Armis Biopharma to Unveil Trio of Infection Control Products at Chicago Midwinter 2024. Image credit: © Armis Biopharma

Armis Biopharma®, a leading developer of Frontline Solutions for Infection Control, is making its debut at booth #1943 during the 2024 Chicago Midwinter Meeting (CMW 2024). The company is set to showcase a trio of new products, collectively known as "The Trifecta of Dental Infection Control," revolutionizing oral hygiene practices.

ArmiGard introduces a non-toxic and non-corrosive solution specifically designed to eliminate 99.9999% of odor-causing bacteria present on oral appliances, dentures, aligners, CPAP devices, and more, according to a press release from the company. In collaboration with Viva Learning Institute, Armis Biopharma proudly announces ArmiGard™ as the official oral appliance solution for Vivos-trained clinicians.

ArmiCare, a lavender-scented hand sanitizer, not only eradicates germs effectively but also ensures hands remain hydrated and comfortable, avoiding the stickiness or dryness associated with traditional sanitizers. Selected as the official hand sanitizer for the 2024 OSAP Dental Infection Control Boot Camp, ArmiCare® exemplifies toughness on pathogens with gentleness on hands.

ArmiClenz emerges as a versatile disinfectant, sanitizer, and deodorizer for multiple surfaces. Its powerful formulation targets bacteria, the COVID-19 virus, SARS-related Coronavirus 2, and Human Rhinovirus 42 (common cold). The aim is to combat harmful pathogens efficiently and comprehensively.

All 3 products share the core ingredient, Armis Biopharma’s proprietary peracid/hydrogen peroxide-based non-systemic antimicrobial agent. Independently verified by laboratories, this agent has demonstrated efficacy against various bacterial, viral, and fungal threats prevalent in today's environment, per the press release.

Michael Voss, Chief Commercial Officer of Armis Biopharma, expressed excitement in the press release, stating, “Our goal is to raise the bar on the efficacy and safety of commonly used products that sanitize oral appliances, hands, and surfaces. We also have another innovative dental product in development that we will introduce in the upcoming year.”

Visitors to Armis Biopharma's booth (#1423) during CMW 2024 have the exclusive opportunity to purchase the Armis Biopharma Travel Safe Defense Kit at a reduced special price. This kit includes a 4–6-month supply of the Trifecta of Dental Infection Control. The Travel Safe Defense Kit is said to offer protection against travel-related pathogens, catering to oral appliance sanitation, hand hygiene, and surface sanitization.

Articles

These infection control products from Armis Biopharma will take the spotlight at the 2024 Chicago Midwinter Dental Meeting. 

Armis Biopharma to Unveil Trio of Infection Control Products at Chicago Midwinter 2024

Howard University College of Dentistry Hosts National Kick-off Event for Give Kids A Smile Program. Image credit: © Howard University

In a bid to address the ongoing challenges underserved families face in accessing dental care, the American Dental Association Foundation's Give Kids A Smile (GKAS) program commenced its national initiative at Howard University College of Dentistry on February 1 and 2, 2024. This marks the 22nd year of GKAS, which brings together dental professionals nationwide to provide free dental services to underserved children while shedding light on the difficulties these families encounter in affording dental care.

The national kick-off event, held annually during National Children's Dental Health Month, is a testament to the program's dedication to reaching the most vulnerable communities., according to a press release from Howard University. Over the years, GKAS has mobilized thousands of volunteers to offer free oral health education and services to underserved children throughout the United States.

The goal of Give Kids A Smile extends beyond immediate care; it aims to establish continuity of care by finding dental homes for these families. The success of GKAS is made possible through the support of national sponsors, Henry Schein and Colgate. These sponsors provide education and product solutions, enabling GKAS events to take place at various locations, including schools, universities, health centers, and private dental practices.

Dean Andrea D. Jackson, DDS, expressed Howard University's enthusiasm for leading this year's initiative, stating, "Each year, Give Kids A Smile provides a powerful platform for us to share knowledge, teach prevention, and provide treatment to vulnerable children – giving them something to smile about."

LaToya M. Barham, DDS, associate professor and chair of the Department of Pediatric Dentistry, highlighted that this year's event at Howard University will focus on preventive care and oral health literacy. The college anticipates serving 100 children from 4 local schools in the District of Columbia.

