New service from Amann Girrbach offers more flexibility and includes regular program upgrades

Amann Girrbach offers a new service: as part of the so-called Performance Plans, customers will in future not only have the option of buying software programs, but also of renting them. Lower entry costs, flexible selection options and included upgrades are the major benefits. The new Performance Plans will be available from May 2022.

The new Performance Plans represent an alternative to purchasing. The prices for the software plans include the license as well as upgrades. New upgrades are made available on a regular basis so that customers can benefit from new workflows to optimize work processes, from new indications and materials, or from process optimizations - for example, through more efficient milling strategies. The number of included software modules can be adapted flexibly to the respective requirements. In addition, customers have a choice of different plans for hardware maintenance and repair. Details can be requested from the designated dealer.

"The idea behind the new Performance Plans is to offer our customers an all-round carefree package. Our customers should always be in a position to use our system optimally and be up to date at all times - the flexible solutions tailored to their individual needs make this possible while at the same time keeping entry costs low. As from May 2022, customers will therefore be able to decide for themselves whether they wish to buy or rent the CAD/CAM software license. By doing so, Amann Girrbach is following the cross-industry trend towards subscription models," explains James Rushton, Head of Global Service at Amann Girrbach. More information and full details of the new Performance Plans can be found at https://www.amanngirrbach.us/service-portfolio/. 

In Recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, Report Highlights Eight Findings on How Depression is Linked to Oral Health

CareQuest Institute for Oral Health® — a leading national nonprofit focused on creating a more accessible, equitable, and integrated oral health system — released a new report during Mental Health Awareness Month that spotlights the growing link between mental health and oral health.

The new visual report, which is based on an increasing body of research from CareQuest Institute’s 2022 State of Oral Health Equity in America survey and other scientific literature, highlights eight findings that show how mental health is connected to oral health. For example, depression is linked to poor oral hygiene, fewer dental visits, and other oral health problems.

“We know that depression can significantly affect an individual’s emotional well-being and overall functioning,” said Dr. Myechia Minter-Jordan, president and CEO of CareQuest Institute for Oral Health. “This Mental Health Awareness Month, we are highlighting a growing body of research that shows that our emotional state is also connected to our oral health and why it’s so important to integrate oral health into broader, overall health strategies.”

The eight findings from CareQuest Institute and other scientific literature include:

1. Adults with severe depression are more than twice as likely to report they do not brush their teeth at least twice a day.

2. Adults with depression report flossing their teeth less often than those without depression.

3. Individuals with depression visit the dentist for care significantly less often than those without depression.

4. Adults with poor mental health (including depression) are more likely to have one or more unmet oral health need and are less likely to seek care for these needs.

5. Depression is linked to higher levels of dental caries (decay).

6. Periodontal (gum) disease is associated with higher scores on measures of depression.

7. Scores on measures of depression are higher in individuals with a temporomandibular disorder (TMD) — that is, chronic pain in the face and jaw — compared to those without a TMD.

8. Young adults with a history of depression are more likely to have extended use of opioid prescriptions after wisdom tooth removal than those without depression.

To learn more about this topic, read CareQuest Institute’s recent post, “Three Resources That Explore the Connection Between Oral Health and Mental Health.” 

“Everyday Practices Podcast,” “The Productive Dentist Podcast” and “Investment Grade Practices™” Garner 2021 Fan Favorite Votes on DentalPodcast.org

Productive Dentist Academy (PDA), the nation’s leading dental consulting and marketing firm, recently announced its three wildly popular dental podcasts – “Everyday Practices Podcast,” “The Productive Dentist Podcast” and “Investment Grade Practices™” earned three out of the top five positions for Fan Favorite Podcast of 2021 on DentalPodcast.org

“To remain relevant, businesses must evolve and keep pace with innovation.” said Dr. Victoria Peterson, co-founder & CEO of PDA. “At our core PDA is a learning organization. The evolution of our podcast platform reflects the changes in the way our clients like to learn and consume information.”

The Dental Podcast Directory (DentalPodcast.org) was created by Dr. Chance Bodini to identify and recognize the most influential voices within the dental profession.

“Since 2015, the Dental Podcast Directory has asked podcast creators and their fans to vote for their four favorite podcasts,” said Bodini. “In 2021, the campaign collected 947 unique ballots. The four podcasts with the most votes were awarded our ‘Fan Favorite’ badge.”

