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.  

HuFriedyGroup, well known in the dental industry as a leader in hand instruments and infection control products, is being acquired by an affiliate of Peak Rock Capital. The affiliate of the middle-market private equity firm announced Thursday that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire the dental segment of STERIS plc—HuFriedyGroup.

Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, HuFriedyGroup was founded in 1908 and is a leading global manufacturer of instrument management systems and conscious sedation products for the dental industry, in addition to a vast portfolio of hand instruments and infection control solutions. The company has industry leading brands, including Hu-Friedy, Crosstex, Omnia, and Accutron, and serves customers in about 100 countries. HuFriedyGroup is supported by a base of around 1,500 employees across over 20 global manufacturing facilities and locations. Clinicians and hygienists have used their products for decades as the company has built a strong reputation in the industry for its high quality, broad product offerings, efficient workflow solutions, and ergonomic instrument designs.

“HuFriedyGroup’s differentiated brands, high-quality product offerings, strong customer base, and outstanding team make this a highly compelling investment opportunity,” Spencer Moore, managing director of Peak Rock Capital, says in a press release. “We look forward to partnering with the management team and employees to drive further new product innovation and accelerated organic growth. We’re also excited to help the team pursue complimentary acquisitions to extend the product and brand portfolio.”

Andy Xilas, president of HuFriedyGroup, adds, “Peak Rock has a long track record of helping companies accelerate growth and a shared vision of supporting our employees in providing leading products to the dental industry. Their ability to constructively navigate the complexities of a carve-out transaction gives us great confidence as we work to complete the separation from STERIS. We believe our partnership with Peak Rock will help HuFriedyGroup continue its mission of helping dental professionals around the world be Best in Practice through world-class products, services, education, and communities that result in superior clinician performance, optimal clinical outcomes, and enhanced safety for clinicians and patients.”

Peak Rock Chief Executive Officer Anthony DiSimone says, "This investment exemplifies Peak Rock's deep experience and capability in executing complex carve-out transactions. It also highlights our continuing efforts to expand our investments in resilient businesses in the healthcare sector. We believe that HuFriedyGroup represents an excellent platform for growth through near-term organic initiatives and strategic acquisitions.”

Peak Rock Capital, with headquarters in Austin, Texas and in London, makes equity and debt investments in companies in North America and Europe. Its equity investment platform focuses on opportunities where it can support senior management to drive rapid growth and profit improvement, with expertise in corporate carve-outs and partnering with families and founders seeking first-time institutional capital, according to the company.

Articles

Chicago-based manufacturer of hand instruments and infection control products completes its separation from STERIS.

Dental Company HuFriedyGroup Acquired by an Affiliate of Peak Rock Capital

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

Tips for Accurate Claims Submission to Ensure Smooth Operation | Image Credit: © gamjai - stock.adobe.com 

In the world of health care, accurate claims submission is critical, whether you’re at a small family dental practice or a large practice with multiple dentists. When you aren’t submitting claims properly, it will take even more time and money to get things fixed—and it will take longer for you to get the money that you’re owed. How can you improve claims submission at your dental practice?

The first step in improving claims submission is improving the accuracy of your patient information collection. Start by collecting comprehensive patient information during their initial visit. Accurate personal details, insurance information, and a thorough medical history are the foundation of a successful claim. Make sure that you regularly update patient records to reflect any changes, which can help avoid discrepancies that may lead to claim denials.

Accurate coding is another crucial element of successful claims submission. Ensure that all procedures and diagnoses are coded correctly and using the most recent codes. Every time that updates come out, make sure you train your staff and keep them abreast of any changes.

Documentation matters for claims submission at any dental practice. Set standards for your dental team that allow you to maintain meticulous records of treatments, including images, x-rays, and any other relevant notes. Clear documentation will support the codes that you submit and also help to document the entire course of treatment. In an ideal world, you’ll never need to use this documentation. However, it will be invaluable in the event of a claim rejection.

Leverage dental practice management software to streamline your claims submission process. The best platforms have built-in features that help with accurate coding, real-time verification of insurance eligibility, and electronic claims submission. Companies like APEX Reimbursement Specialists can help you find the right technology solutions for your needs.



“From Claims to Collections” Panel Discussion Kicks Off Chicago Dental Society CDS Midwinter Meeting’s Opening Day

Even if you submit a claim that looks perfect on paper, a claim denial can still occur. It is important to address these rejections promptly. Investigate the cause of the claim denial, correct the error, and resubmit the claim as soon as possible. Timely responses can significantly expedite the reimbursement process.

Work with Experts to Make Billing and Payment Easy

Whether you’re looking for a way to make the insurance verification process easier or hoping to improve your overall patient communication plan, consider contacting companies with proven track records in helping dental practices. You can contact the APEX Reimbursement Specialists team by calling (410) 710-6005.

The company also recommends that practices aim to prioritize the patient experience in a variety of ways, including improving their billing processes. Communication is one key method, asmany patients are unsure of their dental coverage, and a little education can go a long way.