Michele Tulak-Gorecki, DDS, chair of the American Dental Association Foundation, recognized the essential role of the nearly 27,000 dental professionals volunteering each year, along with the steadfast support from sponsors Henry Schein and Colgate. “What began as a grassroots effort 23 years ago in St. Louis [Missouri] has become a national public private collaboration that ensures access to quality oral health care or all children.” Dr Tulak-Gorecki said in the press release.

As exclusive product sponsor since the program's inception, Jennifer Kim Field, Chief Sustainability Officer with Henry Schein, Inc., emphasized their commitment to expanding access to care and enhancing oral health literacy for underserved children.

Colgate, the exclusive national sponsor of essential health and hygiene products since 2007, is equally committed to advancing health equity through its Bright Smiles, Bright Futures initiative. Dawna Michelle Fields, Senior Director at Colgate, expressed pride in supporting GKAS and promoting oral health literacy for children's overall well-being in the press release. “Colgate-Palmolive is proud to be a long-term supportor of the Give Kids a Smile program and promote oral health literacy, which is foundational for children’s overall health and well-being.”

The Give Kids A Smile program is said to align with Colgate's broader global social impact efforts, including the KnowYourOQ.com initiative, designed to improve oral health literacy while improving oral health outcomes.

Howard University College of Dentistry, the nation's fifth oldest dental school and one of two Historically Black College University dental schools, takes pride in its role as the sole dental college in the District of Columbia. The college has trained more African-American dentists than any other dental school in the United States, per the press release.

For more information about the ADA Foundation's Give Kids A Smile program, 

This program aims to educate and provide care for underserved children across the United States, and its annual kickoff event will take place at Howard University College of Dentistry. 

Howard University College of Dentistry Hosts National Kick-off Event for Give Kids A Smile Program

Designed to make chairside zirconia crown production efficient and convenient for clinicians and patients, the new IPS e.max® ZirCAD Prime Blocks from Ivoclar can be sintered in as little as 15 minutes.

The latest addition to Ivoclar's IPS e.max line of digital dental materials, ZirCAD Prime Blocks are based on the same material technology used in IPS e.max ZirCAD Prime and Prime Esthetic discs. 

Available for Dentsply Sirona's CEREC and InLab milling systems, the new chairside blocks achieve a strength of approximately 1,100 MPa after the 15-minute sintering cycle in the Ivoclar Programat® CS6 furnace. This allows the material to be used for single-visit crowns in any area of the mouth.

With a wall thickness of just 0.8 mm in the posterior, IPS e.max ZirCAD Prime Blocks are said to be ideal for conservative preps, and the blocks feature a progression of shade and translucency designed to mimic dentin and enamel to create highly esthetic restorations. This is accomplished because the material is formulated using 3Y-TZP zirconia powder in the dentin area and 5Y-TZP zirconia powder to create greater translucency for incisal areas.

After sintering the zirconia crowns can be finished and polished and then either conventionally cemented or adhesively bonded for maximum clinical flexibility.

“We are incredibly grateful and happy about the positive feedback we have received from our customers so far on the new block as well as on the Programat® CS6 furnace," says Ivoclar North America vice president product marketing Donald Bell in a press release. "By listening carefully to our customers, we have been able to develop a zirconia that empowers dental professionals to take their zirconia restorations to the next level. The reactions we got at DS World and the IADR Oral Health Research Congress in Rhodes, Greece were outstanding. We are looking forward to presenting our new IPS e.max ZirCAD Prime block to more customers at Chicago Midwinter in February 2024.” 

IPS e.max ZirCAD Prime Blocks are available in size C17 in shades BL1, 0, A1, A2, A3, B1, and C2.

With a sintering time of just 15 minutes, the latest addition to the IPS e.max product line offers the full strength of zirconia with less processing time.

Ivoclar Speeds Up Chairside CAD/CAM With New IPS e.max ZirCAD Prime Blocks

Texas-based dental lab DGTL(Digital) has launched its network of digital-only dental labs designed to produce the highest quality, affordable dental restorations—all exclusively manufactured in the United States.

