Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc. (NYSE and SIX: ZBH), a global leader in musculoskeletal healthcare, today announced a multinational distribution agreement with Align Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ: ALGN), for the award-winning iTero Element family of intraoral scanners. Terms of the agreement have not been disclosed. The agreement expands Zimmer Biomet's global footprint in the rapidly growing market for digital restorative dentistry solutions.

"Zimmer Biomet is committed to offering best-in-class solutions and technology tailored to dental professionals' needs, and this partnership with Align Technology to complement our portfolio of fully digital solutions is another important step in that direction," said Pedro Malha, President, Zimmer Biomet Dental.

Together, the iTero Element scanner and Zimmer Biomet's dental solutions will deliver multiple digital workflows for dental professionals and laboratories, enabling efficient business-to-business collaboration and offering patients an optimal treatment experience.

"We are excited to be partnering with Zimmer Biomet to demonstrate our companies' commitment to supporting dental professionals on their journey to digital dentistry," said Yuval Shaked, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, iTero Scanner and Services. "A key differentiator in the evolution to a digital practice and dental ecosystem is clinical education. Through this partnership, the iTero scanner becomes the preferred intraoral scanner used in the U.S. and European Zimmer Biomet Institutes, which train thousands of dental professionals annually in an interactive learning environment with the ultimate goal of improved clinical outcomes."

iTero Element scanners and services are now available through Zimmer Biomet Dental in Europe, with distribution expanding to the U.S., Canada and Japan starting in October 2019.

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 orthopedic 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 Align Technology, Inc.

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

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

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of federal securities laws, including, among others, statements concerning Zimmer Biomet's expectations, plans, prospects, and product and service offerings. Such statements are based upon the current beliefs, expectations and assumptions of management and are subject to significant risks, uncertainties and changes in circumstances that could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements. For a list and description of some of such risks and uncertainties, see Zimmer Biomet's periodic reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018. These factors should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read in conjunction with the other cautionary statements that are included in Zimmer Biomet's filings with the SEC. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and Zimmer Biomet expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Readers of this release are cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements, since there can be no assurance that these forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate. This cautionary statement is applicable to all forward-looking statements contained in this release. 

Easy Gold Crowns announced immediate availability of Milled Precious Metal Crowns at an Affordable Price, enabling dentists who use an intra oral scanner (IOS), to order a gold crown as easily as ordering any other material in the digital dental workflow. As each crown is ordered it is machined from a puck of solid gold. The customer receives the crown only a few days after ordering it, and pays a flat fee based on which of the three alloys they choose.

“The industry consensus on gold in dentistry is that gold is the best. Easy Gold Crowns eliminates all the down side to the traditional manufacturing process, casting. Milled metal parts are significantly more precise than any other method of production. Milled metals are the present and the future.” said Tom Mappin, Owner at Easy Gold Crowns .

Predictable, Precise, Simplified, & Fast

In the past seven years, our source for milled precious metal has manufactured tens of thousands of units and has a superb remake factor of <0.5%. Many companies already rely on the milled gold process to simplify their internal manufacturing. Now dentists can leverage it even more by ordering their next gold crown from Easy Gold Crowns directly and pay a flat fee. It is a predictable, precise, fast, and simple process.

Accepting Most IOS Scans

Easy Gold Crowns is currently accepting files from CEREC Carestream, 3Shape, Planmeca, and Medit.

Founded in June, 2019, Easy Gold Crowns is the first ever flat fee direct milled gold crown offering to the digital dental industry.

Easy Gold Crowns is a registered trademark in the United States and/or other countries.

For more information on Easy Gold Crowns visit https://www.easygoldcrown.com/

The America’s Dentists Care Foundation Board of Directors met in August at the North American Headquarters of Planmeca in Chicago. Founded in 2008, ADCF provides all the dental equipment for the Mission of Mercy clinics and other charitable organizations throughout the United States. Since inception, this equipment has supported more than 200 clinics in 31 states. These clinics and the local volunteer dentists, hygienists and dental assistants have seen more than 300,000 patients, providing nearly $250 million dollars in charitable oral healthcare to the nation’s underserved and those in need.

