BIOLASE, Inc. (NASDAQ: BIOL), the global leader in dental lasers, today announced a collaboration with BMW Performance Center West The Thermal Club near Palm Springs (BMW PCW) to give dentists a unique opportunity to participate in Waterlase Weekends, two adventurous group trips that include a four-hour event at the BMW PCW. Additionally, dentists across the United States can enter a sweepstakes* for a chance to win a BMW vehicle lease for one-year.

Dentists who participate in the BIOLASE Waterlase Exclusive Trial Program receive a free, two-day training that provides an in-depth understanding of dental lasers. Then they will enjoy the use of a Waterlase dental laser in their offices for up to 45 days at no charge, with an experienced Waterlase clinician available to help. Participating dentists who purchase the Waterlase during the trial period are invited to a complimentary Waterlase Weekend, which includes an exclusive, four-hour event at the BMW PCW. In addition, the dentists participating in the 2021 Waterlase Exclusive Trial Program events will be entered into a sweepstakes to win a one-year lease of a BMW M5.

“We are thrilled to team up and co-brand with BMW Performance Center West on this initiative,” said Todd Norbe, President and CEO of BIOLASE. “BMW has always been The Ultimate Driving Machine® and always stood for the ultimate driving experience. Waterlase mirrors this experience in the dental space by now allowing dentists to test drive our Waterlase lasers as part of our 2021 Waterlase Exclusive Trial Program. Matching this with what BMW delivers, offers a fun way to merge the two state-of-the-art technologies through an ultimate, and unique opportunity.”

“We cannot wait to hit the gas on this unique opportunity,” said Matt Misko, Operations Manager of the BMW Performance Center West. “Like BIOLASE, we believe in providing everyone who enters our facility with a premium experience. We pride ourselves in providing an exhilarating experience for everyone, be they single attendees or large corporate groups. From our Teen Driving School to our M Racing school and MINI Stunt Driving School, there is something for absolutely everyone to have an unforgettable experience. We are excited to greet all of the BIOLASE participants at the track!”

The Waterlase Weekend promotion will kick off in 2021, with the first Waterlase Exclusive Trial Program training event in January. For more information on the sweepstakes and to review the requirements to qualify for an invitation, including eligibility criteria, visit biolase.com/wme-go.

About BMW of North America LLC, and BMW Performance Centers

The BMW Performance Center West is a permanent performance driver training facility located in Thermal, California, near Palm Springs. The facility is open to the public and offers a wide range of driving schools for people of all ages and capabilities. The facility also offers special programs for private and corporate groups.

The BMW Performance Driving Schools are taught by BMW professional driving instructors on a private course. The classes provide individuals and groups with the opportunity to get behind the wheel of the Ultimate Driving Machine® and learn proper vision, basic car control, panic braking, handling, last-minute emergency lane changing, distracted driving, high-speed control and precision driving.

Set in a backdrop of breathtaking mountain views, the facility features a brand new, luxurious modern building, up to 5.1 miles of expansive track layouts, meeting space, a gourmet café, gift shops, and a truly unique experience. For more information visit: www.BMWPerformanceCenter.com or call (888) 345-4269.

About BIOLASE, Inc.

BIOLASE is a medical device company that develops, manufactures, markets, and sells laser systems in dentistry and medicine. BIOLASE's products advance the practice of dentistry and medicine for patients and healthcare professionals. BIOLASE's proprietary laser products incorporate approximately 259 patented and 41 patent-pending technologies designed to provide biologically and clinically superior performance with less pain and faster recovery times. BIOLASE's innovative products provide cutting-edge technology at competitive prices to deliver superior results for dentists and patients. BIOLASE's principal products are revolutionary dental laser systems that perform a broad range of dental procedures, including cosmetic and complex surgical applications. BIOLASE has sold over 41,500 laser systems to date in over 80 countries around the world. Laser products under development address BIOLASE's core dental market and other adjacent medical and consumer applications.

For updates and information on Waterlase iPlus®, Waterlase Express™, and laser dentistry, find BIOLASE online at www.biolase.com, Facebook at www.facebook.com/biolase, Twitter at www.twitter.com/biolaseinc, Instagram at www.instagram.com/waterlase_laserdentistry, and LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/biolase.

