New Zealand’s oldest university is not only ranked as one of the most beautiful campuses, but also on position 29 among the top universities in the field of dentistry. By building a brand-new facility, the university also decided to completely exchange their equipment. With the new state-of-the-art technology, the university lives up to its continuous effort to provide optimal and contemporary education. The institution relies on the extensive expertise of Dentsply Sirona’s professionals from the International Special Clinic Solutions (ISCS) department to deliver an excellent educational environment.

Clean design of treatment centers was decisive

Following a broad redevelopment program, New Zealand’s leading university in terms of teaching and research was in search of a partner that meets their high-quality standards and professionalism: “The comprehensive experience of Dentsply Sirona in dental technology, the excellent reputation as well as their diverse product portfolio convinced us. Especially the puristic and smart design of their treatment centers perfectly met the functional as well as aesthetic demands of our new buildings”, explains Peter Cathro PhD, Head of Discipline of General Practice Dentistry. With its redevelopment program, the faculty follows ambitious goals: “We seek to offer the best possible education for our students to expand our stellar reputation for teaching and research. Therefore, our equipment has to comply with the newest standards in dental technology”, stresses Peter Cathro.

Dentsply Sirona as full product and service provider

After the contract agreement in 2015, the university selected a comprehensive product package containing 218 Sinius treatment centers, 33 Heliodent Plus intra oral imaging devices as well as Orthophos 2D and 3D for extra oral imaging, almost 2000 instruments as well as third-party equipment. “Regarding the choice of products, the University of Otago made a very proactive decision that corresponds to the newest technologies and the ongoing digitalization. Students will be optimally prepared for the future daily work”, reports Jörg Vogel, Vice President Sales International Clinic Solutions.

Based on the university’s choice, Dentsply Sirona was asked to create a customized concept, which was challenging due to the recently designed Faculty buildings. “Since we were confronted with a completely new complex, we had to coordinate closely with local architects presenting mock-ups of our products and explaining their function. In the end, we delivered a state-of-the art solution that satisfied the needs of our clients entirely”, Jörg Vogel proudly concludes.

The installation process will continue until the end of 2018. Following, prospective students will learn and work with the modern equipment from the end of 2018.

Does your Composite know what matters to you? NEW TPH Spectra® ST universal composite from Dentsply Sirona does. Uniquely designed with new & novel filler technology, SphereTEC™, it simplifies the path to long-lasting, esthetic restorations. TPH Spectra ST composite lets you choose your preferred viscosity – creamy and spreadable or firm and packable– and enjoy elevated performance in the areas that matter most; easy adaptation to the cavity, non-stickiness to your instrument, excellent sculptability and slump resistance quickly polishable to a high gloss. TPH Spectra ST composite utilizes an intuitive ‘CLOUD’ shading system that covers the entire VITA range with 5 stain resistant shades; streamlining your composite inventory and making shade selection simple and accurate.

For more information, visit www.class2restorations.com/tphspectraST or call 1-800-532-2855.

Whip Mix presented its 6^th Annual Digital Forum September 21 and 22, 2017, at its main facility in Louisville, KY. The series featured notable presenters including Greg Harris; Al Fillastre, CDT; Dr. Eric Nunnally; Dwight Blair; James Babbe; Mike Webb; Malathi Buddhi; Nanette Boyd, CDT; Evan Kemper, CDT; Cory Lambertson, CDT; and others.

 Topics included                    

• Digital Journey: Make it Predictable and Consistent                                        

• 3D Printing . . . Much More than Just Models                                                             

• The Latest Milling Technology with Roland and Mill Box                    

• Design RPDs for Printing                                                              

• Advanced Model Builder and Impression Scanning      

• Implant Studio                                                                                                    

• Implant Planning, Design, Surgery                            

• 3D Printing and the Ways It Has Changed Our Lab     

Attendees received 14 hours scientific credit towards CDT recertification.

Structo, a Singapore-based dental 3D printing solutions provider, has announced the launch of Structo PrintWorks Pro. The software is a customized version of Materialise Magics Print and is aimed at simplifying 3D print file preparation for dental professionals using Structo’s Mask Stereolithography (MSLA) dental 3D printers.

