What 2023 Taught Me for 2024 | Image Credit: © Jenn Miranda – stock.adobe.com

As the new year settles into its normal tempo, it is a good time to reflect on the experiences of the past year. We spoke to 3 of our editorial board clinicians about what they learned this past year and how that will affect their dental practice in 2024.

John Flucke, DDS, chief dental editor and technology editor at 

, predicted last January that 2023 would be the year of artificial intelligence (AI) in dentistry, and it was. Going into 2024, he thinks its applications will continue to develop and grow, and not just in dentistry. AI is everywhere.

“It reminds me of science fiction where the killer plant puts all these roots underground, and no one realizes it, and all of a sudden, one day, these things sprout up everywhere,” Dr Flucke says. “Artificial intelligence is so embedded in many things we do now that it can accelerate change quickly. We saw huge growth regarding AI in 2023, and I look for that to continue to grow exponentially in the next few years.”

For example, Pearl AI assists dentists by analyzing radiographs and applying algorithms that look for caries, infections, and periodontal disease. Dr Flucke says as these systems get more data, Pearl AI will identify more areas for clinicians to examine. Comparing the technology to a second set of eyes, he emphasizes that AI doesn’t make decisions; it provides more data points.

“It doesn’t decide what to do any more than an x-ray tells you what to do,” Dr Flucke says.

AI also impacts the clear aligner market. Dr Flucke began working with Candid, which has functionalities enhanced by AI. Candid has a tool that attaches to a mobile phone, which the patient uses along with the app to take a video of their mouth. Once uploaded, AI monitoring can determine when the patient should change aligners. Also, it can detect when something is not working as it should and notify the patient and practice that they should meet to make adjustments. 

“You get all…this info every time they scan, and the patient doesn’t have to take off work and come in for a 20-minute appointment where I look and go, ‘yep, everything looks great! See you in another 4 weeks when you take another day off work,’” Dr Flucke says.

He also likes the polymer chemistry of CandidPro’s material, which provides continual slight pressure movements. Therefore, the teeth do not get as sore as they do with other plastics.

“Now the trays stabilize the pressure so your body can get used to it,” Dr Flucke says.

In-office mills design software that will also soon have enhancements provided by AI, he says. Maybe as early as 2024, an AI system can design the indirect restorations needed from the intraoral scan taken in the office. 

“Then you can download the file and mill it, and it will take 5 minutes to create all that for you,” Dr Flucke says. “That’s a game changer, too. Artificial intelligence is slowly permeating everything.”

Delving Deeper Into Digital Dentistry and Marketing, and Working on Balance

Speaker and educator Jeffrey Lineberry, DDS, AAACD, FAGD, FICOI,has a private practice in North Carolina that has delved deeper into the digital side of dentistry this past year. He recommends that clinicians follow suit, particularly those on the fence about taking on a digital workflow. Digital dentistry is not a fad that is going away, he says. Plus, digital scanners are getting a lot more affordable.

“Printing is another huge part of what we do. It’s getting to the point now where I don’t remember the last time we poured up a model in our office. That’s interesting when you don’t hear the model trimmer going anymore,” Dr Lineberry says.

In addition to models, Dr Lineberry prints surgical guides in-office, which has been more cost-effective and predictable. With files available for download to print in-house, his team appreciates not having to wait for the guides to be shipped.

The most significant change while incorporating 3D printing is creating a digital workflow that is practice specific. Dr Lineberry’s staff has taken on this responsibility, particularly regarding the practice’s printer setup. Moreover, it is essential to mention that using a 3D printer in the dental practice is not as easy as using a printer to print a Word doc.

“But once they figured that there were more steps to it, it [was] like everything else,” Dr Lineberry says, comparing the implementation phase to figuring out a new cell phone for the first time. “When you start using the phone, it’s time-consuming and makes you want to pull your hair out. But once you get used to doing it that way, you forget how you used to do it otherwise.”

In addition to investing in the digital workflow for his practice, he thinks that 2023 confirmed for him the critical nature of constantly refining the elements of practice management. He thinks the days of riding out the status quo are gone.

For example, ongoing marketing is a necessity today and it was not in the past. In some cases, advertising dental practices used to be taboo.

“There was a time here in North Carolina [when] we weren’t allowed to advertise other than making announcements [such as] we opened a practice or [were] accepting new patients,” Dr Lineberry explains. “Marketing was very much frowned upon. Now it’s very much mainstream. It’s a different thought process, especially [for] dentists like me who have been doing it for 20 years.”

Dr Lineberry has been marketing more in 2023 and letting his marketing dollars gravitate away from the traditional channels and toward digital marketing and social media. Keeping up to date on these types of changes is vital, he notes.

“You may not want to embrace the whole digital marketing thing, but it is a viable channel and an integral piece of how we market today,” he says.

