MicroCare Medical Infection Prevention will highlight its ProEZ Gel™ Pre-Treatment Spray at the RDH Under One Roof Registered Dental Hygienist Conference in Nashville, TN on July 20-22, 2023. This new dental instrument pre-treatment spray helps prevent the drying of soils on dirty instruments during extended holding times or when transferred to Sterile Processing. ProEZ Gel Spray has an over two and a half times wider spray pattern than other pre-treatment gels on the market allowing for greater and more uniform coverage, resulting in fewer applications and over 50% less waste of product. The wider spray also reduces the precision required to completely cover instruments and keep soils moist without having to handle the instruments.

Featuring a new and unique bio-generated enzymatic action formula, the ProEZ Gel Spray is powerful enough for every case and soil, reducing instrument hand scrubbing times. The spray gel has no sticky residue while retaining moisture for easy rinsing and fewer applications while also preventing the deposition of 93% of organic protein soil over a 72-hour testing period. The fragrance-free formula allows for a more pleasant user experience.

ProEZ Gel Spray is the latest edition to the ProEZ family of surgical instrument pre-treatment products, which are designed to improve productivity and protect valuable instrumentation against corrosion. The MicroCare Medical Critical Cleaning Lab ran multiple clinical tests to ensure quality and performance. Results showed complete wetting action and up to 45% greater soil removal after a 72-hour holding time.

ProEZ Gel Spray can be used in point-of-use treatment areas including in-patient surgical suites, emergency departments, labor and delivery rooms, outpatient surgery centers, dental clinics, veterinary offices and other areas with reusable instruments and devices. It is also suitable for central sterile instrument re-processing areas for pre-treatment of heavy residual soils or when high case-loads lead to cleaning delays.

ProEZ Gel Spray features an internal bag-on-valve dispenser which completely dispenses 100% of the product and allows for the empty steel can to be recycled or disposed of according to local laws and regulations. It is a perfect choice for any healthcare facilities looking to improve their instrument pre-treatment process.

For more information on ProEZ Gel Pre-Treatment Spray and the entire ProEZ family of surgical instrument pre-treatment products, visit the MicroCare Medical team at the RDH Under One Roof Registered Dental Hygienist Conference in Nashville, TN on July 20-22, 2023.

Elevate Oral Care has announced the launch of another tool in the battle for improved oral health. Povi•One™ features 10% Povidone-iodine in unit-dose, flow-through applicators which control the dose of this effective oral antiseptic agent. The kit of six treatments is designed for the first dose to be applied in the office, with the remaining doses applied at home providing treatments beyond your dental office. The application frequency is based on the risk level of the patient. Schedule a CE-eligible staff meeting to learn more by visiting www.elevateoralcare.com.

Ultradent Products, Inc., a leading developer and manufacturer of high-tech dental materials, is announcing the BFC3 impression gun—Ultradent’s first cordless, handheld, motorized tool to express dental impression material. Designed for efficiency, precision, and convenience, the BFC3 impression gun streamlines dental impression procedures and chairside material dispensing.

Featuring an ergonomic design, the BFC3 impression gun is compatible with standard 25 ml, 50 ml, and 75 ml 1:1 or 2:1 automix cartridges. It has an adjustable flow rate that optimizes the expression of various impression materials, allowing clinicians to be in full control of the amount of material needed for each procedure. The BFC3 impression gun's anti-drip feature momentarily reverses the plunger when the dispensing trigger is released, preventing waste, and ensuring a clean working environment. It also includes an auto stop feature with overload protection when a cartridge has been emptied (ensuring safety and product longevity).

With a charging time of just 2 ½ hours for a full charge, the BFC3 impression gun can dispense up to 60 full 50 ml heavy body VPS cartridges on a fully charged battery. A low battery indicator light alerts users to when a recharge is needed, with the ability to dispense up to 10 additional full cartridges after the light illuminates. The battery charger features a full-charge indicator LED and overcharge protection circuitry, ensuring the device's longevity.

