Viking Dentistry: Astonishing Research Reveals More Awareness About Oral Health Than We Imagined | Image Credit: © Nadine - stock.adobe.com / AI Generated  

You probably knew Vikings were excellent at conquering other peoples of their time. But you probably did not know much about how these bold and mighty warriors handled their oral care. Dental care is not usually a featured topic in recounting Viking culture.

However, a recent discovery at an archaeological site in Sweden clarifies that dental care was indeed part of Vikings’ lives. Perhaps more surprisingly, preventive care was, too.

Researchers discovered the Viking teeth at the famous Varnhem archaeological dig in Sweden. The soil type helped preserve the remains, including the deceased Vikings’ bones and teeth. The team uncovered that Vikings knew much about teeth, including how to relieve pain from infection and even some preventive measures. One researcher commented that they were not sure whether the Vikings discovered these things about teeth themselves or learned from an outside influence.

explains that the research team analyzed human teeth from the late Swedish Viking Age, around the 10th to 12th centuries, to learn about their dental health. Complete and incomplete teeth from 171 individuals were found, totaling 3293 teeth.

To understand the dental health of the Viking population, researchers employed standard dentistry tools used in routine checkups under bright light and x-rays.

However, the teeth they examined were not routine at all.

The Viking teeth recovered at the site had no shortage of cavities. Almost half of the people whose teeth were examined (49%) had at least 1 cavity. Surprisingly, individuals with primary teeth only or a mix of primary and permanent teeth were cavity free. By contrast, 13% of the adult teeth had cavities, with the root surface and first lower molar particularly vulnerable to decay. Moreover, about 4% of the Viking teeth from the site showed signs of infection at the tooth tip.

Researchers also discovered oral health was an issue for the Vikings as they aged. By the time Vikings in Varnhem reached 40, losing teeth had become a more significant issue than tooth decay. Many adults among the Viking population in Varnhem lost an average of 6% of their teeth, excluding wisdom teeth. This risk increased with age.

Researchers at the Varnhem site also discovered that one individual’s teeth were intentionally filed. However, this discovery of deliberate modification of Viking dentition was not the first.

In a 2005 study by the Department of Archaeological Excavations, National Heritage Board, scientists discovered this same purposeful change in teeth: small horizontal grooves, singular or multiple, on the front upper part of the tooth. The modifications were found on 24 Viking-age men in Sweden and Denmark.

Regarding the 2005 study, the Swedish researchers suggest that because the grooves are so well made, someone skilled created them. However, the team did not know why these changes were made or how important they were. It is possible that the individuals belonged to a specific group of workers, like tradesmen, or that the grooves were simply decorative.

The reason for filing the teeth found in the Varnhem site is also unknown. It could have been used to identify that individual. An article in 

 agrees that the deliberately carved grooves on their upper front teeth might have been decorative or indicated social status. However, there is the possibility that Viking men might have filed their teeth in an effort to ease pain.

Another theory is that filing teeth might have made the Vikings look scarier. In 2009, a Viking burial site was found at the Weymouth Relief Road in Dorset, England. About 50 beheaded bodies were in a mass grave; their heads were carefully placed in a collection at one edge, and one person had intentionally filed teeth. Some suggested that these filed teeth aligned with the Vikings’ fearsome reputation and that their modified anteriors were intended to intimidate others.

For now, the reason for the filing remains a mystery. However, it boggles one’s mind that anyone would submit to teeth modifications without a good reason—or anesthesia.

Treatment and Prevention Practices Were Present Also


The Vikings had dental treatments for infected teeth, too. For example, some of the molars demonstrated drilling that went from the crown into the pulp, possibly to relieve the pressure from infected teeth.

The Vikings also used toothpicks. Interestingly, there were fewer cavities on the root surface of teeth that showed abrasions from tooth picking.

, research on these remains will continue. The next stage will examine any evidence of the bacteria present at the time and how that might have affected oral health.

Diet and Dental Health in a Viking Village


Swedish Vikings, like those in Varnhem, mostly lived on farms and had a seasonal diet. They ate meats like beef, pork, and mutton, as well as fish, dairy products, bread, porridge, and various vegetables. Hazelnuts, mushrooms, fruits, berries, honey, and malt provided carbohydrates. Beer was a common drink, along with milk and mead. Despite using wells, the water might not have been clean for daily drinking without processing.

Their diet also included barley, wheat, oats, rye, and peas, often prepared as bread, porridge, and soup. The coarse texture of the food contributed to tooth wear. The Vikings at Varnhem and other populations of that time had high starch intake, lacked dental care, and faced food impaction between teeth, explaining the occurrence of cavities.

It is uncertain whether the Vikings had additional cavity-causing foods. Still, various factors like saliva, microflora, hygiene, genetics, culture, and physiology, along with environmental factors like fluoride in drinking water, might have influenced cavity prevalence.

