Palmero Healthcare, a Hu-Friedy subsidiary, is pleased to introduce the Palmero Tablet Barrier Sleeve to protect your portable, sensitive touch screen tablet devices. Don’t risk contamination or damage to your devices. The single-use disposable sleeve provides infection prevention by mitigating cross-contamination of harmful pathogens.

The easy-to-use Palmero Tablet Barrier Sleeve protects equipment from harmful chemicals by minimizing disinfection requirements. The sleeve fits comfortably over a tablet with or without a case and is compatible with full or mini iPads and tablets.

Made of a material that does not contain latex nor impede touch screen operations, the sleeve has an adhesive on the flap to securely hold the tablet inside. The easy application sleeve accelerates operatory turnover and prevents cross-contamination, minimizing disinfection requirements.

From eyesight safety to radiation mitigation wear, the Palmero Healthcare portfolio of products delivers infection prevention protection for your practice. For more information, visit palmerohealth.com, email customerservice@palmerohealth.com, or call 800.344.6424

At the start of the new year 2018, Dentsply Sirona, the market leader in the dental industry, can celebrate a double success with two high-quality imaging systems: In Bensheim, the 50,000th Orthophos was produced in December and the 50,000th Heliodent in early January. Both units stand for innovative X-ray imaging technologies that ensure the highest level of image quality.

The production of the 50,000th Heliodent Plus X-ray tube assembly is a historic milestone: The first Dentsply Sirona X-ray tube assembly was launched back in 1934 by Siemens-Reiniger-Werke (SRW). In the smallest X-ray unit in the world at that time, the X-ray beam was focused with pinpoint accuracy on the area for examination by a cone-shaped tube assembly. In 1955, SRW introduced the HELIODENT intraoral X-ray unit. Along with the name, the basic principle of the tube assembly has remained almost unchanged up to the present day. From 1978 onwards, Siemens produced the machine at the Bensheim site. Since then, more than 200,000 intraoral X-ray tube assemblies have left the Bensheim plant. The current model was presented to the dental industry in 2009, has been continually optimized since then, and was produced and delivered for the 50,000th time in January 2018.

With the Orthophos imaging system, which has received several awards for image quality and design, dentists can produce top-quality images in 2D and 3D mode at a low radiation dose. The platform it is based on was first marketed in 2004 and has been continually optimized. Since 2015, the Orthophos SL, the newest member of the Orthophos family, has been on the market setting new standards. At the end of December 2017, the 50,000th Orthophos left the Bensheim plant.

Continuous further development as a concept for success

"As a result of our decades of experience and our technical expertise, the Heliodent Plus is the optimal basis for intraoral X-rays. Its reliability, easy operation, and flexibility make the Heliodent Plus the perfect intraoral solution for every practice," says Dr. Stefan Hehn, Vice President Imaging Systems. "The constantly growing numbers produced since its introduction and high customer satisfaction with the system are proof of this."

"The Orthophos SL has also been continually optimized since its introduction in 2015," explains Jörg Haist, Head of Product Management Imaging Systems. "The SL 3D features a number of options for meeting all the imaging requirements of dentists ‒ different volume sizes, HD/SD/low dose modes, and intelligent and intuitive software that gets the maximum from the excellent images and can also link the images directly with treatment using the integrated treatment planning software."

Quality "Made in Germany"

"Our ultra-modern X-ray units such as the Heliodent Plus and Orthophos SL are developed and produced entirely in Bensheim," Hehn sums up. "We are proud to have had such a huge success with these two systems. This is proof of our strategy of investing in high-quality research and development with the needs of our customers in mind. We are pleased that we can continue to live up to our responsibility as the market leader and we are proud that our systems help dentists around the world make more reliable diagnoses that allow them to provide better and faster treatment.

Dentsply Sirona social media channels are among the most successful in the dental sector: The company's various Facebook sites have more than 500,000 followers and the Dentsply Sirona channel has more than 7,000 subscribers on YouTube. A new milestone of two million views has now been reached on YouTube. The concept of presenting Dentsply Sirona solutions with technical, but entertaining contents has proven successful.

Two million YouTube clicks in just over five years are clear evidence that social media are effective in the dental market. Dentsply Sirona has a wide program on YouTube: unusual product videos, tutorials on Dentsply Sirona solutions, engaging reporting on events, and profiles of customers and employees. And viewers appreciate all this – the channel now has more than 7,000 subscribers.

"We wanted to get closer to our customers. We discovered that they wanted more easily understandable information about our high-tech products, which often need to be explained," observed Dr. Jürgen Serafin, Corporate Vice President Marketing. "Our experience that moving images are especially suitable for this prompted us to integrate social media, especially YouTube, in our product and corporate communication."

