Geneva, 25 February 2014 – FDI World Dental Federation has identified the most serious challenges facing developing countries in South America, Africa, and Asia in their pursuit of optimal oral health. They include poor access to adequate care, lack of quality dental materials at an affordable price and insufficient investment in dental care.

The figures are stark: the average density of dentists to head of population in Africa is 1 to 150,000; in industrialized countries, the average is 1 to 5,000. In Ethiopia, the lack of access is even more dramatic with a density of only 1 dentist per 1 million people. This information derives from the Oral Health Atlas developed by FDI World Dental Federation, which provides a clear picture of dental health around the world[1].

Even in countries with fast growing populations of dentists, unequal access to dental care is a major obstacle to optimal oral health. India registers some 20,000 new dental graduates each year, yet there are still not enough dentists to adequately deal with the population’s needs. Brazil has a high proportion of dentists but they tend to remain in urban areas, leaving vast rural areas, without enough qualified dental practitioners to meet the needs of the population.  

The problem is compounded by economic and social inequalities, which force many new graduates to seek work abroad or to move to urban areas in search of a better life and better professional opportunities. The result: large swathes of population lack proper assistance to meet their oral health needs.

“Developing countries face great challenges in their quest for optimal oral care.” stated Dr. Tin Chun Wong, FDI President, “Oral health is integral to general health and a basic human right, and we must ensure cost-effective solutions become available to all. Promoting better research and obtaining valid data will help us achieve this objective.”

Oral diseases

The damage to oral health due to poor access to care is exacerbated by the fact that many developing countries are disproportionally affected by a number of oral diseases. For example, an estimated 140,000 people, mainly in Sub-Saharan Africa, South America and Asia, are affected by Noma, a neglected, deadly and disfiguring disease of poverty affecting mainly children. The combination of high risk of oral disease and low access to care, results in many patients not getting adequate treatment in time. In the case of Noma, this can result in an 80% mortality rate.

For other oral diseases, which could be identified and treated during routine check-ups, the delay in access means that when many patients are finally able to visit their local dentist, it is often too late and only one option remains: tooth extraction. This can become up to 90% of dental work in countries such as Tanzania, where the lack of access to qualified oral health care is a prominent issue.

About FDI

FDI World Dental Federation serves as the principal representative body for more than one million dentists worldwide, developing health policy and continuing education programmes, speaking as a unified voice for dentistry in international advocacy, and supporting member associations in global oral health promotion activities. Over the years, it has developed programmes, initiatives, campaigns, policies and congresses, always with a view to occupying a space that no other not-for-profit group can claim.

FDI works at national and international level through its own activities and those of its member dental associations. It is in official relations with the World Health Organization (WHO) and a member of the World Health Professionals Alliance (WHPA). For more information, visit: www.fdiworldental.org

About World Oral Health Day

World Oral Health Day is celebrated every year on 20th March. The theme of World Oral Health Day 2014 is ‘Celebrating Healthy Smiles’. It reflects the major contribution oral health makes to our lives. Around the world, FDI member dental associations, schools, companies and other groups will celebrate the day with events organized under this single, unifying and simple message. For more information, visit: www.worldoralhealthday.org

World Oral Health Day 2014 partners

LISTERINE® brand Mouthwash, part of the Johnson & Johnson Family of Consumer Companies

LISTERINE® Mouthwash is the world’s number one daily mouthwash with antibacterial properties to clean the mouth, freshen breath and fight plaque.   Over 50 clinical studies support the plaque reduction efficacy of LISTERINE® Mouthwash when used routinely as an adjunct to mechanical plaque removal. LISTERINE® Mouthwash has been used by more than one billion people in more than 85 countries.  Professional dental organizations around the world have awarded LISTERINE® Mouthwash with their seals of acceptance. LISTERINE® is distributed by Johnson & Johnson Healthcare Products Division of McNEIL-PPC, Inc., a part of the Johnson & Johnson Family of Consumer Companies, which is the world’s sixth-largest consumer health company and is a segment of Johnson & Johnson, the world’s most comprehensive and broadly based manufacturer of health care products.

