Lab to be renamed NDX Cleveland

National Dentex Labs (“NDX”), the largest network of fully-owned dental labs in North America, announced today the acquisition of Swan Dental Lab located in Brunswick, Ohio. Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.

Owned and operated by Martin Switalski and Maureen Antolik, Swan Dental Lab provides superior dental restorations fabricated by experienced technicians. The full-service lab offers case planning, comprehensive customer service and a complete range of products.

NDX Salem currently operates near Cleveland and, upon close of the deal, operations will be consolidated at the existing Swan Dental Lab facility. The state-of-the-art facility will undergo additional renovations to accommodate the combined team of 30 employees and will be renamed NDX Cleveland.

“Swan exemplifies the traits we value most in a partner as we continue to build NDX’s industry leading position and commitment to best-in-class technology and cost-effective solutions,” says Tom Daulton, chief executive officer of NDX.

“Joining forces with NDX is a win-win. Combining our teams will allow us to serve more dentists and serve them better,” adds Switalski who will stay on with NDX as a customer relationship manager. Nader Salem, who has been the general manager of NDX Salem since 2008 and is the son of one of NDX Salem’s original founders, will remain in his current position and will oversee operations of the combined labs.

For more information, please visit www.nationaldentex.com. 

Dentsply Sirona and the American Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research (AADOCR) congratulate the recent winners of the 2022 Student Competition for Advancing Dental Research and its Application Awards (SCADA) program. Dental students participated in the virtual competition and awards ceremony as part of this year’s AADOCR/CADR Annual Meeting & Exhibition.

The 63rd annual SCADA student research competition and awards program was once again held virtually and provided an opportunity for dental students to present their research to a distinguished panel of judges.

All US dental schools were invited to nominate a student to participate in the research competition among one of two categories – Clinical Science and Public Health Research, and Basic and Translational Science. Each student submitted an abstract for review to the 2022 AADOCR/CADR Annual Meeting & Exhibition. Upon acceptance of the abstract, participants submitted a complete portfolio for review to an international panel of judges, including an electronic copy of their research poster, a slide presentation, and a video of the oral presentation. Research projects were submitted by 49 outstanding student clinicians and six award winners were selected.

In addition, Dentsply Sirona sponsored 12 student research competitions in 12 countries, and seven of these student winners were honored during the awards program. These students represented the following countries, Canada, Germany, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and Thailand.

A program dedicated to research and international networking

SCADA was initiated in 1959, and Dentsply Sirona and the American Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research have continued this tradition as co-sponsors of this leading dental student research competition. The SCADA program includes a Global and a US Student Clinician Research competition and an annual Awards Program. The competition and award program have gained widespread recognition, and it has engaged over 10,000 dental students from 28 countries since its inception.

SCADA is committed to two main goals. First, the program aims to strengthen the field of dental research by supporting young professionals in early stages of their research careers. Moreover, it offers a unique opportunity for students to network with clinicians and scientists from all over the world as they develop their skills and advance their careers. While the networking opportunity was curtailed, students interacted and had the opportunity to showcase their work and gain valuable skills as they virtually presented their research.

After the 2021 IADR/AADR/CADR General Session & Exhibition, the American Association for Dental Research expanded its name to American Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research (AADOCR) to better engage and represent the multidisciplinary scientists who advance dental, oral, and craniofacial research. Information about the 2023 SCADA student research competition and awards program will be available on the AADOCR website.

SCADA advances science and improves global oral health

“Seeing the impressive lineup of winners in this year’s SCADA brings an immense pride in today’s generation of dental students,” said Dr. Rainer Seemann, Vice President Global Clinical Research with Dentsply Sirona. “The SCADA program and our collaboration with the AADOCR align with Dentsply Sirona’s commitment to innovation and education. Through this partnership, we aim to support the ingenuity of young professionals who are eager to embark on a career in academia or in their own practices. This year’s program is no different as participants were given opportunities to hone various skills related to scientific inquiry, project development, management and presentation to colleagues and peers – skills that will prove essential for many years to come.”

Dr. Jacques Eduardo Nör, President of the AADOCR (2021-2022), announced the winners of the student competition. “These young researchers are the future of dentistry and oral health care. I am honored to shine a spotlight on their creativity and achievements,” commented Dr. Nör. He continued to announce the winners in Category 1, Clinical Science and Public Health Research. The first place was awarded to Jack Harris, Harvard School of Dental Medicine. Second place was awarded to Noah Barnes, A.T. Still University – Missouri. Third place was awarded to Taylor Jackson, Meharry Medical College.

