Atendees have the opportunity to learn from some of the most respected practitioners  and business professionals in the country, attend breakout sessions within specified tracks, and experience top-notch entertainment, all while gaining CE credits.

Currently, Sirona is offering a Super Early Bird promotion, which ends March 31, in which doctor registration for SIROWORLD i is $1,495 (avalueof$1,995) and staff/guest/spouse registration is $895 (avalueof$1,195). For a limited time, when two dental technicians, staff members or guests register for the the annual event at $895 each (avalueof$1,195each), a third can attend for FREE!

VIP options are available as well for an additional $500.VIP tickets include, but are not limited to, reserved seating and upgraded dining options, as well as special admittance into SIROWORLD entertainment.

Please visi twww.siroworld.com for further details on the inaugural SIROWORLD event and to view more pricing options available.

CHICAGO (Feb. 2, 2016) – Hu-Friedy, a global leader in the manufacturing of dental instruments and products, today introduced their new Cleaning Monitors, the latest addition to its Instrument Management System (IMS) Cleaning & Care Product Line.

Designed for monitoring the efficiency of the cleaning process when using washer-disinfectors and ultrasonic cleaners, the Cleaning Monitor system consists of equipment specific monitor strips and a reusable holder. The monitor strips contain a test soil that mimics the presence of blood and tissue that may be found on an instrument surface after its use. Full removal the test soil from the strip indicates an effective cleaning process.

Proper cleaning is the first step to effective instrument reprocessing; if debris is not removed, the instrument surface cannot be effectively sterilized. The current accepted standard for the degree of the cleanliness of instruments is “visibly clean”, however, not all components of blood and tissue are easily visible. Used on a daily or per-load basis, Hu-Friedy Cleaning Monitors give insight into the effectiveness of the cleaning process.

Monitoring and verifying the cleaning process are important elements of quality assurance, and advisory bodies recommend that cleaning processes be continually modified to add new safeguards.

“With more than 30 years of experience delivering infection prevention solutions to our customers, Hu-Friedy understands the importance of the first step in instrument reprocessing,” says Ken Serota, President of Hu-Friedy Mfg. Co. “Our easy to use and easy to interpret Cleaning Monitors offer a cost-effective way for clinicians to monitor the cleaning process to ensure they are providing the highest level of care to their patients.”

The equipment-specific Cleaning Monitor strips are available in packs of 50 for both washers and ultrasonic cleaners. Visit www.hu-friedy.com/CleaningMonitors for more information.

CERRITOS, CA-- Feb 1, 2016--February has officially been declared "Gum Disease Awareness Month" in an effort to increase visibility to this pervasive, but often ignored, chronic disease.

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is the most common infection in the US--more widespread than cancer, heart disease and diabetes. Gum disease has been linked to several significant health issues including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, pre-term births and rheumatoid arthritis.

All US states, except California, have signed proclamations over the last 4 years to declare February as Gum Disease Awareness Month. The sheer number of Americans with the disease, coupled with the significant health implications of untreated gum disease, underscores the importance of awareness. This national campaign is aimed at helping people make lifelong improvements to their health and quality of life by spreading awareness of the risk factors, symptoms and treatment options available in the fight against gum disease.

Fifty million Americans have moderate to severe gum disease. Of this staggering number, 40 million don't even know they have it. And only 3 percent of those who do know they have gum disease seek treatment. Gum disease is easily prevented, yet when left untreated, it can lead to devastating effects well beyond tooth loss.

To date, 49 states plus the US Virgin Islands have officially acknowledged Gum Disease Awareness Month to educate citizens and promote prevention and treatment.

The initiative is supported by the Institute for Advanced Laser Dentistry (IALD), a non-profit educational and research entity dedicated to providing outcome-based clinical training for the patented LANAP^® protocol, a patient-friendly surgical treatment for moderate to advanced periodontal disease, and the LAPIP™ protocol for the treatment of peri-implantitis around ailing and failing dental implants.

To learn more about gum disease and treatment options, visit www.fightgumdisease.com or join the movement at www.facebook.com/fightgumdisease and www.twitter.com/fightgumdisease.

