ST. LOUIS, MO--(Marketwired - April 13, 2016) - April is National Facial Protection Month, which coincides with spring's arrival and increased sports activity, particularly for children. During this month, the dental community is encouraging children and adult sports players to take simple steps to protect their teeth, jaws and smiles.

Children and adults alike spend a lot of time and money gearing up for an active lifestyle. Whether they play a team sport like football, baseball and hockey or engage in recreational activities like biking and rollerblading, one important piece of equipment is often overlooked -- a mouth guard. The National Federation of High Schools (NFHS) currently mandates the use of mouth guards in football, field hockey, ice hockey, lacrosse and wrestling (for wrestlers wearing braces). The Sports Medicine Advisory Committee of the NFHS recommends that athletes consider the use of a properly fitted, unaltered mouth guard for participation in any sport that has the potential for oral-facial injury from body or contact with playing apparatus (stick, bat, ball, etc.). 

"If athletes do not take necessary precautions when playing, they are risking injury to the mouth and face," said Morris N. Poole, DDS, president of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO). "Some of these injuries can have a lifelong effect. A mouth guard cushions a blow to the mouth, and can prevent or reduce injuries to teeth and jaws. Their cost is a fraction of costs associated with emergency care of a broken or knocked out tooth."

A survey commissioned by the AAO found that 84 percent of children do not wear mouth guards while playing organized sports because they are not required to wear them, even though they may be required to wear other protective equipment such as helmets and shoulder pads. Football helmets and baseball bats can cost well over $200, whereas mouth guards are one of the least expensive pieces of protective equipment; some store-bought options can be purchased for less than $20.

"These statistics show that many young athletes are in danger of injuring, or even losing, their teeth," says Dr. Poole. "They need to wear mouth guards consistently," he notes. Dentists and dental specialists such as orthodontists can make custom mouth guards, which generally provide the most protection and greatest comfort. Other less-expensive options are boil-and-bite mouth guards, which are softened in boiling water to fit the mouth. There are also ready-to-wear stock mouth guards, but these may be uncomfortable, and may not fit well. Mouth guards cannot protect teeth and jaws if they are not worn.

The AAO recommends the following tips for wearing mouth guards:

• Be sure the mouth guard is comfortable. If it  isn't, shop around for one that is.

• Look for a mouth guard that is durable,  tear-resistant and easy to clean.

• Make sure the mouth guard stays in place. No one  wants to worry about a loose mouth guard during a game.

• Select a mouth guard that does not restrict  breathing or speech.

• Wear the mouth guard at every practice and every  game.

A properly fitted mouth guard can prevent or reduce injury to teeth and jaws. Athletes who wear braces or other orthodontic devices should talk with their orthodontist about the type of mouth guard to wear during treatment. Of course, athletes should also wear helmets, protective eyewear and face shields when appropriate. 

April is National Facial Protection Month is co-sponsored annually by the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), the oldest and largest dental specialty organization in the world, the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the Academy for Sports Dentistry, and the American Dental Association.

For more information, visit www.mylifemysmile.org.

Benco Dental supports C.A.S.U.A.L. Day

Dental distributor associates, Benco Family Foundation donate $1,720 to fund Northeast Regional Cancer Institute initiative

PITTSTON, PA —  Thirteen years ago, Michael Moran and Maura Staback approached the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute in Pennsylvania to create an initiative in memory of their mother, Helen Phillips, who died from colon cancer in the summer of 2002. Together they created C.A.S.U.A.L. (Colon cancer Awareness Saves Unlimited Adult Lives) Day in March, 2003. This campaign focuses on early detection and screening for colorectal cancer.

From those early days, Benco Dental has shown support, and in recent years the national dental distributor’s associates and its Benco Family Foundation continue to find new ways to champion this annual outreach, which receives assistance from individuals and corporate sponsors across the seven counties it serves in Pennsylvania.  

“Unfortunately, almost everyone in these companies has someone very close to them with colon cancer. This is very personal. This event was begun in memory of Helen Phillips and her name remains on our logo. Her family came to the Cancer Institute after she passed ... she didn’t have a colonoscopy and they felt strongly that if she had that she would still be with us,” said Karen Saunders, Northeast Regional Cancer Institute President.

