Michael Quirk

 by researchers at the Indiana University – Purdue University Department of Health Policy and Management found that access to health care – in particular dentists and pharmacists – increases the availability and subsequent abuse of prescription opioids.

The study, which only focused on counties in Indiana, determined that the structure of regional health care systems is a major factor in determining localized access to opioids.

“Our study clearly underscores that the broader problem of prescription opioid abuse in Indiana is, in part, an 'iatrogenic epidemic,' or an unintended and unfortunate byproduct of the evolution of our health care system, medical science and the growth of the pharmaceutical industry," said Eric Wright, the lead researcher in the study. Wright is the university’s professor of Health Policy & Management, as well as director of the Center for Health Policy.

Trending article: The strangest dental crimes across the USA

Prescription drug abuse is a burgeoning problem in the United States, one so large that many state and national officials have gone so far as to 

 that retail pharmacies filled roughly 174 million ER/LA and IR opioid prescriptions in 2000. By 2009, this number had jumped to nearly 257 million.

According to the study, Indiana counties with greater numbers of dentists and pharmacists dispensed more opioid prescriptions per-capita than those with fewer. 

 has also concluded that dentists are a major source of opioid prescriptions, often prescribing quantities in excess of the patient’s needs.

Nevertheless, the researchers advise against using such localized data to attach liability for the general increase of opioid abuse to individual health care providers.

"We must be cautious and work with public health and health care leaders to avoid 'overcorrecting,' unnecessarily restricting the supply of opioids, or inadvertently vilifying or punishing providers who are struggling to meet patients' legitimate clinical needs," Wright said.

Check out these resources to learn how you can help minimize opioid abuse without ignoring the legitimate needs of your patients

Study: Prevention of prescription opioid abuse: the role of the dentist

American Dental Association: Examining Prescription Drug Abuse: the Role of the Dental Professional [DOWNLOAD]

National Prescription Drug Take-Back Initiative

Prescribers’ Clinical Support System for Opioid Therapies

Articles

 A recent study by researchers at the Indiana University – Purdue University Department of Health Policy and Management found that access to health care – in particular dentists and pharmacists – increases the availability and subsequent abuse of prescription opioids.

Study finds increased prescription drug abuse in communities with greater access to dentists

In mid-June, 2,000 dental professionals gathered in New York City to attend the 

team went to the Symposium to hear about Nobel Biocare’s new product offerings, their new workflow solution, a brand-new portal for professional cooperation and charity.

The week featured presentations (some of which were in 3D!) about cutting-edge implant technology and looking at managing difficult cases along with displays and announcements about the latest innovations from Nobel Biocare.

, which is a new regenerative product. Made of biodegradable collagen, the membrane is said to be easy to handle and creates a favorable environment for bone regeneration whilst preventing undesired cells migrating to the treatment site from surrounding soft tissue. The official launch date is to be determined.

At the Symposium, we were also able to preview the new NobelProcera Angulated Screw Channel (ASC) Abutment. This new 

 offers free choice of screw access position, meaning improved esthetics in the anterior and easier access in the posterior. The enabler is the new Omnigrip interface with a specially tailored screwdriver that makes picking up the screw easier and tightening the screw possible even at an angle.

The symposium also offered an introduction to Nobel Biocare’s new, fully-integrated digital treatment workflow for partially edentulous patients. With the secure, online NobelConnect network at its heart, Nobel Biocare is developing a seamless workflow.

Watch Nobel Biocare's Dr. Pascal Kunz discuss NobelConnect and more.

According to Nobel Biocare, “the new digital treatment workflow begins with patient assessment and treatment planning in the 

. For partially edentulous patients, a surface model scan offered by the second-generation 

 can now be incorporated into the process at any stage thanks to fully-automated smart fusion technology. This not only allows for accurate information on intraoral tissues to be viewed for diagnostic purposes but also enables the automatic creation of perfectly fitting surgical templates which are fully compatible with the guided surgery concept NobelGuide. Treatment plans can be uploaded to the NobelClinician Communicator iPad application for patient communication and, once finalized, the iPad

-operated OsseoCare Pro drilling unit can be pre-prepared for surgery. After the treatment, the automatically generated surgery report is transferred back to NobelClinician where it is safely stored for further reference and documentation.
	
