Airway Armor

Zirc takes airway protection to the next level with Airway Armor™. Airway Armor™ is a durable, easy, comfortable alternative to the rubber dam that prevents patient aspiration and ingestion of foreign objects and debris during procedures such as: extractions, implants, direct & indirect restorations, crown and bridge, orthodontics, and pediatric procedures.

Pink Petal

Let your saliva ejector blossom into the hands-free suction you and your patients have always wanted. The Pink Petal simply slides onto your saliva ejector to provide continuous, comfortable hands-free suction with no additional attachments. By placing buccal side, the Pink Petal confidently holds the saliva ejector right where you need it – the back corner of the patient’s mouth; all without obstructing your view. 

Over the years, dental zirconia has developed into one of the most popular esthetic restorative solutions: highly translucent, pre-shaded and – in the case of 3M™ Lava™ Esthetic Fluorescent Full-Contour Zirconia – now available with built-in, tooth-like fluorescence. In June 2018, the portfolio of this innovative material is expanding to include Lava Esthetic zirconia in all 17 shades – all 16 VITA® classical shades and one bleach shade.

Full-contour zirconia is trending in the esthetic zone, making it essential for dental labs to offer highly esthetic monolithic restorations. Competitive-minded dental technicians can achieve this through use of a zirconia material with an extraordinarily high esthetic potential. This is exactly what Lava Esthetic zirconia delivers with optimized translucency, a shade gradient designed for excellent match to VITA classical shades, and built-in fluorescence.

“With Lava Esthetic zirconia’s advanced optical features and the availability of 17 shades, a simple mill-sinter-glaze process is now generally sufficient to produce a desirable monolithic restoration,” says Jim Buchanan, National Accounts Manager, 3M Oral Care. “Situations that require the use of a “close enough” shade followed by manual color adjustments are a thing of the past. This benefit, combined with the fluorescent effect that comes from within the material, ensures that users of Lava Esthetic zirconia are taken to the next level of full-contour esthetics!”

For the placement of Lava Esthetic crowns and bridges 3M recommends 3M™ RelyX™ Unicem 2 Self-Adhesive Universal Resin Cement. Please refer to Instructions for Use for the proper cementation procedure.

More information about Lava Esthetic zirconia is obtained at www.3M.com/LavaEsthetic

About 3M

At 3M, we apply science in collaborative ways to improve lives daily. With $32 billion in sales, our 91,000 employees connect with customers all around the world. Learn more about 3M’s creative solutions to the world’s problems at www.3M.com or on Twitter @3M or @3MNews. 3M, Lava and RelyX are trademarks of 3M or 3M Deutschland GmbH. Used under license in Canada. © 3M 2018. All rights reserved. All other trademarks cited herein are the property of their respective companies. 

The Argen Corporation has announced the addition of two executives to its leadership team: Adam Segale and Aaron Ideker.

Adam Segale joins Argen as Vice President of Manufacturing. In his new role, he oversees Manufacturing, Digital Production, Purchasing, Quality Assurance, and Regulatory Affairs, and is responsible for ensuring efficient and seamless operations. Adam has extensive experience developing best in class management systems and highly effective teams. He has a strong record of driving operational efficiencies through continuous improvement, six sigma, and financial metrics.

Aaron Ideker brings more than 15 years of progressive finance and accounting experience to his new position as Vice President of Finance for The Argen Corporation. Aaron is responsible for finance operations, treasury, and team management. Aaron is committed to establishing and maintaining robust internal controls, efficient processes, low cost of capital, and relevant and timely financial reporting.

“Both Adam and Aaron will be instrumental in ensuring robust and efficient operations in their respective departments as Argen’s Digital Production Center moves to our corporate office space and as we expand to meet the growing digital demands of our lab partners” said Anton Woolf.

Nancy Addy, DDS, was installed as the president of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM) – the leading national organization for dentists who treat sleep related breathing disorders. She began her two-year term at the organization’s 27th annual meeting in Baltimore this past weekend.

