Dentsply Sirona, the world’s largest manufacturer of professional dental products and technologies, today announced the appointment of Cherée H. Johnson as SVP, Chief Legal Officer, General Counsel & Secretary. She will also become a member of the Executive Leadership Team and report directly to Don Casey, Chief Executive Officer.

Cherée H. Johnson will join Dentsply Sirona on February 28th, 2022 as its Senior Vice President, Chief Legal Officer, General Counsel and Secretary, and will be based at the Company’s headquarters in Charlotte, NC. She succeeds Keith J. Ebling who is leaving the Company in connection with the relocation of his position to Charlotte, NC and will help to ensure a smooth leadership transition.

“As a sophisticated, global lawyer, Cherée has deep legal experience and brings significant expertise in important areas, like ESG and M&A to Dentsply Sirona. She has an impressive leadership track record and a tremendous dedication to the customer perspective. We are very excited and fortunate to welcome her to the Dentsply Sirona team,” said Don Casey, CEO of Dentsply Sirona.

Cherée’s background spans across multiple industries and global operations. She brings tremendous strengths in ESG, compliance, M&A and financial transactions, enterprise risk management, capital markets and securities matters. Currently, she serves as Senior Vice President, General Counsel, Corporate Secretary and Chief Ethics & Compliance Officer at W.R. Grace, a Standard Industries Company, with global operations. Before joining W.R. Grace, she served as Vice President, Deputy General Counsel and Assistant Corporate Secretary at McCormick & Company, H.J. Heinz Company and Cargill. She held a similar role at 3M Company, where she began her legal career. Cherée Johnson also worked at 3M as a product development lead and chemical engineer. She earned her law degree from University of Minnesota Law School and her undergraduate degree in Chemical Engineering from Florida A&M University. Cherée Johnson currently serves as a member of the Advisory Board of the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and is a board member of several nonprofit organizations.

DentLight Inc. is proud to announce the official release of the Ultrafast Wireless Dental Diode Laser.

The Ultrafast is an extraordinary cordless laser with an ergonomic design and superior performance. It delivers 3W constant and 5W pulsed infrared power at 808nm with its distinctive green aiming for enhancing visual clarity during procedures. The sleek wireless design eliminates cords, reduces setup time, and clears counter space due to its small size. It comes with easily disposable fiber tips and slide-in laser shield protecting loupe operators. It is extremely durable with a scratch resistant solid aircraft aluminum body. It runs for 45 minutes continuously on a single charge, weighs only 3.5 oz, and measures 6.4 inches. The product is built on the same Photonic Platform as the award-winning FUSION Curing Light to further expand functionalities and increase daily uses for higher ROI.

For more information call 800-763-6901 or visit www.dentlight.com

Newly Named ‘Henry Schein Dental Practice Transitions’ and ‘Henry Schein Dental Recruitment Services’ Continue to Provide Exceptional Customer Service

Henry Schein, Inc. (Nasdaq: HSIC) today announced that it will rename its practice transitions and dental recruitment businesses to ‘Henry Schein Dental Practice Transitions’ and ‘Henry Schein Dental Recruitment Services.’ Formerly known as Henry Schein Professional Practice Transitions and Henry Schein Nationwide Dental Opportunities, this renaming will help ensure consistent branding across all Henry Schein platforms, reinforcing the value and reliability of services that dental professionals can rely on during all stages of their careers.

Henry Schein Dental Practice Transitions has provided dentists with transition planning, sales valuations, buyer representation, and dental practice brokerage for more than 20 years. The Company’s transition consultants are equipped with in-depth knowledge of the dental industry and hands-on expertise to help guide dental professionals through the process of buying or selling a practice.

Henry Schein Dental Recruitment Services provides a personalized approach to help fill critical associate dentist openings with qualified talent. The dedicated team of recruiters are singularly focused on removing the complexity and stress of hiring dental associates for practice owners, and are available to help guide candidates through the job-hunting process.

