Michael Quirk

Reportedly the world’s first 45° handpiece, NSK Dental’s Ti-Max Z45L is  said to offer easy access to hard-to-reach molars. 

Additionally, the Ti-Max Z45L’s slim design provides excellent operability and high visibility, producing more space between the teeth adjacent to the handpiece’s front and body.  Also, powerful and consistent cutting reduces sectioning and third-molar extraction treatment times, reducing stress for patients and clinicians.

Additionally, the Ti-Max Z45L’s two-way spray function prevents subcutaneous emphysema and cools the bur during cutting, while a Clean Head System automatically blocks the entry of oral fluids and other contaminants into the handpiece’s head and extends the life of the bearings.  Outfitted with a titanium body and ceramic bearings, the handpiece handles burs ranging in length from 20mm to 25mm, plus it offers a 1:4.2 gear ratio that produces a maximum speed of 168,000 min

For more information about the Ti-Max Z45L, or to place an order, head to NSK Dental’s website at 

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The Ti-Max Z45L by NSK Dental is the world’s first 45° contra-angle electric handpiece

The first in a series of short educational pieces, the 

 employs easy-to-follow animation to illustrate post and core procedures in layman’s terms so patients know what to expect. 

, a new online tool created to help dental practitioners instruct staff and patients, while also providing useful forums and discussion boards to stay abreast of the latest topics affecting the dental industry.

“We’re excited to once again step up to the plate and provide dentists with a tool they’ve been asking for,” said Adrienne Collins, Product Manager. “This animated post and core procedure video is a quick, easy and patient-friendly way for a dentist to supplement an introduction of an upcoming procedure. Pentron has been working to create deeper, more comprehensive relationships with the dental professionals we serve and provide unique solutions that can help build successful practices, such as this video series and our recently launched Pentron Strada site. We’ve been getting very positive feedback from the physicians we’ve previewed the video to, which is in itself very rewarding.”

As with all of the materials on Pentron Strada, the video is free and dentists are encouraged to share with their patients and staff.

Look for more patient education videos to be added to the site throughout the remainder of the year.

The first in a series of short educational pieces, the recently debuted video employs easy-to-follow animation to illustrate post and core procedures in layman’s terms so patients know what to expect. 

Pentron Strada’s first patient education video provides step-by-step explanation of post and core procedures

 published by Ronald N. Brown, DDS of the 

UT Health Science Center’s Dental School

 uses two previous studies examines the link between a dental hygienist’s posture and the use of magnification lenses to extrapolate similar conclusions across multiple applications and dental specialties.

To date, only personal opinions and anecdotal evidence exist supporting the claim that use of magnification lenses exerts a positive influence on the operature posture of those outside of dental hygienists, and little empirical evidence exists to support claims to the contrary.  To evaluate these claims, the Dr. Brown examined two previous studies on the posture of dental hygiene students.

The first study’s objective was to ascertain outcomes the use of magnification lenses had on the posture of dental hygiene students.  Employing a random crossover design, the researchers watched 19 dental hygiene students performing an intra-oral procedure with and without the use of magnification lenses. 

After being evaluated by a panel of five dental hygiene educators, the outcome of a paired t-test indicated a more acceptable posture among students utilizing magnification lenses over those wearing only conventional safety glasses.

The second study focused on health-related issues among dental hygienists that rise as a result of poor posture in the operatory.  Using a version of Branson’s Posture Assessment Instrument (PAI), researchers videotaped two groups of dental hygiene students performing hand-scaling treatments, one group treating patients using magnifying loupes and the other without.  After performing an initial evaluation, the groups were reversed to control for innate differences in natural posture.  In any case, both groups were assessed at three time periods for nine posture components on the PAI.  The resulting scores showed a dramatic improvement in posture when using loupes, especially for students that learn to perform procedures with loupes upon entering their training program.

Using these studies, Brown extrapolates a quantifiable difference in acceptability of posture and overall benefit for clinicians of any specialty utilizing magnification loupes while also reducing the risk of musculoskeletal disorders.

Designed with a semi-rim framework, Orascoptic’s 

 wrap-around loupes offer an optimal field of field, plus the adjustable 3.5 magnification telescopes allow for variable working distances.

 loupes front lens-mounted loupes reportedly offer ongoing magnification of 3.0x and 3.5x and are available in stylish Oakley frames.

 loupe offers magnifications of 1.75x, 2.25x and 2.75x plus the distortion-free, acrylic-coated lenses are abrasion resistant and prismatic for optimal convergence.
	 

 offer a panoramic lens design as well as a lightweight design that offers a 50° declination angle to prevent hunching and eye strain.  Additionally, the loupes come with a double-hinge design that lets you lock in personal settings when the lenses are flipped up or down.

A recent study published by Ronald N. Brown, DDS of the UT Health Science Center’s Dental School uses two previous studies examines the link between a dental hygienist’s posture and the use of magnification lenses to extrapolate similar conclusions across multiple applications and dental specialties.

Recent study quantifies the benefits of magnification loupes across dental specialties

 announced NewTom VG3 digital panoramic, tomographic and cephalometric radiography unit received FDA clearance today, and will be marketed and distributed in the United States beginning in June for $50,000 to $120,000.

Offering a dynamic, single-rotation field of view, the VG3 is said to be an important contribution to the high-performance field of view offered by its predecessor, the VGi.  A modular hybrid 2D/3D system, the VG3 can start as a 2D system that is upgradable at any time to include a cephalometric sensor or 3D cone-beam-computed tomography with an 11” x 8” field of view.

Watch BIOLASE's Imaging Technology Manager Travis Harrison discuss why the NewTom VG3 is a unique entry into the market.

