The ADHA® has partnered with onDiem in an unprecedented effort to help cover membership costs and health- and wellness-related expenses for dental hygienists.

On June 5th, onDiem announced its partnership with the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA), the national education and advocacy arm for hundreds of thousands of dental hygienists, in a unique effort to help provide additional tangible benefits for the dental hygienist community. Through this partnership, eligible dental hygienists will receive discounted ADHA membership, plus up to $3,000 per year in onDiem Care Benefits to help cover a wide range of health- and wellness-related costs.

Dental hygienists who find work through onDiem and sign up for ADHA membership will receive:

● A 50% or more discount on their ADHA membership, thanks to matching deductions from onDiem

● Up to $250 per month in onDiem Care Benefits (for up to $3,000 per year), which can be used for costs including but not limited to child and elder care, gym memberships, wellness retreats, copays, prescriptions, and deductibles.

“We’re passionate about helping dental hygienists not only find jobs, but also the kind of flexible work and protections that enable them to avoid burnout, build financial stability, and enjoy fulfilling careers in dentistry,” said Joe Fogg, Founder and CEO of onDiem. “It’s why we’re the first dental staffing platform to be fully W-2 compliant nationwide. It’s why we’ve partnered with the ADHA—the consistent advocate for the dental hygiene community at the federal, state, and local levels—to help dental hygienists feel cared for, and to expand their access to all the perks and benefits of an ADHA membership.”

“At the height of the pandemic, we were proud to help our dental hygienists continue to find ways to deliver essential care across the country—in the midst of great personal risk and uncertainty,” added Dawn Ann Dean, RDH, MSDH, ADHA 2022-2023 President. “As the ADHA celebrates its 100th anniversary this year and embarks on a new century, we’re excited to partner with onDiem, a company that shares our vision and values, to provide dental hygienists with more material benefits that can help them build thriving careers and livelihoods.”

Through their partnership, onDiem and the ADHA has begun to provide discounted ADHA memberships and exclusive Care Benefits since June 1st. For more information about the partnership and eligibility, please visit the official onDiem-ADHA partnership website.

The Ivoclar Group, headquartered in Liechtenstein, will extend its Corporate Management team by appointing Alexandra H. Machnik as Chief Digital Officer. She will drive digital transformation at the family-rooted and internationally active company with her specialist knowledge and expertise in these times of change.

Ivoclar is a dental and medical device company and one of the world's leading manufacturers of integrated solutions for high-quality dental applications. "Our declared aim is to take a leading role in the dental industry with innovative and integrated solutions that enable us to generate further growth," says Markus Heinz, CEO of the Ivoclar Group.

New head for digital transformation

"We want to take a more proactive approach towards the opportunities associated with a world fundamentally changed by digitalization and to make use of the digital advances for our customers’ and our benefit," explains Markus Heinz. Hence the decision of the Supervisory Board and the Corporate Management to create the new position of Chief Digital Officer (CDO).

The Liechtenstein-based family business was able to attract Alexandra H. Machnik, an experienced manager with relevant international expertise. She will drive Ivoclar's transformation into an even more integrated, digitally and data-driven company as of 1st August 2023. Ms Machnik will contribute her skills in the field of digital strategies and their implementation which she acquired at companies such as the international consulting company Accenture and the Swiss energy group Alpiq.

At Ivoclar, she will lead the development of the digital vision and strategy for the Group. Together with the management team she will ensure that the company provides commercially successful solutions for customers and patients, with measurable business impact. She will work on this with teams from all processes – from product life cycle and supply chain management to customer relationship management as well as supporting processes.

Two experts for digital change

For this substantial undertaking, Alexandra H. Machnik will not only count on the support of her colleagues in the Corporate Management and all sectors, but she will also find an ally on the Supervisory Board with Dr Friederike Hoffmann-Sieg. Since September 2022, Dr Hoffmann-Sieg has been contributing her expertise in the field of digital transformation as a member of the Group’s Supervisory Board. As of August of this year in which the company is celebrating its 100th anniversary, two experts will actively shape digital transformation at Ivoclar.

