the DPR Editorial Team

	Before you start thinking about 2018, it’s time to think back to what you learned in 2017.

This year, we brought you a number of checklists designed to give you the tips you need to help you perform at your best. These are the five that you found to be the most helpful, based on the number of views. Which one was your favorite?

	We brought you tips on everything from bioactive materials to digital impressions, and we hope that you learned a lot this year.

	And after you’ve gone back through this list, it’s time to start thinking about how you can apply this knowledge to next year!

	Click through the slideshow to see the top checklists of 2017

	3 reasons why the best restoration is bioactive

	Bioactive materials are strong, esthetic and positively impact oral health. In this checklist, you’ll review how bioactive materials are friendly to tissue and saliva, support the natural remineralization process, and seal against microleakage and secondary caries.

	Top tips to consider when purchasing a treatment unit

	Selecting the wrong treatment unit can inconvenience staff and patients alike. How can you ensure you’re buying the right equipment for your practice? Take a look at 10 tips you should consider to help you choose a unit that will minimize repair and replacement costs, increase productivity and profit, improve patient comfort, and integrate with your practice’s workflow and style.

	5 reasons 3D printers are excellent for model making

	3D printing is changing dentistry for the better. Here’s why the technology will help you create better models with less time, cost and aggravation.

	Don’t be content with cements that promise only to “do no harm.” New breakthroughs in bioactive cement technology streamline workflows and provide lasting results, while also playing a dynamic role in your patients’ oral health. In this checklist, you’ll examine how bioactive materials support remineralization, streamline inventory management, simplify clinical techniques and provide durable results.

	4 ways digital impressions revolutionize your restorative workflow

	Digital impressions are accurate, efficient, and provide a complete view of the mouth. Want to learn more about digital scans? Keep this checklist handy.

Articles

The most-read checklists of the past year.

Top 5 checklists of 2017

With the New Year right around the corner, we felt it was the perfect time to take a look back and reflect on 2017.

 this year, but these five were the ones that caught everyone’s attention. You, the readers, were interested in stories about ergonomics, salary statistics and tales about the worst dental patients ever, among others.

So, you’re having a great day. Everything is going smoothly.

And then ... THAT patient walks in. The one who seems absolutely determined to ruin your day, totally tick you off, leave you dumbfounded or absolutely gross you out!

We polled you, our readers, for your stories of the patients that will always stick out in your memory - for all the wrong reasons. From the infuriating to the disgusting, the bizarre to the absurd, your tales did not disappoint. We heard about a man that gets his teeth cleaned by his bird, a fellow wielding a box-cutter knife as a dental tool, some very amorous patients and a chronic finger-biter  and much, much more - all of them tales of patients that no dental hygienist wants to deal with!

Here are the worst of the worst stories that we compiled.

	The latest hourly and annual salary numbers for dental hygienists

	When you look around a dentist’s office, you see more dental hygienists and dental assistants than you do actual dentists. And with more than 100,000 dentists in the country, this should tell you something about how prevalent jobs are for hygienists. We took a look at the most recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics to see what that means for job opportunities and salaries.

	5 ergonomics tips that could save your career

	Back pain after a long day? Cramping hands? Aching neck?

	Every dental professional has been there at one point or another. From poor posture and heavy loupes to stressful sustained grips and uncomfortable seats, there are numerous ways to wear down your body in the dental practice. It may feel like chronic pain is just a part of the job - but it doesn’t have to be.  We compiled a list of five articles we feel all dental professionals should read.

	New gingivitis code helps you provide ethical care

	Our patient presents with moderate generalized inflammation, evidenced by moderate generalized bleeding on probing, with light to moderate supra gingival calculus, light to moderate subgingival deposits, and generalized pseudo pocketing with no radiographic evidence of bone loss. How do you treat this patient, and what code do you use?

	What’s more important than recommending what you should say when asking for a raise? Talking about what you definitely should NOT say.

	Research has shown over and over again that money isn’t the most important thing to employee satisfaction. But, if you feel you are underpaid for the work you perform, then “nice colleagues” and an “understanding boss” just don’t cut it. We held a focus group to find out what professionals  thought were the five worst ways to ask for a raise.

Taking a look at the articles that generated the most views this year. 


Top 5 Modern Hygienist Articles of 2017

Every year, the dental industry is presented with a slew of products that make promises to revolutionize and transform the way dentistry is practiced.

Some of the claims end up being a bit of a stretch - perhaps a product is good or an iterative update to a useful product, but it might not be something that makes people wonder, “Why didn’t I think of that?”

And then, on the other hand, there are a class of products that stand apart. The ones that truly do shape and transform the dental industry in such ways that bottom lines are improved, that jobs are made more efficient and, of course, that patients are better cared for. Those are the type of products we’ve picked for our top 50 editor’s choice products of 2017. These products blew us away throughout the year, and we’re proud to bring you this roundup of the solutions pushing dentistry forward.

