The American Academy of Periodontology installed Richard T. Kao, DDS, PhD, as its president during its 104th Annual Meeting in Vancouver, British Columbia, held Oct. 27-30. Other newly appointed officers include President-Elect Bryan J. Frantz, DMD, MS, of Scranton, Pa; Vice President James G. Wilson, DMD, of Tampa, Fla; as well as Secretary and Treasurer Christopher Richardson, DMD, MS, of Richmond, Va.

In addition to maintaining a private practice in Cupertino, Calif., Dr. Kao is a Clinical Professor in the Department of Orofacial Sciences at the University of California San Francisco and an Adjunct Clinical Professor of Periodontology at the University of the Pacific. Dr. Kao obtained his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree, certificate in periodontics, and PhD from the University of California. His academic endeavors have resulted in winning two prestigious R. Earl Robinson Periodontal Regeneration Awards, the publication of over 40 scientific articles and 30 book chapters, and service awards from various professional organizations. Dr. Kao’s past work in organized dentistry includes service as a trustee for the California Dental Association and past president of the California Society of Periodontists.

Bryan J. Frantz, DMD, MS, President-Elect: Certified by the American Board of Periodontology, Dr. Frantz is in full-time private practice in Scranton, Pa. He is also a clinical associate professor in the Department of Periodontology at the Eastman Institute for Oral Health and at Temple University’s Kornberg School of Dentistry, where he earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree. In addition to more than 30 years in practice, he has served as a past president of the AAP Foundation and as past president and board chairman of the Scranton District Dental Society. Dr. Frantz is a past examiner for the American Board of Periodontology.

James G. Wilson, DMD, Vice President: A two-term AAP Trustee, Dr. Wilson is also a past president of the Florida Association of Periodontists, and he currently serves as the president of the Florida Academy of Dental Practice Administration. He is a fellow of both the International College of Dentists and the American College of Dentists. Dr. Wilson earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree at the University of Florida College of Dentistry, where he also completed his periodontics residency. He is certified by the American Board of Periodontology and maintains a private practice in Tampa, Fla.

Christopher Richardson, DMD, MS, Secretary/Treasurer: Currently in private practice in Richmond, Va., Dr. Richardson is also a clinical professor at the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry. He is a past president of the Richmond Dental Society and the Southern Academy of Periodontology, and he currently serves on the editorial board of the International Journal of Periodontics and Restorative Dentistry. A board-certified periodontist, he earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and his Master of Science degree and certificate in periodontology from the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio.

Steven R. Daniel, DDS, Immediate Past President: Dr. Daniel has been a practicing periodontist for more than 35 years. He completed his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree and certificate in periodontics from the University of Tennessee School of Dentistry. He also earned his board certification and became a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology in 2005. In addition to many years of service at the AAP, Dr. Daniel has served as a trustee for the Tennessee Society of Periodontists and the Southern Academy of Periodontology. He currently maintains a private practice in Murfreesboro, Tenn., with his wife and partner Dr. Joanne Gaydos-Daniel.

These AAP executives will serve a one-year term ending with the installation of a new team of officers at the 105th Annual Meeting in Chicago, to be held Nov. 2-5, 2019.

About the American Academy of Periodontology

The American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) represents nearly 8,000 periodontists—specialists in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of inflammatory diseases affecting the gums and supporting structures of the teeth, and in the placement of dental implants. Periodontics is one of the nine dental specialties recognized by the American Dental Association.

The American Association of Endodontists is expressing its gratitude to members who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces by launching a month-long social media campaign this November.

“The AAE greatly appreciates the many brave men and women who are serving and have served in our armed forces throughout the world,” said Executive Director Kenneth Widelka. “Our nation’s veterans selflessly answer the call to protect our freedom, and it is especially important for our organization to recognize our own members who have served.”

Throughout the month of November, the AAE will be “saluting” members who have served in the military with social media posts spotlighting their service records and dental practices. The social media posts will feature special themed graphics with each service member’s photo, accompanied by a short biography and links to his or her practice website or homepage. Those who are interested expressing thanks to the featured members are encouraged to like, follow and comment on the posts across the various AAE social media channels: Facebook: www.facebook.com/endodontists, Twitter: @SavingYourTeeth, Instagram: @SavingYourTeeth. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/endodontists, and YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/rootcanalspecialists.

“This month-long campaign is a simple yet meaningful way for us to recognize our military members and thank them for their service,” Widelka said.

