● CADdent, Germany-based leading service provider in the dental industry, has chosen the Lithoz CeraFab S65 Medical to produce high-precision ceramic components

● With CADdent already planning space for a total of 10 3D printers, this cooperation will strongly stimulate sustainable growth in the 3D printing of ceramic parts

● Lithoz, global market leader in ceramic 3D printing, has again proven to be the top choice for premium quality applications

Lithoz GmbH has recently successfully installed their first 3D printer, a CeraFab System S65 Medical, at the CADdent facilities in Germany. CADdent, the leading provider of additive manufacturing and CAD/CAM solutions in dental technology, is currently expanding its 3D printing operations and, with this new acquisition, will offer high-precision 3D-printed ceramic components and serve as a high-performance partner for applied research in the future.

With the huge expansion of all-ceramic solutions in the dental sector, CADdent has chosen to strategically invest in this area and therefore needed to acquire the best technology possible for their services. Lithoz, global market and innovation leader in ceramic 3D printing, was their choice of technology provider thanks to their industry-trusted range of leading ceramic 3D printers and the prime quality of materials.

With the installation of this first machine, CADdent is expanding its range of manufacturing options as an industry-wide service provider. Appropriate premises have already been created with space for ten printers, which are to be purchased gradually along CADdent’s planned growth path and which highlight the company’s trust in the power of 3D-printed ceramics for various applications.

“In the future, CADdent will increasingly use the manufacturing and engineering know-how we have gained in the areas such as 3D printing outside of dentistry to open up new market segments,” said Manfred Goth, managing director of CADdent GmbH. “Before choosing Lithoz as our partner in ceramic 3D printing, we thoroughly researched the market and had various test parts produced. The results of these tests clearly showed us that only Lithoz could be considered as our partner in ceramic 3D printing.”

Dr. Daniel Bomze, Head of Business Unit Medical at Lithoz, is “very pleased to have gained such a professional and ambitious partner with the highest standards expected in the dental sector” and looks forward to “pushing the boundaries of what is possible” in their future cooperation.

The combination of industry-leading technology will reduce hurdles to digital dentistry adoption.

Formlabs, a leading 3D printing company, today announces its partnership with Medit, a global provider of dental 3D scanners, to make chairside 3D printing accessible and approachable to all dental practices. Starting today, Medit Link users can download Formlabs’ PreForm app, a software integration that helps to prepare dental CAD designs for quick and convenient printing on Formlabs printers, directly from Medit Link. In combining their powerful and intuitive technology, Formlabs and Medit will enable clinicians to easily 3D print dental components with greater speed and efficiency through a simplified in-office workflow.

Formlabs Chief Product Officer Dávid Lakatos said: “Formlabs Dental is expanding access to 3D printing, and doing so requires partnering with industry leaders like Medit to address barriers to adoption in the dental industry. Together, we’ve created a complete chairside workflow that addresses these barriers to make the technology more accessible, with the ultimate goal of unlocking the benefits of dental 3D printing for both providers and patients.”

With Medit intraoral scanners, dental professionals can scan a patient’s teeth, and then simply and easily convert scans into 3D printed models and appliances with a Formlabs Form 3B+ printer. This partnership builds on the success of Formlabs Dental, which has supported digital dentistry adoption with validated workflows, its biocompatible portfolio including resins such as Permanent Crown and Temporary CB, and

Formlabs’ PreForm software. Dental professionals can utilize this new workflow with Medit’s industry-leading i500 and i700 intraoral scanners to add 3D printing in a reliable, easy-to-integrate way to their workflows, without extensive training and costs.

"The integration of Formlabs and Medit combines best-in-class 3D printers with the industry's fastest intraoral scanner. This will inevitably bring about great synergy, resulting in easier access to a complete chairside solution,” said Medit Chief Strategy Officer Inhaeng Cho.

Mark Palmer has joined Henry Schein as Vice President & General Manager, Zahn Dental, reporting to Rita Acquafredda.

In this role, Mark will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Zahn’s US dental business. Additionally, he will lead the creation and implementation of Zahn’s business strategic plans.

Mark joins Henry Schein with more than 20 years of dental industry experience. Mark founded, and over 14 years, built 360imaging into an industry leader in digital case planning and services focused on implant cases. Most recently, he has been a consultant to leading dental manufacturers, focused on creating detailed launch plans and sales approaches related to digital dentistry solutions. Mark brings a unique entrepreneurial approach, deep customer knowledge, P&L management, technology insights, clinical perspectives, and passion for revenue growth to this position.