Addition to the existing Corporate Management team

Alexandra H. Machnik will advance digital transformation at the Ivoclar Group together with the existing members of the Corporate Management: Markus Heinz (Chief Executive Officer), Franz Berger (Chief Financial Officer), Christian Brutzer (Chief Commercial Officer), Dr Thomas Hirt (Chief Technology Officer) and Patric Frank (Chief Marketing Officer). 

Industry-First AI Technology Allows Customers To View Smile Transformation In Minutes Via Mobile Device

SmileDirectClub, Inc. (Nasdaq: SDC), the next generation oral care company with the first medtech platform for teeth straightening, today announced the U.S. launch of its innovative SmileMaker™ Platform, expanding its patented technology to its largest market.

“The U.S. launch of SmileMaker Platform marks a milestone in SmileDirectClub’s commitment to be on the leading edge of innovation in oral care technology,” said David Katzman, CEO and Chairman, SmileDirectClub. “The patented SmileMaker Platform integrates AI diagnostics and analysis into telehealth and leverages the convenience and accessibility of a mobile device, all through industry-first technology that makes it easier than ever for consumers to begin their Smile Journey and get a smile they love.”

SmileDirectClub piloted SmileMaker Platform with its launch in Australia in late 2022. According to a company conducted survey of customers who downloaded the app, 85% of respondents said they were more likely to move forward with treatment after seeing their potential results via the SMP. Learnings from the Australian market resulted in numerous enhancements to the artificial intelligence process, as well as new customer journey features, strengthening the technology and overall user experience. In April 2023, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office issued Patent Number 11,633,260, recognizing the unique technology for generating 3D models of teeth that powers the SmileMaker Platform.

The SmileMaker Platform is available for free through the SmileDirectClub App and leverages advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology to show consumers their potential smile transformation within minutes. Consumers can download the SmileDirectClub App and capture a mobile 3D scan of their teeth, bite and alignment using their phone’s camera. This patented technology is an industry first, upgrading current 2D remote scanning options and introducing real-time AI to capture a 3D view of the teeth. The App is currently compatible with Apple devices but will soon also be available for Android devices.

“Since piloting this AI technology in Australia months ago, we have seen significant incremental growth in conversion due to the App’s ability to shorten the timeline from the initial customer engagement to purchase decision, all while providing our customers with a great digital experience,” said Katzman. “This technology is just the beginning of what’s to come for the future of oral care and SmileDirectClub intends to continue its focus on AI applications that democratize access to affordable oral care as we build on our growing innovation portfolio.”

Just minutes after taking a mobile 3D scan, customers receive their “Custom Smile Plan” showing their potential new smile, along with an estimated treatment time to achieve results. Following receipt of a Custom Smile Plan, customers are prompted to provide further high-definition scans through a doctor-prescribed at-home impression kit or a scan from a local SmileShop or Partner Network location. This information is then uploaded into SmileDirectClub’s virtual care platform for review by the customer’s state-licensed treating dentist or orthodontist to determine candidacy for clear aligner therapy. Once approved, customers are provided with a final treatment plan; their “Smile Prescription” to start their official smile journey.

SmileMaker Platform is now available in the U.S. and Australia and will expand into other international markets later this year. Consumers in the U.S. and Australia can go to the Apple App Store and begin their Smile Journey today.  

LaserAway survey of over 1,000 Millenials provides insight into their attitudes about oral hygiene and beauty practices

Millennials have learned 2 incredibly important lessons over the years when it comes to beauty:

1. Taking care of your oral health is KEY ????

2. Listen to the medical professionals ????????

LaserAway surveyed over 1,000 Millennials on beauty practices they followed when they were younger that they regret now, focusing on 5 key areas (facial skincare, hair and makeup, health and nutrition, body skincare, and dental care).