The long-term collaboration between Structo and Materialise already produced Structo Build Processor in 2015 and Structo’s PrintWorks software last year. The eventual goal is to develop custom software solutions that streamline the entire 3D printing process and facilitate the widespread adoption of digital dentistry.

The new PrintWorks Pro software incorporates features of Materialise Magics and Materialise Build Processor, and will provide users with an improved, streamlined process for 3D print file preparation. Models can be printed as designed with fewer preparation efforts needed, and there is a lower build failure risk. Semi-automatic support generation reduces support removal time by up to 82% compared to conventional software.

 “We are proud to contribute towards the advancement of digital dentistry together with our partner, Structo. By streamlining the 3D printing workflow for dental professionals with a customized version of Materialise Magics Print, the learning curve for adoption of the technology is reduced, making digital dentistry more accessible to a wider audience. PrintWorks Pro is user-friendly, intuitive, and fast, and users will experience an overall improved performance. That’s why Materialise is positioned as providing the backbone to the 3D printing industry; it’s all about empowering our partners to create better 3D printing applications and improve overall accessibility to the technology,” states Stefaan Motte, Vice President Materialise Software.

“Our applications-based approach to product development shows that we put our customers at the forefront of our priority. We always strive to provide an integrated workflow to simplify the adoption of digital dentistry in the industry. By further strengthening our partnership with Materialise with the launch of PrintWorks Pro, we are confident that we can provide a seamless customer experience from file preparation to printing on our systems," explains Huub van Esbroeck, Founder at Structo.

CHICAGO, September 26, 2017 — Oral Health America (OHA) is proud to announce Ohio Senator Sherrod Brown as the 2017 Legislative Honoree at its annual Capitol Hill Reception during Advocacy Week. 

Senator Brown is renowned for championing policies that improve the health of all children such as CHIP (Children’s’ Health Insurance Program).

To be awarded October 3, the Legislative Honoree recognizes leadership in supporting critical healthcare legislation. The Legislative Honoree was established in 2010 as a joint project between OHA and Oral Healthcare Can’t Wait, an initiative of the Dental Trade Alliance (DTA).

Since becoming Senator in January 2007, Senator Brown has met with students, local leaders, business owners, entrepreneurs, educators, workers and families across Ohio to find ways to rebuild the economy. He helped pass the historic health care law that makes health insurance more affordable and accessible for American families.

He has also joined with officials and community partners in cities across Ohio to rise to the White House’s My Brother’s Keeper Challenge to expand opportunities for boys and young men of color. Through mentoring relationships and education events, this initiative strives to ensure that all of our young people receive a quality high school education and graduate with the skills and tools needed to advance to postsecondary education or training.

“Senator Brown has been a champion for middle class families for years, committed to social and economic justice,” explained Beth Truett, President and CEO of Oral Health America. “Honoring him as the 2017 Legislative Honoree allows us to thank him for his dedication to CHIP and the children of our nation.”

Advocacy Week, to be held October 2-6, is a major advocacy effort within Oral Health America’s Fall for Smiles campaign, which focuses on the oral health of families. This year’s theme, Our Families, Our Future: Achieving Oral Health Equity, seeks to confront oral health disparities by highlighting the dilemma between having equal access to oral healthcare versus having access to what is needed to ensure an equal opportunity to achieve good oral health outcomes. While the Fall for Smiles campaign provides messaging and resources that support maintaining good oral hygiene habits at home, Advocacy Week encourages people to learn and speak out about policies that impact their oral health.

CHICAGO, September 21, 2017 — Oral Health America (OHA) is proud to present Congressman John Lewis with the 2017 Marvin Goldstein Outstanding Public Service Award at its annual Capitol Hill Reception during Advocacy Week. 

To be awarded October 3, the Marvin Goldstein Outstanding Public Service Award celebrates individuals whose leadership in improving public health in the U.S. has broken new ground and created a changed environment. Congressman Lewis is a pioneer in helping to shape our nation.

First elected to represent Georgia’s 5th Congressional District in 1986, Congressman Lewis has spent his career seeking solutions to eliminate disparities and create an equitable playing field for our nation’s families.

Growing up, Congressman Lewis was inspired by the activism of the Montgomery bus boycotts and progressive social movements taking place during the Civil Rights Movement. He organized sit-ins, participated in the Freedom Rides and risked his life on numerous occasions challenging the injustices of the Jim Crow laws. By 1963, he was named one of the Big Six leaders of the Civil Rights movements.