	Through NobelConnect, the new workflow builds a digital link between NobelClinician and NobelProcera users, offering reported efficiency benefits such as reduced procedural treatment costs and shortened timelines while also offering a more flexible way of working. Individualized CAD/CAM prosthetics can be designed in NobelProcera Software with orders sent digitally to NobelProcera’s integrated global production network for the precise manufacture and delivery of high quality restorations. The end result is said to be a natural–looking restoration that is designed to last. 

Another major development at the Symposium was the announcement of the 

 (FOR). FOR has been established by Nobel Biocare to deliver tangible progress across three key sections: FOR Education, FOR Science and FOR Humanity. The formal launch of the foundation saw the presentation of the first “FOR Humanity Award” to Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations, Bertrand Piccard, for his humanitarian work such as with the “Winds of Hope” foundation. Professor Per Ingvar Brånemark was also elected as the first Honorary Fellow of FOR and Dr. Patrick Henry was presented with a lifetime achievement award for his contribution to the industry.

FOR is a global initiative that will expand the reach of oral rehabilitation through knowledge sharing and humanitarian efforts.

Overall, the Nobel Biocare Global Symposium presented some exciting new products, announcement and presentations.

Did you attend the Symposium? What did you think?

You can find out more information about the product announcements and presentations by visiting 

. Videos and summaries from each day of the event can be seen at 

. Information in this article partially provided by Nobel Biocare.

In mid-June, 2,000 dental professionals gathered in New York City to attend the Nobel Biocare Global Symposium. The Dental Products Report team went to the Symposium to hear about Nobel Biocare’s new product offerings, their new workflow solution, a brand-new portal for professional cooperation and charity.

How to seamlessly manage difficult cases with Nobel Biocare's workflow solution [VIDEO]

	Zenostar pre-shaded, high translucency zirconia from 

 reportedly offers a durable, versatile solution for challenging restorative cases. 

At less than half the cost of a gold crown, Zenostar is said to provide an aesthetic alternative to gold and PFM restorations, as well as 1200 MPa flexural strength, chamfer prep and cementation, and excellent marginal fit. The zirconia restoration is 100 percent full-milled with no porcelain overlay, eliminating fractures and breaks. Zenostar is available in single posterior crowns, crowns with restricted occlusal clearance and multiple unit bridges.

For more information about Zenostar zirconia, or to view a complete product list, head to Assured Dental Laboratory’s website at 

 Zenostar pre-shaded, high translucency zirconia from Assured Dental Laboratory reportedly offers a durable, versatile solution for challenging restorative cases. 

Zenostar zirconia offers an affordable, esthetic solution for challenging restorations

	All eyes were on the Lone Star State as 

 touched down in San Antonio in mid-October. Arguably the largest dental industry event of the year, the annual meeting draws thousands and thousands of dental community members to wherever it sets down. 

With this in mind, many of the biggest, most well-trusted brands launch their latest innovations at the event, or simply grab the opportunity to show off their latest products. Head to the next page for a review of the launches that took place at the event, plus some other must-see products we enjoyed seeing in the Alamo City.

	Tenure4G dual solvent bonding agent from DenMat
	Booth #225

Tenure4G features an improved formulation over the Tenure MPB bonding system that provides higher bond strength and reduced sensitivity. Formulated with ethanol and acetone for strength and sensitivity control, Tenure4G is designed to offer more predictable results for restorations. Its easy flow viscosity ensures deep penetration for interaction with the inter-tubule dentin to form a hybrid layer and reduce sensitivity. As a self-cure adhesive, Tenure4G is compatible with all resin composites, eliminating the need for multiple bonding agents, while also ensuring a complete cure that seals deep areas other light-cured, high viscosity bonding agents can’t reach.