The Odd Connection Between Vikings and the Tooth Fairy

It might surprise you to learn that the tooth fairy and Vikings have more of a connection than you probably thought. However, there is evidence of it in their lore. 

In ancient Norse stories, teeth were important. Warriors often wore them around their necks, to bring them good luck in battle. So, Viking warriors would pay children for their teeth (presumably primary teeth the children had shed naturally, although the Vikings’ general reputation as brutish and merciless makes other explanations plausible). This tradition spread across Europe.

Sometimes, special necklaces were even made from animal teeth. For example, a necklace with a tooth from a brown bear was discovered in Orkney, Scotland, in 1930. The tooth had inscriptions that portended its use in magic, too. It is believed a Viking wore this amulet around 1000 years ago.

Are Vikings That Different From Many Patients In Your Chair?


Chances are that most of your patients did not have a necklace made of teeth that brought them good luck in battle. Nor do they have grooves on their front teeth to decorate or intimidate. However, there are likely some other similarities.

Consider the rate of gum disease today. The prevalence of gum disease is also high in the adult population, and increases with age, which results in tooth loss. Also, there are fewer cavities in adult teeth when flossing and other preventive care measures are in place. Plus, we know that high-starch diets and lack of dental care lead to cavities in today’s patients, too.

Of course, when access to care is available, there is a lot more dentists can do today to treat dental problems than drill a hole in the tooth. This fact, among others, is one of many reasons we should be glad that we do not live in a Viking village in Sweden hundreds of years ago. That and the Wi-Fi was probably terrible.

1. Nield D. Scientists studied 3,000 Viking teeth and discovered surprisingly advanced dentistry. ScienceAlert. January 6, 2024. Accessed February 23, 2024. https://www.sciencealert.com/scientists-studied-3000-viking-teeth-and-discovered-surprisingly-advanced-dentistry

2. Bertilsson C, Vretemark M, Lund H, Lingström P. Caries prevalence and other dental pathological conditions in Vikings from Varnhem, Sweden. 

. 2023;18(12):e0295282. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0295282

3. Viking dentistry: unveiling ancient techniques and surprising discoveries. The Archaeologist. December 19, 2023. Accessed February 23, 2024. https://www.thearchaeologist.org/blog/viking-dentistry-unveiling-ancient-techniques-and-surprising-discoveries

4. Arcini C. The Vikings bare their filed teeth. 

. 2005;128(4):727-733. doi:10.1002/ajpa.20164

5. Katz L. Vikings pillaged, conquered and cleaned their teeth with toothpicks. 

. December 18, 2023. Accessed February 23, 2024. https://www.forbes.com/sites/lesliekatz/2023/12/18/vikings-1000-years-ago-had-surprisingly-advanced-dental-care/?sh=63a1189869bd

6. Pacey L. Viking teeth offer insight into cultural status. 

. 2014;216(8):445. doi:10.1038/sj.bdj.2014.323


. Baisas L. Vikings filed their teeth to cope with pain. 

. December 13, 2023. Accessed February 23, 2024. https://www.popsci.com/health/vikings-tooth-problems/

8 Venter J. To war, with teeth and fairies! 

. April 23, 2021. Accessed February 23, 2024. https://www.citizen.co.za/north-coast-courier/uncategorized/2021/04/23/to-war-with-teeth-and-fairies/

Articles

Recent research shows Vikings had cavities, tooth loss, and dental procedures. They also used toothpicks. Here is what else we know about Viking dentistry.

Viking Dentistry: Astonishing Research Reveals More Awareness About Oral Health Than We Imagined

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. 

Silver Diamine Fluoride Halts Tooth Decay, NIH Study Finds. Image credit: © Tada Images - stock.adobe.com


A recent study funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has shown that a topical liquid known as silver diamine fluoride (SDF) has demonstrated the ability to effectively halt tooth decay in young children. Preliminary results revealed that 54% of cavities stopped progressing after SDF treatment, compared to only 21% in the placebo group, per a press release from NIH. The study was published in 

SDF, already approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating dental sensitivity, is used off-label to combat tooth decay, commonly referred to as cavities or dental caries. The liquid can be applied to cavities and has been utilized for decades for the management of tooth decay, proving both its efficacy and longevity. Studies indicate that the silver component in SDF eradicates cavity-causing microbes, while the fluoride aids in rebuilding and strengthening the affected tooth.

Lead investigator Margherita Fontana, DDS, PhD, of the University of Michigan, emphasized the significance of this discovery, stating in the press release, "Current treatments for severe early childhood caries rely on restoration and tooth extraction, which can involve general anesthesia. These interventions are expensive, cavities often return, and anesthesia can have long-term effects on a developing brain. We didn’t really have any other options until recently—SDF is a game changer."

The study, funded by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), included children aged 1 to 5 with severe tooth decay. An interim analysis of 599 children revealed that 54% of cavities treated with SDF had halted progression 6 months after a single treatment, compared to 21% in the placebo group. The trial was stopped early, as the planned interim analysis met its primary endpoint, demonstrating the effectiveness of SDF in stopping the progression of cavities.

