Optimized solutions now in place for the U.S. launch of the PrograMill One milling system and the fabrication of IPS e.max CAD restorations.

Ivoclar Vivadent and Patterson Dental Company today announced the availability of the PrograMill One milling unit in the United States for chairside restorative production. Integrated with 3Shape TRIOS Intraoral Scanner and TRIOS Design Studio, this partnership offers a seamless in-office CAD/CAM milling solution optimizing the quality, surface finish, and margins of IPS e.max CAD - the market leader in esthetic and durable CAD/CAM materials.

"It's our pleasure to bring the PrograMill One to market and be aligned with an innovative technology partner like 3Shape and distribution partner like Patterson Dental who is committed to service and support of digital technologies," said Don Bell, Vice President Marketing – Digital Technologies for Ivoclar Vivadent. "The clinician gains the benefits of innovative technologies, proven materials, service and simplicity all combined in one."

Dental offices looking to incorporate digital technologies with in-office production capabilities can benefit clinicians by eliminating a visit, optimizing esthetics, fit, and function while the patient is in the office, and "WOW" the patient with same day service.

Intra-oral scanning and fabricating technologies are growing at double digit rates as clinicians integrate technologies to better serve their patients and expand their productivity. This trend toward digital capture of information benefits clinicians by creating better treatment plans and in office fabrication for increased efficiency and patient satisfaction.

“Patterson is pleased to have the PrograMill One milling unit from Ivoclar Vivadent join our CAD/CAM portfolio of products”, said Josh Killian, Vice President of Marketing for Patterson Dental. “Ivoclar Vivadent has a long history of understanding the material needs of dentists who incorporate single-visit dentistry solutions into their practice.”

“We are excited to launch our joint Ivoclar Vivadent - 3Shape chairside solution with Patterson Dental in the US, bringing together the PrograMill One with the 3Shape TRIOS intraoral scanner and TRIOS Design Studio software,” says Garrett Ogden, General Manager, 3Shape North America. “This solution creates an outstanding workflow experience for dental practices who wish to offer same-day and next-day dentistry to their patients.“

About the PrograMill One

The PrograMill One is the compact, 5-axis milling machine designed to mill beautiful, esthetic IPS e.max CAD restorations. This ground breaking design allows for high precision and convenience due to a self-contained milling system. This distinguishes it from other mills on the market that necessitate separate filtration or suction units. PrograMill One is small and wireless, which enables it to be positioned anywhere within the practice or dental laboratory. It can be controlled using the mill’s corresponding app on a tablet or smartphone. An LED light ring visually informs the user about the current processing status. An innovative rotary grinding process, 5XT, produces shorter duration of the milling process and minimal tool wear. A camera integrated within the mill automatically records all data on material and tool use. This makes material and tool management more convenient and efficient.

About Ivoclar Vivadent

Ivoclar Vivadent is a global leader in innovative materials and processes for quality, esthetic dentistry. The company employs over 3200 people and operates in over 120 countries throughout the world. Ivoclar Vivadent is headquartered in Schaan, Liechtenstein.

About Patterson Dental

Patterson strengthens dental customers by providing the latest products, technologies, services and business solutions that enable operational and professional success. Our comprehensive portfolio, distribution network and supply chain is equaled only by our dedicated people who deliver Trusted Expertise, Unrivaled Support every day. We make it easy to do business and our unwavering customer focus provides the confidence that we will be there when and how our customers need us.

About 3Shape

3Shape is changing dentistry together with dental professionals across the world by developing innovations that provide superior dental care for patients. Our portfolio of 3D scanners and CAD/CAM software solutions includes the multiple award-winning 3Shape TRIOS intraoral scanner, the upcoming 3Shape X1 CBCT scanner, as well as market-leading scanning and design software solutions for both dental practices and labs.

Two graduate students founded 3Shape in Denmark’s capital in the year 2000. Today, 3Shape has over 1,500 employees serving customers in over 100 countries from an ever-growing number of 3Shape offices around the world. 3Shape’s products and innovations continue to challenge traditional methods, enabling dental professionals to treat more patients more effectively. www.3shape.com

Curve Dental, a leading provider of cloud-based dental solutions, today announced its integration with Weave, the leading patient communication platform. With this integration, Curve Dental customers can seamlessly use Weave’s collection of communication tools.

