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. 

3Shape Releases 2023 Sustainability Report. Image credit: © 3Shape

3Shape has released its 2023 Sustainability Report, a summarization of its various initiatives and achievements in all matters sustainability, including climate action, employee wellbeing, and company responsibility. 2023’s report also saw the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Strategy put into place by 3Shape, with a 5-year plan to improve sustainability.

“We strongly believe that the more effectively we integrate sustainability practices into our core business strategy, the more they will stimulate innovation, promote a positive company culture, and inspire others in the industry to take action,” CEO Jakob Just-Bomholt said in a press release from 3Shape.

Written using a double materiality assessment as well as internal data from the company, 3Shape’s sustainability report highlights key focuses for the company. 3Shape’s highlight areas include patient health, tracking greenhouse gas emissions, diversity, equity, inclusion, creating an ESG governance framework, sustainable product development, and gender diversity among innovators, according to the press release.

The company has also established an internal ESG Council to further emphasize its commitment to sustainability across the board, according to Just-Bomholt.

“In 3Shape, we pride ourselves in being a purpose-driven company, working towards enabling superior dental health care for every patient, every time,” he said in the press release. “Our pursuit of excellence goes beyond profits; it’s a commitment to leave a positive impact on society and the planet.”

To check out 3Shape’s sustainability report, visit the 

Articles

In its 2023 sustainability report, 3Shape outlined its key pillars of sustainability including environmental protection, employee wellbeing, and inclusion. 

3Shape Releases 2023 Sustainability Report

Steven John Cumper, BAppSc (Osteo.), MOst, is a businessman with a strong background in biomedical science and osteopathic medicine. He founded 

 while studying at RMIT University in Australia, expanding its reach to markets in Papua New Guinea, Singapore, and Malaysia. In September 2021, the Bunzl Group acquired a majority stake in Medshop, but Cumper remains involved as the Managing Director (Medshop Group). His journey from Zimbabwe to the UK and Australia reflects his dedication to academia and entrepreneurship, combining diverse knowledge and experience.

How New Tools are Helping Dental Hygienists Offer Better Care. Image credit: © santypan - stock.adobe.com

As a dental hygienist, you spend more time with your patients than anyone else in the office. You want what’s best for your patients, which means sometimes you may have to update your practices to optimize the patient experience. When was the last time you inventoried your supplies and verified that you were using the best products available? Your supplies might be due for an overhaul, but first, you’ll need to know what’s out there.

As with all patient care, the products you use have an impact on how well you can do your job. Technological advancements and high-powered research frequently result in new and exciting options for the tools you use every day. The American Dental Association (ADA) has minimum requirements for the equipment and supplies you need to use, but who wants to settle for the minimum?

If you’re looking to update your supply closet and provide your patients with the best possible care, you’re in the right place. Below, you’ll find details on the latest in dental technology to help you give your patients the very best.

Impact of Innovative Dental Supplies on Patient Care

You’ve probably walked into an outdated medical or dental office a time or 2 in your lifetime. The dingy, decades-old equipment and worn carpets probably didn’t fill you with confidence that your provider could provide you with best-in-class care.

The supplies you use make a lasting impression on your patients. And as new technologies lead to innovations in dental supplies, your patients will expect you to keep up. From the comfort of your dental chair to the abrasiveness of your scaler, everything contributes to the overall experience. Even 

 can influence your patients’ overall experience and impressions.

Key Challenges in Dental Hygienist Practice

One of the most obvious challenges that dental hygienists face is the fact that very few people enjoy visiting the dentist. No one likes having their teeth scraped and gums prodded or being asked about their flossing habits. For some, visiting the dentist (even for a regular cleaning) is a panic-inducing activity.

For many dental offices, rising costs are a concern. Inflation over the past couple of years has caused the prices of basic dental supplies to increase, making it difficult for businesses to justify investing in new, innovative equipment and products.

Your comfort as a dental hygienist also matters, and it can be hard to maintain when you’re on your feet most of the day, working in unnatural positions. In fact, musculoskeletal disorders are common among dental hygienists because of the physical challenges of the job.

