The National Board for Certification in Dental Laboratory Technology (NBC) has announced an update to their Certified Dental Technician (CDT) logo.

In 2018, the NBC Board of Trustees began exploring logo changes for its CDT credential with a goal of refreshing the logo, while still maintaining its integrity. At last year’s CDT Fest, held in conjunction with LMT Lab Day in Chicago, NBC presented several logo options and asked attendees to pick their favorite.  NBC then sent the top designs out to the entire CDT community for a final vote. 

NBC is excited to share the new, refreshed logo as voted on by the CDT community.

“Change is inevitable and we must continue to adapt in order to stay relevant,” said NBC Chair Morris Fucarino, CDT. “This is why NBC overhauled the exams in 2017, launched computer-based testing and a mentorship program in 2018, refreshed the CDT logo in 2019, and is exploring changes that will streamline the testing process and allow for digital technologies in the practical examination. We are proud to unveil the new CDT logo that received the greatest number of votes from our CDT community.”

The National Board for Certification in Dental Laboratory Technology is the independent board founded by the National Association of Dental Laboratories (NADL). It was formed in 1955 as an independent certification organization dedicated to improving the quality of dental laboratory technology through voluntary testing and certification of dental laboratories and technicians. In 2019, the National Board for Certification in Dental Laboratory Technology (NBC) will be celebrating 60 years of working to enhance certification and standards within dental laboratory technology.

The National Board for Certification in Dental Laboratory Technology provides professional certification to both dental technicians and dental laboratories. NBC is dedicated to administering and promoting globally recognized certification programs to assess the knowledge and skills of dental technicians and to review facility and staff training criteria for dental laboratories.

Komet USA’s innovative OccluShaper diamond instruments offer a minimally invasive approach to the precise, clinically desirable preparation of occlusal surfaces for restoration with high-strength ceramics. Indicated for therapy of carious teeth, for treatment of individual or multiple premolars and molars damaged by bruxism and/or biocorrosion, and for restoration of occlusion, occlusal onlays (also known as occlusal veneers or tabletop restorations) provide an alternative to full- and partial-coverage crowns by conserving tooth substance and reducing the risk of pulpitis.

Ceramic preparations require perfectly round contours. The center of the occlusal surface needs to have a concave shape, while the area of the former cusps should have a convex shape to optimally support the onlay. To achieve the ideal preparation, Komet has developed OccluShaper diamonds, the first instruments to combine both shapes. To ensure the abrasive instruments match the occlusal surfaces of each tooth, OccluShapers are available in two sizes: one for molars (370.FG.035) and one for premolars (370.FG.030). Finishers of matching shape (8370.FG.035 for molars and 8370.FG.030 for premolars) also are offered. For occlusal contouring, for example, the occlusal surface is prepared with an OccluShaper of suitable size in a mesio-distal direction along the central fissure. Using a finisher of the same size and congruent shape, the process is repeated.

The OccluShaper diamond abrasives are available individually and in a comprehensive Occlusal Onlay Kit (LD2246). The kit includes the premolar diamond and finisher and the molar diamond and finisher. It also provides a laser-marked pre-preparation instrument (855D.FG.016) that permits depth marking and pre-contouring in a single step. This instrument features a black laser mark at 1 mm from the instrument tip. In addition, the kit incorporates the 8849P.FG.016 guide-pin diamond abrasive for oro-vestibular preparation. Separately available are the 8856.FG.014 instrument for preparing transitions and the slim 858.FG.010 separating instrument for preparing interproximal spaces as well as a matching finisher (8858.FG.010). The kit is housed in a sterilizable, stainless-steel bur block to facilitate organization and instrument identification.

Testimonials from Dental Professionals who have incorporated the OccluShaper into their practice:

“The OccluShaper is definitely the most conservative and anatomically correct diamond high-speed shaping kit for minimally invasive veneer, onlay, and full crown coverage preparations. It helps contour the teeth to optimally receive final restorations via chairside digital dentistry or laboratory fabricated all-ceramic restorations. I personally use this kit to prepare teeth that require reduction and for teeth that will receive additive ceramic restorations without removing enamel. I strongly suggest clinicians evaluate this philosophy.” – Dr. Thomas Bilski

“This is an innovative product for preparation, especially for doctors that use intra-oral scanners.” - Dr. Thanos Dounis (Periodontist/Prosthodontist)

“The occlusal onlay ‘table top’ kit from Komet with the OccluShaper burs add a well thought out protocol and innovative shapes that simplify conservative onlay/ table top restorations.” – Dr. Timothy Hess

About Komet USA

Celebrating 96 years of unparalleled excellence in the dental industry, Komet is a recognized worldwide leader in the production of highly specialized, precise endodontic instruments and accessories, dental burs, discs, and diamonds. Komet operates in the United States under the name Komet USA LLC. Komet sells direct to dental practitioners and dental laboratories, delivering orders quickly and efficiently from its state-of-the-art factory in Lemgo, Germany. The company’s U.S. headquarters is located in Rock Hill, South Carolina. For more information about Komet USA, OccluShaper instruments, and the Occlusal Onlay Kit, call 888-KOMET-USA (566-3887) or visit www.kometusa.com.

