All the latest dental product releases in a bite-sized episode. 

Product Bites – February 9, 2024

Product Bites – February 9, 2024 podcast transcript:

Welcome to Product Bites, a weekly podcast from Dental Products Report providing you with a rundown of recently launched and updated dental technologies, materials, instruments, and everything else you might use with patients or while running your practice.

I’m your host, DPR Editor Kellie Nock, and on this week’s podcast we’ve got 6 new product launches from PreVu Software, Amann Girrbach, OraBio, Dental Creations, Curaden, and Align.

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

Our first feature today comes from PreVu Software, a dental technology solutions company. They've just unveiled their latest breakthrough – an advanced dental treatment simulation software powered by their proprietary SmileAI artificial intelligence. According to a recent press release, SmileAI is set to redefine patient education and engagement in the dental industry. What's impressive is the speed at which simulations can now be generated – a mere 60 seconds! This faster, smarter, and simpler approach is expected to elevate the efficiency of dental professionals and enhance the overall patient experience.SmileAI utilizes advanced artificial intelligence algorithms to analyze facial structures and dental conditions, creating natural-looking and personalized smile simulations for each patient. The software also introduces new features to streamline chairside simulations, including improved whitening simulation capabilities that increase patient acceptance of whitening procedures. With an intuitive user interface, dental professionals can easily navigate and create compelling smile simulations. The use of PreVu digital smile mock-ups has been proven to increase patient interest and acceptance of high-value dental treatments. A game-changer indeed!

Moving on to our next product – Amann Girrbach introduces the Ceramill Matron, the first fifth-generation milling machine in the market. Engineered for optimal precision, excellent milling results, and maximum intuitive handling, this machine takes digital milling to a new level. The Ceramill Matron excels in working with a diverse range of materials, especially in the carbide sector. Its integrated Performance Blank Changer allows autonomous order processing with the capacity to handle up to 8 blanks, seamlessly integrating into the digital workflow. With 5-axis plus technology, extreme angles are no challenge for the Ceramill Matron, ensuring high precision even in pronounced undercuts. Quick tool changes are facilitated by the magnetically interchangeable 11-position tool carrier, SnapMag. The 45° arrangement of the A/B axes provides high rigidity and accuracy with vibration-damping properties during the milling process. The Ceramill Matron is designed to make the dental production process fully automated with its 8-fold blank changer and a high-resolution 21.5-inch display, contributing to a more enjoyable working experience for dental professionals.

Now, let's shift our focus to oral health with OraBio's latest product – Periovance Oral Rinse. Described as an all-natural liquid anesthetic, this innovative solution aims to provide dental professionals with a convenient and effective way to alleviate and manage patient pain both within and outside their offices. Offering full-mouth pain relief within 60 seconds of swishing, Periovance Oral Rinse allows hygienists to efficiently treat a range of oral conditions with a single dose providing up to 2 hours of pain relief. This versatile product extends to various dental applications, including gingivitis, scaling and root planing, dentures, orthodontic discomfort, and more. Periovance Oral Rinse features an alcohol-free formula containing key ingredients like Benzocaine, Maltodextrin, Aloe Vera Extracts, and Xylitol. These components work synergistically to provide fast pain relief, reduce severity, and enhance the overall patient experience.

Let's now talk about precision milling with Prefect PMMA Monolayer Discs. These durable PMMA discs, available in a single, clear shade, are designed specifically for milling occlusal splints and surgical guides. Well-suited for patients suffering from bruxism, these discs are abrasion-resistant and can be quickly milled for use as a surgical guide. With a shiny surface finish, these discs offer simplicity in polishing, providing dental professionals with reliable and efficient solutions for their patients.

Our next spotlight today is on sustainable oral care with the Curaprox Wooden Toothbrush. Made from durable Swiss beech wood harvested from sustainably managed forests, this toothbrush is designed to provide an effective daily oral care solution while minimizing its impact on the environment. Featuring a biodegradable and compostable brush handle, the Curaprox Wooden Toothbrush comes with 4440 tightly packed ultra-soft filaments for a comfortable brushing experience that reaches every area within the mouth. It's a small step towards eco-friendly oral care practices.