Congressman Lewis demonstrated his leadership skills and commitment to nonviolent civil rights demonstrations in his role as architect and keynote speaker in the historic March on Washington and, in 1965, his leading of 600 peaceful protestors in the Selma to Montgomery marches.

“Congressman John Lewis has been the face of civil rights and is to be commended for his commitment,” explained Beth Truett, President and CEO of Oral Health America. “The organization is honored to present the Marvin Goldstein Outstanding Public Service Award to Congressman Lewis, one of today’s most iconic figures in the fight for social equity.”

Advocacy Week, to be held October 2-6, is a major advocacy effort within Oral Health America’s Fall for Smiles campaign, which focuses on the oral health of families. This year’s theme, Our Families, Our Future: Achieving Oral Health Equity, seeks to confront oral health disparities by highlighting the dilemma between having equal access to oral healthcare versus having access to what is needed to ensure an equal opportunity to achieve good oral health outcomes. While the Fall for Smiles campaign provides messaging and resources that support maintaining good oral hygiene habits at home, Advocacy Week encourages people to learn and speak out about policies that impact their oral health.

West Virginia University (WVU) School of Dentistry and the Center for Research and Education in Technology, Inc. (CRET) celebrated the opening of the CRET Innovation Center on September 21, a state-of-the-art dental clinic which will provide fourth year students an educational experience to learn the latest in dental digital technologies while providing oral health care to people living in West Virginia. This is one of three digital high-technology dental centers that has been opened by CRET in collaboration with academic institutions across the United States. CRET also opened Innovation Centers at The Loma Linda University School of Dentistry and the University of Missouri Kansas City’s School of Dentistry.

Founded in 2004, CRET is a forward-looking nonprofit association of dental industry leaders that partners with academic institutions to develop technology education programs for dental students, dental residents, and dental faculty with the aim of promoting knowledge and competency in the industries’ latest technologies while providing quality oral care.

“We are excited about the opening of our latest Innovation Center as we continue to help ensure dental schools are equipped with the latest digital tools and technology for future oral health professionals to experience before they join or open a practice,” said Dr. Edward F. Rossomando, CRET President and Professor Emeritus at the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine. “CRET’s partnership with WVU to design, build, and open the Innovation Center embodies the power of partnering industry leaders with academia.”

The CRET Innovation Center at WVU’s School of Dentistry was designed jointly by CRET and WVU to resemble a fully functional private dental office. Because it is located within the dental school, the Center will provide dental students with critical practice management experience in addition to technology training.

“CRET is comprised of a group of manufacturers and distributors that represent the very best in what being good corporate citizens is all about,” said Anthony (Tom) Borgia, D.D.S., M.H.A, the dean of the WVU School of Dentistry. “Part of their motivation in that role is understanding that the best place for them to put their philanthropic efforts is into the areas that have the greatest needs and the fewest resources with which to address those needs. They have recognized that in West Virginia.”

The Innovation Center features five dental operatories with consigned equipment from CRET corporate members, including: A-dec, Air Techniques, Acteon, Benco Dental, Bien Air, Carestream, Gentrix, Inc., Delta Dental of Wisconsin, Dental EZ, Dentsply Sirona, GC America, Henry Schein, Heraeus Kulzer Dental, Hu-Friedy, Isolite, Ivoclar Vivadent, J. Morita USA, Kavo Kerr, Midmark, Patterson Dental, Porter Instrument, Premier Dental, Ralph Green LLC, Royal, Takara Belmont, Ultradent and 3M ESPE Dental Division.           

(Left to right) Dr. Edward Rossomando – CRET President, Mia Cassell, (BS, RDH) Innovation Centers Operations Manager & Assistant to the President, Dr. Anthony (Tom) Borgia – WVU School of Dentistry dean, Dr. Lauren Yura – Innovation center director, Donna Haid – Director of Clinical Education and Patient Care, WVU School of Dentistry, Don Hobbs – Vice President of Equipment for Henry Schein Dental and CEO and chairman of the board, CRET.