The BFC3 impression gun is compatible with Thermo Clone™ VPS and Chromaclone™ PVS impression material lines, alginate alternative material, bite registration, and impression mixing tips. It provides flexibility and convenience to dental professionals. The device's compatibility with the Thermo Clone line allows dental professionals to save time with the impression material’s exclusive Thermalaccelerated set.

● In recognition of Overjet’s role — under Wardah Inam’s leadership — in setting the dental industry standard for artificial intelligence

● Overjet provides AI analysis for dental practices and health plans, collectively reaching 100 million people in the United States

● Annual list honoring the most influential leaders in Massachusetts technology 

Overjet, the industry leader in dental artificial intelligence, is proud to share that Overjet CEO and founder Wardah Inam has been named to the Tech Power Players 50, the Boston Globe’s list recognizing the most influential – and interesting – people in the New England technology scene.

In selecting the recipients, the Globe took into account the outstanding leaders whose technology-specific contributions and innovations have kept the industry and Massachusetts vibrant and growing in a challenging economic climate, as well as the leaders who stood out with efforts to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Inam joins executives from Amazon, HubSpot, Wayfair, the state of Massachusetts and other venerable leaders in software, venture capital, energy and beyond who are making an outsized impact on technology and business.

“Massachusetts is a global leader in technology, and we have seen incredible innovation coming from our region,” said Greg Huang, the Globe’s Business and Tech editor. “Ultimately, we wanted the list to tell a story about the local scene and where it is headed, and so the people we selected show the deep roots of our tech community and the new wave of thinkers who will continue to make our region a hub for innovation.”

Under Inam's leadership, 2022 and 2023 saw extraordinary growth and momentum for Overjet. The company secured multiple landmark FDA clearances and is the only dental AI technology that is FDA-cleared to detect and outline decay (cavities), as well as quantify bone level measurements and detect calculus on radiographs. Today, Overjet's revolutionary dental AI products are used by some of the largest dental organizations nationwide to deliver outstanding patient care service. The company’s insurance sector customers include many of the major health plans, collectively reaching over 100 million people in the United States. Overjet has also partnered with Medicaid | Medicare | CHIP Services Dental Association (MSDA) to launch the first-ever national Medicaid Artificial Intelligence (AI) learning initiative to advance dental care quality.

“I am humbled to be included alongside this incredible group of technology leaders who I have deeply admired over the years for their instrumental work building Massachusetts into a thriving innovation and economic hub,” said Wardah Inam, PhD, CEO and co-founder of Overjet. “I’m honored by the Globe’s recognition of Overjet’s foundational role as the industry leader reshaping the future of dentistry through AI. The entire team at Overjet and our partners are committed to innovating to elevate patient care and improve oral health.”

In announcing the 2023 list, Linda Henry, CEO of Boston Globe Media said, “We are thrilled to recognize this group of leaders for their incredible talent and contributions. The Globe continues to invest in growing its technology beat because there has been such high demand – from industry leaders and from our readers – to shine a spotlight on Greater Boston’s thriving hub of innovation.”  

Donated items also help Canada-based HOPEthiopia-Rwanda more effectively instruct dental students in underdeveloped locales.

Admetec, a leader in designing and manufacturing custom-fitted magnification loupes and LED headlights for dentists, hygienists, surgeons, and veterinarians, has donated dental loupes and headlights to HOPEthiopia-Rwanda, a Canada-based nonprofit NGO that leads medical missions to those two severely underserviced East Africa nations. The donations, lead through North American distribution partner Andau Medical, serve to provide proper magnification and reliable light sources for dentists and surgeons volunteering in locations where operatory settings are inconsistent and electricity unreliable.

Ethiopia and Rwanda struggle with persistent poverty levels, resulting in a substantial percentage of their populations having little to no access to quality medical care – including adequate dental services. For some, the traveling, impromptu clinics created by HOPEthiopia-Rwanda are the only outlet for pain-relieving, health-improving dental work.

