Air Techniques, Inc., a leading innovator and manufacturer of dental equipment has announced the hosting of a food drive in support of Long Island Cares, the Harry Chapin Food Bank. Donations of are being accepted in person or online through August 31, 2018.

Throughout the year, Air Techniques participates and supports many charitable causes. This food drive hits home as it supports the stop the hunger that over eighty-nine thousand children are currently experiencing on Long Island. Air Techniques global headquarters is located on Long Island, in Melville, New York.

“We are committed to helping and supporting our local community along with the dental community,” said Sue Wilson, Air Techniques’ Director of Human Resources. “Air Techniques philanthropy efforts are aimed at giving back to the communities that our customers and employees live and work.”

Food items that needed include; rice, pasta, peanut butter, canned vegies, cereal, tomato sauce, canned meat and poultry, and non-refrigerated milk. To donate online visit https://yougivegoods.com/airtechniques. You will be emailed a tax receipt for your purchase. All online food orders will be delivered directly to Long Island Cares.

Follow the support for the food drive on Air Techniques’ social media sites, including Facebook and LinkedIn.

Founded by the late Harry Chapin, Long Island Cares vision is “A Hunger Free Long Island”. This important organization brings together all available resources for the benefit of the hungry and food insecure on Long Island.

For more information on Air Techniques, please visit www.airtechniques.com. Become a fan of Air Techniques on Facebook and follow the company on, Twitter and Instagram.

Rapa Nui (also known as Easter Island) is one of the most isolated inhabited islands in the world with a population of approximately 8000 inhabitants. Due to the existence of only one resident dentist, who’s facing insufficient resources and severe financial restrictions, the community is left with limited dental care options. This situation has led to “… a lot of extraction procedures…” over “a long period of time…” says Dr. Rosenberg, a Chilean dentist and expert for edentulous treatments, who has a long-lasting relationship to the island.

Dr. Rosenberg suggested the possibility of bringing the benefits of the Trefoil™ system, an edentulous treatment concept invented by Dr. Higuchi, to the inhabitants of Easter Island. Dr. Rosenberg and Dr. Higuchi initiated this inspiring FOR project to treat eleven patients suffering from mandibular edentulism within one week. See what was done so far: https://www.for.org/

 Poor hygiene and not brushing teeth twice a day are leading causes for quitting a relationship, according to the Adult's Oral Health & Well-Being Survey. Not surprising, since around half (47 percent) of Americans believe a person's smile is their sexiest feature, with women more likely than men (51 percent versus 42 percent) to say so. In fact, the Delta Dental survey demonstrates the significant power of a smile, with most adults (56 percent) disclosing smiles are more of a turn-on than a person's bank account size.

Make or break first impressions

Do smiles play a starring role during National Romance Awareness Month in August? Most adults (70 percent) say a smile can make or break a first impression, with 65 percent sharing that a smile is one of the things they remember most after meeting someone.

So, could oral health potentially rally or ruin a relationship? Most Americans agree (73 percent) poor oral health is a major turn-off, with 62 percent of adults (69 percent women versus 55 percent men) saying they wouldn't kiss someone with poor oral health.

"Take note America, the recommendation of brushing teeth twice a day for two minutes is critical to oral health and overall health, but this guideline also appears to have a significant impact on relationships," said Jennifer Elliott, chief marketing officer for Delta Dental Plans Association. "Surveyed adults confide that not brushing teeth as often as they should was more of a relationship deal breaker than not paying for dates and being late."

Adults admit they are more likely to be attracted to someone who not only smiles often (69 percent) but also has a smile that is attractive and healthy looking (69 percent).

Some things NOT to share

The Delta Dental survey also notes that consistently using a toothbrush or toothpaste without permission are top causes for ending a relationship.

Joe Dill, DDS, MBA, Delta Dental Plans Association's vice president of dental science, reminds us that there are health implications with sharing these personal oral hygiene tools.

"We have a tendency to share when we care, but toothbrushes and toothpaste dispensers should be exceptions," Dr. Dill said. "Our oral hygiene tools can be a breeding ground for germs and bacteria."

Dr. Dill suggests replacing your toothbrush at least every three months or sooner, if bristles look worn. Also, rinse and store a toothbrush uncovered and upright to help prevent growth of bacteria.

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 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

Related Links

https://www.deltadental.com

In partnership with the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA), Premier Dental, a global developer and manufacturer of dental and medical products, announced the winners of the #WhatInspiresYou video contest that launched at ADHA’s Annual Conference in Columbus, Ohio this past June.

The Grand Prize winner, Ryan Rutar of Lincoln, Nebraska and two Runners-Up, Miranda Peralta of Meriden, Connecticut and LeeAnn Winkler of Plano, Texas were disclosed following five weeks of spirited crowdsourced voting among thousands of dental professionals and other visitors to ADHA’s Facebook page.

