The midyear mark is fast approaching. Have you had a dental exam this year? According to a recent national survey from Delta Dental, many adults do not seek out proactive dental care and confess to visiting the dentist less often than they should. As a result, many adults suffer from oral health detriments. The study reveals that more than half of Americans (57 percent) have made an unplanned visit to the dentist, with pain in mouth (33 percent) being cited as the leading cause.

According to the Adult's Oral Health & Well-Being Survey, a chipped or cracked tooth (26 percent) or a cavity (20 percent) also ranked as top reasons for Americans to suddenly find themselves in a dental chair. A lost crown or filling tied at 14 percent. Capping off the key reasons is bleeding gums (8 percent).

The Delta Dental survey indicates that more than two in five (42 percent) Americans admit they typically visit a dentist less than once a year.

"A healthy smile is a valuable asset in everyday life but requires proper care, including to help prevent gum disease," said Joe Dill, DDS, MBA, Delta Dental Plans Association's vice president of dental science. "Making an appointment for a dental exam is a positive step to safeguard the health of your smile."

Simple lifestyle tips for a healthy smile

Dr. Dill recommends regular dental exams as part of preventive oral health care. He shares the following basic pointers for helping to prevent the top reasons for American adults' unplanned dentist visit.

Pain in mouth: Brush and floss daily, eat a healthy diet, and quit the use of tobacco products, if applicable

Chipped or cracked tooth: Avoid chewing ice and hard candies and never use your teeth as a substitute for the right tool

Cavity: Remove plaque with daily flossing and brushing, reduce consumption of sugary foods and beverages from your diet, and chew sugar-free gum that contains xylitol

Crown fell off/filling fell out: Avoid hard and sticky foods, such as caramels and hard candies

Bleeding gums: Floss and brush with a fluoride toothpaste daily, eat a balanced diet, and visit the dentist regularly

About the survey

The Adult's Oral Health & Well-Being Survey was conducted between December 13 and December 28, 2017, among 1,008 nationally representative Americans ages 18+, with a margin of error of +/- 3.1 percent.

Follow us on Twitter @DeltaDental and Facebook: Delta Dental Plans Association

About Delta Dental Plans Association

Delta Dental Plans Association, based in Oak Brook, Illinois, is the not-for-profit national association of the 39 independent Delta Dental companies. Through its companies, Delta Dental is the nation's leading dental insurance company, covering more than 75 million Americans, and offering the country's largest dental network with roughly 154,000 participating dentists. Year over year, Delta Dental companies invest more than $50 million to help improve oral health care in local communities across the country. For more information, visit: deltadental.com. 

KöR Complete is a unique oxalate desensitizer that has been shown to be a uniquely profound and durable desensitizer for virtually any clinical requirement, including treatment of generalized and localized tooth sensitivity; post periodontal surgery and hygiene; under temporary/provisional restorations and under final indirect restorations.

For more information on KöR Complete Desensitizer call 866-763-7753.

Millennium Dental Technologies, Inc. announced U.S. Patent No. 9,943,379 has been issued for the LANAP® protocol. This minimally-invasive surgical treatment for periodontitis is performed using the PerioLase® MVP-7™, the only dental laser specifically designed and configured to support the LANAP® protocol.

"At Millennium Dental, our guiding vision is 'it's all about the patient.' This patent protects patients by clearly illustrating that the LANAP® protocol is a specific surgical procedure requiring in-depth training. Clinicians performing the LANAP® protocol must complete the proper training to maximize patient safety and clinical results before they are extended a license to perform the protocol," states Robert H. Gregg II, DDS, inventor of the LANAP® protocol and Founder and President of Millennium Dental Technologies, Inc. "Patients should request to see the LANAP® license of any clinician claiming to perform the LANAP® protocol before accepting any treatment, and ensure the doctor uses the PerioLase MVP-7 dental laser. No other laser meets the specifications required for the LANAP® protocol."

In March 2016, the LANAP® protocol was awarded the world's first FDA clearance for True Periodontal Regeneration—regenerating alveolar bone, periodontal ligaments and cementum on a previously diseased root surface. This groundbreaking clearance remains the only FDA clearance for full mouth True Periodontal Regeneration that is evidence-based and scientifically validated with human histology. The PerioLase MVP-7 is the only FDA cleared device for True Regeneration with the LANAP® protocol.

While part of the standard of care, the LANAP® protocol is unique within the field of periodontal treatment, and has increasingly become the preferred option due to predictable successful results and positive patient experience.

ABOUT MILLENNIUM DENTAL TECHNOLOGIES INC.

