Their pioneering open data warehouse is standardizing data in the dental industry and forcing others to evolve along with them which will impact overall healthcare outcomes.

tab32, the all-in-one cloud technology platform for dental, is the first in the industry to standardize electronic healthcare record (EHR) data by offering a cloud-based open data warehouse that allows for a standardized taxonomy for data collection, curation, and processing. Data standardization across the industry will inform business decisions and technological advances, and has the potential to help evolve the dental industry to have stronger legislation created to support it, which will impact overall healthcare outcomes.

"Data is both a key asset and a large obstacle when it comes to the dental industry," said Kiltesh Patel, CEO and co-founder of tab32. " We are offering a modern solution that focuses on standardization, ensuring all data—from analytics to billing to clinical data and beyond—is easily accessible and interoperable. Standardizing these systems not only reduces time, making it easier for dental offices to respond to organizational crises and engage in same-day decision making, but it also allows for greater insight into the industry at a scale we have not yet seen before."

tab32 is providing DSOs and practices the ability to make business decisions from a data-driven approach. Designed from the ground up to bring best-in-class cloud services to dental practices and DSOs, tab32's platform turns dental providers' plethora of data into self-organizing warehouses, with uniformly formatted and consistently categorized patient records and business data. Using standardized and synchronized data and technology, DSOs can now use cutting-edge AI and business intelligence tools to surface new insights, unlock new efficiencies, and identify smarter and more effective ways to serve patients.

"The idea of standardization of data in dental is extremely powerful for the entire industry," said Melissa LuVisi, CSO at tab32. "This will allow us to leverage that information and take everyone to the next level in terms of patient care, coordination, delivery model, and more. Medical has already standardized its data; what we've done will allow dental to evolve past where medical is at, which will impact overall healthcare outcomes. This is extremely important because oral healthcare is vastly important when we're looking at healthcare outcomes, yet it often gets looked over by regulators and care providers for a variety of reasons we're looking to change."

The dental practice management platform sits on the highly secure Google infrastructure and is monitored 24/7 by its own security team, utilizing HIPAA-compliant solutions for all data-associated efforts.

Richer embedded benefits, new dental allowance plan and new flexible allowance offer coverage for more services

Humana Inc. (NYSE: HUM) recently announced it has enhanced dental benefits for many of its 2023 Medicare Advantage plans, providing support to dental providers by making it easy to work with the company and easy for patients to use their benefits.

People eligible for Medicare are able to select their 2023 plan during the Annual Election Period happening Oct. 15-Dec. 7. All Humana Medicare Advantage dental benefits use a PPO network, even if the patient is on an HMO medical plan.

“For this year, we’ve conducted extensive research to listen to what members want in their plans. And as a result of those listening sessions, we’ve designed plans with a focus on what they need,” said George Renaudin, Medicare President for Humana. “Dental coverage is by far the number one benefit that seniors desire. We are doing things to enrich those plans for our members.”

Humana members have the ability to seek in-network care in and outside of their home state, which is important for those who travel often or snowbirds who split their time between different locations.

Humana’s enhanced dental benefits for many of its 2023 Medicare Advantage plans include:

● Richer embedded dental benefits. More than 80 percent of Humana’s Medicare Advantage members will have embedded benefits that cover some major services. About 90 percent of members will have Medicare Advantage plans that cover periodontal scaling.

● New dental allowance. Humana Medicare Advantage members on many plans will be able to use up to the annual maximum of the allowance with no frequency limitations on services, providing patients with more flexibility to get the services they need, when they need them.

● Flexible allowance on the Humana Spending Account Card. A new flexible annual allowance on certain plans is designed to help members pay out-of-pocket dental, vision or hearing expenses for covered services, making them more affordable for members. The allowance gives members the flexibility to choose which expenses they want to cover, as long as the services are covered by the embedded plan benefits.

Humana fee schedules pay the same for Medicare Advantage and commercial/employer-backed plans. Dental providers interested in learning more about Humana’s network can visit www.humana.com/provider/dentist-resources/join-dental-network.

Humana has served Medicare beneficiaries for nearly 40 years, with nearly 8.7 million Medicare members in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico, as of June 30, 2022. Nearly 5.1 million of those members are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan.

● Latest innovation in dental 3D printing materials from SprintRay

● Created with new technology, NanoFusion™, for best-in-class toughness

● Joins a growing portfolio of market-leading SprintRay digital dental solutions

SprintRay Inc., an industry leader in digital dentistry and 3D printing solutions, today announced the commercial launch of OnX Tough, a next generation hybrid ceramic resin designed for 3D printing dental prosthetics. Leveraging SprintRay's proprietary NanoFusion™ technology, this new resin delivers unparalleled durability and lifelike translucency for high-quality, same-day smiles.

