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How these dental companies are pushing dentistry forward - and helping dentists, dental teams and patients along the way.

The 2018 innovator profiles

	Every year, DPR has the distinct privilege of talking to some of the leading voices for innovation throughout the dental industry. And 2018 is no exception. In this special advertising section, you’ll learn about exciting and innovative new products, new technologies, new education opportunities and more.

Trending article: The future of AI in dentistry

	This year we were struck by the passion that these companies show for their customers, and also by the sense that their passion is borne out of a real effort to improve patient outcomes. Through a commitment to science, research, customer feedback and a belief in dentistry’s ability to improve patients’ lives, these innovators are making dentistry in 2018 - and beyond - very exciting indeed.

	Click through the slides to see the innovators.

	“...Nobody can touch our abilities, expertise and level of support.”

Q: Why does Axsys Dental Solutions think innovation is important?

	A: Innovation is vital because it gives companies an edge in penetrating markets faster and provides a better connection to developing markets, which can lead to bigger opportunities and increased profits.
	Organizations who see and act upon the opportunities and possibilities for change through innovation will not only survive - they will successfully compete and even flourish in the face of adverse and fluctuating business and economic conditions.

Q: How do you feel Axsys has pushed the dental industry forward?

A: Mostly in terms of what manufacturing technology is available and what it can mean to dental professionals, in terms of profitability and the quality of restorations that can be reliably produced as well as the enhanced quality of care that can be provided to patients.

	Realize we are just moving out of the “bowling alley” of the “early majority” stages of dental CAD/CAM technology adoption - where the pragmatists decide that the technology is ready for them to purchase.
	Everett Rogers’s “technology adoption life cycle” model identified a bell curve featuring innovators, early adopters, an early majority, a late majority and laggards. There is a chasm to jump from the early adopters to the early majority, which is when the technology becomes much more widespread. We have not fully reached that point yet. The problem is that in these early stages “adopters” don’t know that what they have acquired is not necessarily the height of the technology.  The earlier adopters simply don’t know that there are much better options than the equipment and solutions they quickly “adopted” and incorporated into their practices.

	Based on our extensive experience in “digital manufacturing” and CNC machine technology, the solutions we have developed have brought to light the fact that significantly better software and machine technology is actually available - and at a substantially lower price point than that which is provided by current market leaders. In many instances, we are able to offer double the machining capability at half the price.

Q: What is Axsys’s approach to customer service?

	A: Customer service has always been a huge differentiator for us. Our mission is to provide reliable, high-quality, state-of-the-art software and hardware products and experienced technical support and sales professionals committed to our customers’ success.

	Our approach is to go over and beyond what is expected and to quickly deliver solutions to our customers’ problems with our own on-staff, highly experienced manufacturing experts - rather than rely on OEM manufacturers that are continents and time zones away to support our customers. This is true for all aspects of our solutions - whether issues are related to machine problems, CAD designs, CAM software, tooling or machining template modifications, or the development/support of new machining templates for new materials or restoration types. In terms of template modifications and creations or supporting our customers’ complex cases, nobody can touch our abilities, expertise and level of support.

Q: Why do you think Axsys has such a good reputation among end users?

	A: I believe it is our commitment to customer service, the quality of our products and the extensive experience of our people in CAD/CAM and CNC technology, which is based on our more than four decades of experience in digital manufacturing.

	The fastest 5X mill on the market. An all-in-one, industrial-quality, complete solution for the wet machining of all dental materials. This open source 5-axis mill provides owners with maximum flexibility and versatility.

	Pound for pound and dollar for dollar, the most capable mill in its class. The open-source Versamill 5X-400 can accept input from any dental design program and process virtually any dental milling material.

The 5X-300D not only masters conventional crown and bridge work but is also designed for fabricating more complex indications with dry millable materials. It’s designed to perform reliably with high precision for the long term.

	For more information, call 855-687-7941 or visit 

	“Innovation is an intrinsic part of what we do here at BISCO…”

Q: Why does BISCO think innovation is important? 

	A: Innovation is an intrinsic part of what we do here at BISCO. It allows us to stay competitive and on the cutting edge of adhesive technology. If a company does not innovate, then it is doomed to failure.

Q: How do you feel BISCO has pushed the dental industry forward?