About the Institute for Advanced Lader Dentistry (IALD)

The Institute for Advanced Laser Dentistry, led by CEO and Training Director, Dawn M. Gregg, DDS, is a non-profit educational and research center dedicated to providing evidence-based clinical training in advanced laser dentistry therapies. Formed in 1999 by dentists Robert H. Gregg, II, DDS and Delwin K. McCarthy, DDS, the IALD is both ADA CERP and AGD PACE accredited, and is nationally recognized for its continuing education (CE) programs. With more than 35 certified instructors who train dental professionals in laser dentistry techniques including the LANAP protocol, the IALD aims to reach more underserved patients with gum disease who have avoided therapy out of fear. To that end, the organization provides free treatment to qualified patients who can benefit from the no-cut, no-sew, no-fear LANAP protocol--providing about $750,000 in free dental services each year. The IALD's ultimate goal is for the percentage of patients seeking treatment for periodontitis to reach the percentage of patients seeking general dental care. For more information, please visit www.theiald.com.

ESCONDIDO, Calif. (PRNewswire) - ZEST Anchors, Inc. announced the acquisition of Danville Materials, LLC, a manufacturer of restorative consumables and small equipment for the dental market from Inverness Graham Investments. Zest is a portfolio company of Avista Capital Partners, a private equity firm. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

"For more than 40 years, Zest has been a global leader and pioneer of overdenture treatment technologies focused on improving the lives of edentulous patients, including the market leading LOCATOR® Attachment System," said Steve Schiess, Zest's CEO. "The acquisition of Danville will enable Zest to expand its broad range of treatment solutions to patients caring for their natural teeth, as well. Danville's high-quality line of dental consumables, market-leading micro-etching and air abrasion products, and unique offerings, including Perioscopy, will strongly complement the clinical solutions available at Zest today. We look forward to enhancing the brand recognition of Danville products and supporting the dealer and distributor networks pivotal to Danville's success."

Garrett Sato, Danville's CEO, added, "The combination of Zest and Danville will produce a stronger combined entity. The application of Zest's marketing and education capabilities to the Danville product portfolio will increase the number of clinician users and, in turn, solidify dealer relationships. The timing is excellent as it coincides with Danville's launch of BULK EZ™, a highly innovative dual cure restorative composite designed to be the most reliable bulk fill solution for the clinician."

Sriram Venkataraman, Partner at Avista, said, "The combination of Zest and Danville's market-leading portfolio is part of our commitment to driving the next phase of Zest's growth. The addition of Danville's compelling product set to Zest's strong portfolio will further position the company to continue delivering valuable innovation to the dental community."

Michael Morrissey, Managing Principal of Inverness Graham Investments, said, "We congratulate Garrett Sato and his team on fantastic execution of our shared strategic vision for Danville. The strategic logic of a combination with Zest is compelling, and we are confident in a prosperous future for the combined company."

Newswise — BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, an opportunity for parents of toddlers, young children or teenagers to explore questions about keeping your child’s teeth clean, your child’s first dental visit or how to protect children’s smiles.

UAB School of Dentistry Director of Predoctoral Pediatric Dentistry Stephen Mitchell, DMD, says parents can take an active role in the oral health of their children. Starting with young children, building a foundation with a balanced diet, limiting snacks, brushing and flossing each day, and regular dental checkups are the keys to a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.

Snacking and tooth decay

Tooth decay is the most common chronic disease experienced by children and is four times more common than asthma. The same things that increase the risk of obesity increase the risk of tooth decay.

“Diet is about more than teeth,” Mitchell said. “It impacts all aspects of a child’s development.”

Mitchell says that any drink that contains natural or added sugar can lead to tooth decay if consumed frequently throughout the day.

“Look at the nutrition label,” he said. “If the calorie count is higher than 10 per serving, parents should be careful.”

He also added that parents should limit their child’s number of higher-calorie drinks to one or two times per day.

Providing balanced meals including fruits, vegetables, grains, proteins and dairy three times a day should properly fuel a child and remove the need for continual snacking throughout the day.

Limiting sweets can reduce a child’s risk of tooth decay.

“Make sweets a treat,” Mitchell said. “On a normal day, parents should limit their children to a combination of one or two sugary drinks, desserts or candies.”

Tooth decay is impacted more by the number of times sugar is in the mouth than the total amount of sugar consumed during the day.

Mouth guards

So many children and teenagers who play recreational sports can experience blows to the face.

Mitchell says baseball is the most common sport to cause facial injuries for 7- to 12-year-olds, while basketball becomes the most dangerous sport during the teen years. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends fielding masks for young people playing baseball.

Custom mouth guards offer the best protection, but can also be the more expensive option.

