Industry Insider
Sirona’s CEREC Dental CAD/CAM System Provides Humanitarian Aid Ship USNS Mercy with Same-Day Dental Restoration Capabilities
Sirona Dental Systems, LLC, recently donated four CEREC 3D chairside restoration systems, a dental laser, plus related materials and training to the University of California at San Diego’s Pre-Dental Society (UCSD PDS). The UCSD PDS is a student organization that promotes student interest in the field of dentistry, including outreach volunteering experiences.
The UCSD PDS, which works closely with the US Navy base in San Diego, was in turn granted permission to provide four Sirona-equipped operatories and 50 Sirona-trained UCSD students for the latest humanitarian mission of the USNS Mercy, which is currently embarked on a 5-month relief mission in Southeast Asia and Oceania called “Pacific Partnership 2008.” Specifically, the humanitarian mission schedule includes visits to the Philippines, Vietnam, East Timor, Papua New Guinea, and the Federated Islands of Micronesia. In addition, the USNS Mercy is treating military and government personnel based in Hawaii, Guam, Singapore and Darwin, Australia.
Dr. Richard Fox, a general practice dentist from Detroit and a longtime user of the CEREC 3D dental CAD/CAM system, and Dr. James F. Simon, chair of Restorative Dentistry, University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Dentistry, trained the Navy dentists and UCSD students at the Navy base on what is considered by the dental industry as the gold standard of restorative dental technology. “I use CEREC every day in my office because it enables me to design and produce the most natural-looking restorations, such as crowns, in one convenient office visit,” said Dr. Fox. “If CEREC’s time-saving technology is a convenience to the average patient, it’s a godsend to people in need of humanitarian aid.”
“The USNS Mercy can treat so many more people thanks to the CEREC dental CAD/CAM system,” explained Dr. Simon. “The more people we can help during one visit, the better, because who knows when they will be able to see a dentist again.”
The USNS Mercy has the distinction of being the fifth-largest hospital ship in the world. It is well-equipped with the latest medical and dental equipment and materials, and is staffed by a wide range of professionals, including physicians, dentists, pharmacists, optometrists, veterinarians and engineers.
Typically, when the USNS Mercy arrives at a destination, hundreds of local residents with medical and dental ailments line up for treatment at makeshift clinics set up on shore. The main focus of dental treatment is to relieve pain, which most often requires tooth extraction. Extractions, along with basic “drill-and-fills” and cleanings, are usually done in these makeshift clinics that may consist of no more than a folding lounge chair and a beach umbrella.
When a patient is a candidate for CAD/CAM dentistry, they are transported by boat or helicopter to one of the USNS Mercy’s four CEREC-equipped operatories, where they are fitted with all-ceramic CAD/CAM restorations, such as crowns, to replace existing worn-out or broken amalgam restorations.
According to Dr. Irvin Silverstein, UCSD Dental Director and advisor of the University of California at San Diego Pre-Dental Society, who is a civilian liaison to the US Navy, “Sirona’s CEREC 3D CAD/CAM system radically expanded the scope of dental treatment provided by the USNS Mercy. In the past, we could only relieve pain via extractions or fillings; now, we can restore smiles with crowns, bridges and partial dentures.”
For more information, including how to sign up for an upcoming Mercy Mission, contact Dr. Silverstein at dsilverstein22@cox.net.
Zenith Dental Donates Kolorz™ ClearShield™ to NCOHF
Zenith Dental recently donated over 56,000 units of Kolorz™ ClearShield™ 5% Sodium Fluoride Varnish (1,600 boxes of 35 single-dose ClearShield packages) to the National Children’s Oral Health Foundation (NCOHF), an international organization whose mission is to eliminate pediatric oral disease for millions of economically disadvantaged children. The NCOHF will donate the fluoride varnish to several non-profit pediatric oral health facilities.
Because of Zenith’s ongoing support and donations to the organization, the NCOHF is honoring Zenith with a grant in their name that will be awarded to an as-yet-unnamed children’s oral health facility.
