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. 

Imagoworks Launches Dentbird Batch for Bulk Crown Design Processing. Image credit: © Imagoworks

Dental artificial intelligence (AI) group Imagoworks has announced the launch of a new mass-production software called Dentbird Batch. Dentbird Batch reportedly automates crown design for mass processing. This enables users to process multiple cases in a single upload, according to a press release from Imagoworks.

Suitable for medium to large dental labs, Dentbird Batch uses AI to analyze data, detecting tooth abutments and margins. This AI-assisted design process is built from Dentbird Crown, which is Imagoworks’s crown design platform. Batch enables the mass processing of patient data for autonomous design results in less time, per the press release.

Users will install Dentbird Batch to their system, create or use their already-existing Dentbird account, then upload parameters and scan data. From there, the design process begins. Another feature is the 3D viewer. Through this tool, users can fine-tune and modify design specifications directly from their web browsers, ensuring control and customization. This real-time feedback mechanism empowers users to optimize their designs with precision before finalizing the STL file.

By automating bulk tasks and simplifying complex design processes, Dentbird Batch equips dental labs with the tools they need to meet the growing demand for high-quality crowns effectively. To learn more about this new product, 

Articles

A new artificial intelligence-assisted crown design tool from Imagoworks will enable bulk crown design processing, boosting efficiency and productivity. 

Imagoworks Launches Dentbird Batch for Bulk Crown Design Processing

Known for its compact and robust dental milling systems, Roland DGA is the newest company to offer a 3D printing solution with the launch of the new 

Created as a compliment to the company’s DWX series of wet and dry dental mills, the 

PRINT features 4KL LCD 3D printing technology for rapid production of precision dental parts. The printer is capable of producing dental models, dentures, provisional crowns and bridges, occlusal guards, surgical guides, custom clear retainers, removable die fits, and more, according to a press release.

With its small footprint, the printer is suited for use in both dental practices and well as dental laboratories, but the compact size, doesn’t limit the system’s capabilities. The printer features a 90 x 120 x 180 mm build plate with 40 square-inches of surface. This allows the printer to produce up to 8 full arches in a single print run. Depending on the material being printed, the 

PRINT can print at speeds up to 50 mm per hour. An open-architecture printer, it is validated for printing with more than 150 resins from more than 20 different manufacturers.

Additionally, the company is offering the printer as a part of the 

 Dental 3D Printer Bundle which includes the printer, the corresponding 

WORKS CAD design and slicing software, and there are no maintenance, update, or annual fees.

“We are excited to offer this fast, precise, and affordable 3D printing solution to our customers,” Roland DGA dental marketing manager Lisa Aguirre says in a press release. “The 

 bundle is a complete, advanced, easy-to-use 3D printing solution that perfectly complements our high-performance DWX milling machines. By integrating its capabilities into their workflows, businesses can optimize their production and offer same-day applications with outstanding uniformity and accuracy.”

While developing the printer, Roland DGA put it though a 5-million-layer test process in real-time dental conditions. This helped refine its performance and demonstrated the system’s reliability. The 

PRINT is fabricated with industrial-grade optical components, and it also features an automated cooling system to keep it operating at the ideal temperature.

The new 3D printer was designed to serve as a complement to the company's dental milling solutions.

DGSHAPE Americas Moves into 3D Printing With New 3DXPRINT and the 3DX Dental 3D Printer Bundle

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.  

Desktop Health’s Flexcera Resins Now Validated for Asiga 3D Printers | Image Credit: © Desktop Health

Desktop Health’s Flexcera family of nanoceramic resins are now validated for Asiga’s 3D printers, expanding the access to the innovative resin.

The nanoceramic resins, which are FDA 510(k) cleared for 3D printed dental prosthetics, are now validated for Asiga’s dental 3D printers including the Max UV, Max 2, Ultra, and Pro 4K models. This latest validation means Asiga can now offer the formulation of resins to the thousands of dental labs and practices that use its 3D printers in the United States, United Kingdom, European Economic Area, and Canada.

The validated resins are Flexcera Smile Ultra+, Flexcera Smile, and Flexcera Base. Flexcera Smile Ultra+ is formulated to deliver lifelike beauty and strong, long-term performance. Desktop Health’s proprietary dental resin has been growing since its 2021 launch, delivering 3D printed permanent and temporary restorations, including dentures, crowns, bridges, veneers and more, the company states.

