The National Association of Dental Laboratories (NADL) and the National Board for Certification in Dental Laboratory Technology (NBC) celebrate June as Dental Technician and Certified Dental Technician (CDT) Appreciation Month.

Dental technicians bring considerable experience and subject matter expertise in the areas of dental materials, technology utilization, shade verification, and restorative dentistry. Although generally operating behind the scenes of the oral health team, dental technicians are a crucial part of ensuring delivery of quality dental care.

 “Dental technicians perform an incredible service in our mission to assist our dentists and clients in effectively treating patients in need,” shared Travis Zick, 2019 NADL President. “Technicians who take the initiative to earn their CDT designation demonstrate a higher level of commitment and pride in our profession. Having the CDT designation also shows their peers and clients that they have a proven knowledge and understanding of dental laboratory fundamentals. We encourage all of our technicians to pursue their CDT if they intend to pursue a career in dental technology.”

NADL seeks to inform dentists and patients of the important role of the dental laboratory technician and dental laboratory through its What’s In Your Mouth campaign. In the US, most states set no minimum standards for persons to be employed as dental technicians. In fact, only four states in the US require either certification or continuing education for dental technicians.

“Being a Certified Dental Technician means that I challenged myself to achieve this recognition and I continue to maintain a high standard of excellence in my profession,” said 2019 NBC Chair Morris Fucarino, CDT. “I am proud to be a CDT and have a great admiration for those who have and continue to challenge themselves in pursuing and maintaining the CDT designation. It is important for our profession to have a standard of excellence and certification can serve as a demonstration of knowledge and skill in our field.”

The NBC is an independent certification organization dedicated to improving the quality of dental laboratory technology through voluntary testing and certification of dental laboratories and technicians. This is the only voluntary certification program for dental laboratory technicians recognized by the American Dental Association.

The CDT designation demonstrates a mastery of the knowledge and applied skills needed in dental technology. It illustrates a technician's commitment to the field of dental technology and demonstrates their knowledge in six specialty areas: ceramics, complete dentures, crown and bridge, orthodontics, partial dentures, and implants.

NADL is the unified voice of the dental laboratory industry, supporting dentistry and serving the public interest by promoting high standards. NADL accomplishes this by providing programs, services, and networking opportunities to meet the evolving technical, educational, professional, and business needs of dental laboratories.

The month of June is dedicated to dental technicians and Certified Dental Technicians. Help spread the word on Dental Technician and CDT Appreciation Month by liking and following the NADL and NBC Facebook pages and by sharing our posts. Feel free to post on your own social media pages and be sure to tag NADL or NBC. 

The divestment of Futuredontics is part of Dentsply Sirona’s plan to focus on the core business and deliver innovation.

“We are very happy that Congdon Street LLC will take over the ownership of Futuredontics. Fred Joyal is well-known and appreciated within the company and the industry and has strongly contributed to the success of the company in the past,” comments Walter Petersohn, Chief Commercial Officer at Dentsply Sirona. “We are convinced that with Congdon Street LLC as new owner of the company, Futuredontics will continue its success story. We look forward to continue working with Fred Joyal and the Futuredontics team.”

“We are extremely pleased that this transaction creates an opportunity from which both sides will benefit,” says Fred Joyal, of Congdon Street LLC and former CEO and Co-Founder of Futuredontics. “Futuredontics will remain an important partner of Dentsply Sirona while, at the same time, we will be able to focus even stronger on our own specific customer base and further develop our company as an independent business. The Futuredontics team and I are eager to serve our customers in new and exciting ways.”

The parties have agreed not to disclose financial terms of the transaction.

Founded in 1986 in the U.S., Futuredontics is the parent company of 1-800-DENTIST, the premier consumer brand in dental marketing, as well as a new online consumer destination for dentistry (Dentistry.com), and a sophisticated patient communications software product (PatientActivator). Futuredontics optimizes the dental patient lifecycle by coupling world-class marketing and office support services with unparalleled service. The company is based in Los Angeles and has 150 employees. Fred Joyal co-founded 1-800-DENTIST in 1986 and is a renowned industry expert and veteran.

Congdon Street LLC is an investment company focused on the health care industry.