BIOLASE®, Waterlase® and Waterlase iPlus® are registered trademarks of BIOLASE, Inc. 

Instead of sending presents to customers and partners, vhf is donating to charity again this year. With this donation, the milling machine and tool manufacturer would like to support the work of the food banks in Germany, which save around 265,000 tons of food per year, which in turn is given to more than 1.6 million people.

“Showing social responsibility is part of our self-image. We would like to support the volunteer work of the food banks with our contribution, as it is especially important to show solidarity this year,” says Ria Brandenberger, member of the board at vhf, about the company’s commitment.

In 2020, the charity organization is facing special challenges. This is because the COVID-related lockdowns in spring and November led to fewer food donations at the food banks in many places, a decrease in active volunteers and more expenses for protective measures.

The food banks in Germany therefore need additional support to cope with the increased workload and the associated costs. At the same time, the charity organization is seeing a new need for help and a worsening of poverty and social inequality in Germany: People are currently asking for support from the food banks who were not previously dependent on external assistance. These are people who have lost their jobs or part-time jobs due to the pandemic, or self-employed people whose livelihood is at stake due to a drop in orders. In its poverty report 2020, a German welfare association even speaks of a poverty rate at a record high. For this reason, vhf camfacture AG would like to make a solidarity contribution and financially support the Tafeln Deutschland with its annual Christmas donation.

The charity organization not only helps to curb the waste of edible food and to support people in need. Since the association is Germany’s largest food saver, it also makes an important contribution to climate protection by limiting the otherwise huge waste of resources.

Vakker Dental Inc. located in Rancho Cucamonga, CA. has officially introduced the EASY REMOVER® Automatic Crown & Bridge Remover, designed to alleviate the discomfort and stress for patients during their procedure.

The removal of a bridge or crown remains a delicate procedure. With these constraints in mind, Vakker Dental has developed the EASY REMOVER®. The intensity and frequency of the micro-strokes can be controlled to ensure enhanced comfort and results, letting you work in complete safety. The EASY REMOVER® crown and bridge remover enables you to successfully carry out crown and bridge removals without stress and discomfort for the patient. Its unique non-reloading mechanism fits onto all brands of electric and air motors. Its high-frequency micro-strokes make it the fastest system in the world with up to 20 movements per second. Porcelain is protected by the regular and controlled intensity of the micro-strokes. The EASY REMOVER® comes with a wide range of inserts to suit all prosthesis configurations.

The EASY REMOVER® kit includes 1 handle, 4 tips, 3 wire tips and a set of 3 additional replacement wires.

Key Specification(s)

• High-frequency microstrokes which provide up to 20 movements per second, fastest in the world

• 5 intensity settings for improved controlled comfort and grip

• Ergonomic design for controlled grip

• Non-reloading mechanism: maintaining a constant working axis and precise, continuous contact with the porcelain

• Intuitive intensity adjustment ring for the comfort of controlled intensity

• Wide range of inserts to suit all prosthesis configurations

• Fits all electric and air driven E-type motors

• 1-year warranty

Find out more at www.vakkerdental.com or call Don Hwang 909-560-2217 on@vakkerdental.com and see why so many dentists rely on Vakker Dental.

About Vakker Dental Inc.

Established in 2011, Vakker Dental Inc. is one of the fastest growing manufacturers of quality dental equipment and supplies in the industry. Vakker has been supplying through the OEM, ODM, and distribution channel successfully worldwide. With our experience, innovative capabilities and our partnerships with top component suppliers internationally. Vakker has the key advantage of offering high-quality products to the industry while passing on the savings to our network.

Our innovative manufacturing facilities follow the strictest compliance and regulations with ISO, CE and the FDA with Class I, Class II and with 510K to ensure safety and compliance.

Vakker offers a wide range of products from endodontic products, dental handpieces, loupes & headlights, micro motors, teeth whitening, electric toothbrushes, and more. This being said, there is no doubt that our products will meet your professional expectations and needs.