With a new manufacturing process supported by digital technology and 3D manufacturing, DGTL is hoping to allow the U.S. to produce many of the dental restorations that are being completed outside the county. The lab plans to reshape the landscape of dental prosthetics by bringing the $3B+ in work that is currently made overseas, back to the U.S.


In an industry where digital manufacturing workflows are quickly replacing outdated analog processes, DGTL hopes to stand out as a leader in the evolving digital dental environment. With 3 innovative manufacturing centers located strategically in California, Texas, and Kentucky, DGTL's labs provide dental professionals with low cost, cutting-edge digital solutions produced here in this country. When the cases stay in the U.S., clinicians and patients no longer bear the burden of overseas supply chain issues in order to save money.

High Quality: By only accepting digital impressions, DGTL is not only removing costly overhead but also looks to dramatically reduce remakes for those dentists who are making the move into digital dentistry through intraoral scanner adoption.

Made in the United States: 100% of the labs’ products are made in the U.S. Every restoration DGTL produces will be milled or printed in one of its 3 innovation center locations with more centers planned to open.

State-of-the-art Technology: DGTL's labs are equipped with the latest CAD/CAM systems and 3D printing technology, designed to ensure that every restoration meets the highest standards of precision and quality.

Timely and Efficient Service: With a commitment to efficiency, DGTL guarantees prompt lead times of 48 hours or less for most products; additionally, a cutting-edge customer communication platform is said to ensure questions are always answered promptly.

"We are thrilled to introduce DGTL to our esteemed community of doctors, DSOs [dental service organizations] and dental professionals,” Brian Traudt, founder, and CEO of DGTL says in a press release. “For the past 10-15 years, due to the high cost of labor, billions of dollars of dental work have been shuttling back and forth between the U.S. and large offshore dental labs. It made sense because as reimbursements shrunk and labor costs have skyrocketed, dentists and DSOs were looking for ways to stay profitable.”

Expressing enthusiasm about the launch, Traudt adds in the press release, “Now, due to the growing adoption of IOS [intraoral] scanners, digital and 3D manufacturing practices, and more streamlined workflows, we have built a lab network that can compete on cost and wil lturn cases around as quickly as 48 hours. In these uncertain economic and geopolitical times ahead, we wanted to build an innovative dental lab company that brings manufacturing back to the United States and puts the timely, cost-effective care of patients first."

With a focus on high quality, low-cost digital dental restorations, the lab is committed to providing dental professionals with products that elevate patient care while providing a greater return on investment, states 

Texas-based dental lab is focused on bringing overseas manufacturing back to the United States by leveraging new digital manufacturing processes.


 DGTL’s Network of Dental Labs Looks to Use Digital Manufacturing to Deliver Economical, Quality Restorations

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.  

The Dental Retirement Runway | Image Credit: © kunakorn - stock.adobe.com

How much is enough, now? And how much is enough, later?

When it comes to retirement planning and what you’ll need when you set down your dental handpiece for the final time and welcome a patient into the operatory for the last time, there is no magic formula or milestone dollar amount that needs to be in your nest egg.

Every clinician’s situation is unique. How many children and grandchildren you have can play a role. Whether you’re single, married, divorced, or widowed plays a role. Your lifestyle goals for now and in the future can be vastly different from those of your colleagues and will certainly affect what is needed and wanted.

How long you desire to, or are even able to, continue with your dental practicing career will also have a big impact on your retirement plans.

However, we all know the importance of starting a retirement runway and we all know that it’s better to take care of it sooner rather than later.

Dental certified public accountants (CPAs) and industry experts Doug Fettig and Bruce Bryen have plenty of experience helping clinicians plan for their financial futures. Not surprisingly, they both stress the importance of having a trusted financial expert—preferably a dental CPA—offering advice and recommendations to ensure you can get the most out of your golden years.

“The way that a dentist maximizes their success, creates a sustainable work/life balance, and brings joy into their practice is by following a simple principle. Do what you love, what you are passionate about, and/or what creates the most value–and outsource EVERYTHING else,” says Fettig, CPA, MBA, a dental business speaker and leadership coach.

