Planmeca has earned a reputation as the leader in low dose CBCT imaging. The Planmeca Ultra Low Dose™ protocol has been studied in several studies, one of which concluded that the technology reduces patient doses by up to 77% with no statistical reduction in image quality between the standard and ULD protocols. A recently published sixth clinical study on Planmeca Ultra Low Dose confirmed the effectivess and quality of the technology once again.

The Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology and Oral Radiology journal recently published a study that concluded that "the overall image quality was at a diagnostically acceptable level for the defined diagnostic task [using the Planmeca Ultra Low Dose™ (ULD) protocol]." Additionally, the study remarked that applying [Planmeca AINO™] noise reduction filter had a "positive effect on image quality when the exposure dose is low," a typical byproduct when reducing radiation.

Similarly, other studies previously concluded e.g. that:

• Planmeca Ultra Low Dose is recommended for pre-implant radiographic assessment

• Cephalometric images reconstructed from Planmeca Ultra Low Dose CBCT images should be considered in orthodontic treatment planning

• Planmeca Ultra Low Dose images ha sufficient diagnostic image quality to be used in a paediatric setting for planning and follow-up imaging

Planmeca's success in lowering patient dose is important not only because it reduces risk to the patient, but also because it allows clinicians to employ CBCT technology in a wider variety of applications. And, while research is conducted to study and validate the effects of technological advancements, the real winners of this scientifically proven technology are the patients. Dental professionals that employ Planmeca Ultra Low Dose imaging are acquiring CBCT scans that are diagnostically acceptable for the task while significantly reducing patient exposure. Many Planmeca customers have discovered that radiation levels using ULD are often less than that of traditional 2D radiology while the ULD images provide plenty of data to support efficient and accurate diagnoses and predictable treatment outcomes –another patient benefit.

Dr Peter Green, a Board-Certified Dental Radiologist, has experience reviewing CBCT scans at all resolutions and voxel sizes. According to Dr Green, image quality is extremely important when it comes to diagnostic value and making a proper evaluation. “I see the best and the worst DICOM files come across my desk. Planmeca CBCT systems consistently produce high quality images, and as a radiologist, it is reassuring when I see scans utilising Planmeca Ultra Low Dose. Not only do I have a diagnostically viable image, I also know the patient has not been exposed to unnecessarily high doses of radiation."

Dr Green also prefers reviewing 3D images over 2D. "Two-dimensional studies have been the cornerstone of dental imaging since its inception. But, the diagnostic value of 2D is limited. When we review a 2D image, we uncover distortion of anatomy because of angulation and magnification errors. We also see overlapping anatomy which is inevitable with 2D imaging. These kind of inherent inaccuracies often hide small apical lesions, such as those confined between the cortical plates. With 2D, you are in fact only seeing part of the picture. CBCT allows viewing from any perspective and with no distortion. With Planmeca Ultra Low Dose technology, providers no longer have to sacrifice excellent image quality to achieve a significant reduction in dose. This makes it possible to enjoy the benefit of 3D information for the dose of a panoramic or even a set of bitewings,” he explains.

"When it comes to innovation, Planmeca is the industry leader," says Brent Garvin, Senior Product Manager for Imaging in North America at Planmeca USA, a subsidiary of Planmeca in the United States. Garvin expresses tremendous pride when representing products developed by Planmeca's R&D team in Finland. "We continue to strive to help doctors be better at their job while focusing on patient safety. This is our sixth major study validating the effects of ULD on our industry," Brent continues. “This is exciting because no one else in the industry has this kind of validation from so many sources.”

Another exclusive feature aimed at increasing patient safety is the Planmeca CALM® movement correction algorithm.

“We have drastically reduced the risk of having to redo a 3D scan because the patient shifted their weight during acquisition or swallowed. This feature recognises patient movement and automatically makes the correction resulting in a diagnostically valuable image," Garvin explains. "It doesn't get any easier than this."

“Planmeca is currently the only manufacturer in the market with these advanced features and the evidentiary clinical studies to support the claims. The implications of ultra low dose patient radiation paired with diagnostically valuable image quality is paving the way for CBCT use in routine diagnostics validating the Planmeca slogan – Better care through

innovation,” Garvin concludes.

