Lorne Lavine, DMD, founder and president of The Digital Dentist, has more than 30 years invested in the dental and dental technology fields. A graduate of USC, he earned his DMD from Boston University and completed his residency at the Eastman Dental Center in Rochester, N.Y. He received his specialty training at the University of Washington and went into private practice in Vermont until moving to California in 2002 to establish TDD, a company that focuses on the specialized technological and HIPAA needs of the dental community. He can be reached at drlavine@thedigitaldentists.com or 866-204-3398.

Image Credit: © suthisak / stock.adobe.com

As any dental office owner knows, there’s a lot more to running a practice than just honing your clinical skills. Keeping up with the latest procedures and getting your continuing education credits is important, but there are so many other facets to a practice. Offices must deal with daily staffing issues, insurance, billing, scheduling, supplies—the list goes on and on. One area that is specifically very important to me is making sure you do everything you can to secure and protect your most valuable asset: your patient data.

With all the focus in recent years on cybersecurity, such as dealing with ransomware attacks, many practices may have forgotten that there is still a set of rules and laws, called the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), that offices must follow to avoid significant fines and penalties. While it doesn’t seem to get talked about as much, there are still a number of reasons why I feel that dental practices can and should be current on staying HIPAA compliant.

The biggest reason I advocate for HIPAA compliance is that there’s a huge crossover between HIPAA regulations and cybersecurity best practices. The entire reason that the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act of 2009 was enacted was to provide guidelines for following the Security Rule of HIPAA, which deals exclusively with electronic data. It became obvious as we entered the 2000s that as more and more practices were moving toward a chartless or paperless environment, and by definition more and more patient information became electronic, it was critical that health care providers develop systems to meet the expectations of patients, that their critical and private data was being protected and secured as best as possible. Many of the best ways to accomplish this, such as encryption, firewalls, data backup, patching, and managing access, have been part of the HIPAA regulations for close to 15 years now. In other words, you’re killing 2 birds with 1 stone when you implement systems to secure the data: You’re protecting the information and meeting HIPAA guidelines at the same time.

HIPAA still has a lot of teeth when it comes to enforcement. There are currently 4 levels of violations, and the 1 you really want to avoid, willful neglect, can destroy a practice. Willful neglect occurs when there is evidence that the practice knew it was in violation of HIPAA laws but still elected not to rectify those violations. How would they know? Easy. If you are following HIPAA rules, then you know that you must do a risk assessment on a regular basis and develop a plan, called a HIPAA Management Plan, to address those issues. If you do your risk assessment (which I highly recommend doing annually) and don’t ever lift a finger to remedy those concerns, then by definition, that’s willful neglect. The fines start at $50,000 per violation and can go up to $1.5 million in a year…ouch!

Finally, of all the HIPAA violations out there, suffering a breach would, in my opinion, be the most damaging to an office. Forget the fines and penalties: If you suffer any type of data breach, the Breach Notification Rule says you must not only notify the local media but, worse, notify every single patient in writing about the breach. The question at that point wouldn’t be whether you are going to lose patients, it’s how many you will lose.

While HIPAA doesn’t get as much press as the latest ransomware news that seems to flood in daily, it is indeed something to worry about still, and I suggest that every practice do a reevaluation of its HIPAA preparedness.

Articles

While HIPAA may not get the attention it deserves, it’s still something to worry about, and every practice should do a reevaluation of its HIPAA preparedness.

HIPAA: Is It Still Significant?

Chicago Midwinter Meeting Plays Host to AAP’s Perio Power Hour | Image Credit: © American Academy of Periodontology

The American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) capped off a big first night at this year’s Chicago Dental Society Midwinter Meeting on Feb. 22 with its exclusive Perio Power Hour held at the Solarium Bar at the VU Rooftop. The event provided an opportunity for attendees and media to connect, learn, and celebrate recent strides made between periodontists and dental hygienists in efforts to better provide comprehensive care to patients.

A key theme on this night was the important roles hygienists and periodontists play in combatting periodontal disease, and how critical it is for them to work closely together.

A strong relationship between periodontists and dental hygienists is critical to comprehensive patient care. The AAP is committed to facilitating these relationships in the name of periodontal health.