Technical topics and entertaining stories

The range of topics has become even larger in the last year and a half. The merger of DENTSPLY and Sirona led to the rebranding of the channel and the addition of new topics. Therefore, the Dentsply Sirona YouTube channel now offers a variety of product areas that is unique in the dental market, with the corresponding information presented in different formats. One highlight was the video of an implant treatment that was originally streamed live, which was viewed by more than 35,000 people around the world who left many comments and likes. Last year, the CEREC video clip with the music from Vivaldi's "Four Seasons" became a small hit on YouTube with more than 120,000 views.

Andreas Blauig, responsible for the company's YouTube channel, explains its success in these words: "The videos give simple, comprehensible explanations for complex technical processes, provide background information, and in particular, show emotions – that is effective." The success on YouTube can also be seen in the viewing time per video: "Our clips are viewed for an average of 1:52 minutes. This confirms to us that people like our contents and method of presentation," noted Andreas Blauig. As a way of saying thank you to its subscribers, Dentsply Sirona has made a "Best of" video: https://youtu.be/KsHAeAGaRrM

Palmero Healthcare, a Hu-Friedy subsidiary, is pleased to introduce its new Provision™ Anti-Fog Solution, an alcohol-free optical foaming cleaning solution that resists scratches, static, and stains.

Fogging can limit visibility during crucial procedures. Provision is easy to use and cost effective. Simply apply the foaming solution on the surface of your eyewear or face shield and wipe clean with a soft cloth.

Provision Anti-Fog Solution is compatible with all eyewear, face shields, mirrors, loupes, and scopes. The foam formula yields 5 times the applications compared to a traditional pump or squeeze bottle. It doesn’t drip or run and is non-toxic and non-flammable. From eyesight safety to radiation mitigation wear, the Palmero Healthcare portfolio of products delivers infection prevention and safety products for clinicians, patients, and your practice.

For more information, visit palmerohealth.com, email customerservice@palmerohealth.com, or call 800.344.6424  

Dentsply Sirona today announced the definitive agreement to acquire Cleverdent Limited. Cleverdent Ltd. developed the ClasenUNO® an innovative fusion of a dental mirror and high volume evacuation (HVE) tip which perfectly complements Dentsply Sirona’s portfolio.

York/Salzburg, January 18, 2018. Dentsply Sirona is committed to its Mission of empowering dental professionals to provide better, safer, faster dental care through the combination best in class technologies and clinical education, sales support and customer service. With the addition of Cleverdent Ltd.to Dentsply Sirona, dental professionals will benefit from a more efficient workflow across multiple procedures.

ClasenUNO creates efficiency for clinicians performing two-handed dentistry and reduces the need for four-handed procedures by enabling assistants to complete other tasks. The benefit of indirect vision and illumination through the mirror combined with high volume evacuation (HVE) can be used across multiple wet and dry procedures, with preventive and restorative applications, including ultrasonic scaling and air polishing procedures.

“This product provides our customers with innovative technology and enhances Dentsply Sirona’s dental procedures to support more efficient clinical outcomes”, Mark Trimmer, Interim Group Vice President Global Preventives, commented.

Stephan Clasen, Cleverdent Ltd. owner and dentist, developed and patented ClasenUNO in collaboration with a team of technical, design and materials specialists. Since 1999 Stephan Clasen has been running his own dental practice in Münster, Germany, with main focus on endodontics, periodontics, function diagnostics and holistic dental medicine. ClasenUNO, a pioneering fusion of dental mirror and high volume evacuation (HVE) tip, was first introduced at the 2015 International Dental Show and successfully launched in the German, Holland and Italian markets. It has since expanded into France, Portugal, Switzerland and South Africa.

Combining innovation and appealing aesthetics, the device was given the 2016 iF Design Award in the Medicine/Healthcare category. For more than 60 years, the iF Design Award has been recognized around the world as a trademark for design excellence. More than 5,000 entrants from 53 countries applied for the esteemed seal of quality.

About Cleverdent:

Cleverdent is a British company with its headquarter in Münster, Germany. It was founded in 2004 by Dentist Stephan Clasen and Dr. Martin Kayser. Purpose of the company was the development and marketing of ClasenUNO, a device invented by Clasen. From the beginning Cleverdent has cooperated with engineers and specialists in the areas of moulding and mirror technology. Since 2009 Cleverdent has also engaged Heinz-Jürgen Gerdes, a design and marketing expert specialized in bringing innovative ideas to market success.