"SprintRay was founded on the promise of building carefully-curated 3D printing solutions to enable dental providers to deliver an exceptional patient experience," said SprintRay CEO and Co-Founder Amir Mansouri, Ph.D. "This breakthrough OnX Tough material represents a paradigm shift for chairside dentistry, delivering customized, beautiful and functional dental prosthetics while the patient is in the chair."

The need for dental prosthetics is on the rise, with the global market projected to reach $9.71 billion by 2026.1 In the U.S. alone, approximately 178 million adults are missing at least one tooth and 40 million are edentulous (missing all teeth).2 Conventional methods to manufacture dental prosthetics involve sending digital or analog impressions to a lab with turnaround times averaging 3-4 weeks for some patients. With the advent of digital dentistry and 3D printing, first generation 3D printing technologies have enabled in-office manufacturing of dental prosthetics, but with significant limitations.

"When creating OnX Tough, we set out to design a next generation resin that addressed a key limitation of 3D printed prosthetics today – durability and toughness," said Sumeet Jain, Ph.D., Vice President, Materials. "To address these limitations we developed NanoFusion™ technology, a new approach to dental chemistry. NanoFusion™ materials have a novel composition and form dense polymer chains to deliver dental prostheses with best-in-class fracture toughness, 5X that of first generation technology. Furthermore, the composition brings a perfect combination of translucency and opacity to mimic that of natural dentition."

OnX Tough is fully integrated with the SprintRay 3D printing workflow and joins a growing portfolio of digital solutions, including:

● The Fastest Dental 3D Printing Ecosystem: Featuring Pro55 S and Pro 95 S printers equipped with Bolt speed delivering most dental appliances in less than 60 minutes

● Smart Print AI: Harnessing the power of artificial intelligence, Smart Print AI makes the entire 3D printing experience with SprintRay automated and hands-free

● Growing Resin Portfolio: Large selection of >15 proprietary, biocompatible and model materials developed and tested for market-leading performance in digital dentistry

To learn more about OnX Tough, visit www.sprintray.com  

Today's dental patients are looking for less-invasive options to improve their smile at a price they can afford. That's why 3M has introduced the 3M™ Filtek™ Matrix – a new restorative solution that makes composite placement less stressful and more predictable for dentists and more affordable for their patients.

Dental composites can be a great choice to restore or improve the esthetics of a patient's smile. However, the traditional process can be long and complicated. The Filtek Matrix procedure begins with a digital restoration design. A patient-specific matrix is created that helps the clinician transfer the digital design to the patient's teeth using 3M dental composites. Unlike more invasive ceramic procedures which often require the removal of tooth structure, the Filtek Matrix relies on additive composite techniques where little to no tooth reduction is required. In a clinical evaluation, dentists reported that using the matrix increased their confidence, delivered predictable and esthetic results, and saved chair time.

"This product brings together leading material science and digital innovation to enable clinicians to predictably and efficiently transform patient smiles," said Andrew Milder, global portfolio director, 3M Oral Care. "It is exciting to see the amazing results that clinicians have delivered using the Filtek Matrix."

The Filtek Matrix is the latest innovation in 3M's industry-leading portfolio of restorative solutions. Clinicians can pair the Filtek Matrix with 3M™ Filtek™ Dental Restoratives to deliver excellent composite strength and wear resistance for patients.

To learn more about the new Filtek Matrix, please visit: 3M.com/FiltekMatrix.

Vista Apex, a market leader in Endodontic and Restorative dental products, announced that it has completed a rebrand. The company has updated their logo and added the tagline, “Endo, Resto, Let’s Go!” to connect the endodontics line with the restorative line.

Vista Apex helps dental clinicians to increase successful patient outcomes by providing technologically advanced dental products at accessible price points. When developing products, Vista Apex gathers feedback from clinicians to ensure customer satisfaction. With continuous innovation, a track record of award-winning excellence, and over 50 issued patents with more in the works, Vista Apex is your trusted Endo Resto provider.

“Since the day we brought the Vista team and the Apex team together, we’ve been dedicated to providing accessible innovation.” said Vista Apex CEO Scott Lamerand. He went on to add, “We drill day in and day out to think about how we’re going to help the doctor and the patient.”

