Henry Schein, Inc. and Vets First Choice announced plans today for Henry Schein to spin off its Animal Health business and merge it with Vets First Choice, creating an innovative approach to advancing the delivery of animal health care designed to provide unique benefits to veterinarians, manufacturers, pet owners, and their pets.

The new company, to be called Vets First Corp., will harness insights and analytics to provide pro-active prescription management, and combined with Henry Schein's leading global animal health solutions, will create a unique animal health service and technology platform dedicated to supporting the veterinary market. By bringing together the power of data analytics, digital communications, practice management software, and supply chain expertise into a multi-channel platform, Vets First Corp. is expected to improve health outcomes for the benefit of pets and their owners, while driving increased demand for products and services for the benefit of veterinary offices and manufacturers.

"We are excited about the merger of Henry Schein Animal Health with Vets First Choice. Over the years we have observed the impressive success of Vets First Choice and believe the combined management team is well positioned to capitalize on the significant opportunities created by the merger," said Stanley M. Bergman, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, Henry Schein, Inc.

"We are similarly excited about the significant growth opportunities for Henry Schein's dental and medical businesses as we implement our 2018-2020 Strategic Plan," Mr. Bergman continued. "Building upon our long history of reinvention, the Company will continue to expand our offering of innovative solutions for our dental and medical customers. We see significant growth opportunities in both the dental and medical markets, such as advancing our position in practice management solutions, including those provided by our new Henry Schein One joint venture, and expanding our penetration with health care practitioners and specialists as well as large group practices and ambulatory care sites."

A New Global Leader in Animal Health

"We are early in the lifecycle of rapid technological change in the animal health market," said Ben Shaw, Founder and CEO of Vets First Choice, who will become CEO of the new company. "This merger creates an enhanced value chain that connects the veterinarian, the manufacturer, and the pet owner through insights and analytics that will support better clinical and financial outcomes. This new global animal health care company is focused on improving clinical compliance by facilitating the delivery of care how, when, and where the pet owner wants it."

Vets First Choice, founded in 2010, has quickly become a leading provider of technology-enabled health care services, with a sole focus on animal health. The company is based in Portland, Maine, where the combined company will be headquartered.

Henry Schein Animal Health (HSAH) is the world's largest and only global supply chain provider of animal health products and related services, with market-leading positions in North America, Europe, and Australia/New Zealand. HSAH has approximately 4,300 team members and active customers include approximately 75% of veterinarians in the U.S., and 70% of veterinarians in Europe and Australia/New Zealand. In addition, more than 50% of U.S. Animal Health practices currently utilize Henry Schein's practice management software platform to drive office productivity and customer engagement. Vets First Choice has approximately 750 team members in the U.S., and more than 5,100 veterinary practices on its prescription management platform.

Immediately following a spin-off from Henry Schein, HSAH will combine with Vets First Choice to form a new publicly traded company that is expected to provide veterinarians with a powerful new platform to grow their practices, improve client engagement, and drive better health outcomes for pets. This transaction is expected to uniquely position the new company to pursue new revenue opportunities, greater operational efficiency, and accelerated growth, in an attractive end-market.

The company will have combined pro forma 2017 sales of approximately $3.6 billion. HSAH and Vets First Choice expect synergies to grow annually such that in year three, operating income synergies for the combined business will be in excess of $100 million, driven largely by accelerated revenue growth from the adoption of the Vets First Choice platform across the HSAH customer base.

"By combining forces with HSAH, we anticipate accelerating the introduction of new and enhanced programs, services, and technology to veterinary teams so they can deepen their focus on doing the great work of caring for the animals in our lives," said Mr. Shaw. "Manufacturers will benefit from a global platform to help drive category growth, improved client engagement, and enhanced medication and service compliance. At the same time, team members of the combined company will continue to contribute in a highly collaborative environment with the shared goal of supporting our customers' success."

Unlocking Henry Schein Shareholder Value

"For Henry Schein, we believe the transaction benefits our shareholders in two ways," Mr. Bergman said. "We believe Vets First Corp., as an independent public company focused exclusively on animal health, will be well-positioned to achieve a premium valuation in the market. We believe the transaction positions Henry Schein shareholders to benefit from their investment in a more focused dental and medical growth company.

