Lynda Ricketson, president and CEO of Dental Lifeline Network, talks about the nonprofit's efforts to provide dental care to patients who are most in need.

2024 Chicago Dental Society Midwinter Meeting – Interview with Lynda Ricketson, president and CEO of Dental Lifeline Network.

Hi, I'm Lynda Ricketson. I'm the president and CEO of Dental Lifeline Network. Dental Lifeline Network is a national nonprofit. We provide comprehensive dental care to patients who are elderly, disabled, medically fragile and have no other place to turn for help. This year we're celebrating a momentous occasion, our 50th anniversary. And during that time period, we have served over 166,000 people, providing over $520 million in donated dental treatment.

We've done this through a incredible network of volunteer dentists and labs. We have currently around 13,000 volunteer dentists and 3400 volunteer labs and without their support and the support of our donors and foundations and everyone we would not be able to do this very important work.

We are going to be doing a video and we're going to be highlighting the people that have made it possible for us to get to this 50-year occasion. And we will be doing some social media throughout the year highlighting various people who have made this momentous occasion possible.

Well, hopefully we have another 50 years of serving people who are desperately in need of care. We're positioning ourselves we're trying to work very closely with DSOs [dental service organizations] is the new premier dentistry to help us to serve these patients. For people who want to volunteer go to WhyIDental.org [or dentallifeline.org] and you can sign up online, you can donate, or you can leave a message on a Kudoboard.

Videos

At the 2024 CDS Midwinter Meeting, Lynda Ricketson, president and CEO of Dental Lifeline Network, talks about the nonprofit's efforts to provide comprehensive dental care to patients who are elderly, disabled, medically fragile and have no other place to turn for help. [2 minutes] 

2024 Chicago Dental Society Midwinter Meeting – Interview with Lynda Ricketson, president and CEO of Dental Lifeline Network

Andrew De la Rosa, DMD, VP of Clinical Support at Aspen Dental discusses the latest in dental educational opportunities at TAG University in Chicago.

CDS 2024: What's New at TAG University? with Andrew De la Rosa, DMD

Hi, I'm Dr. Andrew De La Rosa, vice president of clinical support here at Aspen Dental. And I'm in midwinter right now. And it's been so much fun to meet all these different doctors, look at all the cool innovative technologies that are being implemented in dentistry.

And I'm really excited to be here to also share with you some of some cool things that are happening back at Aspen nation, primarily TAG University, which is our school that we house within Aspen.

And there's four different schools within TAG U. We have school of clinical development, which is going to help you develop your clinical skills from everything from being able to do digital dentures, to implants, crown and bridge, you name it.

We also have the school of leadership. We know how important developing as a leader is to being successful in practice, right. Being able to manage people, build teams, run huddles, being able to communicate.

We also have our school of business and operations, which is going to help teach you how to run a practice; the nuances and the mechanics of how to make a whole schedule flow, and also how to be proficient in business.

And finally, we have our school of service and support, which is really teaching you communication skills, teaching you how to get patients to fall in love with you, to trust you so they can accept and move forward with care.

I'm also really looking forward to talking to you about our oral care center, which is our own in-person live training facility where we're able to work hands-on with patients with our providers to become more proficient in everything from removable prosthodontics all the way up to hands-on implant training. I'm really excited to share all of this with you and hope that you can come join us and learn more.

Andrew De la Rosa, DMD, Vice President of Clinical Support at Aspen Dental discusses the latest in dental educational opportunities at Aspen Dental's TAG University in Chicago.

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.  

Image Credit: © CareQuest Institute for Oral Health

Access to proper dental care is a problem facing people from various backgrounds and demographics, and that’s why groups like theCareQuest Institute for Oral Health® work hard to forge a more inclusive, fair, and interconnected oral health landscape.

