At the 2018 Annual Scientific Meeting of the European Association for Osseointegration, held in Vienna, Austria, October 11–13, Nobel Biocare announced the next step in its digital workflow with a new option for same-day guided surgery made possible by DTX Studio Implant and the X-Guide dental navigation system. In addition, the company introduced creos mucogain, a resorbable collagen matrix for soft-tissue regeneration, as well as NobelPro Line which highlights the possibilities of Nobel Biocare’s comprehensive range of edentulous treatment solutions.

DTX Studio Implant empowers X-Guide™

With X-Guide, clinicians have a new treatment option for same-day surgery available now that DTX Studio Implant empowers this innovative system for dynamic 3D navigation. With the official launch for European markets at EAO in Vienna, treatment plans from DTX Studio Implant (formerly NobelClinician) can be instantly delivered to the patient, providing a workflow for diagnostics, implant planning and dynamically navigated implant surgeries, even during emergency interventions where computer-assisted surgeries until now could not be fully applied.

With DTX Studio Implant and X-Guide, clinicians can achieve high precision shorter time-to-teeth treatments including screw-retained provisionalization with full three-dimensional control of their implant site preparation and dynamically monitored implant insertion. The procedure only takes minutes from the CBCT scanning to the start of the surgery. Similar to a GPS in a car, X-Guide provides stable, lag-free real-time 3D intraoral guidance of the drill and implant position in relation to patient anatomy.

X-Guide is manufactured by X-Nav, a North America-based innovator in dental 3D navigation who has exclusively partnered with Nobel Biocare.

creos™ mucogain: The natural alternative to autologous soft-tissue grafts

Extending Nobel Biocare’s range of solutions for guided bone regeneration and guided tissue regeneration, the new creos mucogain resorbable collagen matrix is intended be used as an alternative for autologous soft-tissue grafts in various soft-tissue indications such as soft-tissue volume augmentation and root coverage in submerged healing.* Composed of highly purified porcine collagen and elastin fibers, it features an open interconnecting porous structure designed to promote soft-tissue regeneration through the migration of cells and blood vessels into the matrix.^1,2

The matrix offers high stress resistance and suture retention2 that is sufficient for the tunneling technique.3 Thanks to a “memory effect”, it retains its initial volume when hydrated.2 Available in different sizes (15x20 mm and 25x30 mm) as well as thicknesses (3 and 5 mm) creos mucogain also offers excellent handling as it can be used directly out of the packaging and trimmed to precisely fit the surgical site.³

Mastering the extreme with NobelPro Line™

Highlighting its comprehensive range of edentulous treatment solutions, Nobel Biocare is further positioning its leading implants dedicated to extreme and complex cases under the brand NobelPro Line. The portfolio showcases the benefits of Immediate Function along with the latest advancements in minimally-invasive care. With an assortment of clinically successful and proven treatment options, ranging from NobelSpeedy to NobelZygoma, clinicians can take the All-on-4® treatment concept to new heights and treat even the most challenging maxillary cases with moderate up to severe resorption.¨

For advanced clinicians who want to take the next step with NobelPro Line, Nobel Biocare will be offering tailored training in addition to existing courses dedicated to enhancing their skills in edentulous treatment. More details will become available in 2019.

More information on DTX Studio Implant, X-Guide, creos mucogain and NobelPro Line is available at www.nobelbiocare.com/eao.

Hans Geiselhöringer, President of Nobel Biocare said: “At Nobel Biocare we take great pride in bringing cutting-edge technology and solutions to clinicians worldwide. With the addition of dynamic navigation to our digital workflow, we look forward to helping more clinicians leverage the latest in implant treatment technology. Together with forward-looking regenerative solutions like creos mucogain as well as NobelPro Line for extreme edentulous indications, we now have better treatment options available to provide patients Immediate Function and excellent esthetics.”

References

1. Boekema B, et al. J Mater Sci Mater Med 2014;25(2):423–433.

2, Olde Damink, L, Heschel, I, Leemhuis, H, et al. Soft tissue volume augmentation in the oral cavity with a collagen-based 3D matrix with orientated open pore structure. Current Directions in Biomedical Engineering 2018; 4(1): 237 – 241.

