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.  

HuFriedyGroup Expands Offerings With Acquisition of SS White Dental | Image Credit: © HuFriedyGroup 

Chicago-based HuFriedyGroup, a global manufacturer of industry leading dental products, including instruments, instrument management systems, infection prevention products, conscious sedation and small equipment, has expanded its offerings to the dental industry with the recent acquisition of SS White Dental.

SS White is a leading manufacturer of branded, differentiated carbide and diamond burs and endodontic instruments and lab related tools for the dental industry. The company’s product line includes 

SS White's ExactTaperH DC rotary endodontic files

The acquisition strategically aligns with HuFriedyGroup's existing portfolio of high quality, clinically differentiated dental products with global manufacturing capabilities, according to a press release. HuFriedyGroup is an affiliate of Peak Rock Capital, a leading middle-market private equity firm.

SS White has over 175 years of rich history in dentistry and is known for its commitment to innovation and quality. The company manufactures and supplies carbide burs, diamond burs, instruments, polishers, and endodontic products, serving dental professionals worldwide. With a focus on quality and reliability, SS White strives to manufacture and sell high quality dental products that enable practitioners to maximize comfort and practice more accurate and precise dentistry.

"We are excited to welcome SS White into the HuFriedyGroup family," says HuFriedyGroup CEO, Andy Xilas. "HuFriedyGroup and SS White share a long legacy of innovation in the dental space and a primary focus on creating high quality products and services for dental professionals worldwide. This strategic acquisition will create new opportunities to bring more value to our customers and support for dental clinicians."

Tom Gallop, CEO of SS White, adds, "We chose HuFriedyGroup as the right partner to continue SS White's legacy based on the company's excellent reputation, values, and commitment to the highest quality. By combining our complementary products with HuFriedyGroup's portfolio and geographic reach, we will further enhance our ability to help doctors create better patient outcomes and be more efficient globally."

Spencer Moore, managing director of Peak Rock Capital, says in the press release, "The acquisition of SS White reflects HuFriedyGroup's commitment to growing its portfolio of differentiated products. We are excited to support innovation, new product development, and acquisitions that expand and enhance the product portfolio for HuFriedyGroup's valued customer base."

HuFriedyGroup continues to pursue a strategic growth strategy, both organic and inorganic, to further its mission of helping dental professionals around the world be "Best in Practice" through world-class products, services, education, and communities that result in superior clinician performance, reduced risk, improved efficiencies, and enhanced safety for clinicians and patients.

HuFriedyGroup is a global manufacturer of dental instruments, instrument management systems, infection prevention products, conscious sedation and small equipment under the HuFriedy, Crosstex, Omnia, Accutron, and SS White brands. The company’s products are distributed in approximately 100 countries, and is supported by a base of about 1,600 employees across over 20 global manufacturing facilities and locations.

Articles

The 2 companies with a long history of innovation will work together to produce clinically differentiated dental products with global manufacturing capabilities.

HuFriedyGroup Expands Offerings With Acquisition of SS White Dental

DentaQuest Chosen to Administer Dental Benefits for California’s Medicaid DMC Program | Image Credit: © DentaQuest

DentaQuest announced on Wednesday it has been awarded dental managed care (DMC) contracts by the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS), through its subsidiary, California Dental Network, in a move that means Medi-Cal beneficiaries in Sacramento and Los Angeles counties will have the choice of 3 dental managed care plans beginning July 2025.

As part of Sun Life U.S., DentaQuest, with these contracts combined with new Medicare Advantage and existing employer-sponsored dental insurance programs in California, will raise the number of Californians served by Sun Life U.S. Dental and its family of companies to nearly half a million lives, according to a press release. Sun Life U.S. is the nation’s largest administrator of dental benefits for Medicaid by membership.

Currently, there are about 1 million Medi-Cal beneficiaries across the 2 counties that are enrolled in DMC plans. DentaQuest will now serve a portion of this membership directly through its own plan and as the third-party administrator for another DMC plan in the program.

