the DPR Editorial Team

	During the recent Chicago Midwinter Meeting, Hu-Friedy launched the EverEdge 2.0, its latest innovation in hand scaling instrumentation.

	According to the manufactuer, leveraging decades of instrument making experience, Hu-Friedy developed EverEdge 2.0 using a proprietary heat treatment process and enhanced finishing techniques. The optimized steel of EverEdge 2.0 has superior edge retention and wear characteristics that will last the entire life of the instrument.

RELATED: Learn more about EverEdge in our product overview

	Kara Vavrosky, RDH, the editorial director for Modern Hygienist, was in the Windy City and stopped by the Hu-Friedy booth to learn more about the EverEdge technology. Check out her exclusive interview below.

More from Kara RDH: 5 fascinating questions hygienists are asking

Articles

Kara Vavrosky, RDH, the editorial director for Modern Hygienist, was in the Windy City and stopped by the Hu-Friedy booth to learn more about the EverEdge technology.

VIDEO: Learning more about EverEdge 2.0 from Hu-Friedy

	Researchers need your help in researching the expansion of the dental hygiene scope of practice and your perception of the impact on access to care.  

	For many individuals, access to quality dental care is an obstacle to health. Some of the potential solutions for this problem involve the creation of new workforce models, which can be controversial.  

	Researchers would like you to identify the specific services, work settings and level of supervision for dental hygienists that you believe might improve access to oral health care. Your help is crucial! 

For many individuals, access to quality dental care is an obstacle to health. Some of the potential solutions for this problem involve the creation of new workforce models, which can be controversial.

Call for dentists and hygienists to take a survey to help shape future dental policies

	Sirona Dental Inc., the pioneer of digital dentistry, just unveiled 

Available in the spring of 2016, SICAT Air is a complete digital solution for the appliance-based treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and eliminates the need for conventional impressions and stone models. Moreover, SICAT Air supports treatment compliance by creating an educational experience for OSA patients through the immediate and detailed visualization of obstruction areas.

imaging units, SICAT Air software is also designed to be a communication tool between clinician, patient and specialist. The software provides a superior 3D analysis of the patient’s upper airway with easy and automated segmentation while allowing the clinician to directly visualize and identify constrictions of the upper airway. In addition, the software visualizes and compares improvements in upper airway advancement along with the actual condyle position within the GALILEOS Comfort Plus to allow a more predictable appliance-based treatment of OSA.

Related reading: From Our Board: Treatment centers loaded with features

	An extremely intuitive and user-friendly program, the endoscopy feature of SICAT Air displays immediate visualization of obstruction sites and acts as an ideal patient communication aid. SICAT Air includes a wide variety of display options that provide a comprehensive learning experience for the patient, helping increase compliance through improved patient understanding of obstructive sleep apnea and treatment options.

	For the first time, the patient’s mandibular joints can be taken into consideration when planning for appliance-based therapy through Sirona 3D technologies. Therefore, the risk for craniomandibular dysfunctions can be greatly minimized. By positioning and thoroughly evaluating the jaw in a protruded position, the clinician is able to plan the appliance-based treatment with OPTISLEEP.* The appliance is fabricated in a completely digital workflow eliminating the need for conventional impressions and stone models.

	OPTISLEEP is a comfortable, non-cumbersome oral appliance resulting in high patient compliance. By keeping the lower jaw in a forward position, OPTISLEEP prevents the airway from collapsing, optimizing sleep patterns and providing a more restful sleep. The two-piece appliance has a thin, durable and stable design, ensuring a comfortable fit while enabling patients to open the mouth normally to drink and speak and to move the mandible laterally as well as in a protrusive manner to provide additional patient comfort.

	OPTISLEEP can be ordered directly from the SICAT Air software, and the patient receives an optimally adapted therapeutic appliance.  The OPTISLEEP appliance is designed by a master dental technician in Germany using CEREC and Sirona 3D information and is optimized to fit perfectly into the patient’s mouth with balanced occlusion.