Unilever

Unilever Oral Care is a leading global manufacturer of oral care products, including toothpaste, toothbrushes and mouthwash, represented by brands including Signal, Pepsodent, Close Up, Mentadent, Aim, P/S and Zhong Hua. Unilever recognizes that good oral health and the sense of well-being and confidence it brings, is a vital element to making people look good, feel good and get more out of life and that small every day actions, such as twice daily brushing with a fluoride toothpaste, add up to make a big difference for the world. Through its science, products, partnerships and international network, Unilever Oral Care is privileged with the power to make a sustainable and measurable improvement to oral health around the world.

Henry Schein

Henry Schein, Inc. is the world's largest provider of health care products and services to office-based dental, animal health and medical practitioners.  The Company also serves dental laboratories, government and institutional health care clinics, and other alternate care sites.  A Fortune 500®[2] Company and a member of the NASDAQ 100®[3] Index, Henry Schein employs more than 16,000 Team Schein Members and serves more than 800,000 customers. The Company offers a comprehensive selection of products and services, including value-added solutions for operating efficient practices and delivering high-quality care.  Henry Schein operates through a centralized and automated distribution network, with a selection of more than 96,000 branded products and Henry Schein private-brand products in stock, as well as more than 110,000 additional products available as special-order items. The Company also offers its customers exclusive, innovative technology solutions, including practice management software and e-commerce solutions, as well as a broad range of financial services. Headquartered in Melville, N.Y., Henry Schein has operations or affiliates in 25 countries.  The Company's sales reached a record $9.6 billion in 2013, and have grown at a compound annual rate of nearly 17% since Henry Schein became a public company in 1995. For more information, visit the Henry Schein Web site at www.henryschein.com

Wrigley Oral Healthcare Program

The Wrigley Oral Healthcare Program (WOHP) partners with dental professionals worldwide, helping them improve their patients’ oral health through one extra simple and enjoyable step in their daily routine: chewing sugarfree gum after eating and drinking on-the-go. For more than 25 years, WOHP has supported independent clinical research into the benefits of chewing gum, including saliva stimulation, plaque acid neutralization and tooth strengthening to help dental professionals and their patients understand the role of sugarfree gum as a convenient tool for everyday oral care. Today, Wrigley operates oral healthcare programs in 47 countries worldwide. WOHP is one example of how we make a difference to people and the planet through performance, and how we incorporate our principles based approach to business into all that we do. For more information, visit: www.wrigleyoralcare.com

Originally founded in 1924, VITA Zahnfabrik proudly celebrates 90 years of innovation. VITA has had a profound impact on the industry over the last century, with the introduction of materials like ground-breaking shade systems, CAD/CAM materials and veneering materials. VITA materials have become the gold standard in dental technology and today, four out of five tooth shades worldwide are determined using the VITA shade standard.

The fourth generation, family run company, not only has a rich past, but also continues to be a pioneer in the industry, breaking new ground with innovations that make an impact. The development of VITA ENAMIC, the first hybrid dental ceramic in the world, is a revolutionary new material that combines the best of ceramic and composite. The new zirconia-reinforced glass ceramic, VITA SUPRINITY, is set to be released in spring and provides exceptional mechanical strength for a variety of applications.

For 90 years, VITA Zahnfabrik has been combining tradition and experience with revolutionary ideas. The secret of VITA’s success lies in the consistent, systematic development of core competencies within a framework of clearly-defined business divisions. VITA combines this with the strategic collaboration of selected partners, to establish a strong, reliable network.

Since 1943, the company headquarters, as well as the research and development site, have been located in the heart of Europe in Bad Säckingen, Germany, where Germany, France and Switzerland meet. To expand their products into North America, Vident was named the sole supplier of VITA materials in North America in 1985, and for the last 30 years, has played a crucial role in the success of VITA products and materials distributed throughout the U.S. and Canada.

VITA employs nearly 770 people from 20 different countries, all dedicated to advancing the field of dentistry using a combination of skill and cutting-edge technology. As a result, VITA products are successfully marketed in over 125 countries.

To ensure professional knowledge transfer, both to customers as well as to teaching facilities such as vocational colleges and universities, VITA provides a comprehensive range of training and continuing education programs with leading international speakers.

Vident has been a provider of innovative dental products since 1985 and is the North American subsidiary of VITA, manufacturer of the internationally recognized Classical Shade Guide, 3D-Master Shade System, Easyshade Advance 4.0, VITA ENAMIC and other quality VITA restorative materials. For information, call 800-828-3839 or visit Vident’s website at www.vident.com. 