	A: Being able to develop products that perform clinically over the last 35 years has helped BISCO to be recognized as a leading brand in bonding and adhesive technology. BISCO also has taken a stand in sharing the knowledge; we want to be able to reach as many people as we can so that we can promote what we believe is our message, which is established by performing sound research and new product development.

Q: What is BISCO’s approach to customer service?

A: Sharing knowledge. Our customers reach out to us not only to solve issues with our products but issues with products from other companies. We also provide support to researchers worldwide. We not only train researchers, but we share our results and help them generate their own data in the most effective manner. This helps us contribute to the scientific world, and this allows us to share our message.

Q: Why do you think BISCO has such a good reputation among end users?

	A: The science we generate back to us. It has been this way for the past 35 years. We have been steadily growing as a company, meaning that we make every effort in keeping our loyal customers happy, but we strive to develop new customers as well.

Q: What else should clinicians know about BISCO?

	A: We are here to help you bond better. That is our purpose. Every time there is a breakthrough in the lab, every time there is a group of clinicians and researchers that comes to our facility for training, every time I am invited to lecture domestically and abroad, every time we share the knowledge, I feel nothing but pride knowing that in some small way I am contributing to the BISCO experience.

	Bisco’s REVEAL HD Bulk is a light-cured bulk fill composite designed to improve the quality and timeliness of restorations. REVEAL HD Bulk is optimized to allow for easier, faster posterior restorations by combining superior levels of handling, placement and depth of cure. The exceptional ease of use allows for simple and convenient placement of the composite in the prep, while the category-leading depth of cure ensures a solid restoration from the top-down, so you can cure with confidence.

	For more information, call 800-247-3368 or visit 

	“This friendship, exchange of ideas - you can’t get that sitting at home.”

Q: The ways that people engage with educational offerings continue to change. As you know, there are increasingly more high-quality online opportunities as well as niche events targeted at a specific issue or product category. How does an event like the Chicago Dental Society’s Midwinter Meeting innovate in this type of environment?

A: The Midwinter Meeting is the premier meeting for dentistry. Our continuing education program is the crown jewel for providing educational opportunities for the dental profession. Increasingly, a significant part of that is the hands-on courses we provide; we believe it is essential to give dental professionals the opportunity to try new things. This happens in classroom settings as well as on the exhibit floor, where dentists and their teams can see in real time how innovative, new products work and consider what new things they can bring back to their practices.

	Of course, the ability to get CE online is convenient, but at a meeting like ours, the dental professionals who attend can take advantage of camaraderie with colleagues and former classmates - and that brings its own value. I know that when I’m with those people, we talk about our practices and learn from one another, discussing things we can use and take back to our own practices. This friendship, exchange of ideas - you can’t get that sitting at home. Even smaller settings for continuing education can’t offer that. We also know that as the face of dentistry continues to change - more women, people from more ethnic backgrounds, more diverse modes of practice - these face-to-face interactions afford our attendees the opportunity to learn from other cultures and experiences.

	The theme for 2019 is Midwinter Meeting Mardi Gras: Camaraderie, Diversity and Innovation. These are all things CDS has been looking toward and highlighting over the last few years. Innovation is critical because the Midwinter Meeting is a place where many exhibitors launch new products, recognizing our value as a premier meeting with a global audience.
	
	

Q: There are some trends you can see coming a mile away, usually in terms of growing interest in product categories. Others sneak up on you. For example, there might be a renewed interest in human resources and staff dynamics in a post-#MeToo world. How does the Midwinter Meeting planning committee reflect these trends in the educational line-up, especially considering how far in advance they start planning?

	A: We do start looking for speakers years in advance; we like starting early because it gives us the opportunity to run across speakers more than once and see them in different settings speaking about different topics. Whether we are showcasing an experienced speaker or highlighting a new voice, we can be sure that they are at the top of their game. If we need to bring timely topics into the mix - whatever topic you are interested in, we want you to find that here - they can address those topics. Even if we selected the speaker for a specific issue, if there is something more topical or interesting to the audiences, these speakers can address those topics as well; they recognize it is important to be flexible so they can be viable. Education should never be a static situation, so we address topics new and old.

Q: What are some of the “older” issues that continue to be most relevant to your attendees?