Key Findings Regarding Dental Care

● While in the past peers (68%) were the most common influencers for millennials and beauty practices, now it's medical professionals who are the true influencers (57%).

● 5 most common dental hygiene regrets: 1. Skipping dental visits 2. Not getting braces 3. Overusing teeth whitening products 4. Getting braces too young 5. Getting veneers 

● 57% say they spend more money on their beauty and health now than when they were younger.

● 81% rarely or never researched expert advice on beauty and health topics when they were younger.

● Now: 41% say they always or often research expert advice on these topics.

Read more in the full report here.

Buffalo Dental Manufacturing (BDM), a leading dental company with the industry’s widest range of handpieces, lab products, lab equipment and vacuum forming materials and accessories, recently launched Trap-Eze Plaster Plus™ a specially designed, disposable sink trap that can effectively capture plaster, wax, floating materials, polishing compounds, abrasives, pumice, steel wool and the latest environmental concern - microplastics.

According to the National Geographic web site, “Microplastics have been detected in marine organisms from plankton to whales, in commercial seafood, and even in drinking water. Alarmingly, standard water treatment facilities cannot remove all traces of microplastics. To further complicate matters, microplastics in the ocean can bind with other harmful chemicals before being ingested by marine organisms.”

Dental practices commonly release microplastics into municipal wastewater from dental procedures such as removing and adjusting restorations or by milling and grinding crowns, inlays and onlays. The amount of microplastics generated per procedure is small, but it occurs frequently.

Although it is not known exactly what percentage of global microplastic pollution originates from dental offices and dental labs, it’s possible to reduce that percentage with the Trap-Eze™ PlasterPlus trap. Recently added to BDG’s widely popular line of plaster traps, the new, patent-pending product not only captures microplastic particles, but also wax, floating materials, polishing compounds, abrasives, pumice, and steel wool that can cause drain clogs.

The Trap-Eze™ PlasterPlus is made in the USA and includes the following features:

• Designed to slow water discharge flow rate and allow sediment to settle out of wastewater.

• Fast and easy trap replacement and installation.

• Disposable - No permanent traps to clean or messy liners to replace.

• For use in dental offices, clinics, and labs.

For more information, or to order the Trap-Eze™ PlasterPlus, visit www.BuffaloDental.com, call 800-828-0203, or send an email to sales@mailBDM.com. Distributor inquiries welcome.

Dentist-formulated, certified non-toxic, enamel-safe products now available in stores nationwide and on Walmart.com

Lumineux Oral Essentials™ has partnered with Walmart to launch two products to help us whiten and brighten without harm at Walmart’s everyday low prices!

Making their debut at Walmart stores nationwide and on Walmart.com are the 14-Pack of Lumineux’s Best-Selling Whitening Strips (ranked #1 on Amazon and clinically proven to whiten in just 30 minutes with no sensitivity) and the Lumineux Bright² Pen (apply as needed for 60 seconds to protect teeth against future stains while whitening with nourishing essential oils) – a Walmart exclusive for retail.

While other oral care products use harsh bleaches and hydrogen peroxide (which can cause sensitivity and receding gum lines), Lumineux products are formulated with purposeful and uncompromising ingredients like Dead Sea salt, essential oils, coconut oil and aloe vera.

“For over 70 years oral care has been focused on one thing: killing bacteria,” said company founder and CEO Dr. Kourosh Maddahi, an acclaimed Beverly Hills cosmetic dentist. “It’s been the solution for everything from cavities to bad breath. Unfortunately, we now know this approach is both ineffective (people still have cavities and bad breath) and harmful.”

“Backed by scientific evidence, I can confidently say we have a better way at hand,” Maddahi added. “By supporting good bacteria and detoxifying bad, we can improve oral health without the harm.”

