The SSOP (Swiss School of Prosthetics by Candulor) is the first manufacturer-owned training institution to be ISO 21001:2018 certified

With its special concept of a comprehensive continuing education program on removable dentures, the SSOP has always had the aura of a quality brand among manufacturer-owned offerings. A reputation that has now been confirmed by an independent body: with a quality management certification specifically for educational institutions in accordance with ISO 21001:2018. For participants in the SSOP prosthetic courses, this certification confirms the strong focus on learning by the participants and the high-quality standard in terms of curriculum, didactics and staffing of lecturers and experts.

Continuous progress in dental technology and treatment methods as well as advancing digitization make lifelong learning an issue for dental technicians and dentists more than ever before. Different levels of know-how among laboratory staff due to training acquired in different countries poses particular challenges for dental laboratories.

From a series of courses to a certified continuing education concept

This is where the SSOP fills an important gap in the continuing education offering when it comes to fundamental, comprehensive knowledge transfer on the subject of "Removable Dentures". A global network of teachers with many years of practical experience and outstanding expertise passes on their skills within a didactically sound training concept consisting of course modules which build on one another. This opens up very interesting options for course graduates to specialize or position themselves in the dental market.

"By doing this, we offer a continuing education series which endows both dental technicians and dentists with a high level of excellence for the individualization of dentures," explains Alexander Ewert, Director Marketing & Education at Candulor. "In addition, we reinforce the success of treatment for the patient by promoting a holistic approach to therapy and communication at eye level between two 'prosthetic experts': in the dental laboratory and the dental practice. Whereby it does not matter whether the dental technician works in an analog or increasingly digital manner. Our experience shows that analog tooth set-up concepts in particular sharpen the understanding of the interrelationships between support, chewing stability and functionality, phonetics and esthetics, thus also adding more finesse to the digital solution. This special training concept made it logical for us to qualify for the demanding audit as part of an ISO 21001:2018 certification. For the benefit of our participants: They place their trust in a further education institute which is tasked with continuous improvement as part of its management system, and which is also put to the test every three years through a renewed audit."

What are the benefits of a certification for course participants?

The focus of the special certification for educational institutes is on those learning. In practice, this means that the certified educational institute must ensure an optimal and motivating learning environment in terms of infrastructure, facilities, teaching materials and teaching methods that meet the needs of the participants. A further aspect is the establishment of a state-of-the-art knowledge management system and a modern concept for conveying learning content, based on defined standards and lecturers with a high level of expertise and continuous commitment to further development.

This requires mechanisms which include support adapted to the participant, individual coaching and customized learning plans. This is to ensure that the objectives of the participants are achieved. For one, this is ensured in the SSOP through various seminar modules which allow entry at different levels of knowledge, from professionals/career changers and returnees to advanced proficiency. SSOP Coaching is a particularly individualized training format under the motto: Bring the Swiss School of Prosthetics to your laboratory or dental practice! Here, it is not only possible to provide training specifically tailored to the team and the practice/laboratory, but also genuine management consulting in the sense of "Best Practice" to increase productivity, efficiency and quality.

Alexander Ewert concludes: "With the QM certification specifically for educational institutions according to ISO 21001:2018, many advantages that already distinguished the SSOP previously, have now been confirmed by an independent body with regard to its high, qualitative orientation. Thus, the SSOP offers significant added value in terms of sound knowledge transfer, learning environment, individual support, recognition and continuous improvement. In addition, we are engaging even more closely with practice and dental laboratories that have already established a quality management system in accordance with ISO 9001, by offering a training concept and a coaching program for employees with the SSOP, which ensures QM-certified continuing education."

A continuing education program which compares internationally

As the SSOP has an international orientation and is currently already present in 7 countries, one also wanted to set an example with this internationally recognized standard in terms of comparability of the training offered. An issue that is very important to Alexander Ewert: "When I, as a participant, am looking for a training course, I can rely on an institute which, like the SSOP, is ISO21001:2018 certified and implements strict quality controls. This ensures that the continuing education programs offered comply with defined standards. Course graduates can be confident that they are receiving high-quality education and, therefore, that their certificate comes from an accredited and credible institution."

More than 1,200 Dentists Now Part of the Pioneering DPO

MB2 Dental, the first and largest dental partnership organization (DPO) nationwide, announced today the joining of its 600th practice into the Company’s fast-growing dental partnership organization (DPO) model.

The 600th practice is Highland Creek Family Dental – South in Lafayette, Ind. The location is a de novo (new build practice) owned by Dr. Shane Cope, a general dentist. Dr. Cope first partnered with MB2 Dental in August 2022 with his existing practice, Highland Creek Family Dental. One year later, to the month, with the support of MB2 Dental, Dr. Cope is opening his new brand expansion, Highland Creek Family Dental – South, to serve the south Lafayette community.

