Research support is one of the cornerstones of how the American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID) advances the science and practice of implant dentistry. At the Academy's 64th Annual Implant Dentistry Educational Conference recently held in Las Vegas, Nevada, 27 poster displays and 12 table clinics were available for attendees to view. These were also judged by a panel of experienced implant dentists and researches.

The poster displays and table clinics were evaluated based on the following six criteria: extent to which the subject is important, timely and/or pertinent; level of innovation represented, e.g. creative idea or new technique; subject has practical application to clinical practice or patient care; presentation is scientifically sound and supported with documentation; organization and flow of presentation; and visual appearance (e.g. effective graphic representation, effective use of space).

Following is a list of winners in each category. Complete details about each award winning poster or table clinic is available online on AAID's website at www.aaid.com.

POSTERS

1st Place: "Incidence of Maxillary Sinus Membrane Perforation during Lateral Window Approach by Lateral Bone Planing Antrostomy Technique," Mina Nishimoto, DDS, et al, Loma Linda University

2nd Place: "Full Mouth Rehabilitation of a Patient with Excessive Maxillary Bone Loss Using Implant Supported Removable Partial Denture (ISRPD): A Case Report," Jae-Woong Yeon, DDS, MS, et al, South National University

3rd Place: "Radiological Evaluation of Influence of Die Spacer Application on Opposing Cast Synergised with Occlusal Equilibration Using Tekscan III and Occlusal Equilibration Using Articulating Paper on Crestal Bone Level after Delayed Implant Loading in Single C," Suresh Sajjan M C, MDS, MBA, et al, Vishnu Dental College

TABLE CLINICS

1st Place: "A Novel Technique for Immediate Loading Single Root Form Implants with an Interim CAD/CAM Milled Screw-Retained Crown," Bader AlBader, DDS and Periklis Proussaefs, DDS, MS, Loma Linda University

2nd Place: "Osseodensification as a Novel Crestal Sinus Augmentation Technique," David Lipton, DDS, University of Florida

3rd Place: "Non-Passively Fitting Implant Superstructures Induce Bone Adaptation," Matthias Karl and Thomas Taylor, University of Connecticut

For more information about the AAID and its credentialed members, please log on to the website at www.aaid.com or call the AAID at 312-335-1550.

Alexandria, Va., USA - Members of the International Association for Dental Research (IADR) have elected Rena N. D’Souza, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, USA, as the next IADR vice president. Her term will commence at the conclusion of the 94th IADR General Session in Seoul, South Korea, June 22-25, 2016. After serving as vice president, D’Souza will stay on the IADR Board of Directors for three consecutive terms as president-elect, president and immediate past president.

D’Souza is the associate vice provost for research at the University of Utah. There, she is also a professor of dental sciences, neurobiology & anatomy, and pathology. She served as director of research in the Department of Orthodontics, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHSCH) School of Dentistry, USA; and as chair of the Department of Biomedical Sciences, Baylor College of Dentistry, Dallas, USA.

She earned a B.D.S. from Government Dental College - University of Bombay, India; a general practice residency certificate in oral surgery, operative dentistry and periodontics from Government Dental College and Hospital, University of Bombay, India; an M.S. in biomedical sciences and a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences from the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, UTHSCH; and a D.D.S. from the Dental Branch, UTHSCH.

D’Souza is a past president of the American Association for Dental Research (2012-2013) and has been an active IADR member since 1984. Her extensive leadership and service to IADR include being president and councillor of the IADR Pulp Biology and Regeneration Group, and director of the IADR Craniofacial Biology Group. She has also been a member of the Publications Committee and the Journal of Dental Research Editorial Board, and has been an AADR representative on the IADR Council.

As a leader in the field, D’Souza has led an active research program for more than 25 years on tooth development and genetics, matrix biology and tissue regeneration. She has also directed two comprehensive National Institutes of Health (NIH) institutional research training and development programs and served on several grant review panels. Among the honors and awards that recognize D’Souza’s efforts in research, student advocacy, mentoring and faculty development are the IADR Distinguished Scientist Award in Pulp Biology Research, an IADR Innovation in Oral Care Award, the Presidential Award for Research Excellence from the Texas A&M Health Science Center and the Faculty Mentor Award from AADR’s National Student Research Group. She also served on the NIH’s National Advisory Dental and Craniofacial Research Council, the Physician-Scientist Workforce Working Group for NIH Director Francis Collins and as chair of its subcommittee on dentist-scientist training. D’Souza is a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, director on the Friends of NIDCR Board and member of the German National Academy of Sciences (Leopoldina).

