Natalie Jones

The ADA Annual Session has come and gone. Now that the dental community has had some time to recover from the major industry event that gathered more than 33,000 attendees, we'd like to take a step back and focus on the most substantial take-aways.

With an editorial staff so committed to seeking out new ways to make you not just a better dentist, but a happier and more efficient dentist, it comes as no surprise that we are staying true to form by ending the ADA coverage with a little something for everyone. Our tireless contributions produced around-the-clock information on new dental products launched during the show, ranging from new 3D imaging software, to retraction pastes, to practice management systems. We'd of course be remiss to overlook some of the major enhancements and upgrades to the products that have been around for a while.

Causing quite a stir and for good reason is the new DEXIS Imaging Suite. Celebrating its 15th anniversary, DEXIS held an event at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art where dental professionals got a chance to see the brand new technology in action for the first time.

We were able to catch up with Patterson Dental's Technology Marketing Manager and Top 25 Women in Dentistry finalist Jana Berghoff on the ADA show floor, where Dental Products Report Director of Content Thais Carter and Berghoff chatted up the new relationship that has formed between Patterson and Liptak Dental. The exciting partnership means that practice management software now has a multi-stage back up to protect the dental office's data and programs. Watch our full interview with Berghoff to learn more.

Making waves already is 3Shape and its announcement to bring its TRIOS intraoral scanner to the U.S. market.

As of October 18, the company is "all systems go" with the sales of the complete digital impression system in the U.S. and Canada.

The ADA's "Stop Zombie Mouth" campaign was in full force during the show. Launched by the American Dental Association and PopCap Games, the creator of the video game Plants vs. Zombies, the campaign aims to encourage good oral health among children through the distribution of Plants vs. Zombies-themed trading cards that feature tips for keeping teeth healthy as an alternative to candy.

Dental Products Report New Products Editor Ken Schnepf was in attendance when Dr. Jonathan B. Levine, a usual guest on the Dr. Oz show, handed over a check for $5,000 to the San Francisco Dental Hygiene Society, which works with underserved populations to get them oral care.

Photo: (Left) Dr. Jonathan B. Levine talks about the Glo Foundation and the $5,000 donation.

Dr. Levine and Maurice Coffey, Director of Oral Care with Proctor and Gamble, presented the check on the show floor, while Oral-B also introduced its new Deep Sweep Power Brush.

Dr. Peter Milgrom was honored with Norton Ross Award for Excellence in Clinical Research. The ADA honored Milgrom with $5,000 and a commemorative plaque. Dr. Milgrom was recognized for his research in the field of dental phobia and for nearly four decades of accomplishment in several other aspects of dentistry. 

Dr. John Weston, Scripps Center for Dental Care Owner and Director, discusses the new 3M True Definition Scanner and the benefits his team has experienced while beta testing the digital impression system for the last 5 months.

Photo: (Right) Dr. Weston says the main benefit of the new True Definition Scanner is the wand.

J. Morita launched new TorqTech handpiece attachments that reportedly reduce operational noise and provide excellent bur stability. Learn more about the benefits of TorqTech.

Photo: (Left) New TorqTech attachments from J. Morita

We've got video interviews with the makers of some of the most game-changing dental products available on the market. Here are some of those videos.

Parkell launches Dryz gingival retraction paste [VIDEO]

Garrison talks Composi-Tight 3D XR Sectional Matrix Ring [VIDEO]

Imaging Sciences Int'l on the i-CAT [VIDEO]

Bosworth on Aegis Liner and Aegis V [VIDEO]

Essential Dental Systems on Endo-Express [VIDEO]

Ivoclar Vivadent on the Tetric Evo Ceram Bulk Fill [VIDEO]

Tokuyama on the Estelite Flow Quick [VIDEO]

Sunstar America on the Technique Deep Clean [VIDEO]

Articles

ADA 2012: Closing Thoughts

John Steck, Director of Product Management for Gendex, met up with us at the Gendex booth at the ADA Annual Session Thursday to explain the new capabilities of the 

, which has been on the market for one year.

