Colgate-Palmolive Company and 3Shape are partnering to introduce the Colgate Illuminator, an exclusive, tailored-to-patient teeth whitening tool, to dental clinics across the U.S. The new tool will enable more accurate consultations and deliver an improved patient experience.

Colgate-Palmolive, whose brand Colgate is found in more homes than any other, and 3Shape, a leading digital dentistry 3D scanner software and service provider, today introduced the Colgate Illuminator–an in-clinic predictive tool that shows personalized results for consumers of Colgate’s high-impact teeth whitening product, Colgate Optic White Professional. It is a great way to illustrate the potential results for the patient and help them visualize what they may achieve.

Dentists can access the new Colgate Illuminator software via the groundbreaking new 3Shape Unite digital dentistry platform. From there, dentists can provide each patient with a scan that conveys a simulation of the predicted outcome from the whitening treatment.

3Shape’s new software, available to dentists as an in-clinic app, employs an evidence-based algorithm to display an interactive “before and after” patient photo. The process takes just seconds and, based on a patient’s age and teeth shade, the 3Shape software provides a predictive preview of how the teeth will look following the treatment process.

This collaboration aims to help remove the guesswork and alleviate the apprehension patients often feel when they visit a dentist to discuss tooth whitening treatments.

Dr. Maria Ryan, Colgate-Palmolive’s Chief Clinical Officer, said, “Colgate believes bright futures start with beautiful, healthy smiles. We’re proud that the Colgate Illuminator improves the whitening experience for both dentists and patients. With this predictive, innovative tool, dentists can personalize the whitening experience by showing patients how their teeth could whiten when using Optic White Professional high-impact tooth whitening products based on results achieved in clinical studies. And we believe patients are going to love seeing what is possible and how their bright new smile could look.”

Colgate Optic White Professional is a state-of-the-art whitening treatment that is designed for no tooth sensitivity, no gum irritation, and no mess, offering dramatically whiter teeth in just five days when used as directed.

Jakob Just-Bomholt, Chief Executive Officer, 3Shape, said, “Colgate’s incredible whitening solution is now paired with 3Shape’s market-leading software and integrated into the groundbreaking 3Shape Unite platform. We’ve created a smile whitening simulation tool that has the potential to really help ease patients’ aesthetic concerns: it’s fast and powerful. We believe that partnerships like this are the way forward when advancing patient care and improving the patient experience.”

“Colgate customers can now have quick and simple dentist consultations that model realistic predicted whitening transformations as part of a tailor-made experience. We couldn’t be prouder to partner with Colgate to deliver this innovative new solution,” concludes Jakob Just-Bomholt.

Candid, a clear aligner leader, announced that it is closing down its direct-to-consumer (DTC) business as well as all 45 Candid Studios. The company is now entirely focused on growing its nationwide network of CandidPro dentists and empowering them to treat clear aligner cases with its vanguard teleorthodontic service model. Candid is now working in direct partnership with dental practices and DSOs to offer its first-of-its-kind telehealth clear aligner therapy to even more patients.

Founded in 2017, Candid is taking its pioneering tech, strong consumer brand, and deep patient insights, and taking the natural next step in its evolution. Candid’s shift to a full CandidPro model continues the company’s mission to facilitate exceptional orthodontic care for as many people as possible. A significant number of the 100,000 patients Candid has treated expressed interest in starting their remote clear aligner treatment in the care of a dentist and the company is responding by turning up the volume in its hybrid remote/in-office model.

“It was incredibly difficult to close the DTC business and our Studio doors,” says Candid cofounder and CEO Nick Greenfield. “But, for us to live out our mission of helping as many people as possible access affordable and efficient care, we need to work in partnership, not in competition, with dental professionals. This pivot represents a huge growth opportunity for us and for dental practices, and I couldn’t be more confident about the future of orthodontic care.”

Since CandidPro’s launch, the service has become available in 300+ individual dental practices across the country, and Candid has partnered with several DSOs with many lined up to follow. CandidPro has grown 10x in both case volume and revenue since Q3 of 2021. By the end of 2022, CandidPro is expects explosive growth, with over 1,000 offices and a presence in all 50 states.

Dental practices, DSOs, and dental industry leaders share Candid’s optimism for CandidPro. “I’ve been treating clear aligners patients for 17 years and, by joining CandidPro, I have experienced a level of control over the volume and quality of treatment I’m able to offer my patients that is unlike anything else on the market,” says Dr. Ben Miraglia, a former Invisalign faculty member who has been practicing dentistry for 29 years.

