Anna Sacks

 in 2012, this second-generation resin modified glass ionomer luting cement was met with much praise for its F2 Flex Fuse Technology. The F2 Flex Fuse Technology was created and perfected to support indirect restorations through amplified strength, a greater release of fluoride and tremendous reliability, all while maintaining a low film thickness.

As a developer, Futoshi Fusejima took on the task of improving an already successful product. He and his R&D team worked diligently to better the product through customer feedback and released the product to the dental community with the hope that it would be as successful as its predecessor.

We took an inside look at what the process was like from Fusejima’s perspective. Here’s what he had to say:

Was there a customer need that spurred the creation of this product?

 When we decided to develop GC FujiCEM 2, we looked at the background of the previous product called GC FujiCEM.  It is very strong in the market and the highest selling product from GC. Because GC FujiCEM had already been on the market for a 10-year period, we thought we had much more technology to improve this product.

Last year we had our 90th anniversary celebration and because our company started from cement, we thought we should have a 90th anniversary product in a cement. We also thought we should keep the customer satisfied and many people like the handling properties and easy-to-remove excess cement of 

. So we needed to keep these features but still improve the physical properties to secure more long lasting seating of the prosthesis.

What was the process like in meeting that need?

 In GC Research & Development (R&D) we are looking for customer satisfaction and quality first. When we are developing a product, we have a process to develop the materials under GC’s Quality Management System (GQM). In each process we look at how the products are meeting the customer or market needs, not only the physical properties or chemistry. We also look at how to transfer our technology in R&D to manufacturing to keep our same quality as we design. We have a total management system (GQM) to make good products to offer to our customers. 

Is there a specific aspect of this product that you’re especially proud of?

 We incorporated a new high-elastic crosslinking monomer with a modified filler-surface treatment into the Resin Modified Glass Ionomer matrix to get more flexibility and durability. This material compared to the previous one has 30 percent  more flexural strength. We changed the color of the two pastes to pink and blue but still after mixing, the shade is the same as it used to be with GC FujiCEM. This color changing technology makes it more user-friendly with better physical properties for the customers.

 GC FujiCEM 2 has received customer praise like “There is no stress to switch from GC FujiCEM to GC FujiCEM 2.” Those customer voices are proof our development process was correct.

Want more information on GC America products? Check out this video with Sandy Anderson of GC:

Articles

When GC Corporation released GC FujiCEM 2 in 2012, this second-generation resin modified glass ionomer luting cement was met with much praise for its F2 Flex Fuse Technology. The F2 Flex Fuse Technology was created and perfected to support indirect restorations through amplified strength, a greater release of fluoride and tremendous reliability, all while maintaining a low film thickness.

Go behind the scenes of GC America's GC FujiCEM™ 2

“By integrating CAD/CAM dentistry with implants, I’ve achieved a new skill set and a fresh perspective.”

Dr. Brent Harris is a graduate of Nova Southeastern College of Dental Medicine who served as a Dental Officer with the U.S. Navy Dental Corps. Since 2005, Dr. Harris has practiced at S.A.H. Dentistry in Saint Lucie West, Fla.

Dr. Harris also facilitates study clubs for dentists using the

 E4D Dentist system, a complete powder-free chairside system for digital impressioning,

 designing and fabricating metal-free inlays, onlays, crowns and veneers in the office or through a laboratory.

Here he shares his insight on using the technology and how his practice delivers implant dentistry to its patients.

In the beginning, what drew you to incorporate more implant dentistry into your general practice?

I’ve always been eager to use implants in my practice because in many ways they represent the most predictable form of restorative treatment, and also can be considered one of the best investments a patient can make.

How did you manage the relationship with implant specialists you’d worked with previously?

I continue to enjoy working with select specialists who choose to comprehensively treatment plan cases and perform implant services in a manner that I am comfortable with. It’s important to me that the patient see consistency between my office and the specialist, and that the communication between our offices is timely and thorough.

How did you decide on the implant system you currently use in your practice?

I chose the implant system I work with based on documented success of the system and customer service from representatives and company, and diversity/ease of use of the components.

What kind of tips can you offer fellow general practitioners interested in integrating implants?

It is important to invest in not only a system with a good track record and customer support, but also the necessary training to ensure you are using the system properly and performing optimally for your patients.

By integrating CAD/CAM dentistry with implants, I’ve achieved a new skill set and a fresh perspective. It has redefined my ambitions and helped me identify the potential for new treatment options and it has increased my confidence and renewed my energy to tackle challenging projects.

Dr. Brent Harris: How the E4D Dentist System has given me new confidence and skills

			An interview with Dr. Brent Harris about the integration of E4D CAD/CAM with dental implants.			Written by: Dr. Brent Harris			E4D Dentist System			Date published: 05/10/2013			5 / 5 stars 

Amanda Seay is proud to be a strong and successful young woman in the dental profession with a supportive loving family to share her achievements with.

She attributes much of her success to strong willpower and setting goals that don’t compromise or sacrifice the things she considers important, whether personal or professional.

“I wanted to be able to have a family and have time for them, but also be a career woman, and I had to mold my goals toward having both,” she said.

To be successful, Seay mapped out her goals with some intention. Her advice to anyone trying to break into the dental profession and maintain balance is to find someone who’s done it and follow that person, learn from that person because he or she is going to be able to give really great advice and insight.

“I think education is huge, you have to continually educate yourself because that’s going to help you in whatever path you choose to take,” she said.

Though she’s found that balance in her life, she did have to give up some things along the way.

“I definitely sacrificed a lot of time going without things some of my friends had time to do, but that’s because I saw the big picture. It wasn’t just about that day, it was about having my goals realized and I wanted to make it happen,” Seay said.

“I try to be really excellent at everything I do, and I think no matter where you are or what level of dentistry you’re practicing at, you can always be better, and that’s what I strive to do,” she said. “It also exemplifies work ethic to my children.”

The best piece of advice she ever received came from a mentor she had before she began her practice, she said.

“He told me, you can practice at whatever level of dentistry you want, but you have to meet the mind of a patient before you meet the mouth of a patient, and … at the end of the day, it’s not a tooth that walks through your door, it’s a person.”

And that is advice Seay really took to heart. The most gratifying part of her job is the relationships she has developed with her patients and with her co-workers. Striving for excellence keeps her motivated to continue seeking better ways to deliver dentistry.

For the future, Seay hopes to always keep learning, growing her practice and to one day take on a partner at her practice. She would prefer that person be a female because she would love to be a woman empowering another woman, and provide flexibility for both women to have balance and success together.

Seay is currently a member at the Kois Center, a Key Opinion Leader for two dental companies, and serves on the editorial review boards of several peer-reviewed journals. She lectures on esthetic dentistry and volunteers her dental services through AACD’s Give Back a Smile and local outreach organizations

Top 25 Women in Dentistry: Amanda Seay, DDS

In today's world of candy and sugary soft drinks children aged five and under are in special need of dental care and oral health education.

Today, at the Richmond International Raceway, Missions of Mercy is partnering with the 

 to provide kids in the Richmond area with the dental services they need through a project called, 

. ??Members of the dental professional community from all over the state of Virginia have traveled to Richmond today to get involved with the effort.??

About 300 kids are participating in the event today and they will all walk away with new knowledge of the importance of oral health as well as different tricks and tips they can use to stay healthy with oral hygiene.

Continue to check back right here for updates and live video interviews throughout the day.