Noah Levine

 system brings a range of operational improvements and efficiencies to a practice, and despite significant initial costs, these systems can even save a practice money over the long term. However, if the new, high-tech gear is not properly used and cared for, practices can find the price tag unexpectedly growing and eating away at the return on their investment.

Knowing the right questions to ask at the time of purchase is a key to avoiding any unexpected immediate costs. Digital radiography systems usually include the intraoral sensors that capture the image, along with software to process the digital image information. However, if the new sensors require a change in holders, sleeves or other accessories that are not a part of the base system, those costs need to be included in pre-purchase considerations.

Safely store and transport digital radiography sensors. Many practices keep digital sensor equipment in small baskets with the cable loosely coiled. The baskets can be used to carry equipment between operatories and provide an easy place to keep all sensor components.

Properly sterilize autoclavable accessories. Sensor holders, rings and other digital radiography accessories often require sterilization. Be sure to follow all manufacturer instructions for the proper method of sterilization to preserve the lifespan of the accessories.

Properly clean sensors. Digital radiography sensors are not autoclavable, but they may still require cleaning. Be sure to follow manufacturer instructions for the proper cleaning method and materials so the sensor will not be damaged during cleaning.

Another upfront cost to consider is the service plan that will protect the investment. A one-year service agreement is included with a DEXIS digital radiography system, but DEXIS Public and Media Relations Manager Jackie Raulerson, said it often is a good idea for practices to budget for extending their coverage.

The cost of extending the plan should be factored in while planning the overall investment in the system. With 

, extending the DEXcare service plan provides a practice with the availability of ongoing training, support, software upgrades and replacements for sensors that break down due to manufacturer error. Raulerson said the service plans can even be helpful if sensors get damaged through misuse or accidents at a practice.

“If you’ve damaged your sensor we do offer a reduced fee for a replacement if you’re at a certain service level agreement,” she said.

Of course making sure the sensors are properly used and cared for is the easiest way to make sure they are not damaged in the first place and avoid the unexpected cost of a sudden replacement. Just like any electrical cord, digital sensor cables should never be crimped or tightly wound around anything. Sensor care, with hands on demonstrations, is the first topic DEXIS instructors cover during their on site training sessions, Raulerson said.

Many practices find keeping the sensors and controllers in baskets makes it easier to move them between operatories, and if stored separately from the controller, hanging the sensors and cables on approved wall hooks is a good way to keep them handy but out of the way Raulerson added. Care should be taken while setting up the operatory for DR so no cables-whether in use or being stored-are in areas where they could be tripped over, or rolled over by a clinician’s seat.

“It’s a matter of checking your workflow and positioning the items so you can best ergonomically use them,” she said.

With cables often being the most vulnerable part of expensive digital sensors, care is certainly important, but 

 offers a pair of sensor options that can make that job easier. The 

 has no cable to get in the way or be damaged, while the CDR Pluswire features a cable set up for fast and simple replacement by the user.

But in the end, avoiding hidden and unexpected costs with a digital radiography system comes down to treating the expensive equipment with care and attention. Raulerson said sensors could last well beyond five years of daily use if they are properly cared for, and she thinks most practices try hard to treat the high-technology equipment as more than a toy.

“By and large I think our owners do a great job. For the most part they love the technology and take great care of it,” she said.

Articles

Adding a digital radiography system brings a range of operational improvements and efficiencies to a practice, and despite significant initial costs, these systems can even save a practice money over the long term. However, if the new, high-tech gear is not properly used and cared for, practices can find the price tag unexpectedly growing and eating away at the return on their investment.

How to care for your digital radiography system

Located in Modesto, Calif., since opening its doors in the late 1970s, Hamilton Dental Design is a crown and bridge lab that also handles implant cases. The lab currently employs five technicians and two lab assistants.