Dentsply Sirona presented its donation to the ADA Foundation during its board meeting in Chicago on September 19. The ADA Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to support access to care, research, and education as well as to provide charitable assistance for the dental community. Its Emergency Disaster Grant Program aims to provide immediate financial assistance to eligible dentists who are victims of a disaster. The grants are intended to specifically address urgent needs such as food, bottled water, clothing, blankets, medicines and medical supplies, emergency shelter, and toiletries. Any dentist who is a victim of a disaster may apply for an Emergency Disaster Grant through the ADA Foundation website.

“Dentsply Sirona cares deeply about the dental community, and recent hurricanes and natural disasters have had a devastating effect on many dentist colleagues. As a member of the ADA Foundation Board of Directors, I am confident that their Emergency Disaster Grant Program would be a great way to provide immediate financial assistance relief for affected dentists. I’m so pleased that Dentsply Sirona’s gift will enable the ADA Foundation to extend its reach and help a larger number of dentists through this long-standing grant program,” remarked Dr. Teresa A. Dolan, Vice President and Chief Clinical Officer, Dentsply Sirona.

Charitable Disaster Assistance Programs

The ADA Foundation provides charitable assistance following a disaster through two programs: the Emergency Disaster Grant Program, described above, and the Emergency Disaster Grants for 501(c)(3) Organizations Providing Dental Care Following a Disaster, which helps organizations provide care to members of the public in disaster-affected areas. Although these programs are not associated with any particular natural disaster, and have been running for many years as a core pillar of the ADA Foundation, recent natural disasters have created an urgent need for relief.

“I am so glad that as a Company we are able to support the ADA Foundation in its effort to help dentists currently in need of assistance so that they will be able to return to helping their patients. I’m also confident that the people and communities affected by the recent storms will rebuild stronger than ever,” said Michael Augins, Group Senior Vice President U.S. Commercial Organization of Dentsply Sirona.

For more information or to make a donation to the ADA Foundation Emergency Disaster Grant Program, visit ADAFoundation.org.

The American Academy of Periodontology (AAP), the leading professional organization dedicated to the dental specialty of periodontics, today published its first-ever “best evidence consensus” (BEC) proceedings on the topic of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). The proceedings are the result of the AAP’s inaugural BEC meeting, a model of scientific inquiry rooted in the best available published research and expert opinion. The BEC meeting was held in Chicago in February 2017.

The BEC model was developed by the AAP to address emerging clinical topics in periodontology for which there is insufficient evidence to arrive at definitive conclusions. Using current high-quality published literature and the expert opinion of periodontal thought leaders, the BEC model aims to provide clinicians with reasonable applications of newer technologies, such as CBCT.

“As new technologies emerge, it often takes many years for sufficient high-quality evidence to allow clinicians to appropriately incorporate the technology into patient care,” said Kenneth Kornman, DDS, PhD, editor of the Journal of Periodontology. “The BEC reports are designed to bridge the gaps and provide evidence summaries and expert interpretations that guide clinical use now. We anticipate that the BEC reports will help us apply new technologies in a focused manner to help improve the health of our patients.”

Introduced just over 20 years ago, CBCT technology provides a beneficial tool for periodontists to use in diagnosis, treatment planning, and surgical management, especially in patients with complex cases. The three-dimensional nature of CBCT offers enhanced diagnostic information and increased accuracy compared to two-dimensional (2D) imaging. While the long-term radiation effects of CBCT are unknown, adherence to the “as low as reasonably achievable” (ALARA) dosage standard, paired with cautious shielding of susceptible tissues and careful limitation of the field of view, allows dental professionals to limit the risk of exposure.

The BEC proceedings, which appear in the October issue of the Journal of Periodontology (JOP), include a statement that answers focused questions that relate to the use of CBCT in the following specific clinical scenarios: the surgical management of patients requiring dental implants; determining risk to periodontal structures in patients requiring periodontal-orthodontic treatment; and adding clinical value to diagnostic assessment and treatment planning in managing patients with periodontitis.

The panel of over 10 periodontists who participated in the BEC meeting determined that CBCT has diverse applications for both dental implant therapy and periodontal-orthodontic therapy and should be used when the benefit to the patient outweighs the risk. The use of CBCT in dental implant and periodontal-orthodontic cases can not only assist in planning a safer approach to treatment, but also facilitate interdisciplinary communication. For patients with periodontitis, 2D full-mouth radiographs combined with clinical probing remain the gold standard; however, CBCT may be beneficial in certain advanced cases.