In Category 2 – Basic and Translational Science – first place was awarded to Sofia Park, University of Minnesota. In second place, Emma Warren, University of Connecticut. Third place was awarded to Erin Britt, Virginia Commonwealth University.

The student participants were grateful for the opportunity to continue with the competition using a virtual format. “This experience has allowed me to learn and contribute to the advancement in dental and craniofacial research, which has challenged me to become a forward-thinking health professional,” said Sofia Park from University of Minnesota.

Additional awards beyond the SCADA competition

The SCADA Board of Directors also announced two fellowship recipients and presented awards recognizing leaders in dental research. SCADA provides fellowship funding to promote continued scholarship and help support graduate education. Two post-doctoral students were awarded Henry M. Thornton SCADA Fellowships: Fadi Titinchi, University of Portsmouth, in United Kingdom and Dr. Tanner Godfrey, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Dentistry.

The SCADA Board of Directors recognizes leaders for their commitment to the advancement of dentistry with two additional awards. Dr. Kimon Divaris from the Adams School of Dentistry received the Burton C. Borgelt / SCADA Faculty Advisor Award.

The Alan J. Davis / SCADA Achievement Award recognizing a clinician scientist for outstanding service to the dental profession was awarded to Dr. Laurie McCauley. Dr. McCauley is the current Dean of the University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Professor in the Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, William K and Mary Anne Najjar Professor of Periodontics, and Professor of Pathology in the Medical School. Recently, Dr. McCauley has been recommended as University of Michigan’s next provost and executive vice president for academic affairs by President Mary Sue Coleman.

More information about SCADA and other awards granted: www.scadaresearch.org

The awards program is available for viewing at https://youtu.be/snv-Jm5TWTc

Overview: 2022 winners of the SCADA Competition and awards

SCADA Competition Winners Category I: Clinical Science and Public Health Research

1st Prize: Jack Harris, Harvard School of Dental Medicine,

2nd Prize: Noah Barnes, A.T. Still University – Missouri

3rd Prize: Taylor Jackson, Meharry Medical College

SCADA Competition Winners Category II: Basic and Translational Science Research

1st Prize: Sofia Park, University of Minnesota

2nd Prize: Emma Warren, University of Connecticut

3rd Prize: Erin Britt, Virginia Commonwealth University

Henry M. Thornton SCADA Fellowship Award

Fadi Titinchi, University of Portsmouth, United Kingdom

Dr. Tanner Godfrey, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Dentistry

Burton C. Borgelt / SCADA Faculty Advisor Award

Dr. Kimon Divaris, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill Adams School of Dentistry

Alan J. Davis / SCADA Achievement Award

Dr. Laurie McCauley, Dean, School of Dentistry at University of Michigan

- Lithoz has installed a CeraFab Lab L30 at the Central University of Technology in South Africa

- The CeraFab Lab L30, designed as an entry-level model, will be used in the MedAdd project to support medical device manufacturing via 3D printing

Lithoz GmbH, world and industry leaders in ceramic 3D printing, have recently installed a CeraFab Lab L30 ceramic 3D printer at the Central University of Technology (CUT) Free State in South Africa. The machine - funded by the South African Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation - will be housed inside the ISO13485 accredited Centre for Rapid Prototyping and Manufacture, where it will be used as an important tool in providing access to this ground-breaking healthcare technology to benefit the general population.

With the motto “In Africa – For Africa”, this machine will enable the democratization of first-class healthcare possibilities and treatment for the entire population. The Lithoz printer will be used in medical device manufacturing and has been acquired by the Department of Science and Innovation to support their Medical Device Additive Manufacturing Technology Demonstrator (MedAdd) project.

The installation was proudly supported by a personal visit from the acting deputy director-general of the Department of Science and Innovation, Dr Rebecca Maserumule, and the Free State MEC (Member of Executive Council) for Education, Honourable Tate Makgoe. This visit underlines the importance of the arrival of LCM 3D printing as a key technology to enable a new dimension of innovative and patient specific healthcare solutions.

As the first ceramic 3D printer installed in the entire African continent, this installation represents an important step forward in the growth of ceramic 3D printing as an established manufacturing technology in industry and healthcare. CUT, a leading African University of Technology at the forefront of research and innovation in additive manufacturing for medical implants, will use the machine to aid their research into customized medical device manufacturing via 3D printing.