Proper claims submission is critical for the financial health of your dental practice. How can you improve your accuracy? 


Tips for Accurate Claims Submission to Ensure Smooth Operations

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. 

OrthoNu Debuts New Oral Relief Product Line. Image credit: © OrthoNu


The team at orthodontics company OrthoNu has unveiled 4 pioneering products aimed at alleviating the discomfort commonly associated with wearing braces or aligners. From soothing irritated gums to providing instant relief for achy teeth, these innovations aim to enhance the orthodontic journey for both young and adult patients, according to a press release from OrthoNu.

Chillin' Strips are formulated with ingredients specifically chosen to soothe inflamed gums and comfort sensitive enamel. They are designed to provide relief while still maintaining a pleasant flavor for patients, per the press release. Designed for easy use, Chillin' Strips dissolve in the mouth, allowing wearers to eat, drink, and sleep without interruption. Plus, they're safe for use with aligners and mouth guards, offering versatility to users.

Made with natural ingredients, ComfortTape reportedly provides instant relief for irritated teeth and gums caused by braces or aligners. Its ease of use makes it a go-to solution, and its compatibility with mouth guards adds to its appeal.

This innovative formulation targets irritation in the mouth, including inner lips and cheeks, providing relief for orthodontic patients. Its functional application ensures targeted relief where it's needed, enhancing the orthodontic care routine.

Unlike silicone chews that can harbor bacteria, OrthoChewz are made with beneficial ingredients to maintain oral health. Offering relief from discomfort and dry mouth, these chews dissolve in the mouth, providing long-lasting comfort and a mint flavor for taste.

While each product stands strong on its own, OrthoNu offers comprehensive oral relief collections for braces or aligners, combining the latest innovations for maximum comfort. Paired with Tweakz, professional-grade tools for addressing minor orthodontic issues between visits, these collections aim to ensure a seamless and comfortable orthodontic experience from start to finish.

A new series of oral relief products aim to soothe and comfort pain points for orthodontic patients. 

OrthoNu Debuts New Oral Relief Product Line

Brandi Hooker Evans is a registered dental hygienist and consultant. 

She acquired her formal education from Idaho State University, most recently earning a master's degree in health education. Hooker Evans has served the Idaho Dental Hygienists' Association as President, as well as her local Portneuf Valley Dental Hygiene Society. With nearly 2 decades of experience as a clinician in private practice, she has treasured her time as clinical dental hygiene faculty at Idaho State University and served on the ISU Dental Hygiene Advisory Board. Currently, Hooker Evans owns and operates Stellar Outcomes and Evans Dental with her husband, Dr. Eron Evans. Furthermore, she is an American Academy of Dental Hygiene accredited continuing education provider.

Checking on Patient Wellness. Image credit: © Jade Maas / peopleimages.com - stock.adobe.com

Do you ever wish you could erase things in life like an Etch A Sketch? Maybe you would erase a poor choice as a teenager, an angry moment as a parent or maybe the whole dang dental hygiene appointment. I sure do. I would love to shake the red gadget and start over. Ditch the expectation to see a patient every hour and put all their care into that hour which may or may not suit them. Based on the rampant disease in our country, we know that half to three quarters of the adults we see will need something other than that typical 1-hour they are scheduled for. Grab your pencil and let’s sketch a plan to turn the average prophy appointment into an oral wellness check-up or rather a check-in.

The first thing we aren’t going to draw is an expectation about what a patient needs before they sit in our chair. It does not matter if they are new to us, new to our practice, or have been coming to us since before Hilda graduated hygiene school in 1974. We will approach each person with curiosity. That begins with their medical history. “Sarah let’s chat about your medical history.Medications and ailments have a direct effect on your oral health and vice versa.” Then allow plenty of time to explore what Sarah is working with from a total body standpoint. We may not be experts in every other system in the body, however, we are highly skilled screeners with enough information to point Sarah in a good direction if something about her health appears off.

Right after a thorough conversation about the patient’s medical history, let’s sketch in a couple of moments where we get to take blood pressure. Yes, we get to. Every time. I consider this part of the appointment such a privilege. This is not the time to be tentative about offending people. This is our chance to mitigate the effects of disease within our patient population. The care that we provide and the knowledge we share can save lives. Imagine having a conversation about hypertension with a 42-year-old Dad that went on the receive care for his silent, yet present cardiovascular disease. That care translated into a major lifestyle change that prevented said dad from an early death at age 48. Thanks to our tactful conversation, a re-found love for exercise, and some vegetables, Dad is attending his daughters’ high school graduations and going to get to walk them down the isle at their weddings. Prior to our chat, Dad had not been to a doctor for a physical since his junior year at age 17 when he was the football quarterback. In general, he felt fine and had no idea his atherosclerosis was sneaking up on him like the angel of death. Don’t you want to be the hygienist that started this cascade of events? I know I do. We never know when our words are going to powerfully impact an entire family and community. Why not do the best we can, in all the ways we can?