You’re well aware of the difficulties of your profession. But luckily, there are solutions in the form of advanced products you can use to make your job easier. Some of the most exciting dental hygiene products on the market today include:

These mirrors out-perform the classics, making it easier than ever to see what you’re doing while working on a patient.

Jaw supports can clip to your suction tool, keeping it firmly in the patient’s mouth, so you can focus on the job at hand. These are great for hygienists who are working without assistance.

Comfort makes a big difference in the overall dental experience, and since your patients are lying down for the majority of their appointment, the dental chair should be high-quality. Choosing an ergonomic dental chair ensures that your patients are as relaxed as possible.

For many patients, dental work – even cleanings – can be painful. Dental desensitizers are revolutionary and allow hygienists to work without inflicting too much discomfort on the patient.

It can be awkward having another person brush your teeth for you, but using the right tools can improve the experience. Ditch your bulky powered scalers for thin, lightweight options that take it easy on the patient’s mouth.

Future Trends: The Ongoing Revolution in Dental Hygiene Products

The overall hope is that people start taking preventative dental care more seriously, preventing larger issues that need major interventions. With technological advancements in dentistry, this is possible as more patients find preventative care more affordable and accessible.

With the advent of products like desensitizers and other items that make the overall experience less invasive, more patients are likely to keep up with regular dental visits as their fears are addressed.

Technologies like artificial intelligence and 3D printing will likely start appearing more frequently in dental hygiene practices, both in the design and creation of new products and in the development of methods for improving hygiene processes.

Empowering Dental Hygienists for Improved Patient Outcomes

Since you’re the person that your patients spend most of their time in the office with, you need to be prepared to do what you can to improve their experiences – and by extension, their outcomes.

Using the best, most advanced products to treat your patients is the best way to let them know you prioritize their comfort and dental health. You have the power to make visiting the dentist less intimidating – use it!

Dental Products. American Dental Association. Accessed April 16, 2024. https://www.ada.org/topic/dental-products#sort=%40topicsortdate%20descending&f:@contenttag=[Dental%20Products]

Cumper C. Top Nursing Scrubs for All Healthcare Professionals – 2024. Published December 15, 2023. Accessed April 16, 2024. https://www.medshop.com.au/blogs/news/top-nursing-scrubs-for-all-healthcare-professionals

Garvin J. Dental services affected by country’s high inflation. Published July 19, 2022. Accessed April 16, 2024. https://adanews.ada.org/ada-news/2022/july/dental-services-affected-by-countrys-high-inflation/

Saccucci M, Zumbo G, Mercuri P, et al. Musculoskeletal disorders related to dental hygienist profession. 

. 2022;20(3):571-579. doi:10.1111/idh.12596

Innovations in dental health care enable hygienists to not only provide better care for patients, but to also sharpen their own skillsets. 

How New Tools are Helping Dental Hygienists Offer Better Care

This versatile light-cured dental adhesive is optimized for both direct and indirect restorations and is compatible with dentin, enamel, composites, zirconia, and commonly used metals. Plus, it features glass filler technology that permeates dentin tubules to create tight structural bonds.

This 4-in-1 system is designed to enhance user experience, leading to improvements in diagnoses, patient care, and business growth. A versatile system catering to the diverse imaging needs of clinicians, including full-arch scanning, the CS8200 3D access offers 2D panoramic imaging, CBCT imaging, 3D-object scanning, and optional cephalometric imaging.

In what is becoming a classic for the Spring Selection, this matchup does not make a lot of head to head sense. It is a choice between a material designed to make it easier to perform restorative dentistry, and CBCT solution designed to make it simple to capture 3D images. Which is more important, more impactful, more fun to support? 

This cordless endodontic handpiece features an integrated apex locator and is compatible with both rotary and reciprocating files. Designed for safety and efficiency, it features Optimum Torque Reverse (OTR) technology that reduces the risk of files binding or breaking in the canal.

A non-surgical, custom, 3D-printed device designed to alleviate inflammation of the TMD joint, the Urbanek TMJ Device is designed to unload the temporomandibular joint.

This is a matchup of a handpiece designed for convenience, efficiency, and safety against a protocol and appliance that provides relief for patients in pain. Which of these deserves to move to the second round?  