This is achieved, says Fettig, by bringing in industry experts to help clinicians run their business. Dentists are small business owners, and as the CEO of their business they can’t afford to hire a chief financial officer, a vice president of marketing, a chief technology officer, etc, he explains.

“The way to bring these skill sets into your business is by outsourcing these areas to industry experts. This includes bringing in an industry CPA to handle your tax planning and accounting needs. A dental-specific CPA understands the nuances of running a dental practice, including common tax incentives,” Fettig says.

In addition, a CPA who works with other dentists has benchmarks in place that you should be achieving related to cost and expense ratios. These specialists, for example, can compare your expenses with others’ and provide direct and immediate feedback in areas where your cost structure appears to be out of expected ranges.

“By having a deep understanding of your industry, a dental CPA will help make your practice more profitable and your life more enjoyable,” Fettig concludes.

Bryen, CPA, CVA, concurs. A CPA with over 45 years of experience and who is a part of Baratz & Associates CPAs, he adds that most general-business CPAs are not attuned to critical dental areas such as goodwill.

“A dentist should work with a dental CPA since a CPA who does not specialize in working with dentists will not understand how the differences in accounting for dentists or evaluating dental practices compares with general businesses such as those with an inventory,” says Bryen, also a regular columnist for 

 “Evaluating goodwill is one of the most valuable assets in a dental practice, where a general business may have little or no goodwill value. In dentistry the goodwill can represent 50% or more of the value of the business.”

Now that we’ve agreed that dentists should be working with a dental CPA and/or a trusted financial adviser, when should they start putting money aside? And how much?

Again, this will vary depending on the clinician’s specific goals and situations. That said, you can’t start planning for your future too soon, and something is always better than nothing when it comes to amounts.

“A younger dentist’s main strategy for retirement should be ensuring that they are able to begin investing for retirement early in their career—ideally when they receive their first paycheck,” Fettig suggests. “The power of time and compound returns practically ensure that a dentist who begins saving/investing for retirement at a young age will find themselves in a solid financial position as they near retirement.”

Don’t let your debt or your interest rate concerns prevent you from putting that retirement money aside. The sooner your retirement funds are in place, the more opportunities they will have to grow.

“The young dentist needs to start investing for retirement regardless of how much debt they have, or what the interest rate is on that debt. If they wait until they are debt-free before they begin saving/investing, they will have lost out on years of compound returns—time that they can never get back,” Fettig says. “A young investor is far better off putting money into a retirement plan than making extra payments on their debt.”

Fettig adds this as an example: If a dentist can invest $2,000 per month starting at age 30 and continues investing that amount until they are 60, they will accrue (at an average annual return of 8%) almost $3 million. If they wait until the age of 40 start making those retirement contributions, they will have amassed only about $1.2M—a substantial difference of $1.8M.

Obviously, a younger dentist has many more years to prepare for retirement compared with an older dentist. Waiting to adopt an employer-sponsored qualified retirement plan is easy and inexpensive for a younger dentist, Bryen explains. For an older dentist who wants to have a reasonable amount at retirement, a much more comprehensive and expensive type of retirement plan is needed. This will ensure that enough is put into the plan as quickly as possible so that there is something to withdraw at retirement that is significant. So, again, the sooner the better.

A clinician who is nearing retirement has hopefully been saving and investing for years and is now in the process of planning their eventual practice sale. In order to maximize the value of their practice, it’s imperative that they begin the process of prepping their practice 3 to 5 years prior to the sale, Fettig states.

“A dentist nearing retirement may also consider whether they want to alter the risk profile of their investments, depending on their risk tolerance and how close they are to being on track to meet their retirement goals,” Fettig adds. “If a dentist [who] is nearing the end of their career has the ‘first world problem’ of significant income, they can also look to set up a defined benefit (cash balance) retirement plan, which would allow them to invest hundreds of thousands of dollars into a retirement plan as they near retirement.”

Dental Service Organizations (DSOs) are on the rise, and their prominence is influencing young dentists starting out as well as established practices looking to sell and open retirement opportunities for the clinicians/owners.

More potential buyers are always a good thing. Just make sure to do your homework and make sure you get what you deserve, Bryen says.