As of August 2023, the MB2 Dental network spanned more than 1,200 supported doctors across the Company’s 600 practices. While MB2 Dental has experienced dramatic growth through acquisitions over the years, the Company also has an established operational arm, dedicated to helping doctors grow and expand their brands through the opening of de novo locations.

“As a doctor-founded, -owned and -led organization, the addition of our 600th practice marks a significant milestone in the strength and growth of our business. It's symbolic that our 600th practice is a de novo location as these were the foundation of our business during the first decade of MB2 Dental’s operations. We will continue to emphasize expansion through both de novo practices and new partnership acquisitions. Dr. Cope is evidence that our doctor owners are afforded various opportunities to experience growth from right within our organization,” explained Dr. Chris Steven Villanueva, founder and chief executive officer at MB2 Dental.

“Furthermore, I’m so appreciative of all our doctor partners and the 8,000+ team members that comprise the MB2 Dental family nationwide who continue to deliver on our mission of preserving private practice,” Dr. Villanueva concluded.

Dr. Cope commented on his partnership with MB2 Dental, stating: “In just one year, I have witnessed firsthand the many benefits of working with MB2 Dental. The DPO model MB2 Dental brings to doctor partners allowed me to dedicate more time and resources to patient care while also seizing a chance to introduce another dental clinic in my community. My patients have come to know and expect a certain level of care and service from Highland Creek Family Dental, and with our expanded resources, we can serve a greater population and also foster additional advancement trajectories for our clinical team.”

MB2 Dental operates with a mission designed to preserve the integrity of the dental profession in a rapidly consolidating market. MB2 Dental, the first group to introduce the DPO model, started as a single practice, owned by Founder and CEO Dr. Chris Steven Villanueva, in 2007. This model resonated with Dr. Villanueva’s colleagues and quickly grew through doctor referrals. MB2 Dental has since undergone two recapitalization events, most recently partnering with private equity firm Charlesbank Capital Partners in 2021.

CAREERfusion is seeking corporate partners to help change the future, one healthcare professional at a time. CAREERfusion’s goal is to continuously develop a pipeline of next-generation industry leaders and business owners, who will train and influence many.

The corporate partnership is a yearlong membership with ongoing opportunities to drive marketing and sales programs.

Membership Overview

CAREERfusion © (www.CAREERfusion.org) is a career development and business incubator organization for healthcare professionals seeking growth and development to enhance their career options, in addition to the clinical environment. The organization will host the “CAREERfusion Discover Event,” January 19 to 22, 2024, in Madison, Wisconsin. They are actively seeking corporate sponsorship support for the event and welcome the opportunity to explore how CAREERfusion can support a company in their marketing & sales endeavors, in exchange for their financial contributions. A full corporate sponsor will have access to all attendees, faculty, guest instructors, and corporate partners, to network and build lasting relationships.

Why CAREERfusion

CAREERfusion’s tagline states: Inspire. Grow. Ignite. This is the process professional members go through as they develop their vision of a successful future. What makes CAREERfusion different is the combination of leadership and the value they offer members and partners. The team includes experienced clinicians who are also proven industry executives. Members are offered advanced training in emerging markets, along with coaching in business fundamentals, marketing, and sales skills. This niche model provides partners with a higher conversion rate at a reduced cost of sales. This is accomplished by building personal relationships with members followed by referrals to their peers. Partners can also expand their reach by collaborating with CAREERfusion marketing and sales activities.

For more information, contact Lynn Pencek, Director of Corporate Relations, at Lynn@CAREERfusion.org or call/text 215-206-8784 for more information.

Partnership offers customized financing options to the dental organization’s practices and patients for specialty dental care

Synchrony (NYSE: SYF), a leading consumer financing company, and Specialty1 Partners, the market leader in specialty dental practice support services, today announced a five-year partnership, making Synchrony’s CareCredit health and wellness credit card the premier financing solution for the network of more than 225 endodontic, periodontic and oral surgery offices nationwide which are supported by Specialty1 Partners.

"Often times, the patients who end up at specialty oral health providers didn’t anticipate needing that care. When a routine trip to the dentist also turns into an unexpected trip to a specialist for a root canal or other procedure, CareCredit can help,” said Bete Johnson, SVP and GM, Dental, Synchrony. "Unexpected costs should never be a barrier to accessing dental care. One of our biggest value adds is our network of general dentists and revolving line of credit that gives patients a payment option they can use at both their general dentist and specialist. Our partnership with Specialty1 means that more patients will now have options to pay for the treatment plan the specialist recommends.”

