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. 

Study Against Fluoride in Tap Water Refuted by New Analysis. Image credit: © American Fluoridation Society

Journal of Community Dentistry & Oral Epidemiology 

has found that a 2019 study that purported fluoridated tap water negatively impacted children’s IQ scores is incorrect. This 2019 study, originally published in the 

Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Pediatrics, 

is considered “unacceptable for legal and policy purposes,” according to a press release from the American Fluoridation Society.

The Canadian study examined data from the Maternal-Infant Research on Environmental Chemicals (MIREC) database, comparing IQ scores in fluoridated and non-fluoridated cities across Canada. Per the new analysis, these data are unreliable based on the methodology of the research. The original study took estimated fluoride levels of pregnant women by using spot urine sample during their pregnancies, and spot samples cannot be admissible in measuring fluoride exposure. Moreover, IQ scores across the aforementioned Canadian cities were similar or identical in most cases, per the analysis.

Additionally, the IQ tests that were administered were different in each city.

The analysis concludes, “Because the MIREC database offers neither valid data on maternal or fetal fluoride exposure, nor reliable measures of the IQ of the resulting children, the database cannot be used to make claims that fluoride exposure affects IQ.”

“This analysis is huge. It means that 7 Canadian studies that stand on the MIREC database have come tumbling down like a house of cards,” President of the American Fluoridation Society said in the press release. “It’s important that we hold all research to high standards.”

As tooth decay remains the most chronic disease for both children and adults, the authors of the analysis as well as the American Fluoridation Society call on 

to retract the initial study. In 2023, a systematic review found that 29 out of 30 fluoride-IQ studies were at a moderate to high risk of bias, per the press release, while the singular low risk study found that there was no link between fluoride and IQ scores.

To read more about fluoridation or the analysis, please visit the American Fluoridation Society’s 

Articles

A new analysis has found that data used in a study linking IQ and fluoride were not valid, reinforcing the safety of fluoridation in tap water. 

Study Against Fluoride in Tap Water Refuted by New Analysis

Augmented reality (AR) smart glasses equipped with a patent-pending camera system for accurate depth perception.

Any time in dental treatment when magnification is needed.

The augmented reality glasses aim to enhance clinical procedures by offering features such as live 3D stereoscopic imaging, variable digital magnification, and AR applications for tasks like note-taking and object recognition. The design consideration, informed by input from surgeons and dentists, emphasizes both utility and ergonomics to improve the overall experience for users.

NuLoupes utilize AR and stereopsis imaging technology. The glasses incorporate a patent-pending camera system that enables accurate depth perception and live 3D stereoscopic imaging with minimal latency. The software accompanying the loupes is designed to be a comprehensive collection of programs catering to the specific needs of clinicians. The pivoting camera system is a key feature aimed at reducing neck strain, contributing to the overall ergonomic design of the product.

These augmented reality smart glasses allow clinicians to enhance treatment through the patent-pending camera system. 

5Ws* NuLoupes

5Ws* Ori Intraoral Scanner. Image credit: © Ori Dental

Anytime accurate intraoral images are needed.

With a lightweight and comfortable body, the Ori intraoral scanner ensures that clinicians can receive accurate intraoral images in the dental practice. It has a variety of features that are said to guarantee higher accuracy, such as its ability to differentiate between soft tissue and hard tissue, making treatment planning more efficient. The Ori intraoral scanner is also said to be relatively inexpensive so as to provide an affordable intraoral scanning option for any dental practice.

This intraoral scanner is crafted with aerospace-grade aluminum, which enables both strength and longevity. It also takes advantage of open software, meaning the scanner itself can integrate with any dental practice to send scans to their preferred dental lab. These features, combined with its relatively short scan time of 5 minutes, are said to make the Ori intraoral scanner a huge boon to any dental practice.

This intraoral scanner touts affordability and accuracy, providing dental practices with a scanning solution that can boost workflows. 