"Following the spin-off of HSAH as an independent company, Henry Schein will focus on our market-leading dental and medical businesses as we make continued investments for future growth," Mr. Bergman said. "We are confident in our ability to build upon our track record of delivering solid internal and acquisition growth, as we have over our 23-year history as a public company. We believe our formula of serving the dental and medical markets with innovative products, solutions, and support will position us well to drive increased top and bottom line growth going forward."

Following the close of the transaction, on a pro forma basis, Henry Schein's total 2017 revenue for the remaining business will be approximately $9.0 billion with approximately $690 million in GAAP operating income, or $695 million on a non-GAAP basis (see Exhibit A for reconciliation of GAAP operating income and non-GAAP operating income). Henry Schein expects to deliver EPS growth for the remaining consolidated business in the high-single digit to low-double digit range. Henry Schein expects to update full-year earnings guidance for the remaining business once the transaction closes by the end of 2018.

Management and Governance

Henry Schein will nominate six individuals to the board of directors and Vets First Choice will nominate five individuals to the board. Stanley Bergman will serve as a board member of Vets First Corp. and will continue as Henry Schein's Chairman of the Board and CEO. Henry Schein, Inc. will nominate the Chair of the Governance and Nominating Committee of Vets First Corp., who will also serve as lead director. Ben Shaw, the CEO of Vets First Choice, will become the CEO of Vets First Corp., and David Shaw, Chairman of the Board and Co-Founder of Vets First Choice, as well as Founder of IDEXX Laboratories, Inc., will serve as Chairman of Vets First Corp. The current management of HSAH and Vets First Choice will have senior roles in Vets First Corp.

Transaction Details and Conditions to Close

The transaction is structured as a "Reverse Morris Trust" transaction intended to be tax-free to Henry Schein shareholders for U.S. tax purposes. It is currently expected that shares of Vets First Corp. common stock will be distributed to Henry Schein stockholders in connection with the spin-off of the Henry Schein Animal Health business and to Vets First Choice stockholders in the subsequent merger. In addition, equity incentives held by Henry Schein Animal Health and Vets First Choice employees will be converted into equity incentives in respect of shares of Vets First Corp. and shares of Vets First Corp. may be issued to certain minority holders of Henry Schein Animal Health subsidiaries in exchange for their interests in those subsidiaries. It is expected that Henry Schein shareholders and the aforementioned Henry Schein Animal Health-related parties will own approximately 63% of Vets First Corp. common stock immediately following the transaction, while Vets First Choice investors will own approximately 37% of such stock. The precise ownership percentages are subject to adjustments as set forth in the transaction agreements, but in all cases Henry Schein shareholders will receive a majority of Vets First Corp. shares in the transaction.

Additionally, Henry Schein expects to receive between $1.0 billion and $1.25 billion in cash on a tax-free basis as part of the transaction. Henry Schein plans to use the proceeds for general corporate purposes, including share repurchases, repayment of indebtedness and acquisition opportunities.

The transaction has been unanimously approved by the Boards of Directors of Henry Schein and Vets First Choice, and is expected to close by the end of 2018. It is also subject to customary closing conditions, including customary regulatory approvals, the receipt of tax opinions from counsel with respect to the transaction and the effectiveness of the registration statement on Form S-1/S-4 to be filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in connection with the transaction.

Advisors

Centerview Partners is serving as exclusive financial advisor to Henry Schein, Inc., and Cleary Gottlieb and Proskauer Rose are serving as its legal advisors. J.P. Morgan Securities, LLC is serving as exclusive financial advisor to Vets First Choice and Morgan Lewis is serving as its legal advisor.

Conference Call

The Company will hold a conference call to discuss today's announcement, beginning at 8:30 a.m. Eastern time. A presentation about the transaction will be posted to the Investors Relations section of www.henryschein.com.

Individual investors are invited to listen to the conference call through Henry Schein's website at www.henryschein.com. In addition, a replay will be available beginning shortly after the call has ended.