At its 109th Annual Meeting in November 2023, the academy launched a new multi-year, multi-pronged initiative to educate dental hygienists on periodontal topics. Last week in Chicago, the AAP provided updates on the AAP Dental Hygiene Engagement Initiative—which aims to bring together periodontists and dental hygienists to learn, network, and ultimately provide the best possible care to patients—and the recognition program.

The AAP Dental Hygienist Recognition Program awards hygienists who engage with the AAP through member-led study clubs and more. Hygienists are encouraged to join the Recognition Program to engage with AAP member periodontists and earn continuing education credits by participating in an AAP member-led dental hygiene study club in their local area or by consuming on-demand education through the online Hygiene Learning Library.

Dental hygienists who earn CE credits through the Recognition Program will also earn credits towards different tiers of AAP recognition, the academy states. Those interested can 

Mia L. Geisinger, DDS, MS, is the AAP President-elect and acting chair, Department of Periodontology Director, Advanced Education in Periodontology School of Dentistry, The University of Alabama at Birmingham. She lectures nationally and internationally on topics in periodontology and oral healthcare. 

"Dental hygienists are highly trained preventive specialists and are on the front lines for the prevention and early identification of periodontal diseases and conditions. As periodontists, our partnerships with dental hygiene partners allow us to better address our patient's needs and promote their oral and overall wellness," Dr Geisinger says in a press release.

James G. Wilson, DMD, a past president of the AAP, also shared his thoughts on the importance of collaboration between hygienists and periodontists.

“The AAP Dental Hygienist Recognition Program provides the opportunity for dental hygienists to be recognized for and showcase their commitment to lifelong learning and improving their interactions with the patients who entrust their health to them," he adds.

Additionally, the Dental Hygiene Engagement Initiative includes:

AAP member-led Dental Hygiene Study Clubs. These study groups will provide AAP member periodontists materials and resources to facilitate programs in their local areas. The purpose is to enhance dental hygienists’ knowledge of periodontics and to help periodontists strengthen their local network.

The Dental Hygiene Recognition Program. This program encourages dental hygienists to engage with the AAP through the local Dental Hygiene Study Clubs, online on-demand content, and other CE courses. The more engagement, the higher the recognition.

The Hygiene Learning Library. This online resource for hygienists was unveiled at the annual meeting and its contents will evolve over time to include the most current information about periodontics.

Collaborative efforts that could entail joint conferences, webinars, article series, and social media activities.

For additional information on these initiatives, 

The event provided updates on the AAP Dental Hygiene Engagement Initiative, and an opportunity for periodontists and dental hygienists to share ideas on how best to care for their shared patients

Chicago Midwinter Meeting Plays Host to AAP’s Perio Power Hour

Kerr Dental’s New SimpliCut Rotary Line Designed for Speed, Efficiency | Image Credit: © Kerr Dental

Kerr Dental has announced the launch of its new SimpliCut™ rotary products, a pre-sterilized single-patient use diamond burs line designed to maximize efficiencies by eliminating the need for cleaning, sterilization, and processing.

SimpliCut’s fast-cutting diamond burs feature shanks designed for true concentric running with less wear and tear on the handpiece turbine.

“Multi-use diamond burs require clinicians to pause their workflow to sterilize the tool before it can even be used with the patient,” explains Elizabeth Mascarena, marketing manager at KerrDental, in a press release this week. “Our new SimpliCut line offers clinicians the performance advantages of a multi-use diamond bur line with a conveniently pre-sterilized single-use product that is ready to use, right out of the box.”

Individually wrapped and sterilized to high industry standards for single-patient use, the new diamonds are offered in packs of 25 pieces. The burs are available in a range of shapes and color-coded grit sizes for easy identification to accommodate varied patient needs.

“As for the functionality, the burs are fantastic,” says Meredith Newman, DMD, and a consultant for Kerr Dental, in the press release.“On the enamel, even under the microscope, I did not see any micro-fracturing occurring near the access, which often occurs when using other diamonds or carbide burs. I was able to get through an entire zirconia crown with only 1 bur, when in the past (with a different brand) I have required multiples, or specific zirconia burs that do not work on other materials.”

