After careful consideration of the ongoing spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus), the Academy of Osseointegration’s (AO) Board of Directors decided to deliver its 36th Annual Meeting in an exciting, interactive, fully virtual format!

Ultimately, the ongoing health concerns relating to the Coronavirus, travel and other restrictions, and compliance with public health guidelines, prevents or otherwise renders it impracticable for the Annual Meeting to proceed in person, as originally scheduled for March 2021 in Kissimmee, Florida.

Despite this change in plans, AO continues to engage with its speakers, exhibitors, attendees, and others in connection with its activities and events. The Academy’s board, staff and Annual Meeting Planning Committee are working diligently to offer you a stimulating, comprehensive, interactive virtual program that will deliver dynamic plenary and symposia presentations, cutting edge research through abstracts and e-posters, an interactive exhibit hall experience and networking with your peers across all disciplines.

Additionally, please note the Academy has extended the deadline for all abstract submissions until November 20, 2020, 11:59 pm ET. Please see our website to submit your abstract and for additional information about abstract presentations.

Stay tuned for more details as registration will open later this fall.

“We appreciate your patience as we work diligently to address questions and provide additional information to our planned participants and other guests. As always, please do not hesitate to reach out to us,” said AO President Clark M. Stanford, DDS, PhD, MHA. “Thank you and be safe!”

About Academy of Osseointegration

With approximately 4,500 members in more than 70 countries, AO is recognized as the premier international association for scientists and professionals interested in osseointegration and implant dentistry. AO serves as a nexus where specialists, generalists and scientists can come together to evaluate emerging research, technology, and techniques; share best practices; and define optimal patient care using timely science and evidence-based methods. Like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and Instagram @AcademyOsseo; @AcademyofOsseointegration on Linkedin; and subscribe to us on YouTube.

Kulzer launches Venus® Diamond/Venus® Pearl ONE single - shade composites for restoring the majority of everyday composite demands. A unique Adaptive Shade Matching Technology that entails optimizing the filler and resin matrix properties, allows restorations to blend seamlessly with-in natural tooth structures. Venus Diamond/Venus Pearl ONE composites also feature the scientifi-cally documented TCD-urethane resin matrix exclusive to Kulzer. This innovative resin matrix has over a decade of proven clinical success in long-lasting composite restorations, ultimate strength, excellent handling and aesthetic properties while producing restoratives that are free of BisGMA and BPA related monomers. Venus Diamond ONE offers a firm, non-stick consistency and Venus Pearl ONE offers a creamy, non-stick consistency. Both materials boast impressive physical proper-ties including low shrinkage and high flexural strength. Venus Diamond/Venus Pearl ONE compo-sites minimize office inventory and save chair time by taking the guesswork out of having to choose the correct shade.

For more information visit www.kulzerus.com or call 1-800-343-5336.

Primescan, the latest generation of intraoral scanners, is designed for different digital workflows – in practice with CEREC as well as with the dental laboratory or other partners. Using the Connect software, a digital 3D model can be transferred directly to the laboratory of choice for further processing. Using high-resolution sensors and a short-wave light, a scan of the tooth surfaces is accurately captured. Up to one million 3D pixels per second are captured by Primescan, and these can be executed more reliable than ever using optical high-frequency contrast analysis.

New studies confirm high performance of Primescan

Primescan enables highly precise digital impressions to be taken over the entire jaw, as evidenced by a 2019 University of Zurich study.¹ Recently, Primescan’s accuracy has been further demonstrated once again by national and international studies.^3-5

The study of Dutton et al. demonstrates the versatility of the acquisition technology of Primescan, as it not only records natural and prepared tooth surfaces with high precision, but also captures materials used in dentistry with a high degree of accuracy across all substrates and for complete arch scanning.³ They further tested the effect of different substrates on the trueness and precision of eight different intraoral scanners. In 11 out of 15 categories, Primescan ranked number one, and for the remaining four categories, Primescan ranked among the top three.³