About Henry Schein

Henry Schein, Inc. (Nasdaq: HSIC) is a solutions company for health care professionals powered by a network of people and technology. With more than 22,000 Team Schein Members serving more than 1 million customers globally, the Company is the world's largest provider of Business, Clinical, and Technology solutions to enhance the efficiency of 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's network of trusted advisors provides health care professionals with the valued solutions they need to improve operational success and clinical outcomes. The Company offers customers exclusive, innovative products and solutions, including practice management software, e-commerce solutions, specialty and surgical products, as well as a broad range of financial services. Henry Schein operates through a centralized and automated distribution network, with a selection of more than 120,000 branded products and Henry Schein private-brand products in stock, as well as more than 180,000 additional products available as special-order items.

Headquartered in Melville, N.Y., Henry Schein has operations or affiliates in 34 countries. The Company's sales reached a record $12.5 billion in 2017, 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.

SDI (North America), Inc. is pleased to announce the FDA has given registration approval to market Riva Star in the USA.

Riva Star’s FDA registration is as a new generation SDF (silver diamine fluoride) desensitizer that immediately relieves tooth sensitivity. SDI Limited has already been successful in registering Riva Star in several key Latin American countries such as Brazil, Peru, and Colombia as an anti-caries (decay) agent.

Riva Star’s key ingredients are silver diamine fluoride (SDF) and potassium iodide (KI). SDF has known antibacterial activity which stops decay in teeth. Combined with the KI, Riva Star has a higher inhibition zone against four bacterial species compared to sodium hypochlorite¹.

Unlike any other SDF based system, Riva Star’s two step globally patented procedure minimizes the risk of staining the tooth black. By applying the KI solution over the SDF, a silver iodine precipitate is formed which does not stain teeth as does using other SDF treatments alone. This patented two-step process results in an esthetically acceptable tooth coloured appearance for the patient.

Riva Star is essential for clinicians practicing Minimally Invasive Dentistry (MID)^2-5. It conditions dentin and may assist in tooth preservation.

Riva Star’s unique capsule system is colour-coded and extremely easy to use, saving the clinician and patient precious time. The capsule system also prevents the spillage of SDF normally supplied in bottles, which will stain surfaces black.

Riva Star increases bond strengths of glass ionomer cements. Pre-treating the tooth surface with Riva Star is a great way to enhance bonding of glass ionomers to dentin6.

Riva Star is a revolutionary desensitizing star, a solution and innovation to the dental industry in reducing tooth sensitivity for patients without the negative esthetic effects of other silver diamine fluoride products.

Riva Star is available through all major dental distributors.

For more information visit www.sdi.com.au. or contact SDI (North America), Inc. on 1800 228 5166.

1. Heo J. Tompkins GR, Love RM.; Evaluation of the Antimicrobial Activity of Combined Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) and Potassium Iodide (KI) as an Endodontic Medicament; University of Otago, New Zealand, 2010.

2. Knight GM, Mclntyre JM, Craig G, Zilm PS, Gully N.; Inability to form a biofilm of Streptococcus mutans on silver fluoride-and potassium iodide-treated demineralized dentin. Quintessence international (Berlin, Germany: 1985) 2009;40:155.

3. Knight GM.; The Pharmacological management of dentine to protect against plaque microorganism degradation. PhD Thesis University of Adelaide 2008.

4. Knight GM, Mclntyre JM, Craig G, Zilm PS, Gully NJ.; Differences between normal and demineralized dentine pretreated with silver fluoride and potassium iodide after an in vitro challenge by Streptococcus mutans. Australian Dental Journa l 2007;52:16-21.

5. Knight GM, Mclntyre J, Craig G.; Ion uptake into demineralized dentine from glass ionomer cement following pretreatment with silver fluoride and potassium iodide. Australian Dental Journal 2006;51 :23 7 -24l.

6. Knight GM, Mclntyre JM.; The effect of silver fluoride and potassium iodide on the bond strength of auto cure glass ionomer cement to dentine. Australian Dental Journal 2006;51:42-45.

Traditionally, dental students aren’t sure of how to begin their careers post-graduation or what to even expect.