“The option of having a DSO available to sell the practice to and to phase out of working is a good fit as long as the dentist receives enough compensation at the closing,” Bryen states. “The DSOs expect the dentist to work for a while after the practice has been transferred to it. This allows the retiring dentist to slow down and to expect a little more money in the future from his or her buyout.”

Looking to sell to a DSO is a scenario that a dentist, in collaboration with their financial planner, can incorporate into their retirement plan and timeline, Fettig says.

“Selling to a DSO provides the dentist with a near-term financial windfall, as the DSO will normally provide an up-front payment to the dentist. The dentist is then required to work 3 to 5 years to earn the remaining portion of the agreed-upon practice value. The dentist needs to decide if selling to a DSO and becoming an employee for the final few years of their career is the best option for them,” Fettig says.

Conversely, a dentist can look to add an associate or a partner to their practice, with the goal of eventually selling the practice to their colleague. In this scenario, the selling dentist must ensure that they plan this approach out well in advance, as there is no guarantee that an associate will be a good fit with their practice and their team.

“However, if the dentist is able to find an associate who is a great fit for their culture and wants to purchase their practice, this can be a financially attractive option,” Fettig adds. “In order to maximize the value of the practice, the selling doctor will often stay on for a period of time after the sale to help transition the patients and the team to the purchasing doctor.”

Regardless of the approach that a dentist takes, the financial windfall from the sale of their practice should be looked upon as “icing on the cake” of their retirement plan. If the clinician has been consistently investing for retirement over the course of their career, the proceeds from the sale should be dwarfed by what they have already accumulated over the course of their career, Fettig summarizes.

Clinicians should work with a financial adviser to ensure that they have a well-laid-out retirement plan. The dentist should feel comfortable that the retirement plan they are executing will enable them to live the type of life in retirement that they had envisioned, Fettig says, adding that this involves disciplined investing.

“They should also be aware of the emotional component of retirement. By that I mean that people thrive when they feel that they have a purpose in life—a reason to get out of bed,” Fettig says. “When a dentist (or anyone for that matter) decides to retire from their profession, they should think about this: ‘It’s not what I am retiring from, it’s what I’m retiring to.’ In other words, what will give you emotional purpose and passion once you leave the dental office?”

Bryen adds that clinicians who surround themselves with a strong support group have a better chance to thrive both while practicing and when it comes to preparing for retirement.

“A dentist should surround himself with professionals who are experienced in working with the dental profession,” he says. “A dental CPA, financial planner, and a good marketing person are important for planning. Steady practice revenue growth is important. Attendance at seminars so the dentist continues to learn new skills and sharpen existing ones. Adding an associate to the practice to help the practice grow and to plan for an exit strategy [is also a benefit].”

After a career of helping others, dentists have earned the right to enjoy their post practicing days. With some good planning, their retirement runway can lead down a long, satisfying path.

With an early start and some wise planning, clinicians can expect to be well prepared when it comes time to retire from practicing.

The Dental Retirement Runway

ADA Releases Updated Recommendations to Enhance Radiography Safety in Dentistry | Image Credit: © Svitlana - stock.adobe.com

In a recent development, the American Dental Association (ADA) Council on Scientific Affairs has put forth revised recommendations to bolster safety measures in dental radiography. The updated guidelines specifically advocate for the judicious use of dental x-rays while discontinuing the utilization of lead abdominal aprons and thyroid collars.

The expert panel established by the ADA Council on Scientific Affairs has concluded that the use of lead abdominal aprons or thyroid collars during dental x-rays is no longer advisable. The recommendations emphasize that dentists should carefully assess the diagnostic information required from x-rays to contribute to optimal patient care or significantly enhance clinical outcomes.

Journal of the American Dental Association,

 these new guidelines aim to enhance radiation protection in both dental radiography and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). The panel received support from medical physicists associated with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in formulating these recommendations, marking the first set of guidelines on dental imaging safety and radiation protection from the Council since 2012. Furthermore, these recommendations align with recent guidelines released by the American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology.

Following a comprehensive review of published studies on radiography, the expert panel determined that lead aprons and thyroid collars are unnecessary for shielding patients from radiation exposure. These recommendations apply universally to all patients, irrespective of age or health status, including pregnancy. Modern digital x-ray equipment, combined with restricting the beam size to the targeted imaging area, proves to be more effective in shielding patients from radiation exposure to other body parts. Lead aprons and thyroid collars can obstruct the primary x-ray beam, hindering dentists from obtaining the required image.