Our final product today is The iTero Lumina™ intraoral scanner. According to the manufacturer, the iTero Lumina boasts a 3X wider field of capture, all packed into a 50% smaller and 45% lighter wand. This not only ensures faster scanning speed but also guarantees higher accuracy, superior visualization, and enhanced comfort for users. Equipped with iTero Multi-Direct Capture technology, the iTero Lumina™ introduces several groundbreaking features. This includes a wider field of capture and multi-angled scanning, enabling simultaneous capture from multiple angles, resulting in smoother, faster, and more accurate scans. The scanner offers a larger capture distance, efficiently capturing more data and detail without the need for traditional bulky digital cameras and cheek retractors. The enhanced ergonomics and comfort are particularly beneficial for younger patients, ensuring a smooth and comfortable experience for both users and patients. The iTero Lumina™ intraoral scanner is available in both cart and mobile configurations on the iTero Plus Series platform, providing flexibility and convenience for dental professionals. With photorealistic scans that enable high-quality clinical decisions, the iTero Lumina™ is a game-changer in the world of intraoral scanning.

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 visitingdentalproductsreport.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

All the latest dental products in a bite-sized episode. On this week’s episode, we’ve got 6 new products with launches from PreVu Dental, Amann Girrbach, OraBio, Dental Creations, Curaden, and Align.

Image Credit: © Darby Group Companies and Subscribili 

Subscribili, a trailblazer in subscription-based healthcare, has secured a substantial $4.3 million in seed funding, signaling a groundbreaking shift in the dental care sector and a significant stride within the broader healthcare domain. Spearheaded by Darby Group Companies and bolstered by Vyne Dental®, this investment enjoys support from notable figures in both the dental and technology spheres, including Gokul Rajaram, esteemed board member of Pinterest and Coinbase, and Krishna Raj Raja, founder of Support Logic. This infusion of capital heralds a new chapter of accessibility and innovation in dental care.

Addressing a pivotal challenge in healthcare, Subscribili's innovative model simplifies the traditionally intricate and costly process of accessing dental services. This funding injection will expedite the company's mission, focusing on cutting-edge technological advancements, pioneering product development, and forging strategic alliances within the dental sector. The investment underscores the market's confidence in Subscribili's transformative model, which the company says is swiftly reshaping healthcare accessibility and affordability.

With a burgeoning user base, Subscribili is leading the charge in a new era of dental care, driving healthcare transformation through innovative fintech solutions. As the company scales to meet escalating demand, its unique subscription model is designed to emerge as a game-changer, streamlining dental care delivery and enhancing consumer accessibility. For dental practitioners, this model offers a stable and recurring revenue stream, fostering a more predictable and sustainable business framework. This dual benefit creates a symbiotic relationship wherein consumers enjoy easier and more affordable access to dental care, while providers cultivate a broader and more consistent patient base.

Frank Massino, president of Darby Group Companies, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating in a press release, “On behalf of Darby Group Companies, I am thrilled to announce our partnership with Subscribili. Subscribili’s subscription management technology allows patients who are uninsured or underinsured to access quality dental care. Subscribili’s mission aligns perfectly with Darby’s long-standing commitment to provide value for our customers while working with partners to improve oral healthcare throughout the patient community at large.”

The collaboration with Vyne Dental and the introduction of Vyne Dental Plans represent a significant milestone poised to redefine patient experiences in dental care. This partnership streamlines workflows, enhances revenue collection, and reduces expenses for insurance-based practices and the growing number of practices transitioning towards fee-for-service models.

“This funding is not just a financial boost—it’s a catalyst for transformative change. Our vision is to elevate the patient experience by integrating consumer-centric approaches into dental care,” Sudha Vetri, CEO of Subscribili, adds in the press release. “We're building a dynamic marketplace that caters to patients, providers, and employers alike. With our EHR/PMS integrated subscription platform, Subscribili is uniquely positioned to disrupt and redefine dental care, making quality care accessible to all.”

As Subscribili celebrates this landmark funding achievement, its dedication to pioneering innovation in dental care remains resolute. Backed by visionary investors and industry collaborators, Subscribili stands at the forefront of reshaping American healthcare, championing accessible, quality healthcare for all.

Darby Group Companies, headquartered in Jericho, NY, is a privately held investment firm with strategic holdings across the global dental industry. As the parent company of Darby Dental Supply, LLC, the organization is committed to supporting dental professionals nationwide with top-tier products and solutions that foster practice growth and patient care.