Dr. Roshan Parikh, the former Head of Dentistry at Walmart Health, also sees a huge opportunity for CandidPro’s treatment approach to transform the industry. "Candid’s pivot to exclusively offering CandidPro tells me that they listened to DSO needs and will be myopically focused on supporting their growth and helping them deliver the high-quality product and experience that professionals and patients have grown to expect. This pivot to me is similar to the mantra of skating to where the puck is going versus where it is.”

Today, a vast number of dentists are doing just one clear aligner case per month. With CandidPro, dentists will be able to offer a revolutionary clear aligner system regardless of their experience with tooth movement. CandidPro reduces chair time thanks to its CandidMonitoring virtual check-ins, and patients use CandidApp—the top-rated app in teledentistry in the Apple App Store—to scan their teeth, access support, and follow their dentists’s instructions.

“After having been on the ground testing out CandidPro with our professional and clinical team for half of 2021,” says Greenfield, “I am entirely confident that there is not only a clear product-market fit for CandidPro, but that this business model shift from D2C to strategic B2B is the way of the future.”  

Two innovative national leaders in oral healthcare are teaming up in a strategic partnership to make high-quality implant supported removable anchored dentures more accessible and affordable. Renew, LLC (“Renew”), known for its expertise in implant supported removable anchored dentures, and Western Dental & Orthodontics (“Western Dental”), one of the nation’s leaders in accessible, affordable oral health care, today announced a strategic partnership to jointly establish Renew Anchored Dentures surgical centers in California and Texas.

Anchored dentures are held in place by firmly attaching to dental implants. They are rapidly becoming a preferred solution for denture wearers and those with missing or failing teeth, enabling more confident smiles and more pleasant dining experiences.

“We wanted to reach as many people as possible and give them a high-quality solution they could afford, while maintaining a superior patient experience. Our strategic partnership with Western Dental will allow that reach to expand immediately and we can’t wait to start helping those in need,” says Dr. Don Miloni, the founder of Renew.

“Western Dental, and its affiliate Brident Dental in Texas, prides itself on being a full-service Dental Home where more than 2 million patients a year get high-quality, affordable oral health services of all kinds,” said Daniel D. Crowley, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Western Dental. “Our alliance with Renew will enable us to more rapidly offer implant supported removable anchored denture solutions to our patients, helping them have better health and a better quality of life, while getting treated like family.”

The joint mission of the Renew / Western Dental alliance is to help restore oral health and function to patients using Renew’s innovative and proprietary, 100% digital denture system – the only digitally developed removable anchored denture solution that, for qualified patients, can be performed in a one-day procedure. It allows patients the ability to transform their lives at a fraction of the market cost while enjoying peace of mind with a lifetime guarantee.

“We’re honored to have the opportunity to work with a first-class team like Western Dental, who can lend their expertise and access to experienced Oral Surgeons to provide care to many of those patients served by Western’s offices,” said Peter Abruzzo, President of Renew. “Together with Western Dental, we will bring Renew to more communities and change lives, one smile at a time.”

The Otho S. A. Sprague Memorial Institute awarded the Institute of Medicine of Chicago (IOMC) a two-year grant to develop and manage a Black and Latino Male Medical and Dental Student Mentoring Program. The overall mentoring program's objective is to elevate and support Black and Latino male medical and dental students for greater graduation success and foster their participation in caring for underserved communities now and upon graduation. The IOMC wants to foster advocacy and action to reduce health inequities and improve disease prevention in Chicago.

The Black and Latino Male Medical & Dental Student Mentoring and Networking Program is a relationship-based program for currently enrolled Black and Latino male medical or dental students in an accredited medical or dental program. This mentoring program intends to support these students specifically in the Chicago area. There has been an overall decline in graduation rates over the past five years in these respective groups.

President Cheryl Rucker-Whitaker, MD, MPH, FACP, of the Institute of Medicine of Chicago stated, "IOMC is pleased to be part of this initiative to foster Black and Latino male medical and dental students. These future physicians and dentists can help solve the complex healthcare and public health problems facing Chicago and its communities."

Look for more details soon.

The Otho S. A. Sprague Memorial Institute was founded in 1911 as a non-profit foundation with a mandate to pursue "the investigation of the cause of disease and the prevention and relief of human suffering in the City of Chicago." They have strong record of success.

The Institute of Medicine of Chicago (IOMC), since 1915, is an independent non-profit organization of distinguished leaders in the health field who collaborate to improve the health of the public. Drawing upon the expertise of a diverse membership and other regional leaders, the IOMC addresses critical health issues through a range of interdisciplinary approaches, including education, research, communication of trusted information, and community engagement. With the public's health at its core, IOMC is building new programs and services to meet better the needs of its members and the Chicago, Counties and the State of Illinois community. 501c3 non-profit organization. Visit www.iomc.org.