To help fourth year dental students prepare for life post-graduation, Aspen Dental hosted the inaugural VIBE Session: Academic Edition from March 2-4 in Nashville, TN, to provide support on how to navigate a career search and to immerse the more than 100 students in attendance into the Aspen Dental culture. The all-day session focused on development and networking, encouraging guests to engage with and learn from the best and brightest dentists in attendance via team-building activities and panel discussions with successful, experienced dentists. Aspen Dental Career Guides are passionate about guiding both upcoming and established dentists through their career journey to ensure everyone is on a path to success and happiness. Watch a video recap of the event here.

Aspen Dental’s VIBE Sessions aim to aid the professional community in building up their skills, offering a platform for networking, and putting a spark in their confidence. VIBE Sessions were created in 2015 to help dentists and dental students learn, connect, and celebrate with each other. The goal is to invest in dentists from day one to ensure things are done differently and barriers are broken down – so that the millions of Americans who currently don’t have access to dental care can receive the support they need to make a life-changing impact.

The American Association of Endodontists will honor five individuals with the organization's highest honors at the Association’s annual meeting in Denver, April 25-28. The following individuals are being honored by the Association for their commitment to advancing endodontics and the specialty.

Gary R. Hartwell, D.D.S., M.S., will receive the AAE’s highest award in recognition of his extraordinary contributions to endodontic education, research and organized dentistry.

Dr. Hartwell served as president of the AAE and the American Board of Endodontics. He also has been involved with numerous AAE committees over his career. From 2013 to 2014, Dr. Hartwell served as interim executive director of the Association, dedicating much of his time and energy to the task of running the headquarters office and managing staff.

Dr. Hartwell earned his D.D.S. from West Virginia University School of Dentistry in 1966. He graduated from the U.S. Army Dental Corps Endodontic Residency Program in 1973 and earned an M.S. in Special Studies (Oral Biology) the following year from George Washington University. In 1980, he completed the became a Diplomate of the American Board of Endodontics. During his 20-year military career, he served as director of the endodontic residency programs at Madigan Army Medical Center and Eisenhower Army Medical Center. He was the consultant in endodontics to the surgeon general of the U.S. Army from 1983 to 1987.

Upon retirement from active military service in 1987 at the rank of colonel, Dr. Hartwell became a full-time faculty member in the Department of Endodontics at the VCU School of Dentistry. In 1992, he was promoted to associate professor with tenure and appointed chair of the Department of Endodontics. Dr. Hartwell also served more than 10 years as the Department Chair and Program Director at the New Jersey School of Dental Medicine.

Shimon Friedman, D.M.D., will be presented with the I.B. Bender Lifetime Educator Award, presented to an individual who has been a full-time educator for at least 15 years, whose contributions to endodontics have demonstrated excellence through selfless commitment to full-time educational pursuits and have instilled in his/her students a desire to pursue excellence in their careers

Dr. Friedman is a professor at the University of Toronto Faculty of Dentistry in Canada. He served for 20 years as the head of endodontics, and for 22 years as director of the university’s graduate endodontics program.

Dr. Friedman received his D.M.D. and Certificate in Endodontics from the Hebrew University and Hadassah Faculty of Dental Medicine in Jerusalem in 1975 and 1983, respectively. He taught at Hebrew University for 16 years, spent one year as a visiting professor at Temple University School of Dentistry in Philadelphia and has taught at the University of Toronto since 1992.

Dr. Friedman has served on the editorial boards of the International Endodontic Journal; Oral Surgery, Oral Pathology, Oral Medicine, Oral Radiology and Endodontology; Endodontics and Dental Traumatology; Endodontic Topics; Practical Periodontics & Esthetic Dentistry; and Alpha Omegan.

Richard D. Archer, D.D.S., M.S., is this year’s recipient of the Edward M. Osetek Award, presented to a full-time educator with less than 10 years of teaching experience, who has earned the esteem and respect of students and faculty associates.

As the associate dean of clinical education and associate professor at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry, Dr. Richard D. Archer has worked extensively to prepare dental students for the licensure board examinations and mentor residents in their graduate education.