“We are so grateful to have the support of companies such as Zenith Dental, who provide our organization with preventive oral healthcare products,” remarked Fern Ingber, president of the NCOHF. “Zenith’s early, strong, and ongoing financial and product support has had a tremendous impact on countless children who are in desperate need of quality oral healthcare treatment. We can’t thank them enough.”
“We are extremely honored to have the Zenith name on a grant that represents our philanthropic efforts to children throughout the world who need and deserve high-quality oral healthcare and products,” remarked Zenith Dental’s president, George Wolfe. “It’s very satisfying to know that we are making a positive difference in a child’s life.”
Kerr Corporation Launches New CE Portal
In a continuing effort to reach out and promote education within the clinician community, Kerr Corporation has broadened their offerings to include a new CE portal, Kerr University's Online Learning Center, where articles can be accessed online.
Kerr is pleased to announce its partnership in this effort with AEGIS Communications, publisher of Inside Dentistry and The Compendium of Continuing Education in Dentistry, to bring you university-accredited CE programming. Kerr University’s Online Learning Center Web site gives you immediate access to a library of self-study continuing education (CE) courses.
CE featured on Kerr University’s Online Learning Center is delivered under the auspices of Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, which provides 2 hours of ADA CERP- and ACDE-recognized CE credit for each course completed. Upon successful completion of each course, certificates can be printed immediately.
The new CE portal is complementary to other Kerr educational opportunities. “Our live, interactive Webcasts, on-demand courses and now the CE portal all fall under our educational arm, Kerr University, which offers varied and current courses taught or written by industry-renowned clinicians who are well-respected in the field,” said Kerr Clinical Affairs Manager Kirsten Edwards.
Find the latest courses at kerrdental.com/education and see Peer-Reviewed CE Articles. For information about Kerr’s portfolio of products, visit kerrdental.com or call 800-KERR-123.
GSK Sensodyne® Leads the Way in Erosive Tooth Wear Research
Following the International Association for Dental Research (IADR) Conference in Toronto, leading dental researchers and clinicians at the Pan European Federation (PEF IADR) Conference urged the dental profession to adopt the first standardized practitioner index to detect and manage erosive tooth wear in dental practice with the eventual aim of improving patient care. The Basic Erosion Wear Examination (BEWE) was pioneered by a number of leading academicians led by Professor David Bartlett of King’s College Dental Institute, London, and Professor Adrian Lussi of the University of Bern. Their work has attracted the attention of GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), the makers of the Sensodyne® Pronamel range, who have been collaborating with academicians in the area of acid erosion for more than 15 years.
The dental health team at GSK has been at forefront of work to identify acid erosion as an emerging and serious issue. They have conducted and sponsored extensive in-depth research into ways to manage the problem via work with Professor Bartlett and other global experts in the field.
GSK is keen for dentists to use indices to help with identification, monitoring, prevention as well as eventual treatment. Dr. Soha Shirodaria of GSK said: “It is acknowledged now that there is a real need to get consensus in this area. The BEWE is aimed at developing an internationally accepted, standardized, and validated practitioner tool. It will encourage and enable dental healthcare professionals to pay more attention to erosive wear and in the long run will be beneficial for patient care. I am pleased that GSK is keen to continue their support of this research and we look forward to opportunities to implement the index in the future.”
LED Medical Diagnostics Receives Award for Innovation and Promise
LED Medical Diagnostics Inc announced that it has been named a winner of the first annual Red Herring Canada 50 awards celebrating the most innovative and promising companies in Canada. LED Medical Diagnostics is the parent company of LED Dental, manufacturer of the VELscope® Oral Cancer Screening System.
Red Herring is a global media company uniting the world’s best high-technology innovators, venture investors, and business decision makers in a variety of forums.