Vyne Dental is part of the Vyne® family of industry-leading information exchange, revenue acceleration, and communication solutions for healthcare. Strategically developing solutions for dental practices, healthcare providers, and insurance plans, the company facilitates the secure exchange of health information, optimizing cash flow while reducing associated costs.

Founded in 2021 by alumni of McKinsey, Moody’s, and Flatiron, Subscribili is a healthcare technology startup headquartered in Austin, Texas. Subscribili offers personalized and affordable subscription plans designed to deliver a high-quality patient experience.

Articles

Collaborating with Darby Group Companies and Vyne Dental, the subscription-based healthcare company seeks to improve access to quality dental care for everyone.

Subscribili Raises $4.3 Million in Seed Funding to Transform Dental Care Industry

, a leading provider of dental insights tailored to support various objectives within the dental industry, has announced its acquisition of Delegated DDS, an NCQA-accredited organization specializing in credentialing services for Dental Support Organizations (DSOs) and dental insurance carriers. The acquisition bolsters Fluent's suite of top-tier credentialing services, catering to the needs of both dental insurance payers and dental providers/dental support organizations.

Established in 2020, Delegated DDS offers comprehensive credentialing, recredentialing, and continuous quality monitoring services for dental providers. With a focus on expedited provider credentialing through advanced technology, Delegated DDS facilitates direct delegation of credentialing agreements with dental insurance payers, resulting in streamlined processes and reduced credentialing wait times for dental insurance payers and DSOs.

“We are thrilled to add Delegated DDS to Fluent’s suite of offerings, and are excited for the opportunity to better support both dental payers and providers through best-in-class credentialing services that complement our acquisition of Credentials Verification Organization (CVO), Dentistat, last year,” says Sean Carroll, CEO of Fluent, in a press release. “We look forward to continuing to develop our suite of credentialing solutions to provide the best experience for our partners!”

Patrick Connolly, founder, and CEO of Delegated DDS expressed enthusiasm about joining the Fluent family. “Fluent is an expert in optimizing processes, connecting industry stakeholders, and delivering end-to-end scalable solutions for all dental industry stakeholders. We couldn’t be happier to be joining the Fluent family and are excited to be able to serve our customers in new and innovative ways,” Connolly states in the press release.

Fluent Dental is a technology-enabled company with comprehensive data capabilities in the dental industry. By leveraging a state-of-the-art platform and team of dental domain experts, the company develops solutions designed to overcome the most significant business challenges facing its customers.

For further details about Fluent and its dental business intelligence solutions, visit the website at 

Fluent stands as a leading source for comprehensive dental procedure data, combining technology, analytics, research, and dental domain expertise to address the needs and concerns of customers and partners in the dental industry. With over 25 years of trusted experience, the company provides unique insights into the operation of the oral healthcare ecosystem, enabling stakeholders to thrive through its multi-payer dental claims database, primary research, and data management best practices.

Delegated DDS offers DSOs an opportunity to benefit from delegated credentialing services without the administrative burden associated with policy and program development to meet NCQA, CMS, State, and payer credentialing requirements. For dental insurance payers seeking efficient credentialing for DSO practitioners and members, Delegated DDS alleviates in-house credentialing tasks without the increased costs typically associated with larger internal teams, the company states.

The network of services for Delegated DDS includes
Electronic Credentialing & Recredentialing Applications,Roster Maintenance and Submission , Primary Source Verification, Practitioner Notifications, Credentialing Committee Formation and Management, Pre-Delegation Payer Audits, Ongoing Monitoring of Practitioner Sanctions, Annual Payer Audits, Customized Credentialing Policies and Procedures that satisfy State, CMS, and Payer Requirements, andExclusive Access to Team Support.

The acquisition expands Fluent’s suite of credentialing services to support both dental insurance payers and dental providers/DSOs.

Fluent Enhances Suite with Acquisition of Delegated DDS

Biocidin Botanicals Introduces Dentalflora™ Oral Health Probiotics. Image credit: © Biocidin Botanicals


Biocidin Botanicals®, known for its botanical supplements and pioneering efforts in microbiome health, has unveiled its latest innovation–Dentalflora™. This dentist-formulated daily oral probiotic is designed to increase full-mouth oral health as well as freshen breath by way of cultivating beneficial bacteria, according to a press release from Biocidin Botanicals. This new probiotic will join Biocidin’s SMILE line of “Dentaceuticals®.”