	For more information on the SICAT Air, please visit 

Sirona Dental Inc., the pioneer of digital dentistry, unveiled SICAT Air at the Chicago Midwinter Dental Meeting. Available in the spring of 2016, it is a complete digital solution for the appliance-based treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and eliminates the need for conventional impressions and stone models. Moreover, SICAT Air supports treatment compliance by creating an educational experience for OSA patients through the immediate and detailed visualization of obstruction areas.

Sirona launches SICAT Air at CDS Midwinter

	DENTSPLY International Inc., a worldwide leader in dental products, introduced the new 

high-strength glass ceramic milling block at the CDS Midwinter Meeting in Chicago.

	The fully crystalized CELTRA DUO (ZLS) block contains high glass content and features a zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate microstructure, resulting in an exquisite balance of durability, translucency and opalescence for a beautiful natural-looking restoration. In addition, CELTRA DUO (ZLS) is the only material that can be processed in two different ways, providing the clinician complete control for each individual restorative case.  

	CELTRA DUO is a threefold functional zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate (ZLS) block indicated for single unit restorations including crowns, inlays, onlays, and veneers. The blocks possess the unique capacity to be processed in two ways – either milled and polished, or milled and fired. This dual pathway component renders complete clinician control in determining the appropriate solution to apply for each individual restorative case. Moreover, CELTRA DUO (ZLS) can be processed by dry fire, eliminating the need for glaze.

Related reading: CAD/CAM software options streamline workflows, saving time and money

	The ZLS microstructure is composed of fine-grained lithium crystallites that contain high glass content and an exceptional balance of opalescence, fluorescence, and translucency, resulting in a natural looking yet exquisite restoration. Additionally, the 10% 

reinforces the glass matrix without clouding while yielding high flexural strength properties to provide a robust, easily polished block with detailed margins. CELTRA DUO (ZLS) can be conveniently utilized with the same milling units used for all-ceramic restorations, including the inLab

	“CELTRA DUO was specifically designed to provide doctors and patients with unique benefits that no other block holds,” remarked Dr. Markus Vollmann, 

 Director of Development and Application Technologies, and creator of CELTRA DUO (ZLS). “Optimized aesthetics combined with a two-pathway option in one fully crystallized block enables clinicians to place a durable, naturally-shaded, beautiful restoration. With an ultra-fine microstructure, the blocks are milled in a final crystallized state, possessing outstanding polishing properties and allowing the clinician the ability to shade match directly from the milling unit. We have already received remarkable feedback from both clinicians and patients on this revolutionary new restorative solution.”

	For additional information on CELTRA DUO (ZLS), or to place an order, please visit 

DENTSPLY International Inc., a worldwide leader in dental products, is pleased to offer the new CELTRA® DUO (ZLS) high-strength glass ceramic milling block.

DENTSPLY launches CELTRA DUO Zirconia-Reinforced Lithium Silicate (ZLS) Block

	Obtura Spartan Endodontics has introduced new Nano Gutta Percha Points. According to the manufacturer, Nano Gutta Percha Points are made with a newly developed precision manufacturing process so they are shaped to precisely correspond to the exact apical size and taper of almost any file system used to shape canals. This ensures that each gutta percha point precisely fits into the most apical portion of the canal, promoting predictability and confidence in filling root canal systems.

	Six benefits of the Nano Gutta Percha Points include…

	1. Heat conductivity and the ability to work at a much lower working temperature has been improved, giving the doctor more time to treat the canal without rushing to complete procedures before the material hardens.

	2. The latex-free Nano Gutta Percha Points are completely synthetic and are formulated with a dense material that’s less prone to volumetric change during heating and cooling cycles, thus reducing the risk of fracturing a root.

	3. The higher-density material also helps prevent trapping internal voids and helps reduce material oxidation.

	4. The smooth and flowable features allow the practitioner to regulate the viscosity based on the warm gutta percha method utilized.

	5. Nano Gutta Percha is also less likely to stick to endo condensers, and the advanced formulation reduces the risk of separation of component materials.

	6. Nano Gutta Percha Points have a flat tip end versus a bullet shape. This flattened tip improves tug-back so clinicians can feel the tightness of an apical seal through tactile sensation.

	Check out more endodontic information from Dental Products Report...