Consistency is key with marketing. Getting busy and letting marketing efforts slide will lead to a schedule that waxes and wanes between very busy and not so much, Dr Lineberry says.

Plus, having an online presence is essential to a dental practice. Many patients find their dentists online, using reviews and other online feedback to narrow their choices. Dr Lineberry thinks the time of giving a referral and expecting the patient to go to that referred clinician is also past.

“Patients are much more involved with making some of these decisions, and some of those are made online,” Dr Lineberry says. “Marketing, the internet, and an online presence are very much a driving force in making selections in health care nowadays.”

He also thinks that dentists should focus on self-care in 2024. Self-care should be an ongoing priority for clinicians.

“No matter how busy you get in your practice, you should always take time to take care of yourself,…mentally and physically…. [Carve] out time specifically for yourself and your family, working on your work-life balance,” Dr Lineberry advises.

The benefits of this effort are improved performance in the practice and an abundance of positive energy. The pitfalls of ignoring self-care are the opposite.

“If you come in like, ‘Oh my gosh, why am I here today? Somebody please shoot me,’ that’s not going to be very healthy for your practice or your patients,” Dr Lineberry says.

Working Smarter as Well as Harder to Manage Shrinking Margins

Jason H. Goodchild, DMD, vice president of clinical affairs at Premier Dental Products Company, says because new technology and materials come out all the time, clinicians should always learn new techniques for whatever pathway they choose for their practice. He describes this type of lesson as table stakes. Learning these new techniques is essential, whether through live events, webinars, podcasts, or journal articles. 

In addition to new techniques for the services dentists already provide in their practice, Dr Goodchild thinks an eye toward the efficient and effective expansion of services is also critical. Part of this consideration is recognizing how to acquire new skills and the technology accompanying the service while managing the shrinking margins in dentistry to increase revenue.

“We can’t just do more and expect to make a better profit. That’s the fallacy many dentists fall into, which is, ‘I’m going to work more hours or pick up a Saturday here and there, and I will make more money,’” Dr Goodchild says. “But unless you do the other things to increase the profit margin, you’re just killing yourself for no particular reason.”

The revenue associated with more activity should produce a profit after the costs of the increased activity. Dr Goodchild explains that if you spend more to acquire that revenue, with things such as workforce costs, you can end up spinning your wheels from the perspective of bottom-line success. Dentists should have a keen eye for efficiency with their time and an understanding of what they spend to get to more production to protect their profitability.

“Unless you do the things underneath the top line to protect and increase [the] margin, it won’t work,” he says. “That’s why one of the things I’m involved with is how to do things more efficiently.”

Dr Goodchild has a unique clinician perspective because he also works on the manufacturing side. Both viewpoints value doing things better, safer, and faster. However, on the clinician side, there is also the element of doing it more cheaply without compromising care.

“What they want to do is minimize,” Dr Goodchild explains from the practice-owner perspective. “They want to look for great deals on equipment, supplies, and consumables.”

One way to find deals that increase the margin without sacrificing quality of care is to look for areas where a private label can perform as well as a brand name. Dr Goodchild discourages clinicians from buying a brand name at a higher price when it does not provide specific value in the present environment.

“[For] paper products, gloves, cotton rolls, distilled water, and other highly commoditized products, I’m always looking for the best deals. When it comes to products like burs, composite, bonding agents, cements, and [prophylaxis] paste, I still look for the deals, but also still feel like branded products will handle and perform the way I want,” he says. “Everything is getting so expensive, and dental products are no exception. There’s at least 1 price increase every year, probably more—and you can’t say the same for your reimbursement from insurance.”

Another area that Dr Goodchild thinks he learned a lot from in 2023 was managing the cost of the acquisition of talent. It’s not a secret that acquiring and keeping the right team was a challenge this past year, and it is only getting more complicated, he says. With all the competition, dental assistants and hygienists are commanding more per hour and getting it. In some cases, hygienists are doubling their hourly rates. Dr Goodchild says this area significantly challenges a dentist’s bottom line.

Digital workflow components press the margins, too, he says. When one compares the price of their digital technology to that of their more affordable analog counterparts, such as film and processors or alginate, it compounds the growing costs associated with running a dental practice. Plus, it is harder to control production when the workflow depends on the internet, which can fail, or a server or image management programs that can glitch. Dr Goodchild says these are all practice killers.

“They grind us to a halt, and we still need to keep going with the schedule,” he explains, adding that he worries the growing pressure with overhead expenses could influence the treatment planning of young dentists. “Are they prescribing things on the borderline because they need the revenue? I hope that they resist that urge.”

Per Dr Goodchild, a solution-based approach to procedures is a powerful way to move forward into the new year. For example, clinicians do not require 5 different bonding agents and composites, nor do they need an assortment of approaches to procedures. One system for Class II composite filings or crown placements can streamline things.

