Lithoz GmbH, provider of world-leading technology for the 3D printing of high-performance ceramics, has started a strategic collaboration with Metoxit and Dr. Jens Tartsch, combining their developments for a project to produce ceramic dental implants via additive manufacturing. Using Lithography-based Ceramic Manufacturing, it will be possible to quickly and efficiently produce high-strength dental implants which are biocompatible and available in a range of sizes and shapes.

Metoxit, a Swiss high-tech ceramics company, develops and produces innovative oxide ceramics of the highest quality, with a focus on precision medical implants as well as high-performance components for mechanical and electrical engineering applications. With more than 43 years of experience in the field, Metoxit has been a key innovator in ceramic medical applications over the years, both in the areas of hip joint implants and dental applications. Dr. Tartsch, who runs a private dental clinic in Zürich, Switzerland, is the founder and President of the European Society for Ceramic Implantology ESCI and Member of Board of Directors of the Swiss Society for Anti-Aging Medicine and Prevention (SSAAMP). His main focus is ceramic implant dentistry, as well as biomaterial and immunological aspects in dentistry and material incompatibilities. The cooperation of these industry leaders with Austrian-based Lithoz to manufacture dental implants is a new step forward in the field of ceramic 3D printing for medical and dental applications. 

In modern dentistry, dental implants play an important role in the reconstruction and restoration of missing teeth in partially or completely edentulous patients. Esthetics, comfort, and biocompatible materials are of the utmost importance when it comes to treating such patients. Their implants must possess good bone ingrowth capabilities and need to be able to withstand the high levels of daily stress placed on them. Thus, the absence of defects such as pores or cracks is even more important than with any other ceramic parts. 

Lithoz’s Lithography-based Ceramic Manufacturing (LCM) technology is intended to ensure that such requirements are met when it comes to producing dental implants. LCM is an efficient and tool-free process—it does not require molds as with other conventional manufacturing techniques and therefore allows for the production of far more complex structures when compared to other methods. The number of manufacturing steps involved is significantly reduced, with intricate features such as inner threads and surface modifications being carried out during the 3D printing process itself. This ensures that the production process is not only reliable but also highly cost-effective. 

Components produced via LCM fit suitably to the restored crown and have high mechanical strength, while the ceramic materials used by Lithoz for these applications also have biocompatible properties and facilitate good adhesion between the bone and implant. This method also allows for a broad variety of shapes and sizes when manufacturing these dental components, ensuring every need can be met for different patients. 

Lithoz’s systems have been specially designed for LCM techniques and this technology will aid Metoxit in providing the highest level of quality and safety for dental patients. Both companies will benefit greatly from the expert knowledge Dr. Jens Tartsch will bring to the project with his almost 30 years of experience. As Dr. Tartsch states, “This collaboration will result in a joint research project that will optimize the use of 3D printing processes and LCM technology for producing ceramic dental implants, making them suitable for broad range of applications in the future." The integration of further strategic partners and scientific institutions is planned.

The DirectaDentalGroup, an internationally recognized consortium of manufacturers of high-quality dental consumables for over 100 years, is excited to announce that it is the newest Style Italiano partner.

Style Italiano is a growing community of skilled dental practitioners who contribute their ideas to bring more simplicity and predictability into everyday dental procedures. Style Italiano offers an independent perspective and understanding of the materials’ use, based on scientific research and personal experience. Style Italiano also provides lectures and teaching around the world through online platforms and StyleItaliano TV to create a unique learning experience.

Style Italiano will partner with DirectaDentalGroup to produce clinical studies, articles, webinars, live lectures, and procedural techniques, around three chosen DirectaDentalGroup products. Style Italiano will be working with Parkell’s Digitest® 3 Pulp Vitality Tester, Predicta® Bioactive Core and Trolldental’s Troll®Foil. This new partnership is a testament to the innovative, consistent and high-quality products the DirectaDentalGroup designs and manufactures that simplify daily dental procedures without compromising on results.

• Digitest 3 Pulp Vitality electrically stimulates the tooth to test for vitality.

• Predicta Bioactive Core is a bioactive dual-cure composite for core build-ups and post cementations.

• TrollFoil is a pre-mounted articulating foil that is just 8 microns thick.

Style Italiano has a reputation of sharing procedures that help dentists perform at a high level, while still keeping it simple and easy to learn and replicate. Style Italiano provides excellent tips and clinical cases that will inspire dentists worldwide to adopt products and techniques in their daily practice. For more information on DirectaDentalGroup products, please visit directadental.com.