“We at Henry Schein remain steadfast in our commitment to providing our customers with the same value that we always have with our practice transitions and dental recruitment services,” said Mark Hillebrandt, Chief Marketing Officer, Henry Schein. “These changes will help our team maintain consistent branding across markets, so they can focus their efforts on further elevating the customer experience.”

For more information on Henry Schein Dental Practice Transitions and Henry Schein Dental Recruitment Services, please visit HenrySheinDPT.com andDentalRecruitmentServices.com. 

Grant will increase training for dental students on treating patients with disabilities

The University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine has received a nearly $735,000 grant from the Delta Dental Community Care Foundation to increase the delivery of critical dental treatment to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Western New York, as well as to help grow the oral health care workforce prepared to treat this population.

The funding will help resume and expand a previous initiative between the UB School of Dental Medicine’s S-Miles To Go program and nonprofit Arc GLOW that provided dental care to patients with disabilities in the university’s mobile dental clinic. The grant will broaden services to reach nearly 2,000 individuals with disabilities served by Arc GLOW in Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming counties.

“We are very grateful to the support provided by the Delta Dental Community Care Foundation. The Foundation has made it possible for the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine to continue its important outreach activities in providing access to dental care to underserved populations throughout Western New York,” says Joseph J. Zambon, PhD, DDS, SUNY Distinguished Teaching Professor and dean of the UB School of Dental Medicine.

“We are proud to partner with the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine to improve the oral health of those in need throughout Western New York,” said Kenzie Ferguson, vice president of Foundation and corporate social responsibility for Delta Dental of California. “The partnership helps us achieve our broader mutual goals of increasing access to oral health care across a variety of underserved communities.”

Addressing a critical shortage in dental care

Patients with disabilities face numerous barriers to oral health care, including a lack of access to transportation and adequate coverage and reimbursement through Medicaid and other insurances, along with a shortage of dentists trained to meet their needs, says Stephen N. Abel, DDS, senior director of community and professional initiatives at the UB School of Dental Medicine. Inadequate compensation for provider time leads some dentists to decline treating patients with disabilities, he says. Those that do treat this population often have waiting lists that are months-long.

By stationing a mobile dental clinic at Arc GLOW locations, the UB School of Dental Medicine will eliminate major barriers to care for Arc GLOW staff, and people served and their families.

“Our partnership with the UB School of Dental Medicine fills a tremendous need across the GLOW counties of Western New York,” says Shelley Falitico, director of development and public relations at Arc GLOW. “We will work to spread the word to our families, staff and their loved ones about the array of dental services the UB Dental clinic offers.”

The services will be provided in a new mobile dental clinic that is expected to begin operation in early 2022. The clinic, operated by UB staff, faculty and students, will offer comprehensive oral health care, including preventive, restorative and surgical procedures. Care that cannot be provided in the mobile dental van will be delivered at the UB Dental clinic in Squire Hall on UB’s South Campus.

The initiative also aims to develop a preventive oral health program that will address the behavioral determinants of common oral diseases found among members of the disability community.

The new mobile dental unit — a 40-feet-long, two-chair clinic outfitted with a state-of-the-art panoramic X-ray unit, digital radiography, sterilization center, wheelchair lift and electronic health record system — will operate at Arc GLOW locations several days per week.

The S-Miles To Go program has served Western New York communities for over 20 years, providing more than 45,000 patient visits and offering students experiential learning opportunities caring for the most vulnerable populations in the region.

“It is our hope that this type of clinical-based rotation – in which students are treating patients in an environment that emphasizes their ability rather than their disability – will inspire dental students to be part of the solution to improving access to care,” says Abel.  

For people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), brushing teeth or visiting the dentist doesn't have to be so overwhelming. That's according to InfiniTeach, developers of the All Smiles Shine app. About 1 in 54 children are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and some research shows that those with ASD have a higher risk of dental disease.