Dr. Gerrie Booysen, Director of the Centre for Rapid Prototyping and Manufacturing at CUT, was delighted with this new acquisition, stating, “This new technology is a complete game-changer for our research at CUT. With this access to powerful 3D printing technology, we will be able to develop and innovate further than ever into new healthcare solutions - in Africa, for Africa.” Dr. Johannes Homa, CEO of Lithoz, is very proud to have “successfully brought ceramic 3D printing access to the  African continent for the first time”, citing it as “a real milestone achievement for Lithoz and the ceramic 3D printing industry worldwide”.

Light-Cure Formulation for Aesthetic Ceramic Veneers from the Innovators of Adhesion and Nanocluster Filler Technology

From the innovators of dental adhesive and nanocluster filler technology—Kuraray Noritake Dental—comes a simplified light-cure cement for highly aesthetic veneers.

PANAVIA™ Veneer LC is an advanced light-cure resin cement with excellent color stability, high wear resistance, provides ample working time, and offers fast and easy cleanup. It is indicated for permanent cementation of aesthetic veneers and can also be used for inlays and onlays less than 2mm thick.

Offering an ideal consistency for easy and secure application across the intaglio surface, PANAVIA™ Veneer LC does not stick to the application tip due to its unique nanocluster filler technology. This technology consists of spherical silica fillers in the cement to provide stability and control, while simultaneously promoting flow when the veneer is seated on the tooth, thereby allowing easy veneer placement without drifting or sagging.

PANAVIA™ Veneer LC is available in four highly aesthetic shades, all featuring great polishability and an excellent gloss retention to support aesthetic margins over time. Matching try-in pastes (PANAVIA™ V5 Try-In Paste) allow for a simulation of the final appearance prior to final cementation.

“Kuraray Noritake is committed to providing dental professionals with innovative solutions that help them provide better care to their patients,” says Dr. Dinesh Sinha, Senior Technical and Marketing Manager at Kuraray Noritake. “As an extension of our top-performing PANAVIA™ line of cements, PANAVIA™ Veneer LC is an essential addition to the adhesive armamentarium of any dentist looking for a veneer cement with the ideal properties of high bond strength, excellent aesthetics, controlled application and easy cleanup.”

To learn more about Kuraray’s new PANAVIA™ Veneer LC Cement, go to www.kuraraydental.com 

THRIVE!: A Wellness and Therapeutic Alternatives Summit for Dental Professionals

This 2½ day summit features an extraordinary group of dental ergonomic specialists and medical professionals who have themselves experienced daily dental practice and are deeply invested in offering knowledge and expertise on workplace wellness and a realistic ergonomic journey.

They will spotlight strategies that reveal the many layers of health and healing needed to enhance stamina and vitality, elevate performance, and inspire purposeful living, while addressing misconceptions regarding positioning, posture, and productivity.

THRIVE will be offered approximately 4 times annually. Featured guests will vary according to availability and will include:

o Registered dental hygienists with occupational ergonomic certification, ergonomic assessment certification, physical trainer certification, or disability insurance licensure

o Chiropractor

o Physical Therapist

o Pain Management Nurse Practitioner

Topics covered and areas of focus

• Dental products for improved health, productivity, and performance

• Movement as a medicine for creating change in your physical, emotional & mental states

• Patient and operator positioning to limit trauma-creating postures

• Hearing preservation

• Management of structural pain and limited range of motion due to repetitive tasks

• Therapeutic treatments for acute and chronic disease/injury

• Transformative power of resilience

Location

The Glen Eyrie Castle & Conference Center, located near the mountain foothills in Colorado Springs, CO, offers the ultimate escape, enriched by nature, relaxation, and freedom from outside distractions and obligations.

Approximately 10 continuing education credits will be awarded, depending upon the various speaker availability and the pre-arranged outside activities offered. Sponsor vendors may be on-site.

To sign up, visit https://www.cindypurdy.com/thrive or contact the event organizer, Cindy M. Purdy, RDH, for additional information at cpurdy14@gmail.com, 719.371.3188

Full Dentures: Your Challenge. Your Workflow.

Even with extensive expertise, full dentures often still pose a major challenge. The common goal is to create a successful outcome so the patient leaves the dental practice with a satisfied smile.

The jury of the 13th Candulor KunstZahnWerk 2023 competition would like to take a look at your solution and evaluate it along with your workflow in the supreme discipline of "Full dentures". Use your knowledge and experience to produce a successful full denture restoration and pick up the next KunstZahnWerk Award!