About DirectaDentalGroup

Directa has been manufacturing and distributing internationally recognized quality dental consumables for over 100 years. Directa´s products are developed and evaluated by a selected team of highly qualified and renowned Swedish and international dental professionals with the aim of making life easier for the dental professionals in their daily clinical work.

Dr. James Orrington II, a practicing dentist from Chicago, IL, has invented and developed a product designed to protect an extremely high-risk environment for the transfer of COVID-19: the dentist’s office.

AirGuard™ is a vacuum accessory that blocks aerosol sprays that come from patients’ mouths with a transparent shield. Then, it immediately sucks the spray away using your dental vacuum. AirGuard™ is designed to provide enhanced protection from viruses, infections, and general splashback that spread via the air, such as COVID-19, cold, and flu germs, while also allowing dentists full access to patients without obscuring their visibility or ability to complete dental work.

There are currently three AirGuard™ models available. The AirGuard™ LT is an attachment shield for offices that already have an extra-oral suction unit. The wide, curved barrier is attached to the existing suction system to provide an added layer of protection, preventing splashback.The AirGuard™ MP features an adjustable transparent shield, extra-oral suction unit, and integrated lighting for maximum visibility when working with patients. Finally, the AirGuard™ XP adds extra-oral lighting, precision lighting system, and a built-in screen that adds magnification and a high-definition camera to capture video and still images that can be used for diagnosis, insurance claims, or just a better look into the mouth.

“COVID-19 forced our practice to close down in March 2020,” says AirGuard™’s inventor, Dr. James Orrington II. “I wanted to build a solution that would let dental practices operate in a way that was safe for everyone involved, allowing them to reopen and continue offering the vital care that patients need and the livelihoods that dentists and their staff depend on.”

To refine and develop the idea, Dr. Orrington II partnered with Beyond Design, Inc., a Chicago-based product development firm. Together, they garnered feedback from current and future dental environments and trends and worked to create a versatile solution that would be effective in a range of office types, sizes, and settings. The design even accounts for potential use in veterinary offices.

“We had some key features we knew needed to be included in the final product,” said Beyond Design’s president, Michael Prince. “It had to be easy to install and transport, it had to be safe, intuitive, reliable, and functional, and it had to be easy to service and maintain. We were proud to be able to work on a project that was challenging, urgent, and genuinely important for public benefit during a challenging time.”

For more information about AirGuard™ visit their website: www.AirGuard™Health.com. 

South Bend, IN/03.09.2021. Kulzer today announced the launch of Ivory ReLeaf Minis, which can be used with its top-selling and award-winning Ivory ReLeaf hands-free suction system when treating pediatric patients and adult patients with small arches. The system delivers safety and comfort to patients while enhancing efficiency and ergonomics for dental practices.

Ivory ReLeaf is an innovative, hands-free HVE suction solution that assists with evacuation, retraction and maintaining a dry field during various hygiene and dental procedures, including restorative procedures, endodontics, periodontics, orthodontics, ultrasonic scaling, sealants, root planning and whitening. The Ivory ReLeaf system consists of an HVE hose with a quick disconnect adaptor on one end for convenient connection to the practice’s existing dental vacuum system, and a u-shaped connector on the other end into which a single-use “Leaf” is inserted. The Leaf – which is BPA-free and latex-free and designed to be soft for patient comfort – is placed into the oral cavity and positioned between the teeth and cheek. The Leaf maintains highly effective suction and a dry field while allowing the practitioner to comfortably work in all four quadrants with a full view of the oral cavity. Importantly, the Leaf’s 280 degrees of suction means that its location never has to be changed by the practitioner.

The ReLeaf Mini Leaf, which is approximately 25 percent smaller than the conventional Leaf but fits the ReLeaf system’s same u-shaped connector, is designed to work comfortably with pediatric patients, elderly patients, patients with TMJ, special needs patients, and other patients with small arches. ReLeaf Mini refills come in 100-count packages featuring an assortment of green, magenta and light blue colors. The hands-free design and exceptional ergonomics of the Ivory ReLeaf system can save practices up to 15 minutes of time per patient. Moreover, patients appreciate not only its superior comfort, but the fact that it minimizes backflow risk and aerosol risk while making it much easier to communicate.