CINCINNATI--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oral-B® will introduce its interactive electric toothbrush – the world’s first of its kind with Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity – at Mobile World Congress 2014 beginning Monday, February 24. As an essential element to the well-connected bathroom, the product will be showcased in the GSMA Connected City exhibition space, a realistic city environment showcasing cutting-edge mobile products and services for the increasingly connected life. Available for purchase in limited quantities this spring, the product is poised to set a new standard in personal oral care.

This new innovation gives you unprecedented control over your oral care, and in turn, the outcome of your dental appointments. Via Bluetooth 4.0 technology, the interactive electric toothbrush connects to the Oral-B App that provides real-time guidance while you brush, and records brushing activity as data that you can chart on your own and share with dental professionals, helping to create smarter and more personalized brushing routines.

Features & Benefits of the Oral-B App

• Utilizes Two-Way Communication: Not only does that app receive brushing data and report it back to you, but you can also program the app so that it communicates with the brush for personalized brushing.

• Delivers Expert Guidance with Focused Care: The purpose of this new technology is not to outsmart dental professionals, but to work hand-in-hand with them. Dental professionals can program patients’ brushing routines in the app to help improve their brushing behaviors and focus on problem zones within the mouth.

• Programs Personal Brush Settings: You can use your smartphone as a “remote control” to customize your brush to your needs, including setting your target session length and selecting your preferred modes.

• Stores Your Data: It is not always convenient or easy to remember to have your smartphone in the bathroom while you brush, so the Oral-B interactive electric toothbrush handle can store up to 20 brushing sessions. The data is transferred the next time the app is connected to the toothbrush, updating your records.

• Fosters Better Brushing: The app and interactive electric toothbrush help drive patient compliance, which determines a large part of the success of dental appointments.

• Helps You Stay Informed: The app helps maintain your attention and motivation while brushing with news, weather and oral care tips.

• Available for free on iOS and Android

Additionally, pre-tests of the app have shown that when connected, brushing time increases from less than 60 seconds with a manual toothbrush to two minutes and 16 seconds with an electric toothbrush, surpassing the dental professional-recommended two-minute per session.

“Oral-B has been a leading innovator in oral care for more than 60 years, and we’re proud to introduce this new interactive electric toothbrush with Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity, which was developed in conjunction with leading dental experts around the globe,” said Wayne Randall, Vice President, Global Oral Care at Procter and Gamble. “It provides the highest degree of user interaction to track your oral care habits to help improve your oral health, and we believe it will have significant impact on the future of personal oral care, providing data-based solutions for oral health, and making the relationship between dental professionals and patients a more collaborative one.”

Oral-B’s participation in the GSMA Connected City marks the first time an oral care brand has debuted its mobile capabilities at Mobile World Congress, the largest and most premier exhibitor in mobile developments.

“The GSMA Connected City was created to showcase the most innovative developments in mobile technology and demonstrate how they will have a positive impact on people’s lives. So we are delighted to welcome Oral-B,” said Michael O’Hara, Chief Marketing Officer, GSMA. “The progress of connected devices and machine-to-machine communications continues to grow at an incredible pace, shaping the world around us and we hope that visitors to the City will be inspired by what they see this year.”

The Bluetooth 4.0 technology will be available in a variety of Oral-B electric toothbrushes, including the new sophisticated and elegant Oral-B SmartSeries.™

Features & Benefits of the New SmartSeries with Bluetooth Connectivity 4.0

• Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity: Links electric toothbrush to smartphone app via low-energy Bluetooth

• Oscillating-rotating-pulsating technology: Removes up to 100 percent more plaque than a regular manual toothbrush

• Six different cleaning modes: Daily Cleaning, Deep Clean, Whitening, Gum Care, Sensitive, Tongue Cleaning

• Compatible with six different brush heads: CrossAction, Precision Clean, 3D White, Sensitive, Floss Action, TriZone

• Pressure sensor: Signals and decelerates the speed when the user is brushing too hard

• Travel accessories: Protects the brush and charger during travel

The new Oral-B interactive electric toothbrush with Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity and the Oral-B App will be available in limited quantities in Germany this spring, with a global rollouts – including the SmartSeries – launching in June 2014. The new Oral-B App will be available in iOS in May, and in Android in August.

For more information on the new SmartSeries and other Oral-B electric toothbrushes with Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity, visit connectedtoothbrush.com.