This partnership is central to Specialty1 Partners’ doctor-founded, doctor-led vision of helping dental surgical practices optimize their operations and elevate patient care. CareCredit will offer the practices supported by Specialty1 Partners with payment education and training, comprehensive financing options and resources to have confident and successful cost-based conversations with patients and financial solutions to help manage their out-of-pocket dental costs.

“Specialty1 Partners’ rapid growth is based on our success in heightening providers abilities to care for their patients by easing the burden of administrative tasks so that the patients’ needs can be their number one priority,” said Nate Mote, COO, Specialty1 Partners. “By integrating Synchrony’s financial tools and introducing CareCredit, we will help alleviate the stress surrounding financial matters for both providers and their patients.”

CareCredit is endorsed by several of the largest dental associations, including the American Dental Association (ADA), the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) and the American Association of Dental Office Management (AADOM). CareCredit is integrated in more than 80% of all dental practice management software solutions, making it easy for dental teams to accept and for patients to apply. For providers, payments made using CareCredit are reimbursed in two business days, and CareCredit handles the collection and payment process on their behalf, easing administrative workflows.

Patients looking for a modern, flexible way to pay for dental care can apply for the CareCredit health and wellness credit card in a dental practice, online, on any smart device, or over the phone. A credit decision is made within minutes and if approved, patients can use their account to pay for dental treatments and services right away. CareCredit has a wide range of financing options available on qualifying purchases, from 6 to 60 months, for treatment sizes small to large. Additionally, patients can use the Provider Locator to locate a specialist near them.  

The 2024 campaign kicked off with a donation to families rebounding from the devastation in Maui.

Since 2006 America’s ToothFairy has provided everything from donated cabinetry to curing lights to stickers for the young patients of safety-net dental clinics serving children in communities that lack oral health resources. But after witnessing numerous accounts of children who do not have a toothbrush or who must share one with their family members, the team at the nonprofit organization knew they had to do more.

“It’s jarring every time I hear of another child who doesn’t have a simple toothbrush,” America’s ToothFairy executive director, Jill Malmgren said. “One particular child who comes to mind is a little boy who had received a dental goody bag at an oral health event at his school. The bag included a small toy that he wanted to trade for another toothbrush for his younger sister at home. Neither child had a toothbrush, and after learning about the importance of daily brushing, he was willing to give up his toy so that his sister could brush her teeth too. It breaks your heart.”

In February 2014, America’s ToothFairy launched Smile Drive, a nationwide campaign that encourages volunteers to collect toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss, and other dental hygiene supplies to donate to local organizations serving families in need.

“Initially the Smile Drive ran during National Children’s Dental Health Month so that volunteers could deliver their donations in time for World Oral Health Day on March 20th,” Malmgren added. “But since then, we’ve expanded it to a year-long campaign because there is such a great need, not only for the oral hygiene products, but also to build awareness about the need for healthy dental hygiene habits at home.”

Since its launch ten years ago, more than 2.4 million oral care products have been distributed at safety-net dental clinics, Title 1 schools, free screening events, foster care programs, homeless shelters, food banks, and other organizations that help families in crisis thanks to the Smile Drive campaign.

The families that benefit from the donations are typically from low-income homes but occasionally the need arises for entire communities impacted by natural disasters such as hurricanes or tornadoes. Most recently, victims displaced by the Maui wildfires received toothbrushes thanks to an elementary school student from Corpus Christi, Texas.

When Vivienne Hill, age 10, heard about the devastation in Maui, she was immediately concerned for her friend Moena. The girls had been fast friends since meeting at a Miss Elementary America National Pageant two years ago. After reading the list of items needed for the impacted families in Maui, Vivienne, the daughter of a dentist, registered her Smile Drive and rallied her friends to give.

In less than 48 hours she raised $700 and had 400 toothbrushes already on the way to Maui through an Amazon wish list she set up as part of her drive. She also received donations of toothbrushes and toothpaste from friends and family who live nearby. By the end of her Smile Drive, Vivienne had collected more than 1,200 oral care products from her family and friends.

With the funds raised through Vivienne’s Smile Drive, America’s ToothFairy will send an additional 1,488 toothbrushes to Konawaena Elementary School in Kealakekua, Hawaii to be distributed to local families in need.

“Sometimes it takes a disaster for people to see those in need, but the reality is there are families who are silently struggling right now everywhere,” Malmgren added. “When a family has to choose between buying a meal or buying dental hygiene supplies, or simply doesn’t understand that the bacteria that cause cavities can be spread by sharing a toothbrush, tooth decay is almost inevitable. Its consequences contribute to the cycle of poverty.”