 A healthy smile signals more than a good mood. It's a vital part of a healthy life. This April, the dental specialists who restore missing or damaged teeth have an important message for those in need of dental care.

"A beautiful smile is about more than just looks," said Dr. Elaine Torres-Melendez, a board-certified prosthodontist in Pennsylvania. "It is about achieving and maintaining good oral health, which in turn contributes to good overall health."

The American College of Prosthodontists (ACP) has organized National Prosthodontics Awareness Week (NPAW) to bring attention to this dental specialty and how these specialists can help patients. From April 7-13, prosthodontists around the country, and world, will be celebrating NPAW to promote good oral health habits and highlight the importance of maintaining a healthy smile.

A smile compromised by missing or damaged teeth can affect mental health by negatively impacting an individual's confidence, job prospects, and self-worth. If left untreated multiple missing teeth can negatively impact physical health, leading to an increased risk for obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.

Fortunately, there are dental specialists uniquely trained to restore and replace smiles: prosthodontists.

Whether an individual needs a single implant or a completely new set of teeth, their prosthodontist will create a personalized treatment plan to craft their ideal smile. These dental specialists simultaneously address looks, form, and function while utilizing treatments that include dental implants, crowns, and veneers, all the way to a complete set of fixed and removable dentures.

"With at least three years of training beyond dental school, prosthodontists are equipped to utilize the latest developments in dental prostheses design and digital technology to help patients achieve their perfect, healthy smile," said Dr. Torres-Melendez.

For more information, and to find a prosthodontist near you, visit GoToAPro.org.

About the ACP

The American College of Prosthodontists (ACP) is the association that represents the dental 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.

3Shape, a developer and manufacturer of 3D Scanners and CAD/CAM software solutions for the dental industry, announces today an Equipment and Marketing Partnership with GuardLab®, a NY-based sports technology brand that specializes in using 3D technology and 3D printing to create the most accurately fitting and protective mouthguards in the market.

As per the partnership, GuardLab will use 3Shape technology to digitally scan an athlete’s teeth and 3Shape’s CAM/CAD software to model its custom mouthguards for sports.

GuardLab has chosen to use the award-winning 3Shape TRIOS intraoral scanner for its documented accuracy, quick scanning speeds, and ease of use for the scanning of athletes’ mouths. A digital impression taken with 3Shape TRIOS is a faster and more comfortable experience for the patient/athlete as compared to conventional impression-taking with PVC material. TRIOS digital scans also speed up GuardLab’s custom mouthguard production workflow and are more predictable to work with.

“Our partnership with 3Shape solidifies our commitment to use the best available technology in digital dentistry. Since our inception, GuardLab has been hosting mobile 3D scan events with teams, leagues and schools and delighting consumers with a revolutionary mouthguard fitting process with the help of 3Shape TRIOS,” said CEO of GuardLab, Aidan Butler.

GuardLab’s ARC™ (Alignment Repositioning Cushion) in their patented neuromuscular ARC-PRO guar is designed to provide better muscle stability, enhance oxygenation, and lessen TMJ tension during competition and training. Favored by professional teams and athletes, including GuardLab’s newest Hockey Ambassador, James Van Riemsdyk of the NHL Philadelphia Flyers, this partnership will focus on supporting the increased demand for GuardLab’s sports technology.

With a multi-level marketing approach to reach athletes and consumers, the partnership is also aimed at supporting dentists using 3Shape scanners and software. Dental professionals can exclusively join the GuardLab Dental Network and offer custom mouthguards to their patients by cloud-sending scans directly to GuardLab from 3Shape’s Communicate software – included with their TRIOS scanner.

“We are very excited about our partnership with GuardLab, which gives an added utility to our entire network of dentists and helps to promote the 3Shape brand in the sports industry. With minimal training, dentists using 3Shape TRIOS can quickly add custom GuardLab products to their practice offerings and attract new patients,” said VP of Global Business Development and Marketing, Lars Christian Lund, 3Shape.