Side note- I co-delivered a course last night where we discussed heart disease and blood pressure. Many hygienists talked about the backlash they have received from other providers about “staying in their lane.” A few claimed that they have been discouraged from having total body wellness conversations with our patients. Y’all, we must respectfully disagree with that statement and the sentiment behind it. The periodontium is directly connected with the cardiovascular system. P

orphyromonas gingivalis, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, and Fusobacterium nucleatum (Pg, Aa, and Fn)

 are all found in atherosclerosis after having originated in the mouth. We also know that one inflammatory disease increases a person’s risk for another inflammatory disease at a minimum of 5-fold. Americans visit their dentist more than their doctor making the need for us to complete a basic screening incredibly necessary. Furthermore, if a patient has periodontal disease, an elevated blood pressure reading is excellent evidence for the case that our patient needs to address the inflammation in their body. Good thing they are here today because we will help them start with their oral inflammation that will have a direct effect on their overall inflammation. If you receive negative chatter about this topic, I invite you to share the details on cardiovascular disease as it relates to periodontal disease. Couple that with the fact that we lose 800,000 Americans every year to cardiovascular disease (150,00 to stroke, 650,000 to heart disease). Those well-intended yet inaccurate medical professionals will reconsider their stance on what our “lane” is. If we really want to sketch a brilliant care system for our patients, we will seek out those other providers and build relationships. I would love to see it become common practice for dentists, general practitioners, specialists, nurses, and the like become friends that regularly have tea and discuss the needs of our community. Imagine what a difference we could make if all the health care practitioners in the community worked together for prevention of disease, co-treatment of present disease, and well-rounded education for the population we serve……. We may have to ditch the Etch A Sketch, grab an easel, and a brilliant set of paint colors. This picture is getting more vivid and gorgeous by the minute. Alas, we must start somewhere. Together, you and I will sketch out our dental visits then revisit the other entities of health care at a later date.

Sketching in a quality oral cancer screening is our task now. What is normal for Chad? This is when we find out. As we complete the extra and intra oral exam we notice that Chad has a swollen thyroid on one side. Since about 20 million Americans have thyroid disease, we aren’t surprised to find an abnormality for Chad. He had no idea and has since gone to his doctor and found that his thyroid is not functioning properly. He doesn’t have cancer but is taking some supplements to correct the dysfunction of his thyroid. Chad is super grateful that we took the time to provide such exquisite care. His energy levels have returned to normal and because he caught the problem early, he doesn’t have to take medication. Another day saved by an RDH. Yahoo!

Now it is time to draw in the x-ray portion of the appointment. It is critical that we take high quality images that show all the information we need to make an accurate diagnosis. We need a straight on view of the interdental bone, open contacts, and the roots of all the teeth. Depending on the risk factors of each patient the timing will vary. Personally, I want to see in between the back teeth and the bone there every year, the periapical area of the anterior teeth every 2 years, and all the roots every 5 years. If there is any reason for concern, I will happily snap a new film before that time frame. We live in a digital world where the risk of radiation from dental x-rays is so minimal that it is a no brainer to just get the films and/or retakes that we need. One important reason we need these great pictures is for our patient’s ability to diagnose their own disease. If the films are poor, the contacts are closed, and the alveolar bone is missing altogether, how are we (the dental professionals) supposed to diagnose the disease? You are right. We can’t. And neither can Joan. So, let’s take great films!

As we spin the knobs on the Etch A Sketch, we arrive at my favorite part of the appointment. Here is where we draw in adequate time for recording or updating a periodontal chart. We need to allow time for measuring every tooth, every time. Our number one indicator of active disease is bleeding. Simply guessing is a mistake in my opinion. In health, checking all 6 locations of each tooth takes less than 2 minutes. When we need to record depth changes and bleeding points, it takes more time. Usually, the patient needs more care at this point and the extra time at this juncture sets the patient up to understand what their needs are and equip them with tools to address said needs. This is where a hygiene assistant comes in handy. If you don’t have an assistant there are several tools available to aid in efficient charting for your patient. The critical piece to periodontal charting is to say the numbers and bleeding points out loud. When Bob hears, “1-3 mm is normal and healthy gums don’t bleed or hurt while I am measuring.” Then proceeds to hear 4, 5, 6, and 7 with generalized bleeding, you don’t have to tell Bob he has gum disease. He figured that out all on his own, thank you very much. 

The above 5 steps of quality oral wellness check ins are non-negotiable in my opinion. The medical history, blood pressure reading, oral cancer screening, adequate x-rays, and full mouth periodontal charting are a fabulous picture of what is happening currently for our patients. In health, that entire routine takes less than 20 minutes. That leaves 25 minutes for instrumentation, polish, and varnish. Leaving the last 15 minutes available for an exam, rescheduling, and a warm hand off to the front desk administrative team. Please invite the doctor in for an exam anytime after your assessment is complete. This system creates a healthier flow for the entire practice. It also insulates your patient from having to wait for an exam should the dentist be busy at the moment you finish rinsing the polish out of their mouth. This works if excellent hygiene care is standard procedure and there is trust and mutual respect. The result makes the dentist’s need to “check our work” non-existent. When the doctor does arrive for the exam, briefly update them on what you and Jose found during the assessment. Set the conversation up for team collaboration. Give the doctor an opportunity to confirm the findings and support the game plan. This type of teamwork takes practice and time spent reading x-rays and periodontal charts together outside of the operatory. I urge us all not to skip this prep work required for team unity. A united presence with the patients is effective while differing opinions instills confusion and trepidation in Jose. We are sketching an efficient and thorough dental hygiene appointment that supports Jose taking action for his oral and overall wellness. If we confuse him, he will not proceed with care here or make modifications at home.

