Compiled by Thais Carter

It may seem like everyone is hopping on the social media bandwagon these days, but three companies are using well-known platforms such as 

 and blogs in ways that may make you excited to click again.

Heraeus now maintains a state-of-the-art YouTube channel.

This resource for live instruction, education, and mechanism of action videos is chock full of more than 30 clips covering a selection of timely, relevant, and current topics. Impression techniques, posterior restorations, and live demonstrations of whitening procedures are all covered, as are animations and brief documentaries showcasing the many charitable oral health initiatives that Heraeus underwrites and supports.

Featured presenters include a “who’s who” of respected dental industry leaders and educators: Drs. Corky Willhite, Howard Glazer, Steve Ratcliff, Cherilyn Sheets, Fred Margolis, and Ross Nash, as well as Shannon Pace-Brinker, CDS, CDD. Through instructional videos and patient demonstrations, they share their knowledge and expertise on best uses and practices for the many high-quality Heraeus dental products on the market today.

A great feature of ISI's new website is the

, designed to keep you up to date on the latest i-CAT and Cone Beam 3D news in the dental industry, including product information, technology updates, clinical applications, case studies, events, promotions and more.

A recent entry you may want to check out? 

The Gendex social media pages are intended to directly engage the dental community with the latest news in the industry, improvements in x-ray technology, and the present and

. The sites will offer a series of regular updates from Gendex, plus gives Facebook users the chance to interact with Team Gendex.

The Gendex social media site pages include 

Articles

It may seem like everyone is hopping on the social media bandwagon these days, but three companies are using well-known platforms such as YouTube, Facebook and blogs in ways that may make you excited to click again.

From the Editor's Desk: Social Media Movement

Products, procedures and best practices to help you maximize your time and your team’s productivity.

Reclaiming the clock starts with one simple piece of advice: 

Finding spots where you and your team can implement more efficient methods or integrate products to help save time means having a strong sense of what your workflow currently entails. What aspects of your day take up the most time -considering both the front desk and the operatory? Are there moments of your day where you wish you could spend more time? When do you get most frustrated?

Adding to last week’s six tips to boost your efficiency in the office, here are seven more ways to help take your productivity to new levels. Check back next week. We have 51 helpful tips in all!

It isn’t just about a practice looking “pretty.” The way your operatory is arranged and the relation of the delivery system to operator seating and the surrounding environment is crucial. What you gain in terms of seconds can make you not only more efficient, but can have a positive effect on your overall ergonomics health as well.

Coaxially mounted LED headlights allow clinicians to work in a shadowless environment. Not having to repeatedly reposition an overhead light to avoid shadows adds efficiency to every procedure. And the focused beam of light directly into the oral cavity significantly enhances visual acuity, resulting in better patient care. 

09 Streamline your patient intake process.

Why double your work? The traditional pen and clipboard style of updating health history forms usually means someone else is responsible for keying all that information into the system after the fact. Now, thanks to tablet technology and other integrated systems, patients can update their personal data electronically, reducing the time spent and potential errors associated with the old method.

10 Consider how delivery systems impact clean-up time.

Danville’s MOJO II VPS and MOJO II Endo Post/Core Build up delivery system 

will increase office efficiency by eliminating delivery syringe and gun/cartridge clean up. The MOJO II and MOJO II ENDO have eliminated re-takes/re-dos with impressions, endo posts and build-ups. 

11 Decrease your hygienist’s chair time (and improve ergonomics).

PerioShield™ is the only rinse with the proprietary active ingredient delmopinol 

(0.2%), which creates an invisible barrier and inhibits plaque formation. In addition to all the clinical benefits afforded patients, delmopinol is also capable of disrupting the existing plaque matrix by reducing the viscosity of glucans and loosening the cohesive properties of plaque, making it easier to remove mechanically.

12 Make sure your curing light is compatible with the materials you use.

 is the most efficient curing light on the market. Its Polywave technology will erase any material compatibility concerns, while its specially designed light probe will make even the toughest areas of the mouth easy to access. Combine these features with an easy-to-use two-button operation and an inductive charging system for easier maintenance, and you have a curing light that saves everyone in your practice time and frustration. 

Make sure your team is taking full advantage of automated, dynamic mixing machines. They are able to prepare impression materials quickly, ensuring a homogenous smooth mix without the air bubbles that are a common hurdle in hand mixing. Save your hands and save your time by going automatic.