To learn more about custom mouthguards by GuardLab or to join the GuardLab Dental Network, visit www.guardlab.com or to learn about 3Shape TRIOS, visit www.3shape.com.

Centennial, CO: Over the last few years, there has not been a hotter topic in dentistry infection control than waterline maintenance. With tragic infection outbreaks in Atlanta, Georgia and Anaheim, California impacting at least 91 healthy children displayed across headlines via CNN, NPR, Good Morning America, the LA Times, and others, it is no wonder why this topic has grabbed both industry and public attention.

To help practices ensure waterline compliance, ProEdge Dental Water Labs has developed the first in-office water test system designed specifically for dentistry. With several innovations, the QuickPass™ In-Office Dental Water Test makes waterline testing more reliable and economical.

“Dentists did not spend years in school and building his/her business to use energy worrying about waterline maintenance,” says Mark Frampton, President of ProEdge Dental Water Labs. “But we did. The QuickPass™ makes waterline testing quick, cost-effective, and most importantly, more reliable.”

The QuickPass™ is a heterotrophic plate count water test to help measure compliance with CDC standard for safe water (≤500 CFU/mL) and makes several key improvements:

› Includes germicidal neutralization within the paddle for increased reliability (neutralization is recommended by OSAP and experts to provide accurate results when testing)

› Contains quick-growing media for 48 - 72 hour results so practices can spend less time on waterlines and more time on dentistry

› Leverages advanced technology to improve the readability of bacteria counts and provides actionable results to make understanding the next steps easy

› Includes complimentary consultations with ProEdge’s water safety team to develop best practices and improve results

The ADA has long stated that “The only way to ensure effectiveness of a dental unit waterline cleaning regimen is to actually test the water coming out of the unit”, but increasing efforts have been made by infection control experts and regulatory agencies to improve compliance with these standards. Dental boards are developing new regulations in multiple states, OSAP published comprehensive recommendations in their initial installment of the Journal of Dental Infection Control and Safety, and the FDA is expanding responsibility on dental unit manufacturers. At the office level, dentists just want to sleep well at night knowing their practice is not at risk of liability and hygienists want to feel confident the water they use every day is not putting patients at risk. The innovations of the QuickPass™ In-Office Dental Water Test solve both concerns and ProEdge’s free consultations ensure every practice has a partner ready to help them comply.

Click here for a Free QuickPass Sample.

ProEdge Dental Water Labs: ProEdge is the largest dental water lab in the industry. Since 2003, we have used goldstandard testing methods and free consultations to help practices develop effective waterline maintenance protocols based on the latest research and infection prevention best practices.

NSK engineering delivers comfortable and smooth polishing in a handpiece that is light, quiet, steady and cordless! Weighing in at only 90g the iProphy Mobile produces less wrist stress and gives better access to those hard to reach places. Clinicians and patients will agree the 57.8 dBA makes this easy on the ears. Going cordless produces stress-free treatment achieved by removing the foot control and providing stable rotations throughout the procedure. The iProphy Mobile has a powerful 2.0 torque and offers two ways of operating for a smooth performance: steady fixed rotations in 5 speeds (500-2,500 rpm) or a one-touch variable speed. This handpiece accommodates any disposable prophy angle. Fifty custom disposable sleeves are included in the box; however, you may use any sleeve close in size. The iProphy Mobile handpiece has NSK’s 3-year Worry-Free Warranty including the battery!

iProphy Mobile MSRP: $799.

Launch Special: Buy 1 iProphy Mobile * and receive a box of 500 custom prophy Sleeves and a box of Preventech® Pivot® Plus Prophy Angles* (144 ct.) FREE.

*Special offer ends 6/30/2019. Orders must be placed by 6/30/2019 to qualify for these promotions, and all NSK no charge goods requests must be submitted to NSK by 7/31/2019. To request your no charge goods, please send a copy of your distributor invoice to NSK Promotions, 1800 Global Parkway, Hoffman Estates, IL 60192; or fax to 1-800-838-9328 or email to orders@nskdental.com.

**Choice of one box of Pivot NL Plus Soft Cup (1133343), Pivot NL Plus Firm Cup (1133353), Pivot NL Contra Plus Soft Cup (1144443), or Pivot NL Contra Plus Firm Cup (1144453). Send a copy of dealer invoice along with a copy of this ad to: Preventech, 4430-C Matthews-Indian Trail Rd., Indian Trail, NC 28079 or Fax to 704-849-2417, Email to customerservice@preventech.com. Allow 4-6 weeks for delivery. This offer cannot be combined with other offers.