Should you have a picture that has all 5 of those steps already in place and would like to take this oral wellness check in to the next level, I would invite you to add in one item of interest to you. This will challenge and invigorate your RDH soul. Intra-oral pictures are a phenomenal adjunct for patient education as well as documentation. Everything from mouth sores, old fillings, recession, and bruxism can easily be recorded and monitored with precise accuracy over the course of time. I have seen skilled clinicians snap an entire mouth worth of pictures in 2 minutes. The profound information this provides is well worth the 120 seconds it takes to collect the photos.

Another emerging adjunct for amazing assessment is saliva testing. This technology is becoming more user friendly and less cost prohibitive by the year. While the information does not necessarily change the game plan for the patient’s periodontal treatment plan, it can change their motivation to care well for themselves. Learning that the bacteria in their mouth are the same strands found in clogged arteries and spinal fluid of people with Alzheimer’s disease is likely to allow you to forgo the brushing and flossing speech forever. They will not want anything to do with either one of those life destroying diseases. By the way, Costco is having a sale on a 2 pack of power toothbrushes. Our patient, Felix is planning to stop on his way home from his appointment today, purchase, and then use the power toothbrush from here on out (wink, wink)! Saliva testing as an assessment adjunct is also great for those of us that like to geek out on data. For example, yours truly. If something lights your fire for your career, the cost in time, effort, and money is well worth it. Don’t forget if you try something and don’t love it, you do not have to do it forever. Many companies with products like this offer a deal on a trial package. I encourage you to give it a go if it looks fun and/or beneficial to your patients. I have yet to see a professional become more passionate about their days at work and less good at being a hygienist. The two have a positive correlation. Why not capitalize on it?

As we complete the picture of what our assessment sketch should look like, we have brilliantly transformed a basic hygiene appointment into an oral wellness check-in. If at the end of our beautifully drawn assessment our patient needs something other than a prophylaxis, we will have the evidence to support a treatment plan that is reflective of Lanett’s needs. It also allows ample chance for Lanett to learn about her own health. No matter how great of a hygiene appointment we provide, Lanett is the one who will be caring for herself throughout her life. If Lanett were your favorite auntie, would you want her to be equipped to care well for her oral and overall health? I definitely would. For both her oral and overall health an ounce of prevention is worth a pound (maybe ten) of treatment. Let’s make a promise to ourselves and our patients to wipe the slate clean and sketch a hygiene appointment into the most beautiful, comprehensive oral (overall) wellness check in. Happy sketching!

How to turn prophy appointments into oral wellness check-ups.

Checking on Patient Wellness

A bite-sized look at all the latest dental product launches.

Product Bites – April 12, 2024

Product Bites – April 12, 2024 episode podcast transcription: 

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

I’m your host, DPR Editor Kellie Nock, and on this week’s podcast we’ve got 3 new products with launches from ASI Dental Specialties, Dental Intelligence, and ClearCorrect.

So let’s get to it and learn about these newly launched dental products.

Let's talk about the Classic Series Endodontic Cart—Under Cabinet. This integrated endodontic cart aims to change the way dental practices manage their space. With a smaller footprint and reduced height, it easily fits underneath dental cabinet countertops, eliminating the need for extensive renovations. This solution is ideal for clinicians facing logistical challenges when integrating modern dental equipment into existing cabinetry setups. Plus, it features advanced instrument integration and the ability to operate multiple handpieces through a single foot-control, optimizing workflow efficiency and maintaining a minimalist aesthetic in the dental operatory. Additionally, with a convenient door on the right side of the chassis, accessing concealed water bottles is easier, making water and optional irrigation bottles easily reachable by sliding out.

Next, let's dive into the world of dental payments with Dental Intelligence Payments. This updated offering integrates the payments platform directly with treatment plans, revolutionizing revenue cycle management for both patients and dental practices. By presenting payment information alongside detailed treatment plans, Dental Intelligence aims to ease payment anxiety, enhance decision-making, and improve overall patient satisfaction. Plus, practices now can create and manage custom payment plans for patients directly from their Payments dashboard, providing more flexibility in managing past-due balances and membership plans. Patients can conveniently enroll in payment plans with monthly autopay, further simplifying the payment process.

