Researchers in the field of dental sleep medicine will gather in Baltimore, Maryland June 1-3 to present their findings at the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM) 2018 Annual Meeting. Their presentations will focus on advancements in oral appliance therapy, a treatment for obstructive sleep apnea that uses a device custom-fit by a dentist to maintain an open, unobstructed airway.

“This year’s research is some of the most exciting I have seen in the 25 years that I’ve been practicing dental sleep medicine,” said Harold A. Smith, president of the AADSM. “We are vastly increasing our understanding of the benefits of oral appliance therapy, and we are finding new ways to help patients thrive in the face of obstructive sleep apnea.”

Noteworthy Clinical Research Profiled

The AADSM 2018 Annual Meeting is an opportunity for dentists from across the globe to share new research on dental sleep medicine. This year’s highlighted research abstracts include findings showing the effectiveness of new treatments for older patients and the usefulness of new diagnostic tools for pediatric patients. Other studies are pioneering the measurement of the impact of oral appliance therapy on fatigue and cardiovascular health. Specific research findings from the AADSM 2018 Annual Meeting, as well as clinical research award winners, include:

• Scoring of Fatigue and Sleepiness in Patients With Obstructive Sleep Apnea Treated With A Titratable Custom-Made Mandibular Advancement Device

Checklist of Individual Strength (CIS) found to offer additional information about treatment effectiveness

A study of 41 patients compared their responses on two different diagnostic questionnaires, the CIS and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). Patients completed both questionnaires at the beginning of their treatment with a mandibular advancement device (MAD) and again after three months of treatment. Results of the CIS and ESS were compared, and the CIS questionnaire was found to offer additional information about patients’ responses to treatment. Lead Author: Marc Braem, DDS, PhD.

• Evaluation of The Overall Clinical Effectiveness and Cardiovascular Effects of a Mandibular Advancement Device in the Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Preliminary Results

Sleep apnea treatments shown to improve cardiovascular health

A study reported on 31 patients who underwent six months of treatment with a MAD. Those who experienced a reduction in Apnea–hypopnea index that was equal to or more than 50% compared to baseline showed a statistically significant improvement in left ventricle ejection fraction and a trend towards improvement in positive airway pressure. Lead author: Marike Dieltjens, PhD.

Additionally, other abstracts will be honored with research awards during the meeting, including:

Clinical Research Awards:

• Ghizlane Aarab, DS, Ph.D. for “The Effects of Mandibular Advancement Appliance Therapy on Jaw Closing Muscle Activity During Sleep in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Patients”

• Arvind Tripathi, MDS for “A Novel Use of Complete Denture Prosthesis as Mandibular Advancement Device in The Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Edentulous Subjects” Student Research Awards:

• Chloé Kastoer, MD for “Prospective Evaluation of The Effect of Maxillomandibular Advancement Surgery on Upper Airway Collapse Patterns During Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy” • Ahmed Masoud, BDS, MS for “Prospective Evaluation of The Effect of Maxillomandibular Advancement Surgery on Upper Airway Collapse Patterns During Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy”

The final program for the AADSM 2018 Annual Meeting, which details continuing education courses, speakers and discussion groups conducted at the meeting, can be found at: aadsm.org/annualmeeting. Dentists interested in applying for AADSM membership should visit the AADSM website at www.aadsm.org.

Crosstex International, a Cantel Medical Company, is pleased to announce that Doug Hawkins has joined the organization as Director, US Dental Sales. In this role, Doug will lead the sales team in their ongoing commitment and efforts to providing the highest level of support and education to their distribution partners across the US. Doug comes with a wealth of industry knowledge and experience in infection prevention and control having spent most of his career at Sultan Healthcare, a division of Dentsply Sirona, where he was responsible for sales across the US, working closely with distribution networks and special markets.

“Crosstex is the leader in infection prevention and control. The safety of dental professionals and their patients is key and the inspiration behind everything we do. I am excited to join such a dynamic team and company.” said Mr. Hawkins.