For more information contact:

Institute of Medicine of Chicago

Deborah Hodges

312.709.2685

iomcstaff@iomc.org 

The company receives FDA clearance shortly after the release of an enhanced version of its VISION software.

SoftSmile, a leading medical technology company based in NY, and developer of advanced orthodontic software solutions, announced its software device was cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) pursuant to a 510(k) pre-market notification.

SoftSmile's software VISION, an end-to-end treatment planner made by doctors for doctors, has been granted FDA clearance. This innovative, user-friendly interface gives doctors the ability to create precise aligner treatment plans which are then manufactured using advanced 3-D printing technologies. This news-worthy FDA clearance paves the road to market VISION to doctors and opens the possibility of transforming the existing orthodontic market.

SoftSmile is currently working with established aligner manufacturers. With this FDA clearance, SoftSmile can start marketing Vision as a standalone application to be used directly by doctors.

This FDA clearance sets in motion SoftSmile's plans to transform the market by offering doctors treatment planning software directly, which makes it possible to offer more options to patients thereby cutting costs and increasing efficiency. This development clears the way for this one of a kind innovative software solution with capabilities including but not limited to an automated segmentation feature and intuitive and comprehensive staging. The software automatically generates key aspects of a digitally optimized treatment plan.

VISION's revolutionary technology can now be used in any practice without a doctor having to go through third party designers and/or manufacturers.

"FDA clearance is a huge step for SoftSmile because it establishes Vision's position as a leading software service that complies with all requirements imposed by FDA and is safe for use in the medical practice. There are just a few orthodontic treatment planners that have obtained FDA clearance. SoftSmile's new status is a groundbreaking assurance for the market because the FDA is the best quality check for doctors and patients. This achievement opens new opportunities for the company and proves that our team can solve any type of challenge. It took nearly 18 months, enormous resources, and the coordinated efforts of our engineers and lawyers to be granted FDA clearance. Fortunately, we have only the best at SoftSmile which has now been given the FDA's stamp of approval," said Khamzat Asabaev, Founder and CEO.

For additional information about VISION, Inc. please visit https://www.softsmile.com.

A new device allows patients to self-​monitor their oral hygiene and alerts them when it is time to visit the dentist or dental hygienist.

What looks like an electric toothbrush is actually a mini camera with which anyone can take microscopic pictures of their own teeth and gums. Within seconds, the images are interpreted in an app by artificial intelligence and provide information about accumulated calculus, stains, and inflamed gums. "The users immediately see how well they brush their teeth and which areas they neglect - often up to 40% of the teeth," explains Severin Stalder, founder of the ETH spin-​off Zaamigo.

Artificial intelligence for prevention

Dentists have been using expensive cameras for microscopic images for 30 years. Up until now, they have interpreted these images themselves and used them to explain to patients where there are problems and where they should brush better. For the new Zaamigo device, experts analysed thousands of images. Based on these dental image interpretations, Zaamigo developed software using artificial intelligence that can now identify problem areas in the images within seconds.

Zaamigo’s innovative algorithms instantly analyse the cleanliness of teeth.

With the help of a few photos, the neglected areas are quickly identified. Unfortunately, not all teeth look as beautiful as the ones you see in the mirror. "Even dentists are surprised when they see their own teeth," says Stalder. The app also gives specific tips on how and where to brush better or whether a visit to the dentist is recommended.

"It is amazing how quickly changes can be seen", adds Stalder. “Calculus formation, for example, occurs within a few days. After a mere three weeks, the results of a professional cleaning may no longer be visible. Therefore, we recommend a weekly check-up to monitor possible changes and to be able to take corrective action.”

Who is Zaamigo’s camera for?

The device is easy to use for everyone. It makes most sense to use it on children so that parents can take the necessary measures in good time. "I see a big difference between my children's teeth, which I test regularly, and the teeth of children in the neighbourhood where Zaamigo has not been used in the past," observes Stalder. "It is definitely worth it". Incidentally, the children learn to brush their teeth properly at an early age, which is the best prevention for healthy teeth.

There are also dentists who use the device and the images for patient communication to make their work more understandable to non-​experts.

Stalder emphasises, "Our goal is not to replace dentists, but to identify patients at risk." If problems are detected early, patients can save a lot of money. Zaamigo's camera is affordable and can be bought online in Europe and the US for iPhones and iPads.