ABOUT DENTSPLY SIRONA

Dentsply Sirona is the world’s largest manufacturer of professional dental products and technologies, with over a century of innovation and service to the dental industry and patients worldwide. Dentsply Sirona develops, manufactures, and markets a comprehensive solutions offering including dental and oral health products as well as other consumable medical devices under a strong portfolio of world class brands. As The Dental Solutions Company™, Dentsply Sirona’s products provide innovative, high-quality and effective solutions to advance patient care and deliver better, safer and faster dental care. Dentsply Sirona’s global headquarters is located in York, Pennsylvania, and the international headquarters is based in Salzburg, Austria. The company’s shares are listed in the United States on NASDAQ under the symbol XRAY

Visit www.dentsplysirona.com for more information about Dentsply Sirona and its products. 

DISCLAIMER

This information and any attachment thereto contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements are not guarantees of future performance. These forward-looking statements reflect views and assumptions regarding expectations and projections about future events and are based on currently available information or information available on the date of any document incorporated by reference. You can generally identify these forward-looking statements by the use of words such as "may," "could," "estimate," "will," "believe," "anticipate," "think," "intend," "expect," "project," "plan," "target," "forecast", and similar words and expressions. However, these words are not the exclusive means of identifying such statements. In addition, any statements that refer to expectations, projections or other characterizations of future events or circumstances are forward-looking statements and may include statements relating to future revenues, expenses, margins, profitability, net income/(loss), earnings per share and other measures of results of operations and the prospects of future growth of our business. These forward-looking statements are inherently subject to uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict. For a discussion of such risks, uncertainties and other matters that could cause actual results to differ materially, including risks relating to, among other factors, the market for dental products and services, pricing, future sales volume of the Company's products, the possibility of changing economic, market and competitive conditions, dependence on products, dependence on key personnel, technological developments, intense competition, market uncertainties, dependence on distributors, ability to manage growth, dependence on key suppliers, dependence on key members of management, government regulation, our ability to integrate the businesses of Dentsply Sirona, acquisitions and affiliations, readers are urged to carefully review and consider various disclosures made by the Company and Dentsply Sirona in their public filings, including in their Annual Reports on Form 10-K and in their reports on Forms 10-Q and 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. Except as required by law, the Company does not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this document or the attachments to reflect new information or future events or developments after the date any such statement is made. 

The Academy of Laser Dentistry (ALD) the only independent and unbiased non-profit association dedicated to improving patient care with the proper use of laser technology, recently installed its new president and officers for 2019-2020. The announcement was made during the ALD’s recent 26th annual meeting in Dallas.

 Mel Burchman, DDS, President: Dr. Burchman has maintained a private dental practice in Langhorne, Pennsylvania, for 38 years. He has been using lasers for more than 18 years and has 8 lasers in his office. He has served on the Board of Directors for one 3-year term, and in numerous chairmanship positions including 2019 Conference Chair for the Annual Meeting, and as Certification Committee Chair, Secretary and Treasurer. Dr. Burchman has volunteered as a mentor and examiner for more than 15 years. In 2012, he was the honored recipient of the ALD Leon Goldman Award for Clinical Excellence. Dr. Burchman also holds ALD Mastership status.

Ed Kusek, DDS, President-Elect: Dr. Kusek graduated from the University of Nebraska College of Dentistry in 1984. He has served as ALD Communications Chair and Testing subcommittee Chair. He holds the titles of Diplomate of the American Board of Oral Implantology/Implant Dentistry, Fellow of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, Mastership in Academy of General Dentistry and Academy of Laser Dentistry, and Diplomate of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists. Dr. Kusek is in private general practice in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Arun Darbar, BDS, DGDP (UK), Treasurer: Dr. Darbar is at the forefront of laser dentistry in the United Kingdom and lectures on the subject worldwide. He has been a clinical laser user for nearly 25 years and provides cutting-edge dentistry to his patients. Dr. Darbar is an accredited member of the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry Credentialing Committee. He holds ALD Mastership and Educator status and has served as co-chair of Education and Certification, and International Relations Committees. He is a published author, and some of his concepts in low-level laser therapy (LLLT) data have been published as proceedings of SPIE in 2006, 2007, and 2009/10; WALT 2008 South Africa and 2012 Australia; and in UK dental publications. Dr. Darbar is the first and only laser dentist in the UK to be invited to the House of Lords for a charity fundraiser organized by Lasers for Life. Dr. Darbar maintains a private dental practice in Leighton Buzzard, UK.