D’Souza looks forward to being part of the IADR Board as it furthers its Mission to advance research and increase knowledge for the improvement of oral health worldwide; to support and represent the oral health research community; and to facilitate the communication and application of research findings.

WASHINGTON, DC—The ADEAGies Foundation announced today the winners of the 2016 William J. Gies Awards for Vision, Innovation and Achievement (The Gies Awards). The Gies Awards, named after dental education pioneer William J. Gies, Ph.D., debuted in 2008 and are the profession’s preeminent recognition for individuals and organizations that exemplify the highest standards in oral health and dental education, research and leadership. The 2016 Gies Awards will be presented on March 14 at a highly anticipated celebration to be held in conjunction with the 2016 ADEA Annual Session & Exhibition in Denver, CO. The Procter & Gamble Company is the premier sponsor of the awards.

The honorees were selected by a distinguished panel of judges consisting of the ADEAGies Foundation Board of Trustees. The 2016 Gies Award recipients are:

- Children’s Dental Health Project

Gies Award for Outstanding Achievement by a Public or Private Partner

- University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine

Gies Award for Outstanding Achievement by an Academic Dental Institution

- Mark C. Herzberg, D.D.S., Ph.D., University of Minnesota School of Dentistry

Gies Award for Outstanding Achievement by a Dental Educator

- The University of Iowa College of Dentistry & Dental Clinics and Delta Dental of Iowa

Gies Award for Outstanding Innovation by a Public or Private Partner

- University of Minnesota School of Dentistry, Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System, and the Minnesota Board of Dentistry

Gies Award for Outstanding Vision by a Public or Private Partner

- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Dentistry

Gies Award for Outstanding Vision by an Academic Dental Institution

- University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine, Department of Prosthodontics

Gies Award for Outstanding Innovation by an Academic Dental Institution

- Harold C. Slavkin, D.D.S., Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC

Gies Award for Outstanding Vision by a Dental Educator

“Our profession is constantly seeking new ways to educate students and to discover the best opportunities to meet the oral health needs of the public,” says Richard W. Valachovic, D.M.D., M.P.H., President of the ADEAGies Foundation and President and CEO of the American Dental Education Association (ADEA). “The Gies Awards allow us to stop and say thank you to the men and women who push for excellence in these critical areas.”

Tickets for the celebration can be purchased online at adea.org/2016 when registering for the 2016 ADEA Annual Session & Exhibition. For information on table sponsorship, contact Trish Smith at tsmith@wearecoulter.com or 703-506-3272.

Amann Girrbach North America, LP, a wholly owned subsidiary of the European dental group Amann Girrbach, has appointed Georg Eickhoff as its new president.

Eickhoff, former CFO at Amann Girrbach’s headquarters in Austria, is now overseeing all US operations. Eickhoff joined Amann Girrbach in June 2008 and has held various management positions. As CFO, he played a leading role in the setup of distribution channels in Brazil and China.

Amann Girrbach North America and its US-based team are cooperating with several distribution partners throughout the US to provide its entire laboratory product portfolio and high-quality services to US customers.

“Amann Girrbach has grown into market-leading position worldwide and I am excited about the opportunity to support the growth plans in the US," Eickhoff says. "We have a great team, a lot of new innovative products, and great partners in place, and I look forward to further growing our customer base and making sure our customers and partners get the best products and service possible.”

The managerial update comes at the same time as a physical location change. Amann Girrbach North America, LP, recently moved its local office, hosting a service center, hotline, and training center, to a new location at South Point office park in Charlotte, North Carolina. The new address is 13900 South Lakes Drive, Suite D, Charlotte, NC 28273. All phone numbers remain the same. The new location features a renovated training center, which is used for internal and external product trainings and continuing education lectures.