Dr. Archer earned his D.D.S. from the University of Maryland Dental School in 1982. He was sponsored by the United States Navy for specialty training and graduated from The Ohio State University College of Dentistry in 1990 with a Certificate in Endodontics and a M.S. degree. After 11 years as a Navy dental officer, Dr. Archer was active in private practice for 17 years in Chesapeake, Va. While teaching in the Navy GPR program at Naval Hospital Portsmouth, Va., Dr. Archer began teaching part time at the VCU School of Dentistry. He continued as an adjunct faculty member for 19 years before becoming full-time faculty in 2009. Dr. Archer achieved his Board certification in 2011.

Calvin D. Torneck, D.D.S., M.S., will earn the Part-Time Educator Award, presented to a part-time educator for at least 20 years whose contributions to endodontics have demonstrated dedication to the specialty and have instilled in his/her students a desire to pursue excellence in their careers.

Dr. Torneck is a retired professor emeritus who teaches part time in the graduate endodontic program at the University of Toronto and is also a visiting professor in the postdoctoral endodontic program at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. He joined the U of T faculty of dentistry in 1960 to pursue a part-time career in teaching and research. In the ensuing years, he progressed through the academic ranks to become a full professor and chair of the department of endodontics, and co-chair of the postgraduate and graduate endodontic departments before retiring in 2000.

In 2006, Dr. Torneck retired from his private practice in Toronto. He has served as a consultant and senior staff member to the dental divisions at Mt. Sinai Hospital and the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto.

Dr. Torneck is a recipient of the AAE Ralph F. Sommer and Louis I. Grossman Awards, U of T Dental Students Society and Dental Student Athletic Awards, University of Michigan Endodontic Alumni Award of Merit, and U of T Dental Alumni Alumnus of Distinction Award.

Donald R. Nixdorf, D.D.S., M.S., will be recognized with Honorary Membership in the AAE, which is given in recognition of the significant contributions made to further the advancement of endodontics.

Dr. Nixdorf has contributed to the specialty of endodontics in multiple ways. He has presented at AAE meetings, contributed to literature, and served on AAE committees and the Journal of Endodontics Scientific Advisory Board. His most recent appointment was to the Special Committee on Methodology of Cracked Tooth Studies. Dr. Nixdorf worked diligently with these committees and earned the respect of his fellow committee members.

Dr. Nixdorf serves as chief investigator for a National Dental Practice-Based Research Network project, looking at outcomes after nonsurgical endodontic treatment. The results of the initial study were quite remarkable and Dr. Nixdorf received further funding from the Foundation for Endodontics to follow patients who reported persistent pain after root canal treatment. These outcomes findings will most assuredly contribute to furthering the understanding of persistent pain as well as informed consent discussions.

3M has announced the appointment of Sebastian Arana as the new President and General Manager of its Oral Care Solutions Division. Arana’s extensive experience spans several geographies and includes the oral care product porfolio.

“I am excited to lead this passionate group within 3M that is so dedicated to helping our customers succeed,” said Sebastian Arana, new President and General Manager of 3M Oral Care. “In the coming weeks, I look forward to connecting with many oral care professionals and industry partners to learn and understand more about their challenges.”

Arana continued, “Only through the lens of our customers can we truly learn how to continue being a positive, supportive partner in their practices.”

Arana is a proven leader with over 19 years of experience in marketing, sales, business development and strategy, as well as key leadership roles in Poland, Chile, and the United States. He holds a BA in Economics and Finance and an MBA. Arana replaces James Ingebrand, who retired April 1st.

Anatotemp is announcing the addition of the 4Side anti-rotational connection to its family of anatomic dental implant healing abutments.  Anatotemp anatomic dental implant healing abutments are considered an off the shelf solution for creating ideal gingival emergence profile during dental implant treatment. Optimal emergence profile eases clinician workflow during the impression and prosthesis placement procedures as well as assists with final esthetic outcomes.

The Anatotemp anatomic dental implant healing abutment family consists of six anatomic shapes and numerous anti-rotational connections, making Anatotemp usable with the majority of dental implant systems on the market today. Anatotemp’s anti-rotational connections include the internal hex, the internal conical hex, the internal trilobe, and the internal octagon. With the addition of the internal 4Side connection, Anatotemp can now be used with the Straumann Bone Level™ and Blue Sky Bio Quattro™ systems.