Samuel B. Low, DDS, MS, M.Ed., Secretary: Dr. Low is Professor Emeritus, University of Florida College of Dentistry, and Associate faculty member of the Pankey Institute with 30 years of private practice experience in periodontics and implant placement and 12 years with laser management of the periodontal patient. He is also a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology and past President of the American Academy of Periodontology. Dr. Low provides dentists and dental hygienists with the tools for successfully managing the periodontal patient in general and periodontal practices and is affiliated with the Florida Probe Corporation. He was selected “Dentist of the Year” by the Florida Dental Association, Distinguished Alumnus by the University of Texas Dental School, and recipient of the Gordon Christensen Lecturer Recognition Award. He is a Past President of the Florida Dental Association and past Trustee of the American Dental Association.

Raminta Mastis, DDS, Immediate Past President: Dr. Mastis graduated from the University of Illinois College of Dentistry in 1987. She maintains a private dental practice, Michigan Cosmetic and Laser Dentistry, in St. Clair Shores, Michigan. Raminta previously served in each Officer role as ALD President 2018, President-Elect 2017, Vice President 2016, Treasurer 2015 and Secretary in 2014. Prior to her service as an Officer, Dr. Mastis served as Co-Chair of Certification and Education Committees, Chair of Laser Safety and Communications Committees, and was the 2014 General & Scientific Sessions Chair of the Annual Meeting. Dr. Mastis has been using lasers since 2000 and has 18 lasers of various wavelengths in her practice. She holds ALD Standard Proficiency certifications in Er:YAG, diode, Er,Cr:YSGG, and CO2 laser wavelengths, and has achieved ALD Advanced Proficiency in the Er:YAG wavelength. In addition to laser dentistry, her practice is focused on implant surgery and restoration, laser dentistry, esthetic and cosmetic dentistry, and integration of advanced technologies into practice. Dr. Mastis also holds ALD Mastership status.

Gail S. Siminovsky, CAE, Executive Director: Ms. Siminovsky is a leadership professional and has served as executive director of the Academy of Laser Dentistry since 1999. She raises awareness of the role of lasers as beneficial tools that dentists and hygienists have for treating dental disease. Gail serves the ALD Board as an advisor and is a member of ALD’s 22 committees. She earned and maintains the credential Certified Association Executive (CAE) from the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) and served on ASAE’s Small Staff Advisory Committee. Gail graduated from the State University of New York in Binghamton, serves on the Board of Directors for the Florida Society of Association Executives (FSAE), and is a member of the American Dental Association’s Committee on Dental Meetings and National Coalition of General Dental Organizations (NCGDO). Gail has a passion for helping dentists revitalize the way they interact with patients by providing new and improved solutions for dental care. She speaks on governance and board leadership, building strategic alliances, and the importance of associations being knowledge brokers.

Note: These newly-installed ALD officers will serve a term that concludes with the installation of a new slate of officers during ALD 2020 in San Diego, that will take place from April 4-6th, 2020. For more information about ALD leadership, click here.

About the Academy of Laser Dentistry: The Academy of Laser Dentistry (ALD) is the only independent and unbiased non-profit association devoted to laser dentistry and includes clinicians, academicians and researchers in all laser wavelengths. The Academy is devoted to clinical education, research, and the development of standards and guidelines for the safe and effective use of dental laser technology. ALD was founded in 1993, with the merging of the International Academy of Laser Dentistry, the North American Academy of Laser Dentistry and the American Academy of Laser Dentistry. For more information, visit www.LaserDentistry.org.

Lee Culp, CDT, has been appointed Resident Expert of Digital Protocols for The Dawson Academy. Culp, CEO of Sculpture Studios in Cary, North Carolina, serves on the Editorial Advisory Boards of Inside Dental Technology, Inside Dentistry, and Compendium of Continuing Education in Dentistry. He joined The Dawson Academy faculty in 2018.

Culp was one of four resident experts named to guide The Academy’s growth in four disciplines of dentistry, leading some of the current curriculum and developing courses that expand on the principles of occlusion. Kim Daxon, DDS, was named resident of removable prosthodontics; Scott Finlay, DDS, FAGD, FAACD, was named resident expert of esthetics and DeWitt Wilkerson, DMD, was named resident expert of airway and integrative dental medicine.

