Industry Insider
The who, what, and where in oral health care
KOMET USA is teaming up with Ultradent Products, Inc, to sponsor a series of hands-on lectures presented by James Jesse, DDS, and Ron Kaminer, DDS. These hands-on courses are for the entire dental team, will focus on minimally invasive dentistry, and will be held at four different locations: San Antonio, TX (March 28), Hasbrouck Heights, NJ (April 11), Columbus, OH (April 25) and Norwich, CT (May 16 and 17). The seminars, "21st Century Dentistry: High Tech, High Class, Minimally Invasive Dentistry for the Next Decade," will cover topics including:
• Minimally invasive dentistry—from early diagnosis to micro preps and invisible fillings
• High-tech dental hygiene
• Current concepts in non-surgical periodontal treatment
• How to get every person to agree to dental whitening
• 1-2-3-Endo—minimally invasive endodontics that make sense
• Dental lasers—truth or hype
• High-tech must-have gadgets for the 21st-century practice
Pricing for the lectures is: $395 per doctor, $295 per staff member, or $495 for a doctor and up to 3 staff members. Participants can earn up to eight continuing education credits. On the day of the course, registration will begin at 8:30 am, the courses will run from 9 am to 5 pm, and a continental breakfast and lunch will be served. For the Norwich, CT, event, the course will run from 9 am to 1 pm on both days, and breakfast is included.
For more information, please visit www.ultradent.com or call 800-520-6640. For more information about KOMET USA, please call 888-KOMET-USA or visit www.komet-usa.com.
Announcing the New Americus Venus Smile Center
Americus Dental Labs, a Certified Dental Laboratory, AGD Certified, and an AACD Corporate Gold Member, is proud to partner with Heraeus as the newest Venus Smile Center. The Americus Venus Smile Center will provide clinicians and their patients with the most sophisticated esthetics technically and artistically possible. Using a proprietary stackable feldspathic process and the most advanced Venus porcelain, all Americus Venus Smile Center restorations will be created by an elite team of CDTs and MDTs who are certified by prominent educational entities such as LVI, The Pankey Institute, and the Dawson Center.
For more information, please call 800-222-8980 or visit www.americuslabs.com.
KOMET has announced that Klaus Rbesamen is KOMET USA’s new chief executive officer. Rbesamen replaces Siggi Haverkamp, who retired last month.
A native of Germany, Rbesamen, 44, has spent his entire career working for KOMET, beginning as an apprentice in 1981. After his apprenticeship, he worked in the company’s export department. His ability to speak both English and Spanish assisted him in his job, because he was responsible for the company’s distributors in Japan, Spain, Portugal, and Latin America.
His hard work and determination paid off when he was promoted to the position of assistant to the general manager. In addition to English and Spanish, Rbesamen also speaks Italian and French, and was responsible for the coordination of all subsidiaries in the United States, Italy, and France. He remained at that position for a little over a year when he was promoted to export sales manager. His rise within the ranks of KOMET continued when he became the national and international sales manager in 1997. At the age of 37, he was promoted to sales and marketing director. Three years later, he was promoted to the position of managing director at KOMET in 2005.
For more information, please call 888-KOMET-USA or visit www.komet-usa.com.
Pankey Institute Will Remain in Key Biscayne
Tony A. Trujillo, Jr, president and CEO of The Pankey Institute, has announced that The Pankey Institute for Advanced Dental Education will remain in the Key Biscayne, Florida. The board of directors decided to keep the Institute in the Miami metropolitan area after several months of analysis by The Staubach Company. The analysis included a review of 398 US metropolitan statistical areas and clearly demonstrated that the Institute is in the most appropriate location to serve its mission at this time.
According to Trujillo, "Many of our constituents have known for nearly a year that the Institute has been studying the merits of alternative locations. Now that we know that we will remain in Key Biscayne, the Institute will focus on how best to accommodate its growing class schedule and provide exceptional experiences for its participants. One of the considerations in the location analysis was creation of a diagnostic and treatment center, a project that is being evaluated for the Key Biscayne facility. In addition, the Institute will renew efforts on expanded outreach programs both in the United States and internationally."
For more information about The Pankey Institute, please visit www.pankey.org.