Each dissolvable tablet is flavored with natural spearmint leaf extract and sweetened with xylitol, harnessing the power of 4 extensively researched probiotics that aim to enhance teeth and gum health and the microbiome that lives inside the mouth.

Rachel Fresco, the founder and formulator of Biocidin Botanicals, emphasized the transformative potential of Dentalflora™ in the press release. "Dentalflora™ is a game-changer for health care practitioners and their patients," she said. Fresco highlighted the surge in research focusing on the oral microbiome, asserting that holistic well-being initiates in the mouth. "The research points to oral probiotics as the natural next step for supporting oral microbiome balance, and we're excited to bring Dentalflora™ to market," she added.

Biocidin Botanicals collaborated with dentist Dr Ariana Ebrahimian to develop Dentalflora’s unique formula, as she provided vital insight on the oral microbiome. Dr Ebrahimian explained the scientific underpinnings of Dentalflora, stating in the press release, "Exciting advances in dental research show that certain probiotic species and strains can create peptides called 'bacteriocins' that are toxic to unwanted microbes, including those implicated in issues that impact systemic health."

These oral health probiotics from Biocidin Botanicals aim to enhance oral health, freshen breath, and improve the oral microbiome. 

Biocidin Botanicals Introduces Dentalflora™ Oral Health Probiotics

Lithoz to Unveil Breakthrough in 3D-Printed Lithium Disilicate Restorations at LMT Lab Day Chicago |

Lithoz GmbH, a pioneer in high-performance ceramic materials and 3D printers, is set to unveil the next stage of its revolutionary lithium disilicate material for dental 3D printing at the upcoming LMT Lab Day Chicago 2024 later this month. Collaboratively developed with Ivoclar, a renowned manufacturer of esthetic dental solutions, this innovation promises to revolutionize the production of patient-specific dental restorations.

Derived from IPS e.max lithium disilicate powder by Ivoclar, this cutting-edge material offers a long-awaited avenue for the serial production of natural-looking dental restorations. With veneers as thin as 0.3 mm and meticulously detailed crowns, including sharp and lifelike occlusal surfaces, lithium disilicate dental restorations can now be fabricated in scalable yet individual series production. This advancement marks a significant leap in production efficiency for large dental labs, ushering in a new era of unparalleled esthetic precision, according to Lithoz.

Visitors to the Lithoz booth at LMT Lab Day Chicago (February 22-24, 2024) will have the opportunity to explore further innovative dental applications enabled by Lithoz's precision LCM technology. These include fully patient-specific osseoconductive and bioresorbable mandibular augmentations, as well as additively serially manufactured dental implants crafted from advanced materials such as zirconia and alumina-toughened zirconia. Attendees can engage in hands-on examination of these parts and gain insights into the manufacturing workflow from Lithoz dental experts.

Dr. Daniel Bomze, Director of Medical Solutions at Lithoz GmbH, will conduct an interactive workshop titled “3D-Printed Lithium Disilicate Restorations: The Efficient Way to Perfect Dental Aesthetics” on February 23rd at 10:45 am, providing attendees with valuable insights into the new production process.

 “Lithoz Presents 3D-Printed Lithium Disilicate Restorations: The Efficient Way to Perfect Dental Aesthetics” by Dr. Daniel Bomze, Feb. 23 at 10:45 am.

Lithoz is a global leader in high-performance ceramic 3D printers and materials, committed to pushing the boundaries of ceramic production. With an emphasis on precision and innovation, Lithoz serves as a key partner in expanding manufacturing opportunities across various industries, including dentistry and medical applications.

The company's CeraFab S65 Medical printer is specially developed for dentistry. | Image Credit: © Lithoz GmbH.

The flawless precision and impressive material efficiency of LCM technology guarantee perfect finishes and satisfied patients for both dental restorations and dental implants, states Lithoz. The company offers a variety of printers, including the CeraFab S65 Medical, specially developed for dentistry.

