PHILADELPHA—Patients who had their wisdom teeth extracted had improved tasting abilities decades after having the surgery, a new Penn Medicine study published in the journal Chemical Senses found. The findings challenge the notion that removal of wisdom teeth, known as third molars, only has the potential for negative effects on taste, and represent one of the first studies to analyze the long-term effects of extraction on taste.

“Prior studies have only pointed to adverse effects on taste after extraction and it has been generally believed that those effects dissipate over time,” said senior author Richard L. Doty, PhD, director of the Smell and Taste Center at the University of Pennsylvania. “This new study shows us that taste function can actually slightly improve between the time patients have surgery and up to 20 years later. It’s a surprising but fascinating finding that deserves further investigation to better understand why it’s enhanced and what it may mean clinically.”

Doty and co-author Dane Kim, a third-year student in the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, evaluated data from 1,255 patients who had undergone a chemosensory evaluation at Penn’s Smell and Taste Center over the course of 20 years. Among that group, 891 patients had received third molar extractions and 364 had not.

The “whole-mouth identification” test incorporates five different concentrations of sucrose, sodium chloride, citric acid, and caffeine. Each solution is sipped, swished in the mouth, and then spit out. Subjects then indicate whether the solution tastes sweet, salty, sour, or bitter.

The extraction group outperformed the control group for each of the four tastes, and in all cases, women outperformed men. The study suggests, for the first time, that people who have received extractions in the distant past experience, on average, an enhancement (typically a three to 10 percent improvement) in their ability to taste.

“The study strongly suggests that extraction of the third molar has a positive long-term, albeit subtle, effect on the function of the lingual taste pathways of some people,” Kim said.

Two possibilities, the authors said, could explain the enhancement. First, extraction damage to the nerves that innervate the taste buds on the front of the mouth can release inhibition on nerves that supply the taste buds at the rear of the mouth, increasing whole-mouth sensitivity. Second, hypersensitivity after peripheral nerve injury from a surgery like an extraction has been well documented in other contexts. There is evidence, for example, from animal studies that repetitive light touch, which might occur during chewing, gradually accentuates neural responses from irritated tissue that can lead to progressive long-term tactile hypersensitivity. Whether this occurs for taste, however, is not known.

“Further studies are needed to determine the mechanism or mechanisms behind the extraction-related improvement in taste function,” Doty said. “The effects are subtle but may provide insight into how long-term improvement in neural function can result from altering the environment in which nerves propagate.”

The study was supported in part by the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (PO1 DC 00161).

Contacts

Steve Graff

C: (484) 707-9495

stephen.graff@pennmedicine.upenn.edu

For Patients and the General Public: 1-800-789-7366

For Media Queries & Requests (24/7): 215-662-2560

(Charlotte, NC, June 29, 2021) – IQ Dental Supply recently hosted the 4th Annual Tee for the ToothFairy Charity Golf Tournament to benefit America’s ToothFairy and resources for children’s oral health programs. The event was held at the world-class Crystal Springs Resort & Spa in Hamburg, New Jersey, and included an appearance from NHL great, Ken Daneyko of the New Jersey Devils. Funds raised through the event will provide educational resources to help 3,500 children in disadvantaged communities learn to prevent dental disease.

“This is an event we look forward to every year,” said IQ Dental Supply President, Sergey Kunin. “The golfers had a wonderful time while also helping kids stay healthy. As a Board member of America’s ToothFairy, I see first-hand all the great work they do. It is an organization that I am proud to support.”

“After a year of lockdowns, it was great to get together with the wonderful people who support our mission to improve the oral health of our nation’s most vulnerable kids,” America’s ToothFairy Executive Director, Jill Malmgren added. “We are incredibly grateful for everyone who participated and of course for our thoughtful host and generous sponsors who made the event possible.”

Proceeds from the event will fund educational initiatives that help families in underserved communities avoid the consequences of poor dental hygiene habits. Since its founding in 2006, America’s ToothFairy has helped more than 8.8 million children and their caregivers learn how to keep their smiles healthy.