Dena Fischer, DDS, MSD, MS, director of NIDCR’s Center for Clinical Research, highlighted the potential impact of FDA approval for treating dental cavities with SDF. Fischer said in the press release, "SDF marketing authorization from FDA for treating dental cavities could lead to SDF becoming more widely available; more acceptable among providers, patients, and parents; and more likely to be covered by insurance."

While SDF appears promising, researchers are now analyzing final data on over 800 children to assess its effects on tooth pain, quality of life, and potential side effects. As SDF can darken the color of cavities, researchers are also evaluating patient and parent satisfaction and acceptability. Not all cavities responded to the treatment, and further studies will be conducted to determine the reasons behind this variability.

NIDCR Director Rena D’Souza, DDS, PhD, MS, stressed the public health impact of oral health problems, noting, "This study provides evidence that SDF could be a powerful tool against cavities and help improve the health and well-being of children."

Tooth decay is the most common chronic disease of childhood, affecting nearly 46% of children in the United States, with a disproportionate impact on Hispanic and non-Hispanic Black children and those from lower-income households. Cavities can lead to chronic pain, impaired development, and long-term oral and overall health problems, if left untreatred. In severe cases, tooth infections can have life-threatening consequences.

The research was supported by NIDCR grant UH3-DE027372. Additional information about the trial can be found on 

clinicaltrials.gov under the identifier NCT 03649659

SDF may effectively stop tooth decay in developing teeth, providing a new tool in the arsenal against caries that may have long term effects. 

Silver Diamine Fluoride Halts Tooth Decay, NIH Study Finds

medmix Provides Update in German Patent Infringement Lawsuit Against Kettenbach/Xinial Dental Mixing System. Image credit: © medmix


In a significant legal triumph, medmix Switzerland Ltd. has emerged victorious in the German patent infringement case against the Kettenbach/Xinial dental mixing system. The Düsseldorf Higher Regional Court (OLG Düsseldorf) announced on February 1, 2024, that the Kettenbach/Xinial dental mixing system has been found to infringe the German segment of medmix's European Patent EP2485852B1 (docket no.: I-15 U 17/23), according to a press release from medmix.

The German patent infringement judgment, now provisionally enforceable, includes an immediate injunction preventing Kettenbach/Xinial from manufacturing the infringing dental mixing system (cartridges and mixing tips) in Germany. The injunction also bars the offering and sale of the infringing system within or from Germany. Consequently, the ruling extends beyond the domestic market, restricting Kettenbach and Xinial from manufacturing the infringing system not only for local customers but also for international export.

As outlined in the German judgment, Kettenbach/Xinial is obligated to provide a detailed account of the infringing acts, recall the infringing dental mixing system from all German and international commercial customers, and destroy these infringing products in their possession. The court has further mandated Kettenbach/Xinial to compensate medmix for the infringements. Despite the non-permission of an appeal on points of law by the Düsseldorf court, Kettenbach/Xinial has filed a complaint against the denial of leave to appeal ("non-admission complaint").

Simultaneously, medmix has initiated legal proceedings in New York against the Kettenbach/Xinial dental mixing system. The trial for the New York case is expected to commence in early 2025, said to be focused on false advertising claims made by Kettenbach and trademark infringement committed by Kettenbach/Xinial. Additionally, Xinial has filed a separate invalidity case at the USPTO against medmix's US patent. In response, medmix has filed an appeal challenging the decision in the US invalidity case.

medmix Switzerland Ltd. operates globally in the dental industry, specializing in static mixing tips, cartridges, and dispensing devices. Authentic MIXPAC tips bear the distinctive MIXPAC™ name stamped on the retaining ring and the CANDY COLOR Quality Seal, per the press release.

Kettenbach and Xinial are now legally prevented from manufacturing and offering its mixing system for sale in Germany.

medmix Provides Update in German Patent Infringement Lawsuit Against Kettenbach/Xinial Dental Mixing System

Bruce Bryen is a certified public accountant with over 45 years of experience and is a part of Baratz & Associates CPAs. He specializes in deferred compensation, such as retirement planning design; income and estate tax planning; determination of the proper organizational business structure; asset protection and structuring loan packages for presentation to financial institutions. He is experienced in providing litigation support services to dentists with Valuation and Expert Witness testimony in matrimonial and partnership dispute cases. He is also a financial writer for several dental journals. You may contact him at 609-502-0691 or at 

 published an article outlining the latest investment moves from the American Dental Association (ADA), and this new 

 includes directly investing in dental technology start-ups.

 coverage, the investments are described as being made for financial gain only, and not as an endorsement of specific brands and products. However, the article also included descriptions of the products and services these companies offer.

The ADA serves as an advisor to the industry, and its role has included providing impartial advice to issues facing dentists. The ADA also provides education for dentists, which is supposed to be delivered in an impartial, non-promotional manner.