Oral Health America (OHA) will present two new awards at its 28th Annual Gala & Benefit on February 21, 2018 at the new Marriott Marquis Chicago (at McCormick Place). OHA will recognize two program partners with a Program Champion Award, which acknowledges OHA partners who have demonstrated leadership and a collective impact on the oral health of vulnerable children or older adults in their geographical community.

The Marshall University/West Virginia Oral Health Coalition will be awarded the Smiles Across America® Program Champion Award for their commitment to advancing the oral health of low-income children in West Virginia and their contributions to growing the OHA Webinar Series. A founding partner of Smiles Across America, which helps to address and educate children and their families on the importance of oral health care, Marshall University/West Virginia Oral Health Coalition has strengthened their commitment to children through the establishment of West Virginia Healthy Kids and Families.

“Since 2006, Marshall University/West Virginia Oral Health Coalition has partnered with OHA to provide service to nearly 100,000 under- and uninsured children in rural West Virginia,” said Beth Truett, President & CEO for Oral Health America. “In addition to being instrumental in Smiles Across America and supporting school-based and school-linked sealant programs, they have also partnered with us for our Webinar Series, providing Continuing Education Credits through Marshall University to oral health professionals, nurses and social workers, helping to increase attendance at our 20 annual Webinars from 30 to 150 attendees.”

The DuPage County Health Department (DCHD) will be awarded the Wisdom Tooth Project® Program Champion Award for their dedication to advancing the oral health of older adults. In partnership with the Wisdom Tooth Project, which strives to improve the lives of older adults, DCHD hygienists have conducted over 50 Tooth Wisdom®: Get Smart About Your Mouth workshops to more than 720 older adults. These workshops provide older adults with a sense of self-efficacy to care for their oral health, delivered in community settings where they naturally congregate.

“The DuPage County Health Department took the initiative to call sites throughout the county to increase the number of Tooth Wisdom workshops, identifying new venues,” said Ms. Truett. “In addition, one of their hygienists assisted in the screenings of older adults as part of the ‘Manchester Project’ we are conducting in association with the Colgate Palmolive Dental Health Unit in Manchester, U.K. The findings of this global study will be submitted to the U.S. Administration on Community Living for evidence-based designation, making Tooth Wisdom: Get Smart About Your Mouth the first nationally approved oral health course for older adult consumers.” 

The Program Champion Awards will be presented during the dinner at OHA’s annual gala which is recognized as the premier charity event kicking off the Chicago Midwinter Meeting. It will feature a cocktail reception, dinner and dancing, as well as a silent auction and raffles.

Tickets for OHA’s gala are currently on sale. For more information on the 28th Annual Gala & Benefit, visit oralhealthamerica.org/gala or contact David Perez, Corporate Sponsorship Manager, at david.perez@oralhealthamerica.org or 312-836-9900.

All proceeds from the event underwrite OHA's mission to connect communities with resources to improve access to care, increase health literacy and raise awareness about the importance of oral health's impact on overall health. OHA’s programs serving children and older adults are active in 47 states and one U.S. territory as a result of support received from this annual event. Please join Oral Health America and commit to making a difference in the oral health of all Americans, especially those most vulnerable.

Dentist anesthesiologists are a unique medical provider. Their training is related more closely to medical anesthesiologists than to dentists in that they do not receive clinical training in dental or oral surgery. During their three-year residency program, dentist anesthesiologists receive most of their training in a hospital-based setting, performing a minimum of 800 cases of general anesthesia, of which at least 125 must be performed on children younger than seven years of age. However, very little is known about the post-residency practice characteristics of dentist anesthesiologists.

Researchers from the Indiana University School of Dentistry in Indianapolis, Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, and the University of California at San Diego recently published a study in the current issue of Anesthesia Progress that examines the procedural differences between dentist and physician anesthesiologists. Using two main dental databases, the National Anesthesia Clinical Outcomes Registry (NACOR) and the Society for Ambulatory Anesthesia Clinical Outcomes Registry (SCOR), for dental and oral surgery procedures, the researchers compared 7,133 office-based procedures performed by dentist anesthesiologists with 106,420 in-hospital procedures provided by physician anesthesiologists.

The information from the SCOR database focused on office-based settings, while NACOR included hospital-based. The data showed that in both groups children six years and younger were the predominant recipients receiving anesthetic dental treatment (two-thirds of NACOR patients; three-fourths of SCOR patients); however, the average age for SCOR was approximately nine years and for NACOR approximately 12 years. The researchers also found a 46 percent longer surgical time for the cases from the NACOR database versus those from the SCOR. Both databases noted that early childhood caries (tooth decay) was the main diagnosis for the dental procedures needing anesthesia.