Apex Dental Laboratory Group, Inc. of Eau Claire, Wisconsin recently added two dental laboratories to its growing network.

Kobler Dental Laboratory in Mount Prospect, Illinois was acquired by Apex at the end of November. Kobler founder Martin A. Kobler established the laboratory in 1992 and has been successfully serving the Chicagoland area dental community for more than 23 years.

"Kobler has always taken pride in offering outstanding personalized service and state-of-the-art technologies, including multiple in-house CAD/CAM systems," Apex says in a press release. "In addition, Kobler has developed a well-earned reputation of knowledge and expertise in handling all types of implant cases and restorations."

Kobler continues to lead Kobler Dental Laboratory as Lab Manager, guiding a group of technicians with more than 150 years of experience serving dentists in the Chicagoland area.

In addition, Apex announced the opening of Apex Dental Laboratory Madison in Madison, Wisconsin. This facilityofficially opened to clients on December 7.  Led by CDTs Jed Miller, Lindsey Kallstrom, and David Johnson, Apex Dental Laboratory Madison features three of the area’s leading technicians to go along with "a model of unsurpassed customer service and high-quality, competitively priced restorations," the press release says. "While the lab name is new to the Madison, Wisconsin market, the outstanding people involved in the lab have served area doctors for years. 

Travis Zick, CFO of Apex Dental Laboratory Group, Inc., said, “We are thrilled to add these two laboratories to the Apex team. Kobler has a proven track record of quality and service in the Chicago market, and we are happy to have Martin Kobler continue to lead the lab for years to come. At Apex Dental Laboratory Madison, we are very fortunate to have three incredibly talented, dedicated partners in the lab. These three will continue to provide the highest level of service and expertise to Madison, Wisconsin area doctors for decades to come.”

Apex Dental Laboratory Group, Inc. is a multi-laboratory holding company headquartered in Eau Claire, WI. With the addition of Kobler & Apex Dental Laboratory,  Madison, Apex currently operates seven dental laboratories serving the Midwest & East Coast. Apex’s network of laboratories features the latest in technology, cutting-edge materials and products, and a focus on serving our clients as a resource and partner. Apex is actively seeking additional acquisition and partnership opportunities with quality laboratories that share its philosophies throughout the US.

For more information on Apex Dental Laboratory Group, Inc. visit apexlabgroup.com. 

Attleboro, MA – Sterngold Dental, LLC, announced its 2016 three-day hands-on Attachment course schedule.

The Attachment course is designed for both dentist and technicians. This intensive program is intended to leave participants confident in their ability to design, prescribe, and fabricate attachment-retained prostheses. Through slide presentations, case design, and hands-on work, participants will be given a broad view of attachment application in partial dentures, overdentures, implants, and segmented bridgework.

Attachment courses will be held April 14-16 and October 6-8, 2016 in Attleboro, Massachusetts, at Sterngold’s headquarters. Twenty-one CE credits will be awarded upon completion. This course is approved for credit by the NBC as well as AGD PACE and ADA CERP, of which Sterngold is an authorized provider. 

To maximize individual instruction, each course is limited to 15 participants. Because of this, courses fill quickly. Sterngold suggests that technicians and dentists make reservations several months in advance. To register and for more information, call 800-243-9942.  

A University of Sydney study has revealed that tooth decay (dental caries) can be stopped, reversed, and prevented without the need for the traditional “fill and drill” approach that has dominated dental care for decades.

The results of the 7-year study, published Dec. 6 in Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology, found that the need for fillings was reduced by 30% to 50% through preventative oral care.

"It's unnecessary for patients to have fillings because they're not required in many cases of dental decay," said the study's lead author, Associate Professor Wendell Evans of the University of Sydney.

"This research signals the need for a major shift in the way tooth decay is managed by dentists—dental practice in Australia needs to change. Our study shows that a preventative approach has major benefits compared to current practice.

"For a long time it was believed that tooth decay was a rapidly progressive phenomenon and the best way to manage it was to identify early decay and remove it immediately in order to prevent a tooth surface from breaking up into cavities. After removing the decay, the affected tooth is then restored with a filling material—this process is sometimes referred to as ‘drilling and filling.’

