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.  

Implant Solutions World Summit Comes to Miami June 13-15 | Image Credit: © Dentsply Sirona 

An impressive collection of international dental professionals from the field of implant dentistry will meet and participate in Miami, Florida, for the Implant Solutions World Summit hosted by Dentsply Sirona from June 13-15, 2024.

The Implant Solutions World Summit will cover many aspects of implant dentistry, including the latest scientific research and data regarding the clinical success, esthetic outcomes, and safety of Dentsply Sirona’s product portfolio. Featuring 48 speakers from 12 different countries, next month’s conference will foster a global exchange of ideas and provide attendees with a wealth of knowledge from diverse perspectives. Each of the sessions at the Summit will be simultaneously translated into more than 30 languages.

Following the impressive success of last year's conference in Athens, Greece, The Implant Solutions World Summit 2024 will again provide a great opportunity for networking, knowledge exchange, and cultivating collaborations among implant dentistry professionals.

The scientific program curated for this year’s event includes renowned industry experts Mark Ludlow, DMD, MS, Dr. Anne Benhamou, Marco Degidi, DDS, Martin Wanendeya, BDS, and more, who will address topics such as dental implant and prosthetic innovations, bone augmentation and regeneration in implant treatment, the transformative potential of digital dentistry, and the role of patients maintaining oral health, Dentsply Sirona states.

“We are excited to engage with the global implant community for this inspiring meeting – exploring the latest science and innovations in implant dentistry to transform patient care,” Tony Susino, group vice president implant and prosthetic solutions at Dentsply Sirona, says in a press release.“The Implant Solutions World Summit showcases our ongoing dedication to scientific excellence and the continued advancement of implant dentistry.”

Throughout the conference, participants will engage in highly relevant topics, including the prevention of peri-implantitis for long-term peri-implant health and managing implant complications and esthetic results. There will also be dialogue between experts on questions such as, “Implants for life-is it possible?”

Attendees will also be able to visit the Inspiration Hub, an interactive exhibition to learn more about the host company’s products and treatment solutions, including:

DS Core, the cloud-based digital ecosystem

Additionally, attendees can register for a series of master classes that focus on various aspects of implant dentistry. These hands-on workshops will cover surgical techniques, digital workflows for single-tooth and full-arch treatment, and the integration of advanced dental technologies into everyday practice.

More information about the master classes and registration can be found by 

“I am incredibly excited to be part of this congress, which brings together esteemed professionals from across the globe to share their expertise and advancements in implant dentistry,” Dr. Malene Hallund, Scientific Chair of the Implant Solutions World Summit, adds. “Through this event, we aim to inspire and equip dental professionals with the latest information and technologies to enhance patient care and elevate their practice.”

By immersing themselves in the latest advancements, research, and best practices, attendees will have the opportunity to elevate their practice and enhance patient outcomes. Also, the networking opportunities provided by this congress enable professionals to connect with like-minded individuals, forge new partnerships, and expand their networks.

The Summit will take place at the InterContinental Miami. For more details,visit: 

Articles

Dentsply Sirona conference will feature the latest scientific research and data regarding the clinical success and esthetic outcomes for dental implants, and top-notch education.

Implant Solutions World Summit Comes to Miami June 13-15

Remineralization and Early Lesion Treatments: What Are Some Options to Consider? | Image Credit: © Infinite Gallery - stock.adobe.com / Generated with AI

Dentists often have to choose whether or not to drill into a tooth when they see an early lesion. These decision trees are complicated and influenced by many factors.

However, if an early lesion is detected and operative treatment is not performed, “monitoring” or “watching” the lesion is likely insufficient to provide the best outcome for the tooth.

Remineralization of tooth structure is a conservative but active plan to manage early lesions. Today, we look at the goals of remineralization and the products that can help get you there.

When acid attacks the tooth's enamel, acid made of H+ ions seeps into it and dissolves its most soluble salts, like carbonate apatite and non-stoichiometric apatite crystals, creating the lesion boundary. The lesion boundary moves forward as the damage advances, creating high levels of calcium and phosphate ions in the tooth. These dissolved ions exit the tooth, following a concentration gradient where they can bind with fluoride at the surface and form a new, dense layer of minerals.