A light-cured, resin-modified calcium silicate indicated for direct and indirect pulp capping and as a protective liner, TheraCal LC acts as a protectant of the dental pulp, and the hydrophilic resin formulation is designed to create a durable liner.

ProFlare™ Articulating Disposable Prophy Angle

Designed to offer superior quality outcomes at an affordable price, tese innovative prophy angles feature a latex-free articulating cup with a patent-pending pivot and flare design that adapts to the unique contours of each tooth surface. This design significantly reduces the required wrist motion during polishing and improves ergonomics for dental professionals.

Both of these products are about protecting a patient's teeth. So which is getting your vote, the material for protecting beneath a restoration or the prophy angle designed for effective and efficient cleanings?

DTX Studio Clinic now offers 6 types of pathological dental findings on periapical and bitewing intraoral images and is fully integrated into a practice’s imaging software. DTX Studio Clinic is designed to screen dental radiographs and annotate suspected areas of interest, allowing clinicians to make informed decisions about diagnosis and treatment.

Designed with high levels of translucency to allow clinicians to achieve esthetic results that patients desire, Transcend uses Ultradent’s Resin Particle Match™ technology to ensure high levels of translucency which in turn lead to ideal pigmentation and opacity. Transcend uses a nanohybrid formula that makes it suitable for posterior and anterior restorations, as well as lending it good handling properties.

This is another software against materials match-up, as Ultradent's latest composite material faces off against DEXIS' AI-powered imaging solution.

Designed to help make composite placement less stressful and more predictable, this custom matrix system allows clinicians to design composite cosmetic cases virtually, and then execute them with a guide to help adhere to the plan.

A 5-axis dry milling machine the DXW-52D plus features an included disc adapter rack, an optional C-Clamp accessory, a 15-station automatic tool changer, a newly engineered spindle, and the included VPanel software. 

The bracket is out and 16 dental products are set to compete for your votes. The path to the 2024 Spring Selection starts now…

Spring Selection 2024 - Round 1

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.  

VideaHealth and Henry Schein One Look to Bring Dental AI to More Hygiene Students | Image Credit: © VideaHealth and Henry Schein One

VideaHealth and Henry Schein One are expanding their partnership to bring artificial intelligence (AI) to the dental education market in an effort to provide more dental hygiene students access to using the technology and to become more efficient when reviewing radiographs.

The AI software company VideaHealth and Henry Schein One, a leader in dental software, today announced the expanded partnership designed to bring AI to the dental education market through Henry Schein One cloud-based academic software, Ascend Academic. The announcement means VideaHealth’s Detect AI is now available to Dentrix, Dentrix Ascend, and Ascend Academic customers.

Staffing issues have plagued many dental practices in recent years. About 7,000 dental hygienists graduate annually, yet that number is insufficient to meet the demand from dental practices. Using DetectAI powered and manufactured by VideaHealth, hygiene students can become faster, more accurate, and more efficient when reviewing radiographs, the companies state. This technology will accelerate their learning curve and bring new skills and insight to program graduates. 

Jonathan Brennan, MD, DMD, MPH, associate dean of innovation and curriculum at Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health, says the new technology can provide a big help in the students’ development in diagnostics.

"DentalAI's positive impact in an educational setting cannot be overstated, as it offers the opportunity for students to refine their diagnostic skills before they ever see a patient,” he says in a press release. “I expect that clinicians trained in school with dental AI will graduate with finer skills than ever before, with a higher degree of confidence in their treatment recommendations as well as greater diagnostic accuracy."

VideaHealth says its investment in dental education will begin with a focus on hygiene schools, conducted in partnership with Henry Schein One, and will provide near immediate access to DetectAI through the seamless integration with the cloud-based Ascend Academic.

VideaHealth is not only partnering on the technology integration, but the company also plans to produce new training modules to equip educators with the proper tools and information to best leverage dental AI in the classroom.

"Today Henry Schein One serves 80% of U.S. dental academic institutions with our axiUm solution portfolio," Rachel Nelson, VP, Global Academic Solutions, Henry Schein One, adds in the press release. "As we continue to expand our presence across the dental education industry and into dental hygiene schools with Ascend Academic and DetectAI, we can further empower hygienists to utilize AI, significantly reducing dental problems through patient education and early detection."