Premier Dental Products Company announces the launch of a genuinely different type of contest, open to all licensed dentists in the United States. The single prize consists of a contribution from Premier of $20,000 made in the winner’s name to the dental charity or dental university of their choice. "We all want to make a difference in our workplace and community and this contest was inspired to appeal to that inner philanthropist in every individual. The prize of a significant charitable contribution empowers the winner to give back on a grander scale than normal circumstances might allow," states Julie Charlestein, Premier Dental’s vice president of branding and business development. The Two Striper® Diamond Make-A-Difference campaign runs from February 1, 2008, through December 7, 2008. One winner will be chosen on December 15 and a check will be presented in their name to the winner’s approved designated recipient.
For complete details, including entry form and contest rules, please visit www.difference.premusa.com.
Ada Products Company and Direct Dental Service announced that two of its Beyond™ Temporary materials received very high ratings from The Dental Advisor, an independent organization that performs research and provides information to dental professionals regarding dental products and equipment.
Specifically, Beyond™ Temporary Crown & Bridge System and Beyond™ Temporary Zinc Oxide Non-Eugenol Cement were both recently evaluated by The Dental Advisor and each received ratings of 4.5 +s out of a possible 5 +s.
"We’re extremely pleased with the positive feedback we routinely get from dental professionals. This independent evaluation report confirms that the Beyond product line has a place in virtually every dental practice where esthetic efficiency is a concern," remarked Tom Figurelli, president of Ada Products Company. "The Company is pleased with these evaluation scores and believes they confirm the comments that many of the customers say about both products."
Ada Products is also introducing Beyond Dual-Cure Temporary Crown & Bridge Material. Also a bis-acryl formula, new Beyond Dual-Cure offers the flexibility of either light-curing or auto-curing, thus providing maximum control over working time.
For more information, please call 800-471-4411 or visit www.adaproducts.net.
For every dentist that changes mandibular position, it is critical that they know the impact those changes have on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), craniofacial muscles, and the new occlusion they’ve created.
The BioRESEARCH Annual Conference, May 1 through 4 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is the culmination of their mission to improve dentistry through superior diagnostic aids. Attendees and speakers run the spectrum of treatment philosophies, but are all joined by the common dedication to objective measurement of TMJ, muscle, and occlusal function in dentistry. Their speakers come from diverse philosophical positions, yet the meeting is free of the divisive bickering that is common between the treatment camps. Lively scientific debate over diagnostic and treatment options is encouraged, but all speakers and attendees give the professional courtesy and respect that all clinicians deserve.
The workshops are more than just neuromuscular. You will see gnathologists, neuromuscular, and centric relation dentists working together; specialists consulting with general practitioners; TMD doctors teaching and learning from cosmetic doctors. Regardless of treatment philosophy, they all agree that a complete diagnosis leads to more cost-effective and efficacious treatment.
For more information, please visit www.BioRESEARCHinc.com.
Join Sterngold in Las Vegas at The 2008 Implant Forum
Sterngold Dental LLC invites you to attend The 2008 Implant Forum scheduled for May 9 and 10, 2008. The 2008 Sterngold Forum will be held at The Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas and will feature the viewing of a patient surgery, hands-on session, and multiple educational components. Dr. Joe Massad will be the keynote speaker and the patient surgery will be performed by Dr. Joe Carrick. In addition, the program lineup includes leading clinicians from around the world. Participants will have the opportunity to learn techniques for successful dental implant procedures.
A hands-on session is scheduled for May 10, 2008 at 1: 45 pm. Participants will learn the step-by-step surgical and prosthetic protocol for the ERA Implant System using synthetic mandibles. Enrollment for the hands-on session will be limited.
To sign up for the forum, please call 800-243-9942 or visit www.sterngold.com/Sterngold/lasvegas/index.html to register on-line.
AACD Highlights Excellence in Cosmetic Dentistry 2008
The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) will host Excellence in Cosmetic Dentistry 2008, AACD’s 24th Annual Scientific Session, from May 6 through 10, 2008, in New Orleans, Louisiana. Excellence in Cosmetic Dentistry 2008 offers in-depth educational opportunities via lectures and hands-on workshops, courses for the entire dental team and exciting networking events unlike any other dental conference.
Highlights of more than 150 CE courses available to attendees include:
• The first-ever AACD Synergy Summit, moderated by Dennis Wells, DDS
• Fundamental Criteria for a Perfect Esthetic Integration, presented by Dario Adolfi, DDS
• Customer Service Excellence: Taking it to the Next Level, presented by Lisa Ford, CSP
• The Team Focused New Patient Experience and Case Presentation, moderated by Sandra Roth
More highlights of the conference include:
• Inspiring General Sessions each morning of the conference include: humor columnist Dave Barry; Kevin Carroll, author of the highly successful Rules of The Red Rubber Ball, and a powerful presentation about our host state, titled McGillivray Freeman’s Hurricane on the Bayou
• A special AACD parade of conference attendees and second line brass band will weave through the streets of New Orleans with a final destination of the annual Opening Reception.