Bringing accessible innovation and pushing dentistry forward has always been the mission at Vista Apex. With a passionate team, Vista Apex will continue to make its mark on the endodontics and restorative dentistry world.

Visit vistaapex.com to see all brand updates and news.

George R. Shepley, DDS, of Baltimore, MD, is the newly installed 159th President of The American Dental Association (ADA). He served as President-Elect and Fourth District Trustee of the ADA prior to being elected as President.

A life member of the ADA, Dr. Shepley also served as an alternate or delegate from 2006 to 2017, as well as chair of the ADA Council on Communications, Budget and Finance Committee and Committee on Annual Meetings. Additionally, Dr. Shepley worked two terms on the State Public Affairs Oversight Committee and has been a Board liaison to the Council on Members Insurance, the American Student Dental Association (ASDA), the Council on Government Affairs and the American Dental Political Action Committee (ADPAC).

Dr. Shepley is an active member of the Maryland State Dental Association (MSDA) and served as a Past President. He was also past president of the Baltimore City Dental Society and the Maryland Academy of General Dentistry. Dr. Shepley recently completed a six-year tenure as a trustee for the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), where he also previously served as chair of the Dental Education Council and division coordinator of the Dental Education Division.

During his presidency, Dr. Shepley intends to move forward with both a business and cultural shift to help build a brighter future for the profession and the ADA. Giving back to the dental profession and improving the oral health of others, including overall health and well-being, and ensuring young dentists can enjoy a fulfilling career, are just several of his priorities. The promotion of dentistry as being essential in overall health will also be key, as is an increase in ADA market share in the next couple of years where ADA can be considered a home for all dentists across different practice modalities.

“It’s an incredibly exciting time as the ADA is working hard to embrace the future of our association and profession,” stated Dr. Shepley. “We are ushering dentistry into the twenty-first century. As the art, science, technology of dentistry move forward, and with the strength of our dynamic community, anything is possible. It is a new day for dentistry and a new day for ADA! I look forward to serving in the coming year and giving back to the profession that has given me so much.”

Dr. Shepley graduated from the West Virginia University School of Dentistry and received fellowship in the American College of Dentists, the International College of Dentists and the Pierre Fauchard Academy. Dr. Shepley received the Maryland State Senatorial Proclamation and Governor’s Citation and was also a faculty member at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry as a lecturer in dental ethics from 2009 to 2012.

Among other recognitions, Dr. Shepley has achieved fellowship and mastership within the Academy of General Dentistry, as well as the Lifelong Learning and Service Recognition. He also has participated in Maryland Missions of Mercy and has been an active participant in the Donated Dental Service Program since 1990.

Dr. Shepley has practiced dentistry in Baltimore, Md., since 1978.

The launch of the DEXIS IS (Intraoral Scanner) portfolio, a full suite of intraoral solutions, marks an important milestone for DEXIS, which now offers and a full range of digital dental diagnostic systems that cover every stage of scanning. With a growing network of innovative software and award-winning scanners that seamlessly work together, DEXIS can now truly transform and simplify the day-to-day routine of dental practices everywhere.

“With the launch of our intraoral solutions, DEXIS now covers the complete digital workflow. We now have what dentists need to design a simpler, more streamlined process around their practice,” Ronald Linke, President, DEXIS IS business, said. “Since the acquisition of the intraoral scanner business, DEXIS has worked to ensure that it has one of the strongest and broadest portfolios of premium intraoral solutions in the market. We’re proud to be driving innovation in software, collaboration platforms, and user-centric scanning systems. Moreover, our portfolio will continue to evolve and provide even more opportunities for improved workflows in the future.”

The new portfolio has something for every dental professional

The DEXIS IS intraoral portfolio includes three levels of intraoral scanner: IS 3600, IS 3700 and IS 3800W, as well as the new IS Voyager, an all-in-one computer and trolley. From the entry level scanner, the IS 3600, to the recent Red Dot award-winner, the wireless IS 3800W, there is a DEXIS IS scanner to fit any type of practice and provide simpler, digitized workflows that enable better outcomes and improved patient experiences.

The company's fastest scanner yet, the IS 3800W was designed by Studio F.A. Porsche and features an award-winning ergonomic design. Discussing its innovative form, the Red Dot Award jury of 24 international experts said it, “displays balanced symmetry and minimalist elegance.”

Any DEXIS intraoral scanner can now be paired with the IS Voyager, a sleek, flexible, and ergonomic mobile trolley that enables convenient intraoral scanning and enhanced patient engagement—right at the chair.