Future potential

Zaamigo has ambitious goals for the future: "We want to develop an artificial dentist with in-​depth experience and provide advanced diagnoses in the future," explains Stalder. The idea is to detect caries, periodontal diseases or nocturnal teeth grinding. To do this, the images must be linked to other findings (e.g., X-​ray images or bleeding gums after a tactile test) and then compared with the image data - a major but very exciting challenge.

For more information on Zaamigo, visit https://zaamigo.com/

The Diverse Dental Society (DDS) announces LaVette C. Henderson as their new President for 2022. Ms. Henderson is an accomplished association, conference, and financial leader. She has earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Management with honors, an Associate’s Degree in Accounting and she is a Certified Meeting Professional. She brings over 30 years of experience with a diverse set of skills which will be an asset to DDS.

LaVette is the former Executive Director of the National Dental Association (NDA) and currently serves as their Director of Finance. She joined the NDA team in 1998, moved up the ranks and continues to work tirelessly to advocate for marginalized and underserved populations in promoting oral health access and equity. With over 200,000 active dentists in the US, only approximately 3.5% have been honored to become Fellows of the American College of Dentists, Ms. Henderson received this honor in 2019 for her leadership and achievements in dentistry as a non-dentist.

Ms. Henderson is excited to lead the organization in its new laser-focused charge; “The mission is to achieve equity in oral health as a vital component of overall health for marginalized communities through education, service, and advocacy," while the “Purpose is to enhance the growth, influence and impact of the Hispanic Dental Association, National Dental Association, and Society of American Indian Dentists on achieving the Diverse Dental Society’s mission”.

Ms. Henderson’s goal is to lead the DDS Board of Directors in amplifying the voice of diversity and inclusion in the oral health arena by making sure that the needs of the marginalized communities in our country are addressed and met. DDS will continue to promote inter-professional collaborations and believes it is essential for a healthier nation. The 2022 theme for DDS is: “DDS: Strengthening Oral Health and Oral Health Care in Diverse Communities”. Ms. Henderson added “The Diverse Dental Society strives for diversity, equity and inclusion in overall health, where oral health is a vital component”.

The American Association of Dental Editors & Journalists (AADEJ) today announced its 2021-2022 board leadership members. The newly appointed board leaders will help advance the Association’s mission of improving communication within the dental profession and elevating the standards of dental journalism.

The recently elected board leadership members are:

Dr. Stuart Segelnick, editor of the Second District Dental Society of New York SDDS Bulletin and the Northeastern Society of Periodontists NESP Bulletin. Dr. Segelnick will serve as AADEJ President. He was the recipient of the ICD Journalism Silver Scroll Award in 2016 and the ICD Journalism Newsletter Award in 2019. Dr. Segelnick has co-edited five books on dentistry and is a fellow of the Pierre Fauchard Academy, the International College of Dentists, and the American College of Dentists. He is also an Adjunct Clinical Professor at NYU Dentistry in the Department of Periodontology and Implant Dentistry.

Ann Marie Gothard, Vice President, Global Corporate Media Relations at Henry Schein, Inc. Ms. Gothard will serve as AADEJ President-Elect. Ms. Gothard leads all strategic media relations for Henry Schein and Henry Schein Cares, the company’s global corporate social responsibility program. During her career, she has published numerous annual reports and special-interest publications, as well as produced short- and long-form videos that have been recognized for excellence in graphic design, editorial content, and overall communications effectiveness.

Dr. Hugh Wunderlich, DDS, CDE, editor of the Florida Dental Association. Dr. Wunderlich will serve as AADEJ Vice President. He recently retired from 40 years of general practice in Palm Harbor, Florida. Dr. Wunderlich has also served as editor of the West Coast District Dental Association and the Florida Section of the International College of Dentists for 30 years. He is a fellow in PFA, ACD, ICD and was awarded the Gies and the ADA’s Distinguished Editor award.

Denise Maihofer, a member of AADEJ for 11 years and founder of a design and production company for dental publications. Ms. Maihofer has been re-elected as AADEJ Secretary and Treasurer. She began her career as a multi-media specialist and coordinator for General Motors. In 1990, Ms. Maihofer launched her design and production company, which covers a wide range of creative services from branding to promotional to display projects. She began her involvement with dental publications in 1992.