ADCF Executive Director Bill Blasing likens the service ADCF provides as being the “hub” of the wheel. “ADCF is a key element of the Mission of Mercy clinics. We exist to support their clinics and the clinics are dependent upon our equipment and our expertise to make them possible.,” Blasing said. “ADCF and Mission of Mercy are a true partnership as together we make the delivery of oral healthcare to the underserved possible.”

Blasing went on to state, “ADCF acquires, warehouses, maintains, transports, sets-up and breaks-down this top-of-the-line equipment. The equipment is transported in 53’ semi-trailers to the site, where it is off-loaded, placed, and made ready for the local volunteers that provide the dental care. On average, a clinic will run for two days and will see between 1,500 and 2,000 patients.”

ADCF has experienced significant growth in clinic requests. This year alone the organization will sup-port 28 clinics and estimates 2020 will grow to 30 or more clinics. As the number of clinics grows, so does the need for additional equipment and trailers. ADCF will soon embark on a fundraising cam-paign to purchase an additional trailer and the necessary dental equipment to support the increased requests.

ADCF is supported by a number of dental manufacturers and distributors who provide financial and in-kind contributions. While these support the current service ADCF provides, the funds necessary for ex-pansion will need to come from grants and other outside contributors.

“Oral healthcare has never been more important than it is today,” said Blasing. “A healthy mouth is a precursor to good overall health. ADCF’s goal is to support the delivery of oral healthcare to all those in need, working in partnership with Mission of Mercy and other charitable organizations that provide oral healthcare to the underserved. Together we can all make a difference.”

From left: Dr. Chuck Wood, dentist and Arkansas MOM; Fred Eichmiller, Delta Dental of Wisconsin; Robin Gathman, Planmeca; Andy Whitehead, OSAP; Paul Batley, Henry Schein; Dr. Karyn Stockwell, dentist and Georgia MOM; Dr. Rieger Wood, dentist and Oklahoma MOM; Bill Blasing, ADCF Executive Director; Glenn Neal, Mid-South MOM; Josh Killian; Patterson Dental; Dr. Andy Soderstrom, dentist and CDA Cares. Not pictured: Alejandro Aguirre, endodontist; Carmelo Cinqueonce, Minnesota Dental Association; Kevin Conroy, Phoenix Endodontics and Central Arizona Dental Society.

To learn more about ADCF and to support our expansion visit our website at www.adcf.net.

“ADCF provides the tools. Dentists provide the care.”

Gary Hubbard, DDS, FAACD, has just been named the 85th Accredited Fellow of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD). The purpose of Fellowship is to recognize the highest level of achievement for members in accordance with the AACD's mission of education and excellence.

Dr. Hubbard has been a member of the AACD since 2004 and achieved Accredited Member status in 2011. He completed his undergraduate at Michigan State University and attended the University of Michigan School of Dentistry, graduating as an OKU inductee in 1978. After completing a teaching appointment as a clinical instructor, he returned to Lansing to begin private practice.  He has maintained a cosmetic and complex restorative practice in East Lansing, Michigan, since then.

Dr. Hubbard volunteers his time as a participant in the Donated Dental Servicesprogram with the Michigan Dental Association and with AACD’s Give Back a Smile program. He is also a member of the Sparrow Hospital Foundation Board, dedicated to improving health care in the Lansing, Michigan area through philanthropic giving.

“Dr. Hubbard’s commitment to responsible esthetics and cosmetic dentistry is undeniable with his most recent achievement as an AACD Accredited Fellow,” said AACD Fellowship Chair Bradley J. Olson, DDS, FAACD. “Our Accredited Fellow members must complete one of the most rigorous, yet life-changing, journeys of their career—and of their lives.”

In addition to a keen interest in restorative and cosmetic dentistry, Dr. Hubbard and his wife, Karen, enjoy numerous outdoor activities, including; golf, hiking, downhill and cross-country skiing, fly-fishing, hunting and scuba diving. They have two grown sons, John and Matthew.

Hubbard will be honored for this achievement at the 36thAnnual AACD Scientific Session in Orlando on April 25th, 2020.

To learn more about the AACD Annual Scientific Session, visit www.aacdconference.com.