Founded in 2011, Lithoz GmbH specializes in high-precision ceramic 3D printing for complex dental and medical applications. With an export share of nearly 100% and operations spanning 4 continents, Lithoz continues to lead the charge in ceramic additive manufacturing.

The Ivoclar Group, headquartered in Schaan, Liechtenstein, is a global leader in integrated solutions for high-quality dental applications. With over a century of experience, the company is dedicated to empowering individuals to achieve optimal oral health and esthetics through its comprehensive portfolio of products and services.

Derived from Ivoclar’s IPS e.max lithium disilicate powder, this new material offers a long-awaited avenue for the serial production of natural-looking dental restorations including veneers as thin as 0.3 mm, and detailed crowns.

Lithoz to Unveil Breakthrough in 3D-Printed Lithium Disilicate Restorations at LMT Lab Day Chicago

Carestream Dental Launches New Imaging System CS 8200 3D Access. Image credit: © Carestream Dental

Carestream Dental is now paving the way for oral health care professionals to seamlessly transition to Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) imaging with its latest innovation, the CS 8200 3D Access. This 4-in-1 system is designed to enhance user experience, leading to improvements in diagnoses, patient care, and business growth, according to a press release from the company.

The CS 8200 3D Access is a versatile system catering to the diverse imaging needs of clinicians, including full-arch scanning. Offering 2D panoramic imaging, CBCT imaging, 3D-object scanning, and optional cephalometric imaging in a single unit, it is said to provide up to 6 selectable fields of view ranging from 4 cm x 4 cm to 10 cm x 10 cm.

For clinicians focusing on intricate details, such as those required for endodontic indications, the CS 8200 3D Access system excels by capturing ultra-high-resolution images at 75-microns. In the press release, Philippe Maillet, General Manager, Global Equipment at Carestream Dental, emphasized the significance of 3D imaging, stating, "CBCT is no longer a tool reserved for specialists, hospitals, or imaging centers. Today, compact, user-friendly systems like the CS 8200 3D Access are ensuring that more practices, including general dentistry practices, can benefit from the power of 3D imaging."

What sets the CS 8200 3D Access apart is its open platform. The IO Scanner Link feature facilitates connectivity between leading intraoral scanners and extraoral imaging equipment, unlocking new treatment potential and improving workflow, per the press release.

Carestream Dental goes a step further by offering various software modules and add-ons through Swissmeda, their clinical software, and cloud-sharing brand. The Easy Digital Denture Solution (EDDS) is designed to streamline the digitization of denture workflows in under 5 minutes. Pairing the CS 8200 3D Access with Swissmeda Cloud Imaging transforms the unit into a connected device, allowing anytime-anywhere access to clinical images. The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) insights enables clinicians to elevate their diagnosis and treatment with reliable X-ray analysis and automated radiographic reports, reducing undiagnosed and untreated cases.

The user interface ensures that even users new to 3D imaging can confidently capture the best image for each examination. Laser-free face-to-face positioning ensures optimal patient positioning, and advanced software features, driven by AI, such as automatic panoramic curve mapping and automatic nerve mapping, are said to further enhance the user experience. Additional options, like CS MAR for reducing metal artifacts and CS UpStream, a 24/7 advanced equipment monitoring service, contribute to an overall seamless and intuitive workflow. For more information about the CS 8200 3D Family, 

This new imaging system aims to improve patient care and business growth through its connectivity. 

Carestream Dental Launches New Imaging System CS 8200 3D Access

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.  

Periapical Radiolucency (PARL) Assist device

5Ws* PeriapicalRadiolucency (PARL) Assist |

Every dental practice can benefit from the use of PARL Assist to aid dentists by identifying and segmenting instances of PARL on periapical radiographs.

With this recent clearance, Overjet secures its position as the first and only dental artificial intelligence (AI) provider capable of detecting and outlining instances of PARL on periapical radiographs for patients aged 12 years and older.

Overjet’s PARL Assist product will identify and alert clinicians in various clinical scenarios, building on preexisting clearances. Two illustrative scenarios include explicitly calling out teeth with carious lesions extending into the pulp alongside a PARL lesion and flagging teeth with preexisting root canal therapy that potentially has unresolved PARL, prompting the clinician to investigate and test clinically.