Ken Plunkett, Senior Vice President of Global Sales for Crosstex stated, “At Crosstex, we remain committed to the highest level of safety for both dental care providers and their patients through education, solutions and best practices. We look forward to having the leadership that Doug brings to ensure all members of our US Sales team continue to deliver to that promise. His expertise will also allow us to expand in the areas of specials markets and to focus our efforts in providing the support and value-add that we hope to bring to our DSO partners."

The Thommen Medical AG executive board announced that they have appointed Todd Ames as the new General Manager of its subsidiary, Thommen Medical USA. Ames, who previously held leadership positions in other large dental organizations, will be entering this new role as of June 1, 2018.

The appointment of Ames signals a renewed focus on achieving growth of market share and enhanced customer experience in the US. “Todd Ames is known for delivering successful strategy and growth. We are pleased that he has accepted this position and will be leading Thommen US,” says Livio Marzo, CEO of Thommen Medical AG. “We are confident his leadership of Thommen Medical USA will bring us to the next level of success.” Mr. Ames is a team-first executive known for delivering results, solving complex challenges, and executing strategies that drive growth and customer value. For the past 20+ years he has held senior level positions across dental and technology business environments. His award-winning 15-year strategic selling career includes 8 years leading U.S. dental sales. Mr. Ames also has 9 years corporate business development experience in the dental industry. Collaborating with teams across global markets, he specialized in market development, mergers, acquisitions, enterprise business integration, sales force optimization, and change management.

Current General Manager, Todd Fridrich, CDT, FNBC will continue with the organization as VP of Marketing & Product Management, where he will build and support marketing, training and education initiatives.

3Shape opened the doors to its new office in Paris, France, yesterday. The opening day event was attended by leading French dental professionals as well as Denmark’s Ambassador to France, Ms. Kirsten Malling Biering. 3Shape company headquarters are in Denmark.

The new France office will enable dental practices, labs, resellers, and partners to take part in local language 3Shape training and demos at the facility.

Located in Paris West, the office is fully equipped with the company’s latest digital dentistry solutions. The facility includes a simulated dental practice with 3D scanners and printers. Dental professionals, 3Shape partners, and resellers can all demo and train restorative and orthodontic workflows, as well as attend classes given by the 3Shape French Academy, also located in the new office.

“France’s dental professionals have been quick to adapt to digital technology. I believe that they recognize the predictability and opportunity the digital workflow brings to their patient care,” says 3Shape France SAS General Manager, Morten Trouplin Nørholm. He adds, “Like our open dentistry solutions, our Paris office is always open to French dental professionals. We are looking forward to it becoming a valuable resource for the community to learn, grow, and together, change dentistry.“

The Dental Resource Alliance members met with the Whip Mix leadership and technical team at their headquarters in Louisville, KY.  The all-day program included a tour showing how products are made and educational programs covering 3D printing, milling, the science behind the resin and zirconia materials, and Lean manufacturing concepts. DRA member David Nakanishi remarked that “we all agreed that the meeting was a great success largely due to the framework for an open and honest discussion of relevant topics.”

“Whip Mix is honored to have been selected to host the Dental Resource Alliance meeting and we extend an open invitation to others to visit our facility or use our conference center” said Anne Steinbock, VP of Marketing & Sales.

DRA visitors included: Don Statz and Steve Daggett from D&S Dental Lab, Michael and Patty Kulwiec from Dental Masters, Skip Dulle from Dental Resource Alliance, Billy Drake from Drake Dental Lab, David and Megan Nakanishi from Nakanishi Dental Lab, Karli and Chris Luksch from O’Brien Dental Lab, Jeff Tolksdorf and Glenn Inger from Olson Dental lab, and R.J. DeLapa, Jr, from United Dental Lab.

The Thomas P. Hinman Dental Meeting -- the nation’s leading dental meeting and comprehensive source of continuing education in dentistry – has announced the winners of its 2018 #MyHinman Campaign, awarding three deserving students scholarships.

