CHICAGO – More than 4,200 endodontists, dental professionals, exhibitors and guests attended AAE16, the annual meeting of the American Association of Endodontists, in San Francisco in early April. The largest AAE annual meeting in history included new education programming, the unveiling of a new AAE logo, the installation of new leadership for the Boards of the AAE, Foundation for Endodontics and American Board of Endodontics, the largest endodontic exhibit hall and several special events, including the Association's annual awards ceremony and the Fun Run 5K, which raised more than $1,800 for the SF-Marin Food Bank.

2015-2016 President Terryl A. Propper unveiled the new AAE logo during her President's Breakfast. She explained to the audience that the new brand is built around the Association's four key attributes — smart, professional, collaborative and innovative.

"While the new logo is a visual identity, the brand is much more," said Dr. Propper. "We want to demonstrate to members the AAE's efforts to advance the profession and develop innovative offerings, to illustrate the AAE's value to external audiences as a vital resource of endodontic treatment, research and educational information, and to reinforce the AAE's position as the leading global resource for knowledge, research and education in endodontics for the profession and for the public."

Dr. Propper also urged ADA President-Elect Gary L. Roberts and the ADA to enforce the standard of care for endodontics and encourage general dentists to consult endodontists in treatment planning. "We are in the business of saving teeth, not condemning them," explained Dr. Propper. "But if we are not included in the treatment planning process, then it is the patient who suffers."

Dr. Roberts spoke at the President's Breakfast, recognizing the AAE with a Presidential Citation from the ADA and highlighting the work of both associations to advocate and elevate the value of dentistry. "American dentistry is the gold standard for the world," said Dr. Roberts. "We work hard to keep those standards high."

"With more than 130 education sessions over seven tracks, 133 exhibiting companies and several special events, AAE16 was a huge success for the Association and attendees." said AAE16 General Chair Robert B. Amato. "I'm proud of our planning committee, staff and everyone involved in putting together an innovative meeting. We've set a new bar."

The Foundation for Endodontics raised more than $1.6 million in its 2015-2016 fundraising campaign which culminated at AAE16. Thanks to the many generous donors who made pledges and the establishment of the Jacob B. Freedland Society, the campaign exceeded its original goal of $1.35 million. The Freedland Society was established to recognize individuals making deferred gifts of $25,000 or more. 

During AAE16, 79 new Diplomates of the American Board of Endodontics were recognized for their achievements. These Board-certified endodontists complete written, case history and oral exams demonstrating their exceptional knowledge, skill and expertise in the specialty of endodontics, commitment to quality patient care and dedication to professional growth.

Ivoclar Vivadent Employees Donate 3,611 Pounds of Food to the Food Bank of Wester NY in Buffalo

Donations to be distributed across hundreds of area food pantries to provide over 1,000 meals

Employees at Ivoclar Vivadent’s North American headquarters in Amherst, NY, recently collaborated with the Food Bank of Western NY in Buffalo for Food Drive Challenge 2016. Through the friendly competition, 7 teams comprised of different combinations of departments within the company challenged each other to collect the most food, all of which will be distributed among the hundreds of food pantries in the surrounding communities and provide more than 1,000 meals. In total, the Ivoclar Vivadent teams collected 3,611 pounds of food. The Food Drive Challenge 2016 marked the second annual drive conducted at Ivoclar Vivadent.

“Our employees are extremely generous, and it has been amazing to see what they’ve accomplished to support our local community,” says Sarah Anders, MBA, Chief Operating Officer of Ivoclar Vivadent. “They all represent Ivoclar Vivadent so well, and on behalf of the Food Bank of Western NY in Buffalo and the entire management team, we thank them for their outstanding efforts and contributions.”

The Purple Team—comprised of Ivoclar Vivadent’s Finance, IS, IT, and OTC departments—won the competition by collecting an impressive 1,194 pounds of food. Coming in at second place by collecting 777 pounds of food was the Yellow Team—comprised of the company’s Human Resources, National Accounts, Office Services, and Production/Inventory & Logistics departments. The third place team, which collected 489 pounds of food, was the Red Team—comprised of the company’s Technology, QA, Education, Technical Services, and Intellectual Property departments.