“Custom mouth guards can be a great investment after a child gets all of his or her permanent teeth,” Mitchell said. “When baby teeth are still present, I recommend buying a less expensive boil-and-bite mouth guard that can be reformed as teeth are lost and new ones are gained.

Mitchell also added that all mouth guards should be kept clean.

“Brush it just as you do your teeth,” he said. “A denture cleaner can also be used periodically for a deeper clean.”

Sippy cups

Even though sippy cups, also called training cups, are a popular option for toddlers and young children, many parents unknowingly let their young ones misuse them, increasing risk of tooth decay.

“Tooth decay, especially ‘baby bottle tooth decay,’ is all about the amount of time a child’s teeth are exposed to sugars,” Mitchell said. “If you use a bottle or sippy cup, use it while the child is at the table for mealtime. Do not allow children to carry the cup around with them, and never allow them to sleep with it.”

A child’s first dental exam

When it comes to finding the right dentist, there are a few things for which Mitchell says parents should be on the lookout.

General or family dentists receive one month of training in the basics of children’s dentistry during their education. Pediatric dentists complete an additional two or three years of training to care for medically, emotionally and developmentally complex children.

“Pediatric dentists who are certified by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry have additionally completed a test process demonstrating they are familiar with many of the latest evidence-based procedures in care for children,” Mitchell said.

At a child’s first dental exam, parents should expect to discuss with the dentists how to best care for their child’s dental health at home. The dentist will look at the child’s teeth and evaluate any sign of decay, gum or developmental problems. The teeth may be cleaned, and a fluoride varnish may be applied to the teeth.

General dental health tips

While many people may think they are brushing their child’s teeth the right way, Mitchell suggests parents brush for two minutes twice a day while focusing the toothbrush where the teeth and gums come together. When baby or permanent teeth touch together, flossing between those teeth is imperative.

Mitchell also suggests that parents brush for their children until they are age 6 or 7, when they are older and coordinated enough to brush on their own. He urges parents to give their children an inspection after they brush.

For more information, visit the UAB School of Dentistry website.

PR Newswire, CHICAGO, February 1, 2016

This February, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) is celebrating National Children’s Dental Health Month by hosting the Tournament of Tooth Care, showcasing how parents and caregivers can help their kids fend off the Mouth Monsters –a.k.a. tooth decay. Parents and caregivers can tune in to the Mouth Madness to learn how to help little teeth take on the Mouth Monsters one big game at a time.

“Tooth decay in children is a major health epidemic for adolescents across the country,” said Dr. Robert Delarosa, AAPD President. “National Children’s Dental Health Month is a great time for parents to keep their children’s dental health top of mind. Make it a priority this month to find a Dental Home – or home base – for your child’s oral health needs and be sure your next check-up is on the calendar.”

Tooth decay is one of the top chronic infectious diseases among children in the U.S. About 60 percent of children will have had tooth decay at some point by age five. More than 50 million school hours are missed every year by school-aged children in the U.S. due to dental visits or problems. And tooth decay isn’t just bad for oral health; children who develop tooth decay at a young age are at a greater risk for developing problems with oral and general health, as well as with educational and social development.

Find a “Coach”

Finding the right coach is the best way to ensure a lifetime of healthy oral habits, so parents and caregivers should find a pediatric dentist for their kids by age 1. However, it’s never too late for a first visit to the pediatric dentist. Pediatric dentists have 2-3 years of additional training after dental school specific to treating children focused on child psychology, growth and development and special health care needs.

Set a Game Plan

Parents and caregivers should make sure they set a game plan to help their child develop healthy oral health habits early. As soon as a tooth appears, start brushing twice a day and begin flossing when two teeth touch. For toddlers and young school-aged children, discuss why healthy habits are important in terms they can understand. Parents and caregivers should brush preschoolers’ teeth and supervise brushing for school-age children until age 7 or 8, or about the same time they are able to tie their own shoes.

Join in

Follow along with all the Mouth Madness fun this February by visiting https://www.mychildrensteeth.org to find a pediatric dentist in your neighborhood as well as view updates on the Tournament of Tooth Care and information for parents and caregivers to help rally their kids to defeat the Mouth Monsters!

Andover - Straumann has launched the #StraumannLegend campaign, in which material and surface technologies of Roxolid® and SLActive® combine with a tapered design for strength and ossoeintegration properties. 