The winners are:

· 1st Place $1,500: Augusta Technical College Department of Dental Assisting – Alexis Gentry

· 2nd Place $1,000: Clayton State University Department of Dental Hygiene – Teresa Tran

· 3rd Place $500: Georgia Perimeter College Department of Dental Hygiene – Hannah Lee

Kicking off in Fall 2017 and leading up to Hinman 2018, held recently in Atlanta, the campaign asked participants to post the official hashtag, #MyHinman, on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram to help raise money for scholarships and be entered into a monthly drawing for $100 cash. Hinman and its official housing company, EventSphere, donated to the scholarship bank each time a post was shared on social media with the #MyHinman hashtag. Individuals were encouraged to vote for which schools should receive the “My Hinman” scholarships and the top three schools receiving the most votes were named 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners. The schools then named a deserving recipient.

“For nearly two decades, the Hinman Dental Meeting has contributed millions of dollars to students and dental education programs throughout the country. The #MyHinman campaign was another fun way to raise money for students while celebrating the reasons we all love the Meeting and the Hinman experience,” said Dr. Patrick Yancey III, General Chairman for Hinman 2018.

Posts ranged from sharing the #MyHinman YouTube video to posting a photo from the last time someone attended Hinman, to inviting friends to join them at Hinman’s Night Out at the Georgia Aquarium.

“I was excited that my school was selected (for 1st place) and then for my instructor to choose me. I felt all my hard work paid off,” said Alexis Gentry, a dental assisting student at Augusta Technical College. “The money will help toward my last semester this summer and I plan to use it for my DANB certification. I also am splitting it with my classmate who helped me lead the #MyHinman initiative on our campus for school votes.”

Dental student attendance at Hinman’s recent annual meeting was significant with a total of 768 students from schools across the country. In addition, 190 pre-dental students, 445 hygiene students and 732 assisting students attended Hinman this year to take advantage of various programs. Many took part in the G.O.L.D. Program, Dental Student Happy Hour and Scholars’ Luncheon. At the Scholars’ Luncheon held during the Meeting, Hinman awarded 90 scholarships at 47 premiere dental programs. Over the past 17 years, the Hinman Dental Society has contributed nearly $9 million, with $500,000 this year alone, in scholarships and large gifts in support of dental education.

The Hinman Tradition

The Hinman Dental Meeting is designed with a commitment to quality and professionalism and a high regard for the value of continuing education. The Meeting is sponsored by the Hinman Dental Society, a non-profit organization, and all excess revenue is invested and gifted in the form of individual scholarships to dental, hygiene, assisting and lab tech students and contributions to institutions that foster dental education. For additional information about the Thomas P. Hinman Dental Meeting, visit www.hinman.org or contact Ms. Sylvia Ratchford, Executive Director, at (404) 231-1663. 

Dentsply Sirona Inc. hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, May 24, 2018 to celebrate the grand opening of its new state-of-the-art training facility, Dentsply Sirona Academy – Charlotte (DSAC).

Located at 13320 Ballantyne Corporate Place in Charlotte, North Carolina, the DSAC will function as a multi-purpose training facility, showcasing the most advanced and proven dental product solutions in a clinical setting. The grand-opening ceremoniesincluded presentations from Dentsply Sirona CEO Don Casey, industry KOLs, and other key stakeholders.

“Dentsply Sirona is committed to bringing the best training and broadest educational experiences to dental professionals around the world,” says Group Vice President – Americas RCO Greg Sheehan. “Our new and ultra-revolutionary training facility in Charlotte will accommodate a comprehensive variety of clinical and technical curriculums, including hands-on teaching, live lectures, and on-demand webinars.”

In addition to the ribbon cutting ceremony, attendees of the DSAC grand opening had the opportunity to tour the facility’s 28,525 sq. ft. space that includes multiple classrooms, a 288-seat auditorium, seven fully-outfitted operatories, and two simulation laboratories. Knowledgeable product managers were on-hand to discuss and demonstrate the groundbreaking capability of several technology and consumables products, as well as provide visitors the chance to personally test-drive equipment from Dentsply Sirona’s exciting product line.