Zimmer Biomet and RTI Surgical Holdings, Inc. today announced they are donating a supply of dental implants and wound care products to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry Foundation (AAIDF) for an initiative benefitting veterans of the United States Armed Forces. The AAIDF is the charitable arm of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, a Chicago-based professional organization that advances the science and practice of implant dentistry through education and research support and serves as the credentialing standard for implant dentistry. Under the new partnership, Zimmer Biomet, through its Dental division, donated thousands of collagen wound care products that will be used in socket preservation procedures preparing veterans to receive dental implant therapy. RTI’s donation includes allograft implants that provide options for veterans undergoing dental implant surgery.

“While we are proud to serve patients around the globe, as a U.S.-based company, we are honored to help restore quality of life to the men and women who have bravely protected us,” said Mike Ursu, MD, Global Associate Director, Professional Relations, Zimmer Biomet Dental.

The AAIDF and company partners will announce the partnership at an event hosted at Zimmer Biomet Dental’s Palm Beach Gardens headquarters on Tuesday, April 16. Attendees will include Congressman Brian Mast (R-FL 18th District), leaders of global medical technology companies and the AAIDF, and guest veterans.

“A person’s dental health has a significant impact on their overall health and quality of life,” said Olivier Visa, Vice President, OEM, Sports and Donor Services, RTI Surgical. “We are privileged to join Zimmer Biomet to give back to our nation’s veterans by helping improve their access to quality dental care.”

For some patient populations, including U.S. veterans, with higher rates of pre-existing conditions such as diabetes, arthritis and certain cancers, the material used for implants plays a significant role in promoting enhanced bone healing.^1,2,3 With the support and resources provided through the AAIDF initiative, dental procedures will be available to even more veterans.

“Giving something as simple as a smile to those who have given and sacrificed so much for this country is an honor. Humanitarian efforts are important to the AAID Foundation Board, and we look forward to expanding programs to support our country’s heroes,” says Larry Bush, DDS, FAAID, DABIO/ID, Foundation Chairman.

Natalie Wong, DDS, FAAID, DABOI/ID, AAID President, agrees: “The AAID is proud to ask our approximately 800 credentialed members to help implement this new initiative from our Foundation, to help veterans feel more confident about their smiles.”

Wound care products donated by Zimmer Biomet include RegenePro® Plug and RegenePro® Sponge, which are made of 100 percent purified Type I Bovine Collagen. Through a proprietary manufacturing technology, these products take the shape of the wound, absorb the fluids to stabilize it, and help to accelerate healing.

Items donated by RTI will include several implants manufactured by RTI and distributed by Zimmer Biomet as part of an OEM partnership between the two companies. RTI’s donation includes Puros Demineralized Bone Matrix Putty, Puros Cortical Particulate Allograft and Puros Cancellous Particulate Allograft, among others. RTI offers comprehensive services to its OEM partners, from concept initiation and development through processing and manufacturing.

About the AAID Foundation

The AAID Foundation was started in 1982 with a mission to further the science of oral implantology through research and education and to support the delivery of implant care through humanitarian efforts. The AAID Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity that awards grands each year to the dental students and those in post-graduate and residency programs. The Foundation is supported by generous donations from AAID members and corporate sponsors. For more information contact the Foundation at foundation@aaid.com or by calling 312.925.1388. Our website is www.aaid.com/foundation.

About Zimmer Biomet

Founded in 1927 and headquartered in Warsaw, Indiana, Zimmer Biomet is a global leader in musculoskeletal healthcare. We design, manufacture and market orthopaedic reconstructive products; sports medicine, biologics, extremities and trauma products; office-based technologies; spine, craniomaxillofacial and thoracic products; dental implants; and related surgical products.

We collaborate with healthcare professionals around the globe to advance the pace of innovation. Our products and solutions help treat patients suffering from disorders of, or injuries to, bones, joints or supporting soft tissues. Together with healthcare professionals, we help millions of people live better lives.

We have operations in more than 25 countries around the world and sell products in more than 100 countries. For more information, visit www.zimmerbiomet.com or follow Zimmer Biomet on Twitter at www.twitter.com/zimmerbiomet.

About RTI Surgical Holdings, Inc.

RTI Surgical is a leading global surgical implant company providing surgeons with safe biologic, metal and synthetic implants. Committed to delivering a higher standard, RTI’s implants are used in sports medicine, general surgery, spine, orthopedic and trauma procedures and are distributed in nearly 50 countries. RTI has four manufacturing facilities throughout the U.S. and Europe. RTI is accredited in the U.S. by the American Association of Tissue Banks and is a member of AdvaMed. For more information, please visit www.rtix.com. Connect with us on LinkedIn and Twitter.