For our last product, ClearCorrect's Digital Workflow introduces new features and improvements to elevate clinicians' practices to new heights. From upgrades to the Virtuo Vivo workflow to enhancements in the Sync Mobile App, these innovations deliver improved efficiency and streamlined record collection, case submission, and case review management. ClearPilot™ 8.0, the latest software offering, provides increased setup control and accuracy, while intraoral scanner (IOS) integrations allow clinicians to delegate operational steps to their staff where permitted by law. The ClearCorrect Sync App 2.0 makes collecting and submitting records, as well as reviewing and managing cases, more streamlined, providing clinicians with a seamless digital end-to-end experience.

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

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

A bite-sized look at all the latest dental product launches. This week's episode features products from ASI Dental Specialties, Dental Intelligence, and ClearCorrect.

Hygiene Expert Shares 5 Ways Your Dental Hygienist Can Save Your Life in New Book | Image Credit: © Brandi Hooker Evans

Poor oral health often leads to poor overall health, and who better to explain this than an experienced registered dental hygienist and consultant?

Brandi Hooker Evans, RDH, owns and operates Stellar Outcomes and Evans Dental with her husband, Eron Evans, DDS, and with almost 2 decades of experience as a clinician in private practice, she knows all too well about the prevalence of infections in the mouth.

She shares this startling statistic: nearly half of the Earth's adult population struggles with oral infection, and for many it will be fatal. For seniors, the number jumps to 7 out of 10.

"For the first time in history, more people are dying from chronic rather than communicable diseases," Hooker Evans, author of the new book 

Dentists, Hygienists and Cows: How Brilliant Dental Professionals Have Great Days While Providing Exquisite Individualized Care, 

"It's a sad truth that we dental professionals often approach patient care like we're herding cattle," adds Hooker Evans, RDH-ER, MHE, MAADH. "In our haste to get as many patients processed as possible, we can overlook individual needs."

In this book published by Indie Books International, she makes the case patients and dental professionals should strive for a total body health approach to dental care. With a light-hearted touch, Hooker Evans presents a serious look at dental care that is infused with a humorous style and can be appreciated by both dental patients and professionals.

"We will have to dig deeper, instrumentation pun intended, if we want to make a true impact and help our patients finally get healthy," writes Hooker Evans, according to the press release.

She acknowledges most people are not excited about dental appointments, yet more people these days are well aware of the research on oral systemic connections.

"When my patients show up to their hygiene appointment, I meet them where they're at," she says. "I hope that they will be ready to attempt the next level of health. However, if they aren't, it's a big fat freaking high five for showing up today."

Hooker Evans is an American Academy of Dental Hygiene accredited continuing education provider. She acquired her formal education from Idaho State University, most recently, a master's degree in health education, and she has served as president of the Idaho Dental Hygienists' Association and her local Portneuf Valley Dental Hygiene Society. Hooker Evans is also a contributing writer for 

The new book quotes another startling statistic from a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report: "In 2013, 47.2 percent of adults 30 years of age and older had mild, moderate, or advanced bone loss (aka periodontal disease), as did 70.1 percent of adults 65 and older."

As a result, a thorough dental exam is required to stay on top of periodontal disease. As the author describes, much of the exam is performed and can be explained in simple terms by the dental hygienist.

She shares these 5 steps that might save a patient's life:

. Advise the patient: "Your mouth is connected to your body. If we know what we are working with, I can help you take great care of both."

. Explain that heart disease and gum disease are often related. They can help or hinder one another.

. If the patient asks for more information, she gives it to them. For example: "I am feeling for lumps and bumps. I want to know what is normal for you and if there is anything that we need to investigate further. I have helped a lot of people identify thyroid issues early. No matter what we find,the earlier we discover it, the better outcomes are."

. She teaches hygienists to advise patients: "This thick white line of bone should go up, over, and down between each tooth."

. She teaches hygienists to advise patients: "One to 3 millimeters is normal, and healthy gums don't bleed or hurt while I measure. "Many patients do not know they can die from diseases that start in the mouth.

"When the assessment is complete, we sit the patient up and review the information together," Hooker Evans states. "Nine times out of 10, our patient will ask, 'What are we gonna do?' To which I answer, 'We know just what to do! We are a team and are going to treat this disease. It will require you, the patient, and I, the dental professional, to work together with a new plan moving forward for homecare as well as professional care.' A well-informed patient who agrees with the need for the treatment plan is the  goal of every exam."

She says the work hygienists perform and the system they use must come from a place of abundance and service.

She advises hygienists: "Another reason to get comfortable with recognizing and treating periodontal disease early is that it will never be more affordable or easier to treat than it is today."

 Hooker Evans specializes in providing tailored practice improvement programs. With a focus on comprehensive dental hygiene care along with infection control, her programs integrate restorative and administrative insights designed to elevate individual dental offices and captivate large speaking audiences alike.

In her book, Brandi Hooker Evans presents a light-hearted yet serious look at dental care that will be appreciated by both dental patients and professionals.

