Aspen Dental Management, Inc., has announced an agreement with Align Technology, Inc., makers of the Invisalign® clear aligner system, to equip all Aspen locations in the US with an iTero Element intraoral scanner. The multi-year agreement will enable an end-to-end digital workflow in all Aspen Dental locations.

“We, along with the dentists whose practices we support, are excited to integrate Align’s end-to-end digital workflow, which begins with the iTero scanner in every Aspen Dental office,” said Bob Fontana, chairman and CEO of ADMI. “The expected benefits to Aspen Dental practices are significant – enhanced ability to perform orthodontia services, lower lab fees, reduced usage of impression material, and quicker completion time for crown and bridge cases. Additionally, the iTero scanning technology will allow dentists at Aspen Dental to give their patients a high-impact, 3D visualization of their dentition, ensuring more effective chairside communication that can help patients get the care they need.”

After a quick digital scan with the iTero Element scanner, patients can see a simulation of how their new smile may look even before they commit to Invisalign treatment. Unlike traditional dental impressions, which can take weeks to process, Align’s end-to-end digital workflow leveraging the iTero scanner transmits the patient’s 3D dental model immediately, making it possible for patients to begin their treatment sooner. The iTero scanner is also integral to tooth restorative procedures such as crowns, bridges, veneers, inlays, and onlays.

With nearly 700 locations in 38 states, Aspen Dental is the largest and fastest-growing network of branded dental care practices in the US, with a new office opening every five days. Aspen Dental staff treated over 1.7 million patients in 2017. After completing an Invisalign training program, Aspen practice dentists will be able to offer Invisalign clear aligner treatment.

“We’re excited to partner with ADMI and Aspen Dental practices as they transition to a fully digital end-to-end workflow enabled by the iTero Element scanner,” said Joe Hogan, Align Technology president and CEO. “Aspen Dental’s commitment to continuous innovation is demonstrated by its move to a digital platform and its recognition that iTero Element scanners can drive higher Invisalign utilization and more efficient restorative dentistry, along with positive experiences for their patients.”

Align is a leading sponsor of the annual Aspen Dental Leadership Retreat in August 2018, where hundreds of dentists will participate in an Invisalign training program.

Align’s end-to-end digital workflow includes the iTero Element intraoral scanners’ restorative capabilities and the iTero modeling process which helps to ensure efficient laboratory submission, minimize scan retakes, and enable consistent restorative outcomes. iTero restorative STL files are open to send directly to dental labs or to export from the iTero cloud account. With the expansive iTero lab network, which includes over 3,000 laboratories, implant and digital treatment planning providers, restorative solutions are even more convenient than ever.

Centennial based Dental Lab Xchange (DLX) has announced the launch of its newest dental software product, Dental Lab Xchange (DLX). DLX is the only dental marketplace connecting dentists with local, regional, and national dental labs bringing them together in an online community to improve the patient experience.

Using Dental Lab Xchange’s proprietary technology, dentists can search for labs on a local, regional, or national level and choose the right lab for their specific restoration, quality specifications, and price. Then using DLX’s easy eScript online prescription, the dentist's office can send their order to the lab, including all their specific requirements, with the click of a mouse. Through the DLX system, the lab and dentist can see the current status of the order and address any questions electronically, which avoids guesswork and misinformation. The labs update the order status, and dentists get real-time information on the status and schedule for receiving the restoration from the lab. Dentists are asked to complete restoration case reviews, including seating time, so the community can benefit from customer experiences.

President David Lesh says, “We have begun early sign-ups for dental labs and the response is better than expected. Our launch isn’t officially until July 18th and we have been pleased with the large number of labs who want to be part of this exciting new solution.”

DLX is allowing first adopters to have a key input into the roadmap functionality they add to the product over the coming years. By working closely with their early adopters, they will be able to build more valuable products for their customers.

Bill Henry, CEO of DLX, says, “We are excited to launch the DLX marketplace that provides compelling benefits to both dentists and dental laboratories.” He adds, “DLX enables dentists to easily search for dental laboratory services based on price and quality metrics. In addition, DLX streamlines the communication with the lab, which saves time and money. DLX provides dental labs with a strong growth engine to help expand their business.”

DLX launches July 18th at the Dykema DSO Conference in Dallas.

Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine and The American Academy of Implant Dentistry have announced the AAID Maxi Course®: Practical Implant Education. The course will consist of training in 10 modules from Friday to Sunday and 300 CE Credits of lecture and participation.

Overview:

This program has been designed to impart the understanding of diagnostic and treatment modalities necessary to properly treat patients who are candidates for dental implant therapy. The 300-hour interdisciplinary approach utilizes case-based learning methodology that will include lectures, live surgery demonstrations, interactive seminars, hands-on sessions, fresh frozen cadaver surgery including implant placement, soft tissue, and bone grafting, and relevant reviews of literature emphasizing evidence-based clinical practice. The program satisfies the educational requirement for Associate Fellowship in the American Academy of Implant Dentistry.

Curriculum will include: Biomedical sciences, diagnostic procedures, history of implant dentistry, clinical procedures, and legal issues

2018 Dates:

October 5-7

November 16-18

December 14-16

2019 Dates:

January 18-20

February 15-17

March 8-10

April 12-14

May 10-12

June 7-9

July 14-14

Location:

Nova Southeastern University: 3301 College Avenue, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33314-7796

Times:

Registration: 7:30 a.m.-8:00 a.m.

Presentation: 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Tuition:

$15,000 US. Initial deposit to reserve space—$1,500. Remaining balance payable in 4 monthly payments of $3,500 due on Sept. 1, Oct. 1, Nov. 1, and Dec. 1, 2018 (non-NSU Alumni).

Registration:

Please contact Nova Southeastern University’s CE Office:

Phone: 954-262-5327

Email: dentalce@nova.edu

Registration is now open for the "Practical Hands On Dental Sleep Medicine Workflow" course on August 3-4 in Melville, New York. The course will deliver practical, actionable information needed to make Oral Appliance Therapy a productive part of your practice. It will focus on screening, testing, treating, and billing. 

Course Objectives:

•Identify hundreds of patients in your own practice

•Test your patients easily with no cost to you

•Maximize medical insurance reimbursement

•Create relationships with physicians

•Establish an efficient, repeatable workflow

•Boost productivity and increase efficiency

Speaker: Gy Yatros, D.M.D. 

Dr. Yatros is a co-founder and CEO of Dental Sleep Solutions and DS3. He has been practicing Dental Sleep Medicine for 15 years, and has a passion to help dentists succeed in Dental Sleep Medicine.

Tuition

Includes one team member, 14 hours of CE, one sleep test and custom device. Additional team members can register for $295, and refunds are available up to 80 days before the event. 

Schedule

Friday 8am-5pm/Saturday 8am-2pm. Breakfast will be provided, lunch served on Friday.

Location

Hilton Garden Inn Melville

1575 Round Swamp Road

Plainview, New York 11803

Register

Email: jodi@dentalsleepsolutions.com

Online: ds3success.eventbrite.com

Phone: 877-95-SNORE(76673)

Dental Sleep Solutions is designated as an Approved PACE Program Provider by the Academy of General Dentistry. The formal continuing dental education programs of this program provider are accepted by AGD for Fellowship/Mastership and membership maintenance credit. Approval does not imply acceptance by a state or provincial board of dentistry or AGD endorsement. The current term of approval extends from 9/1/2016 to 8/31/2019. Provider ID 342401.

With the release of Oral Health America’s white paper, An Oral Health Benefit in Medicare Part B: It’s Time to Include Oral Health in Health Care, the American Dental Hygienists’ Association releases the following statement:

The American Dental Hygienists’ Association proudly supports Oral Heath America (OHA) and its partners’ position on making oral healthcare a benefit of Medicare Part B. The white paper states that Medicare provides healthcare to 59 million seniors and people with disabilities but does not cover things such as routine dental cleanings, checkups, restorative procedures or x-rays – all of which are vital in maintaining good oral health.

Given the clear connection between oral health and overall health, it is important to have oral care as a benefit of Medicare. In its white paper, OHA outlines various reasons to add this benefit, such as cost, medical necessity and the need for legislative changes.

ADHA proudly supports OHA and its partners’ push to add oral healthcare as a benefit of Medicare and looks forward to assisting in the efforts of this movement.