Primescan’s impressive degree of precision in taking digital impression over the entire jaw1 continues. An in-vivo study done by the University of Gießen confirms the accuracy of digital and conventional full-arch impressions in patients, and results show that among the tested scanners, only Primescan showed no significant deviations to long-span accuracies obtained with conventional impressions.⁴

A study by Beijing University tested the precision of Primescan and two other intraoral scanners in edentulous jaws. The precision of Primescan was significantly better than the other two scanners for maxilla.5 In trueness of the three scanners, when scanning the maxilla and mandible, there was no significant difference.⁵

The results of the 2020 in vitro study by the University of Zurich showed that the preparation margin accuracy of Primescan was significantly better than the other intraoral scanning systems involved in the study in local accuracy for single-tooth preparations.²

Dentists like the fact that, with Primescan, it is possible to scan deep regions (up to 20 mm). This allows a digital impression even with subgingival or particularly deep preparations. Almost all tooth surfaces are captured, even when scanning from a very sharp angle.

Our customers are our compass

“The studies confirm again that, with Primescan, we have provided our customers with a high-quality technology that delivers truly impressive results," said Dr. Alexander Völcker, Group Vice President CAD/CAM at Dentsply Sirona. "We continue to add and improve workflows with Primescan as we’re convinced Primescan’s outstanding technology opens the doors for more applications in digital dentistry. Thanks to the technology of high-frequency contrast analysis, Primescan enables our customers to achieve outstanding accuracy in digital impression. And the extensive positive feedback from our respected experts and users all over the world, our most important compass, encourages us to continue to lead in this area’s development and innovation.”

“As a dentist, my expectation of myself is to deliver exceptional results for every one of my patients.” said Dr. Carlos Repullo, a dentist from Seville, Spain. “And with Primescan I can do so: the scan delivers a precision that one can scarcely imagine being improved. And this also applies to a full jaw scan, which can be prepared exceptionally quickly. This is exactly the quality we need in our practices.”

More information about Primescan at: www.dentsplysirona.com/primescan

References

1. Ender A, Zimmermann M, Mehl A. Accuracy of complete- and partial-arch impressions of actual intraoral scanning systems in-vitro. Int J Comput Dent 2019;22(1):11-19.

2. Zimmermann M, Ender A, Mehl A. Local accuracy of actual intraoral scanning systems for single-tooth preparations in vitro. J Am Dent Assoc 2020;151(2):127-135 (doi.org/10.1016/j.adaj.2019.10.022).

3. Dutton E, Ludlow M, Mennito A et al. The effect different substrates have on the trueness and precision of eight different intraoral scanners. J Esthet Restor Dent 2020;32(2):204-218 (doi: 10.1111/jerd.12528. Epub 2019, Sep 30).

4. Schmidt A, Klussmann L, Wöstmann B, Schlenz MA. Accuracy of Digital and Conventional Full-Arch Impressions in Patients: An Update. J Clin Med 2020;9(3):688 (doi: 10.3390/jcm9030688).

5. Cao Y, Chen JK, Deng KH et al. [Accuracy of Three Intraoral Scans for Primary Impressions of Edentulous Jaws.] Beijing Da Xue Xue Bao Yi Xue Ban 2020;52(1):129-137.

Keating Dental Arts announced its new name—Keating Dental Lab—as well as an accompanying tagline: “You Can Count on Keating.”

“At Keating, we strive to continually evolve with the times and with that, our branding hasevolved as well,” says Shaun Keating, CDT, President and Founder of Keating Dental Lab. “As dental technologies, processes and procedures change for the better, Keating has always been at the forefront of innovation. Our new look is representative of that philosophy—a graphic and verbal expression of the consistent, predictable outcomes that create lasting relationships with our clients.”

Established in 2002, Keating Dental Lab aims to be a natural extension of its clients’ practices and success.