Harmonize is described as a next-generation composite infused with Adaptive Response Technology (ART). ART is a nanoparticle filler network formulated to help you achieve lifelike restorations with more ease and simplicity. With better blending capabilities and enhanced structural integrity, the ART of Harmonize is said to provide your restorations with exceptional strength and esthetics. The ART filler system in Harmonize also diffuses and reflects light in a similar way as human enamel for an enhanced chameleon effect.

Kerr Corp.
800-KERR-123  |  kerrharmonize.com

The Epic Pro, which reportedly offers the most laser power of any diode laser in dentistry, is the first product to be introduced resulting from BIOLASE’s strategic development agreement with IPG Photonics. Epic Pro is said to feature several new innovations that are industry-firsts: A new super pulse technology for more precise, enhanced laser tissue cutting; real-time automatic power control to enhance speed and consistency when performing surgery; and pre-initiated, bendable, disposable tips with new smart tip technology to ensure tip performance and quality.

CS Solutions for Implants is a digital integrated implant solution that’s said to support more confident diagnoses, improved treatment planning, better patient/referral communication and greater confidence when placing implants. Prosthetically-driven implant planning starts by combining the data sets from a digital impression taken by an intraoral scanner and a CBCT scan. The two scans are reportedly automatically aligned in CS 3D Imaging software to create a virtual set-up. A new planning module of CS 3D Imaging allows doctors to virtually plan the crown and implant on the same screen.

Carestream Dental
800-944-6365  |  carestreamdental.com

Thermo Clone® VPS impression material is described as a premium product, specially engineered to be reliable and consistent. To the dental professional taking an impression while trying to minimize patient discomfort, bubblegum-scented Thermo Clone is the brand of vinyl polysiloxane impression material that reportedly makes impression-taking easier because of its consistent setting times, thermal set curing that activates when placed in the patient’s mouth and optimally effective techniques to get the right impression the first time.

Ultradent Products, Inc.
800-552-5512  |  ultradent.com

Pulpdent’s newest calcium hydroxide product, TempCanal Enhanced, features pH > 12 and disinfects canals and prevents flare-ups, making it ideal for routine use between visits and for extended treatment of complicated cases. The easy-to-use material is said to flow easily through 27-gauge x 25 mm, 2-side-vent, endo irrigation needles. The non-setting, non-drying formula will reportedly not clog the needle, and it’s easily removed with file and irrigation. TempCanal Enhanced is packaged in standard 1.2 mL and 3 mL luer lock syringes for convenient one-hand operation.

Pulpdent Corp.
617-926-6666  |  pulpdent.com

The Nupro Freedom™ Cordless Prophy System with SmartMode™ Technology reportedly provides clinicians with an innovative method of controlling the speed and power of the prophy cup while freeing clinicians from cords and foot pedals. It is said to provide 25-percent more speed and power than the previous generation Freedom handpiece. The package includes a cordless handpiece, three autoclavable outer sheaths, Disposa-Shield® disposable polyethylene barriers and disposable prophy angles.

Dentsply Sirona Preventative
800-877-0020  |  dentsplysirona.com

PlanMill 40 S is Planmeca’s brand-new unit for fast and accurate milling directly at a dental clinic. It reportedly offers fast milling speeds (80,000 rpm and only eight to 10 minutes per restoration); an expanded range of applications, including abutments, crowns, inlays, onlays, veneers and bridges; an automated tool charger for 10 tools; guided maintenance; and smart tool paths that are optimized to suit material characteristics.

Planmeca
+358-20-7795-500  |  planmeca.com

Dentrix® practice management software expanded integration

Henry Schein, Inc. announced three new partners that became members of the Dentrix Developer Program by integrating their digital impression scanners with Henry Schein Dentrix practice management software via the Digital Dental Exchange (DDX™) OS. Planmeca PlanScan Scanner®, 3Shape TRIOS® intraoral scanner and 3M™ True Definition Scanner now have the ability to place a record of their intraoral scans into patients’ charts in the Dentrix® practice management system.

Henry Schein, Inc.
800-372-4346  |  henryschein.com

IonoStar® Plus is a new glass ionomer restorative that offers a fast set, immediate packability, non-stick handling and enhanced physical properties. It comes in an easy-to-use direct activation application capsule that fits virtually all branded glass ionomer applicators. IonoStar Plus has an abbreviated working time of two minutes. In addition, it is radiopaque, fluorescent, has a high continuous fluoride release and does not require the use of a dentin conditioner.