“This approach becomes important when there are multiple doctors in a practice because every doctor wants a different thing and does things their way. But suppose there are systems in place and solution-based approaches for better outcomes. In that case, that’s a powerful way of looking at it because then you don’t have tons of different materials in the practice [or] lots of extra stock that you don’t need,” Dr Goodchild explains.

He also favors the just-in-time approach to managing inventory. Rather than carrying thousands of dollars’ worth of inventory in the practice’s storage closet, have only the items used consistently and reorder often. If the inventory budget is 6% of the gross revenue, why not reduce that by 1% in 2024?

“If I cut that 1%, then [those dollars flow] right back into my pocket as the owner,” Dr Goodchild explains.

In general, Dr Goodchild would encourage clinicians to look at the bigger picture regarding the margins in the business. However, it is also critical to remember to plan for taxes. In the first year of his practice, he worked hard and didn’t spend any money on capital improvements or equipment. His practice revenue was significant, but his tax bill killed his profit. However, this hard lesson drove home the idea that you can work harder, but working smarter is also crucial. He thinks clinicians should remember this going into the new year.

“In the days of everything getting so expensive so fast, it’s even more in focus,” Dr Goodchild says. “It has to be."

Articles

It’s that time when we look back as we move into the new year. Three editorial board clinicians share their thoughts on what 2023 taught them and how these lessons will play a role in how they approach their practice in 2024.

What 2023 Taught Me for 2024

Caitlin Parsons is a RDH of 15 years and chronic pain survivor turned Certified Yoga Therapist and Ergonomic Consultant for dental professionals. Caitlin helps dental professionals prevent, reduce and overcome workplace pain, manage stress, and optimize their health so they can thrive in and out of the office. She is passionate about helping dental professionals and teams optimize their health to provide better patient care and become better clinicians through her in-person and online programs, speaking, writing team experiences, and her podcast, The Aligned Hygienist (

Wellness Unveiled: A Dental Hygienist’s Guide to Self-Care | Image Credit: © Fotema – stock.adobe.com

In the demanding world of dentistry, the toll on dental hygienists’ physical, mental, and emotional well-being is significant. Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), chronic pain, stress, and burnout are alarmingly prevalent among dental professionals. Because of their risk, dental professionals should reevaluate their daily habits to protect both their health and career longevity.

Dental professionals face a much higher risk for developing an MSD than most professions. Studies show that up to 97% of dental professionals experience pain throughout their careers, with nearly 59% of dental professionals reporting pain in the past year.¹⁻² Because of the daunting statistics and risk factors dental professionals face, many clinicians believe work-related pain is inevitable. However, many things can be done in and out of the operatory to combat the risk of pain and injuries among dental professionals.

In addition to the pain that many dental professionals face, reports also show that 80% of dental professionals feel higher levels of stress at work.³ Dental professionals are often faced with high pressure, time and scheduling challenges, demanding patients, and interpersonal conflicts combined with high levels of focus and concentration. Chronic work-related stress that dental professionals sometimes face relates to anxiety, depression, fatigue, musculoskeletal issues, sleep issues, memory problems, and burnout.

With a higher risk of injury, pain, stress, and burnout, dental professionals should find ways to prioritize their health to prevent issues from arising. This article aims to be a guide for a holistic approach, advocating for daily practices that prioritize the well-being of dental hygienists. By integrating a mindful morning routine, emphasizing ergonomics, embracing mindfulness practices, and incorporating self-care techniques, hygienists can reshape the way they work, which in turn positively impacts their health and the way they feel.


A morning routine is the foundation upon which a good day is built, and it can be a powerful tool in reducing the risk of pain, injury, stress, and burnout. Science shows that a morning routine reduces stress and improves sleep, productivity, energy, and confidence.

There are many things that dental professionals can integrate to create a powerful and effective morning routine. Below are a few options that dental clinicians should consider to improve their health and overall well-being.

Begin the day with a series of simple stretches to awaken muscles, alleviate tension accumulated from the previous day, and enhance flexibility. These stretches not only prepare the body for the physical demands ahead but also contribute to a heightened sense of well-being. These exercises can be done in bed, standing, or on a yoga mat.

 Incorporate deep breathing exercises into a morning routine to increase oxygen flow, promote alertness, and reduce stress. A few moments of intentional breathing can set a positive tone for the day, fostering mental clarity and resilience.

 The way we start the day is so important. Dental professionals should consider creating a buffer of phone-free time in the morning to shield themselves from the immediate demands and stresses that our phones often bring. Easing into the day with a sense of calm and focus helps cultivate a mindful start from the beginning.

Prioritize hydration and nourishment with a glass of water and a nutrient-rich breakfast in the morning. Hydrating the body and providing it with essential nutrients not only sustains energy levels throughout the day but also supports overall health.

