Whether looking at an individual clinic or taking a macro-perspective that includes dental product manufacturers, providing dental care is a resource-heavy undertaking. But that might not always be the case.

Although some resources are required and some waste will be generated by both dental clinics and the companies making the products those clinics use, a new focus on sustainability throughout the dental industry is helping make it possible to provide top-tier oral health care while operating as efficiently as possible and significantly reducing waste.

When it comes to the practice level, there are numerous ways to reduce water and energy use. Replacing single-use plastics with compostable or biodegradable alternatives can also reduce a practice’s environmental footprint. Another approach to reducing dental waste is to prevent dental disease in the first place. This is one of the concepts underpinning the Sustainability in Dentistry program founded by the FDI World Dental Federation and Dentsply Sirona. The program includes online courses, sustainability resources, and an annual global sustainability award. With an approach focused on evidence-based oral care and prevention combined with guidance on steps to improve sustainability within a dental practice, this global effort aims to empower dental professionals to make a change that affects their practice. More details on the Sustainability in Dentistry program are available at 

fdiworlddental.org/sustainability-dentistry

Sustainably Manufacturing Dental Products

It might be a buzzword and often good for public relations, but that doesn’t mean corporate efforts to make operations more sustainable aren’t also good for business. Dental manufacturers have been making major efforts to reduce their use of resources and to decrease waste and harmful emissions. Here are some sustainability success statistics from around the dental industry.

There was a 15% reduction in both water withdrawal at warehouses and manufacturing plants and scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions.

There were 1,200,000 to 1,500,000 gallons of water per year saved by operational changes that focused on efficient use of resources.

There was a 74% mitigation of carbon impact from shipping parcels by next-day air through a partnership with United Parcel Service, making ground transportation possible.

There were 4.7 tons less of plastic used each year after changing product packaging from plastic to regular and carton paper materials.

A total of 72% of the energy used at company facilities in 2021 came from 100% renewable sources, including solar and hydroelectric power.

Almost 50% less polymer is used to make an aligner today compared with aligners made in 2016. Additionally, 33% less resin is used to make 3D-printed models for aligner production.

There were 1.2 million pounds less of carbon dioxide emissions released in 2023 when compared with 2022. This reduction is due to a new efficient air compressor system in a production facility.

Sustainability Report 2022. Dentsply Sirona. 2022. Accessed March 12, 2024. 

https://www.dentsplysirona.com/content/dam/master/corporate/merchandise/documents/CORP-document-2022-sustainability-report-EN.pdf

Social Responsibility and Sustainability Report 2024. Ultradent. 2024. Accessed March 12, 2024. 

https://assets.ctfassets.net/wfptrcrbtkd0/5jrCFrL1g5FBrOrDCjf4mM/ada05959d110e7895edb5cd1749899e9/UPI_SRS_Report_2024.pdf

2022 Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility Report. Henry Schein. 2022. Accessed March 12, 2024. 

https://www.henryschein.com/us-en/images/corporate/2022CSRReport.pdf

GC Group Global CSR Report 2023. GC Dental. 2023. Accessed March 13, 2024. 

https://www.gc.dental/america/sites/america.gc.dental/files/documents/2023-10/gc-csr-2023.pdf

Corporate Social Responsibility Review 2022. Ivoclar. 2022. Accessed March 13, 2024. 

https://www.ivoclar.com/GLOBAL%20-%20MEDIA/Corporate%20Content/Responsibility/CSR%20Report%202022_EN.pdf

Corporate social responsibility. Align Technology. Accessed March 13, 2024. 

https://www.aligntech.com/about/corporate_social_responsibility

2023 Corporate Responsibility Report. Midmark. 2023. Accessed March 13, 2024. 

https://www.midmark.com/docs/default-source/documents/2023-corporate-responsibility-report.pdf

Making a dental practice more sustainable can take many forms, and any effort that makes a positive impact is worthwhile. Here’s a look at some dental products that might be able to help with those efforts.

Curaprox Wooden Toothbrush

Trap-Eze Plaster Plus™

Bio Nitrile Powder Free Biodegradable Examination Gloves

EcoChoice Compostable Dental Flossers

BioGREEN™ Biodegradable Micro-Applicators

Sustainable Opportunities

Articles

How the dental industry is working to lighten its environmental impact.

