Noah Levine

	At Ziemek Aesthetic Dental Lab, technology has become a big part of the workflow and an integral aspect of the business’ operations. Lab manager Jamie Stover, CDT, said evaluating new systems to see what fits with the lab is critical to the lab’s success.

	At its core, the lab is simply looking for ways to do what it does faster, with fewer costs and with improved outcomes. A lot goes into evaluating a system before it is adopted by Ziemek, and Stover said the company behind the product is a big factor in their decision, because you are really entering into a partnership that needs to be a lasting one.

	New companies may have breakthrough technologies, but Stover said the customer support and training is often better when working with companies with a proven track record in the dental industry, and he’s seen the advantages of investing in the 3rd or 4th generation of a technology rather than jumping into something that’s brand new. A company that has been working with dental labs for a long time is often Ziemek’s first choice, but he also takes into account experience in other industries. Stover cites 3Shape’s scanner, and how the company moved into the dental lab industry after revolutionizing the manufacture of hearing aids.

	Often established companies are prepared to allow a dental lab a trial period with a new technology prior to completing a purchase. But when that isn’t possible, Stover likes to be in touch with other labs using those systems to get a sense of how they work in real world situations. Those evaluations can be difficult because all labs are different, so a system that works great in one business might not be the perfect fit for his lab. Still talking with other labs can be helpful when trying to assess the value of the customer support a company provides to labs using its systems.

	Another key factor to the evaluation process Stover uses is whether or not a system is a closed or open technology platform. Open systems are more attractive to him because they allow a lab more freedom in how the system will be used. The trend of companies even partially opening their systems has been good for the industry.

	As an example, Stover cited the new Straumann CARES Scan CS2 scanner that works with the open Dental Wings software. This means the scanner can be used for Straumann cases as well as everything Dental Wings can do, making it more valuable than a scanner that could only be used for cases involving Straumann implants. Another example is the way Sirona selectively opened the CEREC system. Ziemek was then able to accept digital impressions from CEREC AC users and design the cases in the lab’s existing 3Shape software. The lab didn’t need a new scanner at the time, but wound up purchasing a MCXL Mill to produce the restorations.

	“Sirona sold a mill to a lab that may not have purchased one prior, because their (formerly) closed architecture business model was not attractive to us,” he said. “Labs need to invest wisely to get the best ROI while being able to provide a myriad of restorative options to their dentists.”

Articles

 At Ziemek Aesthetic Dental Lab, technology has become a big part of the workflow and an integral aspect of the business’ operations. Lab manager Jamie Stover, CDT, said evaluating new systems to see what fits with the lab is critical to the lab’s success.

What makes a system stand out

	There are many reasons dental technicians and dental laboratories pursue certification, but a direct impact on the bottom line is rarely the primary motivator.

	Achieving a CDT (Certified Dental Technician) or CDL (Certified Dental Laboratory) is a major accomplishment and an important milestone in the careers of many people dedicated to their careers in the dental lab industry. For those who’ve passed the tests and meet the continuing education requirements necessary to achieve and retain certification, their triumph speaks to their personal dedication to producing the highest quality restorations.

	“There isn’t any kind of accolade other than your own personal pride that you want to be the best you can be in your field,” said Norbert Duepner, Master CDT, who currently works as Technical Director for Argen Corp. “Not everybody can get it and not everybody can maintain it.”

	Certification has meant a lot to Duepner, who earned his CDT 52 years ago and has maintained it ever since despite spending 14 years living and working in Mexico where he had to do all his CE via the mail. While the title was a requirement for him to hold his current job, he said being a CDT hasn’t really been mandatory for other positions he’s held, but it’s helped him stay on top of changes in materials, techniques and technologies, while constantly reminding him what he loves about his work.

	“It is a noble calling because you’ve got to put a lot of time and work into this job to be a good technician,” he said. “It’s always advancing, you always have to learn what’s going on that’s new and you don’t get a whole lot of pay out of the amount of time you put into it.”

	That doesn’t mean the education, practical skills and recognition in the industry are not without value. Laura Sheppard, CDT TE, of DSG Davis Dental Laboratory in Wyoming, Mich., is the current chair of the 

National Board for Certification in Dental Laboratory Technology

, and she said that while it’s troubling that achieving certification rarely means a bump in pay for a new hire, CDTs possess the skills and drive labs are looking for, and their dedication to their own education sets them apart from other technicians working in that lab.