Hygiene Expert Shares 5 Ways Your Dental Hygienist Can Save Your Life in New Book

RevenueWell Launches Insurance Verification Tool. Image credit: © RevenueWell


Patient software services provider RevenueWell has announced the launch of its latest tool––Insurance Verification. This automated tool is designed specifically to verify patients’ insurance for dental practices, acting as an addition to RevenueWell’s Marketing Platform. By automating the verification process, Insurance Verification enables quicker and updated insurance information for patients, according to a press release from RevenueWell.

This tool was created to eliminate the previous hassle of antiquated insurance verification processes according to chief technology officer at RevenueWell, Steve Prosser.

“The amount of time spent each week verifying a patient’s active insurance is astounding, not to mention the efforts going into training new office staff on how to do it,” Prosser said in the press release. “RevenueWell’s automated insurance verification takes a novel approach by automatically validating insurance directly from provider portals and clearinghouses, then cross-referencing and cleansing the results. Our solution provides much greater accuracy, with access to a significantly larger pool of providers and treatment codes to automatically verify against.”

RevenueWell’s Insurance Verification aims to mitigate the pain point that is calling and logging different provider portals, enabling the front office team to shift focus and optimize workflows. Patient insurance information can be verified before the patient even comes in for their appointment, enabling shorter appointment lead times and happier patients.

Other notable features within Insurance Verification include increased efficiency through its elimination of extended phone calls and different provider portal navigation, as well as the availability of accurate data. RevenueWell’s system pulls the data directly from the provider portal, the clearinghouse, and the practice management data, then scrubbing the data for the most accurate and relevant information to the dental practice.

RevenueWell hopes to make the dental insurance process smoother for both the practice and patient with this tool, according to CEO Katherine Shuman.

“Every tool we build is intended to help the practice team be successful in their jobs and deliver a positive experience for patients. And that’s what Dental Insurance Verification does. It enables practices to automate the verification process, so they have confidence knowing the data they get back is accurate and reliable, making it easier to have transparent cost conversations with patients,” Shuman said in the press release.

To learn more about Insurance Verification, or RevenueWell’s Marketing Platform, visit the 

This new tool from RevenueWell pulls accurate data to streamline dental insurance verification processes. 

RevenueWell Launches Insurance Verification Tool

Vista Apex Acquired by Behrman Capital | Image Credit: © Vista Apex

Racine, Wisconsin-based dental manufacturer Vista Apex has been acquired by Behrman Capital, a p rivate equity investment firm based in New York.

Vista Apex manufactures a variety of consumable dental products for preventative oral hygiene, endodontics, and restorative dentistry, including RE-GEN™ Bioactive Bulk Fill Composite, a popular bulk fill, dual-cure methacrylate based material formulated to allow clinicians to fill all classes of restorations without shrinkage stresses, depth of cure worries, or voids. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Vista Apex has served the dental industry for more than 25 years and has a longstanding tradition of product innovation, backed by its in-house research and development team. The company takes a "clinician-first" approach to product development, and holds over 50 patents. Vista Apex supplies customers in the U.S. and internationally from its manufacturing facilities in Racine, St. Louis, Missouri, and China.

"Vista Apex is a proven company with a track record of success in the healthcare sector. Its innovative in-house research team and trusted customer relationships support a strong business, well-positioned for further expansion,” Grant G. Behrman, managing partner of Behrman Capital, says in a press release. “We're looking forward to working with the VistaApex management team to advance their growth strategy, including plans to grow the product portfolio and expand the company's offering through strategic M&A [mergers and acquisitions]."

Vista Apex's management team, led by Chief Executive Officer Scott Lamerand, will continue to lead the company under Behrman's ownership, the companies state.

"This is a transformative development for Vista Apex,” Lamerand adds in the press release. “Behrman Capital's deep healthcare and manufacturing experience makes them the ideal partner for our next phase of advancement as we seek to expand our operations and product portfolio to become the premier provider of 'total tooth' care solutions."

Founded in 1997, Vista Apex is a vertically integrated manufacturer of consumable dental products—many for use in endodontics—as well as small equipment including handpieces and burs.

Dental manufacturer looks to expand product portfolio and operations after acquisition by private equity investment firm.

Vista Apex Acquired by Behrman Capital

Dental Laser Coaching (DLC) Launches Innovative Online Training Portal. Image credit: © Dental Laser Coaching


Dental Laser Coaching (DLC) has launched a new online dental laser training portal. This initiative aims to democratize access to comprehensive laser coaching, empowering dental professionals to optimize their laser technology effectively.

The DLC Portal reportedly introduces an online curriculum specifically tailored to cater to a diverse audience of dental practitioners. Whether one is a novice laser owner or has been utilizing laser technology for years, the portal is designed to guide their journey, according to a press release from DLC. By offering a range of courses, DLC ensures that all laser owners maximize the full benefits of their investments.

Nick Clausen, Founder, and CEO of DLC, emphasized the mission behind the initiative, stating in the press release, “Our mission is to ensure that all laser owners maximize the full benefits of their investments. With over 2 decades of experience collaborating with major laser manufacturers and dental practices nationwide, the DLC portal will offer a unique online approach that accelerates the achievement of desired results.”