To learn more about Planmeca Ultra Low Dose and access these studies, visit https://www.planmeca.com/imaging/3dimaging/planmeca-ultra-low-dose/scientific-studies/.

About Planmeca USA:

Planmeca USA is a subsidiary of Planmeca, the largest privately held company in the dental equipment market and one of the industry’s leading manufacturers of dental X-rays and core equipment. With a North American office located in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, and international headquarters in Helsinki, Finland, Planmeca is well established in high-tech dental markets and currently serves 120 countries worldwide.

Planmeca Oy and Planmeca Group

Planmeca Oy is one of the world's leading dental equipment manufacturers, with a product range covering digital dental units, CAD/CAM solutions, world-class 2D and 3D imaging devices and comprehensive software solutions. Privately owned and headquartered in Helsinki, Finland, the company offers a portfolio of products distributed in over 120 countries worldwide. Planmeca Oy is part of the Finnish Planmeca Group, which consists of several healthcare technology brands, each committed to innovation and design. With 4,500 employees worldwide, Planmeca Group companies achieved a combined turnover of EUR 1.1 billion in 2020. www.planmeca.com

The American Association of Endodontists (AAE) is announcing that world record setting endurance athlete and best-selling author Colin O'Brady will be the keynote speaker for its annual meeting known as AAE22 being held in Phoenix April 27-30.

O'Brady will kick the annual gathering of specialized dentists from around the world at 4:30 – 6:00 PM MST on Wednesday, April 27, at the Phoenix Convention Center North 120 B-D.

O'Brady is regarded as one of the world's best endurance athletes and a foremost expert on mindset. He is a 4-time world record holder, Yale University graduate, and highly sought-after public speaker. The New York Times called O'Brady's most recent success - the world's first solo, unsupported and unaided crossing of Antarctica - "one of the most remarkable achievements in polar history." His TED Talk, "Change Your Mindset and Achieve Anything", has been viewed over 1.5 million times.

Colin's story provides a raw, inspirational, thought-provoking journey deep into the mind to uncover what's possible and unlock human potential, set to a backdrop of some of the most extreme places on earth such as Mt. Everest and Antarctica. AAE22 is the go-to place for specialized dentists known as endodontists, oral health care providers and dental industry experts over 100 educational opportunities in the form of hands-on workshops, educational sessions and professional networking opportunities.

Events also include the Association President's Breakfast, the AAE award ceremony and a variety of hands-on, educational opportunities for dental professionals. To learn more about AAE22 or view all the program offerings, please visit: aae.org/aae22.

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.     

DentalPlans.com, a leading online marketplace for dental savings plans in the U.S. and part of the Henry Schein One portfolio of solutions, today announced John Pereira as the company’s new President.

“John brings more than 20 years of technology, innovation, and leadership experience to the company,” said Mike Baird, Chief Executive Officer, Henry Schein One. “His customer-centric focus and proven success in delivering operational excellence makes him the perfect fit to help the company continue to improve consumer access to quality, affordable dental care.”

Pereira will be responsible for leading the company’s business strategy and operations and charting the course for accelerated growth for dental savings plans – an affordable alternative to traditional dental insurance that provides plan members with 10-60% off on most dental procedures from a nationwide network of dentists.

“At DentalPlans.com, we’re committed to empowering people with the tools and information they need to access quality dental care,” said Jenn Stoll, Chief Commercial Officer, DentalPlans.com. “I’m so excited to have John join the DentalPlans.com team, and look forward to working collaboratively with him to continue to drive that mission forward.”

Prior to joining DentalPlans.com, Pereira served as Chief Operating Officer for Lightstream Communications, a leading provider of cloud and networking technology solutions, and as Vice President of AncestryDNA, where he led all product, marketing, and operational activities. He has a Bachelor of Science from the United States Naval Academy, served as a Naval Officer, and earned a Master of Business Administration from Carnegie Mellon University.