Noble, fine-grain YX type IV crown and bridge gold alloy, from 

, is designed as an economical alternative to high noble options. The alloy contains 2% gold, 40% palladium and 25% silver, is copper-free and suitable for use with patients with allergies. With its low specific gravity the alloy allows a greater number of units per ounce than higher gold content alloys. Castings have an esthetically pleasing soft yellow color, and the alloy is tarnish resistant and casts easily. The material’s high strength makes it suitable for all crown and bridge applications.

With a lab located in an area hard hit by the recession and still showing an unemployment rate twice the national average, Hamilton Dental Design owner Mike Hamilton, CDT, has kept his lab healthy by constantly looking for ways to operate the business more efficiently and seeking out the products and materials that can still be profitable in the current economic climate.

Implant cases have been a growth area for Hamilton and 

 now make up approximately 60% of the lab’s crown and bridge business. However, despite those changes, some clinicians and patients 

 crowns and other full contour gold restorations. Those products remain a key part of the lab, and Hamilton said having YX as an affordable noble option is working out really well.

“They want to stay with the gold crown, but they want something less expensive than the regular crown that we had been using,” he said. “We tried this YX metal and it seemed to really fit the bill quite well.”

Hamilton said the lab uses YX for everything from full crowns, onlays and custom cast abutments. When a doctor asks for a high noble crown, he’ll often suggest they switch to the YX alloy to provide a more economical option to their patients, and Hamilton said a majority of his clients see the benefit in switching, which has helped his lab through the recession.

“Through these kinds of cost saving efforts we’ve been able to tough it out,” he said. “These kinds of alloys are very needed in our industry right now.”

 as any alloy can be, it’s not worth using if it doesn’t provide the results clinicians and patients want through a process that works for the lab. On both of those points, Hamilton said YX delivers.

The color is close enough to a high noble alloy to please the dentists and their patients, and Hamilton said clinicians also like how easily YX crowns and onlays burnish.

YX has been in use at Hamilton’s lab for close to 2 years, and it’s become one of his go to materials, Hamilton said. The alloy casts well, doesn’t exhibit any porosity problems and has proven to be a helpful tool for his technicians and clients.

“The fit and the finish when it’s all done is really nice,” Hamilton said. “It has enough silver content in the alloy that it just polishes really nice. It fits nice when the casting’s done too. It’s not like you have to manipulate it after the casting, because it fits.”

Workability and esthetics are important, but in the end, the economics need to work out for any material to be useful in a dental lab. Even with the growing popularity of all-ceramic options, Hamilton believes having a reliable 

 for full-contour work will always be a necessity for a lab focused on fixed restorative work. For now, he’s very happy to have YX as that alloy.

“For a crown and bridge lab like we are, the metal expense is unbelievably difficult to stay ahead of, especially considering the recession,” he said. “This YX has been a very good metal. It just works out really great. We’ve been real happy with it. It’s a good alternative.”

 The lab Located in Modesto, Calif., since opening its doors in the late 1970s, Hamilton Dental Design is a crown and bridge lab that also handles implant cases. The lab currently employs five technicians and two lab assistants.

Real Time ROI: Gold in color not cost – Aurident Inc.'s YX

Straumann® CARES® System 7.0 software gives users full flexibility to choose their workflow-validated or external (open)-through a single system. The validated workflow provides direct access to precise, high-quality materials and restorations through 

’s centralized milling facilities and pre-set design parameters. Customized abutments for Straumann bone level and tissue level implant platforms are available in Zr02 and Ti materials. Tooth-borne restorations in a wide range of materials including IPS e.max®, CAD, VITABLOCS® and 3M™ ESPE™ Lava™ Ultimate Restorative are available through the validated workflow offering. With software based on the 

Dental Wings Open Software (DWOS) design modules

, technicians working in the external workflow have the expanded flexibility of sending an open .STL file to almost any milling center to produce almost any restoration type from the material of their choice. More than just CAD/CAM, Straumann CARES System 7.0 is an integrated prosthetic digital design software, incorporating intraoral scan data, guided surgery planning and CAD/CAM design within a single interface. The software includes free online technical case support from Straumann’s trained CDTs. Equally powerful and flexible, the System 7.0 is designed to keep labs competitive for years to come.