Flexcera Smile 3D-printed denture teeth paired with Flexcera Base for denture bases surpasses the traditional gold standard denture acrylic material in both strength and esthetics, according to data on file.*

"We are extremely pleased by the exceptional performance of our Flexcera family of dental resins,” Lou Azzara, president of Desktop Health, says in a press release. “By expanding access to our world-class solutions, we're empowering dental laboratories and practices with groundbreaking innovations like Flexcera. Asiga, with its extensive high-quality customer network, takes accessibility in the industry to unprecedented heights."

The dental resins are validated for a wide range of Asiga 3D printers and Flexcera can be printed on both desktop and production models. This expansion of hardware systems makes Flexcera more widely available on other premium, high-powered 385 nm wavelength 3D printers.

“Flexcera is an undeniable leader in the dental market for 3D-printed nanoceramics, and we continue to make this popular choice available to other high-powered platforms. We are absolutely delighted to welcome Asiga customers into the Flexcera family,” adds Ric Fulop, CEO of Desktop Metal. “Asiga has one of the largest installed bases of DLP® printers in both North America and Europe, and we look forward to more customers being able to enjoy the material.”

Desktop Health works to ensure compatibility with third-party printers to deliver patients safe, personalized dental solutions. In development for nearly a year and passing a suite of ISO testing, Flexcera for Asiga ensures accuracy of prints, polymerized mechanical properties, and biocompatibility, according to the company.

This initial Flexcera family of resins validated forAsiga systems are:

Flexcera Smile Ultra+, an FDA 510(k) cleared Class II material for permanent and temporary, 3D printable dental restorations

Flexcera Smile, an FDA 510(k) cleared Class II material for removable 3D printable denture teeth       

Flexcera Base, an FDA 510(k) cleared Class I Imaterial for 3D printable full, removable denture bases   

Flexcera for Asiga is now available for purchase in the United States, United Kingdom, European Economic Area, and Canada. Learn more about Flexcera at 

 Asiga is now the second third-party hardware provider to validate Desktop Health’s Flexcera dental resins on its 3D printers, with more platforms to come, the company says

Desktop Metal offers innovative 3D printers, materials, and software designed to deliver the speed, cost, and part quality required for on-demand, digital mass production of industrial, medical, and consumer products, the manufacturer states.

Fracture resistance deﬁned by Flexcera Base work of fracture (J/m2) vs. published work of fracture for Lucitone® Digital Print, Lucitone® 199 and Lucitone® HIPA by Dentsply Sirona. Results on ﬁle.

Latest validations for the Flexcera family of nanoceramic resins expands the access to the innovative resin.

Desktop Health’s Flexcera Resins Now Validated for Asiga 3D Printers

Planet DDS Announces New Integrations to Streamline Digital Workflows. Image credit: © Planet DDS


Cloud-based practice management platform Planet DDS has announced new integrations for 3 of its products, including ortho practice management software Cloud 9, general practice management software Denticon, and imaging platform Apteryx. These integrations were done to eliminate hassle and extra steps for the practitioner during their digital dental workflow, according to a press release from Planet DDS.

Clinicians will no longer have to manually enter data manually via Cloud 9 and Denticon, thanks to this new integration. Accurate patient data will now exist across both platforms eliminating the hassle of switching back and forth between the 2 separate applications. This also reportedly reduces the risk of data entry error, providing more consistent data and boosting the practitioner and patient experience.

Additionally, the integration between Cloud 9 and Apteryx enables clinicians to have a 1-stop location for any patient images, directly flowing the X-ray images into Cloud 9 for easier access. Because of the importance of patient images in orthodontic cases, particularly STL files for clear aligners, this integration aims to bolster orthodontic practices by enhancing diagnostic potential.

These integrations aim to eliminate pain points across platforms, according to CEO of Planet DDS, Eric Giesecke.

“At Planet DDS, we are dedicated to integrated platform solutions that empower dental and orthodontic practices to thrive in today’s digital landscape,” Giesecke said in the press release. “With the integration of Cloud 9 with Denticon and Apteryx, we are providing our customers with improved workflows and less friction as they move between orthodontic and general dentistry use caes in all 3 software applications.”