So, it is difficult to understand how when a dentist learns the ADA has invested funds in companies that produce products, they will think anything other than that these products are being endorsed by the ADA. There is also a problem that competitors of these companies may feel their similar products are being treated unfairly by the ADA.

To quote the mission statement of the ADA, “It is to help dentists succeed and support the advancement of the health of the public.” Their philosophy is, “Built on the foundation of our values—humanity, excellence, integrity, trust, and stewardship—we serve as leaders in our community.” Their vision is, “To be a premier governmental entity, demonstrating fiscal responsibility and professional excellence, and to be recognized for providing innovative and proactive solutions for our communities through open and accessible government.”

“The ADA offers assistance in helping dentists with continuing education, credentialing services, and other important areas. One such area of importance is the voice it has in Washington. It offers resources to the dentist such as brochures and white papers. Members receive help with their own career growth and can push change on a state, local, and national level.”

These are all quotes from the ADA website.

I believe this could become a major source of problems for the ADA. Just saying the investment is only for financial gain doesn’t mean it still won’t be viewed as an endorsement. If the ADA is now investing in growth areas of the dental industry directly, what if the organization decides to invest in a large group practice?

Whether investing in a DSO, or companies that make and sell products and services to members and other dentists, the ADA must consider if the size the economic investment opportunities—as the ADA describes them—sufficient to overcome the negative impact of the appearance of favoring one product and producer compared to competition? This is a question that will severely impact the dental profession.

To review the mission statement and value offered by the ADA to its members, their responsibility is to assist and provide education and guidance. They are supposed to be fiscally responsible as well, but being so does not mean they should invest only in conservative, low-risk options such as government bonds. But even so, there are numerous investment opportunities on the marketplace where the ADA can look to make investments for financial gain that do not also include the appearance of an endorsement.

This investment decision raises a lot of questions, but the biggest is what comes next for the ADA Innovation Advisory Committee which is responsible for these financial decisions. There was surely a lot of thoughtful discussion about the investment prior to the ADA using its funds to directly invest in these companies. I’d like to think this included some voices of opposition to the decision. It would be interesting to see some of the notes of the discussions and to be able to understand what factors were weighed by this committee. I am curious to hear more reaction from the ADA as they see the response to their investments.

With financial stability the goal, I’m sure many ADA members would be happy if the ADA’s investment arm was more conservative in the types of investments it makes. This recent pair of investments may turn out to be a terrific idea with substantial long-term returns. It also might not go well, and depending on competition and the marketplace, the value of this type of investment can experience significant fluctuations in its market price. There is no doubt this investment decision carries more risk than many other opportunities available to the ADA

With this current round of investment now in place, the ADA must tread carefully in order to avoid creating any confusion between an investment and an endorsement. If competitors to the companies that are now financially connected to the ADA begin to raise questions, how will the ADA respond?

For now, this move raises more questions than answers. It will certainly be interesting to see what investments and challenges lie ahead for the ADA and its members, and how this philosophy of investment is received by the industry.

With the decision to invest money in Overjet and Oral Genome, the American Dental Association raises questions about potential conflicts on interest.

Questions Arise In the Wake of the American Dental Association Investment In a Pair of Dental Startups

GUM Sonic Power Toothbrush from Sunstar

LightBar from Harvest Dental

Venus Pearl Pure Shades from Kulzer North America

Catch up on all the latest dental product launches from the week of March 4 through March 8, 2024.



New Dental Products – March 4 - March 8, 2024

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.  

At the 2024 Chicago Dental Society Midwinter Meeting, Founder and CEO Florian Hillen talks about Videa AI's newest innovations. [1 minute]

2024 Chicago Dental Society Midwinter Meeting – Interview with Florian Hillen, Founder and CEO at VideaHealth

I'm the CEO of VideaHealth and I'm here at Chicago Midwinter at a fantastic conference and I wanted to give you a couple of updates. First of all, who's VideaHealth? We are the leading dental AI company with a vision to be the first AI company in the world to diagnose a billion people globally.

We are in a good way there with over 30,000 dental clinicians using our AI platform and over 15 million patients diagnosed and treatment planned per year. Now I want to give a quick update on a lot of exciting new features which are coming up in Videa AI, our AI platform. And on the one side, we just received FDA clearance for over 30 new FDA algorhythms. They enable you to literally diagnose and treatment plan every different treatment category you can think of—restorative, periodontal, endodontic, and then also we are launching a lot of new patient visualizations which enable you to get amazing case acceptance with your patients. So, we hope that all these new product features will help you the dental clinicians to provide better care to your patients and ensure that they get the right treatment at the right time. Thank you.

