The American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) announced that Dr. Oded Bahat will be honored with the Master Clinician Award at a ceremony during the AAP's annual conference on Saturday, October 27, 2018. "Oded is, without question, one of the most innovative thinkers of our generation," says Dennis P. Tarnow, DDS, clinical professor and director of implant education at Columbia University's College of Dental Medicine.

The Master Clinician Award is presented to a member who demonstrates consistent clinical excellence and has continuously shared his research with others in the specialty.

Dr. Bahat is a pioneer in dental implantology who championed his findings that, for many people, the jawbone continues to grow throughout your life. This research caused practitioners world-wide to change their approach to implant placement as originally the jawbone & surrounding craniofacial anatomy was considered unchanging after a person matures. Bahat also developed a protocol to take craniofacial growth into account before placing implants that is now widely accepted.

"[Bahat's] ideas and contributions regarding the growth and development of dentition with implant supported restorations have awakened all practitioners," according to Stuart J. Froum, DDS, past president of the AAP.

To learn more about Oded Bahat, visit www.odedbahat.com

To learn more about the AAP's event visit https://www.facebook.com/AmerAcadPerio/ or www.perio.org

Fast, effortless, and portable, the all-new PowerMix™ Automatic VPS Dispenser from CLINICIAN’S CHOICE, delivers perfectly mixed, void-free impression material with the press of a button. Now you can fill a full arch impression tray in 10 seconds or less with PowerMix – no more hand pumping.

Fast & Convenient: Fill a full arch impression tray in 10 seconds—no voids, no hand fatigue.

Lightweight & Portable: The PowerMix (weighing only 2lbs, including full 120mL cartridge) is easily transported between operatories for handheld or stand-delivered tray filling.

Long Battery Life: Fully charged, PowerMix dispenses 8 full 120mL cartridges (up to 24 full arch impressions).

FOR CONVENIENTLY DELIVERED, DETAILED, AND ACCURATE IMPRESSIONS, COMBINE POWERMIX WITH 3RD GENERATION AFFINITY™ IMPRESSION MATERIAL

Clinically proven for ultra-detailed accuracy, AFFINITY Heavy Body is designed with an ideal flow and durometer for accurate full arch tray impressions, while AFFINITY InFlex, an ultra rigid tray material is designed specifically to prevent distortion with the dual-arch technique. Both AFFINITY tray materials are available in 120mL PowerMix cartridges, which are designed to reduce plastic waste and impression material left in the cartridge. Each 120mL PowerMix cartridge is enough for 3 full arch trays or 6-10 quadrant impression trays.

Together, impression taking has never been more efficient or more accurate.

PowerMix Automatic Impression Material Dispenser and AFFINITY 120mL cartridges are distributed exclusively through Henry Schein Dental. 

For more information, contact Clinician’s Choice at 1-800-265-3444 or visit www.clinicianschoice.com

About CLINICIAN'S CHOICE DENTAL PRODUCTS, INC.

For over 20 years, CLINICIAN’S CHOICE DENTAL PRODUCTS INC. has been providing dentists throughout North America with clinically proven products and techniques designed to solve the everyday clinical challenges of their esthetic restorative procedures. The promotion of better dentistry forms the core of the company’s values and is demonstrated by an on-going commitment to the presentation of clinical seminars, workshops, and scientific research studies.

Oral Health America’s (OHA) Gala, held on the eve of the Chicago Dental Society’s Midwinter Meeting, will now be named the Champions for Change Gala to emphasize the organization’s mission and work. Benefitting Oral Health America for 29 years, the Gala will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 20, 2019 at Soldier Field’s iconic United Club — midway between McCormick Place and Chicago’s Loop.

OHA is introducing a new format in a new venue that reflects attendees’ desire for increased networking, an opportunity to learn more about OHA’s programs through visual communications and fresh entertainment. The Champions for Change Gala will offer an elegant but more interactive evening, with an opportunity to reserve tables along with open seating. The program will be shorter and enhanced with a video depicting the work of OHA. Entertainment during the cocktail hour will include the electric violins, which drew rave reviews in 2018, along with a dynamic children’s choir and jazz trio during dinner.