“Patient experience is a top priority for most dental practices, with technology being a cornerstone of the modern experience,” said Dave Cormack, Executive Chairman of Curve Dental. “By partnering with a proven patient communications solution like Weave, Curve customers will have access to a modern, HIPAA-approved communications tool that aligns perfectly with today’s digitally-savvy patients.”

Curve Dental’s practice management software combined with Weave allows dental practices and small businesses to communicate more efficiently and effectively with patients and customers.

“Curve’s dedication to streamlining processes for dental practices closely aligns with our mission of bringing businesses closer to the people who use them,” said Brandon Rodman, CEO, and co-founder at Weave. “Curve brings flexibility and efficiencies to all dental processes and our integration will extend these capabilities to nurturing the patient relationship and experience. It’s game-changing for practice owners and their staff, and we’re really excited to see the impact on their businesses and patients.”

Learn more at Weave’s Booth # 3241 during the 2019 Greater New York Dental Meeting, December 1st thru December 4th.

About Curve Dental

Founded in 2004, Curve Dental provides web-based dental software and related services to dental practices within the United States and Canada. The company is privately-held, with offices in Provo, Utah, and Calgary, Alberta. The company strives to make dental software less about computers and more about user experience. Their creative thinking can be seen in the design of their software, that’s easy to use and built only for the web. Visit www.curvedental.com for more information.

About Weave

Founded in 2008 in Lehi, Utah, Weave is the premier customer communication platform for service-based businesses across the United States. From customer acquisition to retention, Weave provides communication software solutions for the entire customer journey. Weave was the first Utah company to join Y Combinator, and has received several awards including Best of State for Software Engineers, Best Place to Work and Top CEO. To learn more, visit www.getweave.com

A dentist's drill might not be the best way to tackle tooth decay in children's teeth, a new study has concluded.

Findings from a major dental trial suggest that preventing tooth decay from occurring in the first place is the most effective way for parents to help avoid pain and infection from decay in their children's teeth.

A three-year study comparing three different treatment options for tooth decay in children's teeth, led by dentists from the Universities of Dundee, Newcastle, Sheffield, Cardiff, Queen Mary University of London and Leeds, has found no evidence to suggest that conventional fillings are more effective than sealing decay into teeth, or using prevention techniques alone, in stopping pain and infection from tooth decay in primary teeth.

The FiCTION trial, the largest of its kind to date, also found that 450 children who took part in the study experienced tooth decay and pain, regardless of which kind of dental treatment they received.

Professor Nicola Innes, Chair of Paediatric Dentistry at the University of Dundee and lead author on the paper published today, said, "Our study shows that each way of treating decay worked to a similar level but that children who get tooth decay at a young age have a high chance of experiencing toothache and abscesses regardless of the way the dentist manages the decay.

"What is absolutely clear from our trial is that the best way to manage tooth decay is not by drilling it out or sealing it in - it's by preventing it in the first place."

During the study, more than 1,140 children between the ages of three and seven with visible tooth decay were recruited by dentists working in one of 72 dental clinics throughout the country. One of three treatment approaches was then chosen randomly for each child's dental care for the duration of the trial, which was up to three years.

The first approach avoided placing any fillings and aimed to prevent new decay by reducing sugar intake, ensuring twice-daily brushing with fluoridated toothpaste, application of fluoride varnish and placing of fissure sealants on the first permanent molar (back) teeth.

The second option involved drilling out tooth decay, which was based upon what has been considered the standard "drill and fill" practice for more than 50 years together with preventive treatments. The third treatment strategy was a minimally invasive approach where tooth decay was sealed in under a metal crown or a filling to stop it progressing together with preventive treatments.

The main trial findings, published in the Journal of Dental Research found no evidence to suggest that any of the treatment strategies were better than another in terms of making a difference in children's experience of pain or infection, quality of life or dental anxiety between groups.

All three different ways of treating decay were acceptable to children, parents and dental professionals.