	“I’m sure any CDT will tell you this. Once you become certified you’re experienced enough in all areas of that particular specialty that you are the one most likely to succeed. You are the one that is most equipped to step right into a management position,” Sheppard said. “I don’t know very many CDTs who don’t have a job or who can’t get hired.”

	But just as with Duepner, Sheppard said her journey toward certification was based on a personal drive to learn about all aspects of the industry. While she said the industry might be in better shape if there were universal requirements for formal technician training, for now CDTs really stand out because just by attaining that status. By attaining CDT status they’ve already proven they are self-motivated and able to accomplish their goals.

	This is certainly the case for Jazel Mendoza, CDT, who earned her certification as a technician two years ago after spending 12 years working chairside as a dental assistant. Mendoza said she grew tired of seeing dentists struggle when seating restorations and wanted to help them by creating restorations that reached for a higher standard.

	Since achieving her certification, she’s gone to work as an in office technician working closely with the dentists in the practice. Her technical education has prepared her to handle the work and provided her with the expertise to become a valued resource for the dentists with whom she works.

	“Becoming a CDT has impacted my life in the most positive ways. It’s been an eye opener,” she said. “I can now help my dentists by giving them feedback and help them achieve their goals for their patients.”

	Mendoza said she believes the CDT title is something dentists can count on when looking for quality in a lab technician. However, recognition from the operatory is not as widespread as many people involved with certification would like. Rachel Luoma, Chief Staff Executive of the National Board for Certification in Dental Laboratory Technology, said more than 1/3 of dentists do not realize technician certification is voluntary in most states.

	However, the NBC and the NADL are working to promote education and training in the industry and to raise the profile of CDTs to both dentists and their fellow technicians. Sheppard admitted that the industry has a long way to go because the public and even dentists know little about what goes on in a dental lab.

	“We're like the men in black, no one knows we exist,” she said.

Foundation for Dental Laboratory Technology

 which was created to promote training in the industry as one step toward raising the profile of dental labs, while Sheppard said the NBC and NADL do have PR efforts underway to inform dentists about what working with a CDT really means. The message they’re trying to spread is that more widespread certification means higher quality restorations for patients, Luomo added.

	“As we inform and educate dentists that technicians and labs are not regulated, then certification seems more appealing to them because then they can have piece of mind that their technician or their laboratory has met high standards and continues to meet those standards on a regular basis,” Luoma said.

	Meeting those standards is no small accomplishment, but it’s not insurmountable either. Luoma said the requirements for certification likely go beyond the benchtop apprenticeship many technicians received when they first came to the industry, but with study they can fill in any gaps and be ready to pass the two written and one hands on exams required to attain certification in one specialty area such as ceramics or orthodontics.

	While the exams required to achieve the title of CDT have changed over the years, Sheppard said the core knowledge required to be recognized as an expert in the field has not. While each CDT starts out being recognized for a specialty, the exams are based on a comprehensive approach to the work done in dental labs, and all CDTs have some knowledge of all specialties.

	This definitely sets CDTs apart from the technicians in the industry who have been trained for one special task in their lab such as waxing cases or finishing crowns, Sheppard said. Many of those technicians have little time to learn other aspects of the work in the lab, but those who make the personal choice to pursue further education and training are also showing their employers that they are prepared to take on more responsibility.

	The NBC tries to make attaining a CDT accessible for technicians who already have benchtop experience. While the core knowledge required to pass the written examinations might have been part of their training, many have experience that would help them pass the practical exam. In any case, the NBC has study guides and other materials available to help technicians who are not able to go back to school with their efforts to gain the required knowledge on their own.

	“In 8 months if all you did was study on your lunch hour you’d be ready to take your CDT. The practical you already know,” Sheppard said about experienced technicians who want the recognition that comes with earning a CDT.

	Once a technician earns their certification, he or she is not done with education and training. Maintaining certification requires at least 12 hours of continuing education a year. Luoma said the CE requirements include at least one hour spent on regulatory standards, six hours of scientific training and five hours that can be used for almost anything including professional development.

	These hours can be dedicated toward your specialty or learning a new area of the industry. There’s no requirement that a CDT focus on new technologies or changes in techniques, but Duepner said the CE requirements are a great motivator for someone who has already proven themselves to be a top technician to seek out new areas of study and experience.

	“You could be recertified without getting into some of the new materials, but it’s your personal interest to keep up on what are the new challenges in the field,” he said.

	While learning about the latest developments in the field is not a requirement for CDTs, Sheppard said technicians who have achieved this recognition have set themselves up to get the most out of the new technologies, techniques and materials being used in some parts of the industry. CDTs will know the basics and are ready to drive these systems rather than simply following their prompts which means they can provide a level of quality control that someone trained on only one system cannot.