“I am so pleased to join a team that is driven by helping people lead healthier lives,” said Pereira. “With emerging technology and the web, we can break down traditional barriers and get dental savings plans in front of the people who truly need them and who may not be able to afford their oral health care otherwise.”

To learn more, visit DentalPlans.com.

About DentalPlans.com

DentalPlans.com, founded in 1999, is a leading online marketplace for dental savings plans in the U.S., helping more than a million people to affordably access quality healthcare services. Our mission is to empower consumers with the tools, information, and services that they need to live happier, healthier lives.

About Henry Schein One

Henry Schein One, a joint venture of Henry Schein, Inc., is a software company providing integrated software and services to the dental industry. Headquartered in American Fork, Utah, the company offers market-leading solutions for dental practices, including Dentrix®, Dentrix Ascend®, Dentrix® Enterprise, Demandforce®, Jarvis Analytics, Lighthouse360®, Officite, Sesame Communications, Easy Dental®, TechCentral™, and DentalPlans.com® as well as solutions offered through international companies, including Software of Excellence, Logiciel Julie, InfoMed, Exan, and LabNet, among others. For more information, visit www.HenryScheinOne.com

Keystone Dental Holdings, Inc. (“Keystone Dental”), a global commercial stage medical technology company with a comprehensive portfolio of tooth replacement solutions comprised of implants, prosthetic solutions, biomaterial solutions, and digital dentistry capabilities, announced today that the company has collaborated with Milestone Scientific to become a strategic channel partner for its STA Single Tooth Anesthesia® System.

Arjan Haverhals, CEO of Milestone Scientific Inc. commented, “We are delighted to announce a series of key initiatives to expand domestic distribution of the STA Single Tooth Anesthesia system. Keystone Dental Group is an ideal strategic channel partner given their dedicated sales force and broad reach across the U.S. Implant dentistry is a natural fit for the STA Single Tooth Anesthesia system, since it allows for localized anesthesia across a wide range of dental procedures. Through the use of our STA Single Tooth Anesthesia system, implant dentistry can be performed without the discomfort or potential risks and complications that could occur when numbing an entire quadrant of the patient’s mouth. Keystone Dental Group has a proven track record of introducing new products, including specialized instruments that require hands on training and support.”

Melker Nilsson, CEO of Keystone Dental, stated, “Keystone is very pleased to work with a leading partner in Milestone Scientific. This collaboration provides potential for improved patient care by embracing solutions that create a better, more comfortable patient experience and provide our customers with unique tools that enhance their daily workflow. We look forward to introducing these new capabilities from the STA Single Tooth Anesthesia system across our sales force and customer base.”

About Milestone Scientific, Inc.

Milestone Scientific Inc. (MLSS), a technology focused medical research and development company that patents, designs and develops innovative injection technologies and instruments for medical, dental and cosmetic applications. Milestone Scientific’s computer-controlled systems are designed to make injections precise, efficient and increase the overall patient comfort and safety. Their proprietary DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing Technology® instruments is the platform to advance the development of next-generation devices, regulating flow rate and monitoring pressure from the tip of the needle, through platform extensions of subcutaneous drug delivery, including local anesthetic. To learn more, view the MLSS brand video or visit milestonescientific.com.

About Keystone Dental Holdings, Inc.

Keystone Dental Group is a global commercial stage medical technology company focused on providing end-to-end solutions for dental practitioners and tooth replacement procedures. Headquartered in Burlington, Massachusetts with a distribution facility in Irvine, California, and a research and development and manufacturing site in Caesarea, Israel and in Melbourne, Australia, Keystone Dental Group markets its products across the world. The Company’s comprehensive portfolio of tooth replacement solutions is comprised of implants, prosthetic solutions, biomaterial solutions and digital dentistry capabilities. It includes proprietary offerings such as Osteon, Nexus iOS, Genesis – The Biomimetic Implant System™, the TILOBEMAXX™, PrimaConnex® and Prima Plus™ Implant Systems, the DynaMatrix® extracellular membrane, and the Dyna Blast® and DynaGraft D® bone graft substitutes. Keystone Dental Group acquired Implant Solutions Pty Ltd (“Osteon”) in 2021, adding a comprehensive portfolio of prosthetic solutions on implants and digital workflow capabilities. For more information, refer to www.keystonedental.com.