The new SimpliCut diamond rotary product is now available to order, states Kerr Dental. For additional information on the new product line, visit 

“SimpliCut is priced competitively, so doctors can have affordable access to the cutting speed, convenience, versatility, and high level of sterilization available in a single, reliable product," adds Product Manager Lili Yao in the press release.

Individual Kerr brands are encompassed within the Kerr Restoratives, Kerr Endodontics, Kerr Rotary, and Kerr TotalCare platforms. Kerr Dental is an operating company of Envista Holdings Corporation—Envista is a global family of more than 30 trusted dental brands.

The pre-sterilized single-patient use diamond burs line maximizes efficiencies; eliminates the need for cleaning and processing.

Kerr Dental’s New SimpliCut  Rotary Line Designed for Speed, Efficiency

OSAP, DANB, and DALE Foundation Announce Andrew Whitehead Education and Certification Scholarship for Dental Infection Control. Image credit: © OSAP

In a joint initiative to elevate standards of dental infection control, the Organization for Safety, Asepsis, and Prevention (OSAP), the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB), and the DALE Foundation have introduced the OSAP-DANB-DALE Foundation Andrew Whitehead Education and Certification Scholarship, per a press release from OSAP.

The scholarship aims to provide infection prevention and control education and certification to individuals actively involved in dentistry. It was created in an effort to recognize each dental professional’s role in maintaining infection control standards, per the press release.

The scholarship is accessible to all dental professionals with a minimum of 1040 hours of work experience. Successful applicants will be granted access to comprehensive educational materials and have their certification exam fees covered, enabling them to pursue certification as either a Certified in Dental Infection Prevention and Control (CDIPC) or a Dental Industry Specialist in Infection Prevention and Control (DISIPC).

The CDIPC certification is designed for those engaged in clinical practice, management, training, or consultation related to clinical practice. Alternatively, the DISIPC is tailored for dental professionals working outside clinical settings.

More than just a tribute to Andrew Whitehead's impact on the field, this scholarship hopes to tackle the financial barriers hindering access to infection prevention and control knowledge. OSAP, DANB, and the DALE Foundation aim to empower those in the dental profession to uphold the ongoing safety and well-being of both patients and practitioners, according to the press release.

Applications for the OSAP-DANB-DALE Foundation Andrew Whitehead Education and Certification Scholarship will be accepted through April 1, 2024. The winners will be carefully selected, and the announcement is slated for June 1, 2024.

Dental professionals interested in applying for the scholarship can submit their applications 

This scholarship aims to expand access to quality infection control education and certifications, empowering dental professionals to strengthen this essential skillset. 

OSAP, DANB, and DALE Foundation Announce Andrew Whitehead Education and Certification Scholarship for Dental Infection Control

HeyGears Introduces New Automated Case-by-Case Clear Aligner Production Solution | Image Credit: © HeyGears

HeyGears unveiled its Automated Case-by-Case Clear Aligner Production Solution during last week’s 39th LMT LAB DAY in Chicago. The digital manufacturing solution company launched this innovative automation-focused digital dentistry solution that hopes to transform orthodontic workflows by streamlining production processes and boosting efficiency, delivering both economic and time savings.

The solution uses the UltraCraft A3D Ortho's expansive 3D printing build platform and is powered by intelligent production processes. It enables organization and printing of clear aligner models for a full patient's case in a single operation, eliminating the need for manual sorting and significantly optimizing production efficiency, according to HeyGears.

Automation is seamlessly integrated throughout the entire production process, encompassing pre-processing, printing, and post-processing stages—exemplifying the complete case-by-case approach.

The HeyGears solution incorporates advanced features including auto OCR code labeling, auto blockout, and auto trimline detection. By automating tasks such as code labeling and blockout processes, along with generating unique OCR codes for each model for laser labeling and trimline trimming, this process saves valuable time and minimizes errors. Additionally, the A3D Ortho's large-scale build platform is designed to enable printing of all models associated in a patient's case in a single task to eliminate the need for multiple print preparations.