“The opening of our new academy is further evidence of Dentsply Sirona’s steadfast commitment to providing top-quality training in an easily accessible location,“ Sheehan says. “The Dentsply Sirona Academy – Charlotte will provide all dental professionals enriching opportunities to expend their knowledge, exchange information and be inspired.“

Roland DG Corporation has announced the winners of its Global SE Awards 2018 competition. The event, which took place April 23-25 at Roland DG headquarters in Hamamatsu, Japan, tested the product knowledge and technical skills of top Service Engineers – 28 finalists from around the world that won regional contests within their respective territories. This year’s competition pitted finalists against each other in two categories: Inkjet Printers and the new 3D Devices category, which included dental milling machines.

The winner in the Inkjet Printer category was Mark Johnson from New Zealand representing Aarque Group Ltd., while Kevin Rosen, a Roland DGA lead technical support specialist from the United States, was named champion in the 3D/Dental Devices category.

“This was my first time traveling outside of the US, and I’m incredibly honored to win this kind of competition on a global scale,” said Rosen. “The tests and challenges were intense, but I received plenty of support from my colleagues. It was an experience that I’ll never forget.”

This year was Roland DG’s third Global SE Awards competition to date, with similar contests held in 2013 and 2015. In addition to recognizing the abilities of Service Engineers both regionally and globally, the competition helps motivate the SEs to further improve their skills and raise the standards of Roland DG Care – the company’s comprehensive customer service and support program.

According to Ron Ball, Senior Director of Service at Irvine, California-based Roland DGA, a total of 778 SEs took part in this year’s SE Awards competition – the highest participation rate ever. “With so many skilled technicians participating, simply making it to the finals is an incredible feat,” noted Ball. “Earning a coveted ‘World Champion’ title, like Roland DGA’s very own Kevin Rosen did, is that much more impressive. We’re extremely proud of Kevin and what he has achieved.”

The first day of the competition consisted of a written exam that tested the finalists’ knowledge related to hardware, parts, software, and other aspects of product repair and maintenance. A hands-on exam, held on the second day, challenged the ability of each competitor to successfully resolve specific product issues – some of which they may have never encountered previously – within a limited time period. In addition to being tested on their technical skills, the SEs were assessed on how actively they shared their personal experiences and know-how with other SEs, as well as how frequently they used Roland’s online learning platform.

The Global SE Awards represent Roland DG’s commitment to industry-leading customer service, which includes providing SEs with opportunities to enhance their skills, as well as increasing the effectiveness of the company’s online knowledgebase.

At the Global SE Awards closing ceremony, Roland DG President Hidenori Fujioka congratulated the champions—and all of the participants—on their achievements. “The extensive product knowledge and outstanding technical skills of our SEs are crucial to developing and maintaining strong, positive customer relationships” said Fujioka. “All of us at Roland DG appreciate and respect your efforts.”

Below is a listing of the Roland DG Global SE Awards 2018 winners, as well as the second-place and third-place finishers in each category:

Global SE Awards 2018 Final Competition Winners

Inkjet Printers Category

1st place: Mark Johnson from New Zealand representing Aarque Group Ltd.

2nd place: Matthew Wrench from UK representing Roland DG (U.K.) Ltd.

3rd place: Vincent Votruba from Slovakia representing ALPHASET spol. s.r.o.

3D/Dental Devices Category

1st place: Kevin Eugene Rosen from USA representing Roland DGA Corporation

2nd place: Xiangwu Cai from China representing Shenzhen Upcera Dental Technology Co., Ltd.

3rd place: Jason Bergeron from USA representing CAP / ZAHN Dental, A Henry Schein Company

To learn more about the Roland DG Global SE Awards competition, visit https://www.rolanddg.com/en/support/roland-dg-care/se-awards-2018.  