Adding new minerals to a damaged tooth to fill holes strengthens the tooth. However, remineralization requires calcium and phosphate ions from an outside source to fill the gaps in the damaged enamel, which needs these concentrations to be higher than what's already in the damaged area. These ions move into the tooth through tiny holes and spaces. However, it is essential to get this flow just right; if they are too concentrated, they block the holes in the tooth's surface, preventing more ions from entering.

Various studies show fluoride improves enamel remineralization. However, when dealing with dental decay, any treatment aiming to remineralize teeth should adhere to 2 important principles:

Controlling dental plaque is imperative for success.

Fluoride use in remineralizations can either stop existing cavities from getting worse or slow down the development of new ones.

Nathaniel Lawson, DMD, Ph.D., assistant professor and director of the Division of Biomaterials at the UAB School of Dentistry, says if a lesion has not yet been cavitated, remineralization is the most conservative treatment to attempt, as long as the patient or their caretaker can perform it. However, he says determining when cavitation occurred is a little more challenging for interproximal and occlusal pit caries.

In the cases where Dr Lawson undertakes remineralization, he likes the home hygiene approach. There are a couple of reasons for this.

“I use 5000ppm fluoride toothpaste for this effort, rather than regular toothpaste, which is 1000ppm,” Dr Lawson explains. “I use this treatment because it is easy for the patient to obtain, meaning they can buy it from my office or get it from a pharmacist, and it is easy to use. They use it just like regular toothpaste.”

Studies have shown fluoride treatments, like rinses, can significantly increase remineralization effects on nearby areas affected by cavities compared to other methods. Fluoride varnish can be a valuable addition to preventive care for adult patients, potentially avoiding surgical intervention in those at lower risk for cavities. Community-based studies have found that biannually applying acidulated phosphate fluoride gel can reverse early cavities.

In addition to fluoride, non-fluoride compounds like casein phosphopeptide (CPP) have shown promise in remineralizing tooth surfaces. CPP stabilizes calcium phosphate in solution, allowing high concentrations of calcium and phosphate ions to penetrate subsurface lesions and promote enamel remineralization. Studies have confirmed that CPPs can effectively promote remineralization of early enamel lesions.

When it comes to remineralization agents, with or without fluoride, the desirable characteristics include:

The chosen remineralizing agent should quickly add minerals to the tooth surface, even if it means losing some.

It should rapidly change the deposited minerals into a stronger type called fluorapatite.

To finish the remineralization process, the agent should quickly spread over the tooth surface and into any areas below.

This process should happen even in patients at high risk for cavities.

So, What Are Your Options for Remineralization Therapy?

There are quite a few, it turns out. Dr Lawson thinks clinicians could also consider other options than high-fluoride toothpaste, which include:

 This product has an even higher concentration of fluoride than high-fluoride toothpaste, around 22,000 ppm, and is applied every 6 months.

Calcium-phosphate gels (e.g., MI Paste): 

These gels contain the ions present in the mineral of teeth (hydroxyapatite).

This option has become popular. Some laboratory trials on these products indicate they can remineralize similarly to fluoride toothpaste.

 This product from Young Innovations contains peptides to help rebuild enamel with embedded ions that are present in saliva.

 To be clear, Dr Lawson points out that this method is not remineralization; instead, it involves replacing missing mineral content with resin.

 also provides a helpful summary of many options for remineralization therapy, starting with an overview of acidated fluoride products.

, including mouth rinses, gels, and foams, are available. Dental materials manufacturers developed these products to address a limitation of traditional fluoride treatments in remineralization therapy. High-concentration fluoride products often lead to surface-zone remineralization, leaving the deeper parts of the lesion untreated. By lowering the pH of the fluoridated vehicle, such as mouth rinse, or gel, mineral ions can penetrate deeper into the lesion, enabling full remineralization. The low pH environment also encourages calcium and fluoride release from bacterial sources, further enhancing remineralization.

 employs self-assembling peptides (P11-4) to regenerate early caries lesions. In this innovative approach, applying the P11-4 monomers to early caries lesions means they permeate the micro-pores of the lesion and organize themselves into a 3D matrix (scaffold) under high ionic strength conditions. This scaffold then attracts calcium phosphate from saliva, serving as a template for forming new hydroxyapatite crystals around the matrix. Essentially, this process initiates biomimetic mineralization, facilitating the regeneration of enamel and dentin. Remineralization of the treated lesion typically requires several weeks to complete.

 incorporates the amino acid arginine into toothpaste formulations, typically at a concentration of 1.5%. This toothpaste also contains insoluble calcium carbonate and 1450 ppm fluoride as sodium monofluorophosphate, tailored for remineralizing early caries lesions and preventing new ones. When used, arginine undergoes deamination by saliva enzymes, producing ammonia, which increases oral pH, promoting remineralization and reducing plaque pathogenicity. The fluoride ions from sodium monofluorophosphate and calcium from calcium carbonate further enhance remineralization.