At Vakker Dental, our mission is to improve proficiency to the dental industry while focusing on quality dental care products, so the Oral Health Providers can focus on their patients' health. This is achieved with a combination of efficient solutions and integrated technologies designed to help you operate a productive practice, assist in the delivery of quality patient care and keep your business goals in perspective.

If you are interested in the latest technologies for your dental office or practice located anywhere around the world, our amazing team is dedicated to providing you with the best service. At Vakker Dental, you are our number one priority and we strive for your satisfaction.

VOCO presents the VOCO Caps Warmer, a preheating device for composite and nano-ORMOCER restorative unit dose capsules. The VOCO Caps Warmer can easily warm one unit-dose capsule while it is loaded in a VOCO Caps dispenser, and simultaneously warm four extra caps and two instruments, giving the device a total of seven warming bays.

The VOCO Caps Warmer assists in making composite and nano-ORMOCER restorative materials easier to extrude and manipulate, particularly if stored in a dry environment. Furthermore, warmer, more viscous material will have a softer consistency, allowing the material to better adapt to the imperfections, micro-etch pattern or small fissures within the prep. Warming an instrument will make the sculpting of a composite easier and more precise.

The VOCO Caps Warmer has three different temperature settings: 98 °F (37 °C), 130 °F (54 °C) and 155 °F (68 °C). Each temperature setting can be selected to achieve a different viscosity depending on the material being warmed, resulting in increased adaptation, and simplifying application.

The VOCO Caps Warmer is optimized for VOCO restorative capsules, allowing for the perfect fit and enabling the best heat transfer while also ensuring that all capsules and instruments are warmed uniformly. Warming VOCO composites will not decrease or modify their physical properties. The VOCO Caps Warmer simply changes the way in which the material functions temporarily, allowing for diversity in handling during placement.

Upon initial power up, the VOCO Caps Warmer reaches the desired temperature within 15-20 minutes, maintains a steady temperature throughout the day, and it is equipped with a mechanism that will turn the machine off after 10 hours of continuous use to avoid burning out the heating element. Once it reaches its set temperature, its ability to warm individual capsules depends on the specific material placed in the VOCO Caps Warmer but, in general, takes about three minutes. 

Bluelight Analytics (Bluelight) today announced that they are joining forces with 3M Oral Care to introduce Bluelight CheckUp to help dentists improve the outcomes of their restorative procedures.

Dentists rely on restorative procedures for half of their income1 and yet they often overlook the importance of light curing to the success of those procedures. Patient care can be compromised, and a dentist’s reputation and revenue can be put at risk in those crucial few seconds they rely on their curing light.

CheckUp offers a solution that supports dentists in their quest for clinical excellence by allowing the convenience of testing their curing lights in their office, on their own schedule. This is the second partnership between Bluelight and 3M Oral Care, following the success of the

CheckMARC service over the past five years.

“We are excited to work with Bluelight as we share a common mission – to help dentists improve the outcomes of their restorative dental procedures. By leveraging the advanced technology of Bluelight, we can continue to work together to help ensure optimal health and quality of dental curing lights around the world,” says Andrew Milder, global portfolio leader, 3M Oral Care.

“For many years, 3M Oral Care has been recognized as a worldwide leader in light curing technology and restorative dentistry. We are excited to deepen our relationship with 3M Oral Care by partnering on the promotion of CheckUp. Together we can ensure clinicians around the world have the tools they need to improve patient care and perform restorations that last,” says Rob Burns, chief growth officer at Bluelight. For more information and to buy Bluelight CheckUp, visit bluelightanalytics.com/checkup or speak to your 3M sales rep.

1. American Dental Association. (2007). 2005-06 Survey of Dental Services Rendered. 1–181. American Dental Association (2013).