The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) will be hosting their annual Scientific Session Welcome Reception aboard the world’s most-visited historic naval ship museum, the USS Midway. Attendees will have the chance to indulge in food and beverages as they network with fellow cosmetic dentistry professionals and partake in all the interactive excitement the USS Midway has to offer.

The USS Midway first served back in 1945 at the end of World War II, making it the longest-serving aircraft carrier in the 20th century, assisting US efforts in the Cold War, Operation Frequent Wind, and Operation Desert Storm, among others. Along with the ship’s monumental historical background, it’s also widely known for being the host to a plethora of highly acclaimed shows such as American Idol, The Bachelor, Hell’s Kitchen, Extreme Makeover, Antiques Roadshow, and Wheel of Fortune, to name a few. Live college basketball has even been played aboard the ship.

All attendees will have the opportunity to explore climb-in planes, experience flight simulators, and enrich their minds via self-guided audio tours narrated by Midway sailors in 6 languages (English, Spanish, Japanese, French, German, Mandarin). Along with the interactive, educational experience, attendees will have a beautiful space to network with fellow dental professionals as they take in the unparalleled 360-degree views of San Diego, spanning the downtown skyline, San Diego-Coronado Bridge, and Point Loma.

The Welcome Reception is the perfect platform for conference attendees to connect with fellow dental professionals who are at all different stages in their careers. Nathaniel Hill, DDS and Chair of the AACD Professional Education Committee says “Being surrounded by these amazingly driven individuals who all share a common dedication to excellence in cosmetic dentistry is truly motivating and inspiring. Attending the Welcome Reception is a must for me when I go to AACD scientific sessions. I couldn’t think of a better way to kick off this educational experience.”

For more information or to register for the 35th Annual AACD Scientific Session, visit www.aacdconference.com.

Attendees can save $250 on tuition by registering for AACD 2019 before December 7, 2018.

About the AACD

The AACD is the world’s largest non-profit member organization dedicated to advancing excellence in comprehensive oral care that combines art and science to optimally improve dental health, esthetics, and function. Comprised of more than 5,000 cosmetic dental professionals in 70 countries worldwide, the AACD fulfills its mission by offering superior educational opportunities, promoting and supporting a respected Accreditation credential, serving as a user-friendly and inviting forum for the creative exchange of knowledge and ideas, and providing accurate and useful information to the public and the profession. 

 BIOLASE, Inc. (NASDAQ: BIOL), the global leader in dental lasers, and the Los Angeles Chargers today announced a series of events they will host together with TeamSmile, the nation's premier advocacy group that supports life-changing dental care for underserved children. The first event will take place on Tuesday, November 6 from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at Stub Hub Center where dentists will be on-site to provide free dental services to local children. The event is open to the public.

This is the first event in a program series aimed at bringing advanced dental care to the underserved communities in Southern California by increasing access to and raising awareness about dentistry's most advanced technologies. This follows the announcement of the official partnership between the three groups back in May. The children will receive consultation and preventive care, screenings, radiographs and laser treatments onsite, as needed. Chargers players and cheerleaders will be at the event to greet the children and their families, offering autographs and opportunities for photographs.

"The Chargers are proud to team up with TeamSmile for the fourth straight year to help provide complimentary oral health assessments and treatments to low-income children," said Chargers President of Business Operations A.G. Spanos. "Kids that have no access to dental care will come out and get the care that they need in a fun and non-threatening environment. The event will also educate kids on the importance of dental hygiene and maintaining healthy habits which will have a life-long impact on children's lives."

BIOLASE will also leverage an existing partnership with Healthy Smiles for Kids of Orange County, a leading organization that is improving the oral health of local children in Orange County, for additional resources and support at the event.

"Along with our valued partners, we aim to deliver quality dental care to more members of our community," said Executive Vice President and CFO of BIOLASE John Beaver. "In addition to having a lasting impact on children's dental health, these events will raise awareness around the benefits of less-invasive dental laser procedures."

Details around future events in this series will be announced in the coming months. For more information about the initiative, please visit https://teamsmile.org/

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 220 patented and 95 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 36,200 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.

For updates and information on Waterlase iPlus®, Waterlase Express™, and laser dentistry, find BIOLASE online at www.biolase.com, Facebook at www.facebook.com/biolase, Twitter at www.twitter.com/biolaseinc, LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/biolase, Instagram at www.instagram.com/waterlase_laserdentistry, and YouTube at www.youtube.com/biolasevideos.