The Champions for Change Gala brings together more than 600 dental and industry professionals and supporters from over 300 companies, dozens of private practices and several other organizations — all to raise money for OHA-supported initiatives throughout the U.S. Funds raised at the Gala are critical for providing services to over 500,000 low-income children as well as education and online resources for more than 350,000 older adults and their family caregivers.

“Our Gala helps shine light on the work OHA does for Americans across the lifespan. The funds raised allow OHA to continue our mission and ensure that oral health is a right, not a privilege,” stated Beth Truett, President and CEO of Oral Health America. “We are excited about the Champions for Change Gala. We’ve spent time talking with past attendees and sponsors and have incorporated their feedback to make the 2019 Gala more fun and more meaningful for our guests and more impactful for OHA.”

OHA will honor Dr. Larry Coffee, founder of the Dental Lifeline Network with the Champion for Change Award for his dedication to bringing together 15,000 dentists to provide sponsored care for over 100,000 adults who are aging, challenged by a developmental disability or needing oral care to qualify for a lifesaving medical procedure. Dr. Coffee started the Dental Lifeline Network in 1974 in response to his sister’s health needs. Always pioneering, more recently he has been instrumental in bringing together nearly 80 mostly medical organizations to advocate for Medicare coverage for adults with a medical necessity.

Oral Health America hopes to see all of its friends, partners and donors on February 20 at the Champions for Change Gala. Visit OHA’s website (oralhealthamerica.org) to learn about OHA’s innovative programs and communications efforts that promote oral health across the lifespan. Take advantage of Early Bird pricing on Gala tables and tickets by visiting oralhealthamerica.org/gala or by contacting Liz Kelly at 312-836-9900 or Liz.Kelly@oha-chi.org.

People with high blood pressure taking medication for their condition are more likely to benefit from the therapy if they have good oral health, according to new research in the American Heart Association's journal Hypertension.

Findings of the analysis, based on a review of medical and dental exam records of more than 3,600 people with high blood pressure, reveal that those with healthier gums have lower blood pressure and responded better to blood pressure-lowering medications, compared with individuals who have gum disease, a condition known as periodontitis. Specifically, people with periodontal disease were 20 percent less likely to reach healthy blood pressure ranges, compared with patients in good oral health.

Considering the findings, the researchers say patients with periodontal disease may warrant closer blood pressure monitoring, while those diagnosed with hypertension, or persistently elevated blood pressure, might benefit from a referral to a dentist.

"Physicians should pay close attention to patients' oral health, particularly those receiving treatment for hypertension, and urge those with signs of periodontal disease to seek dental care," Pietropaoli said. "Likewise, dental health professionals should be aware that oral health is indispensable to overall physiological health, including cardiovascular status," said study lead investigator Davide Pietropaoli, D.D.S., Ph.D., of the University of L'Aquila in Italy.

The target blood pressure range for people with hypertension is less than 130/80 mmHg according to the latest recommendations from the American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology. In the study, patients with severe periodontitis had systolic pressure that was, on average, 3 mmHg higher than those with good oral health. Systolic pressure, the upper number in a blood pressure reading, indicates the pressure of blood against the walls of the arteries. While seemingly small, the 3mmHg difference is similar to the reduction in blood pressure that can be achieved by reducing salt intake by 6 grams per day (equal to a teaspoon of salt, or 2.4 grams of sodium), the researchers said.

The presence of periodontal disease widened the gap even farther, up to 7 mmHg, among people with untreated hypertension, the study found. Blood-pressure medication narrowed the gap, down to 3 mmHg, but did not completely eliminate it, suggesting that periodontal disease may interfere with the effectiveness of blood pressure therapy.

"Patients with high blood pressure and the clinicians who care for them should be aware that good oral health may be just as important in controlling the condition as are several lifestyle interventions known to help control blood pressure, such as a low-salt diet, regular exercise and weight control," Pietropaoli said.