The technology allows students to learn and train with dental AI insights, to simulate patient cases and real-time feedback, and enhance their interpretations and treatment planning skills before ever entering clinical practice. They also will be able to hone their treatment recommendation skills, bolstered by sophisticated patient visualizations—all of which is intended to help jump-start their careers.

"This is a milestone moment for the market. Educators have been asking for dental AI to help train their students, and we are proud to meet that need,” adds Florian Hillen, CEO of VideaHealth. “Dental AI is an invaluable tool; helping future clinicians develop their skills, experience, and insight will give them the confidence to do their work well and tos hare those insights with patients."

Through a partnership with Henry Schein One, Boston-based VideaHealth also brings the co-branded Dentrix Detect AI and Dentrix Ascend AI powered by VideaHealth to the tens of thousands of offices using the company's practice management software.

Expanded partnership between the 2 companies makes Detect AI available to Dentrix, Dentrix Ascend and Ascend Academic customers.

VideaHealth and Henry Schein One Look to Bring Dental AI to More Hygiene Students

Odne to Launch Priority Access Program for Endodontics. Image credit: © Odne, Inc


Odne Inc. has announced the appointment of Joe Werner as their new Director of Strategic Accounts. Werner's appointment will coincide with the upcoming American Association of Endodontists (AAE) annual meeting scheduled for April 17-20, 2024, in Los Angeles, California. At this event, Odne is poised to launch its Priority Access Program (PAP) aimed at the endodontic specialist community, according to a press release from the company.

"Joe's dedication to advancing the field of endodontics and his commitment to fostering relationships within the industry align perfectly with Odne Inc.'s mission," Dr Andreas Schmocker, CEO/Founder of Odne Inc, said in the press release. "His extensive background in KOL development underscores his ability to drive strategic initiatives and build influential networks that will contribute to the company's growth and success."

Of particular importance is Werner's understanding of the Dental Service Organizations (DSOs) market, positioning Odne Inc. to navigate this arena in the future. His strategic insights will play a crucial role in shaping Odne's future direction as they continue to expand their reach within the dental industry, per the press release.

PAP is designed to provide selected endodontic specialists with exclusive access to Odne's innovative technology platform for root canal obturation: OdneFill and OdneCure. These products reportedly offeri clinicians unprecedented precision and effectiveness in root canal treatment.

OdneFill, the first FDA-cleared light-curing, injectable endodontic obturation hydrogel, designed for biocompatibility and hydrophilicity. When cured with OdneCure, the company’s micro-laser curing device, OdneFill is said to provide gap-free root canal sealing and ensures long-term obturation success.

"We are thrilled to unveil our innovative Root Preservation Therapy at the AAE annual meeting, marking a significant milestone for Odne Inc.," Holger Essig, GM Global Marketing at Odne Inc said in the press release. "With the majority of Odne's Swiss R&D and Product Management Team present, we are poised to educate the endodontic community on the clinical application of our game-changing technology platform."

Odne Inc. appoints Joe Werner as Director of Strategic Accounts, whose expertise will drive Odne's innovative Priority Access Program, launching at the AAE annual meeting.

Odne to Launch Priority Access Program for Endodontics

Doug Fettig is a dental keynote speaker and Culture Coaching VP of Business Development, Health Professinals Alliance. As a dental business advisor, he is adept at incorporating his expertise to help dentists think like a CEO, grow thriving practices, create dynamic office environments and help dentists create the retirement of their dreams. Visit his website at www.dentaldollarsandsense.com for more information.

Dentist – Lead Thyself | Image Credit: © Coloures-Pic - stock.adobe.com 

In my travels across the country, I’ve spoken to thousands of dentists of all types and all sizes of practices—from general dentists to specialists to dental students.

During my presentations I like to ask the dentists in the audience, “What are your single greatest concerns, difficulties, or pain points in running a practice?” Any guesses as to what that response is?

The single most common response I get from clinicians is their difficulty in finding and retaining team members. Probably no surprise to those of you reading this article! Ask any dentist and they’ll tell you about how a new hire didn’t show up for day one, how a hygienist left for more pay, or how a long-term office manager decided to go join a different dental team.