7 more tips to ramp up your time management skills [VIDEO]

Chances are, at some point, you’ve thought, “there aren’t enough hours in the day...” What if we could help get you back those precious seconds, minutes or hours?

Here are six tips to get you started. Check back with 

 next weekend for more time-efficiency tips. We have 51 great tips to share!

Imagine how much time it takes for front office personnel to comb through billing records. Not only is it time consuming, but that system is also vulnerable to mistakes and missed opportunities for collection. Various practice management software options and related vendors help facilitate this.

 is a simple way to send patient billing statements. QuickBill allows the dental team to send patient statements with just a few clicks of the mouse, right from your practice-management software. Plus, QuickBill gives complete control, allowing staff to review your statements, add personal notes, and even have the addresses verified. Users can even include a prewritten newsletter. QuickBill gets the job done fast, as statements are in the mail within 24 hours.

02 Eliminate the time intensive step of packing retraction cord.

Tired of packing a retraction cord? Using the 

for troughing creates a separation between the hard tissue margins and the gingiva, while simultaneously stopping any tissue bleeding prior to taking an impression, or restoring a subgingival margin. This quick, bloodless procedure can save you time and will minimize the frustration of working with a retraction cord.

[Click Here For More DenMat SOL Diode Laser Information]

03 Make sure front office and back room staff can communicate quickly.

There are so many incredible options available for this now – whether that be a more traditional intercom system, walkie-talkies, or instant messaging via practice management software. Whatever method your practice chooses, every second you save through new modes of communication means more time spent focused on the case at hand.

04 Opt for clear, consistent patient education.

If there is any aspect of the patient visit you want to invest time in, it is proper patient communication, especially as it regards to treatment planning options. The way to maximize that time is by using quality interactive education that clearly and consistently explains key procedures and allows you the opportunity to clarify and engage. There are several products on the market today that help you to do just that and capitalize on high-engagement hardware such as iPads and other tablets so that patients get the “wow” factor as well as the necessary information.

For example, by using an online, cloud-based patient education system such as 

, practices have the ability to link to more than 350 patient education presentations on their website(s), which makes patient education easily accessible for patients at home, following appointments. For added efficiency, CAESY Cloud requires no installation and no network connections between participating devices. All that is needed to access CAESY Cloud is a standard Internet connection.

05 Standardize clinical protocols for effective delivery of adhesion.

 allows you to standardize clinical protocols for effective delivery of adhesion. You can expect ease of use and a simplified bonding procedure with ALL-BOND UNIVERSAL. This universal dental adhesive combines self-etch and total-etch bonding, and it includes the resin layer and activator in just 1 bottle providing you a significant cost savings and guaranteed clinical effectiveness.

ALL-BOND UNIVERSAL is a light-cured, single-component dental bonding agent that combines etching, priming and bonding in a single bottle. It simplifies restorative procedures by adapting to self-, total-, and selective-etch techniques and because of the low film thickness. ALL-BOND UNIVERSAL is easily spread thin allowing for easy cementation to tight-fitting crowns. ALL-BOND UNIVERSAL is compatible with all light-, self-, and dual-cured resin composites and cements for all direct and indirect bonding procedures. Other single-bottle adhesives may need more than 1 bottle for indirect restorations, but with ALL-BOND UNIVERSAL, no additional activator is required.

06 Take faster full mouth series using digital radiography.

There are numerous ways in which making the 

 from film is a win for the practice. The overall time saved is among the most tangible benefits the dental team experiences. Not only does getting rid of the traditional chemical processing and the associated dark room create more usable space for the practice, it eliminates the lengthy wait times associated with developing film.

[Browse The Latest Digital Radiography Products Here]

The ability to see images instantly can revolutionize your workflow. And, because digital images can be enhanced in real-time via imaging software, you as a clinician are able to diagnose in a more efficient manner, and help the patient understand treatment needs more quickly.

6 ways to boost your practice's efficiency [VIDEO]

We first started with digital imaging through the ScanX phosphor plate system; we’d had that in place since sometime around 2005. We had been digital in a lot of other ways up to that point and making the move with imaging made sense,” Nancy explained.