VOCO America
888-658-2584  |  vocoamerica.com

ALPEN ShapeGuard is a new line of diamond impregnated polishers that are said to be strong in polishing and gentle on surfaces. ShapeGuard’s new spiral wheel design offers flexible lamellas for use with universal composite and ceramic restorative materials. The polishers are designed for polishing incisal, labial, buccal and lingual surfaces. ShapeGuard Composite Plus is reportedly a simple two-step system, while ShapeGuard Ceramic Plus is a three-step system. Both Composite Plus and Ceramic Plus polishers are autoclavable.

Lava Esthetic is engineered to deliver optimized translucency for esthetic full-contour crowns and three-unit bridges at a high strength of 800 MPa. A four-shading element formulation makes it the first pre-shaded zirconia to offer inherent fluorescence for all shades as well as a true color match with VITA® Classic shades. The high strength of Lava Esthetic zirconia allows for conventional, self-adhesive or adhesive cementation. The material is available in a 98-mm disc with step format in 14 mm, 18 mm and 22 mm heights.

Endovac™ Pure is an irrigation system that reportedly combines a portable base unit with a sterile packed cartridge and an ergonomically designed, single handheld controller for ease of use. It is said to be the only system of its kind to leverage the apical negative pressure technique. With the single handheld controller, dentists are said to be able to achieve complete three-dimensional and apical cleaning of a root canal.

This device is not approved for distribution in any market. Registration in the U.S. is under review.

Kerr Endodontics
800-KERR-123  |  kerrdental.com

The Resurge® Ultrasonic Cleaner is available in two sizes, 0.8 gallon and 2.0 gallon, for offices seeking either high- or low-capacity cleaning requirements. Combined with the Resurge® Instrument Cleaning Solution, these ultrasonic cleaners reportedly offer superior cleaning and ease of use. Both units are said to feature a low-profile design, making it easy to insert and remove instruments, while a touchscreen can help simplify setup and operation.  Additional features include a universal rack for cassettes and a stainless steel basket for instruments.

Dentsply Sirona
800-989-8825  |  dentsply.com/resurgeultrasonic

3M™ Filtek™ One Bulk Fill Restorative

Designed for the posterior, the optical properties and improved opacity of the 3M™ Filtek™ One Bulk Fill Restorative reportedly enable the simplicity of one-step bulk placement - up to 5 mm - with improved esthetics. With 3M’s Smart Contrast Ratio Management technology, Filtek One Bulk Fill Restorative features increased opacity without reducing depth of cure. Available in five shades, there is reportedly no need for layering or expensive dispensing devices.

The X-Mind® Trium 3D CBCT device is designed to facilitate osseointegration with reportedly instant volume measurement and bone density assessment. It is engineered to provide exceptional image quality with 75 μm voxel resolution for a variety of applications. ACTEON Imaging Suite can assess the volume and bone density for reportedly improved bone grafting procedures and implant placement while all scans are produced in STL format for export into surgical guide design software.

ACTEON North America
800-289-6367  |  acteongroup.com

TempoCem ID is an esthetically-oriented temporary cement. The innovative formulation of the product is designed to allow the clinician to detect excess cement - even below the gum line - that can often be removed in one piece. Engineered for optimal transparency, TempoCem ID’s color-neutral formulation reportedly never impacts the shape of the provisional, making it an ideal choice for posterior and anterior restorations alike. Available in a handheld syringe, TempoCem ID is designed to flow and mix easily, seal tightly for long-term temporization and not stick to instruments.

DMG America
800-662-6383  |  dmg-america.com

OptiDam is a three-dimensional, low radiopacity rubber dam designed for stress-free positioning and patient comfort. Its 3D design is engineered to offer dentists optimal visibility and accessibility to the treatment area, leading to greater success in procedures. The rubber dam also is designed to be practical since there’s no need to remove it during X-rays. Its anatomical shape reportedly reduces tensioning, which means dentists don’t need to worry about the dam snapping out of place. 

Kerr Endodontics
800-537-7123  |  kerrdental.com

The CS 8100 3D system is now available with a cephalometric imaging option in addition to several new 3D applications. Featuring multi-functional, four-in-one imaging capabilities, the system reportedly enhances doctors’ diagnoses with high-quality images. It is said to feature the fastest scanning time of any scanning cephalometric unit on the market - as little as three seconds. The system includes exclusive Carestream Dental imaging software that’s engineered to recognize anatomical structures and trace them automatically.

The XP-3D™ Shaper is designed to address the shortcomings of traditional NiTi instrumentation. It features Brasseler USA’s exclusive MaxWire® Technology that reportedly allows the instrument to expand and become more robust when exposed to body temperature. Once an adequate glide path is established, the XP-3D Shaper is engineered to be able to clean the entire canal without the need for multiple files. It also features a small flexible core that’s designed to be resistant to cyclic fatigue.

Brasseler USA
800-841-4522  |  brasselerusa.com

The editors of DPR pick the products that moved the needle this year. 