The new offering provides automated part removal and model collection by patient's case during the production phase. This automation is said to significantly reduce handling time and effectively enhances overall productivity levels. During the post-processing stage, final steps are simplified by providing automated washing and curing without the need for manual sorting. The solution provides both time savings and consistent and reliable outcomes.

By optimizing production processes and enhancing efficiency, HeyGears' Automated Case-by-Case Clear Aligner Production Solution empowers orthodontic professionals to deliver high-quality clear aligners with greater speed and accuracy.

For additional information on the new solution, visit:

The automation-focused digital dentistry solution for orthodontic workflows was unveiled at LMT LAB DAY Chicago.

HeyGears Introduces New Automated Case-by-Case Clear Aligner Production Solution

Launched at the CDS Midwinter Meeting, AMD Lasers’ new Acuity Direct X-Ray Photon Detection Intraoral Sensor does more than just offer high-quality images. The technology behind the new sensor is more affordable than CMOS sensors, yet the company states that through its more efficient direct detection technology, it has enhanced both durability and affordability. 

Acuity combines the speed of CMOS with the clarity of PSP—for less—according to AMD Lasers. The technology is designed to enable clinicians to empower their practice towards experiencing the future of dental care by offering clearer diagnoses and enhanced patient care. Acuity's cutting-edge approach in clinical CT is designed to ensure a cost-effective solution while making steps forward in technical capability.

With this sensor clinicians no longer need to deal with time-consuming exposure enhancements. Additionally, Acuity offers a full complement of image customization options including Direct Imaging for unrivaled image quality and confident diagnoses; Ergonomic Design—Ultra-thin sensor minimizes patient discomfort; Accessible Innovation forimproved imaging technology at a reduced cost; and Durability—designed and tested to withstand over 500,000 exposures.

The company’s direct x-ray photon detection technology is said to provide crystal-clear images which eliminates the need for time-consuming exposure enhancements. Acuity’s image quality and durability allow clinicians to focus more on patient care. The thin profile and optimized imaging surface area of the sensors improve diagnostic efficiency, streamlining workflows and minimizing guesswork. The enhanced durability that direct x-ray photon detection technology offers protects your investment, offering long-lasting reliability, according to the company.

The thin-profile sensors are designed to prioritize patient comfort and make the dental experience less invasive. The crystal-clear images obtained through the technology are said to eliminate unnecessary pain, providing a seamless and efficient path to the most accurate treatment diagnoses.

The ergonomic design—one of the thinnest sensors in the market— prioritizes patient comfort, offering adult and pediatric sizes with optimized imaging surface area.

New sensor makes debut at Chicago Midwinter Meeting and boasts high-quality images and affordability.

AMD Lasers Unveils Acuity Direct X-Ray Photon Detection Intraoral Sensor 

The SEPA Foundation and LISTERINE® have united under the banner of “Principles for Oral Health,” a bold global initiative aimed at advancing periodontal health and ensuring that oral healthcare professionals worldwide have access to essential tools for primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention of periodontitis.

Launching the first project under this collaborative endeavor, titled “Essentials,” the focus is squarely on assessing the efficacy and value of antiseptics and clinically proven antibacterial mouthwashes featured in the EFP S3 systematic reviews. The initiative aims to distill key insights regarding the current usage and adjunctive role of mouthwashes in mechanical plaque removal.

Dr. Paula Matesanz, vice president of SEPA (Spanish Society of Periodontology), emphasizes the importance of promoting periodontal health through easily implementable criteria and reinforcing prevention as a daily practice.

“We must promote periodontal health with clear criteria that are easy to implement among the general population, reinforcing prevention as a daily habit, while facilitating access to existing scientific evidence for oral health professionals,” says Dr Matesanz in a press release.

The impact of these endeavors will be felt globally, with particular attention directed towards 7 key countries: Spain, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Brazil, and the United States.

Dr. Soha Dattani, director and head of scientific engagement at Listerine® Oral Care, EMEA, is one of many clinicians expressing enthusiasm for the ambitious project. She adds in the press release, “We are excited about this ambitious project and the potential it has to improve people’s oral health.”