Sealing-in with preventive treatment was most likely to be considered the best way of managing children's decay if society are willing to pay a minimum of £130 to avoid an episode of pain or infection.

Professor Anne Maguire, Chair of Preventive Dentistry at Newcastle University and one of the co-chief investigators said, "The FiCTION findings have focused attention again on the need to prevent dental decay before it begins but also provided some reassurance that if decay does develop in a child's mouth, there are a number of treatment options available which can be tailored to the clinical and behavioural needs of an individual child."

Professor Gail Douglas, Chair of Dental Public Health at the University of Leeds and one of the chief investigators, said, "All of the children in our study were chosen to take part because they already had tooth decay and unfortunately even with lots of care and attention from the dentist once children have decay, there's quite a chance that it will cause further problems.

"The good news however is that tooth decay can be prevented. Brushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste, especially last thing before bedtime, avoiding sugary drinks and snacks between meals and seeing a dentist regularly are all small habits that can help boost the overall health of your teeth."

Scotland's Chief Dental Officer, Tom Ferris, said, "FiCTION highlights the importance of preventing tooth decay in our youngest children. I believe the key to success in prevention lies within families and communities; for this reason Scottish Government launched the Oral Health Community Challenge Fund for Third Sector organisations working alongside families living in our most disadvantaged areas. The activities from these projects complement our mainstream Childsmile work in education and health settings."

The FICTION study was funded by the Health Technology Assessment (HTA) programme of the National Instit11/26/2019ute for Health Research (NIHR).

Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.

The AAE Foundation for Endodontics is being honored with an ADEAGies Foundation William J. Gies Achievement Award for its educational funding initiative and efforts to fund 19 years of Endodontic Educator Fellowship Awards.

The Gies Awards are among the highest education-related honors dental professionals can receive and are presented to individuals, institutions and organizations who demonstrate the best standards in oral health and dental education, research and leadership. The Foundation will be honored at the 2020 Gies Awards gala on March 16, 2020, where the award will be presented in conjunction with the ADEA Annual Session and Exhibition in National Harbor, Md.

“We are thrilled and honored to win the Gies Award for Achievement – Public or Private Partner,” Foundation President Dr. Mary T. Pettiette said. “The Foundation for Endodontics is an outstanding example of how excellence in dental education can be cultivated and rewarded, and I couldn’t be prouder of our organization!”

The Foundation for Endodontics was recognized with the Gies Award for Achievement – Public or Private Partner for its work to support full-time endodontic educators who play a critical role in strengthening the specialty. Annually, the Foundation raises at least $1 million to support programs like the Endodontic Educator Fellowship Award, among others.

Recipients of the Educator Fellowship receive up to $250,000 in funding, disbursed over five years. The fellowship ensures outstanding educators and departments have the support needed to confidently train endodontists and dentists alike. This substantial award is made possible by the generosity of many donors, both individual and corporate. The Fellows in 2016 and 2017 were supported by a pledge from industry partner EdgeEndo.

“Supporting full-time educators, who bring value and experience to the clinic where future specialists are being educated, is only possible thanks to our generous donors who believe in excellence and a strong future for endodontics,” Dr. Pettiette added.

For more information about the work of the Foundation for Endodontics or to learn more about ways to donate, please visit aae.org/foundation/.

The world’s largest organization for cosmetic dental professionals, The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD), has just released the program guide for their flagship global conference, The 36th Annual AACD Scientific Session, April 22-25 at the Rosen Shingle Creek Resort in Orlando. The guide highlights the elite education offered by the best and brightest dental educators in the industry, presenting the latest techniques and technologies. From foundational level to advanced, AACD Orlando offers something for everyone, with clinical and nonclinical options for every skill level. The AACD 2020 Orlando program guide takes an in-depth look at the plethora of educational opportunities offered, as well as the community-building events that make the AACD Scientific Session a place where experts come together to shape the future of cosmetic dentistry.