“Our incidence and mortality rates here are much higher than the national average. People die too often, and too young, because of colon cancer. That is why the awareness created by this event is so important: the message is reminding people to get screened.”

Benco Dental associate Florence Marchesano reaffirmed this message.

"My mom passed away from colon cancer at 53. That’s actually why I suggested it to Benco,” said the Talent Specialist, who led the company’s efforts as a Team Captain

Thirty-two Benco Dental associates purchased C.A.S.U.A.L. Day pins and T-shirts, which raised $685.00, and another initiative at the home office raised $175.00, according to Marchesano.

“We also raised money by hosting a Jeans Day at the home office in Pittston; associates pay $1 to wear jeans to work on March 31. The Benco Family Foundation graciously matched all the funds raised for a total donation to the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute in the amount of $1,720.00,” she said. Marchesano referenced the Benco Family Foundation, whichis dedicated to improving the dental health and quality of life in our communities, locally and globally.

“We couldn’t do it without the team captains,” said Saunders. “They are the heart and soul of the organization; one person at each company and over 300 team captains in the region. They do a lot.”

Additionally, the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute would like to thank its sponsors for their support of C.A.S.U.A.L. Day.

Though C.A.S.U.A.L. Day has passed for 2016, the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute offers several opportunities through which people can support its mission, according to Amanda Marchegiani, the organization’s Community Relations Coordinator.

“This is one of four major events we host throughout the year. The Judi H Rock On event, a musical tribute created by the family of a local woman who died from breast cancer, is happening in October. Our Spirit of Hope celebration in November, organized by a board of 50 ambassadors, including local businesspeople, will recognize the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute’s 25^th anniversary,” said Marchegiani.

“Cancer Survivors Day in September, at Kirby Park in Kingston and McDade Park in Scranton, provides intimate gatherings for cancer survivors, caregivers or anyone affected by cancer.”

For additional information regarding C.A.S.U.A.L. Day and how to support the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute, visit: CancerNepa.org.

Captions, (Photo Credit Benco Dental/Eric Larsen):

1. BencoDental_CASUALDay.jpg.To support C.A.S.U.A.L. Day, (Colon cancer Awareness Saves Unlimited Adult Lives), Benco Dental associates and the Benco Family Foundation donated to the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute in the amount of $1,720.00. Shown, on March 31, at Benco Dental’s home office in Pittston, Pennsylvania are some of the associates who purchased T-shirts to support the cause, with members of the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute Team. From left, are: Amanda Marchegiani, NRCI Community Relations Coordinator, and Benco associates: Brigid Peet, Sue Evans, Benco Dental C.A.S.U.A.L. DayTeam Captain Florence Marchesano, Lauren O’Donnell, Carrie Krott, Genie Gorgan, Andrea Priestman, Erin Rodola, Christine Carsons, Michelle Kovaleski, Tina Kay, Jennifer Kintz, Anna Scutt, Diane Spears, Diane Schafer and  Karen Saunders, Northeast Regional Cancer Institute President.

Annapolis, MD:April 13, 2016-Infection prevention and the safe delivery of oral healthcare is the goal of every dental practice, and an upcoming conference is designed to empower attendees to lead the way. The Organization for Safety, Asepsis and Prevention (OSAP) 2016 Annual Conference will be held June 2-5 in San Diego, CA. The content-rich conference will present new infection prevention tools and updates on emerging and re-emerging diseases like Zika and measles, address the top compliance and safety issues, and offer resources, expert guidance, and evidence-based solutions. Attendees who register by April 30 will receive a discount. For more information or to register, go to www.osap.org.

The annual OSAP Annual Conference is the premier infection control education and networking event in the dental industry. Nationally and internationally known experts discuss current and emerging issues relating to infection prevention and safety in oral healthcare settings, and provide attendees with essential resources, valuable tools, and new approaches for better protecting patients and staff.

