Hoffman Estates, IL, October 28, 2014 —Leading dental equipment manufacturer NSK Dental LLC today announced that its recently launched iCare handpiece maintenance system is enjoying a very strong reception from dental practices.

The iCare system makes it possible for dental practices to perform handpiece maintenance with the simple touch of a few buttons.  This state-of-the-art system allows the practice to give each type of handpiece its own cleaning program, which includes specifying the volume of lubrication oil to be injected to ensure consistent and cost-effective operation.  In addition, an advanced chuck-cleaning function makes it easy to effectively remove dirt and abrasive powder from the inside of the chuck to ensure smooth operation and prevent chuck-related problems. This maintains the optimal condition of handpieces and greatly extends their operating life.   

A boon to office productivity, the iCare system was designed by NSK to handle up to four handpieces at once.  The system offers a choice of two or three rotation ports for better lubricant coverage of gears for e-type electric attachments and slow-speed handpieces.  This feature, which ensures consistent cleaning and lubrication, is not offered by most competitive systems.  The iCare system also uses liquid oil, which economically cleans up to 2,800 handpieces (700 cycles) per liter.  Moreover, ithas LED lights to alert the user when a door is open or when the oil supply or air pressure is low.

The iCare system has a stylish,compact body that can be installed anywhere a compressed air line is available. (The unit has a footprint of less than 9.5 inches by 11 inches and a height of under 14 inches, and it weights under 15 pounds.)  The system carries a two-year warranty.

“As the leader in handpiece quality and innovation, we have a deep appreciation of how crucial handpieces are to the efficient operation of today’s dental practice,” said Rob Gochoel, Director of Sales and Marketing for NSK Dental.  “We wanted to give dental practices a maintenance system that allows them to protect their investment in their handpieces as effectively, conveniently and affordably as possible, and the feedback we are receiving from our customers indicates that the iCare system does exactly that.”  Mr. Gochoel added that the company just sold its 300^th system since its May 2014 launch, and that  Goetze Dental will become the company’s tenth distributor on November 1.

Additional information about the as well as other NSK Dental products, can be found at www.nskdental.com.

ATLANTA, Oct. 20, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- DentalPost, the dental industry's premier online and mobile job board, and the American Association of Dental Offices Managers (AADOM) announce that the two organizations are working together to bring additional employment resources to AADOM's members.

AADOM participants now can utilize the innovative DentalPost resources directly from the AADOM website. Members have access to all of DentalPost's services, including the ability to post available jobs, search resumes, view candidates' photo, personality test, culture, values, skills, and hire directly from the website.

"We are very pleased to offer AADOM's industry professionals greater access to our employment services and to the most active and extensive resume database the dental industry has ever seen. Our ultimate goal is to help dental professionals and dental offices fulfill their employment needs, and this working relationship helps us do just that," says Tonya Lanthier, founder and CEO of DentalPost.

"AADOM prides itself on providing resources from across the industry to our members. We are excited to be working with DentalPost to provide dental practice management professionals with convenient, easy-to-use tools for finding and hiring top-notch employees," says Heather Colicchio, founder and president of AADOM.

AADOM members can find jobs information and services at https://www.dentalmanagers.com/dentalpost.html or by going to www.dentalpost.net.

Earth City, Mo., Oct. 15, 2014 – Young’s smallest, most compact prophy angle is now available in a contra style!

The Vera by Young Contra offers the same benefits as the Vera by Young Classic prophy angle, but with a 17˚ back bend for improved comfort during polishing. Like the Vera by Young Classic, this new contra angle is versatile and user-friendly, complete with an innovative design that helps make it easier to access hard-to-reach areas, such as the distals of posterior molars and occlusal surfaces.

The Vera by Young Contra is ergonomically engineered with a slim neck diameter that helps improve visibility in areas that can be hard to see during polishing, such as tight buccal mucosa, third molars and dentition in small mouths. This new angle also has a smooth, rounded head for better maneuverability and access, and comes with enhanced grip features at the base.