	A: It doesn’t matter what year it is, you have practitioners who are training staff. We provide courses so that if a dentist has a new staff member or one who has been with their practice for a longer period of time, we have opportunities for everyone to learn, no matter what the topic.

	We encourage attendees to make their Midwinter Meeting what they want it to be. Some offices take every class together, others split up to take the courses they or their employers feel they need in order to improve their skills. Some doctors say they enjoy the lectures on conebeam, others are looking at hands-on for digital impressions. Whatever the big question is, attendees can create an educational program with us that will help them get the answers they need.

	Enjoy our world-class city of Chicago while you learn from the leaders in dental education. Choose from more than 200 courses, including valuable hands-on learning activities and live patient demonstrations. Be sure to visit our Exhibit Hall featuring more than 700 exhibiting companies here to show off their latest products and services. After the meeting, make sure you take some time to relax, rejuvenate and recharge. Dine in our fabulous restaurants, shop the Magnificent Mile or take a tour of our amazing architecture. Chicago is our home town and we are happy to welcome you.

	For more information, call 312-836-7300 or visit 

	“Komet is interested in creating new products that fill in gaps and resolve problems...”

Q: Why does Komet think innovation is important?

	A: Like any forward-thinking company seeking to grow in the dental space, Komet realizes that dentistry is changing. Dentists today have  different needs, wants and expectations than they did 20 years ago. Komet is interested in creating new products that fill in gaps and resolve problems that dentists deal with today. Two great examples of  innovations from Komet are the CeraTip™ bur and the design process that went into the Komet bur blocks.

Q: How do you feel Komet has pushed the dental industry forward?

A: Komet has provided a high-quality product (dental burs) for many years. Now, they are reaching out to dentists to find out just what we need in order to create a high-quality experience for our patients.

Q: What is Komet’s approach to customer service?

	A: I can only speak from my own experience, but I have found that Komet is very serious about not only the quality of their product but also about how they are perceived as a company in the industry. Their brand is very important to them as well as what it stands for. Customer service is actually part of their mission statement. Their commitment to service is aligned with my own and is one of the reasons I am proud to work with Komet.

Q: What innovations can customers expect from Komet in the coming months and years?

	A: In terms of specific products, I cannot divulge this information for reasons of confidentiality; however, Komet is actively working with their dental influencers to differentiate themselves within their product niche. They will continue to bring out new and exciting products that will benefit not only us as dentists but also provide us the tools we need to pass along an efficient, safe and quality experience to our patients.

Q: Why do you think Komet has such a good reputation among end users?

	A: Attention to detail, quality and performance.  When I first started working with Komet, I asked the CEO which auto company they would compare themselves to. Porsche was the answer. If you have ever driven a Porsche, you’ll have a better idea of what I mean.

Q: What else should clinicians know about Komet?

	A: Komet wants to be more than a traditional bur company. They want to do more than just send a rep into the dentist’s office with a folder full of burs.  They are looking to provide customized solutions for their dentists and find ways to make their users more profitable and efficient, and they stand behind their products.

Delivering high performance and controlled efficiency to facilitate crown preparation procedures, Komet USA’s innovative Deep Purple™ diamonds are specially designed for fast, effective substance removal.

	The CeraTip™ instrument is made of a mixed ceramic composed of zircon dioxide partly stabilized by yttrium and aluminum ceramic. The high-performance material gives the CeraTip™ the properties needed to perfectly trim gingival tissue.

	For more information, call 888-566-3887 or visit 

	“Shofu is a true company devoted solely to dentistry...”

DPR unveils its 2017 Innovator Profiles, including Dentrix, Bisco, the Chicago Dental Society and Whip Mix. 

The 2017 innovator profiles

	Each year, DPR has the distinct privilege of talking to some of the leading voices for innovation throughout the dental industry. And 2017 is no exception-in the next few pages of this special advertising section, you’ll learn about amazing new products, new technologies, new education opportunities and more.

This year we were struck by the passion that each company shows for its customers, of course, but also by the sense that their passion is borne out of a real effort to improve patient outcomes. Through a commitment to science, research, listening to customers and a belief in dentistry’s ability to improve patients’ lives, these innovators are making dentistry in 2017-and beyond-exciting, indeed. 

	“We must continue to evolve and find ways to efficiently solve existing challenges ...”