The prominent national nonprofit has initiated 2 grant programs aimed at tackling entrenched obstacles to oral health access. The Requests for Proposals (RFPs) encompass:

School-Based and School-Linked Initiatives to Enhance Oral Health Grant

Veterans Oral Health Access and Equity Grant

These opportunities, now open for proposals, endeavor to address systemic hurdles to oral health access. The submission deadline for proposals is May 1, 2024. Each RFP will select 10 projects, with funding available up to $125,000 per project, the CareQuest Institute states.

“In our pursuit of a more accessible and equitable oral health system, CareQuest Institute invites proposals aimed at breaking down barriers for our nation’s veterans and strengthening our school-based oral health programs,” Trenae Simpson, director of grants and programs at CareQuest Institute, says in a press release. “Through these initiatives, we hope to authentically engage and amplify community voices, encourage innovation, and improve health outcomes for those who have often been unheard and left behind in our health and oral health care system.”

Aligned with its mission to enhance oral health outcomes, CareQuest Institute invites proposals for initiatives concentrated on school-based and school-linked interventions. Schools represent pivotal hubs for enhancing the oral health and overall well-being of students, thereby increasing their prospects for academic success and life achievement. These programs hold the potential to ameliorate health disparities along racial, ethnic, and economic lines.

Responses to the RFPs should underscore the applicant's dedication to engaging community members meaningfully and consistently throughout their proposed projects. This engagement extends beyond clinical treatment to cultivate environments conducive to community empowerment and justice.

Workforce Considerations: Exploring effective roles for school-based personnel (e.g., school nurses) and strategies employed by these individuals to bolster oral health prevention, messaging, and access to care for students.

Community Engagement: Community advocacy to support policies aimed at implementing or expanding school-based or school-linked oral health programs.

Policy Solutions: Local, state, or national policies fostering support for school-based or school-linked oral health initiatives.

Capacity Expansion of Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs): Collaboration between school-based oral health programs and FQHCs to provide referrals for students and their families, facilitating access to dental care.

Utilization of School-Based Technology and Tools: Leveraging teledentistry to enable children to receive diagnostic, preventive, and early intervention dental care within the school setting.

Innovative Payment Models: Piloting novel clinical, workforce, and workflow solutions to inform and/or validate payment models that sustain school-based or school-linked oral health services.

For detailed eligibility criteria, proposal requirements, and evaluation metrics, CareQuest asks applicants refer to the School-Based and School-Linked Initiatives to 

Enhance Oral Health Request for Proposals page

Acknowledging the distinctive oral health challenges confronting many veterans, CareQuest Institute seeks proposals aimed at enhancing access to care for the 17 million veterans in the United States. Veterans disproportionately experience tooth decay and periodontal issues, making this grant initiative crucial in advancing oral health equity within this population, according to the nonprofit.

Examples of proposal themes for this grant include:

Development of a veteran-focused oral health policy agenda by a national organization in collaboration with veteran self-advocates and veteran-focused partners.

Community-focused initiatives, such as hosting listening sessions and advocacy trainings to bolster oral health advocacy capacity and expand access to care.

Piloting of innovative clinical, workforce, and workflow solutions to inform payment models supporting oral health care for veterans.

Community-driven approaches, where project design and decision-making are led by the veteran community.

For comprehensive details regarding eligibility, proposal requirements, and evaluation criteria for this grant, applicants are asked to consult the 

Veterans' Oral Health: Expanding Access and Equity Request for Proposals page

CareQuest Institute's believes that oral health care solutions are most effective when individuals and communities impacted by oral health disparities drive their design, development, and implementation.

These grant opportunities underscore the institute's commitment to fostering collaboration to address oral health disparities and promote health equity across diverse communities. Through philanthropy, analytics, health transformation, policy advocacy, education, and leadership in dental benefits and innovation, the institute collaborates with stakeholders at all levels to expedite oral health care transformation. For additional information on the CareQuest Institute for Oral Health, visit 

Articles

National nonprofit’s Requests for Proposals designed to help students and veterans improve oral health access shortcomings.