Lompoc, CA, February 20, 2014 – DenMat, a leading manufacturer and direct distributor of innovative esthetic dentistry and advanced oral health solutions, announced today that it has acquired substantially all dental assets of Fort Collins, CO based Zila, Inc. Zila manufactures and markets a portfolio of proprietary oral hygiene products dedicated to the detection, prevention and treatment of periodontal disease, and the management of oral health. 

Building upon a broad range of dental equipment, materials, and esthetic lab services, DenMat will integrate Zila’s soft tissue and oral hygiene-focused products into its expanding portfolio. These products, which include Rotadent® professional power toothbrush, Atridox® locally applied antibiotic for treatment of periodontitis, ProDenRx soft-tissue management essentials, and NV® cordless soft-tissue diode laser, will enable DenMat to offer to dental professionals a one-stop-shop for preventative soft-tissue management and enhanced oral hygiene. 

"This acquisition is a major milestone for us," said Steve Semmelmayer, CEO of DenMat. "DenMat is not only acquiring a trusted line of oral hygiene products but is also expanding its North American sales and customer care team to support this significant product line growth and entry into the oral hygiene market. Zila’s products are a perfect fit with DenMat’s current suite of oral health and esthetic products." 

Building on its goal to offer dental professionals a broad range of high-quality choices, DenMat’s addition of Zila’s products follows DenMat’s recent acquisitions of restoratives and impression products from Royal Philips Electronics, including Splash® and Precision® impression materials, Vanilla Bite™ registration material, Perfectemp® crown and bridge material, and Flashlite™ curing lights. Similarly, DenMat recently acquired PeriOptix, Inc., a California-based company known for high-quality magnification and illumination technologies for dental and medical professionals. 

David Speights, CEO of Zila, Inc. stated "We are thrilled to know that the legacy of Zila’s products will continue on with such a strong and well-respected global dental organization in DenMat."

MESA, Ariz. (Feb. 20, 2014) - A.T. Still University’s Arizona School of Dentistry & Oral Health (ATSU-ASDOH) announced today that Text2Floss now offers a free mobile application available by download. 

Through funding of a $200,000 grant made by DentaQuest Foundation, this new mobile application offers a unique dental experience to iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch users. 

The HIPAA compliant mobile application guides users through an easy-to-navigate dental experience. In addition to Text2Floss’ notable feature of reminding users to brush twice daily, as well as floss and rinse every day, other highlights include a dental hygiene timer, medical history recorder and a dental clinic locator. The application also specifies the correlation of heart and mental health to oral health as part of overall health and wellness. 

Additionally, the Text2Floss mobile app allows data integration with any mobile phone that receives standard text messages. 

“We are extremely grateful to Dentaquest Foundation for funding this initiative,” said Tony Hashemian, DDS, Text2Floss founder, and assistant dean for Global Oral Health at ATSU-ASDOH. "This continued expansion of Text2Floss creates even more opportunities for people of all ages to become better champions of their oral health habits." 

Text2Floss provides patients with a unique and innovative way to receive information about oral health and dental hygiene. Text2Floss mobile development is supported by RIESTER and the HIPAA compliant standard text message data integration is made possible by CellTrust Corporation. 

The Text2Floss app is downloadable through the iTunes store: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/text2floss/id797806327?mt=8 

TULSA, OK – (February 20, 2014) - DENTSPLY Tulsa Dental Specialties recently celebrated its 25th year of advancing the specialty of endodontics through innovative products, clinician support and world-class continuing education.

The company was founded as Tulsa Dental Products by Dr. Wm. Ben Johnson, DDS, in October 1988 with the introduction of Thermafil®, the world’s first endodontic obturator that gave clinicians an efficient new way to three-dimensionally fill a canal system during root canal therapy. 

Dr. Johnson was joined by Mark Oliver, who helped shape the company’s culture of innovation by starting an annual Endodontic Opinion Leaders Forum to better understand the needs of the market. The growing company was also championed by Russ Vanderslice, who spearheaded Tulsa Dental Products’ early marketing initiatives. The company lost an admired friend when Mr. Vanderslice passed away in October of this year.

DENTSPLY Tulsa Dental Specialties’ emphasis on research and development and collaboration with leading endodontists has created a continuous pipeline of product “firsts” and procedural advancements. The company introduced the world’s first endodontic nickel titanium (NiTi) rotary files, ProFile® Series 29® rotary files, in 1994.