This year, PDA secured two, top-four finishes. “Everyday Practices Podcast” (hosted by PDA Chief Communications Officer Regan Robertson and Dr. Chad Johnson) earned the most votes from its fans of any podcast within our directory and “The Productive Dentist Podcast” (hosted by Dr. Bruce Baird) earned a very respectable 175 votes as the third most popular podcast. “The Investment Grade Practices” podcast hosted by Dr. Victoria Peterson, while just missing the fourth top spot, earned the fifth most Fan Favorite votes on DentalPodcast.org in 2021.

“We are thrilled that the Productive Dentist Academy performed so well this year,” said Bodini. “Consistently creating great content requires dedication from an entire team, and the fact that three podcasts from PDA performed so well is confirmation that the work they do is well received by their fans and colleagues.”

The Everyday Practices Dental Podcast follows Regan Robertson & Dr. Chad Johnson as they interview dental professionals – from dental industry greats to the dentist across the street – about everything related to dentistry and dental practice ownership from productivity, to dental marketing, best practices for patient retention and engagement, personal habits and health, leadership and team building skills.

“Every culture uses the power of story to transfer important knowledge to future generations,” said Regan Robertson, Chief Communication Officer at PDA and co-host of “Everyday Practices Dental Podcast.” “Many dental podcasts interview well-established dental industry giants. Dr. Johnson and I know success comes in all shapes and sizes, and that listeners are hungry for authentic storied about success strategies anyone can put into practice. We are passionate about giving voice to everyday dentists that achieve extraordinary results, which is why we believe listeners voted “Everyday Practices Dental Podcast” the number one dental podcast according to DentalPodcast.org.”

The Productive Dentist Podcast features Dr. Bruce Baird, America’s most productive dentist, as he shares the wisdom and knowledge he has gained in more than 30 years of practicing dentistry. A pioneer in dental implants, scheduling, leadership, and practice management, Dr. Baird has a wealth of knowledge he is eager to share to help dentists become more productive and live better lives.

“Successful dentists learn from the successes and failures of other successful dentists,” said Dr. Bruce Baird, co-founder of Productive Dentist Academy and host of “The Productive Dentist Podcast.” “During 120-plus episodes of ‘The Productive Dentist Podcast,’ we have showcased excellence in dentistry from hiring and training your team to mentoring to practice valuations and so much more. It’s so rewarding to be able to give back to a profession that has given me so much.”

Investment Grade Practices™ are designed to be well-functioning practices that allow the owner to enjoy a rich lifestyle today, while building assets and value for tomorrow. In her Investment Grade Practices™ podcast, Dr. Victoria Peterson interviews business thought leaders to bring insights on how to lead your business, drive change within the team, and attract your ideal patients so you have the knowledge you need to craft your Investment Grade Practice™.

“Investment Grade Practices™ podcast takes owners out of the weeds of practice management to focus on business tips that drive long-term value in the business. The format is unique in that I interview compelling business leaders on their area of expertise, and follow with a monologue highlighting primary take-aways,” said Dr. Peterson. “Our mission is to level the playing field for independent, private practice owners facing tremendous competition from private equity DSO entities. Our three podcasts provide three unique perspectives to address this challenge.”  

Aurident, a dental manufacturer and supplier for more than 47 years, now offers Asiga dental 3D Printers. Asiga a global leader in manufacturing repeatable and precise dental 3D printers, produces the desktop MAX UV 3D printer and the high-volume PRO 4K 3D printer. Aurident carries a wide range of accessories and 3D resin materials for orthodontics, crown & bridge, surgical guides, dental models, custom trays, and partial dentures. Customers that purchase an Asiga 3D Printer from Aurident will benefit from a 10% discount on their future material purchases. Contact Aurident at 800-422-7373 or visit aurident.co/3dprinters.

Ormco Corporation, a global leader and innovator of orthodontic products and solutions, is proud to announce the launch of its new online store. The new Ormco online store was created to establish a seamless, one-stop shopping experience for orthodontic offices, allowing them to streamline purchases and manage their accounts all online, with 24/7 access.

