaging workflow without compromising safety or patient comfort.

The Planmeca Viso G3 can be upgraded to Planmeca Viso G5 for a larger maximum 3D volume, securing a sustainable solution to grow with an expanding practice. Expanded treatment capability also is available with the addition of the Planmeca ProCeph one-shot cephalostat.

The company announces strategic expansion of its CBCT imaging solutions for the North American dental imaging market.

Planmeca Adds the Viso G3 to its CBCT Offerings

Fixing Social Media-Led Mishaps: How to Help Patients Who Hurt Themselves Following an Online Trend | Image Credit: © Yeti Studio - stock.adobe.com

Social media provides excellent access to many fun things, from enjoying cat videos to marveling at epic fails. Unfortunately, it also provides access to health misinformation that spreads rapidly.

Today, we explore the challenges many clinicians face in combating the damage of social media’s health misinformation and offer practical tips that can get patients the answers they seek from a reliable source.

Social media has changed how people of all ages seek and exchange health information. A 2022 study in the 

 reports that as many as 75 percent of people go online for health information worldwide.

Going to social media for health information has a few concerns. First, while these online sources can provide credible evidence, some use clickbait titles and sensationalized content to attract readers. Also, businesses pay for ad placement on YouTube and other platforms, which affects how content is pushed to viewers and influences what users see and in what order. Additionally, product videos, which have a specific agenda regarding their message, are typically shorter than educational ones, and research indicates shorter videos get more views than longer ones.

The volume of searching combined with the popularity of sensationalized and promoted videos that are product- rather than education-focused, creates a breeding ground for health misinformation.

Inaccurate or misleading health-related assertions lacking scientific backing are not just a nuisance. They are a serious threat, posing significant challenges to public health efforts.

Jason Goodchild, DMD, vice president of clinical affairs at Premier Dental Products Company, says the problem is compounded by the general public's easy access to dental equipment and materials online. Anyone can buy dental equipment without a license on auction sites and other online retailers, from curing lights to drills to curettes and explorers, among other dental tools and materials. This access takes DIY dentistry to a whole new level, he says.

“It’s amazing what you can buy off the internet without being a dentist,” Dr Goodchild says.

What Are Some Examples of These Social-Media-Led mishaps?

In dentistry, the prevalence of misinformation has escalated, with articles promoting homemade remedies and incorrect dental advice gaining traction.

compiled by the University of Pennsylvania UPenn School of Dental Medicine

Some social media influencers advocated for patients to file down uneven teeth in the anterior with an emery board, usually used to file fingernails.

Multiple influencers have claimed that oil pulling or swishing with oil, such as coconut oil, for 10 to 20 minutes will protect your teeth from decay.

Many people have DIY solutions for teeth spacing problems, from wrapping rubber bands around the anterior teeth to closing a diastema to putting on or removing brackets and wires.

compiled a list of dental misinformation that they, too, found online:

Using household cleaning products to whiten teeth: 

TikTok user @theheatherdunn advocated using pieces of Mr. Clean Magic Eraser to whiten teeth, dismissing potential dental concerns.

 A TikTok user wrapped her front teeth with elastic hair ties to close a gap, risking tooth loss and gum inflammation.

Making prosthetic teeth and partial dentures with art supplies:

 TikTok users molded InstaMorph beads into prosthetic teeth, which are not FDA-certified for dental use.

 Some individuals file their teeth into narrow pegs for crowns or veneers, risking permanent damage.

 Users glued vampire fangs to their teeth with toxic adhesives, ignoring the risks of permanent damage.

Bleaching and Flossing with Unusual Materials:

 Users applied hydrogen peroxide directly to their teeth for whitening and promoted flossing with human hair, demonstrating a disregard for dental safety and professional advice.

So, What Should You Do If a Patient Comes in with DIY Dentistry?

In some cases, there might be trauma involved, so the first order of business is to stop the damage. The International Association of Dental Traumatology has guidelines that can help. (View their guidelines for fractures and luxation in 

Dr Goodchild is thankful he doesn’t treat many DIY dentistry mishaps in his operatory. He suspects that part of the reason he doesn’t is that the people who undertake these DIY or social-media-led treatments do so because they don’t have a relationship with a dentist.

However, he does have patients who tell him about something they saw online, and they ask him questions about it. Dr Goodchild considers this an excellent opportunity to open a dialogue about some dental treatments his patients might want to know more about. It also allows Dr Goodchild to communicate that addressing these concerns in the dental office is much safer and healthier than at home without dental training.

Additionally, these discussions give patients an idea of what these treatments might cost. Dr Goodchild thinks that patients do not always know what is possible in modern dentistry treatment or how affordable some solutions are. He says that having these one-on-one discussions about oral health or cosmetic concerns, and setting proper expectations about the financials can provide the information the patient needs to make a better-informed decision.

“If the patient has rough edges on their teeth or wants to make the edges smoother or a little straighter and is looking to use an emery board to fix it at home, I wish they knew they can also do that painlessly and properly at the doctor’s office. Sometimes, I don’t charge for something as easy as that,” Dr Goodchild says.