This year’s conference will address the challenge of conveying the critical importance of infection control by giving participants the opportunity to learn powerful skills from Andy Goodman, a nationally recognized author, speaker, and TED presenter who teaches professionals how to use storytelling techniques to improve the impact of their communications. This special speaker is being sponsored by Midmark Corporation. Other highlights of the conference include lessons learned from a disease outbreak from contaminated dental water, “Compliance Briefs,” a series of five-minute talks that enlighten but are quick, workshops on writing IFUs (Instructions for Use) and infection control certification, updates on antibiotic resistance and HIV/HPV/HCV, and an optional, private, docent-led dental tour of the USS Midway ship. The entire program can be viewed on the OSAP website.

The OSAP Annual Conference provides a unique opportunity to mingle with and learn from the leading authorities in the critical and rapidly changing field of infection prevention and safety in oral healthcare. Attendees have their choice of in-depth lectures, interactive learning sessions, and tightly-focused programs designed for specific specialists such as educators and consultants. The top companies in infection prevention and safety exhibit both time-tested and new products, and attendees have the opportunity to learn about important aspects of the products and take home valuable information on how the products can help them maintain a safe environment for dental staff and patients.

The OSAP Annual Conference is targeted to educators, infection control coordinators, consultants, compliance officers, risk managers, researchers, policy makers, sterilization technicians, and others in dental clinics, private practices, large group practices, hospitals, universities, government facilities, and companies that manufacture or sell infection control products and services. The breadth and depth of the educational programs offered ensures that attendees at every level, from student to expert, will expand their knowledge base and make important contacts.

Annual Conference attendees can select sessions that fit their needs from a variety of concurrent program choices. The San Diego location also offers many leisure options for free time and for family members accompanying attendees. One of the highlights of the annual conference is the “Fun’d Raising Auction,” which includes dozens of amazing gifts, experiences, and one-of-a-kind items up for bid.

Celebrating over 30 years of service to the worldwide dental community, The Organization for Safety, Asepsis and Prevention (OSAP) is a growing community of clinicians, educators, researchers, and industry representatives who advocate for safe and infection-free delivery of oral healthcare. OSAP focuses on strategies to improve compliance with safe practices and on building a strong network of recognized infection control experts. OSAP offers an extensive online collection of resources, publications, FAQs, checklists and toolkits that help dental professionals deliver the safest dental visit possible for their patients.

Journal of Oral Implantology – Dental implants are usually needed when teeth are lost because of gum disease or injury to the soft tissues that support and protect the teeth. These same problems can affect the soft tissue that protects dental implants.  These clinical soft tissue issues can make it a challenge to place fixed dentures or crowns.

An article in the current issue of the Journal of Oral Implantology explains how a newer type of xenograft can help improve the existing soft tissue support for existing dental implants. A stent helps the oral surgeon properly place a soft tissue graft that ensures the soft tissue stays in its desired position during the first few days of healing.

It’s best to augment soft tissue before placing dental implants, but this is not always possible. The oral surgeon may discover after the implant surgery that additional soft tissue is required. Several types of soft tissue grafts made of tissue from humans or another species, such as domestic pig, can be used. The author of this article used a porcine collagen xenograft to augment the existing soft tissue. Other researchers have studied the collagen xenograft and found it to be as effective as other graft materials. However, previous studies typically used porcine collagen xenograft with natural teeth, not dental implants.

The current article outlines the process used to augment the gingival soft tissue of 11 patients who had fixed partial dentures or splinted crowns. All patients underwent the same procedure. The surgeon removed the stents five to seven days post-surgery and checked for healing. In the subsequent four to twelve weeks, the surgeon evaluated how well the soft tissue had healed.

In all cases, the surgeon controlled bleeding early-on to avoid the collection of blood under the stent. The author placed the xenograft to cover the surgical wound, and then strategically placed a stent made of a bis-acryl material and quickly shaped the material before it hardened. The author noted the importance of using a piece of collagen that is 8 to 10 mm wide and as long as needed to fill the surgical wound. Narrower collagen pieces did not create enough supporting tissue for the implants.