Laser dentistry has revolutionized dental procedures, offering numerous benefits for both patients and practitioners. The precision of lasers allows for minimally invasive treatments, reducing discomfort during and after procedures. Moreover, lasers promote faster healing times and preserve healthy tissue, ultimately enhancing the overall patient experience, per the press release.

As transitioning to laser dentistry can pose challenges for practitioners accustomed to traditional instruments, DLC’s laser coaching platform aims to mitigate struggles during this time, per Clausen. “The goal of the Dental Laser Coaching Portal is to address the root causes of the common challenges faced by laser owners, irrespective of their experience level, and provide tailored optimization programs for soft tissue lasers, all-tissue lasers, and productivity enhancement using laser technology.”

To provide a glimpse into the benefits of their approach, DLC is offering a free, limited seating webinar titled "Do More with Your All-Tissue Laser" on Tuesday, April 30th, at 5 PM PST / 8 PM EST. Interested participants can 

Dental Laser Coaching (DLC) has launched an innovative online training portal to democratize access to comprehensive laser coaching, enabling dental professionals to optimize their laser technology effectively. 

Dental Laser Coaching Launches Innovative Online Training Portal

Laura Dorr is the former executive editor of DPR's Modern Dental Network and a regular contributing author.

Diets and Dental Hygiene | Image Credit: © New Africa – stock.adobe.com

Many patients enter the dental practice thinking they’ve done all they can to protect their oral health. They brush, they floss, and they regularly make their 6-month appointments. They think if they tick these boxes, they have taken all the steps toward ensuring their oral health.

However, these patients are missing a critical piece of the puzzle: diet. While patients understand that getting their fruits and vegetables is important for overall health, there’s little comprehension of how a poor diet can affect oral health.

“People don’t understand that their oral health is related to their diet,” says Ellie Campbell, DO, MS, FAAOSH, secretary of the American Academy for Oral & Systemic Health (AAOSH). “They think, ‘Oh, it may affect my body, my weight, my energy level, or my sleep,’ but they don’t think about oral health. I think people have made systemic connections to their diet, but I don’t think most people have a clue that it affects your mouth as well.”

Another part of the problem stems from the lack of understanding about oral-systemic health in general. While poor oral health has been linked to a wide range of systemic conditions (including stroke, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease), many people don’t understand how issues in the mouth can contribute to systemic problems.

“Diet is an essential piece of the overall puzzle,” says Sam Shamardi, DMD, diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology and Implant Surgery. “So much of our population suffers from diabetes and overall insulin resistance, all of which are linked to overall wound healing and periodontal inflammation and breakdown. We are what we eat, is the saying; hence what we eat will impact our health.”

According to the American Dental Association, 2 oral health factors can contribute to these systemic conditions.

 The first is inflammation in the oral cavity. Chronic inflammation (such as that caused by periodontal disease) can increase inflammatory markers in the bloodstream. This can affect the body’s immune response and stress the body’s disease burden. Secondly, pathogenic bacteria in the oral cavity can enter the bloodstream and travel throughout the body, affecting other areas.

“The mouth and rest of the body are completely connected,” says Mike Milligan, DMD, a founding member and board member of AAOSH. “One affects the other. It has been said that the mouth is the gateway to the body and that good health begins in the mouth. Oral pathogenic bacteria and their toxic byproducts and effects enter the bloodstream and travel throughout our cardiovascular system and tissues with varied deleterious effects.”

Inflammation is triggered by several factors, many of which stem from dietary decisions. It is well known that consuming sucrose-rich food such as sugars and carbohydrates plays a large role. Sugars attract bacteria that result in biofilms and bacterial plaque.

“The biggest culprits of inflammation are sugar and flour—and all the products made from them—as well as the consumption of too many omega-6 vegetable oils like soybean, corn, and sunflower found in many processed foods,” Dr Milligan says.

The bacterial components bolstered by sugar can trigger inflammatory responses that result in periodontal disease. As bacteria within the plaque metabolize the sugar, they release acid—a primary contributor to caries and decay.

Because acid can demineralize and dissolve enamel, bacterial acid production is a big concern. Demineralization occurs when pH levels drop below 5.5 for a significant period. When more fermentable carbohydrates are available to plaque bacteria, the pH rises. When carbohydrates are not available, the pH decreases. These fluctuations affect the demineralization and remineralization processes. As such, the frequency of sugar intake, duration of exposure, and pH level of consumables can greatly affect demineralization.

“There’s no such thing as junk food; it’s either junk or it’s food,” Dr Campbell says. “We need to talk to our patients about nutrition and inform them. If you see dental plaque, let them know it may mean they have too much acid in their diet. What are they drinking? Inform them about the effects of high pH beverages and how [they] can weaken enamel.”

For example, water has a neutral pH of 7.0 with zero sugar content. Beverages with pH levels below 7.0 and with higher sugar content begin to cause demineralization. In comparison, Pepsi has a 2.49 pH, with 9.8 tsp of sugar per 12-oz can. Mountain Dew has a pH of 3.22 and contains 11 tsp of sugar. Even sugar-free drinks can cause issues due to their high pH: While Diet Pepsi doesn’t contain sugar, it has a pH of 3.05.For reference, battery acid has a pH of 1.0—just 1.49 lower than a can of Pepsi.