According to Steven Daniel, DDS, a practicing periodontist in Murfreesboro, Tenn., and president of the AAP, CBCT technology is advancing how periodontal treatment is delivered. “As the esteemed panel of periodontal experts who participated in the best evidence consensus meeting concluded, CBCT can serve as a useful and widely available tool that may improve patient care. Its utility in streamlining treatment planning and enhancing the periodontist’s specialized surgical and anatomical skills may allow for more predictable patient outcomes, especially in complex cases. Periodontists are dentistry’s leaders in adopting the latest technologies to ensure that their patients receive the highest quality care. The AAP’s publication of the BEC statement on CBCT demonstrates this leadership.”

The American Academy of Periodontology best evidence consensus meeting on cone-beam computed tomography was sponsored by Carestream Dental (Atlanta, Georgia). To access the BEC proceedings, please visit joponline.org. For more information about the AAP or periodontal disease, visit perio.org.

Speakers and participants alike described Dentsply Sirona World 2017 as an event in a class of its own. From September 14 to 16, 7,500 attendees- from 50 different countries- and 110 speakers met in Las Vegas to enjoy not only inspiring presentations but also an A-list entertainment program. One particular highlight of the sold-out event was a live implant procedure – thousands of dentists and other dental professionals had the opportunity to watch Dr. Neal Patel place an implant in real time during General Session.

 Right at the start of the event visitors were treated to a genuine highlight: just a few meters away from the audience, Dr. Neal Patel performed an implant procedure in a sectioned-off area of the industry exhibition site which, thanks to a live stream, was watched live by the 7,500 participants. The procedure was performed using a surgical guide that was produced on site. This unique experience was well received by attendees.

Common success by drive for innovations

Dentsply Sirona CEO Jeffrey T. Slovin took appeared on stage to explain the driving factors for Dentsply Sirona’s success. “At Dentsply Sirona, it’s all about changing lives for the better. It’s about having an impact. Our success in developing solutions that meet the needs of dental professionals worldwide is a result of a commitment to product innovation and high quality service and training. This wouldn’t be possible without knowing why we do what we do. When you know your WHY, your priorities become clear. We are truly dedicated and passionate about changing the lives of dental professionals and patients.”

The array of sessions within the 11 different educational tracks promoted lively discussion on a wide range of subjects relating to dentistry and dental technology, including Business and Practice Management, CEREC, Endodontics, Imaging, Implantology, Office Design, Orthodontics, Periodontics and Hygiene, Prosthetics and Lab, Restorative, and Special Markets and Topics, the range of educational tracks meant that attendees could customize their educational experience.

An exceptional atmosphere thanks to the impressive entertainment program

The inspiring sessions and numerous exhibitors weren’t the only factors that made this year's event unforgettable; the celebrity entertainers help mold the Ultimate Dental Meeting into a league of its own. The appearance by Oscar-nominated actor, musician and producer Will Smith was one of the major highlights. Throughout the course of his diverse career, Smith has gained a wealth of experience that has been fundamental to his professional success. In an interview and Q&A session, he talked about these experiences and also gave valuable tips on setting both professional and personal goals.

In addition to the inspirational appearance by Smith, the legendary stand-up comedian Jeff Dunham dished a hilarious standup bit, which included his charismatic ventriloquist dummies.

Friday morning, to ensure that guests were fit for the second day of presentations, the enthusiastic Beachbody™ trainer Joel Freeman offered a workout in the morning for a wide range of age groups. And if that wasn’t enough, the Out of This World Fun Run welcomed hundreds of guests dressed in intergalactic costumes for a morning run down Las Vegas Blvd.

With his refreshing attitude towards corporate culture and innovation, later on Friday morning, TED Talk speaker and bestselling author Simon Sinek offered practical guidance for motivating staff and also discussed the properties that define a good management style. He first gained fame back in 2009 with his simple yet impressive model for inspirational management personalities and has since impressed audiences the world over. His TED Talk video on this subject has been viewed by 31 million people and was produced with subtitles in 45 languages; it is the third most popular video on TED.com. The first-class entertainment also continued into the evening. Visitors got the chance to experience the Grammy-winning band Imagine Dragons during a concert exclusive to Dentsply Sirona World attendees. The group rocked the stage to conclude the day on a musical high!