“When we knew we were ready to upgrade from phosphor plates to digital, I had several different salesmen come out and give me presentations on the digital sensors available through different companies,” Rick continued. “The DEXIS representative for the Kansas City area, Joel Martino, was a major factor in our decision to go with DEXIS. He was nice, helpful and honest.”

“When we make a business decision, we try to base it on the core values of our practice: integrity and honesty. We knew from the beginning that the company representative, Joel, was an outstanding individual speaking on behalf of an outstanding company with a great reputation. They lined up with our core values and were able to offer the reliability we needed,” Nancy added. “When we did make the leap to sensors, it made a huge difference for our practice.”


	“There was a little bit of grumbling when we first moved from film to phosphor, but not on this. The move to digital sensors has been a very easy transition,” Rick shared. “Of all the sensors we tried, the 

 was the easiest for the team to use, and even though I don’t use all the bells and whistles in the software, I know I’m getting higher quality images than before.

“And the staff may not say it,” he continued, “but I know these sensors are helping the team to be more efficient.”

Nancy concurred. “For the front administrative team, the ability to e-mail X-rays from within the program is a great feature that saves us a lot of time. DEXIS has provided a seamless integration with our Dentrix software.”

The benefits of digital sensors are clear: quality, ROI, comfort, etc. Why DEXIS instead of the cheaper options?

DEXIS Platinum delivered the most readable X-ray 

of the four sensors we saw demonstrated besides DEXIS,” Rick explained. “Second, Joel. You’re dealing with someone you actually want to do business with.”

“I agree. It’s the quality of the image, but also the quality of the individuals representing the company,” Nancy added. “It’s about the dependability. Yes, you may be paying more for the best sensor, best software, best image-but in the long run, with the dependability DEXIS offers, it makes it worthwhile. The company is going to back you up.”

Double Take: "...I know I'm getting higher quality images than before."

The ability to manage image size and dose means the

The user can be flexible with image size, and low dose scanning provides the ability to tailor scans to the needs of individual patients.
	
	The system delivers the fastest workflow possible as treatment plans can be completed chairside or in consultation rooms within minutes. Scans themselves take less than 10 seconds.

clinicians have complete control over all aspects of treatment, implant, abutment and restoration.
	
	That level of control fosters more efficient case planning and enhanced surgical predictability.
	
	Consistently impressive image quality is delivered through proprietary tools that create high definition, low dose scans quickly and easily every time.

Now Playing: Eric Townsend, Director of Western Sales, tells us why the i-CAT is one of this year's ADA Ones to Watch. 

Gain more clinical oversight with the i-CAT Precise cone beam 3D imaging system.

Get to know the i-CAT Precise from Imaging Sciences Int'l

Acknowledging the dynamic decision-making that comes from bringing great minds and great dentists together, once again this year’s honorees were selected by a distinguished panel of dental professionals.

In each issue between now and October we will highlight four of the 16 honorees. You’ll find both general information about what the product brings to the table as well as feedback from one of the panelists on what helps the product stand out in its competitive set.

Interviews, education and hands-on demonstrations at the “Best of Class” Technology Fair at this year’s ADA Annual Session in Las Vegas will allow you to experience each product on your own and decide if it’s a good fit for your practice.

With a brand promise of “protecting the irreplaceable,” F-Secure’s Internet Security software incorporates a user-focused design and offers better security online without slowing down your computer. Key features critical to the dental practice include:

The ability to protect your computer against all types of malicious software. The Internet Security package delivers real-time protection against viruses, spyware, worms, trojans, rootkits and zero-day attacks. Customers receive automatically updated protection from the world-renowned F-Secure Labs, as well as F-Secure cloud protection against unidentified threats, to ensure you can safely use your computer, now and in the future.

The ability to detect and remove spyware from your computer and keep hackers at bay. F-Secure Internet Security removes secretly installed software from your computer ensuring your system is running smoothly and clean of spyware. It can automatically detect and filter spam and e-mail schemes designed to steal your private information. In addition, a cutting-edge personal firewall prevents hackers from breaking into your computer.

The Panelist’s Perspective: Dr. John Flucke

 How did you first find out about this product?

 In 2005 Sony began to include rootkit spyware on its audio CDs. This was a secret and unethical way for the company to track what their customers were doing with their computers…without the computer owner’s knowledge. F-Secure made headlines by quickly creating a program that could remove the rootkit.

 Describe the situations in which you’ve seen the product in use.