About the American Dental Hygienists’ Association:

The American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) is the largest national organization representing the professional interests of more than 185,000 dental hygienists across the country. Dental hygienists are preventive oral health professionals, licensed in dental hygiene, who provide educational, clinical and therapeutic services that support total health through the promotion of optimal oral health. For more information about ADHA, dental hygiene or the link between oral health and general health, visit ADHA at www.adha.org.

Parenting can sometimes feel like an uphill marathon, particularly when it comes to enforcing proper oral care habits with your child. According to a recent national survey from Delta Dental, parents are more likely to say getting their child to floss regularly (45 percent) or brush their teeth (37 percent) is challenging than they are about getting their child to make the bed (30 percent) or to complete homework on time (25 percent).

The Children's Oral Health Survey indicates that many of our nation's offspring are not following recommended guidelines of brushing their teeth for two minutes twice daily and flossing once a day, potentially leading to oral health problems. The majority of parents (78 percent) confess that their child's oral health isn't as good as it could be, with 64 percent disclosing that their child currently has oral health issues, including cavities (31 percent).

Child's oral health on parents' radar

Concerned with raising a happy and healthy child, what is top of mind with parents? The Delta Dental survey reveals that parents worry more about their child's oral health (39 percent) on a daily basis than they do about school performance (25 percent) or physical activity (24 percent).

In fact, parents are more likely to say their child's oral health (73 percent) is extremely important than they are about their youngster's diet or nutrition (66 percent) and even their own oral health (61 percent).

"In the national survey from Delta Dental, parents share that their child's oral health is a priority over their own," said Joe Dill, DDS, MBA, Delta Dental Plans Association's vice president of dental science. "Let's turn that concern inward. By showing our children we value our own healthy smile, we can help them to develop positive attitudes toward preventive oral care practices that can impact a lifetime."

Back-to-school dental screenings

Dr. Dill also reminds parents that the new school year is fast approaching and several states mandate dental screening certificates for children to be enrolled in school.

He also recommends scheduling regular dental check-ups as a part of a child's preventive oral health routine to protect against missing school during the academic year for unplanned visits to the dentist's chair.

According to the Delta Dental survey, 29 percent of parents whose child is in school say that their daughter or son has missed at least some school in the past 12 months because of an oral health issue.

Convenience at your fingertips

Parents can help keep their child's oral health on track with the free Delta Dental Mobile app featuring a toothbrush timer.

"Busy parents will appreciate the simplicity and convenience of the Delta Dental Mobile app," said Jennifer Elliott, chief marketing officer for Delta Dental Plans Association. "Scheduling needs can be addressed 24/7. You can quickly find an eligible dentist, access your dental claims, or search for typical costs of popular dental treatments and procedures. Plus, features like the toothbrush timer help make it easier to get children to brush their teeth, which the Delta Dental survey shows is one of the most challenging things to get a child to do."

Delta Dental Mobile is optimized for iOS and Android devices (smartphones and tablets) and is available for download in the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store for Android devices. To learn more, search for Delta Dental in the app store.

About the survey

The Children's Oral Health Survey was conducted between December 13 and December 28, 2017, among a nationally representative sample of 1,322 parents of children ages 12 and under. The margin of error is +/- 2.7 percent.

Follow Delta Dental 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 these companies, Delta Dental is the nation's largest provider of dental insurance, covering more than 78 million Americans, and offering the country's largest dental network with approximately 154,000 participating dentists. Year over year, Delta Dental companies provide more than $50 million to support and improve the oral health of adults, children and infants in local communities across the country. For more information, visit: deltadental.com.

SOURCE: Delta Dental Plans Association

From April 2nd, 2018, to June 30th, 2018, Dental Lifeline Network (DLN) ran its annual fundraising campaign, Lifeline Heroes Challenge. Individuals of the dental industry – including dental practices – participated, for example, via customized fundraising webpages. Dentsply Sirona supported the campaign financially. “We are proud to continue our support of the Dental Lifeline Network by collaborating on the Lifeline Heroes Challenge. Together we raised an amazing 50,000 US dollars that will be used to support DLN’s important work to improve access to dental care and education for people who cannot afford care. DLN focuses its efforts on individuals with permanent disabilities, older adults, and those who are medically fragile, and they have been doing this great work since 1974. Dentsply Sirona thanks all of the generous donors who accepted our challenge grant and supported this important charitable organization,” said Gregory Sheehan, Group Vice President Growth Initiatives at Dentsply Sirona.