PerioProtect announced the PerioProtect2022 Meeting on October 7 and 8 in St. Louis, MO. Provide the highest quality care and simultaneously build your practice with hygiene-driven dentistry. Keynote speakers include Dr. Lou Graham, Dr. Duane Keller, nutrionist Megan Barnett, and one of the most sucessful Perio Protect Providers, Charissa Wood, RDH. Register for PerioProtect2022 to review the latest scientific data, learn how to use Perio Tray™ therapy for implant care, and understand the practical implementation steps to be successful. Team discounts and more information available at www.PerioProtect.com/2022. 

Aspen Dental today shared the impact of its robust dental implant training initiative, reinforcing the company's commitment to training and professional development with the goal of improving accessible, quality care for patients across the country. Since December 2020, more than 1,400 Aspen Dental providers across the nation have received a combination of surgical and restorative implant training. Of this group, 168 doctors have provided care to 7,796 patients with dental implant procedures – an average of 5.1 per doctor, per month. This number is in addition to the tens of thousands of patients already cared for with implant therapies every year by Aspen Dental doctors.

A recipient of the Brandon Hall Group Excellence in Learning Gold Award for Best Use of a Blended Learning Program, Aspen Dental's dental implantology curriculum is one of the most effective, engaging training programs in the country. Aspen Dental's comprehensive approach trains doctors on every aspect of the implant process, from diagnosis to delivery of care, for both restorative and surgical implantology.

The growing need for implant treatments and robust dental education is supported by research that shows more than 150 million people in the U.S. are missing at least one tooth (partial edentulism) and over one million of these cases go untreated annually. Additionally, more than 37 million Americans suffer complete edentulism, a condition linked to serious health, social and psychological issues.

"Over the past several years, we've continued to see implantology arise as one of the most effective treatment tactics for oral health needs," said Sundeep Rawal, DMD, senior vice president of implant support services for Aspen Dental. "At the same time, dental implantology is one of the most under-educated clinical specialty areas in dental school curriculum. To empower doctors to confidently provide the best level of care possible and meet the demand for implant therapies, we're eager to continuing growing our investment and leadership in implantology training."

Training a record-breaking number of dentists in implantology is just one way Aspen Dental demonstrates a commitment to professional development for all Aspen Dental team members. As Aspen Dental offices transition towards all-digital workstreams, care teams have increased opportunity to develop new areas of expertise and professional advancement within the organization – all while curating a more accessible patient experience.

For more information, visit www.aspendental.com/implants.

About Aspen Dental

Aspen Dental was founded in 1998 in New York by Bob Fontana with a simple goal in mind: to break down the barriers that doctors and patients face when it comes to dental care. Today, more than 20 years later, with nearly 1,000 Aspen Dental locations nationwide, the mission of the company remains the same – to bring better care to more people. Aspen Dental is the largest group of branded dental offices in the world. For more information, visit aspendental.com, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

About TAG - The Aspen Group

TAG was built on the simple idea of bringing better health care to more people. TAG and the independent health care practices it supports operate more than 1,100 locations in 45 states through its four healthcare support companies: Aspen Dental®, ClearChoice Dental Implant Centers®, WellNow Urgent Care® and Chapter Aesthetic StudioSM. Combined, the companies serve more than 35,000 patients a day and more than 8 million patients each year. TAG is headquartered at 800 W. Fulton Market in Chicago. For more information, visit teamtag.com, and follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter. 

A chewing gum made with a plant-grown protein "traps" the SARS-CoV-2 virus, reducing viral load in saliva and potentially tamping down transmission, according to a study led by Henry Daniell at Penn Dental Medicine.

The work, performed in collaboration with the Perelman School of Medicine and School of Veterinary Medicine, as well as The Wistar Institute and Fraunhofer USA, could lead to a low-cost tool in the arsenal against the COVID-19 pandemic. Their study appeared in Molecular Therapy.