. Planet DDS will also be in attendance at the American Association of Orthodontists Annual Session 2024, which will take place from May 3 through May 6 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Denticon, Cloud 9, and Apteryx will now be fully integrated, smoothing out digital workflows for both general and orthodontic practices.  

Planet DDS Announces New Integrations to Streamline Digital Workflows

Katrina M Sanders RDH, BSDH, M.Ed, RF, is a graduate and recipient of countless awards from the University of Minnesota’s School of Dentistry Division of Dental Hygiene. She is proud to currently serve on the alumni society for one of the most prestigious dental schools in the country. Katrina’s professional career emerged as an educator when she attained full-time employment with a career college in Phoenix, Arizona. A physical manifestation of Katrina’s commitment to her profession is in the development of her textbook, "Introduction to the Dental Hygiene Profession." Katrina proudly received her Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership with distinction through Northern Arizona University as a Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society distinguished member. Currently, Katrina is a distinguished speaker with Dental Hygiene Culture as she lectures nationally in a variety of dental hygiene continuing education content.

Join the Sanders sisters and trauma and acute care specialist Dr Sabrina Sanchez as they discuss putting the patient at the forefront, and the connection between trauma care and oral health.

Dr Sabrina E. Sanchez is a trauma and acute care surgeon and surgical intensivist at Boston Medical Center and an associate professor of surgery at Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine. Her professional and academic interests revolve around patient-centered care and shared decision-making in trauma, acute care surgery, and critical illness, geriatric and palliative care in surgical patients, justice and equity in surgical care, and diversity and inclusion in the surgical workforce.

Her Website – sociallyresponsiblesurgery.org

Podcasts

Join the Sanders sisters and trauma and acute care specialist Dr Sabrina Sanchez as they discuss putting the patient at the forefront, and the connection between trauma care and oral health. 

Floss & Flip Flops – Episode 29 – Trauma Awareness Month with Dr Sabrina Sanchez

Reserve with Google Now Available for Henry Schein One Customers. Image credit: © Google

Henry Schein One unveiled 2 new offerings aimed at elevating dental practice performance and patient experience by way of an integration with Reserve with Google for health care and the launch of the Appointment Capacity Report, powered by Jarvis Analytics. These innovations are meant to empower dental practices to gain new patients while obtaining actionable insights to optimize patient management strategies, according to a press release from Henry Schein One.

This integration will enable customers to access dental practice information, including websites, Google Maps directions, contact details, and more. This will empower patients to choose the dental practice that works best for them, depending on location, volume, and their desired treatment. For instance, a patient could search “teeth whitening near me,” and Google will offer them a variety of options to best suit this query.

Steven Maroulis, VP & GM of Analytics and Patient Experience at Henry Schein One, emphasized the importance of meeting patients' expectations for convenience in health care services. He stated in the press release, "Patients today expect health care to be as convenient as anything else in their lives. We're committed to driving digital transformation, meeting these expectations head-on. Imagine booking a dental appointment with the same ease as reserving a table at a restaurant online."

The integration has received praise from beta customers like Mike Murphy, Chief Marketing Officer of DECA Dental Group, who highlighted its transformative impact on patient access to care in the press release. Murphy expressed, "Offering seamless 24/7 access for appointment booking in real-time has been a game-changer. Now, with Reserve with Google, the process is further streamlined, making it effortlessly convenient for individuals seeking care to secure appointments, even on Saturday, across our expansive coast-to-coast network of dental offices."

Henry Schein One also introduced the Appointment Capacity Report, powered by Jarvis Analytics, to help dental practices refine patient management strategies for optimal performance, per the press release. This report is said to provide insights into appointment scheduling, provider utilization, and appointment slots, allowing practices to track patient flow, inform resource allocation, and maximize practice revenue.

Diane Vaccaro, Chief Marketing Officer of 42 North Dental, lauded the significance of the Appointment Capacity Report in optimizing marketing spend and meeting patient demand. She remarked in the press release, "Having this reporting available will get us to decisions faster to accommodate more patients and add value to any practice."

Dental professionals interested in learning more can 

, or attend THRIVELIVE, Henry Schein’s Conference taking place in Las Vegas, Nevada from May 2-4, 2024. Henry Schein One will be showcasing these innovations at booth #A500.