In addition to direct patient care, proper dental tools like loupes and headlights also help visiting volunteer dentists teach a new generation of Ethiopian and Rwandan resident dentists. Too often, students at dental schools in underdeveloped nations rely on obsolete or makeshift tools – for example, a common flashlight rather than a proper headlamp. Many students also lack loupes providing the magnified, detailed perspectives necessary for a comprehensive dental education.

“In a region with far too few dentists – for example, Rwanda has less than 100 in a country of more than 13 million people – it’s imperative to not only provide accessible dental care to those in need, but also train more locally-based dentists,” said Danny Katz, Chief Operating Officer for Admetec. “It’s impossible to accomplish this urgent goal without proper tools like loupes and headlights, and we’re proud to stand with HOPEthiopia-Rwanda in these desperately-needed efforts.”

Andau Medical CEO & Founder Sandi Wright adds: “When we heard about the need for these products, we were pleased to step up and assist. Every day, my team supplies Admetec loupes to dentists and hygienists across North America, empowering practitioners do their important work effectively. We had an opportunity to extend these solutions to healthcare practitioners in Africa struggling to help their patients. It feels wonderful knowing, even in one small way, we are changing lives for the better.”

Photo courtesy of Rob Hislop Photography.

Penn Dental Medicine's Center for Integrative Global Oral Health (CIGOH) has partnered with Cochrane Oral Health to form the Cochrane Oral Health Collaborating Center at Penn Dental Medicine. The new Center marks a significant step in helping to expand evidence-based knowledge to inform practice and oral health policy worldwide.

Cochrane Oral Health, at The University of Manchester in the UK, is one of the groups within Cochrane, a global not-for-profit network that produces systematic reviews across all areas of medicine. Cochrane has more than 37,000 contributors from over 190 countries working together to produce up-to-date, accessible health information that is free from commercial sponsorship and other conflicts of interest to help inform decisions about healthcare. Since its inception, Cochrane has defined the methodological standards for conducting systematic reviews around the world.

The Cochrane Oral Health Collaborating Center at Penn Dental Medicine will build upon the work of Cochrane Oral Health, engaging researchers from around the globe in systematic reviews summarizing the best available evidence on oral health topics to help clinicians, policymakers, patients, and caregivers make well-informed decisions. Cochrane Oral Health publishes its reviews, updates, and protocols in the Cochrane Library and those produced through the Collaborating Center at Penn Dental Medicine will become part of the Cochrane Library as well.

"This partnership places Penn Dental Medicine at the center of the oral-health-evidence-synthesis field globally and aligns with the School's mission to transform global oral health and well-being through exceptional clinical care, innovation, education, and research," says Dr. Alonso Carrasco-Labra, Director of the Cochrane Oral Health Collaborating Center at Penn Dental Medicine.

Systematic Review Course, June 5-9, 2023

The Center will also focus on extensive capacity building and training a new generation of evidence-synthesis researchers and policymakers. The new Center will present its first workshop June 5-9, 2023. The five-day course on how to conduct and publish systematic reviews and meta-analyses will be presented by CIGOH faculty and colleagues from Cochrane Oral Health in the UK. In a related initiative, a new Master of Science in Oral and Population Health program at Penn Dental Medicine will welcome its first class in September 2023.

Learn more in this Q&A with Dr. Carrasco-Labra >>

Delta Dental's first Senior Mental and Oral Health Survey reveals a harmful feedback loop between poor oral health and mouth pain, and depression, anxiety, and low self-image for Americans 50 and up.

Mental health challenges contribute to the neglect of oral health care for many Americans 50 years of age and older, and mouth pain intensifies their feelings of depression or hopelessness, according to Delta Dental's 2023 Senior Mental and Oral Health Report.

The survey asked more than 1,000 Americans 50 and older about their oral health habits and stratified their self-reported indications of mental wellbeing.