Other sponsors that contributed to the event included 3M, Kavo Kerr, DMG, GC America, Coltene, and Vatech.

The next Tee for the ToothFairy golf outing will be held at Pine Island Country Club in Charlotte, North Carolina on November 12, 2021. Visit AmericasToothFairy.org/golf-clt for more information about playing and sponsorship opportunities.

About IQ Dental

IQ Dental Supply is a family-owned company based in Fairfield, New Jersey. In business since 2009, IQ Dental is a full-service dental supply company selling dental supplies and equipment. Visit www.iqdentalsupply.com for more information.

About America’s ToothFairy: National Children’s Oral Health Foundation

As a resource provider, America’s ToothFairy increases access to oral health care by supporting nonprofit clinics and community partners delivering education, prevention and treatment services for underserved children. Since its inception in 2006, America’s ToothFairy has distributed more than $22 million in donated products, educational materials and financial grants to improve oral health outcomes for children and youth in need. For more information, visit AmericasToothFairy.org.

Roslyn, NY – June 28, 2021 – Owandy Radiology Inc., a global leader in the manufacture of dental radiology hardware and imaging software recently added two cephalometric radiography options to its popular I-Max wall-mounted product line. The two new offerings are the I-Max Ceph 2D Panoramic Unit and the I-Max Ceph 3D Panoramic Unit, which can easily switch between 3D and 2D modes at the touch of a button.

According to Owandy company spokesperson, Boris Loyez, “Both of these I-Max Ceph options are affordable and compact in size. They were designed to fit virtually any budget and office size while delivering superior performance.”

The I-Max Ceph 2D and I-Max Ceph 3D share the following features:

• Small footprint

• Ultra-sensitive sensor with short exposure time

• Standard and reduced dose ceph exam options

• Intuitive and user-friendly interface

• Compatible with most practice management software

• 5-Year warranty

The I-Max 2D cone beam or I-Max Ceph 3D (3-in1 unit) include the following additional features:

• Multi FOV from 12x10 cm to 5x5 cm

• Exceptional image quality of up to 87 microns

• 3D object scanning

• Airway study capabilities

• CAD-CAM .STL file import

• Printable implant surgery guides

The I-Max product line’s new ceph capabilities provide a higher level of versatility for diagnosing impacted teeth, TMJ, airway obstructions and some oral malignancies. The new ceph options are also invaluable for practices providing orthodontic treatment.

For more information about the I-Max Ceph 2D and I-Max Ceph 3D wall-mounted panoramic digital radiography units, visit www.owandy.com, call 516-858-5695 or send an e-mail at sales@owandyus.com. Distributor inquiries are always welcome.

About Owandy Radiology, Inc.:

Headquartered in France, and serving North America from Roslyn, New York, Owandy Radiology is a global leader in the manufacture of dental radiology hardware and imaging software. Its products are distributed through dental dealers across the USA, and in 80 countries world-wide, on every continent.

Irvine, Calif., July 29, 2021 – Roland DGA’s DGSHAPE Americas dental business group has announced the addition of the SOL LCD 3D Printer to its line of DGSHAPE dental products and accessories. Roland DGA has partnered with another industry leader to offer this sleek, compact 3D printer, which incorporates new and innovative technologies to deliver increased speed, accuracy, and cost-effectiveness. Equipped with a SOL LCD 3D printer, businesses can produce dental models, provisional crowns and bridges, occlusal guards, surgical guides, and more in-house quickly and easily.

The SOL LCD 3D printer prints at three times the speed of standard SLA printers and has five times the UV power of previous models to match or exceed that of DLP printers. Featuring the precision of 49-micron pixels and the capability to print at 4.5 cm per hour, it provides a smooth surface finish with predictable and accurate printing over the entire 128 x 80 x 140 mm build plate.

With its simple platform and intuitive software, the SOL LCD 3D Printer is ideal for both novices and experienced users. A user-friendly workflow and zero calibration requirements make the SOL ready to use right out of the box. It’s also designed for unsurpassed reliability and durability as well as easy maintenance. A host of noteworthy features, including touch-screen operation, a fail-safe vat frame, vat standoffs for longer vat film life, a swivel-hinged UV filter hood, and an easy-to-remove build plate, help optimize efficiency, convenience, and overall performance.