Interviews, insights and inspirational content are the focus of exocad’s new online resource “exoBlog”

exocad, an Align Technology, Inc. company and a leading dental CAD/CAM software provider, today announced the launch of “exoBlog,” a community-based blog that will feature educational interviews with practitioners, dental technicians and thought leaders in the dental industry.

“Community dialogue is extremely important to us at exocad,” said Christine McClymont, Global Head of Marketing and Communications at exocad. “With this new platform, we aim to bring together both newcomers to the field of digital dentistry and experienced professionals, to learn from each other and share practical tips to make their daily workflows easier.”

The launch of exoBlog follows a broader expansion of exocad’s digital community resources. Users can now access information on exocad’s product releases, upcoming events, and tips and tricks on Facebook, Instagram, WeChat, YouTube, LinkedIn and, most recently, TikTok.

exoBlog will be launched on February 23, 2022. The initial set of blog posts will touch on first impressions of the recently released ChairsideCAD 3.0 Galway, provide first-hand experiences of implementing digital solutions in a dental practice and highlight the benefits of digital workflows that can enable collaboration between labs and dental practices.

For more information visit exocad.com/exoblog

Studies focus on infection and vaccination rates, employment

Nearly two years into the pandemic with widespread availability of COVID-19 vaccines and a decrease in infections, new studies reveal dental hygienists have low COVID-19 infection rates and high vaccination acceptance. In addition, less than half of dental hygienists that left employment early in the pandemic have returned to the workforce in 2021, and staffing challenges, exacerbated by the pandemic, persist.

The research, published in the February issue of The Journal of Dental Hygiene, is part of collaborative research efforts between the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) and the American Dental Association (ADA) on the impact of COVID-19 on employment, infection prevention and vaccine acceptance among dental hygienists. The data updated findings from a previous longitudinal study conducted over a 12-month period from September 2020 to August 2021 with a panel of 6,976 dental hygienists across the U.S., Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.

“This study of dental hygienists has shown us the profound impact of COVID-19 on clinical practice, as well as the value of disease prevention measures,” said JoAnn Gurenlian, R.D.H., M.S., Ph.D., A.F.A.A.O.M., a lead author of the research and ADHA’s director of education and research. “Workplace safety is of paramount importance to dental hygienists, and it has an effect on employment patterns. This underscores the need to adhere to infection control guidance and proper PPE.”

Infection and Vaccination Rates

Despite initial concerns that dental hygienists were at increased risk of COVID-19, the updated research shows they have a lower COVID-19 cumulative prevalence (8.8%) than the general U.S. population (11.7%). Results also reveal that 75.4% of U.S. dental hygienists have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, a higher proportion than the general public and healthcare workers outside of dentistry overall at the time.

“We’re pleased to see that dental hygienists have demonstrated continued low incidence of infection and high vaccination, proving the profession’s ability to mitigate risk while providing care in a safe manner,” said Cameron G. Estrich, M.P.H., Ph.D., health research analyst with the ADA Science & Research Institute. “Increased vaccine availability and greater supplies of personal protective equipment (PPE) should further enable dental teams to continue to follow infection prevention measures to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission.”

Challenges Persist in Employment

As of August 2021, less than half of dental hygienists that left employment during the pandemic had returned to work. According to the study, 7.9% of respondents that had been employed in March 2020 were not working six months later in September 2020. When the study concluded in August 2021, that number decreased to 4.9%.

However, the pandemic has impacted staffing levels in industries across the country, and the dental profession is not exempt.

While the number of hygienists that left the workforce rebounded from a high of 7.9% in 2020 to 4.9% in 2021, a total of 1.6% of study participants no longer intended to work as dental hygienists, possibly representing a permanent reduction of 3,300 dental hygienists nationwide.

“Not unlike many other professions in the United States, challenges persist in dental hygienist employment. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated a voluntary reduction in the dental hygiene workforce and may persist, as some dental hygienists are choosing to permanently leave the profession,” said Rachel W. Morrissey, M.A., senior research analyst with the ADA Health Policy Institute (HPI).

Despite recovery in dental practices’ patient volume, dentists in the U.S. continue to report recruitment and retention challenges among dental hygienists due to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to HPI data. The study authors note that future research should examine workforce levels after the pandemic resolves, as well as employment perspectives of dental hygienists from a qualitative perspective to yield greater understanding of the influencing factors that impact decisions to return to or engage in employment in clinical practice settings.

Future Opportunities for Risk Mitigation

Given the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and emergence of new variants, the study authors believe opportunities exist for hygienists to play an important role in public health and safety. However, there is a need for ongoing and increased education and polices to support the continued use of PPE and infection control and prevention procedures, as recommended by the CDC and required by government regulatory agencies.