While the study was not designed to clarify exactly how periodontal disease interferes with blood pressure treatment, the researchers say their results are consistent with previous research that links low-grade oral inflammation with blood vessel damage and cardiovascular risk.

Hypertension is estimated to affect up to 40 percent of people over age 25 worldwide.

Untreated or poorly controlled hypertension can lead to heart attacks, strokes and heart failure, as well as kidney disease. Hypertension is estimated to claim 7.5 million lives worldwide.

Red, swollen, tender gums or gums that bleed with brushing and flossing are tell-tale signs of inflammation and periodontal disease. So are teeth that look longer than before, a sign of receding gums, and teeth that are loose or separating from the gum line.

Co-authors on the research included Rita Del Pinto, M.D., PhD candidate; Claudio Ferri, M.D.; Mario Giannoni, M.D., D.D.S.; Eleonora Ortu, D.D.S., Ph.D.; and Annalisa Moaco, D.D.S., M.Sc., of the University of L'Aquila, Italy; and Jackson Wright Jr., M.D., Ph.D., of Case Western Reserve University.

Follow AHA/ASA news on Twitter @HeartNews

Statements and conclusions of study authors published in American Heart Association scientific journals are solely those of the study authors and do not necessarily reflect the association's policy or position. The Association makes no representation or guarantee as to their accuracy or reliability. The Association receives funding primarily from individuals. Foundations and corporations (including pharmaceutical, device manufacturers and other companies) also make donations and fund specific association programs and events. The Association has strict policies to prevent these relationships from influencing the science content. Revenues from pharmaceutical and device corporations and health insurance providers are available at https://www.heart.org/en/about-us/aha-financial-information.

About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is devoted to saving people from heart disease and stroke - the two leading causes of death in the world. We team with millions of volunteers to fund innovative research, fight for stronger public health policies and provide lifesaving tools and information to prevent and treat these diseases. The Dallas-based association is the nation's oldest and largest voluntary organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke. To learn more or to get involved, call 1-800-AHA-USA1, visit heart.org or call any of our offices around the country. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Dr. Chad P. Gehani, D.D.S., an endodontist from Queens, New York, is the new president-elect of the American Dental Association (ADA). Dr. Gehani was recently elected during a meeting of the ADA House of Delegates in Honolulu. He will assume the role of president of the ADA in September 2019, when he will lead the 161,000-member organization that is America’s leading advocate for oral health.

Since 2014, Dr. Gehani has served as the Second District trustee to the ADA Board of Trustees, and was a delegate in the House of Delegates from 2000-2014. Dr. Gehani was previously the president of the New York State Dental Association and the Queens County Dental Society.

Over the course of his career, Dr. Gehani has earned a number of fellowships from prominent organizations, including the International College of Dentists, American College of Dentists and the Pierre Fauchard Academy. In addition to the ADA, Dr. Gehani is a member of the American Association of Endodontists and the Indian Dental Association (USA). Dr. Gehani has received several awards, including the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, which recognizes Americans who dedicate their lives to community service, from the Ellis Island Honor Society, and the Distinguished Service Award from The Pierre Fauchard Academy, New York Section, in 2008.

Dr. Gehani graduated from the University of Mumbai (India) and from the Columbia University College of Dental Medicine. He practices in Queens, New York, where he lives with his wife Rekha, who is also a dentist. Two of their three children are dentists and the other is a physician.

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 

The 2018 Annual Session of the American College of Prosthodontists (ACP) is taking place in Baltimore from Oct. 31 to Nov. 3. The premiere prosthodontic meeting of the year will draw around 1,000 specialists in advanced dentistry, including educators, private practitioners, and industry leaders.

"We are thrilled to bring our meeting to a city with such historical significance in dentistry. Baltimore has been on the cutting edge of oral health, with the first ever dental college opening in the city in 1840," said ACP President Robert M. Taft, DDS, FACP. "The prosthodontic specialty is fueled by that same pioneering spirit, making this a perfect fit for the ACP's 48th Annual Session."