“We are excited about offering this cutting-edge, easy-to-use 3D printer to our customers,” said Lisa Aguirre, Roland DGA’s dental solutions product manager. “It’s a complete, state-of-the-art solution, and the perfect complement to our advanced family of DWX milling machines. By integrating a SOL LCD 3D printer into their workflows, businesses don’t need to outsource – they can maintain full control and provide quality same-day applications with reduced turnaround time.”

The SOL LCD 3D printer’s bundled AI software includes more than 100 pre-calibrated resin profiles for simple setup, instant access to resin and firmware updates, and accurate, repeatable results. The SOL also comes with a Dual-Tank Ultrasonic Cleaning Unit, a UV Curing Kit (approved for CLII restorations), a Resin Sample Kit with model, temp and splint materials, a spare vat tray, and a Wi-Fi dongle.

To learn more about the new SOL LCD 3D printer, visit https://www.rolanddga.com/sol-3d. For more information on the complete DGSHAPE dental product line, visit https://www.rolanddga.com/dental.

About Roland DGA Corporation and DGSHAPE Americas

Roland DGA Corporation serves North and South America as the marketing, sales, distribution and service arm for Roland DG Corporation and its subsidiary, DGSHAPE. Founded in 1981 and listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, Roland DG of Hamamatsu, Japan is a worldwide leader in wide-format inkjet printers, engravers, photo impact printers and CNC milling machines. DGSHAPE Americas is the Roland DGA dental business group dedicated to the DGSHAPE line of products, most notable as a market leader in dental milling machines. To learn more about Roland DGA Corporation and DGSHAPE Americas, visit https://www.rolanddga.com/dental.

About DGSHAPE Corporation

DGSHAPE Corporation designs and manufactures hardware and software solutions for entrepreneurs who want to fulfill their dreams of creating something new to “Shape the Future.” We cater to multiple industries, including medical, manufacturing and retail. We help innovators unlock their dreams by removing barriers to creation through intuitive technology that simplifies the user experience, including interface, software and maintenance, multi-axis rotary milling technologies, and Internet of Things (IoT) analytical platforms. Everything we do is motivated by creating tools to “Make Innovation and Make Life Better.” To learn more about DGSHAPE Corporation, visit https://www.dgshape.com.

Cosmedent introduces Renamel Bulkfill, an advanced posterior composite bulkfill that is packable, sculptable and polishable. Designed for rapid one-step placement, this material is even faster than amalgam. Renamel Bulkfill has 5 natural shades that are not overly translucent like most other bulkfills, but provide an esthetic match to the tooth surface. Renamel Bulkfill’s new nanotechnology gives you easy handling, an esthetic color match and a great polish. Plus, it cures up to 7mm. For information please contact us toll-free at 800-621-6729 or visit www.cosmedent.com.

Date: 06-28-2021

Company: COSMEDENT, INC.

Placement: Immediate

Contact: Mary O’Malley

Phone: 800-621-6729

e-mail: Mary O'Malley <Mary@cosmedent.com>

SANTA MONICA, Calif., June 28, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- PatientPop, the market leader in practice growth technology, today released its third annual Patient Perspective survey report, which reveals the latest patient preferences and habits related to choosing a provider, receiving care, and communicating with a practice.

"With this fresh look at patient opinions and actions, practices can identify which adjustments they should make to better satisfy patients as the country recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic," said David McNeil, President and COO of PatientPop.

"Patients now expect easier access to doctors through a high level of digital convenience and communication, before and after appointments. Practices and providers that meet expectations while delivering quality in-person care are best positioned to have a thriving practice."

Key findings from the survey report include:

Most patients look online to find healthcare providers. Three of four people have searched online to find out about a doctor, a dentist, or medical care. Sixty-one percent do so either sometimes or often.

Reviews are the most influential online resource for patients. When choosing a healthcare provider, 74 percent of patients find positive online reviews very or extremely important. Sixty-nine percent say they will not consider a healthcare provider with an average star rating lower than 4.0 out of 5.