Top 50 products of 2017: Part 1

	Every year, the dental industry is presented with a slew of products that make promises to revolutionize and transform the way dentistry is practiced. Some of the claims end up being a bit of a stretch - perhaps a product is good or an iterative update to a useful product, but it might not be something that makes people wonder, “Why didn’t I think of that?”

Read more: Top 50 products of 2017: Part 1

	And then, on the other hand, there are a class of products that stand apart. The ones that truly do shape and transform the dental industry in such ways that bottom lines are improved, that jobs are made more efficient and, of course, that patients are better cared for. Those are the type of products we’ve picked for our top 50 editor’s choice products of 2017. These products blew us away throughout the year, and we’re proud to bring you this roundup of the solutions pushing dentistry forward.

	Click through the slides to check out more of this year's top products.

 intraoral scanner is lightweight, ergonomically designed and engineered to quickly capture vivid color images in real-time. A compact, slim design is said to provide the clinician with a comfortable feel and superior control while scanning patients. Automatic fog prevention embedded into the streamlined scanner tips reportedly enables continuous scanning of the patient, while the autoclavable tips are designed to prevent cross-infection and increase patient safety.

 is an apical negative pressure irrigation system that is said to be lightweight, easy to use and portable. It reportedly can be used for simultaneous irrigation and evacuation. Three flow-rate settings are engineered to provide a consistent exchange of active endodontic solutions and flushing of debris. The device features quick-connect, 20 mL reservoirs that can be filled with medicament. The system also comes with 10 disposable EndoSafe Negative Pressure Tips.

	Vista Dental Products
	877-418-4782  |  

 from Komet USA are designed to incorporate coarse diamond grains, as indicated by the instrument’s green color ring for ease of identification. The discs are reportedly specially designed to ensure optimal chip removal while separating, pre-cutting and contouring acrylic and veneering ceramics. The D2014.HP.180 measures 18 mm in diameter while the D2014.HP.220 has a 22 mm diameter.

 is reportedly the world’s fastest dental model 3D printer, utilizing Structo’s proprietary Mask Stereolithography (MSLA) technology. With a large build platform measuring 200 x 150 mm, the DentaForm is designed to print highly accurate precision models for the fitting of crowns and bridges in the area of restorative dentistry. Users can reportedly print full arches and quadrants that are extremely precise with reproducible fit at a high throughput.

reportedly unites KaVo’s trusted quality with smart features for optimal ease of use and successful clinical outcomes. Designed with flexibility in mind, the series is ideal for anyone wishing to combine the highest standards in reliability with a broad spectrum of treatment options. Features are said to include a small head size for better view, stainless steel construction, high-precision ball bearings, a lightweight and balanced design, and ceramic sliders within the chuck system for securing the bur. 

The Beautifil II LS (Low Shrink) composite is designed to provide clinicians with the means to reduce polymerization shrinkage and shrinkage stress while achieving predictable and functional esthetics. The composite incorporates Shofu’s proprietary Giomer chemistry and reportedly demonstrates excellent compressive and flexural strength, maintains ideal color stability and polishes in an instant, creating a glossy luster. Beautifil II LS is available in syringes, tips and value kits in 14 dentin and enamel shades.

	Shofu Dental Corporation
	800-827-4638  |  

Mavrik Dental Systems™ recently introduced Thera-Smile™, a reportedly revolutionary approach to in-office teeth whitening. Thera-Smile treatments are delivered via the Thera-OralTM system platform, where delivery of medicaments is fully controlled in dosage and temperature within a patented vacuum-sealed mouthpiece. The intuitive console “brain” with glove-responsive interface is said to offer the clinician or hygienist complete control. The whitening system is designed to elevate the patient and clinician experience.

	Mavrik Dental Systems
	+972 9-974-0100  |  

 is a bioactive resin pit and fissure sealant with patented SmartCap™ Technology. It reportedly combines optimal physical properties with extended release of fluoride and remineralization ions for relentless protection. BioCoat is engineered to flow freely for excellent adaption and adhesion to the enamel. It is said to be easily light cured and to offer an esthetic appearance.