Every two years, IDS - the International Dental Show - in Cologne is the top event for the international dental market and in eleven months it is time once again: The entire global dental market will meet up at IDS 2017. The event will cover the comprehensive spectrum of the dental world - from the dental and dental technology section, infection protection and maintenance, through to services, information,communication and organisation systems as well as organisation tools. The preparations for the 37th edition of IDS are currently in full swing. Up until the application deadline at the end of March, over 1,400 companies from 50 countries had confirmed their participation. Since the application deadline of IDS 2017 was pulled forward, it was already possible to confirm the interim result of the previous year event two months earlier. Numerous foreign group participations are expected again, for example from Argentina, Brazil, China, Great Britain, Israel, Korea, Russia, Taiwan and also from the USA.

The most strongly represented countries among the exhibitors are Italy, the USA, Switzerland, China, France, Great Britain and the Republic of Korea. So, the halls of the Cologne fair grounds with a gross exhibition space of 157,000 square metres are already jam-packed. In total, over 2,200 companies from around the world will exhibit at IDS 2017 from 21 to 25 March 2017, including all international market leaders. The Society for the Promotion of the Dental Industry (GFDI), the commercial enterprise of the Association of German Dental Manufacturers (VDDI), and Koelnmesse announced in a joint statement: "The success story of IDS as the leading business and communications platform of the international dental industry continues. All the signs give us reason to believe that we will once again record growth in the number of exhibitors and visitors."

For the first time ever, the application deadline of IDS was pulled forward to 31 March in order to accommodate the challenges of the market more efficiently and to enable the participating companies to plan their participation in due time. Furthermore, the organisers can address and support their exhibitors and trade visitors much earlier with their services and service offerings for a successful trade fair participation.

With 2,199 exhibitors from 59 countries and a foreign share of 70 percent, as well as more than 139,000 trade visitors from more than 150 countries (51 percent), in March 2015 IDS was able to set new record highs in all exhibition figures.

IDS (International Dental Show) takes place in Cologne every two years and is organised by the GFDI Gesellschaft zur Förderung der Dental-Industrie mbH, the commercial enterprise of the Association of German Dental Manufacturers (VDDI) and is staged by Koelnmesse GmbH, Cologne.

D&S Dental Laboratory, Inc. welcomes Peter J. Derauf, CDT, to its laboratory. Previously the owner of Derauf Dental Studio, LLC, Derauf has more than 35 years of experience in the industry; 6 years in CAD/CAM.

D&S Dental Laboratory, Inc. is a full-service, Certified Dental Laboratory headquartered in Waunakee, Wis. Established in 1972, D&S strives to provide clients with high quality restorations, delivered with excellent customer service at a fair price. To accomplish its mission, D&S Dental combines state of the art technology and production techniques with an experienced staff of technicians, including one dozen Certified Dental Technicians.

In addition to its Waunakee location, D&S operates four satellite laboratories in Baraboo, Mondovi and Greenfield, Wis., as well as Rockford, Ill. Its Waunakee headquarters is DAMAS accredited, placing it in the less than 1 percent of dental laboratories that follow the best quality-assurance processes in the business.

BOSTON, MA (PRWEB) MAY 10, 2016 — Periodontal disease has long been known as the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. But the damage isn’t confined to the mouth. In the last few years, gum disease has been associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, pregnancy complications, arthritis, cardiovascular disease, chronic respiratory disease, and dementia. Moreover, for people who have both gum disease and diabetes, effectively treating one condition can help the other as well, according to the May 2016 issue of the Harvard Women's Health Watch.

Like the intestines, the mouth houses complex ecosystems of bacteria, known as the oral microbiome. And just like in the gut, different types of bacteria compete for space. When all the species are in balance, the gums are protected from disease-causing bacteria. Disturbing this balance provides an opening for pathogens to invade, causing periodontal disease. Once periodontal disease is under way, the bacterial balance is further disrupted.

Pathogenic bacteria may initiate periodontitis, but they aren’t the only—or even the major—culprits. “Yesterday we used to think that bacteria destroyed tissue; today scientists understand that it’s inflammation caused by the bacteria that destroys tissue,” says Dr. Thomas Van Dyke, chair of the Department of Applied Sciences at the Harvard-affiliated Forsyth Institute. That is, the disease-causing bacteria trigger a response from the body’s immune system, and the white blood cells summoned to eradicate them produce substances that not only destroy bacteria but also damage the cells in the gum tissue.

“It’s an association, not a cause-and-effect relationship,” says Dr. Van Dyke. But, he adds, inflammation—which also plays a big role in all the conditions linked to periodontitis described above—seems to be the key link.

