On July 5, as the 2023 ADHA Annual Conference got underway at McCormick Place in Chicago celebrating the association’s 100th anniversary, the American Dental Hygienists’ Association installed a new Board of Directors, along with ADHA’s new slate of officers for the fiscal year. Newly installed president, Becky Smith, CRDH, EdD, FADHA, spoke in both English and Spanish to the national and state leaders who attended the ceremony, focusing on the power of unity.

“We are beginning a new century at the ADHA, with an upgraded mission: to unite and empower all dental hygienists,” said President Smith. “The ADHA represents the interests of 226,000 dental hygienists nationwide, and as ADHA members and leaders let’s unite and be the role models for all dental hygienists, so that together, we can achieve great things! Tenemos que unirnos para lograr grandes cosas. We will see ADHA stride confidently forward into the next century. Rebote hacia adelante.”

Smith, a Miami, Florida native who is fully bilingual in English and Spanish as a proud Cuban-American, has long-served the ADHA in various capacities on the national, state and local levels. After graduating from Miami Dade College’s Dental Hygiene Program, Smith worked as a public health dental hygienist on a Native American Indian reservation for 10 years before moving to private practice. She earned a Bachelor of Health Services Administration from Florida International University, a Master of Public Health in Epidemiology from the University of Miami, and a Doctor of Education in Higher Education Administration from the University of Florida. Smith succeeds Dawn Ann Dean, RDH, MSDH, CTTS, FADHA, as president. Dean will remain on the Board of Directors, serving as both the ADHA immediate past president and as the 2023-24 Chair of the ADHA Institute for Oral Health Foundation.

Additional ADHA officers newly installed at ADHA’s House of Delegates meeting include:

Erin Haley-Hitz, RDH, BSDH, MS, FADHA, MAADH, of Lincoln, Nebraska, as president-elect;

Lancette VanGuilder, BS, RDH, PHEDH, CEAS, of Reno, Nevada, as vice president; and

Chante Miller, CRDH, CLLSGB, MBA, of Tampa, Florida, as Treasurer.

Valoree Althoff, MHA, BSDH, CPP-T PRP, of Farmington, New Mexico, is returning to complete the second year of her two-year term as the the 2022-2024 Speaker of the House of Delegates. The newly installed district directors for 2023-24 are:

Carmen Negron-Dupee, BSFCS, RDH, of Shelburne, Vermont, District I (Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont)

Jerelyn Smith, RDH, FADHA, of Midland, Michigan, District V (Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio)

Joanna Allaire, RDH, BSDH, MDH, of The Woodlands, Texas, District IX (Oklahoma, New Mexico, Texas)

District directors returning in 2023-24, include:

Carolynn Wahl, RDH, BSDH, PHDHP, FADHA, of Moosic, Pennsylvania, District II (Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania)

Sheri Moore, RDH, BSHS, FADHA, of Palmyra, Virginia, District III (Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia)

Renee Spencer, RDH, FADHA, of Fort Myers, Florida, District IV (Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina)

Claire Vann, RDH, BSDH, MS, FADHA, of Benton, Arkansas, District VI (Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee)

Carissa Renae Regnerus, RDH, MA, FADHA, of Vermillion, South Dakota, District VII (Minnesota, South Dakota, Wisconsin)

Christina Emmert, RDH, PRP, FADHA, of Rockford, IL, District VIII (Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska)

Cara Reck, RDH, BS, LAP, FADHA, of Clancy, Montana, District X (Colorado, Montana, Utah, Wyoming)

Pamela Larrabee, RDH, BAS, MA, of Phoenix, Arizona, District XI (Arizona)

Jennifer Frame, RDH, MS, FADHA, Bremerton, Washington, District XII (Alaska, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Washington)

Learn more about ADHA leadership at www.adha.org/about-adha/board-of-directors.

About the American Dental Hygienists’ Association

The American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) is the only organization representing the professional interests of the more than 226,000 dental hygienists in the United States. Dental hygienists are preventive oral health professionals, licensed in dental hygiene, who provide educational, clinical and therapeutic services that support total health through the promotion of optimal oral health. The Journal of Dental Hygiene (JDH), published bi-monthly, is ADHA’s scientific journal and flagship publication. To learn more about the ADHA, dental hygiene or the link between oral health and general health, visit adha.org.

While clinical insulin is lifesaving for the estimated 537 million adults living with diabetes worldwide, it comes with some risks to patients. Recent studies show that injection via insulin pens can cause insulin to reach the bloodstream so quickly that hypoglycemia, or blood sugar levels that dip below the healthy range, may result. Automated insulin pumps can minimize this risk, but are expensive and available only to a small portion of diabetes patients worldwide.

Now, a plant-based, oral delivery of proinsulin could address these drawbacks, according to a study published in Biomaterials, led by Henry Daniell of Penn Dental Medicine.

Although clinical insulin has been in use for decades, it is missing one of the three peptides that occur in natural insulin. The Daniell lab created a plant-based insulin that contains all three peptides and can be ingested orally. The strength of plant cell walls protects insulin from acids and enzymes in a patient's stomach before the material is broken down by gut microbes. Then, the released insulin is delivered to the liver via the gut-liver axis.

Using diabetic mice, Daniell and his team found that their plant-based insulin regulated blood sugar within 15 minutes of ingestion -- very similar to naturally secreted insulin. In comparison, mice treated with traditional insulin injections experienced rapidly decreased blood glucose levels leading to transient hypoglycemia.

