(PALM BEACH GARDENS, FL) May 19, 2017—Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc. (NYSE and SIX: ZBH), a global leader in musculoskeletal healthcare, today announced the appointment of Pedro Malha to General Manager of its Dental division, headquartered in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. As General Manager, he will lead the global strategy and operations for the Dental business, which provides surgical, restorative, regenerative and digital dentistry solutions, as well as industry leading continuing education to dental professionals worldwide. Malha will report directly to Adam Johnson, Group President of Zimmer Biomet Spine, Dental, CMF and Thoracic.

“Mr. Malha’s broad experience across multiple medical device specialties and geographies will bring unique perspective and insights to our global business,” said Johnson. “His leadership will be invaluable in defining the organization’s path forward as we continue to develop differentiated, high-quality solutions for our customers and their patients.”

Malha brings more than 20 years of experience in the healthcare segment, where he has a strong track record of building medical device and pharmaceutical brands, developing commercial capabilities and driving strong, profitable growth globally. Malha most recently served as head of the global strategic efforts for Abbott Vision Care. He has held leadership roles in various business units of Abbott, including Vice President for the EMEA Region and Head of North Europe for Abbott’s Diabetes Division. Prior to joining Abbott, Malha was a Strategy Consultant with Ernst & Young in New York City.

A graduate of Bentley University with a bachelor’s degree in management, Malha also holds a Master of Business Administration from Boston University.

"I am honored to be joining Zimmer Biomet,” Malha said. “I look forward to working with our employees and clinicians around the world and to building on the Company's leadership in service excellence, innovative technology, and product quality. Together, we will help our customers achieve better patient outcomes in their daily practice.”

Newswise — HAMILTON, ON, May 18, 2017 – The story of humanity’s vital – and fragile – relationship with the sun has been locked inside our teeth for hundreds of thousands of years. A new method is starting to tease out answers to major questions of evolution and migration, using clues hidden just under the enamel.

A group of McMaster University researchers, working with colleagues in Quebec and France, reveals the potential of the method in a paper in Current Anthropology (to be published May 18 at 11 a.m. ET).

"This is exciting because we now have a proven resource that could finally bring definitive answers to fundamental questions about the early movements and conditions of human populations – and new information about the importance of vitamin D for modern populations,” says McMaster anthropologist Megan Brickley, lead author of the paper and Canada Research Chair in the Bioarchaeology of Human Disease.

In 2016, the researchers first established that dentine – the material that forms the bulk of the tooth – carries a permanent record of Vitamin D deficiency, or rickets. During periods of severe deficiency, new layers of dentine cannot mineralize, leaving microscopic markers scientists can read like rings of a tree.

Those markers can tell the story of human adaptation as early man moved from equatorial Africa into lower-light regions, and may explain changes in skin pigmentation to metabolize more sunlight, or how indoor living has silently damaged human health.

Until now, there has been no reliable way to measure vitamin D deficiency over time. As the authors show with examples from ancient and modern teeth, the method is valuable for understanding a health condition that today affects more than 1 billion.

NEW YORK, NY (May 19, 2017):  Colgate-Palmolive is pleased to announce the release of the new oral health care textbook, Prevention Across the Lifespan: A Review of Evidence- Based Interventions for Common Oral Conditions. With a heightened focus on prevention in oral health education and professional practices, this new book offers practical information regarding prevention of the most common oral health indications, with a special emphasis on age-related considerations. The material covered in this book is intended to be used by those early in their educational journey as well as seasoned practitioners. 

Co-edited by Dr. Ann E. Spolarich, Director of Research,  Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health, and Dr. Fotinos S, Panagakos, Global Director, Scientific Affairs, Colgate-Palmolive Company, Prevention Across the Lifespan is produced and distributed free of charge by Charlotte, North Carolina-based publisher Professional Audience Communications through an educational grant provided by Colgate.

The textbook focuses on the current best evidence available to support decision making for recommended preventive interventions. This book is not intended to be a comprehensive review of the science around diagnosis and treatment for each of these indications – there are numerous resources available from experts in the field if one is interested in diving deeper in areas such as caries, periodontal disease, or dry mouth. Rather, it is the editors’ and authors’ intention to emphasize how practitioners can help patients prevent disease from occurring, recurring, or progressing.