More than half of patients prefer a digital connection for five key interactions with practices. At least 51 percent of patients favor digital interactions when scheduling an appointment, filling out forms, asking a provider a question, paying a bill, and accessing health records.

Patients prefer text messaging for appointment communications. Two-thirds of patients prefer text messages when receiving medical appointment reminders. Also, 59 percent would like text message reminders to book their next appointment.

There has been a notable level of patient attrition at practices. More than one-third of patients say they have left a healthcare provider in the past two years. Eight of 10 say they did so because of a poor in-person experience, and/or lack of access and communication with their provider.

"Practices have more resources than ever to deliver an excellent patient experience before, during, and after their care," says McNeil. "It's now critical to tap into them."

For a more detailed description of the PatientPop survey results, visit the PatientPop blog or download the full survey report. To learn more about how PatientPop is driving the healthcare industry's practice growth category, visit patientpop.com.

About PatientPop

PatientPop is the leader in practice growth, with the only all-in-one solution that empowers healthcare providers to improve every digital touchpoint of the patient journey. As experts in the healthcare technology space, PatientPop makes it easy for providers to promote their practice online, attract patients, and retain them for life.

With a commitment to continuous innovation, PatientPop helps practices attract more patients, manage their online reputation, modernize the patient experience, automate their front office, and integrate with the most widely used EMRs for a holistic approach to practice growth. For more information, visit patientpop.com.

Survey Methodology

PatientPop surveyed 881 people nationwide in May 2021 using the SurveyMonkey Audience program. Respondents were 55.9 percent female and 44.1 percent male, with a census-balanced distribution across four age segments, ages 18 and older.

Contact:

Tribe Builder Media

Kristen Shea

929-367-8993

press@tribebuildermedia.com

SOURCE PatientPop

Related Links

https://www.patientpop.com/

PLEASANT PRAIRIE, Wis., June 28, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Oracoat, a trusted dry mouth brand by dental professionals recognizes Oral Health Month with a reminder about the correlation between this condition and dental health. People who suffer from decreased saliva production and dry mouth are encouraged to seek out advice from a medical or dental health professional this month. People who aren't sure if they have dry mouth can take Oracoat's online self-evaluation quiz. The ramifications of ignoring symptoms could result in poor dental health.

"Dry mouth is more than just a nuisance, gone untreated it can impact the health of teeth and gums," said dental hygienist, Julianne Souza. "Saliva production is really important because it neutralizes acids produced by bacteria, which in turn helps prevent tooth decay and its enzymes also aid in the digestion of food. Dry mouth shouldn't be ignored."

According to the Mayo Clinic aging issues, certain prescription medications and even radiation therapy for cancer might cause dry mouth. Some signs that saliva production is suffering include bad breath, difficulty chewing, speaking and swallowing; hoarseness; and an altered sense of taste among others.

The Mayo Clinic also cautions potential complications from dry mouth including:

Increased plague, tooth decay and gum disease

Mouth sores

Yeast infection in the mouth (thrush)

Sores or split skin at the corners of the mouth, or cracked lips

Poor nutrition from having problems with chewing and swallowing

Starting this month Oracoat has partnered with dental hygienist social media influencers across the U.S. who encourage behaviors that improve oral health. As a trusted product for dry mouth among this community Oracoat, aims to continually innovate its products which provide fast and long- lasting relief. It is the only product with unique oral adhering disc technology, which allows for relief during the day, at night, and while sleeping. Its line of products come in a variety of great tasting flavors, and in a wide variety of sizes. Visit www.oracoat.com to learn more.

SOURCE Quest Products, Inc.

Related Links

https://www.oracoat.com

CHAMPIONSGATE, Fla., June 22, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT) is raising awareness of research linking cases of arthritis to dental amalgam fillings. These silver-colored fillings are 50% mercury and are still used in the United States, often in disadvantaged children and adults.

In this new study, researchers David and Mark Geier report on a significant relationship between the number of dental amalgam filling surfaces and diagnoses of arthritis. They find that incidences of arthritis peak among adults with 4 to 7 dental amalgam filling surfaces.