Functionalized tricalcium phosphate (TCP) technology

 is in toothpaste and fluoride varnishes. These products enhance remineralization through improved formulations and the addition of calcium to complement fluoride. Milling β-tricalcium phosphate with organic materials protects the calcium oxides in TCP, allowing coexistence with fluoride ions without premature interactions. Organic materials, such as surfactants, carry the calcium to the tooth surface, where saliva activates it, releasing calcium and fluoride for remineralization.

 in toothpaste, sealants, composites, and barrier coats. These fillers utilize a ligand exchange mechanism to release and recharge fluoride ions, providing sustained fluoride release influenced by acidity. They also release various other ions at high concentrations, such as aluminum (

. This multi-ion release capability imbues materials containing SPRG fillers with several therapeutic effects, including pH modulation to neutral or weak alkaline conditions, which is ideal for lesion remineralization. The released fluoride and silica promote apatite formation in oral fluid like saliva, while Sr2+ may enhance tooth acid resistance by converting hydroxyapatite to strontiumapatite.

, such as Novamin™, does not contain fluoride. Sodium monofluorophosphate is added separately, risking premature calcium and fluoride reactions to form calcium fluoride (CaF2), which may hinder fluoroapatite formation. Innovators incorporated fluoride, strontium, potassium, and zinc to create fluoride-containing bioactive glass toothpaste. This step enables the simultaneous delivery of Ca2+, PO43−, and F− ions in appropriate amounts for fluoroapatite formation without CaF2 formation. Originally, dentifrice formulations used bioactive glass formulations to treat dentin hypersensitivity by forming a surface layer of hydroxycarbonate apatite on teeth, occluding dentinal tubules. Fluoride-containing bioactive glass serves as a remineralizing additive, releasing fluoride, strontium, zinc, and potassium ions for caries remineralization, prevention, and bactericidal properties. These products release fluoride over 12 hours, forming more stable fluorapatite, aiding in remineralization and acid resistance.

Nanohydroxyapatite-containing toothpaste and oral rinses,

 designed for remineralization and caries prevention, contain nanohydroxyapatite (nHAP) ranging from 5-20%, tailored for remineralization, caries prevention, or dentin hypersensitivity treatment. Other calcifying toothpaste and oral rinses combine nHAP with fluoride for remineralization and caries prevention or with stabilized chlorine dioxide for whitening. Nanohydroxyapatite, a biocompatible material, fills micropores in early caries lesions, acting as a template for remineralization by attracting calcium and phosphate ions from oral fluids and promoting crystal growth. When combined with fluoride, nHAP lowers bioavailable fluoride concentration, with NaF being a slight concern compared to sodium monofluorophosphate.

 has gained attention as a caries-preventive agent. A 38% SDF solution effectively arrests coronal caries. In randomized clinical trials, annual applications of SDF halted more active initial caries and reduced new caries formation compared to quarterly applications of NaF varnish. SDF not only arrests caries progression but exhibits antimicrobial properties and an affinity for tooth tissue's mineral and organic components.

Casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP)

 and fluoride-containing CPP-ACFP, found in products like Tooth Mousse and MI Paste, are designed to promote enamel remineralization and prevent tooth decay. These nanocomplexes bind to tooth surfaces and dental plaque, increasing the concentration of bioavailable calcium and phosphate ions in the oral biofilm. This process aids in remineralization and alters the dynamics of demineralization-remineralization events, effectively preventing caries development. Studies show that these nanocomplexes can penetrate early caries lesions, releasing calcium and phosphate ions to fill crystal voids and form hydroxyapatite or, in the presence of fluoride, fluorapatite. Clinical evidence strongly supports their remineralizing efficacy, making them valuable tools in dental care for combating early caries and promoting overall enamel health.

 enhances plaque-calcium concentrations. In a caries clinical trial, combining it with sodium monofluorophosphate (SMFP) in toothpaste proved more effective than SMFP alone, suggesting its role in elevating plaque-calcium levels.

is another active ingredient featured in oral hygiene products. Research suggests that theobromine exhibits comparable remineralization effects despite being 71 times less concentrated than fluoride. It's proposed that theobromine enhances apatite crystallite size and crystallinity in the presence of saliva.