All patients healed uneventfully.  However, the new soft tissue was not the thick, protective type of keratinized tissue that typically surrounds teeth. Instead, it appeared to be an immobile form of a softer, elastic tissue similar to that lining the floor of the mouth and cheeks. Not withstanding this variation, the new tissue created protection for the dental implants from distortion that is frequently caused by the pull of facial muscles.

The author concluded that the graft was effective in providing the intended support for the existing dental implants. “This work may provide a quicker way for implant dentists to provide the necessary protective soft tissue for atrophic edentulous sites with fewer morbidities,” said Dr. Dennis Flanagan, author of the article. “However, as with previous and concurrent work, the resulting type and amount of keratinized tissue is not predictable.”

Full text of the article, “Stented Porcine Collagen Matrix to Treat Inadequate Facial Attached Tissue of Dental Implant Supported Fixed Partial Dentures,” Journal of Oral Implantology, Vol. 42, No. 2, 2016, is now available at: https://www.joionline.org/doi/full/10.1563/aaid-joi-D-15-00050.

Source: Journal of Oral Implantology press release

Board members and the director of the Open Wide Foundation recently met with the newly elected president of Guatemala to discuss a collaborative National Oral Health Care Initiative.

The Open Wide Foundation is a non-profit organization whose mission is to bring long-lasting, accessible oral health care to underserved communities worldwide.

Open Wide’s board members Imtiaz Manji and Evelyn Paiz, as well as Open Wide’s Director Charity Crawford and President of Guatemala’s mayors’ association Edwin Escobar, met with Guatemala’s President Jimmy Morales and Vice President Jafeth Cabrera, M.D. to discuss the details of a three-tier National Oral Health Care Initiative to expand its programs to the national level. The proposal included additional permanent dental clinics, a public service announcement national oral health education campaign and an expanded oral health outreach and prevention pilot program.

Guatemala’s national government is currently implementing the Public Oral Health Education Campaign and the National Association of Mayors is disseminating it to each municipality nationwide for their local use. Interest applications are being accepted for the next set of clinics being constructed. Coordination with the National Secretary of Health for the pilot program is expected to begin this month.

“We said from the start that we wanted Open Wide clinics to be sustainable and scalable, building an enduring template for success” Manji said. “Here we are, four years later, and we can honestly already say: we’ve done it.”

The most recently released numbers back up that claim:

- More than 125,000 patients have been treated

- Nine clinics, including two mobile units, have been opened

- 11,000 home-care packages have been distributed

- 35,000 fluoride washes and oral health talks at local schools

- 40 local young dentists have been trained and mentored

- 75 percent of dentistry in Open Wide clinics is now performed by local dentists

- Patient services has increased by up to 60 percent year-over-year

The foundation, which opened its first clinic in Peronia, Guatemala, four years ago focuses on collaboration, partnering and education/mentoring. Since its inception, the Open Wide Foundation has made strides in not only bringing oral health care to the people of Guatemala, but has inspired other non-dental sustainable humanitarian programs as well.

“In all of last year, there were perhaps four or five organizations like Open Wide,” Manji said. “Under the new administration’s direction, there were more than 20 new such enterprises in February alone. Clearly, the Open Wide formula is a winner.”

To learn more about the Open Wide Foundation, visit https://openwidefoundation.org.

IMILLING, the production milling center specializing in complex implant prosthetics and now a distributor of affordable premium CAD/CAM equipment and supplies, announces the launch of its completely redesigned website, imilling.com.  The new website features a fresh new look, new e-commerce functionality that will give customers the ability to purchase supplies online, as well as additional capabilities designed to enhance the customer experience and improve overall communications with the company.

Highlighted features include: a responsive design that is mobile-friendly and automatically adjusts for viewing on all other devices; e-commerce capabilities that give customers the ability to purchase materials, tools and implant components online;  a new “Request a Quote” feature to facilitate pricing requests for mills, scanners and accompanying accessories; an updated organizational format designed to help lab professionals more easily review the company’s products and services; and an improved digital upload interface for the submission of prosthetic cases to the milling center.