These integrations from Henry Schein One are designed to streamline patient booking processes and provide valuable insights for optimizing patient management strategies.

Reserve with Google Now Available for Henry Schein One Customers

UptimeHealth Expands Dental Service Solutions with Acquisition of Dental Whale. Image credit: © UptimeHealth


UptimeHealth has announced its acquisition of Dental Whale, a provider of dental practice solutions and education in North America. This acquisition includes Dental Whale's subsidiaries: Dental Fix, Florida Dental Repair, and Front Office Rocks. These strategic expansions mark the launch of UptimeServices, a new subsidiary aimed at enhancing service solutions within both the health care and dental sectors, according to a press release from UptimeHealth.

The inclusion of Dental Whale, Dental Fix, Florida Dental Repair, and Front Office Rocks is specifically designed to expand the array of what UptimeHealth can offer, including asset management, staff training, educational opportunities, and onsite equipment repair services tailored for dental practices. These strategic expansions reportedly amplify UptimeHealth's presence across thousands of dental practices in North America, fortifying its capacity to enhance health care delivery through technological innovation and specialized services.

Jinesh Patel, Founder & CEO of UptimeHealth, affirmed in the press release, “The acquisition of Dental Whale represents significant advancements towards our vision of enhanced health care management. These additions, and the announcement of UptimeServices, demonstrate our commitment to improving our offerings, deepening our industry expertise, and allowing us to deliver unparalleled value to our clients.”

Russ Baker, formerly Equipment, Service & Supplies Leader at Dental Whale, expressed in the press release, “This new chapter under UptimeHealth and UptimeServices is an exciting development for us at Dental Whale and Dental Fix. We look forward to a deeper integration with UptimeHealth’s innovative ecosystem and continuing to deliver exceptional services to the dental community.”

For more information on this acquisition, visit the 

UptimeHealth has announced the successful acquisition of Dental Whale and its subsidiaries, marking the launch of UptimeServices focused on specialized health care equipment service solutions.

UptimeHealth Expands Dental Service Solutions with Acquisition of Dental Whale

Medit teased the dental industry 3 weeks ago with news that later in the month it would launch its latest intraoral scanner. On Monday it officially unveiled the Medit i900 scanner that features intuitive Touch Band and Touch Pad functionality.

The dental 3D scanner manufacturer says the new Medit i900 intraoral scanner will deliver a new standard for speed, accuracy, and comfort. It features cutting-edge technology designed to produce smoother, easier scanning, comfortable handling, and improved scan quality.

"The brilliance of the Medit i900 lies in its sleek, unibody design," Michael Lee, CTO of Medit, says in Monday’s press release. "There is complex innovation within its simplicity. The i900 is light and easy to handle, but offers the most cutting-edge technology to date."

The device looks to redeﬁne the scanning process with its Touch Band and Touch Pad functionality. This button-free operation offers clinicians control from any angle and provides for a comfortable experience for all hand sizes. Other advanced features of the new scanner are designed to streamline workﬂow and optimize patient care.

Features and benefits of the Medit i900 include:

A featherlight design, weighing just 165 grams, 3 tip sizes, and optimal ergonomics allowing for absolute control scanning from any position.

The 3rd-generation Optical Engine with a 10-bit camera is said to deliver a wider and deeper field of view, improved accuracy, and sharper detail yet smoother scan data. The device also ensures flawless capture of challenging conditions including highly reflective metal or bleeding soft tissue.

Ease of use and the ability to experience real-time haptic and light feedback. Users can navigate effortlessly with the 360°Touch Band, and customize commands via the interactive Touch Pad and Touch Menu.

"The i900 simplifies the scanning journey," Han Ryu, chief growth & strategy officer of Medit, adds in the press release."With intuitive 360° Touch Band and Touch Pad controls, practitioners can access our groundbreaking optical engine in just a few taps. We designed the i900 for ultimate convenience and efﬁciency."

The i900 is designed to produce smoother, easier scanning, comfortable handling, and improved scan quality. | Image Credit: © Medit

The Medit i900 is powered by Medit Link, the company's open software platform, providing access to a suite of free dental apps that assist productivity and enhance patient care. Medit Link seamlessly integrates with other platforms, services, and hardware. The system provides adaptive software updates to improve smart features, patient consultations, and lab communications.