Click here to read about how members of DentaQuest are able to access teledentistry.com

, a telehealth platform specifically designed for dental patients, as part of a partnership between the 2 groups.

The DMC awardees are expected to deliver innovative programs that directly address health equity and the critical need for better access to care, according to DentaQuest.

“California is one of the most culturally diverse states in our nation, so it requires public health plans that can address a range of needs and perceptions about health,” David Healy, president, Dental, Sun Life U.S., says in a press release. “DentaQuest brings decades of experience serving Medicaid members in 5 of 

the nation’s top 10 most culturally diverse states

. We understand how to implement value-based care programs that providers want to participate in, and our dental home model is one of the most successful in the nation. Our plan will offer a fresh choice for Medi-Cal members, with programs that increase access to care, promote preventive treatment and improve overall health outcomes.”

donated $80,000 to grassroots organizations

 across California working to increase oral health education and access, and reduce the impact of social determinants of health. This support builds on prior investments to address the health workforce shortage, such as the Western University of Health Sciences College of Dental Medicine safety net externship. Increasing access to care and helping future providers get the education they need in California and beyond, are part of DentaQuest’s long-standing commitment to improving the oral health of all.

Medi-Cal dental providers in California can visit the website to learn 

Sun Life U.S. Dental—which includes DentaQuest—strives to improve the oral health of all through purpose-driven, outcomes-based solutions. The company makes dental benefits better for everyone through Preventistry® – an inclusive approach centered on preventive, quality care, expanded access and solutions built on valued relationships across the health care ecosystem. Sun Life U.S. manages dental and vision benefits for approximately 36 million Americans.

Medi-Cal beneficiaries in Sacramento and Los Angeles counties will have 3 dental managed care plans to choose from beginning next summer.

DentaQuest Chosen to Administer Dental Benefits for California’s Medicaid DMC Program

National Brush Day Appropriately Follows up Halloween | Image Credit: © DTA Foundation

National Brush Day, an annual event in the US, is scheduled for November 1. The 

Dental Trade Alliance (DTA) Foundation is once again promoting the day with a campaign designed to promote oral health with the help of “The DentSquad.”

Falling right after Halloween, this day serves as a crucial reminder of the significance of children's oral health and encourages the adoption of healthy tooth-brushing habits as recommended by dental professionals.

Parents are reminded to ensure their children brush their teeth for 2 minutes, twice a day, not only on National Brush Day but every day. Visit the 

DTA Foundation's National Brush Day page 

to learn more about The DentSquad, which features Doctor Brush, Captain Paste, The Cool Rinse, and Floss Fury.

In line with their commitment to ensure every child maintains a healthy smile, the DTA Foundation has designed an extensive National Brush Day awareness and marketing campaign. This campaign targets DTA members, partners, and clinicians nationwide.

The DentSquad heroes are asking families across the country to join the fight against tooth decay and plaque and spread the word about the importance of good oral health. Being a DentSquad hero is easy, all you have to do is take care of those teeth on November 1st by brushing away all that Halloween candy.

Last year’s theme centered on encouraging families to "Share Your Favorite Toothbrushing Song," with a minimum length of 2 minutes, using the hashtag #NBDToothTunes. These catchy, kid-friendly tunes were added to the National Brush Day "Tooth Tunes" playlist on Spotify, providing families with engaging music to brush along to while raising awareness about the importance of good oral health.

To help spread the word about National Brush Day among families, the DTA Foundation offers free downloadable marketing materials for use in emails, social media, websites, and dental offices. These resources include social media graphics and captions, downloadable posters, email templates for practices and companies, the National Brush Day logo, and the National Brush Day "Tooth Tunes" Spotify Playlist.