 F-Secure guards many of my computers. It is not only antivirus, but an entire suite of Internet security software (anti-spyware, anti-SPAM, etc.). It does an outstanding job of guarding your computer while not “taking over” your computer like almost all other Internet Security Suites.

 In light of the product’s performance in these situations, what, in your opinion, sets it apart in the industry?

 Most other programs like this become so entwined in Windows that they cause lots of problems including crashes, slowing your computer performance to a crawl. F-Secure is reliable, stable and guards your computer without any affect on the computer’s performance.

 If you had to summarize why a dentist should purchase this product or switch to this product, what three reasons would you highlight?

 It is reliable, easily uninstalled if need be, and very affordable.

eighth generation digital sensor from Gendex, the GXS-700 system 

comes from a lineage of imaging for digital sensors. From enhanced image acuity and improved patient comfort, to portability, ease-of-use, and product sustainability, these new sensors underscore the company’s desire and commitment to help advance dental practices with affordable solutions.

The sensor’s advanced CMOS sensor technology is said to deliver more than 20 visible line pairs per mm, and its small 19.5μm pixel size highlights the smallest details and emphasizes distinctions in density. The result: high-resolution images.


	Offering the flexibility to meet the needs of patients in the practice, the GXS-700 system is available in two ergonomically designed sizes suited for children and adults. Rounded corners and smooth-edge finishes comfortably fit the anatomical shape of the mouth. In addition, the durable materials and components used in the manufacture of this product increase its life span.

GXS-700 sensors were engineered for smooth integration into practice management systems. As an additional time-saver, the “Always Ready” technology automatically recognizes the presence of radiation; there’s no need to initiate image capture through the software. In addition, Hi-Speed USB 2.0 connectivity offers optimum portability-without controllers, adapters or docking stations. The sensor simply plugs directly into USB 2.0 port on the computer for speed and efficiency.

The Panelist’s Perspective: Dr. Parag Kachalia

as a beta tester. I had previously used the Gendex eHD sensors with Dentrix Imaging Software and the new sensor was leaps and bounds ahead of the old sensor. The old sensor seemed to do a reasonable job; however at times I felt as though I lost clarity compared to an analog film.

 Over the last year this sensor has been used for 100% of my patients. The image quality is crystal clear even when the images are magnified.

 Crystal clear images paired with sensor comfort are the factors that set Gendex sensors apart. Patients rarely complain about any discomfort because the sensors have been strategically rounded and no seam is evident that can cause irritation to the mucosa. From the clinical perspective the images are very clear and highly detailed. In the past truly high quality images only seemed possible when a practice chose to use a separate imaging module outside of their practice management software. The GXS-700 series allows equally crisp images to be visualized within Dentrix Imaging. In the past it also seemed like extremely crisp images were only evident at dental conventions. I now feel like I can get these same images.

 The three reasons are: Very high quality images; superior comfort blended with sensor versatility; and ease of use.

Using a proprietary technology based on the principle of fluorescence, 

SOPROLIFE allows dentists to diagnose occlusal or interproximal caries

 and excavate only the decayed area by differentiating healthy tissue from infected tissue with incredible accuracy.

SOPROLIFE allows dentists to detect decay

, even in its earliest stages, which often can be missed by the eyes or by x-rays. The handheld unit functions “live” in three modes:

Diagnosis aid Mode: Allows the characterization of lesions at different clinical stages without losing consistency. This is accomplished with image magnification of 30 to 100 times.

Treatment aid Mode: Images produced in the treatment mode show a differentiation of pre-operative healthy tissue versus diseased tissue.

“Daylight” Mode: Allows the dentist to use SOPROLIFE as a white light intraoral camera providing images of unmatched quality.

Linked to SOPRO IMAGING software, the dentist now has the ability to have a customized follow-up adapted to a patient’s needs.

The Panelist’s Perspective: Dr. Paul Feuerstein

 I was made aware of it as a new product coming from this manufacturer.

 This product is not only useful in detecting new caries externally, it is a fantastic method of checking preparations to be sure all caries is removed prior to placing a final restoration or taking an impression. The accuracy of the fluorescence and the clarity of the camera makes this all-in-one product something I use several times a day in my clinical practice.

 Although there are other excellent caries detection products, the high resolution camera that is part of the system with the push of a button holds this as unique.