Customers on the mobile-optimized site can not only purchase a comprehensive selection of Ormco products such as the Damon Ultima™ System and Symetri™ Clear, but infection prevention products and other accessories to help orthodontic clinicians provide their patients with the high-quality and innovative products they have come to expect from Ormco.

Jim McGillivary, SVP & President of Ormco stated, "Launching eCommerce is part of Ormco's digital transformation and represents our commitment to create an exceptional customer experience for our orthodontic practitioners. The Ormco Online Store offers a centralized location that allows them to learn, purchase the products they need, and manage their account in an efficient way, when it is convenient for them. It further demonstrates our promise to make our customers' practices our priority."

The new eCommerce platform, store.ormco.com is available to all customers in North America and will continue to expand globally throughout 2022. 

A Harris Poll survey commissioned by Sunbit found that consumers overwhelmingly report positive sentiments following BNPL use, with those who have an annual household income of $100K+ more likely to say they are very likely to finance necessary services in the next 6 months

Consumers overwhelmingly report positive sentiments following BNPL use, with those who have an annual household income of $100K+ more likely to say they are very likely to finance necessary services in the next 6 months.

Key Findings:

● 69% of US consumers report an interest in BNPL for necessary services.

● Current inflation is creating feelings of diminished buying power for about 8 out of 10 US consumers (81%).

● Nearly 4 in 5 US consumers (79%) plan to cut back on “wants” to better save funds for necessities in the coming months in anticipation of prices of goods/services continuing to rise.

● More than two-thirds of US consumers (67%) have delayed necessary services or purchases due to inflation. Top items being delayed include home repairs (27%), dental work (27%), car purchases (26%), and car repairs (20%).

● Those with an annual household income of $100,000+ are more likely than those with an annual household income of less than $75K to say they are very likely to finance necessary services in the next 6 months (18% vs. 11%).

● Younger generations are more likely to report delays in necessary services/purchases than older generations (82% of Gen Z ages 18–25 and 80% of Millennials ages 25–41 vs. 69% of Gen X ages 42–57 and 51% of Boomers ages 58–76).

As inflation continues its squeeze on American consumers, a recent study, commissioned by Sunbit and conducted online by the Harris Poll with more than 2,000 US adults, shows that the majority of consumers would like BNPL to go beyond its current focus on e-commerce businesses and extend to everyday needs.

BNPL for Necessities Is a Must-Have

Today, most consumers can’t cover an unexpected $400 expense, and having access to the right financing tools is essential to meeting the needs of consumers. 69% of US consumers report an interest in BNPL to pay for necessary services such as car repairs, eyewear or dental care. Those who are feeling stressed by the current economic situation are more likely than those who are not stressed by it to say they want access to a BNPL option for these services (74% vs. 53%).

But financing options aren’t only for consumers in a pinch. According to the survey’s findings, those with an annual household income of $100,000+ are more likely than those with an annual household income of less than $75k to say they are very likely to finance a necessary service in the next 6 months (18% vs. 11%).

In keeping with other findings in the survey, Boomers are the least likely to be interested in BNPL for necessary services (52% vs. 72% of Gen Z, 84% of Millennials, and 72% of Gen X), while Millennials are most likely to express interest in BNPL for necessary services.

Everyday Needs Are Being Put Off

Current inflation is negatively impacting about 8 out of 10 US consumers, and 81% cite feelings of diminished buying power as a result. A similar proportion of US consumers (79%) plan to cut back on “wants” to better save funds for necessities over the coming months in anticipation of prices of goods/services continuing to rise.

More than two-thirds of US consumers (67%) have delayed necessary services and purchases due to inflation.

The top items being delayed include home repairs (27%), dental work (27%), car purchases (26%), and car repairs (20%), pointing toward a need for solutions to help consumers address these necessities.

Consumers appear to expect the economic outlook to remain challenging, with half of US consumers (50%) planning to finance a necessary service over the next 6 months.

Consumers Reveal Their Feelings about BNPL

While it is less surprising that 92% of US consumers have at least heard of BNPL, and nearly three-quarters (73%) are at least somewhat familiar with it, the study was able to get an inside look at the emotional impact BNPL usage has had on consumers.