“The Ivory ReLeaf system has enjoyed great popularity since its 2018 introduction due to the enhanced safety and comfort it offers patients, and the exceptional efficiency and ergonomics it offers clinicians,“ said Obioma Clifford, Kulzer’s Senior Product Manager for the Ivory ReLeaf line. “With our ReLeaf Minis launch, we are pleased to now be able to extend these important benefits to patients of all ages with small arches, and to the practitioners who treat them.”

For more information about Kulzer and its other award-winning products and services, please visit www.kulzerus.com

Kulzer North America

Kulzer North America is a South Bend, Indiana-based division of Kulzer GmbH. As one of the world’s leading dental companies, Kulzer has been a reliable partner for all dental professionals for more than 80 years. Whether aesthetic or digital dentistry, tooth preservation, prosthetics or periodontology, Kulzer stands for trusted and innovative dental products. With optimal solutions and services, Kulzer aims to support its customers in restoring their patients’ oral health in a safe, simple and efficient way. For this purpose, 1,500 employees work in 26 locations in the fields of research, manufacturing and marketing. Kulzer is part of the Mitsui Chemicals Group. The Tokyo, Japan-based Mitsui Chemicals Inc. (MCI owns 131 affiliates with more than 17,200 employees in 27 countries. Its innovative and functional chemical products are as much in demand in the automotive, electronics and packaging industries as in environmental protection and healthcare.

Up to July 2017, Kulzer operated under the name of Heraeus Kulzer. With the recent change, Kulzer now focuses on its strengths that have made it successful: loyal partnerships with users, distributors and universities, and, above all, highest quality materials, innovations and a spectrum of services that is unique in the market.

Certain gum disease-related variables improve five years after the early removal of nearby unerupted wisdom teeth in young patients, according to a new study.

In the study published in the March issue of the Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, the official journal of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS), average probing pocket depth (PPD) and clinical attachment level (CAL) of the teeth – the second molars – are variables that improve over time after removal of the adjacent wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, when they were unerupted rather than emerging through the gum tissue.

PPD and CAL are used to assess gum disease. Wisdom teeth removal can impact gum tissues of nearby second molars, the study notes. PPD was measured from the edge of the gums to the base of the pocket – a space between the tooth and the gums. For the study, PPD of at least 4 mm was considered diseased.

A probe also measured CAL, which provides information on bone loss and gum disease progress by calculating the distance from the base of the pocket to where the tooth enamel meets the root's covering.

The study's 39 patients, who averaged nearly 22 years old, needed removal of their wisdom teeth due to orthodontic reasons. Each patient had one or two unerupted wisdom teeth without symptoms in their lower jaw. Their PPD and CAL changes were measured before surgery and six months and five years after surgery.

According to the study results, removing the wisdom teeth had no negative effect on PPD changes of nearby second molars after as many as five years. PPD reduced significantly, and CAL changes yielded similar results, indicating less gum disease. In addition, among those with completely bony unerupted wisdom teeth – which remain embedded in the jawbone with no space for the teeth to erupt – no deterioration was found in PPD and CAL.

"These findings confirm the attitude that preventive surgical M3 (third molar) removal does not cause additional damage to the neighboring M2 (second molars)," researchers wrote.

However, researchers noted preventive removal of wisdom teeth for orthodontic reasons should be decided while considering potential risks, such as nerve damage. Other risks include fractures, infections and pain. Deterioration of the gums of the nearby second molars helps determine whether to remove wisdom teeth, the study states.

The authors of "Five-Years Periodontal Outcomes of Early Removal of Unerupted Third Molars Referred for Orthodontic Purposes" are Hari Petsos, DMD; from private practice and Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University Frankfurt in Frankfurt/Main, Germany; Janine Fleige; Jorg Korte, DDS, MD; and Raphael Borchard, DDS, DMD, from private practice; Peter Eickholz, DMD, from Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University Frankfurt; and Thomas Hoffmann, DMD, from Dresden International University in Dresden, Germany.

The full article can be accessed at JOMS.org/article/S0278-2391(20)31403-8/fulltext.

The Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery is published by the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons to present to the dental and medical communities comprehensive coverage of new techniques, important developments and innovative ideas in oral and maxillofacial surgery. Practice-applicable articles help develop the methods used to handle dentoalveolar surgery, facial injuries and deformities, TMJ disorders, oral and head and neck cancer, jaw reconstruction, anesthesia and analgesia. The journal also includes specifics on new instruments and diagnostic equipment, and modern therapeutic drugs and devices.