Remineralization options are abundant. In some cases, remineralizing might be the best option, providing a conservative way to treat the early stages of disease.

1. Carey CM. Remineralization of Early Enamel Lesions with Apatite-Forming Salt. 

2. González-Cabezas C, Fernández CE. Recent Advances in Remineralization Therapies for Caries Lesions. Advances in Dental Research. 2018;29(1):55-59. doi:10.1177/0022034517740124

3. “Early Carious Lesions Treatment Considerations.” AADC Permissions Committee. Available at: 

https://s3.amazonaws.com/amo_hub_content/Association1002/files/AADC%20Position%20Statement_%20Early%20Carious%20Lesions-%20Treatment%20Considerations.pdf

4. Daruich PM, Brizuela M. Remineralization of Initial Carious Lesions. [Updated 2023 Apr 17]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK573067/

5. Amaechi, Bennett. (2015). Remineralization Therapies for Initial Caries Lesions. Current Oral Health Report. 2. 10.1007/s40496-015-0048-9.

Let's take a look at the goals of remineralization and what products can get you there for those early lesion cases you want to treat before you have to drill and fill them.


Remineralization and Early Lesion Treatments: What Are Some Options to Consider?

Carbon Validates Keystone KeyMask for Carbon M-Series Printers Image Credit: © Carbon and Keystone

Carbon, Inc, just announced another resin validation, Keystone® KeyMask® for use with Carbon M-series printers, to further strengthen its partnership with Keystone Industries.

This collaboration marks a continuation of the partnership between Carbon, a pioneering technology company in product development and additive manufacturing, and Keystone, which has been formulating biocompatible photopolymer resins for dental and cosmetic applications for 3 decades.

KeyMask is a flexible, yet firm 3D-printed material designed to simulate the look and feel of natural gum tissue. Its introduction to the Carbon M-series printers is designed to enable dental labs to enhance their digital restoration planning with accurate, low-shrinkage, and easily trimmed gingival masks. Developed by Keystone, this innovative solution is set to transform the way dental labs approach prosthetics and restorative dentistry.

KeyMask features high strength, flexibility, and natural esthetics, and is formulated to ensure durability and a realistic representation of gingival tissue. By integrating KeyMask with Carbon’s advanced M-series printers, dental labs can achieve a high level of precision and efficiency in their restoration workflows, the companies state.

“Carbon’s partnership with Keystone to validate KeyMask for our M-series printers is a testament to our commitment to offering the best materials for digital dentistry,” Phil DeSimone, CEO and Co-Founder of Carbon, says in a press release. “This collaboration enhances our portfolio of dental solutions, providing our customers with the tools to deliver high-quality cases to their customers.”

Keystone KeyMask for digital dental restorations provides several benefits including Realistic Gum Tissue Simulation (KeyMask’s flexible yet firm composition offers lifelike simulations of gum tissue for high-quality dental restorations) and an enhanced digital workflow. Dental labs can now streamline their digital restoration planning for more accurate and efficient outcomes, according to the companies.

Keystone KeyMask is now available for use with Carbon M-series printers in select regions, including the United States and Europe. Labs interested in integrating this advanced material into their dental restoration processes can contact their local Carbon representative for more information.

Carbon and Keystone Industries announced 

that the 2 companies had agreed to develop a flexible removable partial denture resin based on Carbon's patented dual cure materials. The joint effort brought about the first use of Carbon's patented dual cure process in a dental application.

Latest collaboration is designed to enable dental labs to enhance their digital restoration planning with accurate, low-shrinkage, and easily trimmed gingival masks.


Carbon Validates Keystone KeyMask for Carbon M-Series Printers

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. 

Spark™ Clear Aligners Now Available to Order On-Demand. Image credit: © Ormco

A new “Spark On-Demand” program has made it possible for clinicians to order Spark

on-demand. Utilizing a pay-per-tray model, Ormco has offered this program to orthodontists looking to flexibily order orthodontic appliances, according to a press release from Ormco.