Of older Americans who said they have experienced any feelings of depression or hopelessness frequently or on occasion in the last six months (N=503), the survey found that:

● More than 1 in 3 (35%) are likely to neglect brushing and flossing their teeth.

● 37% say oral tooth pain intensifies feelings of depression or hopelessness. That connection is more prominent among Hispanics (45%, N=179) than Caucasians (35%, N=144) and African Americans (33%, N=146) who report experiencing occasional or frequent feelings of depression or hopelessness within the past 6 months.

Of those surveyed who indicate a higher incidence of feelings of anxiety or depression (N=176):

● Delay in care: Over one-fourth of respondents (27%) indicate the last time they went to their dentist for a routine check-up/cleaning was more than 3 years ago.

● Judgement: Sixty percent worry about being negatively judged based on the appearance of their teeth, compared to only 22% of those who less frequently or never experience feelings associated with depression or anxiety within the past 6 months (N=514).

● Shame: Over half (57%) feel shame about their oral health and appearance of their teeth, compared to only 18% of those who indicate less frequent or not experiencing feelings associated with depression in the past 6 months.

Oral Health and Mental Health's Inextricable Link

The survey indicates several possible relationships between oral health and how we feel emotionally: 45% of all respondents regardless of mental health status say they are more likely to notice changes in their mood/mental health when experiencing dental pain or discomfort. And 1 in 4 (25%) Americans 50 and over feel negatively about themselves when brushing and flossing because they don't like the way their teeth look. In addition, more than 1 in 3 (36%) of all respondents smile less than they did when they were young due to deteriorating oral health or teeth.

And yet, 80% of all respondents say the simple act of smiling can make them feel happier – and among those who indicate they frequently experience feelings of depression or hopelessness, 78% still share that view.

"The link between mental health and oral health is really powerful," says Sarah Chavarria, President of Delta Dental. "These results show us that addressing mental health is critical, especially as it relates to its impact on our oral and overall health. Everyone, regardless of age, ethnicity or gender, should feel uninhibited to smile and take care of their whole selves."

Dentist to Patients: 'Talk To Us About Your Mental and Physical Health'

If you're experiencing oral pain, Dr. Daniel Croley, Delta Dental's Chief Dental Officer, recommends visiting your dentist as soon as possible. "Beyond causing discomfort and impeding our day-to-day lives, oral pain can be an indication that something more serious is going on," he says. "Our mouth and our body are not separate entities – the pain you're feeling may be caused by inflammation of the gums, for example, which can be linked to diabetes, heart disease and even an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease. Regular visits to your dentist can help you keep those conditions and diseases in check."

For improving your mental health, Delta Dental recommends you seek care from your physician or a licensed therapist. If your mental health is impacting your oral health habits, Delta Dental encourages you to have open conversations with your dentist about how you're feeling and the impact it may have on your oral care. "If you're feeling overwhelmed, don't let that lead you to ignore your oral health," Dr. Croley says. Your dentist can give you tips on smaller, manageable steps, like proper daily flossing and brushing. For Dr. Croley, these small habits can give you a sense of accomplishment and are victories that should not be overlooked: "Small wins may be small, but they are steps in the right direction, and they count for a lot."

Delta Dental is committed to providing older adults with consistent, quality access to oral health care, improving education and driving lasting policy changes to address systemic issues. To learn more about the survey, view Delta Dental's report.

Methodology:

Dental Dental's Senior Mental and Oral Health Survey reflects feedback from Americans aged 50 and older and provides a look into how older Americans think about their mental and oral health, the connection between the two and the ways in which this impacts how they perceive themselves. Delta Dental commissioned Atomik Research, an independent market research agency, to conduct an online survey from a national sample size of 1,016 Americans 50 years of age or older that was representative of the race/ethnicity and gender composition of the senior population across the United States. The margin of error is +/- 3 percentage points with a confidence level of 95 percent. Fieldwork took place between April 1 and April 7 of 2023. 