“Keating Dental Lab is different than other labs. We base our business on the Keating Difference, valuing personalized relationships, detailed dental laboratory work, on-time delivery and our unwavering care for your practice,” says Nick Azar, Director of Sales and Marketing. “We take client satisfaction to heart here at Keating—it’s something we believe in tremendously.”

Cerberus Capital Management, L.P., a global leader in alternative investing, announced that one of its affiliates has acquired National Dentex Labs, the largest network of fully-owned dental laboratories in the United States providing superior restorative dentistry solutions. 

NDX offers a broad range of options for both independent dentists and dental service organizations (DSOs), meeting the demands of a rapidly changing marketplace and delivering best-in-class solutions to the patients they serve. The transaction will enable NDX to accelerate growth, capitalize on acquisition opportunities, and execute on strategic investments in cutting-edge dental technologies. The NDX management team will continue to lead the company and its operations.

“This is an exciting milestone for NDX,” says Tom Daulton, Chairman and CEO of NDX. “We’re thrilled to tap into Cerberus’ financial and operational expertise, which will allow us to expand our manufacturing capabilities, pursue strategic lab acquisitions, and invest in new dental technologies. The support from Cerberus will only enhance our ability to deliver superior quality products and service to our customers as we continue to shape the future of the dental lab industry.”

Brett Ingersoll, Senior Managing Director at Cerberus, says, “We look forward to working with the talented NDX team to further expand the company’s leadership position in the dental lab market. We see compelling organic and inorganic growth opportunities to build on NDX’s industry-leading platform. NDX is well-positioned to capitalize on strong market trends as new and larger DSOs and independent dentists seek lab partners that deliver best-in-class solutions and exceptional customer service at scale.”

Dechert LLP served as legal advisor to Cerberus and Houlihan Lokey served as financial advisor. Moelis & Company LLC served as financial advisor to NDX.

G-ænial™ Universal Injectable is GC’s strongest direct restorative ever*, and now available in unitip delivery! This innovative material is highly filled and stronger than many traditional paste composites. Thanks to its highly thixotropic viscosity, it adapts very well to the cavity walls and margins and fills any void or undercut, yet is able to retain its shape during placement. It can be used for all cavity classes, as it is strong enough for posterior restorations (without capping), and displays optimal esthetics for the anterior area. Now, GC America Inc. is pleased to announce the availability of G-aenial™ Universal Injectable composite in a convenient, single-use unitip delivery system, effective October 15, 2020.

A lot of thought has been put into the handling of this unique composite. GC’s R&D developed a new technology called Full-coverage Silane Coating (FCS) to improve the coupling between the fillers and the matrix. As a result, it is easy to extrude, does not slump or stick to the tip and displays amazing wear-resistance.

Because G-ænial™ Universal Injectable has flexural strength and wear-resistance comparable to conventional paste composites, expanded indications are possible. Its high thixotropy enables it to keep its shape or to spread on the tooth surface depending on the constraint applied on the material, which is why it can be used for many applications with simplified techniques. It is indicated for all restoration classes, from Class I to Class V, and to build margins or restore occlusal surfaces, cusp by cusp. Because the material is so wear-resistant, it is well-suited for the direct restoration of worn tooth surfaces using the injection moulding technique.

On top of these handling advantages, this composite also offers great esthetic possibilities with 16 beautiful shades including opaque and enamel shades. The homogeneous dispersion of the material’s ultra-fine barium particles helps to achieve beautiful gloss retention for a long-lasting shine. Additionally, the high radiopacity of 252% allows for easy follow-up on your restorations.

G-ænial™ Universal Injectable offers you easy restorative options, without having to compromise on durability or esthetics. Now, with the availability of single-use unitips, clinicians can choose the best delivery for their patients and practice. For more information, please visit: www.gcamerica.com.

Having produced over 4.6 million nightguards since 1999, Glidewell is well-proven in its ability to fabricate custom appliances that clinicians can rely on. With the launch of the Comfort3D Bite Splint, Glidewell now offers custom occlusal guards made with digital design and 3D-printing technology, ensuring maximum comfort and retention. This launch represents another exciting step in Glidewell's legacy of applying cutting-edge science to the dental laboratory.