Q: Why does Dentrix think innovation is important?

	A: John F. Kennedy is quoted as saying, “Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.” The dental industry, like others, has experienced a tremendous amount of change, especially in recent years. Advancements in technology, new federal and state regulations, and shifts in patient expectations are just a few of the many fluctuations taking place.  In order to partner with our customers to better serve their patients, we must continue to evolve and find ways to efficiently solve existing challenges and meet future needs.  

Q: What innovations are you most proud of in the past few years?

	A: Over the last several years, we have had a number of advancements that have both helped our customers in new ways as well as set a precedent in the industry. I would like to give just three examples of those innovations.

 reports have transformed the way practitioners and staff focus on key performance indicators (KPIs) to help them run a more profitable business. This, coupled with our coaching service, has helped practitioners see an average increase in cash flow of $8,000 or more per month. 

. By opening up Dentrix as a platform for other applications to connect, offices have the ability to pick and choose software they feel will best complement the Dentrix system to further enhance their business operations. By choosing products that have the “Dentrix Connected Logo,” the office can feel confident the product has been tested with Dentrix for optimal performance. Also, as top software and hardware vendors have integrated with Dentrix, valuable data from multiple sources is now available to practitioners-all in one, easy-to-use location.

	In addition to these, we have also instituted the 

 program. This helps staff confirm and demonstrate that they are efficient and knowledgeable in their use of Dentrix. Imagine practice owners being able to require on a job application that applicants be Dentrix specialists to ensure they are hiring the most skilled professionals to help run their practice. In addition, these courses, tests and certificates can be used as advancement paths for the staff looking to learn more about the product and positions in the practice.

Q: How do you feel Dentrix has pushed the industry forward?

	A: The word “innovate” means to change the established methods of doing things through new ideas, products or services. When Dentrix initially released, paper charting was the established method of tracking patient information, billing, etc. There were a few systems on the market at the time, but they were DOS-based products. Dentrix chose to use the up-and-coming Microsoft Windows as its operating system of choice to create the first interactive charting system. That was a revolutionary, new concept! We look back now and can’t fathom how anybody survived without a fully functioning electronic dental record. Dentrix was an integral part in that shift and continues to be.

	Since that time, Dentrix has continued to push the envelope through new services and products. From our electronic solutions like eClaims and attachments to our profitability coaching program to our Dentrix partner programs, we are constantly looking for ways to help our practitioners successfully run their practices. Most recently, we changed the paradigm for intraoral scanners and practice management systems by embedding the workflow of that digital impression and lab prescription directly into Dentrix. This showcases not only the power of integration, but the power of Dentrix Connected partners working together with us to improve dentistry. As we unify the operation of these systems, which until now have acted independent of each other, we are helping the clinician and their staff to be more efficient and provide better patient care.

Q: How is Dentrix different than other offerings on the market? Why should a customer choose Dentrix over other options?

	A: Apart from being the most used system in the market, we are also part of the Henry Schein family. That ensures stability and provides an assurance we will be here for many years to come. Most importantly, our ultimate goal is to partner with our practitioners to run the business so they can focus their time on the patient. We are the only solution that has all the tools directly built into the product, which can be bundled with support for a low monthly price (

). Aside from our built-in business and clinical tools, Dentrix is also the only practice management vendor that supports a vibrant community of over 270 partner products that integrate with Dentrix in a standardized way. Our Dentrix Connected program assures practices that their third party solutions will work smoothly with their practice management system.

Q: What is Dentrix’s approach to support? How can a clinician be sure they will be satisfied with their partnership with you? 

	A: Our approach to support is threefold. We call them the three “C’s.” We must, with each interaction, be caring, competent and have good character. In other words, our customers must know that we care about them and their success above our own, we must be knowledgeable to either directly assist customers with their inquiries or quickly get them to another person that can, and we must have integrity and ensure we do what we say we will do. 

Q: What innovations can dental professionals expect from Dentrix in the coming months and years?

	A: We are excited to announce that we will quickly be going beta with our new online booking product. In addition, we will be further embedding the workflow of disparate systems like we did for intraoral scanners and finding new partners to continue to provide more efficient solutions for our practitioners. Our customers can visit our website to keep apprised of what is coming and what has just been released (http://www.dentrix.com/products/dentrix/whats-new). 