When I ask your dental colleagues why they think this is happening they respond with some mix of:

Complaining about the work ethic of today’s Gen Z

Explaining that team members are leaving for more money, despite already being paid above market rates

Ruing the lack of loyalty among their team members

Believing that there is simply a severe shortage of outstanding people to hire

But do you know the response I never get? I’ve never heard a single dentist say, “I think my inability to hire and retain superstar team members is due to my mediocre leadership skills.” Not once.

To highlight this lack of self-awareness, after the dentists in the audience say that staff hiring and retention is their number one problem, I ask them the following question, “How many of you have ever invested in leadership training for yourself?” Usually around 10% or less of the dentists in the audience raise their hand. TEN PERCENT!

After the audience realizes that very few of them have ever invested in themselves as leaders it becomes time for some “tough love”, masqueraded with some humor. My response to the audience is, “Well, I guess the rest of you either received all of the leadership training you needed in dental school, or you were born a great leader!”

“Leaders are not born or made–they are self-made.” – Stephen R. Covey. 

[This is one of the top quotes from the well-known educator, author, and speaker.]

After my comment they laugh, because they all readily admit that they received little to no leadership training in dental school. And then I also remind them that great leaders are not born—that great leaders are SELF-MADE. Great leaders evolve through the hard work of challenging themselves and making themselves vulnerable. In other words, the ingredients of personal growth and development!

If you own a dental practice, you are the most important person in that office. I don’t say that to belittle or minimize the contributions of your dental team. I stress that because you are the CEO of the dental practice, you are the greatest producer and driver of production/revenue, and you are the “tone setter”—the keeper of the culture.

How you interact with your team and your patients impacts and ripples throughout the entire office. Your leadership style is the single most important factor in determining the culture of your office.

“Culture eats strategy for breakfast.—Peter Drucker

Wow. I LOVE that quote from the late Drucker, who was one of the best known and influential educators and writers on the subject of modern management theory and practice. Let that quote roll around inside your brain for a few moments.

You can talk to your team till you’re blue in the face about process and strategy, but unless you have created a culture in which your team feels respected, valued, and safe it won’t matter. A negative culture will destroy your office like a cancer eating away at a body.

If you have an amazing, incredible team member—a true superstar that the rest of the team (and your patients) loves and respects—why should that superstar team member continue to work with you if you are a mediocre leader? Why stay if your office culture is one of negativity, gossip, and passive-aggressive behavior, or if patients are not treated with tender loving care?

Here's a news flash. They won’t stay! Because your superstar is a healthy, positive person they will eventually leave you to work at a healthy, positive team environment.

Meaning your culture gets even worse. And leaving you with a hiring and retention problem. Rinse and repeat. A downward snowballing cycle that will demoralize you, your team, and your patients. This may make you wonder why you ever choose dentistry as your profession. Think of how sad this all is—all the joy that you should be deriving from your practice has been sucked out of your experience.

Here’s the great news. By investing in yourself via leadership training, you can grow and evolve as a leader. As you become a better leader, your office culture will begin to improve. And your team members will eventually be willing to walk across a bed of hot coals for you. Barefoot.

Another powerful quote, this one from leadership expert John C. Maxwell, addresses the importance of developing your critical leadership skills. The author and speaker says, “The single biggest way to impact an organization is to focus on leadership development.”

Why? Because people crave a culture in which they are respected, trusted, and challenged. A culture in which they are sincerely cared about, a culture in which their perspectives and contributions are encouraged, valued, and celebrated.

What are the key leadership ingredients vital to creating this type of culture? What characteristics separate great leaders from average ones?

Next steps? Invest in yourself and your leadership skills! My website at (

) provides information on my courses related to leadership and culture and I’m happy to connect you to other amazing leadership coaches – my email address is dougfettig@dentaldollarsandsense.com.

Stay tuned for my next article in this leadership series, titled “The 2 Qualities Shared by Every Great Leader”.

Until then, go forth and invest in yourself. It’ll be the best investment you ever make!

Create a culture in your practice that ensures your team feels respected, valued, and safe.