3. Wessing B, Vasilic N. Clin Oral Implants Res 2014;25(s10):342. [poster presentation]

At the 2018 Annual Scientific Meeting of the European Association for Osseointegration, held in Vienna, Austria, October 11–13, Nobel Biocare announced the next step in its digital workflow with a new option for same-day guided surgery made possible by DTX Studio Implant and the X-Guide dental navigation system. In addition, the company introduced creos mucogain, a resorbable collagen matrix for soft-tissue regeneration, as well as NobelPro Line which highlights the possibilities of Nobel Biocare’s comprehensive range of edentulous treatment solutions.

DTX Studio Implant empowers X-Guide™

With X-Guide, clinicians have a new treatment option for same-day surgery available now that DTX Studio Implant empowers this innovative system for dynamic 3D navigation. With the official launch for European markets at EAO in Vienna, treatment plans from DTX Studio Implant (formerly NobelClinician) can be instantly delivered to the patient, providing a workflow for diagnostics, implant planning and dynamically navigated implant surgeries, even during emergency interventions where computer-assisted surgeries until now could not be fully applied.

With DTX Studio Implant and X-Guide, clinicians can achieve high precision shorter time-to-teeth treatments including screw-retained provisionalization with full three-dimensional control of their implant site preparation and dynamically monitored implant insertion. The procedure only takes minutes from the CBCT scanning to the start of the surgery. Similar to a GPS in a car, X-Guide provides stable, lag-free real-time 3D intraoral guidance of the drill and implant position in relation to patient anatomy.

X-Guide is manufactured by X-Nav, a North America-based innovator in dental 3D navigation who has exclusively partnered with Nobel Biocare.

creos™ mucogain: The natural alternative to autologous soft-tissue grafts

Extending Nobel Biocare’s range of solutions for guided bone regeneration and guided tissue regeneration, the new creos mucogain resorbable collagen matrix is intended be used as an alternative for autologous soft-tissue grafts in various soft-tissue indications such as soft-tissue volume augmentation and root coverage in submerged healing.* Composed of highly purified porcine collagen and elastin fibers, it features an open interconnecting porous structure designed to promote soft-tissue regeneration through the migration of cells and blood vessels into the matrix.^1,2

The matrix offers high stress resistance and suture retention2 that is sufficient for the tunneling technique.3 Thanks to a “memory effect”, it retains its initial volume when hydrated.2 Available in different sizes (15x20 mm and 25x30 mm) as well as thicknesses (3 and 5 mm) creos mucogain also offers excellent handling as it can be used directly out of the packaging and trimmed to precisely fit the surgical site.³

Mastering the extreme with NobelPro Line™

Highlighting its comprehensive range of edentulous treatment solutions, Nobel Biocare is further positioning its leading implants dedicated to extreme and complex cases under the brand NobelPro Line. The portfolio showcases the benefits of Immediate Function along with the latest advancements in minimally-invasive care. With an assortment of clinically successful and proven treatment options, ranging from NobelSpeedy to NobelZygoma, clinicians can take the All-on-4® treatment concept to new heights and treat even the most challenging maxillary cases with moderate up to severe resorption.¨

For advanced clinicians who want to take the next step with NobelPro Line, Nobel Biocare will be offering tailored training in addition to existing courses dedicated to enhancing their skills in edentulous treatment. More details will become available in 2019.

More information on DTX Studio Implant, X-Guide, creos mucogain and NobelPro Line is available at www.nobelbiocare.com/eao.

Hans Geiselhöringer, President of Nobel Biocare said: “At Nobel Biocare we take great pride in bringing cutting-edge technology and solutions to clinicians worldwide. With the addition of dynamic navigation to our digital workflow, we look forward to helping more clinicians leverage the latest in implant treatment technology. Together with forward-looking regenerative solutions like creos mucogain as well as NobelPro Line for extreme edentulous indications, we now have better treatment options available to provide patients Immediate Function and excellent esthetics.”