Tulsa Dental Products merged with Quality Dental Products, Inc., in 1995 and was acquired by DENTSPLY International, Inc., in 1996.  It merged with a sister division to become DENTSPLY Tulsa Dental Specialties in 2007. The company continues to be headquartered in its namesake city of Tulsa, Oklahoma, with manufacturing and distribution in Johnson City, Tennessee.

Today, DENTSPLY Tulsa Dental Specialties employs more than 600 who serve clinicians throughout North America and beyond. Vice President and General Manager, John Voskuil says the company continuously looks for new ways to shape the future of endodontics.

“We’re grateful for the collaborative, innovative mindset woven into our company’s fabric from the very start,” said Mr. Voskuil. “Now, after a quarter century of growth, we’re better positioned than ever to bring new advancements and solutions to today’s clinicians.”

DENTSPLY Tulsa Dental Specialties is widely-recognized as the leading marketer, developer and manufacturer of endodontic products in North America.   The company’s world-class live and online Continuing Education courses bring enhanced clinical success and confidence to tens of thousands of clinicians annually.  DENTSPLY Tulsa Dental Specialties is a division of York, Pennsylvania-based DENTSPLY International, Inc., a global dental and consumable medical device company with operations and sales in more than 120 countries. For more information, please visit www.TulsaDentalSpecialties.com or call 1-800-662-1202.

PITTSTON, PA — February 14, 2014 — One young woman who overcame tremendous odds to go from "homeless to Harvard" will share a decision that inspired her journey at the 2^nd annual celebration named to honor a young woman whose decision paved the path for women in dentistry.

Liz Murray, meet the legacy of Lucy Hobbs.

Murray, 29, now an international speaker and author of Breaking Night: A Memoir of Forgiveness, Survival, and My Journey from Homeless to Harvard, remained undaunted after her parents’ drug addiction and illness catapulted her to life on New York streets. A personal epiphany convinced her to focus on opportunities rather than excuses.

She will appear as featured presenter at the Lucy Hobbs Project Annual Celebration Honoring Exemplary Women in the Dental Community, to be held at the Omni Championsgate in Orlando, FL, June 6.  The annual event, named for the woman who, in 1866, became the first American female to earn a degree in dentistry, will recognize and award industry professionals whose achievements mirror those established by Lucy Hobbs.

Among this year’s Lucy Hobbs Award recipients are six unique women, industry stalwarts, whose unwavering professional dedication merits recognition:

·       Karen Gear, DDS, a former clinical professor at Harlem Hospital Center, leads her practice and those she mentors using her clinical expertise in the areas of endodontics and general dentistry in Vineyard, Mass.

·       Mary Hartigan, DDS, who much like Lucy Hobbs, was told she would never practice dentistry. Ignoring that advice, she sets the bar high as a general dentist, periodontist, dental educator and philanthropist in Jacksonville, Florida.

·       Maria Maranga, DDS, a practicing endodontist in Aquebogue, NY, not only shares her passion for dentistry with the next generation of practitioners at Stony Brook University School of Dental Medicine, but also with her peers, as a presenter at dental meetings across the country.

·       Terryl A. Propper, DDS, MS, a senior partner of a seven-doctor, two-location endodontic practice in Brentwood, Tenn., was the first female to join its ranks 24 years ago. She dedicates herself to advancing the role of women in the industry.

·       Katti Webb Simpson, IPDH, who persevered to establish an Independent Hygiene practice in Dover-Foxcroft, Maine, illustrates the future at work. Her pioneer spirit paves the way for others in her area of specialty.

·       Kaaren G. Vargas, DDS, PhD., a pediatric dentist in North Liberty, Iowa, serves as an example of fortitude to her young patients. After discovering her international degree stood in the way of opening a practice, she continued her studies and today leads the charge in humanitarian efforts.

These six pioneers for change and three others, to be announced at the Lucy Hobbs Project Annual Celebration June 6, help lead the charge for women in dentistry and embody the project goals.

Powered by Benco Dental, The Lucy Hobbs Project is a national, long-term program based on three pillars – networking, innovating and giving back.  Named after Hobbs, this project aims to bring women together from all facets of the dental industry – dentists, dental assistants, hygienists, receptionists, sales representatives and others. The project is free to join and offers networking opportunities, education programs and charitable events. 