"Oral health habits can be hard for many people with ASD, largely due to sensory sensitivities," said Barbie Vartanian, Executive Director of Project Accessible Oral Health (PAOH). "In addition, self-soothing habits, such as teeth grinding or eating sugary foods, can also affect dental health. This is often compounded by communication challenges that make it difficult to relay concerns about teeth, resulting in delays in care. The All Smiles Shine app offers evidence-based solutions to help."

The All Smiles Shine app was created in partnership with PAOH and Delta Dental help the autism and intellectual and developmental disabilities communities learn about oral health care, practice preventive care at home, and prepare for an upcoming visit to the dentist. App features include:

• At-home videos that support preventive care practices, a flossing and brushing tracker with rewards, and how to prepare for a dental visit.

• Personalized sensory preferences, interests and calming tools to share with the dentist.

• Picture schedules, breathing exercises, emotion identifiers and more.

• Caregiver tips and tricks for daily brushing, flossing and healthy eating.

"Utilizing technology to encourage a better self-care oral health program holds the hope of improving the health of those with autism spectrum disorder," says Dr. Mark S. Wolff, Dean of the Penn Dental Medicine, the administrative home of PAOH.

All Smiles Shine is uniquely designed to help alleviate anxiety and encourage better habits through evidence-based autism interventions and best practices in technology development, as identified by the National Professional Development Center on Autism Spectrum Disorder. By embedding these evidence-based practices into the app, people with ASD and their families, can customize the experience to their needs.

"This is just the beginning. The All Smiles Shine app will evolve to meet the ongoing needs of the autism community and children with dental anxiety," said Holli Seabury, EdD, executive director of the Delta Dental Foundation. "We hope you'll choose to grow with us."

Download All Smiles Shine from the Apple App Store or Google Play.

Dental professionals planning on attending the Academy of Osseointegration’s 2022 Annual Meeting should act by next Monday, December 20 in order to register with significant meeting discounts and opportunities.

Register by midnight CST U.S. Chicago, December 20, 2021) to save up to $250 and ensure the best hotel availability. In addition, the Academy’s Premier Member Registration Package, providing numerous benefits at a discount, is also available only through December 20 or to the first 75 members who register for this special opportunity.

Registration and all the exciting details are available at https://ao2022.osseo.org/.

“Implant Dentistry for All: Honoring the Past, Treasuring the Present and Shaping the Future” will be held February 24 – 26, 2022 at the San Diego Convention Center.

With a setting along the shores of the San Diego Bay just steps away from the historic Gaslamp Quarter, this highly anticipated three-day scientific symposium will include:

• Opening Symposium: "40 Years of Implant Dentistry: How Did We Get Here?” with Keynote Presenter, William Giannobile, DDS, MS, DMSc.

• Surgical and Restorative Tracks: Concurrent full-day sessions featuring two dozen renowned experts.

• Hands-on Workshops: Offered in their popular format woven into the main program. Gain first-hand experience with the latest technology at these workshops provided by Drs. Stephen Chu, Howard Gluckman, Alessandro Pozzi, and Tiziano Testori.

• Morning with the Masters and Lunch with the Masters: 14 limited attendance sessions in smaller settings designed to encourage attendee interaction and discussion.

• Comprehensive Exhibit Hall: A bustling hub showcasing the latest products and technologies by leading corporate participants.

• Corporate Forums: 36 corporate presentations introducing the latest innovations and trends in the industry.

• Iconic President’s Reception: Enjoy a complimentary two-hour event honoring AO President Dr. Tara L. Aghaloo and past Presidents Drs. Clark M. Stanford and Jay P. Malmquist aboard the massive USS Midway, the longest serving Naval aircraft carrier in the 20th Century.

• Two Ways to Attend: Choose from in-person or livestreaming registration, both which include on-demand access for all registrants through end of the year with up to 64.25 ADA CERP continuing education credit hours available for in-person attendees.

• Premier Member Package: This exclusive package provides numerous benefits at a discount. Available for a limited time to the first 75 members who register for this special opportunity by midnight CST US Chicago December 20, 2021.