	“If you didn’t understand your core basics, what your margins should look like, the depth of color in a crown, the shading, the translucency and the intensity of color. If you don’t understand the anatomy and the way it should be functioning with occlusion, those are all basic core principles, then you can’t really work with CAD equipment either,” she said.

	Just as the CDT title is something that can help set a technician apart from his or her peers, the CDL title can do the same for a dental laboratory. Certifying a lab is about codifying and adhering to safety standards in the way the business is operated. Luoma said the goal is for a CDL will tobe ready for an inspection should OSHA knock at the door.

	There are no universal regulations to require labs to meet specific standards or follow specific operating procedures, but the voluntary requirements set out in the CDL program are a way for labs to show they operate under good practice protocols and to a certain professional standard. Sheppard said the requirements are not as detailed or stringent as those a lab must meet for DAMAS certification which relates to FDA regulations, but labs seeking to reach that standard can achieve CDL status as a landmark along that path.

	“The bottom line is the safety for the patient,” she said.

	Even though none of these certifications is universally mandated, Sheppard believes they are growing more important in the industry. To date, three states mandate a CDT in each laboratory and the National Association of Dental Laboratories along with the NBC are working with 9 other states on legislation efforts. While dental labs may have been hidden from the public eye in the past, information is everywhere via the Internet, and unfortunately the industry comes to the public’s attention most often when something goes wrong with a material or a large number of restorations.

	The days of dental labs operating out of the view of federal and state regulators seems to be on their way out and OSHA or the FDA visiting a lab is not a rare event. Sheppard said she believes the industry will eventually be more stringently regulated, and proactive certified labs and technicians will already be set up to handle that new landscape when it arrives.

	“All of this is going to be critical at some point to staying in business,” she said.

	Doing that in the face of change takes dedication, which is exactly what the CDT and CDL programs are about. If regulations and formal training become requirements to operate a dental lab, the industry will change, but while the programs remain voluntary they will continue to be about the personal accomplishment and enhanced self worth that come from being dedicated to your profession and the industry in which you work.

	“It’s a personal thing. It’s a matter that you personally want to advance yourself to have something to be proud of,” Duepner said. “You have to be enough into it to really care to better the whole industry.”

 There are many reasons dental technicians and dental laboratories pursue certification, but a direct impact on the bottom line is rarely the primary motivator.

Cashing in on certification

	With no water there would be no dentistry as we currently know it. Even if it might be just a small spritz, water plays an important part of just about every procedure a dentist or hygienist might perform.

	Therefore, it is necessary that every practice feel confident that water being used is safe. We recently spoke with Dr. Charles John Palenik, the new Director of Research and Scientific Affairs for OSAP, and he shared his thoughts on how new and existing practices could setup and maintain their office water systems.
	
	

Q: What’s the first thing a practice needs to consider when setting up the water system?  


	A: Water usually comes into the office from a municipal water system or from a private well. Water is an essential. I would try to use the highest quality water possible. First, I would install a water distilling unit or some type of system that reduces the mineral content and odors. Treated water is not just for making coffee or ironing your clothes, it also is kinder to your equipment. The better the quality of the water, the longer the equipment will last.

	So, the first steps are to have adequate pressure and some kind of distillation or purification system. That can be done at a relatively modest cost. There are a number of fairly inexpensive units available. Although amounts vary, water use by a single dentist office for patient treatment averages 6 to 8 gallons a day, a fairly small demand.
	
	

Q: Does the type of dentistry being practiced impact the practice’s water needs? 

 
	A: If you are going to perform general dentistry, tap water is acceptable as long as the water is potable (drinking water quality). However, when performing surgical procedures (incision, excision or reflection of tissue that exposes normally sterile areas of the oral cavity) sterile saline or water is required.
	
	

Q: How clean does the water need to be?  


	A: The goal is to have a system that consistently provides water containing less than 500 colony forming units of bacteria per mL (potable/drinking water quality). Most bacteria in drinking water are gran-negative rods, which upon death release endotoxins (pyrogens). Lower numbers of bacteria present in the water decreases the chances of diseases transmission and also reduces the amount of inflammation causing endotoxin present. Proper water supports every dental office’s infection prevention program.

Q: What type of water maintenance systems are currently available to dental practices?