References

1. Liu Y, Sayam S, Shao X, et al. Prevalence of and Trends in Diabetes Among Veterans, United States, 2005-2014. Prev Chronic Dis. 2017;14:E135.

2. Office of Research & Development. (n.d.). Retrieved April 4, 2019, from https://www.research.va.gov/topics/arthritis.cfm

3. Zhu K, Devesa SS, Wu H, et al. Cancer incidence in the U.S. military population: comparison with rates from the SEER program. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2009;18(6):1740-5.

Pierrel Pharma S.r.l. received recognition from the Edison Awards™, a prestigious organization known for acknowledging innovation, creativity, and ingenuity in the global economy, for its advanced, early oral cancer screening device: Goccles®. The FDA-approved medical device is used in combination with traditional examination to help identify early signs of oral cancer. The eyewear utilizes a patented optical filter with a standard curing light, exposing the fluorescence of healthy mucosa and potentially suspicious pre-cancerous and cancerous lesions. With Goccles, there is no need to purchase additional consumables for use and its price point is relatively low in comparison to similar devices. Goccles is supported by clinical studies and has received an excellent clinical evaluation from Dental Advisor.

Pierrel Pharma’s chief executive officer, Fabio Velotti (Capua, Italy) attributes the Best New Product Silver Award™ win to the company’s dedication to research and development, as well as its overall mission to create better dental healthcare experiences for professionals and patients. He said, “I am so proud of Goccles and how it is transforming the oral cancer screening process on the dental side. As time passes, I believe we will see a major shift in dental professionals’ attitudes towards their role in early detection of oral cancer.” He continued, “Pierrel Pharma is known for developing Orabloc®, a leading anesthetic product for dental procedures, which since marketed is now used by 1 out of every 4 US dentists. I look forward to the day Goccles becomes a ‘household name’ in its own right among dental professionals.” Goccles was launched in the US in 2018, and is available through all major distributors, including Patterson Dental, Henry Schein, Benco Dental, and Darby Dental.

About the Edison Awards™

The Edison Awards honor global leaders in innovation across different disciplines, presenting awards in different categories. Winners of Edison Awards represent the best of the best technologies that have the power to impact the world and change lives. In a press announcement, Edison Awards’ executive director, Frank Bonafilia, said in a statement, “After 32 years, it never ceases to amaze us how innovations that we could only dream about become our reality. Once again, the winners created innovations that are revolutionizing industries and becoming indispensable.” The Edison Awards was originally established in 1987 by the American Marketing Association, and since 2008 has been an independent organization.

About Pierrel Pharma S.r.l.

Pierrel Pharma is the parent company of Pierrel Group which manages new drug product development, registration, marketing, and commercialization of Pierrel branded dental anesthetics. Pierrel has more than 30 years’ experience in the development and manufacturing of dental anesthetics for the international market. Following a 2008 reorganization of Pierrel Group business development and marketing strategies, Pierrel has introduced a full range of state-of-the-art dental anesthetics in Italy. Today, Pierrel is in rapid expansion throughout the world. For more information about Goccles by Pierrel Pharma, please visit www.goccles.com/en.com.

Spring Lake company, Ascentcare Dental Products, has recently announced the creation of an innovative instrument that uses fiber optics to intraorally illuminate your patient’s mouth while precisely placing and securing a saliva ejector tube, so your suction and illumination needs are met hands-free.

The newest addition in a line of interchangeable attachments for their “Bite Buddy” mouth prop system, Ascentcare’s “Lighted Saliva Sidekick” changes dental illumination by attaching a powerful light source to a saliva ejector tube holder and placing it directly where you need it most – inside the patient’s mouth.

“Years of research, engineering and development with dentists and hygienists in mind have led to the creation of our Bite Buddy Mouth Prop System,” says inventor and Ascentcare Dental Products President, Austin Ritter. Other products in this system include the traditional saliva ejector tube holder, a tongue guard, a placement tool and a light module. Each of these interchangeable accessories easily mount to the Bite Buddy mouth prop via a track system and a magnetic coupler.

Bite Buddy Mouth Prop System Features:

Expandable. Simply use the Bite Buddy as a stand-alone dental mouth prop. Upgrade with accessory attachments at any time.

Adaptable. Interchangeable mouth prop accessory instruments can be applied to assist with dental procedures.