"We are proud to raise awareness about the importance of children's oral health with our National Brush Day campaign each year," DTA Foundation Executive Director Sarah Miller said in a press release leading up to last year’s event. "We look forward to seeing the outcome of this year's campaign as we continue to spread the message of good oral health habits in children across the country."

“The DentSquad” is helping the DTA Foundation promote the importance of oral health this year.

National Brush Day Appropriately Follows Up Halloween

Sunset Technologies’ Solutions Designed to Ensure Uptime and Security for Dental Practices | Image Credit: © Sunset Technologies

Specializing in seamless integration and innovative advancements, Sunset Technologies provides tailored technological solutions and support for the dental sector. The Spring Lake, Minnesota company’s solutions are designed to ensure uptime and security for dental practices.

Understanding the critical importance of uptime—Sunset Technologies’ solution services ensure that your practice's systems are consistently operational, allowing you to deliver uninterrupted patient care and maintain optimal efficiency.

Demonstrating a solid commitment to scalability, security, and continuous support, the company empowers practices to achieve maximum uptime and serve as trusted partners, guiding businesses through the complexities of technology, compliance, security, and operational excellence. Sunset’s dedicated approach to cybersecurity not only protects against a wide range of cyber threats but also ensures maximum system uptime so that business operations can run smoothly without interruption, leading to increased productivity and reduced downtime, the company states.

Keeping dental practices running smoothly and efficiently allows them to stay at the forefront of industry innovation. At the same time, Sunset navigates the challenges and provides robust solutions for its customers’ business needs.

) can take an Independent Technology Assessment Quiz as well as take advantage of other resources designed to provide ongoing support and strategic guidance—from front desk staff to clinicians—to ensure practices work together efficiently and effectively.

The company’s comprehensive services make sure practices’ systems are consistently operational so that clinicians can deliver uninterrupted patient care and optimal efficiency.

Sunset Technologies’ Solutions Designed to Ensure Uptime and Security for Dental Practices

Kellie Nock is the assistant editor for Dental Products Report. She graduated from Kent State University in 2018 with a Bachelor's in Journalism. Kellie enjoys multimedia content creation with a focus on audio and video storytelling. 

Henry Schein Team Builds 23,000 Hygiene Kits for Children Facing Medical Challenges. Image credit: © Henry Schein Inc


Henry Schein recently announced that over 2300 employees, known as Team Schein Members (TSMs), built nearly 23,000 hygiene kits to aid families with children facing serious medical conditions. The kits were created during the company's “We Care Global Challenge,” an initiative that unites employees around the mission of supporting communities in need, according to a press release from the company.

The kits, intended to bring comfort and basic hygiene care, will be distributed worldwide to Ronald McDonald House Charities through a partnership with Heart to Heart International. Each kit includes essentials such as mouth rinse, toothpaste, floss picks, hand sanitizer, and lotion.

Jennifer Kim Field, Henry Schein’s Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer, said the initiative exemplifies the company’s commitment to fostering community connections and supporting health initiatives. “We are pleased to have collaborated with Heart to Heart International and Ronald McDonald House Charities to make an impact on families around the world,” she said in the press release.

TSMs in the United States, Australia, Canada, China, Ireland, and the UK assembled the kits at sales meetings, offices, and distribution centers.

Anne Czarnecki of Ronald McDonald House Charities expressed gratitude, noting that the kits offer valuable support to the families they serve. Henry Schein has organized the “We Care Global Challenge” since 2018, building nearly 93,000 kits to benefit various health-focused organizations worldwide.

Henry Schein has made nearly 23,000 hygiene kits with mouth rinse, toothpaste, and more, to provide to families in need. 

Henry Schein Team Builds 23,000 Hygiene Kits for Children Facing Medical Challenges

Arrow Dental, Dentistry.One Working Together to Enhance Patient Care with After-Hours and Weekend Virtual Consultations | Image Credit: © MouthWatch, LLC

MouthWatch, LLC’s Dentistry.One virtual-first dental care solution has been selected by Arrow Dental to provide emergency 

 for after-hours and weekend consultations.

 is a dental care organization offering comprehensive dental services including routine dental care, restorative therapy, and specialty services to Medicaid and private insurance members across the state through 9 offices and a fully equipped mobile clinic.