“This unique program will further our doctors’ ability to grow their practices by offering an affordable and flexible option to purchase aligners and retainers for orthodontic treatment and ongoing retention without committing to a certain volume,” President of Ormco, Eric Conley, said in the press release. “We are committed to providing doctors flexibility and choice, both clinically and in how they purchase our products. This solution gives doctors the ability to select the aligner or retainer treatment that makes the most sense for their patients and their practice.”

Per Conley in the press release, Spark Aligners can be purchased through this program without a subscription or volume commitment, giving clinicians more flexibility in their ordering process. Using the Spark DTX Portal, clinicians can order Spark On-Demand for both aligners and retainers.

The Prezurv product line harnesses the same TruGEN technology that exists in Spark Clear Aligners, as well as offering more rigidity and thickness for retainer strength, per the press release. These retainers are available in both scalloped and straight trim.

Spark On-Demand is available for Spark customers now. To learn more, visit the 

A new ordering platform for clear aligners and retainers aims to make it more efficient for clinicians to order orthodontic products when they need them. 

Spark™ Clear Aligners Now Available to Order On-Demand

Buying Group Synergy Dental Partners Acquires Dental Whale Savings Network | Image Credit: © Synergy Dental Partners

Already one of dentistry’s most influential buying groups, Synergy Dental Partners announced today the successful acquisition of the Dental Whale Savings Network (DWSN) GPO in a secondary transaction following 

of Dental Whale and all of its subsidiaries.

This latest strategic move further solidifies Synergy's position as a leading buying group in dental, enhancing its ability to negotiate with vendor partners and provide unparalleled value and benefits to its members, the company says.

The acquisition of DWSN marks a significant milestone in Synergy's commitment to continuing to empower dental professionals to purchase supplies and services at DSO-level pricing and strengthening the independent dental community. By integrating DWSN’s member base into its own, the company is poised to unlock even greater purchasing power and deliver enhanced value to its members across the country.

“We are thrilled to welcome Dental Whale Savings Network members to the Synergy family,” Brian Dershow, COO at Synergy Dental Partners, says in today’s press release. “This acquisition underscores our dedication to supporting independent dentistry and ensuring that our members have access to the best deals and resources available in the market. With the addition of Dental Whale Savings Network, we are excited to leverage our combined strength to drive even greater value and success for our members nationwide.”

Jinesh Patel, CEO and co-founder of UptimeHealth, adds, “We are happy that DWSN and its members will have a new home with Synergy Dental Partners. This acquisition helps ensure they are in good hands and receive the best possible value and support with Brian and his team.”

Through strategic partnerships and a focus on providing value to its members, Synergy—founded in 2010— has established itself as a trusted leader, helping practices thrive in today's competitive landscape.

Synergy Dental Partners states it remains committed to delivering great service and support to its members through out the integration process. Its members can expect a seamless experience and continued access to the same high-quality resources and benefits they have come to rely on, the company says.

, the nation's largest GPO, drives success for its members through meaningful vendor partnerships and a commitment to member satisfaction. UptimeHealth, headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, specializes in providing user-friendly software solutions for healthcare administrators and operators. The company’s technologies focus on compliance management, operational efficiencies, and access to a vast network of qualified biomed technicians.

The acquisition enables Synergy to strengthen its purchasing power as nation's largest dental group purchasing organization.

Buying Group Synergy Dental Partners Acquires Dental Whale Savings Network

RevenueWell Announces Integration with Open Dental. Image credit: © RevenueWell


Patient experience software RevenueWell has announced its integration with Open Dental practice management software. This integration was formed to streamline patient experiences as well as enabling dental practices to have more consistent data, according to a press release from RevenueWell. Intake, online scheduling, and patient communications are all workflows that this integration aims to streamline.

For online forms, RevenueWell’s system is able to write patient intake data back to Open Dental, including vital information such as medications, medical history, and more. Practices can benefit from the online scheduling integration through its ability to accept new patients and appointments. Finally, RevenueWell’s system is able to write back patient information, which will enable Open Dental users to send personalized messages for birthdays, treatment follow-ups, and other relevant communications. This integration aims to make the dental practice run smoother, according to CEO of RevenueWell, Katherine Shuman.