Dental professionals can wrap up their morning routine with a brief meditation session. This practice sets a positive mindset, fostering mental resilience and emotional balance. Even just a few minutes of meditation can contribute significantly to overall well-being.

Ergonomics: Crafting a Comfortable Workspace


Ergonomics, the science of designing the workplace to fit the worker, plays a pivotal role in the physical health and pain prevention of dental hygienists. One study shows that incorporating ergonomic tools and principles can reduce the risk of injury and pain.⁴ Below are a few ways that dental professionals can create healthier habits in the operatory, in turn supporting a long-lasting career in dentistry.

Practitioner and patient chair positioning: 

Practitioners should ensure maintaining a neutral posture while practicing. Ensure both your chair and the patient’s chair are positioned to support the spine, reducing the risk of musculoskeletal issues. Clinicians can use photography to evaluate their ergonomics and make adjustments as needed to optimize the workspace.

Organize tools and equipment strategically to minimize repetitive movements and strain. A well-organized workspace not only enhances efficiency and focus but also contributes to a more comfortable and productive working experience.

Incorporate short breaks into your work routine for stretching, posture resets, and getting up and walking around. Taking a moment to move and stretch during the day prevents stiffness, reduces the strain on your muscles, and can help bring balance back to the body. Clinicians can do this while reviewing chart notes or waiting for a patient to arrive.

Mindfulness Practices for Stress Reduction


Stress management is a critical component of a dental hygienist’s well-being due to the nature of dental work. Because so many dental hygienists experience higher levels of stress and burnout, they need new tools that can be easily learned and implemented in their workday.

Research has shown that mindfulness practices can be a game changer for mental well-being. For dental hygienists navigating the daily stresses of patient care, incorporating mindfulness can offer tangible benefits. Mindfulness has been shown to reduce stress hormones and promote relaxation responses. It has been associated with changes to the structure and function of the brain in attention, memory, and emotional regulation. Mindfulness has been linked to improvements in cognitive function and focus.⁵ Although there are many ways that clinicians can manage stress, below are 3 simple mindfulness tools that dental professionals can use daily to get started.

Practice breath awareness techniques during patient care to stay present. Focusing on the breath can help alleviate stress and enhance your ability to handle the challenges of the day. Dental professionals can simply become aware of the breath by focusing on long, slow breaths in and out.

Integrate quick mindful moments between appointments throughout the day. These moments of mindfulness provide a mental reset, allowing practitioners to approach each patient interaction with renewed focus and presence. This could be a long, intentional pause before the next patient and taking 5 deep breaths.

Especially during stressful moments, hygienists can explore grounding techniques to anchor attention. Grounding brings our awareness to the present moment, reducing stress and enhancing our ability to navigate demanding situations. Simply stand with both feet firmly planted on the ground and take a few long, deep breaths.

Preventing burnout requires a commitment to self-care and acknowledging the importance of mental and emotional well-being. Most dental hygienists focus their energy on their patients and everyone around them, leaving them feeling tired, depleted, and burnt out. Because preventing stress and burnout requires a holistic approach, dental hygienists should consider incorporating a range of techniques to support their health. Below are a few additional self-care techniques to help.

Engage in hobbies and activities outside of work to unwind. Establishing a healthy work-life balance contributes to reduced stress and increased overall satisfaction.

Prioritize muscle relaxation and recovery after a day of patient care. Clinicians can incorporate self-care techniques such as massages, hot baths, or stretching exercises to alleviate tension and promote physical well-being.

Cultivate social networks of support that help to maintain emotional well-being. Connecting with friends or networking with colleagues are great ways to boost energy and support mental and emotional health.

Paving a Better Way With Practitioner Well-Being


In the pursuit of a fulfilling and sustainable career in dental hygiene, adopting daily habits that prioritize holistic well-being is not just a recommendation—it’s a necessity. By integrating a mindful morning routine, prioritizing ergonomics, embracing mindfulness practices, and incorporating self-care techniques, dental hygienists can reduce the risk of pain, stress, and burnout.
This holistic approach not only transforms the way we work but also ensures we can provide high-quality care to our patients for years to come. As you embark on the journey in dental hygiene, remember your well-being is the foundation upon which a thriving and fulfilling dental practice is built.


References
1.Kumar M, Pai KM, Vineetha R. Occupation-related musculoskeletal disorders among dental professionals. 

. 2020;93(4):405-409. doi:10.15386/mpr-1581
2.Hegde S, Donly A, Muttanahally K. Prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among dental professionals—a questionaire study. 

. 2018;9(3):33. doi:10.5958/0976-5506.2018.00178.X
3.

. American Dental Association. February 2022. Accessed October 15, 2023. 

https://ebusiness.ada.org/Assets/docs/101863.pdf


4.Lietz J, Ulusoy N, Nienhaus A. Prevention of musculoskeletal diseases and pain among dental professionals through ergonomic interventions: a systematic literature review. 