Led by program chair Radi Masri, DDS, MS, PhD, FACP, and ACP President Dr. Robert M. Taft, this year's Annual Session is focused on innovative applications in prosthodontics. Speakers will describe the latest advances in dental implants, facial reconstruction, and bone augmentation, all with the goal of improving patient care.

"The dental specialists that attend the meeting will learn the newest evidence-based techniques, technologies, and treatments that they can apply in patient treatment," said Dr. Masri. "Ultimately, it is the patient who benefits, because they will be receiving the best treatment possible."

A prosthodontist is a dental specialist focused on the restoration and replacement of missing or damaged teeth, and other oral or facial issues. They work to restore optimum appearance and function to your smile through treatments like implants, dentures and veneers, all the way to full mouth and jaw reconstructions.

To learn more about the event, and the dental specialists attending, visit ACP48.com.

About the ACP

The American College of Prosthodontists (ACP) is the only ADA recognized organization for the specialty of prosthodontics. The ACP is dedicated to advancing the art and science of prosthodontics and promoting the specialty to the public and dental professionals. For more information, consumers can visit GoToAPro.org and dental professionals can visit Prosthodontics.org.  

DenMat Holdings, LLC ("DenMat") announces the launch of the newly redesigned DenMat.com. The website provides DenMat customers with a new digital platform capable of delivering the online services demanded by modern dental practices. The flexible platform will expand and grow as required by the rapid pace of change in dental practice technology and techniques. The website is mobile friendly, easy to use and available 24/7 to order products, track a case in the Lab, or register for a CE course.

"After several acquisitions over the last few years, our website needed a new look and feel. We spent the better part of a year developing what is now a truly great digital platform for all of our customers around the world. The new DenMat.com is intended to provide dental practices with a unique mix of relevant product information, laboratory case management tools and an e-commerce platform that is extremely intuitive," says Kevin Keithley, DenMat's Director of Digital Marketing.

"DenMat employs an experienced team dedicated to providing practical solutions that drive practice growth and encourage case acceptance. The new website provides a channel to help us deliver those solutions directly to our customers at any time of day and on any digital device."

Visit the new DenMat.com to see for yourself how easy it is to work with DenMat. Partner with DenMat and see how our educational, product and laboratory services combine to create a comprehensive practice-building solution.

About DenMat:

Since 1974, DenMat has been a leader in high-quality dental products for dental professionals in more than 72 countries around the world. DenMat makes and assembles most of its products at its world headquarters on the Central Coast of California. DenMat offers three main product categories: Consumables, Small Equipment, and a full-service Dental Laboratory. DenMat's consumables include brands that are known and trusted, including Geristore®, Core Paste®, Tenure®, Ultra-Bond®, Infinity®, SplashMax®, Precision®, Perfectemp®, Atridox® and LumiSmile White®. DenMat's small equipment offering includes a broad range of products, including NV® PRO3 and SOL® soft-tissue diode lasers, the Rotadent® power toothbrush, PeriOptix® magnification loupes and lights, Flashlite® curing lights, Vizilite® and Vizilite® Pro for oral lesion screening, and a full line of high-quality Hartzell hand instruments. DenMat is also home to Lumineers®, the world's #1 patient-requested thin veneer, and Snap-On Smile®, the life-changing removable appliance.

The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) has designed this year’s scientific session to optimize attendees’ time and money and give them the biggest bang for their CE buck on April 24–27, 2019, at the San Diego Convention Center.

Exciting changes include:

• An adjusted lecture schedule to maximize attendees’ time in and out of the classroom. Thursday’s AACD headlining educator Stephen Chu, DMD, CDT and Friday’s Rapid-Fire Educators—"No Prep to Prep” sessions will run from 9:00 am–2:00 pm with a break for visiting the restrooms and refueling. After learning from world-class educators, attendees will have their afternoons free to shop in the exhibit hall, explore San Diego, or catch up with friends and colleagues.  