On Friday, May 18, Jensen Dental hosted a Make it Your Own Live MiYO hands-on demonstration, taught by ceramist James Choi at the Delta Marriott Hotel in Garden Grove, California. During the 3-hour demonstration, in addition to learning how to apply MiYO Colors and Structure building materials, attendees learned user friendly techniques to raise and lower value easily; how to create depth, vitality, and texture found in natural enamel in unprecedented thicknesses of 0.1 mm to 0.2 mm; and how to quickly match shades and create clear, shiny, smooth surface texture in one firing.

JUVORA™ solutions are to become available to more dentists and their patients worldwide: Straumann has added the JUVORA dental disc to its portfolio. The company will provide milled JUVORA frameworks and also distribute the dental disc as part of the Straumann CARES^® digital solutions system. It is suitable for fixed and removable prosthetics, such as implant dentures, full and partial dentures and overdentures, crowns, and bridges.

Straumann CARES digital solutions are facilitating dentistry's migration to digital-design techniques and workflows. The move to combining this with high-performance polymers is providing new digital production and treatment options for dentists and patients. Interest in the use of these materials for restorative dentistry is growing, as indicated in over 70 peer-reviewed publications over the last two years, as well as an increasing number of clinical studies and patient surveys. 

Strong clinical data, real-world patient experience, and backing from leaders within the dental profession are expected to support increasing use of this innovative product. In addition, the service provided by Juvora Limited includes regulatory clearance/certification and a JUVORA training guide. The training guide is available as an app via app stores and includes training and product information to support dental labs and dentists.

JUVORA prosthetics are made entirely of implantable PEEK-OPTIMA™ polymer from Invibio Biomaterial Solutions. This innovative material flexes and, unlike metal, enables the absorption of shock in the masticatory system, protecting the device and patient, especially in cases of bruxism which can lead to parafunction.¹ In addition, it offers the potential for the CAD/CAM milling of JUVORA-based solutions up to three times faster than an equivalent titanium product.² JUVORA prosthetics seek to improve the quality of life for patients, as well as clinical outcomes for dentists³, and offer manufacturing efficiency² as an added benefit. In a patient survey over 20 months, 99% of patients rated JUVORA highly for comfort.⁴

John Devine, Medical Business Director at Invibio Biomaterial Solutions, comments, “For many years, Straumann has led innovation in dentistry and dental biomaterials. Working together with them as one of the industry's leaders will further pave the way to digital dentistry and allow patients across the globe to access customized high quality prosthetic dental implants based on our PEEK biomaterials.”

Since PEEK-OPTIMA Natural was launched as the world’s first implantable PEEK polymer more than 15 years ago, Invibio and Juvora have pioneered the use of high-performance polymers in long-term implantable medical-device applications such as spine, arthroscopy, trauma, and dental. In the process, evidence of the clinical benefits of JUVORA has been amassed as a framework material in implant and tooth-borne prosthetics. European CE mark certification for JUVORA was secured in 2012, followed by initial US FDA approval in 2014, and a further FDA approval in 2017 for JUVORA in implant-borne restorations. In 2017, JUVORA was also granted a US patent.

(1) M Rosentritt, S. Schneider-Feyrer, M. Behr, V. Preis (2017). in Vitro Shock Absorption Tests on Implant-Supported Crowns: Influence of Crown Materials and Luting Agents. The International Journal of Oral & Maxillofacial Implants, 2017 May 18. doi: 10.11607/jomi.5463.

(2) Invibio data on file. Independent laboratory test indicated milling JUVORA implant prosthetic framework in one hour, 21 minutes, versus Titanium equivalent in three hours, 50 minutes.

(3) Siewert, B. (2017), PEEK in Dental Prosthetics. Industry Symposium. EAO Conference. Madrid, Spain. 5th October 2017. Available to watch at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wNvSwG4CaeYB.

(4) Invibio data on file. JUVORA prosthetics patient survey from 92 cases, July 2013-March 2015.