5Ws* Ori Intraoral Scanner

Monaghan Unveils Axis High Precision Micro Tools for Digital Dentistry. Image credit: © Monaghan


Monaghan Tooling Group has launched its latest innovation, the Axis High Precision Micro Tools, designed specifically for digital dentistry. The Axis micro tools are created using geometries and NextGen coatings, which aim to set a new standard for precision machining, according to a press release from Monaghan. These tools are crafted to tackle a broad spectrum of dental machining challenges, and one of the standout features of the Axis micro tools is their superfinishing. Superfinishing reportedly not only maintains cutting geometry but also minimizes flute friction, leading to enhanced chip evacuation and reduced heat generation during machining of materials like PMMA, PEEK, and wax.

The controlled and repeatable edge honing is said to enable consistent and reproducible outcomes, providing dental professionals with the confidence of reliable performance with every use. The superfinishing process also facilitates superior adhesion of Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD), resulting in a low coefficient of friction when machining hard-to-work materials such as chrome cobalt and titanium, per the press release. The Axis micro tools are available in shank sizes of 3.00, 4.00, and 6.00mm, offering diameters ranging from 0.30 to 3.00 mm.

Dental professionals and laboratories can access these cutting-edge tools through Monaghan Tooling Group, benefitting from industry-leading lead times. For further details, interested parties are encouraged to visit 

These new micro tools are specifically crafted with digital dentistry in mind, with unique geometries and NextGen coatings. 

Monaghan Unveils Axis High Precision Micro Tools for Digital Dentistry

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.  

Mango Contact Sync, a new feature unveiled today by Mango Voice, integrates client data across practice management software (PMS) and Mango's Platform to streamline patient communications. This latest offering from the cloud-based communication tools provider is designed to make managing client information easier and more secure.

Mango Contact Sync is targeted at dental, medical, veterinary, and chiropractic professionals. The compatible platform works with leading PMS systems including Dentrix, Eaglesoft, OpenDental, and others to make integration smooth and straightforward. Key features include Automatic Synchronization that keeps client contact details up to date across all devices; Caller Identification to show who is calling or texting, speeding up response times

Search and Contact designed to quickly find and contact clients using Mango's platform; and Security that uses encryption to protect client data both in transit and at rest.

The solution can improve customer service by eliminating delays in recognizing incoming communications. This can enhance the quality of your customer interactions and service delivery, the company says.

Mango Contact Sync is available as an add-on feature with plans to include it in the company’s Mango+package.

With headquarters in St. George, Utah, Mango Voice focuses on simplicity and efficiency, while also delivering security to enable health care providers to concentrate on patient care.

Latest offering from Mango Voice makes managing client information simple and more secure.

New Mango Contact Sync Designed to Streamline Patient Communications

CandidPro Unveils PermaForm Retainers. Image credit: © CandidPro

At the 2024 Chicago Dental Society Midwinter Meeting, CandidPro unveiled its latest innovation––PermaForm Retainers. This new generation of clear retainers aims to elevate both provider confidence and patient comfort, according to a press release from CandidPro.

One of the standout features of PermaForm is its use of Zendura A, an industry-leading material known for its durability, crack resistance, and force retention properties. By selecting Zendura A, CandidPro aims to ensure that their retainers not only securely hold patients' dentition in place but also withstand the rigors of regular wear, providing long-lasting effectiveness.

Unlike conventional retainers that may sacrifice comfort for strength with thicker designs, PermaForm boasts a sleek and minimalist profile. This refined thickness reportedly offers optimal durability and force retention while ensuring a comfortable fit that feels natural to the patient. PermaForm retainers are made from material that makes them extremely discreet and nearly transparent when in use.

Dr Brian Gray, Chief Dental Officer at CandidPro, emphasized the importance of patient comfort in retention systems, stating, “As clinicians, we know that comfort is key to ensuring patients wear their retainers. That's exactly what we had in mind when designing our PermaForm retention system.”

Manufactured using a thermoforming process similar to CandidPro's aligners, PermaForm retainers provide a snug fit tailored to the unique dentition of each patient, instilling confidence in providers and ensuring optimal clinical outcomes.