“Our partnership with Dentistry.One aims to improve dental care accessibility for Oregon Medicaid patients and others we serve, especially when it comes to dental emergencies,” Aimee Wynn, director of operations at Arrow Dental, says in a press release. “Dentistry.One will serve as our virtual after-hours urgent care service, helping to reduce unnecessary visits to hospital emergency rooms for dental concerns. Furthermore, we can help support our staff by knowing that patients are able to talk to a dentist, no matter the day or time.”

Dentistry.One expects this new partnership to help patients stay healthy and reduce emergency room visits.

click here to learn how MouthWatch is helping Kintegra Health 

work to close the gap between medical and dental care and how the collaboration’s success stories show how they are keeping patients out of the emergency department.

“Dentistry.One can help patients no matter when or where they need dental expertise, and through our emergency consultation and then coordinating care to make sure patients get into an Arrow Clinic,” adds Brant Herman, founder & chief executive officer of Dentistry.One. “Through this partnership, we’re able to keep patients healthy and out of Emergency Departments. Our service streamlines the after-hours emergency dental care process, from initial contact through care coordination and billing, to scheduling in-office treatment during business hours.”

Here’s how Dentistry.One’s after-hours emergency intake works: The Arrow Dental team directs patients to their landing page on the Dentistry.One website, where they choose between a live video consultation or asynchronous photo 

Patients can choose between a live video consultation or asynchronous photo review. | Image Credit: © MothWatch, LLC

review. Dentistry.One dentists handle the evaluations, ensuring Arrow always has coverage for their patients. Care Advisors then assist with scheduling in-person care at an Arrow Dental office if needed.

Dentistry.One's national network of dentists and Care Advisors is available to individuals, Dental Service Organizations, health plans, and organizations focused on patient health, the company states.

With offices in Astoria, Clatskanie, Eugene, Hermiston, La Grande, Milwaukie, Portland, Salem, and Scappoose, Arrow Dental is committed to providing Oregon communities dental care within a friendly and welcoming environment. Each location accepts new patients and offers a range of dental services from basic checkups to same-day emergency services.

They also operate a mobile clinic that travels to schools and other sites in Oregon featuring a state-of-the-art van to provide dental services and education about the importance of good health to underserved children and communities throughout Oregon, Arrow Dental says.

Dentistry.One is an extension of the mission that has driven MouthWatch, LLC—an industry leader whose groundbreaking hardware and software solutions are utilized by over 42,000 dental practices, 30 leading DSOs, and 100 dental schools nationwide.

MouthWatch’s virtual-first dental care solution partners with Oregon DSO to help patients stay healthy and reduce emergency room visits.

Arrow Dental, Dentistry.One Working Together to Enhance Patient Care with After-Hours and Weekend Virtual Consultations

New DTX Studio™ Clinic Software Serves As the Unifying Software and Central Hub of the DEXIS Ecosystem | Image Credit: © DEXIS

One of 3 significant product launches by DEXIS at the recent ADA SmileCon, DTX Studio™ Clinic v.4.3 software stores and manages all patient data as well as helps clinicians execute each step of the implant process from diagnostics to delivery.

Serving as the unifying software and central hub of the ecosystem, DTX Studio Clinic’s new functionality allows clinicians to plan an implant treatment and generate a surgical guide chairside–all in less than 3 minutes. Clinicians can virtually extract teeth, adjust photorealistic abutments and crowns, and create an automated surgical template that can be sent to a lab or produced in-house for same-day delivery, the company states.

The new software release will provide advanced tools to plan and execute same-day, prosthetically driven implants, according to DEXIS, and it improves how practice’s work in all aspects–communicating with patients, implant planning, and treatment team collaboration.