		CAD/CAM system with both validated and external (open) workflows

		Validated workflow sends cases to Straumann for milling from materials including zirconia, IPS e.max CAD, VITABLOCS, Lava Ultimate Restorative and more

		External (open) workflow allows cases to be sent to any production facility that can accept .STL files

		Software is based on the Dental Wings Open Software (DWOS) design modules

		The Straumann Guarantee provides a limited warranty covering ceramic abutments for 5 years and titanium abutments for 10 years

		Incorporates intraoral scan data, guided surgery planning and dental CAD design within one software system

		Online support available from Straumann’s trained CDTs

		Onboard marketing support and training programs help bring laboratories up to speed

Straumann® CARES® System 7.0 software gives users full flexibility to choose their workflow-validated or external (open)-through a single system. The validated workflow provides direct access to precise, high-quality materials and restorations through Straumann’s centralized milling facilities and pre-set design parameters. Customized abutments for Straumann bone level and tissue level implant platforms are available in Zr02 and Ti materials.

Tech Brief: Best of both worlds – Straumann CARES 7.0

There was no shortage of major announcements from the host company of the recent Astra Tech World Congress, held May 9-12 in Gothenburg, Sweden. The event was the last major use of the Astra Tech name as the 

 company was recently reorganized into the newly created 

Among the big announcements from the company was the increased demand for its Atlantis™ patient-specific abutments and the expected sale of the one millionth Atlantis abutment before the end of 2012. Astra Tech reported that Atlantis sales are currently growing faster than the overall CAD/CAM custom abutment market and the company has expanded production in  the U.S. and Sweden to keep up with demand. According to the company's press release, Atlantis abutments-which are compatible with all major implant systems-have become the market leading CAD/CAM solution in North America, with a positive response in Europe and Australia.

 product line include the Atlantis crown abutment for single-tooth, screw-retained restorations; several new zirconia shades, including a translucent shade; the Atlantis abutment core file, a high-precision digital file that replaces scan of the abutment and the cast for the laboratories, as well as a number of interfaces for newly added third-party system manufacturers. Additionally, the company has rolled out new services including the Atlantis 3D Editor, which is designed to enhance 

 between the laboratory, the dentist and Atlantis; and Atlantis™ lab-based scanning, a service designed to ensure a truly efficient digital workflow for the laboratory by allowing the dental models to be kept at the laboratory throughout the entire production process of the final restoration. Today, scanners from 3M ESPE and Dental Wings support lab-based scanning, and later this year scanners from 

News from Astra Tech's global clinical research program presented during the World Congress provided new 

 backing up the benefits of the Astra Tech Implant System™. The long-term prospects for OsseoSpeed™ implants were bolstered in a recently published prospective study by H. Schliephake et al. In the study, the 5-year clinical outcome from 44 patients treated with 123 implants placed in the posterior mandible and early loaded, was presented. The study focused on clinical efficacy; hence, survival rate, implant stability and marginal bone level change were evaluated. All implants survived the whole study period giving a 100% implant survival rate. Implant stability, by means of ISQ values, increased during the first year and the marginal bone level change was minimal ending in a total mean change from implant placement to 5-year of -0.08 mm. The authors concluded that implants with the fluoride-modified OsseoSpeed™ surface provide auspicious results for the early loading protocol in the posterior mandible.

An evaluation of OsseoSpeed™ 3 mm narrow implants was undertaken in a prospective multicenter study by P. King et al., which included 69 patients, together treated with a total of 97 implants. The OsseoSpeed™ narrow implants were replacing a single tooth in the anterior region, and the study was designed to evaluate clinical performance using one stage surgery with an early loading protocol. Two-year follow up indicates that treatment with OsseoSpeed™ TX 3.0 implants is a safe and predictable treatment option in the anterior region when interdental space is limited. Soft tissue and marginal bone levels were well preserved.