 Dentist – Lead Thyself

Caitlin Parsons is a RDH of 15 years and chronic pain survivor turned Certified Yoga Therapist and Ergonomic Consultant for dental professionals. Caitlin helps dental professionals prevent, reduce and overcome workplace pain, manage stress, and optimize their health so they can thrive in and out of the office. She is passionate about helping dental professionals and teams optimize their health to provide better patient care and become better clinicians through her in-person and online programs, speaking, writing team experiences, and her podcast, The Aligned Hygienist (

Magnify Your Impact: Loupes and Lights for Dental Hygienists. Image credit: © WavebreakMediaMicro / stock.adobe.com

Visual acuity is crucial in the dental profession. As dental hygienists, our ability to provide optimal patient care relies heavily on our capacity to see inside our patients' mouths clearly and effectively. That's why dental loupes and headlights are essential in our practice. These tools enhance our ability to detect subtle nuances like small lesions on the back of the tongue, identify potential issues such as cracked teeth or infections, and deliver meticulous care to our patients. They have become indispensable in the daily routines of many dental hygienists, offering better clarity and precision during procedures. With this, optimal patient care and oral health outcomes can be achieved. Utilizing loupes with magnification and light allows us to confidently and accurately navigate intricate dental anatomy, challenging patients, and tough cases.

Now with the rise of ergonomic loupes and advancements in light technology, clinicians can support their posture, ergonomics, and career longevity, while also promoting better visual acuity, patient care, and oral health outcomes.¹⁻³ In this article, we'll delve into the essentials of these tools, explore the latest innovations that are revolutionizing our practice, and discuss how to find the right fit for you.

Loupes have been available since 1981 and have become a staple among dental hygienists and dental hygiene students. Traditionally, dental hygienists relied on conventional loupes and magnification systems. However, these solutions come with challenges such as bulky designs, limited field of view, and the inconvenience of forcing practitioners to look down while working on patients, often hindering rather than nurturing our workflow. Fortunately, dental loupes have evolved greatly over the years from traditional, through-the-lens to sophisticated ergonomic solutions tailored to our needs as dental professionals.

Enter ergonomic loupes—the game-changing technology we've all been waiting for. Ergonomic loupes are engineered with lightweight designs and customizable features that adapt to each practitioner's unique needs. Using refractive prisms, they force clinicians to sit up straight without looking down at the patient, promoting proper posture, and reducing strain and risk of injury to the neck and back.¹⁻³ Similar to traditional loupes, the oculars on ergonomic loupes are generally mounted to the lower third of the lens, which allows the clinician to maintain peripheral vision and visual contact with the patient simply by moving the eyes upwards. With ergonomic loupes, precision and comfort go hand in hand, enabling us to perform at our best, day in and day out.

In addition to loupes, hygienists must also pay attention to the importance of proper lighting. A well-lit workspace is essential for optimal visibility and diagnostic accuracy. The right lighting enhances contrast, reduces eye strain, and illuminates even the tiniest crevices. That’s why working with a proper headlight in addition to other light sources is ideal for both the patient and the practitioner.

There are 3 key features that hygienists need to consider when finding the right pair of loupes: magnification, field of view, and depth of field. Ergonomic loupes provide higher magnification, a wider field of view, and a longer working distance for clinicians than traditional loupes. Hygienists typically purchase a range of 3-5x magnifications in ergonomic loupes, depending on factors such as whether the clinician has worn loupes before, their comfort level, and the type of work they do. Magnification affects the field of view, so hygienists who work in pediatrics or mobile dentistry may prefer lower magnification (3x) with a wider field of view for more flexibility with patients, while those working in periodontal or cosmetic practice may opt for higher magnification (5x) with a narrower field of view to support extremely detailed work.

When it comes to finding a light system for your loupes, there are 4 important features to consider: weight, wired vs. cordless operation, light intensity (LUX), and compatibility with loupes. Weight is a critical factor, and every gram counts in our work, so finding a lightweight system is crucial. Cordless lights tend to be heavier than corded light systems but offer more convenience, easy workflow, and freedom of movement. Since magnification affects the field of view, the higher the magnification, the darker the field of view appears, which is why hygienists want to find a light that supports their specific loupe magnification. While there are many things to consider when finding the right fit for ergonomic loupes and headlights, practitioners should try different options to find the most suitable for their comfort and needs.