“The Academy has planned for this to be an extra special and one of its most memorable Annual Meetings in years! “said AO President Tara L. Aghaloo, DDS, MD, PhD.” We are excited for you all to experience everything that San Diego has to offer — and can’t wait to greet you there!” 

Virtual Event to Feature Panel of Health Care Leaders Discussing Tips to Achieve a Healthy Work-Life Balance

Henry Schein Women’s Leadership Network Field Chapter will host a virtual event entitled “SHE: Successful Healthcare Entrepreneurs,” featuring a panel discussion with Angela Dyer, Director of Pharmacy Procurement and Utilization at HCA Physician Services Group, and Dr. Aman Kaur, Founder and President of WinDSO and CEO of Aim Dental Alliance. Additional keynote speakers include Stanley Bergman, Chairman of the Board and CEO of Henry Schein, Inc., and Brad Connett, CEO of Henry Schein’s North America Distribution Group.

During this session, which will take place on Friday, December 17, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. Eastern time, panelists will discuss how they have built their businesses and will offer time management strategies for achieving work-life balance. Topics covered will include:

• Times of failure and how to bounce back

• Adjustments for personal and work-life

• How to become a master of scaling a business

To register for this event, please click on the following link:https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_wUiOW-IbSmmFLrvvaF6z1Q

The Dental Lifeline Network (DLN) announced that the Board of Directors has unanimously appointed Lynda Ricketson as incoming President and CEO, effective in February 2022. DLN is a Denver-based nonprofit organization that provides free, comprehensive dental treatment to thousands of individuals across the country who have disabilities or are elderly or medically fragile. A network of 15,000 volunteer dentists and over 3,400 labs donate this care.

Ricketson will succeed current CEO/President Fred Leviton following his retirement. Leviton has spent 45 years with the organization and facilitated significant accomplishments, including growing programs to serve all 50 states and eclipsing a major milestone this year – exceeding half a billion dollars’ worth of donated dental services for more than 165,000 people with special needs.

DLN’s board of directors created a search committee charged with finding a new leader. As part of its assessment, the search committee sought out a leader based on key criteria including strategy and operations expertise, relationship management, communication, and culture fit – ultimately leading to the selection of Ricketson as the new CEO and President of DLN.

“Ricketson is a philanthropic leader,” said Dr. Frank Maggio, D.D.S. chair of DLN’s board of directors. “She knows what it takes to get the job done. Our board truly feels she will build on our past successes and reach even greater heights.”

Currently she is the Vice President of Philanthropic Services at Community Foundation Boulder County. She’s held various leadership positions in other local foundations and spent several years at the University of Denver where she focused on development and alumni giving with the Graduate School of Social Work. Throughout her career in foundation work and development, Ricketson learned how great the need is for access to dental care among people with special needs, and soon became passionate about efforts aligning with the mission of Dental Lifeline Network.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to lead this incredible organization in its next chapter,” said Ricketson. “I look forward to building on the success and accomplishments Dental Lifeline Network has achieved since its founding 47 years ago.”

Since the launch of DLN’s first Donated Dental Services (DDS) program in 1985, the organization has provided critical treatment services valued at more than $500 million to people in need. Ricketson looks forward to leading the organization in reaching its next milestone.  

Everybody deserves the right to smile, whatever your ability or disability. That's the message Project Accessible Oral Health (PAOH) wants to send loud and clear on behalf of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), their families, and caregivers.

More than two-thirds of the 6.5 million people with IDD in the United States cannot access the dental care they need. The result? A higher burden of dental disease and cavities, which can exacerbate other medical problems, cause significant pain, or create eating and communication challenges.

"Of all the medically underserved populations, people with disabilities have been the most marginalized when it comes to oral health care," says Dr. Steve Perlman, global clinical director and founder, Special Olympics, and professor, Boston University Goldman School of Dental Medicine.