“Premier is proud to partner with the ADHA in recognizing these three outstanding dental hygienists, along with the ongoing contributions of all participants of the #WhatInspiresYou video contest,” said Chris Helle, Premier’s Chief Marketing Officer. “Every day, these hygienists make a meaningful difference in the oral health—and indeed overall health--of their patients. From literally saving lives to serving as role models for their children, we are truly inspired by their authentic stories and personal journeys. We congratulate and thank them!”

The video contest began in a colorful video booth at Premier Dental’s exhibition space where about 200 ADHA Annual Conference attendees shared their personal stories and insights around what’s deeply inspired them over the course of their dental hygiene careers. Successive rounds of voting took place to determine the three winners as Premier and ADHA drove awareness of the contest through their respective social and digital channels.

Ann Battrell, CEO of ADHA, shared, “Our partnership with Premier Dental for the ‘What Inspires You?’ video contest really engaged our community of dental hygiene professionals and our followers had a lot of fun seeing their peers spotlighted on our social channels.” Battrell added, “Congratulations to our three winners, thank you for sharing your story!”

Watch the winners’ videos here.

Ryan Rutar, Grand Prize Winner: https://youtu.be/2qBdTS3OA7k

Miranda Peralta, Runner-Up: https://youtu.be/_9nKl18bqTM

LeeAnn Winkler, Runner-Up: https://youtu.be/nV-drEGi0C4

Helle added, “As Premier’s mission is to deliver inspired solutions for daily dentistry, we wanted to shine the light on the inspiring contributions dental hygienists make in improving the health of their patients each day.” Helle sees the partnership with the ADHA as a natural fit with the Premier brand. He noted there was outstanding engagement with the dental hygienists at the Conference and the thousands of dental professionals who participated in the voting.

The Grand Prize Winner received a $500 VISA gift card and $250 value PremierAir nine-piece instrument wallet while the two Runners-Up received $250 VISA gift cards and PremierAir instrument wallets. PremierAir is Premier’s new light-weight, ergonomically-designed instrument line that provides better function and reduces hand fatigue for hygienists.

About Premier® Dental

Premier Dental is a global privately-held developer and manufacturer of dental products with sales in over 75 countries. Dental professionals have trusted Premier for over 100 years to improve their daily procedures and practices. A leader in bringing innovative products to market, Premier is dedicated to delivering inspired solutions for daily dentistry.

For more information about the PremierAir line of dental products or about Premier Dental’s other products and services, visit: www.premusa.com

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.

For one low price, parents can experience every day of the Ultimate Dental Meeting stress-free knowing their children are spending the whole day safe and entertained in the same venue.

If you have children, there is no need to worry about missing Dentsply Sirona World, Sept. 13-15 at the Rosen Shingle Creek Resort in Orlando, because your children now get a chance to have their own fun and educational experience. For just a one-time fee of $600 per child, attendees can drop their children off all day Thursday-Saturday in the Lake Toho room of the Rosen Shingle Creek Resort with Kid’s Nite Out, a family-operated business providing quality and safe childcare during conventions and vacations.

While you are mingling with and learning from the industry’s finest at this year’s Ultimate Dental Meeting, dedicated caregivers and the best staff in the childcare business are keeping your children safe and entertained.

“We understand the struggle of finding quality childcare during conventions like Dentsply Sirona World, and that’s why Kid’s Nite Out is important,” said Vice President of Marketing Ingo Zimmer. “We want to make sure everyone has an equal chance to attend all of the captivating educational

opportunities we’re offering.”

Kid’s Nite Out is providing services:

• Thursday, Sept. 13, 8:30 a.m. – 11 p.m.

• Friday, Sept. 14, 8 a.m. – 11 p.m.

• Saturday, Sept. 15, 8:30 a.m. – midnight

While Kid’s Nite Out is offering lunch and snacks, parents are expected to give their children breakfast and dinner. The dinner break each day is between 5:30-7 p.m. Kid’s Nite Out will not be responsible for the children during this time.

There is no need to worry about children being bored, as each day will provide new and exciting toys, game, movies, arts & crafts and entertainers. On Thursday, kids can play Xbox on a 50-inch TV or test their skills on a Pop a Shot and Ping Pong table. The children will be rolling on the floor laughing at Friday’s puppet show and other exciting group activities. The fun really picks up on Saturday with the jungle safari-themed party. Along with fun games, toys and activities, the kids will get a chance to have a wacky portrait done by an experienced caricature artist.