Unobstructed. Total visual and physical access to the work area with all Bite Buddy accessory instruments.

Innovative. Our exclusive mounting rail and magnetic coupling system allow for simple and quick mount and dismount of mouth prop accessory instruments while positioned in the patient’s mouth.

Sterilization. The Bite Buddy system was designed, engineered and made to withstand repeated sterilization and reuse using industry standard methods.

Illuminated. The Bite Light and the Lighted Saliva Sidekick transform the Bite Buddy into the brightest mouth prop on the planet, emitting over 50,000 LUX with a color temperature of 6,000K.

The Lighted Saliva Sidekick is the latest in Ascentcare’s line of magnetically coupled interchangeable accessory instruments for our Bite Buddy mouth prop system. The illuminated saliva ejector tube holder can be attached easily to all three sizes of the Bite Buddy mouth prop: small (pedo), medium and large. The Lighted Saliva Sidekick is available in left and right orientation, to meet illumination needs in all areas of the mouth. Standard disposable suction tips easily snap into place and are held securely throughout your procedures.

The lighted saliva sidekick, and all Ascentcare’s attachments, were designed with antimicrobial medical grade polycarbonate and are sterilizable and reusable, without the fear of cross-contamination. Simply remove and dispose of the suction tip and follow cold sterilization procedures for reuse.

Ascentcare’s unique mouth prop coupled with the lighted saliva ejector tube holder provides intense illumination of the entire mouth without interfering with access. The U-shaped mouth prop design and low-profile saliva ejector tube holder leave an open visual and physical work area. Side access and visibility are not compromised while using this system. The saliva ejector tube is ideally placed to eliminate liquids from pooling. Its innovative design angles the tube to exit the mouth without rubbing against the patient’s teeth or interfering with your work area.

Created with the goal of supporting doctors and helping them perform their best, the Lighted Saliva Sidekick is ideal for use during:

• All cementation and bonding procedures

• Scaling

• Root Planning

• Bracket placement and removal

• Sealants

• Sedation dentistry

• Pediatric dentistry

• Extractions

• Dental implants

• Restorative Dentistry

• Crowns

• Dental Implants

The hands-free placement of a saliva ejector tube gives you that “third hand” dentists and hygienists need. The quick and easy coupling of the suction tube allows you to maximize your efficiency, something every dental office can benefit from. The lighted saliva ejector tube holder can be attached and removed from the mouth prop even while placed inside the patient’s mouth. Allowing you to add or remove the lighted saliva ejector tube holder or interchange with other accessories as needed while keeping the patient’s mouth propped open.

The high intensity lighting is powered by Ascentcare’s HyperLUX light engine. The Lighted Saliva Sidekick produces 30,000 LUX at the highest setting. The light engine toggles between three settings: high, medium and low to give you just the right amount of visibility you desire. A cool “daylight” color temperature that does not set UV glues or sealants emits from the light engine. The entire system including the light engine is portable and ideal for moving from one exam room to another and great for use in mobile dentistry.

Ascentcare’s HyperLUX Light Engine provides intense illumination for multiple dental instruments in multiple areas of your practice. The HyperLUX Light Engine brightens your work area by magnetically coupling to any one of Ascentcare’s illuminated dental instruments, easily directing light to both challenging work areas and difficult areas to diagnose. Feature of the light engine include:

Portable. Light, compact and easy to move from one exam room to another, runs up to 30 hours without charging.

Powerful. Three 3.6V 18650 3500 mAh lithium-ion batteries.

Rechargeable. Built-in micro USB charging port.

Bright. 6,000K color temperature, three intensity levels (140,000 LUX, 60,000 LUX and 13,000 LUX).

In addition to the Lighted Saliva Sidekick illuminated saliva ejector tube holder, other illuminated dental instruments powered by Ascentcare’s HyperLUX Light Engine include their Radical Reflector lighted mouth mirror, Titan Transilluminator transillumination instrument and Bite Light light module attachment for their mouth prop system.

About Ascentcare Dental Products. Ascentcare Dental Products collaborates with the dental community to focus on the development of innovative dental technologies that span a diverse set of applications. They are engineering, design, manufacturing and quality professionals dedicated to creating and fostering innovative dental solution and advanced technologies. They understand dental professionals and their demand for quality products and treatment for patients in the most effective way possible with state of the art equipment.