It is important to note that the number of surfaces is not the same as the number of fillings. Each tooth has five surfaces, which means that a person with only one filling could have up to five surfaces.

The authors examined data from the 2015-2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) including demographics, dental exams, and arthritis diagnoses. Data about the patient's type of dental filling recently became accessible. With this information, the researchers were able to discover higher incidences of arthritis in people with silver-colored mercury amalgam fillings than those with other fillings such as tooth-colored composites.

In September 2020, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) updated risks of dental amalgam fillings for susceptible groups. However, arthritis was not specifically mentioned when the FDA warned of "harmful health effects of mercury vapor released from the device."

The groups that FDA advised to avoid getting dental amalgam fillings include pregnant women; women planning to become pregnant; nursing women and their newborns and infants; children; people with neurological disease such as multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease or Parkinson's disease; people with impaired kidney function; and people with known heightened sensitivity (allergy) to mercury or other components of dental amalgam.

FDA is currently open for comments on how information about medical devices including dental amalgam fillings should be shared with patients and providers.

"Mercury is continually off-gassed from dental amalgam fillings," explains David Kennedy, DDS, Past IAOMT President. "With the Geiers' new research joining the ranks of thousands of other studies, it is abundantly clear that mercury from amalgams poses a danger to everyone, including patients, dentists, and dental employees."

The Geiers' study was partially funded by the IAOMT, a non-profit organization that evaluates biocompatibility of dental products, including mercury filling risks.

Contact:

David Kennedy, DDS, IAOMT Public Relations Chair, info@iaomt.org

International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT)

Phone: (863) 420-6373; Website: www.iaomt.org

SOURCE International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology

Related Links

https://iaomt.org 

MELVILLE, N.Y., June 28, 2021 – Henry Schein, Inc. (Nasdaq: HSIC), the world’s largest provider of health care products and services to office-based dental and medical practitioners, announced today the launch of the ProRepair® Handpiece Portal, an online platform for dental professionals to submit a request for dental handpiece repairs, check the status of a repair once shipped, and manage a personal handpiece profile.

The introduction of the ProRepair Handpiece Portal provides users with a seamless, easy-to-use system for requesting, shipping, and tracking handpiece repairs. Dental professionals simply input information about their handpiece, along with the handpiece repairs requested. For existing ProRepair customers, any handpiece that has been previously serviced will be auto populated into the portal.

Designed with transparency in mind, the cost of repairs is provided, helping customers make educated decisions about the maintenance of their handpieces before sending. Once the repair request is submitted and approved, dentists will receive instructions to ship their handpiece quickly and easily to Henry Schein ProRepair’s skilled technicians.

“We are excited to offer the new ProRepair Handpiece Portal to dental professionals, as we understand that having a transparent, simple, and fast process for handpiece repairs helps minimize disruption in the practice workflow when repairs are needed,” said Kent Eggleston, Executive Director, Handpiece and Small Equipment Solutions, Henry Schein Inc. “The Henry Schein ProRepair team stands ready and is committed to providing a reliable repair process that helps ensure dental professionals spend more time delivering quality patient care.”

In addition to an online submission process, the ProRepair Handpiece Portal enhances visibility and tracking, allowing dental professionals to check the live status of each repair with just a few clicks.

To access the new ProRepair Handpiece Portal, visit https://www.prorepaironline.com/ to start a handpiece repair.

About Henry Schein, Inc.

Henry Schein, Inc. (Nasdaq: HSIC) is a solutions company for health care professionals powered by a network of people and technology. With more than 20,000 Team Schein Members worldwide, the Company's network of trusted advisors provides more than 1 million customers globally with more than 300 valued solutions that improve operational success and clinical outcomes. Our Business, Clinical, Technology, and Supply Chain solutions help office-based dental and medical practitioners work more efficiently so they can provide quality care more effectively. These solutions also support dental laboratories, government and institutional healthcare clinics, as well as other alternate care sites.

