Laboratory studies may provide new therapeutic target for Alzheimer’s disease

The National Institute on Aging, part of the National Institutes of Health, has awarded NYU Dentistry a $3.1 million grant to study the nexus of periodontitis and Alzheimer’s disease.

Periodontitis is chronic inflammation of the gums that can lead to inflammation throughout the body and brain. A growing number of studies suggests that patients with periodontitis may be at higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, a degenerative brain disorder that affects more than 6 million older adults in the U.S. and is the sixth leading cause of death.

“Alzheimer’s disease is a growing public health crisis, but we still have limited knowledge about how the disease develops. We’re trying to understand if and how periodontitis promotes the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s, which could offer clues on how to treat or prevent the disease,” said Xin Li, PhD, professor of molecular pathobiology at NYU Dentistry and the principal investigator on the new grant.

Preliminary data from Li and her colleagues shows that a metabolic byproduct called succinate is significantly increased in the cerebrospinal fluid of mice with periodontitis. Their research also found that microglial cells—immune cells in the central nervous system that play a role in infection and inflammation and are crucial for the homeostasis within the brain—express the succinate receptor (SUCNR1). When mice with periodontitis were genetically altered to inactivate (or “knock out”) SUCNR1, their increases of pro-inflammatory cytokines and microglial activation were significantly reduced.

The researchers hypothesize that elevated succinate in periodontitis induces neurodegeneration directly by activating SUCNR1 in microglial cells, and indirectly through systemic inflammation and creating an imbalance in the oral microbiome. They plan to conduct a series of studies in cells and mice to examine how SUCNR1 activation in microglial cells modulates neuroinflammation. They will then test whether blocking SUCNR1 in mice with periodontitis alleviates neuroinflammation, cognitive impairment, and periodontal bone loss.

“These studies are designed to identify the mechanism by which periodontitis increases succinate in cerebrospinal fluid and activates the succinate receptor in microglial cells to induce neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration,” said Li. “If we then find that targeting the succinate receptor reduces neuroinflammation and cognitive impairment in animal models, this may provide a potential new therapeutic target for Alzheimer’s disease.”

The five-year grant (R01AG080696) began on January 1.

The American Dental Education Association (ADEA) marks its Centennial this year, a milestone that represents 100 years of advancing dental education and signals a renewed commitment to leading and supporting the health professions community in preparing future-ready oral health professionals.

ADEA President and CEO Karen P. West, D.M.D., M.P.H., described the Centennial as a bridge moment for the association, noting that it honors a rich legacy of achievement while also serving as a springboard to further innovation and excellence in oral health education.

“We are standing on the shoulders of giants as we mark ADEA’s 100th year, reveling in a moment made possible by visionaries who saw the crucial role dental education plays in supporting both oral health and overall well-being,” Dr. West said. “Because of them, and the extraordinary contributions of our members, ADEA is well-positioned to serve as The Voice of Dental Education for another 100 years and beyond.”

ADEA was founded in 1923 as the American Association of Dental Schools, changing its name in 2000 to reflect and embrace the many facets of dental education. Early in its history, ADEA led the way to ensure that dental education was recognized as a university-based scholarly endeavor. Today, ADEA is the sole national organization representing dental education, which includes hundreds of allied and advanced dental education programs as well as all accredited dental schools in the United States and Canada. A fierce advocate of improving the public’s oral health, ADEA is a champion of intraprofessional education to foster a team-based approach to treat oral diseases.

ADEA’s portfolio of work covers considerable ground, including advocacy on Capitol Hill on behalf of the dental education community; surveys and research that shed light on the changing demographics of dental education; publications, such as the peer-reviewed Journal of Dental Education that highlight innovation and best practices; expert guidance and toolkits to advance access, diversity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB); a raft of professional development and leadership programs; and robust outreach to promote the oral health professions to prospective dental and allied dental students. Additionally, ADEA’s four centralized application services provide applicants and dental schools and programs a straight-forward and convenient process to manage applications.

Recent initiatives include a climate assessment survey that collected baseline date on DEIB at U.S. and Canadian dental schools and allied dental education programs. That data will serve as a vital tool to guide new and enhanced DEIB strategic initiatives in dental education.

Additionally, the New Thinking for the New Century initiative provides a framework for how all stakeholders in dental education could tackle today’s most pressing challenges. Spearheaded by Chair of the ADEA Board of Directors Nader Nadershahi, D.D.S., M.B.A., Ed.D., the initiative is initially focused on developing and showcasing strategies for faculty and staff recruitment; leadership development and succession planning; and preparing student for the future of collaborative practice.

“These two initiatives and others embody ADEA’s unwavering commitment to shape the future of dental education by squarely addressing our biggest challenges and advancing a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all,” said Dr. West.

ADEA will mark its Centennial throughout 2023 in multiple ways, including the following:

● An #IamADEA social media campaign in which members are invited to share what ADEA means to them in short video and print testimonials.

● A series of interviews with leading ADEA figures that will be published and shared throughout the year.

● Guest editorials in each issue of the Journal of Dental Education throughout 2023 in which invited subject matter experts will share their insights on ADEA’s impact and the future of dental education.