	Synea and Alegra handpiece collections from A-dec
	Booth #816

The Synea 500, Synea 400 and Alegra 300 handpiece collections offer daylight quality LED+ lighting, plus fatigue-reducing design, lower vibration and more. A distinct feature of the premium Synea 500 high speed or low speed handpieces include a patented LED+ ring for shadow-free illumination. The Synea 400 series offers responsive power and precision, and the handpieces are available to fit all leading quick-disconnect couplers for easy mounting and removal.  The Alegra 300 series offers an air high speed with a self-generating light, plus an “attach and go” concept that lets clinicians add lighted technology without upgrading existing delivery systems.

	Filtek Bulk Fill posterior restorative from 3M ESPE
	Booth #626

With a simple one-step placement technique up to 5 mm, Filtek Bulk Fill posterior restorative reportedly saves chairtime and improves productivity by giving dentists a “one and done” option. It is formulated for stress relief, with two methacrylate monomers that act in combination to lower polymerization stress. This feature enables bulk placement without sacrificing strength or wear resistance. 

	Class II Total Practice Solution from DENTSPLY Caulk
	Booth #809

DENTSPLY Caulk is the only manufacturer that offers a complete Class II solution.

To ensure tight, accurate contacts on all your Class II restorations, take a strong first step with Palodent® Plus Sectional Matrix System.

Next, enjoy versatility and control in a single bottle with Prime&Bond Elect® Universal Dental Adhesive – you can 

 to total-etch, self-etch, or selective etch to match your preference for the situation. Then use SureFil® SDR® 

 Bulk Fill Flowable Base for the first restorative layer and experience low-stress, excellent matrix and cavity adaptation, 4mm depth of cure, and over 5 years of proven clinical success.

For the final occlusal layer, take advantage of simple shading and chameleon blending abilities in your preferred handling with high 

 low viscosity TPH® Spectra Universal Composite.

Choose NEW SmartLite® Focus LED Curing Light and feel confident that adequate energy will reach and cure material at each step along the way.

Finally, you’re just a single step away from a smooth, contoured composite surface. Complete the job with Enhance® Finishing System, the only true one-step finisher uniquely designed to achieve intermediate and final finishing in a single step. Together, these products work to reduce variability in Class II performance and deliver an optimized result.

	A2Z curing light from S-R Tek
	Booth #3611

The A2Z curing light from S-R Tek, LLC offers high power output that ensures 5-second cures for commonly used composites. The A2Z is cordless for operator convenience, and has a rechargeable lithium ion battery. With four easy-to-select cure modes, the A2Z meets all of the office’s light curing needs. The timer is adjustable to 5, 10, 15, and 20 second curing times. 

	Butler Prophyciency Prophy Angle from Sunstar/Butler
	Booth #2508

Patent-pending Butler Prophyciency™ Prophy Angle with the ButlerBloom™ contouring cup is a smarter, more efficient way to clean and polish teeth. In a recent product use test and survey, 71% of dental professionals that used the product felt that it would be beneficial to their prophylaxis procedure and patient care. 

	Adhese Universal from Ivoclar Vivadent
	Booth #858

Adhese® Universal is a single-component, light cured universal adhesive for direct and indirect bonding procedures. It’s compatible with all etching techniques: self-etch, selective enamel-etch and total-etch. The only universal adhesive available in the ergonomically designed VivaPen® delivery form, Adhese is delivered directly to the quickly and simply delivered to the preparation with very little waste. Plus, Adhese Universal Vivapen reportedly delivers up to 190 single-tooth applications, drastically reducing the cost per application and contributing to more cost-effective treatments.

	Spirit 3300 dental chair from Pelton & Crane
	Booth #852

Pelton & Crane’s newSpirit 3300 Dental Chair offers enhancements in doctor access, patient comfort and aesthetic appeal.

Not least of these enhancements is the Narrow Back Advantage™.  A narrow backrest, coupled with the ability for the chair to go lower to the ground, allows for ideal oral cavity access for practitioners of any stature in a comfortable ergonomic position.