In a prospective multicenter study of marginal bone support around OsseoSpeed™ Profile implants by R. Nölken et al., 65 patients with a need of single tooth replacements were included. The aim of the study was to clinically and radiographically evaluate the position of lingual, buccal and interproximal marginal bone support after placing and restoring a single OsseoSpeed™ Profile implant in sloped healed ridges. After 1 year, the results revealed small marginal bone level alterations indicating that the OsseoSpeed™ Profile implant is a predictable treatment option where the alveolar crest anatomy is sloped in a lingual to buccal direction.

The prestigious Astra Tech Scientific Award 2012 was awarded to Professor Tord Berglundh, Sweden, for his significant contribution to research related to oral implants. Being the third winner of the Astra Tech Scientific Award, Professor Berglundh received SEK 100,000.

The Scientific Award Committee presented Professor Berglundh with this year’s award based on the quality and volume of his research.

”I’m very honored and happy to receive the Astra Tech Scientific Award and on behalf of myself and my team I would sincerely like to thank the Award committee – Clark Stanford, Michael Norton, and Lyndon Cooper for being selected,” Professor Berglundh said in a press release.

Astra Tech AB is a global leader in dental, surgical and urological products, services and support. Since September 1, 2011, the company is a part of DENTSPLY International, Inc., a global leader in professional dental products. Astra Tech has continually developed market-leading solutions to meet health care needs based on user and medical community input since 1948. Ongoing research and development is aimed at finding new ways to support caregivers and improve quality of life for patients worldwide.

Astra Tech headquarters is located in Mölndal, Sweden, with production facilities in Sweden and North America. The company is represented globally by 16 subsidiaries and selected local distribution partners. Astra Tech has 2,200 employees worldwide and the revenue in 2011 was SEK 3.9 billion. The company invests five percent of its revenues annually in research.

There was no shortage of major announcements from the host company of the recent Astra Tech World Congress, held May 9-12 in Gothenburg, Sweden. The event was the last major use of the Astra Tech name as the DENTSPLY-owned company was recently reorganized into the newly created DENTSPLY Implants brand. Abutment news

Astra Tech World Congress touts past success, looks toward future as DENTSPLY Implants

 digital imager that incorporates Morphology Recognition Technology (MRT) to automatically identify patient size and all parameters for correct exposure, the 

 eliminates the need to manually calculate exposure settings or select patient arch size.
	
	Sophisticated kinematics ensure constant image magnification truthful to patients’ facial features, and advanced algorithms and 28 included imaging projections further contribute to supreme image quality.

Suitable for single-site implant planning, the 3DTS volumetric tomography function allows the user to browse a 4 cm section of 1 mm thick transversal slices to review and measure anatomy and virtually place an implant from the built-in library.
	
	With 

, operators can pilot the pan as well as view and enhance images throughout the office.
	
	An optional ceph arm addresses orthodontic imaging needs, and the unit’s small footprint and choice of left or right ceph mounting make adding this smart imager a simple process.

A sophisticated panoramic and cephalometric digital imager that incorporates Morphology Recognition Technology (MRT) to automatically identify patient size and all parameters for correct exposure, the Hyperion X7 eliminates the need to manually calculate exposure settings or select patient arch size.

5 Reasons to Buy: MyRay's Hyperion X7 pan and ceph digital imaging system

At its Capital Markets Day event last week in Amsterdam, Straumann unveiled a project its calling Vision 2020 which is a plan based on the companies projections about the future of dentistry and the markets for replacement, restorative and regenerative dentistry.

The Vision 2020 plan was built on top of existing industry data, new research and interviews conducted by 

, and the company created the plan as a way to anticipate market trends and properly position it’s business to thrive in the changing industry. In fact, if everything goes according to plan, Straumann expects to be twice its current size in both staffing and revenues by 2020.

A bit of that growth has already hit with the announcement last week that Straumann had acquired a 49% stake in Neodent, Brazil’s largest implant company. The deal would allow Straumann to assume 100% ownership of the currently privately-held company by picking up options over the next six years.