“This research collaboration with the ADA marks an important moment in oral health,” said ADHA CEO Ann Battrell, M.S.D.H. “Our shared understanding of what dental hygienists are experiencing provides us with essential evidence-based direction for how we can support safe and supportive workplaces, deliver care safely to patients and help define lasting practice improvements that may emerge from this pandemic.”

The ADHA and the ADA will continue to work together to further understand the impact of COVID-19 on the dental team. 

New System Offers More Comfort and Stays Clearer Longer¹⁻²

Bausch Health Companies Inc. (NYSE/TSX: BHC) ("Bausch Health") and its oral health care business, OraPharma, today announced the U.S. launch of the OraFit™ custom clear aligner system, which is indicated for correcting malocclusion, which is also known as crooked or misaligned permanent teeth. The new OraFit™ aligner system uses high-performance materials in a three-layer design that offers dental professionals and their patients the latest in clear aligner technology and addresses the increased demand for improved aesthetics, more comfortable aligners and overall long-term oral health.¹

"Malocclusion is one of the most common dental problems, and it impacts approximately two out of three people in the United States³," said Joseph C. Papa, chairman and CEO, Bausch Health. "With the availability of OraFit™, dental professionals have a new custom aligner option that can easily fit into their patients' daily routines as it aligns their teeth into position with improved comfort due to the gentle, consistent pressure OraFit™ applies²."

Compared to many other aligners, the plastic material OraFit™ is made with has been proven to stay clearer longer and is highly crack-resistant¹. The OraFit™ system also includes an intuitive, user-friendly online resource that allows dental professionals to easily submit cases and approve treatment plans.

"Many of my patients with malocclusion are reluctant to use braces or aligners as a result of the impact they can have on their appearance," said David J. Wohl, DDS, PC, general dentist, Fairfield, Conn. "The clarity of OraFit™ may help to increase patient acceptance and compliance while also offering a meticulous fit. These benefits, along with the seamless integration that the online resource provides for my aligner wear protocols, has made OraFit™ a welcomed addition to my practice and to my patients."

Additionally, during the 2022 Chicago Dental Society Midwinter Meeting, which takes place Feb. 24-26, 2022, two presentations will feature OraPharma products, including:

● "Adjunctive Periodontal Therapy" Thursday, Feb. 24, 2022 at 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. CT; Friday, Feb. 25, 2022 at 10:30 a.m., 12 p.m., 2 p.m., 3:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. CT; and Saturday, Feb. 26, 2022 at 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. CT at McCormick Place West (2301 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, in the OraPharma booth #5029)

Timothy Donley, DDS, MDS, will discuss the state of periodontal disease (gum disease) in the 21st century including risk factors, diagnosis guidelines and treatment options. This presentation will also discuss data on the efficacy and uses for OraPharma's treatment for periodontal disease, Arestin®(minocycline HCI) Microspheres, 1mg.

● "General Dentistry Guide to Clear Aligners" Thursday, Feb. 24, 2022 from 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. CT and Saturday, Feb. 26, 2022 from 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. CT at McCormick Place West (2301 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, in the Corporate Learning Theater)

Dr. Wohl will lead a discussion on the state of the aligner market, including the oral benefits they offer, patient identification and the considerations clinicians should take when selecting aligners such as OraFit™.

For more information on the OraFit™ aligner system, visit www.myorafit.com.

References

1. Zendura XL Design Verification Report- Stain Resistance #18-05 Rev1 (v0.1)

2. Zendura Dental (2022). Zendura FLX Properties. Accessed Feb. 16, 2022. https://www.zenduradental.com/pages/zendura-flx-properties

3. Neely ML, Miller R, Rich SE, Will LA, Wright WG, Jones JA Effect of malocclusion on adults seeing orthodontic treatment

4. Cleveland Clinic (2022). Malocclusion. Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22010-malocclusion. Accessed Feb. 7, 2022.

Long-Awaited Solution to Help Fight Secondary Caries is Finally Here: Nobio Announces the Infinix™ Advanced Restoratives Product Line Including an Antimicrobial Bonding Agent and the Dental Industry’s First FDA-Cleared Antimicrobial Composites

Nobio Ltd., is excited to announce the official launch of Infinix™, a new line of advanced antimicrobial restorative materials, designed to fight recurrent decay. “The Infinix family of restoratives is the first use case of a fundamental technology platform, that we see as applicable to a wide range of dental and non-dental products,” said Ronen Raz, Nobio’s Chief Operating Officer. The infinix system currently includes universal and flowable composites, as well as a universal bonding system, all incorporating Nobio’s patented QASi™ antimicrobial particle technology. A bulk-fill composite will be added later in 2022.