A 35-year veteran in private dentistry, Dr. Maddahi has treated more than 6,000 patients and worked with leading university laboratories to conduct non-biased, groundbreaking studies on the nature of the body’s defense systems and what happens when we introduce supposedly beneficial chemicals to our bodies.

He also is the author of two best-selling books on oral health – Anti-Aging Dentistry and The Hidden Epidemic – and the recently-released The Toxic Overload, which pulls back the curtain about the body’s natural defenses and how to experience whole body health.

Following years of research, Dr. Maddahi discovered that it’s not the bacteria, but rather the toxins of the bacteria that causes cavities, gum disease and bad breath. He created Lumineux to formulate toothpastes, mouthwashes and whitening products to neutralize the harmful toxins that cause cavities, gum disease and bad breath without killing any bacteria.

Over the past seven years, there have been 58 double-blind clinical and laboratory studies conducted mostly by independent universities confirming the safety and effectiveness of Lumineux. The products also have garnered rave customer reviews. In fact, the Lumineux whitening strips were a Top 10 Best-Selling Product on Amazon for Prime Day, ranking #3 in Health & Household.

Walmart.com has carried Lumineux whitening products since 2021. The products can also be found in Whole Foods, Walgreens, Rite Aid and Sprouts stores nationwide and are available from Amazon in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom.

Ann-Marie DePalma, CDA, RDH, MEd

As dental professionals we are always asked by patients what they can do to make their smile whiter or brighter. We may have patients who have difficulty swallowing due to dyspraxia or dysphagia from developmental delays, stroke or Parkinson’s Disease. Dyspraxia is defined by Dictionary.com as a disorder that affects movement and coordination. It can also be called developmental coordination disorder and can affect a person’s ability to swallow. Dysphagia is defined as difficulty or discomfort in swallowing. Additionally, how many times have we scalded our palate with a hot drink? There is now an answer to all these issues – Sipify™!

Sipify™ is the first reusable straw specifically designed for hot beverages. It’s patent-pending design allows the user to “air cool” the beverage so as not to burn the palate. This provides a similar experience to taking a sip from the top of the cup. Its unique and comfortable design is made to bypass the anterior teeth thus allowing patients to sip on hot beverages without staining their teeth! As dental professionals, we know the struggles removing stain from patients who love coffee, tea and other staining beverages. Sipify™ protects the palate and makes the recare appointment easier!

Another benefit of utilizing Sipify™ is that its unique shape allows it to fit into to-go lids and 95% of travel mugs. The Sipify™ permits the user to drink without having to tip the cup, thereby reducing the chance of spillage, especially while driving. The user can stay safe and keep her/his eyes on the road!

With concerns over plastic and the environment, many have switched to reusable straws or paper straws. Paper often does not provide the user with a great experience while reusable straws can be breeding grounds for bacteria, aka biofilm! Sipify™ is made with a high-grade stainless-steel straw with a removable, food grade silicone cover that has no hard-to-reach places where biofilm can reside. Sipify™ also comes with a cleaning brush with both the straw and cover being dishwasher safe.

For patients that have dysphagia or dyspraxia Sipify™ limits the flow and lets the user control the amount of liquid per sip. This helps prevent choking and aspiration issues that many stoke or other dysphagia patients risk. The inventor, Alice Stone, believes so much in its benefits for patients that she donates a portion of Sipify™’s proceeds to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for patients with Parkinson’s Disease.

Alice loves coffee but she also loved having white teeth! During her regular hygiene visit, her dental professionals advised that her teeth would be whiter if she switched to drinking iced coffee through a straw. She yearned for a way to safely sip her morning cup of hot joe! After creating several prototypes, she arrived at the concept for Sipify ™. She used it exclusively to sip coffee and tea. Upon returning for her periodic evaluation, her hygienist and dentist found her teeth were much less stained and less sensitive! She also noticed that while traveling in her car to various work projects, she no longer spilled her coffee on her clothes or took her eyes off the road. At that point she realized that she had found an idea that would resonate with others.