Purnima Kumar, DDS, PhD, Professor of Dentistry and Chair of the Department of Periodontology and Oral Medicine at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry and Chair of the ADA Council on Scientific Affairs, emphasizes the importance of ordering radiographs in moderation to minimize exposure to ionizing radiation for both patients and clinicians.

“When this happens, more radiographs need to be taken, and unnecessary x-rays are what we want to avoid,” says Dr Kumar in a press release. “The central point of these recommendations is that clinicians should order radiographs in moderation to minimize both patients’ and dental professionals’ exposure to ionizing radiation.”

The recommendations also advise dentists to safeguard patients against unnecessary radiation by exposure and offers the following guidelines to consider:

Ordering radiographs to optimize diagnostic information and enhance patient care outcomes and making every effort to use images acquired at previous dental exams.

Using digital imaging instead of conventional x-ray ﬁlm.

Restricting the beam size during an x-ray exam to the area that needs to be assessed (an approach called “rectangular collimation”).

Properly positioning patients so the best image can be acquired.

Incorporating CBCT only when lower-exposure options will not provide the necessary diagnostic information; and

Adhering to all applicable federal, state, and local regulations on radiation safety.

“We encourage dentists and their teams to review these best-practice recommendations, comply with radiation protection regulations and talk with their patients about any questions or concerns before ordering dental imaging,” Dr Kumar adds in the press release.

The ADA, which represents 159,000 dentist members, has been advocating for public health and promoting the art and science of dentistry since 1859. The ADA's state-of-the-art research facilities contribute to the development and testing of dental products and materials, enhancing the practice of dentistry, and improving the patient experience.

ADA Council on Scientific Affairs’ recommendations include appropriate, justiﬁed use of dental x-rays, and discontinuing use of lead abdominal aprons and thyroid collars.

New ADA Guidelines for Enhanced Radiography Safety Suggest No Longer Using Lead Abdominal Aprons

New DEMI X 520 Series Aims to Enhance Dental Resin Removal Technology. Image credit: © PostProcess Technologies

PostProcess Technologies, an automated post-processing solutions for additive manufacturing (AM) company, has unveiled 2 additions to its catalogue–DEMI X 520 for Resin Removal™ and DEMI X 520 for Dental Resin Removal™. These solutions, introducing the patent-pending Axial Flow Technology™, are said to expand the PostProcess Submersed Vortex Cavitation™ portfolio, for efficiency, sustainability, and user-friendly operation, according to a press release from the company.

The DEMI X 520 series incorporates intelligent software capabilities, a robust hardware design, and the necessary chemistry to achieve optimal IPA-Free resin removal on 3D printed parts. With a focus on a simple, personalized, and complete full-stack post-processing experience, these resin removal solutions are said to offer a variety of features. These features include; software-driven workflow automation, the axial flow agitation system, an automatic lift system, and the IPA-free workflow. All of these features are designed to boost efficiency safely and effectively.

Both solutions are said to cater to operator well-being with low odor and high flashpoints compared to traditional solvents like IPA. The validated workflows are designed to increase throughput and productivity, per the press release.

Jeff Mize, PostProcess CEO, emphasized their commitment to innovation in the press release.

“With a deep commitment to cutting-edge innovation, we continue to redefine the landscape of additive manufacturing by providing advanced solutions that optimize workflows and deliver exceptional quality and sustainability for a range of industries,” Mize said in the press release. “Our DEMI X 520 Series represents our dedication to pushing the. Boundaries of what’s possible in the world of post-processing.”

For those interested in learning more, PostProcess Technologies is hosting webinars on T

, at 10 am EST for the DEMI X 520 for Industrial Resin Removal, and on 

, at 10 am EST for the DEMI X 520 for Dental Resin Removal in collaboration with Great Lakes Dental Technologies. 

These new solutions from PostProcess Technologies aim to revolutionize dental resin removal technology and make way for more efficient workflows. 