Sessions and workshops begin Wednesday, April 22, but the conference will be kicking off that evening with the “Twinkle Twinkle Dental Stars” Welcome Reception, held on the Rosen Shingle Creek Terrace. The Welcome Reception offers dental professionals the chance to reconnect with friends, network, and enjoy a variety of thoughtful food options, activities, and dancing. Entertainment will include a glowing arcade featuring games such as LED giant Jenga, Puttskee and foosball, as well as glow jugglers, a photobooth, and music by DJ Robert Michaels.

After a full day of workshops and sessions on Thursday, attendees gather with exhibitors and colleagues for drinks and appetizers during the Exhibit Hall Social. Thursday evening’s main event, a fundraiser for the charitable arm of AACD, Give Back a Smile (GBAS), takes place at 7:30 pm at Topgolf. Attendees are welcomed to food and unlimited golf in climate-controlled hitting bays while rubbing elbows with colleagues and 200 of the AACD Charitable Foundation’s Give Back a Smile program’s top supporters. The mission of GBAS is to rebuild the smiles and lives of adults who have suffered dental injuries from domestic and sexual violence.

Another full day of hands-on educational sessions, Friday culminates with one more chance to socialize in the exhibit hall with exhibitors and colleagues. Attendees won’t want to miss the Give Back a Smile Fundraiser Wine Pull & Silent Auction, ending at 7:00 pm Friday night.

The conference concludes on Saturday with the Celebration of Excellence, a night of fine dining and dancing. This gala event is the AACD community’s opportunity to recognize and appreciate the accomplishments of outstanding individuals, including newly Accredited Members, Accredited Fellows, and Evy Award recipients. This ticketed formal event, inspired this year by the theme “Havana Nights,” is black-tie optional.

AACD 2020 Orlando, April 22-25, offers educational opportunities for every skill level and is designed to support dental professionals in reaching their personal and professional goals. For more information or to register for the 36th Annual AACD 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, combining art and science to optimally improve dental health, esthetics, and function. Comprised of more than 5,000 cosmetic dental professionals in 70 countries worldwide, the AACD fulfills its mission by offering superior educational opportunities, promoting and supporting the respected Accreditation and Fellowship credentials, 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.

Integration Helps Eliminate Human Error and Enhances the Digital Workflow with Automation Tools

Henry Schein One, a joint venture of Henry Schein Inc., announced today the availability of the Dentrix® Smart Image connector for DEXIS™. This integration will enable oral health professionals to further automate their practice management with DEXIS software tightly woven into Dentrix workflows.

Dentrix Smart Image adds new levels of connectivity between Dentrix practice management software and DEXIS imaging software with automation to improve practice efficiency. Dentrix users acquire images and tag them with CDT codes to support proper tracking and reimbursement. Dentrix Smart Image automatically posts each imaging procedure; to the ledger for payment, to the patient’s continuing care dates for future eligibility, and to progress notes for audit assurance.

“We’re excited to offer DEXIS users a streamlined, premier-level imaging process with the announcement of the Dentrix Smart Image connector for DEXIS,” said James A. Harding, Jr., Chief Executive Officer, Henry Schein One. “This new way of integrating imaging can mean immense time-savings, clinical care enhancements, and revenue opportunities for Dentrix users. This integration also reinforces our commitment to helping our customers automate their practice workflow, by working together with partners like KaVo Kerr, so practices can better focus on patient care.”

Since KaVo Kerr is a premier-level Dentrix Smart Image partner, DEXIS users can help eliminate human errors in billing and reimbursements, timing of continuing care images, and record-keeping with automation through Dentrix Smart Image. Dentrix Smart Image also gives practices support to help elevate their clinical care, by allowing providers to easily access images from DEXIS, and other Smart Image partners, from the Dentrix patient chart, with the ability to compare up to four images side-by-side for a fast and accurate diagnosis.

“Dentrix Smart Image connector for DEXIS is a great asset to the KaVo Kerr family and builds on DEXIS efficient, effective dental workflows. Oral health professionals can easily capitalize on a DEXIS multifaceted industry-leading imaging ecosystem with Smart Image’s clinical and financial features. This is a great opportunity for clinicians to enhance and streamline the digital workflow and treatment planning process of the award-winning DEXIS software platform,” said Jordan Reiss, Director of Product Management, KaVo Kerr Imaging, North America.