Addressing Oral Health Disparities: Grant Proposals Invited by CareQuest Institute

How Far Are We from Regrowing Teeth, and What Are the Other Options? | Image Credit: © Yellow - stock.adobe.com / AI Generated

Dental material companies work to create restorative materials that mimic the behavior, function, and esthetics of natural teeth. Many of them do an excellent job, performing admirably in all areas. However, even the best of the best usually fall short of what healthy, natural teeth provide.

A natural tooth free from decay or trauma is typically the best option for any patient. However, in a US population where the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cites statistics that most adult patients over the age of 20 have had at least 1 cavity, and 1 in 4 adults from age 20 to 64 have at least 1 cavity right now,

But what if we could regrow natural teeth?

It sounds futuristic, like something we might achieve someday, and that is accurate as of right now. However, with major strides in dental research regarding dental stem cells, that future is closer than you think. Here’s what we know about how far away we are from regrowing teeth as of today and what treatment options could be available until then.

For around 2 decades, scientists have successfully isolated dental stem cells. Found in permanent and baby teeth and areas around teeth, dental stem cells have unique capabilities 

 the ability to self-renew, transform into different types of cells, and help the immune system.

In dentistry, there are specialized stem cells related to teeth and bones, which include:

are found in human teeth, specifically the dental pulp. They include hDPSCs (human dental pulp stem cells) and MDPSCs (multipotent dental pulp regenerative stem cells).

Stem Cells from Human Exfoliated Deciduous Teeth (SHED)

 are derived from dental pulp, especially from naturally fallen or extracted baby teeth.

Leptin-Receptor-Expressing Stem Cells (LepR+)

 that develop after birth and contribute to bone stability.

Researchers believe these cells have applications in various dental treatments. Many studies and tests using dental stem cells have treated dental issues like inflammation, pulpitis, periapical lesions, gum disease, and conditions like cleft lip and palate or acute ischemic stroke. Most of these treatments had good results, and no harmful effects were reported, concluding that dental stem cells are safe for various conditions.

to read the 2022 review of clinical articles and trials regarding dental stem cells.

How Dental Stem Cells Could Help Treat Patients

Stem cells have several potential uses in dentistry. For patients who have lost teeth due to accidents or untreated dental decay, stem cells could offer promising solutions for regenerating tooth tissues, bones, and dental pulp.

Dental stem cell implants work like this: Stem cells from a healthy tooth are put into a missing or damaged tooth to grow or rebuild it. However, it is important to mention that while this process has been tested in rabbits and humans, it was only to check if it's safe, not to grow a whole new human tooth.

That said, researchers have been making progress in stem cell research for dentistry for some time now. In 2010, researchers at Columbia University grew a whole tooth in 9 weeks in an animal model by building a 3D scaffold and developing the stem cells around it. A few years later, Harvard researchers used their high-powered laser to activate stem cells and stimulate teeth to regenerate faster in mouse models in 2014.

Stem cell treatments have issues, though. For example, host compatibility is critical. If the donor doesn’t match the host, the host’s immune system will attack the invading cells. Plus, we must remember this stem cell approach hasn’t worked on humans (yet); the dentin grown with animal models is similar to natural human teeth but not an exact match.

So, even though researchers have grown a tooth in animals, the regeneration of human teeth is not yet possible. That is the disappointing news.

On the positive side, there have been some recent breakthroughs. There have been major strides in science toward regrowing teeth in dental pulp research and dental bone regeneration.

Regarding dental pulp research, researchers in 2018 identified MDPSCs with specific markers needed for regenerating dental pulp.The researchers now better understand how these work in the MDPSCs, which can be useful in developing treatments for pulpitis and pulp necrosis.

Researchers in 2020 also discovered that implanting hDPSCs into injured teeth could regenerate dental pulp tissue, including blood vessels and sensory nerves. Additionally, the maturation of the roots continued.

Significant findings have been made in dental bone regeneration, too. For example, researchers in 2020 discovered that LepR+ stem cells are crucial to regenerating alveolar bone in upper tooth sockets after tooth extraction.