The experts in face, mouth and jaw surgery® — The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS) is the professional organization representing more than 11,000 oral and maxillofacial surgeons, OMS residents and OMS professional staff in the United States. AAOMS supports its fellows' and members' ability to practice their specialty through education, research and advocacy. AAOMS fellows and members comply with rigorous continuing education requirements and submit to periodic office anesthesia evaluations. For additional information about oral and maxillofacial surgery, visit the AAOMS websites at AAOMS.org and MyOMS.org.

SOURCE Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Irvine, CALIF., March 08, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Leading DSO Pacific Dental Services® (PDS®) is pleased to join the American Dental Assistants Association (ADAA) in honor of the 44th annual Dental Assistants Recognition Week. Taking place March 7-13, this year’s theme, “Dental Assistants – Our Heart Goes into Every Smile,” acknowledges the growing importance of the role dentistry plays in ensuring optimal healthcare and the responsibilities of dental assistants (DAs). The weeklong event celebrates DAs and their commitment to professional development and providing quality dental care. The functions performed by DAs in support of dentists are essential to dental offices, especially in maintaining clinical excellence and adopting additional safety measures to protect patients from the COVID-19 virus.

“DAs in PDS-supported practices are committed to facilitating patient-centric dentistry,” said Rosalinda Olague, PDS Manager of Dental Assistant National Strategy and Vice President, California Dental Board. “During the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, practices and patients have relied on the DA’s expertise in safety and personal protective equipment. DAs accomplish critical tasks while creating a compassionate environment where patients feel understood and prepared to receive necessary oral healthcare.”

According to The DALE Foundation®, an affiliate of the Dental Assisting National Board, Inc., dental assistants are the largest segment of the dental workforce. As noted in its national survey, more than 95% of dentists and dental office managers strongly agree that dental assistants contribute to a practice’s productivity and play a key role in preserving patient retention by building the bridge of trust between patients and clinicians.

“In honor of Dental Assistants Recognition Week, I want to acknowledge all the dental assistants in the United States for their hard work in serving patients, their dentists, and their teams,” said Stephen E. Thorne, IV, PDS Founder and CEO. “Thank you for the extraordinary work you do to create Healthier, Happier Patients. ®”

The ADAA is the largest group representing professional dental assistants and has been in operation for over 90 years. Its members include clinical personnel, administrative and back-office staff. “Dental assistants are the backbone of supporting dentists with the goal of positive patient outcomes,” says Olague. “They work chairside with the dental team, take quality dental X-rays and intra-oral photos, handle charting, educate patients, and support dentists in delivering quality oral health care. Their unique and diverse contributions to the dental profession truly make a difference in the lives of those they serve.”

About Pacific Dental Services®

Founded in 1994, Pacific Dental Services (PDS) is one of the country’s leading dental support organizations, providing supported autonomy that enables dentists to concentrate on clinical excellence and the highest levels of cost-effective comprehensive patient care. PDS originated the Private Practice+® model to enable dentists to focus on their passion: serving patients. PDS also pioneered the concept of Modern Dentistry so that dentists are equipped to combine advances in the latest technology with the best operational practices and procedures, highly skilled support staff and a commitment to ongoing training and education. PDS continues to grow, with over 800 supported dental offices across the United States. PDS has been on the Inc. 5000 list of the fastest growing private companies in America 14 times. PDS supported dentists aim to be the provider of choice in all the markets they serve and to develop Patients for Life™.

The National Association of Dental Laboratories (NADL) announced two new insurance programs as part of its member benefits offerings. The partner for the new Business Insurance program is Gallagher Affinity Member Benefits and Services. They will serve as the third-party administrator of the program and the policies will be written directly through CNA Insurance. For more information, go to https://gallagheraffinity.com/nadl.

The second vendor partner for health insurance-related products is Decisely, Inc. Decisely provides healthcare solutions across a spectrum of services and affordability depending on the needs and desires of your specific business. The online platform to obtain quotes for health, disability, and life insurance products is https://nadlbenefits.decisely.com/

These programs are not exclusive to dental laboratories; manufacturer/distributor and other supplier members of NADL may also obtain quotes. Anyone needing assistance regarding membership may contact the NADL office at 800-950-1150 or by email at membership@nadl.org.