BIOLASE®, Waterlase® and Waterlase iPlus® are registered trademarks of BIOLASE, Inc.

Asiga has announced that optimized settings for their 3D printers are now available in 3Shape Implant Studio.  These optimized settings allow for easy workflow integration between 3Shape Implant Studio and Asiga 3D printers.

Dental labs and practices use 3Shape Implant Studio® for prosthetic driven implant planning and surgical guide design. Implant Studio introduces digital accuracy and predictability, while enabling an improved patient experience.

Asiga 3D printers combine their Smart Positioning System (SPS) technology and internal LED sensing to ensure that every layer is formed accurately resulting in a reliable output for quality assurance and patient safety. Asiga 3D printing is accuracy tested and proven. 3D scans of full-arch dental models printed in Asiga DentaMODEL demonstrate over 93% of data points are within 50 microns of the original CAD file with a standard deviation of 31 microns.

Scouts across the nation can now become “heroes” in their communities thanks to America’s ToothFairy and DentaQuest. A generous donation from DentaQuest will allow 2,000 Scouts to earn an “Oral Health Action Hero” Scout Patch at no cost for their participation in America’s ToothFairy’s Health Education and Resource Outreach (HERO) Program.

“We are focused on positive, lasting health changes at the community level,” said Steve Pollock, President and CEO of DentaQuest. “The HERO Scout Patch Program is an excellent way to teach children how to adopt preventive habits, develop an interest and awareness in oral health, and advocate for positive health changes in their neighborhoods. We are proud to incentivize participation in the program with the Scout patches and recognize the important work of these young community heroes.”

This America’s ToothFairy program engages participants in addressing oral health issues unique to their geographical area by conducting research; teaching children, teens, parents and community leaders about the importance of oral health; and promoting positive oral health behaviors in their communities.

Through the program, Scouts choose three oral-health related activities from a list of projects focused on changing perceptions, changing behaviors and changing the environment of children’s oral health. Once the activities are completed and a brief report submitted, Scouts will receive their “Oral Health Action Hero” patch. Examples of smile-saving oral health activities include

-Holding a Smile Drive to collect oral care products for children in need

-Providing a dental health presentation at a local health fair.

-Visiting a dental office to learn how dentists and dental hygienists help patients maintain good oral health.

-Presenting dental health education lessons to younger Scouts

-Conducting healthy food or water demonstrations.

-Planting a Smile Garden.

“Our HERO Program is designed to engage youth in projects that build important leadership skills and encourage healthy behaviors within the community, which aligns nicely with the goals of Scout troops across the nation,” said Jill Malmgren, Executive Director of America’s ToothFairy. “We are happy to call these Scouts true Oral Health Action Heroes for protecting and saving the smiles of children in their communities.”

Since the program began, America’s ToothFairy has awarded more than 25,000 Scout patches to Scouts across the country.

This is the third year of funding from DentaQuest for the Scout patches. Currently, 2,000 Scout patches are available at no cost while supplies last. Interested Scout Troops can learn more at https://www.americastoothfairy.org/programs-resources/hero.

About DentaQuest

DentaQuest (dentaquest.com) is a leading purpose-driven company that is revolutionizing oral health. With 22 million members, benefits administration in 30 states, care delivery practices in five states, partnerships to improve oral health outcomes, and a convener of a national network of oral health advocates from all 50 states, DentaQuest is uniquely positioned to drive economic value through social impact, furthering its ultimate mission to improve the oral health of all. DentaQuest is redefining what prevention means, transforming standards across the industry and expanding access to oral health for all through innovative research and new ways of providing care. Find the latest from DentaQuest at https://whatsnew.DentaQuest.com and follow on Twitter @DentaQuest, Facebook at www.facebook.com/DentaQuest, Instagram @Inside_DentaQuest and LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/DentaQuest.

About America’s ToothFairy

As a resource provider, America’s ToothFairy increases access to oral health care by supporting non-profit clinics and community partners delivering education, prevention, and treatment services for underserved children. Since its inception in 2006, America’s ToothFairy has distributed more than $18 million in donated products, educational materials, and financial grants to improve oral health outcomes for children and youth in need. For more information, visit www.AmericasToothFairy.org. 