. 2020;17(10):3482. doi:10.3390/ijerph17103482
5.Keng SL, Smoski MJ, Robins CJ. Effects of mindfulness on psychological health: a review of empirical studies. 

. 2011;31(6):1041-1056. doi:10.1016/j.cpr.2011.04.006

While striving for a fulfilling and sustainable career in dental hygiene, it’s critical to adopt daily habits that prioritize holistic well-being.

Wellness Unveiled: A Dental Hygienist’s Guide to Self-Care

2023's Tellie Award winners, from left to right: Robyn Shafer, RDH, Mainely Teeth, Nathan Suter, DDS, Chief Innovation Officer & Dental Director, Enable Dental, Shawn Oprisiu, Director of Dental Outreach, Swope Health Services, Michelle Roman, RDH, Chair of Dental Hygiene, Middlesex College, and Nadine Thompson, RDH, Instructor, Middlesex College. Winner Marko Vujicic not pictured. Image credit: © MouthWatch, LLC

Teledentistry and digital imaging experts MouthWatch has once again marked another year of teledental innovations with the 2023 “Tellies.” The Tellies were created specifically to acknowledge and celebrate clinicians, organizations, and programs that innovate in the virtual dental field, according to a press release from MouthWatch. 2023 marked the sixth year of celebrating teledentistry, with 5 award winners taking home this coveted award acknowledged at the Greater New York Dental Meeting at the end of November.

These award-winning groups, individuals, and programs stand as notable influences in the dental community, per MouthWatch & Dentistry One CEO Brant Herman, who expressed this sentiment in the press release. “We congratulate our Tellie Award winners for their outstanding work in the communities they serve, the research they produce, and for their ability to bring the success of teledentistry to the forefront in transforming care.”

Marko Vujicic, chief economist and vice president of the American Dental Association (ADA) Health Policy Institute. Vujicic takes home the Dental Industry Innovator Award for his work in data and research collection and presentation, equipping dental professionals with the necessary knowledge to make the best decisions for both their practice and their patients.

Dr Nathan Suter takes home the Dental Innovator Tellie Award. Dr Suter works with Enable Dental to bring dental care to underserved and vulnerable populations, expanding accessibility. As part of this mobile dental care initiative, Dr Suter assists dental professionals in incorporating teledentistry into their practice. Dr Suter is also vocal in his advocacy for teledentistry legislation, per the press release.

Robyn Shafer, RDH, was awarded the Dental Hygiene Innovator Tellie, for her work in telehygiene and on the Mainely Teeth team. Shafer is celebrated for her work with students ranging from kindergarten all the way through high school, instructing and assisting them using the avenue of teledentistry. Shafer served over 30 individual schools across the state of Maine, according to MouthWatch.

Middlesex College takes the Dental Education Innovator Tellie. This school is notable for its continued use and innovation in teledentistry, using the virtual platform to screen preschool students as well as a school for special needs students in order to make the specific referrals these patients may need. Middlesex College students participate in weekly rotations to provide care at their school clinic.

Swope Health Mobile Dental Unit takes home the Oral Health Program Innovator award, for its role in providing preventative dental care to 2700 children in both the Kansas City, Missouri, and Kansas City, Kansas school districts, per the press release. Swope leveraged teledentistry and its mobile unit to accomplish this feat, making them a true innovator in this field.

Herman’s closing words echoed his enthusiasm for each of the winners and their accomplishments, with a bright future for teledentistry and dentistry as a whole on the horizon. “From supporting mobile services with teledentistry to reach vulnerable populations, reducing costs with virtual screenings and urgent care triage, to shaping the future of dentistry with continuous innovation, this year’s Tellie award winners are each paving the way for improved health outcomes,” Herman said in the press release.

More information on 2023’s Tellie Award winners is available on 

MouthWatch’s annual “Tellies” Teledentistry Innovation awards acknowledge 5 clinicians, groups, or programs that aim to change the field of dentistry for the better. 

MouthWatch Continues “Tellies” Tradition in 2023, Celebrating Innovators in Teledentistry 

Tim Smith joined the MJH Life Sciences team as an assistant editor for HCPLive in August 2022. He graduated from UC Berkeley with a degree in political science, working in multimedia journalism as a staff writer prior to joining MJH. In his spare time, he enjoys reading, watching TV, listening to podcasts, and rock climbing. You can contact him at 

Image Credit: © stock.adobe.com / Phimchanok

Toothbrushing every day is linked to lower 

 rates as well as lower rates of intensive care unit (ICU) mortality among hospitalized patients, according to recent findings, and these are particularly true among those undergoing invasive mechanical ventilation.

These results were the product of a recent systematic review and meta-analysis looking at data from several different clinical trials on hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) rates and daily oral care regimens with toothbrushing.