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

A FORTUNE 500 Company and a member of the S&P 500® index, Henry Schein is headquartered in Melville, N.Y., and has operations or affiliates in 31 countries. The Company's sales from continuing operations reached $10.1 billion in 2020, and have grown at a compound annual rate of approximately 12 percent since Henry Schein became a public company in 1995.

For more information, visit Henry Schein at www.henryschein.com, Facebook.com/HenrySchein, and @HenrySchein on Twitter.

CONTACT: Ann Marie Gothard, Vice President, Corporate Media Relations,Annmariegothard@henryschein.com, (631) 390 – 8169

EFFINGHAM, Ill., June 22, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Heartland Dental, the nation's largest dental support organization (DSO), recently announced new Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I) initiatives, including the implementation of a new DE&I policy, enhanced training and education for team members, employee resource groups, and the hiring of new DE&I leadership.

"At Heartland Dental, we have given purposeful thought to how we can better lead from a diversity, equity, and inclusion standpoint," said Patrick Bauer, President and CEO, Heartland Dental. "While we are guided everyday by our core values to honor, collaborate, and respect each other, we are equally deeply committed to a generous list of initiatives that we are backing with a financial investment to solidify our work."

"Through these initiatives, our goal is to create and sustain a work environment where all individuals feel valued and represented and have the opportunity to excel," said Bauer.

Highlights of Heartland Dental's DE&I efforts include:

Enhanced Training & Education

The initiative includes enhancing the company's training for recruiting and hiring purposes and for team members throughout the company. A three-part recruiter training program includes assessing the company's efforts to identify opportunities for deepening partnerships with a broad range of colleges and universities. In addition, company-wide training for all employees is being updated to help team members better understand and avoid unconscious bias in the workplace.

Employee Resource Groups

Heartland Dental will begin offering employee resource groups (ERGs) to its team members. ERGs are voluntary groups led by and composed of employees who share common interests, backgrounds, or demographic factors such as gender or ethnicity. The groups will provide personal and professional development opportunities, allow employees to connect and share ideas, and increase visibility of groups within the company.

Enhanced Focus on Heartland Dental's Core Values

Additional efforts are underway to continue a culture of inclusiveness at Heartland Dental, and include initiatives highlighting three of the company's core values – Collaborate, Balance, and Celebrate.

The company's focus includes:

Helping to create and sustain a culture of inclusiveness

Better understanding supported doctors' and team members' experiences while developing strategies to help achieve a healthy work-life balance

Promoting gratitude and recognition for supported doctors and team members

Encouraging career growth and development while fostering a strong culture of diversity, inclusion, and excellence in patient care

Nick Hornsberry Named Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Leader

Heartland Dental recently named Nick Hornsberry as Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Manager to lead the company's work in this area. He is responsible for developing and implementing DE&I strategy across departments and work processes and providing guidance to the company's DE&I Committee.

"I see my role not as telling people what diversity should look like but helping to create a culture where everyone feels comfortable bringing as much of themselves into the workplace as they like," said Hornsberry. "When all of our perspectives are represented, we achieve our best work as a company."

With more than 10 years in nonprofit management and political advocacy work across the Midwest and the South, Hornsberry brings to the role grassroots expertise in project management, team building, and strategic implementation. He most recently served as a Practice Manager of Operations for Heartland Dental. Hornsberry holds a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Chicago.

"We're excited about the work underway to live out our full potential and be the best company we can be," said Bauer. "We look forward to working alongside our supported doctors and team members to ensure that all of the talented and diverse perspectives within our Heartland Dental family are heard."

About Heartland Dental

Heartland Dental is the nation's largest dental support organization providing non-clinical, administrative support services. What started from the entrepreneurial spirit of Rick Workman, DMD, with his single dental practice, has evolved into supporting over 2,300 dentists in more than 1,400 dental offices across 38 states. The company is majority owned by KKR, a leading global investment firm. For additional information, please visit the company online at heartland.com. Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Media Contact:

Christy Hakman, Company Communications

(217) 821-5287 or chakman@heartland.com

SOURCE Heartland Dental

Related Links

https://heartland.com/