 Dental Products Company
	888-670-6100  |  

SR Smart Reviews’ super technical, proprietary algorithm reportedly analyzes billions of patient interactions to determine which patients are most likely to leave positive reviews. Through a simple text message, dental staff  can ask patients to leave a review. Only patients who leave a high NPS score will be redirected online; other reviews will be sent to the dental office for reference. SR Smart Reviews is designed to sync with patient databases, thereby simplifying the process.

 is a new CAD/CAM block with an integrated shade gradient for highly esthetic and long-lasting results. The material is reportedly ideal for posterior, anterior and implant restorations as well as veneers. The block’s natural color gradient includes six finely nuanced layers with a smooth transition from cervical to incisal edge, providing a natural play of light for lifelike vitality. It can be milled either chairside or in the laboratory.

 is designed to make it convenient for patients to provide their complete health histories and insurance information to dental offices. Using any smartphone, tablet or computer, patients can go to the practice’s web kiosk to complete their “paperwork.” The user-friendly software is designed to enable office staff to review information, ensuring its completeness and accuracy, before uploading it into their practice’s management software.

 is a unit for advanced dental imaging needs. It is designed to be a complete X-ray platform, providing easy-to-use features throughout the whole dental imaging workflow. The OP 3D reportedly offers efficient tools for optimizing the patient dose with its ability to allow the clinician to select the best resolution, Field of  View (FOV) size and region of interest. The versatile programs for both panoramic and 3D are engineered to offer imaging excellence for a variety of users, ranging from general dental practitioners to craniofacial surgeons.

 is a small, compact, 5-axis milling machine. It is engineered to combine industrial manufacturing quality with high precision and a sleek, modern design. The machine is app-based, reportedly allowing easy operation with a tablet or smartphone. PrograMill One seamlessly auto connects with 3Shape intraoral scanners. The unit is designed specifically for milling IPS e.max. PrograMill One will be available in the U.S. in 2018.

COLTENE added two new resin-based cements, 

, to its portfolio of luting agents. SoloCem is a self-adhesive dual-curing resin cement that is reportedly easy to use and offers high bonding strength without additional adhesive. It may be used for permanent cementation of crowns, bridges, inlays and onlays for ceramic, metal and composite materials. DuoCem is a dual-curing resin cement that is designed to offer superior bond strength, especially in areas where light can’t reach. It is said to be ideal for a range of indications.

 is reportedly the first device specially developed for allowing beautiful dental photos on a smartphone. Smile Lite MDP is equipped with three groups of LEDs with four levels of brightness for each one. Users can set the power of illumination to easily take anterior and posterior pictures as well as micro-photography. The plug-and-play device is equipped with a universal adapter that can be used with any model of smartphone. 

 provides a 2D and 3D imaging system that’s combined with the power of Planmeca Romexis

 imaging software. The ProMax 3D LE is reportedly the gateway to Planmeca 3D imaging systems, offering great value without sacrificing quality. Dentists can plan and verify implant placement using the realistic implant, abutment and crown models included in the Romexis software.

Top 50 products of 2017: Part 2

	Now in its eighth year of recognizing exceptional women in the dental industry, Dental Products Report is thrilled to announce the Top 25 Women in Dentistry for 2017.

	This year’s honorees come from across the dental industry, including dentists, industry leaders, office managers, educators and lab technicians.

See last year's winners: Meet the Dental Products Report Top 25 Women in Dentistry for 2016

	“There are so many amazing women pushing the dental industry forward, and every one of them deserves recognition for their hard work, passion and dedication,” says Laura Dorr, managing editor of Dental Products Report.  
	 
	“The dental field would not be where it is today without the forward-thinking, visionary women who have contributed to its growth and success. We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to every woman dedicated to furthering dentistry, and also recognize these 25 women whose contributions stand out. “

	Click a name below or go through the following pages to meet the women and learn about their contributions.

	The Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies is among the premier postgraduate institutes for continuing education in the world, and Dr. Heidi Dickerson is proud to be LVI’s president. LVI works to educate thousands of doctors, hygienists, team and lab technicians a year and professionals travel from all over the world to learn at LVI. To date, LVI has more than 10,000 alumni from 48 different countries, and Dr. Dickerson is determined to help the organization grow in every way she can.

	“I do whatever it takes to educate them on physiologic dentistry,” Dr. Dickerson says. “Being a patient of physiologic dentistry is what propelled me to teach it. I was a lifelong migraine sufferer and my husband, Dr. Bill Dickerson, treated me with physiologic dentistry and I have not had migraines in close to two decades. Once you know the power of what you can do to help your patients, there is no turning back.”

	Within her role at LVI, Dr. Dickerson is a featured lecturer in 10 courses, oversees two clinics with a total of 20 operatories, produces and edits VISIONS magazine, and is the creator and producer of LVI TV, the institute’s YouTube channel. All that while traveling and giving lectures worldwide and helping run the business side behind the scenes. 

	“I am proud of the unique ways I have tried to educate the doctors and the public,” she says. “For example, the LVI TV videos are quite funny and informative. The public needs to be educated as much as the dentist and education needs to be fun.”

	Dr. Dickerson believes the biggest challenge to dentistry today is adapting in the face of change. She believes that everyone in the industry wants change but no one is willing to change when it comes to themselves; they would prefer to remain comfortable in what they know. To her, it can be frustrating to see a way for dentists to help their patients and to hear them say they want to help their patients but then not follow through or embrace new ways to help their patients.