"SARS-CoV-2 replicates in the salivary glands, and we know that when someone infected sneezes, coughs, or speaks some of that virus can be expelled," says Daniell. "Indeed, speaking four words releases more virus particles than breathing without a mask for one hour. This gum offers an opportunity to neutralize the virus in the saliva, giving us a simple way to possibly cut down on a source of transmission."

Pre-pandemic, Daniell was studying the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) protein in the context of treating hypertension. His lab had grown this protein, as well as many others that may have therapeutic potential, using a patented plant-based production system. The plant material, freeze-dried and ground-up, could be used to deliver the protein.

Daniell's past work on ACE2 proved fortuitous in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The receptor for ACE2 on human cells also happens to bind the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and ACE2 enzyme is naturally present in saliva. Meanwhile, another line of work by Daniell involved research to develop a chewing gum infused with plant-grown enzymes to disrupt dental plaque. Pairing his insights about ACE2 with this technology, Daniell wondered if such a gum, infused with plant-grown ACE2 proteins, could neutralize SARS-CoV-2 in the oral cavity.

To find out, he contacted Ronald Collman at Penn Medicine, whose team had been collecting biospecimens from COVID patients for research. To test the gum, the team grew ACE2 in plants, paired with another compound that enables the protein to block gates of viral entry and incorporated the resulting plant material into cinnamon-flavored gum tablets. Among various tests, the team exposed saliva samples from COVID-19 patients to the ACE2 gum and found that levels of viral RNA fell so dramatically to be almost undetectable.

The research team is currently working toward obtaining permission for a clinical trial to evaluate safety and efficacy when tested in people infected with SARS-CoV-2.

Str8, a dental aligner startup bringing accessible and healthy smiles to the public, is expanding to offer its services nationwide. The brand combines the ease of D2C with the convenience of in-person dental care. Prior to its national launch, Str8 was available as a pilot program to the local Jonesboro, Arkansas area where its founder, Dr. Misee Harris, owns and operates a dental office and medical center.

What sets Str8 apart from other aligners on the market is its dedication to a healthy smile, not just a straight one. The brand's mission is to educate its consumers, encourage regular dental check-ups and grant access to dream smiles that can help grow confidence. Str8 covers the cost of an initial dental examination at the beginning of the process. In addition, all cases are reviewed and designed by dentists and orthodontists. In addition, Str8 is the first D2C clear aligner brand to reward customers for going to the dentist. Clients will receive $100 off if they have received a dental cleaning within the last 12 months.

The accessible cost is possible due to Harris building her own lab out of her medical center, allowing the elimination of the middle man, which grants the savings to be transferred to the client. The lab is located inside the Louise Hage Medical Center, whose mission is to grant affordable care with access to doctors, dentists and behavior health professionals.

Harris has always been on the front line of offering necessary medical assistance to those who may not have access. She was inspired by her grandmother, for whom her medical center is named. After many years in the dental industry, Harris is excited to expand her professional services to offer clear aligners to the general public.

"My passion has always been to help and improve others' lives. I inherited that from my mother and my grandmother," says Misee Harris, Founder of Str8. "Starting Str8 and the ability to provide healthy smiles for those who otherwise wouldn't be able to afford orthodontic treatment was a no-brainer for me. I'm excited to grow as a company and continue to see how we can change people's lives."

Str8's Services Include:

-Complimentary in-person pre aligner check-up with personal dental professional

-Teledentistry that allows the patient to be monitored throughout their aligner treatment

-The convenience of D2C with monitoring by dental professionals

-Accessible and affordable pricing and financing

-Customized and premium quality products

-User-friendly digital services and client support

-Durable and comfortable aligners

For more information, visit www.str8oralcare.com.

About Str8

Str8 was founded by Dr. Misee Harris in 2021 and launched nationally in 2022. The brand's mission is to educate its consumers, encourage regular dental check-ups and grant access to dream smiles that can help grow confidence. After many years in the dental industry and philanthropic work, Harris looked to expand her reach by creating a line of affordable dental aligners to the general public and those who may not usually have access to their dream smile or dental education. 