"However, 50 years of research studies have shown that decay is not always progressive and develops more slowly than was previously believed. For example, it takes an average of 4 to 8 years for decay to progress from the tooth's outer layer (enamel) to the inner layer (dentin).

"That is plenty of time for the decay to be detected and treated before it becomes a cavity and requires a filling."

Professor Wendell Evans and his team developed the Caries Management System (CMS), a set of protocols that covers the assessment of decay risk, the interpretation of dental x-rays, and specific treatment of early decay (decay that is not yet a cavity). The CMS treatment “no-drill” involves four aspects: (1) application of high-concentration fluoride varnish by dentists to the sites of early decay; (2) attention to home toothbrushing skills; (3) restriction of between-meal snacks and beverages containing added sugar; and (4) risk-specific monitoring.

"The CMS was first tested on high risk patients at Westmead Hospital with great success," said Professor Evans. "It showed that early decay could be stopped and reversed and that the need for drilling and filling was reduced dramatically. A tooth should be only be drilled and filled where an actual hole-in-the-tooth (cavity) is already evident," he said.

The CMS treatment was then tested in general dental practices in New South Wales and Australian Capital Territory. The Monitor Practice Program (MPP), funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia (NHMRC), confirmed that after 7 years, decay risk was substantially reduced among the CMS patients and their need for fillings was reduced by 30% to 50% compared to the control group.

"The reduced decay risk and reduced need for fillings was understandably welcomed by patients," Professor Evans said. "However, patients play an important role in their treatment. This treatment will need a partnership between dentists and patients to be most successful."

Source: EurekaAlert!

San Diego, CA, November 23, 2015–Argen Refining has launched an exciting scrap refining sweepstakes, the “Refine – Win – Ride” Sweepstakes*. All dental practice owners who send their dental scrap to Argen for refining postmarked between November 1, 2015 and March 31, 2016 are automatically entered to win one of the following prizes:  a 2015 Smart for two Pure Coupe (estimated value $18,000), a 2015 Harley Davidson Street Bob (estimated value $15,000) or a 3-year lease on a 2015 BMW 528i Series (estimated value $20,000). There will be one winner selected on April 12, 2016. There is no minimum refine amount required to be entered in the sweepstakes, only one entry per dentist. See official rules and regulations at www.dentistrefining.com.

Argen Refining offers a unique, scientific refining process utilizing state-of-the-art technology to ensure you receive the highest yield for your dental scrap materials.  Not only does the Argen Refining process offer 99.99% accuracy on each assay, results are backed by the Argen Guarantee: if you aren’t 100% satisfied with the results of your assay they will return your materials at no cost.  To request a free Refining Starter kit complete the online request form at www.dentistrefining.com, or call Argen at 866-853-0774. We also invite you to watch our unique refining process online at www.dentistrefining.com.

About The Argen Corporation

The Argen Corporation is the largest dental gold producer in the United States and the world, distributing to over 100 countries worldwide. Argen has been producing alloys for over 50 years and offers over 600 precious and non-precious dental alloys. Argen is headquartered in San Diego, CA with subsidiaries in Germany, China, Canada and the United Kingdom. To learn more about Argen, please visit www.argen.com, www.argendigital.comor call (800) 255-5524.

*NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Purchase will not increase your chance of winning.  All Submissions must be postmarked by or prior to March 31, 2016 and received by April 8, 2016 to be eligible.  Open todental practice owners who are legal residents of the 50 United Stated and District of Columbia and are 18 years of age or older at time of entry with a valid driver’s license. The Promotion, its Official Rules and determination of the Grand Prize Winner are at the sole discretion of the Sponsor, who is solely responsible for this Promotion. No value is being offered or provided by Henry Schein, Inc. Grand Prize Winner may also opt to receive $10,000 to be awarded in the form of a check (at the sole discretion of the Sponsor).Promotion subject to full Official Rules available at www.dentistrefining.com.Void where prohibited by law.  The Sponsor of this Promotion is The Argen Corporation, 5855 Oberlin Dr., San Diego, CA  92121.  