	“Innovation by definition is a new method, idea or product; herein lies the issue,” she says. “We can have all these awesome new things out there, but if we do not know how to use them, or how to present the need for using them with our patients, they mean absolutely nothing. That is one thing we specialize in at LVI-training. We believe in hands-on training because once you use something or do a procedure, you will remember it.”

	One of her personal missions is to demonstrate to dentists the impact they have on their patients, and to show them that no other doctor in any other profession can help patients the way they can. Dr. Dickerson believes dentists have a power they don’t realize because annually they see their patients more often than any other health profession. Therefore, they have the ability to see changes, diagnose them and prevent conditions that could become pathologic otherwise. 

	“Once you understand how a human develops, and how we as their dentists can guide and enhance that growth so they have proper facial development and a functional airway, now that becomes exciting stuff,” she says. “When you are actually prolonging someone’s life by using these principles, it is very powerful and rewarding.”

	“With my young patients, I hope they develop excellent life long oral health habits, recognizing the connection between oral health and overall health,” she says. “In my 15 years being a dentist, I have seen an increased value given to oral health as a function of overall health and I hope to continue to see access to oral health care for all as a priority to allow the establishment of a dental home for everyone.”Dr. Karen Foster is an educator and pediatric dentist who strives to share her knowledge of oral health with patients, parents, team members and other dental professionals while simultaneously working to serve as a role model for those interested in a career within the dental industry. She heard her calling early in life, specifically after writing a report on a local dentist at 8 years old. As someone who works with kids, finding her passion early on helps her connect with her patients and see that kids have big dreams at an early age, and their fervor to achieve them runs deep. Foster is able to then use that connection to educate patients and help them develop the best habits young.

	Dr. Foster started her practice from scratch, and while that came with its own hurtles and challenges over the years, she’s proud of how it’s grown and the success she’s found within the realm of small businesses. To her, it’s gratifying to go out within the dental community and share her experiences as well as advocate for improvements benefitting patients as well as the dental profession. 

	Dr. Foster also serves the dental community as an educator and she’s the first to say she’s learned as many new lessons as she’s taught.

	“Innovation is embracing new ways of doing things,” she says. “I am always open to learning new techniques. As a dental educator since 2004, I have come to appreciate the importance of research to identify and instruct as to a ‘best practices’ approach when treating special needs patients. By surveying fourth-year dental students before, then after, their rotation through the special needs clinic, my colleagues and I identified needed curriculum changes.”

	Dr. Foster is able to relate to her patients thanks to common ground and her own personal challenges. Since the end of 2012 she has been fighting the joint damaging effects of psoriatic arthritis, a chronic condition she works to overcome every day. 

	“Marketing gurus often tell you to humanize yourself to your patients and potential patients-I guess I am taking that advice to heart; I am a medical patient,” she shares. “The knowledge I have gained through this journey as a medical patient has made me better able to work with patients who have dietary issues as well as other health issues.”

	As a woman, she is confident in her skills and isn’t afraid to challenge stereotypes, specifically those that categorize her as a “female dentist” or “young dentist.” Instead of letting herself be boxed into those stereotypical roles throughout her journey she has sought out mentors who would guide and encourage constant development as a practitioner as well as a member of the dental community.

	Twelve years ago Dr. Maria Maranga was diagnosed with breast cancer, but she did not let it take her life or her ambition. Dr. Maranga beat cancer and came back stronger and fiercer than ever. Today, she is an educator, an endodontist, a wife and mother, and an activist in the breast cancer community. She believes that each role has helped to define her and make her better as an overall practitioner and citizen.

	“A survivor is always busy; you were chosen to be saved for a reason and sometimes you just don’t understand why,” she says.

	Within her career, she believes it is of the utmost importance to educate and re-educate herself on the most up-to-date techniques, to harness them and implement them slowly in order to constantly hone her expertise. This is a trait she works to instill in the students she mentors-especially females, who may be at a disadvantage right out of the gate.

	“Females represent less than 10 percent of all dental school deans and our medical counterparts are also only slightly higher as deans and department chairs. As a specialist, many vendors still ignore women at dental conventions and choose to overlook our potential business,” Dr. Maranga says. “Women are now 50-55 percent of the freshmen class of most U.S. dental schools. That in itself is a big game-changer. In the beginning of my leadership roles, women and diverse groups had to wait longer to be promoted, but not anymore.”

	Dr. Maranga comes from a family that strongly encouraged hard work and earning what you get in life. Her mother and father were not college-educated, but she believes that their work ethic took them further than any degree could have. She works hard to emulate that attitude, especially as a woman in a male-dominated field. She has persevered and pursued every leadership opportunity she could, she has made sure she is educated and stays up to date with current technologies, and she has learned to ask for help and never takes “no” as a final answer.