New DEMI X 520 Series Aims to Enhance Dental Resin Removal Technology

New artificial intelligence capabilities from PreVu Dental. 

SmileAI from PreVu Dental

Ceramill Matron from Amann Girrbach 

A new anesthetic oral rinse from OraBio. 

Periovance Oral Rinse from OraBio

Perfect PMMA Monolayer Discs from Dental Creations

Curaprox Wooden Toothbrush from Curaden

iTero Lumina™ from Align Technology

New Dental Products – January 29 - February 2, 2024

A roundup of all the new dental product launches from the week of January 29 through February 2, 2024. 

University of Iowa College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics Research Reveals Breakthrough in Dementia Care with Innovative Mobile App | Image Credit: © Delta Dental Institute

Caregivers of people living with dementia experienced a noteworthy enhancement in their knowledge, skills, and overall positive attitude in delivering oral hygiene care, resulting in increased confidence in providing quality care. This revelation stems from the latest research conducted by the University of Iowa College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics in collaboration with the University of Iowa College of Public Health. The study, spearheaded by Leonardo Marchini, DDS, MSD, PhD, and Sato Ashida, PhD, focused on the impact of the Dental.Aging.Tips app as a valuable tool to educate and guide caregivers in supporting older adults' oral health.

"While previous studies have shown that oral hygiene routines for older adults who depend on caregivers are poor due to barriers such as lack of on demand support and training, our study demonstrates that care can be improved through the use of a new mobile app," says Dr Marchini in a press release. "It is tremendously encouraging that the newly developed Dental.Aging.Tips app used in this study was widely accepted, and improved caregivers' attitudes, knowledge, and abilities to provide oral hygiene care."

Key findings from the study, published in 

The Dental.Aging.Tips App positively influenced perceptions related to oral hygiene care among both family and paid caregivers.

Caregivers found the app's information highly useful in improving oral hygiene care for persons living with dementia.

Particularly beneficial for paid caregivers, the app serves as a valuable resource for refreshing their knowledge and skills in providing oral hygiene care.

This app can be a useful tool for staff training or orientations at long-term care facilities.

Joseph Dill, DDS, MBA, Chief Dental Officer of Delta Dental Plans Association and Head of Dental Science at Delta Dental Institute, expressed optimism about the research findings. "Maintaining good oral health habits as we age is critical to supporting overall health, and it is promising that Dr Marchini's research findings provide caregivers with a new tool to support the oral health of people living with dementia,"he adds in the press release. "As the nation's oral health leader, the Delta Dental Institute is proud to invest in research with actionable solutions–we encourage caregivers for older adults to download this free app and leverage these resources."

The Delta Dental Institute sponsored the report, focusing on research that explores care delivery models, including emerging technology and mobile apps, to improve health care outcomes and advance patient-centered care.

The study focused on the impact of the Dental.Aging.Tips app as a valuable tool to educate and guide caregivers in supporting older adults' oral health. | Image Credit: © Delta Dental Institute 

The Delta Dental Institute is committed to advancing oral health for all Americans in partnership with the Delta Dental companies and dedicated collaborators nationwide. Rooted in Delta Dental's extensive history of oral health leadership, the institute engages in and supports oral health research, community outreach, and advocacy, aiming to ensure everyone understands the importance of oral health to overall health and has access to necessary care.

The University of Iowa College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics stands as one of the nation's leading dental schools and the sole one in the state of Iowa. Since 1882, the college has been a pioneer in patient care, dental education, and oral science research, producing 78% of Iowa dentists as proud graduates. As an integral part of the university's health sciences campus, its dental clinics serve over 170,000 patients annually, ranking third among all accredited dental schools in the U.S. in clinic hours.

The University of Iowa College of Public Health serves as a comprehensive public health resource for Iowa, the Midwest, and the nation. Ranked among the top 10 publicly supported schools of public health in the U.S., the college takes a multidisciplinary, collaborative approach to addressing public health challenges and training the next generation of public health leaders, educators, and researchers.

A recent study, sponsored by the Delta Dental Institute, highlights a substantial improvement in caregivers' attitudes toward providing oral hygiene care for individuals living with dementia through the utilization of a cutting-edge mobile app.