References

1. Boekema B, et al. J Mater Sci Mater Med 2014;25(2):423–433.

2, Olde Damink, L, Heschel, I, Leemhuis, H, et al. Soft tissue volume augmentation in the oral cavity with a collagen-based 3D matrix with orientated open pore structure. Current Directions in Biomedical Engineering 2018; 4(1): 237 – 241.

3. Wessing B, Vasilic N. Clin Oral Implants Res 2014;25(s10):342. [poster presentation]

Access to oral health care continues to be a challenge for millions of children and adults, with some never having seen a dentist. Delta Dental is committed to addressing this critical need across the United States. The not-for-profit national association of the Delta Dental companies reports that its member companies donated more than $61 million in direct and in-kind community outreach in 2017, helping over 10.2 million individuals nationwide.

"The Delta Dental member companies' actionable investments in communities across the nation demonstrate their genuine commitment to improving lives, one smile at a time," said Steven R. Olson, president and CEO of Delta Dental Plans Association. "As community partners, the Delta Dental companies continuously evaluate where and how they can create meaningful outcomes that can have a lasting, positive effect on oral health and overall health."

So how are Delta Dental's philanthropic contributions making a difference? By supporting 1,425 programs across the country last year, the Delta Dental companies increased access to oral health care through direct programming and financial support of dental workforce education; provided treatment to at-risk children and adults; and expanded oral health awareness, education and wellness.

Oral health education as a priority

Outreach for oral health education programs backed by the Delta Dental member companies in 2017 exceeded 4.3 million persons. An example is the continuation of the Land of Smiles® educational touring program supported by Delta Dental of Missouri. Since 2002, more than 900,000 children have learned about the importance of good oral health, with the help of Delta Dental's Tooth WizardSM, Tooth Fairy, and PlaqueManSM characters. Learn more here about how elementary school-aged children have been engaged during more than 4,500 performances of the Land of Smiles tour across the Show Me State.

Another oral health education endeavor includes the Cavity Free Kids curriculum (developed by Delta Dental of Washington's foundation), which teaches early learning (Head Start, child care, home visiting) providers about what causes tooth decay and how to work with families to prevent oral disease and promote good health. The curriculum is recommended by Head Start's National Center on Early Childhood Health and Wellness, and Cavity Free Kids trainings have been delivered in 19 states.

Additional oral health education examples follow: Delta Dental of Arkansas leveraged Captain Supertooth and the Tooth Fairy at a National Education Association's Read Across America Day event to discuss how to keep teeth happy, healthy and clean; the Delta Dental Foundation collaborated with Girl Scout troops in Michigan, Ohio and Indiana on the Smile Squad oral health patch program; and Delta Dental of Illinois offered the Teeth-on-the-GoSM bookbag program to instruct kindergarten through 2nd grade-aged students about good dental care.

"We understand how a healthy smile changes a life — a smile can boost confidence, express feeling, help get a job, and tell a story," said Dr. Joe Dill, DDS, MBA, Delta Dental Plans Association's vice president of dental science and network strategy. "Establishing positive oral hygiene habits at a young age is critical to laying the foundation for good oral health. Delta Dental's oral health education programs are designed to be informative and engaging, making them ideal for helping brushers and flossers in training establish good habits for a lifetime."

The Children's Oral Health Survey shows that children who brush as often as they should are more likely than those who don't (67 percent versus 60 percent) to take pride in their smile. The "smile pride" gap improves with flossing to 79 percent versus 63 percent.

In addition, the Delta Dental survey reveals that children who brush their teeth two or more times a day are more likely than those who brush less often to be proud of their personal success (68 percent versus 48 percent), performance in school (66 percent versus 47 percent), and good eating habits (45 percent versus 32 percent).

Establishing roots in dental prevention

Helping to prevent oral health problems, before they occur, is at the heart of many of Delta Dental's community benefits efforts. In 2017, more than 4.2 million individuals were served by the Delta Dental companies' dental prevention initiatives, including community water fluoridation, school sealant programs, and screenings. As an example, Delta Dental of Wisconsin supports one of the most comprehensive school-based sealant programs in the country in partnership with the state of Wisconsin and Children's Health Alliance of Wisconsin. The Seal-A-Smile program helps to reduce the incidence of caries and other oral health problems among school-aged children in vulnerable segments of the population. In addition, Delta Dental of Iowa sponsored the "Rethink Your Drink" program to install water bottle filling stations at numerous schools in Iowa to update or replace existing water fountains.