 First, if an office needs a new intraoral camera, this one ( based on the Sopro 717) with its normal and macro setting, is an excellent choice. Second, the addition of detecting caries externally allows a photo for doctor, patient and insurance for education and documentation. Third, it is an excellent device to ensure excellent dentistry by checking caries removal quickly and easily without messy solutions-in an instant.

Sesame Communications places dentistry where patients are today-online. Launched in 1999, Sesame pioneered technology that converts and integrates legacy databases into effective online patient communications. What began as an appointment reminder service for orthodontists has evolved into a comprehensive online solution including websites, patient portals, Search Engine Optimization, social media services, online marketing and many other strategic services all designed to help dental professionals get found, get chosen and stay connected with their patients online.

Sesame 24-7 can be described as a complete online solution in Patient Connection Systems. Its solution suite of services encompasses the entire patient lifecycle-from new patients through treatment completion, to patients referring friends and family-all through a single provider leveraging the power of online tools:

Web Design markets your practice with a Top Patient Appeal Rated™ website so prospective patients choose you.

Sesame Search keeps your practice prominent online with Search Engine Optimization (SEO) services, effective social networking management and Google AdWords campaigns.

Patient Login™ provides convenience for your patients with any time access to appointment and account information, online bill pay and treatment images directly from your practice website.

Patient Reminders strengthens patient commitment by customizing communications to patient preferences: e-mail, SMS text or voice mail appointment reminders.

Online Case Collaboration improves referral network communications and coordination in a secure treatment discussion forum with automatically uploaded digital images and x-rays.

Online Marketing opens a two-way communication with your patient community through outreach (newsletters, targeted e-mails) and feedback (surveys, reviews).

The Panelist’s Perspective: Dr. Lou Shuman

 I first learned about Sesame Communications in early 2009 when Resolution Research, a market research firm, performed a qualitative study for Sesame. The study revealed the keys needed to create an engaging website, one that would drive prospective patients to pick up the phone and schedule a new exam. Prospective patients were connected and recorded via telephone and Internet. Participants were asked to think out loud as they navigated sites. They were asked to provide honest feedback, either positive or negative. The unprecedented study fascinated me.

 Several dozen Pride practices have Sesame support their online marketing strategy. For example, Dr. Steven Farley, a Pride client in Windsor, Conn., had Sesame review his strategy initially and then put together a marketing plan that incorporates patient appealing Web and mobile sites, monthly search engine optimization improvements and analysis, pay-per-click advertising, a complete social media strategy including Facebook posts, weekly ghost written blog articles, YouTube video optimization, patient login portals that make his website interactive, an automated reminder system and online marketing incorporating his practice promotion e-newsletter, patient reviews and his animated birthday and holiday cards. Practices using Sesame 24-7 are experiencing, on average, 40 calls per month from their online exposure with 12 identifying themselves as new patients.

 Sesame sets itself apart by focusing solely on the dental industry, allowing them to understand what it takes to successfully engage patients and prospective patients. Sesame 24-7 encompasses the entire patient lifecycle-from new patients through treatment completion, to patients referring friends and family-through a single provider.

 First, Sesame does the research to understand patient behavior.

Second, Sesame has been focused solely on the dental industry for more than 11 years.

Third, Sesame provides all the online tools a practice needs from web design, search, social media, patient login, reminders, online case collaboration and online marketing, and all from a single provider. The result is a cohesive and complete online strategy.

Acknowledging the dynamic decision-making that comes from bringing great minds and great dentists together, once again this year’s honorees were selected by a distinguished panel of dental professionals. In each issue between now and October we will highlight four of the 16 honorees. You’ll find both general information about what the product brings to the table as well as feedback from one of the panelists on what helps the product stand out in its competitive set.

The 'Best of Class' products of 2011

This new feature, promoted in print and online, is designed to offer quick bites for team development and practice success. We highlight best practices and best products in Top 3, Top 5 and Top 7 lists so that you can take the advice and be nimble in integrating into your practice.

The Yellow Pages are yesterday’s news, and it’s not enough to come up on healthpages.com. Yelp reviewers may be eager to define you, but your site helps you tell your story so that patients choose you.


	
	Text and email are the preferred method of contact for many. A reminder phone call offers a personal touch, but electronic communication is a major benefit.