The Board also announced that Dr. Daniel Orr II, BS, DDS, MS (anesthesiology), PhD, JD, MD, will continue as Editor-in-Chief of the AADEJ Communicator, the official publication of the AADEJ that serves to inform the members of new developments in dental journalism, to record the pertinent affairs of the association, and acts as a forum for the discussion of journalistic problems. Dr. Orr is an Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon, Dentist Anesthesiologist, and an attorney practicing in Las Vegas, NV. Dr. Orr is the Editor of the Nevada Dental Association Journal, a Past President of the American Association of Dental Editors and Journalists, is currently a member of several editorial boards, and also peer reviews articles.

Additionally, Dr. Richard Roadcap has been appointed Interim Program Chair to assist with creating a tailored curriculum of workshops to enhance publishing and editorial skills as well as seminars offering new dental editors access to skill-building sessions focused on publication design, content choice, and business activities. Dr. Roadcap was a US Army dentist with assignments in Virginia and overseas. He is a graduate of VCU School of Dentistry, and the College of William & Mary. For the last thirteen years, Dr. Roadcap has served as Editor for the Journal, a quarterly dental industry magazine published by the Virginia Dental Association. He is also Editor of KEY, a publication of the International College of Dentists, USA Section.

“We at the AADEJ are always listening and striving to make a difference,” said Dr. Segelnick. “There is no doubt with our continuing education courses, Certified Dental Editor certification, and publication approval process, along with the opportunity to network with other editors and communicators, the AADEJ is a highly valuable asset to our membership. Communication is crucial to dental organizations success. We encourage editors and staff associated with the production of dental publications, as well as others interested in dental journalism, to consider joining us and more importantly becoming involved in our premiere dental communication association.”

The AADEJ was chartered in 1931 and is composed of dedicated people specifically interested in improving communication within the dental profession and in elevating the standards of dental journalism. The organization is committed to the establishment and encouragement of responsible editorial policy. In 2021, the AADEJ celebrated its 90th anniversary and became a non-geographic section of the American College of Dentists.

Member publications represent state dental associations, component societies, dental specialty groups, alumni, dental auxiliary, student, and commercial publications. To learn more about the AADEJ and get information on becoming a member, please visit www.aadej.org. 

Neoss Group is excited to announce the signing of an asset purchase agreement of Legend Life Tech, the current distribution partner for Neoss in China.

The new Neoss subsidiary located in Shanghai, China will be established through the current success of Legend Life Tech and leverage its strengths in product registration, logistics, marketing, and sales to better serve customers in China.

"The establishment of Neoss China through the acquisition of Legend Life Tech marks an important milestone in the history of Neoss. We are proud to build on the success of our partnership with Zhou Xin and Legend Life Tech. This investment in the China market demonstrates our commitment to our continued support of patient care around the world. Thanks to our lead shareholder, CareCapital, we are able to capitalize on such opportunities," says Dr. Robert Gottlander, CEO and President of Neoss Group.

With about five million implants placed every year, China is one of the largest markets in the world and is seeing increased growth from dentists and patients requiring quality dental solutions. With this investment in the Chinese market, Neoss will now better meet the diversified needs of Chinese doctors and patients.

"As the Chinese distribution partner for Neoss, Legend Life Tech has made outstanding contributions and inroads in both marketing and services in the past five years. We appreciate the recognition and collaborative support from Neoss and CareCapital. In the future, we plan to gradually transit our services and employees to Neoss China and continue to work with Neoss to develop the Chinese market and increase the brand awareness," says Zhou Xin, Chairman of Legend Life Tech.

With this acquisition, Neoss China will have a new board of directors with Robert Gottlander as the Chairman, and Zhou Xin as the Director.

The Argen Corporation is pleased to announce that Joel Freedman has joined the company as our new Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Joel joins Argen with more than 30 years of professional experience in finance leadership at some of the largest and most valuable companies in the world. Joel began his career in public accounting for Deloitte before moving to Ernst & Young mergers and acquisitions practice. He then transitioned to corporate finance, holding several senior finance positions and divisional CFO positions at Amazon, Microsoft, and McKesson Corporation. Most recently, Joel served as the VP Finance at The HydraFacial Company (NASDAQ: SKIN), where he played a critical role in successfully taking the company public through a SPAC transaction.

Joel graduated from the University of California, Berkeley in business. He received his MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business and an MA in Education from the Stanford University School of Education.

“I am thrilled to be joining the team at Argen. Over the last several months, I have met with the leadership team and couldn't be more impressed with the people, strong family culture, and the opportunity ahead. I see a tremendous history of success and innovation, and a unique openness for new ideas and thinking that can take us to new heights” said Joel.

The Argen Corporation is also happy to announce that Neil Wainstein will transition from CFO to his new role as CRO, Chief Risk Officer after two years of performing both functions.