Prevention Across the Lifespanwas the result of a 12-month process based on the most contemporary thinking behind prevention of oral disease. A unique feature in many of the chapters is the addition of case reviews that help bring the content to life and help reinforce the concepts covered. Dental school faculty will find these cases useful in their respective courses, giving students a helpful way of incorporating the content into their broader education on oral health.

Since the launch of its first toothpaste in 1873, global consumer goods company Colgate-Palmolive Company has been a world leader in oral care, with both cutting-edge therapeutics, as well as important educational services for the dental professions. This book is a prime example of Colgate’s continuing commitment to ensuring education for dental professionals.  Click here to download Prevention Across the Lifespan: A Review of Evidence- Based Interventions for Common Oral Conditions for free, or visit https://bit.ly/2p3Gqqy. 

Aesthetic Z is a highly translucent, high-strength zirconia solution for your anterior and posterior cases. Benefits include: translucency that rivals lithium disilicate, aesthetics that reflect natural dentition, durability and high strength (769 MPa flexural strength), designed digitally to increase efficiencies and profitability, kind to natural opposing dentition, conventional cementation, and perfect for single crowns and up to 3-unit anterior bridges.

Aesthetic Flex is an innovative, advanced thermoplastic partial solution that delivers on all fronts. The partial is virtually unbreakable, easy to adjust and polish, and can be repaired. The material is remarkably resistant to water absorption and highly resistant to stains and odors. The translucent and flexible nature delivers natural aesthetics, a comfortable fit and high patient satisfaction. Contact Assured Dental Laboratory 877.283.5351, assureddentallab.com. 

Knight Dental Group, Inc. announced the completion of a 100 percent asset investment in York Dental Laboratory, Inc.

The recent acquisition will strengthen Knight’s presence in the North Eastern US which began with the acquisitions of three dental laboratories in the New York area, one in Baltimore, MD and most recently with Precision Craft Dental Laboratory in Rhode Island.

“With the completion of the York acquisition, we have established an even a stronger presence in a critical dental market in the US eastern corridor. We are pleased to welcome our York team and grateful to have the leadership of Ben Franford, President and Amina Hotak, Vice President to our Senior Management Team” said Warren Rogers, Leixir Group President and CEO of Knight Dental Group.

“We are excited about our future with the Knight Dental Group and look forward to our partnership and moving forward. We share a common goal of delivering high-quality dental device solutions and services to the dental community in North America. The partnership will give York Dental Laboratory an opportunity to expand our brand in New England and other markets of the country” said Ben Franford, newly appointed President of York.

“This strategic investment of York in a key region of the United States and Knight’s recent acquisitions in this region, will better position us as a leading and growing Dental Laboratory group. We will continue our plans to be a market leader in the North American sector and investing in strategically placed high-quality dental laboratories” said Harmeet Bindra, Leixir Private Holdings CEO.

Knight Dental Group operates full-service high-quality dental laboratories in the United States and Canada. The company has developed proprietary manufacturing processes and unique products including Cosmetic, Implant and Removable Appliances for the dental industry.

CHICAGO (May 16, 2017) — The American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) is pleased to announce that member Yvonne Kapila, DDS, PhD, is the first recipient of its new SUNSTAR Innovation Grant (SIG). The $30,000 research grant, a component of the AAP’s recent partnership with oral health and technology company SUNSTAR, provides support to an AAP member whose research endeavors show significant potential to advance the science and practice of periodontics.

Dr. Kapila’s research project, “Natural Bacteriocins as Pre/Pro-Biotics to Promote Oral Health and Prevent Periodontal Disease,” was selected out of 15 grant submissions. This project aims to build a foundation for using pre- or pro-biotics containing nisin (commonly used as a food preservative) or nisin-secreting bacteria to promote the maintenance of a healthy oral microbiome and to prevent the formation of pathogenic biofilms associated with periodontal disease.

“The SUNSTAR Innovation Grant will allow our team of clinicians and scientists to explore nisin’s effects on oral biofilm composition using both in vitro and in vivo model systems. Nisin has a long history of safety and broad range of biomedical applications, and it could add value in our understanding of periodontal health and periodontal disease prevention,” says Dr. Kapila, professor and vice chair of the University of California San Francisco’s Division of Periodontology. “I am so pleased and honored that this important project was chosen by the AAP and SUNSTAR to receive additional funding.”