Q: Why do you think Dentrix has such a good reputation among end users?

	A: We constantly and consistently deliver service and solutions that help them run a better business. We are committed to further innovate and push the envelope on what is possible. This assurance and commitment is really what sets us apart with our end users.

		For more information: DENTRIX  |  800-336-8749  |  

			“... the effectiveness of the product is critical ... I know that the quality of BISCO is unsurpassed.”

Q: Why does BISCO think innovation is important? 

			A: BISCO is a science-based company. Therefore, it is very important that we provide products to clinicians that are developed applying the latest technology available. BISCO has always been instrumental in introducing new technology and information that has been beneficial in contributing to the advancement of restorative dentistry.

 required a long research process that ended with the introduction of a hydrophilic resin matrix that will allow for ion exchange between the tooth and the material. This has provided a new path for product development, allowing for this type of technology to be used in other products. 

			From an adhesive point of view, BISCO was one of the first companies to develop a true universal bonding agent that is highly versatile, that can be used in any clinical scenario without any incompatibility issues. 

has been optimized regarding water content, solvent-to-water ratio and amount of functional monomer to be one of the most stable adhesives available.

Q: How do you feel BISCO has pushed the industry forward?

A: A company that is truly committed to optimizing bonding protocols, which are not always related to products but to technique, will have an impact on how restorative dentistry is practiced. This commitment will always keep BISCO at the forefront of research and development. BISCO also has taken a stand in sharing the knowledge; we want to be able to reach as many people as we can so we can promote what we believe is our message, which is established by performing sound research and new product development.

Q: Why should a customer choose BISCO over other options? Why did you choose to use BISCO in your practice?

			A: First, BISCO is a direct company with a unique focus on customer service. We provide answers to practicing dentists regarding their restorative protocols. Sometimes we recommend the use of other products made by our competitors. This is because the customer service and sales teams are highly trained in most areas of restorative dentistry, and the relationship between them and their customer base is very efficient. 

			I chose BISCO because I understand what it takes to develop a product. I know that the effectiveness of the product is critical, but more importantly I know that the quality of BISCO is unsurpassed. If I had to choose a single product, I would choose 

. This product provides the technology to allow for MTA to be part of a resin-based formulation that is light cured, easily placed and also provides the calcium release necessary to stimulate new hydroxyapatite crystal formation

 should be used on an everyday basis, and there is no other product similar to it.

Q: What is BISCO’s approach to customer support? 

			A: In order to be able to provide customer support, we believe that customer service representatives must be highly trained. They undergo a long training session (between two and three months) before they are allowed to answer any technical questions. This long and in-depth training will guarantee that the rep is capable of answering most frequent questions and provide full support to our customers regarding their needs on restorative dentistry practice and protocols.

			Also, we provide support to researchers worldwide. We not only train researchers, but we share our results and help them generate their own data in the most effective manner. This helps us contribute to the scientific world, and this allows us to share our message. 

Q: What innovations can dental professionals expect from BISCO in the coming months and years?

			A: The technology used with TheraCal LC

 has led to the development of a new category of products that continually release calcium ions. We understand that calcium release is beneficial for the tooth. So, we are developing new products based on this technology. TheraCem

 was the last product launched to become part of the THERA family. It is a self-adhesive resin cement that not only combines the use of very effective adhesion inducing functional monomers, but also the ability to release calcium and fluoride, generating an alkaline pH within minutes of polymerization

. Due to the presence of MDP (functional monomer), bonding to surfaces like zirconia and metal has been optimized, providing high bond strength without the need of an additional primer.

			A: I was once told by a clinician who had been using our products for 25 years, “If it’s BISCO, I trust it; you do the science right.” I think that is the reason for such a great reputation. We have been steadily growing as a company, meaning that we make every effort in keeping our loyal customers happy, but also strive to develop new customers as well. That is the consequence of hard work and dedication, outstanding customer service and excellent marketing, all with science at the core.

			A: I feel we still have a long way to go regarding research and development of new products. But most important, every time there is a breakthrough in the lab, every time there is a group of clinicians and researchers that come to our facility for training, every time I am invited to lecture domestically and abroad, every time we share the knowledge, I feel nothing but pride knowing that in some small way I am contributing to the BISCO experience.