Sports drinks are also problematic because of their high pH and sugar content, and prevalence of use across demographics. A bottle of Gatorade has a pH of 2.95 and 3.3 tsp of sugar.

 In a 2016 survey of adolescents, 87% of respondents indicated that they drank sports drinks, with over 50% reporting drinking them at least 2 or more times per week.

 Other studies have shown an increased risk of dental caries in elite athletes who regularly consume sports drinks.

 Because athletes train regularly and often take repeated small sips of the beverages, they increase their exposure time to pH and sugar.

Because increased exposure time results in increased periods of demineralization, sticky foods with high pH and sugar content pose a significant risk. This can be compounded by high levels of citric acid in fruit-flavored gummies, chews, or candies. For example, Skittles and gummy bears both have a pH of 2.5. Other high-exposure foods include hard candies that must be sucked on for extended periods of time.

With so much talk of foods that are bad for oral health, it’s also important to emphasize to patients the foods that can bolster oral health and well-being (and ones that can mitigate the effects of inevitable dietary bad habits). When it comes to mitigating the effects of diet on oral health, there are several things that patients can do.

“Putting a higher priority on minimizing processed foods, decreasing sugar intake, and trying to create more balance in what and how much we eat all make a major impact,” says Dr Shamardi. “It doesn’t take radical changes to create radical results.”

This balance comes from making good nutritional choices that benefit both oral and systemic health.

Thanks to high concentrations of phosphates and calcium, dairy products can help strengthen tooth enamel. In addition, milk and other dairy products are noncariogenic and can counter high pH levels by temporarily reducing them. Research in Denmark discovered that adults with high milk intake had a reduced risk of periodontitis.

 Additionally, another study found that consuming milk lowered saliva pH after 5 min before it rose again at the 15-min mark.

Increased whole-grain and fiber intake has also been associated with a reduced risk of periodontal disease.

 Replacing refined grains (which are often high in sugar) with whole grains can have a positive effect on oral health. A study of over 34,000 male health professionals in the United States found that participants in the highest quintile of whole-grain consumption were 23 percent less likely to develop periodontitis.

 Diets high in whole grains have also been associated with a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes.

In addition to whole grains, high-fiber foods like crunchy fruits and vegetables have an inverse association with periodontal disease. In addition to being high in fiber, foods that require more chewing (such as apples, carrots, broccoli, and celery) stimulate saliva production. Saliva is one of the most important factors in reducing dental erosion, as it neutralizes dietary acids and promotes remineralization.

Leafy greens such as lettuce, cabbage, spinach, and collard greens contain vitamins and nitrates that can bolster oral health. Nitrates stimulate healthy oral genera and help protect against acids by increasing lactate consumption and ammonia production.

Studies have also found that a high intake of green and leafy vegetables rich in vitamin C, folate, and carotenoids offers anticarcinogenic properties and can decrease oral cancer risks.

Saliva production is reduced when dehydration occurs, so staying hydrated is critical to oral health. Adults should drink at least 64 oz of water daily to stay properly hydrated. Water also helps flush out the mouth, removing debris, reducing bacteria, and supporting a healthy oral microbiome. Thanks to its neutral pH, it does not introduce acids into the oral cavity but instead helps neutralize the pH of saliva.

By making smart nutritional choices, patients can prevent periodontal issues, enamel erosion, and caries. However, since nutrition and oral health are intrinsically linked, one is impossible without the other.

“Tooth loss, decay, periodontal disease, and thermal sensitivity can all affect chewing, food choices, and getting the proper nutrition that is essential for total body wellness,” Dr Milligan says. “Conversely, proper nutrition can significantly affect dental health, including pocket depth and bleeding sites. So, the mouth affects nutrition, and nutrition affects the mouth.”

Dental professionals have a unique opportunity to educate patients on the contribution of nutrition to oral health and oral-systemic well-being. Through education, patients can learn to make beneficial nutritional decisions that increase their oral health.

“Many dental patients don’t have a primary care provider, or a person who is their trusted health provider—except for the hygienist,” Dr Campbell says. “I think this is a role the hygienist can pick up when they have the patient as a captive audience. Clinicians should ask patients what their water intake is, or how many fruits and vegetables they are getting, and explain how these things keep teeth strong and promote oral health. It’s a minute of offhand conversation that can start their wheels turning.”

Introducing this to patients early and consistently can pay off, Dr Campbell says. If patients hear this message at every dental cleaning, twice a year, it starts making an impact.

“As health professionals—whether you’re a dentist, an eye doctor, a dermatologist, or a primary care doctor—we all need to be spending more time on those fundamentals of wellness,” Dr Campbell says. “Then hopefully we can keep that prescription pad in our back pocket for the times when these therapeutic lifestyle changes don't work.”

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What you need to know about how your patients’ diets impact their oral health.