In the development of PARL Assist, Overjet harnessed substantial clinical expertise, rigorous testing, and validation. Expert clinicians annotated tens of thousands of clinically validated instances of PARLs across a diverse range of clinical scenarios to train Overjet’s algorithms. The reference standard testing set, establishing the quality bar for its AI, was meticulously created with multiconsensus agreement by expert US licensed endodontists, according to the company.

Overjet’s PARL Assist is designed to detect and outline instances of PARL on periapical radiographs for patients aged 12 years and older.

5Ws* Periapical Radiolucency (PARL) Assist

Designed to provide clinicians with a chairside CAD/CAM material option that combines efficient processing with the strength and esthetics needed for use in any area of the mouth, KATANA™ Zirconia ONE blocks from Kuraray Noritake Dental allows practices to reduce material inventory.

Compatible with the CEREC Primemill and Speed Fire furnace from Dentsply Sirona, the new KATANA Zirconia ONE blocks can be milled in less than 5 minutes and sintered in a new 18-minute firing cycle regardless of block shade. This makes it possible to deliver a zirconia crown in as little as 35 minutes, according to materials provided by Kuraray Noritake.

While it mills quickly, it also causes less wear on the milling tools when compared with conventional zirconia blocks, which can potentially double the lifespan of a milling tool. The KATANA Zirconia ONE material also mills with smooth margins for accurate fit, and long lasting restorations.

While it exhibits a flexural strength of 933 MPa, the new KATANA Zirconia ONE material can be milled as this as 0.8 mm for crowns in both the anterior and posterior, and as thin as 0.4 mm for veneers.

To achieve lifelike esthetics, KATANA Zirconia ONE blocks are made of 4 layers of zirconia in gradiated shades. The blocks move from an enamel layer through a pair of transition layers to reach the dentin layer. The CEREC Move Tool can be used to position a restoration within these transitioning shades too achieve the desired esthetic outcome.

Restorations fabrication from KATANA Zirconia ONE can be finished in multiple ways with options including polishing prior to sintering, polishing after sintering, and applying stains and glazes for greater characterization and detail.

KATANA Zirconia ONE blocks are available in Crown and Bridge sizes in 14 shades based on the VITA Classic Shades.

The latest material from Kuraray for CEREC chairside CAD/CAM solutions is a multi-layered zirconia designed to provide strength, esthetics, and workflow efficiency. 

Kuraray’s New KATANA Zirconia ONE Blocks Can Simplify Chairside CAD/CAM Material Selection

Tailored to assist dental practice owners looking to sell their practice, dental consulting and marketing solutions company Productive Dentist Academy (PDA) has introduced the Investment Grade Practice™ Seller Readiness Program, the latest addition to its comprehensive suite of services.

This innovative initiative is designed to empower dental practice owners seeking to optimize the value of their businesses during transitional periods, offering unparalleled opportunities to elevate profitability and enhance business valuation.

Recognizing the pivotal role of the Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization (EBITDA) metric in business valuation, PDA presents the Investment Grade Practice Seller Readiness Program. This strategic endeavor aims to assist dental professionals in maximizing the returns on their lifelong dedication to patient care, community service, and practice management.

“At PDA, we are committed to helping dental practice owners realize their true potential and make the most of their hard work and investment,” says PDA co-founder & CEO Dr. Victoria Peterson in a press release. “The Seller Readiness program identifies and addresses key areas of growth, optimizes cash flow, and implements effective marketing strategies, all while ensuring optimal patient care remains a top priority.”

The Investment Grade Practice Seller Readiness Program is structured around 3 fundamental pillars essential for fostering sustainable growth and maximizing business value:

 Through meticulous examination of financial records spanning the previous 3 years, PDA assists dental professionals in delineating their financial-freedom timeline and establishing a profitability incentive point, fostering a balanced budget approach. This empowers practice owners to enhance sale value, achieve an EBITDA exceeding 15 percent, mitigate cash flow discrepancies, and maintain a harmonized labor cost framework.

 PDA collaborates with dental practice proprietors to refine internal marketing strategies and external advertising campaigns, ensuring seamless continuity of the practice's care philosophy post-transition. The program facilitates the attraction of like-minded employees and patients aligned with the practice's core values through comprehensive marketing audits, employer brand promotion, collateral design, and internal marketing activation.