The task

The aim is to produce a mucosa-supported full maxillary and mandibular denture based on a detailed model analysis as well as detailed documentation of your workflow. The pronounced atrophy of the mandible makes an age-appropriate, natural-looking solution a real challenge. An additional feature: You can choose between the dynamic tooth-to-tooth and the tooth-to-two-tooth occlusion concepts.

The procedure

After the binding registration, Candulor will send you detailed information on the complete patient case, which will make the solution easier, as well as the matching maxilla and mandible plaster casts, the physiognomic bite index, the score sheet and the denture teeth. The finished dentures must be submitted exclusively in a CANDULOR articulator or a partially or fully adjustable articulator.

Additional opportunity

You can photograph, film and/or write. The KZW documentation is an important centerpiece of the competition and will also receive awards. In other words, it pays to document your work. The best documentations will be published in various professional journals.

The jury

Face this jury of prosthetics experts and practitioners.

• Peter Lerch, prosthodontist and author, Switzerland

• Steffen Rohrbach, dental technician and SSOP Teacher, USA

• Steven de Maesschalck, dental technician, Belgium

The award

The award and announcement of the rankings will take place on Wednesday, March 15, 2023 in Cologne. The best works will be exhibited.

Registration

Register for the competition via the Candulor website www.candulor.com no later than August 26, 2022. Questions? Call Candulor at +41 44 805 90 36.

Take up the full denture challenge and show your skills!

CAD-Ray Distribution is proud to announce a business partnership with 3Shape, Inc to sell their market-leading TRIOS intraoral scanners. This working relationship will further solidify CAD-Ray’s position as the fastest-growing and most trusted distributor, supporter, and educator of CAD/CAM technology.

COO Jonathan Acker states, "this partnership serves as both confirmation that our model benefits customers in just the right way, and that we're simply here to stay and grow in the CAD/CAM market. There are other dental distributors out there selling and supporting CAD/CAM, but this is ALL we do, and we do it better than anyone. Our equipment partners are strategically selected for quality and support because we only stand behind those products we truly believe in and would use ourselves."

Led also by the innovative education program of CEO Armen Mirzayan, as well as a very knowledgeable and experienced sales team, CAD-Ray has the ability to validate these claims. As it stands, this small, but growing team shares over 250 years of digital dentistry experience, with a standout trademark of quick, efficient and reliable customer support. Help is immediate, and that passion for quick relief is reflected in their customer reviews. “This partnership was a natural progression for us” says CAD-Ray President Rich LaFergola. “Our team has tons of experience selling and supporting TRIOS, so naturally we’re excited to join forces with the world’s #1 recognized brand of intraoral scanners known for industry-leading scanning experience and the most collaborative clinic-to-lab workflows. 3Shape TRIOS has been named the best intraoral scanner by the industry for nine years in a row. We believe our personal touch can only enhance the customer experience. If we can add to the allure of buying TRIOS, we’re doing our jobs.”

“We are delighted to welcome CAD-Ray as a distributer partner of 3Shape TRIOS in the US and Canada. We believe that our collective strong customer focus and passion for digital dentistry will result in a great partnership” states General Manager of 3Shape North America, John Cusack.

Premier oral health accelerator attracts industry leaders to validate and scale solutions for oral health transformation and health equity

CareQuest Innovation Partners and MATTER today announce the addition of leading industry partners and more than $1 million in available investment capital to SMILE Health, a first-of-its-kind program to identify and accelerate early-stage startups at the intersection of oral health improvement and health equity advancement.

Since its launch in mid-March, SMILE Health has already attracted 14 leading industry organizations spanning the medical, dental, consumer goods, venture capital, and insurance industries as well as academia to serve as key partners. Recognizing the unique focus of SMILE Health, this diverse group of organizations and leaders will support the first cohort of startups looking to accelerate new solutions to provide accessible, equitable, and integrated oral health in a manner that is Simple, Minimally Invasive, Integrated, Low-barrier, and Equitable — or SMILE.

“The unprecedented response to SMILE Health speaks to both the importance of our challenge — creating a more accessible, equitable, and integrated oral health system for everyone — and the very real innovation gap that currently exists in oral health,” said Mariya Filipova, chief innovation officer of CareQuest Innovation Partners. “Partners are joining us from all corners of the health care ecosystem. Their participation creates an unparalleled platform to scale validated solutions that will transform oral health for those who need them the most.”

Organizations can join SMILE Health as Impact and/or Scale Partners to help validate participating startups’ solutions to make them market-ready and provide capital and access to customers.