	
	Less radiation, greater comfort and quicker results than film. Once patients have gone digital, they’ll never go back - don’t be left behind.


	
	Banish the brochure! There are many fantastic, high-tech options that cover hundreds of topics in a consistent, engaging way that ensures patients pay attention.

...and procedures! The medical model is seeping into dentistry,
	so do your research on how certain prevention models or high-tech options such as lasers can help you deliver higher quality care.

Even if you are still a proponent for amalgam over composite, your patients demand the more esthetic option. Do some digging and find out what solution meets your standards for durability while maintaining the patient’s desire for esthetics.


	
	Weddings, graduation, interviews, a big date - situations arise and patients want to look their very best. Be ready with a whitening option you trust.

This new feature, promoted in print and online, is designed to offer quick bites for team development and practice success. We highlight best practices and best products in Top 3, Top 5 and Top 7 lists so that you can take the advice and be nimble in integrating into your practice. 1. An optimized website

THE LIST: Top 7 products patients demand

There’s “smart,” as in a good idea, and then there’s S.M.A.R.T. - Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and within a Timeframe. Incentives can be a great way to motivate your team, but you and the team need to be clear on expectations and what it means to succeed.

It won’t be the key to success with every team member, but one way to keep staff engaged is to facilitate professional development that also can improve the patient experience. Think about how you can use new technology research, training, implementation and marketing to offer team members the chance to step up and branch out.

Technology can be a great starting point for learning, engagement and growth, but you can apply similar principles to any new product or specialty you’re considering as a practice. Other great options? Ask people to step up and run point on community outreach, online reputation management or marketing. Delegating can be scary, but it can bring something amazing out of your team.

This new feature, promoted in print and online, is designed to offer quick bites for team development and practice success. We highlight best practices and best products in Top 3, Top 5 and Top 7 lists so that you can take the advice and be nimble in integrating into your practice. 1. Offer S.M.A.R.T. incentives.

THE LIST: Top 3 ways to motivate your staff

 is a unique corporation with a long history of industrial ceramic manufacturing success. This success has allowed them to transition into the dental industry with amazing results. The company’s specialty product is an advanced Zirconium Dioxide that exhibits superior optical qualities through 30% higher translucency indexes.

 is considered to be one of the leaders in its industry. Based on the company’s functional ceramic manufacturing experience, it expanded its business in recent years with the production of advanced dental materials.

The superior translucency that can be achieved at the incisal edge of an anterior full contour crown using the Zirkostar ET®, has provided dental practitioners worldwide the ability to place full contour crowns confidently. Now that Zirconia has crossed over to central and lateral incisor placement we are now experiencing a true paradigm shift.

 has a unique pressing and sintering experience and Total Quality Management, combining the most advanced qualifying methods with automatic inspection machinery, and demanding multi-stage quality control procedures including 100% inspection of parts.

 has approximately 250 customers in more than 40 countries worldwide, including those in Europe, Latin America, Asia, Australia, Africa and now in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. It provides superior customer service, reliable on-time delivery and competitive prices.

Bill Leo is a veteran in the field of restorative and implant dentistry. He just celebrated his 33rd year in the dental field on March 1, 2012. Bill has spent the last 30 years in various sales, marketing, and management positions for five different Blue Chip dental companies: DENTSPLY  International, Thompson Dental Company, Shofu Dental Corporation, Nobel Biocare USA and Zirkonzahn USA Inc.  His greatest joy in dentistry has been the relationships that he has made over the years with dental technicians, dental practitioners, surgeons and colleagues that have greatly enriched his work life.

Bill oversees all of North America to include the United States, Canada and Mexico. He will manage the Atlanta distribution center operations as well as the Sales and Marketing function to include field sales management.
	
	Kerox's wide product portfolio includes:

		Zirconia blanks and blocks for manual and CAD/CAM milling machines

		Extreme translucency blank (25-30% more light transmission)

		Custom shaded projects upon request
		 

Kerox Dental Ltd. is a unique corporation with a long history of industrial ceramic manufacturing success. This success has allowed them to transition into the dental industry with amazing results. The company’s specialty product is an advanced Zirconium Dioxide that exhibits superior optical qualities through 30% higher translucency indexes.

New Company Profile: Kerox Dental Ltd.