Align Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ: ALGN) today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cleared Invisalign treatment with mandibular advancement for commercial availability in the U.S. As previously announced on March 5, 2017, Invisalign treatment with mandibular advancement is the first clear aligner solution for Class II correction in growing tween and teen patients that combines the benefits of the most advanced clear aligner system in the world with features for moving the lower jaw forward while simultaneously aligning the teeth. This new solution for Invisalign doctors offers a simpler, more efficient and patient-friendly treatment option than functional appliances typically used to treat teen Class II patients.

“Class II malocclusion is the largest opportunity in the teen segment, representing close to 45% of the 9 million teen case starts worldwide each year,” said Raphael Pascaud, Align Technology chief marketing officer. “We believe that Invisalign treatment with mandibular advancement offers significant benefits to both doctors and their patients and is an effective alternative for Class II elastics and other traditional functional appliances like twin blocks”.

In Class II treatments, doctors align the teeth and advance the lower jaw to improve the patient’s profile. Invisalign treatment with mandibular advancement is designed to replicate the action of commonly used functional appliances for Class II correction through new “precision wings” which hold the mandible in a forward position, while simultaneously correcting malocclusion and crowding issues. Traditionally, doctors often correct the mandible position and straighten the teeth in separate phases, resulting in a longer overall treatment time.

“I think Invisalign treatment with mandibular advancement targets every deficiency we have with the old functional system,” said Dr. Sam Daher, an orthodontist with practices in Vancouver, British Columbia. “I like the fact that we can start Invisalign treatment early— we don’t have to wait until the adult teeth are in completely. We target kids right at the beginning of the growth spurt, between the ages of 11 and 12. We’re getting excellent results with these kids. I really think it’s because kids are motivated to wear their aligners to get rid of their overbites. The results really are impeccable. From an orthodontist’s point of view, it’s heaven-sent.”

Invisalign treatment with mandibular advancement can replace Class II elastics and functional appliances while offering significant benefits to both the doctor and the patient:

Invisalign treatment with mandibular advancement will be commercially available in the United States on November19, and is currently available in the following countries: Thailand, Malaysia, India, Macao, Singapore, Taiwan, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Japan, Australia, China, Malta, Hungary, Lebanon, Denmark, Ukraine, Latvia, Kuwait, Bulgaria, Guernsey, Luxembourg, Lithuania, Slovenia, Qatar, Morocco, Cyprus, Finland, Israel, United Arab Emirates, Belgium, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Greece, Poland, Portugal, Austria, Switzerland, Netherlands, Ireland, United Kingdom, Italy, Germany, Spain, France, Canada, Uruguay, Panama, Costa Rica, Chile, Colombia, Argentina, Mexico, and Brazil.

About Align Technology, Inc.

Align Technology designs and manufactures the Invisalign® system, the most advanced clear aligner system in the world, and iTero® intraoral scanners and services. Align’s products help dental professionals achieve the clinical results they expect and deliver effective, cutting-edge dental options to their patients. Visit www.aligntech.com for more information.

For additional information about the Invisalign system or to find an Invisalign doctor in your area, please visit www.invisalign.com. For additional information about iTero digital scanning system, please visit www.itero.com.

 Today, at the ISSA Show North America 2018, Clorox Professional Products Company is proud to unveil CloroxPro, a unifying new brand encompassing its industry-leading healthcare and commercial cleaning products. The new brand acknowledges the common challenges and unique needs of the commercial cleaning industry and the importance of cleaner, healthier shared spaces in all our lives.

“Commercial facilities, like schools, offices, gyms, hotels and hospitals all need to maintain clean, pleasant environments and kill germs that can cause illnesses and outbreaks,” said Lynda Lurie, Director – Marketing, CloroxPro. “CloroxPro recognizes the dual imperative of cleaning for aesthetics and cleaning for health and the value that a comprehensive, unified portfolio brings to facilities that need to do both.”

Beginning today, the new CloroxPro brand and tagline, “Where clean means everything,” will come to life in a variety of ways, from a new logo and updated packaging, to today’s launch of the new website, www.CloroxPro.com, and @CloroxPro Twitter handle. The look and feel of advertising campaigns and our presence at trade shows and industry events will also reflect the new unified brand. While our products will not change, some of our cleaning product labels will be updated in phases with the new branding.

Our Commitment to Public Health

Illnesses and outbreaks have always been a risk in communal settings, but in today’s fast-moving, global world, outbreaks anywhere have the potential to threaten health everywhere. The rise of community-associated infections and growing threat posed by antibiotic resistance only heighten this risk and make preventing and controlling the spread of infections within and between facilities an urgent priority.

