On March 4, 2020, the Governor proclaimed a State of Emergency to exist in California as a result of the impacts of COVID-19 to make additional resources available, formalize emergency actions already underway across multiple state agencies and departments, and help the state prepare to respond to an increasing number of individuals requiring medical care and hospitalization as a result of a broader spread of COVID-19.

Pursuant to the Governor’s Executive Order N-39-20, during the State of Emergency, the Director of the California Department of Consumer Affairs may waive any statutory or regulatory professional licensing requirements and amend scopes of practice pertaining to individuals licensed pursuant to Division 2 of the Business and Professions Code, including dentists.

California dentists have a broad scope of practice. Business and Professions Code section 1625 provides that dentists may diagnose or treat, by surgery or other method, diseases and lesions, and they can correct malpositions of the human teeth, alveolar process, gums, jaws, or associated structures. Such diagnosis or treatment may include all necessary related procedures as well as the use of drugs, anesthetic agents, and physical evaluation.

Pursuant to Executive Order N-39-20, the Director waives Business and Professions Code section 1625 to the extent it prohibits licensed dentists from independently initiating and administering COVID-19 vaccines that are approved or authorized by the federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to persons 16 years of age or older and, in cases involving a severe allergic reaction, epinephrine or diphenhydramine by injection, subject to the following conditions:

• The dentist successfully completes all of the following COVID-19 training programs available through the Centers for Disease Control and

Prevention:

o “COVID-19 Vaccine Training: General Overview of Immunization Best Practices for Healthcare Providers”;

o “What Every Clinician Should Know about COVID-19 Vaccine Safety”;

o “What Clinicians Need to Know About the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 Vaccines”; and,

o “Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine: What Healthcare Professionals Need to Know”.

• The dentist complies with all applicable federal and state recordkeeping and reporting requirements, including providing documentation to the patient’s primary care provider, as applicable, and enters information in the appropriate immunization registry designated by the immunization branch of the State Department of Public Health.

• The subject vaccine is administered in accordance with any applicable FDA emergency use authorization. Dentists acting within the scope of this Order may independently initiate and administer to persons 16 years of age or older any COVID-19 vaccines that are approved or authorized by the FDA, as specified, and may also initiate and administer epinephrine or diphenhydramine by injection for the treatment of a

severe allergic reaction. This order is effective immediately but may be amended as circumstances require. 

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted dental education and training. The study "COVID-19 and Dental and Dental Hygiene Students' Career Plans," published in the JDR Clinical & Translational Research (JDR CTR), examined the short-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on dental hygiene and dental students' career intentions.

An anonymous online survey was emailed to dental and dental hygiene students enrolled at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry, Richmond, USA. The survey consisted of 81 questions that covered a wide range of topics including demographics, anticipated educational debt, career plans post-graduation, readiness to enter clinical practice or residency and student wellness. The authors found that students at all levels of training have become concerned about the limited employment opportunities, long-term stability of the dental profession and on the interruptions to clinical education and licensure examinations consequent to the pandemic.

More than 10% of all student study respondents felt anxious about the future of dentistry, with approximately 40% of those in their final year choosing to change their career post-graduation plans. Students who reported an intent to change their career plans had significantly higher perceived stress and anxiety scores and lower resilience scores than students who reported no change to their career plans. Compared to white students, more black, indigenous and people of color reported that they had changed their career plans.

Lead author Dina Garcia of Virginia Commonwealth University concluded, "A comprehensive effort inclusive of adeptly designed clinical and curriculum experiences paired with wellness interventions and support tailored to students is needed."

"The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the career plans of dental and dental hygiene students may negatively affect the future dental workforce," said JDR CTR Editor-in-Chief Jocelyne S. Feine, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada. "We lack understanding of both the short-term and long-term effects of prolonged and unanticipated public health crises on the dental workforce. More studies are needed to provide this information so that these issues can be appropriately addressed."

About the JDR Clinical and Translational Research

The JDR Clinical & Translational Research is a quarterly publication. This peer-reviewed journal is dedicated to publishing original dental, oral and craniofacial research at the interface between discovery science and clinical application with the translation of research into healthcare delivery systems at the individual patient, clinical practice and community levels. The JDR CTR has been accepted for inclusion in MEDLINE.