Software brings it all together for an even smoother experience

All intraoral scanners are paired with the latest IS ScanFlow v1.0.7 software update. Powerful and intuitive, IS ScanFlow enables accurate digital impression acquisition in a few straightforward steps. The software features expansive workflow capacity, an increase in scanning speed and expanded processing options. IS ScanFlow also offers one-click export functionality to IS Connect, a secure online portal that makes it quick and easy for practices to transmit digital intraoral impression scans. Because it is integrated directly within IS ScanFlow software, IS Connect makes it easy to transfer both STL and rich DICOM 3D digital impression files – Making DEXIS IS a completely open system. Clinicians can easily communicate with their preferred manufacturer or lab partner, providing more flexibility. DEXIS IS scanned datasets are compatible with a wide range of computer assisted design (CAD) software, so dentists and labs can design or expand their solution around their needs.

More connected, more efficient

IS ScanFlow is delivered to customers in an open and stand-alone configuration, however, customers can now also launch IS ScanFlow software from DTX Studio™ Clinic 3.2 with just one click via the Quick Launch button. As DTX Studio Clinic interlinks with many practice management systems, this saves the practice time as the patient identifier only needs to be entered once. Integration with DTX Studio Clinic also brings all X-ray images, photos, 2D and 3D, extraoral and intraoral imaging formats into one clear, comprehensive view, simplifying interactions with patients. Intelligent features like SmartFusion™, which automatically aligns the digital surface models from the DEXIS IS intraoral scanner with any CBCT scan, further streamline implant planning.

A scalable, lasting investment

With DEXIS IS, dental practices can expect longevity from their investment. That’s because with future updates to DEXIS IS ScanFlow, practitioners will see an evolution of new features and improvements, such as the new AI-driven soft tissue removal feature available with v1.0.7. With three levels of performance and a wide range of compatible software available, dentists can scale up to match their changing needs. Likewise, as DEXIS continues to evolve and build its portfolio, more software will be developed to provide an even smoother digital ecosystem in the future.

About DEXIS

DEXIS IS enhances the impact of dental expertise and clears away complexity from the digital workflow. Whether you are new to intraoral scanning or are an experienced advocate who wishes to upgrade, there is a DEXIS IS Solution to precisely match your needs and provide simpler paths to better outcomes.

DEXIS helps to transform practices and patient smiles — with a full portfolio of award-winning solutions for a comprehensive digital diagnostic workflow. From sensors to CBCT, intraoral scanning to implant planning, and NOMAD handheld x-ray to imaging software, practices throughout the world trust DEXIS for their digital imaging needs. Discover how DEXIS delivers for you. For more information, please visit http://www.dexis.com.

Just in time for trick-or-treating, Airheads distributes thousands of Airheads Candy Flavored Dental Floss to dentists nationwide

Anyone who has lived on a dentist's block knows it is the least frequented house by trick-or-treaters. This Halloween, Airheads candy is on a mission to make dentists' houses across the country a little less bad with Airheads Candy Flavored Dental Floss—a limited edition Airheads candy flavored floss.

"This year dentists' houses will be buzzing with trick-or-treaters wanting to get their limited-edition Airheads Candy Flavored Dental Floss before they run out," Craig Cuchra, VP of Marketing at Perfetti Van Melle, maker of Airheads candy. "Everyone deserves to be happy on Halloween, even dentists. This floss isn't a trick, it's a treat that everyone can get behind."

Airheads introduced the candy flavored dental floss to bridge the longstanding holiday tension between candy makers and dentists in an effort to make the dentist's house a more desirable stop this year. The goal is to have thousands of flosses being handed out at dentists' homes nationwide.

"We can't magically make every dentist's house go from 'worst' to 'first' on the block, but our hope is this candy flavored floss will give dentists a reason to smile and feel proud when they hand out treats this Halloween," noted Cuchra.

"It's not easy being a dentist on Halloween. Turns out trick-or-treaters aren't huge fans of getting tiny toothpaste and toothbrushes in their candy basket" said Mark Anderko, DDS. "But this year Airheads is helping change that a little bit."

Trick-or-treaters looking to get their hands on Airheads Candy Flavored Floss should check with their neighborhood dentist.

In recognition of National Dental Hygiene Month, Delta Dental shares encouraging findings from its 2022 survey showing U.S. adults and parents are doing their part to practice diligent oral care at home.

The good news also extends to the dentist, as more adults and children made oral health preventive visits in 2022 than the year prior. Key findings from the 2022 study include:

Following best practices

● US. adults follow recommended oral health guidelines at home – brushing their teeth twice a day, and flossing and using mouthwash once a day, on average.