“One of our main goals at RevenueWell is to build deeper, tighter integrations with PMSs because dental practices rely heavily on it in their day-to-day work,” Shuman said in the press release. “How these integrations work not only impacts a practice team’s efficiency in doing great work, but it also impacts the patient experience and their perception of your practice. This integration with Open Dental enables practice teams to have smoother workdays and provide more personalized care to every patient because they have consistent data across systems.”

By lightening the administrative load, this integration hopes to make the dental practice a more efficient space. To learn more, visit the 

This integration aims to make the dental practice more efficient through its boosted front office processes as well as enhanced patient communications. 

RevenueWell Announces Integration with Open Dental

Dental manufacturer KaVo today announced the unveiling of a new, user-friendly website at KaVo.com.

After months of hard work and dedication, KaVo has introduced a user-friendly platform designed to enhance visitors’ experiences with the company’s products and services.

KaVo offers a wide array of dental handpieces and instruments, including electric handpieces, air-driven turbines, couplers and motors, maintenance and cleaning products, and hygiene and specialty instruments.

The new website is designed for all dental professionals—those seeking cutting-edge equipment or curious visitors interested in exploring the company’s innovations.

Explore KaVo’s full range of dental solutions.

Stay informed with articles, videos, and resources.

Enjoy a seamless browsing experience across all devices.

Since 1909, KaVo employees have been developing, manufacturing, and selling high-quality products designed to set new market standards in the dental industry. The company was founded in 1909 by Alois Kaltenbach, then it became known as Kaltenbach & Voight (KaVo) when Richard Voigt joined the company in 1919.

KaVo Dental Technologies, LLC is located in Charlotte, North Carolina.

The dental manufacturer says, “navigating dental excellence has never been easier.”

KaVo Unveils New, User-Friendly Website

Glidewell, ProMonitoring Partner to Launch Glidewell Clear Aligners: Powered by ProMonitoring | Image Credit: © Glidewell

Glidewell is partnering with ProMonitoring™ and in the process is jumping into the clear aligner market.

The 2 companies announced their strategic partnership aimed at offering comprehensive clear aligner solutions tailored to general practitioners. The result of this collaboration is the release of the new Glidewell™ Clear Aligners: Powered by ProMonitoring.

This new offering addresses the daily requests from thousands of Glidewell customers who are looking to prescribe clear aligners without extensive training or disruption to their practice workflows, the Newport Beach, California dental company says. Glidewell adds that it identified ProMonitoring as the ideal partner to meet this demand, offering an intuitive and easy-to-embrace clear aligner solution.

The new aligners are designed to enable dentists to provide precise and predictable orthodontic care to their patients by utilizing ProMonitoring's state-of-the-art AI-driven software platform and innovative service model. This new partnership equips dental professionals with the tools to comfortably address a wide range of malocclusions, improving their patients' smiles and oral health with convenience and confidence.

"Our partnership with ProMonitoring to launch Glidewell Clear Aligners: Powered by ProMonitoring offers our customers an advanced clear aligner system powered by cutting-edge technology and exceptional support," says Stephenie Goddard, CEO of Glidewell, in a press release.

The 2 companies share a commitment to delivering high-quality innovative products that focus on patient experience, efficient workflows, and efficacy. Much like theglidewell.io™ In-Office Solution, Glidewell Clear Aligners: Powered by ProMonitoring exemplify Glidewell's growing service offering designed to leverage and optimize digital technology to assist clinicians and expand their patient care. The glidewell.io In-Office Solution combines the power of fastmill.io with exclusive CrownAI™ technology to eliminate the learning curve from crown design. Users can deliver single-appointment BruxZir® NOW zirconia restorations straight from the mill with no oven wait.

Closer Look: Offering Better Crowns in a Single Visit

"We are thrilled to collaborate with Glidewell to bring Glidewell Clear Aligners: Powered by ProMonitoring to dentists nationwide," Nick Greenfield, CEO of ProMonitoring, adds in the press release. "By combining our clear aligner expertise and comprehensive practice support program with Glidewell's deep understanding of dental professionals' needs, we aim to enable more dentists to offer effective and affordable orthodontic treatment options to their patients."

While announcing the partnership, Glidewell also states it is extending exclusive pricing and benefits to its customers. This offering is only available to Glidewell customers, so interested parties are encouraged to contact their respective Glidewell or ProMonitoring representatives for further details. For additional information, visit 

The 2 companies form strategic partnership aimed at delivering comprehensive clear aligner solutions tailored to GPs.