Additionally, DEXIS’ intraoral scanning software update offers scan quality and usability improvements as well as clear visualizations of progressive dental issues over time, through a new tool called Oral Compare. The software’s new integration with SmileFy allows for the ability to simulate treatment outcomes chairside designed to give patients further confidence in proposed treatment plans. Clinicians also can access their intraoral scan data through a newly launched Cloud solution–DEXIS IS Connect Cloud.

Also at ADA SmileCon, DEXIS announced an expansion of its digital ecosystem to include the new 

DEXIS ORTHOPANTOMOGRAPH™ OP 3D™ EX imaging system

The company has launched software and hardware updates to enhance CBCT imaging, intraoral scanning and implant workflows.

New DTX Studio™ Clinic v.4.3 Software Serves As the Unifying Software and Central Hub of the DEXIS Ecosystem

This week the American Academy of Periodontology convenes in San Diego, so it’s a great time to reflect on the importance of fighting periodontal disease.

A Look at Key Periodontics Content as AAP Conference Arrives

Jennifer Hirsch Doobrow, DMD, a Board-Certified Periodontist, is the owner and CEO of Periodontal and Implant Associates, Inc, located in Cullman, AL. She earned her DMD at the Medical University of South Carolina in 2007 and received her certification in Periodontics from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) in 2010. She serves, as the Immediate Past-President for the Southern Academy of Periodontology (SAP), President-Elect for the Alabama Dental Association (ALDA), a faculty member for the Pikos Institute, and Chair of both WISE-Women in Implantology Supporting and Empowering Advisory Board and the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) Dental Hygiene Subcommittee. Dr Doobrow is a UAB Alumni Executive Council District Representative and on the Executive Committee for the International Society of Periodontal Plastic Surgeons. She currently serves on the Continuing Education Oversight Committee for the American Academy of Periodontology and holds Past-President positions in the Alabama Society of Periodontists and the Wilson Chenault Dental Study Club and is a director for a Seattle Study Club located in Cullman, AL. In 2012, Dr Doobrow was recognized as one of the University of Georgia's (UGA) prestigious 40 Under 40. Most recently, she was selected as the 2021 Most Excellent Fellow for the Alabama Dental Association, one of the Top 10 Young Educators in America for 2017 by The Seattle Study Club, was inducted as a Fellow of the Pierre Fauchard Academy, International College of Dentists, American College of Dentists and International Society of Periodontal Plastic Surgeons. She was also awarded the MUSC School of Dentistry Young Alumnus Award, the UAB School of Dentistry Outstanding Young Alumnus Award, and was featured on Lifetime Network’s “The Balancing Act” as well as on the “Dentistry Uncensored Podcast”. She has published numerous articles and lectures internationally on dental implants, periodontal hard and soft tissue regeneration, and perio-plastic therapies.

A clinical dental hygienist, author and international speaker, Sanders is passionate about elevating the dental profession by creating an undeniable movement that educates, encourages, and empowers the profession to rise in its power. Known as the “Dental WINEgenist™,” she pairs her desire for excellence in the dental industry with her knowledge and passion for wine. She is the Clinical Liaison, Hygiene Excellence & Innovation for AZPerio, the country’s largest periodontal practice where she works alongside Diplomates to the American Board of Periodontology in the surgical operatory. She is the founder, CEO, and keynote speaker for Sanders Board Preparatory and has been published in various publications including RDH Magazine and Today’s RDH, and is an advisory member for Modern Hygienist and the Dental Academy of Continuing Education. Her philanthropic efforts include dental humanitarian work in developing countries, supporting abused and homeless animals, and spreading awareness about the benefits of organ and tissue donation. Recently, Sanders proudly received the 2023 Denobi Award for Clinical Excellence and Innovation in dentistry, the 2023 Distinguished Alumni from the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry, and the 2024 Sunstar RDH Award of Distinction.