 In 2020, researchers developed an adhesive hydrogel with stem cells and microparticles to aid oral cavity bone development. With its potential for tissue engineering to activate oral cavity bone regeneration, clinicians might find a way to overcome the challenges of employing hydrogels and the risk of exposure to saliva and blood.

The following year, researchers at Kyoto University discovered that using antibodies can help with tooth growth and be modified to grow teeth in adults. By focusing on inhibiting gene USAG-1, they could stimulate mice biology to grow new teeth. Additionally, the research team discovered they could hinder the same gene in pregnant mice to facilitate normal tooth growth when the condition that prevents it, congenital tooth agenesis, is present.

Later, the team did it again in ferrets. They chose ferrets because they have dental patterns similar to those of humans.

to read the full paper regarding the discoveries about USAG-1 and stealth small interfering RNA (siRNA) interactions.

Building upon those results with USAG-1, the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development is working to deliver a drug that could help patients with congenital edentulism regrow teeth. The development is the work of the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development and several medical institutions and research labs throughout the country.

Once the drug is ready for human testing, clinical trials will begin in July 2024. Once the drug's safety is established, the trial will focus on children aged 2 to 6 who exhibit symptoms of anodontia. The participants will receive one drug dose to see if it initiates tooth growth.

The team's full future vision is a tooth-regrowth medicine that becomes a treatment modality for edentulism that clinicians can offer patients along with dentures and implants. They hope the drug will be ready for clinical use by 2030.

Toregem Biopharma is heading up the clinical trials. The lead researcher on the project is Dr. Katsu Takahashi, head of the dentistry and oral surgery department at the Medical Research Institute Kitano Hospital, who has been working on regrowing teeth since he was a graduate student. Takahashi feels confident he can get the job done, too.

So, science has not yet discovered how to regrow natural teeth…yet. However, the collective work in the past couple of decades and the plans for this one portend a future where growing natural teeth is a clinical reality and a treatment modality that dentists can offer their edentulous patients. Moreover, dental cell research could deliver excellent treatment options for patients with decayed or failing teeth. Until then, dentistry can lean on the chemistry of materials science and implant dentistry and dentures to restore patients’ missing or decayed teeth.

1. Cavities (2021) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/fast-facts/cavities/index.html#:~:text=Among%20adults%20aged%2020%20and,had%20at%20least%20one%20cavity.&text=1%20in%204%20adults%20aged,has%20at%20least%20one%20cavity. (Accessed: 6 March 2024).

2. Song WP, Jin LY, Zhu MD, Wang H, Xia DS. Clinical trials using dental stem cells: 2022 update. 

. 2023;15(3):31-51. doi:10.4252/wjsc.v15.i3.31

3. Can Dentists Use Stem Cells to Grow Teeth? Exploring the Future Possibilities. (2023) Available at: https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/dental-visits/can-dentists-use-stem-cells-to-grow-teeth-exploring-the-future-possibilities (Accessed: 27 February 2024).

. Available at: https://www.iflscience.com/can-scientists-regrow-teeth-yet-68941 (Accessed: 27 February 2024).

, Regeneration of pulpo-dentinal–like complex by a group of unique multipotent CD24a+ stem cells.

,Deciduous autologous tooth stem cells regenerate dental pulp after implantation into injured teeth.

7. Zhang D, Zhang S, Wang J, et al. LepR-Expressing Stem Cells Are Essential for Alveolar Bone Regeneration. Journal of Dental Research. 2020;99(11):1279-1286. doi:10.1177/0022034520932834

,An engineered cell-laden adhesive hydrogel promotes craniofacial bone tissue regeneration in rats.

,eaay6853(2020).DOI:10.1126/scitranslmed.aay6853

,Anti–USAG-1 therapy for tooth regeneration through enhanced BMP signaling.

,eabf1798(2021).DOI:10.1126/sciadv.abf1798

10. Butterfield, M. (2023) World’s 1st drug to regrow teeth enters clinical trials - National, Global News. Global News. Available at: https://globalnews.ca/news/9984605/tooth-regrowth-drug/ (Accessed: 8 March 2024).