"We are very pleased that the NewTom BIOLASE VG3 has received FDA clearance in the U.S., said Federico Pignatelli, BIOLASE Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “The VG3 fills a significant need for doctors who want to replace their older, film-based panoramic units with a competitively priced, modern digital 2D unit that offers flexibility to add 3D capabilities as they expand the range of endodontic and periodontic procedures they perform.”

Equipped with NewTom’s NNT 4.0 imaging analysis software, the VG3 includes patented Safebeam™ technology that releases the lowest possible dosage of radiation.  To eliminate the possibility of unnecessary exposures, Safebeam™ technology automatically adjusts radiation dosages and monitors systems operation, reportedly making it the safest system available for patients and staff.

BIOLASE specializes in the development and manufacturing of laser and other innovations that provide patients and dental practitioners with safer, more effective treatments.  Click 

 for a more comprehensive overview of the features and benefits of the NewTom VG3 digital x-ray system.

BIOLASE announced NewTom VG3 digital panoramic, tomographic and cephalometric radiography unit received FDA clearance today, and will be marketed and distributed in the United States beginning in June for $50,000 to $120,000.

NewTom VG3 digital radiography system from BIOLASE receives FDA clearance

 contains a 1.23% APF non-splatter formula that blends cleaning and polishing agents.

Gelato is available in boxes of 200 disposable, color-coded cups that include a prophy ring for easy application.  Grits available – fine, medium, course, and x-course – are designated by color.  Additionally, different grits serves particular functiosn and types of patient; for example, fine grit is best for children and light stain removal or amalgam polishing.  Flavors available include bubble gum, cherry, mint, pina colada, orange sherbet, and raspberry.

Gelato prophylaxis paste is also available in six and 12-ounce jars, and with or without dye.

For more information about Gelato prophylaxis paste, or to place an order, head to Keystone Industries’ website at 

Available in a wide range of flavors, Keystone Industries’ Gelato prophylaxis paste contains a 1.23% APF non-splatter formula that blends cleaning and polishing agents.

Keystone Industries combines flavor and function in Gelato prophylaxis paste

 allows practitioners to adjust a single impression tray into 141 different configurations, including small to extra large, regular length or extra long, anterior, and quadrant. 

By snapping off unwanted portions, the tray is customizable to provide greater accuracy and patient comfort, plus it eliminates the need to add additional wax to its posterior portion.  Additionally, unlike other straight handled trays, Adjust-a-Tray’s curved, ergonomic handles allow for easy removal the patient’s mouth.

Made of medical grade polystyrene plastic, the trays are packaged in bags of 12 individually wrapped trays for cleanliness and single use, eliminating the need for the large amount of storage space other trays require. 

For more information about Adjust-a-Tray, or to place an order, call 1 (801) 718-4209 or head to GC America’s website at 

COE Adjust-a-Tray allows practitioners to adjust a single impression tray into 141 different configurations, including small to extra large, regular length or extra long, anterior, and quadrant. 

Disposable, adjustable COE® Adjust-a-Tray™ eliminates the need for all other tray types

Featuring versatile functionality, the Prexion Eclipse 3D CBCT offers dedicated 2D cephalometric and panoramic options, plus a 3D CBCT modality that is said to deliver high-quality images and diagnostic clarity.

The 3D Eclipse provides a wide-mode feature, allowing practitioners to capture full lower and upper dental arches, plus the entire 3

To request a demonstration of the Prexion 3D Eclipse CBCT scanner, or to view more information, call 1 (855) PREXION or head to Prexion’s website at 

Prexion 3D Eclipse CBCT scanner offers diagnostic clarity and multi-modal functionality

Journal of the American Dental Association

National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

 (NHANES) to determine the connection between tooth loss and diabetes.

By examining self-reported diabetes and oral examination data during the NHANES’s 2003-2004 cycle, the authors determined number of missing teeth and the prevalence of edentulism among dentate individuals, using multiple regression analyses to associate between tooth loss and diabetes.

According to the article, the frequency of edentulism among those with diabetes as 28%, while the occurrence among those without was only 14%. The multiple regression analysis showed that those with diabetes are more likely to be edentulous than those without.  Also, among dentate adults, having a higher number of missing teeth was more prevalent in those with diabetes.

As a result, the researchers concluded that diabetic individuals are at a greater risk of experiencing tooth loss than those without, the practical implications of which include the need to recognize the effect of tooth loss on patients’ overall quality of life.

Recent study shows the connection between sodium fluoride and bone regeneration in implant patients.

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Dental Association analyzes data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) to determine the connection between tooth loss and diabetes.

Journal of the American Dental Association establishes a link between tooth loss and diabetes

 is 100 times faster than conventional video cameras.

 offers helpful tips and tricks to make scanning with the 3Shape TRIOS 3D scanner faster and easier, including important preparation steps and precise bite scan strategies. 

 CAD/CAM designer, uses Ultrafast Optical Sectioning Technology to capture over 1,000 3D and 3,000 2D images per second, plus it allows clinicians to preview onscreen designs, access virtual diagnostic wax-ups and much more.

Watch the 3Shape TRIOS Color create digital impressions in real time.

The 3Shape TRIOS 3D scanner is 100 times faster than conventional video cameras.  A recent video released by 3Shape offers helpful tips and tricks to make scanning with the 3Shape TRIOS 3D scanner faster and easier, including important preparation steps and precise bite scan strategies. 

How to more effectively scan with the 3Shape TRIOS® 3D scanner [VIDEO]

Did you know that 90% of life-threatening diseases have some oral symptoms?  Or that the earliest toothbrush was used in China around 1600 BC? 

, Mouth Matters blends the fun and informational, outlining some oral hygiene statistics, plus providing some fun facts for educators, dentists and parents about the mouth itself. Click on the version below to make it larger!

Check out DPR's top 5 dental infographics to educate your patients.