	A: Currently, there are several approaches used-independent water reservoirs (AKA self-contained systems); antimicrobial agents delivered from independent reservoirs, added directly to the treatment water or used to treat water prior to entering the dental unit; filters, which usually remove free-floating microbes, but in one case, also can remove endotoxins; and sterile water delivery systems consisting of an autoclavable or disposable apparatus filled with sterile water that bypasses the dental unit’s waterline system. Always check with your unit’s manufacturer for their recommendations to maintain water quality.
	
	

Q: Are there any factors that are easy to overlook that may come back to haunt a practice?  


	A: Probably the piece of equipment that is most problematic is the power scalers, which may not always be connected to the dental unit or may have their own water reservoirs. There is the possibility that during unit line cleaning, the power scalers are not involved.
	
	

Q: What type of documentation should a practice be doing?  


	A: You always need to be ready to defend yourself through the use of proper, yet practical procedures and documentation. You have to have information indicating you have a plan for properly maintaining your water system and written proof (e.g., test results) to support that.

 With no water there would be no dentistry as we currently know it. Even if it might be just a small spritz, water plays an important part of just about every procedure a dentist or hygienist might perform.

Byte by Byte: Cleanly flowing

	In the wake of the company's recently completed acquisition of iTero intraoral scanner maker Cadent, Align Technologies recently announced plans to consolidate it's CAD/CAM operations into existing facilities. This will mean the company will be closing it's Carlstadt, N.J. facility by the 3rd quarter of 2012.

	The move is being made to bring all of the company's CAD/CAM and scanner customer care services to one location in Costa Rica, while distribution and repair for those products will be moved to a pair of facilities in Costa Rica and Mexico. Accounting and financial functions previously done in the N.J. office will be moved to Align corporate headquarters in San Jose, Calif.

	The closure of the N.J. operations will include the elimination of 119 positions, with the transition and layoffs likely to begin in the fourth quarter of this year. A move such as this is one of the expected outcomes of this sort of corporate acquisition. Align is making these moves to eliminate redundancies in facilities and streamline operations, which makes solid business sense. At the same time it is sad to think of anyone having their job eliminated in the current economic climate. Align expects to pay out approximately $2 million in severance, and hopefully that will provide the cushion necessary for those losing their jobs to find new ways to support themselves and their families.

Align Technology Announces Plans to Consolidate New Jersey Operations With Existing Manufacturing and Shared Services Organizations; Intra-Oral Scanner R&D and Manufacturing to Remain in Israel

	SAN JOSE, Calif., Sept. 7, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Align Technology, Inc. (Nasdaq:ALGN) today announced plans to consolidate its CAD/CAM services and scanner-related activities based in Carlstadt, New Jersey with its existing manufacturing and shared services organizations in order to optimize efficiency, consolidate customer-facing functions, and reduce operating costs. All existing scanner research and development and manufacturing operations will remain in Or Yehuda, Israel. These actions include a phased transition of the following activities over the next few quarters:

		Consolidation of CAD/CAM services and scanner customer care into Align's existing shared services organization in San Jose, Costa Rica;

		Transition of CAD/CAM services and scanner distribution and repair to Align's state-of-the-art Treat operations in San Jose, Costa Rica and world-class manufacturing facilities in Juarez, Mexico; and

		Consolidation of accounting and finance functions at Align's corporate headquarters in San Jose, California.

		Closure of the New Jersey facility by the third quarter of 2012.

	"After acquiring Cadent, our initial integration focus was on identifying revenue synergies and leveraging Align's sales and marketing resources to better drive and support go-to-market initiatives for iTero and iOC scanners. Now, with the bulk of integration well under way, we can accelerate other initiatives such as enhancing the customer experience, improving operational efficiency, and reducing costs," said Thomas M. Prescott, president and CEO of Align Technology. "As a result of today's announcement many valued employees will be impacted. These actions, while difficult, are necessary to create the most streamlined service for customers and optimize efficiency across the business. Once the consolidation is complete, we expect to realize annualized net savings of approximately $4.0 million per year."

	The consolidation of Align's New Jersey operations includes a total reduction of 119 full time headcount in Carlstadt, New Jersey. The transition will begin in the fourth quarter of 2011 and is expected to be completed by the third quarter of 2012. As part of this consolidation, Align will incur costs for severance estimated to be approximately $2.0 million, of which approximately $1.1 million will be realized in 2011 and $0.9 million over the first three quarters of 2012. The Company does not expect this to be material to its fiscal 2011 GAAP and non-GAAP diluted EPS. As of June 30, 2011, Align had a regular employee base of approximately 2,400 worldwide.