Survey of fees. Retrieved from: https://www.toothnature.com /2013/07/survey-average-fee-charged-by-dentists.html ) Dental Revenue in the US (2013). Retrieved from: https://www.statista.com/statistics/296642/revenue-dentists-in-the-us/)

About Bluelight Analytics: Bluelight takes a data-driven approach to restorative dentistry to provide dentists with clinical insights that help them deliver great patient care and perform restorations that last. With our extensive database of 133,000+ light curing tests spanning 29,000+ dental clinics, we have a deep understanding of the relationship between curing lights and the materials they cure. We are committed to putting that data to work on behalf of dentists and helping them deliver great smiles, every day.

About Bluelight CheckUp: The Bluelight CheckUp Radiometer provides a chairside solution for dentists to monitor the health of their curing lights and uncover the risks hidden in their curing protocols. When combined with the CheckUp app, dentists can get precise curing times

for any combination of lights and materials, and personalized insights that reduce the risk of costly interventions.

About 3M: At 3M, we apply science in collaborative ways to improve lives daily. With $32 billion in sales, our 96,000 employees connect with customers all around the world. Learn more about 3M’s creative solutions to the worlds problems at www.3M.com or on Twitter @3M or @3MNews.

Simply Beautiful Smiles has named veteran executive Tim North as CEO, as the leading regional dental services organization seeks to expand its geographic footprint and dental offerings with the acquisition of additional top dental practices.

Founded 20 years ago by Dr. Louis D’Angelo, Simply Beautiful Smiles has been a trailblazer in elevating the dentistry experience for both patients and practitioners through a culturally oriented organization that is patient-centric, doctor-focused and staff-driven. With more than 25 locations, the company is now the Delaware Valley’s largest dental provider, serving Central and Southern New Jersey, Eastern Pennsylvania, and Northern Delaware.

North joins from Aspen Dental, where he served as Senior Vice President of Operations and was instrumental in leading the company through an extraordinary period of growth and success. During his tenure, he helped propel the company to seven consecutive years of record revenue and profit as it added more than 500 new locations.

“Simply Beautiful Smiles stands apart in the dental industry as an organization where the best doctors come to do their best work and where patients come to receive exceptional, compassionate care,” said D’Angelo, who will continue to serve as Chairman and Chief Dental Officer of the company. “In addition to bringing an impressive operational track record, Tim is passionate about our unique model within the DSO industry and believes wholeheartedly in the SBS philosophy that everyone deserves a beautiful smile. As we look to embark on a strategic growth agenda and enter an exciting new chapter, he will be a tremendous asset to the company.”

“Access to quality, affordable dental care remains a critical need across our country,” said North. “Since its inception, Simply Beautiful Smiles has been focused on not only meeting that need, but also on raising the bar by creating an operational structure that attracts the industry’s top practitioners with an environment that makes it easier to devote their energies to doing what they do best – treat patients.

“Having successfully expanded its family of practices by staying true to its founding values, Simply Beautiful Smiles is well-positioned to expand its geographic footprint and specialty services offerings,” North added. “I am delighted for the opportunity to work with Lou and the outstanding senior management team now in place to help lead the way on this exciting journey.”

Prior to Aspen Dental, North served as Senior Vice President of North American Operations for Papa Johns’ Inc. and, before that, General Manager of the Northeast for Yum! Brands, Inc. Earlier in his career, he held management position at Kinko’s, Universal Studios Hollywood, and PepsiCo, following distinguished service as a Lt Commander in the United States Navy. A graduate of Siena College, North earned a master’s degree from the US Naval War College and an MBA from Providence College.

About Simply Beautiful Smiles

Simply Beautiful Smiles was founded 20 years ago to redefine the patient experience,offering comprehensive treatment inclusive of health, wellness and beauty. Its team of deeply skilled and compassionate doctors employ advanced technologies and best-in-class equipment to deliver outstanding dental care and dramatically improve the patient experience by reducing chair-time and the number of visits. With more than 25 locations, Simply Beautiful Smiles is now the Delaware Valley’s largest dental provider, serving Central and Southern New Jersey, Eastern Pennsylvania, and Northern Delaware.

Two dental laboratory technicians were among five dental professionals recently recognized by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) as Accredited members.

Amos Duncan, AAACD, owner of Hi Art Dental Studio in St George, Utah, and Darin S. Malcolm, CDT, AAACD, a Production Manager and Lead Technician for MicroDental Laboratories, joined three dentists in becoming Accredited.