FDI World Dental Federation (FDI) today announces its highly anticipated virtual Summit on Sustainability in Dentistry, taking place on World Environment Day, 5 June.

Following the tremendous success of its Sustainability in Dentistry initiative over the past two years, FDI is proud to host this virtual summit as part of the project's second phase. The summit promises to deliver captivating case studies, innovative ideas, and research projects, all dedicated to reducing the environmental impact of dentistry. Attendees can also look forward to a virtual display of poster abstracts and a bursary fund designed specifically for participants from low-income countries.

"The strides we have made through this initiative are truly commendable, particularly the development of the Consensus Statement on Environmentally Sustainable Oral Healthcare," stated Prof. Ihsane Ben Yahya, FDI President. "I am excited to continue our journey towards sustainability to ensure a healthy future for our patients, our profession and our planet."

Since its launch in 2021, the project has successfully united key stakeholders, all dedicated to the shared goal of implementing sustainable solutions for a greener future and improving the environmental impact of dentistry. This includes leading figures from industry, health professionals, academic experts, legislative authorities and dental associations. This initiative has already gained significant momentum, to date 265 dental practices have shown their commitment to sustainable practices through registering for the Sustainability toolkit and 125 stakeholders from the oral healthcare supply chain have signed the Pledge for Sustainable Dentistry.

In the new project phase, supported by Dentsply Sirona, Haleon, Sunstar, Colgate, and SDI Limited, dental professionals will gain access to valuable educational tools and resources to make a positive impact on the environment and society.

"As a founding member of the Sustainability in Dentistry partnership with FDI, Dentsply Sirona leverages its knowledge and resources to advance sustainability in the dental industry. By reducing its environmental impact and creating valuable resources for dental professionals, Dentsply Sirona is committed to a brighter future through its BEYOND sustainability strategy," explained Erania Brackett, SVP, Customer Experience & Orthodontic Aligner Solutions, and Head of Sustainability at Dentsply Sirona.

"The Consensus Statement on Environmentally Sustainable Oral Healthcare provides the clarity needed to allow us all to move forward with purpose and conviction. Haleon is proud to be part of the Sustainability Summit where we can all learn, share and make positive practical steps to change the industry for the better," reaffirmed Gareth Rudduck, Head of Conscious Consumption for Oral Health at Haleon.

"Sunstar is fully committed to ESG management to contribute to the well-being of people around the world and the earth's sustainability, so we're thrilled to join FDI's initiative and work collectively to build a greener future for dentistry," expressed Christine Truillet, Executive Officer, Global Marketing, Oral Care Category at Sunstar.

Join us on 5 June at the Sustainability in Dentistry Summit and be part of our commitment to improve the environmental impact of the dental profession on the planet. Register here.

New Integrated Product Bundles Reduce Purchase Costs While Delivering Maximum Value to Dental Practices of All Sizes

RevenueWell, the leading patient engagement provider for the dental industry, is proud to announce the availability of three innovative integrated product bundles: RevenueWell Starter, RevenueWell Professional, and RevenueWell Premium. These bundles are designed to provide maximum value at reduced costs, while catering to the unique requirements of dental practices at every stage of business maturity. With a focus on simplifying operations and enhancing practice efficiency, the new RevenueWell bundles empower dental practices with tailored solutions that align with their specific needs.

RevenueWell Starter, the first of three new solutions, offers an “essentials” version of the RevenueWell Marketing Platform. This cost-effective bundle includes core capabilities for managing patient communications and reminders, making it an attractive choice for new or smaller practices. Unlike entry-level solutions, RevenueWell Starter provides deep insights and analytics, as well as the option to seamlessly upgrade to the full solution when the practice is ready, eliminating the hassle and expense of switching vendors.