Videos

At the 2024 Chicago Dental Society Midwinter Meeting, Founder and CEO Florian Hillen at VideaHealth, talks about Videa AI's newest innovations. [1 minute]

Carestream Dental Ensures Operations for Sensei Users Amidst Healthcare Partner Outage

In the face of a nationwide security incident that led Change Healthcare to temporarily shut down its systems, Carestream Dental took action to mitigate the impact on its users. Carestream Dental's Patient Solutions, encompassing eClaims, ePrescriptions, eVerifications, Automated Statements, and ePostings, are vital components in facilitating various essential functions for dental practitioners, per a press release from the company.

As the incident unfolded, Carestream Dental's IT security team conducted a thorough risk assessment and confirmed that the breach had not extended to its own systems. The company remains vigilant, continuously monitoring for any signs of compromise, per the press release.

While some healthcare providers advised against submitting claims during the outage, Carestream Dental managed to reroute claims through its own clearing house. Currently, over 97% of dental claims are being successfully processed, with additional payers continually being integrated into the system. The company swiftly restored insurance verifications, leveraging its proprietary system.

Monica Minore, General Manager of Sensei, emphasized the company's commitment to prioritizing customer support. "Our first priority was helping our customers get paid, so they could focus on patients," she stated in the press release.

To provide users with consistent updates, Carestream Dental has created a centralized webpage where dental practices can stay informed about the status of their solutions. This platform offers valuable insights, including a growing list of payers capable of processing claims, alternative solutions, and tips for managing prescriptions, handling EOBs, and sending patient statements.

Users can also subscribe to specific product updates on the Status Update Page or engage with fellow users through the newly established Sensei User Discussion group on Facebook.

For more information about Patient Solutions or any other Carestream solutions, please visit the 

Carestream ensured systems were running despite the Change Healthcare Partner Outage. 

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

Product Bites – March 8, 2024 Part 2

Product Bites – March 8, 2024 Part 2 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, Kellie Nock, and we’re following up for part 2 of this week’s Product Bites. In this part, we’ve got 8 new products with launches from SprintRay, Air Techniques, A2Z Imaging, BIOLASE, AMD Lasers, HeyGears, Kerr Dental, and Ori Dental

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

Diving in with Apex Base and Apex Teeth, featuring NanoFusion™ technology for optimized strength, durability, and esthetics in 3D printed dentures. These materials exhibit high fracture and wear resistance, enhanced translucency, and a range of shades for teeth and gingiva. Suitable for chairside production of custom dentures, Apex Base and Apex Teeth aim to elevate the standard for durable and esthetic 3D printed dentures.

Air Techniques introduces the FlowStar Touch, a new benchmark in nitrous oxide sedation. This next-generation system combines elegance with superior technology, featuring a flat touchscreen control and high-quality, wear-resistant materials. The auto-compensating total flow rate ensures a balance between oxygen and nitrous gas, saving time and reducing costs. With features like automatic fail-safe protection, acoustic and visual information signals, and integrated error and assessment memory, the FlowStar Touch aims to provide safe and efficient nitrous oxide sedation within dental practices.

A2Z Imaging introduces the DUO Wireless-Ready Sensor, a game-changer in dental X-rays. This sensor, available in two sizes (DUO1 and DUO2), delivers enhanced image quality for handheld or mounted X-ray procedures. The QuickSwap™ Replaceable Cable ensures protection of the sensor head, allowing swift replacement of damaged cables. Offering both direct-connected and wireless capabilities, the DUO Sensor prioritizes patient comfort and is compatible with major software brands, including Dentrix Ascend, Carestream, Dexis, Eaglesoft, and more.

BIOLASE, Inc. presents the Waterlase iPlus Premier Edition™ dental laser, featuring enhanced customization, improved graphics, remote diagnostics, and support. This extraordinary update boasts modular software design, ensuring clinicians invest in the capabilities they need while facilitating seamless upgrades. With a larger touchscreen display, improved graphic user interface, and comprehensive service support, the Waterlase iPlus Premier Edition aims to provide an intuitive and efficient laser experience for dental professionals.

AMD Lasers introduces the Acuity Direct X-Ray Photon Detection Intraoral Sensor, offering high-quality images at an affordable price. Utilizing direct x-ray photon detection technology, this sensor enhances durability and affordability. Acuity combines the speed of CMOS with the clarity of PSP, providing clinicians with clearer diagnoses and improved patient care. With features like ergonomic design, image customization options, and durability tested for over 500,000 exposures, Acuity sets a new standard in intraoral sensors.

HeyGears presents the Automated Case-by-Case Clear Aligner Production Solution, revolutionizing orthodontic workflows. This automation-focused digital dentistry solution streamlines production processes and boosts efficiency while delivering economic and time savings. Using the UltraCraft A3D Ortho's large-scale build platform, the solution enables organization and printing of clear aligner models for a full patient's case in a single operation, eliminating manual sorting and optimizing overall productivity.

SimpliCut™, the new pre-sterilized single-patient use diamond burs line, aims to maximize efficiencies in dental procedures. These fast-cutting diamond burs eliminate the need for cleaning, sterilization, and processing, featuring shanks designed for true concentric running. Individually wrapped and sterilized to high industry standards, SimpliCut offers a range of shapes and color-coded grit sizes for easy identification, catering to varied patient needs.

