the DPR Editorial Team

The right technologies are the key to any successful dental practice. Find out how 

 can help you create a successful high-tech practice with a focus on superior patient care with 

Eaglesoft 17 Practice Management Software.

Eaglesoft 17 has new features to simplify your daily routine including customized medical history, Eaglesoft News Feed, Patterson Auto Update via the Web instead of using a disc to install updates, CareCredit bridge providing a direct link to process credit applications, and integrated Clinician Lite for Eaglesoft Clinician users.

Learn more about the latest Eaglesoft updates and the benefits of incorporating the system in your dental practice. Watch the video now:

Articles

The right technologies are the key to any successful dental practice. Find out how Patterson Dental can help you create a successful high-tech practice with a focus on superior patient care with Eaglesoft 17 Practice Management Software.

How Eaglesoft 17 Practice Management Software can improve your practice [VIDEO]

These patient game changers make dentistry more comfortable for your patients, and that makes them more likely to accept treatment and to talk about your practice with family and friends.

 Finding caries early can help save your patients time and money. Operating using fluorescence technology, 

Spectra is an ergonomic handheld digital imaging instrument

“I think it’s definitely a good education tool. It’s a great diagnostic tool for them to have. And if they’re able to catch things earlier, it definitely saves patients and everybody a lot of time and money without having to do a more serious procedure, and then of course insurance having to cover a more difficult procedure.” –

 makes placing implants easier and more predictable. The 3D cone beam system’s new SRT, Scatter Reduction 

 Technology, allows clinicians to reduce artifacts to deliver 3D scans with higher clarity and detail around scatter-generating material.

 “The scan was very comfortable and non-threatening, but the real comfort came from having the scan done. I’ve had two [dental implant] failures in this area in the past, so it made me feel good, more confident, that Dr. [Bryan] Couch was taking the necessary steps to see where he would best be able to put the new implants.” – 

Not only are lasers high- tech products that reduce treatment time, they also reduce patient discomfort and pain. The 

dual-wavelength WaterLase iPlus all-tissue laser

 is said to deliver more power, control and versatility for experienced laser dentists.

“It didn’t hurt. At my other dentist they had to numb you and put all this junk in your mouth. But the laser didn’t hurt and it was quick and fast. I didn’t have to wait an hour to drink water and stuff.” – 

 are a great option for patients who need implant retained dentures. 3M™ ESPE™ MDI Mini Dental Implants are minimally invasive and immediately stabilize loose dentures using a 90-minute patented protocol.

: “It’s a pleasure to sit down to the table for a snack or for dinner. I tell family and friends and everyone I meet.

Plus I smile all the time now. I would do this again anytime.” – 

 offers patients a temporary cosmetic option without compromising esthetics. Snap-On Smile is a patented, removable custom appliance requiring no prepping, no injections and no adhesives, and simply snaps over a patient’s natural teeth.

: “I would tell anyone, Snap-On Smile is a great solution if you don’t enjoy your smile. You need it. It is pain-free, low-maintenance and ... and just wonderful. I love the product.” – 

5 products changing the way patients see dentistry

This year, clicks are the criteria for gauging reader/user interest. These products are recognized for having the most views in 

The Oral-B Deep Sweep™ power brush head combines sweeping and stationary 

bristles with a dynamic angled powered tip, creating triple-zone cleaning action that is designed to thoroughly clean deep between teeth and gets to places manual toothbrushes miss.

The brush head provides the gentleness and optimal cleaning of an electric toothbrush with the familiar shape and brushing motion of a manual brush.

Available in engaging or non-engaging versions, these abutments for the fabrication of acrylic provisional screw-retained restorations are compatible with most major implant systems.

MotionView Software LLC Ortho Insight 3D software

Ortho Insight 3D software simulates tooth movement for treatment planning, including 

extractions, space closure and auto-alignment of dentition. Make precision bracket positioning, then transfer to the patient, shortening chair time and treatment time.