The chair also keeps in mind the comfort of patients. Slow release foam, contoured armrests and ErgoSoothe™ massage technology creates a relaxing environment, while a new base design makes it easy for patients to enter and exit the chair, and provides enhanced stool access alongside the chair. Plus, a sleek and streamlined new design highlights a modern look for the operatory that instills an image of excellence in patients.

	Philips Zoom QuickPro from Philips Sonicare
	Booth #829

’s application only takes five minutes, which can be easily tacked onto a regular dental cleaning appointment with for ultimate convenience.

After the application, the patient can leave the dentist office and go about his or her day. After wearing the treatment’s transparent formula for 30 minutes, the patient can simply wipe it off. The treatment can whiten teeth up to four shades in just one application.

While in San Antonio, Philips is hosting a live demonstration on successful options for in-office whitening. The product demonstrations include the 

 and Philips Zoom QuickPro. The date and time of the demonstration is Saturday, October 11 between 8 a.m.-9:30 a.m. This demonstrations will offer you a free CE credit and free for all ADA conference attendees. Please pick up your ticket at the Philips booth on Friday, October 10 by 3 p.m.

We first learned about this product at the California Dental Association meeting in San Francisco. Watch our exclusive video from the show below...

CDA San Francisco: Philips Zoom Whitening

 solves the HIPAA-compliant e-mail problem for dental practices, dental labs and other dental professionals, but that is only part of the functionality of OperaDDS.

OperaDDS is a complete information dashboard that unifies dental practice communications so that any team member can instantly be paged, receive e-mail, send orders to labs, or collaborate with other specialists from anywhere there is Internet access. OperaDDS works with all existing hardware and with all current and future computers, tablets and smart phones, with any e-mail address, with and for every dental professional out there. 

 All eyes were on the Lone Star State as ADA 2014 touched down in San Antonio in mid-October. Arguably the largest dental industry event of the year, the annual meeting draws thousands and thousands of dental community members to wherever it sets down. 

ADA 2014: Big launches and must-see products at the annual session

DPR presents the first in a two part series examining the latest and greatest in digital radiography, including must-have products and the best practices for your practice.	 	 	

When it comes to digital sensors, there's always more than meets eye.

	 	If you have ever been in the market for a new digital intraoral x-ray sensor, you are probably familiar with the term “line pairs per millimeter.” Sensor companies love to toss this term around. It is an easy way to convey the purported imaging capabilities of a sensor, and it is represented conveniently by a number. The higher the number, the better the image quality, right?	 	

RELATED: New SuniRay2 intraoral digital sensor boasts low radiation, high image quality

	 	The truth is, a digital sensor’s image quality is an essential aspect of its diagnostic capabilities. A sensor that captures high-quality digital X-rays makes it a lot easier to detect small, difficult-to-discern cavities than a sensor that captures low-quality images. But line pairs per millimeter is an inadequate measure of a sensor’s imaging capabilities. It just doesn’t tell the whole story. And for dentists looking to purchase a new digital intraoral sensor, line pairs per millimeter can actually draw attention away from the other important specs and measures that will provide them with a more complete sense of a sensor’s ability to capture diagnostic images.	 	According to a recent survey of dentists and dental radiologists, contrast resolution is the most desired characteristic for a new sensor-not line pairs per millimeter. Contrast resolution is a measure of the subtle gradations of gray levels in an image; LP/mm is a measure of the fine detail that can be distinguished in an image. Contrast resolution is important for caries detection, spotting subtle changes in the density of enamel, etc., and LP/mm is important for being able to see small items on a radiograph. Simply put, contrast resolution is a greater measure of a sensor’s diagnostic capabilities. Most diagnostic tasks in dentistry require contrast perception and detectability, not necessarily the detection of fine detail.	 

Review Suni products, view videos or request a quote

	 	Another thing to consider is how efficiently a digital sensor captures its X-rays. All sensors require a radiation dose to capture an image, but quite often sensors with high LP/mm counts require a much larger dose of radiation. This is a problem for patients and practitioners: for patients because unnecessary radiation exposure can pose health risks, and for practitioners because images that have higher LP/mm counts and require higher radiation doses can often, after image processing and filter applications, come out “noisy” or grainy. Because of the ALARA principle (As Low As Reasonably Achievable), doctors should aim to capture diagnostic-quality X-rays using the minimal amount of radiation.	 	