The growing list of partners includes (in alphabetical order):

· 42 North Dental

· Colgate-Palmolive Company

· Columbia University College of Dental Medicine

· Demos Capital LLC

· DentalMarketIQ

· DentaQuest

· Enable Dental

· MouthWatch

· P&R Dental Strategies

· Procter & Gamble/Crest Oral-B

· Revere Partners

· Seae Ventures

· USAble Life

· Washington Dental Service

“The dental entrepreneur and investment community is eager to rally behind SMILE Health because the opportunities to advance innovation in oral health systems change have been so few and far between,” said Jeremy Krell, DMD, MBA, managing partner at Revere Partners. “There is high adoption of oral technology within the high-growth DSO sector in an effort to achieve true growth and optimize patient outcomes.”

Impact Partners will provide SMILE Health startups with the opportunity to test and refine solutions, business models, and product market fit in real-world settings by designing and steering 4–6-week validation studies. They’ll also have early access to the full pipeline of SMILE Health solutions and the opportunity to deploy them first.

“As a dental benefits administrator serving more than 33 million people nationwide, the majority of whom are low-income children and families enrolled in Medicaid, we see firsthand – and at scale – the obstacles people face in accessing high quality preventive dental care,” said Steve Pollock, president and CEO of DentaQuest. “SMILE Health is unique in its approach to rapidly validate and deploy solutions designed to address these obstacles. Given DentaQuest’s mission to improve the oral health of all, we are eager to support entrepreneurs working toward a more equitable, healthier future.”

Scale Partners will serve as go-to-market partners, providing participating startups with access to potential customers. Importantly, Scale Partners commit to making capital available to SMILE Health startups that meet their individual investment criteria. To date, Scale Partners and CareQuest Innovation Partners have collectively earmarked $1M in available funding for participating startups that meet specific funding criteria.

“Colgate-Palmolive is excited to join SMILE Health as both an Impact and Scale Partner,” said Maria Ryan, DDS, PhD, Chief Clinical Officer. “Access to affordable preventive oral health care remains out of reach for far too many. As a result, rampant oral disease has become a national and global health crisis disproportionately impacting underserved and under-resourced communities. SMILE Health presents a unique opportunity to support novel ideas and solutions to address oral health inequity and help us fulfill our company’s purpose to reimagine a healthier future for all.”

In addition to Impact and Scale Partners, SMILE Health has also added more than 100 reviewers, mentors, and faculty to support startups throughout the 13-week program.

“With this announcement, we now have the strongest group of partners arrayed to support startups who are building novel solutions to improve oral health and advance health equity,” said Steven Collens, CEO of MATTER. “Startups need capital as well as non-monetary support, and with this group we have what we need to change the trajectory of oral health innovation to benefit all.”

The SMILE Health global call for early-stage startups remains open through April 22. Interested entrepreneurs can visit carequestinnovation.com/smile to learn more and apply. Organizations or individuals interested in joining SMILE Health as a partner can register at carequestinnovation.com/smile-health-get-involved/. 

Running a successful DSO in the New York City market takes innovation, empathy, and a growth mindset. That's why National Dental has recently tapped Candid as a new clear aligner partner. With Candid's convenient and affordable clear aligner system, National Dental aims to boost case starts and expand their orthodontic capabilities while helping their team streamline their workflows.

National Dental's offices are known for providing comprehensive dental care—including the latest in orthodontic treatments—to the patients they serve. Since 2016, National Dental has garnered a reputation for clinical excellence among patients and a deep dedication to their team. Under Dr. Nitin Doshi's guidance, National Dental has expanded throughout the New York Metro area.

For Candid, aligning with DSOs like National Dental is key to expanding their footprint in major markets.

"We're seeing a lot of interest from DSOs that want a more efficient way to provide orthodontic treatment to their patients," says Candid's Senior Vice President of Sales, Brian Ganey. "We're looking forward to helping National Dental leverage our clear aligner system to drive business growth while transforming their patients' smiles."

For Dr. Doshi, partnering with Candid will help National Dental stand out from the competition and help its practices scale their orthodontic capabilities with minimal impacts to in-office scheduling.

"Our team is excited to offer Candid clear aligners because the treatment process is so convenient for our practices and patients alike," says Dr. Doshi. "By minimizing in-person appointments and engaging patients in their treatment with CandidApp™, our practices will be better equipped to meet the growing demand for clear aligners without eating up the chair time required to carry out other therapies our patients need."

Candid's clear aligner system reduces the need for routine in-person aligner checks by tracking every patient's progress virtually with CandidMonitoring™. Using this system, patients share photos of their teeth with their dentist every 14 days to ensure treatment is on schedule.