“As a former president of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine (ABDSM) with nearly two decades of experience in oral appliance therapy, Dr. Addy is especially qualified to lead the most prominent dental sleep medicine association,” said outgoing AADSM President Harold A. Smith, DDS. “Her commitment to standardizing the field of dental sleep medicine and strengthening relationships with physicians and patients will greatly serve the mission of the AADSM.”

The AADSM is the leading organization for dentists who treat snoring and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) with oral appliance therapy. AADSM advances the dentist’s role in the treatment of sleep-disordered breathing through recognized, respected education, research, practice protocol development and advocacy.

“A key focus of my tenure will be encouraging all dental sleep medicine practitioners to seek education, certification and accreditation in order to remain at the forefront of dental sleep medicine and ensure optimal patient care,” said Dr. Addy. “Verifying our expertise as qualified dentists strengthens our foundation with our medical colleagues, enabling us to provide optimal care for more patients.”

Since 1999, Dr. Addy has treated OSA patients while being an active AADSM member. She became an ABDSM Diplomate in 2006 and served as the ABDSM president from 2014 through 2016. After concentrating her practice exclusively on dental sleep medicine in 2008, she earned AADSM Facility Accreditation in 2012. Dr. Addy regularly presents lectures on oral appliance therapy both locally and nationally and currently serves on the Peer Review Board of the Kansas Dental Association. She is a graduate of the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry and is now an assistant professor of General Dentistry at UMKC.

To learn more about oral appliance therapy and the AADSM, visit www.aadsm.org.

SafeLink Consulting, a provider of OSHA and FDA regulatory compliance services, has added a new educational online course to their library. This new course, titled "Top 5 Safety Compliance Issues Employers Need to Know," will assist with due diligence for anyone opening a new business, purchasing an existing business, or evaluating their current business regulatory compliance program. Safety compliance issues range from employers not knowing where to go to gather appropriate information to not following through with an effective workplace safety training program once knowledge is gained. This OSHA compliance/safety course will review: identifying OSHA’s Safety Standards, preparing written programs for worker safety, developing safety programs to meet OSHA training requirements, monitoring safety, and enforcing safety rules. Take this one-hour online course to learn more. The course presenter is Mary Borg-Bartlett, Senior Consultant with SafeLink Consulting. She has over 25 years of experience in risk management and regulatory compliance. Mary is an Authorized Trainer under OSHA’s Outreach Program. She has presented nationally at conferences on the topic of health and safety. 

All SafeLink courses are available 24/7 on demand from SafeLink Consulting’s website. A certificate of completion is presented after completing the course and passing the quiz. Most courses provide continuing education credit. SafeLink Consulting intro videos and online courses can be accessed here: https://www.safelinkconsulting.com/video-library/index.html#generalindustry. Fee: $75 per user access.

Dentist and educator Dr. Robert Lowe has published a new eBook called "Bioactive Composites for the Clinician and Patient." The eBook features clinical case studies using ACTIVA BioACTIVE-RESTORATIVE, a revolutionary new tooth-colored dental filling material from Pulpdent Corporation.

Dr. Lowe addresses the importance of patient education, saying that the dentists "have to get better at explaining the disease process of dental caries (decay) and the restorative options that best fit the needs of each patient."

According to Dr. Lowe, "the majority of today's dental restoratives are designed merely to occupy space" but bioactive filling materials like ACTIVA BioACTIVE "participate in an ionic exchange of calcium, phosphate, and fluoride that helps neutralize acid attack and supports the natural remineralization process." Through this ionic exchange, the bioactive material becomes integrated into the tooth and helps create a protective seal.

Dr. Lowe shares best practices on how dentists can discuss treatment options and new technologies like bioactive fillings with their patients.

The eBook features a series of clinical cases, including:

-Minimally invasive restorations

-Bulk fillings

-Root caries restorations

-Pediatric dentistry

-Geriatric dentistry

Dr. Lowe provides step-by-step instructions on how to use ACTIVA BioACTIVE-RESTORATIVE in these different clinical situations to ensure better patient outcomes. The cases involve patients of all ages, and Dr. Lowe notes that ACTIVA BioACTIVE addresses many of the challenges associated with both pediatric and geriatric patients.