As part of the Innovation Grant program, SUNSTAR has committed to awarding six research grants to select AAP members over a three-year period beginning in 2017. The AAP’s Research Submissions Committee examines all abstracts against criteria established by SUNSTAR and the Academy.

“The SUNSTAR Innovation Grant not only provides generous support to innovative studies, but it also extends the reach of the Academy’s scientific agenda,” says Terrence J. Griffin, DMD, president of the AAP. “By cultivating the clinical research of our members, the grant, in turn, provides avenues for enhancing overall patient health and wellbeing.”

SUNSTAR fully supports Dr. Kapila’s selection as the grant’s inaugural winner. “SUNSTAR and the AAP share a common interest in innovative treatments and research that serve to alleviate the high burden of periodontitis in the US,” says Aaron Pfarrer, Senior Director, Professional Relations. “We are confident that Dr. Kapila’s study will lay the groundwork for novel methods of periodontal disease prevention. We look forward to many important updates on this groundbreaking research.”

Dr. Kapila will present the results of her study at a future AAP Annual Meeting.

The Academy encourages members who are actively conducting scientific research in a clinical setting to submit research abstracts and proposals for consideration of future grant awards. Applications will be accepted in Fall 2017. For more information on the SUNSTAR Innovation Grant, contact Scientific Affairs Manager Stephanie Heffner at stephanie@perio.org.

Zahn Dental announced Continuing Education programs for individual laboratories needs and regional quarterly seminars by noted industry leaders. These solutions provide the latest information on products and services impacting the dental laboratory, as well as valuable perspectives to keep your business competitive.

Upcoming dates:

CAP/Zahn Dental Education

Fixed Implant Retained Prosthetics

John Ackley

May 19, 2017

Credits: 1.5

Provider: CAP/ Zahn Dental

2-Day Advanced 3Shape Training (Stoneham, MA)

Matt Viens

June 8– 9, 2017

Credits: 10

Provider: CAP/Zahn Dental

Cost: $395

2-Day Advanced 3Shape Training (Golden, CO)

Mary Waldron

July 27 – 28, 2017

Credits: 10

Provider: CMC

Cost: $395

2-Day Advanced 3Shape Training (Stoneham, MA)

Matt Viens

August 10 – 11, 2017

Credits: 10

Provider: CAP/Zahn Dental

Cost: $395

3Shape Implant Studio 1/2 Day Hands-On Program

Alex De Vos

September 15, 2017

Credits: 4

Provider: CAP/Zahn Dental

Cost: $299

Partner, Grow, Succeed. (Pearl® Screw-Retained Bridge)

Daniel Alter, CDT

October 19 - 20, 2017

Credits: 12

Provider: CAP/Zahn Dental

Cost: $800

2-Day Advanced 3Shape Training (Golden, CO)

Mary Waldron

October 26 - 27, 2017

Credits: 10

Provider: CMC

Cost: $395

2-Day Advanced 3Shape Training (Clearwater, FL)

Matt Viens

November 9 - 10, 2017

Credits: 10

Provider: CAP/Zahn Dental

Cost: $395

The course Includes Critical Questions to Ask of Any Potential Supplier When Seeking a Digital Manufacturing Solution

Computer manufacturing expert and President of Axsys Incorporated, Steve Braykovich will distill 40 years of manufacturing and CAD/CAM experience into the top questions one should ask when seeking a digital dental manufacturing solution. Braykovich will review the various elements of machine tool construction and their impact on machine reliability, life cycle, cost of ownership and restoration quality. The course will be offered free of charge and is approved for participants to earn 1 scientific CE credit.

Braykovich says, “We see a lot of confusion and misinformation in the marketplace. Because of our extensive manufacturing experience, prospective buyers often come to us for a baseline understanding of what to look for in dental manufacturing technology. During this lecture I will address common misconceptions and couple machine concepts with CAM software considerations to enable prospective buyers to sift through the often overly-simplified marketing collaterals offered by suppliers.”