	Align also announced today that it has closed on the purchase of land and a manufacturing facility in Juarez, Mexico, adding approximately 150,000 square feet of space. This new property is in addition to the company's existing world-class manufacturing facility in Juarez. As previously disclosed, Align paid approximately $3.2 million in cash for the property and plans to transition its aligner fabrication and scanner-related activities into this facility in 2012.

	Align Technology designs, manufactures and markets Invisalign, a proprietary method for treating malocclusion, or the misalignment of teeth. Invisalign corrects malocclusion using a series of clear, nearly invisible, removable appliances that gently move teeth to a desired final position. Because it does not rely on the use of metal or ceramic brackets and wires, Invisalign significantly reduces the aesthetic and other limitations associated with braces. Invisalign is appropriate for treating adults and teens. Align Technology was founded in March 1997 and received FDA clearance to market Invisalign in 1998.The Invisalign product family includes Invisalign, Invisalign Teen, Invisalign Assist, Invisalign Express, and Vivera Retainers. To learn more about Invisalign or to find an Invisalign trained doctor in your area, please visit 

	Cadent Holdings, Inc. is a subsidiary of Align Technology and is a leading provider of 3D digital scanning solutions for orthodontics and dentistry. The Cadent family of products includes iTero and iOC scanning systems, OrthoCAD iCast, OrthoCAD iQ and OrthoCAD iRecord. For additional information, please visit 

 In the wake of the company's recently completed acquisition of iTero intraoral scanner maker Cadent, Align Technologies recently announced plans to consolidate it's CAD/CAM operations into existing facilities. This will mean the company will be closing it's Carlstadt, N.J.

Align Technology to close New Jersey operations

	Someday sunflower seeds or bubblegum might become widely viewed as the preferred chewing substances in baseball dugouts across America, but chewing tobacco remains a lingering presence in the world of baseball. This is something Oral Health America's NSTEP

 (National Spit Tobacco Education Program) hopes to change, and the organization is trying to spread its message to the game's youngest players.

	In conjunction with the Little League Baseball World Series, NSTEP held a slogan contest where children could submit their best attempt at creating a catchy message against the use of chewing tobacco. This year 11-year-old Louie Lafakis, who plays for Basking Ridge, N.J. Little League, was the winner chosen from the more than 465 submitted slogans. His memorable baseball themed slogan, "Make a great play…throw tobacco away" stands out for being simple, clear and on point with the campaign's message.

	The young ballplayer's slogan was featured on pins distributed at the Little League World Series, and he and his family won a trip to the Series for an on-field award ceremony along with a cash prize. Congratulations to Louie and to every other young ballplayer who submitted a slogan to the contest. OHA and NSTEP are working to get their messages to young people and reaching them through a game they love is a great way to go.

 slogan contest educates young baseball and softball players about the dangers of tobacco use

Eleven-year-old from New Jersey Wins Trip to Little League Baseball World Series


	
	CHICAGO, Aug. 23, 2011 - Oral Health America’s NSTEP

 (National Spit Tobacco Education Program) announced the winner of its annual slogan contest today, and encouraged young baseball and softball players to talk to their coaches and parents about tobacco addiction and the health risks of using tobacco products, including spit and smokeless tobacco.

	This year’s slogan contest winner is Louie Lafakis, a 11-year-old player with the Basking Ridge, N.J. Little League, whose submission, “Make a great play…throw tobacco away,” sends a clear message that tobacco has no place in the ballpark.

	“We are proud and thrilled not only by the fact that Lou’s slogan was chosen over 465 submissions but more importantly that he felt a profound need to convey his disdain for tobacco use. We pray that this mindset stays with him for the rest of his life and that he can encourage others to avoid the evils of tobacco use,” said Louie’s parents, John and Julie Lafakis.

	Louie’s slogan is featured on a pin designed by NSTEP and distributed at the Little League Baseball World Series in South Williamsport, Pa. Louie received a monetary award, a trip to the event with his family, and an on-field award ceremony.

	According to a recent public opinion survey commissioned by Oral Health America, most Americans (62%) are equally concerned about cigarette use and chewing tobacco, and nearly half (48%) of younger dads aged 18-34 say they are more concerned about smokeless, chewing tobacco, and dip than cigarettes. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Youth Risk Behavioral Surveillance Survey found that 15% of U.S. high school boys were current smokeless tobacco users in 2009 – a 36 percent increase from 2003.