"Customers are really excited and I think one of the things that differentiates the 

 is its simplicity," explains Steck. "It's really focused on what a doctor does 80% of the time."

According to Steck, the system has all the different capabilities to do all the different pans, but it focuses on making it easier for dentists to do what they are most likely to do more often. 

John Steck, Director of Product Management for Gendex, met up with us at the Gendex booth at the ADA Annual Session Thursday to explain the new capabilities of the GXDP-700 digital radiography system, which has been on the market for one year.

Gendex discusses the GXDP-700 pan/ceph/3D digital radiography system [VIDEO]

Scripps Center for Dental Care is a unique, multi-specialty group practice where owner and director Dr. John Weston and his team have been beta testing the 

Dr. Weston began doing digital impressions four years ago when 3M came out with its first scanner.

"It's been a success ever since," said Dr. Weston. "What it did for me is simplify the impressioning process. Instead of using rubber and trays, I'm able to do it all digitally and get it to the lab and get back a restoration that fits perfectly."

 five months ago and Dr. Weston describes the transition as seamless.

"The new scanner is even better than the original," explained Dr. Weston.

According to Dr. Weston, one of the main benefits of the new scanner is the small and light wand. It's easy to handle and very reliable.

"It will withstand a drop to the floor," said Dr. Weston. "You can dunk it in water and it doesn't need to be calibrated."

Dr. Weston attributes his improved efficiency to the True Definition Scanner because he isn't forced to redo restorations or make constant adjustments.

"You can shorten your delivery time," said Dr. Weston. "Time is money. If you can do things faster and more reliably your patients benefit and you benefit."

Scripps Center for Dental Care is a unique, multi-specialty group practice where owner and director Dr. John Weston and his team have been beta testing the new 3M True Definition Scanner for the past five months.

3M True Definition beta tester Dr. John Weston: "You can do things faster and more reliably" [VIDEO]

With the end of 2012 just days away, we would like to revisit some of the most beloved articles that have been posted over the course of the last 12 months.

The articles below cover a wide range of topics. We've chosen some of our favorites.

The November web-exclusive covered the common reasons why patients become frustrated while in a dental office and how to prepare yourself and your staff for this type of situation. We reached out to Kathleen O’Donnell, Vice President of Coaching Services for Jameson Management, to get her advice. 

In its third year, the Top 25 Women in Dentistry feature sought to recognize not just the power of the contributions women are able to make, but also the richness of diversity in the ways they choose to make a difference. 

Check out the complete list of this year's winners

The Absolute Best in Curing Light Technologies 

The June issue of DPR included a category roundup that had an emphasis on, you guessed it, curing lights. Dr. John Flucke, DPR Technology Editor, explored the latest advancements in the technologies and how they factor in when it comes to the success of bonded restorations. 

The April web-exclusive breaks down the many habits dentists and staff members have that can annoy their patients and how to prevent them from turning away patients from their practice. The list includes everything from unpleasant smells to unpredictable fees. 

The September web-exclusive featured Penny Reed Limoli of the Reed Limoli Group, Lois Banta of Banta Consulting and Kathleen O'Donnell of Jameson Management, who came up with the most common lies staff members are telling you every day. 

Are Your Patients Taking Advantage of You? 

The June web-exclusive covers the 6 patient types that dentists should watch out for. 

An October web-exclusive column from Practicing Office Manager and Dental Consultant Jill Nesbitt covers the latest trends in dental practices and the new tasks that office managers are beginning to take on. 

For the November issue of DPR, Fred S. Margolis, DDS, breaks down the many ways laser dentistry can revolutionize the dental practice. The feature story also includes a roundup of the best lasers available. 

With the end of 2012 just days away, we would like to revisit some of the most beloved articles that have been posted over the course of the last 12 months. The articles below cover a wide range of topics. We've chosen some of our favorites.