Swiss brand Curaprox is now offering a BLACK is WHITE Hydrosonic Toothbrush with Carbon Brush Heads. Gentle and effective with the finest CUREN® filaments, plus the extra pleasant rubberized back preventing unpleasant vibrations. The innovative water drop-shaped design of the brush heads envelops each individual tooth. Even hard-to-reach areas are easily cleaned thanks to CURACURVE® ergonomics. Three intensity levels for up to 84.000 brush movements per/minute with simple one button for switching on and off and changing levels. Two-minute timer and 2-week battery life and includes 2 brush heads.

Curaden AG is a Swiss-owned company based in Kriens near Lucerne. Under the brand name CURAPROX and together with dental professionals in

teaching, research and practice, we develop tools that serve one purpose only: to keep teeth healthy for a lifetime.

For more information, visit www.curaden.us – 800.919.0120

New York University College of Dentistry (NYU Dentistry) has become only the third U.S. dental school to acquire, install, and use two surgical robotic devices for dental implant surgeries.

These devices will provide an opportunity for the College’s pre- and postdoctoral students to learn how state of-the-art robotic technology, with its accuracy and precision during dental surgery, can augment and enhance clinical practice and patient care.

The robot-assisted surgical device, known as Yomi, was developed by Miami-based health care start-up Neocis. It is the first—and, to date, only—such device cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for dental implant surgery. The system uses software to preoperatively plan dental implantation procedures and provides real-time visual and physical intraoperative guidance to achieve the plan. Yomi is intended for use in adult patients missing some or all teeth who qualify for dental implants.

“We are extremely pleased to utilize the power of robotics to ensure that our pre- and postdoctoral students are prepared to become leaders in the field,” said Charles N. Bertolami, Herman Robert Fox Dean of NYU Dentistry.

Using the Yomi system, the provider performing the surgical procedure first creates a virtual plan for the placement of a dental implant using detailed 3D scans of the patient’s mouth. The system then uses physical cues to guide the provider along the precise implementation of that plan—but is also able to adjust dynamically to accommodate mid-procedure changes. Yomi augments a provider’s “feel,” giving real-time feedback via haptic technology to guide a provider along the treatment plan, but the provider controls the dental handpiece at all times. By design, the system complements, rather than overrides, a provider’s clinical expertise.

“Robotic technology is truly a game-changer for dental surgery,” said Robert Glickman, associate dean for clinical affairs and hospital relations and professor and chair of the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at NYU Dentistry. “Successfully placing dental implants requires careful preoperative planning and a high degree of accuracy and precision to avoid critical anatomical structures and provide the best outcome for the patient.” Together with Dr. Glickman, Huzefa Talib, clinical associate professor of oral and maxillofacial surgery, and Edgard El Chaar, clinical associate professor of periodontology & implant dentistry, both at NYU Dentistry, were instrumental in bringing this technology to the College.

With the acquisition of Yomi, NYU Dentistry continues to introduce pioneering new dental technologies into its predoctoral and postdoctoral education programs.

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.

As the world's largest manufacturer of dental products and technologies for dentists and dental technicians, Dentsply Sirona is strongly committed to the advancement and needs of women in dentistry. Choose to challenge: The motto of this year's International Women's Day underlines the importance of equal rights for women and men in an ever-changing world. A challenged world is an alert world, and from challenge comes change. Each year, Dentsply Sirona supports various programs and events that encourage women's professional development and celebrate women's achievements.

This year’s International Women’s Day theme highlights the importance of collective action and shared ownership for driving gender parity. Under the hashtag #ChooseToChallenge, this year's campaign highlights how individual and collective efforts can contribute to positive change and empower women in society. International Women's Day on March 8 is an opportunity for Dentsply Sirona to both demonstrate and further strengthen its own commitment to gender equality in the dental world. The various internal and external programs and events that support women in their career development range from female speaker development programs, competitions for visionary treatment concepts and outstanding achievements in research to networking opportunities and the exchange of experiences at panel discussions and conferences.

“We want to support women in dentistry by more thoroughly understanding their needs and advancing their skills, and thereby making dentistry even better,” explains Lisa Yankie, Senior Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer and Communications at Dentsply Sirona. “Additionally, we want to support their professional development and encourage and acknowledge their outstanding achievements in research and development, entrepreneurship, mentorship, and education. These efforts align with our overall purpose to empower dental professionals all over the world to provide millions of patients with better dental care and make people smile.”