	“When I struggled at times with being singled out as a female, my dad would point to my mom and say, ‘Look at her, she doesn’t get upset over the baby things. Get up and find another way to fit in.’ He may not have used the word ‘adapt,’ but that concept became my cornerstone forever,” she shares. “I adapted my style to whatever needed to be done to keep moving forward.”

	To Dr. Maranga, to innovate is to adapt on the go. Whether she’s working with a patient or helping someone endure the trials of breast cancer, she is constantly working to adapt and understand in the face of new knowledge, technology or unfamiliarity.

	“I think that the innovation I represent has to do with your own self as a human being,” she said. “I adapt and come up with new and exciting ways to be original, encourage others and provide a sounding board for many. I use innovative ways to teach by taking a problem, applying sound biology coupled with the latest techniques, add a dash of common sense and run with it.”

	Dr. Pamela Maragliano-Muniz first became a dental hygienist because her parents didn’t think that pursuing a professional career in ice hockey was realistic. Luckily, she fell in love with dental hygiene upon entering her program and never looked back. Today, Dr. Maragliano-Muniz is one of the leading prosthodontists in her field and she is proud of her career, grateful for the opportunities she’s been able to take advantage of, and thankful to the mentors who helped her get where she is today.

	“I was working for a prosthodontist and if I was going to go to dental school, I wanted to be the best dentist I could be, and it seemed to me that being the best dentist meant becoming a prosthodontist,” she remembers. “I always thank dental hygiene and my dental hygiene instructors for changing my life and inspiring me.”

	Outside of her work as a prosthodontist, Dr. Maragliano-Muniz is also an instructor. She loves seeing dentistry evolve as technology and digital media become more readily available and bend itself to the will of the dental industry. 

	“I’m excited to see how technology continues to change the dental industry,” she says. “I think it is an exciting time to be in the industry and I am constantly blown away by new technology and materials to allow us to provide the best care to our patients.”

	When it comes to challenges within her career, she welcomes them with open eyes and an open mind. To her, it’s what you do in the face of a challenge that is most important. She believes that one has to stay positive, keep moving forward and learn from setbacks in order to be the best. For her, new opportunities mean new experiences and things she can learn in order to be better at what she does. 

	“I am motivated to provide the best care to my patients, and it is an honor to be able to share my practices and opinions with my dental and dental hygiene colleagues,” she says. “I am constantly met with new challenges and it certainly keeps things interesting.” 

	Dr. Maragliano-Muniz finds herself inspired by products, lectures and publications that motivate her to make her practice better-and to be a better prosthodontist. She believes it is of the utmost importance to keep her practice current for her team, patients, and lectures and publications. That is what innovation means to her-educating her team on the newest practices and technologies in order to ensure the best outcome for patients while also doing everything she can to contribute and give back in order to encourage the next generation of dental professionals.

	“I am very proud when I see my students happy, successful and enjoying their careers,” she says. “That really sparked my lecturing and writing career and I enjoy sharing my ideas and practices. I enjoy sharing my trials and tribulations with new products with my readers. I am always humbled and proud when I am recognized for my work.”

Now in its eighth year of recognizing exceptional women in the dental industry, Dental Products Report is thrilled to introduce the Top 25 Women in Dentistry for 2017.

Meet the Dental Products Report Top 25 Women in Dentistry for 2017

	Each year, a team of dental experts meets in Chicago - often long into the night! - for a spirited discussion about the Cellerant Best of Class awards. These awards are not given out haphazardly; each member who votes carefully weighs the pros and cons of every considered product, and the final winners are the ones who really did blow away the voting panel. 2017’s award-winning products are no different - these technologies are game-changers and will be talked about for years to come in the dental industry.

Read more: Inside 2017's award-winning technology

	Take a look at this year’s winners, read some background on several of them and see them in person at the ADA’s Annual Meeting in Atlanta. The future of dentistry is already here, and many of its tools are on the next few pages.

	Click through the slides to see the products.

A five-time winner of the Cellerant award for best intraoral scanner, 3Shape TRIOS is recognized for its fast, easy and accurate real-color impressions.

	Operating at an unparalleled 55-decibel sound level, the Tornado reportedly delivers an outstanding power output of 30 watts, the best in the industry today.

A U.S. web-based dental implant and software company, Blue Sky Bio offers six implant systems compatible with major brands.

	FUSION 5 Curing Light with Twinhead Curing Attachment

	Delivering a laser-sharp curing beam penetrating up to 10 mm deep, FUSION 5 is a 3-second curing light with 4000 mW/cm2 uniform intensity.

DEXIS CariVu is a compact, portable caries detection device that uses patented transillumination technology to identify caries without using ionizing radiation.

	The professional precision, automatic resin handling and industry-leading print reliability of the Form 2 have simplified 3D printing for dental businesses of all sizes.