A central component of the initiative involves assembling a cadre of global opinion leaders tasked with formulating practical recommendations on the use of oral antiseptics to manage plaque biofilm and inflammation in patients undergoing supportive periodontal therapy. Dr Matesanz, a member of the Etiology and Therapy of Periodontal and Peri-implant Diseases Research Group(ETEP) of the Complutense University of Madrid (UCM), leads this effort, supported by Dr. David Herrera and a panel of distinguished experts.

Among the key opinion leaders from Europe are those from Italy (FilippoGraziani, University of Pisa, SIdP); experts from the UK (Nicola West, University of Bristol, BSP-EFP and Iain Chapple, University of Birmingham); from France (Marjolanie Gosset, Université Paris Cité, APHP, and president del French Society of Periodontology and Oral Implantology, SFPIO); from Germany (Henrik Dommisch,Universitätsmedizin Berlín, DG Paro); from Spain (Elena Figueroand Ana Molina,ETEP Research Group of UCM, SEPA; Beatriz De Tapia, International University of Catalonia); Ricardo Fischer, representing the University of Rio de Janeiro and the Brazilian Society of Periodontology, Sobrapi;and the Editor-in-Chief of the 

 (JCP), Panos Papapanou,also representing the American Academy of Periodontology. Given the preventive nature of the project, Rhiannon Jones, from Cardiff University and the British Society of Dental Hygiene and Therapy, will also contribute.

The expert consensus session is scheduled for April 5 at The House of Gums, a SEPA facility in Madrid, Spain dedicated to promoting periodontal, oral, and general health.

To foster collaboration and collective action towards better public health outcomes, the project seeks substantial institutional support. Dr Matesanz adds in the press release, “the collaboration with medical scientific societies and universities will also be a critical component in order for this project to become a point of reference for the dental community.”

SEPA, a global nonprofit scientific organization with over 65 years of experience, serves as a cornerstone in international periodontology, boasting strong ties to prestigious societies and federations worldwide.

This alliance will work in collaboration with prominent international opinion leaders, as well as several scientific societies seeking to advance periodontal health.

SEPA and Listerine Forge Global Strategic Alliance

Artificial Tongue Detects and Inactivates Common Mouth Bacteria According to New Study


Researchers have unveiled an "artificial tongue" capable of detecting and inactivating common disease-causing dental bacteria. The study, titled "Enhanced 'Electronic Tongue' for Dental Bacterial Discrimination and Elimination Based on a DNA-Encoded Nanozyme Sensor Array," was published in 

Mouth-related issues, from the discomfort of plaque to the embarrassment of halitosis, often stem from bacterial activity. The challenge lies in identifying and treating these microorganisms effectively. Traditional methods involve time-consuming processes like culturing or DNA marker detection, which can be expensive. In response, the researchers behind this study explored a more accessible solution: an artificial tongue equipped with a chemical sensor array.

The researchers incorporated a nanozyme—a nanoscopic particle mimicking natural enzymes—constructed from iron oxide particles coated with DNA strands according to a press release from 

The system demonstrated its effectiveness when hydrogen peroxide and a colorless indicator were introduced into the solution, causing a color change. Bacteria adhering to the DNA altered the nanozyme's reactivity, resulting in unique color signals for each type of bacteria. This innovative approach successfully identified 11 different dental bacteria species in artificial saliva samples.

The artificial tongue also showcased antibacterial properties. In experiments, the DNA-encoded nanozyme sensor array inactivated three typical bacterial species compared to control samples. Scanning electron microscopy images suggested that the nanozyme system destroyed bacterial membranes, hinting at its potential application in diagnosing and treating bacterial dental diseases in the future.

This study was funded in part by various institutions, including the National Natural Science Foundation of China and the National Key Research and Development Program of China.

This breakthrough technology not only simplifies and accelerates the identification of dental bacteria but also offers a promising avenue for treatment. With its ability to inactivate bacteria, this artificial tongue could enhance the field of oral health, providing a quicker and more cost-effective solution to diagnose and combat dental diseases. 

This device is capable of not only finding oral bacteria but also eliminating it, making it a potential technology in the fight against various bacterial dental diseases in the future. 

Artificial Tongue Detects and Inactivates Common Mouth Bacteria According to New Study

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.  