RELATED: How to determine the ROI of digital radiography equipment

	 	 	That is why optimal exposure is another important measure of a sensor’s diagnostic capabilities. Optimal exposure is the lowest radiation exposure at which the maximal LP/mm and contrast resolution are achieved. The lower the optimal exposure level, the more efficiently a sensor captures diagnostic-quality images. Suni Medical Imaging’s SuniRay2 digital intraoral sensor, for instance, was recently shown in a University of Texas Health Center study to have the lowest optimal exposure levels among 20 digital intraoral sensor brands. 	 	Ultimately, the truest measure of a sensor’s image quality is always going to be your own eyes. If a sensor facilitates accurate diagnosis, whether it boasts 20 LP/mm or 10 makes little difference to the user. What you can usually be sure of, however, is there is more to consider when comparing sensors than the mere number of line pairs sensor manufacturers love to talk about. It’s easy to market a number. What is not so easy is to convey, comprehensively yet concisely, the full measure of a sensor’s diagnostic capabilities.	 	 	

		Bring each system in for an in-office demo. Digital radiography sales reps are mobile and can bring sensors and a laptop to you. If you're already computerized, have them connect their laptop to one of your treatment area monitors and take some images of the doctor and the staff. Then you can see how the images will appear on your monitor using your x-ray heads.

		Have each clinical staff member take turns placing the sensor in a patient's mouth as well as switching places and being the patient. This allows everyone to see how easy or difficult the sensor is to place while also being able to determine the way the sensor will feel to a patient. Also, this will help them explain to patients about the sensor after you make the jump to digital.

		Expect some minor hiccups. Any time you try something new there will be one or two unforeseen problems that present themselves. The learning curve for digital sensors is extremely short, but anticipating minor problems helps you and your staff deal with them in a more positive, productive manner. Remember, the benefits of digital radiography far outweigh any minor problems that may present themselves as you familiarize yourself with the new systems.

		Consult with your staff to get their opinions on which systems they prefer and why. Also have an "all hands" staff meeting to discuss the plan to move to digital, as well as to identify any potential problems that you or the staff foresee during implementation.

		If you're still using film, making the transition to digital can seem intimidating. But with the proper planning in place for the transition, things can go quite smoothly. Your sales representative can provide an incredible amount of knowledge about the dos and don'ts of going digital. I can assure you that the shopping, planning, training and integration is all worth it! Digital radiography offers immense benefits for patients and the dental team. I know you will find the technology to be all you expected and much, much more.

The award-winning DEXIS Platinum’s physical attributes lead to patient comfort, remarkable image quality with lowered radiation and overall efficient use. Plus, the TrueComfort™ design of DEXIS Platinum offers beveled corners and a smoothly rounded casing that allows the clinician to more efficiently move the sensor about the mouth, even in tough areas like the upper molars and lower premolars. Also, the sensor offers greater image quality and consistency across both high and low radiation dose, while post-capture images can be displayed at ultra-large sizes.	 

i-CAT 3D imaging solutions are said to help clinicians quickly diagnose complex problems with less radiation and develop treatment plans more easily and accurately. It features 3D planning and treatment tools for implants and restorations, oral and maxillofacial surgery, orthodontics, and TMD and airway disorders. Other features include Visual iQuity™ that provides clear 2D and 3D images; QuickScan+ technology that offers a lower dose when high resolution is not needed, at a dose comparable to 2D pan; TxSTUDIO™ treatment tools for implant and restoration planning, surgical guides and other CAD/CAM applications; as well as an easy-to-use SmartScan STUDIO™ touchscreen that allows for selection of the appropriate scan for each patient.	 	 	 	 

The ProMax 3D imaging unit features a broad range of imaging views that make it well-suited for diagnosis, planning and treatments including oral surgery, orthodontics and implants. Its three imaging planes make it easier to locate and trace the mandibular nerve canal, providing the dentist with more confidence when planning dental implants.	 	 	 	 	 