The VELscope Vx® is an easy-to-use tool designed to aid in the visualization of oral mucosal abnormalities during oral exams. It’s reportedly the market leader in adjunctive screening technology.

	With its newest addition of MMG ChairFill, MMG Fusion continues to expand its all-in-one practice marketing automation platform. MMG ChairFill runs in the background and can grow your patient base.

Available in two colors and featuring a lightweight design, Ease-in-Shields easily protect eyesight during hard- and soft-tissue laser procedures as well as procedures performed with a curing light.

	OmniOptic is the first and only interchangeable magnification system that allows clinicians to easily upgrade their magnification power over time or change their magnification between procedures.

Featuring an innovative design, Spark is Orascoptic’s first cordless headlight to integrate with virtually any loupe or eyewear frame model.

	The toothbrush for those who demand the best, now connected to Bluetooth technology.

Made with advanced materials and an ergonomic design, Prism Loupes redefine the standard in surgical and dental loupes.

Rounding up winners of this year’s big tech award. 

A look at the 2017 Cellerant ‘Best of Class’ Technology Award winners

Rounding up winners of this year’s big tech award.


	We are now accepting nominations for the 2017 edition of the Top 25 Women in Dentistry, selected and named each year by Dental Products Report.

	For the eighth consecutive year, Dental Products Report will once again unveil the Top 25 Women in Dentistry in its October issue. We'll be showcasing just some of the women pushing the dental idustry forward through their abilities, innovative spirits and leadership. But, as always-we need 

 help to know who the top 25 women are. We are opening our nominations to anyone who has worked with or knows an amazing woman who is bettering dentistry, and we want to hear from you. 

 to submit your nomination, or fill out the survey below.

	Be prepared to write three to five sentences (minimum) on why you think your nominee deserves to be recognized. As in years past, we are looking for nominees in five categories:

		Clinical or administrative dental team members (hygienists, assistants, office managers)

		Researchers and educators (including KOLs, speakers, lecturers, trainers, etc.)

		Industry (CEOs, marketing executives, sales reps, etc.)

	Please note that nominations will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. Eastern time on Sunday, June 25, 2017. We'll be making our selections from the nominees, and will announce the winners later in summer 2017.

	To check out last year's edition of the Top 25 Women in Dentistry, please 

Please note, nominees who have been honored in the last three years of the annual Top 25 Women in Dentistry will not be eligible for consideration.

Dental Products Report magazine is now accepting nominations for the 2017 Top 25 Women in Dentistry. 

Nominations are open for the 2017 Top 25 Women in Dentistry

	Whether you’re a big-city person or a suburbanite through and through, we all have our personal preferences when it comes to where we call home.

	Maybe you can’t imagine leaving your home state, moving to a rural area or navigating your way through a busy metropolis. Perhaps the idea of trudging through Northern snow makes you shiver with revulsion, or the sound of a dry heat makes you break out in a nervous sweat. But is your favorite place to live actually the best place to work?  

	Regardless of your preferences or reasons for living where you do, you may not actually be in a great place to work in a dental practice! Back in 2015, we took a look at which states were the most favorable for dental professionals-and this year, decided it was time to update that list. Using a set of 11 criteria, we examined the best and worst states to work in a dental practice.  

Related reading: The best and worst states to work in a dental practice: 2015

		Percentage of population who visited the dentist in the past year

		Percentage of population that is uninsured

	We assessed each of these categories and gave each state a ranking between one and 50 (with one being the best and 50 the worst). Then, we compiled the number rankings for each state to come up with a final score. As in golf, the lower the better! We then ranked the states from one to 50 based on that final score to find out which states were the best and worst to work in a dental practice. Interestingly, the list was largely different from what it was in 2015-and the results may surprise you!

	Read on to see where your state ranked and why it ended up where it did on our national rankings.

	Congrats to Minnesota! You'll have to suffer through some seriously snowy winters, but high rankings in education, dentist-visiting residents and financial savvy (eighth, third and first respectively) make the Land of 10,000 Lake's the best state for dentists. The state boasts the fourth lowest rate of uninsured residents, and has the lowest percentage of adults with poor or fair oral condition in the entire country. And the snow must not be getting people down: Minnesota ranked first in overall happiness and general well-being.

	Well done Connecticut: The New England state moved from 15th place in our 2015 rankings, to the prestigious 2017 silver medal. Ranking fifth in median income, the state has the third-lowest crime ranking in the country. Additionally, more Constitution State residents visited the dentist in the past year than folks in any other state. Ranking number two in oral health and fourth in education level, the state’s big downside is its price tag: Connecticut has the fourth-highest cost of living in the United States.

From 1 to 50, we looked at each state to see how it really stacks up for dentists, dental hygienists, dental assistants and dental front office team members.