DPR's Favorite Articles of 2012

We've had the privilege of partnering up with a few industry experts who have contributed regularly over the last 12 months. Let's take a look back at some of their best stuff.

FROM THE OFFICE MANAGER'S DESK | JILL NESBITT 

Jill Nesbitt is a dental consultant and practicing office manager for a multi-specialty private dental group. Nesbitt has managed the practice for 14 years, has state-level quality training, and coaches dental teams to improve the business-side of their practices. 

Nesbitt's columns have continuously been on the better end of viewership this year. She has covered everything from dental fees to managing the schedule to improving office culture. 

COSMETIC DENTISTRY | DR. HARVEY SILVERMAN, DMD

Dr. Harvey Silverman, DMD, is the founder of the Silverman Institute of Cosmetic Dentistry - offering on-site consultations, regional seminars, and a Cosmetic Dentistry Boot Camp to take your cosmetic practice to the next level using highly advanced, simplified technical skills combined with team-friendly patient education systems. 

This year, Dr. Silverman authored "Cosmetic Dentistry: The Same Day Smile Makeover" web series for DentalProductsReport.com, which focused on advances in dental technology that can help your patients have a more self-confident smile in one easy visit. 

5 Steps to Increase Cosmetic Dentistry Awareness Among Patients 

Linda Steeves is a HygieneFusion consultant, coach, and mentor. Steeves works as a clinical hygienist and also assists dental offices and dental hygienists to achieve a higher potential.

This year, Steeves brought us insightful ways to take concepts and ideas from some of the year's best-selling books and translate them into the dental office. 

QUIET: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop 

How to Use Power Listening to Understand and Treat Your Patients 

Professional Transitions is a full-service firm providing comprehensive transition services for dentists from graduation to retirement. Its central focus is to assist clients in realizing lifetime personal, professional, and financial goals in win-win-win-win (seller-buyer-staff-patient) structured transitions.

The team at Professional Transitions, including Founder Hy Smith, Stuart Auerbach, DDS, and Phil LoGrippo, DMD, contributed articles throughout the year, covering topics ranging from social couponing to tax savings.  

Know the laws before using social couponing 

Are you prepared for life after dentistry? 

Act on these tax savings available for a limited time

DPR's Top Columnists of 2012

Tree Mainella, Director of Marketing for Parkell Inc, talked to us at the ADA Annual Session this past weekend about the newly introduced 

"We've always had a way of making products that are new to the industry, but making them cost-effective for the dental practices and outliving the performance of our competition," explained Mainella.

According to Mainella, Parkell has found a way to make Dryz and to provide it to its users at a fraction of the cost compared to its competitors.

Clinically, what makes Dryz unique is its easier handling.

"There is no need for guns or special dispending," explained Mainella. "You can use the syringe to apply right to the sulcus." It's an efficient and cost-effective way to do dentistry."

Tree Mainella, Director of Marketing for Parkell Inc, talked to us at the ADA Annual Session this past weekend about the newly introduced Dryz gingival retraction paste.

ADA 2012: Parkell debuts new Dryz gingival retraction paste [VIDEO]

As part of our Pride Institute "Best of Class" Technology Awards coverage, we interviewed the judges panel in the months leading up to the "Best of Class" Technology Fair at the 

 to find out why the winning products stand out among the rest.

Panelist Dr. Marty Jablow spoke on behalf of the 

Periolase MVP-7 from Millennium Dental Technologies

. He had this to say: "The new streamlined user interface increases usable display space to allow the doctor to focus on the clinical procedure, benefitting from the intuitive operating controls and engaging graphics.

The 360° mounting system, wide range viewing angle and increased flexibility of laser placement in the operatory work to increase clinician comfort during the procedure. The ability to upgrade the laser controls also reduces the down time of the laser."

During the "Best of Class" Tech Fair at the ADA Annual Session, we caught up with Millennium Dental Technologies' Marketing Director Rachel Moody to discuss the Periolase MVP-7 and what about the laser will contribute advancements to dentistry.