 The only real difference is price and the customer service a company offers.			 			

 The image a sensor produces is an important factor in deciding which sensor to purchase. And while the major brands’ sensors are coming very close to one another in terms of image quality, there is still a slew of other factors to consider, such as warranty details and compatibility with your practice’s existing technologies, or the technological knowledge of your dental team. 			 			2. 

Cone beam technology is far too advanced for a general dentist.

 On the contrary, cone beam systems are a valuable asset to general dentists in all disciplines: teeth crowding and eruption for orthodontics; canals, morphology, underobturated canals and fractured roots in endodontics; periodontal defects for possible grafting, in addition to nerve location for impacted extractions or implant placements.			 			3.

 If I invest in a specific pan/ceph technology, I’m locked into that equipment for the next 10 years.

New technology doesn’t automatically render obsolete that which you currently use. Like all expensive equipment, practitioners must define what they want it to do and how it will provide what they need. 			 			4. 

Digital photography offers significant value to general practice beyond showing professional-looking before and after photos of a successful esthetic transformation.

 Merely showing patients a transformation is just the tip of the iceberg with respect to digital photography. Other uses like “co-diganosis” often offer the shortest path to gaining treatment acceptance, making your digital camera an indispensable tool that’s no less important than your digital X-ray system.			 			5. 

To be a digital dentist, you need to hire a server specialist.

 The advice and support of professionals is required when properly running any business that depends on computers. Doing it improperly wastes more money every month than the cost of the computers themselves, while properly maintained and smoothly running systems provide a solid ROI and give your practice a cutting-edge image.			 			6. 

You must tell your patients how much radiation they’re being exposed to in a given procedure.

 Changing “must” to “should” would make this true. Informing before performing is a must for all treatments, not excepting the digital X-ray process. It’s not required, but a reassurance of low radiation in comparison to traditional dental X-rays helps with treatment acceptance, as many patients may have concerns they are afraid to voice.			 			7. 

I have too many film hard files to go digital.

 While not a decision to be made lightly, moving from analog to digital shouldn’t depend on the number of hard films you currently have. Solid technologies like the VIDAR Film Digitizer exist that allow you to easily convert hard copy films to digital in just seconds. Simply put, a small investment lets your old information move into the future along with the rest of your practice.			 			8. 

Once I take a scan, I can just attach it to an email and send it to an insurance provider or specialist.

. It is almost that easy, but not quite. Sharing in this manner requires attachment capabilities offered by services like NEA FastAttach. 

 DPR presents the first in a two part series examining the latest and greatest in digital radiography, including must-have products and the best practices for your practice.   

The best clinical x-ray products and practices for your dental practice

Traxodent from Premier Dental is designed to offer quick, effective retraction in about two minutes without hemostatic solutions, which eliminates fumbling and saves chair time. 

Plus, it provides reportedly superior hemostatis, which stops bleeding and crevicular seepage during retraction. Traxodent also applies less pressure on sensitive tissue, which allows practitioners to avoid tearing gingiva and increases patient comfort. Delivered without using cumbersome or expensive guns or cartridges, Traxodent’s features an ergonomic disposable syringe and bendable syringe tip with excellent reach.

Follow these steps to learn how to use Traxodent to get impressions with clear, defined margins

For more information about Traxodent, call Premier Dental at 1-888-670-6100 or head to 

How to use Premier Dental's Traxodent to achieve impressions with clear, defined margins

At a CAD/CAM media event that took place yesterday in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., 

 offered a preview of CEREC software 4.3, which will be available July, 1 2014.

Designed to improve the CEREC system’s overall functionality and ease of use, the new version of the 

 offers a host of new features, such as acquisition hints that automatically indicate areas in which scans are incomplete or where additional data is needed; a “bail-out” button that lets the user send cases that can’t be milled chairside directly to the lab using Sirona Connect; an advanced undercut detection feature; as well as new anatomical features that provide greater detail and enhanced esthetics.

 is now compatible with carbide burs, which allows users to mill softer, more porous materials like acrylic temporary materials and pre-sintered zirconia. Previously, the MC XL only used diamond burs for grinding harder materials.