Headquartered in Cerritos, Calif., Millennium Dental Technologies, Inc., is the developer of the LANAP® protocol for the treatment of gum disease and the manufacturer of the PerioLase® MVP-7™ digital dental laser. By providing a simple and comfortable experience with unique bone-building clinical results, MDT's FDA-cleared LANAP® protocol removes the fear from gum disease treatment, offering a vastly less painful and less invasive regenerative treatment alternative to conventional surgery. Its PerioLase MVP-7 is a 6-watt free-running variable-pulsed Nd:YAG dental laser featuring 7 pulse durations giving it the power and versatility to perform a wide range of soft- and hard-tissue laser procedures. The PerioLase MVP-7 is also developed for the LAPIP™ protocol, for the treatment of ailing dental implants. The company's founding clinician, Robert H. Gregg, II, continues to operate the company with the vision: To create better clinical outcomes in periodontal disease patients—and to remain true to the guiding principle—"It's all about the patient."

Dentsply Sirona is introducing another integrated solution to the dental market ‒ the new SICAT Endo 3D software for improved planning and workflow in endodontic treatment. SICAT Endo also enables you to order special surgical guides for guided endodontic treatment. Advantages of the software: enhanced diagnostics, improved certainty in planning, and optimized accuracy of treatment through the use of surgical guides.

SICAT Endo is the first and only fully integrated and complete 3D solution for the diagnosis and planning of endodontic treatment that also supports clinical implementation with surgical guides. Using the software, all root canals can be easily identified in 3D, and the working length and depth of the access cavity can be determined precisely. Even heavily curved and calcified canals can be diagnosed easily. This process considerably improves the endodontic workflow for practitioners. The user-friendly software has diagnostic advantages for optimal treatment planning ‒ efficient, reliable, with predictable outcomes.

Introducing fusion of 2D images with 3D Data

The combination of high-resolution intraoral 2D X-ray images and the depth information from 3D X-ray data facilitates diagnostics considerably. Thanks to the simultaneous navigation in 2D and 3D, dentists are easily oriented in all dimensions and can concentrate on the root canal to be diagnosed.

SICAT Endo is optimized for 2D and 3D X-ray units and CEREC by Dentsply Sirona. The software is fully integrated in Sidexis 4 with 3D data from Galileos and Orthophos SL units combined with 2D data; including Schick 33 and Schick Elite sensors. No export and manual import of data are required. The integration of optical impressions allows the occlusal surface to be visualized precisely, thus optimizing planning for the access cavity and the exact determination of the working lengths.

Jochen Kusch, Managing Director of SICAT GmbH & Co. KG: “With the SICAT Endo software, we have taken a major step towards the diagnostics, planning, and implementation of endodontic treatment. We developed surgical guides for the opening of the root canal, and this is innovative in the dental market. The specific endodontic tools in the software such as 360° visualization of the root canals, the integration of 2D and 3D views, and the integration of optical impressions for the precise visualization of the occlusal relief are crucial support for practitioners in diagnostics and treatment planning.”

Guided root canal treatment with surgical guides

After identifying and diagnosing all root canals in SICAT Endo, dentists can order a SICAT ACCESSGUIDE surgical guide. The use of the surgical guide for opening the root canal helps make endodontic treatment even more effective, safer, and more precise. The surgical guide enables minimally invasive and efficient preparation of cavity access. SICAT ACCESSGUIDE guides are available for orthograde root canal treatment.

ABOUT SICAT

As a leading innovator in dental industry, SICAT develops and markets 3D-based analysis and planning software, surgical guides, and therapeutic appliances for various dental disciplines, such as implantology, functional dentistry, sleep medicine or endodontology and is a partner for dental practices, clinics, and dental laboratories worldwide. With its wide range of product solutions, SICAT paves the ground for advanced digital dentistry. Multiple data sources like 3D X-ray, optical impressions, jaw movement data and 2D intraoral sensor images can be combined with each other – for increased efficiency and quality of treatment. SICAT was founded in 2004 as a Joint Venture between HICAT GmbH and Sirona Dental Systems GmbH and is based in Bonn, Germany.

According to a current report "Sleep Apnea Oral Appliances Market by Product, (Mandibular Advancement Devices (Mad) & Tongue-Retaining Devices (TRD)), Type (Physician Prescribed/Customized Oral Appliances & Online OTC Oral Appliances) - Global Forecasts to 2023," the sleep apnea oral appliances market is projected to reach USD 482.5 million by 2023 from an estimated USD 233.2 million in 2018, at a CAGR of 15.7%.

Growth in this market is mainly driven by the growing popularity of oral appliances in sleep apnea management, technological advancements in oral appliances, a large pool of undiagnosed sleep apnea patients, and growing awareness about sleep apnea.