Treating dental needs of at-risk Americans

Through the Delta Dental member companies' community outreach, more than 1.3 million at-risk children and adults received treatments for dental diseases and cavities. One example of assistance is the continuation of a successful, multimillion-dollar mobile dental program offered by Delta Dental of South Dakota. Two fully staffed mobile dental clinic trucks tour communities statewide on average 40 weeks per year to address the oral health needs of underserved children. Click here to view more about the mobile dental program. Another illustration of assistance is support in 2017 from Delta Dental of Minnesota Foundation, which expanded access to care for more than 130,000 Minnesotans in need through increased capacity at safety net dental clinics around the state. Delta Dental of Minnesota Foundation made grants to more than a dozen not-for-profit clinics in 2017 and had another 10 active grants from prior years focused on access to care.

Addressing other local-level needs

More than 330,000 people benefited from the Delta Dental companies' support of oral health research, dental workforce education, dental sponsorships, and non-health-related aid, including helping with relief efforts for natural disasters. As an example of a dental sponsorship, Delta Dental of Arizona hit it out of the ballpark with its participation in the No Chew Crew anti-smokeless tobacco program, in partnership with the Arizona Diamondbacks baseball team.

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 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. In 2017, the Delta Dental companies provided more than $61 million in direct and in-kind community outreach support to improve the oral health of adults, children and infants in local communities across the country. For more information, visit: deltadental.com. 

Amann Girrbach has announced the appointment of Joseph Virgilio as the new President of the North America business. Joe joined Amann Girrbach on October 1, 2018, and will be based in the offices of the AG affiliate in Charlotte, North Carolina. Joe has spent many years in the medical device industry in the US and has pursued a successful career at companies such as Aptus Endosystems, Medtronic, and Boston Scientific. 

Joe succeeds Georg Eickhoff after three and a half years in this role. Georg will be returning to his native Austria to lead the global business development group at the AG headquarters in Koblach. Under Georg’s leadership, the business more than doubled in size by working closely with distribution partners to establish Amann Girrbach as the leading lab CAD/CAM supplier to customers in the region. 

The North American market has increasingly become a key area of focus for Amann Girrbach and will continue to attract investment in building business relationships with customers here. Georg, Joe, and the rest of the Amann Girrbach Team will work closely together over the next few months to ensure a smooth transition of leadership. 

GDC Holdings, Inc., which owns National Dentex Labs (NDX), has announced it has acquired Trident Dental Laboratories, headquartered in Hawthorne, California. While NDX and Trident will continue to operate independently, their combined offerings, at a variety of price points, provide superior restorative dentistry options and further advance NDX’s leadership position in the dental lab industry.

With a 30-year history as a proven full-service manufacturer and distributor of dental prosthetics, Trident’s established national distribution channels expand the reach of NDX’s network of more than 30 dental labs across the US, mostly serving local markets.

“We’re committed to maintaining our focus on top quality dental restorations while leveraging the strengths of both Trident and NDX to grow our business and enhance our offerings,” said Tom Daulton, CEO of GDC Holdings. “With an expanded portfolio we can deliver a broader range of options to dentists and patients in all corners of the United States and better meet the demands of a rapidly changing marketplace.”

With continued investment in digital technologies as well as the corresponding customer care and service capabilities, NDX, along with Trident, advances its position as a leader in digital dentistry. A commitment to using only best-in-class technology means more options and offerings that are cost-effective for dentists yet deliver the best treatment outcomes for patients.

“Over the last 30 years, Trident has built one of the most progressive dental labs with an international platform second-to-none,” said Laurence Fishman, founder and owner, who will continue on as Trident’s president. “We have continuously remained at the forefront of innovation. Together with NDX, our integrated capabilities are unparalleled as we advance our leadership and shape the future of the dental lab industry.”

With a combined team of nearly 3,500 professional and technical employees, the dental labs of GDC Holdings specialize in superior-quality crowns, bridges, dentures, dental implants, appliances, and orthodontics, as well as headache and sleep therapy products. NDX will maintain its headquarters in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, while Trident will continue to operate out of its Hawthorne, California facility.