Dr. Lowe's eBook, "Bioactive Composites for the Clinician and Patient," is available for free online. Click here to download the eBook.

About PULPDENT® Corporation

Pulpdent Corporation is a family-owned dental research, manufacturing company and leader in bioactive dental materials, with headquarters in Watertown, MA. For over 70 years Pulpdent has been committed to product innovation, clinical education and patient-centered care. ACTIVA BioACTIVE™, developed by Pulpdent, is a bioactive restorative material that behaves much like natural teeth, supports the natural remineralization process, and helps seal out decay. This revolutionary material has won The Dental Advisor Top Bioactive Product Award for three years running. Learn more at www.pulpdent.com. 

Darby Dental Supply, one of the nation’s largest dental distributors, announces the U.S. launch of the Alfa Gate line of premium implants. Established in 1996, Alfa Gate is a global company run by practicing dentists focused on the development, design and manufacture of dental implants using cutting-edge technology. Darby Dental Supply is the exclusive distributor of Alfa Gate implants in the U.S.

"Alfa Gate implants have produced superior treatment outcomes for 22 years in 53 countries," stated Brian Kacerow, Surgical Category Manager at Darby Dental Supply. "Their implant line is fabricated from the highest quality Grade 5 Titanium, covers all clinical cases, and is surgically and prosthetically compatible with major brands. The line is an ideal, simple-to-use choice for GPs new to implantology as well as clinicians with vast experience placing implants. Most importantly, the Alfa Gate implant system offers a new level of value and convenience for Darby customers."

Alfa Gate implants will become a cornerstone of Darby's new Surgical Division, the latest in Darby’s expansion into a full-service provider. The comprehensive division encompasses over 5,000 top-tier branded products in categories such as bone grafting, instrumentation, sutures, and many other surgical-specific areas. The division creates a convenient one-stop solution for GPs, Implantologists and Surgical Specialists. To service the new division, Darby recently hired a dedicated team of surgical Account Managers who have undergone specialized product training in order to provide expert customer service in surgical care.

For more information on Alfa Gate implants, visit www.darby.com/alfa.

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 Dental Fix Rx), and a full line of private label products. For more information about Darby, please visit www.darby.com. 

Dental Wings and vhf camfacture AG of Germany have announced that the Z4 dental milling and grinding machine is now fully integrated in Dental Wings DWOS software and DWOS Chairside design software for restorative indications including crowns, bridges, inlays, onlays, and veneers.

The integration offers Z4 users a fully streamlined workflow within the DWOS environment (including DWOS Chairside) without an intermediate interface. This provides a complete in-office solution, enabling users to go directly from scan to design and mill computation to create high-quality restorations.

DWOS (Dental Wings Open Software) is a CAD/CAM software platform for the design of dental restorations. It offers an open, seamlessly integrated ecosystem of technologies that work together with the goal of boosting productivity and efficiency for dental professionals. DWOS Chairside facilitates the in-office design of highly-esthetic restorations, including inlays, onlays, full contour crowns, veneers, and implant abutments.

vhf’s Z4 produces restorations made from glass ceramics, PMMA, zirconium oxide, and composites in minutes. Additionally, the machine also finishes prefabricated titanium abutments. With one-click mounting, the material block is automatically fixed and can be exchanged rapidly. It also includes an integrated PC and an intuitive touch screen.

A recent survey of dental professionals conducted by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) and Acuitim Marketing Research and Consultancy reveals that cosmetic procedures continue to bring life to dental practices. The AACD has conducted the biennial State of the Cosmetic Dentistry Industry Survey since 2004, and the data collected is used to determine the size and impact, in terms of procedures and revenues, of the cosmetic dentistry market. The State of the Cosmetic Dentistry Industry Survey Report provides valuable insights into the industry and can help dentists make informed decisions for the future of their practices—a future that continues to look bright.