"The Periolase MVP-7 has done something that no other medial manufacturer has done so far," Moody explained. "We have actually incorporated a Samsung Galaxy tablet into the machine as part of the operating control system. No longer will your children have something that is more advanced than your medical device."

According to Moody, continual product and software upgrades are always available to keep the dentist from having to buy new products.

The main benefits to using the laser for the LANAP protocol include the ability to treat periodontitis and perioimplantitis in the office with additional safety benefits that benefit patients.

Watch the full interview to see the Periolase MVP-7 in action.

As part of our Pride Institute "Best of Class" Technology Awards coverage, we interviewed the judges panel in the months leading up to the "Best of Class" Technology Fair at the ADA Annual Session to find out why the winning products stand out among the rest.

Product Demo: Millennium Dental Technologies' Periolase MVP-7 incorporates Samsung Galaxy tablet operating system

Over the course of the last few months, we've been talking a lot about social media, and more specifically, how dental professionals are embracing the interactive platforms to connect with both existing and potential patients.

Among the many benefits of social media, establishing yourself and your dental practice on Facebook and Twitter is one way to create an opportunity to attract new patients and to stay connected with those patients once they leave your office.

Hear what 3 of the most social media savvy dentists have to say

Acknowledging the social media trend, the ADA introduces 

The ADA Practical Guide to Social Media Planning

, an e-book that can be used as a resource for those dentists who are new to the game, as well as the more savvy users.

According to the ADA, the new guide is designed to help dental professionals understand how to successfully integrate social media into their communications and marketing plans. ADA members, as well as non-members, can download the e-book 

To complement all the tips you'll learn from this new e-book on how to maintain your social media platforms, our very own 

 will get you well on your way to a successful start in a matter of a few moments. Follow this simple video series to learn everything you will need to begin taking advantage of the power of social media. Create, manage, and successfully execute a corporate Facebook page, a Twitter account, and even measure your impact using Klout.

Explore social media tools with the ADA's new e-book

Bisco Executive Vice President Dr. Paul Child discusses the DUO-LINK Universal resin cement at the ADA Annual Session 2012.

The new DUO-LINK Universal is Bisco's first new cement in several years that features upgrades to the company's existing DUO-LINK cement.

"It has an excellent cleanup," explained Dr. Child. "This is the first product that I have been involved with since joining Bisco and I've been able to have a hands-on approach with the cleanup and with the simplicity of using it to ensure that it has the characteristics that dentists are looking for."

According to Dr. Child, although there is excitement throughout the industry about all-ceramic crowns, and their translucency, there is still a lot that needs to be converted underneath the crown.

Dr. Paul Child talks Bisco's new DUO-LINK Universal, TheraCal [VIDEO]

We were able to catch up with Patterson Dental's Technology Marketing Manager and 

Top 25 Women in Dentistry finalist Jana Berghoff

Director of Content Thais Carter and Berghoff chatted up the new relationship that has formed between Patterson and Liptak Dental.

As the needs for dental practices to have alternatives for backing up and protecting data continue to increase, Patterson has added 

 to its existing practice management software.

"We've added DDS Rescue, which is a multi-stage back up or practice management data protection," explains Berghoff. "There is an actual computer in the office that literally clones the practice's server and protects the programs, in addition to the data."

According to Berghoff, with this new feature, a practice could be back up and running within 10 minutes of a problem.

Eaglesoft Clinician has also added an exciting new update to accommodate practices that would like to have certified software to meet the needs of criteria required for government incentives for electronic health records/electronic medical records.

"We have paired with Emdeon and its Emdeon Clinician software, which has created a new identity for Eaglesoft," says Berghoff.

Watch the full interview with Jana Berghoff below.

We were able to catch up with Patterson Dental's Technology Marketing Manager and Top 25 Women in Dentistry finalist Jana Berghoff Thursday on the ADA show floor, where Dental Products Report Director of Content Thais Carter and Berghoff chatted up the new relationship that has formed between Patterson and Liptak Dental.