RevenueWell Professional includes the full RevenueWell Marketing Platform and its industry-leading set of robust marketing capabilities including all the capabilities in Starter plus advanced marketing and reactivation campaigns, CDT code-specific templates, patient portals, patient reviews, and social media management. The Professional bundle also includes RevenueWell Phone and RevenueWell Forms. This solution meets the full end-to-end patient marketing and communication needs for a mature practice looking to simplify practice operations and maximize production.

RevenueWell Premium includes all the capabilities of the Professional edition plus a full website redesign (and associated monthly hosting costs) and ADA® TV, a streaming dental video service that can support chairside consults with high-end professional video content while also delivering a professional waiting room experience for patients.

“We know the market is looking to simplify contracting and reduce costs, and we felt the need to respond in a dramatic and authentic way,” said Katherine Shuman, president, and chief executive officer of RevenueWell. “With these new bundles, customers can consolidate their vendor contracts, and in most cases, get at least one new major integrated solution — digital forms, a phone system, a new website, or ADA TV — at their current contract price. We are incredibly excited to bring these bundles to our current and future customers.”

The launch of the new bundles by RevenueWell addresses three key challenges faced by today’s dental practice owners. First, it future-proofs and de-risks software investments by allowing practices to start with the basics and upgrade to more sophisticated capabilities without migrating data or losing patient history. Second, RevenueWell offers a true all-in-one solution, encompassing a comprehensive suite of services that cover marketing automation, review management, patient portal, phones, waiting room TV (ADA TV), websites, search engine optimization, pay-per-click, social media management, content management, and branding services. Finally, RevenueWell’s bundles simplify operations, reduce costs, and provide exceptional value, enabling practices to manage their full front-office and marketing needs with a single vendor. 

Benco Dental, the nation's largest independent distributor of oral healthcare technology and supplies, has partnered with SimplyClear Aligners by orthobrain to offer customers an aligner option that's not only attractively simple and profitable for doctors, but also affordable and effective for their patients.

"At Benco Dental, we believe in the power of choice. SimplyClear Aligners by orthobrain is another compelling choice in our portfolio of partners that will be right for a large number of practitioners," said Julie Radzyminski, Benco Dental's Vice President of Business Development. "SimplyClear is orthodontist owned, and structured specifically to help general dentists hit the ground running with a minimal upfront investment of time or money. That makes it especially ideal for practices wishing to grow with orthodontic treatment, but SimplyClear is equally well positioned to support high demand from large single offices, multi-unit practices and DSOs."

SimplyClear is more than an advanced, flexible aligner that provides optimal clinical results. It's also part of a wider support package that aims to streamline the introduction of orthodontic treatment. No certification or lengthy training are required, and chairside time is reduced owing to an orthodontist-led case management service. The proprietary software provides clinics with patient care plans and support in the areas of education and business optimization.

“We understand that general practitioners don’t typically go beyond basic orthodontics in their day-to-day work," said Dr. Dan German DDS, orthobrain founder and CEO. "That’s why our team of experts evaluate, plan, and provide a treatment setup that works for you, your staff, and your patients.”

On average, SimplyClear costs around 30% less than competing clear aligner systems. Combined with a very low cost of entry, it allows practitioners substantial business flexibility to suit their individual profit requirements.

SimplyClear allows for 3D modeling of dental treatments with a wide range of popular scanners to create individualized and effective solutions for each patient. This cloud-based system combines the latest technology with sophisticated computer algorithms and utilizes Artificial Intelligence (AI) to design individualized aligners tailored to each patient’s specific needs.

The collaboration between Benco Dental and SimplyClear Aligners is an example of both organizations' commitment to helping clinicians optimize clinical outcomes and practice efficiencies while providing the highest level of patient care. By using AI-assisted digital planning in the practice workflow, clinicians are able to deliver clear aligner treatment options to their patients quickly and efficiently while saving time in practice operations. With features like live chat support, patients are able to receive personalized service at any time of day or night without ever having to leave the comfort of their home.