• An Accreditation Super Session to prepare or keep attendees on track for their Accreditation journey. The AACD’s top Accredited and Accredited Fellow Members will deliver 50-minute lectures covering each of the five Accreditation case types on Thursday from 9:00 am – 2:00 pm. After learning about the five case types AACD Members need to submit and pass, they will have their afternoon free to shop in the exhibit hall, explore San Diego, or even study for the Accreditation Written Examination.

• More options on day one to give attendees even more value for their CE dollar. Wednesday’s educational offerings have been expanded to include practice transition courses, a dental team course, and a special course for Accredited and Accredited Fellow Members and a guest. The transition courses will be invaluable for any attendee looking to buy or sell a practice or even expand a current practice. While dentists are attending Accreditation or transition courses, their dental team can be earning CE as well in a course entitled “Generational Diversity: Adaptation Strategies” by Lisa Philp. And, for the first time, the AACD is offering a special course for Accredited and Accredited Fellow members and a guest. The course is entitled “The Bio-Emulation Approach: A Histo-anatomic Based Technique for Direct Restorations,” by Javier Tapia Guadix, DDS.

• Even more education delivered virtually, after the event. AACD Member presenters will be recording additional courses onsite at AACD 2019 that will be accessible on the AACD Virtual Campus after the event.   

Plus, these exciting additions to the AACD 2019 Exhibit Hall:

• The Splash Zone, featuring digital technology to enhance attendees’ practices. Representatives from Ivoclar, Carestream, and Esthetic Professionals, among others, will be available so attendees can try out their oral scanners and other technology before deciding what systems and products are best for their practice.

• Contour Cove, featuring polishing systems from Clinician’s Choice, 3M, Ivoclar, and Cosmedent, among others. Attendees will be able to test each company’s points and discs to determine which finishing and polishing products they take a shining to, all in a hip hangout spot.

• AACD Fashion Shows, featuring the hottest uniform fashions modeled by cosmetic dentistry’s coolest. Attendees will get to see movers and shakers in dentistry strut down the catwalk during lunches in the exhibit hall. 

Nathaniel Hill, DDS and Chair of the AACD Professional Education Committee explained, “We wanted to make changes that improved the overall conference experience while still maintaining the exceptional level of education attendees expect from the AACD. We think the adjusted schedule and additional perks will do just that.”

Attendees can save $250 on tuition by registering for AACD 2019 before December 7, 2018. For more information or to register for the 35th Annual AACD Scientific Session, visit www.aacdconference.com.

In January 2018, two Chinese TV channels launched a new evening program called Mr. Right, featuring famous Chinese actors. In its 45 episodes, Mr. Right describes the life of a Beijing dentist – including Dentsply Sirona’s Intego treatment center as the heart of the stage set. “We are very proud that the Intego treatment center has literally taken a lead role in the Mr. Right TV show. We have received overwhelming response from the market – from dentists as well as from patients. After the successful season ending of the TV series, we started our own Intego/Mr. Right campaign in the form of online votes and Mr. Right certificates. In addition, we have launched a limited edition of 100 Mr. Right Intego treatment centers,” summarizes Joshua Lin, Marketing Communication Manager at Dentsply Sirona China.

Successful online campaign and quality certificates

As part of the campaign, Dentsply Sirona invited dental clinics around China to participate in an online photo competition. Almost 170 clinics sent in photos that resemble selected scenes of the Mr. Right TV show. In return for their participation, they received a certificate to be placed at the reception area informing patients that the clinic uses equipment featured in the TV show Mr. Right. Through an online voting campaign, the top 5 clinics (more than 1,000 votes respectively) were awarded.

The campaign’s highlight: 100 Mr. Right Intego treatment centers

As the culmination of its successful Mr. Right campaign, Dentsply Sirona China has also launched a limited edition of 100 Mr. Right Intego treatment centers. The Hope Dental Clinic purchased the first Mr. Right Intego directly at the Sino Dental Show in Beijing (June 9^th to 12^th, 2018), where it has celebrated its premiere. “This campaign supported us in promoting our equipment to the patients. Thanks to Mr. Right and its leading role, the audience learned how high-quality dental equipment can influence the clinical outcome,” says Dr. Xi, Hope Dental Clinic in Tianjin.