About the AACD

The AACD is the world’s largest non-profit member organization dedicated to advancing excellence in comprehensive oral care that combines art and science to optimally improve dental health, esthetics, and function. Comprised of more than 5,000 cosmetic dental professionals in 80 countries worldwide, the AACD fulfills its mission by offering superior educational opportunities, promoting and supporting a respected Accreditation credential, serving as a user-friendly and inviting forum for the creative exchange of knowledge and ideas, and providing accurate and useful information to the public and the profession.

International genetic testing company Dante Labs launches ambitious project to improve oral and dental care through the study of the microbes in the oral cavity

Dante Labs announced today the 10,000 Oral Microbiome Project, aimed at improving the oral care of individuals by leveraging the latest DNA sequencing technologies. The project will improve the understanding of the relationship between diseases and the DNA of the microbes in our mouths - including gingivitis and gum diseases.

The project is co-financed by the Italian Government through its Innovation Agency Invitalia, which promotes R&D projects with measurable impact on the economy and the well being of individuals. Dante Labs covered the remaining expenses.​

"This is the next step of oral care prevention," said Dante Labs CEO Andrea Riposati. "People will prevent diseases to their gums and teeth by checking their oral microbiomes regularly. Invitalia has proven a trusted and dynamic partner with the vision to back ambitious, entrepreneurial projects. We will keep investing in Italy and Europe and we will continue to shape the future of genomics."

The project will leverage Dante Labs' expertise in whole genome sequencing data analysis and interpretation and is expected to be completed by early 2020.

Canadian Business and Maclean’s have ranked Panthera Dental No. 161 on the 30th annual Growth 500, the definitive ranking of Canada’s Fastest Growing Companies. Produced by Canada’s premier business and current affairs media brands, the Growth 500 ranks Canadian businesses on five-year revenue growth. Growth 500 winners are profiled in a special print issue of Canadian Business published with Maclean’s magazine and online at CanadianBusiness.com and Growth500.ca. 

Panthera Dental made the 2019 Growth 500 list with five-year revenue growth of 561%. 

“The companies on the 2019 Growth 500 are truly remarkable. Demonstrating foresight, innovation, and smart management, their stories serve as a primer for how to build a successful entrepreneurial business today,” says Beth Fraser, Growth 500 program manager. “As we celebrate over 30 years of the Canada’s Fastest-Growing Companies program, it’s encouraging to see that entrepreneurship is healthier than ever in this country.” 

“Panthera Dental is honoured to be on the Growth 500 ranking,” says Gabriel Robichaud, President & Co-founder of Panthera Dental. “This achievement reflects the strength of our products and the dedication of our team.” 

To amplify the voice of specialized dentists known as endodontists, the American Association of Endodontists (AAE) rolled out a new, robust web-based advocacy center called the AAE Advocacy Action Center.

“As the global resource for endodontists, other dental professionals and patients, the AAE advocates for one standard of endodontic practice, an enhanced understanding of the dental specialty, and ensuring the best patient outcomes through treatment planning and referral to specialists when appropriate,” AAE President Dr. Keith V. Krell said. “The AAE’s Advocacy Action Center will help strengthen efforts to support quality care for patients by providing resources that empower AAE members to take action on critical health policy matters.”

AAE’s advocacy center is meant to help educate endodontists about important policy issues and empower them to act. The center features updates about health care matters and the endodontic specialty. It offers effective tools to help the Association’s members communicate with lawmakers and other stakeholders. Additionally, it offers a variety of other resources like the Association’s position statements, guidelines and treatment standards.

“The AAE Advocacy Action Center was created by the AAE to help ensure endodontists have a say on critical policy matters that effect better patient outcomes and dentistry,” Dr. Krell continued. “We are excited to leverage this new tool as Congress returns to Washington and look forward to advocating on behalf of the endodontic specialty and the hundreds of thousands of patients endodontists treat.

About the American Association of Endodontists: The American Association of Endodontists (AAE). The AAE is headquartered in Chicago and represents more than 8,000 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. For more information about the AAE, visit the Association’s website at aae.org. For more patient focused information, visit aae.org/patients.

OptraGate: new sales record by Ivoclar Vivadent

Thanks to its special design, the OptraGate lip and cheek retractor has achieved movie star status. Sprinkled with stardust though it may be, this ingenious little item is above all handy and comfortable. And now it hit the 100-million sales mark. Ivoclar Vivadent celebrated this success with international guests at its headquarters in Schaan (FL).