Zest Dental Solutions, the manufacturer of the LOCATOR® Family of Attachment Systems and provider of dental materials and small equipment, has announced that Mike Van Nostran has been named Vice President, Special Markets and Retail Sales.

Mike will oversee the new Special Markets group consisting of DSO and dental laboratory sales and customer support. This dedicated team will partner closely with Special Market groups offering product training and education along with technical and sales support. Mike will also lead the Retail Sales Division at Zest including the newly created Technical Support Department which is comprised of a team of professionals with strong dental experience trained to support all Zest products.

Mike has over 18 years of sales leadership experience in the dental implant industry. In his most recent position, Sr. Director of Special Markets with Implant Direct, his area of management was among the fastest growing in the industry. Mike’s prior experience includes sales leadership roles at Henry Schein – Ortho Organizers and Dentsply Sirona.

“During my dental career I have been fortunate to partner with Zest on many initiatives in the general dentistry space and Special Markets,” states Mike Van Nostran. “Zest is recognized as a market leader and supported by Special Markets and doctors throughout the industry. I am honored to join the executive team of such a well-respected and recognized brand in the dental space.”

“The Special Markets and Retail Sales department requires a leader with a proven track record of success,” states Tom Stratton, CEO Zest Dental Solutions. “Mike has an impressive record of sales growth within the dental industry, most recently within the Special Markets space. We are excited that Mike is here to support our expansion into this sector supporting our selling partners and Special Markets customers and to build a successful team within Zest.”

For busy dental professionals, a variety of responsibilities and tasks make staying on schedule a challenge. Implementing timesaving products and procedures is crucial to meeting these daily demands and even simple changes can make a significant difference. In order to help dentists increase efficiencies, 3M introduces 3M™ Filtek™ Universal Restorative – a new universal composite that offers a modernized approach to anterior and posterior restorations, with a simplified shading process and advanced composite technology to provide strong and esthetic results.

On average, dentists choose to use a single-shade restoration for roughly 80 percent of the cases they perform.* Knowing efficiency is key, 3M simplified the overall shade selection process. Using NaturalMatch technology, 3M developed eight designer shades, plus an Extra White (XW) that cover the 19 VITA classical and bleach shades1.

A Pink Opaquer was also created to mask metal and stained dentition. In addition, the shades have one universal opacity to meet most clinical needs. Filtek Universal Restorative utilizes NaturalMatch technology, a blend of 3M’s composite technologies for durability and esthetics. Propriety low-stress monomers reduce shrinkage stress, while use of nanofillers creates a TRUE nanocomposite that provides high strength and excellent wear resistance.

“Dentists are pulled in many different directions every day, with countless to-dos that stack up while they serve their patients. That’s why 3M wanted to create a solution that helped them cut down on steps and removed some of that stress,” said Sebastian Arana, President & General Manager, Oral Solutions Division of 3M. “The new Filtek Universal Restorative combines a unique shading system in an innovative material that not only provides efficiency, but also a highly esthetic and long-lasting result.”

Filtek Universal Restorative also features capsules that can be warmed2 and an improved tip design that allows the material to extrude like a flowable composite, and then become more viscous for shaping. At 8 mm, the tip is longer than our previous universal capsules, which enables good adaptation even in hard to reach areas.

To learn more about the new 3M Filtek Universal Restorative, please visit www.3M.com/FiltekUniversal

*3M Internal Data

1. 3M Internal Data

2. See Instructions for Use

About 3M Oral Care

3M Oral Care promotes lifelong oral wellness through inventive solutions that help oral care professionals achieve greater clinical, professional and personal success. Learn more at 3M.com/dental.

About 3M

At 3M, we apply science in collaborative ways to improve lives daily. With $32 billion in sales, our 90,000 employees connect with customers all around the world. Learn more about 3M’s creative solutions to the world’s problems at www.3M.com or on Twitter @3M or @3MNewsroom. 3M and Filtek are trademarks of 3M. Used under license in Canada. © 3M 2019. All rights reserved. www.3M.com/FiltekUniversal.

Six national organizations are teaming up in April for National Facial Protection Month to promote the use of protective gear – such as mouth guards and helmets – to prevent dental and facial injuries resulting from sports and recreational activities.

Founded in 2000 by the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS), National Facial Protection Month provides a platform for members of the sponsoring organizations to reach out to their communities to encourage the use of effective facial protection gear to help reduce dental and facial injuries and the ensuing pain and expense.