Participants will learn how to ask meaningful questions of suppliers when determining which manufacturing solution best fits their short- and long- term quality, production and cost of ownership needs and objectives. Upon completion of the lecture participants will be able to:

·       Describe the key components of a quality milling machine.

·       Understand how each component affects machine life, tool life and restoration quality.

·       Understand the importance of proper fixturing.

·       Realize the importance of CAM Software and different offerings.

·       Understand the importance of machining strategies/ parameters.

·       Receive NBC CREDIT: Approved for 1 Scientific CE Credit.

The course will take place Saturday, May 20, 2017 at the Hyatt Regency Orange County in the Laguna Suite, 2^nd Floor. Participants who register prior to May 19 receive a free ROI calculator. For more details or to register, click here. 

Over the weekend, Dentsply Sirona Implants welcomed dental professionals from all over the world to the World Summit Tour, the scientific congress on implant dentistry. A combination of renowned international and regional speakers and a highly multifaceted program arrived in San Diego, the second stop of the four-city tour, following Tokyo, welcoming over 1,000 delegates and 45 speakers and moderators. 

“It was an honor to welcome everyone to San Diego for this meeting filled with inspiration, science and learning,” says John Voskuil, VP and General Manager, Dentsply Sirona Implants, North America. “As a company committed to better, safer, faster dental care, this meeting created a tremendous opportunity and environment to truly engage with the dental professionals that we serve. This event featured world-class education and showcased the very latest technology and developments designed to serve the needs of clinicians and laboratory technicians, and advance the field of implant dentistry.” 

The theme of the World Summit Tour—Because inspiration and confidence matters—mirrors Dentsply Sirona Implants’ dedication to improved oral health and enhanced quality of life for implant patients worldwide. Each tour stop is designed to inspire clinicians and researchers to share scientific knowledge and clinical experience and discover the latest developments in implant dentistry. By combining general sessions, hands-on workshops, and a choice of various parallel sessions, the program promises to deliver inspiration and education for all members of the treatment team. 

The World Summit Tour also included a Poster Competition in the two categories of Clinical Application and Research. Winners were selected by the Scientific Committee members, consisting of Tara Aghaloo, UCLA School of Dentistry; Lyndon Cooper, University of Illinois at Chicago; Barry Goldenberg, private practice St. Louis County; Craig Misch, private practice Sarasota, FL; Georgios Romanos, Stony Brook University, NY, and University of Frankfurt, Germany; and Homa H. Zadeh, University of Southern California. 

The National Association of Dental Laboratories (NADL) and the National Board for Certification in Dental Laboratory Technology (NBC) celebrate June as Dental Technician and Certified Dental Technician (CDT) Appreciation Month.

“On behalf of NADL and NBC, I would like to acknowledge and give recognition to all dental technicians for their hard work, dedication, and commitment to providing quality service to the patient and the profession,” said Heather Voss, CDT, 2017 NBC chair and NADL board member.

Dental technicians bring considerable experience and subject matter expertise in the areas of dental materials, technology utilization, shade verification and restorative dentistry. Although generally operating behind the scenes of the oral health team, dental technicians are a crucial part of ensuring delivery of quality dental care.

“Dental technicians are the unsung heroes, working behind the scenes and not often seen by patients. The dental laboratory profession is largely unknown to everyday people, so with the support of NADL and NBC, it is up to us as dedicated, proud dental technicians to show the world what we do and the benefits of working with a formally educated, trained and/or certified dental technician,” said Voss.

NADL seeks to inform dentists and patients of the important role of the dental laboratory technician and dental laboratory through its “What’s In Your Mouth?” campaign. In the U.S., most states set no minimum standards for persons to be employed as dental technicians. In fact, only four states in the U.S. require either certification or continuing education for dental technicians.

The Certified Dental Technician (CDT) designation demonstrates a mastery of the knowledge and applied skills needed in dental technology. It illustrates a technician's commitment to the field of dental technology and demonstrates their knowledge in six specialty areas: ceramics, complete dentures, crown and bridge, orthodontics, partial dentures, and implants.

The month of June is dedicated to dental technicians and Certified Dental Technicians. There will be a special insert in the June/July issue of the Journal of Dental Technology, honoring all dental technicians and CDT’s in 2017.