Practicing Dentistry Sustainably

Kazunari Matoba – Former General Manager of Research and Development, J MORITA MFG CORP – Pictured with (from left to right) Root ZX II, Root ZX, Root ZX3, Root ZX mini | Image Credit: © J MORITA MFG CORP

Carrying the mantle of a standard setter is not an easy task.

This is true for the child of a hall-of-famer and it’s just as true for the next generation of an iconic dental product. So when the research and development team at J MORITA MFG CORP set out to develop what is now the Root ZX3, they knew that to live up to the legacy of the name Root ZX, the goal must be to open a new paradigm in endodontic treatment.

With the introduction of a module capable of high-frequency conduction (HFC) therapy, and the same reliable apex location technology used in every Root ZX apex locator, the Root ZX3 is designed to be just that, says Kazunari Matoba, a former general manager of research and development at J MORITA MFG CORP who oversaw the development of the Root ZX line.

“Until now, the machines that have existed in root canal treatment have been those that help the act of treatment to make the diagnosis accurate and the treatment fast and easy,” Matoba says. “The HF Module is the first product to enter a new field where by its high-frequency conduction, symptoms are expected to improve due to the natural healing process of the human body…in cases where doctors are having trouble with treatment and healing is not possible. I am excited that we have entered a new world.”

Featuring a new design with a large display and a smaller footprint, the Root ZX3 apex locator features automated calibration and a high-contrast display screen. Using impedance measurement-based technology that has been evaluated to be 97.5% accurate, it can be trusted to provide accurate measurement of file depth during endodontic treatment. A versatile device, it can be used in wet or dry canals.

Getting to that world was not a straight line, but neither was the development of the Root ZX technology that functions in any canal environment and provides accuracy that’s been measured at 97.5%.

 The accuracy is the key detail that makes the Root ZX apex locator so important, and Matoba says that when looking to create a solution for dentists, it was clear that precise, accurate measurement could make endodontic treatment easier and more predictable for everyone.

“It all started when I met doctors,” he says. “You can’t do proper development without knowing clinical practice. Endodontics is a field where the best solution for treatment is completely different from person to person. If you ask 5 doctors a question, sometimes all 5 will give you completely different answers. I was also troubled at that time. I wondered who was the most correct.”

Launched in 1991, the original Root ZX and its successors have been shown to be highly reliable systems for accurate measurement of the location of the apical constriction to determine the working length of the canal. Still, many endodontic treatments are performed today without an electronic apex locator, with clinicians using radiographs, tactile sensation, and other methods to determine the working length.

Early generations of apex locator technology did not provide the accuracy or reliability required for clinical use due to moisture in the canal or other issues.

 Using a technology called the ratio method that takes measurements of the ratio between the impedances of 2 electronic currents, the Root ZX solved many of the problems with earlier generations of electronic apex locator solutions and lived up to the promise of a technology dreamed up more than 70 years earlier.

Levitt Ellsworth Custer, DDS, was the first to describe using electric current to measure when an endodontic file reaches the apex of the root canal in a 1918 article in 

The Journal of the National Dental Association

. An early proponent of the use of electrical technologies in the practice of dentistry, Dr Custer did not see his apex location theories put to use in his lifetime.

 However, the concept was further tested in the 1940s and finally launched as a commercial product in 1969. Unfortunately, the first generation of apex locators used alternating current and resistance and were less accurate than radiographic measurement. A second wave of technologies based on single-frequency impedance measurements were also shown to be unreliable.

The Root ZX was among a third generation of apex locators, and as noted above, it offered the reliability necessary for clinical use. Since that time multiple new technologies for apex location and canal length measure have been developed, but the Root ZX remains a standard bearer for apex locator accuracy today, and technology that powers the original Root ZX is a key component of all of its successors.

“We don’t intend to say that we’re completely redesigning the model,” Matoba says. “The apex locator’s bar in the Root ZX3 has been greatly improved to shift smoothly. It is very easy to use. However, even as we have made these improvements, we have not changed from the original Root ZX all the way through.”

Over the years new versions of the Root ZX have found innovative ways to incorporate this foundational apex locator technology. In 1996 the Tri Auto ZX integrated apex location technology directly into an endodontic handpiece. Then in 2007, the Root ZX II added the possibility of integrating different modules into the device.