The Pride Institute "Best of Class" panel explains why they chose this year's winners. This month: Ultradent's VALO Cordless, DENTCA CAD/CAM Denture, KaVo's COMFORTdrive, and Schick Technologies' CDR Elite WiFi.  

There is no group of products quite like the “Best of Class” honorees, in large part because it would be almost impossible to recreate the process by which they were selected. Chosen by a distinguished panel comprised of some of the most forward looking dentists in the industry, this year’s winners were narrowed down through lively debate and discernment.

In each issue between July and October we will highlight a handful of the 18 honorees. You’ll find both general information about the product as well as feedback from one of the panelists on what helps the product stand out in its competitive set.

Interviews, education and hands-on demonstrations at the “Best of Class” Technology Fair at this year’s ADA Annual Session in San Francisco will allow you to experience each product on your own and decide if it’s a good fit for your practice.


	VALO’s slim, wand-like body is unlike any other curing light on the market. Not only is it lightweight and easy to handle, but it offers unprecedented access even in difficult-to-reach areas of the mouth. VALO emits a broad spectrum of wavelengths that polymerize all dental materials - even those not cured by most LED lights - and a specially designed lens that provides a uniquely concentrated cure. Its optimally collimated beam ensures that VALO maintains its power density and uniformly cures over a range of surfaces and working distances. When compared with several other leading curing lights during a MARC (Managing Accurate Resin Curing) test*, VALO demonstrated a more powerful and consistent cure. The light features three modes: Standard, High Power and Xtra Power (Plasma Emulation).

The Panelist’s Perspective:
	Dr. John Flucke


	
	I first learned of the VALO Cordless in the spring of 2011 from some folks at Ultradent. The device was not yet ready to launch, so I was sworn to secrecy, but I couldn’t wait to get a chance to see what Ultradent had done to make an already amazing curing light even better.
	
	The device features a body CAD/CAM milled out of aerospace grade aluminum.  This is the stuff they make satellites out of.  This and the way the electronic components are placed inside means the VALO cordless is incredibly durable. The device is designed to withstand multiple drops onto hard surfaces and come back ready to cure.
	
	It also features a multi-wavelength LED array which means it can cure every type of composite on the market, regardless of the photoinitiator involved.
	
	Add to that the fact that the VALO can produce an incredibly strong and collimated beam of light and you have a light that the panel thought worthy of Best in Class.


	By using CAD and CAM systems, DENTCA is capable of greatly reducing the manufacturing time and the cost of making the final dentures. DENTCA only requires one patient visit to obtain the initial impression before final denture delivery (there is also a digital denture try-in visit and delivery), compared to five visits required by conventional methods. By reducing the number of visits, the total chair time is also reduced from three hours to only 45 minutes, meaning dentists can now save time and see more patients. Moreover, the processing time for DENTCA products takes about 10 days on average, whereas conventional dentures require at least 30 days for production. Not only does DENTCA manufacture dentures at a rapid pace, but enhances the final denture quality due to perfect 3D modeling and production techniques. The 3D impression is a permanent digital record DENTCA can always access in the event a replacement or additional set is needed for the patient. From start to finish, the cost-effectiveness and productivity of DENTCA denture solutions are in a league of their own, far beyond those of conventional denture products.

The Panelist’s Perspective:
	Dr. Paul Feuerstein


	
	Digital impressions and CAD/CAM have been at the forefront of discussions on fixed prosthodontics. Removable partials, implants, bars and orthodontics have followed. Now, two companies have entered the landscape simultaneously moving this process to full dentures. Both systems, DENTCA and AvaDent (which was featured in a previous issue), acknowledge that at this point the impression still has to be done in the traditional manner due to the non-static biology of the soft tissue, periphery etc. Both companies have designed custom trays and protocol for taking the denture impression. Using the systems, not only can the impressions be taken, but a clever set of measurement tools as well as mechanisms to articulate the upper and lower together at this initial visit allow the case to be sent to the lab for finish or try-in. Once their digital labs get the cases, each company scans the impressions and then using different software and design tools creates the tooth setup on the screen. AvaDent digitally sends the setup to the doctor for approval while DENTCA actually uses a 3D printer to send a simulated set of dentures (prototype) for try-in. Both systems allow the doctor to mark and make changes and that information goes back to the respective companies.
	