All dental labs and practices using 3D printers can take advantage of this high-powered desktop UV curing system housed in a rugged, anodized metal enclosure for optimal durability.

Designed to redefine UV curing for all resin printers, the versatile xCURE Desktop is a high-powered UV curing system that supports 3 wavelengths (365 nm, 385 nm, and 405 nm).

The xCURE Desktop UV curing system is said to reduce postprocessing time by as much as 80% with curing times as short as 6 minutes. It brings ultrafast postprocessing to the desktop. Because it cures on all 3 major wavelengths, the xCURE Desktop can be used with pretty much every major resin 3D printer (SLA, DLP, mSLA) out on the market for dental applications.

This curing system allows for efficient workflows as users can postprocess parts faster, and Nexa3D’s predeﬁned curing workﬂows are said to guarantee consistent mechanical properties and predictable part performance. Optimized to work best with Nexa3D resin 3D printers and materials, the system is also compatible with most other resin 3D printers. The xCURE Desktop accommodates build volume of the company’s XiP resin 3D printers and features presets and customizable cure settings.

This versatile xCURE Desktop from Nexa3D is a high-powered UV curing system that supports 3 wavelengths and is designed to deliver ultrafast curing times. 

5Ws* xCURE Desktop

A new study indicates the slowing of U.S. inflation has trickled down to the Tooth Fairy, meaning those who lost a tooth last year were not rewarded quite as much as in recent years.

New findings just released from Delta Dental from its 2024 Original Tooth Fairy Poll® revealed the average value of a single lost tooth during the past year declined by 6% from $6.23 to $5.84. This represents the first year-over-year decline in Tooth Fairy giving in 5 years. This drop also came into play with those who lost a first tooth.

While the loss of a first tooth—often a memorable occurrence—typically commands a premium, the Delta Dental poll also found the Tooth Fairy is minding her pennies in celebration of this milestone with the average value dropping from $7.29 to $7.09 over the past year.

"Delta Dental has tracked U.S. Tooth Fairy giving trends for 26 years as a timely way to spotlight the importance of children's oral health," Gabriella Ferroni, senior director, strategic communications, Delta Dental Plans Association, says in a press release. "It is not a surprise to see she tightened her pursestrings following last year's record high. Despite the more economical reward, Tooth Fairy giving is a fun conversation starter to encourage good oral hygiene habits at an early age."

What gives? Historically, the Original Tooth Fairy Poll® has typically mirrored the economy's overall direction, tracking with the trends of Standard & Poor's 500 Index (S&P 500). However, in 2023, the value of a lost tooth went in a different direction, and it continues in 2024, the study reveals. The average value of a single lost tooth decreased 6% over the past year, while the S&P 500 experienced a 20% increase during the same period.

U.S. Regional Ranking for the Average Value of a LostTooth

The poll indicates that people who lost a tooth in the West were rewarded quite a bit more than other parts of the country. Midwesterners, on the other hand, had a little less to smile about after losing a tooth and getting a visit from the Tooth Fairy.

Surged ahead of the pack to lead U.S. regions with the highest monetary gift for a lost tooth, marking a 37% increase since last year's results.

Increased 12% and surpassed the national average by more than $1.00.

Dropped below the national average, after leading last year with $6.59 for a lost tooth.

Significantly trailed the national average with a 36%drop, returning close to its 2021 average of $3.66.

The Original Tooth Fairy Poll® was conducted between Jan. 3, 2024, and Jan. 17, 2024, among 1,000 parents of children ages 6 to 12. The margin of error is+/-3%.

The January 2023 S&P 500 average was 3,942 and increased to an average of 4,746 for January 2024, consistent with the timing of the Original Tooth Fairy Poll®.

For additional information about the Delta Dental-sponsored survey and oral health tips for infants to pre-teen, visit the 

Based in Chicago, Illinois, Delta Dental Plans Association is the not-for-profit national association of the 39 independent Delta Dental companies. Through these companies, Delta Dental is the nation's largest dental benefits provider, covering more than 89 million Americans and offering the country's largest dental network with approximately 152,000 participating dentists. 

New study reveals the average value of a single lost tooth during the past year declines for the first time in 5 years.