Scientists close to developing a drug that makes teeth regrow

. Available at: https://www.euronews.com/health/2023/08/05/a-drug-that-makes-teeth-regrow-scientists-move-closer-to-clinical-trials (Accessed: 27 February 2024).

12. Humans Have a Third Set of Teeth. New Medicine May Help Them Grow. (2023). Available at: https://www.popularmechanics.com/science/health/a44786433/humans-have-third-set-teeth/ (Accessed: 8 March 2024).

Regrowing teeth would present an excellent restorative option. We look at how close we are to making regrown teeth possible and what the next best option is until then. 

How Far Are We from Regrowing Teeth, and What Are the Other Options?

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. 

DTA Foundation and Benco Family Foundation Launch Dental Hygiene Scholarship. Image credit: © Dental Trade Alliance Foundation

In a new initiative to address the shortage of dental hygienists in the United States, the Dental Trade Alliance (DTA) Foundation, in collaboration with the Benco Family Foundation, has opened applications for their dental hygiene scholarship program. Made possible by the Lawrence and Sally Cohen Endowed Scholarship Fund for Dental Hygiene, this program aims to provide financial support to aspiring dental hygienists from underrepresented communities, according to a press release from the DTA.

The $1 million legacy gift from the Benco Family Foundation has paved the way for a new endowment, ensuring sustained support for future dental hygienists. Recognizing the critical role dental hygienists play in bridging the gap in oral health care access, especially for marginalized populations, this scholarship program seeks to empower individuals who historically lacked opportunities in the field.

Sarah Miller, Executive Director of the DTA Foundation, expressed enthusiasm for the initiative in the press release, stating, "This new dental hygiene scholarship in honor of Larry & Sally Cohen will impact so many aspiring dental hygienists and oral health for years to come. Dental hygienists play a critical role in increasing access to oral health care, especially for marginalized and underserved communities. We are proud to be a part of this exciting new initiative with the Benco Family Foundation."

The application period for the scholarship, available on the DTA Foundation website, runs from March 11 to April 30, 2024. Prospective candidates will be required to answer short essay questions and submit a 2-minute video detailing their background and future aspirations in dental hygiene, per the press release.

Julie Radzyminski, Interim Executive Director of Benco Family Foundation, expressed excitement about the partnership in the press release, emphasizing the pivotal role dental hygienists play in preventive dental care. "We are excited once again to partner with the DTA Foundation to provide scholarship for dental hygienists. Dental hygienists are the first line of prevention for a dental office and are a crucial piece of complete oral health wellness.”

In addition to financial support, the scholarship includes a contribution from Young Innovations, which will provide a collection of preventive items, a set of scrubs, and $500 for school supplies to the selected student, according to the press release. This additional assistance aims to alleviate the financial burden often placed on aspiring dental hygienists.

"Expanding the dental hygiene profession and ensuring access to care have become industry-wide missions, and Young is honored to serve and support this initiative in partnership with the Dental Trade Alliance Foundation," stated Jamie Falasz, Strategic Business Development Manager for Young Innovations.

Those interested in applying for this scholarship can do so by getting in touch with Miller at sarahmiller@dentaltradealliance.org or call 703-379-7755.

The DTA Foundation, in partnership with the Benco Family Foundation, has introduced a dental hygiene scholarship program aiming to make hygiene education more accessible. 

DTA Foundation and Benco Family Foundation Launch Dental Hygiene Scholarship 

A new electronic prescription platform from Carestream Dental. 

Rx Manager for Sensei from Carestream Dental

GUM Multi-Clean Toothbrush from Sunstar

Reva Touchless Wipe Dispenser from MedTekk

New Dental Products – March 11 - March 15, 2024

All the latest dental product launches from March 11 through March 15, 2024. 

The Reva touchless wipe dispenser from MedTekk is a sustainable healthcare solution well suited for dental practices and other healthcare facilities. The sleek dispenser offers environmentally friendly, non-plastic wipes that are aligned with the company's commitment to eco-conscious practices.