This was followed in 2009 by the Root ZX mini, which put the same apex location technology in a small and convenient form factor. In 2014 the OTR Module made it possible to connect a low speed handpiece directly to the Root ZX II. In 2017 the Tri Auto ZX2 upgraded the integrated endodontic handpiece–apex locator solution. Now the Root ZX3 is joining this legacy.

What the Root ZX3 and HFC Therapy Accomplish

While the core apex locator technology remains the same, the Root ZX3 packs everything into a smaller footprint with a larger display screen featuring 40 indicator bars providing real-time readings of the file location within the canal and an audio signal to provide warnings even when the clinician is not looking at the device.

Those upgrades improve the core function of the device, but the HF Module that attaches to the back of the Root ZX3 brings a new treatment approach to endodontics. HFC therapy can be used to cauterize and coagulate tissue, which can be used to create hemostasis during a pulpectomy. The therapy can also be applied during retreatment to cauterize infected tissue. The module can also be used for gingival procedures including gingivectomies, gingival polypectomies, and gingival retraction.

HF Therapy

The HFC therapy treatment can be performed using HF endo files or specialized electrode tips depending on the procedure, and multiple modes and output settings can be used to customize the treatment. The technology takes advantage of the apex locator to show where the file is in the canal, and the HFC is used to heat the tip of the file to cauterize or ablate tissue.

Matoba says the work he and his team produced with the Root ZX3 is a great accomplishment. He hopes HFC can help provide treatment to situations that were previously challenging to deal with. Still, he believes even more progress can be made in endodontic technologies.

“The most important thing is to prevent endodontic treatment,” he says. “I think it is our job to prevent endodontic treatment by utilizing the comprehensive capabilities of J MORITA MFG CORP. We are probably at the forefront of this kind of prevention, so our ideal vision for the future of the endodontic field is to create preventive machines that will prevent endodontic diseases from occurring.”

Guise GM, Goodell GG, Imamura GM. In vitro comparison of three electronic apex locators. 

. 2010;36(2):279-281. doi:10.1016/j.joen.2009.09.016

Gordon MP, Chandler, NP. Electronic apex locators. 

Gutmann JL. Origins of the electronic apex locator - achieving success with strict adherence to business. 

Built on the same reliable, accurate technology as the original Root ZX apex locator, the new Root ZX3 from J MORITA aims to be equally innovative with the integration of high-frequency conduction therapy.

Living Up to the Name of an Endodontic Technology Icon

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. 

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

Product Bites – March 29, 2024

Product Bites – March 29, 2024 podcast transcript: 

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 for this week, DPR Editor Kellie Nock, and on this week’s podcast we’ve got 6 new products with launches from TAUB Products, CandidPro, DEXIS, Overjet, Nordent, and The Edge Desk.

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

TAUB Products introduces the Energy CTZ3 Cement, a solution designed for optimal chemical bonding across various dental materials. This cement boasts a swift working time of 3.5 minutes and eliminates the need for a bonding agent. It's highly radiopaque, ensuring precise application with a minimum film thickness of 10 microns. Ideal for multiple unit cementation and full-arch restorations, Energy CTZ3 Cement offers unmatched versatility, catering to a range of dental applications, from ceramic crowns to 3D printed restorations.

PermaForm Retainers, fabricated from Zendura A, are set to enhance patient comfort and provider confidence. These thin, nearly invisible retainers feature an anti-reflective coating, ensuring both durability and discretion. They offer precise fit and retention, making them a great option for post-treatment care for patients, regardless of their prior orthodontic treatment.

DEXIS™ introduces IS ScanFlow v.1.0.10, a game-changer in dental implant workflow efficiency. This update integrates seamlessly with DEXIS Imaging Suite software version 10, offering guided workflows and AI-driven enhancements. From streamlined patient imaging management to automated data capture for implant cases, IS ScanFlow v.1.0.10 aims to revolutionize the digital workflow, enhancing productivity and precision for dental professionals.

Overjet introduces Overjet for Kids, an FDA-cleared innovation designed to detect and quantify tooth decay in pediatric patients. With its ability to analyze primary and permanent teeth, this technology empowers clinicians with early intervention capabilities, ensuring optimal oral health for young patients. Charting Assist further enhances diagnostic accuracy, providing a comprehensive view of the oral environment.