• The AACD Charitable Foundation’s Celebration of Smiles event will honor the volunteers and survivors who participate in the Give Back A Smile program.
• This year’s event features Jim Belushi and the Sacred Hearts Band.
• The Celebration of Excellence gala at the New Orleans Contemporary Art Center will celebrate the masters of artistry and combine fine dining, entertainment, and the prestigious AACD awards ceremony, including the presentation of newly AACD
Accredited and Accredited Fellow members.
AACD conference attendees are eligible to obtain certified continuing education credits for their participation in the 24th Annual AACD Scientific Session.
For more information, please visit www.aacd.com or call the AACD Executive Office at 800-543-9220.
Dan White has joined N Direct, Inc, as chief marketing officer. As CMO, Mr. White will be working directly with US and international clients to develop marketing campaigns and strategies for new and established dental products.
"Dan has been involved with the creation and improvement of some of the biggest brands in the dental industry," said Randall Leininger, president of N Direct. "His experience building brands like Opalescence at Ultra-dent and MACVENEERS at MicroDental Laboratories will be invaluable for our clients."
Mr. White has nearly 15 years of dental industry experience and his career has included roles as director of marketing for Ultradent Products, Inc, and vice president of marketing at MicroDental Laboratories, which was recently acquired by the DTI Laboratory Group. He received an MBA with an emphasis in marketing from the Marriott School of Management.
N Direct, Inc provides a full array of sales, marketing, and advertising services to companies and individuals seeking to market dental products and services in the United States and key international markets.
For more information, contact N Direct by e-mail at helpme@ndirectinc.com.
NAD Review Validates SmartMouth’s 12-Hour Fresh Breath and 12-Times Longer Claims
The National Advertising Division of the Better Business Bureau (NAD) reviewed numerous SmartMouth Mouthwash (Triumph Pharmaceuticals) advertising claims and determined that all of the claims in question have been substantiated, including:
• SmartMouth Mouthwash prevents bad breath for 12 hours.
• No other mouthwash has been clinically proven to provide fresh breath longer than 1 hour.
• SmartMouth prevents bad breath 12 times longer than any other mouthwash.
• Wake up every day with NO morning breath.
In its published decision, NAD was quoted as stating, "As in any category, when there are technological advances, NAD recognizes an advertiser’s right to tout them and that such claims are valuable to consumers provided they are truthful and accurate."
The NAD examined evidence that included, but is not limited to, a published, peer-reviewed clinical study, a search of all published halitosis studies associated with mouthwashes conducted by the American Dental Association, the results of "cysteine challenge testing," a patented methodology designed to create a severe halitosis condition, and a review by an independent expert.
In documents submitted to the NAD, the independent expert concluded that: (1) SmartMouth Mouthwash has been clinically proven to provide fresh breath/prevent bad breath for 12 hours; (2) no other mouthwash has been clinically proven to provide fresh breath/prevent bad breath longer than 1 hour; and (3) SmartMouth appears to be the only commercially available mouthrinse that has significant, continuing long-term effects.
The company, Triumph Pharmaceuticals, said it "is very pleased that the NAD has determined that theclaims for SmartMouth Mouthwash are truthful, accurate, and substantiated."
OSAP 2008 Symposium
The Organization for Safety and Asepsis Procedures (OSAP) announces their 2008 Symposium, "Focusing on Dental Infection Control Through Different Lenses," which will take place June 12 through 15 at the Westin Mission Hills Resort and Spa in Palm Springs, California. Leading experts on infection control and occupational health and safety will share information of critical concern to dental professionals and others involved in dentistry. Keynoting the Symposium will be Dr. Burton Conrod, president of the World Dental Federation (FDI). The agenda includes networking time and social events, such as the wildly popular auction. Twenty hours of CE credit are available.
The 2008 OSAP Symposium will give attendees the opportunity to learn about dental and infection control trends, find out how to set up infection control programs at their own facilities, and understand how to increase compliance.
Details of the Symposium as well as a reservation form are available online at www.OSAP.org or can be requested by calling 800-298-OSAP (6727).