	“Little League is pleased to be a part of helping educate Little League players about the risks associated with the use of spit tobacco,” Stephen D. Keener, President and Chief Executive Officer of Little League Baseball and Softball, said. “We hope that by participating in the slogan contest we help increase awareness for Little League players, coaches and their parents. We thank Oral Health America and commend them on NSTEP’s efforts.”

	NSTEP works with Little League International to educate families about the health risks of spit tobacco use, including oral cancer, gum disease, tooth decay, and nicotine addiction. During the 11-Day Little League Baseball World Series, NSTEP provides tobacco and health education to tens of thousands of young baseball and softball players and their families.

	Oral Health America connects communities with resources to increase access to care, education and advocacy for all Americans, especially those most vulnerable. To find out more, visit 

. NSTEP’s presence at the Little League World Series is made possible with support from Delta Dental of California (

 Someday sunflower seeds or bubblegum might become widely viewed as the preferred chewing substances in baseball dugouts across America, but chewing tobacco remains a lingering presence in the world of baseball. This is something Oral Health America's NSTEP® (National Spit Tobacco Education Program) hopes to change, and the organization is trying to spread its message to the game's youngest players.

OHA sends 11-year-old slogan contest winner to the Little League Baseball World Series

	The Organization for Safety, Asepsis and Prevention has hired its first Director of Research and Scientific Affairs. Dr. Charles John Palenik assumed the newly created position on Sept. 1, and he is tasked with advancing the research into health and safety practices for oral health professionals. Dr. Palenik has a long resume of infection control and research leadership positions including a previous stint as OSAP chairmain.

	While infection control is not everyone's favorite topic, it is an important part of the everyday life of everyone involved in the dental professional. Having a position dedicated to advancing IC and health safety research is a great move on OSAP's part, and Dr. Palenik brings the experience necessary to make sure the effort is a success. Congratulation to him on his new position, and good luck to both him and OSAP in their efforts.

Palenik named OSAP’s first director of research, scientific affairs

	ANNAPOLIS, MD-August 11, 2011-The Organization for Safety, Asepsis and Prevention recently named Dr. Charles John Palenik its inaugural director of Research and Scientific Affairs.

	In this role, Dr. Palenik will oversee the activities of the Research and Scientific Affairs Committee (RSAC) and is charged with advancing organizational and individual research efforts concerning infection prevention and human health and safety; continual improvement of the scientific content of the Annual Symposium; formal review of study results, and other responsibilities designed to educate and prepare the next generation of preventionists.

	In creating this pivotal position and filling it with a well regarded, well known infection control expert, OSAP meets one of its organizational strategic goals of identifying, fostering and building a strong community of recognized infection prevention and safety experts within oral healthcare.

	Dr. Palenik is a former OSAP chairman and past winner of OSAP's research award. He also received the organization’s Dr. Milton E. Schaefer Award for Superior Service.

	He recently retired from Indiana University School of Dentistry where he was professor of Oral Microbiology, director of Infection Control Research and Services and director of Human Health and Safety.

	He earned an MBA in Healthcare Facility Management at Regis University in Denver, Colorado, in 2007. He also earned a doctorate degree in Behavioral Sciences/Dental Health Promotions in 2004 at University of Wales School of Health Education, Bangor, Wales, United Kingdom, a doctorate in Instruction Systems Technology in 2000 at Indiana University School of Education, Bloomington, Indiana and a master’s degree in Microbiology & Immunology in 1974 at Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana.

	He has served on the boards of various professional organizations, including the American Association for Dental Research, the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, the American Association for Dental Research, the Dental Assisting National Board and the International Association for Dental Research.

	Dr. Palenik assumes his new responsibilities on September 1.

	The Organization for Safety, Asepsis and Prevention is the world’s leading membership association exclusively dedicated to preventing disease transmission and ensuring the safe delivery of oral healthcare for all. As a non-profit organization, OSAP helps dental practitioners close the gap between policy and practice. Its members include dental and other healthcare professionals, consultants, researchers and non-governmental organizations, manufacturing and distribution companies, policy makers and academia. For more information, visit 

 The Organization for Safety, Asepsis and Prevention has hired its first Director of Research and Scientific Affairs. Dr. Charles John Palenik assumed the newly created position on Sept. 1, and he is tasked with advancing the research into health and safety practices for oral health professionals. Dr.

OSAP names Dr. Charles John Palenik as first Director of Research and Scientific Affairs

	DENTSPLY International announced today that the purchase of implant maker Astra Tech had been completed. The purchase expands DENTSPLY's implant offerings and gives the company and its customers access to Astra Tech's Atlantis patient specific abutments. It's not yet clear which DENTSPLY umbrella will end up housing Astra Tech, but DENTSPLY Tulsa currently handles the company's ANKYLOS and XiVE implant lines, while DENTSPLY Prosthetics handles the company's dental lab products, so either one might be a good fit. With Astra Tech's high profile in the industry, it also remains a possibility that the company is not rebranded at all.