● The 2023 ADEA Annual Session & Exhibition, set for March 11-14 in Portland, OR, which will include a special Centennial reception, micro-exhibits highlighting ADEA’s history and two one-time Centennial awards to honor exemplary mid-career faculty in dental schools and allied dental programs.

Dr. West said she wants the Centennial to be marked by a sense of both gratitude and celebration.

“ADEA’s members are the soul and backbone of this organization They inspire us to reach higher every day,” Dr. West said. “This year is a celebration of their contributions and of those who came before us. Our Centennial is a significant milestone, but I know ADEA will be marking many more milestones in the years to come.”

Acquisition allows the company to better serve the needs of orthodontic and pediatric practices

Planet DDS, the leading provider of cloud-based dental software, today announced it has completed the acquisition of Cloud 9 Software from Accel-KKR, an investment firm focused on software and tech-enabled businesses. The acquisition of Cloud 9 allows Planet DDS to continue its strong growth path as a multi-specialty dental software platform while adding the strength and experience of Cloud 9 in orthodontic and pediatric practice management software.

The Planet DDS dental software platform, with the addition of Cloud 9, will be able to provide a stronger single vendor solution to support the growth and operational success of both multi-specialty and single-specialty practices.

“The addition of Cloud 9 Software deepens our understanding and ability to serve the unique needs of orthodontic and pediatric care practices,” said Eric Giesecke, CEO of Planet DDS. “Our consistent growth and leadership in cloud-based dental software has always been rooted in our ability to anticipate the needs of our customers, and we are thrilled to welcome Cloud 9 and its experienced team who will help us continue this mission.”

Joining Planet DDS, Cloud 9 software will continue to accelerate and expand on its mission to boost practice productivity and the efficacy of patient care.

“Having been in the cloud since the founding of our company, we see an incredible opportunity to rethink how dental practices operate,” said Cloud 9 CEO Mike Ressel. “Joining Planet DDS, we continue to be well positioned and resourced to lead this remarkable shift to the cloud on behalf of our orthodontic and pediatric practice customers. I could not be more excited for this partnership and what we can accomplish together.”

“Dental practices deserve the best in technology to be efficient, stay competitive and deliver exceptional patient care,” said Phil Cunningham, Managing Director of Accel-KKR, which invested in Cloud 9 in 2019. “The addition of Cloud 9 to Planet DDS’s one-stop cloud-based solution will provide a compelling value proposition for practices. It has been a pleasure working alongside Mike and the dedicated team to scale Cloud 9, and we wish the new partnership continued success.”

Planet DDS is backed by Level Equity, a private investment firm focused on providing capital to rapidly growing software and technology-driven businesses, and Aquiline Capital Partners, a private investment firm based in New York and London that invests across financial services and technology. Goodwin Procter acted as legal advisor to Planet DDS, Aquiline and Level Equity. Lincoln International acted as exclusive financial advisor and DLA Piper as legal counsel to Accel-KKR and Cloud 9.

Additional details of the transaction were not disclosed.

Town & Country Dental Studios recently celebrated its 60th year in business. The event was held at a local venue attended by company staff and family. For 60 years, as we like to say, Town & Country Dental studios has been “Building Relationships & Restoring Smiles”

Started in 1962, Town & Country Dental Studios (T&C) operated a dental laboratory which supports dentists across the New York Metropolitan area from Manhattan (Town) and beyond (Country). Opened by Barry Lampert who had previously served in the US Army where he was a member of the Dental Laboratory Department and then a graduate of the NYC Community College with a degree in Dental Technology. He and his partner at the time began operations in Hewlett, NY. They later moved to Freeport, NY in 1968. The lab now spans over 15,000 square feet in a unique waterfront location. Along with Barry, there is a dedicated team of dental technicians and staff, many of whom have been with the company for decades. These include two sons, David, and Stephen. Both have been with the company for over 30 years.

“It’s a true gift to work with family, not just mine, but many of our staff are also related to each other. This offers a comfortable work atmosphere and brings me much joy and a sense of accomplishment and pride” says Barry Lampert.

Over the last 60 years, T&C has participated in the successful introductions of such groundbreaking products like PFM alloys, Captek, Empress, Emax, Procera, and their SIMPL Implant Restorative System. The lab also was an early adopter of digital production offering in-house scanning and milling systems. T&C also helped bring the Cadent Itero IOS System to the dental industry. They are now embracing the newest 3D printing systems and beta testing printed dentures.

T&C has been involved with the industry as long-term members of the NADL, CAL Lab, DLC, DLANY, as well as being a founding member of TEREC NA. Barry and David have both held leadership chair positions with the TEREC group. In addition, they have supported charitable programs such as the Dental Lifeline Network and the Henry Schein/Alpha Omega Holocaust Survivor Oral Health Program.

T&C continues to see a bright future for the dental lab industry, and we look forward to more milestones to come.