To learn more and sign up for The Lucy Hobbs Project, visit The Lucy Hobbs Project website at: www.thelucyhobbsproject.com

Chicago, Feb. 14, 2014 – Screenings by dentists for the most common chronic medical diseases could save the American health care system as much as $102.6 million annually, according to a new study conducted by the ADA Health Policy Resources Center (HPRC).

The findings were published Feb. 13 in the American Journal of Public Health.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 7.8 percent of the U.S. population has undiagnosed hypertension, 2.7 percent has undiagnosed diabetes and 8.2 percent has undiagnosed high cholesterol. Screening for these conditions in dental offices could lead to savings of up to $102.6 million, or $33 per person screened, and healthier outcomes for patients.

“As many as 27 million people visit a dentist but not a physician in a given year,” said Kamyar Nasseh, PhD, lead author of the study. “This presents an opportunity for dentists to be part of an integrated health care team working to combat chronic illnesses.”

There is potential for additional savings over the long term through prevention, health promotion, and early interventions that the study did not model.

“We have long known that the mouth is the window to the body,” said ADA President Charles H. Norman, D.D.S. “But we have an increased understanding about roles that dentists can play in detecting chronic, systemic disease. This study shows that dentists can contribute to reduced health care costs in the U.S. by screening for chronic conditions.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about half of all American adults suffer from chronic illnesses, which account for more than 75 percent of health care costs and 70 percent of deaths each year in the United States. Chronic diseases are estimated to cost the country $153 billion annually in lost productivity.

ANNAPOLIS, MD — February 11, 2014 — Registration is now open for the must-attend event of the year for those on the front lines of infection prevention in oral healthcare. The Organization for Safety, Asepsis and Prevention (OSAP) will host its 30^thAnniversary Symposium June 5–8 at the Hyatt Regency Minneapolis in Minneapolis, MN.

This landmark educational event addresses emerging and current issues of concern to dental professionals responsible for infection control and patient and provider safety. The OSAP Symposium is tailored to risk managers, infection control coordinators in large group practices, educators, consultants, compliance officers of state dental boards, researchers, policymakers and representatives from companies that sell infection control products.

In 2014, OSAP celebrates three decades of leading the fight for oral healthcare safety, and in keeping with that message, the theme of this year's Symposium is "Moving Forward to a Safer Tomorrow in Dentistry.”

"OSAP was conceived in the era of wet-fingered dentistry. The need for an organization dedicated to infection prevention was critical in the early 1980s and is even more relevant today,” said Therese Long, OSAP's executive director. "This year's Symposium marks OSAP's 30 years at the forefront of infection prevention in oral healthcare, and will look ahead to prepare its community of leaders for future challenges and opportunities in dental safety.”

Michael Osterholm, PhD, MPH, is this year's Dr. John S. Zapp keynote lecturer and will address emerging diseases, antibiotic resistance and how to adapt to and manage these issues of concern. Dr. Osterholm serves as the director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP) and is a world leader on public health preparedness for pandemics and bioterrorism.

With up to 18 hours of continuing education available, attendees will learn to describe current and emerging issues related to infection prevention and safety in oral healthcare throughout the world; list new resources, tools and networks to optimize compliance; identify important attributes to develop the next generation of global leadership for the optimal delivery of infection prevention and safety; and connect to a community of infection control leaders including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The Symposium will feature new infection research and scientific abstracts, a New Product Showcase, complimentary pre- and post-conference workshops, and the opportunity for OSAP members to present at a new forum called "Ignite,” a series of five-minute sessions on compliance solutions. Click on https://www.osap.org/?page=2014SympMain for details.

To better understand the powerful educational opportunities available at the OSAP Symposium, you can review the 2013 Symposium proceedings. This is an executive summary that distills three days of in-depth content into actionable information. The proceedings include the investigation of a hepatitis C virus transmission in Oklahoma and CDC's role in outbreak investigations, an international forum with in-depth discussions of facts about dental healthcare in Brazil, Mexico and Panama, and much more. The online document features key takeaways, suggestions on implementation of the topic, reminders, references, and a link to the presentation. The resource is available atwww.osap.org/resource/resmgr/Symposium_2013/OSAP.2013Symp.Proceedings.pdf .

Don't miss the 2014 OSAP Symposium. Register today at https://www.osap.org/?page=2014SympMain and plan to attend June 5–8 at the Hyatt Regency Minneapolis.