The software is said to help orthodontists design accurate orthodontic appliances and eliminate lab fees and storage costs.

Planmeca ProFace 3D facial scanning system

line of 3D dental imaging units. It is said to produce realistic 3D facial photos as well as traditional x-rays. One scan generates both images.

Alternatively, the 3D photo can be acquired separately in a completely radiation-free process.

The 3D photo option integrates with Romexis 3.0 digital images software and visualizes soft tissue in relation to the patient’s teeth and facial bones, providing an effective follow-up tool for oral and maxillofacial procedures.

TRIOS® Color digital impression taking solution

 scans and captures intraoral images in realistic-looking color. RealColor™ Technology helps to create scanned images in the appearance of real teeth and gingiva.

The natural looking colors provide an excellent scanning experience, and make it easy for clinicians to distinguish between the different types of restorative materials (metals, enamel, composite, etc.), recognize bleeding areas, see color transitions on teeth, and easily identify margin lines with enhanced detail and share highly accurate images with lab technicians. It can be used in combination with TRIOS® Ultrafast Optical Sectioning Technology.

LOCATOR® Overdenture Implant System (LODI)

 offers a less invasive, predictable and durable implant-retained overdenture for patients requiring an effective, cost conscious technique for securing their denture. LODI features a two-piece coronal design, not found with O-ball mini implants as the LOCATOR attachment is seated after implant placement, allowing for replacement if wear should occur throughout time.

The LOCATOR Attachment also incorporates a dramatically reduced vertical height compared to O-ball mini implants. LODI is well suited for narrow ridges, a less invasive treatment alternative to bone grafting and designed for immediate function in appropriate cases.

Designed for the non-stick placement of composite materials, the 

 is said to allow composite filling material to be placed and shaped with ease and efficiency. It is particularly well suited for the placement of Class III, IV and V restorations and direct veneers.

The surface of the instrument enables composite filling materials to be shaped and contoured without pull-back or leaving any unwanted marks. Smooth and even surfaces can be achieved with ease and efficiency.

Natural-looking results are easy to accomplish in anterior and cervical restorations because of the special pad attachments. The flexible synthetic foam material optimally adapts to any tooth shape and allows the filling to be contoured smoothly.

With an intuitive user interface and computer control system, the 

 imaging capabilities are for adult and pediatric patients as well as 

segmented panoramic, TMJ and maxillary sinus imaging. It is said to make exams quick and simple.

The system also comes with preset programs to minimize setup requirements for exams, which saves time and reduces operator errors. It also includes 2D technology so practitioners can create slices at regular intervals along the jaw to focus on one area of interest and visualize more details.

High-strength Obsidian™ lithium silicate ceramic crowns

 are indicated for the fabrication of full-contour crowns, 3-unit anterior bridges, veneers, inlays and onlays that 

are said to exhibit lifelike esthetics and toughness.

Unlike layered ceramic or porcelain fused-to-metal restorations, the restorations are resistant to chipping because of their monolithic composition and average flexural strength of 373 MPa. They are said to exhibit an optimal combination of esthetics and strength with translucency that mirrors the vitality of natural teeth.

 is said to be well suited for both entry-level and experienced users.

It is designed to deliver power and essential features at an economical price.

It is portable, precise, has enhanced ergonomics, a single interface and a high-contrast aiming beam to make laser dentistry easier.

This year, clicks are the criteria for gauging reader/user interest. These products are recognized for having the most views in our product database.

The 10 most popular new dental products of 2013

We talk with Paul L. Child Jr., DMD, CDT, executive vice president of Bisco Dental Products about how eCEMENT is filling a gap not currently being serviced by others in the marketplace.

 This is an interesting case in which the growth of one material, lithium disilicate, sparked the development of another. How important is it to Bisco to remain responsive to trends?

: BISCO’s ability to be responsive to industry needs is only one key component of its overall global strategy. Setting the trends themselves is also a key strategy, such as with TheraCal LC. However, lithium disilicate as a material is hugely successful, and therefore it makes sense for BISCO to market a product that will complement it. 