All Ascentcare’s dental instruments, including the Lighted Saliva Sidekick, are made in the USA, in Ascentcare’s hometown of Spring Lake, Michigan. They are protected by one or more patent applications or patents including U.S. patent No. US 9,968,341, D787070, D782047, D787069, D782048, D817492.

For more information, visit: www.ascentcaredental.com or call: (800) 500-0533. 

After issuing its highly anticipated position statement on the condition known as Maxillary Sinusitis of Endodontic Origin (MSEO), the American Association of Endodontists is hosting a seminar for endodontists from around the world on MSEO during the Association’s annual event in Montréal known as AAE19.

In short, patients with long-term sinus problems could have an endodontic infection that manifests in the maxillary sinus and may have been misdiagnosed by dentists, ear nose and throat doctors (ENTs) or radiologists. MSEO refers specifically to sinusitis secondary to periradicular disease of endodontic origin, excluding sinusitis secondary to other dental etiologies — previously termed “the endo-antral syndrome.”

MSEO requires an accurate clinical diagnosis and tools such as cone beam CT imaging, followed by appropriate endodontic treatment. Again, the diagnosis of MSEO may be missed by a general practitioner but can be diagnosed and treated by highly skilled dentists, known as endodontists, working in tandem with ENTs.

On Friday, April 12, Dr. Roderick W. Tataryn and Dr. Holly Boyer will team up to provide a multi-disciplinary talk called “Rhinosinusitis and Endodontic Disease”. Their coordinated lecture will explain the progression of endodontic infection in the sinuses and the associated clinical and radiographic findings. The goal of their informative presentation is to help practitioners recognize MSEO through accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment and improve communication with physicians and ENT specialists. It will start at 10:00 a.m. and end at noon.

Dr. Tataryn is a member of the American Association of Endodontists. In addition to presenting on MSEO, he has authored several articles on the subject and has been featured in publications like the AAE’s Colleagues for Excellence, Journal of Endodontics, and Dear Doctor.

Dr. Boyer is an otolaryngologist, subspecializing in rhinology, practicing in an academic setting. She participates in the multidisciplinary care of patients with complex facial pain. Dr. Boyer is active in medical student and resident education at the University of Minnesota and is the executive medical director of ambulatory care for the academic practice.

For more information about AAE19, MSEO or Dr. Tataryn, please contact the AAE by phone at 800-872-3636, by email at info@aae.org or visit aae.org. The AAE also maintains social media pages on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn.

Note to reporters: Sample decks available upon request.

About the American Association of Endodontists

The American Association of Endodontists, headquartered in Chicago, represents more than 8,00 members worldwide. Endodontics is one of nine dental specialties formally recognized by the American Dental Association. The AAE, founded in 1943, is dedicated to excellence in the art and science of endodontics and to the highest standard of patient care. The Association inspires its members to pursue professional advancement and personal fulfillment through education, research, advocacy, leadership, communication and service.  

This month, dentists with advanced training in root canals known as endodontists, will get together to discuss the latest and best practices for responsibly managing a patient’s pain and the steps that can be taken to minimize the risk for prescription drug abuse.

On Thursday, April 11, Omar Abubaker, D.M.D., will provide a presentation called “The Myths and Facts about the Opioid Epidemic and Management of Odontogenic Pain.” The presentation will address the extent of harm to public inflicted by the opioid epidemic and addiction in general within the U.S. The presentation will also review the role of the dental profession in causing this epidemic and explain how the profession can be part of the continued solutions. Dr. Abubaker is a chairman at the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry.

Afterward, Ellen Byrne, D.D.S., Ph.D.; Kenneth M. Hargreaves D.D.S., Ph.D.; and Nikita Ruparel, M.S., D.D.S., Ph.D., will provide a course called “Management of Acute Pain.” The evidence-based class is designed to provide effective and practical strategies for managing acute dental pain emergencies and the latest information on NSAIDS, acetaminophen-containing analgesics and local anesthetics interactions. Dr. Byrne is a senior associate dean at the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry. Dr. Hargreaves is a professor and chair at the University of T

exas Health Science Center San Antonio. He is also chief editor of the Journal of Endodontics. Dr. Ruparel is also a professor at UTHSC San Antonio.On Friday, April 12, patient comfort and the best practices to manage reoccurring tooth pain will be discussed by a multi-disciplinary panel lead by Alan S. Law, D.D.S., Ph.D.