Sunbit learned that those who have used a BNPL service in the past have very positive feelings about the experience, whether they used BNPL for discretionary or nondiscretionary purchases. Many of those who have used BNPL for necessities report feelings of happiness (47%), relief (63%), and excitement (39%), while only 10% report feelings of regret or stress. Similarly, many of those who have used BNPL for non-necessities report feelings of happiness (53%), relief (43%), and excitement (32%), while only about 1 in 10 report feelings of regret (11%), stress (12%), or guilt (9%).

Moreover, most US consumers who have used BNPL (76%) have used it more than once and on average have completed five transactions with it.

BNPL Is Likely to Evolve

The study outcomes point to a broad range of consumers' use of BNPL as part of financial management, spanning the gamut from those under economic pressure to those who choose to use it as a budgeting tool or just another option in their financial toolkit. Consumers have been drawn to BNPL as a faster, cheaper alternative to credit cards. As with any category, as BNPL matures, customers may evolve in the way they use it. The Sunbit study suggests that consumers may be gravitating toward using BNPL as a means of reducing stress for everyday purchases and at the point of sale – and to avoid endless cycles of debt. Whatever the nuances, the current data points to the idea that BNPL is here to stay.

Survey Method

This survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of Sunbit from April 5-7, 2022 among 2,063 U.S. adults ages 18 and older, among whom 441 have used BNPL services. The sampling precision of Harris online polls is measured by using a Bayesian credible interval. For this study, the sample data is accurate to within + 2.8 percentage points using a 95% confidence level. For complete survey methodology, including weighting variables and subgroup sample sizes, please contact media@sunbit.com.

Weave, an all-in-one customer communication platform for small business, has signed a multi-year integration partnership with Sunbit, a preferred buy now, pay later (BNPL) technology for everyday needs and services. Sunbit’s technology will power Buy Now, Pay Later solutions for health-care practices across the United States. The partnership integrates Sunbit’s technology and Weave’s communications platform to help eliminate financial stress and enable patients to access needed care by paying for their treatment over time. The solution offers fair and transparent payment terms, without fees of any kind.

“Collecting payments is one of the most important patient interactions in a small healthcare practice,” said Branden Neish, Weave’s Chief Product Officer. “Bringing Weave’s communications platform and Sunbit’s Buy Now, Pay Later technology together creates a solution that helps practices provide a better patient experience while driving more financing revenue each month.” 

The addition of Sunbit’s Buy Now, Pay Later technology is the latest expansion of Weave’s Payments offering, which launched in 2019 to help small practices streamline payment collection. Since launching Payments, Weave has expanded its offering for practices to include Text to Pay, digital wallets, card on file, and wireless terminals.

“Too many patients are delaying dental care, new eyeglasses or necessary pet surgery because of the upfront cost,” said Oded Vakrat, head of Platform Partnerships at Sunbit. “We’re excited to partner with Weave so that practices can focus on delivering top-notch care to more patients who now don’t have to worry about how they’ll pay for it. With Sunbit technology, 90% of patients are approved, and they can split their costs into manageable payments.”

Sunbit’s Buy Now, Pay Later solution is currently available in more than 13,000 locations across the United States. The Weave platform is currently used by more than 23,000 locations across the United States and Canada.

About Weave

Weave is an all-in-one customer communications and engagement platform for small business. From the first phone call to the final invoice and every touchpoint in between, Weave connects the entire customer journey. Weave’s software solutions transform how local businesses attract, communicate with, and engage customers to grow their business. The first Utah company to join Y Combinator, Weave has set the bar for Utah startup achievement and work culture. In the past year, Weave has been included in the Forbes Cloud 100, Inc. 5000 fastest-growing companies in America, and Glassdoor Best Places to Work. To learn more, visit Weave (NYSE: WEAV), the all-in-one customer communication platform for small business, has signed a multi-year integration partnership with Sunbit, the preferred buy now, pay later (BNPL) technology for everyday needs and services. Sunbit’s technology will power Buy Now, Pay Later solutions for healthcare practices across the U.S.

The partnership integrates Sunbit’s technology and Weave’s communications platform to help eliminate financial stress and enable patients to access needed care by paying for their treatment over time. The solution offers fair and transparent payment terms, without fees of any kind.

“Collecting payments is one of the most important patient interactions in a small healthcare practice,” said Branden Neish, Weave’s Chief Product Officer. “Bringing Weave’s communications platform and Sunbit’s Buy Now, Pay Later technology together creates a solution that helps practices provide a better patient experience while driving more financing revenue each month.”