Additionally, she co-hosts the “Floss and Flip-Flops” podcast with the Sanders sisters, which features hosts dental hygienist and speaker Katrina M. Sanders, RDH, and podiatrist Dr Elizabeth Sanders, DPM. Together, the sisters discuss the oral-systemic link and its impact—from your teeth down to your toes. The podcast is produced monthly by 

 in partnership with The Sanders sisters.

Pioneering a New Era in Periodontal Care: Embracing Advanced Techniques and Interdisciplinary Collaborative Strategies | Image Credit: © OSORIOartist - stock.adobe.com

Jennifer Hirsch Doobrow, DMD, and Katrina Sanders, RDH, presented an insightful lecture at the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) 109th Annual Meeting in 2023, focusing on the evolution of periodontal care, the importance of precise diagnosis, and the integration of interdisciplinary approaches in managing periodontal disease. Their presentation challenges conventional practices and advocates for a more comprehensive and patient-centered approach.

The session began with an introduction to Dr Doobrow, a board-certified periodontist, and Sanders, a clinical hygienist, author, and international speaker. As the chair of the AAP Hygiene Subcommittee and president of the Southern Academy of Periodontology, Dr Doobrow emphasized the need for audience feedback to enhance the hygiene learning hub—an essential educational resource on the AAP website specifically for dental hygienists. Sanders, serving 

Perio Power for the Hygienist is a series of articles from the AAP focusing on key topics in the field of periodontics.

as a clinical liaison for AZPerio, emphasized her passion for elevating the dental profession through education and empowerment.

Dr Doobrow’s extensive experience in clinical periodontology and active involvement in professional organizations provide her with unique insights into the challenges and opportunities within periodontal care. Her work focuses on integrating new technologies and methodologies to improve patient outcomes. Sanders, drawing on her experience as a clinical hygienist and educator, emphasized the critical role of preventive care and patient education in managing periodontal health.

Challenging Conventional Periodontal Care


A provocative statement opened the discussion: the traditional approach to periodontal therapy, largely unchanged since the 1950s, is a myth. Sanders used the analogy of Dr. Emmett Brown’s DeLorean from “Back to the Future” to illustrate how little periodontal treatment has evolved over the decades. Despite advancements in technology and knowledge, the core approach—scaling and root planing with local delivery of irrigation—remains the same.

While these traditional methods have been effective to some extent, they do not fully address the complexities of periodontal disease in today’s diverse patient population. A one-size-fits-all approach is no longer sufficient. Periodontists must adopt more individualized treatment plans based on the specific needs and risk factors of each patient.

Historical Perspective on Periodontal Treatment


Reflecting on the 1950s, it was noted that dental hygienists treated oral inflammation with scaling, root planing, and local irrigation, much as they do today. Despite efforts to educate the public about the importance of regular dental visits, the prevalence of periodontal disease remains high. Modern periodontal care must evolve beyond these traditional methods to address current challenges effectively.

A historical overview of periodontal treatment highlighted significant milestones and advancements over the decades. While the basic principles of mechanical debridement and infection control have remained constant, understanding the underlying mechanisms of periodontal disease has evolved significantly. This evolution necessitates a more sophisticated approach to treatment that incorporates new scientific insights and technological innovations.

Prevalence and Impact of Periodontal Disease


The alarming prevalence of periodontal disease was highlighted, with data showing that nearly half of the adult population in the United States is affected. This prevalence may be even higher due to delays in dental visits and complications arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. Periodontists must acknowledge this high prevalence and adopt more effective strategies for prevention and treatment.

The broader implications of periodontal disease on systemic health were discussed, linking it to conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Effective management of periodontal disease can have far-reaching benefits for overall health, underscoring the importance of integrating periodontal care with general healthcare practices.