International Association for Dental Research

The International Association for Dental Research (IADR) is a nonprofit organization with over 10,000 individual members worldwide, with a Mission to drive dental, oral and craniofacial research to advance health and well-being worldwide. To learn more, visit https://www.iadr.org. The American Association for Dental Research (AADR) is the largest Division of IADR with 3,100 members in the United States. To learn more, visit https://www.iadr.org/aadr.

ids-integrated dental systems (www.idsimplants.com) the leading provider of dental implants distributed, sold, and supported by dental supply dealers in North America joins the Biotech Dental Group (www.biotech-dental.com). Founded in 2013, ids features a large and growing dental implant portfolio, national implant sales and service specialists supported by extensive education, training, customer service support, and an extensive network of over 2,500 dental supply representatives.

Biotech Dental, headquartered in Salon de Provence, France, was founded in 1987, employs 670+ people, currently generates $85 million+ sales, 18%+ CAGR over the last 5 years and has sold more than 2 million implants. Biotech Dental has subsidiaries in Italy, Benelux, Spain, Portugal, Morocco, Africa, and Vietnam. Biotech Dental’s portfolio includes Kontact implants, WOW intra-oral scanner, Nemotec Software, Smilers® clear aligners, ATP 38 Miracle and Lucy digital prosthetics. Their Kontact implant brand is the largest selling implant in France. Biotech Dental brands will be combined with ids Accelx and REFLECT implants and implant accessories to offer North American Dentists & Laboratories a broad portfolio of tooth replacement products, services, and support to meet all clinical situations and preferences.

Biotech Dental is a vertically integrated digital dental manufacturer competing in the largest and fastest growing global dental product markets i.e. dental implants, orthodontic aligners, intra oral scanners and treatment planning software. Biotech Dental has made tremendous investments and execution of artificial intelligence (AI) into their products. The product portfolio will provide ids authorized dental dealers (Atlanta Dental, Benco Dental, Burkhart Dental, Goetze Dental, Midway Dental, Midwest Dental, Nashville Dental, Patterson Dental) a broad range of products and services they previously did not provide and accretive revenue from fast growing product categories. Users will benefit from end-to-end integrated digital solutions that will improve quality, ease of use, case outcomes, speed treatment time, shorter case completion and lower costs of implants, orthodontic and prosthetic treatments.

The Biotech Dental Group is supported by Sofina, a family-owned investment company controlled by the descendants of Gustave Boël and listed on Euronext Brussels, managing its own assets representing ca. EUR 7.3 billion. Sofina aspires to be the preferred partners of entrepreneurs and families who lead growing companies by backing them with patient capital and supportive advice. (www.sofinagroup.com)

Philippe Veran, CEO Biotech Dental Group - “As a leading European Dental company based in Southern France, I have had a goal to bring our products, services, and innovations for many years to North America. To be successful you need the right team. The team needs to be talented, creative and a good fit culturally. With ids joining the Biotech Dental Group we have found that team. We will invest and accelerate our growth in North America as we have in the rest of the world combining great products with talented professionals and product innovation. I am convinced that my dream of bringing smiles to American dentists and their patients will be successful due to the combination of ids and Biotech Dental.”

Carey Lyons, CEO ids-integrated dental systems - “Biotech Dental has built what the future of dentistry will look like. They have a digital platform that allows dentists and laboratories to place and fabricate implant, prosthetic, orthodontic and esthetic solutions faster, easier, more precisely and less expensively. Combining the Biotech Dental portfolio with the ids team of implant sales and service specialists, nationwide 2,500 dental dealer sales representatives, superior customer service, fast fulfillment, extensive implant portfolio, robust in person and virtual education positions us as the leader and best in class to service dentists nationwide. Better, faster, less expensively. “Be better!”.

Planmeca USA, a leading manufacturer of dental imaging and CAD/CAM equipment, today announced the launch of two new CAD/CAM products – Planmeca PlanMill® 50 S 5-axis mill and Planmeca PlanCAD® Premium design software for creating dental prosthetics. These products, together with the Planmeca Emerald™ S intraoral scanner, provide a new premium solution, the Planmeca FIT® Plus. This complete solution allows clinicians to achieve maximum productivity throughout the entire digital dentistry workflow.