The addition of Sunbit’s Buy Now, Pay Later technology is the latest expansion of Weave’s Payments offering, which launched in 2019 to help small practices streamline payment collection. Since launching Payments, Weave has expanded its offering for practices to include Text to Pay, digital wallets, card on file and wireless terminals.

“Too many patients are delaying dental care, new eyeglasses or necessary pet surgery because of the upfront cost,” said Oded Vakrat, Head of Platform Partnerships at Sunbit. “We’re excited to partner with Weave so that practices can focus on delivering top-notch care to more patients who now don’t have to worry about how they’ll pay for it. With Sunbit technology, 90% of patients are approved, and they can split their costs into manageable payments. 

Sunbit’s Buy Now, Pay Later solution is currently available in more than 13,000 locations across the U.S. The Weave platform is currently used by over 23,000 locations across the U.S. & Canada.

About Weave

Weave is the all-in-one customer communications and engagement platform for small business. From the first phone call to the final invoice and every touchpoint in between, Weave connects the entire customer journey. Weave’s software solutions transform how local businesses attract, communicate with and engage customers to grow their business. The first Utah company to join Y Combinator, Weave has set the bar for Utah startup achievement & work culture. In the past year, Weave has been included in the Forbes Cloud 100, Inc. 5000 fastest-growing companies in America, and Glassdoor Best Places to Work. To learn more, visit www.getweave.com/newsroom/.

About Sunbit

Sunbit is a preferred buy now, pay later technology for everyday needs and services. Sunbit eases the stress of buying everyday things by offering access to fast, fair and transparent payment options to people everywhere. Our technology is offered in-store and online at more than 13,000 locations, including one in three auto dealership service centers, optical practices, dentist offices, veterinary clinics, and specialty healthcare services. All loans are made by Transportation Alliance Bank, Inc., dba TAB Bank, which determines qualifications for and terms of credit.

You are invited to celebrate Panthera Dental’s 10th anniversary this September 10th at the company’s headquarters. On the menu: An evening worthy of Panthera including entertainment, surprises, cocktails, appetizers, and much more.

Panthera Dental, world-renowned for its innovations in dental, medical and sleep-disordered breathing treatments, is announcing a very special event this September 10th. The company invites you to celebrate its 10 years of innovation, its 10 years of growth, but above all its 10 years of valuable collaboration with you, our customers, distributors, partners and friends.

You are invited to the company’s Headquarters located in the beautiful city of Quebec in Canada. With more than 40,000 square feet, Panthera Dental’s new facility is one of North America’s most technologically advanced centers in its industry. Panthera’s new state‐of‐the‐art facility is dedicated to the automated manufacturing of dental and medical prosthetic products and dental sleep appliances, following the Industry 4.0 principles.

On the program for the evening: an unforgettable event, a unique tour of the plant, appetizers and cocktails, entertainment, surprises, not to mention the opportunity to meet partners, industry experts and the entire Panthera team behind the success of the past 10 years. Take advantage of the entire weekend to discover the wonderful city of Quebec and the evening of September 10th to celebrate with colleagues, friends and the entire team.

“In addition to celebrating this joint success with us, this is the perfect opportunity to discover our headquarters, visit our 4.0 factory and meet the people behind the panther,” said Beatrice Robichaud, co-founder and Vice President of Marketing and Customer Experience at Panthera Dental. “We promise you an unforgettable weekend in the city of Quebec, an evening worthy of Panthera and networking with many industry experts on site. Reserve your September 10th now!”

Reserve your place for the event by registering here: www.pantheradental.com/10th Hurry, places are limited. Registration required.

Dr. Michael Glick, Executive Director of Penn Dental Medicine’s Center for Integrative Global Oral Health, has been recognized for his leadership by the Academy of Dentistry International (ADI) – named the ADI International Dentist of the Year for 2021. The award honors career contributions to dentistry, international education, and service.

In the global arena, Dr. Glick has been active with the FDI World Dental Federation since 2007, serving on multiple committees, including co-chairing the Task Team Vision 2030. He also had a leading role in establishing FDI’s Vision 2020 and most recently was the primary author of its Vision 2030, giving guidance for a global interdisciplinary and integrative role for oral health. A widely published and highly respected lecturer, Dr. Glick served as Editor-in-Chief of The Journal of the American Dental Association from 2005 to 2020.