OptraGate is easy to use, provides unfettered access and clear visibility of the treatment field for efficient workflows and ensures adequate relative isolation. With qualities like this, OptraGate is useful in almost any indication and provides valuable help in esthetic dental treatments in particular. OptraGate is comfortable to wear and assists patients to keep their mouth open. The material is soft, flexible and well tolerated (latex-free). OptraGate is supplied in a variety of colours and sizes, including a paediatric size. Ivoclar Vivadent has announced a further extension to the range for 2020.

Treatment comfort and efficiency

"Right from when we launched the product, we knew that OptraGate would have a lasting effect on the way our customers work,"remembers Diego Gabathuler, CEO and previous product manager for the Optra range. "However, we would never have thought in our wildest dreams that the product would one day reach such a record."Ten million OptraGate units were sold by 2009 and 50 million by 2016. Sales soared in the past few years in particular. This development coincided with a rise in patient expectations for treatment comfort, combined with an increasing imperative for dental practices to maximize the efficiency of dental procedures.

Most popular in Russia, Germany and the USA

Russia is the strongest selling market, with almost five million* OptraGates sold every year. Germany and the USA are the second and third biggest markets respectively. "Seven production lines are currently working 24/7 to cover global demand,"Michael Taube, CMO, reports. And Cigdem Ygit, current product manager for OptraGate, adds: "If demand continues to grow at this pace, we will soon be producing on eight production lines."Diego Gabathuler is positive that this will be the case shortly, because: “Anyone who has ever used OptraGate always comes back to it.”

OptraGate^®is a registered trademark of Ivoclar Vivadent.

AdDent, Inc. is excited to announce 2 new ways to capture images with your Bio/Screen. We now have 2 adapters for use with the Bio/Screen. The SLR adapter kit will fit a lens from 52mm to 62mm, the cell phone adapter is adjustable to work with varying sizes of phones.

For more information on the Bio/Screen or any AdDent products visit www.addent.com or call our Toll Free # 855-211-3413

Ultradent Products, Inc., a leading developer and manufacturer of high-tech dental materials, is unveiling the latest innovation in disposable prophy angles (DPAs)—the Ultrapro Tx Sweep DPA.

Splatter is a near constant concern for dental hygienists during polishing, with 80 percent reporting at least a moderate amount while using their current prophy angle. After switching to the Ultrapro Tx Sweep DPA, five out of six hygienists experienced a significant reduction in splatter. 95 percent said they encountered little to no splatter compared to their former angle.

Ultrapro Tx Sweep DPA’s performance upgrades come from the unique brush guard attached near the head of the angle, effectively “sweeping” away saliva and prophy paste as it accumulates. This method significantly reduces splatter by 95 percent*. The flexible bristles of the brush guard prevent splatter before it gathers by efficiently stopping saliva and paste from collecting and roping around the outside of the cup.

In order to reduce prophy paste waste and keep the treatment field clean, the Ultrapro Tx Sweep DPA sweeps excess saliva and paste back toward the tooth. This allows the hygienist to continue working, with no need to refill the cup with additional paste.

The benefits of Ultradent’s popular Ultrapro™ Tx Skini DPA have been seamlessly incorporated into the Ultrapro Tx Sweep DPA. Features include advanced internal blade design, outer ridges for better interproximal cleaning, optimal flare, and quiet gear design. Its ergonomic shape features both a 20 percent shorter head for better access and a 25 percent slimmer neck for improved visibility.

Building on Ultradent’s tradition of innovation, the Ultrapro Tx Sweep DPA sets a new standard in polishing, ensuring both hygienists and patients have the clean and comfortable experience they deserve. To learn more, or to purchase the Ultrapro Tx Sweep disposable prophy angle, call 800.552.5512 or visit ultradent.com.

About Ultradent Products, Inc.

Ultradent Products, Inc., is a leading developer and manufacturer of high-tech dental materials, devices, and instruments worldwide. Ultradent's vision is to improve oral health globally.

Ultradent also works to improve the quality of life and health of individuals through financial and charitable programs. For more information about Ultradent, call 800.552.5512 or visit ultradent.com.