About OSAP

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

The 29th Annual Meeting of the Academy of Osseointegration - “Real Problems, Real Solutions” - will be held March 6─8, 2014 at Washington State Convention Center, Seattle, Wash.

This meeting is for all implant dentistry practitioners, including specialists and general dentists—whether they are actively placing and/or restoring dental implants or just getting started. 

HIGHLIGHTS:

·       Learn about—and share with readers—the latest techniques, innovations and advances in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of common implant problems, including retreatment of 20- to 30-year-old implants.

·       Meet and interview some of the most noted researchers and clinicians in the field of implant dentistry.

·       See first-hand the largest assortment of dental implant products and services under one roof.

·       Attend the President’s Reception at the Boeing Museum of Flight, the largest air and space museum on the West Coast.                

Opening Symposium—“Strategies to Address Implant Retreatment—Dealing With the 25-Year-Old Implant” will include presentations from renowned clinicians and researchers on cutting-edge topics.

Speaker	Topic
Jonathan Ferencz, DDS, and Burton Langer, DMD	“Implants in the Esthetic Zone: Techniques and Perspectives After 20 Years of Collaboration”
Torstem Jemt, DDS, PhD	“Implant Limitations, Complications and Failures”
Hom-Lay Wang, DDS, MSD, PhD	“Is Crestal Bone Loss Around Titanium Implants a Risk to Long-Term Patient Care?”
Stefan Renvert, DDS	“Peri-Implantitis: Recognition and Management”
Frank Schwarz, DMD	“Decisions Regarding Implant Failure”

International Symposium—First-ever half-day international symposium dedicated to a single country: Japan. Simultaneous translation from English to Japanese and from Japanese to English will be available in this session, which will be moderated by Yataro Komiyama, DDS, PhD.

Speaker	Topic
Reiji Natsubori, DDS	“A Review of Long-Term Experiences in Implant Dentistry: What Works and What Doesn’t”
Tetsuya Mizukami, DDS	“Placing and Maintaining Implants in Patients with Periodontal Disease”
Tomohiro Ishikawa, DDS	“Treating Multiple Supra-Alveolar Defects Caused by Advanced Periodontal Disease: Esthetic Outcomes and Real Solutions”
Takashi Sumi, DDS, PhD	“Application of Gum-Colored Titanium Abutments in the Esthetic Region”
Yoichi Yamada, DDS, PhD	“Stem Cell Therapy and Clinical Long-Term Progress, and the Future Possibilities for Dental Implants”
Kenji Tsuchiya, DDS	“Options and Decision Factors for Implant Treatment with Esthetic and Functional Results”
Ken Akimoto, DDS, MSD	“Retrospective Evaluation of Success and Failure in the Esthetic Zone: Problems, Treatment and Prevention”

Closing Symposium—“Our Better Future” will highlight current and advancing technology, including biotechnology, digital dentistry and materials selection and prosthetic design.

Speaker	Topic
William Giannobile, DDS, DMSc	“Advances in Biotechnology Related to Implant Therapy”
Lee Culp, CDT	“Digital Dentistry: Foundation for Ultimate Communication”
Peter Wöhrle, DDS, DMSc, CDT	“Advances in Clinical Implant Prosthodontics”
Dennis Tarnow, DDS	“The Realities In an Implant Dentistry Future”

Other educational symposia include:concurrent surgical and restorative tracks, limited attendance lectures, innovative treatment approaches, an allied staff program, lunch and learn sessions, and a session concentrating on common practice challenges and innovative solutions.

EXHIBIT HALL:  Open all three days of the conference, it will feature more than 130 exhibits from leading manufacturers and suppliers demonstrating the latest in dental products and services.

ONLINE: For more details, please visit the AO website: www.osseo.org. Attendees will be able to download a free mobile app from this website that will include a complete listing of events/speakers and will allow them to organize a custom meeting itinerary and access related social media.

About the Academy of Osseointegration

The Academy of Osseointegration is the world’s leading dental implant organization. Founded in 1985, AO provides a focus for the rapidly advancing biotechnology involving the natural bond between bone and certain alloplastic reconstructive materials. The Academy’s primary goal is to advance the field of osseointegrated implants by fostering collaboration between representatives of different dental disciplines—oral surgery, periodontics, prosthodontics and general practice—through clinical and evidence-based research and education. AO membership now exceeds 6,000 professionals in nearly 70 countries.