It designed with efficiency and safety in mind, and Reva features a 1-hand operation mechanism to significantly reduce the risk of cross-contamination, which makes it an ideal choice for healthcare settings.

According to the company, it boasts the lowest cost per towel in the market, without compromising on quality. Each wipe is said to be perfectly saturated, ensuring optimal usage and effectiveness for every single use. Moreover, the Reva dispenser offers multiple hospital-grade, EPA-registered disinfectant options, catering to diverse healthcare needs while maintaining optimal standards of cleanliness.

Reva includes non-toxic disinfectant options to ensure the safety for both users and the environment. Its design is not only functional but also space-efficient, conveniently fitting off the counter space, making it a practical addition to dental practices.

Described as cost-effective, Reva offers convenient, single-hand wet wipe or dry towel capabilities in modern design. Additional features include auto-cut towel length, removable, refillable 2-quart fluid reservoir, durable high-gloss finish, optional battery or plug-in power sources, and a locking mechanism to prevent tampering. The dispenser has 700 wipes per roll, 550 wipes per 2-quart reservoir, and is designed to provide up to 10,000 uses with 6-C cell batteries (batteries not included).

The touchless wipe dispenser’s dimensions are 12.5" wide x 18" high x 8" deep.

Described as eco-conscious, this touchless wipe dispenser is designed to be efficient, safe, and economical.

MedTekk’s Reva Touchless Wipe Dispenser Features Sustainable, Non-Plastic Wipes

Marvellous Akinlotan, PhD, clinical assistant professor at Texas A&M University, and Jason Semprini, PhD, postdoctoral scholar in the College of Public Health at the University of Iowa, have been selected as the 2024 recipients of the AADOCR DDI Oral Health Equity Research Award.

Debuted in 2023, the American Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research (AADOCR) and the Delta Dental Institute (DDI) award supports research in the areas of advancing recommendations for greater oral health equity in populations that lack access to dental care, and efforts to improve oral health literacy for underserved populations.

The honorees this year, Drs Akinlotan and Semprini, each will pursue research dealing with Medicaid dental benefits and the importance of access to dental health care for different populations.

This year, the Oral Health Equity Research Award will support 2 research awards of $25,000 each. Below is a summary of each research project:

Dr Akinlotan will conduct research on the expansion of Medicaid dental benefits and its impact on emergency dental visits in both rural and urban areas and develop an understanding of the role that social determinants of health play in accessing care.

Dr Semprini will pursue research that evaluates the effect of Medicaid dental service access on oral cancer treatment and outcomes. This research aims to provide evidence on the importance of dental health services in cancer care.

The award winners were recognized during the opening ceremonies of the 102nd General Session of the Internal Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research, the 53rd annual meeting of the AADOCR, and the 48th annual meeting of the Canadian Association for Dental Research (CADR), which took place on March 13. The International Association for Dental Research was held in conjunction with the annual meetings of the AADOCR and the CADR from March 13-16 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans.

Established in 2023 with generous support from the Delta Dental Institute, the Oral Health Equity Research Award supports research that focuses on advancing recommendations for greater oral health equity in populations that lackaccess to dental care, and studies designed to improve oral health literacy for underserved populations.

to learn more about the AADOCR DDI Oral Health Equity Research Award.

Last year’s honorees were Astha Singhal, PhD, Boston University assistant professor of health policy & health services research and the team of Cameron Randall, PhD, University of Washington assistant professor, oral health sciences, and Tamanna Tiwari, BDS, MDS, MPH, University of Colorado assistant professor of community dentistry & population health, as the inaugural recipients of the AADOCR Delta Dental Institute Oral Health Equity Research Award.

The AADOCR is a non-profit organization whose mission is to drive dental, oral, and craniofacial research to advance health and well-being. The organization represents the individual scientists, clinician-scientists, dental professionals, and students based in academic, government, non-profit, and private-sector institutions who share this mission.