The addition of the Comfort3D into Glidewell's family of bite splints is meant to help dentists provide their patients with a reliable and cost-effective solution that will help prevent damage caused by bruxism and clenching. In addition to protecting healthy dentition from the damage of bruxing, the Comfort3D can also be prescribed to protect most dental restorations, such as veneers, crowns & bridges, implant-supported restorations, and more — an ideal feature for clinicians looking to grow their practice.

The 3D-printed process makes Comfort3D stand apart from other bite splints in that it is a cost-effective way to consistently achieve high-quality results with faster turnaround times. When compared to traditional thermoforming techniques, the level of precision achievable with 3D-printing technology results in a more accurate fit for each patient's unique morphology.

The appliance comes in a clear color and covers the full occlusal plane. It consists of a single-layered 2-mm hard, yet flexible, material that provides durability and bonds with acrylic. For patients, the device is easy to clean and stain-resistant for long-term use. Glidewell's Comfort3D Bite Splint is digitally designed to ensure your patients are satisfied with better levels of comfort that protect their restorations and prevent further damage from bruxism.

To learn more about the new Comfort3D Bite Splint, visit glidewelldental.com or call 800-854-7256.

Roughly half of U.S. dentists experienced verbal or reputational aggression by patients in the past year, and nearly one in four endured physical aggression, according to a new study led by researchers at NYU College of Dentistry.

The study, published in the October issue of the Journal of the American Dental Association, is the first to document aggression toward dentists in the United States.

Workplace aggression toward health care professionals is common, with health care settings second only to law enforcement in the rate of violent incidents. However, there are no studies of aggression toward dentists in the U.S.—a workforce of 200,000—and only four studies have been conducted in other countries.

“Workplace violence toward health care professionals is both widespread and widely overlooked,” said Kimberly Rhoades, a research scientist in the Family Translational Research Group at NYU College of Dentistry and the study’s lead author. “The purpose of this study was to provide an initial estimate of rates of patient aggression in dental practices in the United States.”

Rhoades and her colleagues surveyed 98 dentists practicing in the New York City metropolitan area; the dentists had been working an average of 17 years. Participants completed a confidential online survey assessing whether they had experienced any of 21 specific types of aggressive behaviors from their patients, including types of physical (e.g. being pushed or kicked), verbal (e.g. being insulted or sworn at), and reputational (e.g. threats of lawsuits or posting nasty comments on social media) aggression.

A substantial proportion of dentists reported experiencing aggression from patients in the past year, including physical (22.2%), verbal (55%), and reputational (44.4%) aggression. An even larger proportion of dentists surveyed were subjected to physical (45.5%), verbal (74%), and reputational (68.7%) aggression at some point during their career. These rates of patient aggression toward dentists are high and comparable with those reported in other health care settings.

Rates of aggression did not differ by dentists’ sex, race, ethnicity, specialty, age, years practicing, or average number of patients treated per day.

The rates of physical and reputational aggression toward dentists were similar to those from a parallel study by NYU researchers of aggression toward dental students published earlier this year in the Journal of Dental Education. However, practicing dentists experienced less verbal aggression from patients than dental students (55% versus 86%), suggesting that additional experience may reduce the risk of verbal aggression.

“Dentistry is rife with situations that can elicit strong negative emotions, such as fear, pain, distrust, and anger. Many patients also experience high levels of anxiety and vulnerability, which may increase negative responses or aggression,” said Rhoades. “Establishing that aggression toward dentists is a problem and how often it occurs can help us develop interventions to prevent aggression in dental practices.”

The researchers note that, while a larger, national study is needed to determine the true prevalence of aggression in U.S. dental settings, dental practices should consider implementing training that incorporates strategies for handling workplace violence. Training could address how to prevent patient aggression, and manage or de-escalate aggression when it does occur.