This year, from January to April, America’s ToothFairy will celebrate the Smile Drive campaign’s 10th anniversary with special games, prizes, and promotions. However, you don’t have to wait to get involved. The 2024 Smile Drive campaign runs from now until June 30, 2024. To find out how to participate, sponsor or donate to the campaign, visit SmileDrive.org. 

Waterpik has announced its free Water Flosser Symposium will take place on Sep 8, 2023 at 11:00 AM EDT and will offer 2 CEU credits. The program is FREE and available for all dental professionals — no prior skills are needed to attend.

Course Description:

Have you found yourself unsure about what to do when patients struggle with home care? Are you hesitant to tell your patients to ditch string floss? For years string floss was thought to be the gold standard in homecare. However, almost 70% of patients report they do not floss. So how are we helping those who cannot, do not or won't use string floss?

The Waterpik Water Flosser has extensive clinical research showing it's safety and efficacy for reducing plaque, inflammation and bleeding. Join our expert panel as they dive deep into the clinically researched benefits of water flossing to learn how ALL your patients can benefit. Also discussed will be how to match the right water flosser to you patient’s needs, wants, and lifestyle.

In this webinar you will learn how Water Flossing can help:

1. Non-flossers, poor brushers and gingivitis patients

2. Periodontal patients

3. Implant patients

4. Ortho patients

5. Clean the proximal region

6. Enhance patient relationships

Speaker lineup:

Dianne Watterson MBA, RDH

Lynn Pencek, RDH, MS

Dr. Chris Strandberg, DDS

Dr. Dan Bills, DMD, MS

Carol Jahn, RDH, MS

Sue Scherer, RDH, BS 

Please register for Water Flossing Symposium on Sep 8, 2023 11:00 AM EDT at: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/934144411413544800

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

Brought to you by GoTo Webinar®

Webinars Made Easy®

The National Board for Certification in Dental Laboratory Technology (NBC) has long been working to integrate digital technologies into its examination process for the Certified Dental Technician (CDT) credential. As part of NBC's efforts to continue to evolve its certification programs, NBC is developing a new CDT specialty in Digital Workflow. NBC has contracted with JML Measurement & Testing Services, LLC, to guide it through the creation of this new CDT specialty in Digital Workflow.

During the 2nd quarter of 2022, NBC created a task force charged with exploring the creation of a new certification for digital technicians. The task force worked to perform a job task analysis for digital workflow. NBC sent the draft job task outline to its communities of interest to validate the work of the task force. Using the responses from the communities of interest, NBC has finalized a job task outline and a written examination blueprint for the new Digital Workflow CDT specialty.

The Digital Workflow CDT specialty examination will consist of four domain areas as follows:

● Domain I: Data Acquisition (21 - 25% of written examination questions are from this domain)

● Domain II: Design Indications (30 - 34% of written examination questions are from this domain)

● Domain III: Fabricating Restorations (22 - 26% of written examination questions are from this domain)

● Domain IV: Maintaining Digital Equipment (20 - 24% of written examination questions are from this domain)

During the 3rd quarter of 2022 NBC worked with numerous volunteers to assist with writing draft examination questions for the Digital Workflow CDT specialty. During the 4th quarter of 2022, NBC worked with another task force to review each question that was submitted by a volunteer.

NBC pilot tested the written examination questions in conjunction with the LMT Lab Day Chicago Meetings on Thursday, February 23, 2023 and Saturday, February 25, 2023. JML Measurement & Testing Services, LLC, along with another task force, will review the written examination data and will work to conduct a standard setting process. During this standard setting process, a cut score will be determined for the written examination form.

NBC is also working with a task force to develop the components of the practical examinations for the Digital Workflow CDT specialty. Once a draft practical examination will be created, the proposed examination will be pilot tested. A task force will review the data from the pilot tests, to conduct a standard setting process. From the standard setting, a cut score will be determined for the practical examination. Once this takes place, NBC will be in a position to launch the practical examination for the new Digital Workflow CDT specialty. The Digital Workflow Written Examination will launch in October 2023, and the NBC expects to launch the Digital Workflow Practical Examination in December 2023.

NOTE: Candidates who test in this initial window can expect a delay in scoring due to the standard setting process.

To learn more about the new Digital Workflow specialty, contact the NBC at certification@nbccert.org or by phone at (800) 684-5310.