When patients lose some organ function due to disease or injury, it would be ideal to simply regrow the lost organ. But this is difficult—organogenesis is a complex and tightly regulated process that involves special stem cells that are fated to become specific tissues. However, with the exception of some organs such as hair follicles, those precursor cells are only present during early development.

The alternative is to use embryonic stem cells or induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells—which have the ability to transform into many types of cell to create what is called an organoid—a simplified three-dimensional tissue that resembles the structure of a real organ. Growing functional organoids in the laboratory would enable patients with failing organs to recover at least some of the functions that the original organs had.

For the present study, published in Nature Communications, the researchers, led by Professor Kenji Mishima of Showa University and Takashi Tsuji of RIKEN BDR, took on the challenge of recreating salivary gland tissue. Salivary glands are important for digesting starch and for facilitating swallowing, but can be damaged by an autoimmune condition known as Sjogren’s syndrome or by radiation therapy for cancer. 

These glands develop from an early structure called the oral ectoderm, but the actual process is not fully understood. It is known that organ development takes place through a complex process of chemical signaling and changes in gene expression, so the scientists began to unravel what the important changes were. They identified two transcription factors—Sox9 and Foxc1–as being key to the differentiation of stem cells into salivary gland tissue, and also identified a pair of signaling chemicals—FGF7 and FGF10–which induced cells expressing those transcription factors to differentiate into salivary gland tissue.

They then took on the challenge of creating an organoid. First, they used a cocktail of chemicals that allowed the formation of the oral ectoderm. They used this cocktail to induce the embryonic stem cells to form the ectoderm, and then used viral vectors to get the cells to express both Sox9 and Foxc1. Adding the two chemicals to the mix induced the cells to form tissue that genetic analysis revealed was very similar to actual developing salivary glands in the embryo.

The final step was to see if the organoid would actually function in a real animal. They implanted the organoids into actual mice without saliva glands and tested them by feeding them citric acid. When the organoids were transplanted along with mesenchymal tissue—another embryonic tissue that is important as it forms the connecting tissue that allows the glands to attach to other tissues—the implanted tissues were found to be properly connected to the nerve tissue, and in response to the stimulation secreted a substance that was remarkably similar to real saliva.

According to Kenji Mishima of Showa University, whose lab conducted the mouse experiments, “It was incredibly exciting to see that the tissues we created actually functioned in a living animal. This is an important proof of concept that organoids are a valid alternative to actual organs.”

According to Takashi Tsuji of the RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, who has worked on a variety of tissues such as hair and skin, “We continue to work to develop functional tissues to replace the functions of various organs, and we hope that these experiments will soon find their way into the clinic and help patients suffering from a variety of disorders.”

The CS 9600 cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) system is a highly intelligent piece of technology designed with oral surgeons and implantologists in mind. Intuitive features give the five-in-one system the capability to deliver exceptional image quality for more precise diagnoses, while maintaining ease-of-use and patient comfort.

This advanced system combines 2D panoramic technology, CBCT imaging, 3D model/impression scanning1 and 3D facial scanning,2 along with optional cephalometric imaging,2 to meet every clinical need. Up to 14 fields of view, including FOVs ideal for examining the maxillofacial region, TMJ and the sinus, lets doctors see the whole picture, from a single tooth to the tip of the nose. Three different editions of the CS 9600—up to 12 cm by 10 cm FOV, up to 16 cm x 10 cm and up to 16 cm x 17 cm—ensure that the system covers all of an oral surgeons’ imaging needs, from the routine, such as implant planning and third molar extraction, to advanced, including trauma or orthognathic surgery.

The key to the CS 9600’s exceptional image quality are smart features that aid with patient positioning, which contribute to repeatability and lead “first-time-right” results. The SmartPad, an integrated touchscreen, walks users through the positioning process, provides pre-set programs to minimize the risk for errors and lets the operator check the images immediately after the scan using quality control tools. The CS 9600 is also the first unit that records the parameters for each patient examination, so the system can be primed and ready for each individual patient before they even enter the room for a follow-up exam.