“We are very pleased with the addition of the internal 4Side connection to assist the numerous clinicians that utilize the Straumann Bone Level™ and Blue Sky Bio Quattro™systems.” said Terry B Philibin DDS, MS, MBA, Anatotemp President and CEO.  “Our goal is to provide an Anatotemp for all dental implant systems utilized today. Creating ideal emergence profile is of utmost importance for today’s modern dental implant surgeon and restorative clinician.”

For the second consecutive year, Colgate is continuing its partnership with one of the greatest swimmers of all time, Michael Phelps, as the global ambassador for the brand's water conservation campaign. Today, 130 million Americans live with severe water scarcity1 for at least one month every year, yet 42 percent of Americans report leaving the faucet running while brushing their teeth2. Phelps and Colgate are encouraging people to help save the planet this Earth Day by simply turning off the faucet.

Experience the interactive Multichannel News Release here: 

Colgate's goal is to bring attention to water scarcity and help save water through initiatives that include the following:

"Save Water" with the Google Assistant: Colgate developed an Action for the Google Assistant called "Save Water by Colgate." Users with a Google Home, or compatible smart speaker, can learn water facts, conservation tips or even ask to hear the sound of running water to "replace" the sound while brushing with the faucet off. The Action is now available to anyone with a Google Home device by saying, "Hey Google, talk to Save Water by Colgate." This feature is also available to Amazon Alexa users when users say "Alexa, enable Save Water."

"Turn Off the Faucet" Sink Sticker: Colgate created a water-activated drain sticker that reveals the reminder "Turn off the Faucet" when it comes in contact with water. Now available exclusively at Walmart, the Save Water sticker is included when purchasing a Colgate Total Toothpaste special pack.

Phelps and Family Social Media Reminders: The Phelps family will continue to encourage their social media followers to turn off the faucet while brushing to save up to eight gallons of water a day3.

"While I retired from swimming two years ago, water is still very much a big part of my life and is a big part of all our lives," Phelps said. "This Earth Day, I want to encourage all of us to help do our part in preserving water because every drop does count. Join us by simply turning off the faucet while brushing your teeth. It's a small step that we can all do together to make a huge difference and a big impact on the world.."

Additional information on the Colgate Save Water campaign is available at EveryDropCounts.Colgate.com or by searching for #EveryDropCounts on social media platforms.

About Colgate®

Colgate is a leading global consumer products company, tightly focused on Oral Care, Personal Care, Home Care and Pet Nutrition. Colgate sells its products in over 200 countries and territories around the world under such internationally recognized brand names as Colgate, Palmolive, Speed Stick, Lady Speed Stick, Softsoap, Irish Spring, Protex, Sorriso, Kolynos, elmex, Tom's of Maine, Sanex, Ajax, Axion, Fabuloso, Soupline, and Suavitel, as well as Hill's Science Diet, Hill's Prescription Diet and Hill's Ideal Balance. For more information about Colgate's global business, visit the Company's web site at https://www.colgatepalmolive.com. To learn more about Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures® oral health education program, please visit https://www.colgatebsbf.com.

About Michael Phelps

Michael Phelps is the most decorated Olympian in history, capturing a total of 28 medals including a record-setting 23 gold medals, over the course of five Olympic Games. Phelps utilized his performance bonus for winning eight gold medals at 2008 Beijing Games to establish the Michael Phelps Foundation. Committed to growing the sport of swimming, the Foundation addresses the need for water-safety through its signature program – im – available through the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and Special Olympics International. The most decorated swimmer in World Championships history, Phelps launched his own competitive swimwear brand – MP – in partnership with Aqua Sphere in 2014. He has published two autobiographies – No Limits: The Will to Success and Beneath the Surface – that were New York Times and USA Today best sellers, as well as published one children's book – How to Train with a T-Rex and Win Eight Gold Medals. He is a highly regarded mental health advocate and inspirational speaker, sharing his message of "Dream, Plan, Reach" with audiences ranging from children to business executives.

The American Association of Endodontists’ philanthropic arm, the Foundation for Endodontics, is marking the opening of a new endodontics operatory at the Stephen Klein Wellness Center in Philadelphia with a ribbon cutting ceremony today.