As the launch date approaches, CandidPro will continue to provide updates and information regarding PermaForm retainers. For inquiries or further details, visit the 

These retainers from CandidPro aim for durability and comfort without sacrificing on esthetics. 

CandidPro Unveils PermaForm Retainers

Saliva diagnostic biotech leader Spectrum Solutions’® newest product is the SimplyPERIO™ saliva diagnostic testing innovation, an economical solution that uses a proprietary molecular technology to test for and measure periodontal bacteria, caries, fungal and viral targets.

As advances in science continue to focus on the mouth-body connection and its direct link to systemic disease, the new SimplyPERIO Saliva Test Powered by SimplyTest® looks to fill a testing void by delivering more intelligent health measures with real clinical relevance using 16 oral targets from a single patient sample.

A patented blue buffer solution located inside the collection device’s cap stabilizes saliva samples at room temperature eliminating any special post-collection storage or shipping requirements. The diagnostic testing solution is designed to be quick and easy for dental practices to perform and to get processed.

Periodontal disease—often undiagnosed and untreated—has some of the highest negative impacts on many bodily systems and functions.In addition, it decreases a person’s ability to ﬁght infection and inﬂammation.

Understanding treatment success is often inﬂuenced by host immunity and host response, this unique, highly sensitive and highly speciﬁc saliva test offers clinicians an opportunity to elevate patient care with the most complete oral health picture, states SpectrumSolutions.

“We are using science to make saliva diagnostics simple for both patients and providers. SimplyPERIO testing is not only pain-free it takes less than 30 seconds for a patient to collect their own sample,” David Vigerust,  PhD, chief science ofﬁcer at Spectrum Solutions, says in a press release. “In addition, our CAP accredited laboratory delivers providers the independent, third party results necessary for intelligent, data-supported patient conversations about stopping and even reversing their disease and systemic risks.”

Gingivitis, periodontitis and peri-implantitis are all forms of gum disease, and research indicates that in the U.S., about 80% of individuals over 35 have a form of gum disease. Spectrum Solutions says these numbers demonstrate that for the vast majority, there maybe dangerous and damaging periodontal disease pathogens hiding that can't be identiﬁed with a perio-probe or visual exam during a patient’s regular semi-annual cleanings.

Gone undetected and untreated, these harmful oral bacteria and toxins are allowed to sit and accumulate inside the mouth and can lead to a variety of health issues. From inside the mouth these microorganisms move freely to and through the bloodstream with far reaching and catastrophic effects on the heart, arteries, central nervous system and more, the manufacturer warns.

The SimplyPERIO patented blue buffer solution located inside the collection device’s cap stabilizes saliva samples to ensure accurate samples are delivered to the lab. Users can easily deposit 1 sample at a time, which supports at-home patient testing for follow-up and treatment monitoring, or practices can gather an entire day’s worth of in-ofﬁce collections into the USPS postage-paid return box for mailing samples back to the lab for processing. Results are available in a secure HIPAA compliant portal 48 hours after arriving at the lab.

The pain-free testing takes less than 30 seconds and is designed to deliver clinically relevant support using independent, third-party results for intelligent patient conversations on stopping and even reversing disease risks.

SimplyTest and Spectrum Solutions are registered trademarks of SpectrumSolution, LLC, headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah. The company’s single-source, end-to-end capabilities include a CAP accredited molecular diagnostic laboratory, onsite compounding pharmacy, product development, manufacturing and fulﬁllment.

To watch a video on SimplyPERIO filmed by 

 at the 2024 Chicago Dental Society Midwinter Meeting, 

SimplyPERIO Saliva Test Powered by SimplyTest is a quick, easy, economical test that measures periodontal bacteria, caries, fungal and viral targets.

Spectrum Solutions Launches New Saliva Diagnostic Testing Solution

2024 CDS Midwinter Meeting – Interview with Spectrum Solutions'® Peter Maroon on the new salivary diagnostic test, SimplyPERIO. 