Nordent® launches LuxPoint™ ultrasonic inserts, engineered for durability and ergonomic comfort. Crafted with UltraSteel™ technology, these inserts offer extended longevity and precise calculus removal. With models catering to various deposit levels and ergonomic grip design, LuxPoint™ aims to set a new standard in ultrasonic instrumentation, promoting efficiency and clinician comfort.

The Edge Desk introduces The Edge Gemini, a convertible chair tailored for dental professionals. With its transitional design and ergonomic features, including adjustable seat height and built-in lumbar support, The Edge Gemini ensures optimal comfort and support during long procedures. Scheduled for release in Summer 2024, this innovative chair hopes to redefine the dental workspace 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.

Podcasts

A bite-sized look at all the latest dental product launches. This week's episode features products from TAUB Products, CandidPro, DEXIS, Overjet, Nordent, and The Edge Desk.

Lisa Newburger, a master's level social worker supervisor, helps audiences find humor in talking about tough topics. Her "in-your-face" style of presentations and writing will make you smile or just shock you into taking some action. Either way, she is very effective at empowering others to reach their goals and feel better about themselves. Her entertaining workshops are available for national and international audiences. Writing for the dental industry since 2010, she uses an alterego (Diana Directive) to illustrate her points in a sarcastic but effective way. Presentations can be scheduled by contacting Lisa at www.discussdirectives.com/dental.html.

Join Mastermind host Lisa Newburger, LISW-S, Rick Adelstein, DDS, John Flucke, DDS, and Kelly Tanner, PhD, RDH.

Mastermind Episode 33 – Charting the Course for the Future of Dentistry

Videos

Join Mastermind host Lisa Newburger, LISW-S, as she and Rick Adelstein, DDS, John Flucke, DDS, and Kelly Tanner, PhD, RDH, discuss what is on the horizon for the future of dentistry. [43 minutes]

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.  

CDS 2024 Midwinter Meeting – Interview with Debbie Zafiropoulos, who discusses a trio of new infection control products from Armis Biopharma. [3 minutes]

2024 Chicago Dental Society Midwinter Meeting – Interview with Debbie Zafiropoulos, who discusses Armis Biopharma's "Trifecta of Dental Infection Control."

Hi, good afternoon. This is Debbie Zafiropoulos. I am so excited to be here at Chicago Midwinter meeting. I think I've been coming to this meeting for over 20 years, and the thing that impresses me the most is being involved in new product launches.

So, I'm here with Armis Biopharma, a biopharma company in Fort Collins, Colorado, where I've had the opportunity—it's not even an opportunity—I've had the greatest pleasure to use my background in oral health and wellness to bring products to market and the thing that we're most impressed upon is keeping the chain of infection control solid.

So, Armis Biopharma has a trifecta in infection control. It is ArmiClenz® which is a surface disinfectant. It is a hand sanitizer called ArmiCare®. And it's our oral appliance solution [ArmiGard™] that kills a variety of bacteria that harbor on appliances, sleep apnea devices, CPAP machines, your children's pacifiers, your baby bottles, your mouth guards if you're playing sports. What we want to do with Armis Biopharma is to bring to our community, the most non-toxic approach to infection control.

So, we're happy…This is our travel safe defense kit and just as I said earlier, when you're on an airplane, think about who was touching the seatbelt that was sitting there or the table that was in front of you. You have an opportunity to use a spray and within 3 minutes killing any of the bacteria that would cause a cross contamination. We certainly want you to get to your destination happier, healthier, and with the ability to use something that's non-toxic.

Our proprietary formula is peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide stabilized, which means that over a period of time as you're using it on your surfaces, for example, you don't have to worry about corrosion or explosion or breaking down or discoloring any of the materials, whether it's on your countertop or on your upholstered chairs.

Imagine using an oral appliance solution like ArmiGard that will kill bacteria within a 10-minute kill time of the rhinovirus or even COVID—things that we’re concerned about. But think about yeast or fungus or those bacteria that cause odor that your patients [then] don't want to use their aligners or their dentures. You have a spray that you can dispense within your practice to eliminate all that, and it makes you as a professional, the expert in overall health and wellness for your patients. Isn't that what they're coming to you for?

So, definitely take a look at armigardusa.com, and look at our parent company, Armis Biopharma.

Make sure you have an opportunity to stop by and get our travel safe defense kits. We are dispensing these out to our practices. So, you have a complete opportunity for non-toxic infection control in your practice. This is Debbie's Zafiropoulos. Thank you for this opportunity. We look forward to helping you service your practice and continue the best care that you can for your patients.