Today, Delta Dental of Colorado (DDCO) announced the hiring of Kelli Clifton Ogunsanya, MHA, as its chief operating officer starting April 25, 2022. In this role, she will have oversight of the claims, clinical review, group administration, and customer service departments.

"I am eager to join an organization that has consistently been at the forefront of oral health care in Colorado," said Ogunsanya. "Delta Dental of Colorado offers comprehensive and innovative plans to help improve oral health care outcomes for millions each year, they are active in the communities they serve to increase oral health equity, and they are committed to digital transformation as a strategic operating and value-generating principle. I look forward to building upon Delta Dental of Colorado's track record of success."

Throughout her career, Ogunsanya has taken a thoughtful approach to enacting change in systems to provide the best possible access to health care for each individual. This legacy is one Ogunsanya has continuously highlighted, and her unique skill of understanding patients while simultaneously pursuing operational excellence will be impactful at DDCO.

"We could not be more excited about Kelli joining the Delta Dental of Colorado team," added Helen Drexler, president and CEO of Delta Dental of Colorado. "Throughout the interview process, I was blown away by Kelli's ability to understand the perspectives of patients and providers, while spearheading innovative solutions in health care."

Prior to this role, Ogunsanya was chief operating officer for STRIDE Community Health Care, managing its day-to-day operations for 16 Denver-area primary care, behavioral health, and dental clinics while crafting strategic plans and visions for the future. She has also served as client executive and senior director of operations at Optum (United Health Group) in Denver and as director of provider operations for The Advisory Board Company, which was later acquired by Optum.

Ogunsanya has been published multiple times, including her book "Madame Millennial: 100 Tips to Help the Modern Woman Master Work, Life & Everything In Between." She has been involved with the American College of Healthcare Executives and the National Association of Health Services Executives since 2007 and 2018, respectively. Ogunsanya currently serves on the Board of the Center for African-American Health in Denver, served on the board of the Region 2 Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disorders, and is a 2016 graduate of Leadership Georgia. Ogunsanya holds a bachelor of science in Public Health from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a master of health administration from The Ohio State University.

About Delta Dental of Colorado

Delta Dental of Colorado is a nonprofit dental benefits company with a mission to improve the oral health of the communities it serves. The nonprofit serves more than 1.4 million members, providing them the ability to use and manage their dental benefits easily. Through its plans, dentist network, and expert customer service, the nonprofit makes dental care accessible, affordable, and simple, leading to a healthier smile and life.

The Dental Compliance Institute (DCI), a leading provider of compliance training and certification programs for dental professionals, recently published “5 Ways to Survive a Ransomware Attack.” This “survival guide” is the second in a series that examines crucial regulatory topics such as OSHA, HIPAA, and dental risk management.

“The best way to survive a ransomware attack is to prevent one in the first place,” says DCI founder, Linda Harvey, MS, RDH. “That’s why our latest survival guide is focused on explaining how practice owners can effectively minimize the risk of a crippling ransomware attack.”

“5 Ways to Survive a Ransomware Attack” clearly explains why the dental industry needs to be extremely concerned about the state of ransomware as well as the liability of private practices and DSOs who become victims of ransomware attacks. The guide also provides best practices advice via outlining 5 steps to take to prevent ransomware attacks.

Did you know patient health information is worth more on the dark web than financial information? “The estimated cost of a patient record on the dark web varies from a low as $250 to as much as $1000 per record,” explains Harvey.

For multi-location group practices or DSOs, the risk and repercussions of a ransomware attack is exponentially magnified. For example, in the Spring of 2021 several breached email accounts with a multi-state dental administrative services provider impacted over 125,000 patients in ten states.

Therefore, every individual practice and group owner should download “5 Ways to Survive a Ransomware Attack” at www.RansomwareSurvialGuide.com.

About the Dental Compliance Institute:

Founded in 2014 and based in Jacksonville, Florida, the mission of the DCI has been to provide dental professionals, including dentists, hygienists, dental assistants, and office managers with the comprehensive, up to date train-the-trainer compliance training and certification regarding OSHA, HIPAA, and dental risk management. For more information, visit www.DentalComplianceInstitute.com