While Kid’s Nite Out provides an enjoyable childcare experience, its top priority is safety. All its caregivers:

• Are at least 18

• Are certified in child/infant CPR and basic first aid

• Have previous childcare or teaching experience

• Are thoroughly interviewed, screened, references are checked and criminal background checks are performed

• Are trained by Kid’s Nite Out and must complete Walt Disney World “Traditions”

Sign up now for Kid’s Nite Out and register for Dentsply Sirona World 2018, an experience like no other in the dental field, at www.dentsplysironaworld.com or contact the Dentsply Sirona World hotline at 1-844-462-7476 or email events@dentsplysironaworld.com. If you have already registered for Dentsply Sirona World, you can add Kid’s Nite Out services by modifying your registration using your confirmation number.

The Academy of Osseointegration is now accepting abstracts for Clinical Innovations, Oral Research (Scientific and Clinical), and Electronic Poster (Scientific, Clinical and Case Studies) presentations for its upcoming 34th Annual Meeting, March 13 - 16, 2019. The deadline for abstract submissions: Friday, October 5, 2018, 11:59 PM CDT

To submit an abstract

CLICK HERE and the on-screen prompts will take you through the submission process. There are no submission fees for abstracts. There is no limit to the number of abstracts you can submit.

Student Travel Grants

Student Travel Grants ($1,000 each) are being awarded by the Osseointegration Foundation and Anker Dental Implant Systems to the top 25 students with the best abstracts submitted for presentation. For additional information CLICK HERE.

Guidelines

To review the full Call for Abstracts document and guidelines, CLICK HERE.  

Sonendo®, Inc., the developer of breakthrough technology for the dental marketplace, today announced that their GentleWave® System is now designed to integrate with TDO® endodontic software. TDO® Software is the only Practice Management Software that integrates with the GentleWave® System. This integration will allow endodontists who use the TDO endodontic software, affectionately known as TDO’ers, to more efficiently record, and retrieve, important procedure information directly from the GentleWave System’s console; the result is an improvement in chairside treatment efficiency.

About this strategic partnership, Chris Rabbitt, Chief Commercial Officer for Sonendo, said, “When customers talk, we listen, and many of our customers who use TDO software have requested that we pursue an integration partnership to allow our GentleWave Providers seamless chairside access to procedure records. We are excited about this strategic partnership as TDO offers endodontists the most comprehensive endodontic software available and their belief systems align with our value proposition to deliver clinical efficacy, procedure efficiency, and practice economy.”

Luiz A. Motta, CEO of TDO Software said, “TDO provides endodontists with the most comprehensive tools and resources they need to build and maintain a successful practice, and we are committed to keeping pace with the needs of users. Many of our TDO’ers are incorporating the GentleWave System into their endodontic practice, and this integration with Sonendo is another example of our commitment to keep pace with the needs of the modern endodontic practice.”

About Sonendo

Sonendo, Inc. is a privately-held, venture-backed company developing innovative and disruptive technologies to transform dentistry by Saving Teeth Through Sound Science®. The first commercially available product from Sonendo, the GentleWave System, available in the US, shows significant improvements in clinical efficacy, and treatment efficiency when compared to standard root canal techniques^1-2. For more information, please visit www.sonendo.com.

References

1. Sigurdsson A et al. (2016) J Endod. 42:1040-48. 2Molina B et al. (2015) J Endod. 41:1701-05.

About TDO

TDO Software is the most widely used endodontic software in the world and has built a community of quality-centered endodontists united in their search for excellence. TDO's goal is not to be good, but to be extraordinary. The company's headquarters is in San Diego, California. For more information, please visit www.tdo4endo.com.

The fundamental shift in the make-up of the Canadian dental practice detected in previous reports is continuing, according to results from the DIAC (Dental Industry Association of Canada) Twenty-Second Annual Future of Dentistry Survey. All of the following points may reflect on the impact of the current economic situation on the dental practice in Canada:

     • Trend towards increasing numbers of dentists in the practice continues, with 11% of practices with five or more dentists. This was 3.4% in 2016 and an average of 6.3% the last 14 years.

     • Growing percentage of respondents describing their location as Urban (now 62% as compared to 56% last year and 51% in 2016) (average of 53% over past ten years). Drop off is in Suburban locations (falling to 22% from 29% last year and an average of 25% over the past 10 years).

     • Practices with three or fewer operatories had been generally in steady decline since the survey began, a real drop of 40.2% since 1997.

     • 28% of respondents planning to add at least one operatory as opposed to 22% last year.

     • The number of hygiene days per practice is increasing overall (with more days being added by those who only had one or two per week previously) - 46% of respondents in 2018 had 5 or more hygiene days per week, as compared to 44% last year and the average of 38.6% the last ten years).