Finding the right loupes isn’t as easy as finding the cutest pair of scrubs online. Since these tools aren’t one-size-fits-all, finding the ideal combination requires careful consideration. You want to find the right balance between functionality and comfort, ensuring these tools enhance rather than hinder the work you do.

The first step is to research different companies and products, and the best way to find the ideal pair of loupes is to try them on and test them out. You can do this at dental conventions, trade shows, and local dental events. This option allows you to try on different pairs, feel the difference, and make an informed decision. Depending on your location, most dental professionals can also schedule an appointment with a sales rep directly from a loupe company, so you can learn more and try on different loupes in the comfort of their practice.

There are many options and a few notable companies that offer amazing loupe and light systems in the industry, including Andau Medical, Lumadent, and Designs for Vision. Hygienists should also consider the product warranty details, trial periods, and the customer support provided after purchase-–noteworthy factors when investing in your next pair of loupes.

Most dental loupe companies also make headlights that you can purchase together or separately from the loupes themselves. When purchasing a light separately from loupes, practitioners should ensure the light can connect properly with the loupes they have. Sometimes this requires an additional piece of hardware from the light or loupe company. Every company is different, so it’s important to verify this information ahead of time.

As dental hygienists, we owe it to ourselves—and our patients—to embrace innovation. By exploring ergonomic loupes and harnessing the power of magnification and proper lighting, we can elevate our practice to new heights. Ergonomic loupes and headlights are indispensable allies in our quest for excellence in dental hygiene. By embracing these powerful tools, we can magnify our impact and redefine the standard of care in dental hygiene. Let's strive for excellence, and let's continue to make a difference, one smile at a time.

Lindegård A, Gustafsson M, Hansson GÅ. Effects of prismatic glasses including optometric correction on head and neck kinematics, perceived exertion and comfort during dental work in the oral cavity--a randomised controlled intervention. 

. 2012;43(1):246-253. doi:10.1016/j.apergo.2011.05.011

Aboalshamat K, Daoud O, Mahmoud LA, et al. Practices and Attitudes of Dental Loupes and Their Relationship to Musculoskeletal Disorders among Dental Practitioners. 

. 2020;2020:8828709. Published 2020 Jul 30. doi:10.1155/2020/8828709

Plessas A, Bernardes Delgado M. The role of ergonomic saddle seats and magnification loupes in the prevention of musculoskeletal disorders. A systematic review. 

. 2018;16(4):430-440. doi:10.1111/idh.12327

Loupes are an important tool in any hygienist's arsenal. Here is how to know which loupe works best for your dental practice. 

Magnify Your Impact: Loupes and Lights for Dental Hygienists

TheraBreath Overnight Oral Rinse

TheraBreath Deep Clean Oral Rinse

A new insurance verification tool from RevenueWell. 

Insurance Verification from RevenueWell

All the latest dental product launches from April 8 through April 12, 2024.

New Dental Products – April 8 - April 12, 2024

Dental Products Report Editorial Director Noah Levine introduces the 16 products competing to be named the 2024 Dental Products Report Spring Selection.

2024 Dental Products Report Spring Selection Bracket Reveal Video

Hello, and welcome to the 2024 Dental Products Report Spring Selection. This is our 2024 bracket reveal show, and we're going to be introducing you to the program this year, and the 16 dental products that will be competing for your votes. So let's jump right in and talk about the 2024 Spring Selection.

First off, just what is the 2024 Spring Selection? Well, it's a bracket-style competition where we pit dental products head-to-head and let you vote to see which ones move forward. The products featured in the spring selection were randomly selected from among the products that have been covered on dental products report in both print and online over the past 12 months. These products were also given random seeds. As always, the bracket is broken up into four quadrants, just like a patient's mouth.

And now let's take a look at the bracket and meet the products featured in the spring selection.

And we're gonna start with the upper right quadrant and number 1 seed Rodin Bond from Pac-dent. This is an adhesive system designed for 3D-printed restorations. The number 2 seed in the upper right quadrant is going to be TriAuto ZX2+, an endodontic handpiece from J MORITA. The number 3 seed is the Urbanek TMJ Device from Urbanek TMJ Device & Protocol, a solution for patients who are struggling with TMJ. Finally in this quadrant, we have the CS 8200 3D Access CBCT system from Carestream Dental, a CBCT system designed to grow with your practice.