The 2017 survey was conducted between October and December of 2017 and garnered responses from 363 dental professionals. The survey includes a snapshot of current cosmetic dental practice demographics, narrative summaries of key survey results, comparisons to 2015 data when applicable, and comparisons between AACD member and non-member respondents.

Overall, the data presents encouraging findings relating to the profitability of offering cosmetic procedures, even though the average number of procedures performed by respondent practices is down about 15% from 2015. The amount the average cosmetic dentistry patient spent on services at respondents’ practices in the past year increased, with 45% of respondents selecting the top five tiers available in the survey ($2,500 to $20,000+), up eight points since 2015 and two points higher than 2013.

The 2017 survey findings also present encouraging findings relating to membership in the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD). AACD General Members report charging 40% more than non-members for cosmetic procedures, and Accredited Members report charging 90% more than non-members for cosmetic procedures. Non-members reported average total revenues of $523,585 from all dentistry (cosmetic and non-cosmetic), while AACD General Members averaged twice that ($1,065,642). AACD Accredited Members’ revenues averaged $1,602,823, and 71% of AACD Accredited Members who responded are in practices with more than one million in revenues.

The results of the survey are reassuring for dentists who already offer cosmetic procedures in their practice and should be catalyzing for dentists who don’t. Sixty percent of respondents identified themselves as general dentists, strongly suggesting that cosmetic procedures are no longer exclusively in the realm of a few practitioners—though specialized training in cosmetic procedures and membership in the AACD offer a competitive advantage and tangible financial gains.

The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry is a valuable resource for continuing education in comprehensive cosmetic dentistry. The AACD equips dentists with the skills and confidence they need to provide their patients predictable cosmetic results, which in turn translates to treating more cosmetic patients and being able to charge more for cosmetic procedures. To download the State of the Cosmetic Dentistry Industry 2017 Report, visit www.aacd.com/2017survey.

To learn more about the benefits of AACD membership, visit www.aacd.com/join.

Brasseler USA®, a leading manufacturer of quality instrumentation, is pleased to unveil the NLXK premium high-speed air handpiece. The ergonomically designed NLXK features 26 watts of power for smoother cutting efficiency, along with a reduced head size for better access and visibility. Equipped with ComfortGRIP™ coating, lightweight titanium construction, and an industry-leading three-year warranty, the NLXK delivers a powerful performance.

Available in two head size options, the innovative turbine design of the NLXK improves torque output, resulting in smoother cutting efficiency while reducing procedure time. Whether cutting through obsolete crowns or refining margins, the end result is an enhanced user experience.

“The most impressive feature of the NLXK is the power output through its unique concave rotor design,” stated Chip Green, Handpiece Product Manager at Brasseler USA. “Our customers were looking for more torque without compromising access and we feel extremely confident the NLXK goes well beyond expectations.”

The NLXK is equipped with a Clean Head System that prevents contaminants from entering the turbine and shortening the lifespan. Precision manufacturing and enhanced bearing technology of the NLXK 

means improved durability, longevity, and stability. Equally impressive is the Microfilter, which prevents particles from entering the water spray and ensuring ideal water coverage. Backed by an industry leading three-year warranty, the durability of the NLXK reduces your repair costs and down time.The lightweight titanium construction achieves optimum weight distribution while reducing hand and wrist fatigue during treatments. The ComfortGRIP™ surface treatment provides texture to improve grip while protecting against scratching and repeated autoclave sterilization cycles. Lastly, the slim neck design and unique head angle offer improved access and visibility.

For more information about the NLXK High Speed Handpiece, please visit www.BrasselerUSA.com/nlxk or call 800-841-4522 ext 4675 .

About Brasseler USA®

Brasseler USA® is a leading ISO Certified healthcare company, providing quality instrumentation to healthcare professionals for use in restorative dentistry, endodontics, oral surgery, and oral hygiene. Over the past 35 years, Brasseler USA has developed a reputation as an innovative market leader in diamonds, carbides, polishers, endodontics, hand instruments, and handpieces. Today, Brasseler USA offers the most comprehensive assortment of instruments and power systems under one brand in the world. For more information, please visit www.BrasselerUSA.com.