	Regardless of where Astra Tech is fit into the corporate structure, according to the company's press release DENTSPLY International sees the acquisition as a profitable move that keep the company at the cutting edge of the fast growing market for dental implants, and CAD/CAM production of custom parts. Whether or not this move leads to any major changes at Astra Tech or new products from the purchased company remains to be seen.

DENTSPLY International Completes Acquisition of Astra Tech

	YORK, Pa., Aug. 31, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- DENTSPLY International Inc. (Nasdaq:XRAY), a global leader in professional dental products, today announced that it has completed the previously announced acquisition of Astra Tech AB, a leading provider of dental implants, customized implant abutments, and urology and surgery products, from AstraZeneca.

	Bret Wise, DENTSPLY's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, said, "We are very pleased to complete the acquisition of Astra Tech AB and welcome the Astra Tech team to DENTSPLY. This transaction provides substantial benefits to DENTSPLY, including one of the fastest growing dental implant platforms in the market and the addition of a growing and profitable healthcare device business serving urology and surgical markets. We are excited about the opportunities that our combined business will bring to our customers, employees and shareholders."

	DENTSPLY anticipates this transaction will add approximately $200 million to the Company's net sales in 2011, and $600 million on an annualized basis. DENTSPLY also expects the transaction will be neutral to slightly accretive to adjusted earnings per diluted share in 2011.

	In addition to the financial measures prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("GAAP"), the Company provides certain non-GAAP financial measures, including adjusted earnings per diluted share. These adjusted amounts consist of GAAP amounts excluding (1) acquisition-related charges and deal-related amortization, (2) income tax-related adjustments, (3) restructuring and other costs and, (4) charges from interest rate swaps related to debt modification. Adjusted earnings per diluted share are calculated by dividing adjusted net income attributable to DENTSPLY International by diluted weighted-average shares outstanding.

	The Company believes that the presentation of adjusted earnings per diluted share provides important supplemental information to management and investors seeking to understand the Company's financial condition and results of operations. The non-GAAP financial information should not be considered in isolation from, or as a substitute for, measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with GAAP.

	DENTSPLY designs, develops, manufactures and markets a broad range of professional dental products including dental implants, endodontic instruments and materials, orthodontic appliances, restorative materials, preventive materials and devices, and prosthetic materials and devices. The Company distributes its dental products in over 120 countries under some of the most well-established brand names in the industry. DENTSPLY is committed to the development of innovative, high quality, cost-effective new products for the dental market.

 DENTSPLY International announced today that the purchase of implant maker Astra Tech had been completed. The purchase expands DENTSPLY's implant offerings and gives the company and its customers access to Astra Tech's Atlantis patient specific abutments.

DENTSPLY Int'l completes aquisition of Astra Tech

	In a letter from company CEO Marco Ratz, Amann Girrbach announced the hiring of former Brasseler USA VP/COO Matt Whalen as the company's new President for Amann Girrbach America. DLP certainly wishes Mr. Whalen the best in his new position and he surely will be missed at Brasseler.

	It is my great pleasure to announce that Matt Whelan has joined our company on August 22, 2011 in the position of President for Amann Girrbach America. As he brings a wealth of knowledge and experience with him, we are delighted to have him on board.

	Matt was formerly with Brasseler USA where he most recently held the position of Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. In this position, he was responsible Marketing and Sales of the Dental and Medical Divisions as well as the operating functions. Whelan is a graduate of the University of Georgia, with 22 years of experience in the healthcare profession. He formally held positions with KaVo, Laser Endo Technique (Biolase), The American Dental Cooperative, and Brasseler USA.

	We have complete confidence and trust in Matt, and we are looking forward to a very successful future.

 In a letter from company CEO Marco Ratz, Amann Girrbach announced the hiring of former Brasseler USA VP/COO Matt Whalen as the company's new President for Amann Girrbach America. DLP certainly wishes Mr.

Matt Whalen named President of Amann Girrbach America

	For the past decade Candulor has promoted the esthetic possibilities of finely crafted dentures through its biennial KunstZahnWerk, or "Art of Denture" competition which has been held in conjunction with the International Dental Show in Cologne, Germany. This spring, for the first time, North American technicians were invited to take part in the competition, and they did quite well with Jack Edwards, MDT, of Fullerton, Calif., placing 10th overall, and Andrea Hegedus, CDT, placing 2nd in the Digital Documentation category. 