“The way to capture high-quality images is to capture them correctly the first time, no matter who’s operating the system” Ed Shellard, D.M.D., chief dental officer, Carestream Dental, said. “The CS 9600’s smart technology does this is by using cameras instead of laser beams to guide patient positioning and give the operator live feedback. For example, during a 3D exam a FOV target is superimposed on the patient’s face—which is displayed on the SmartPad—so users can visualize and adjust the position.”

SmartAuto technology aids positioning even further: SmartAuto Pan3 automatically calculates the correct exposure settings based on the patient’s jaw shape and size and SmartAuto 3D3 lets users precisely define the field of view position on a low dose scout view. The system is so intuitive, it can even detect when the wrong accessory is inserted and recommends the appropriate one based on the procedure.

"My staff have to do fewer retakes with the CS 9600,” Matthew Nichols, D.D.S., Matthew Nichols, D.D.S., Oral and Facial Surgery, said. “The cameras give them a picture of exactly the area they’re about to scan. If they’re still not sure they can take a scout image to know exactly what they’re getting. It also aids with patient alignment.”

Once the image is captured, exclusive algorithms enhance the doctor’s diagnosis. CS MAR3 technology reduces the scatter caused by metal artifacts which can cause misinterpretation and gives doctors more confidence by being able to dynamically compare images with or without the filter applied.

Of course, the CS 9600 also addresses patient safety concerns and strictly adheres to the ALARA (as low as reasonably achievable) principle. It’s able to do so thanks to a 120 kV high power generator that allows clinicians to acquire images at lower dose to the patient as compared to standard 90 kV acquisition while also enhancing image quality. In addition to patient safety, the CS 9600 has patient comfort covered, too: An integrated retractable seat3 allows patients to sit for added stability. The seat can also be rotated out of the way when not in use or to accommodate patients in wheelchairs.

It’s true that any system is only as useful as the software that powers it, and the CS 9600 is no exception. For added confidence when planning and placing implants, the CS 9600 is compatible with the Prosthetic-Driven Implant Planning module, and the CS Airway module, CS Model software and CS Model+ software can also be integrated with the system to take diagnoses and treatment planning capabilities even further. The CS 9600 is also fully integrated with Carestream Dental’s CS WinOMS practice management software.

To protect doctors’ investment, Carestream Dental’s CS Advantage comprehensive service offering is available for the CS 9600. A new option currently exclusive to the CS 9600, CS UpStream, continuously screens the system, monitoring its historical behavior to prevent downtime and maximize system availability. CS Advantage members also get extended warranty coverage, software updates, training and support to ensure the best ownership experience.

To get even more up close and personal with the CS 9600, Carestream Dental invites doctors to take a closer look at a reception at the Chicago Sports Museum, Thursday, Oct. 11, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Register to attend at carestreamdental.com/9600launch. Of course, AAOMS attendees are also welcome to visit Carestream Dental in booth #1211.

To learn more about any of Carestream Dental’s innovative technology, call 800.944.6365 or visit carestreamdental.com.  

Oral surgeons will be among the first dental professionals to experience the new Planmeca Viso™, which debuts at the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons meeting in Chicago this week. Attendees can view Planmeca’s latest entry in digital technology at booth 1829.

The new Planmeca Viso imaging system, which includes 2D, 3D, and optional cephalometric modalities, offers improved patient positioning, simpler field-of-view adjustments, excellent image quality, and intelligent patient movement correction.

Planmeca Viso is designed to capture outstanding images at a low patient dose With high image quality, exceptional durability, and standard Planmeca Ultra Low Dose™ imaging, Planmeca Viso introduces a more efficient imaging workflow, innovative live video patient positioning, and intelligent field-of-view adjustments. With a large 25x30 cm flat panel sensor, Planmeca Viso can capture the industry’s largest single scans volume covering the entire maxillofacial area.

Patient positioning is now done directly from the system’s control panel utilizing integrated cameras and a live video view. The operator can see the patient live from the control panel screen for flexible and exact positioning. This innovation also allows users to do field-of-view adjustments directly from the live control panel view with the touch of a fingertip.