CEMENT is just that-a complement to lithium disilicate, one that eliminates the confusion of which cement to use and when.

 At what point did the lithium disilicate boom command the interest of the Bisco R&D team? Or, more precisely, how long has 

Products take much longer to develop than what most dentists think. In addition to the initial research and development, there is a plethora of regulatory and marketing activities that must take place prior to launching a new product. Lithium disilicate has been an interest to BISCO for many years, and we have been testing many of our products in conjunction with it to ensure compatibility.

 We all know what a premium Bisco puts on quality R&D and the science behind its products. How do you know when a product is ready? What clinical evidence do you need?

: BISCO puts our products through rigorous and thorough testing to guarantee they will work in all clinical situations. Occasionally, if a product does not meet our standards, starting over may be considered, or at the very least, postponing a planned launch. We are more concerned with providing quality products that perform as indicated than just putting a product out on the market.

Unfortunately, clinical trials can take years to be accepted in the literature as clinical research, and is timely, expensive, and more difficult to conduct now than in previous years. For example, although there is 10 years of clinical data behind lithium disilicate, there are still many who may question it, or have yet to even use it. However, observation and new clinical research shows a fantastic success rate with this product, thus the introduction of 

CEMENT filling a gap not currently being serviced by others in the marketplace?

: There are many cementation systems available to the clinician today, ranging from resin-modified glass ionomer cements to self-adhesive resin cements to pure resin cements. This provides multiple types of cements for the clinician to choose from, but also may add confusion to the selection process.

BISCO wanted to simplify this and provide one kit for all types of lithium disilicate restorations: from veneers to crowns to bridges. The 

CEMENT system includes all the necessary components to successfully cement lithium disilicate restorations, and includes the silane, the etchant, and light-cured and dual-cured cement.

 How does this offering build on other key developments within the Bisco line of products?

CEMENT builds on our already successful line of cements that we have offered for more than decades. BISCO prides itself on its unique and effective chemistry of dual-cured materials, which offer properties not found elsewhere.

Our customers expect the best and highest quality products, and have become accustomed to having us deliver that. 

CEMENT follows in this tradition as a new and superior product with research and science as its foundation.

Designed for lithium disilicate restorations, Bisco’s 

CEMENT kit features high-strength resin cements formulated to provide better esthetics at the margin.

CEMENT offers a light-cure and dual-resin cement to ensure lithium disilicate restorations provide long-term retention of single or multiple restorations, as well as shade stability. Additionally, the radiopaque cement offers easy placement of lithium disilicate veneers, onlays, crowns, three-unit bridges and inlays.

CEMENT kits include resin cement, SELECT HV ETCH, ALL-BOND UNIVERSAL, PORCELAIN ETCHANT, and PORCELAIN PRIMER.

Dental Innovator: BISCO eCement simplifies cement selection process

"What made me pull the trigger was trying the products."

 With so many impression materials available to you, what was it that made you pull the trigger on becoming a 

: Like most products we use as dentists, actually using the product on the patients first is key.  Companies can say all they want about their products, but what counts is how the products perform in the office. What made me pull the trigger was 

 the products. Then, coming to the conclusion that the Correct Plus Impression Materials were better than what I was currently using to make impressions.

 Accuracy is obviously a huge issue with any impression material. What results have you seen using Correct Plus Impression Materials?

: In my practice, crown and bridge, complete dentures, partial dentures, and 

 are the procedures that involve using impression materials. With all of these procedures, I want the accuracy, but I also want something else. These Correct Plus Impression Materials produce accurate first attempt impressions, and that’s the something else. Being able to consistently make impressions on the first try saves time (less impression remakes, less time adjusting the final product) and money (using less impression material at lower prices). Not to mention it goes over better with patients when the impression is made and they can be up and on their way. The ability to minimize retaking impressions with these products is what stands out the most.