According to a 2015 study in the journal Sports Health, $500 million is spent replacing and repairing the more than 5 million teeth injured or knocked out every year. The overall cost to treat just one knocked-out tooth and resulting issues over a lifetime can range from $5,000 to $20,000 due to follow-up maintenance.

To avoid dental and facial injuries, remember these four important tips:

-Mouth guards should be worn in all contact or collisions sports.

-Helmets should always be worn when biking and playing football, softball, baseball, lacrosse, and hockey as well as during activities such as skateboarding, riding scooters or other physical activities that pose a risk of concussion. Helmets absorb the energy of an impact.

-Protective eyewear and helmets should be worn per the standards of ASTM International, a voluntary standard-setting organization.

-Be alert, even as a spectator. Alert spectators can avoid foul baseballs and flying hockey pucks.

-Mouth guards should be fitted, strong, easy-to-clean and the proper size to cover the upper and/or lower teeth and gums. The best mouth guard is a custom-fitted one made by a dental professional, but more inexpensive solutions – such as boil-and-bite and stock mouth guards – can be used if cost is an issue. Those with braces should consult their orthodontist about the type of mouth guard to use.

According to a study in Pediatrics – the journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the newest cosponsor of National Facial Protection Month – 30 percent of children experience a dental injury by age 14. Members of AAOMS, AAP and the four other sponsors – the Academy for Sports Dentistry, American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, American Association of Orthodontists and American Dental Association – hope the use of protective gear will help lower that number.

Visit these cosponsor websites for more information and resources:

The Academy for Sports Dentistry was established in 1983 as a forum for dentists, doctors, athletic trainers, coaches, dental technicians and educators for sharing ideas about sports dentistry and athletes' dental needs.

Founded in 1947, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry is the membership organization of the specialty of pediatric dentistry with approximately 10,500 members.

The American Academy of Pediatrics is an organization of 67,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists and pediatric surgical specialists dedicated to the health, safety and well-being of infants, children, adolescents and young adults. Visit AAP's website for parents for information.

Established in 1918, the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons represents more than 9,000 oral and maxillofacial surgeons and supports its fellows and members through education, research and advocacy.

The American Association of Orthodontists, founded in 1900, is the world's oldest and largest dental specialty organization. Its more than 19,000 orthodontist members help patients of all ages achieve healthy, beautiful smiles.

The American Dental Association, founded in 1859, is the country's largest dental association with more than 163,000 dentist members.

About National Facial Protection Month

Founded by AAOMS, National Facial Protection Month is sponsored annually during the month of April by the Academy for Sports Dentistry, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, the American Association of Orthodontists and the American Dental Association. Visit the websites for more information and materials.

The April 2019 issue of the Journal of the California Dental Association highlights the disparities seniors face in accessing adequate oral health care and addresses what dental providers can do to help reduce oral health complications in older adults.

“This issue concentrates on the diminishing access to oral health care for aging adults and focuses on what dental care providers can do to better care for seniors,” said Kerry K. Carney, DDS, editor-in-chief of the Journal.

The article “Older Adults: The Long and Winding Road To Address Their Needs” discusses the lack of dental coverage for seniors after retirement and innovative ways to approach the challenges older adults face in maintaining their oral health care. “On Lok PACE Integrates Oral Health Care as Part of Comprehensive Health Care for Seniors” reviews an alternative to nursing-home care that offers a comprehensive, community-based care system for older adults and provides them access to preventive dental services.

“The Gary and Mary West Senior Dental Center: Whole-Person Care by Community-Based Service Integration” describes a senior wellness center designed to provide accessible and affordable dental and medical care for vulnerable seniors and offers advice for dental providers interested in creating interprofessional models of care in their own communities.

“Strategies for Oral Health Care Practitioners To Manage Older Adults Through Care-Setting Transitions” reviews the changes and challenges oral health care professionals will encounter as older adults transition through stages of dependency and housing environments and strategies that should be utilized during those transitions to better care for seniors.

Additional articles examine a conceptual framework that can be used to address the complex oral health needs of seniors and the need for an interprofessional oral health education system, as well as a dental benefit in Medicare to better care for older adults.

The Journal is an award-winning peer-reviewed scientific publication that keeps dentists up to date about scientific advances, business management strategies and new products.

About the California Dental Association

The California Dental Association is the non-profit organization representing organized dentistry in California. Founded in 1870, CDA is committed to the success of our members in service to their patients and the public. CDA also contributes to the oral health of Californians through various comprehensive programs and advocacy. CDA’s membership consists of more than 27,000 dentists, making it the largest constituent of the American Dental Association. For more information, visit cda.org.