Additionally, Dr Goodchild says that some people don’t realize that following these trends can cause significant and irreversible damage to their oral health.

“As obvious as it is to us in the dental profession, a lot of people don’t realize that enamel doesn’t grow back,” he says.

Dr Goodchild explains to patients that if they file too much enamel off the edge of their tooth, it’s not coming back. Or, if they damage the root or aggravate the gums with DIY orthodontics, there can be pain and discomfort, and the trauma caused can jeopardize the tooth's health. Moreover, he tells them that the treatments to correct damage caused by DIY dentistry can be costlier than the initial treatment would have been and will require more time at the dentist’s office, which the DIY dentist was trying to avoid.

While social media offers valuable educational resources, the abundance of false material impedes efforts to prevent and manage chronic diseases, including oral health issues. Dentists and dental organizations must address this challenge by providing accurate, evidence-based information and promoting patient oral health literacy.

echoes this sentiment. The research team concluded that oral healthcare professionals are responsible for educating patients on the importance of fact-checking articles before relying on them for oral-health-related information.Moreover, the research team suggests that dentists should prioritize staying on top of these social media trends to address misconceptions about oral healthcare with patients.

Some dentists have taken the initiative to make science-based educational videos to counteract misinformation. Dr Goodchild thinks that many of these videos are high-quality and well-executed. He also recognizes that producing quality content takes time, so he appreciates the efforts of those clinicians who have undertaken the task of providing a counterpoint.

“It helps with balanced reporting,” Dr Goodchild says.

Dental professionals can also promote accurate information and empower patients to distinguish between credible and misleading content. Confirming the credibility of dental health content requires attention to several elements, like verifying sources and ensuring the publishers don’t have a conflict of interest. Perhaps most importantly, clinicians should encourage their patients to come to them with questions about DIY dental treatments they saw on the internet.

Dr Goodchild also thinks that if patients want help, most dentists will find a way to help them. He jokes that he sometimes gives away too much dentistry because it feels good to help people when possible. However, these gifts have a way of coming back full circle, he says, through referrals and life-long relationships.

“If nothing else, you have good rapport with patients,” Dr Goodchild says, “so they talk to you and don’t go online looking for DIY solutions.”

1. Ruiz M, Kabani F, Cotter J. A review of the effects of oral health media hype on clients' perception of treatment. 

. 2022;56(1):31-38. Published 2022 Feb 1.

2. Alhomsi A, Aldoss H, Aljoujou AA, et al. Exploring How People Interact With Dental Misinformation on Social Media: A Cross-Sectional Study. 

. 2024;16(3):e56625. Published 2024 Mar 21. doi:10.7759/cureus.56625

4. 7 dangerous dental trends from TikTok. 

7 dangerous dental trends from TikTok | Delta Dental

5. Bourguignon C, Cohenca N, Lauridsen E, et al. International Association of Dental Traumatology guidelines for the management of traumatic dental injuries: 1. Fractures and luxations. Dent Traumatol 2020;36(4):314-330. https://doi.org/10.1111/ edt.12578.

6. Ruiz M, Kabani F, Cotter J. A review of the effects of oral health media hype on clients' perception of treatment. 

. 2022;56(1):31-38. Published 2022 Feb 1 

Let’s explore the challenges of patients consuming health misinformation on social media and offer practical tips to help them find out what they want to know from a reliable source.

Fixing Social Media-Led Mishaps: How to Help Patients Who Hurt Themselves Following an Online Trend

Dental composites have been around for decades, but as little as 10 years ago, patients were known to experience discomfort after having a restoration that developed microleakage.

Over the years, Terry Grant, DMD, has had patients from other practices—as well as some of his own patients—complain of pain following composite restorations. Some of these complaints meant he had to start the procedures over, a costly inconvenience for both the patient and his practice.

But this is no longer an issue. In 2015, at the Greater New York Dental Meeting, Dr Grant met with a representative of VOCO America who told him to give Futurabond U dual-cure universal adhesive a try. He started using the dental material in his Garden City, New York practice. And lo and behold, the patient complaints went away.

“I was eager to sample it with my patients,” he said after first using Futurabond U. “I specifically informed my patients that I was using a new product, a futuristic product called Futurabond U.”


Futurabond U is the first dual-cure universal adhesive in a single-dose delivery system. Until now, most clinicians have used 2 to 4 different bonding systems to ensure material compatibility. Futurabond U allows the practitioner to cut this amount down to 1 system, making procedures simpler, staff training easier, and inventories streamlined. Applied in a single layer, this universal adhesive creates a strong bond to enamel and dentin. At the same time, it also bonds to metal, zirconia, aluminum oxide, and silicate ceramics without a primer, saving the cost of additional materials.

Due to the material’s unique features, he was able to use this all-in-one bonding agent on both young and older patients and asked them to share their input. “Some patients had appointments every 2 weeks, and no one reported any problems. They reported no concerns,” Dr Grant says.

This dual-cured universal adhesive is applied in a single layer and creates a strong bond to enamel and dentin. And VOCO’s patented 

system is designed to eliminate the problem of solvent evaporation so as to ensure reliable high bond strength with each application.