Check back here for more news from this event, as well as more detailed coverage of the product upgrades mentioned above.

At a CAD/CAM media event that took place yesterday in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., Sirona offered a preview of CEREC software 4.3, which will be available July, 1 2014.

Sirona CAD/CAM media event previews upgraded CEREC 4.3 software and more

As part of DPR's June coverage of caries detection devices in our print publication, Products Editor Michael Quirk caught up with 

, DDS, a family dentist who practices out of Plymouth Meeting, Penn. to learn why he relies on 

 to help ensure the health of his patients.

	Q: What is the most frequent question you hear about the caries detection category, and how does The Canary System answer that question? 	 	The most frequent question I hear regarding caries detection devices is their accuracy and reliability. The Canary System has proven to be completely reliable and accurate in terms of revealing caries that are difficult to detect visually or radiographically. In some cases it confirms a suspicion of caries and in others it is the only means of diagnosing caries, including lesions adjacent to an existing restoration and interproximally.	 			Q: What about these devices, and The Canary System in particular, help dentists practice better dentistry? 			 			The Canary System enhances the level of care that can be provided by revealing caries that may otherwise be undetected. It is not uncommon to discover large carious lesions in the dentin that were not evident clinically or radiographically. Any device that allows for early detection of a lesion benefits the patient. Patients respond very positively to the Canary System, understanding that an undetected lesion may progress, necessitating more involved, time-consuming and potentially more costly treatment.	 			Q: What can dental practitioners do to get the most from these devices, perhaps in terms of ROI?			 			Optimizing the benefit of caries detection devices involves maximizing utilization. In addition to detecting carious lesions that would otherwise escape detection and progress, practices will experience an increase in the placement of sealants. Teeth that are below threshold for caries as determined by the Canary System are candidates for sealants. Patients also respond positively to suggestions to place sealants due to their non-invasive, preventive properties. Detecting interproximal caries and lesions at the margins of existing restorations also helps maximize the benefit and ROI of the Canary System. 			 			Q: What are some upcoming trends for caries detection devices you see in the U.S.?			 			Upcoming trends in caries detection devices will likely include increased capabilities of existing devices. Other means of caries detection we may see in the future include salivary diagnostic technology for cariogenic bacterial identification, salivary biomarkers, salivary pH evaluation and other genetic technologies.			 			

The Canary System is a low-powered laser that allows for early detection of caries and defects in the tooth’s crystal structure not yet discernible on X-rays or by visual examination. It can detect decay on smooth enamel surfaces, root surfaces, occlusal surfaces, proximal surfaces, under sealants, and around existing amalgam or composite fillings. The Canary System can detect lesions as small as 50 microns up to 5 mm below the tooth surface; it can also detect cracks in enamel.					 					A Canary exam provides audible and visual numeric measurements of tooth structure that engages the patient and helps them to understand the rationale for a proposed treatment plan. More than 60 papers published in peer-reviewed journals demonstrate Canary’s ability to detect and monitor carious lesions and cracks in teeth. 					 					For more information about the Canary System, call Quantum Dental Technologies at 1-866-933-9910 or head to 

As part of DPR's June coverage of caries detection devices in our print publication, Products Editor Michael Quirk caught up with Dr. Richard Nagelberg, DDS, a family dentist who practices out of Plymouth Meeting, Penn. to learn why he relies on the Canary System to help ensure the health of his patients.

Q&A: Dr. Richard H. Nagelberg talks up caries detection devices, as well as the Canary System's features, benefits and ROI

 is a single-component, light cured universal adhesive for direct and indirect bonding procedures. 

It’s compatible with all etching techniques: self-etch, selective enamel-etch and total-etch. The only universal adhesive available in the ergonomically designed VivaPen® delivery form, Adhese is delivered directly to the quickly and simply delivered to the preparation with very little waste.

Plus, Adhese Universal Vivapen reportedly delivers up to 190 single-tooth applications, drastically reducing the cost per application and contributing to more cost-effective treatments.