			1. Gandolfi MG, Siboni F, Prati C. Chemical-physical properties of TheraCal, a novel light-curable MTA-like material for pulp capping . International Endodontic Journal. 2012 Jun;45(6):571-9.

			2. New Self-adhesive Resin Cement With Alkaline pH. Chen L, Gleave C, Suh B, J Dent Res96(A):#286, 2017.

 is an easy-to-clean, dual-cured, calcium- and fluoride-releasing, self-adhesive resin cement indicated for luting crowns, bridges, inlays, onlays and posts (prefabricated metal and non-metal/fiber posts).  It offers the clinician a reliable and durable cementation of indirect restorations. 

					For more information: BISCO |  800-247-3368 | 

					“Our mantra has always been to improve upon last year’s meeting”

Q: How has the landscape changed from last year to this for the dental industry? How does the 

 make sure the Midwinter Meeting stays vital for a changing world?

					A: The landscape of the dental industry is always changing and this year is no exception. The changes that occur year-to-year are usually more or less subtle. It seems to me that change in the dental industry is more often a metamorphosis-an evolution. An evolution of change is important because change not only affects the dental industry but more importantly, it affects how dentistry is practiced. One of the reasons why the Chicago Dental Society’s Midwinter Meeting stays vital in a changing world is because we attract innovative exhibitors that are on the cutting edge of the dental trade. Our exhibitors want to showcase the newest and most advanced products. Many exhibitors have said that they use the Midwinter Meeting as the meeting to introduce their newest products. The Chicago Dental Society connects the exhibitors with the many great speakers who are speaking at the meeting by allowing Midwinter Meeting attendees to assimilate new products available on the exhibit floor with the new techniques that they learn in the classroom.

Q: You mentioned that the Midwinter Meeting has become a place where dental companies show off their newest innovations for the first time. Why do you think it has become such an important place to see new products and solutions?

Dr. Louis Imburgia, President-elect,
					Chicago Dental Society

A: There are several reasons why. The Midwinter Meeting is really the granddaddy of dental meetings. It is one of the oldest; this year is the 153rd meeting. As such, it has a strong track record and is getting stronger. It is known as “the respected leader in scientific dental meetings” for a good reason. The Midwinter Meeting attracts many attendees, a high percentage of whom are dentists. 

Q: Why do you think trade shows-particularly the Midwinter Meeting-are so important to attend?

					A: The driving force behind continuing education is that we all need to accumulate continuing education hours to maintain our license to practice. As a result, there are many avenues to accumulate continuing education. Attending a tradeshow allows the practitioner to have a real comprehensive experience-not just accumulate hours. On the exhibit floor the attendee can actually hold the product and work with it. Attending courses at a meeting allows the participant to interact with the speaker. It also allows the attendee to interact with other attendees and learn about products their colleagues are using. This allows the dentist to learn more and ultimately be a better practitioner. In my opinion, getting CE hours is really only a part of learning. In order to provide better treatment for our patients, we need to know as much as we can about a procedure and learn from our colleagues. It’s like the difference between reading a textbook and attending a class. 

					As the 2018 president of the Chicago Dental Society, I can tell you that it is the best dental meeting in the world! The theme for the 2018 Midwinter Meeting is “A Dental Triad: Pride, Passion, Professionalism.” A triad is defined as a group of three closely related things that work together for one common good. Chicago Dental Society members work together for one common goal: to improve patient treatment. The Midwinter Meeting is truly a masterful orchestration for dentists and their teams. It lives and breathes Pride, Passion and Professionalism.

Q: What are some of the latest achievements of the CDS Foundation?

					A: In Chicago, we are very proud of the 

. Since the inception of the foundation just a few years ago, the CDSF has been challenged and has responded amazingly. Since 2009, the Foundation has awarded over $600,000 in grants to area nonprofit organizations that provide dental care and oral health education services to underserved populations. Since 2014, in conjunction with the Wrigley Company Foundation through the Community Service Grant program, the CDSF has provided over $130,000 in grant funding to support community service projects spearheaded by CDS member dentists. 