To read the first installment of Perio Power for the Hygienist: “Genetic Insights and Advanced Treatments in Peri-Implantology: A Comprehensive Approach to Peri-Implant Health,” 

Re-Evaluating Communication and Diagnosis


A key point emphasized was the need to change the language used when diagnosing and communicating with patients about periodontal disease. Terms like "gum recession" and "bleeding" are insufficient to convey the severity of the condition. Instead, more direct language such as "bone and tissue loss" helps patients understand the seriousness of their condition. Minimizing the disease in conversations can lead patients to underestimate the need for treatment.

Clear and effective communication is crucial for fostering patient compliance and engagement. Visual aids such as diagrams and intraoral photos are recommended to illustrate the extent of periodontal damage and the potential consequences if left untreated. By framing the discussion in terms of overall health and quality of life, periodontists can motivate patients to take their periodontal health more seriously and adhere to prescribed treatment plans.

Addressing Gingival Inflammation and Periodontitis


Data indicated that a vast majority of patients experience gingival inflammation, a precursor to periodontitis. Recognizing and treating gingival inflammation early is crucial to prevent progression to periodontitis. This involves thorough patient education and consistent monitoring to ensure early intervention.

Dr Doobrow elaborated on the pathophysiology of gingival inflammation, explaining how bacterial biofilms trigger an immune response that, if uncontrolled, can lead to the destruction of supporting periodontal tissues. Various diagnostic tools and techniques for detecting gingival inflammation early were discussed, including periodontal probing, clinical assessments, and microbiological testing. Regular dental visits and professional cleanings are essential for preventing gingival inflammation from progressing to periodontitis.

The emerging role of genetic research in periodontology was discussed, highlighting ongoing studies exploring genetic predispositions to periodontal disease. This knowledge could lead to more personalized treatment approaches. Genetic testing offers the potential to identify at-risk patients and tailor preventive and therapeutic strategies accordingly.

Genetic markers provide insights into an individual’s susceptibility to periodontal disease, allowing for more targeted interventions. Specific genes associated with inflammation, immune response, and tissue regeneration were discussed, along with the ethical considerations and practical challenges of implementing genetic testing in clinical practice.

Interdisciplinary Approach to Periodontal Care


An interdisciplinary approach to managing periodontal disease is essential. Collaboration between periodontists, general dentists, and other healthcare professionals, such as cardiologists and endocrinologists, is crucial. This approach addresses the systemic implications of periodontal disease and provides comprehensive care for patients.

Examples of successful interdisciplinary collaborations were provided, including the co-management of patients with diabetes or cardiovascular disease. Integrated care improves patient outcomes, enhances communication between healthcare providers, and fosters a more holistic approach to patient health. Building strong relationships with other healthcare professionals and advocating for the inclusion of periodontal assessments in routine medical evaluations are encouraged.

Several case studies illustrated the practical application of these principles. One case involved a young patient with aggressive periodontitis who underwent full-mouth reconstruction with implants but developed severe peri-implantitis within 2 years. This case highlighted the need for careful patient selection, monitoring, and personalized treatment plans.

Another case involved a patient with uncontrolled diabetes and hypertension, illustrating the complexity of managing patients with multiple systemic conditions. The importance of understanding each patient’s unique challenges and tailoring treatment plans to address these issues comprehensively was emphasized. The use of adjunctive therapies, such as systemic antibiotics and host modulation agents, was discussed to enhance the effectiveness of periodontal treatment in medically compromised patients.

Advanced diagnostic tools, such as 3-dimensional imaging and salivary diagnostics, are critical in providing a comprehensive assessment of periodontal conditions. Staying abreast of technological advancements and integrating these tools into practice is necessary to improve diagnostic accuracy and treatment outcomes.

The use of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein markers and point-of-service A1C testing were highlighted as examples of how periodontists can gather more detailed information about a patient’s inflammatory status and diabetic control. These tools help in developing more precise and effective treatment plans. Emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, offer potential for enhancing diagnostic capabilities and predicting treatment outcomes.