ResMed (US), SomnoMed (Australia), and Whole You (US) are the key players in the sleep apnea oral appliances market. Other players involved in this market are Oventus (Australia), Panthera Dental (Canada), Airway Management (US), Apnea Sciences (US), DynaFlex (US), OravanOSA (US), and Myerson (US).

Mandibular Advancement Devices Segment to Register the Highest CAGR During the Forecast Period

By product, the mandibular advancement devices segment is projected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The large share and high growth can be attributed to the popularity of MADs, backed up by the extensive research available supporting their effectiveness over TRDs.

Physician-Prescribed/Customized Oral Appliances to Dominate the Sleep Apnea Oral Appliances Market During the Forecast Period

By type, the physician-prescribed/customized oral appliances segment is projected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The high growth can be attributed to the rising awareness of sleep apnea and increasing patient preference for prescribed and customized oral appliances.

North America dominated the market in 2017

North America is expected to account for the largest share of the sleep apnea oral appliances market in 2018. The rising prevalence of sleep apnea in the region coupled with the growing demand for alternative treatment options due to poor compliance associated with CPAP is driving the sleep apnea oral appliances market in the region. In addition, rising awareness regarding the disorder; a less complicated reimbursement scenario for oral appliance therapy (OAT); and increased acceptance of OAT by physicians, dentists, patients, and insurance companies are also supporting the growth of the sleep apnea oral appliances market in North America.

PlanmecaUSA today announced the launch of their newest mill, the Planmeca PlanMill® 30 S, for chairside milling. The PlanMill 30 S debuts at the California Dental Association tradeshow in Anaheim, Calif., from May 17 –19, 2018 in booths 1376 and 1476. 

The New Planmeca PlanMill 30 S has been designed for optimal precision by combining high-performance servo motor technology and durable milling components. Capable of reaching maximum speeds of 100,000 rpms, a 4-axis high-speed spindle is ideal for single visit restorations and everyday milling of inlays, onlays, crowns or bridges. Direct drive linear force motors used in the manufacturing of aerospace components are unique to Planmeca milling units, resulting in accurate and a robust platform capable of milling a broad range of materials to provide the best treatment option for the patient.

An intuitive user interface coupled with System Maintenance, Alerts, Reports and Tool (SMART) software streamlines the user experience with updates on status to notify you when the mill needs attention. System automation creates a more efficient milling process by detecting worn or broken burs and automatically replacing them for a refined restorative finish. As with all Planmeca products, the Planmeca PlanMill 30 S is designed on an open platform for seamless integration with most dental equipment.

“The launch of the Planmeca PlanMill 30 S is an ideal milling option for customers who are considering CAD/CAM technology but have been hesitant to invest,” said Brett Hines, President of Planmeca USA. “When combined with the Emerald Scanner, Planmeca 3D imaging and Romexis software, the 30 S creates an incredible system that brings the digital workflow to life in one seamless, easy process.”

For more information, please visit www.planmecausa.com   

Oral Health America (OHA) recently welcomed Tiana Brazzale, Foundation Development Manager, and Rovee Fabi, Program Coordinator, Children and Youth, to the organization. Ms. Brazzale is responsible for all of OHA’s foundation grants and Ms. Fabi supports the development and implementation of the Smiles Across America® program.

For the past seven years, Ms. Brazzale was the Grants Administrator at DuPage County-based Ray Graham Association (RGA), a provider of services and supports to people with disabilities and their families. She successfully sought funding in support of RGA's programs and operating funds during her career there. Prior to the Ray Graham Association, Ms. Brazzale held positions in Financial Services at Lincoln Financial Group, Citi and AonHewitt. During her career at Lincoln she was the Foundation Chair for the local office of the Lincoln Financial Foundation and was United Way Liaison for the United Way campaign and other fundraising efforts. Ms. Brazzale earned her Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Dominican University.

Ms. Fabi’s healthcare career started through an internship in 2010, with the community-based dental program SmileHealthy in Champaign, IL. She was involved in coordinating the annual Give Kids A Smile campaign in Champaign County since 2012. When the organization grew and became Promise Healthcare, a Federally Qualified Health Center, Ms. Fabi became a full-time team member as the Dental Programs Scheduler for Promise Healthcare. She moved on to become the Dental Programs Administrator prior to coming to Oral Health America. Ms. Fabi earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

To learn more about Oral Health America, visit oralhealthamerica.org.