					What the Foundation is justifiably most proud of is the CDSF Clinic. Since the CDSF Clinic opened in February 2013, the Foundation has provided millions of dollars in donated dental services to over 1,800 patients during more than 6,000 patient visits. This equates to over 6,500 volunteer hours. The Foundation has worked with numerous human service agencies at the clinic to provide care to individuals and families from households with incomes of less than 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Level in the tri-county (Cook, Lake and DuPage) area. This was all accomplished by using only volunteer dentists who do not bill the patients for services. The impressive achievement list of the Foundation is quite long and continues to grow with the help of significant financial support provided by the Chicago Dental Society.

Q: What are some of the goals of CDS both this year and beyond?

					A: As always, our goal is to serve our membership. We are looking at new and innovative ways to engage our young and new dentists as they are the future of the CDS membership. We’re also embracing the changing landscape of the dental field. While dentistry has in the past been thought of as an “old boys club,” this is not the case as nearly half the students graduating from dental school are now women. We’ll be looking at ways to boost and diversify CDS membership and recruitment with emphasis on new dentists, as well as ethnic, gender and geographic diversity. 

					In addition, CDS members are not only leaders in their profession, they are more often than not anchors in their community who are active in civic and community organizations and volunteer, and we’d like to start highlighting more of that. By doing this, we’ll hope to raise the awareness of CDS dentistry and in return hopefully generate an appreciation for the value of seeing a CDS dentist. 

Q: What are you most excited about for attendees of the 2018 Midwinter Meeting?

					A: We are very excited about many aspects of the 

. Our mantra has always been to improve upon last year’s meeting. As impossible as that seems, our goal is always to make it better. This year is no exception. We have many new speakers blended with the tried and true. We are bringing back successful speakers who have not been at the Midwinter Meeting for a while. We are also offering some classes that appeal to young dentists who don’t feel confident in their abilities and want to learn the basics, classes for the more experienced practitioner, and many classes for the dental team to get them engaged in our meeting. 

					I invite you to visit us in Chicago to attend the Midwinter Meeting this Feb. 22-24, and I hope that you will be able to experience firsthand a “Dental Triad: Pride, Passion and Professionalism.”

						For more information: Chicago Dental Society  |  312-836-7300  |  

						“ ... the [positive] impact on a patient’s life may be indescribable.”

Q: Why is innovation in sleep dentistry so important to Whip Mix?

 has been a leader in occlusion products and airway is a natural extension of occlusion. As dentists focus on occlusal harmony and healthy tissue, they also address scalloped tongues, undersized palates and facial structure. Checking tonsil size and mallampati scores adds seconds to their screening time, and yet the [positive] impact on a patient’s life may be indescribable.

Q: What sleep innovations are you most proud of in the last few years?

							A: For some dentists, screening for sleep apnea is overwhelming, and the threat of being held liable for a medical condition causes great concern. Whip Mix brings products to dentists that work within their comfort zone. For dentists who would like to provide home sleep tests from the dental office, we offer the 

. It provides 14 channels of objective data, including bruxism, body position and airflow, all used to identify the apnea-hypopnea index. The data from this system is reviewable by medical physicians to sync the patient’s treatment plan. 

For dentists who would prefer to screen for airway issues, we recommend our wellness line of products. This includes the 

 systems. By tracking oxygen saturation and heart rate, one is easily able to allow patients to test and titrate sleep appliances from home. Add bruxism, body position and audio to pulse oximetry, and one is able to plan appropriate restorations and determine if single arch occlusal guards impact airway.

Q: What needs were you hearing in the industry that led you to develop these products?

							A: When it came to airway, it seemed dentists were relying heavily on subjective data. The screening questionnaires that patients supplied relied somewhat on what a bed partner heard or if the patient thought they snored. Sleep appliances were titrated to an estimated location and then were positioned based on how the patient felt they were sleeping. This led medical physicians to distrust the use of sleep appliances by dentists because if they were not titrated correctly, the patient’s AHI did not improve. Bringing objective data into the dental office allowed dentists to know the patient’s airway condition and validate the effectiveness of the sleep appliance. Now, they are able to know the numbers and be confident in the treatment.

Q: Why do you think Whip Mix has such a good reputation among end users? 

							A: The people. The employees at Whip Mix value relationships and become excited when they are able to help someone meet a specific need. Whip Mix is a family-run business and, from the top down, we work together to provide quality products, training and services for our customers. 