Designed to produce high-end restorations with lab-quality esthetics, the Planmeca PlanMill 50 S addresses the industry’s need to mill a wide variety of materials including zirconia, IPS e.max® , glass ceramics, PMMA and wax. The mill comes equipped with a high-speed spindle and an automatic tool changer for 12 tools to keep it operating at full capacity. The versatile Planmeca PlanMill 50 S has the ability to mill discs and blocks and can be used wet or dry, making it an ideal investment for years to come.

Planmeca PlanCAD Premium’s user adaptability, flexibility and ease of use make it ideal for clinicians to design a broad range of applications, including crowns and bridge designs, wax-ups, removable partials and complete dentures. The software’s open workflow enables clinicians to import and export in various formats, while also allowing the importing of data from other scanners.

“These powerful new solutions provide clinicians versatility, giving them the ability to perform more procedures in-house and elevate patient care,” said Ed McDonough, president of Planmeca USA. “By taking a bold step in implementing the Planmeca PlanMill 50 S and Planmeca PlanCAD Premium software to their digital workflow, clinicians will experience optimal efficiencies and enhanced productivity, ultimately resulting in a greater ROI for their practices.”

Planmeca PlanCAD Premium and Planmeca PlanMill 50 S are available now for order as separate units or together with the Planmeca Emerald S as the complete Planmeca FIT Plus system. This new premium Planmeca FIT offering is available for shipment on November 15 and will complement the Planmeca FIT system with the Planmeca PlanMill 30 S. Both Planmeca FIT systems come with hands-on training, education and support through the Planmeca Digital Academy.

To learn more about Planmeca’s CAD/CAM solutions, visit info.planmecausa.com/chairside_mill_planmill50s/.

About Planmeca USA:

Planmeca USA is a subsidiary of Planmeca, the largest privately held company in the dental equipment market and one of the industry’s leading manufacturers of dental X-rays and core equipment. With a North American office located in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, and international headquarters in Helsinki, Finland, Planmeca is well established in high-tech dental markets and currently serves 120 countries worldwide. For more information, visit planmeca.com. 

SOTA Imaging announces the debut of the Clio Prime Digital X-Ray Sensor--the culmination of decades of digital x-ray sensor innovation²featuring EveryShot X-Ray Capture technology for superior image quality, a new capsule design for extra durability and easy x-ray positioning, and built-in integration capabilities for a smooth workflow.

The Clio Prime sensor captures 16,384 shades of gray in every image. The sensor's new EveryShot X-Ray Capture technology ensures that each one of those shades of gray is used to provide excellent contrast across a wide range of exposure levels, meaning dentists can reduce the need for retakes and provide a confident diagnosis, even with low-power portable x-ray tubes.

Clio Prime also features a new capsule with a ComfyCorner design. The anatomically aligned design enables easy positioning for practitioners throughout an FMX. The clipped corner shape of the sensor improves anterior and posterior positioning while smoothing out patient contact points, increasing comfort for all exams from posterior periapicals to vertical bitewings. Clio Prime is smaller than standard size 2 sensors, providing comfort without compromising diagnosis.

"We didn't stop there," Albert Kim, SOTA Imaging Vice President of Sales & Marketing. "Using the same spirit of innovation, we designed Clio Pedo, the perfect sized sensor for pediatric patients." Clio Pedo includes all the innovative features of Clio Prime but is designed for the perfect pediatric fit at 24.53 x 36.36 mm.

The Clio Prime sensor is designed with durability in mind. With an incredibly hard outer capsule and shock-absorbing bumpers, it stands up to the rigors of daily use, saving practitioners from costly replacements. Even the cable is customized so patients bite on the positioner, not the cable. "We performed an insane amount of tests to prove longevity for every millimeter of the sensor, then we had them dentist verified," says Kim.

Clio Prime's integration capabilities deliver a smooth workflow. The sensor integrates with Dexis, Eaglesoft, Patterson Imaging, Schick CDR, Sidexis, Carestream, and more.

Learn more about Clio Prime at sotaimaging.com/products/xraysensors/clio-primedental-xray-sensor/

SOTA Imaging is offering a free trial of the new sensors through its "Demo By Mail" program, where practitioners can try the Clio Prime for seven days, no strings attached.

SOTA Imaging ships the sensor at no charge, walks practitioners through the set-up, and supports them throughout the trial. Learn more at sotaimaging.com/demobymail.