DLN enables dental care for everyone 

DLN’s Donated Dental Services (DDS) program relies on a network of about 15,000 volunteer dentists and 3,500 dental labs that provide donated dental treatments. This year’s Lifeline Heroes Challenge has generated nearly 450,000 US dollar in treatment, since DDS generates approximately 9 US dollars in care for every dollar raised. From its start in 1985, the DDS program has surpassed 365 million US dollars in donated dental therapies for over 119,000 people. “Thanks to participating ‘heroes,’ we can better support thousands of volunteer dentists and labs nationwide in their work to help people with special needs and address seriously-neglected problems,” said Fred Leviton, president and CEO of Dental Lifeline Network. “Through the power of individual donations leveraged by the gracious support of Dentsply Sirona, DLN is able to change more lives.”

DentalEZ is pleased to announce the availability of the NEW Simplicity LED Operatory Light. LED lights last much longer than halogen, operate at a cooler temperature andreduce energy costs. Unleash the power of simplicity with this new Simplicity LED!

LED Lighting Made Easy:

 High, medium and low settings for flexibility from 36,000, 27,000 and 18,000 lux

 Smooth rotation for easy adjustment and small footprint

 Ergonomic handles for comfort of operator

 Rectangular light pattern measures 6 1/2” x 3 1/2”

 Color temperature ranges from 5000 to 5700 Kelvin

 Control manually or with a hands‐free sensor

DentalEZ is offering Simplicity LED as a stand‐alone light or a retrofit kit to easily upgrade from the Simplicity Halogen to the new Simplicity LED. Visit www.dentalez.com/SimplicityLED to learn more or reach out to your local PSA representative.

About DentalEZ®

DentalEZ Integrated Solutions is committed to providing real solutions to everyday challenges in oral healthcare by uniquely combining innovation focused on simplification and efficiency in value‐based products and outstanding customer service and support. DentalEZ manufactures a full line of products and well‐known brands including StarDental® Instruments, DentalEZ® Equipment, RAMVAC® Utility, NevinLabs™ Workstations and Columbia Dentoform® Teaching Solutions. For more information, please visit www.dentalez.com.

Smile Line USA has announced the launch of their newly redesigned website, www.smilelineusa.com. It has been designed to provide the ultimate user-friendly experience with improved navigation and functionality throughout, allowing customers access to detailed product information and instructional videos.

Created with the user in mind, the website has been redesigned with the latest technology so the site is compatible with today’s browsers, and it has been designed in a mobile format that doesn't require Adobe^®Flash to view. This redesign is based upon customer feedback on their online shopping experience. Smile Line USA has stated that their goal is to provide the highest quality customer-oriented solutions to inspire dental laboratories and dental practices throughout North America.

Practicon’s low-cost, handheld, cordless BFC³ Powered Impression Gun dispenses any type of 1:1 automix material at the press of a button. The familiar, ergonomic design is similar to manual automix guns and works with all standard 25ml, 50ml, or 75ml cartridges to fit smoothly into normal practice workflow.

BFC3 makes it quick and easy to direct material flow precisely, without interference from repeated squeezing of a trigger, and eliminates the strain that manual guns can place on the hands, especially when using heavy-body material.

BFC3 fills a full-arch tray in less than 10 seconds and dispenses an entire 50ml heavy-body VPS cartridge in about 30 seconds. Material flow rate is adjustable from 0.6 to 1.7mL/sec. Plunger motion reverses momentarily when trigger is released to prevent late discharge and material waste. Auto-stop with overload protection circuitry engages when cartridge is empty.

The rechargeable 11.1V lithium-ion battery dispenses up to 60 full 50ml cartridges on a single charge and recharges in about two hours. Low battery LED illuminates when dispensing capacity drops below 10 cartridges.

Package includes BFC³ motorized impression gun, 50ml plunger (for use with both 50ml and 25ml cartridges), 75ml plunger, wall charger with full charge LED indicator and overcharge protection circuitry, and convenient countertop stand.

For 35 years, Practicon has partnered with dental professionals to advance patient care, increase productivity and profitability, and heighten professional enjoyment by bringing “practical innovations” to dentistry. Practicon’s growing product line ranges from hard-to-find problem solvers to cost-effective everyday supplies. For more information, visit www.Practicon.com or telephone (800) 959-9505.