     • At the same time, the average number of patients treated per day continues to decline. Unlike last year, where a higher number of specialists responded, the GP/Specialist split on response returned to historical norms in 2018. On an overall basis, dentists treated 11 patients in an average day as compared to the average of 12.5 patients over the last ten years. 89% stated they treated less than 15 patients a day (as opposed to 83% last year and an average of 78.6% over the last four years).

     • Reinforcing the 2017 results, dentists continue to move into Multi-practice (Group Practice). While the majority (63%) of respondents stated they were in a solo practice, more than a third (34%) are now in a group practice – and these group practices are getting bigger with 24% having 5 or more operatories (as opposed to 17% in 2017). While the two key advantages attracting those in a multi-practice structure were Associate Support (57%) and Buying Power (20%), “Better hours for patients” had growing support this year with 12% of response. The majority of Group Practice respondents (63%) felt they offered a higher standard of care than a solo practitioner. However, a substantial 23% said they did not. This finding is reinforced by the response to the main drawbacks of a multi-practice (Group practice) structure with 21% citing Consistency of Care (#2 response with Conflict with management style #1 at 29%).

It is little wonder that “Financial/paying bills/overhead” was the top challenge that respondents intended to address in 2018 (as well as the Top Metric for Success in the opinion of 78% of respondents), with “Getting more patients/keep busy” a close second. The majority (60%) of dental practices now offer

patient financing in some fashion, reinforcing results from 2017 (almost one-half (45%) of respondents offered in-house financing while 15% used third party financing) as a way to get those patients.

Financial concerns also appear to have impacted on dentists Practice Management CE activities. The top focus is on building “the Numbers.” The highest rated Practice Management topics for 2018 involve building the business of the practice (ranked in order from highest: Leadership Team Development; Revenue Enhancement/Expense Management; Fraud Protection; and Communication/Case Presentation).

For the first time, Social Media was mentioned by over 50% of respondents as one of the most popular Practice-Building Tools utilized, still second to “Asking for referrals” but trending rapidly upward from 13% in 2012. This movement to on-line promotion mirrors where dental patients are telling practitioners they are getting information on dental treatment options. According to the survey, Internet achieved another all-time high rating and was ranked as the top patient source for the third straight year. This was followed by the more traditional sources of Family members, friends, etc. and Dentist/Dental Team presentations.

A total of 414 practicing Canadian dentists responded to this year’s survey with a good proportional distribution across all regions of the country. Based on this response rate, overall 2018 survey results have an accuracy of +/- 4.7% 19 times out of 20.

BIOLASE, Inc., the global leader in dental lasers, and its employees recently launched a dental laser awareness campaign where BIOLASE employees volunteer to visit local dentists in Los Angeles and Orange County to increase awareness and education around the many benefits of dental lasers.

Since this initiative began three months ago, nearly 650 dentist offices have been visited by more than 40 BIOLASE employee volunteers. The initiative has successfully engaged local community members and practitioners in conversations about how dental lasers can improve outcomes for patients with less-invasive procedures, faster recovery times and less pain and anxiety.

"Our local community, our first 'Model Market,' has always been a priority for us, and we have been overwhelmed by the positive response – both from local dentists and our dedicated team," said John Beaver, Executive Vice President and CFO of BIOLASE. "The activity has been a great way for us to connect with our community in the most direct way, witnessing firsthand the challenges dentists in our area are facing. Initiatives like this allow us to get closer to our customers to ensure we're able to better provide products and services that dentists need to be successful.

"There are multiple benefits on both sides of the chair with the use of dental lasers. They reduce pain and the need for shots, while also improving patient safety by limiting the chance of infection and cross-contamination. Dental lasers can improve patient retention and satisfaction with less time in the chair and faster recovery periods.

This announcement comes on the heels of BIOLASE's recent release of its 2018 Second Quarter results, which showed a nearly 200 percent increase in all-tissue laser sales when compared to the second quarter of 2017 in the Los Angelesand Orange County markets.

About BIOLASE, Inc.

BIOLASE, Inc. is a medical device company that develops, manufactures, markets, and sells laser systems in dentistry and medicine and also markets, sells, and distributes dental imaging equipment, including three-dimensional CAD/CAM intra-oral scanners and digital dentistry software. BIOLASE's products advance the practice of dentistry and medicine for patients and healthcare professionals. BIOLASE's proprietary laser products incorporate approximately 244 patented and 74 patent-pending technologies designed to provide biologically clinically superior performance with less pain and faster recovery times. BIOLASE's innovative products provide cutting-edge technology at competitive prices to deliver the best results for dentists and patients. BIOLASE's principal products are revolutionary dental laser systems that perform a broad range of dental procedures, including cosmetic and complex surgical applications, and a full line of dental imaging equipment. BIOLASE has sold over 37,600 laser systems to date in over 90 countries around the world. Laser products under development address BIOLASE's core dental market and other adjacent medical and consumer markets.