Stamford, Conn., December 2, 2015--Philips Sonicare, the electric toothbrush brand most loved by Americans and their dental professionals, partnered with YouTube personalities, Arden Rose and Lauren Elizabeth, to share their getting ready routine with fans. An important part of prep for any big life moment? Improving the health and appearance of your smile so you feel confident and excited to take on anything the day has to offer. Philips Sonicare, the #1 dental professional recommended power toothbrush brand in the US, gives your smile an indescribably clean feeling that’s hard to put into words.

Arden and Lauren give viewers a peek into their lives by walking fans through their glam routines and demonstrating how they prep for big life moments, whether it be a big date or meeting the parents! They show every step in their getting ready process, from prepping their skin and applying makeup, to hair blowouts and total mouth care with Philips Sonicare DiamondClean.

Philips Sonicare DiamondClean improves gum health in two weeks and whitens teeth in just one. It boasts a sleek design, stylish features and innovative technology including a unique charging glass that doubles as a mouth rinser and a USB charging travel case so it’s easy to take anywhere. It’s available in four stylish colors – white, black, pink and new amethyst – and retails for $219.99.

To learn more about Philips Sonicare and to #getthefeeling, visit www.sonicare.com.

About Royal Philips

Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA) is a diversified health and well-being company, focused on improving people’s lives through meaningful innovation in the areas of Healthcare, Consumer Lifestyle and Lighting. Headquartered in the Netherlands, Philips posted 2014 sales of EUR 21.4 billion and employs approximately 105,000 employees with sales and services in more than 100 countries. The company is a leader in cardiac care, acute care and home healthcare, energy efficient lighting solutions and new lighting applications, as well as male shaving and grooming and oral healthcare. News from Philips is located at www.philips.com/newscenter.

SAN MARCOS, California, December 2, 2015—Shofu Dental Corporation, a leading manufacturer of award-winning dental materials and equipment, has launched a new system for the removal of orthodontic attachments.

The Attachment Removal Kit for Clear Aligners is designed to offer proper tools and provide choices for safe and effective removal of orthodontic attachments created with direct composite. Arranged in a sequence of logical steps, the designated tools and removal protocol, included in this kit, will help dental professionals safely detach the composite resin and restore the tooth to a highly aesthetic look, without marring the surface.

The composite attachment removal technique supports minimally invasive dentistry. The protocol begins with outlining the composite with a pencil. This step will help dental professionals visually define the canvas for safe and effective detachment. Depending on a patient and location of the attachment, a bulk of the composite can be removed with either a non-metal flexible Super-Snap black coarse disk (PN 0503), or an 8-fluted Robot Carbide CTF Finisher (PN 0770-3), or a combination of both. In the next phase, using either OneGloss PS (PN 0176, 0177, 0178), a one-step single-use aluminum oxide finisher and polisher, or a flexible Super-Snap violet medium disk (PN 0503), the prominence of composite residual can be safely reduced. In the final step, firstly, using a non-metal Super-Snap green fine disk (PN 0503), then a Super-Snap red superfine disk (PN 0503), the tooth surface can be polished and pre-lustered. Lastly, with a dab of superfine, diamond impregnated DirectDia Polishing Paste (PN 0558) directly massaged on the tooth surface, using a Super-Snap SuperBuff disk (PN 0536), the tooth can be buffed to create the desired wet, glossy look.

Shofu’s Attachment Removal Kit for Clear Aligners delivers both the finest instruments and proven protocol to help dental professionals safely remove the orthodontic attachment and restore the tooth to a highly aesthetic look in an efficient and predictable manner.

• A complete system for safe and easy removal of orthodontic attachment

• Inclusive of Shofu’s award-winning finishers and polishers

• Selected instruments and the removal technique support minimally invasive dentistry

• Packaging contains BONUS products

• PN ARK

• Suggested retail price: $265

• Available through your local dealer

About Shofu Dental Corporation

Shofu Dental Corporation is a leading manufacturer of award-winning dental materials and equipment. From its inception, Shofu has been changing modern dentistry by delivering innovative, smart solutions that enhance dental practices large and small. Today, Shofu remains one of the top manufacturers of outstanding products used by dentists, dental lab technicians, dental hygienists, and dental assistants.