The North Philadelphia center is operated by Project Home and will be staffed on a part-time basis by an endodontic resident and faculty member from Einstein’s I.B. Bender Division of Endodontics, Department of Dental Medicine. It serves low-income patients who would otherwise likely face tooth extraction.

“Patients at the Project Home clinic will now have the opportunity to save their natural teeth under the care of an endodontic specialist,” said Dr. Peter Morgan, president of the Foundation for Endodontics. “What a great benefit to that community and a great experience for endodontic residents. This is a rewarding outcome to all of the work by all involved.”

This endeavor was inspired by the Foundation’s mission expansion in 2016 to include access to care. Philadelphia endodontist and Past President of the Foundation for Endodontics Dr. Louis Rossman, who endorsed a domestic mission when he was head of the Foundation will be volunteering his time as a faculty member at the clinic.

“My idea was to take the nearly 450 post-doctoral residents who attend close to 58 different universities learning to specialize in endodontics and have them rotate in their local communities,” Dr. Rossman said. “The decision was made to use Project Home at the Klein Wellness Center as our trial program.”

In the past, the Foundation has funded volunteer outreach opportunities to Jamaica, but this is its first domestic undertaking.

“You don’t have to go far out of our own zip code to see the desperate need for our services,” said AAE member Dr. Frederic Barnett, chairman of the Maxwell S. Fogel Department of Dental Medicine at Einstein. “We are looking forward to a long-term association with Project Home and the vulnerable people they serve.”

The Foundation would like to thank Carl Zeiss Meditec Inc. for providing one OPMI PICO microscope on a long-term loan basis for use in the operatory. A special thank you to Brasseler and Henry Schein Inc. for the discounted sale of all other endodontic equipment that will be used in the operatory.

About the Foundation for Endodontics

American Association of Endodontists Foundation, headquartered in Chicago and incorporated in 1966, is the philanthropic arm of the AAE. As a 501(c)(3) charity organization, it is to support endodontics by providing resources and funding for research, education, public awareness and access to care. For information about the Foundation for Endodontics, please visit aae.org/foundation. 

Zahn Dental, Custom Automated Prosthetics (CAP), and Custom Milling Center (CMC) will host a webinar titled RPD Step-by-Step: Myerson VisiClear Flexible CAD Partials on Tuesday, May 15, from 11 AM to 12 PM EDT. The webinar will be hosted by Kris Schermerhorn, CDT and owner of Northern Virginia Dental Lab. The step-by-step overview of Myerson VisiClear flexible RPDs will cover benefits including improved esthetics, durability, biocompatibility, stain-resistance, patient comfort, and ease of use. It will also cover workflow steps such as exocad partial design, milling, post-processing, and repairs.

To register, visit register.gotowebinar.com/register/7880499291472725506.

The Dental Advisor, a noted US-based dental test institute, has selected IPS e.max Press as one of the 2018 Top Award Winners in the category of Long-Term Performers. The award was preceded by a five-year study that involved 381 restorations.

A total of 671 IPS e.max Press restorations were placed over a five-year period, and 381 restorations were evaluated at the recall. The majority of these restorations were anterior and posterior crowns, as well as inlays and onlays. The result: 97% received a five-star or excellent rating. The restorations were not only clinically acceptable but also of superior esthetic quality.

Praise from patients

Many patients remarked positively on the esthetics of the restorations. Only 6% of the restorations were slightly opaque and lacked sufficient translucency. According to the Dental Advisor, this could, however, be due to inappropriate ingot selection. Specifically for this purpose, Ivoclar Vivadent has developed the new IPS e.max Shade Navigation App (SNA) to ensure that the right ingot is selected.

Resistance to fracture and retention

Less than 2% of the restorations evaluated exhibited fractures or chipping. This fracture rate is less than half the average fracture rate of ceramics documented by the Dental Advisor over the past 27 years. Moreover, only 4% of the restorations debonded and needed to be re-cemented. This rate is similar to the debonding results of other all-ceramic restorations monitored over 27 years by the Dental Advisor and is related to the preparation and the cement rather than the ceramic.