This research was led by Selina Ehrenzeller, MD, from the Department of Population Medicine at Harvard Medical School and the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute in Boston. Ehrenzeller and colleagues noted that there had previously been conflicting data on associations between toothbrushing and pneumonia.

“Therefore, we conducted an updated meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials assessing the association of toothbrushing with HAP, mortality, length of stay, duration of mechanical ventilation, and use of antibiotics,” Ehrenzeller and colleagues wrote.

The investigators used both a systematic review and meta-analysis of 15 different clinical studies to assess data on this topic, and their research was registered with PROSPERO. The team’s work covered a comprehensive search of several different databases and trial registries, and they imposed no date or language restrictions on the studies.

The primary search strategy, which the research team formed for PubMed, involved the combined use of Medical Subject Heading search terms and keywords that connected to toothbrushing and data on HAP. Studies the team deemed to be eligible included randomized clinical trials that had been conducted with subjects who were 16 years or older who had been in acute care hospitals.

In their searches, the investigators focused on the impacts of brushing regimens compared to non-toothbrushing routines. They also looked at health outcomes such as duration of mechanical ventilation, HAP (ventilator-associated pneumonia and/or non-ventilator-associated HAP), lengths of stay at hospitals, length of stay at ICU, death, or subject utilization of antibiotics.

The research team assigned 2 independent reviewers to screen the titles, abstracts, and full-text articles, with discrepancies being addressed through their shared collaboration. The investigators implemented covidence software in addition to a standardized data extraction form for selection of their research and extraction of data. This covered procedures, study qualities, outcomes, funding, and risk of bias.

Among the research team’s 15 trials that were assessed, they looked at data from 10,742 subjects. Specifically, 2033 of these individuals had been in the ICU and 8709 had been in non-ICU departments, though the overall population size was effectively found to be 2786 after adjusting for a cluster randomized trial.

The investigators reported that toothbrushing was shown to be linked to a much lower risk of HAP (RR, 0.67 [95% CI, 0.56-0.81]) and much lower ICU mortality risk (RR, 0.81 [95% CI, 0.69-0.95]). The research team found that reductions in pneumonia incidence were shown to be significant for mechanically-ventilated study subjects (RR, 0.68 [95% CI, 0.57-0.82]), though they were not for non-ventilated individuals (RR, 0.32 [95% CI, 0.05-2.02]).

Within the ICU, the team noted, brushing had been shown to be correlated with fewer mechanical ventilation days (mean difference, −1.24 [95% CI, −2.42 to −0.06] days) and correlated with a shorter stay in the ICU (mean difference, −1.78 [95% CI, −2.85 to −0.70] days). They added that twice-per-day brushing versus more frequent intervals was found to yield similar data.

The investigators found that there were consistent results seen in their low-bias sensitivity analysis of 7 trials. They added that non-ICU hospital length of stay and utilization of antibiotics were not linked with brushing teeth.

“Other questions we were unable to answer due to lack of pertinent studies include whether the type of toothpaste or choice of toothbrushing fluid affects outcomes, whether including tongue cleaning in the procedure increases the effect, and whether there is an interaction between toothbrushing and selective digestive tract decontamination,” they wrote.

Ehrenzeller S, Klompas M. Association Between Daily Toothbrushing and Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. 

 Published online December 18, 2023. doi:10.1001/jamainternmed.2023.6638.

Sozkes S﻿, Sozkes S﻿. Use of toothbrushing in conjunction with chlorhexidine for preventing ventilator-associated pneumonia: a random-effect meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. 

 2023;21(2):389-397. doi:10.1111/idh.12560.

De Camargo L﻿, da Silva SN﻿, Chambrone L﻿. Efficacy of toothbrushing procedures performed in intensive care units in reducing the risk of ventilator-associated pneumonia: a systematic review. 

2019;54(6):601-611. doi:10.1111/jre.12668.

The data from these meta-analyses highlight the value of developing systems to promote daily toothbrushing among those who have been hospitalized and, particularly, those on mechanical ventilation.

Mortality and Pneumonia Rates Decline When Hospital Patients Brush Their Teeth

Please take a moment to share your insights in our brief survey on virtual continuing education. Your preferences matter, and we’re eager to understand how you prefer to learn in virtual settings. Your input will help us tailor our offerings to suit your needs and enhance your learning experience. Thank you for your participation!

A survey exploring the preferences of dental professionals for how they learn in virtual settings.

Virtual Education Survey

eAssist Dental Solutions Revolutionizes Dental Billing with AI-Powered Technology. Image credit: © eAssist Dental Solutions

Dental patient billing service eAssist Dental Solutions has unveiled its new artificial intelligence (AI)–powered technology. The new software represents a significant leap forward in the company's ongoing mission to enhance efficiency and profitability for dental offices, per a press release from the company.