A significant portion of the session focused on the comprehensive evaluation of patients. This includes a thorough medical history, periodontal charting, radiographic assessments, and salivary diagnostics. Detailed documentation and patient communication are essential to ensure a clear understanding of their condition and the proposed treatment plan.

The importance of performing routine oral cancer screenings and educating patients about the significance of these evaluations was also emphasized. The process should be transparent to patients, ensuring they understand the importance of each step. The use of digital tools and electronic health records to streamline documentation and enhance communication with patients was also highlighted.

Patient compliance in periodontal care remains a significant challenge. Clear communication and patient education are needed to ensure adherence to treatment plans. Visual aids and analogies help patients understand the implications of their condition and the importance of following the prescribed care regimen.

Strategies for improving patient compliance included personalized messages that resonate with patients' daily lives and responsibilities. Making patients feel invested in their care and helping them understand the long-term benefits of maintaining periodontal health were emphasized. Motivational interviewing and behavioral change techniques were also discussed as ways to enhance patient compliance and engagement.

Dr Doobrow and Sanders emphasized that a paradigm shift in periodontal care is essential. Moving beyond traditional methods and adopting a more comprehensive, patient-centered approach is necessary. This includes integrating genetic research, utilizing advanced diagnostic tools, and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. Clear communication, thorough documentation, and patient education are critical in achieving optimal periodontal health outcomes.

By embracing these advanced strategies and fostering a collaborative approach, periodontists can significantly enhance the quality of care provided to their patients and contribute to the overall improvement of public health.

A clinical dental hygienist, author and international speaker, Sanders is passionate about elevating the dental profession by creating an undeniable movement that educates, encourages, and empowers the profession to rise in its power. Known as the “Dental WINEgenist™,” she pairs her desire for excellence in the dental industry with her knowledge and passion for wine. She is the Clinical Liaison, Hygiene Excellence & Innovation for AZPerio, the country’s largest periodontal practice where she works alongside Diplomates to the American Board of Periodontology in the surgical operatory. She is the founder, CEO, and keynote speaker for Sanders Board Preparatory and has been published in various publications including RDH Magazine and Today’s RDH, and is an advisory member for Modern Hygienist and the Dental Academy of Continuing Education. Her philanthropic efforts include dental humanitarian work in developing countries, supporting abused and homeless animals, and spreading awareness about the benefits of organ and tissue donation. Recently, Sanders proudly received the 2023 Denobi Award for Clinical Excellence and Innovation in dentistry, the 2023 Distinguished Alumni from the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry, and the 2024 Sunstar RDH Award of Distinction. Additionally, she co-hosts the “Floss and Flip-Flops” podcast with the Sanders sisters, which features hosts dental hygienist and speaker Katrina M. Sanders, RDH, and podiatrist Dr Elizabeth Sanders, DPM. Together, the sisters discuss the oral-systemic link and its impact—from your teeth down to your toes. The podcast is produced monthly by 

In the second installment of "Perio Power for the Hygienist", we have a comprehensive review of Jennifer Hirsch Doobrow, DMD, and Katrina Sanders' lecture on modern periodontology.

Pioneering a New Era in Periodontal Care: Embracing Advanced Techniques and Interdisciplinary Collaborative Strategies

The DEXIS ORTHOPANTOMOGRAPH™ OP 3D™ EX imaging system is part of the company’s expansion of its digital ecosystem. 

DEXIS ORTHOPANTOMOGRAPH™ OP 3D™ EX from DEXIS

New headlights enhancements from Orascoptic.

TruColor Enhancements from Orascoptic

Form FL and Form 4BL from Formlabs

Doctor Plotka’s Mouth Watchers Travel Toothbrush is TSA-friendly and small enough to keep in a purse or backpack.

Travel Toothbrush from Doctor Plotka’s Mouth Watchers

All the latest product launches from the week of October 21-25, 2024.