 By imparting proven methodologies designed to stimulate robust revenue growth and enhance patient well-being, the program equips dental professionals with the tools to fortify 4 key areas: productive scheduling, comprehensive treatment diagnosis, financial & case acceptance, and mastering the patient journey. This holistic approach enables practice owners to realize enduring growth and success.

With the Investment Grade Practice Seller Readiness Program, dental practice owners gain the requisite confidence and expertise to navigate practice transactions with assurance, securing optimal value from the sale, states PDA.

To embark on the journey of maximizing their dental practice's value and ensuring a seamless transition, dental professionals are encouraged to join the PDA Productivity Workshop & IGP Summit, scheduled for March 14-16, 2024, in Frisco, Texas. Attendees will delve deeper into the core areas of the program, engage with industry experts, and take the first step towards bolstering profitability and enhancing business valuation.

For additional details and to reserve your spot at the March Workshop, visit 

Productive Dentist Academy's Seller Readiness Summit

Dental consulting firm’s new program designed to inspire clinicians to maximize their dental practice’s value.

Productive Dentist Academy Unveils Investment Grade Practice Seller Readiness Program

New Guideline Offers Acute Pain Management Solutions for Adolescent and Adult Dental Patients | Image Credit: © Coachwood - stock.adobe.com

In a collaborative effort between the American Dental Association (ADA), the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine, and the Center for Integrative Global Oral Health at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, a new clinical practice guideline has been developed. Published in the February issue of 

The Journal of the American Dental Association

Drawing upon a comprehensive review of available evidence, the guideline panel has determined that NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen and naproxen, either alone or in conjunction with acetaminophen, represent the primary treatment approach for alleviating dental pain in individuals aged 12 and above. This recommendation holds true for scenarios involving tooth extractions or toothaches when immediate dental care is not feasible.

Moreover, the guideline provides practitioners with recommendations for the cautious prescription of opioid medications in specific circumstances where deemed necessary. These recommendations underscore the importance of avoiding unnecessary opioid prescriptions, engaging patients in shared decision-making processes, and exercising extreme caution when considering opioids for adolescents and young adults. Additionally, the guideline emphasizes the significance of educating patients on proper opioid storage and disposal, as well as assessing any potential risk factors for opioid misuse and adverse events.

“It’s important to take special consideration when prescribing any type of pain reliever, and now, dentists have a set of evidence-based recommendations to determine the best care for their patients,” Paul Moore, DMD, PhD, MPH, the guideline’s senior author and panel chair and professor emeritus at the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Dental Medicine, says in a press release. “Patients are encouraged to discuss pain management expectations and strategies with their dentist so they can feel conﬁdent that they are receiving the safest, most effective treatment for their symptoms.”

The development of this guideline was made possible through a collaborative effort funded by a 3-year $1.5 million grant awarded by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to the University of Pittsburgh and the ADA Forsyth Institute. By providing clear prescribing guidelines for acute dental pain management across all age groups, this initiative aims to mitigate the risks associated with opioid addiction, overdose, and diversion.

“Providing prescribing guidelines for acute dental pain management is an important step towards improving patient treatment and outcomes,” Marta Sokolowska, PhD, deputy center director for substance use and behavioral health at the FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research says in the press release. “We hope this clinical practice guideline will reduce the risk of opioid addiction, overdose and diversion.”

This guideline, focusing on acute dental pain management, complements a previously published set of recommendations tailored specifically for pediatric patients in 2023. Both sets of guidelines are accessible at 

For further insights into the ADA’s ongoing efforts to address opioid misuse while ensuring effective pain management for dental patients, visit 

It is important to note that the views expressed in the guidelines are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official stance of, nor are they endorsed by, the FDA, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, or the U.S. government.

The ADA, a not-for-profit organization, stands as the nation's largest dental association, representing 159,000 dentist members. Since its inception in 1859, the ADA has been a steadfast advocate for public health and has played a pivotal role in advancing the art and science of dentistry. Through its state-of-the-art research facilities, the ADA continues to develop and evaluate dental products and materials, thereby enhancing dental practice and improving patient experiences.

Leading experts recommend the use of NSAIDs alone or in combination with acetaminophen to effectively manage short-term dental pain in adolescents and adults of all ages.