 What viscosity have you found to be most versatile?

 is the most versatile of the Correct Plus products. It makes a perfect bite registration every time. The material is heavy enough not to slump during placement, and becomes firm upon setting. Not only does it produce an excellent bite registration, it can double as tray material when making impressions. The viscosity of the material aids in forcing the light-body material (Correct Plus Thick-n-Thin Light-Body) into close intimate contact with teeth and soft tissue.

 After so much hype around recent developments in digital impression devices, why is it important to you to have a traditional impression material you can rely on?

: I have a digital impression system, and digital impressions are great. But, like most things in dentistry, it is difficult to find one solution that addresses every need. We treat such a variety of patients-young to old-that having one method of taking impressions is not wise at this point in time. As digital impressions improve, we may get to a time where they surpass the versatility of traditional impression materials, but we are not there yet. And that’s the thing-traditional impression materials give you options when the clinical situations are not ideal for digital impressions, and this happens. So, we must be prepared to deal with these situations by having options available.

 For long-time users of other impression materials, how would you persuade them to consider alternatives such as Pentron’s Correct Plus?

: If you are not happy with your current impression materials and you find yourself having to remake impressions more than every once in a while, try the Pentron Correct Plus Impression Material. Saving time and money is big for me, and that’s what these products do.

Correct Plus Impression Material is an innovative vinyl polysiloxane impression material offered in a wide range of viscosities to accommodate any impression technique. There are two set times available: Correct Plus Impression Material is ideal for full arch impressions and Correct Plus Fast Set Impression material is ideal for 1-3 units.

Our Bite Registration Materials, both Correct Quick Bite Material and Correct Plus Bite Superfast have mousse like viscosity with a high end hardness/rigidity that facilitates trimming; Correct Quick Bite Material can also be used as a heavy body/tray material. The Correct Plus line of Impression Materials provides multiple packaging options to satisfy all of your impression needs.

 "What made me pull the trigger was trying the products."

Dental Innovator: Pentron's Correct Plus Impression Material provides accuracy, performance and affordability

Here's what the Internet is saying about 

, creators of LUMINEERS and makers of Snap-On Smile.

View the story "What's Going on in the World of DenMat" on Storify

Don’t miss the opportunity to spend three inspirational and practice changing days with 10 of the top educators in the dental industry at the 2013 Destination Education. 

			DenMat is focused on continued development of its laboratory products and services and building out its distribution network for both current and future professional dental products.			1017 W. Central Ave.
		P.O. Box: 1729, Lompoc, CA 93438-1729
		Lompoc, CA 93436-2701

Here's what the Internet is saying about DenMat, creators of LUMINEERS and makers of Snap-On Smile.

Social Media Spotlight: What's going on in the world of DenMat

We talk with Randall B. Grove, executive director of the Chicago Dental Society about recent achievements and what's to come for the 2014 Midwinter Meeting. 

 is discussed it is usually in reference to the Midwinter Meeting, but there is a lot of other great work you do. 

What are recent achievements that CDS is especially proud of?

: Being recognized as “the respected leader in scientific dental meetings” for annually hosting the 

 Midwinter Meeting is very important to us. As suggested, however, CDS does more than present a dental meeting.

We have recently called attention to the “dental desert” that many unemployed and underserved members of greater Chicagoland find with respect to obtaining necessary dental treatment. CDS released its white paper “Broken Smiles: Restoring Access to Oral Health Care in Chicago and Cook County.”

The bleak findings noted that public health clinics are underfunded and stretched thin. There is just one dental clinic in Cook County for every 15,700 school children. Chicago appointed its first dental director in five years in 2011, and dental schools, specifically the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry, are overwhelmed with deserving patients. Greater investment in oral health care is a must for Chicagoland and our Government Affairs Committee and CDS Foundation are leading the way.

 What can you tell us about the new clinic opened by the CDS Foundation?