This new angle features Young’s popular latex-free Elite Original™ Cup, which has become a favorite among clinicians. The cup’s strategically placed inner and outer ridges reduce splatter while delivering better interproximal cleaning and exceptional stain removal. This cup stands up to the test of polishing overlapped or crowded dentition, and its outer ridges make it easy to clean the lingual and buccal regions.

The Vera by Young Contra angle is also available with the latex-free Petite Web™ Cup, which has an inner web design that provides fast, efficient cleaning – especially in hard-to-reach areas.

Current media coverage of Ebola and EnteroVirus has healthcare professionals inquiring on appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). 

It is important for healthcare providers to obtain information and updates directly from the CDC at CDC.gov. At current the CDC states “use of standard precautions apply”—meaning any healthcare providers encountering Ebola or Marburg hemorrhagic fever or persons and animals suspected of having Ebola or Marburg virus infection follow barrier techniques include wearing protective gowns, gloves, and masks in addition to eye protection (e.g., eye glasses) or face shields.

In regards to EnteroVirus there is no specific treatment for EV-D68 infections, according to the CDC, and there are no antiviral medications available either. To prevent the spread of infection, the CDC recommends washing hands with soap and water, avoiding touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands, avoiding kissing, hugging and sharing utensils with infected people and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces.

Crosstex encourages healthcare professionals to carefully consider their PPE selections, especially face mask selection. Common misconceptions include “a mask is a mask” and all face mask protection is the same. This is not true. Although facemasks may look similar each mask has notable differences affecting the quality and level of filtration. This is the reason why standards were developed by the American Society for Testing and Materials—to classify masks by performance Level, or ASTM Levels.

For known encounters with the Ebola and or EV-D68 infections Crosstex recommends an ASTM Level 3 mask. Level 3 is the highest level of Bacterial Filtration Efficiency (BFE) and sub-micron Particulate Filtration Efficiency (PFE) also the highest level of fluid resistance. As face mask BFE, PFE, Fluid Resistance, Delta P and Flame Spread can often be confusing, Crosstex has developed a 7-minute video to help healthcare professionals understand how to select the right mask for various procedure, available at: crosstexlearning.com

In additional to ASTM levels, other considerations for mask selection include fit and safety in manufacturing/handling. For example, pertaining to fit, the Secure Fit® technology mask line — developed after extensive research at Stony Brook University Hospital in New York — provides up to three times more protection from exposure to infectious particulates (spray/aerosols) than a standard face mask. The increased protection is achieved through a patent-pending design that eliminates gapping at the bottom and sides of the mask. The mask’s design takes into account the opinion of experts in the field: “a face mask is only as good as it fits.” 

Crosstex has revolutionized face masks by applying scientific knowledge to the design and manufacture of this everyday medical device and since Crosstex masks are produced in U.S.A manufacturing -plants (corporate office/manufacturing located in Hauppauge, Long Island NY); manufacturing is regulated and masks do not travel through multiple ports-of-call in order to reach American-based clinical offices and universities. Crosstex provides one of the most extensive selections of FDA cleared surgical face masks available from any single company and is relied on by 150 million healthcare professionals worldwide. 

Crosstex manufactures more than 25 facemask models; each specifically engineered to protect both the users and their patients. The wide variety of masks provides a design, fit and filtration level to match the protection needed for each type of procedure. Whether users will be engaging in procedures involving high-levels of fluids, spray/splatter and/or aerosols — or engaging in procedures with low-exposure risks — they can be sure they have the right mask. To make mask selection easy and intuitive, Crosstex developed a MaskEnomics® system, which allows users to select the appropriate protection level (filtration-splatters-spray/aerosol) based on the tasks being performed. MaskEnomics conforms to ASTM standards (a well-recognized independent U.S.-based international standards organization) and the European EN Rating Standards. In addition to offering differing protection levels, masks also vary by feature. For example, users can choose FogFree® masks or Ultra®Sensitive masks (designed for sensitive skin and manufactured free of chemicals, inks and dyes). Almost one in every three face masks utilized in the U.S. dental market is a Crosstex mask and Crosstex is one of only 3 manufacturing plants in the United States.