“Accreditation is not just about the honor of being Accredited. It’s about the journey itself, and all you can absorb along the way. It's about raising your game and practicing extraordinary dentistry, lifelong learning, and being the best you can possibly be," says AACD Accreditation Chairman, Adamo Notarantonio, DDS, FAACD.

Look out, toilet paper and Play Station 5s – the most in demand item this holiday season may just be a toothbrush!

According to a November 2020 survey fielded by the American Association of Endodontists (AAE), an organization which represents highly specialized dentists known as endodontists who save patients' natural teeth and treat dental emergencies, 68% of American adults said they would consider gifting a toothbrush to someone they know this holiday season.

The survey of 1,000 U.S. adults also found that:

-40% reported they have damaged a tooth, filling or crown while eating a holiday treat.

-Nearly 1 in 4 (24%) American adults don't intend on eating as many sweets or desserts this holiday season.

-Nearly 1 in 4 (23%) say they would consider giving an oral irrigation tool, such as a Waterpik, as a gift to someone they know this holiday season.

The AAE developed an informative infographic around all the holiday-themed results.

One thing no one ever wishes for is a dreaded toothache. In the event of tooth pain or a dental emergency, it's important to see an endodontist. Along with two to three years of advanced training beyond dental school, endodontists have incredible precision and hand-eye coordination, making them highly skilled in performing complex treatments. They use the most specialized and advanced technology, including microscopes and 3-D imaging, to treat tooth pain, perform root canal treatment and treat dental emergencies – even during a pandemic! No one is better at saving your natural teeth. To learn more or find an endodontist near you, please visit findmyendodontist.com.

"If you're suffering with a toothache that wakes you up out of a sound sleep at night, or because you're eating hot or cold food; you have an ache for two or three minutes in your tooth because it's been triggered by that hot or cold -- you need an endodontist; you should not delay treatment," said AAE President Dr. Alan H. Gluskin.

Our teeth are a gateway to nutrition, a sign of emotion and an integral part of our overall health and wellness. Taking simple steps like brushing them twice a day, flossing, using a mouthwash and replacing our toothbrushes every three to four months, can help keep our mouths healthy and save our natural teeth.

The AAE is available to speak more on the survey findings and on what constitutes a dental emergency, as well offer some additional helpful tips around how to keep your oral health up during the holidays – especially during this challenging era of COVID-19.

The American Association of Endodontists commissioned Atomik Research (a division of 4media group) to conduct an online survey of 1,003 American adults. The makeup of the sample is statistically representative of the U.S. population based on the national census data regarding gender, age, and geographical regions. The margin of error for the overall sample (N=1,003) fell within +/- 3 percentage points with a confidence interval of 95 percent. Fieldwork took place between November 6th and November 10th of 2020. Atomik Research is an independent market research agency.

About the American Association of Endodontists

The AAE is headquartered in Chicago and represents more than 8,000 members worldwide. Endodontics is one of 12 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. Fr more information about the AAE, visit the Association's website at aae.org. For more patient focused information, visit aae.org/patients.

Millions of Americans have lost their health coverage, including dental care due to the current COVID-19 pandemic. With nowhere else to turn, more people have been seeking free and low-cost dental clinics for dental care. These clinics serve as a safety net for our most vulnerable populations, but have been struggling to meet the growing demand with their limited resources.

“We’re living day by day unsure when we will run out of supplies. The only other nonprofit dental clinic in our area is fully booked out for a year and not taking any patients. People have nowhere else to go, so parents have been calling and begging us to see their kids. The need is higher than ever, but we cannot get the supplies that we need with our small budget,” said Dr. Loretta Lam, a dentist at Well Child Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides dental care to underserved populations in Elgin, Illinois. Since Dr. Loretta Lam’s office reopened this year after the initial shutdown they have been fighting to stay open.