While certainly an esthetic improvement over amalgam, some of the earlier composites on the market didn’t perform as well as their modern counterparts, causing some clinicians were resistant to using them. But today’s materials are so much better.

“Back in the day patients were reporting [that they] went to another dentist and said their restorations looked really pretty and natural, but when they went home, they’d feel the pain and they would have to go back,” Dr Grant explains.

Dr Grant is a cosmetic, geriatric, and general dentist who has been in practice for more than 30 years. He now uses Futurabond U exclusively. Not only is patient comfort improved, but the high bond strength for crowns and veneers means no more concerns about failed restorations.

“I started using Futurabond [U] as my go-to adhesive,” he says of the all-in-oneuniversal adhesive. “It’s a very versatile adhesive, bonding to practically all direct and indirect restorations. There’s no need for the combination of adhesive, primer and silane agent. I simply keep the tooth restoration site dry from any moisture. It worked well with my light-cured and dual-cured composites. Today it’s considered part of my dental team.”

Futurabond U is the first dual-cure universal adhesive in a single-dose delivery system that does not require an additional primer or activator. The material may be used in self-, selective-, and total-etch techniques and works with all light-, dual-, and self-cure composites. The 

 system also eliminates contamination concerns—yet another bonus.

Dr Grant uses Futurabond U with glass ionomer restorations as a protective layer on older patients and says its silicon dioxide nanoparticles also allow this universal adhesive to work well for new zirconia veneers and BruxZirâNOW (Glidewell) zirconiacrowns. He adds that the material is also useful for treating hypersensitivity in the cervical region.

Futurabond U uses silicon dioxide nanoparticles to create a cross-link of resin components and enhance its film-building properties.

“When I find a product that works well for me, I want it around all the time,” he says. “And obviously, VOCO has been around a long time.”

Another bonus is the material’s simple storage. It does not require refrigeration so “you don’t have to go back and forth to the refrigerator to get the product,” Dr Grant adds. It can be stored easily on any shelf in the operatory and The 1-step activation prevents loss of material; other solutions may tip over and evaporate if left open overnight.” He shares: “Most importantly, the application provides reliable bond strength with each use.

VOCO states the material has over 30 MPa of adhesion to dentin and enamel with light-cure composites while reaching high total-etch adhesion levels with dual-cure and self-cure composites. Additionally, Futurabond U will not self-cure before it is in contact with a dual- or self-cure resin cement or core build-up composite.

Find out why one clinician is glad he switched to VOCO America’s Futurabond U universal adhesive.

Closer Look: This Truly Universal Adhesive Delivers

Senator Bernie Sanders from Vermont has introduced a new bill called The Comprehensive Dental Care Reform Act of 2024 with the aim to provide robust dental care for many communities in the U.S., according to a press release from the office of Senator Sanders. These communities include seniors, veterans, and low-income individuals/households.

Senator Sanders, who is Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) introduced this bill on Friday, May 17, 2024. It proposes an increased number of clinicians to address the growing dental needs of the U.S.’s population, per the press release. Also, it proposes expanding access to dental care services by branching out into community health centers, schools, nursing homes, and mobile units. Finally, the bill proposes an ‘essential’ tag on all dental care under the Affordable Care Act, as well as address insufficient reimbursement rates under Medicaid.

“Dental care in America is way too expensive,” Senator Sanders expressed. “Far too many Americans, especially in rural areas, do not have access to a dentist, which forces them to either travel long distances or go without the care they need. Very few dentists accept Medicaid, preventing the most vulnerable people in America from getting the dental procedures they need.”

Senator Sanders also emphasized the growing need for dental care across the population, “Dental care is health care and health care must be considered a human right, not a privilege.”

Dental leaders across the United States gathered before the HELP Committee to make the case for expanded access to dental care. Read our coverage of their comments here.

This bill is cosponsored by Ohio Senator Sherrod Brown, and is endorsed by Families USA, CareQuest Institute for Oral Health, and Community Catalyst. To learn more about the bill, the HELP Committee, or to read the legislation, 

The U.S. Senator from Vermont has introduced new legislation to address expanding dental care to underserved communities across the nation. 

Senator Bernie Sanders Introduces Dental Care Crisis Legislation

Dental 3D printing company Carbon has announced its latest Automatic Operation (AO) feature, AO Stack, which is created for the M2 and M3 3D printers. AO is software that enables dental labs to print multiple DPR10 models in a single print run, according to a press release from Carbon.

AO Stack reportedly enables 2 key benefits, per Carbon, which are the ability to produce up to 3 times more models in a single print run without direct supervision, as well as its easy integration into everyday operations.

“The introduction of AO Stack is a milestone in our ongoing quest to innovate and provide transformative solutions to our customers,” Senior Product Manager of Oral Health at Carbon, Brice Harkey said in the press release. “By allowing up to 3 builds worth of models on a single unattended print, AO Stack offers the opportunity for an increase in overnight product capabilities without additional hardware or oversight.”

AO Stack is available now for Carbon M2 and M3 users with subscriptions including DPR10. To learn more, visit the 

This new feature for Carbon’s Automatic Operation enables increased unattended throughput, letting dental labs produce more without supervision. 