Virtual event celebrating more than 30 years of success with press technology

Ivoclar, a leading manufacturer of integrated solutions for dentistry, is celebrating 30 plus years of success with press technology. To commemorate this milestone, the company is hosting the Press Technology Summit on Wednesday, October 18 starting at 7 pm (Eastern Time). During this virtual event, industry experts will come together to share their knowledge and experiences with press technology.

The program will include scientific research by Dr. Ken Malament, a world renown prosthodontist based in Boston and a panel discussion with several of the industry’s leading dental technicians, including Blake Barksdale, Barksdale Dental Laboratory, Jessica Love, Capture Dental Arts and Mike Bellerinio, Trinident Dental Laboratory. Jim Glidewell, CDT, and Founder and President of Glidewell Dental Laboratory will also join the broadcast, sharing his perspective on press technology and where he sees the dental profession headed.

“Press Technology has had such a powerful impact on dentistry,“ said Dr. George Tysowsky, Head of Global Training and Education for Ivoclar. “Even in this new age of digital dentistry, press technology can be applied and plays an vital role in helping laboratories achieve success.“ Dr. Tysowsky will be moderating the virtual event.

Ivoclar kicked off the press technology era in 1991 with the launch of IPS Empress. Shortly there after, dental technicians embraced this technology and the start of the Esthetic Revolution had begun. In 2005, Ivoclar released the IPS e.max family of products, including IPS e.max Press. As reported in 2021, IPS e.max Press has a 97.8 survival rate*, proving it’s clinical reliabilty. Today, more than 100 million e.max restorations have been placed in patients worldwide**.

To register and learn more about the Press Technology Summit, please visit - https://ivoclar.cventevents.com/press-summit-2023

* Heintze S, Clinical efficacy of monolithic crowns made of IPS e.max Press on posterior teeth, Test Report, Ivoclar Vivadent, 2021.

** Based on global sales figures

Ultradent Products, Inc., a leading developer and manufacturer of high-tech dental materials, is honored to be recognized as one of PEOPLE Magazine’s Companies that Care—a nationwide list released this morning. The annual list honors a select number of companies that go above and beyond for their employees, to uplift their communities, and to make the world a better place through investing in employees’ mental health, giving back to those in need, and more.

Of the national recognition, Ultradent CEO and President, Dirk Jeffs, said, “To meet the standards by which the organizations on PEOPLE’s Companies that Care list are chosen, and to be recognized for the hard work and care—which happen to be two of Ultradent’s core values—that we put into bettering the lives of our employees and communities is a real honor.” He adds, “We believe that the care and investment we put into our people and our communities comes back to us tenfold. This award really validates those efforts, and we’re thrilled to be recognized.”

For the last seven years, People Magazine, in partnership with Great Place to Work, have teamed up to find companies that best demonstrate outstanding respect, care, and concern for their communities, employees, and the environment. Rankings are based on about 6.1 million employee experiences, says Michael C. Bush, CEO of Great Place to Work.

Bush remarked, “Changing the workplace changes lives. These companies show the impact engaged business leaders can have on their communities.” Click here to learn more.

PEOPLE’s Companies That Care Logo® is a registered trademark of; TI Gotham, Inc., a Dotdash Meredith company. Used under license.

Company Donates Up to $200,000 in Cash and Health Care Products, Will Match Employee Contributions

In the wake of the devastation caused by the wildfires in Hawaii, Henry Schein, Inc. (Nasdaq: HSIC) is raising money for recovery and rebuilding efforts, donating much-needed health care supplies, and supporting its customers who may be impacted by the ongoing crisis.

The Company and the Henry Schein Cares Foundation are seeding a 2023 Disaster Relief Fund with a $25,000 donation and will match employee contributions up to $25,000, for a cash total of up to $75,000. In addition, Henry Schein plans to donate up to $125,000 worth of health care product to relief organizations, bringing the Company’s total commitment to as much as $200,000.

“Team Schein is committed to supporting our relief agency partners and local health care providers as they prepare to rebuild and recover from these devastating fires in Maui,” said Stanley M. Bergman, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Henry Schein. “Our company has long been committed to supporting disaster preparedness and recovery, and in collaboration with our supplier partners and Team Schein Members, we are providing relief agencies with essential resources required to uphold public health on the island.”

In addition to its philanthropic efforts, the Henry Schein Customer Assistance Hotline remains open for dentists and physicians who experience operational, logistical, or financial issues caused by the wildfires. The toll-free number for all Henry Schein customers is 800-999-9729. The hotline is open 24/7, with real-time assistance available from Team Schein Members from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern Time. Customers can also access the Company’s Recovery Guide for Office-Based Practitioners, which offers guidance and links to resources inside and outside of Henry Schein that can help accelerate the process of getting a business back to providing patient care.