: In February, the Chicago Dental Society Foundation, the charitable arm of the Chicago Dental Society, opened the first foundation-owned dental clinic in the area. Located in Wheaton, the three chair facility provides care to qualified patients from Cook, Lake and DuPage counties.

The top 12 things I learned at the Chicago Midwinter Meeting ]

Volunteer dentists see patients in a dental office environment second to none. Chicago Dental Society provided significant support for this endeavor and sees the clinic as one way to address the growing demand for care by the underserved.

 How does that kind of work reflect the broader goals of the CDS?

: Part of the CDS core values per our strategic plan is to enhance professionalism, integrity, excellence, leadership education and service. Certainly establishing a CDS Foundation, and then working to establish a dental clinic speaks to our members’ leadership and service to the community.

The Foundation also engaged members of the corporate side of dentistry to obtain the services of leaders in the dental manufacturing and distribution industry. Jointly they have worked to advocate for access to care for the underserved population in the Chicago area.

 You have your Virtual Reality Meeting coming up on Sept. 25. With a reputation for such a respected live event, how do you take that esteem and translate it into a virtual environment?

Our third Virtual Reality Meeting, like the Midwinter Meeting, presents outstanding clinicians offering programs and continuing education credit for the entire dental team. Maintaining continuing dental education excellence is what we strive for.

Our members expect nothing less than quality programming and we intend to deliver with programs from Dr. Richard Sullivan, Dr. Anthony Cardoza, Mary Govoni, Kirk Behrendt and Doreen Johnson. This caliber of clinician builds interest leading up to the Midwinter Meeting. Certainly offering the VRM without charge, just like entry to the Midwinter Meeting for member dentists, is a plus.

 Not that it’s about besting the 2013 Midwinter Meeting, but what do you have in store for 2014?

We are continuing our Member Rebate Program, which can provide up to $75 to each member dentist simply by purchasing products or services from a 2014 exhibitor during the Midwinter Meeting. All they have to do is register online at cds.org and the earlier they do, the greater the rebate.

Getting dentists on the exhibit floor is very important and their purchases create a win-win for the exhibiting company and the participating dentist. To make the rebate program easier and more timely, a special center will be established on the exhibit floor where dentists can take their online rebate coupon and purchase order to have it entered into the CDS system, so their individual rebate check can be generated shortly after the Midwinter Meeting. No more mailing rebate coupons and invoices, as all will be handled onsite.

As communication is the key to a successful Midwinter Meeting, in addition to our blog and other social media outlets, we will continue with our online Digital Floorplan and refine our mobile app to ensure that Android, Blackberry, iPhone and iPad and other mobile device users have greater functionality. Our goal is to make sure navigating the app is as seamless and effective as possible. One enhancement will be the ability to create your own meeting schedule and map out your desired exhibit visits.

Dental Innovator: What's in store for next year's CDS Midwinter Meeting

We talk with Carsten Franke and Boaz Munnerlyn of 

 about the company's path to success and how it's helping dentistry become "cool."

 I feel like this Q&A should start with a “Thank you” - DEXIS has provided several outstanding product launches to feature in DPR this year!

Thank you very much! You’re right, the launch of 

, have been two major product launches in a short period of time. Both are very innovative software solutions and completely indicative of the long line of DEXIS firsts that started when we introduced DEXIS in the US in 1997 - which, coincidentally, was on the cover of DPR...

 Tell me more about this history, and what sets DEXIS apart.

Our products are clinically relevant, ergonomically designed, simple to learn and easy to use. It all started with the DEXIS Classic sensor in the late ‘90s which made digital X-ray imaging portable and affordable for the first time. Remember, back then we truly revolutionized digital radiography and became the catalyst that drove the adoption rate of this technology in North America! We invented image enhancement tools like ClearVu™ - a remarkable step forward for clinical diagnosis.

In 2000, we were already in conformance with the DICOM Standard (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine); years before others even thought about it.