 Glidewell, ProMonitoring Partner to Launch Glidewell Clear Aligners: Powered by ProMonitoring

Gavi Cohn is a partner at Apex Reimbursement Specialists, a dental practice revenue cycle and practice management consulting firm headquartered in Baltimore, MD.

You started your dental practice to help patients and members of your community maintain their oral health. However, you need to have the proper amount of money coming in to help all of those patients and continue to expand your practice. Mastering revenue cycle management will give you greater insight into the overall financial health of your dental practice.

Below are a few areas you should focus on and ideas that may help your practice increase productivity and growth.

Steady cash flow is essential for any business, and dental practices are no exception. Revenue cycle management (RCM) ensures that the services you perform are appropriately coded, billed, and reimbursed in a timely fashion. Problems with any of these steps can disrupt cash flow and jeopardize the financial health of your dental practice. Efficient RCM minimizes these delays and ensures you receive payments promptly.

The foundation of good RCM is handling administrative processes efficiently. From scheduling appointments and verifying insurance coverage to billing and collections, these tasks can be complex and time-consuming. By finding and implementing robust RCM systems, you’ll ensure that these processes are streamlined as much as possible.

Healthcare billing is complex, and there are numerous regulations and guidelines that must be adhered to. Dental practices need to stay compliant with these regulations to avoid legal issues and penalties. RCM professionals are well-versed in these regulations and can ensure that your practice adheres to them, which will minimize your risk of audits or legal complications.

While RCM primarily deals with financial processes, its impact extends to patient experience. Clear and transparent billing processes, accurate insurance claims, and efficient handling of payments all contribute to a great patient experience. When patients have a hassle-free experience with billing, their overall satisfaction with your dental practice will increase, which improves patient loyalty and word-of-mouth referrals.

Dental practices that have efficient RCM are able to invest in their long-term success. By optimizing financial processes, these practices are better positioned to weather economic uncertainties, adapt to evolving industry trends, and invest in technologies that improve patient care. Building strong RCM systems at your dental practice will allow you to focus on what you do best—high-quality dental services—without having a to-do list of billing and administrative tasks.

Ease the Process by Working with Specialists

Whether you’re looking for a way to make the insurance verification process easier or hoping to improve your overall patient communication plan, there are resources available to clinicians. 

APEX Reimbursement Specialists is one such resource, working with practices to increase profits. If interested, you can call 410-710-6005. 

For more information on dental practice management and managing your finances, visit 

https://www.dentalproductsreport.com/practice-management 

By mastering revenue cycle management, your dental practice should improve in a variety of areas and thrive. 

The Importance of Revenue Cycle Management for Dental Practices

uLab Systems® has announced the launch of uDesign 9, a treatment planning software tailored specifically for orthodontists. This artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted platform aims to give orthodontists greater control over treatments and enhance aligner workflow flexibility, according to a press release from the company.

The uDesign 9 release introduces several new enhancements including improvements for bite ramps, pontics and domes, attachments and attachment templates, digital fill for in-office printing, and auxiliaries for retainers, per the press release. Additionally, it includes a beta version of IDB as well as other user interface enhancements for ease-of-use.

One notable addition is the introduction of a purchase option designed to streamline bracket cases with aligners or address relapse cases. This bundle incorporates the uAssist™ service for bracket removal and case planning, attachment templates, up to 6 aligners, 2 retainers, custom packaging, and the option for a second shipment for retainer rescans to ensure optimal fit.

Charlie Wen, President and Chief Technology Officer of uLab, emphasized the company's commitment to enhancing user experience and meeting the needs of orthodontists. “We listen closely to our customers; all of the changes in this release are a result of input from our users.”

Originally launched in 2018 for in-office printing, the uDesign software has evolved significantly to accommodate orthodontists' demands for additional functionality. As uLab expanded its offerings to include uSmile™ aligners and the uAssist treatment planning assistance service, uLab continued streamlining to provide practitioners with more flexibility in aligner treatment options, per the press release.

The uDesign 9 software will be available the week of May 13, 2024. Current uLab users will be given the option to update their software when it is released. To learn more, 

uLab Systems has unveiled uDesign 9, a specialized treatment planning software empowering orthodontists with enhanced control and flexibility in aligner treatments.