Achieving the rest of its planned growth will require the company to be correct in its read of the coming trends and capitalizing on those predictions. As the Neodent investment shows, the company is taking steps in this direction. Straumann is also trying to drive digitalization in the industry by 

 with other companies in the industry to create standardized software platforms and increasing its sales force in key markets including North America.

The company expects the industry to consolidate in many ways in the coming decade with single-dentist practices becoming less common and single-owner practices steadily decreasing throughout the rest of this decade. Other demographic trends Straumann is planning around include the increasing number of 

 and the way those clinicians’ family needs will increase the trend of group dental practices.

However, the demographics will also be pushing those practices to more efficient operations out of necessity. According to Straumann’s research, the number of dental surgeons will not keep up with the increasing demand for implants and other restorative services. This means developing 

 and technologies that increase clinical efficiency will be a big part of Straumann’s plan for future success.

Straumann’s report also expects consolidation of the dental lab industry, and in fact predicts an even faster rate on that side of the market. The plan bases this assumed contraction on the need for small labs to band together to leverage production technologies most 

 will adapt with more widespread adoption of 

 that in turn will become more comprehensive. Straumann expects the overall cost of implant treatment to drop as new materials, techniques and technologies increase patient access. However, with more implants being placed and seeing lengthy service lives, the Vision 2020 plan sees a need for implant maintenance, particularly for the restorative components.

In planning for where the business wants to be in 2020, Straumann looked to wider economic trends and conditions. With implants traditionally showing market fluctuations in tune with the wider economy, Straumann anticipates growth from Latin America, Asia and other parts of the world while North America will hold it’s share of the global implant marketplace and Europe’s share will decrease.

Overall, with all factors that drive growth-acceptance, access and affordability-predicted to be stable or trending upwards during the next 8 years, Straumann is expecting to see the global market for 

, restorative and regenerative dental treatments to grow in the “high single digit range” by 2020.

But Straumann’s Vision 2020 plan is really a guide to outpace that 

 growth. One strategy the company plans to employ has already been put into action with the Neodent acquisition that allows Straumann to offer dual brands in emerging markets. In general, the plan calls for Straumann to take a leadership role in educating clinicians and promoting clinically efficient and effective systems

Straumann sets sites on the future with Vision 2020 plan

 the company produces for the global dental laboratory market. A recently launched employee Wellness Program helped encourage 39 members of the Argen team to take part in the La Jolla Shores 5K event last month. 

 are being made a priority at businesses in just about every industry, and at Argen the program was created by CEO Anton Woolf who said in a press release that he hopes, "to create a culture within Argen that inspires individuals to invest in their personal health." Of the employees participating in the recent 5K, 5 were awarded medals for finishing among the leaders in their respective age groups.

The program at Argen included organized training walks, chair yoga sessions and personal health assessments for employees. Woolf said he hopes the increased focus on fitness and well being will inspire not just Argen's employees, but the dental industry as a whole to 

Argen Corporation Launches Wellness Program with 39 Employees Participating in a Local 5K Walk

May 14, 2012, San Diego, Calif. - Thirty-nine employees from The Argen Corporation competed in The La Jolla Shores 5K event in La Jolla, Calif., on April 29th. Team members from all departments within Argen, including many C-level executives, ran or walked the 3.1 mile course with 5 individuals achieving medals in their respective age groups. The participation was organized as part of Argen’s new Wellness Program, recently created by Anton Woolf, CEO of The Argen Corporation.

“I chose to invest resources in a wellness program at Argen because I personally believe that all individuals can achieve a happier, more positive and fulfilling life with improved overall health and wellness,” explained Mr. Woolf, “and this begins with education and awareness. I hope to create a culture within Argen that inspires individuals to invest in their personal health, and that this not only inspires the Argen Family, but the entire dental industry.”

To prepare for the event Argen organized training walks 3 days a week, with 3 walks per day at various times, to encourage employee participation. Other activities recently sponsored by Argen Wellness have included: chair yoga sessions, Zumba™ classes, and personal health assessments, all in an effort to bring awareness to the importance of overall personal wellness to the entire organization.