Roland DGA Corporation, a leading provider of wide-format inkjet printers, cutters, milling machines, and other advanced digital imaging technology, announced today that it has appointed Amado Lara as its new president. Andrew Oransky, formerly Roland DGA’s president and CEO, will continue to serve as CEO, providing strategic input while serving on the board of directors of its parent company, Hamamatsu, Japan-based Roland DG Corporation.

Lara, a sign and graphics industry veteran with more than 30 years of experience, has held various management and executive positions at Roland DGA since joining the company in 1992, serving most recently as Vice President of Sales. Now, as Roland DGA’s president, he will take the helm of a successful company coming off a record sales year in 2022.

Oransky, who has served as president of Roland DGA since 2016 and president and CEO since 2019, points out that the need for a new president became clear after he was named to Roland DG’s board of directors in March of 2022. “My appointment to the Roland DG board requires me to assume responsibility for overall sales and marketing within the global Roland DG organization, with a focus on crafting strategies and making decisions that will help the entire Roland DG global enterprise grow,” noted Oransky. “Roland DGA requires full-time active management. I can’t think of anyone better suited than Amado to lead Roland DGA on a day-to-day basis and ensure we achieve our future milestones. There is no one I trust more to carry the company’s mission and vision forward.”

Lara is excited about his new leadership role. “I am thrilled and honored to have the opportunity to serve as president of this truly incredible company,” he said. “I hope to build upon the tremendous work that Andrew has done as president over the last six years and help lead Roland DGA to the next level.”

To learn more about Roland DGA Corporation, or the complete Roland DGA product line, visit www.rolanddga.com. 

Planet DDS, the leading provider of cloud-based dental software, is pleased to announce the appointment of Stephen Fong as Chief Financial Officer.

Fong brings a wealth of experience to the role, having spent over 16 years in finance, operations, marketing and strategy roles. Most recently, he served as Vice President of Finance and Business Operations at Kajabi, a SaaS provider backed by growth equity investors including Tiger Global, Spectrum Equity and TPG Growth. While at Kajabi, Fong also oversaw the growth function, helping scale the business over 3x to over $100 million in annual recurring revenue.

Before Kajabi, Fong served as Director of Strategy and Operations at Microsoft, where he led the finance, strategy, and growth functions for the company's consumer business unit to launch and scale several mobile and desktop applications across the M365 Office bundle. In addition, Fong has spent nearly a decade in professional services roles including equity research, investment banking, audit and advisory services.

Fong reports to Planet DDS CEO Eric Giesecke and will oversee finance, accounting and human resources.

"We are thrilled to welcome Stephen to the team," said Giesecke. "Stephen’s experience and analytic horsepower makes him a great fit for our company as we work towards meeting our aggressive growth objectives and strive to be more data-driven. His deep understanding of investment strategy, metrics and critical infrastructure for SaaS businesses also makes him an invaluable member of our executive team.”

"I am excited to join Planet DDS at such a pivotal time in the company's growth," said Fong. "The company is well-positioned as the leader in dental cloud solutions and recently recapitalized to fund important growth initiatives. I look forward to working with the team as we continue to execute on our financial and strategic priorities."

Fong holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of California, Berkeley. He is a Certified Public Accountant in the state of California. He and his family reside in Irvine, California.

On November 29 – also known as Giving Tuesday – Dentsply Sirona and TeamSmile hosted a free dental clinic at Bank of America Stadium for approximately 200 children from local Charlotte, North Carolina schools. In addition to dental services, children were also able to meet with American football players from the Carolina Panthers.

The long-term partnership between Dentsply Sirona and TeamSmile helps provide free dental care to underprivileged children. As a key sponsor of the Giving Tuesday event, Dentsply Sirona helped facilitate a range of free dental services for children from local Charlotte schools, including x-rays and intraoral scanning, cleaning, extractions, and more.

The event was hosted in conjunction with the Shaq Thompson Legacy Fund, founded by Shaq Thompson of the Carolina Panthers. Thompson was joined by fellow players, Thomas Davis, Taylor Morton, and Corey Littleton, who were all on hand to sign autographs, give out prizes, and support children during their dental exams.

“We are very proud to partner with TeamSmile and help more children access much-needed dental care – and have fun in the process,” said Lisa Yankie, Senior Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer at Dentsply Sirona. “It’s incredibly inspiring to see the community come together to support these kids and put a smile on their faces.”

Dentsply Sirona recently announced an extension of its national partnership with TeamSmile into 2023, offering a US$25,000 donation to strengthen the organization’s efforts to provide life-changing dental care to underserved children – with the support of professional athletic clubs like the Carolina Panthers. In addition to the financial sponsorship, also dental products were donated and 15 Dentsply Sirona employees volunteered at the event, providing support and encouragement to those receiving care.

“The impact of Dentsply Sirona across the board is essential,” said John McCarthy, Executive Director for TeamSmile. “The combination of product, people, and dollars is incredibly significant. Our TeamSmile operation doesn't work without partners like Dentsply Sirona, so we're extremely grateful.”

Dentsply Sirona’s partnership with TeamSmile is part of its sustainability program “BEYOND: Taking Action for a Brighter World” and the company’s goal to achieve 25 million healthy smiles by 2025.

For more information about TeamSmile, visit: https://teamsmile.org/.