Moving over to the upper left quadrant of our bracket. Let's take a look at the four products here. The number 1 seed is TheraCal LC from Bisco, a fluoride releasing base and liner material. At the number 2 seed in this quadrant is DTX Studio Clinic AI from DEXIS. This adds AI capabilities to the company's imaging processing software. At the 3 seed in the upper left quadrant, we have Transcend a universal composite with chameleon like effects from Ultradent. And the 4th seed in this part of the bracket is the ProFlare Articulating Disposable Prophy Angles from Premier Dental. These are prophy angles with a head that can articulate to match the curves of the teeth.

Moving on down to the lower left quadrant of our bracket. The number1 seed is the 3M Filtek mMatrix from Solventum. This is a device and system designed to make composite veneers cases simpler. The number 2 seed in this quadrant is RevenueWell's bundles. This is the multiple tiers of their dental practice software. The number 3 seed in the lower left quadrant of our bracket is the Strata-G Sectional Matrix System from Garrison Dental. Featuring cutting edge materials, this is a matrix system designed for use over and over again. Finally, rounding out our lower left quadrant is the DWX-52D Plus mill from Roland DGA, a workhorse of a mill for producing all sorts of dental restorations.

And finally, the lower right quadrant where the number 1 seed is Stela, a self care composite from SDI. The number 2 seed here is Adit Treatment Planning Software from Adit. It's a digital treatment planning software designed to make it easier to communicate with patients. The number 3 seed in the lower right quadrant, Dentrix Detect AI from Henry Schein One. This adds Videa AI's image analysis solution to Dentrix's imaging software. And finally, rounding out our bracket, number 4 seed in the lower right quadrant, we have fastprint.io from Glidewell Dental. This is a 3D printing solution designed for efficiency.

And there we have our bracket for the 2024 Dental Products Report Spring Selection. Check back tomorrow for the first round matchups where the number 1 seeds take on the number 4 seeds, and the number 2 seeds take on the number 3 seeds.

You can vote both on dentalproductsreport.com as well as on our Instagram page, so be sure to vote twice in each of these matchups.

We'll see you back here to announce just who has been named the 2024 Dental Products Report Spring Selection.

Videos

Spring has officially sprung, and with March giving way to April, the madness is settling down, but that really means it's time for the 2024 Dental Products Report Spring Selection. 

Just what is the Spring Selection, you ask…Why it's an annual tournament where we pit recently covered dental products against each other in head-to-head matches to win your favor. The Spring Selection is a chance to learn about different dental products while voting for the ones you like best. 

In each match-up the product with the most votes will move on, and the other product will not. Each week we will announce the previous week's results and update our bracket as we move toward naming the 2024 Spring Selection.

Now in its second year, we've simplified the event by starting with 16 products instead of the 64 we included last year. The 2024 Spring Selection will run for the next 4 weeks with the winner named on May 14.

This year, the products featured in our bracket, as well as their seeds were randomly selected from among all the products covered by Dental Products Report throughout the past 12 months.

We present this tournament to provide some moments of fun while sharing information about dental innovations. How you evaluate a match-up between two random products with nothing in common, is up to you. Vote for the product you think is more innovative, more important, or whatever other criteria you want to base a vote around. 

Voting begins tomorrow both here, and on the 

. You can vote twice in each match-up, but first continue reading to learn what products are in the tournament, where they're seeded, and who is facing who to kick things off.

"The first universal bonding agent designed for 3D printed restorations."

"Endo. Optimized. Intelligent Endodontic Motor."

"Effectively Eliminate Your Patient’s TMD Symptoms with Proven Solutions."

"Articulating cup design for a superior polish."

"Everything your practice needs, the choices you want."

"Reliable Dental Milling Now Comes with Added Efficiency."

"Say goodbye to complicated EHR screens and printing spreadsheets, and hello to fully customizable treatment plans."

"Artificial Intelligence for Next-Level Patient Care."

Meet the 16 products in the running for the title of 2024 Dental Products Report Spring Selection and see the opening round match-ups. The road to the Spring Selection starts here…