In 2001, we were the first, and for many years the only, digital X-ray system to be accepted into the prestigious ADA Seal Program following an extensive product evaluation.

In 2009, we took the gold standard in digital radiography to a platinum level by refining the design of our PerfectSize™ sensor and creating the 

 direct-USB sensor, and, thus, eliminating the need for multiple-size sensors and adaptor boxes. And of course, this brings us back to DEXIS Imaging Suite and DEXIS go.

 How does the evolution of the DEXIS imaging software and its ability to work with DEXIS go on the iPad fit into the larger pattern of innovation the industry has come to expect from DEXIS?

DEXIS Imaging Suite and DEXIS go show our core philosophy of simplicity while incorporating new features that are becoming relevant now. Both programs offer feature-rich yet easy-to-use functionality, a combination that requires much thought and an understanding of what dentists need - and these products are building the platform for exciting future applications.

DEXIS is the leading imaging solution serving general dentists, specialists and the forensic community. We continue to refine our product offerings, and due to these efforts, we have been highly awarded by researchers, well-respected dental publications and the dental community.

We’ve set the bar pretty high for ourselves. The dental community expects us to continue to be a leader - and DEXIS is committed to meet their expectations. We are humbled to receive the 2013 Best Technology Award from Pride Institute for DEXIS Imaging Suite and DEXIS go; it’s an honor that the Institute values the innovation and ingenuity in these new products that can help clinicians on a daily basis.

 With two huge developments rolled out in a relatively short period of time, what can we expect next from the R&D team at DEXIS?

We created some exceptionally innovative features and tools with our last two products, especially around treatment planning and patient presentation. I cannot comment on unreleased products, but I can tell you that our R&D and Engineering teams are hard at work. And looking at the pipeline in our labs, I’m thrilled about what’s coming.

 Our internal survey data indicates that 75% of dentists are using some form of digital imaging in their practice. If you had to make your case to those who are still on the fence about digital radiography, how would you summarize the benefits?

Our research shows very similar results. It is great to see that digital radiography has been so widely adopted by now and clinicians and patients alike are enjoying the great benefits of this technology. Our data also indicates that the majority of practices still using film today are actively looking into digital imaging solutions.

And if you really think about it… switching from film to direct digital is a no-brainer. No darkroom, no chemicals to deal with, no ongoing expenses for film as long as you practice, instant images, shorter appointments, more chair time, more patients you can see, large X-ray images you can display on a monitor, TV or iPad, better patient communication and increased treatment plan acceptance. And not to forget… reduced exposure to radiation. Again, it’s a no-brainer.

 Some companies have tried to use the iPad platform to be trendy. DEXIS go

 seems to be about more than that. What sets it apart from other apps?

DEXIS go is not a “trendy” fad. It brings relevance to the patient experience. With all imaging information at their fingertips, the dental office team can now more easily communicate to patients in a compelling way that makes patients feel comfortable and included in the valuable discussion about their oral health care. There’s also the WOW-factor: one of the coolest features in DEXIS go is our Lightbox mode, an homage to dentistry’s past in a very contemporary product.

 How does DEXIS go improve the overall workflow for the dentist?

With the DEXIS go app, all of the patient’s intraoral and extraoral radiographic and photographic images within DEXIS Imaging Suite can be viewed wirelessly on an iPad. The app fully supports the device’s touch-operation including swiping and pinch-to-zoom. Even ClearVu can be applied. Discussing the treatment plan with the patient can occur anywhere-in operatory, consult room, front office - on an iPad, a communication device that so many people these days are comfortable with.

 How does the iPad experience change a patient’s view of treatment planning and his or her oral health?

Because of products like DEXIS go, we may be seeing the end of the era of negative attitudes toward the dental office experience. Patients can be included in the discussion of their health care like never before. Dr. Chris Anderson, a proponent of using mainstream technology to further the dentist-patient connection, puts it this way: “The images simply come alive in their hands.”  It’s a wonderful way for them to learn. Dentistry has never been “cooler” than it is right now.