In the coming months, IMILLING will also rollout additional website content as well as new improvements to streamline product reordering.  “We’ve worked very hard to develop and release these new online tools early in 2016, which highlights our ongoing commitment to better support our customers and improve customer satisfaction”, says Felix Chung, IMILLING’s President.

WASHINGTON, DC / APRIL 5, 2016 - The DTA Foundation is proud to announce the application process is now open for its:

•    grants for innovative dental programs; and

•    scholarships for community-care-minded dental students.

Scholarship Program:

The DTA Foundation will select 10 dental students to receive a $5,000 scholarship to be applied towards tuition and fees. Each U.S. dental school dean may nominate one student from their school. All applications from each dental school must be submitted by the dean’s office. Applicants must be in the class of 2017 or class of 2018 at a dental school accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation, with demonstrated financial need, have a commitment to community service and be in good academic standing with their university. Criteria for eligibility are determined by the applicant's demonstrated financial need, academic standing, and history of charitable work. The application deadline is May 11, 2016. More information and the application can be found here: https://www.dentaltradealliance.org/foundation/scholarships/scholarship-criteria

Grants Program:

The DTA Foundation will award as much as $200,000 for eight grants. The DTA Foundation’s priority is to award grants to innovative pilot projects designed to increase access to oral health care with the potential to leverage additional funding and expansion in other geographic areas. Applications are welcome from, but not limited to, dental organizations, dental schools, universities, government and/or community based non-profit groups for programs located in the United States and its territories. Programs that are solely local in scope and do not appear to be reproducible nationally or over a greater population, thus limited to attracting additional outside funding for future years, are considered outside the scope of current funding parameters. The application deadline is May 25, 2016. More information and the application can be found here: https://www.dentaltradealliance.org/foundation/grants/criteria.

About the Scholarships

The Robert J. Sullivan Family Foundation created a restricted fund with the DTA Foundation to support its efforts to improve dental education in the United States. The donation was made to honor the late Robert Sullivan and his love for the dental industry coupled with his strong connection to dental education. Thanks to additional contributions from the Dr. Edward B. Shils Entrepreneurial Fund, the DTA Foundation has been able to increase the number of scholarships given out each year.

The purpose of the scholarships are to recognize dental students who have an established commitment to community service by providing $5,000 in financial support to a third or fourth year dental student who has demonstrated

• Academic excellence in dentistry;


• Financial need; and


• A commitment to community service.

About the Grants

The DTA Foundation has awarded more than $1.5 million dollars in grant funding to more than 70 different innovative projects designed to increase access to oral health care since the inception of the grant program in 2002. Past recipients have used DTA Foundation seed money for innovative programs designed to improve the access to and productivity of the oral health care system by identifying, nurturing, and leveraging promising projects. Visit the DTA Foundation website www.dtafoundation.org for more information.

Roland DGA Corporation Announces Sales Organizational Changes

Irvine, Calif. – Roland DGA Corporation has announced a number of key changes within its sales organization. The changes are designed to further strengthen Roland’s sales management team and enable the company to best support its reseller channel and meet market demands for Roland products and solutions.

“I’m excited about our restructured team, which will enhance our focus on key markets and position our resources where we’ll need them the most in 2016 and beyond,” said Roland DGA’s Senior Director of Sales, Joe Dawson. 

Tony Miller, previously Director of Sales, Strategic Accounts for Roland DGA, has been promoted and will now oversee all of Roland’s regional sales managers for the U.S. region. Miller and his team will be responsible for supporting all of Roland’s product lines in the U.S., which includes digital printers, dental products and 3D devices, as well as managing the channel partners that sell those products.

Grant Davis, who formerly served as Roland DGA’s National Accounts Manager, has been promoted to National Sales Manager, and will lead a newly-formed business development team focusing on existing national accounts and new business throughout the U.S. Matt Owens and Daryl Chaffins, previously business development managers for Roland DGA’s UV product line, have also been promoted and will now serve as national account managers. Owens and Chaffins will devote their efforts to developing new business opportunities for all of the company’s products, including the growth of Roland DGA’s national accounts and franchise customer bases. In their new expanded roles, both Owens and Chaffins will report to Davis.