To learn more about Dentrix Smart Image and the new DEXIS connector, visit https://www.dentrix.com/smartimage/DEXIS.

About Henry Schein One

Henry Schein One, a subsidiary of Henry Schein, Inc. established in partnership with Internet Brands in 2018, is a software company providing integrated software and services to the dental industry. Headquartered in American Fork, Utah, the company offers market-leading solutions for dental practices, including Dentrix®, Dentrix Ascend®, Dentrix® Enterprise, Easy Dental®, TechCentral™, Demandforce, Sesame Communications, Lighthouse360, Officite, and DentalPlans.com as well as solutions offered through international companies, including Software of Excellence, Logiciel Julie, InfoMed, Exan, and LabNet, among others. For more information, visit www.henryscheinone.com.

About Henry Schein, Inc.

Henry Schein, Inc. (Nasdaq: HSIC) is a solutions company for health care professionals powered by a network of people and technology. With more than 19,000 Team Schein Members worldwide, the Company's network of trusted advisors provides over 1 million customers globally with more than 300 valued solutions that improve operational success and clinical outcomes. Our Business, Clinical, Technology, and Supply Chain solutions help office-based dental and medical practitioners work more efficiently so they can provide quality care more effectively. These solutions also support dental laboratories, government and institutional health care clinics, as well as other alternate care sites.

Henry Schein operates through a centralized and automated distribution network, with a selection of more than 120,000 branded products and Henry Schein private-brand products in stock, as well as more than 180,000 additional products available as special-order items.

A FORTUNE 500 Company and a member of the S&P 500® and the Nasdaq 100® indexes, Henry Schein is headquartered in Melville, N.Y., and has operations or affiliates in 31 countries. The Company's sales from continuing operations reached $9.4 billion in 2018, and have grown at a compound annual rate of approximately 13 percent since Henry Schein became a public company in 1995.

For more information, visit Henry Schein at www.henryschein.com, Facebook.com/HenrySchein, and @HenrySchein on Twitter. Sign up to receive real-time alerts when Henry Schein press releases are issued.

About KaVo Kerr

KaVo Kerr is a cohesive organization composed of two global leaders, united to provide dental excellence and serve as a single premier partner for the dental community. KaVo Kerr operates with a common vision, inspiring and helping our customers, their patients, and our own associates realize their potential. KaVo Kerr offers solutions for endodontics, restoratives, treatment units, infection prevention, imaging, rotary, and instruments.

Known industry-wide for supporting, promoting and teaching better dentistry through the presentation of clinical seminars, Clinician’s Choice is pleased to announce new Hands-OnLine LIVE courses and 2020 dates.

“Simple Concepts to Shape and Polish Anterior Composites to Rival Porcelain” – With Dr. David Chan

 Attendees will learn predictable techniques to develop the primary, secondary, tertiary tooth anatomy in composite restorations utilizing a few simple tools.

 Learn simple contouring and polishing techniques.

“Mastering the Class II Restoration” – With Dr. Marc Geissberger

 Participants will be guided through each step to create life-like, beautiful Class II restorations in an efficient manner.

 Learn how to predictably establish ideal proximal contacts and well bonded restorations.

Attendees can find more information or register online at www.handsonlinelive.com.

Clinician’s Choice is also thrilled to reveal that Dr. Robert Margeas will be continuing both of his popular Hands-OnLine LIVE courses, “Mastering the Class IV Restoration” and “Freehand Diastema Closure” in the New Year.

Hands-OnLine LIVE is dentistry’s first live streamed hands-on continuing education events – in which dentists can participate in hands-on learning from the comfort of their own operatory.

After registering for a Hands-OnLine LIVE course, each participant is sent a technique kit that includes a comprehensive technique guide, a tooth model, instruments, restorative materials, and accessories to perform the hands-on technique, which is theirs to keep following the course.

The courses provide all of the engaging features of an in-person workshop: the instructor will review cases and demonstrate each step of the technique live, then allow participants to perform each step utilizing the kit provided. Fully interactive, participants can type questions directly to the Instructor at any time during the course.