	The 5-Minute FMX with DEXIS Digital X-ray

While every digital X-ray system saves time over traditional film, you really need a single-sensor solution to maximize time savings. DEXIS offers the PerfectSize™ Platinum sensor-an ergonomically designed universal sensor that can help keep you moving quickly.

Good design is key: Beveled corners and a smoothly rounded casing allows the clinician to more efficiently move about the mouth with the sensor, even in tough areas such as upper molars and lower premolars, partly because it is more comfortable than square-cornered sensors. Also, more comfort comes from the sensor holder design. Biteblocks seamlessly hug the sensor so as not to produce sharp edges. 

Working in conjunction with the sensor and holders, the software does its job instantly. With each capture, the image is automatically saved, dated, tooth numbered, correctly oriented and mounted, and you also gain a preview. You also can set up your own sequence-choose how you want to take X-rays in an order you find most efficient.

Physical Set-up: Barrier the sensor (not multiple sensors) and assemble the rings, bars, and biteblocks that have been autoclaved per CDC guidelines. 

Note: DEXIS uses RINN-style holders that are familiar to most dental professionals

Software Set-up: With the patient intraoral X-ray screen open, click on the X-ray Acquisition screen and then click on Full Mouth. The first area to be captured is highlighted in gold. Here, the default sequence is shown. 

Capturing Images:  Position the sensor in the first posterior area and trigger the X-ray tube. You will gain a preview of this image and the software will advance to the next position. Capture the rest of the posterior images using the same biteblock, ring and bar. For adjacent areas (i.e.: UL molar, UL premolar), there is no need to remove the sensor, simply readjust its position. Next, change to the anterior biteblock and capture anterior images.

Note: You have just saved time because you do not need to switch to another sensor and additional biteblocks! Again, for each adjacent area, there is no need to remove the sensor.

Change to the bitewing holder assembly and capture either horizontal or vertical bitewing X-rays.

When done, all your images will appear on the screen, already numbered and mounted, immediately ready for diagnosis - in less than 5 minutes! And they are available on your iPad device using the new, free and innovative DEXIS go

Physical Clean-up: Remove and discard the barrier and use the appropriate cleaner on the sensor. Rinse, bag and autoclave one set of holders (not two sets).

• The sensor and biteblock design allow you to move efficiently, quickly and comfortably.

• There’s no switching to different size sensors and their holders.

• You choose your own sequence, the one you are comfortable with.

• There’s less set-up before and clean-up after the procedure.

• The software does the processing and mounting for you.

This direct-USB digital X-ray solution features the PerfectSize™ Sensor, allowing clinicians to take vertical and horizontal bitewings as well as all periapicals with one sensor; a gold-plated USB connector; the proprietary WiseAngle™ Cable Exit that provides the cable flexibility to reduce stress and increase reliability; and TrueComfort™ Design that offers a slim profile, four beveled corners and rounded casing for patient comfort and precise placement. PureImage™ technology offers optimal image quality.

Providing progressive software architecture and adding new features, DEXIS Imaging Suite 10.0.5 includes a cosmetic imaging module, expanded video capabilities, an enhanced implant planning module and integration with select 3D products. The cosmetic module permits clinicians to plan, simulate and present full cosmetic procedures and tooth whitening treatments in just minutes. The software integrates 3D scanners from i-CAT®, Gendex®, Instrumentarium®, and Soredex® - allowing users to manage patient data and 3D images directly from the DEXIS application.

We talk with Carsten Franke and Boaz Munnerlyn of DEXIS about the company's path to success and how it's helping dentistry become "cool." Q: I feel like this Q&A should start with a “Thank you” - DEXIS has provided several outstanding product launches to feature in DPR this year!

Dental Innovator: How DEXIS helps the dental industry keep its cool

 digital imaging through social media and get access to product videos, user testimonials, event updates and more!