CDS Midwinter Meeting 2024 Interview with Debbie Zafiropoulos of Armis Biopharma, who discusses a trio of new infection control products. [3 minutes].

CareQuest Innovation Partners and MATTER Launch Third Annual SMILE Health Accelerator Program. Image credit: © Carestream Dental © MATTER


CareQuest Innovation Partners has teamed up with MATTER, a leading health care incubator to announce the opening of applications for the third annual SMILE Health accelerator program. This initiative aims to identify, validate, and propel solutions that enhance equity, accessibility, and integration between oral health and overall health, according to a press release from the companies.

As the link between oral health and overall health becomes clearer, it becomes vital to integrate solutions more, according to VP of Growth & Innovation at CareQuest Innovation Partners Katie D’Amico.

“Integrating dental and medical care is crucial to expand access, advancing health equity, and improving health outcomes, and requires intentional collaboration between key stakeholders to make it a reality,” D’Amico said in the press release. “Through our SMILE Health community, we are proud to bring together leaders shaping the health care industry with mission-aligned innovators to advance new solutions that address long-standing challenges and transform health care.”

This year, the global call for innovators will revolve around 3 tracks co-created by CareQuest Innovation Partners and industry partners: advancing accessible, equitable, and integrated health; reducing disparities through oral health; and connecting chronic care with oral health.

Dr Cary Sun, chief dental officer at Cigna Healthcare, highlighted the significance of integrated health care in managing chronic conditions effectively and equitably. "As part of SMILE Health, we look forward to collaborating with innovators to improve outcomes while managing costs," he said in the press release.

Participation in SMILE Health offers selected startups a $10,000 non-dilutive stipend to support their 12-week journey. The program will culminate in a Demo Day at the HTLH Conference in Las Vegas, where startups will pitch their solutions to industry leaders, potential investors, partners, and clients.

Lee Shapiro, Managing Partner of 7wireVentures, emphasized the program's role in de-risking investment in health care startups and driving meaningful change in the industry. He stated, "Programs like SMILE Health validate solutions in a real-world environment, opening the door to investors eager to drive meaningful change in the health care industry."

Applications for SMILE Health 2024 are open until May 8, 2024. Startups interested in joining the accelerator program can apply through the CareQuest Innovation Partners 

. Selected startups will be matched with industry partners to advance their solutions with resources, data access, subject matter expertise, and feedback.

CareQuest Innovation Partners has teamed up with MATTER to find solutions that consider and connect the link between oral health and overall health. 

CareQuest Innovation Partners and MATTER Launch Third Annual SMILE Health Accelerator Program

Patient engagement software Intiveo has announced its newest feature––Intiveo Connect. Intiveo Connect was created to enhance communication between the dental practice and non-patients such as parents, guardians, extended family, or referring practices, according to a press release from Intiveo.

Intiveo Connect enables direct texting between the dental practice and non-patients, a feature that was introduced based on customer feedback, according to CEO and co-founder of Intiveo, Josh DeVries.

“The feature to text non-patients emerged as one of the leading suggestions from our customers, signaling a strong desire for more expansive communication tools,” DeVries said in the press release. “Intiveo is dedicated to developing new features and tools that meet and enhance our community’s evolving needs.”

Other benefits of Intiveo Connect are easier patient acquisition through the open communication platform; a reduced administrative workload; relevant patient communications that are also said to bolster trust; better post-operative care with the ability to inform guardians more easily; and expanded marketing opportunities.

All of these features and benefits are designed to provide a full communications platform, enhancing Intiveo’s service further, according to DeVries.

“Intiveo has always been committed to inclusive and effective patient care no matter if they are looking to book an appointment, a parent looking to get more details prior to a procedure or even looking to become a new patient,” he said in the press release. “We recognize the vital role non-patients play in the care process, and with the release of Intiveo Connect, we address those complex communication challenges patients and dental practices face, ensuring everyone involved in a patient’s care journey is informed and engaged.”

Intiveo Connect is in the process of releasing for new and existing customers. To learn more, visit the 

Intiveo Connect will enable non-patients like parents or caregivers to directly communicate with the dental practice. 

Intiveo Unveils Intiveo Connect for Enhanced Communication

This platform is tailored for dental businesses with strong growth ambitions, and it is well suited for every dental practice.