The Crosstex mission to develop and manufacture innovative solutions for infection prevention and control (IP&C) is reflected in its comprehensive IP&C product portfolio. It is imperative that healthcare professionals do not become complacent in both selecting and utilizing PPE. For questions on facemasks, hand sanitizers, disinfectant wipes, gloves, etc. as it pertains to recent media stories, and/or appropriate usage and disposal; Crosstex invites users to call the infection control helpline at 1-8558-Sterile, M-F, 8-5pm MST. 

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--www.prophyciency.com — Sunstar Americas, Inc. announced the debut of its new Butler® Prophyciency™ Prophy Angle with ButlerBloom™ Contouring Cup at the 2014 American Dental Association Annual Meeting in San Antonio, TX. The revolutionary new prophy angle has polishing and stain-removing agents incorporated right into the cup. This results in a more efficient cleaning & polishing process because no separate prophy paste is required.

The patent-pending technology provides dental professionals with better visibility and virtually no splatter during the prophylaxis process because there is no prophy paste in the mouth. All of this leads to a more satisfying cleaning and polishing experience for the patient.Prophyciency Prophy Angles feature a flexible flower-shaped cup that easily contours to all tooth surfaces during the cleaning and polishing process - facial, lingual, interproximal and sub-gingival. In an independent in vitro study,* the Clean & Polish version of Prophyciency Prophy Angles provides superior stain removal compared to the leading brand of prophy angle used with the leading brand of prophy paste.

“We’re thrilled to offer dental professionals an innovative product that will be a ‘game changer’ for their practice,” said Evelina Leece, Sr. Marketing Manager, Sunstar Americas, Inc. “Butler Prophyciency Prophy Angles provide superior benefits to both the practitioner and patients and are sure to revolutionize the prophylaxis procedure.”

Almost ¾ of Dental Professionals Say Prophyciency Enhances Prophylaxis Process

During independent testing at Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI)*, results showed that the Clean & Polish version of the Butler Prophyciency Prophy Angle removed significantly more stains than the leading brand of prophy angle used with the leading brand of prophy paste. In an in-office use test with nearly 1,000 patients, almost ¾ of dental professionals that used the Prophyciency prophy angle agreed it would be beneficial to their polishing procedure and patient care.

Specifically, dental professionals found that Prophyciency Prophy Angles can enhance their prophylaxis procedure in several ways:

• No need to go back and forth to reload prophy paste into a cup

• Patients do not have to rinse as much, which both professionals and patients in the study agreed seemed to save time during the procedure

• Clean up was faster

• There was less mess

78% of Patients Prefer Prophyciency Cleaning and Polishing Experience to Traditional Method

78 percent of patients surveyed from the same in-office use test said they were satisfied with and preferred a Prophyciency prophy angle prophylaxis cleaning and polishing versus the traditional procedure of using prophy cups and paste together. Overall, patients felt that it was a more enjoyable and comfortable experience than the traditional method, which uses paste. Additionally, 87% of patients agreed that the experience was less messy with no splatter and 85% of patients agreed that there was no grit left on teeth or in the mouth.**

Available in Clean & Polish and Polish Versions

Butler® Prophyciency™ Prophy Angles with ButlerBloom™ Contouring Cup are available in two versions – Clean & Polish and Polish. The Clean & Polish version has additional polishing and stain removing agents incorporated in the cup for more effective stain removal compared to the leading brand of prophy angle used with the leading brand of prophy paste. The Polish version provides a great polishing experience for patients who have little or no staining who just need a polishing to complete the prophylaxis. It also has the ButlerBloom™ Contouring Cup, designed to more easily adapt to the shape of the tooth surface. For more information on Prophyciency, visit www.prophyciency.com.