In addition to Rhoades, study authors include Richard E. Heyman and J. Mark Eddy of NYU College of Dentistry; former and current NYU dental students Nicole C. Haydt, Jacqueline E. Glazman, Zachary F. Dispirito, Sammie Jo Fat, Charlotte M. Guerrera, and Allison N. Rascon; and Mark S. Wolff of the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine.

About NYU College of Dentistry

Founded in 1865, New York University College of Dentistry (NYU Dentistry) is the third oldest and the largest dental school in the US, educating nearly 10 percent of all dentists. NYU Dentistry has a significant global reach with a highly diverse student body. Visit https://dental.nyu.edu for more.  

Formlabs​, a leading 3D printing company, today announced two new proprietary materials, Rigid 10K Resin and a reformulation of Draft Resin, to expand design capabilities for users and enhance what’s possible with 3D printing. The reformulated Draft Resin enables users to print up to four times faster than currently available resins, while maintaining the highest degree of accuracy and improving part quality. The new formulation offers improved surface finish, postprocessing requirements, and a new grey color. Rigid 10K Resin is the stiffest material in Formlabs’ entire portfolio, meeting engineering and manufacturing customers’ need for a stiffer, more heat and chemically resistant material. Together, Draft Resin and Rigid 10K Resin complement the natural progression of product development, supporting customers from quick initial designs through high performance parts.

“One of the most powerful advantages of stereolithography (SLA) 3D printing is the wide range of printing materials,” said Max Lobovsky, CEO and co-founder of Formlabs. “Our customers don't just need parts with the right geometry, they also need the right material properties. With our expansive library of resins,our users can make anything from surgical tools, to retainers, to jigs and fixtures and everything inbetween.”

Draft Resin

The reformulated Draft Resin features and benefits include:

●Prints up to four times faster than standard materials

●Minimal support removal, wash, and cure times.

●Ideal for:

         ○Initial prototyping

         ○Rapid iterations

         ○Live 3D printing demos

         ○High throughput

Aside from use in manufacturing, engineering and product design, the new Draft Resin is also key withint he dental and orthodontic fields. Capable of printing aligner and retainer models in-house in under 20 minutes, Draft Resin opens up chair-side or same-day delivery for orthodontic practices. For dental labs, Draft Resin enables improved throughput and efficiency, producing over 95 models per day on a Form3BL. Compared to Formlabs Grey Resin, which can print eight models in 9 hours and 48 minutes, Draft Resin accomplishes this in just one hour and 30 minutes. From set-up to post-processing, Draft Resin builds on Formlabs’ easy-to-use, accurate, and reliable 3D printers, while bringing print speeds to newlevels.

Rigid 10K Resin

Rigid 10K Resin features and benefits include:

●Stiffness that simulates glass or fiber-filled thermoplastics

●Resistance to heat, chemicals, and intense pressures resulting in a prime choice for precise industrial parts that need to withstand significant load without bending.

●Smooth matte surface finish

●Ideal for:

         ○Short run injection mold masters and inserts

         ○Aerodynamic test models

         ○Heat resistant and fluid exposed components, jigs, and fixtures

Rigid 10K has enabled users like ​Novus Applications​, an engineering and consulting company focused on the consumer packaging industry, to create 3D printed molds and inserts, making their injection molding workflow more efficient. The company utilizes Rigid 10K Resin to 3D print short-run injection molds and cores while reducing both costs and manufacturing time. Rigid 10K Resin was extremely valuable for the company as its ability to withstand high temperatures and immense pressure was unmatched by other materials.

Mark Bartlett, President and Founder of Novus Applications said, “It was performing at a level that wehadn't seen historically capable in the traditional Rigid [4000] material. I can print complex forms accurately, way faster than I'm going to machine them.” The advanced strength ensures a mold made from Rigid 10K Resin can withstand the clamping and injection pressures without breaking, while the high stiffness enables the mold to maintain its shape under these pressures and produce accurate parts.