The Argen Corporation is the largest dental gold producer in the United States and the world, distributing to over 100 countries worldwide. Argen has been producing alloys for over 50 years and offers over 600 precious and non-precious dental alloys.

Lately things have been moving at The Argen Corporation, and not just the numerous alloys the company produces for the global dental laboratory market. A recently launched employee Wellness Program helped encourage 39 members of the Argen team to take part in the La Jolla Shores 5K event last month. 

Argen wellness program gets employees walking

 was released just two years back the market for tablet computers has exploded, and with good reason.

Tablets provide previously unknown portability and convenience. Sure laptops were portable, but they needed to be flipped open to use and weighed far more than a tablet. A tablet is as simple to use while standing as it is while seated and by design, these machines are ready to go the moment they're clicked on.

Another feature powering the tablet boom was 

's decision to power the iPad with its mobile iOS operating system rather than trying to cram a full desktop platform under the hood. This move allowed tablets to be powered by smaller chips, increasing battery life and lower device costs. It's a move that has been emulated by many, but with the rapid expansion of processor power at various sizes, full scale desktop OS on a tablet might not be far off.

It certainly didn't hurt that these mobile machines are as simple to use as possible. Touch what you want to use, move it to where you want it to go and other finger commands that are completely intuitive. The mobile OS software available creates a rich platform for most computing tasks.

For now though, software companies have been satisfied with scaling down their programs for the tablet screen size, touchscreen interface and lower computing power requirements. Add to this the equally explosive rise in online content and ever faster mobile networks, and you have the perfect storm for the rise of tablet computing.

But for the past few years I'd been watching from afar, living vicariously through devices purchased by friends and relatives and playing with a slate in the store any time I had a chance. This spring I finally decided to go all in on one of these devices, snapping up a refurbished iPad 2 at a discounted price when the latest model hit the market.

After making the device my daily companion at work and at home for the past month or so, I feel I have a clearer sense of where these computing tools fit today and the amazing potential they promise for the future.

Right away I was able to get a solid grasp on 

, and how quickly I could integrate it into both my workday and my home life. The size of the tablet makes it far nicer to bring to a business meeting, especially one in a restaurant or other place where tabletop space can be at a premium.

Apple's device responds instantly to commands and is quick to orient itself to the task before it. The screen size and weight proved to be ideal for getting immersed in content whether video, social media or the magazines beginning to dive into the tablet publishing arena. But while it's a personal experience at its core, the screen is large enough for a handful of people to share.

 have really given the iPad a boost. Wandering through the AppStore provides a glimpse of endless possibilities as software designers are continuing to think up new ways to use the screen, the cameras and the other hardware features. I've come to realize that what I do on my device today is only the tip of what's to come as Apple and the iPad developer community find new ways to make this device go.

 my iPad sits on my desk in an upright stand so it can serve as my auxiliary monitor. If I need to look something up or note a reference I don't have to break away from whatever I have my main computer doing. It's become a communications hub handling email viewing, social media tasks, video conferencing and more.

When working on graphics or other processor taxing tasks on my main computer, this little sidekick is ready to serve as a reference volume, video player or anything else I need to check into without having to shift the main machine off its appointed task. Pictures, videos, web pages and other content are always at the ready at a size and resolution suited to the way I need to see them.

With all that I love about this new machine in my life it's not yet ready to be my one and only computer. There's a good number of reasons for this, but while many of them might be mitigated by technological developments in the near future, there are a few key flaws without apparent fixes on the horizon.

Among the most common complaints from people about tablets is the issue with typing on a touchscreen. I'm not one of those people as I've quickly adapted to the flat keyboard that provides no sensory feedback. But admittedly, I'm an above average touch typer on any keyboard. The autocomplete features help fix any minor miscues in my touchscreen typing most of the time, but that has its own drawbacks as it can be over zealous in its corrections and extra careful proof reading is critical. Autocorrect can add in new mistakes, and those errors can be embarrassing at best and catastrophic at worst. Autocorrect does learn your tendencies and will pick up on common words you use as it's attempting to "correct" to something wrong.