Also reporting to Davis will be Joe Menis, who was recently hired to serve as Roland DGA’s Business Development Manager for the textile market. 

To learn more about Roland DGA, or the company’s complete product lineup, visit www.rolanddga.com.

Tony Miller

 Grant Davis

Matt Owens 

Daryl Chaffins

Joe Menis

CHICAGO, April 6, 2016– Recipients of the 2016-2017 Osseointegration Foundation (OF) Research Grants were announced at the Academy of Osseointegration’s (AO) 2016 Annual Meeting in San Diego last month. Grant recipients will each be awarded $30,000 and will present their results at the 2017 AO Annual Meeting, being held in Orlando, Fla., March 15-18, 2017.

1^st Place Basic Science

An Adhesive and Osteoconductive Hydrogel for Bone Tissue Regeneration in Peri-implant Bone Loss

Alireza Moshaverinia, DDS, MS, PhD – UCLA School of Dentistry

“As a junior faculty member, and a member of AO, it’s so encouraging to see how heavily the Osseointegration Foundation invests in research and it's an absolute honor to be selected for the prestigious research grant,” said Dr. Moshaverinia, a tenure-track assistant professor in the division of Advanced Prosthodontics at UCLA School of Dentistry, and a diplomate of the American Board of Prosthodontics. “This award will enable me to continue important research in the area of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) mediated tissue engineering and regenerative medicine related to implant and reconstructive dentistry.”

1^st Place Applied Science

The Influence of Mucosa Tissue Thickness on Marginal Bone Loss of Implants with Smooth Collars: A Prospective Controlled Trial

Hom-Lay Wang, DDS, MSD, PhD – University of Michigan School of Dentistry

“Our research team is humbled and an honored to receive the AO & OF research grant. It clearly shows that the AO and its foundation are committed to supporting innovative research ideas especially in the field of implantology,” said Dr. Wang,collegiate professor of Periodontics, and professor and director of Graduate Periodontics, in the department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine at The University of Michigan School of Dentistry, and a diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology. “The grant will be used to help support our team’s research to understand if soft tissue biotype plays a role in influencing implant marginal bone loss. The grant will also help us to further support the AO's mission: dedication to the highest standards in patient care, research and education.”

The 2015-2016 OF Research Grant recipients also presented their findings at AO’s 2016 Annual Meeting and are expected to submit manuscripts to the International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Implants (JOMI) later this year.

Gustavo Mendonca, DDS, MS, PhD, University of Michigan School of Dentistry, recipient of the 2015-2016 OF Implant Clinical Science Research Grant, presented on microRNA expression and their role during osteoblast differentiation on nanoscale titanium surfaces.

Julio Carrion, DMD, PhD, Stony Brook University School of Dental Medicine, recipient of the 2015-2016 OF Implant Basic Science Research Grant, presented on the adhesion, proliferation and osteogenic differentiation potential of gingival mesenchymal stem cells over failed implants.

A call for applications for the 2017-2018 OF Research Grants will be announced this fall. Follow AOon Facebookand Twitterto stay informed.

Sterngold’s Strategic Partnership with Apex Dental Solutions

Attleboro, MA – Sterngold Dental, LLC announced a strategic partnership with Apex Dental Solutions, in forming the educational entity of Integrated Implant Solutions.  Integrated represents a community of clinicians who strive to grow their respective practices by providing the highest standard of implant treatment to their patient.  Through the Sterngold and Apex partnership, Integrated Implants Solutions will provide live education and training events, on-line community for members to share information, practice building techniques and strategies, and advanced levels of support for dental clinical professional.  Visit www.integratedimplantsolutions.com for more information. 

About Sterngold Dental LLC

Founded in 1897, Sterngold Dental, LLC is a world leader in dental products and specializes in alloys, attachments, implants, and restorative systems. Examples are the Stern ERA family of resilient dental attachments and the Natural Profile Abutment System for aesthetic restoration of osseointegrated implants.