The latest fee data for endo and 17 other popular codes

Study finds nanodiamonds might prevent tooth loss after root canals

	You can learn more about Nano Gutta Percha Points by visiting 

The latex-free Nano Gutta Percha Points are completely synthetic and are formulated with a dense material that’s less prone to volumetric change during heating and cooling cycles, thus reducing the risk of fracturing a root.

Obtura Spartan Endodontics unveils new Nano Gutta Percha Points

	Zimmer Biomet recently announced the United States launch of 3i T3 short dental implants, manufactured by Biomet 3i, along with a comprehensive surgical kit designed to support site preparation and placement of these implants.

	According to Zimmer Biomet, the short implants are available in 5 and 6 mm diameters with 5 and 6 mm lengths.

	“The 3i T3 Short Implants provides me with an implant treatment option for patients with limited bone height, reducing the need for a sinus elevation or vertical ridge augmentation procedure,” said Dr. Francesco Amato.

	According to Zimmer Biomet, these new implants also have an increased implant/abutment clamping force when using the Gold-Tite screw and instrumentation designed to create a tight implant-to-osteotomy fit, which assists with primary stability.

	The system comes with new instruments designed specifically for the 3i T3 short implants, including flat-bottom shaping drills that match the implant’s dimensions and provide a countersink.

“The 3i T3 Short Implants provides me with an implant treatment option for patients with limited bone height, reducing the need for a sinus elevation or vertical ridge augmentation procedure,” said Dr. Francesco Amato.

Zimmer Biomet Dental Division launches 3i T3 Short Implant in the United States

	The debate over the use of dental therapists has flared up once again in the Pacific Northwest.

	While many in the dental community have been resistant to the thought of dental therapists and the potential role they may play in improving oral health in populations that potentially need it the most, some actions in Washington state have once thrust the debate into the spotlight.

RELATED: How CODA standards add legitimacy, uniformity to dental therapy

	The Swinomish Indian Tribal Community, a Puget Sound-based tribe, recently hired a therapist as an act of tribal sovereignty. The move drew a lot of attention and even grabbed the attention of the Seattle Times, which wrote an editorial advocating the expansion of coverage.

HOT READ: The latest dental fee data for 18 popular codes

	“Too many of Washington’s residents insured by Medicaid are not able to get the dental care they need, which endangers their general health as well,” they wrote 

 wrote a very detailed piece about the decision by the Swinomish to bring a dental therapist on board, as well as links to the Seattle Times coverage of the debate. You can find that information 

The Swinomish Indian Tribal Community, a Puget Sound-based tribe, recently hired a therapist as an act of tribal sovereignty. The move has drawn a lot of attention.

Debate over role of dental therapists flares up in Washington state

	When you think of January, it’s usually the time that most of us resolve to get back into shape and/or do more to help ourselves stay healthy in the upcoming year. However, what most dental professionals don’t realize is that, due to their unique muscle imbalances, certain exercises and gym machines can actually 

 their health! With that in mind, we’ve teamed up with our ergonomics editor, Bethany Valachi, PT, MS, CEAS, to help you select the correct exercises that could make 2016 pain-free for you.

	“I’ve heard time and time again that dentists, hygienists, and assistants don’t realize they are practicing the wrong way until it’s too late and they are in pain,” Valachi said. “My goal has always been to educate dental professionals on not only the right way to position themselves during the day, but also 

 that can correct painful muscle imbalances and help them once again enjoy their careers.”

More from Valachi: When hand pain isn't carpal tunnel

	Based on the latest research, Valachi explains 

 why dental professionals require very specific exercise and how exercising the wrong muscle groups can throw them into the vicious pain cycle.

More from Valachi: The biggest ergonomic mistakes that dental professionals make

	You’ll find 22 more exercises specifically developed for dental professionals in Valachi’s home exercise DVD kit, 

Smart Moves for Dental Professionals on the Ball,

Bethany Valachi, PT, MS, CEAS, offers you two exercises that can help your day at the dental practice go more smoothly.

Two exercises that can help keep dental professionals pain-free in 2016

	Big news was released earlier in the week as the Nevada State Board of Dental Examiners confirmed at their November meeting that dentists and dental hygienists in the state of Nevada who possess the necessary skills and training can now administer botulinum toxin (Botox/Xeomin) and dermal fillers. Nevada dental hygienists may only administer facial injectables to patients under the direct supervision of a Nevada licensed dentist who has the same skills and training to administer facial injectables.