I actually typed this entire column on the slate in the same time it usually takes me at a desktop or laptop computer. The keystrokes aren't too much of a problem, but with no give from the ”keys”, my fingers did start to hurt a bit after pounding away on the glass screen for a bit. Unlike with autocorrect, I'm not sure what the fix for this problem would be beyond an external Bluetooth keyboard which somewhat deflates the portable benefits of the slate itself.

The bigger drawback in functionality is the relatively timid processor. 

 to a top tier desktop, or even highly specced laptop, this slate is a slowpoke. OS optimization makes up for it, but if you ask a tablet to handle major video production or 3D modeling as would be key for a dental lab's computing needs, nothing currently on the market would be up to the task.

But that doesn't mean slates won't eventually win the day. Processor power and internal memory are rapidly improving which will make tablets all the more useful as main machines. However, they still have 

, and if they do overtake their desk- and laptop brethren it will most likely be thanks to cloud processing.

Once wired, WiFi and mobile Internet speeds are ready for it, there's no reason why something as complex as a dental CAD software couldn't live in the clouds to be accessed just like a Google Doc. In this scenario, a powerful remote computer would be accessed via the web, data would be viewed, controlled and manipulated via the tablet, but the actual computational crunching would be handled off-slate. The touch interface that is so natural and easy to learn would be a natural fit for working on dental restorations. Software such as exoCAD is already offering touch integration. And to take the level of slate-based control even further, other tools could be created to allow dental technicians to ”touch” their digital restoration designs with any manner of styli, or other implements capable of 

It's already clear that tablets are here to stay. They're useful tools right now for a range of things. A benchtop tablet could be a communications hub that brings the dentist to the bench via email and video, a way to have large shade and case images at the ready whenever and wherever needed, and a portal to product information, educational videos and other vital information.

These gadgets are great toys, but they can be 

. They are ready to make an impact right now, and can change the way you work. That potential is only going to grow, and it might not be too long before a decently powerful and connected touchscreen will be the only computer everyone needs.

Since the first generation iPad was released just two years back the market for tablet computers has exploded, and with good reason. Tablets provide previously unknown portability and convenience. Sure laptops were portable, but they needed to be flipped open to use and weighed far more than a tablet. A tablet is as simple to use while standing as it is while seated and by design, these machines are ready to go the moment they're clicked on. Abundant advantages

Tech Smart: Close to prime time

Investing in the latest technology can provide large benefits for a practice, but with any technology, what was once new and cutting edge eventually becomes out of date. In an effort to help practices that invested in the CEREC CAD/CAM system around 10 years back catch up to the latest innovations, 

 are partnering to offer a special with coffee as a lure.

Practices with CEREC 3 systems are eligible to take a look at the newer 

 and MC XL milling unit as a part of the "Wake Up to Trade Up Opportunity" program. By inviting their Patterson rep into the practice for a demonstration of the newest CEREC system those practice will receive a free Keurig Coffee Maker. Patterson and Sirona are also offering trade in pricing for practices that decide to upgrade from the CEREC 3 to the CEREC AC system.

Sirona Dental Systems and Patterson Dental Partner to Launch the “Wake Up to the Trade Up Opportunity”

, CEREC® 3 Owners Can Trade Up to Fresh Technology with Last Chance Promotional Pricing 

Charlotte, NC (May 9, 2012) – Sirona Dental Systems, the world’s leading producer of dental CAD/CAM systems, recently partnered with Patterson Dental, the exclusive distributor of  the CEREC® Dental CAD/CAM system, to launch the “Wake Up to the Trade Up Opportunity.”

During this exclusive promotion, which continues through July 27, 2012, CEREC 3 owners can “wake up” with the help of a free Keurig® Coffee Maker when they schedule and complete an in-office CEREC AC or MC XL milling unit demonstration with their local Patterson representative.