Q & A: Dr. George Tysowsky, Ivoclar Vivadent Vice President of Technology

DPR caught up with Ivoclar Vivadent’s Vice President of Technology Dr. George Tysowsky to learn about the new Adhese® Universal Vivapen®.

Q: What is the most frequent question you hear from clinicians about this category?

Prior to the introduction of universal adhesives there was two options: self-etch or total etch. There was lots of debate around which was better.

, 60% of respondents stated that they use 6 or more brands of materials in their practice. How important is it to provide a universal adhesive that can make dentists' choices easier?

Having one adhesive material, such as Adhese® Universal, that can be used for all bonding and etching techniques makes the bonding procedure less error prone.  Office productivity also tends to improve because the clinical team becomes very proficient in using the one and only adhesive material in the practice.  Furthermore, having only one bottle makes it much easier to manage inventory of dental supplies.

Q: What makes your new Adhese® Universal different from all the other “universal” adhesives that have recently entered the market?

Adhese Universal has the broad indications, high bond strength and virtually no post-operative sensitivity like some of the other “universal” adhesives on the market.  However, Adhese Universal will be the only universal adhesive available in the traditional bottle delivery form as well as the revolutionary VivaPen® delivery form.  It’s this unique delivery form that sets Adhese Universal apart from the other “universal” adhesives on the market.  The solvents used in dental adhesives are typically highly volatile.  That means every time the cap is removed from the bottle, there is some evaporation of the solvent.  Studies have shown that the bond strength of these materials decrease over time as the solvent evaporates from the bottle.  The VivaPen on the other hand delivers consistently high bond strength over time because it ‘locks in’ the material to ensure fresh material every time.

Most clinicians don’t realize how much adhesive is wasted in their practice because they seldom use the entire amount of adhesive dispensed in the well.  VivaPen enables the adhesive to be delivered directly intra-orally, resulting in virtually no waste.  Adhese Universal VivaPen delivers up to 190 single-tooth applications, which is significantly more than the traditional bottle.  Therefore, the cost per application is significantly less with the VivaPen.  

To learn more about Adhese Universal Vivapen, call 1-800-533-6825 or head to Ivoclar Vivadent's website at 

Adhese® Universal is a single-component, light cured universal adhesive for direct and indirect bonding procedures. 

Adhese Universal Vivapen offers a unique delivery system for Ivoclar Vivadent's new light cured universal adhesive [VIDEO]

 is designed to allow practitioners to transform a pneumatic handpiece system to a modern electric unit that is equipped with a brushless and sensorless micromotor, as well as an iPod touch interface from Apple®.

The ergonomic, intuitive interface offers numerous pre-programmed options and is designed to meet the needs of all practitioners in any situation. Plus, auto-reverse and auto-forward functions allow for safe endodontic treatments, and the iOptima comes with the Bien-Air Micro-Series contra-angle and MX2 LED Micromotor, which significantly reduces the effort required to use the instrument.

So how do these features benefit the practitioner? Let’s take a look.

First, the iOptima saves clinicians the cost of purchasing a new dental unit.

 The compact outlay lets practices equip themselves with electric technology without having to make expensive improvements to existing systems.

Second, the multiple functionalities of the iOptima –combined with the renowned performance of Bien-Air electric instruments - allows clinicians to treat a large number of patients, which 

has a direct effect on practice profitability

 iOptima’s advanced technology, such as preprogrammed restorative and endodontic interventions, mean using the device is simple, efficient and risk-free. 

Practitioners simply indicate the type of operation and select their tools to access preset speed and torque parameters.

New functions are added regularly that improve the device’s performance and possibilities of the device, free of charge.

 the iOptima offers easy, hassle-free installation.

 Simply download the iOptima application, connect 3 cables and start using the device. Air-driven installations are instantly transformed into a formidable electric system.

For more information about the iOptima, head to 

The iOptima from Bien-Air is designed to allow practitioners to transform a pneumatic handpiece system to a modern electric unit that is equipped with a brushless and sensorless micromotor, as well as an iPod touch interface from Apple®.