2020 course topics/dates are as follows:

Dr. David Chan - Simple Concepts to Shape and Polish Anterior Composites to Rival Porcelain:

Jan. 28 Apr. 28

Feb. 27 May 26

Mar. 24 Jun. 16 1 HR/1 CE CREDIT

Dr. Marc Geissberger – Mastering the Class II Restoration:

Jan. 21 Apr. 14

Feb. 11 May 12

Mar. 10 2 HRS/2 CE CREDITS

Dr. Robert Margeas – Mastering the Class IV Restoration:

Jan. 8 Apr. 8

Mar. 4 Jun. 9 2 HRS/2 CE CREDITS

Dr. Robert Margeas – Freehand Diastema Closure:

Jan. 15 Apr. 29

Feb. 26 May 20

Mar. 18 2 HRS/2 CE CREDITS

In order to ensure an intimate learning environment, attendance for each course is limited, so clinicians should consider registering early to avoid disappointment. Tuition for Hands-Online LIVE includes access to the course, as well as a technique kit – which is required to complete the course.

More information and full course descriptions can be found at www.handsonlinelive.com.

About CLINICIAN'S CHOICE DENTAL PRODUCTS, INC.

For 25 years, CLINICIAN’S CHOICE DENTAL PRODUCTS INC. has been providing dentists throughout North America with clinically proven products and techniques designed to solve the everyday clinical challenges of their esthetic restorative procedures. The promotion of better dentistry forms the core of the company’s values and is demonstrated by an on-going commitment to the presentation of clinical seminars, workshops, and scientific research studies.

The Academy of Laser Dentistry (ALD), recently announced its first “Lasers 101” full day educational track at the upcoming 27^th annual conference and exhibition, April 2-4 at the Paradise Point Resort in San Diego.

Specifically, the “Lasers 101” track is a day pass program entitled “So You Got a Laser. Now What?” This program will take place on Saturday, April 4^th from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. According to ALD executive director, Gail Siminovsky, CAE, “This learning track is designed to excite clinicians interested in exploring laser dentistry or those who may be on the fence about it. By taking this course, clinicians put themselves in the driver’s seat with confidence when it comes to evaluating lasers clinically and using them. It’s another example of ALD’s innovative approach to laser education”.

Here’s the “So You Got a Laser. Now What?” program at a glance:

   ·       3 expert speakers:

               o   Michael Cataldo, CEO of Convergent Lasers. “Return on Your Laser Investment”

               o   Dr. Juliana Barros, “Let the Light Shine: A Brighter Day at the Office”

               o   Dr.  Shalizah Patel, “Laser Protocols: Let the Evidence Guide You”

   ·       Unbiased, scientifically relevant practical information

   ·       6 CE credits

   ·       Full access to exhibit hall

   ·       Breakfast and Lunch included

   ·       Panel discussion

   ·       Only $695 per attendee**

   ·       This program is FREE when you register for the entire ALD 2020 Meeting**

Click https://bit.ly/2pWYBl3 to register for this one-day only program. Seating is limited!

* Hotel not included 

** Additional workshops and hotel not included.

The over-arching theme of ALD 2020 is “The Future is NOW: Integrating Technology into Your Practice”. The ALD 2020 experience is designed to transform careers by providing unbiased lectures and hands-on workshops on all types of lasers. Digital imaging, CAD/CAM, 3-D cone beam radiography, are all part of the curriculum, as well.

“ALD’s openly friendly and genuine approach will impress you. ALD’s discussions are lively and supportive.”  says Siminovsky.”

What else is new and exciting in the laser world?  ALD 2020 includes a  strong educational track on one of the most exciting developments in laser dentistry; photobiomodulation or PBM, a form of low-level laser therapy which has been clinically proven to heal tissue and reduce pain. The complete schedule includes the highest caliber of informative and relevant sessions that make this conference “dentistry’s laser meeting.”