Brushing and flossing, regular dental checkups and cleanings, refraining from smoking, and following a healthy diet—all of which help to prevent bacterial infection or reduce inflammation—are still the best ways to reduce the risk of gum disease.

Read the full-length article: "Why your gums are so important to your health"

Also in the May 2016 issue of the Harvard Women's Health Watch:

• • How your attitudes affect your health

• • Yoga: Another way to prevent osteoporosis?

• • Coming to terms with constipation

Harvard Women's Health Watch is available from Harvard Health Publications, the publishing division of Harvard Medical School, for $20 per year. Subscribe at https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletters/womens or by calling 877-649-9457 (toll-free). 

MADISON, Wis.—Two Certified Dental Technicians were among five dental professionals who became credentialed at the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) 32^nd Annual Scientific Session in Toronto.

Dwight Rickert, CDT, FAACD, became the fifth laboratory technician and 69^th dental professional overall in the history of the AACD to become distinguished as an Accredited Fellow.

Per Eric Ekblom, CDT, AAACD, joined three dentists as newly accredited AACD members. A total of 49 laboratory technicians, including 33 CDTs, are among the 419 dental professionals worldwide who have achieved AACD accreditation. The dentists recognized this year were Jeffrey A. Babushkin, DDS, AAACD, FICOI; George W. Childress, DDS, AAACD; and Deborah Gennero, DDS, AAACD, FAGD.

Rickert is a fourth-generation dental technician with nearly 40 years of laboratory experience. He joined the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry in 2000 and became an Accredited Member in 2006. He has served on many committees and boards within the Academy and is currently President-Elect of the AACD Board of Directors. Rickert will ascend to President in 2017.

“Becoming an Accredited Fellow means that all of the continuing education and time away from the lab and family was worth it,” Rickert says. “Having another goal to attain kept me motivated to learn. ... I would never have accomplished Accredited Fellow status without the never-ending encouragement from my clients and friends.”

The Accreditation process, which was developed by the AACD and is the world’s most recognized advanced credentialing program, encourages further education, interaction with like-minded colleagues, and the opportunity for professional growth. Accreditation requires dedication to continuing education and responsible patient care. The purpose of Fellowship is to provide the highest level of achievement for members in accordance with the AACD's mission of education and excellence.

The newly credentialed dental professionals were recognized and received their awards during a special ceremony at the Scientific Session held April 27 – 30 in Toronto.

For more information about the AACD’s credentialing programs, visit aacd.com/accreditationfellowship.

Durham Technical Community College in Durham, North Carolina, will host a two-day hands-on course presented by Brian Carson, CDT, on June 10-11.

The course, entitled “NFP – National Functional Prosthesis,” will feature classroom instruction time regarding clinical/technical communication and how to apply the data. The discussion will also include how to create natural emergence profiles with anterior arrangements. Occlusion theories will also be discussed.

Each student will perform a full upper and lower setup to include a fully balanced occlusion. The NFP method will be demonstrated. The participants will use a full complement of Tribos 501 denture teeth. A complete natural wax up will also be demonstrated. All students will create wax ups using the Tribos waxes. Upon completion and review of the work, one student’s case will be selected for processing. During the processing phase, colorization will be discussed and demonstrated. Each participant will be mailed two working cast with bite registration prior to the course. All cast will need to be mounted on the students’ own articulators prior to participation, and brought to the course site. CE credits will be given, including a certificate.

The course fee is $595 per participant. For more details, call John Schaible at 866-922-1484 or email john@sdginnovations.com. The course is sponsored by Gebdi USA.

South Jordan, UT – Ultradent Products, Inc., a global manufacturer and distributor of dental materials and equipment, announced on April 27, 2016 that Dr. Dan E. Fischer has appointed Dirk Jeffs as President of Ultradent, effective immediately. Dr. Fischer will remain as CEO.

“Dirk Jeffs has a distinguished record of accomplishment as well as a clear commitment to the critically important role of cultivating and nurturing our core values,” said Fischer. “As we plan for the future of Ultradent, it is critical that we leverage the forward-thinking attitude, wealth of experience, and positive demeanor of our newly-named president.”