Now a North America-only branch of the competition is being launched with entries due this fall and awards to be presented next February at Lab day 2012 in Chicago. To keep things even, Candulor supplies the case details, models, denture teeth and implant parts. Then it's up to the technicians to show off the best of what they can do. Winners receive cash prizes and automatic entry into the 2013 international KunstZahnWerk event at the next IDS.

	Opportunities such as this are about more than just prizes and recognition. They show the dedication of every entrant to the art and craft of their vocation, as work on these cases are often done in whatever extra time a busy technician has. Being named the winner is of course nice, but seeing the top entries side by side also provides a great chance for technicians to evaluate subtle differences in technique and approach. Hopefully there is a rich pool of entrants who put some of the best North America has to offer on display next winter in Chicago.

	A full press release on the contest is below.

Candulor brings the “Art of Denture” Competition to North America

	Since 2001, Candulor has organized the biennial “Art of Denture” Competition (KunstZahnWerk), culminating with awards and participants’ cases being presented at the IDS in Cologne (Germany).

In 2011, U.S. technicians were invited to participate in this competition. All U.S. entrants made it through the first round, with Andrea Hegedus, CDT, (Muskegon, Mich.) placing 2nd place in the Digital Documentation category, and Jack Edwards, MDT, (Fullerton, Calif.) placing 10th in the Overall category. Based on the success of the nine U.S. participants, Candulor will be organizing the first North American competition beginning in 2012.

	Contestants from the U.S.A. and Canada will have the opportunity to display their proficiency in the field of Removable Dentures by making a fully removable upper and a lower supported by implants. The case must be set up in lingualized occlusion using the Gerber technique and the finished case may only be submitted in the Candulor Articulator. The cases will be judged by a jury of professionals, and the competition will culminatewith anawards presentation in Chicago at the 2012 Lab Day.

	Candulor will provide, free of charge, the full patient case including the appropriate plaster models, denture teeth (Candulor Composite NFC), implant parts, and a detailed patient case history.

	Candulor is also offering 50% off on the Candulor CA II Articulator to all participants.

	Interested contestants have the option to sign up for a 2-day advanced denture set-up course, featuring the Gerber lingualized occlusion technique, being held in Los Angeles (USC) on Sept. 10-11, 2011.

	The jury will be composed of prosthetics specialists, including a university professor, dentist, and two master dental technicians, including a Candulor specialist.

	Winners will receive their prizes at the Candulor press conference in Chicago during 2012 Lab Day.All finished cases will be prominently displayed at the Candulor Booth at the Chicago Sheraton Hotel; the top three cases will receive automatic entry into the 2013 International KZW competition.

Prices for the best work overall category:

	Participants can win additional prizes in the categories of “Digital Documentation” and “Hardcopy Documentation” by submitting step-by-step documentation of the making of their cases. Select step-by-step documentations will be submitted to various dental magazines for publication. 


	Candulor USA
	7462 N. Figueroa St., Suite 104
	Los Angeles CA 90041
	(800) 436-3827

Sign up now! We look forward to your participation!

 For the past decade Candulor has promoted the esthetic possibilities of finely crafted dentures through its biennial KunstZahnWerk, or "Art of Denture" competition which has been held in conjunction with the International Dental Show in Cologne, Germany. This spring, for the first time, North American technicians were invited to take part in the competition, and they did quite well with Jack Edwards, MDT, of Fullerton, Calif., placing 10th overall, and Andrea Hegedus, CDT, placing 2nd in the Digital Documentation category.   Now a North America-only branch of the competition is being launched with entries due this fall and awards to be presented next February at Lab day 2012 in Chicago. To keep things even, Candulor supplies the case details, models, denture teeth and implant parts. Then it's up to the technicians to show off the best of what they can do. Winners receive cash prizes and automatic entry into the 2013 international KunstZahnWerk event at the next IDS.  Opportunities such as this are about more than just prizes and recognition. They show the dedication of every entrant to the art and craft of their vocation, as work on these cases are often done in whatever extra time a busy technician has. Being named the winner is of course nice, but seeing the top entries side by side also provides a great chance for technicians to evaluate subtle differences in technique and approach. Hopefully there is a rich pool of entrants who put some of the best North America has to offer on display next winter in Chicago.  Contest details can be found at candulor.com or directly here.  A full press release on the contest is below.