To bring long overdue attention to this critical issue, PAOH has launched All Smiles Shine, a comprehensive outreach effort sponsored by Delta Dental, Colgate and Henry Schein. The campaign includes:

• Educational materials for people with disabilities and their families.

• Training for oral care professionals.

• An app (Apple App Store or Google Play) to help children with disabilities with oral health and dental visits.

"Whether you are sick, elderly, have an inherited or an acquired disability, you should be treated as an individual and have your needs met," says Dr. Mark Wolff, dean of the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, the administrative home of PAOH. "It is vital that we as a dental community ensure access to care for this vulnerable population."

"These disparities in oral health care are unfair, unjust, and 100% avoidable," adds Barbie Vartanian, executive director, PAOH. "The All Smiles Shine initiative is dedicated to helping our most vulnerable meet their oral health care needs, protect their overall health, and live their best lives. Smiles are a superpower, and everyone deserves one."

Through All Smiles Shine and other initiatives, PAOH and its partners will address three critical needs: policy, education, and awareness. For more information about PAOH and All Smiles Shine please visit www.PAOH.org.

• New software platform will seamlessly connect nearly 1,000 Aspen Dental offices with Dental Labs - through simple and cost-effective automated digital infrastructure

• Advancements in communication and collaboration tools will help provide better dental care for more people

Aspen Dental announced a partnership with MyLabConnect – in an effort to continually advance technologies, improve processes, and bring better dental care to more people across nearly 1,000 Aspen Dental locations nationwide.

The partnership with MyLabConnect, which goes live on December 6, 2021, will allow every Aspen Dental practice across the country to communicate and collaborate with their preferred dental labs, through a simple, common front-end interface software platform, in real-time.

"Aspen Dental is continually improving its technology and innovating in the clinical setting," said Gina Bruzzichesi, chief operating officer at The Aspen Group. "This partnership with MyLabConnect will allow better, faster, and more efficient internal and external communication and collaboration between Aspen Dental practices and their preferred dental labs – resulting in better care for more people."

BETTER TECHNOLOGY, FOR BETTER CARE

The new cloud-based platform offers a single source for Aspen Dental doctors and staff to:

• Electronically order and track the status of Rx

• Manage integrated IOS digital and chairside service workflows

• Digitally integrate with their preferred dental labs

• Track and manage communications with dental labs and design centers

"Having a single platform to manage the flow of communications will allow the doctors to spend less time on paperwork, so they can have more time to focus on what matters most – patient care," said Bruzzichesi. "And, what makes the MyLabConnect platform even more convenient is that it is a multilingual platform that doctors and their teams can use on desktop or on mobile."

"When we set out to create this platform, in partnership with The Aspen Group, we knew we needed to make it convenient for the doctors," said Niranjan Ramakrishnan, CEO of MyLabConnect. "This is a major milestone and proud moment in the MyLabConnect journey, as we work together with Aspen Dental to break down barriers and bring simple yet comprehensive communication solutions to more than 3,800 doctors at nearly 1,000 dental practices across the country."

BETTER TECHNOLOGY, FOR BETTER COLLABORATION

The new platform from MyLabConnect will allow Aspen Dental doctors and staff to communicate more effectively and efficiently with external dental labs by creating a single platform that is simple to use.

"Dentalle believes in being at the forefront of change and revolution in dentistry by leveraging the best materials and technologies," said Warren Su, President of Dentalle. "As Aspen Dental's longest tenured preferred lab, we are extremely excited to have worked together with Aspen Dental and MyLabConnect to pilot the program throughout the past year to ensure a seamless integration with our Lab Management Systems to facilitate the launch of this new technology. This new end-to-end interface for Aspen Dental will continue to drive The Aspen Group to new heights under its visionary leadership team."

"The new MyLabConnect platform will provide a seamless bi-directional integration with Intra Oral Scanners," said Chris Lauro, president of Healthstar Dental, another key lab provider and preferred partner of Aspen Dental. "This improved process will allow our team to spend less time on booking cases and more time on providing better quality customer support to the Aspen Dental practices across the nation."