“The goal has been to provide long-lasting bacteria inhibition at the restorative margins, reduce tooth demineralization, and as a result reduce restoration failure due to secondary caries,” said Nathan Zaltsman, Nobio’s Chief Technical Officer. “Our patented antimicrobial technology is scientifically proven to provide a non-leaching, non-releasing, electrostatic contact kill of bacteria in dental restorative materials.”

“While the antimicrobial properties of infinix are game-changing, we have also worked hard to achieve the handling and aesthetics that dentists need and expect. The feedback from our early users has been fantastic,” said John Scott, Nobio Chief Commercial Officer and head of U.S. operations. The Nobio team will be at the upcoming Chicago Dental Society Annual Meeting (Feb. 24 – 26th) to mark the initial launch. “We invite the entire dental community to learn more about Infinix™ at infinix.com and are looking forward to in-person discussions with the dentists that attend the upcoming mid-winter meeting at booth #1507,” said Scott.

Infinix products will be available for purchase starting on February 23, 2022. Order online at infinix.com/shop or by calling (844) INFINIX (463-4649). 

• Expanding distribution of Saremco’s industry-leading CROWNTEC™ material to U.S. for 3D printing permanent crowns with superior properties

• Leveraging deep expertise of both organizations intended to accelerate R&D, time-to-market

Today, 3D Systems (NYSE:DDD) and Saremco Dental AG announced a strategic partnership to accelerate innovation in digital dentistry. This effort brings together the power of 3D Systems’ industry-leading NextDent® digital dentistry solution with Saremco’s materials science expertise - enabling dental laboratories and clinics to address a variety of indications with unparalleled accuracy, repeatability, productivity, and lower total cost. To facilitate these capabilities, the companies are also announcing the immediate availability of CROWNTEC™ material to be used with 3D Systems’ award-winning NextDent 5100 dental 3D printer and industry-leading software for the production of patient-specific permanent crowns.

CROWNTEC is recognized as a new generation of composite resin that can be used to additively manufacture biocompatible permanent restorations including crowns, inlays, onlays, veneers, and artificial teeth for dentures. This CE-marked Class IIa material, which also recently received 510(k) clearance is offered in a variety of shades to match the patient’s teeth for a natural-looking aesthetic. It does not contain any volatile organic compounds thus contributing to CROWNTEC’s excellent biocompatible properties. Employing CROWNTEC as part of the NextDent digital dentistry solution enables dental laboratories and clinics to produce these dental devices that are 30% stronger than those produced using previous generations of crown & bridge (C&B) materials while reducing material waste.

“Our goal is to enable dental professionals to become more efficient and by doing so, ultimately improve patient outcomes,” said Stef Vanneste, vice president and general manager, dental, 3D Systems. “3D Systems has established itself as the leader in digital dentistry solutions which includes our extensive portfolio of NextDent materials. As we innovate to meet our customers’ application needs, this strategic partnership plays a key role in helping to enhance our materials portfolio. In Saremco, we found a partner that not only shares our values and beliefs in regard to innovation but also possesses expertise in digital dentistry. Their CROWNTEC material is a strong complement to our NextDent material portfolio, and is yet another step in helping dental professionals improve patient outcomes.”

“The pursuit of continuous innovation is our primary focus,” said Franca Schmid, owner and chief executive officer, Saremco Dental. “For over 30 years, we have specialized in the development of light-curing resins for restorative dentistry. In recent years, we have been able to transfer our extensive know-how in the field of light curing to 3D printing technology and successfully develop it further. Especially with CROWNTEC’s superior physical properties, and wide range of indications we reached a new milestone. We are therefore particularly pleased about the strategic cooperation with 3D Systems, a partner with strong sales and innovation capacities. Furthermore, 3D Systems offers the entire digital workflow and thus excellently complements our resin-focused orientation.”

CROWNTEC is available to 3D Systems’ NextDent digital dentistry solution customers in the United States, European Union, and select other markets (depending on regulatory approvals) in five shades including CROWNTEC, SW (bleach-color), B1, A1, A2, and A3. CROWNTEC complements 3D Systems’ materials portfolio of 30 unique NextDent resins – the largest number available from any dental 3D printing material supplier. The portfolio includes NextDent C&B Micro Filled Hybrid (MFH) – a biocompatible Class IIa material developed for creating provisional crowns, bridges, and artificial teeth. With the addition of CROWNTEC, dental laboratories and clinics now have access to an ideal aesthetic solution for these indications, with the advantage of being able to produce permanent crowns.