Smart Integration Award 2021

The Dentsply Sirona Smart Integration Award for innovative women in digital dentistry plays a special role among these programs. The award recognizes inventive ideas as well as successful and visionary treatment concepts from women in dentistry. This includes new concepts or stories of how female dentists inspire their patients in therapy and diagnosis or how they envision optimally connected and efficient workflows in the practice and dental laboratory of tomorrow. It is also a reflection of the company's commitment to incorporating the skills and expertise of

women into product development more than ever before. The award was created by Dentsply Sirona and presented to the winners for the first time in November 2019. In total, 24 female award winners were recognized for their unique success stories in making workflows at treatment units more efficient and convenient. The application phase of the second Dentsply Sirona Smart Integration Award for interested female dentists begins on April 12. This year, not only dentists but female dental technicians are invited to apply for the award to present their best dentist-laboratory cooperation.

“The initiation of the Smart Integration Award is an expression of how we accept the challenge, embrace change, and move forward together,” says Susanne Schmidinger, Vice President Global Brand Marketing & Clinical Affairs Equipment and Instruments at Dentsply Sirona. “The dental profession is becoming increasingly female. We therefore work together with female and male dentists in the development of products. It is important to engage in dialog and listen to all customers’ needs in detail. This is the only way we can continue to offer high-quality solutions in the future. Only when the different perspectives in the dental profession become transparent is it possible to further develop the technological solutions offered.”

Dr. Cécile Gütermann, winner of the Smart Integration Award 2019, Zurich, Switzerland: “We really liked the concept of the Smart Integration Award. It's great that such publicity is being created for the many successful women in our field. After all, it is still the case that some women tend to be more reserved and are often not used to presenting their achievements. Against this background, it's even better that the success stories of female dentists from all over the world are visible through the award and that women are motivated to show what they can do.”

Female Speaker Development Program

Another program successfully implemented by Dentsply Sirona to promote women in dentistry is the Female Speaker Development Program. The program was launched in March 2020 by Dentsply Sirona Implants. The goal is to offer personal development for female dentists, specialists, and dental assistants and promote them as speakers, whether they are experienced or new to speaking. This promotion includes strategy, script, and style. In the first round, which was held virtually because of the pandemic, ten women had the opportunity to work with a speaker coach, Elisabeth Bachman, and further develop their material and overall confidence. Six of them committed to conducting a webinar series by women for Dentsply Sirona. These webinars had 1,403 views of the recordings after the live presentations and there was a significant increase in the percentage of women among the attendees. “Many women like to see someone who looks like them speaking, and we would like to be the leaders in creating gender parity across the industry,” says Lisa Thoms, DDS, MSD, FACP, Sr. Manager, Dentsply Sirona Implants. Since January 2021, the Female Speaker Development Program is in its second round. There was already a waiting list from the first round! This time, the program also covers the areas of imaging, pediatrics, dental assisting, and orthodontics.

Dr. Tara Aghaloo, Assistant Dean for Clinical Research, UCLA School of Dentistry, participant of the first Female Speaker Development program, summarizes: "One of the things I wanted to get from this program was to build my confidence. It has really helped a lot to get these new techniques. The second objective was to become aware of where I should be speaking, and then take action. We have definitely increased the number of women speaking at these industry events. I truly thank you for that. I feel very lucky to have been part of the group."

Dentsply Sirona Women

Within Dentsply Sirona, there are numerous Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), groups of interest to support employee diversity and inclusion, sponsored by the company itself. DS Women launched in October 2020 is one of them. It has gained over 500 members from 30 nations. The mission of DS Women, led by Tiffany Readinger, Dentsply Sirona Women Global Chairperson, is to empower all women to excel to their fullest potentials. It does so by creating a forum of support and growth through enabling channels of advocacy, talent development, and resource sharing. The group is inclusive of all gender identities and its defined goal is to see more females in senior level roles, owning practices, and taking center stage. “Building a diverse organization starts with creating a culture that celebrates people’s unique experiences and challenges,” says Melanie Jenkins, Senior Global Manager Diversity & Inclusion and Early Career Programs and member of Dentsply Sirona Women ERG. “Providing a space for women to discuss equality, celebrate their achievements, and propel awareness is key to building a more inclusive workplace where women’s voices are heard, valued, and engaged.”

The new application period for the Dentsply Sirona Smart Integration Award 2021 begins April 12. Get more info and pre-register here: www.dentsplysirona.com/smart-integration-award