In this campaign, the legend of King Arthur and the sword of Excalibur is put to the test as he initiaties his quest to remove the sword from the stone. Despite his exceptional strength, the sword remains firmly entrentched in the stone - much like the high tensile strength1 and faster osseointegration2  of Roxolid and SLActive that define the Bone Level Tapered Implant which is designed for a strong, long-lasting solution for dental implant therapy. 

The video clip is the cornerstone of an awareness campaign to underline the strength and reliability of the Straumann Bone Level Tapered Implant. Together with the supplementary clinician testimonial videos, scientific reports, a social media engagement tool, and a special introductory offer, the video can be found at  https://www.straumann.us/straumannlegend

Strength and Speed

Tapered implant sales in North America will grow quickly at a CAGR of approximately 12% through 2022, and they will account for more than 85% of unit sales by the end of the forecast period (2022).3  The integration of a tapered implant design is a natural extension of the company’s implant line. The Straumann Bone Level Tapered implant is designed to provide primary stability and flexibility in challenging clinical and anatomical situations. Straumann’s SLActive® implant surface offers fast osseointegration and reduced healing times from 6 to 8 weeks to 3 to 4 weeks2. As a result, secondary stability is achieved faster and the patients overall treatment time can be shorter. 

This scientifically proven implant technology is complemented by a diverse prosthetic portfolio of abutments and customized bars. The corresponding expansion of Straumann’s prosthetics portfolio for CARES® Advanced Fixed Bars delivers the treatment team a solution for immediate, fixed hybrid dentures, Straumann® Pro Arch. 

Restoring Confidence

Arjan Haverhals, VP of Customer Marketing and Education, Straumann North America, commented: “Our goal is to go beyond products and not only create smiles for patients, but restore their confidence and significantly improve the quality of their lives.  #StraumannLegend is more than a campaign motto – our products have been at the forefront of the dental implant industry for sixty years.  It’s a testament to the science and rigorous quality control behind our products and as importantly, to our employees who work tirelessly to deliver the best products and solutions for our customers who have confidently trusted us with their patients for so many years.  When you choose Straumann – as an employee, or as a customer – the journey to becoming a #StraumannLegend begins.  We could not be a global leader without the strength and support of our customers and employees.  It truly is a legend”

Outgoing orders beginning in mid-February will feature a “Flat King Arthur” and customers are encouraged to tag Straumann in Facebook, and Twitter posts via #StraumannLegend to participate in the campaign and join the company in this exciting initiative.  

BOSTON, MA - CAP and Amann Girrbach (AG) today announced that they have partnered with The Foundry Dental Center in Bessemer, AL to deliver dental care to patients in need.

"Our primary mission is to serve individuals who strive to be free from addiction, alcoholism and homelessness," said Roger Dawson, manager of the Foundry's in-house dental laboratory. The Foundry is also home to an implant education program, where new and advanced techniques are practiced by dentists in a hands-on, mentored environment. "The program provides the clinicians and laboratory services, and companies like CAP and AG provide the equipment and support that help us achieve our mission and deliver dental care to those in need."

"When we were approached by the Foundry's in-house laboratory, we were particularly struck by their unique needs and how we could make a difference in the lives of their patients," said Tom Hagen, partner at CAP. "During our initial visit in mid-2015, we were so inspired by their work and vision that we committed to help them in whatever way we could." Through charitable commitments, the Foundry received a complete CAD/CAM system from AG and an intraoral scanner from CAP. "It is a rare opportunity to be able to support people in need and high-end education at the same time," said Georg Eickhoff, president of AG, North America. "We are happy that both our equipment as well as our team can contribute to that."

In addition, CAP and AG have pledged to provide ongoing support, training, education, and materials to help the Foundry maximize their equipment performance and help them thrive.

For more information, please visit www.cap-us.com.

PITTSTON, PA - Benco Dental today announces plans to acquire Grand Rapids-based TechTrust on February 12, 2016.  This marks Benco Dental’s first acquisition in the Michigan area.

TechTrust was founded 12 years ago by owners Ron Morgan and Ted Bassett in Grand Rapids, Michigan.  The company was started with the intention of providing the dental community with something it was lacking.  TechTrust employees are complete technology specialists, offering total implementation of office networks, including computers, scanners, printers, sound systems, as well as digital x-ray equipment. 

“We bring integrity and infinite attention to detail into your workplace.  We learn your business inside and out,” TechTrust Co-founder Ron Morgan said.