The Smiles for All Movement was born in the wake of COVID-19 to help those lacking access to necessary dental care. This year, 17 dental companies (Forward Science, OrthoGum, Dr Kevin M Kenny Foundation, Tokuyama, PureLife, hyperbiotics, byte, BeeSure, Care Harbor, Sinclair, Midwest Dental, Aseptico, AM-Touch, Sunset Technologies, Practicon, DryShield, SISU) are giving back even as they are affected by the changing economy.

Since the inception of the pandemic these companies have donated $2.9 million in cash, products, and services. “During this unprecedented time, we want to do everything we can, in whatever way possible, to step up and contribute,” said Scott Cohen, Co-Founder of byte. Byte has used their manufacturing labs to produce medical face shields, donating them to frontline workers nationwide.

By using their resources to help others, the companies supporting the Smiles for All movement are promoting a mission of giving back when it is most needed. As more dental companies join the movement, more nonprofits will have the resources necessary to tackle this healthcare crisis, potentially changing the lives of the billions of people around the world that struggle to access dental care. To learn more about the Smiles for All movement, please visit: https://fb.watch/2irlYrPNdT/

If you would like more information on this topic, please call Anna Mai at 760-942-7211 or email anna.mai@tokuyama-us.com.

The Dental AI Council (DAIC), a non-profit devoted to defining the future of artificial intelligence (AI) in dentistry through research and education, today announced that it is welcoming new members to join the organization and contribute to its mission. The DAIC was established in September by 15 prominent dental industry figures to serve as an independent source of scientifically-validated information and insight regarding the nature of AI and its role in elevating the quality and accessibility of dental healthcare around the world.

With its membership offering launch, the DAIC aims to build a premier community for individuals to share and advance ideas and support inquiry around AI and its various applications in dentistry––something that the industry currently lacks.

"In welcoming new members, we're creating an essential forum for exchange of insight and expertise," said Steve Bilt, DAIC founding member and CEO of Smile Brands. "We need as many voices as possible both contributing to the conversation around AI and dentistry and speaking publicly and authoritatively about it. That's how we'll amplify AI's impact and ensure its efficacy."

In recent years, AI has taken an increasingly prominent role in almost every industry, including healthcare. While dentistry is no exception, the field has been slower to adopt the technology, particularly in the patient-facing arena. By encouraging engagement with AI through community discourse, the DAIC hopes to accelerate that process. If successful, the organization expects to see AI delivering profound benefits to dentistry in the fairly near term.

The nature of that impact is described in several pieces published on the DAIC's blog, but founding member Lou Azzara, CEO of Dental Services Group Laboratory, sums it up succinctly: "AI presents opportunities for improvement in patient care that only a few decades ago we never could have imagined."

New DAIC members will join the ranks of an esteemed array of dental minds from leading universities, DSOs, OEMs, PMS providers, insurance carriers, and labs, who share Mr. Azzara's sentiments. In addition to joining dentistry's forward guard, the benefits of DAIC membership include:

Content contribution opportunities

Research proposal and direction opportunities

Early access to DAIC research

DAIC members-exclusive newsletter

Community forum access & networking opportunities with DAIC members

Preferred access to DAIC conferences & events

Membership is open to anyone who wishes to join. To encourage engagement among dentistry's next generation and members of the constituency with the most immediate impact on patient care, the DAIC is offering discounted annual dues for students and dental practitioners. Corporate memberships are also available, which include individual membership for up to three employees, as well as reduced event sponsorship rates and a listing on the DAIC website.

"We have to understand the distinct needs and perspectives of each of the dental industry's constituents," explained DAIC's lead organizer & CEO of dental AI company Pearl, Ophir Tanz. "That's why it is imperative that our members represent the interests of everyone across the industry."

To learn more or to join the DAIC, please visit www.dentalaicouncil.org/membership.

About the Dental AI Council

The Dental AI Council (DAIC) is a non-profit trade organization devoted to helping define the future of artificial intelligence (AI) in dentistry. It brings together leaders from across the dental category to advance research, education and thought leadership on AI and its dental applications. Organized by the AI company Pearl, its members represent every dental industry constituency, including practitioners, DSOs, insurance carriers, OEMs, PMS providers, laboratories, and universities. For more information, visit www.dentalaicouncil.org.