In reviewing the data, the researchers found a clear correlation between early childhood caries and the need for anesthesia during dental procedures. Given that this is the most common disease among children six years and younger, with more than 4.5 million cases developing each year, pediatric dentists need dentist anesthesiologists. The researchers also found that the overall cost of pediatric dental procedures with anesthesia performed in a hospital-based setting has increased between three and four times than that of 20 years ago. Currently, an 84 percent cost savings is found when anesthesia is administered in an office-based setting.

Overall, there is a consistent trend with more dental anesthetic procedures being performed in an office-based setting, particularly for pediatric dentistry. The researchers have found that, “The anesthesia care provided by dentist anesthesiologists is also separate and distinct from anesthesia provided by oral and maxillofacial surgeons. Oral surgeons are the only other dentists who can legally administer general anesthesia; however, they receive approximately 6 months of general anesthesia training.  Dentist anesthesiologists provide care to younger patients for procedures of longer duration using an independent anesthesia provider model versus oral and maxillofacial surgeons who use the operator-anesthesia model for shorter procedures on older patients.”

More research in this field is necessary because the data collected from the SCOR and NACOR are fairly limited as to the amount of information that is collected from providers on a volunteer level. The researchers concluded that despite the limitations on data collection, they are confident that, “Office-based anesthesia rendered by dentist anesthesiologists is clearly a unique and efficient mode of anesthesia care for dentistry.” They also believe that the increasing trend in office-based procedures with dentist anesthesiologists will continue.

Full text of the article, “Comparison of Anesthesia for Dental/Oral Surgery by Office-based Dentist Anesthesiologists versus Operating Room-based Physician Anesthesiologists,” Anesthesia Progress, Vol. 64, No. 4, 2017, is now available here: https://www.anesthesiaprogress.org/doi/full/10.2344/anpr-65-01-04.

Dentsply Sirona, The Dental Solutions Company™, announced today that its Board of Directors has appointed Donald M. Casey Jr. as Chief Executive Officer and as a member of the Company’s Board of Directors, effective February 12, 2018. Mr. Casey succeeds Mark A. Thierer, who has served as Interim Chief Executive Officer since September 28, 2017. Mr. Thierer will continue to serve as Interim Chief Executive Officer through February 11, 2018, and will work closely with Mr. Casey to ensure a seamless transition.

“Dentsply Sirona’s Board of Directors is excited to appoint Don as our CEO,” said Eric K. Brandt, Non-Executive Chairman of the Board. “After a comprehensive search and careful consideration, our Board unanimously concluded that Don has the right mix of skills, experience, and talent to lead Dentsply Sirona to achieve its full potential. Don has deep experience in global manufacturing, product development, and distribution of medical devices and technology. Further, he has a strong track record of managing global healthcare businesses and partnering with healthcare professionals, which will be critical to Dentsply Sirona as we continue to execute our growth strategy, accelerate innovation, and advance dental care.”

"I would like to thank the Board of Directors for placing their trust and confidence in me,” stated Don Casey. “It is truly an honor to serve as the next Chief Executive Officer of Dentsply Sirona. This is a company that brings over a century of deep understanding of the market and its leading brands, an unparalleled track record for innovation, and a recognized commitment to clinical education. I firmly believe that Dentsply Sirona is well positioned to serve our customers by bringing comprehensive solutions globally. I look forward to working with the thousands of dedicated employees in driving growth in this attractive market and building on our position as the recognized market leader in the dental industry, empowering dental professionals to provide better, safer, and faster dental care worldwide."

Mr. Brandt added, "On behalf of the Dentsply Sirona Board of Directors, I would like to thank Mark Thierer for his outstanding service as Interim Chief Executive Officer. Under his leadership, the company made meaningful progress on a series of important initiatives, including the merger integration, advancing our operational objectives, and setting the company up for long term success and value creation. We appreciate Mark’s contributions and we wish him the best in his future endeavors.”

VITA North America, which pioneered the field of tooth shade determination with the development of the world-renowned VITA classical shade guide and its proprietary VITA SYSTEM 3D-MASTER®, introduces the VITA ZIRCONIA YZ HT SHADE LIQUIDs. Designed specifically for convenient chairside solutions, VITA ZIRCONIA YZ HT SHADE LIQUIDs deliver a perfect shade match each and every time. The new shade liquids eliminate the need to stock countless pre-shaded blocks that don’t match, while simultaneously streamlining chairside inventory. While the shade liquids were developed for use with VITA ZIRCONIA YZ material, they can also be used to infiltrate zirconia by other manufacturers, including pre-shaded zirconia blocks, which often don’t exactly match with their identified shade system.