Ori introduces Ori 2.0 and the Ori Tech Membership™ program, offering a transformative approach to advanced dental technology. Ori 2.0, featuring Ori PhaseLogic™ Technology, enhances impression scanning with up to 7 microns of precision. The Ori Tech Membership program provides affordable access to cutting-edge technology, allowing clinicians to enjoy automatic device upgrades every 3 years. With minimal entry costs, dedicated support, and the Ori NextGen™ Guarantee, Ori seeks to make advanced dental technology easily accessible and beneficial for practices and patients.

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. In part 2 of this week's 2-part episode, we look at launches from SprintRay, Air Techniques, A2ZImaging, BIOLASE, AMD Lasers, HeyGears, Kerr Dental, and Ori Dental. 

A bite-sized look at all the new product launches. 

Product Bites – March 8, 2024 Part 1

Product Bites – March 8, 2024 Part 1 Podcast transcript:

I’m your host for this week, DPR Editor Kellie Nock, and on this week’s 2-part podcast we’ve got 7 new products with launches from Halo Dental Technologies, Planet DDS, DCI Edge, Vyne Dental, 3Shape, and double launches from SprintRay

Our first highlight comes from Halo Dental Technologies, unveiling the future of dental mirrors with their latest innovation, the Halo Digital Mirror. Introduced at the 2024 Chicago Midwinter Meeting, this mirror redefines the traditional tool used by dentists and hygienists for indirect vision and soft tissue retraction. Crafted from high-strength titanium, the Halo Digital Mirror integrates an LED diffused light, a wide-angle camera, and an active fog prevention system. It's designed to optimize patient comprehension and empower clinicians to capture images inside the patient's mouth at the point of care. Scheduled for public release in 2025, it also features internal Wi-Fi connectivity for easy image capture and secure cloud transmission, ensuring infection control best practices with its autoclavable design.

Next up is Denticon by Planet DDS, a comprehensive platform tailored for dental businesses with strong growth ambitions. This revamped platform seamlessly integrates practice management, patient communications, practice analytics, and practice marketing. With its cloud technology, Denticon aims to redefine productivity, patient outcomes, and staff engagement across practices of all sizes. From Legwork, a marketing solution facilitating patient attraction, to Denticon Practice Analytics providing actionable insights, this all-in-one platform promises to empower dental practices for greater efficiency and ease, fostering operational efficiencies and driving growth.

Now, let's explore the DCI Edge 3D Visualization Tool, a new benchmark in dental operatory design. Presented by DCI Edge, this innovative digital configurator allows dentists to digitally sculpt their dream operatory in vivid 3D before making any purchase decisions. Utilizing Unreal Engine 5's pixel streaming technology, practitioners can personalize every element, from chairs to walls, with a range of color palettes. The user-friendly interface facilitates easy adjustments, offering a dynamic experience with the ability to toggle between six different viewing angles. After finalizing their choices, users receive a downloadable PDF of their operatory design, complete with details and estimated retail pricing. The tool also connects users with their Regional Sales Manager for seamless next steps.

In the realm of payment processing, Vyne Dental introduces Vyne Trellis Payments, designed to reshape the dental billing landscape. This platform simplifies the patient payment process through text, email, or at the point of care. Supporting digital payment types like Apple Pay and Google Pay, the platform prioritizes patient experience, accelerates dental revenue, and ensures convenience and accessibility for both healthcare providers and their patients. With automated balance notifications, online forms, and modern wi-fi-enabled terminals, Vyne Trellis Payments seeks to reduce friction in revenue streams within dental practices.

Shifting gears to digital crown design, 3Shape Automate now offers the ability to generate designs for anterior crowns. This AI-powered digital crown design service, available to both labs and clinics, takes a digital impression and provides an AI-designed crown proposal in minutes. Practitioners can customize and adjust the proposals before exporting them for production on various dental mills and 3D printers. This streamlined process aims to enhance efficiency and precision in crown design.

Introducing NanoCure, a curing system designed to revolutionize 3D printing workflows by curing 3D printed dental models in just 2 minutes. Featuring dual-wavelength LED curing and advanced heat management, NanoCure ensures optimized physical properties of the printed parts. The system's compact and lightweight design seamlessly integrates with the SprintRay 3D Printing Ecosystem, offering a user-friendly touchscreen control for efficient and effective curing.

Moving on to NightGuard Flex 2 and NightGuard Firm 2, designed for the production of durable and comfortable nightguards. These materials, boasting enhanced physical properties compared to previous generations, provide practitioners with options for firmer or more giving nightguards. With a quick production time of less than 1 hour, these resins are available in 3 shades and cater to the efficient customization of nightguards for individual patient needs.