Dr. Fischer went on to discuss the exemplary qualities that identified Dirk Jeffs as the best choice for the position. “Dirk Jeffs has a long-standing commitment to Ultradent that has positively impacted growth and expansion opportunities in many areas, including the development of satellite operations in Europe, Japan, China, and Brazil. He has led the Ultradent sales and marketing team since 2006 and has demonstrated strong leadership skills at the executive level. He has shown through his actions that he is trustworthy, caring, and progressive. He has demonstrated the ability to not only teach our culture, but live it.”

“We have a great opportunity to benefit from Dirk’s deep experience as we continue, as a company, to make a difference to clinicians and patients around the world,” said Ultradent’s Senior Vice President, Erwin Fischer. “Dirk’s openness and his caring demeanor will allow us to continue to improve as the company goes forward.”

Jeffs joined Ultradent in 1996 as International Sales Manager. He then progressed to the position of Senior Vice President of sales and marketing, where he has served for the past 10 years. He is a graduate of Brigham Young University, where he earned his MBA.

“At this important time in the history of dental care, Ultradent continues to raise the bar,” said Jeffs. “I have deep respect for the history of Ultradent and the important contributions that its people and products have made to dentistry. I am thrilled to be a part of our exceptional culture and excited about the opportunity to work with quality, caring individuals who are committed to improving oral health care globally. I look forward to supporting Dr. Fischer in his vision as we move forward.”

MADISON, WIS. (PRWEB) MAY 05, 2016 -- At the American Academy Of Dentistry’s (AACD) 32nd annual black tie awards ceremony held April 30, 2016 at the Historic Fairmont Royal York Hotel in Toronto, Canada, Dr. Chiann Fan Gibson (https://www.drchi.org), made history. In a profession primarily dominated by men, Dr. Gibson took another giant step for women by becoming just the 3rd female to become President of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry ("AACD") in its 33 year history, the first Asian Female.

Dr. Gibson was quoted, “I’ve never allowed stereotypes to limit my dreams.” That certainly was evident when she surprised a standing ovation crowd by entering the stage in theatrical fun dressed as Cleopatra surrounded by 6 men dressed as Pharaoh guards which included former AACD President, Dr. Marty Zase. “This night isn’t about me" she stated. "It isn't about anyone on this stage. Tonight is about every single person within our 6500 membership. Why, because we are a family working together to expand, educate and enhance our careers in becoming not just better dental professionals, but extraordinary dental professionals for the betterment our patients.”

Dr. Gibson is a 1991 graduate of the University of Washington, with a degree in Childhood Psychology and Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, Boston, Mass., where she obtained her doctorate of Dental Medicine in 1995. In 2015 Tuft's appointed Dr. Gibson to Adjunct Research Instructor Department of Prosthodontics and Operative Dentistry.

Dr. Gibson joined the AACD in 2004, was elected to its Board of Directors in 2009 and is also active in the AACD Charitable Foundation and numerous committees. She received AACD Accredited Member status in 2012 where less than 1% of AACD members achieve such status, Dr. Gibson is the only female in Illinois.

Making history is nothing new for Dr. Gibson, achieving accomplishments once thought impossible for a minority female. Dr. Gibson’s path had a very humble start as an Asian immigrant from Japan with Taiwanese heritage, who came to Texas at the age of 3 with only $500. Her profound life story has been featured in numerous publications including the cover of Woman Dental Journal Magazine.

Always the trailblazer, at 16 Dr. Gibson became the first Asian crowned Washington’s Jr. Miss. At 18 she was the first Asian crowned Miss Washington USA. Years later Dr. Gibson became the first Asian to be crowned Mrs. United States, Las Vegas, Nevada.

In 1998, US Presidential candidate and former Miss Universe owner, Donald J. Trump, appointed Dr. Gibson “The Official Dentist of The Miss Universe, Miss USA and Miss Teen USA Pageants.” Mr. Trump stated, “Dr. Gibson is dedicated to the profession…and has the ability to create that perfect smile.” Many of the smiles you see on those telecasts have had Dr. Gibson’s expert talents in creating a beautiful natural smile. Dr. Gibson currently practices dentistry at Smiles By Dr. Gibson, Naperville, Illinois.

Dr. Gibson’s closing comments included, "I am extremely proud of my Asian heritage, my strength as a woman, and my determination to succeed as 'An American'. I still strongly believe that there is no other country in the world where a person of any sex, race or age, can achieve their desires, more than in America. Thank you for this wonderful opportunity to serve."

Dr. Gibson’s presidential term with the AACD will continue to April 21, 2017 at AACD 2017 in Las Vegas.