The practice management solution encompasses a suite of tools designed to empower dental practices to run their operations with greater efficiency and ease—from marketing to analytics.

The latest iteration of Denticon has arrived, promising a comprehensive suite of cloud-based practice management tools, now bolstered with upgraded patient communication features, advanced analytics, and intuitive patient marketing capabilities.

This enhanced platform seamlessly integrates practice management, patient communications, practice analytics, and practice marketing. Engineered to effortlessly scale with cloud technology, Denticon is designed to redefine productivity, patient outcomes, and staff engagement across dental practices of all sizes. Denticon Practice Analytics furnishes practices with actionable insights to identify production opportunities and make data-driven decisions, thus fostering operational efficiencies and fueling growth.

The latest iteration of Planet DDS’ Denticon has arrived, featuring a comprehensive suite of cloud-based practice management tools and intuitive patient marketing capabilities.

5Ws* Denticon from Planet DDS

This new sectional matrix system from Pac-Dent is designed specifically for class II, providing clinicians with a full kit to meet the needs of these patients. The iMatrix™ Clear Kit features a variety of necessary tools to facilitate optimal use of this new matrix system. The Mylar clear matrices are said to offer the same uniform curing with the added benefit of translucent visibility, according to Pac-Dent. Nickel-Titanium (NiTi) rings have an undercut design that enables stability and structure, providing the clinician with all the tools they need for esthetic restorations.

The iMatrix Clear Kit also contains clear interproximal wedges, that provide that same visibility while also offering a stackable wedge design. A composite polishing kit is also available in the iMatrix Clear Kit for easier composite adjustments, as well as a set of forceps and pin tweezers for better control.

iMatrix’s NiTi Ring is said to allow for better tooth separation, expanding the view of the work area while minimizing curing light disruption, per Pac-Dent. The iMatrix Clear Kit can be purchased through Pac-Dent, either through the Starter kit package or the intro Kit package. To learn more, visit the 

A new sectional matrix system from Pac-Dent uses translucent Mylar to provide better visibility while maintaining the stability needed for even tricky class II restorations. 

New iMatrix™ Clear Sectional Matrix System Designed for Visibility and Stability

3D printing group Desktop Health has announced the launch of its latest service, the ScanUp™ program. This service is a lab services subscription, aimed at enabling dental practices to adopt digital dentistry and enhance care, according to a press release from Desktop Health. Through ScanUp, dental practices will receive an iTero™ Element Flex certified pre-owned scanner and a subscription. With the scanner, clinicians can take better, clearer digital images which can then be sent to ScanUp member dental labs for the support of digital and analog cases.

As dental practices are still in the process of adopting intraoral scanners, services like ScanUp aim to make digital dentistry more accessible by providing the tools to get there, according to vice president and general manager US at Align Technology, Matt Miller.

“The iTero scanner can be an indispensable tool for efficiently transforming practices from analog to digital, helping doctors drive practice efficiencies, deliver exceptional patient outcomes, and provide their patients with outstanding experiences,” Miller said in the press release. “We’re excited about the opportunity for Desktop Health to bring the benefits of the iTero Element Flex scanner to Desktop Lab’s GP dentists across the United States.”

ScanUp will also provide dental practices certified training and education programs regarding both their new scanner and the lab services provided. Labs will use a variety of 3D printing products, including those from Desktop Health’s catalog, such as the Flexcera™ line of materials. Dental practices are encouraged to subscribe regardless of their stage in the digital dentistry journey, as ScanUp aims to meet them there. Eventually, practices can be encouraged to bring in 3D printers or digital design services in-house, per the press release.

“ScanUp solves a real challenge for dentists struggling to adopt digital dentistry with a streamlined, easy-to-access solution,” President of Desktop Health Lou Azzara said in the press release. “We are proud to launch the ScanUp program to support the digital dentistry journey of general practitioner and family dentists for improved practice efficiencies and enhanced patient experiences.”

ScanUp member labs include Dental Arts Laboratory in Peoria, Illinois; May Dental Arts in Fenton, Missouri; and Brewer Dental Labs in Tulsa, Oklahoma. To learn more about ScanUp, visit the 

This subscription service will provide dental practices with an iTero™ Element Flex intraoral scanner, lab services, and the training to begin the digital dentistry journey. 