● More than half of U.S. adults (55%) follow ADA guidelines on how often to replace toothbushes, while a vast majority of parents (93%) do the same for their children. 

Going beyond the toothbrush

● Nearly 1 in 2 adults (49%) use fluoride products, and approximately 4 in 5 parents (79%) believe fluoride is very, if not extremely, important to their child's oral health and prevents cavities.

● To improve their oral health and smiles, 20% of adults use whitening products, 15% use a tongue scraper, and 10% use either a mouthguard or night guard.

Always room for improvement

● About 2 in 3 (65%) moms and dads find it difficult to get their child to brush their teeth, with 1 in 4 (25%) reporting their child does not like the taste of toothpaste.

"Oral health is critically important to overall health and well-being," said Joseph Dill, DDS, MBA, Chief Dental Officer, Delta Dental Plans Association. "In our national study, I am encouraged to see how adults and children across the country are committed to good oral health care through brushing, flossing, and making regular dentist visits to enhance their overall quality of life."

Learn more about consumer opinions and behaviors related to oral health in the Delta Dental State of America's Oral Health and Wellness Report.

About the survey

The 2022 State of America's Oral Health and Wellness Report is based upon Delta Dental-commissioned research conducted between January 19 and January 28, 2022, by Material Holdings, LLC, a global insights and strategy consultancy. The research used an email invitation and online surveys to two audiences recruited through an opt-in panel of 1,172 parents of children ages 12 and younger and 1,027 nationally representative Americans ages 18+.

Quotas were set to ensure a reliable and accurate representation of the U.S. population of adults and parents with children ages 12 and younger. The report has a margin of error of +/- 3%.

The dental technology company consolidates its sites in Austria

With its new, sustainability-oriented building, which is to be constructed in just 15 months, the dental technology company Amann Girrbach will be consolidating its sites in Vorarlberg (Austria). All 350 employees will be located in Mäder in the future, and a further increase in personnel is planned medium term. The intention of the new building is to create a state-of-the-art working environment with added value for all employees and, at the same time, to optimize all procedures and processes. The investment costs amount to EUR 47 million.

The new company headquarters in Mäder are scheduled to be ready for occupancy at the end of 2023. All Austrian facilities, from manufacturing and warehousing to research and development, ad- ministration and training, will in future be located in the premises and halls, covering a total of around 20,000 square meters.

The focus is on employee satisfaction and optimized processes

"With the new building in Mäder, we will be implementing our own high standards when it comes to creating an atmosphere for our employees in which everyone can feel comfortable and work produc- tively. We are pleased that in future we will be able to offer a canteen as well as various recreational lounges and green areas that meet the most up-to-date and well thought-out requirements," says Dr. Wolfgang Reim, CEO of Amann Girrbach, underlining the company's intention. The rapid growth of Amann Girrbach has also prompted the need to merge the individual sites while expanding them at the same time. "There has been an increasing lack of space in recent years due to our very satisfying corporate development, and we have had to resort to external premises on several occasions. At the new, central location, it will now also be possible to optimize cooperation between the individual de- partments, resulting in improved processes and workflows, and the entire logistic chains between the present locations will be eliminated," explains Reim.

State-of-the-art, sustainable building with a photovoltaic system

Another key brief in the planning of the new headquarters was the commitment to sustainably reduce the company's carbon footprint. The building will be fitted with one of Vorarlberg's largest photovoltaic systems, with an output of up to 1.15 MWp - Megawatt peak. Amann Girrbach utilizes heat from the sintering furnaces to heat the building, and the heat pumps operate with groundwater. The planned green roof is also designed to promote biodiversity. The cooperation partner Garbe is a technical and structural co-developer as well as being the owner of the new building.

New construction of Amann Girrbach headquarters in Mäder Consolidation of sites Koblach, Rankweil, Nüziders and Götzis:

Manufacturing, warehouse/logistics, research/development, service/product management, marketing, HR, finance, IT, apprentice workshop and training center will in future be located at the new site in Mäder

Hall area: 14,500 m2

Office and common areas: 5,300 m2

Site area: 22,200 m2

Photovoltaic system: output of 1.15 MW (peak)

Heating with thermal energy of the sintering furnaces and heat pump

Green roof with succession area to promote biodiversity

Heat pumps utilizing groundwater

Underground car park with 247 parking spaces and numerous e-charging stations; 76 parking spaces on the outdoor area

Employees: currently 350 – capacity for 500 employees

Investment costs of the new building: EUR 47 million