“A Multi-Disciplinary Approach for Managing Persistent Pain” will highlight the challenges endodontists face when treating a patient’s reoccurring tooth pain and cover a variety of diagnosis techniques and possible approaches for managing persistent pain.

This group discussion will feature different perspectives from; Karen Baker, B.S., M.S., an associate professor at the University of Iowa, Dr. Alferd Clavel Jr., Department Chair of Pain Management at Health Partners, Leesa Morrow, Ph.D., J.D., L.P., from the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry, and Donald Nixdorf, D.D.S., M.S., an associate professor also at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry.

Dr. Law is a practicing endodontist who currently teaches at the University of Minnesota. He is a director for the American Board of Endodontics and past chair of the American Association of Endodontists Regenerative Endodontics Committee.

For more information, please contact the AAE by phone at 800-872-3636, by email at info@aae.org or visit aae.org. The AAE also maintains social media pages on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn.

Note to reporters: Presentations may be available by request.

About the American Association of Endodontists

The American Association of Endodontists, headquartered in Chicago, represents more than 8,00 members worldwide. Endodontics is one of nine dental specialties formally recognized by the American Dental Association. The AAE, founded in 1943, is dedicated to excellence in the art and science of endodontics and to the highest standard of patient care. The Association inspires its members to pursue professional advancement and personal fulfillment through education, research, advocacy, leadership, communication and service.  

The American Association of Endodontists is formally presenting their 2019 recipients of their most prestigious awards at the Association’s annual, April meeting in Montréal.

The recipients, below, are being celebrated for their contributions to the fields of dentistry and their advancement of the specialty field.

Louis E. Rossman, D.M.D., is being presented with the AAE’s top honors, known as the Edgar D. Coolidge Award, for his extraordinary leadership and exemplary dedication to dentistry and endodontics. Dr. Rossman is a clinical professor of endodontics and overseer at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine.

Known to his friends as “Luigi,” Dr. Rossman is not one to run away from challenges whether they be complex root canal treatments or his pastime, mountain climbing. He is a past president of the AAE, the Foundation for Endodontics and the American Board of Endodontics, and a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine and the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine specialty program in Endodontics.

Markus Haapasalo, D.D.S., Ph.D., is receiving the Louis I. Grossman Award for his cumulative publication of significant research studies that have made an extraordinary contribution to endodontology. Dr. Haapsalao is active in a variety of dental organizations and has authored or co-authored over 200 scientific articles in numerous, peer-reviewed renown journals. He served as head of the Department of Oral Biological Medical Science at the University of British Columbia. Dr. Haapasalo has served as an editor on several endodontic and dental journals, including the Journal of Endodontics.

Glenn R. Walters, D.D.S., B.D.S., is being bestowed with the Calvin D. Torneck Part-Time Educator Award, for his contributions to endodontics through his dedication as a part-time educator. He currently teaches at The University Texas Health and Science Center in San Antonio and he has held dozens of leadership positions on various boards and at a variety of academic institutions.

James D. Johnson, D.D.S, M.S., will be presented with the I.B. Bender Lifetime Educator Award. This award is presented to an individual whose contributions to endodontics in the field of education have demonstrated excellence through selfless commitment to full-time educational pursuits, and whose contributions have instilled in students the desire to pursue excellence in their careers. Dr. Johnson is professor and chair of University of Washington’s School of Dentistry and a past president of the American Board of Endodontics. He received his D.D.S. degree from Northwestern University and served in the U.S. Navy as a dental officer.

Avina K. Paranjpe, B.D.S, M.S., Ph.D., M.S.D., is being celebrated with the Edward M. Osetek Award. This award is given to a full-time educator with less than 10 years of teaching experience, who has earned the esteem and respect of students and faculty associates. She is an associate professor in the Department of Endodontics at the University of Washington and a part of the 2018-19 American Dental Education Association Leadership Institute.

To learn more about the AAE or for a complete biography of any of the award winners, please contact the AAE by phone at 800-872-3636, by email at info@aae.org or visit aae.org. The AAE also maintains social media pages on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn.

About the American Association of Endodontists

The American Association of Endodontists, headquartered in Chicago, represents more than 8,00 members worldwide. Endodontics is one of nine dental specialties formally recognized by the American Dental Association. The AAE, founded in 1943, is dedicated to excellence in the art and science of endodontics and to the highest standard of patient care. The Association inspires its members to pursue professional advancement and personal fulfillment through education, research, advocacy, leadership, communication and service.