Another feature for Planmeca Viso is Planmeca CALM™ (Correction Algorithm for Latent Movement) which analyzes and compensates for slight movements during a scan to provide improved diagnostic images and virtually eliminate retakes. Planmeca Viso’s new imaging arm design also provides increased patient space and shorter acquisition times.

Additionally, the system introduces a new way of capturing three-dimensional Planmeca ProFace® facial photos. Equipped with a new upper and lower head support and four integrated cameras aimed at the patient from different directions, Planmeca ProFace covers a larger area than before with enhanced image quality.

“When we started this project, our goal was to create a CBCT system that would offer a fluent workflow and adaptability for different patient sizes and indications – not to mention uncompromised image quality even at the lowest doses,” states Timo Müller, Vice President of Planmeca’s X-ray division. “I am happy to say that we have exceeded this goal.”

Planmeca Viso paves the way for the launch of Planmeca 4D™ Jaw Motion. This new Planmeca-exclusive technology is the only CBCT integrated solution for tracking, recording, visualizing, and analyzing jaw movement in 3D. It offers incomparable visualization and measurement data of mandibular 3D movements in real-time – creating a fourth dimension in diagnostics.

The first deliveries of Planmeca Viso have already been completed to some of the largest European markets and the new system has received an excellent reception. The Planmeca Viso and Planmeca 4D® Jaw Motion are now available in the U.S. through authorized dealers and distribution partnerships.

To learn more about Planmeca’s latest digital technology, visit www.planmecausa.com.

Richmond Dental and Medical, a division of Barnhardt Manufacturing Company has made a three-year commitment of financial and in-kind support to the School of Dentistry at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Richmond’s two-fold commitment will run from 2018 to 2021. The gift of $75,000, granted by the Barnhardt Foundation, will give targeted support to student-run clinics providing comprehensive oral care to those in need across North Carolina. In-kind gifts, in the form of donations of Richmond Dental and Medical supplies, will support student-run international service trips to Asia, Central and South America, and Africa.

A fourth-generation family-owned business in Charlotte, North Carolina, Barnhardt Manufacturing and its subsidiary Richmond Dental and Medical, have a long history of supporting the dental community through product donations to free dental clinics worldwide and various levels of financial support to industry associations that promote dental care across America. “Richmond has a long history of partnership with UNC Dental School dating back almost 70 years beginning with Ms. Nell Barnhardt, second generation of the family and president of Richmond Dental,” said Tom Barnhardt, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of Barnhardt Manufacturing. “During Nell’s tenure, Richmond supplied the dental school with graduation packs of products and financial support to assist with the students pursuing their education. This year, we aim to renew that partnership.”

Since Barnhardt Manufacturing’s inception in 1900, the company has been dedicated to strengthening the communities where we live and work. A minimum of five percent of annual profits are contributed to our NCFI/Barnhardt Foundation. Through this foundation, Barnhardt supports many charitable organizations through our local United Way agency, United Way Central Carolinas. Many other charitable organizations receive direct support in each of the eight communities in which we operate. Barnhardt’s giving has traditionally supported community organizations that are focused on education, childhood development, families in distress, homeless and faith-based initiatives, and medical assistance.

The School of Dentistry at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, recently ranked second worldwide among dental schools by the 2018 Academic Ranking of World Universities, has taken a leadership position in educating dentists and care professionals for over 68 years. “As a leading university and located in our home state, the UNC Dental School is ideal for Richmond to partner with in support of the dental communities served by the UNC students, professors and alumni,” said Tom Barnhardt.

The three-year gift of $75,000 will primarily support a 50-year-old Carolina Dentistry institution, the Student Health Action Coalition clinic, known on campus and in the Orange County community simply as “SHAC.” The SHAC clinic, launched in 1968 a service of the Orange County Health Department and later taken over by the university) opens for business 25 evenings each year, providing comprehensive oral care to traditionally underserved populations from Chapel Hill, Orange County, and surrounding communities. Student coordinators, with support from School of Dentistry faculty (including Triangle-area alumni as adjunct professors), run intake, triage, x-ray or digital imaging, examinations, and perform cleanings and extractions. Faculty perform emergency and more complex procedures when necessary.