3D Systems will showcase a variety of applications at Lab Day Chicago 2022. Attendees are invited to visit the company’s booth to learn more about its technology portfolio including the NextDent 5100, DMP Flex 200, ProJet® MJP 2500 Plus, ProX® 800, and associated materials. Attendees are also welcome to join the company’s session – “What's New? 3D Systems Presents the Latest News and Expected Releases for 3D Printers, NextDent Materials and Applications” – Thursday, February 24, 4 – 5:30 pm in the Comiskey Room to learn more. 

Awarded patent for the invention of artificial intelligence technology to accurately measure anatomical structures and quantify disease on dental X-rays

Overjet, a leader in dental artificial intelligence solutions for DSOs and insurance companies, announced today that it has secured a United States Patent (U.S. Patent No. 11158046B2) for its invention of breakthrough AI technology to accurately measure anatomical structures and quantify disease on dental X-rays.

Before Overjet's invention, it was impossible for any software to accurately measure distances in dental X-rays without using calibration objects during the image capture. Overjet's new AI technology eliminates the need for foreign calibration objects. Using deep learning, Overjet's software can identify anatomical features — individual teeth, restorations, implants, CEJ, bone levels and other physical attributes — to equip dental professionals to make accurate calibrated measurements and to determine pixel-to-millimeter ratio of an image.

"Enhancing clinical decision-making to improve oral health is cornerstone to everything we do at Overjet," said Dr. Wardah Inam, PhD, CEO and Co-founder of Overjet. "We strive to deliver the best possible results for providers, payors, and patients through continued innovations in dental AI. We are incredibly proud of the U.S. Patent Office's recognition of Overjet's leadership in pioneering transformational dental technologies that advance patient care."

"This patent will not only assist Overjet in serving our payor and provider customers better, but is a win for the entire dental industry," said Dr. Terri Dolan, Chief Dental Officer of Overjet. "It gives Overjet a strong foundation in the development of innovative technologies for improving oral health."

This patented technology helped Overjet receive FDA clearance for Overjet Dental Assist™. Also, it gives Overjet exclusive ability to offer this technology to its customers. Overjet's invention allows automated measurements, enabling many applications, including:

● Identification of implant type and determination of implant angulation

● Determination of distortion due to angulations of dental X-rays

● Measuring root canal length during endodontic procedures and bone level measurements for periodontal procedures

● Insurance medical necessity verification based on quantitative review guidelines

On Demand Program Reinforces the Company’s Commitment to Advancing Oral Health as a Key Part of Overall Health Care

Henry Schein, Inc. (Nasdaq: HSIC) announced today the launch of its virtual program, “Optimism and Opportunities in Oral Health.” Created to coincide with the Chicago Midwinter Dental Meeting, the program is now available on demand, and brings together the current and past presidents of the American Student Dental Association (ASDA) with Henry Schein leadership to share perspectives on the present and future of the dental profession.

As part of the Company’s continued effort to offer industry insights and spotlight viewpoints from emerging thought leaders, Henry Schein’s virtual media event features three engaging discussions:

● Six Years Later: Stanley Bergman and Dr. Sohaib Soliman Reflect on the Future – Stanley Bergman, Chairman and CEO of Henry Schein, with Dr. Sohaib Soliman, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon at Pacific Northwest Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons, ASDA President 2016-2017.

● The Progress and Promise of Interoperability: The Next 5-10 Years – Mike Baird, CEO of Henry Schein One, with Rachel Nelson, President, Exan Group; Colton Cannon, dental student at University of Minnesota School of Dentistry '23, current President, ASDA; and Dr. Tanya Sue Maestas, Dental Director at La Clinica De Familia, Inc., ASDA President 2017-2018.

● New Perspectives from New Professionals – Gabriela Garces, Zone General Manager, Henry Schein, with Dr. Roopali Kulkarni, Attending Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, Division of Oral Medicine, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, ASDA President 2018-2019; Dr. Craig McKenzie, Dental Anesthesiology Resident, University of Pittsburg, ASDA President 2019-2020; and Dr. Sydney Shapiro, Pediatric Dentistry Resident at New York-Presbyterian/Columbia University, ASDA President 2020-2021.

“We at Henry Schein have long valued ASDA for the thought leadership its members have contributed to the dental profession, and we are pleased to have the opportunity to join with ASDA’s current and recent presidents to share key learnings and insights from the past, present, and future of the dental profession,” said Mr. Bergman. “This virtual program exemplifies our commitment to providing unique perspectives as we collectively work to advance dentistry.”

To watch “Optimism and Opportunities in Oral Health” on demand, please click here.