Lectures: Endodontics, Periodontics, Pediatrics/TOTs, Esthetics, Medically Compromised Patients, Sleep Apnea, Pain Management, Hygiene, Financial Planning, Wealth Management, Legal Protection

Workshops: Diode Laser Basics, Advanced Diode Lasers, Endodontics, Photography, Whitening, Hygiene, Laser Certification 

New Trends: 3-D Imaging, Green Dentistry. Smile Design, Caries Prevention, Periodontal Endoscopy, Adjunctive Modalities for Laser Dentistry

Early Bird Discount:

For full conference program details and registration information, visit https://bit.ly/2NOgmcK.

An early bird registration discount of $150.00 is in effect until December 31, 2019. What’s more, during the Greater New York Dental Meeting, $200.00 tuition discount coupons will be distributed during the laser courses presented by Dr. Sam Low, Dr. Mel Burchman, Dr. Gerry Ross and Dr. Laura Braswell. Each of these coupons can be combined with the early bird discount for a total savings of $350.00 for total tuition of only $895.00.

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.

The topics ranged from voice control for future treatment centers, visualized therapy plans for enhanced patient communication and intraoral cameras with artificial intelligence to a fully networked dental practice with the treatment center as the focal point. The 24 prizewinners of the first Smart Integration Award by Dentsply Sirona impressed the jury with creative ideas and impressive success stories about efficient, convenient work processes at the treatment centers.

The entries from all over the world included image collages, presentations, photos, and essays demonstrating innovative approaches to the optimally networked practice of tomorrow, while at the same time integrating patients in the best conceivable way. An international jury of experts, which included both members of the Dentsply Sirona management team and external experts, was responsible for evaluating the ideas and concepts that were submitted.

Women are making their mark in the world's dental industry

The awards ceremony was staged at "level 12," the Heidelberg Print Media Academy's event location, with the gloriously picturesque view of Heidelberg Castle in the background. The prizewinners traveled to Heidelberg from Germany, United Kingdom, France, Switzerland, Norway, Finland, and New Zealand.

In terms of product development, Dentsply Sirona focuses on the customers, and has recognized the fact that more and more women are seeking to qualify as dentists. Currently, in many countries, over 50% of the people studying dentistry are women. And the tendency is growing. In order to develop solutions that are perfectly coordinated to meet the customer's requirements, Dentsply Sirona involves dentists in the development of new products relating to the treatment center, right from the beginning. 

"Women are making their mark in the world's dental industry. In order to develop products that are perfectly coordinated to the needs of dentists, we want to integrate a broad range of expertise in our product development process, right from the start. We are very pleased to have been able to attract more dedicated dentists to our expert network, in the form of the participants," says Susanne Schmidinger, Vice President Global Brand Marketing and Clinical Affairs at Dentsply Sirona Equipment & Instruments. In this way, individual customer requests have already been implemented in the current product generation of the treatment centers Teneo, Sinius and Intego.

Exclusive education with the Expert Development Program

As members of the Smart Integration Network, the winners are entitled to participate in an exclusive education program. It consists of training sessions, workshops, and seminars that cover numerous specialist subjects relating to treatment centers, and it should enable them to exploit the full potential of technological developments.

The first Expert Development Program event took place directly after the awards ceremony on November 22 and 23. At the DS Academy in Bensheim, the issue of "Smart Integration" was the focal point of the matters that were dealt with. The lectures and practice sessions were mainly dedicated to the question of how treatment processes can be optimized through networking and digitalization, and how they can be made more efficient and ergonomic in day-to-day practice. Another topic of discussion was the technical requirements that the digital practice of tomorrow will have to meet, and the obstacles that it will have to overcome along the way. The program also offered the opportunity for exchange between the participants themselves, and between the participants and the Dentsply Sirona experts. Group Vice President Equipment & Instruments, Michael Geil: "Feedback from the practices is an important factor for us, in order to allow the requirements of our customers regarding the digital treatment workflow of the future to influence our product developments. This is the only way to expand our leading position in the area of Smart Integration." The second day of the course concentrated entirely on the professional career: with training courses on goal-oriented practice management, employee motivation, team-building measures and leadership skills, as well as an intensive course on presentation techniques.