For more information about AACD, visit https://www.aacd.com.

About the AACD

The AACD is the world’s largest non-profit member organization dedicated to advancing excellence in comprehensive oral care that combines art and science to optimally improve dental health, esthetics, and function. Comprised of more than 6,500 cosmetic dental professionals in 70 countries worldwide, the AACD fulfills its mission by offering superior educational opportunities, promoting and supporting a respected Accreditation credential, serving as a user-friendly and inviting forum for the creative exchange of knowledge and ideas, and providing accurate and useful information to the public and the profession.    

MELVILLE, NY, May 9, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Henry Schein, Inc. (NASDAQ: HSIC), the world's largest provider of health care products and services to office-based dental, animal health and medical practitioners, announced today that Stanley M. Bergman, the Company's Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, recently joined Shirley Shils, members of her family, and University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine officials for the ceremonial groundbreaking of the new Edward & Shirley Shils Clinic.

The new predoctoral dental clinic will include space for students to treat up to 60 patients at a time, and will feature state-of-the-art workspaces, digital technology, and a reception area for patients. Using this cutting-edge equipment, students will learn the latest digital dentistry techniques in order to provide the highest level of care to community members. The Edward & Shirley Shils Clinic was made possible in part by a $2 million donation from Henry Schein, and is part of the $34 million Evans Building Centennial Renaissance project. The clinic is scheduled to be operational by August and completed by January 2017.

The clinic is named for the late Dr. Edward Shils and his wife, Shirley, in recognition of their commitment to education and dentistry. Dr. Shils served as a professor and Chair of the Management Department at the Wharton School of the University Pennsylvania, earning six degrees—including three advanced degrees—from the school. He served as the Executive Director of the Dental Manufacturers of America and the Dental Dealers of America for almost 50 years, and he was instrumental in establishing the Wharton Entrepreneurial Center, the first institute dedicated to the academic study of entrepreneurialism.

"Ed and Shirley have meant so much to Henry Schein, and I am pleased to know that Penn Dental students will hone their skills, forge friendships, and continue Ed's legacy in a facility that bears the Shils name," Mr. Bergman said. "This new clinic is a testament to Ed's commitment to dental education and provides the next generation of oral health professionals with the opportunity to do what Ed himself did so well: use their skill, their caring, and their energy to help others."

Henry Schein and other key members of the dental industry were instrumental in the creation of the Dr. Edward D. Shils Entrepreneurial Fund, which was founded by friends and colleagues of Dr. Shils in 2002. Through annual awards, the Fund honors people, organizations, and programs that positively influence the dental community and the public oral health arena. As with the Shils Entrepreneurial Fund, the clinic at Penn Dental is another demonstration of the Company's commitment to advancing oral health.

"The Edward & Shirley Shils Clinic will play a vital role in our clinical education and patient care," said Denis Kinane, Dean of the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. "Along with being a state-of-the-art environment, the Shils Clinic will increase our capacity for seeing more patients and improving their overall health—a benefit to the community we serve and our students' learning experiences. We applaud the vision and generosity of all at Henry Schein, Inc. in helping to make this important new education venue possible."

About Henry Schein, Inc.

Henry Schein, Inc. (NASDAQ: HSIC) is the world's largest provider of health care products and services to office-based dental, animal health and medical practitioners. The Company also serves dental laboratories, government and institutional health care clinics, and other alternate care sites. A Fortune 500^® Company and a member of the S&P 500® and the NASDAQ 100^® indexes, Henry Schein employs nearly 19,000 Team Schein Members and serves more than one million customers.

The Company offers a comprehensive selection of products and services, including value-added solutions for operating efficient practices and delivering high-quality care. Henry Schein operates through a centralized and automated distribution network, with a selection of more than 110,000 branded products and Henry Schein private-brand products in stock, as well as more than 150,000 additional products available as special-order items. The Company also offers its customers exclusive, innovative technology solutions, including practice management software and e-commerce solutions, as well as a broad range of financial services.

Headquartered in Melville, NY, Henry Schein has operations or affiliates in 33 countries. The Company's sales reached a record $10.6 billion in 2015, and have grown at a compound annual rate of approximately 15 percent since Henry Schein became a public company in 1995. For more information, visit Henry Schein at www.henryschein.com, Facebook.com/HenrySchein and @HenrySchein on Twitter.