University of Iowa College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics Research Reveals Breakthrough in Dementia Care with Innovative Mobile App

Product Bites – February 2, 2024

Product Bites – February 2, 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 for this week, DPR Editor Kellie Nock, and on this week’s podcast we’ve got 5 new products with launches from DMG, DentalSEAL Pro, Zyris, SmileFy, and Planet DDS.

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

DMG, the dental materials leader, has introduced their latest material––Ecosite One. This new restorative material, part of the Ecosite family, is set to enhance posterior restorations. According to a press release from the company, Ecosite One offers color stability and efficiency. With a single shade that eliminates the need for complex layering, a curing depth of 3 mm, and rapid polymerization within 10 seconds, this composite promises time-saving without compromising on esthetics. The unique "Push-and-Flow effect" ensures optimal sculptability and eliminates common issues like cracks and bubbles. Ecosite One addresses concerns such as low shrinkage stress and stain resistance, making it suitable for various applications, including Class I and II posterior fillings, Class V fillings, core build-up, extended fissure sealing, and restorations in deciduous teeth.

Now, let's shift our focus to the DentaSEAL Pro product line. This first-to-market offering from DentaSEAL Pro includes a next-generation dental sealant, instant sensitivity relief gel, and an appliance topcoat. This innovative product line directly tackles issues like biofilm, stain, and inflammation, changing how dentists and hygienists prevent oral diseases. The proprietary formula, a revolutionary self-bonding polymer, has applications inside and outside the oral cavity. It acts as a pit-and-fissure sealant, provides sensitivity relief, maintains appliance health, and combats biofilm and stain buildup. With applications for various patient groups, including those with biofilm buildup, orthodontic patients, and pediatric populations, DentaSEAL Pro is a versatile addition to any dental practice.

Our next highlight is the Zyris Retractor, the latest innovation from the creator of Isolite. Designed with the everyday challenges of dental procedures in mind, the Zyris Retractor offers stability, patient comfort, and operational efficiency. With features like extra oral fulcrum stability and improved visibility to the gingival margin, this retraction tool aims to enhance control and precision during procedures. Crafted from a semi-flexible, biodegradable BPA-free polymer, its single-use design aligns with infection control protocols while minimizing environmental impact. Quick adjustment tabs ensure easy maneuverability, making it a user-friendly tool that integrates seamlessly with existing dental instruments.

Moving on to our next innovation, Smilefy 4.0, a 3D smile design solution powered by artificial intelligence. This technology dramatically enhances both cosmetic and restorative dentistry by simplifying the treatment planning process. With Smilefy 4.0, dental professionals can effortlessly craft 3D smile designs within minutes and generate chairside 3D print-ready mockups, shells, composite veneers, and temp models. The Smile Trial feature offers visualization of the final outcome, enhancing doctor-patient communication and providing a clear blueprint for dental labs to create final restorations accurately and efficiently. By introducing AI technology through a user-friendly platform, Smilefy 4.0 aims to enhance practice efficiency, treatment outcome accuracy, and patient satisfaction globally.

Our final spotlight today is on Planet DDS's Cloud 9 Pay, a new platform developed with a focus on customer experience and security. Utilizing payment card industry (PCI) validated point-to-point encryption (P2PE), Cloud 9 Pay safeguards orthodontic patient data and eases the collection of payments. This solution not only ensures patient information security but also reduces PCI compliance burdens for orthodontic practices. Offering modern payment options like tap-to-pay and contactless mobile wallets, Cloud 9 Pay integrates seamlessly with Cloud 9's suite of tools, including online scheduling, digital patient forms, and patient communication. The web-based onboarding is user-friendly, and the platform comes with a dedicated support team, providing a comprehensive payment solution for orthodontic practices.

That does it for this week's Product Bites from Dental Products Report. Stay up to date on all the latest dental product news by visiting dentalproductsreport.com/newdentalproducts.

I'm Kellie Nock saying thanks for listening. And we'll be back next week with all the latest new dental products on Product Bites from Dental Products Report.

Podcasts

With a quick look at all of the newest dental product launches, Product Bites makes sure you don't miss the next innovation for your practice. This week's episode features 5 new products you won't want to miss. [5 minutes]