ABOUT ORAL HEALTH AMERICA (OHA)

Oral Health America’s mission is to change lives by connecting communities with resources to drive access to care, increase health literacy and advocate for policies that improve overall health through better oral health for all Americans, especially those most vulnerable. Through Smiles Across America®, which serves 501,000 children annually, the Wisdom Tooth Project®, which reaches tens of thousands of older adults, and the Campaign for Oral Health Equity, which prioritize oral health alongside other chronic diseases, OHA helps Americans of all ages to have a healthy mouth and to understand the importance of oral health for overall health. For more information about Oral Health America, please visit oralhealthamerica.org.

Henry Schein To Present Digitalk Panel Discussions At CDA Presents, Showcasing Digital Technologies And Solutions That Can Be Effectively Integrated Into Every Step Of The Clinical Workflow

Company to Also Feature Live 3D Printing with 3Shape and Formlabs, and Demonstrate Digital Equipment, Technology and Exclusive Products That Practitioners Can Rely on to Operate a Successful Practice

Henry Schein Dental, the U.S. dental business of Henry Schein, Inc., today announced its lineup of in-booth presentations and demonstrations taking place at the Company’s exhibit booth (#1362) during the California Dental Association (CDA) Meeting, May 17-19, 2018, in Anaheim, CA. Oral health practitioners will have an opportunity to attend DigiTALK panel discussions, which will feature education and training to help ensure practitioners successfully integrate digital technologies into practice workflows, participate in live 3D printing and learn about new products and services to help them grow their business.

Effectively Integrating Digital Solutions Through Education

During the Meeting, Henry Schein will host its DigiTALK program, a series of panel discussions featuring partners from Planmeca, Kavo Kerr Group, Dentsply Sirona, 3Shape and Ivoclar Vivadent, as well as a seminar from Henry Schein Financial Services. The events will be hosted as part of the Company’s commitment to helping customers integrate digital technology into their practice with confidence and improve practice efficiency through education.

Thursday, May 17, 2018

• 11:00 a.m.: Henry Schein Financial Services Presentation – “Growing Your Practice in Today’s Economic Environment”

• 1:30 p.m.: DigiTALK Panel Discussion with Planmeca – “Creating the Complete Digital Workflow”

• 3:00 p.m.: DigiTALK Panel Discussion with Kavo Kerr Group – “Increasing Case Acceptance”

Friday, May 18, 2018

• 11:00 a.m.: DigiTALK Panel Discussion with Dentsply Sirona – “Implant Workflow”

• 1:30 p.m.: DigiTALK Panel Discussion with 3Shape and Ivoclar Vivadent – “Enhancing the Patient Experience”

In-Booth Demonstrations

Henry Schein will also offer live 3D printing demonstrations with 3Shape and Formlabs featuring 3Shape TRIOS™ and Formlabs Form2 3D Printer. With assistance from the Company’s Digital Technology Specialists, clinicians will have an opportunity to scan, design and print a surgical guide. Also in the booth, Henry Schein will display digital technology solutions including scanners, milling units, 3D printers and abutment solutions. Henry Schein Dental, as well as representatives from 3Shape, ACTEON, DEXIS, Dentsply Sirona, Formlabs, i-CAT, and Planmeca will be available to answer questions, suggest customized solutions, and demonstrate new products, such as 3Shape TRIOS Move, Ivoclar PrograMill One and DEXIS FS Ergo. The Company will also demonstrate exclusive products from Clinician’s Choice® Dental Products Inc., Precise Lasers and Wand Dental.

For more information about Henry Schein at CDA Presents, visit https://www.henryschein.com/cdas.

Darby Dental Supply, one of the nation’s largest dental distributors, announces the completion of its acquisition of the SmartPractice Dental Supply Division.

The acquisition was first announced in February, 2018. In the months since, Darby has been engaged in strategic planning to seamlessly integrate employees, customers, and operations. The transition planning has been largely focused on ensuring an easy transition for SmartPractice customers. SmartPractice customers will now have access to the added benefits of Darby’s expansive and state-of-the-art distribution network, extended product lines, capital equipment, technology services, and equipment service.

With this acquisition, Darby doubles its West Coast footprint and has expanded West Coast operations to include customer service, purchasing, and accounting. Earlier this month, Darby completed an extensive expansion and build-out of its Chandler, Arizona office to accommodate the added functions. The SmartPractice dental sales and management teams will join Darby’s Arizona team as well to provide convenient access and hours for customers across the country. Darby also recently completed an expansion and upgrade to its Reno and Memphis distribution centers.