The Delta Dental Institute is dedicated to advancing oral health for all Americans in partnership with Delta Dental companies and dedicated partners.

Researchers Drs Akinlotan and Semprini announced as the 2024 award winners; each will pursue research dealing with Medicaid dental benefits and access to dental care.

Latest Recipients of the AADOCR Delta Dental Institute Oral Health Equity Research Award Named

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

Product Bites – March 15, 2024

Product Bites – March 15, 2024 episode 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 3 new products with launches from Sunstar, Harvest Dental, and Kulzer North America.

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

First up, let's talk about the new GUM® Sonic Power Toothbrush. Designed specifically for an effective and gentle cleaning experience, this toothbrush goes beyond the surface to clean below the gum line and between teeth. With its sleek and portable design, it's perfect for dental professionals on the go. Featuring deep clean bi-level tapered bristles, this toothbrush reaches an impressive 19 times deeper below the gum line compared to leading battery toothbrushes. Plus, with 12,000 sonic vibrations, it's 50% more effective in removing plaque and reaching between teeth. And the best part? It's battery-powered and cord-free, making it hassle-free for everyday use. With its convenient features like color rings for personalization and a stay clean cap to protect bristles, the GUM® Sonic Power Toothbrush is a must-have for any dental professional's toolkit.

Next, let's shed some light on the LightBar from Harvest Dental. Developed in collaboration with Broadwing, this lamp is designed to meet the specific needs of dental lab technicians. With customizable illumination settings and a flexible gooseneck design, the LightBar aims to enhance both the quality of dental lab work and the comfort of technicians. Featuring SAMSUNG LED technology built to last for 40,000 hours, this lamp offers 9 lighting variations to suit any lab task, from everyday work to accurate shade matching. Say goodbye to eye fatigue and hello to improved ergonomics with the LightBar from Harvest Dental.

And finally, let's talk about Venus Pearl Pure Shades from Kulzer. With dental restorations, time is of the essence, and Kulzer understands that. That's why they've developed Venus Pearl Pure Shades, a 4-shade dental restorative line that simplifies the restorative process for clinicians. By covering 90% of everyday direct restoration needs with just 4 shades - LIGHT, MEDIUM, DARK, and BLEACH - Venus Pearl Pure Shades streamline shade selection and application. With their seamless adaptation and integration with natural tooth shade, these shades eliminate the need for an opaquer in most cases, reducing stress and potential errors for clinicians. Plus, with the unique TCD matrix, Venus Pearl Pure Shades ensure optimal physical properties and durability while minimizing the risk of chipping or fracturing. 

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 launches from Sunstar, Harvest Dental, and Kulzer North America. 

Mobile dental unit manufacturer ASI Dental Specialties wants clinicians to know that they have plenty of in-stock self-contained dental units ready for a quick turn-around to dental offices nationwide.

The Englewood, Colorado company announced the availability of ASI’s mobile dental units—all made in the USA—and says they’re ready to ship. Providing in-stock models enables clinicians to quickly set up their operatory and work on patients without delay, the company says.

Designed for convenience and ease of use, the company’s mobile dental units provide seamless solutions for urgent treatment room requirements or rapid dental operatory set up. Users simply plug the mobile dental unit into a standard electrical outlet and it is ready to go. These self-contained dental units provide many advantages including the ability to reduce build-out costs, minimize construction interruptions, and scale as a dental practice grows.

ASI’s vast product line includes the Triton Traveler Mobile Dentistry System, a mobile platform featuring an internal vacuum pump and separate air compressor, 2 air handpiece connections, an air-water syringe, titanium saliva injector, HVE, and a water bottle. For more on this unit, 

With more than 3 decades of in-depth engineering using high-quality materials and continuous commitment to innovation, ASI’s products are built to meet the evolving needs of dentists and their patient’s comfort. Implant procedure carts and delivery systems with modular panel designs also are available.

For more information about ASI Dental Specialties in-stock dental units, visit: 

The company’s in-stock models allow clinicians to set up operatories quickly so they can treat patients without delay.