Stay tuned for part 2 of this episode, where we’ll talk about new product launches from SprintRay, Air Techniques, A2ZImaging, BIOLASE, and more. Stay up to date on all the latest dental product news by visiting dentalproductsreport.com/newdentalproducts.

A bite-sized episode covering all the latest dental product launches. In the first part of this week's 2-part episode, we cover launches from Halo Dental Technologies, Planet DDS, DCI Edge, Vyne Dental, 3Shape, and SprintRay.

It’s a new year and a new chance to focus on your dental career development. If 2024 becomes the year you go for your additional certifications, here are a few things you should know about some common restorative and cosmetic certifications and what it takes to get them.

Regarding general dentistry, an excellent place to start to acquire certification is the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), the professional organization representing the needs and interests of general dentists. The AGD offers its membership resources and support to deliver their patients the best possible dental care and oral health education. The AGD website says the organization aims to “

advance general dentistry and oral health through quality continuing education and advocacy.

 The AGD also provides education, networking, and leadership opportunities that help general dentists deliver the best possible care and improve the stability of their dental practices.

The AGD offers multiple member benefits, including accreditation and mastery certifications, the annual scientific session, and several practice management tools, including the career center, patient referral program, and patient education tools. Their continuing education programs feed into their fellowship and mastership awards. Plus, members have access to their online and print publications and podcasts.

The AGD offers 2 advanced certifications for their members, which include the following:

 The AGD Fellowship Award recognizes members for their dedication to quality continuing education (CE) and commitment to providing high-quality patient care.

: Mastership is the highest honor within AGD, acknowledging a general dentist’s continuous commitment to delivering quality patient care through ongoing continuing education (CE). It represents a professional designation beyond fellowship, emphasizing excellence in dental practice.

The AGD requires a few things to achieve these certifications. First, to achieve fellowship, members must accumulate 500 hours of approved CE credits, pass a comprehensive examination, submit a formal application, pay a fee, and participate in a convocation ceremony at the AGD scientific session.

To read a step-by-step guide for FAGD certification, 

The next level, mastership, needs a member to be an AGD fellow and a member of the AGD for 3 years by the last day of the year they apply for it. Mastership candidates must have an active dental license with no suspensions, revocations, probations, or disciplinary actions in the previous 5 years. Candidates must also complete 1100 approved CE hours, 400 of which are participation courses in specific disciplines and 600 of which meet specific hour requirements in distinct disciplines (and 500 of the 1100 hours can be from the original fellowship accumulation). Then, candidates must apply and pay the application fee and, if approved, attend the scientific session within 3 years of the approval to get their AGD Mastership.

To read the step-by-step guide for acquiring the MAGD, 

Sheila Samaddar, DDS, FACD, FPFA, president of the DC Academy of General Dentistry and dentist at the South Capitol Smile Center in Washington, DC, says joining an academy such as the AGD is important for several reasons. The AGD is exclusively dedicated to serving the interests and professional needs of general dentists but also promotes education and advocacy. It helps dentists track the CE that dentists need to do regularly to keep their license. For example, the AGD keeps CE in an online record so that you can see everything you have ever done, including the discipline covered and the hours earned.

“It’s a great way to track and see where you are falling short and where you are doing well,” Dr Samaddar says, adding that dental students can join while still in school. “You can already start accruing your CE, like when you’re in high school and taking AP [Advanced Placement] classes. You can start working toward your postgraduate education while in dental school, and it’s easy.”

The costs of CE vary depending on the technicality and the discipline. Much of the CE is free or inexpensive. Many organizations offer free CE, and dental companies that want to earn a clinician’s business do as well. Some surgical or cosmetic CE can be more expensive as well as any programs that are more than 1 day, Dr Samaddar says.

Dr Samaddar also thinks young dentists who join the AGD should take the AGD Fellowship Exam as close to graduation as possible before they forget all the areas they touched on in dental school. Even if accruing the hours takes 5 or 10 years after graduation, young dentists can focus on getting CE instead of studying for the examination.

“Once you get into private practice, there are areas of dentistry that you don’t do regularly, depending on your practice area and the patient population,” Dr Samaddar says. “For example, I don’t do dentures, so I have forgotten some procedural things about dentures. My patient population happens to have teeth. So if you are good at dentures when you are a senior in dental school [but] you get out for 10 years and don’t do them, it’s going to be necessary to relearn many of those things.”

Dr Samaddar also advises dentists to refrain from believing that general dentists must be great at everything. Instead, dentists should find the 2 or 3 areas they like and focus on being the best they can be. Nurturing those skills and preferences can be rewarding.

Additionally, she thinks clinicians can benefit from residencies. With these opportunities, dentists are exposed to different skills, such as working efficiently and communicating with patients.

“Many new dental graduates should do a residency to get exposed to many different practice scenarios,” Dr Samaddar says.