“With this acquisition we are gaining strong talent and complementary core competencies that will help us to ensure that our customers have access to continually-expanding products, services, and the expertise upon which they have relied for 70 years,” stated Michael Ashkin, Chairman, Darby Group Companies, Inc. “For three generations, and looking to the fourth, the Ashkin family has been focused on providing our customers with outstanding value, an exceptional customer experience, and innovative technological solutions. We are excited to welcome SmartPractice customers and employees as an important part of our future.”

The transaction fuels Darby’s growth strategy to extend its ecosystem of full service solutions, while supporting its ongoing West Coast expansion. The company recently expanded its specialty product offerings, added a capital equipment division, formed an exclusive partnership with DentalFix RX to provide equipment service, and in January 2018 debuted Darby TechForce®, the company’s new technology services division providing HIPAA compliance, IT managed services, installations, digital integration, and network security solutions. As customers seek out more convenient ordering channels and faster response times, Darby invested in technological solutions to allow customers to personalize the way they do business. The Company recently launched a new user-optimized website, mobile website, and a mobile app, complete with an inventory management system.

About Darby Dental Supply, LLC 

Darby Dental Supply, LLC, is one of the largest dental distributors in the United States, shipping over one million orders each year. Headquartered in Jericho, NY, the company was founded in 1948 and has seven sales offices and three fully-automated distribution centers strategically positioned across the country. With over 45,000 products in stock, Darby services the general practitioner as well as numerous specialties. In addition to Darby’s supply vertical, the company also hosts a technology services division (Darby TechForce®), a capital equipment division, equipment repair services (through an exclusive partnership with DentalFix RX), and a full line of private label products. For more information about Darby, please visit www.darby.com. 

Gregg II, DDS, Founder of Millennium Dental Technologies and inventor of the patented LANAP protocol, will present "Lasers for Periodontal Bone Regeneration" at CDA Presents in Anaheim. For the third year in a row this sold-out event has a record-breaking number of attendees, showcasing how True Periodontal Regeneration with the LANAP protocol continues to gain traction as the 24-karat gold standard in periodontitis treatment, giving general dentists, specialists and patients a treatment option they prefer.

"Full-mouth True Periodontal Regeneration is a healing event that is revolutionary for dentistry," says Dr. Gregg. "The longer people retain their natural teeth and tissues, the better for both oral and overall health. With the LANAP protocol, doctors are able to save teeth previously thought beyond help and give hope to the hopeless patient." Millennium Dental Technologies is the only company that has achieved FDA clearance validated with human histology to regenerate new cementum, new periodontal ligament and new alveolar bone on previously diseased tooth root surfaces.

"With the LAPIP protocol, doctors are able to use a similar treatment on ailing and failing dental implants," added Dr. Gregg. "Failing implants are emerging as one of the biggest challenges in dentistry today. While other treatment options are both highly invasive and unpredictable, the LAPIP protocol is minimally invasive with predictable results that can save patients' implant investment."

"True periodontal regeneration with the PerioLase MVP-7 for the LANAP Protocol is the 'Holy Grail' for patients with periodontal disease," says Dawn Gregg, DDS, Training Director for the Institute for Advanced Laser Dentistry (IALD). Doctors predictably achieve these results after completing IALD's world-renowned, live-patient training.Training is a required part of the purchase package which is backed by a money-back Clinical Guarantee.

Dental professionals are invited to stop by Millennium Dental Technologies, Inc., Exhibit #1625 during the CDA Presents in Anaheim May 17-19, 2018.

ABOUT MILLENNIUM DENTAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.: Headquartered in Cerritos, Calif., Millennium Dental Technologies, Inc., is the developer of the LANAP protocol for the treatment of periodontal disease and the manufacturer of the PerioLase MVP-7 digital dental laser. By providing a simple and comfortable experience with unique bone-building clinical results, MDT's FDA-cleared LANAP protocol removes the fear from periodontal disease treatment, offering a less painful and less invasive regenerative treatment alternative to conventional surgery. The Nd:YAG PerioLase MVP-7 has the power and versatility to perform a wide range of laser procedures, including the LAPIP™ protocol for the treatment of ailing dental implants. The company's founding clinician, Robert H. Gregg, II, continues to operate the company with the vision: To create better clinical outcomes in periodontal disease patients—and to remain true to the guiding principle—"It's all about the patient."

ABOUT INSTITUTE FOR ADVANCED LASER DENTISTRY, INC.: The IALD is a non-profit educational and research center dedicated to providing evidence-based clinical training in advanced laser dentistry therapies. Formed in 1999, the IALD is ADA-CERP and AGD-PACE accredited and nationally recognized for its continuing education programs. The IALD's ultimate goal is for the percentage of patients seeking periodontal treatment to reach the percentage of patients seeking general dental care.