Within academia, Dr. Glick served as Dean of the University at Buffalo, SUNY, School of Dental Medicine (2009-2015) where he remained as Professor of Oral Diagnostic Sciences before coming to Penn Dental Medicine in 2021 to lead Penn Dental Medicine’s new Center for Integrative Global Oral Health (CIGOH). The School’s first policy center, CIGOH is seeking to find creative solutions to address unmet oral health needs around the world through public policy, education, and research initiatives, collaborating across disciplines and across borders. Among CIGOH initiatives is the Integrative Global Oral Health Lectures Series that brings together global thought leaders in both oral and general health.

The ADI will present the award at its 2022 annual meeting (delayed a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic), to be held in November in San Antonio. Dr. Glick was also invited to present a continuing education lecture as part of the meeting.

The ADI is an international honor society for dentists dedicated to sharing knowledge in order to serve the dental health needs and to improve the quality of life of people throughout the world. This transnational organization is devoted to the advancement of dentistry throughout the world and to the elevation of dental standards by continuing education. There are chapters and Fellows in over 80 countries around the world.

In observance of World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue & Development on May 21, Dentsply Sirona celebrated a week of diversity and inclusion focused activities.

In an organization with over 15,000 employees located across the world, diversity and inclusion are a natural aspect of the makeup of Dentsply Sirona, the world’s largest manufacturer of professional dental products and technologies. To highlight both the efforts made in the diversity and inclusion (D&I) space, and to celebrate the diversity of its employees, Dentsply Sirona last week celebrated its Global Diversity Week, from May 16-20.

Activities and events included an eye-opening Conversations of Understanding, where participants provided insight into how to help cultivate a workplace of belonging and a culture of inclusion. Additionally, employees in the company’s Bensheim, Germany location were treated to food from the nation of Cameroon, further showing the diversity of Dentsply Sirona employees through food.

New D&I Council Co-Executive Sponsors Announced

The company also announced that Cherée Johnson, Senior Vice President, Chief Legal Officer, General Counsel & Secretary, and Andreas Frank, Executive Vice President, Product Group, have agreed to be co-executive sponsors for the company’s Diversity & Inclusion Council moving forward. “Diversity and Inclusion efforts in any organization are parts of a long journey, but a crucially important one,” added Johnson. “It is humbling to be able to play a critical role in the direction and path of D&I within Dentsply Sirona, and I cannot wait to see where we can go.”

“I am honored to have the opportunity to make an impact together with this organization and our people in such a profound way,” said Frank. “My passion for D&I spans my entire career, and assuming this role will allow me to make meaningful contributions to our efforts in the space while also helping to shape our D&I direction.”

Dentsply Sirona has also grown its Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), now encompassing seven global networks and thousands of employee participants. In the past year, four new groups have been established - DS Able, Emerging Talent, DS Pride and APACG (Asia PACific Group). These ERGs are open to all employees with similar personal backgrounds and interests and foster conversations about diversity and inclusion.

Diversity as a Part of Overall Sustainability Initiative

Global Diversity Week is just a small part of Dentsply Sirona’s overall commitment to taking action for a brighter world and ensuring a sustainable business framework. Dentsply Sirona is constantly seeking ways to foster an inclusive culture and diverse workforce. Additionally, the Dentsply Sirona Beyond initiative is highlighting the organization’s efforts in Sustainability, both internally and externally.

For example, Dentsply Sirona supports the Women in Dentistry initiative which strives to support and promote women in the dental industry. This includes the Smart Integration Award honoring creative ideas and successful treatment concepts of female dental professionals and creating a platform for them to network internationally, the “First to 50” program, designed to offer personal development for female dentists, specialists and dental assistants and promote them as speakers. To learn more about Sustainability and Dentsply Sirona and its ties to Diversity & Inclusion, click here.

Fig. 1: Cherée Johnson, Senior Vice President, Chief Legal Officer, General Counsel & Secretary at Dentsply Sirona.

Fig. 2: Andreas Frank, Executive Vice President, Product Group at Dentsply Sirona.