Founded in 2011, eAssist Dental Solutions has strived to innovate and merge technology with human expertise to address challenges related to dental insurance billing and collections. Dr James Anderson, CEO and co-founder, expressed his enthusiasm in the press release for the latest addition to their suite of services, stating, "I'm particularly excited about our newest AI-powered software – the next step along our continuing growth journey."

The AI-powered technology integrates seamlessly with a dental office's practice management system, offering a proactive approach to claims processing. The software meticulously reviews and checks claims for coding and billing errors before they are submitted to insurance carriers. This, in turn, is expected to lead to a substantial reduction in rejected and denied claims, streamlining the reimbursement process for dental offices.

Jason Orgill, Chief Technology Officer at eAssist, outlined the key benefits of the company's innovative AI-powered software in the press release.

Collective Expertise: The "Copilot" system integrates a collective knowledge of hundreds of eAssist dental billers. The aim is to minimize claim rejections and denials by leveraging the collective expertise of the eAssist team.

Faster Claim Submissions: The software aims to empower eAssist dental billers to submit claims more rapidly. By identifying errors faster, the need for manual review time is reduced, enabling a quicker and more efficient claims submission process.

Speedy Reimbursements: With a focus on reducing payment cycles, the software aims to improve cash flow and revenue for eAssist clients. This efficiency in reimbursement is a critical factor in enhancing the financial health of dental offices.

Orgill emphasized the collaborative nature of the software's development, stating in the press release, "To me, what’s most amazing is that this software design was truly driven by our end-users: the dental billers. They knew exactly what they wanted to make their jobs more efficient and deliver exceptional results to our clients."

He also commended the dedication of eAssist's technology team, highlighting the company's commitment to investing in technology to enhance process efficiency and functionality. Orgill added, "Our exceptional dental billers are now supported by AI technology, which is a unique value proposition in the industry."

The introduction of this AI-powered technology is said to solidify eAssist Dental Solutions as a trailblazer in the intersection of health care and technology. As dental offices increasingly seek ways to optimize operations and navigate the complexities of billing, eAssist's innovative approach hopes to make a lasting impact on the industry.

eAssist has introduced a new artificial intelligence-powered technology that is designed to overcome dental insurance and billing collection. 

eAssist Dental Solutions Enhances Dental Billing with AI-Powered Technology

Ideal for mobile or remote dentistry, the Air2Zed Wireless X-ray System makes sense anywhere intraoral x-rays are taken, especially in a busy practice.

The system can be used anytime a digital intraoral radiograph is captured.

Capable of turning almost any intraoral sensor into a wireless x-ray system, the plug-and-play Air2Zed solution reduces operatory clutter and tripping hazards, while reducing wear and tear on the sensor. The wireless connection extends a sensor's range 3 times or more, and the system makes it possible to move a sensor between operatories at the push of a button. 

The Air2Zed system includes receivers that connect to a computer via USB, and portable transmitters that are compatible with most digital sensors. One transmitter can be paired with multiple receivers, allowing a single sensor to be moved between operatories and connected to different computers via control on the transmitter. The data is transmitted via a secure point-to-point network and does not require WiFi or access to any external software. The Air2Zed platform can be expanded with additional transmitters and receivers as the practice grows.

Designed to make most brands of digital x-ray sensor a wireless x-ray sensor, this imaging innovation is simple to set up and adds efficiency and flexibility to any dental practice.

5Ws* Air2Zed System

The inaugural Great Oral Health Pitch Event, hosted by The Dr. Edward B. Shils Entrepreneurial Fund, Inc., unfolded during the Greater New York Dental Meeting at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City on November 26, 2023.

This event, titled "The Great Oral Health Pitch: Innovate, Elevate and Generate Your Idea to Advance Oral Health!" embodies the fund's commitment to encouraging innovation in oral health by providing a platform for young entrepreneurs and students to showcase their groundbreaking ideas. With a mission to carry forward the legacy of Dr. Edward B. Shils, the program comprises 3 in-person "practice pitch" events, aiming to educate and empower entrepreneurs in delivering successful pitches, vying for a grand prize exceeding $50,000.

Following a "shark tank" format, the event featured aspiring entrepreneurs pitching their innovative oral health concepts to a distinguished panel of judges, comprised of industry experts. The judging panel at the initial event included David Branch, founder/president/CEO of Integrated Media Services; George Wolfe, president of DMG America; and Jane Levy, co-founder and Co-CEO of Plan Forward. Moderating the session was Keith Drayer, President of the Shils Fund.

“The applicants and quality of presenters made us feel excited about the future of oral health.The innovations were diverse andincluded an autonomous hygienic system, an on-demand e-commerce marketplace connecting patients with local dentists, and pediatric gaming systems. These entrepreneurial presenters carry forward Dr. Ed Shils legacy by building on their vision and values through innovation and creativity, ensuring a lasting impact for society’s benefit,” says Drayer in a press release. 