The company will be showcasing the new intraoral scanner at several upcoming events beginning with Henry Schein’s THRIVELIVE™ 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada (May2-4), the American Association of Orthodontists Annual Session 2024 in New Orleans, Louisiana (May 3-6), and the California Dental Association’s annual event—CDA Presents—in Anaheim, California (May 16-18).

MEDIT is not only a global provider of 3D intraoral scanners and an all-in-one digital dentistry platform, but the company also develops innovative software for digital dentistry, supporting collaborative workﬂows between dental clinics, technology, and dental laboratories.

The company’s latest offering features cutting-edge technology designed to produce smoother, easier scanning, comfortable handling, and improved scan quality.

Medit Officially Launches New i900 Intraoral Scanning System

Quebec, Canada’s Panthera Dental has announced that an amicable settlement has been reached between ResMed SAS and Panthera, a provider of CAD/CAM implant solutions and dental sleep appliance development.

"We are pleased to announce that we have reached an amicable settlement with ResMed SAS that resolves all ongoing patent infringement litigation between Panthera and ResMed SAS in relation to our mandibular repositioning devices," Gabriel Robichaud, CEO of Panthera Dental, says in a press release. "We are very pleased with this agreement, which represents a positive outcome for Panthera."

Panthera states that intellectual property is a critical component of the innovation that drives the company’s strategic development. Because of that, this settlement is an important step for its business growth, the company claims.

Panthera Dental designs, manufactures and markets dental prosthetic, implantology and sleep breathing disorder solutions using an innovative CAD/CAM process and high-quality materials.

Both a pioneer and a leader in the field of customized dental solutions, its proprietary technology allows it to offer next-generation products to the widest range of patients possible.

Among the company’s many product offerings are a variety of implant bars, custom abutments, custom-made dental restorations, sleep breathing disorder solutions and other implantology products that use proprietary CAD/CAM processes, smart manufacturing, and quality materials.

Headquartered in Quebec City, Canada, Panthera Dental has subsidiaries in the USA (Yorba Linda, California), France and Germany, and associates worldwide.

Agreement between the 2 companies resolves an ongoing patent infringement litigation over mandibular repositioning devices.

Panthera Dental Announces an Amicable Settlement Reached with ResMed SAS

Ivoclar has joined forces with SkyCell, a pioneer in temperature-controlled hybrid container manufacturing, to make reverse logistics processes more sustainable. This collaborative effort aims to significantly reduce CO2 emissions, minimize waste, and streamline costs within the dental supply chain, according to a press release from Ivoclar.

Per the press release, transporting medical and pharmaceutical products is a critical operation, often necessitating specific shipping conditions to preserve the integrity of sensitive, vital medications. However, inefficiencies abound, particularly in air freight where containers frequently return empty to their origins after delivering their cargo. Ivoclar and SkyCell are addressing this issue head-on, presenting a joint strategy to optimize reverse logistics and set a new standard for efficiency in transportation.

The initiative, which officially commenced in February 2024 following a successful pilot project in December 2023, sees SkyCell shipping its hybrid containers filled with medical products to the United States, while Ivoclar pallets inside the SkyCell hybrid containers are now utilized for the return journey. By partnering with transport and logistics giant DSV Air & Sea, container returns are managed efficiently, per the press release.

"Tracking emissions from reverse logistics poses a significant challenge for pharmaceutical companies. By integrating Ivoclar pallets into our hybrid containers, we optimize freight efficiency, leading to reduced CO2 emissions and bringing us closer to our goal of climate neutrality," Paulo Baumgartner, Head of Operations Supplier & Procurement at SkyCell said in the press release. The collaboration extends to the handling and delivery of cargo throughout Europe, with Fischer Road Cargo playing a pivotal role in the process.

By saving approximately 350 tons of CO2 emissions annually on this route alone, Ivoclar and SkyCell are reportedly making significant strides toward their goal of achieving climate neutrality. Olivier Hett, Global Transport Manager at Ivoclar, emphasized the importance of innovation within existing frameworks: "Our goal is to optimize value creation within the supply chain by developing new approaches within the existing framework."

Ivoclar and SkyCell have partnered to streamline reverse logistics, reducing CO2 emissions and waste in the dental supply chain.