"We think Candid will help our practices cement themselves as clear aligner leaders in our market," says Dr. Doshi. "With Candid's streamlined clear aligner workflow, we estimate that our monthly case starts will increase by at least 50% while maintaining current staffing levels and keeping chair time free for other revenue-generating procedures." 

The American Association of Endodontists (AAE), the specialty dental association that represents more than seven thousand root canal dentists, is proud to recognize the winners of its prestigious awards during AAE22, the group's annual meeting to be held in Phoenix.

"The endodontic specialty consists of thousands of amazing, specialized dentists dedicated to saving patients' natural teeth and relieving their tooth pain," AAE President Dr. Alan S. Law said. "I'm thrilled to help present these awards recognizing particular members for their outstanding achievements in the areas of professional development, academics, research and service."

John S. Olmsted, D.D.S, M.S., F.A.G.D., F.I.C.D., F.A.C.D., F.P.F.A., will receive the Edgar D. Coolidge Award. This award is AAE's highest honor, and it's meant to recognize him as a part of an elite group of role models for the entire endodontic community. Dr. Olmsted has been active in practice, teaching, lecturing, and professional dental organizations for the past 46 years. He is emeritus in a group endodontic practice in Greensboro, North Carolina. He received his DDS from the University of Iowa in 1975 and was awarded OKU. He earned his MS from the University of North Carolina in 1977, and he has presented over 600 days of lectures, seminars, workshops, with travel in 63 countries and all 50 states, including presentations at multiple international dental schools. He served in a variety of leadership roles within the dental community, including President of the AAE from 2006-2007.

Al Reader, D.D.S., M.S., will receive the I.B. Bender Lifetime Educator Award for his contributions to the educational fields of endodontics and inspiration he instills in his students. Dr. Reader  received his DDS from The Ohio State University College of Dentistry and completed his endodontic training at OSU earning his certificate in endodontics and an MS. He is currently professor emeritus, past director of the Advanced Endodontic Program, and holds an Endowed Professorship in the Division of Endodontics. He has advised or was a committee member for 168 Master Theses and has authored more than 170 scientific articles, 13 chapters in the leading endodontic texts, and a book. He also taught graduate endodontic residents for over 42 years.

Kent A. Sabey, D.D.S., will receive the Edward M. Osetek Award for being an outstanding educator that earned the esteem and respect of students and faculty. Dr. Sabey is an Associate Professor and served nine years as the Director of Advanced Education in Endodontics at the Louisiana State University School of Dentistry. There, he impacted residents from both the LSU and Keesler Air Force Base programs. Students at all levels benefitted from his dynamic teaching style, frequently citing his energy and effectiveness as an educator. He also currently serves as a Director of the American Board of Endodontics.

Mohamed I. Fayad, D.D.S., M.S., P.H.D., will receive the Calvin D. Torneck Part-time Educator Award. He is currently a Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Endodontics, University of Illinois at Chicago. Dr. Fayad received his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the College of Dentistry, Cairo University in 1985. He received his Masters in Oral Sciences in 1994 and his PhD in 1996 from the University of Buffalo at New York. He had two years of Advanced Education in General Dentistry at Eastman Dental Center, University of Rochester at New York, and received his certificate of Specialty in Endodontics at the University of Illinois. He has served in a variety of roles within the dental community, is a Diplomate of the ABE and authored numerous studies, abstracts and articles.

Scott Fehrs will receive the Honorary Membership Award for his significant contributions which have furthered the advancement of endodontics. Mr. Fehrs is a third-generation business owner of Treloar & Heisel, a family-owned enterprise focused on the financial services needs of dental specialists and general dentists. Since its inception in 1958, the firm has assisted thousands of dental professionals at critical financial junctures as they move from training through practice to retirement. Mr. Fehrs has led as the CEO of the company since 2005. The firm represents more than 18,000 dental specialists and is recognized nationally as a leader in its field.

About the American Association of Endodontists:

The AAE is headquartered in Chicago and represents more than 8,000 members worldwide. Endodontics is one of 12 dental specialties formally recognized by the American Dental Association. The AAE, founded in 1943, is dedicated to excellence in the art and science of endodontics and to the highest standard of patient care. The Association inspires its members to pursue professional advancement and personal fulfillment through education, research, advocacy, leadership, communication and service. For more information about the AAE, visit the Association's website at aae.org. For more patient focused information, visit aae.org/patients.