Smart Integration Network: Innovation through expertise of users

Dentsply Sirona's expert "Smart Integration Network" program specifically integrates the practical and therefore the expert knowledge of dentists, in order to develop innovative solutions. The members of the network of experts support Dentsply Sirona with their specialist knowledge in an advisory capacity or through direct exchange. The main focus is on practical applications in the area of the intelligent, networked treatment center as an essential component of smart, integrated practice workflows.

You will find all of the Smart Integration Award 2019 prizewinners at: https://lp.dentsplysirona.com/de/smart-integration-award.html

You can find out more about the "Smart Integration Network" expert program at: https://www.dentsplysirona.com/expert-development

More than 1,000 dental professionals attended the third annual Glidewell Symposium in Orlando, Florida, to experience two days of clinical education designed to increase practice success for general dentists. President and CEO, Jim Glidewell, CDT, believes that providing quality education is a service that the world’s largest laboratory has a responsibility to provide its customers. “The technical products that we sell today require new knowledge and understanding. Dentists are hungry for information that is unbiased, so we aim to provide that to them.”

The symposium featured more than 25 distinguished speakers over the course of two days. The first day featured short, 20-minute lectures from the main podium, while the second day featured 38 2-hour breakout sessions. A total of 12 CE credits were available.

The technology on display stood out as well. One of the most talked-about exhibits at the symposium showcased Glidewell’s development of artificial intelligence (AI). The company has been working with the University of California, Berkeley, on AI for dental technology. “The world has changed so much,” Glidewell says. “AI is basically aggregating huge amounts of data to refine our digital techniques. We have millions of scans and designs in the cloud, so when we scan a lower-right first molar, the AI sorts through all the lower-right first molars, picks up an identical one, and uses that to perfect the design.”

Such technology was further showcased with hands-on viewings of the glidewell.io™ In-Office Solution, which uses AI-infused fastdesign.io™ Software to quickly propose natural-looking crown designs that can be forwarded to the lab for fabrication or milled chairside with the fastmill.io™ In-Office Mill. Featuring materials such as fully sintered BruxZir® NOW zirconia that can be produced and delivered in less than an hour, the glidewell.io solution offers dentists unprecedented control, flexibility, and laboratory support in their digital workflows.

The symposium also featured the unveiling of the ZERAMEX® XT Implant, the newest addition to Glidewell’s extensive line of implant products and services. Engineered to help clinicians provide lifelike esthetics for cases in the anterior or with thin tissue biotypes, this state-of-the-art, two-piece ceramic implant continues Glidewell’s tradition of providing its customers with the absolute best in ceramic restorations and implants to maximize patient satisfaction. “Glidewell is the leader in zirconia restorations, and ZERAMEX is the leader in zirconia implants,” says Glidewell COO Greg Minzenmayer. “It is a natural pairing that creates a completely esthetic solution for the demanding esthetic situation.”

Other topics covered at the symposium included the use of provisional restorations to optimize final restorative outcomes, guidelines in the use of monolithic zirconia, options and advantages when milling chairside, preparation design in the esthetic zone, small-diameter implants for denture stabilization, tips and techniques for increasing patient acceptance, bone density considerations for placing dental implants, the pros and cons of cemented or screw-retained implant restorations, guided surgery, monolithic full-arch implant restorations, emergency implant placement, and much more. Representatives of the Misch International Implant Institute were in attendance with information about their renowned surgical and prosthetic implant education programs, as were representatives of the inaugural class of Guiding Leaders, an exciting new professional development program for women in dentistry. Guiding Leaders will host its first-ever Guiding Leaders Summit April 24-25, 2020, in Huntington Beach, California, headlined by keynote speaker Dr. Rella Christensen.

“The industry is changing,” says Glidewell, whose memoir Constant Change is slated for release in 2020 to coincide with the company’s 50th anniversary. “We have some groundbreaking developments on the horizon. Combining digital technology with new materials will allow us to offer dentists better restorations with faster turnaround time. In the end, dentists are more successful, and more patients receive better care. That’s why we’re here.”

When questioned about his own future, Glidewell, 74, says he has no plans to slow down. “This is all I am. And I’m looking forward to the 2020 Glidewell Symposium in Anaheim.”