	We asked Modern Hygienist editorial director Kara Vavrosky, RDH, for her thoughts.

	“There has been a lot of talk among the hygiene community around having our areas of practice being encroached upon,” Vavrosky said. “While this has been a concern for many, there is also some good news coming out of the state of Nevada allowing for expanded duties of dental hygienists. In a new advisory policy statement, the Nevada State Board of Dental Examiners has confirmed that Nevada dentists and dental hygienists who possess the necessary skills and training are now permitted to administer Botox and dermal fillers. Like standard hygienist duties, hygienists must administer facial injectables under direct supervision of a licensed dentist who has the same skills and training to administer facial injectables.

	“While the vast majority of states currently allow dentists to perform Botox and other dermal procedures, Nevada is the first state to allow dental hygienists to perform these procedures. It is still unclear on what exactly the required training will be need for hygienists to administer Botox, but the 

American Academy of Facial Esthetics (AAFE)

 is currently working with the Nevada dental board to create a proficient training curriculum. We will keep you posted at Modern Hygienist as this all comes to light.”

More from Kara RDH: 5 of the most interesting questions hygienists ask her

, AAFE’s president, believes this is a good thing for Nevada’s dental professionals and patients.

	“The bottom line is that Botox and dermal fillers are allowed within the scope of dental practice for use by Nevada general dentists and dental hygienists in the oral and maxillofacial areas for esthetic and therapeutic uses with appropriate training,”Malcmacher said. “Now Botox and dermal fillers in Nevada is just like any other area of dentistry and will be treated as such. Comprehensive training is essential for dentists and dental hygienists to be proficient in Botox and dermal filler procedures for esthetic and therapeutic facial pain uses, which is what we teach in our courses and relates to 99% of these procedures done in the oral and maxillofacial areas. The AAFE is working with the dental board to create the proficient training curriculum necessary for dental professionals to use facial injectables.”

More from Kara RDH: 4 things hygienists don't like to hear

	Editor's Note: Photo by Jean-Christophe BENOIST (Own work) [

What does this mean for Nevada hygienists? Kara RDH is here to tell you.

Nevada becomes first state to allow dental hygienists to use facial injectables

	During this year’s Yankee Dental Congress in late January in Boston, Modern Dental Assistant will make history by providing the first-ever dental track specifically designed for dental assistants.

	Members of the Modern Dental Assistant Editorial Advisory Board will present during the meeting at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center. They are …

	Kevin Henry, Modern Dental Assistant’s editorial director, will present “Battling and Beating the Demons of Dental Assisting.”

RELATED: Henry announces the launch of Modern Dental Assistant

	Heather Hennen, DAII, will present “Increasing Case Acceptance from Front Office to the Back.”

RELATED: Hennen interviews Dr. Bill Dickerson

	Tija Hunter, CDA, EFDA, CDIA, MADAA, will team with Claudia Gauthier to present “Ethics and Jurisprudence for the Dental Assistant.”

RELATED: Hunter tells assistants what they need to know about nitrous oxide

	Angela Severance, RDA, CDD, will present “A Team Approach to the Integration of Digital Dentistry.”

RELATED: Check out our interview with Severance at the IDS meeting in Cologne, Germany

	You can learn more about these four classes and entry requirements 

	“We are so excited to be able to put together this history-making event at Yankee Dental Congress,” Henry said. “We’ve made a commitment to elevate the role of the dental assistant in today’s practice and we are thrilled that the stakeholders behind the Yankee Dental Congress recognize this as well. I promise that dental assistants will walk away from these classes energized and educated for the challenges that lie ahead.”

	Those challenges include a new series of continuing education requirements for assistants in the New England region. Learn more about the requirements 

	Those requirements are part of the discussion we recently had with 

, a dentist in Westborough, Mass. In our interview, she talks about the importance of well-educated and invigorated dental assistants. Check out our interview below…

In an era when CE courses designed specifically for assistants are often overlooked, Modern Dental Assistant and Yankee Dental Congress have teamed up to ensure that doesn't happen at the Boston meeting.