Wolfe commended the session, foreseeing that the ideas presented would not only enhance access to oral care but also reshape the delivery of dentistry in the future. Levy echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that the group of young entrepreneurs delivered a broad and exciting vision for the future of oral care.

“This was an amazing session filled with ideas that will not only increase access to care for all but will change the way dentistry is delivered well into the future,”Wolfe says in the press release.

“Innovators seek to solve the current problems they see, and this group of young entrepreneurs delivered a broad and exciting vision of the future of oral care,” adds Levy in the press release.

In addition to the in-person pitch events held at major dental meetings, such as the Greater New York Dental Meeting, California Dental Association, and the Chicago Dental Society Midwinter Meeting, the program features a series of educational webinars. These webinars aim to equip entrepreneurs with best practices from top leaders in the oral healthcare space.

The Shils Fund anticipates its next in-person pitch event at the Chicago Midwinter Meeting on February 24, 2024. Entrepreneurs and students interested in attending can find more information about The Great Oral Health Pitch Program on the 

About the Shils Fund: Founded by friends and colleagues of Dr. Shils, prominent leaders in the dental industry, the Dr. Edward D. Shils Entrepreneurial Education Fund, established in 2002, evolved into The Dr. Edward B. Shils Entrepreneurial Fund, Inc. in 2012. This registered 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization honors Dr. Shils' pioneering vision by supporting healthcare entrepreneurs through annual awards, partnerships, and branded events. For further details, visit 

Young entrepreneurs present ideas designed to revolutionize the oral healthcare industry.

The Shils Entrepreneurial Fund Great Oral Health Pitch Event Takes Place at the GNYDM 

Young Innovations Reveals Acquisition of Salvin Dental Specialties | Image Credit: © Young Innovations / Salvin Dental Specialties

Leading global dental products supplier, Young Innovations, has officially disclosed its acquisition of Salvin Dental Specialties (Salvin). Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Salvin is a provider of regenerative biomaterials, surgical instrumentation, supplies, and equipment tailored for implant dentistry.

"I am exceptionally proud of the company we've built for over 40 years with our valued employees, customers, and partners," Bob Salvin, founder and CEO of Salvin, expresses in a press release. "We have achieved our goal of creating a business focused on providing everything for the implant practice but the implants. Thanks to our strong team, culture, and focus, we are well positioned for continued success. We are excited to be partnered with Young in this new chapter of growth for Salvin."

Salvin Dental / Salvin Regenerative is a well-established global leader in regenerative products and specialized surgical instrumentation for oral surgery and implant dentistry.

"Salvin takes great pride in delivering an exceptional customer experience and clinical support to implant practices, with a robust product line specifically designed by the Salvin team to meet the unique needs of this specialty segment," states Dave Sproat, CEO of Young Innovations, in the press release. "We are excited to support the ongoing growth of Salvin's business, employees, customers, vendors, and brand as a part of our broader global portfolio."

Young Innovations, located in Algonquin, Illinois, features a wide portfolio of products that include infection control products, endodontics, imaging, handpieces, and more.

"Our acquisition of Salvin reflects our continued commitment to invest in the oral surgery market. The combination of Salvin and Young now makes us the largest dental implant-agnostic supplier in the industry," adds Steve Clareen, vice president/general manager at Young Innovations, in the press release. "The leadership team at Salvin is exceptional. They have built a fantastic business with a respected portfolio. We look forward to working together to drive additional value to Salvin's customers and the patients they serve."

Bob Salvin will continue to serve as an adviser to Young Innovations, providing counsel and support for the Salvin team and its customers. William Simmons, CEO, and Greg Slayton, president, will maintain their roles in offering daily leadership and management for the business from Charlotte. Importantly, there are no changes to ordering and service procedures for customers or vendors.

Young Innovations, Inc. operates as a portfolio company of TJC, L.P. The globally recognized manufacturer and distributor, caters to the needs of dentists, oral surgeons, periodontists, hygienists, dental assistants, and consumers. Their brand portfolio includes products that hold leadership positions in the preventive, restorative, orthodontic, endodontic, surgical, and diagnostic segments. With a mission of “Creating Smiles, Creating Possibilities,” the company is committed to delivering innovative, high-quality products and solutions to clinicians and their patients. They actively seek opportunities to enhance their portfolio through both organic growth and strategic acquisitions, aiming to broaden the scope and growth potential of their product and service offerings. Young Innovations is primarily owned by an affiliated fund managed by TJC, L.P., along with the Young Innovations management team.

With this transaction, Young Innovations further strengthens its commitment to the oral surgery market.

Young Innovations Reveals Acquisition of Salvin Dental Specialties

Medit Link updates

New Dental Products – December 11 - December 15, 2023

All the latest dental product launches from the week of December 11 through December 15, 2023. 