MELVILLE, N.Y., October 9, 2014 – Henry Schein Practice Solutions Inc., a subsidiary of Henry Schein, Inc., announced today the launch of Dentrix® Mastery Tracks™, a new training and skills assessment program to help dental team members improve practice management by maximizing their use of Henry Schein Dentrix, the industry leading dental practice management software. Dentrix Mastery Tracks debuted during this week’s American Dental Association’s 2014 Annual Convention. 

Dentrix Mastery Tracks offers eight online exams in four management areas or “mastery tracks” (Front Office, Financial, Practice Analysis and Clinical) to quickly determine a user’s strengths and weaknesses in using Dentrix to improve the practice. Users can test their Dentrix skills in scheduling, continuing care, billing and accounts receivable, insurance, charting, treatment planning, reporting and security, and patient information. After successfully completing each test, users receive a skill certificate acknowledging their competency. When users successfully complete all required tests for a specific Mastery Track, they receive an official Dentrix Specialist certificate to signify their competence in that practice management area.

“With Dentrix Mastery Tracks, dental practitioners can be more confident in their team members’ correct use of the full range of Dentrix features for operating a more efficient and productive practice,” said Kevin Bunker, President, Henry Schein North America Dental Practice Solutions. “Delivering training and skill assessment for office staff is another example of our commitment to helping our Dentrix users better manage their practices, so dentists can focus on providing healthcare.” 

To help users strengthen their management skills, Dentrix Mastery Tracks offers a complete range of online and in-person Dentrix learning options, including test blueprints, hands-on workshop training, in-office training, an online resource center for self-paced training and other publications, such as Dentrix Magazine and Dentrix eNewsletter.  These tools can help team members prepare for tests and fill any knowledge gaps that become apparent after completing tests.

To create an account, select tracks and take tests, please visit www.Dentrix.com/Mastery. Downloadable test guides, FAQs and a video overview are also available, among many other training tools.

Red Bank, NJ:  October 14, 2014 - The American Association of Dental Office Managers (AADOM) have awarded the third annual "Green Leader" Award to Elizabeth Markiewicz from Dr. Anthony Markiewicz's office in Mundelein, IL, for her outstanding leadership in inspiring her team to reduce waste and pollution, conserve energy, water and money, and incorporate a wellness-based and high-tech approach in their dental practice.

The award was created as part of the Green Leader Initiative which was created to educate dental office managers around the country about easy-to-implement strategies that reduce their environmental footprint and support their practices in achieving greater financial success. The initiative aims to empower practice managers to lead their teams in becoming part of dentistry's green future, and was made possible by a generous grant from the Henry Schein Cares Foundation. This years award was presented to Elizabeth at AADOM's 10th Annual Conference, that was held in San Diego, CA. in September. 

Elizabeth Markiewicz, an AADOM member and Fellow of the organization, was presented with the award in recognition of her hard work moving her office to achieve a gold award in Leadership in Environmental and Energy Design (LEED) for Commercial Interiors. "It is an honor and a privilege to be the recipient of the Green Award.  I would like to thank the American Association of Dental Office Managers and the Henry Schein Cares Foundation for recognizing our office as a Green Leader. It isn't the work of just one person to receive this award; we have a wonderful team of eight employees that help with all of our Going Green efforts.  We hope to inspire other offices to make Green Choices," she said. Her team members along with Dr. Markiewicz further reiterated her enthusiasm: "Elizabeth is an invaluable member of our team, initiating many positive changes in our practice, including our Green Initiative.  We are so excited for her. Elizabeth returned from last year's AADOM meeting determined to develop a Green Initiative in our practice and she succeeded.  She has taught us that being green is not only the right thing to do, but it also is the smart thing to do.  Conservation can also mean saving money!"

"When we read Elizabeth's story we knew she was the one."  AADOM Vice President Lorie Streeter adds, "She represents the spirit of the award and of AADOM. Her team values her and she believes in making her environment a reflection of their excellent work."