The Red Herring Canada 50 nominees are rigidly evaluated on both quantitative and qualitative criteria, such as financial performance, technology innovation, quality of management, execution of strategy, and integration into their ecosystem. This unique assessment of potential is measured by a review of the actual track record and standing of a company, allowing Red Herring to see past the “buzz” and make the list an invaluable instrument for discovering and advocating the greatest business opportunities in the industry.
David Cox, president of both LED Medical Diagnostics and LED Dental, said, “Being named a finalist for this prestigious award was quite an honor for our company, but to be named a winner is a gratifying reinforcement of the exciting promise presented by our dedicated, talented team and our innovative, life-saving technology.” Mr. Cox accepted the award on his company’s behalf on September 17 before an audience of leading entrepreneurs, financiers, and corporate strategists at ceremonies in Mont-Tremblant, Quebec.
“Train the Trainer” Workshop on Infection Control
The United States Air Force (USAF) and the Organization for Safety & Asepsis Procedures (OSAP) will hold their 2009 Federal Dental Services Infection Control Training Course from Monday, January 12 to Thursday, January 15, 2009 at the Crowne Plaza Atlanta-Ravinia Hotel in Atlanta, Georgia. This 4-day “train the trainer” course is recommended for anyone responsible for their dental facility’s infection control and safety program.
The Federal Dental Services Infection Control Training Course offers a way for dental professionals to verify competency in dental infection control and safety principles. The program will provide the latest information on the implementation and management of effective infection control and occupational health and safety programs for dental settings, emphasizing the infectious diseases and occupational risks associated with dentistry.
Attendees can receive up to 27 CE hours. OSAP and the USAF are American Dental Association (ADA) CERP recognized providers. These credits are also accepted by the Academy of General Dentistry.
For more information, visit the www.OSAP.org Web site. There are also opportunities for companies to exhibit products and services at the Product Vendor Fair. For more information, call 800-298-OSAP.
Priorities
Tulsa Dental Specialties Announces 19th Annual Ski Seminar
Tulsa Dental Specialties, one of the divisions of DENTSPLY International, Inc, announces its 19th annual Ski Seminar January 28 to February 1, 2009, in Telluride, Colorado. The seminar offers a variety of educational endodontic courses from recognized endodontic specialists.
This year’s seminar will feature hands-on workshops and continuing education courses, as well as special breakout sessions designed specifically for endodontists and general practitioners.
The Peaks Resort and Golden Door Spa will serve as host for the seminar and offer hotel rooms, suites, penthouses, and cabins. Attendees are encouraged to bring their families and enjoy the beautiful slopes and scenes of Colorado’s San Juan Mountains. Entertainment and family-friendly menu selections will be offered during the event’s welcome party.
Registration through December 22, 2008 is $799. Registration thereafter is $850. Participants will receive 10 CE credits. Hotel accommodations, airfare, ski rentals, and lift tickets are not included in the seminar registration cost. For more information or to make reservations, call Toni Ellis at 800-662-1202, ext. 51147 or visit www.tulsadentalspecialties.com.
Ultradent Announces a Cruise to “America’s Last Frontier”
Ultradent Products, Inc will set sail to Alaska, “America’s Last Frontier,” on its next adventure in continuing education. With presenters Dr. John Kanca and Dr. Gerald Denehy at the helm, the cruise promises to leaves attendees with the unforgettable experiences and images of Alaska’s Inside Passage.
Dentists, hygienists, dental assistants, and lab technicians are invited to attend. Attendees can earn up to 16 CE hours.
The cruise takes place August 1 to August 8, 2009. It will be serviced by the Norwegian Cruise Line. For more information on registration or fees, please call 800-520-6640 or visit www.ultradent.com/seminars.
Seminar on Bisphosphonates Sponsored by Novartis
Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation announced the launch of a complimentary dental industry-focused Web seminar series entitled “Benefits of Bisphosphonate Therapy vs Frequency of Oral Complications: An Educational Program for Dental Professionals.”