2024 Chicago Dental Society Midwinter Meeting – Interview with Peter Maroon, business development and sales lead at Spectrum Solutions® 

Hey, my name is Peter Maroon. I'm here at the Chicago Midwinter 2024 and I want to take this time to introduce you to our new product, the salivary diagnostic product called SimplyPERIOä by Spectrum Solutions.

The reason that this test is so important is because we're testing for not only perio targets, but also caries targets, yeast targets [and] the perio targets will focus on the 5 keystone pathogens along with 4 other targets that are very crucial and essential in identifying not only periodontal disease and gingivitis, but also systemic diseases as well that are associated with that.

And then for caries, we're showing you the full caries risk, where we're testing for a Streptococcus mutans, which are the bad caries, which are the bad bugs that cause dental caries. And then we're also testing for the good bugs that you should have an abundance of that fight off the bad bugs. So, we're giving you a full range of caries risk. And then we're also testing for yeast or fungal targets with Candida albicans, which show the actual patient's oral environment for whether it's conducive to producing more pathogenic bacteria or more good bacteria. And then finally, we are the only salivary diagnostic test that tests for viral targets and the viral targets are essentially important to identify not only host response or immunity, but also, they are tied into cognitive health and brain health. So, we’re the most complete test, salivary diagnostic test, and not only that, but we make it really, really simple to do. So, here's the kit. It comes with the over sleeve, and it comes in a prepaid, pre-applied shipping label box. So, when you're done, you just put it right back in the same box and put it on the counter and just let it go into the regular USPS mail and let your postman pick it up right from your office. So, you can put it right on your front desk, have them shipped out individually that day or bulk ship them back to us. But it's all pre-paid for in the cost.

It's a very, very simple test that will take you about 30 seconds to do it in the operatory and it comes with a funnel, saline solution, you swish around with the saline solution for 15 seconds, accumulate the saliva in your mouth, put it into the tube one shot and then you just simply put this cap on that has a buffer of preservative in there and it preserves that sample at that time. So, it doesn't matter if it's exposed to extreme heat, extreme cold or a long time before it gets to the lab because we're going to get that accurate sample specimen back to our lab and we're going to be able to report upon that so we make it really, really simple and we're the most complete tests out there.

So glad…I am very happy that I had this opportunity to share this new product with you. And hope to see you soon. And we'll have more information on the website and after this video. Thank you so much.

Videos

2024 Chicago Dental Society Midwinter Meeting Interview with Peter Maroon of Spectrum Solutions® on the new salivary diagnostic test, SimplyPERIO™ Saliva Test Powered by SimplyTest® [3 minutes].

2024 Chicago Dental Society Midwinter Meeting – Interview with Peter Maroon, business development and sales lead at Spectrum Solutions®

Young Specialties has announced the launch of its latest product, Young PerioDT™. Young PerioDT is a debridement material that can come in either a liquid or gel form, which uses a specific Dessication Technology (DT). DT removes water from microbial material, necrotic materials, and macromolecules around the tooth and prosthetic surfaces in the mouth, per a press release from Young Specialties. DT is said to occur in less than a minute of contact.

It is said to be safe on both dentin and a variety of metals, making it a suitable option for any patient. A singular syringe will dispense either the red-colored liquid or gel for a full arch. PerioDT is indicated for caries restorations, periodontitis and gingivitis procedures, and root canal cleansing, according to Young Specialties. It can also be used for a variety of debridement procedures such as prophy in heavy plaque or biofilm cases, abscessed tissue cleaning, and the cleaning of prosthetics and orthodontic fixtures.

PerioDT is formulated with aromatic phenolics, sulfuric acid, and water, carefully blended to ensure optimal efficacy and safety. Its gel form is suitable for cases in which a thicker viscosity is desired, such as sites where the thinner liquid form may flow from the site of treatment. Per Young Specialties, the liquid is primarily used for the peri-implantitis and endodontic procedures while the gel is primarily used for caries and crown prep.

To learn more about PerioDT, visit the company’s 

This debridement liquid/gel material from Young Specialties harnesses unique Dessication Technology for a use in a variety of clinical situations. 