HAUPPAUGE, NY:  October 6, 2014— Mydent International is raising breast cancer awareness through its annual “Defend Yourself with Pink.”  The program features a selection of pink Defend products including face masks, lab coats, jackets, tray covers and more.  Dental professionals will get access to 4+1 specials on these products through December 31, 2014.

Mydent International will be donating a portion of proceeds to the National Breast Cancer Foundation to help support education, breast health services and other programs provided by the foundation.  In addition to this donation, Mydent International proudly supports Autism Speaks, the nation's largest and most effective autism science and advocacy organization. 

To learn more about Mydent’s “Defend Yourself with Pink” program, call 800-275-0020 or visit www.defendyourselfwithpink.com. 

Earth City, Mo., Oct. 2, 2014 – New D-Lish 5% Sodium Fluoride Varnish by Young offers the sensitivity relief and protection clinicians want in delicious flavors patients of all ages will enjoy!

The translucent formula makes this fluoride varnish less visible on the tooth, so patients won’t have to wait for colored varnish stains to gradually fade from their teeth. In addition to a fast fluoride release profile, the formula handles easily without any clumping or stringing.

This smooth 5% sodium fluoride varnish is available in four unique, patient-pleasing flavors sweetened with xylitol:

·       Vanilla Cupcake™

·       Orchard Cherry™

·       Spearmint Surprise™

·       Fresh Melon™

Made with the highest fluoride concentration available in a varnish, this no-mix formula comes in single-dose packages that are uniquely shaped for easy opening and handling. Each package contains a colorful UltraBrush 2.0 applicator that’s designed for smooth, precise spreading on tooth surfaces.

Try new D-Lish 5% Sodium Fluoride Varnish today! Visit www.youngdental.com for more information and to request samples.

For hygiene reasons, many dental products are only used once, giving rise to enormous quantities of waste. The Eco-Dentistry Association (EDA) was established in the United States in 2008. Its mission is to educate dentists, companies and patients about the environmentally friendly principles behind green dentistry. About one third of the US population feels a strong sense of responsibility towards the environment. This is why dentists should adopt an attitude that resonates with their patients, for example by using environmentally friendly technology to save water and energy.[1]

“We only have one planet. We don’t have a planet B.”

EDA co-founder Ina Pockrass used these words to emphasize the gravity of the situation at the 2013 Green Dental Conference.  The first time event was an opportunity for experts to discuss the special importance of sustainability and environmental awareness in dentistry. In her presentation on the future of green dentistry, Ms. Pockrass used an image of a cube made of compressed plastic waste. The cube measures 10 square feet and is made from the waste generated by a single dentist's office in only 17 days.This example makes it almost impossible to imagine the total amount of waste produced by all dentists' offices in the United States in just one year.[2]

Sulzer Mixpac AG, a Swiss company, is already making an important contribution to sustainability by continually improving its products. For instance, the new MIXPAC T-MIXER™, with its optimized technology, reduces the volume of filling material needed for a treatment. It also helps dentists achieve better mixing results, while its shorter tip makes the device easier for dentists to use. This means no changes to procedure and a saving of up to 30 percent of the unused application material remaining in the mixer. Thanks to its future-forward approach, Sulzer is helping dentists to not only save on costs but also make a valuable contribution to saving the environment.

All good things come in threes – Green dentistry for dentists' offices, patients and the environment

Sustainable working methods in the dentist's office don’t just mean using materials as cost-effectively and efficiently as possible – according to EDA, the concept of green dentistry is based on several principles. In addition to reducing waste, dentists can save substantial amounts of water and energy, for example, by using a special suction system that eliminates the need for frequent mouth rinsing.[3] The innovative technology has the added benefit of improving early diagnosis, which can reduce the need for painful and expensive treatments and help dentists ensure the long-term health and well being of their patients. For example, state-of-the-art digital X-ray technology exposes patients to minimal amounts of radiation and images are immediately available. Another principle of green dentistry is to secure a better, healthier future for both patients and the environment. Avoiding waste, protecting resources and using intelligent, cutting-edge technology are all key factors in ensuring that sustainable practice remains a reality for dentists and patients alike.