A total of 30 1-hour Web seminars are being conducted between October and December, and will be presented by a rotating roster of clinicians who are leading experts on this compelling and highly relevant subject.
“Benefits of Bisphosphonate Therapy vs Frequency of Oral Complications: An Educational Program for Dental Professionals” will cover the following topics that every general practice dentist needs to know:
- Overview of bisphosphonates and uses in treatment of osteoporosis and metastatic bone disease.
- Osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) background
- ONJ frequency in oncology and osteoporosis patients treated with bisphosphonates
- Review of ONJ studies and management
Green Light for Straumann’s Oral Tissue Regeneration Products in the US
Straumann announced that the import detention on Biora products in the US, which has been in place since the beginning of 2007, has been lifted following a re-inspection of the Group’s Biora facility in Sweden by the FDA. As a result, Straumann can now supply its range of oral tissue regeneration products to dental professionals and their patients in the US again. The company’s US subsidiary is taking orders and the products concerned—Straumann Emdogain, PrefGel®, and BoneCeramic—will be available shortly.
For more information, visit www.straumann.com.
StemSave™ and Hu-Friedy Partner to Launch Stem Cell Education Course
StemSave™, Inc., a market leader in the field of stem cell recovery and cryo-preservation, announced its partnership with Hu-Friedy’s online dental hygiene community, Friends of Hu-Friedy (www.friendsofhufriedy.com) to offer a new continuing education (CE) course on the role dental professionals can play in both the recovery and future use of stem cells.
The CE class was developed in collaboration with StemSave’s president, Dr. Gregory Chotkowski, DMD, OMS, and is titled: Stem Cells: Emerging Medical and Dental Therapies and the Dental Professional.
Since the National Institutes of Health recent discovery that a powerful class of stem cells exist in teeth, the dental community is now in a position to provide an invaluable function in the development of medical regenerative and personalized therapies by preserving stem cells of patients.
“The class is essential for anyone in the field and is yet another example of how Hu-Friedy strives to offer the most state-of-the-art education classes to its members,” said Dr. Chotkowski. “Stem cells are driving an array of emerging medical and dental therapies and it is important that the dental community understand the role it can play.”
In addition to being a Board-Certified Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, Dr. Chotkowski is also the parent of a son afflicted with an, as yet, incurable form of Muscular Dystrophy. He has a profound understanding of stem cells and a passion for the promise of regenerative medical therapies.
Dr. Chotkowski founded StemSave to provide an affordable and non-invasive method for the recovery and cryo-preservation of the powerful Adult Stem Cells found in teeth. The company is a unique collaboration between top stem cell researchers and the dental community that seeks to give patients, young and old, a safe, affordable, and simple way to collect and preserve their stem cells so that when the research yields cures for neurodegenerative diseases, heart disease, diabetes, and others, StemSave will have your stem cells on hand.
To learn more visit www.StemSave.com
GC America Donation Helps the NCOHF
More children are being served by the National Children’s Oral Health Foundation (NCOHF) thanks to a generous donation of dental products from GC America, Inc.
NCOHF draws on vast national resources to secure and distribute product and financial donations to ensure that millions of at-risk children receive critically needed quality comprehensive oral health services.
“We are extremely grateful for the support of GC America, which recently made a generous donation of valuable dental products,” said Fern Ingber, NCOHF president and CEO. “NCOHF Affiliates from California to North are using these valuable products to serve our nation’s most economically disadvantaged children. These products are even serving children in Puerto Rico, through one of NCOHF’s newest Affiliates, the University of Puerto Rico.”
“GC America’s mission is to provide products that are integral to the practice of ‘minimal intervention’ dentistry,” said Mr. David Allen, GC America’s president and COO. “We are proud to support NCOHF’s efforts to eliminate children’s needless pain and suffering by sharing our products with those who need them most.”