TechTrust’s mission is to help businesses stay current with the most updated IT technology, and create a work environment that runs smoothly, efficiently, and effortlessly. 

“We take ownership of our projects, and treat your network as what it is: the lifeline of your business.  We are proud to earn your trust,” TechTrust Co-founder Ted Basset added.

Charles Cohen, Benco managing director, said that he looks forward to adding TechTrust’s technology specialists to Benco Dental’s Great Lakes service team.

“The TechTrust guys are the best technology team in Michigan,” Cohen said.  “Our goal is to offer a complete technology solution to dental practices, and the TechTrust team has built a reputation for exceptional customer service.  We love and respect the deep relationships they’ve built with their customers.”

For more information, visit benco.com or call 1.800.GO.BENCO.

Newswise — Chicago (Jan. 29, 2016) The American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) was saddened to learn of the death of Margaret (“Peg”) M. Walsh, RDH, EdD.

Walsh was a scholar who advanced the philosophical basis for dental hygiene while remaining true to the values and ethics of teaching, scholarship and research. Her work with Michele Darby, RDH, MS, to develop and assess a human needs conceptual model for disease prevention and health promotion from the dental hygiene perspective resulted in papers in the Journal of Dental Hygiene (JDH) and Canadian Journal of Dental Hygiene as well as their textbook, Dental Hygiene Theory and Practice, currently in its fourth edition. She served the ADHA as a member of the JDH Editorial Review Board and JDH Executive Advisory Board. Walsh was a powerful advocate for doctoral education in dental hygiene who fully supported the transformation of dental hygiene education and the profession for the 21st century.

“Dr. Walsh was an unrelenting advocate for dental hygiene education and in furthering the standards of dental hygiene practice,” said ADHA President Jill Rethman, RDH, BA. “An icon in our profession, she always promoted the highest quality care for patients and fought tirelessly to ensure that many received such care. We often hear the term ‘visionary’ to describe someone who can see things as they should be. Peg epitomized the term. Her countless efforts and contributions will live on in the students she taught, the individuals she helped and the colleagues she inspired. We mourn her passing, but know that because we were fortunate to have Peg touch our lives, she will always be with us.”

Walsh was a professor emerita in the Department of Preventive and Restorative Dental Sciences at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) School of Dentistry, teaching dental hygiene students for over 30 years. From 1986 to 1992, she chaired the Division of Dental Hygiene at UCSF. In 2008, she assumed responsibility for developing a proposal for a new Master of Science degree program in dental hygiene that was approved in 2010 by the Office of the President and the Board of Regents. Walsh, who resigned her position at UCSF only last week, spent the past few years mentoring others to assume responsibilities for the master’s program that she directed and that bears her signature.

“Dr. Walsh's contributions to dental hygiene education have shaped our profession as well as the lives of her students over her many years as a dental hygiene educator and leader,” added ADHA Chief Executive Officer Ann Battrell, MSDH. “Her passion and commitment to disease prevention and health promotion, especially in the area of tobacco cessation, were evident in the many programs and community services she was involved in and her contributions to dental research.”

Walsh conducted research on tobacco use and cessation since 1986. She was principal investigator for five large-scale, randomized-controlled intervention trials funded by the National Institutes of Health and the California Tobacco-related Disease Research Program. Most recently, she was principal investigator of a large-scale study to assess use of smokeless tobacco and other emerging products among rural high school males and resulting nicotine and carcinogen exposure. Intervention programs developed by Walsh and her colleagues included dental professionals, school nurses, college athletic trainers and student peer leaders in their delivery. She lectured and published widely on tobacco cessation and amassed a grant record unmatched in the dental hygiene profession.

Walsh received many honors, including being the First Visiting Professor in Dental Hygiene, UMKC School of Dentistry in 1986. She was elected as a member of the Sigma Phi Alpha dental hygiene honor society and to Omicron Kappa Upsilon national dental honor society. She also is one of the first recipients of the Award for Professional Excellence in Dental Hygiene from the ADHA (1988) and was the first recipient of the Oral/Dental Hygiene Researcher Award given by IADR (1996). She received the 2006 Medal of Honor and the 2011 Legacy of Leadership Award from the UCSF School of Dentistry Alumni Association, culminating with the national 2014 Esther Wilkins Dental Hygiene Lifetime Achievement Award.

A celebration of Peg Walsh’s life is being planned at the UCSF Parnassus campus, with details to come, along with an address where cards and remembrances can be sent.