“In shared spaces, the impacts of illnesses and infections multiply quickly and create ripple effects that are felt at individual, facility and community levels,” explains Lurie. “Every year, the flu alone leads to thousands of illnesses and deaths, millions of missed days of school and work and billions of dollars in lost productive time, but it doesn’t have to.”

Built on more than a century of cleaning and disinfecting expertise, CloroxPro is uniquely positioned to help reduce the burden of illness in the many shared spaces where we come together to work, learn, play, travel, socialize and heal.

CloroxPro offers the industry’s most robust portfolio of professional solutions, including cleaning and odor removal products, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered surface disinfectants for healthcare and commercial settings and advanced ultraviolet (UV) and electrostatic sprayer technology. Its products are trusted by professional sports teams, leading hospitals, and schools and workplaces throughout the country, and contribute to healthier environments every day.

For more information on the new CloroxPro brand and our commitment to public health, visit us at the CloroxPro booth (#3108) at ISSA, online at www.CloroxPro.com, and follow @CloroxPro on Twitter.

About CloroxPro

Building on a century-long legacy in cleaning and disinfecting, CloroxPro offers some of the industry's most recognized and trusted brand names for commercial cleaning, including its Clorox Healthcare products and technologies for healthcare facilities. Whether it is schools, offices, restaurants, hotels, hospitals or other commercial facilities, CloroxPro is committed to meeting the demands of industry professionals. For more information, visit www.CloroxPro.com or follow @CloroxPro on Twitter.

Vista Dental Products will officially launch Phasor™ at the 2018 Greater New York Dental Meeting. This patent-pending device is the first of its kind, using near-infrared technology to rapidly warm composite compules. Warming composite significantly lowers the viscosity of the material, resulting in better adaptation, reduced voids, microleakage, and improved depth of cure.

With the touch of a button, Phasor™ is able to heat composite material to 150°F in under 1 minute, and sustain a constant temperature throughout the entire dental procedure. Materials remain highly sculptable, non-sticky, and easily shaped during manipulation.

Unlike other devices, Phasor™ is not limited to a single brand of composite. This makes the device extremely versatile, not only in quick posterior bulk fills, but in aesthetic regions as well. Improved depth of cure allows for larger incremental layers to be placed, saving valuable time.

Lowered material viscosity also greatly reduces the hand pressure needed to deliver composite material, allowing for faster ergonomic delivery. The lightweight, cordless design maintains the look and feel of a traditional composite delivery gun, making it easy to use for all dental professionals.

Visit Vista Dental Products at GNY, booth #3523, for a demonstration and promotional pricing!

To find out more information, visit vista-dental.com or call 877-418-4782.

With the number of cases of HPV-associated cancers on the rise, the American Dental Association (ADA) has adopted a policy that urges dentists to support the use and administration of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine.

The combined estimate by the American Cancer Society is that there will be more than 50,000 new cases of oral and oropharyngeal cancers in 2018, of which 70 to 80 percent will be attributable to HPV. The HPV vaccine could help prevent the vast majority of the oropharyngeal cases, but compared to other vaccines in the U.S., it is underutilized. According to the ADA Council on Scientific Affairs, the single best predictor of whether a young person or adolescent receives the vaccine is a recommendation from a trusted health care professional.

“There is incontrovertible evidence that this virus is responsible for the sharp uptick in oropharyngeal cancers, especially in younger patients and young adults,” said Paul Eleazer, D.D.S., immediate past chair of the ADA Council on Scientific Affairs. “I’m pleased the ADA is taking action to combat this crisis.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices as well as the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that boys and girls receive the HPV vaccine during adolescence. For adults who did not receive the vaccine in adolescence, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently announced approval for persons ages 27 to 45 to be vaccinated. 

About the ADA

The not-for-profit ADA is the nation's largest dental association, representing 161,000 dentist members. The premier source of oral health information, the ADA has advocated for the public's health and promoted the art and science of dentistry since 1859. The ADA's state-of-the-art research facilities develop and test dental products and materials that have advanced the practice of dentistry and made the patient experience more positive. The ADA Seal of Acceptance long has been a valuable and respected guide to consumer dental care products. The monthly The Journal of the American Dental Association (JADA) is the ADA's flagship publication and the best-read scientific journal in dentistry. For more information about the ADA, visit ADA.org. For more information on oral health, including prevention, care and treatment of dental disease, visit the ADA's consumer website MouthHealthy.org