SOTA Imaging is a leading manufacturer of dental imaging hardware and software. SOTA Imaging solutions include Clio and Clio Prime digital x-ray sensors, the Claris i5HD intraoral camera, SOTA Image dental imaging software, and aerosol reduction solutions, including the Cazoo extraoral aerosol evacuator. Contact us at (888) 266-7682, sales@sotaimaging.com, or sotaimaging.com.

Dentsply Sirona has announced that the company has acquired Byte, a rapidly growing clear aligner company. Byte holds a leadership position in the direct-to-consumer clear aligner market. As a result of the transaction, Dentsply Sirona adds scale in the important clear aligner category and strengthens its connection with dental professionals. Dentsply Sirona’s R&D capabilities and commercial expertise offer significant potential to drive additional growth of the Byte clear aligner solutions. The combination with Dentsply Sirona will focus on expanding the market for orthodontic care by connecting additional patients with dental professionals and helping them access quality oral healthcare.

Byte has developed an innovative business model, built on doctor-directed care that provides excellent outcomes for patients with mild to moderate orthodontic needs. Byte was founded on the commitment to improve access and affordability to orthodontic care using a nationwide network of licensed dentists and orthodontists. It offers effective treatment planning and an easy-to-use clear aligner solution delivered directly to a consumer’s home. The CEO of Byte, Neeraj Gunsagar, and the existing management team will continue to operate the business.

Don Casey, Chief Executive Officer of Dentsply Sirona, said, “We are excited to take the next step in our evolution by bringing Byte into our organization. We have been pleased with the growth of our SureSmile® clear aligner business, and we are confident that adding the innovative platform of Byte adds scale for us in the important clear aligner market. We look forward to working with the talented team at Byte as we utilize our collective strengths to expand patient access to quality care and support the success of dental professionals around the world.”

Neeraj Gunsagar, CEO of Byte commented, “We have been impressed with the passion that Dentsply Sirona has for innovation in dentistry. This combination provides Byte with unmatched resources and R&D capabilities that allow us to reach additional customers and accelerate our mission of changing the world one smile at a time. The transaction enhances our ability to offer affordable care to patients and increases awareness of the overall benefits of oral care. Our team is committed to driving our strong growth, and we are delighted to join the Dentsply Sirona family as we execute on our shared mission.”

The transaction closed on December 31, 2020.

Due to the different approval and registration times, not all technologies and products are immediately available in all countries.

Ivoclar Vivadent’s Ivotion Digital Denture System was awarded the 2020 American College of Prosthodontics (ACP) Annual Session Innovation Award at the ACP 50th Annual Awards Ceremony on November 6, 2020. Held virtually November 1-7, 2020, the ACP Annual Session “Evolutions and Revolutions in Prosthodontics” showcased the latest dental products and materials from 11 companies in its virtual Product Innovation Showcase. Attendees were invited to explore each of the latest product innovations on display by exhibitors and vote on which stood out as their favorite. Attendees chose the Ivotion Digital Denture System as the top choice.

"This is a wonderful accomplishment and a testament to the innovation of our organization," said Dr. George Tysowsky, Senior Vice President of Technology and Professional Relations. "The American College of Prosthodontists is a highly respect organization that guides dentistry around the world. We are very appreciative of this honor."

The Ivotion Digital Denture System is a revolutionary complete digital workflow for the production of high-quality, removable prosthetics. Combining the Ivotion bicolored single monolithic milling solution with the PrograMill milling unit, Ivotion offers seamless and efficient production of upper and lower dentures in a single uninterrupted milling process. The Ivotion monolithic disc combines high-quality PMMA cross-linked tooth material with a premium denture base material in a single bicolored milling disc for fast and predictable production that eliminates the time-consuming manual tooth-bonding process. The Ivotion disc’s Shell Geometry three-dimensional dental arch structure defines the transition between the tooth and base sections of the milling disc for a stress-free, high strength, and homogenous transition. The exclusive Ivotion CAD design integrated into the 3Shape Dental System 2020 CAD software allows full patient-specific customization of the removable prosthetic to meet patient needs. The denture arch milled in the PrograMill milling unit requires only polishing before delivery.

For more information, visit: https://campaign.ivoclarvivadent.com/IvotionDentureSystem