View the story "Get to know DEXIS Dental Imaging Through Social Media" on Storify

Here's how you can connect with DEXIS digital imaging through social media and get access to product videos, user testimonials, event updates and more!

Social Media Spotlight: Get to know the ins and outs of DEXIS

 Chief Operating Officer Robert Cartagena about the company's expanding reach, the evolution of the Lumineers brand and much more.

 This year DenMat strategically positioned itself as more than a single product or category. Why?

DenMat’s history begins with innovation in adhesives and cements dating back to the mid-1970s. Over the years the company expanded into areas such as tooth whitening with its Rembrandt line and indirect esthetic restorations such as 

. Today, the company is truly a broad based, dental products manufacturer and laboratory. Providing our customers with a wide array of solutions for improving a patient’s smile is a critical component of our strategy. We believe everyone should have a beautiful smile. Therefore, our mission is to help the dental professional deliver smile improvement solutions while making it easy and accessible for patients to achieve the smile they want. This is why we spend millions of dollars in consumer advertising on TV, online and in print, generating hundreds of thousands of patient leads delivered to dental offices all over the country.

 Lumineers is still a critical brand. How is the Lumineers mission changing and how is it anchoring the wider message about DenMat lab services?

: Lumineers is now a platform that incorporates fundamental Smile Design principles aimed at delivering the best possible esthetic and functional result with a minimally invasive approach. We recently launched 

, our education and training program supporting Lumineers. The program uses a multi-disciplinary approach to veneers using a variety of materials and tooth preparation techniques, all designed to produce a beautiful smile while preserving the most amount of healthy tooth structure.

Watch DenMat's leadership team discuss how the company shed its old skin to become a leading innovator in the dental industry

 Dentists know oral cancer screening is important, but few prioritize it. How do you change this mindset now that 

: The recent findings related to the connection between the human papilloma virus (HPV) and oral cancer are prompting a greater focus on early lesion detection. In years past, it was believed the at-risk population for oral cancer was limited to men who were older than 40 and who smoked, chewed tobacco and/or drank alcohol regularly. The HPV connection means the at-risk population includes anyone who engages in certain types of sexual activity. We are embarking on an ambitious plan to educate both the general population and the professional dental community on the importance of adjunctive oral cancer screening. It really is a matter of life or death.

 if he or she is in the market for a laser?

: The SOL Soft Tissue Laser is simply a workhorse device, in an elegant, easy to use package. There’s never been a more robustly designed, reliable soft tissue laser at this price point. We believe t every dentist should have this piece of equipment in their armamentarium, and because of this, we have made this extraordinary device accessible to everyone with a price point less than $2,500 with training included.

 Tell me about DenMat’s new online commerce system. What made this initiative a priority?

: With the availability of broadband and the prevalence of wireless routers, most dental practices are online. Buying products over the Internet is now commonplace in both B2C and B2B industries. We want to make doing business with DenMat an easy and enjoyable experience, regardless of how the transaction is conducted. Delivering an e-commerce solution is something that will support our efforts to be a great partner for our customers.

 is all about clinically superior outcomes and transformational smiles, all with minimal tooth reduction.

		MINIMALLY INVASIVE: Technology allows for restorations as thin as 0.3 mm, requiring very little tooth reduction.

		BEAUTIFUL: Achieves 176% greater translucency than lithium disilicate for a more natural, more esthetic smile.

		STRONG: Not only beautiful, they’re the strongest leucite-reinforced ceramic veneers on the market.

The SOL™ diode laser is said to be the ideal device for entry-level and experienced users. It reportedly delivers power and essential features at an economical price. It is portable, precise, has enhanced ergonomics, a single interface and a high-contrast aiming beam to make laser dentistry easier.

DPR recently chatted with DenMat Chief Operating Officer Robert Cartagena about the company's expanding reach, the evolution of the Lumineers brand and much more. Q: This year DenMat strategically positioned itself as more than a single product or category. Why?