When a person uses a straw, the straw draws from the bottom of the cup where the drink can be the hottest and can scald the palate or take in too much liquid. Sipify ™ has a unique shape and air-technique system that delivers an optimized cooling for the perfect sip while controlling the amount of liquid. Alice and her designers have engineered the silicone cover to allow air to pass through while providing comfort and security while keeping the sip hot but not scolding.

As a video producer, Alice has several medical contacts. Initially, she contacted speech and language pathologists that she knew and asked their opinions on Sipify™. They were amazed that it allows normal swallowers to control the amount of liquid per sip. This can translate well for dysphagia/dyspraxia patients as it provides control safety. Someone learning to sip from a straw can extract a small amount and then swallow. As oral strength increases, so can the sip. It can also be used so that the tongue can momentarily block the mouth of the straw. This technique can help increase tongue mobility.

Moving from medical into dentistry, Alice is excited about the possibilities that Sipify™ can bring to dental professionals and patients. She understands the time constraints that dental professionals experience and helping decrease treatment time by decreasing patient staining is helpful for both professional and patients. Patients see their dental professionals more than they do medical professionals and offering patients a device that will help overcome swallowing difficulties is also a benefit. Myofunctional therapists will find Sipify™ a perfect adjunct to materials already in use.

Sipify™ comes in single packages as standard (short) or tall (travel mug) or in two-packs of both a standard and tall. It can be ordered at https://sipify.me or on Amazon. Dental team members are all about education and providing information to patients to benefit overall health while maintaining their smile. Investigate Sipify™ to help your patients and practice.

Roland DGA Corporation, a leading provider of wide-format inkjet printers, vinyl cutters, 3D milling machines, dental mills, and other advanced digital technologies, has announced three key personnel changes within its Service Department.

Jack Pozorski, a sign and graphics industry veteran who has held several different service and support positions at Roland DGA since joining the company in 2004, has been promoted to Director of Service. In his new role, Pozorski will be responsible for overseeing Roland DGA’s entire service department, ensuring that customers and resellers throughout the Americas continue to receive the level of world-class support the company is known for. He will also serve as the main contact with Roland DGA’s third-party service providers, looking for new ways to optimize those relationships and increase customer satisfaction.

Francisco Alvarado, who has held a variety of positions at Roland DGA over the past 25 years, serving most recently as Roland Care Support Manager, has been promoted to Roland Care Manager. Alvarado’s responsibilities will be centered around establishing new ways the company can support end users as well as the dealer channel. In addition, he will oversee the company’s network of Roland Care Engineers throughout North and South America.

Kevin Rosen, who worked for Roland DGA from 2015 to 2021 – starting out as a Technical Support Representative and later serving as Application Specialist – has been rehired and will replace Alvarado as Roland Care Support Manager. In his new position, Rosen’s primary responsibilities will include oversight of Roland DGA’s team of technical support specialists and day-to-day management of the service depot.

“These experienced, talented individuals will work together to make sure Roland DGA maintains its well-earned reputation for providing the best service and support in the industries we cater to,” said Roland DGA’s Vice President of Services, Ron Ball. “We congratulate them on their new, expanded roles within the company and look forward to their important contributions, which will help us continue to exceed the expectations of our customers.”

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

P1 Dental Partners Chooses Henry Schein One’s Dentrix Ascend and Jarvis Analytics to Support the Growth of Their Dental Partnership Organization

Two software solutions from Henry Schein One -- Dentrix Ascend, the leading cloud-based dental practice management software, and Jarvis Analytics™, a comprehensive dental analytics tool, were selected by P1 Dental Partners (P1) to provide its partner dentists with a seamless practice management workflow across its more than 40 practices. The addition of Dentrix Ascend and Jarvis Analytics represents P1’s commitment to help drive practice success and elevated patient care.