Sealants for Smiles and has partnered with Ultradent Products, Inc, and a select group of community donors to provide oral health education, dental screening, and the placement of dental sealants for 2nd- and 6th-grade students in Title 1 schools. The community program is focused on addressing dental disease, the number one national chronic health issue for children.
Sealants for Smiles is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that is sponsored and administered by Dental Select, one of Utah’s largest providers of dental health plans. Ultradent, Dental Select, Intermountain Healthcare, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Humanitarian Services, and the Workers Compensation Fund of Utah have partnered to support the program. By year’s end, Sealants for Smiles projects the placement of 15,000 dental sealants on children who are currently limited in preventive dental services.
For more information, please call 800-552-5512 or visit www.ultradent.com.
A Generous Contribution Could Touch 300,000 Children’s Lives
3M ESPE OMNI Preventive Care is donating over 300,000 doses of its Vanish™ 5% sodium fluoride tooth varnish to the National Children’s Oral Health Foundation™ (NCOHF). This will allow NCOHF Affiliates throughout the United States to administer well over a quarter of a million varnish treatments to underserved children suffering from tooth decay.
"Every day millions of children have trouble sleeping, eating, and concentrating in school due to oral pain. They are at risk for serious health problems from poor nutrition and life-threatening infections. 3M OMNI Preventive Care’s very generous contribution will allow NCOHF to expand and enhance efforts to stop children’s needless suffering from preventable pediatric dental disease. The long-term value in the lives of children who will be helped is priceless," states Fern K. Ingber, NCOHF’s president and CEO.
For more information, please visit www.ncohf.org.
Henry Schein Extends Support of UN Millennium Villages Project Oral Task Force
Henry Schein extended its support of the United Nations Millennium Villages Project Oral Task Force in Fall 2007 through its global social responsibility program, Henry Schein Cares. The company donated needed dental supplies to support the mission. The oral task force assesses the oral healthcare needs of villagers and incorporates dentistry as an integral component of healthcare. The dental volunteer team from Columbia University of Dental Medicine and Harvard School of Dental Medicine performed oral assessments to more than 1,150 people in three rural African villages: Mayange Village in Rwanda, Mbola Village in Tanzania, and Potou Village in Senegal.
The February 6, 2008 First Wednesday Web cast featuring Dr. Linda Levin of Durham, North Carolina, was a hit with the attendees. Dr. Levin presented "Current Concepts in Endodontic Irrigants" to viewers across the United States who earned 1 hour of live ADA/CERP CE by attending the program. The lecture was recorded and can be found on the DENTSPLY Web site at: www.dentsply.com under the Education tab. The recorded program may be viewed by dental professionals and upon successful completion of the attached quiz, participants will receive 1 hour of ADA/CERP self-study CE.
The next First Wednesday program is scheduled for June 6, 2008 and will feature Dr. Rella Christensen presenting "Infection Control in 2008." To view a complete schedule and enroll in upcoming programs, visit www.dentsply.com/fw or call 800-877-0020, ext. 54420.
NAD Review Validates SmartMouth’s 12-Hour Fresh Breath and 12-Times Longer Claims
The National Advertising Division of the Better Business Bureau (NAD) reviewed numerous SmartMouth Mouthwash (Triumph Pharmaceuticals) advertising claims and determined that all of the claims in question have been substantiated, including:
• SmartMouth Mouthwash prevents bad breath for 12 hours.
• No other mouthwash has been clinically proven to provide fresh breath longer than 1 hour.
• SmartMouth prevents bad breath 12 times longer than any other mouthwash.
• Wake up every day with NO morning breath.
In its published decision, NAD was quoted as stating, "As in any category, when there are technological advances, NAD recognizes an advertiser’s right to tout them and that such claims are valuable to consumers provided they are truthful and accurate."
The NAD examined evidence that included, but is not limited to, a published, peer-reviewed clinical study, a search of all published halitosis studies associated with mouthwashes conducted by the American Dental Association, the results of "cysteine challenge testing," a patented methodology designed to create a severe halitosis condition, and a review by an independent expert.
In documents submitted to the NAD, the independent expert concluded that: (1) SmartMouth Mouthwash has been clinically proven to provide fresh breath/prevent bad breath for 12 hours; (2) no other mouthwash has been clinically proven to provide fresh breath/prevent bad breath longer than 1 hour; and (3) SmartMouth appears to be the only commercially available mouthrinse that has significant, continuing long-term effects.
The company, Triumph Pharmaceuticals, said it "is very pleased that the NAD has determined that theclaims for SmartMouth Mouthwash are truthful, accurate, and substantiated."