What’s more, CEREC 3 owners will have a last chance opportunity to “trade up” to a CEREC AC powered by CEREC Software 4.0 and/or the CEREC MC XL milling unit at special promotional pricing.

“Sirona and Patterson recognize our loyal CEREC 3 customers want to remain on the cutting edge of digital dentistry,” said Sirona US Vice President CAD/CAM, Roddy MacLeod. “CEREC 3 was a major breakthrough in dental CAD/CAM when it launched in 2000, but since that time CEREC’s many advances, such as CEREC AC with Bluecam and Software 4.0, have dramatically improved the clinician’s restorative dentistry capabilities and, in turn, patient satisfaction.”

The “Wake Up to the Trade Up” promotion enables CEREC 3 owners to incorporate fresh technology, enjoy instant savings and receive an instant incentive – a free Keurig Coffee Maker if they schedule a product demonstration with their Patterson representative. Trade-up options and promotional pricing are listed below:

CEREC 3 Acquisition Unit + Compact Milling Unit to CEREC AC + MC XL

“In honor of the upcoming CEREC 27 and a half event, CEREC 3 owners who trade up to CEREC AC or MC XL technology and have it installed by June 22, 2012, will have their CEREC 27 and a half tuition paid by Sirona and Patterson – a $1,495 value,” explains MacLeod.

For more information about the limited-time Wake Up to the Trade Up Opportunity, CEREC 3 owners are advised to contact their local Patterson representative or call 800-873-7683.

To learn more about CEREC 27 and a half, the three-day CAD/CAM extravaganza coming to The Venetian Resort Hotel Casino from August 16th through the 18th, visit 

Sirona, the dental technology leader, has served dealers and dentists worldwide for more than 130 years. Sirona develops, manufactures, and markets a complete line of dental products, including CAD/CAM restoration systems (CEREC); digital intraoral, panoramic, and 3D imaging systems; dental treatment centers; and handpieces. Visit 

Patterson Dental provides a virtually complete range of consumable dental products, equipment and software, turnkey digital solutions and most-needed services to dentists and dental laboratories throughout North America. For more information, visit 

Investing in the latest technology can provide large benefits for a practice, but with any technology, what was once new and cutting edge eventually becomes out of date.

Sirona, Patterson offer coffee and trade in deals on older CEREC systems

In commemoration of the 100th anniversary of Fenway Park in Boston, Objet Ltd., produced this massive replication of the Boston Red Sox's ballpark on an Objet Connex500 multi-material 

The 3D CAD modeling was based on blueprints and up-to-date images of the legendary stadium. Measuring 3-feet by 50-feet the model includes all of Fenway's storied details from the Green Monster in left field, to Pesky Pole, the exact number of lights illuminating night games and even the red Ted Williams seat in right field.

 in 40 sections that were assembled to create the complete model, the replica was produced at Objet headquarters in Billerica, Mass. The final model weighs 105 pounds and measures out to be 1/200th of the size of the actual ballpark which serves as a shrine to the legions of Red Sox fans and the home to the ballclub to this day.

The model debuted April 19 at the ballpark and has since been donated to the Boston Sports Museum. Before that it was featured on Fox News and toured other Boston locales.

“As longtime Red Sox fans, and frequent visitors to Fenway, we wanted to celebrate this historic event by sharing something that all fans could appreciate,’’ said Bruce Bradshaw, Director of U.S. Marketing for Objet in a press release. “Objet’s printers are used by architecture firms around the world to create incredibly detailed models in mere hours rather than weeks; so it seemed a natural fit for us to use this technology to recreate Fenway and deliver it to people throughout Boston.”

While this model was created with the company's largest printer which is often used for creating architectural models, the company's Eden260V printer is used in the dental space for printing models and other lab products. 3D printing remains an exciting and emerging technology for just about every manufacturing industry, and it is exciting to see where these printers are heading.

In commemoration of the 100th anniversary of Fenway Park in Boston, Objet Ltd., produced this massive replication of the Boston Red Sox's ballpark on an Objet Connex500 multi-material 3D printer.