Dentrix Ascend provides essential, cloud-based tools needed to run a dental practice and a growing dental organization. This includes tools for patient communication and scheduling, clinical care, insurance and billing, and reporting and management. Jarvis Analytics provides insights into key performance indicators across an organization to help teams understand potential areas for growth within the dental practice, while aggregating and analyzing disparate data sources across locations to improve reporting, decision-making, and performance.

“As a fast-growing organization, we need stronger enterprise capability that delivers real-time information from our practices across a standard platform,” said Dr. Kelly Jastremski, CEO of P1 Dental Partners. “With Dentrix Ascend and Jarvis, we can standardize best practices and more easily focus on metrics that impact growth and patient care. This enhances our ability to help facilitate collaboration among our partner dentists. As we grow, we know our practice management foundation is strong as we no longer have to deal with the headaches of disconnected technology solutions.”

Dentrix Ascend and Jarvis Analytics were selected for use after an extensive review process with P1’s Clinical Advisory Board, plus dozens of additional P1 team members. In addition to the effectiveness of the individual software solutions, the quality implementation, training, and support resources offered by Henry Schein One and Henry Schein, Inc. were also taken into consideration as differentiators in the selection analysis.

“We at Henry Schein One are honored to provide P1 Dental Partners with technology and software solutions that enable the organization to achieve its growth and care goals,” said Christine King, Executive Co-Chair, Henry Schein One. “P1 Dental Partners’ dentists can transform the way they manage their day-to-day workflows with Dentrix Ascend’s comprehensive practice management software and Jarvis Analytics dashboard.”

“The Dentrix Ascend team stood out compared to the other platforms we evaluated,” said Dr. Mindy Mundy-Burgett, who led the Clinical Advisory Board subcommittee, and is a P1 Managing Partner dentist. “Henry Schein One has delivered a user-friendly experience that is feature-rich, and highly secure, empowering everyone in my practice to continue to deliver excellent patient care. The Jarvis platform elevates and enhances what we do daily, and the combination is really something we are excited about.”

To learn more about Henry Schein One solutions, please visit www.henryscheinone.com.

Complete digital workflow solutions for dental professionals

Nowak Dental Supplies and vhf have a combined experience of more than 100 years in the dental industry. Now the two family-run companies from U.S. and Germany are pooling their expertise and establishing a new strategic partnership. Nowak Dental Supplies, based in Carriere, Mississippi, will offer the brand-new vhf EASE CLASS – Made in Germany – for the U.S. market starting June 1, 2023.

Nowak Dental Supplies Inc. expands vhf’s reach with their loyal dental lab customer base in the USA. Nicolas Rohde, CEO of vhf Inc., is excited about the new alliance: "With Nowak Dental Supplies we have gained an established and strong distribution partner and we are very much looking forward to a successful cooperation. The company convinces with its decades of experience in the dental industry and with its focus on customer service and satisfaction."

Nowak Dental Supplies is a family owned and operated corporation located in Carriere, Mississippi, which was started in 1944 and handles all Dental Laboratory and Dental Office products. Today a third generation of Nowaks, Owners Brandi and Shawn, are running the business. "The newly formed partnership with vhf is an exciting development for us," says Shawn Nowak, President of Nowak Dental Supplies. It gives Nowak Dental access to vhf's dental milling technology and software, enabling dental professionals to produce high-quality restorations efficiently and precisely. "The innovative dental milling technology Made in Germany by vhf is second to none, and we believe that by combining our expertise we can offer our customers a complete digital solution that will revolutionize the way they work," Nowak concludes.

Nowak Dental and vhf are committed to advancing the dental industry through techno-logical innovation and strong collaboration. Together, they aim to provide dental professionals with the tools and support they need to deliver exceptional patient care and out-standing results. For more information about Nowak Dental and vhf, please visit their respective websites: www.nowakdental.com and www.vhf.com.