	At this point there are differences in processing. AvaDent virtually sets up the case and actually mills the denture base via CAD/CAM out of a block of a specially pre-processed, extremely dense Lucitone. The dentist’s tooth choice is then processed into the base and returned finished. DENTCA takes the digital information, also scans the impressions and develops and processes the dentures in a more traditional manner, using the CAD design and the information sent back to them on the printed trial dentures.  
	
	Although initially set up for full dentures, both companies have added single arch and may evolve to more complex cases. Because both are new and revolutionary the category of digital dentures using a brand new protocol is our vote for the best in class in this technology.


	Featuring patented micromotor technology, the COMFORTdrive 200 XDR highspeed handpiece is lightweight and ergonomic, offering precision cutting and quieter sound. Its unique design weighs approximately 40% less and is 15% shorter than market-leading electric options.

The small footprint of the COMFORTdrive system incorporates into any operatory, offering an esthetic look in the dental practice. Key features include: Precise cutting performance, no-bur-stall for efficient preparations, plug-n-prep auto-calibration technology for easy setup, does not require adjustment to other equipment, and it allows for an air-like feathering effect between 30,000 and 200,000 rpm.

The Panelist’s Perspective:
	Dr. Parag Kachalia

Q: How did you find out about this product?


	A: I first heard about the COMFORTdrive approximately 2 years ago at the Chicago Midwinter Meeting and I was intrigued with the simplicity of the system.
	
	

Q: Describe the situations in which you’ve seen the product in use.


	A:I personally use this product in my practice everyday. It is my “go to” handpiece for all my traditional restorative procedures.
	
	

Q: In light of the product’s performance in these situations, what, in your opinion, sets it apart in the industry?


	Electric handpieces have been in the marketplace for many years now; however they tend to have too many bells and whistles for everyday restorative dentistry. The beauty of an an air handpiece is in its simplicity. COMFORTdrive incorporates this simplicity, yet maintains a significant amount of torque and concentricity. The setup can occur in less than 5 minutes with little to no learning curve in terms of usage.
	
	

Q: If you had to summarize why a dentist should purchase this product or switch to this product, what would you highlight?


	A: First, simplicity of an air handpiece with the power of an electric. There are no settings that you need to dial in. Second, it is much lighter in weight and smaller in profile compared to traditional electric handpieces. Last, this handpiece is incredibly quiet, allowing it to provide a more comfortable auditory environment for the patient, staff and doctor.

 combines outstanding image quality with an easy-to-use design and hard-wearing construction. The sensor’s images provide bold bone tribeculation, crisp lamina dura and a clear, clean DEJ to meet clinicians’ diagnostic needs. Removable cable technology on all three sensor sizes ensures the simplicity and convenience of a one-step cable replacement process. Simple and easier sensor placement, even for vertical bitewings, comes from an optimally located sensor-cable interface and a new color scheme that provides high visibility in the oral cavity. CDR Elite systems also are compatible with the Schick WiFi, which combines leading-edge RFID technology image quality-providing a better patient and clinician experience. Schick WiFi can be used with CDR Elite sensors of all sizes. All Schick systems are sold, installed, and serviced by Patterson Dental. Call for a free in-office demonstration.

The Panelist’s Perspective:
	Dr. Paul Feurstein


	
	Digital radiography is not new. Over the past couple of years improvements have been made to the resolution of the sensors and phosphor plates. There has also been a consensus that there should be one wire with a USB connection going directly into the computer, eliminating interfaces and clumsy boxes. We applaud all of the companies for following this as well as enhancing the software. This year though, Schick has taken a look at the equipment and made some interesting changes. They had been the first to have a totally wireless sensor but is came with a high cost, larger size and a realization that as long as the patient had an XCP aiming device coming out of the mouth, the lack of the wire was not that great of an advantage. They did realize though that as the operators and patients bent and twisted the wires to capture images, there was an occasional break. This meant the sensor had to be sent back for repair or exchange. Schick decided to attach the wire to the sensor with a small block and a couple of tiny screws, allowing for wire replacement right in the office at minimal expense. This year they took that connector a step further and now allow a short wire with a small transmitter at the end to be attached to that same block. The actual transmitter sits at the end of the aiming device, eliminating the wire that many operators trip over, get caught in drawers or limit the position of the chair and the distance to the USB connection. Schick also states that this connector will be used for other enhancements without having the dentist purchase a whole new sensor. This innovation has set Schick apart from the others this year.
	
	 