Scottsdale Center for Dentistry to Exclusively Present Spear Institute Curriculum
The Scottsdale Center for Dentistry and the Spear Institute for Advanced Dental Education have joined forces in an exclusive agreement that will bring dentistry’s finest continuing education curriculum to the industry’s premiere teaching center. While Frank Spear, DDS, MSD, will continue to offer a select few courses at his Seattle facility and in locations in the Eastern United States, the majority of Spear Curriculum programs will be offered only at the Scottsdale Center beginning in 2009.
The agreement unites Dr. Spear’s world-renowned teaching philosophies with the vision for a comprehensive education center developed by Scottsdale Center founder and CEO, Imtiaz Manji. “We are thrilled to be able to offer the Spear Curriculum at the Scottsdale Center,” Manji said. “Dr. Spear’s commitment to quality and his passion for the opportunities that dentistry has to offer align beautifully with the Center’s vision and values.”
Dr. Spear agrees. “I have been very fortunate in my career to get to do what I love—to help others find passion in dentistry. Aligning with the Scottsdale Center will allow me to continue to reach more students than ever before, and to expand our curriculum in ways I have wanted to for a long time.”
The Scottsdale Center will also enable Dr. Spear to launch new courses, including live patient workshops in both anterior and posterior esthetics. With the addition of new course dates and larger workshop capacity, Dr. Spear has also engaged two leading educators, Lee Ann Brady, DMD, and Gary DeWood, DDS, MS, to aid in the development and delivery of both new and existing Spear curriculum courses.
To support its continued growth, the Scottsdale Center is adding a second 36-bench laboratory learning room within the facility.
For more information on Spear Institute or other courses at the Scottsdale Center for Dentistry, call 866-781-0072 or visit www.scottsdalecenter.com.
Oral Health America to Hold19th Annual Gala Dinner and Auction
Oral Health America, a non-profit organization that has been dedicated to improving oral health for all Americans for more than 50 years, will be holding its 19th Annual Gala Dinner and Silent Auction February 26, 2009 at Navy Pier in Chicago, Illinois. The event will raise funds to support educational and service programs designed to improve oral health.
The Oral Health America Gala, held each year during the Chicago Dental Society Midwinter Meeting, is one of the dental industry’s premier networking events. The “party on the pier” has become so popular that it sells out early. For this reason, organizers are urging attendees to purchase their tickets early to avoid disappointment. The black tie optional evening features dinner, dancing, and a silent auction. Oral Health America is also seeking event sponsors at the Gold ($3,000), Platinum ($5,000), and Diamond ($10,000) levels.
The Oral Health America 19th Annual Gala Dinner and Silent Auction will run from 6:30 pm to 11 pm on February 26, 2009. Tickets are $285 each ($300 after February 1, if still available); a table for 10 can be purchased for $2,500 ($2,750 after February 1, if still available). To reserve tickets or to get information on sponsorships or donations please contact Joe Donohue by calling 312-836-9900 or email joe@oralhealthamerica.org.
Roydent’s MAP System to be Highlighted in Clinical Book
Roydent Dental Products announces that its popular Micro-Apical Placement (MAP) System will be highlighted in a new clinical book, Practical Lessons in Conventional Endodontics.
Due for publication in 2009, the book’s editors include Donald Arens DDS, MSD, former director of continuing education at Indiana University; Alan H. Gluskin DDS, endodontics professor and chair, University of the Pacific; and Ove A. Peters DMD, MS, PhD, professor and director of endodontic research, University of the Pacific.
The book will also highlight Roydent’s Endo-Extractor System.
Roydent continues to experience interest and success with the MAP System, which it introduced to the US market in 2001. MAP System is a site-specific delivery system using piston/needle devices that provide a unique, efficient method for placing IRM® and root canal repair materials such as ProRoot® MTA, SuperEBA™, calcium hydroxide, and amalgam. Ideal for microsurgery, the curved, hooked, straight, and triple-angled needles provide access for apical (retrograde) or coronal (orthograde) material placement.
Please contact Roydent Dental Products at 800-992-7767 for more information.