Another convenient benefit: the ability to custom color zirconia restorations prior to sintering, while also creating fine shade tones quickly and easily. Colors can also be leveraged to adjust intensity and characterization. A complete range of shade options is available, including a combination of basic and additional shades that enable individual reproduction of the entire range of VITA shades. VITA ZIRCONIA YZ HT SHADE LIQUIDs are available in seven VITA classical A1-D4 shades and seven VITA SYSTEM 3D-MASTER shades, as well as supplementary shades for gingival, cervical and incisal areas.

VITA’s ZIRCONIA YZ HT SHADE LIQUIDs come in a convenient new starter kit, and contain all the essentials to deliver a perfect shade match and the highest level of esthetics for chairside and milling clinicians—all at an economical price. Plus, they’re easy to use! A few simple brush strokes following a “paint by numbers” technique is all it takes to deliver a finished restoration with natural esthetics.

VITA is a leading provider of innovative dental products. From premium denture teeth and veneering materials, to digital shade measurement, furnaces and CAD/CAM restorations, VITA helps laboratory technicians and clinicians deliver high quality and esthetic results to patients quickly and efficiently.

For more information, visit www.vitanorthamerica.com or call 800-828-3839.

The Academy of Laser Dentistry (ALD) the only independent and unbiased non-profit association dedicated to improving patient care with the proper use of laser technology, is now accepting applications for the Dr. Eugene M. Seidner Research Grants Program.

Named in the memory of Dr. Seidner, a laser dentistry pioneer who also served as ALD president 1996-1997, recipients will be honored during the ALD’s 25th Anniversary Conference & Exhibition, April 26-28th at the Caribe Royale Orlando, Florida.

According to ALD executive director Gail Siminovsky, CAE, “We established the scholarship in Dr. Seidner’s honor in 2004. In 2012, we reached our $100,000 fundraising goal, and now in 2018 ALD is excited to introduce research grants to the Seidner opportunities. The grant is intended to strengthen the Academy of Laser Dentistry’s mission of fostering a positive impact on dental laser education and research.” 

Research Grant Details

The Dr. Eugene M. Seidner Research Grant was founded to promote the advancement of dental laser technology education and clinical research. Up to three grant awards totaling up to $20,000.00 may be awarded annually to individuals to promote basic and applied clinical research for the use of lasers in dentistry.

To be considered, the project must broadly assess the role of lasers of dentistry, irrespective of whether the technology is used for surgical, diagnostic, antimicrobial, photo biomodulation, photodynamic therapy, imaging, or biomaterials applications. Research proposals on competing designs or devices are not encouraged.

Primary applicants or at least one team member must be member(s) of the Academy of Laser Dentistry for the past 3 years prior to application. Full details and applications may be downloaded or received by contacting the Academy of Laser Dentistry. Completed applications must be received by ALD by the end March 1, 2018 for consideration for the 2018 annual conference. Click here for complete details and to download an application.

Institutional Relationships

The award is made to the sponsoring academic institution on the behalf of the awardee. The institution must have the environment and general resources suitable for conducting research as stated in the application. What’s more, a letter of support from the dean or director of the institution must be enclosed with the application. The investigator is directly responsible to the sponsoring institution for the proper conduct of the project and management of the funds. Click here to download details and an application.

Donations Welcome

Voluntary donations from ALD members and others in the dental profession, have funded the Dr. Seidner Scholarship program and to date, 26 dental students from around the world have traveled to the ALD annual session to present their work and benefit from ALD membership, ALD conference attendance and in receiving Standard Proficiency Dental Laser Education and certification. Click heredownload more information and a contribution form.

About the Academy of Laser Dentistry

The Academy of Laser Dentistry (ALD) is the only independent and unbiased non-profit association devoted to laser dentistry and includes clinicians, academicians and researchers in all laser wavelengths. The Academy is devoted to clinical education, research, and the development of standards and guidelines for the safe and effective use of dental laser technology. ALD was founded in 1993, with the merging of the International Academy of Laser Dentistry, the North American Academy of Laser Dentistry and the American Academy of Laser Dentistry. For more information, visit www.LaserDentistry.org.

About ALD2018:

ALD’s upcoming annual meeting (ALD2018) promises to be the Academy’s biggest annual event to date. This year’s theme is “Innovation, Illumination, Imagination – Celebrating Laser Dentistry 25 Years and Beyond.” ALD2018 will take place from April 26-28^th at the Caribe Royale Orlando, Florida. For more information and to register, visit https://www.laserdentistry.org/index.cfm/conference.