The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry

Cosmetic dentistry is a natural choice for many dental professionals regarding additional certifications. The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) is a group of dental experts, technicians, teachers, and researchers from 70 countries. This global reach gives AACD members global access to the latest information regarding cosmetic dentistry. Through accreditation, the 

, and the AACD Annual Scientific Session, the AACD has become a critical organization for cosmetic dentistry.

The AACD states its mission on their website, which reads as follows

The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD) is dedicated to advancing excellence in the art and science of comprehensive cosmetic dentistry and encouraging the highest standards of ethical conduct and responsible patient care.”

Furthermore, AACD members share a philosophy regarding restorative work for patients, focusing on responsible esthetics and aiming to be the main dental support for patients’ lifelong health, function, and appearance. AACD members also believe that esthetic dentistry should use evidence-based decisions, clinical judgment, and interdisciplinary judgment to enhance overall health and avoid harm.

The AACD created the AACD Accreditation and AACD Fellowship programs to provide advanced certification in cosmetic dentistry for dentists and technicians. The AACD has 2 certifications for dentists, which include the following:

The AACD Accreditation program is a globally recognized credentialing initiative in advanced cosmetic dentistry. It emphasizes ongoing education, professional collaboration, and career development.

 The AACD Fellowship is the highest level of achievement for its members and involves fulfilling all requirements aligned with the AACD’s mission of education and excellence. Fellowship also serves as an evaluation tool for the Accreditation/Fellowship Committee to assess sustained clinical excellence and commitment to cosmetic dentistry among accredited members.

The process for these certifications has a few steps. Moreover, like the AGD certifications, these are sequential, meaning that candidates for AACD Fellowship must first be accredited.

To begin the AACD Accreditation process, candidates apply for and take the written examination at the AACD Annual Scientific Session or a testing center. Once they pass, candidates enter a 5-year period. Also, there are 2 required workshops to attend: the AACD Accreditation Workshop, which explains the accreditation process and resources available to candidates, and the AACD Criteria Workshop, which details how AACD Accreditation examiners evaluate cases for consideration.

Next, clinicians submit 5 clinical cases that follow their submission guidelines for evaluation. Candidates must include one case of each of the following types:

Six or more indirect restorations treating upper incisors and canines

Two or more indirect restorations treating upper incisors with adjacent teeth that are not treated

Tooth replacement, either bridge or implant

Class IV direct resin replacements that replace at least 10% of the facial surface or a diastema closure

Six or more direct resin veneers treating upper incisors and canines

Once the candidate passes the clinical cases and the written examination, attends at least half of the AACD Annual Scientific Session meetings since taking the written examination, and pays the application fee, the clinician will be invited to sit for an oral examination. The AACD Accreditation candidates are expected to know the facts of their clinical submission and be prepared to answer questions about them without notes regarding case selection, diagnosis and treatment planning, materials, and techniques. In addition, candidates will create a treatment plan for a preselected case chosen and shared by the examiners. The oral examination is a pass/fail assessment, with the outcome determined by the examiners.

Candidates receive their AACD Accreditation at the next AACD Annual Scientific Session once they pass the oral examination. Candidates can retake the examination if they fail their first oral examination but must restart the process if they fail a second time.

To read more about the AACD Accreditation process, 

Fellows of the AACD have a few steps to take after accreditation. First, AACD Fellowship candidates must apply and pay the application fee. Then, they will submit 50 cases to the executive office, each of a different patient, per the photography and submission guidelines. Candidates must receive at least 2 passing grades from 3 AACD Fellowship examiners for 45 of 50 submitted cases.

Per the AACD website, AACD Fellowship mentors—the AACD Fellowship examiners—can help with the AACD Fellowship process. The AACD recommends the following for accredited clinicians pursuing their fellowship with the AACD:

Work with only 1 mentor and confirm they are a calibrated AACD Fellowship examiner.

Ensure the submitted case photography is excellent. Use proper magnification, exposure, and angulation and provide all 4 views to the mentor.

Use the AACD PowerPoint template on the AACD website to send cases for evaluation.

Send 10 to 12 cases together to learn what examiners consider suitable for submission.

Be specific when asking the AACD Fellowship mentor whether to submit a case and choose carefully to avoid submitting a case far below required standards, which could reflect poorly on the overall submission.

Respect the AACD Fellowship examiner’s time by avoiding asking for feedback shortly before a submission deadline.

Remember that positive feedback from the mentor does not guarantee success.

To read more about the AACD Fellowship process, 

Career development can take many forms. Getting additional certifications is one path you can take. Restorative and cosmetic certifications with the AGD and the AACD offer a defined path to development with established standards to signify achievement, which can lead to enhanced patient outcomes, increased career satisfaction, and new letters following your name in your email signature.

About us. Academy of General Dentistry. Accessed February 20, 2024. https://www.agd.org/about-agd/leadership/about-us

About AACD. American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. Accessed February 20, 2024. https://aacd.com/about

2024 could be the year that you go for your extra certifications. Here’s what you should know about restorative and cosmetic certifications.