Formlabs collaborates with countless clients to support their workflows with new materials, empowering them to bring products to life quickly, from dental and orthodontic models to prototypes of new consumerproducts. Formlabs team of 30+ material scientists are increasing access to high-performance materialsto enable companies to iterate faster and bring better performing products to market. These new materials, along with Formlabs deep library of resins, prove that an end-product is better when users combine the benefits of use-specific materials with the geometries and designs only achievable through 3D printing.

About Formlabs

Formlabs is expanding access to digital fabrication, so anyone can make anything. Headquartered in Somerville, Massachusetts with offices in Germany, Japan, China, Singapore, Hungary, and North Carolina, Formlabs is the professional 3D printer of choice for engineers, designers, manufacturers, and decision makers around the globe. Formlabs products include the Form 3, Form 3B, Form 3L, and Form3BL powered by an advanced form of stereolithography (SLA) called Low Force Stereolithography(LFS)™ 3D printing, Form Wash and Form Cure post-processing solutions, Fuse 1 SLS 3D printer, andForm Cell manufacturing solution. Through its Factory Solutions offering for industrial users, Formlabs provides the factories of tomorrow with the flexibility and versatility needed for demanding, evolving industrial applications. Formlabs also develops its own suite of high-performance materials that continue to push the boundaries for 3D printing, as well as best-in-class 3D printing software.

Representing more than one million dentists worldwide, FDI World Dental Federation (FDI) unveils its three-year "Be Proud of Your Mouth" World Oral Health Day campaign.

World Oral Health Day (WOHD) is celebrated globally every year on 20 March. Its purpose: to empower people with the tools and knowledge to prevent and control oral diseases, which affect nearly 3.5 billion people worldwide. WOHD encourages people to look after their oral health by adopting a good oral hygiene routine and managing risk factors. Preserving oral health can help keep the mind and body healthy too, as well as protect against the spread of infections.

For the next three years, the overarching theme for the WOHD campaign is "Be Proud of Your Mouth." With this empowering call to action, FDI hopes to motivate people to value and take care of their mouths and understand that by doing so, they can also help protect their general health and well-being.

People can show their support for the campaign by using the online #MouthProud custom poster tool to place an ornate art frame over their mouths-as a symbol that they recognize just how significant and important the mouth is-and make a personal commitment to prioritize their oral health. This can be safely done from home, and everyone can show their solidarity with the campaign and contribute to the global movement by sharing their images on the Mouth Proud Wall.

Each year, FDI records hundreds of WOHD events that reach millions of people worldwide, organized by its member dental associations and specialist groups, as well as the wider healthcare community. In 2021, FDI is working to ensure that every in-person celebration will respect local public health guidelines.

"The most important thing is that our World Oral Health Day celebrations be conducted safely," says FDI President Dr Gerhard K. Seeberger. "The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the nature and scale of in-person events, but with today's technology, so much more is possible. Today, we have more time to organize low-risk, impactful campaign events for March 2021. I encourage everyone to visit www.worldoralhealthday.org and use the wealth of resources that are freely available." Get ready to be #MouthProud-take pride in what your mouth can do for you. Value and take care of it to help you live a longer, healthier life.

About World Oral Health Day

Celebrated annually on 20 March, World Oral Health Day (WOHD) was launched by FDI World Dental Federation to raise global awareness on the prevention and control of oral diseases. www.worldoralhealthday.org; #WOHD21 #MouthProud

WOHD Global Partner: Unilever; WOHD Global Supporters: Wrigley Oral Healthcare Program, Planmeca, 3M

About FDI World Dental Federation

FDI World Dental Federation serves as the principal representative body for over one million dentists worldwide. Its membership includes some 200 national dental associations and specialist groups in over 130 countries. FDI has the vision of leading the world to optimal oral health.

https://www.fdiworlddental.org/;

facebook.com/FDIWorldDentalFederation;

https://www.worldoralhealthday.org/twitter.com/FDIWorldDental;

https://www.linkedin.com/company/fdiworlddentalfederation