In addition to the SHAC clinic, UNC students and faculty also run free clinics at multiple Triangle locations in Chatham, Durham, and Wake Counties. “Through the Barnhardt Foundation, Richmond Dental is thrilled to support the SHAC clinic financial gifts and in-kind product support, said Lewis Barnhardt, President and Chief Operating Officer at Richmond Dental and Medical. “The SHAC clinic is a great way for us as a company to help those who positively affect the dental care of underserved communities in North Carolina.”

“Additionally, Richmond Dental and Medical proudly supports with various gift-in-kind products to other noteworthy student-led outreach programs at UNC Dental School, such as the international trips and the CAARE clinic as a way to supply much needed products for the services provided and to support the students in their education,” said George Hargrove, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Barnhardt Manufacturing. “We realize that when we give to Carolina Dentistry, that we not only support the educational opportunities of students and faculty, but also their joint mission to provide oral care locally and globally to those who may never receive it otherwise. These are gifts that will have ripple effects, thanks to the willingness of the recipients to pay them forward.”

About Richmond Dental and Medical

Founded in 1895, Richmond Dental and Medical is an award-winning, critically-acclaimed manufacturer of products and supplies for dental and medical clinics, including bite blocks, cotton balls, cotton pellets, braided cotton rolls, sponges, face masks, dispensers, and solution trays.

Hu-Friedy, the global leader in dental instrument manufacturing and infection prevention solutions, today announced the launch of EverCare, a new subscription-based scaler sharpening service for dental professionals that demand peak performance from their Hu-Friedy instruments.

Even the highest quality dental scalers and curettes lose their sharp edges with use, which can strain the joints and muscles of hygienists, increase patient discomfort, and complicate calculus removal. Dental practices should sharpen their instruments regularly, but many often fall behind due to demanding schedules and uncertainty about the proper way to sharpen.

The patient is a hygienist's top priority. Any time spent away sharpening instruments decreases the amount of time caring for patients. Hu-Friedy estimates the cost for one hygienist to spend just one-hour sharpening per week can cost a practice as MUCH as $11,650 per year. EverCare takes the time-consuming task of sharpening out of the hands of hygienists. Less time spent sharpening instruments maximizes a hygienist's time, enabling them to get back to their top priority.

"Hygienists are being asked to do more for their patients in less time. As the daily responsibilities of hygienists just keep piling up, they are also expected to find time to sharpen their instruments. And yet sharp instruments are of critical importance for dental practices," said Stacie Barth, Senior Director, Global Strategic Business Unit – Periodontal and Diagnostics of Hu-Friedy. "We created EverCare to give hygienists their time back and to help dental practices deliver better care and become more profitable by improving efficiency. Our innovations in the areas of metallurgy and scaler manufacturing with EverEdge have developed a product that stays sharper longer. Even with these advancements, it remains important for clinicians to sharpen their instruments to improve performance and gain the added benefit of extending their useful life."

Practices can easily join EverCare online, choosing among six flexible membership levels, including pay-as-you-go and all-inclusive options. Submitting a request for sharpening takes minutes, and shipping is fast and free—with a turnaround time of just 3 ½ days once the instruments are received at Hu-Friedy. Instruments are returned to top condition by Hu-Friedy's expert artisans who have an average of 30 years of sharpening experience. Meanwhile, real-time status updates keep practices informed of exactly what is happening with their instruments, ensuring a convenient and user-friendly experience.

EverCare is an exclusive sharpening service for users of Hu-Friedy scalers and curettes. To learn more, choose from flexible pricing options, and enroll in the service, dental professionals should visit EverCareSharpening.com.

About Hu-Friedy

Founded in Chicago in 1908, Hu-Friedy Mfg. Co., LLC helps dental professionals perform at their best by producing dental instruments and products designed to function as an extension of each practitioner's skill. Its products, hand-crafted by highly-skilled artisans, are known for their precision, performance, longevity, reliability and quality. Headquartered in Chicago, Hu-Friedy products are distributed in more than 80 countries and the company maintains offices in Germany, Italy, China and Japan. For more information, visit https://www.hu-friedy.com.