To produce plant-based insulin, scientists identified human insulin genes and then used what Daniell calls a "gene gun" to blast the genes through the plant cell walls. The insulin genes are then integrated into the plant's genome, in this case the lettuce genome. The resulting seeds permanently retained insulin genes, and subsequently grown lettuce was freeze dried, ground, and prepared for oral delivery following FDA regulatory guidelines.

This process is vastly different from producing insulin in the traditional manner, which involves growing the hormone in bacteria or yeast cells, an expensive process requiring purification and a low temperature for transportation and storage. Daniell's production method eliminates the need for expensive, complex laboratory equipment and the resulting product is shelf stable at room temperature.

Going forward, Daniell plans to test plant-based insulin in canine and human subjects.

"Affordability and global access to health care are the foundation for my work," Daniell says. "In this case, we are making insulin more affordable, while significantly improving it."

Cellerant Consulting Group announced the 2023 Cellerant Best of Class Hygiene Award winners. “These innovative companies have earned the right to celebrate for their stand-out technologies that continue to elevate the standard of care in dental hygiene,” said Dr. Lou Shuman DMD CAGS, CEO of Cellerant Consulting Group and creator of the Best of Class Hygiene awards program. “Our panel of experts spent many hours in close discussion identifying these standout products. This year's list of winners is proof of the extraordinary innovation taking place in the hygiene space today.”

The 2023 Cellerant Best of Class Hygiene Award Winners are: 

Airflow Prophylaxis Master – EMS

Allday Dry Mouth Products – Elevate Oral Care

Dental Pain Eraser – Synapse Dental

Epic Hygiene – BIOLASE, Inc.

FluoriMax NaF Varnish – Elevate Oral Care

GC Fuji TRIAGE EP – GC America  

HYBENX Advanced Dental Debridement – EPIEN Medical, Inc.

LIVFRESH Gel Toothpaste – Livionex Inc.

OraCare Health Rinse – OraCare 

OraVital System – OraVital, Inc.

PerioProtect Non-invasive Perio Tray – Perio Protect LLC

QuickPass In-Office Dental Water Test – ProEdge Dental Water Labs 

TRIOS 5 Wireless – 3Shape Global

Xlear Nasal Spray – Xlear, Inc.

“Innovation in dentistry takes place every day, and we are thrilled to honor the companies working hard to advance our industry,” states Melissa Turner, Best of Class panel member and Cellerant Chief Hygiene Officer. “Our hygiene panel spent this past year discovering emerging and existing products that allow dental hygienists to excel in their practice. With this prestigious award, we’re thrilled to bring recognition to the best of the best manufacturers and their teams who go above and beyond to innovate.”

The Cellerant Best of Class Hygiene Voting Panel is comprised of Brooke Crouch, RDH; Kristin Goodfellow, RDH, BA; Melissa Turner, BASDH, RDHEP, EFDA; Nancy Miller, RDH, BA; Pamela Maragliano-Muniz, RDH, DMD, FACP; Rachel Wall, RDH, BS; Sarah Crow, RDH; and Valerie Dangler, RDH, BSDH.

This year, winning products will be showcased at RDH Under One Roof’s annual meeting, which is being held in Nashville, Tennessee on July 20-22. Attendees will have the unique opportunity to experience these Best of Class technologies first-hand on the Under One Roof exhibition floor, in addition to meeting the voting panel and learning more about why the winners were selected.

About the Cellerant Best of Class Hygiene Award

Since the inaugural presentation in 2009, the Best of Class Technology Awards have grown to occupy a unique space in the dental industry by creating awareness of manufacturers that are driving the discussion as to how practices will operate now and in the future. We are very excited to have initiated the Best of Class Hygiene Awards as of 2021.

Over the course of each year, the panel members seek out and conduct research on potentially practice-changing technologies, with deliberations on nominees and final voting typically taking place in February. Panelists are precluded from voting in any category where they have consulting relationships. The entire selection process is conducted and managed on a not-for-profit basis and is transparent and rigorous.

For more information on the Cellerant Best of Class Awards, visit cellerantconsulting.com

About Cellerant Consulting Group

Founded and led by CEO Dr. Lou Shuman, DMD, CAGS, Cellerant provides strategic dental market insights, clinical expertise, implementation resources and support to accelerate growth for client dental companies. Cellerant services include new concept incubation, clinical product evaluation, product development, continuing education program development and CE sponsorship, strategic branding and marketing, online marketing, content marketing and dental media relations management. Dr. Shuman and his prestigious team, guides clients to offer products that engage dental customers and provide sustained differentiation. Cellerant operates under a unique model that merges leading voices in clinical product evaluation and strategic partner companies to provide a menu of services from one easily accessible network.

Perimetrics, Inc., an advanced artificial intelligence (AI) dental diagnostics company, today announced the creation of its Clinical Advisory Board consisting of industry leaders in general dentistry, endodontics, periodontics and prosthodontics, including experts from Tufts University and University of Connecticut Health Sciences as well as those in private practice. Comprised of eight founding members, the Perimetrics Clinical Advisory Board will provide strategic and clinical insights as the company seeks regulatory approval for InnerView® Technology, a first-of-its kind dental diagnostic system to detect cracks, failing restorations and mobility in teeth.

“As we bring a new disruptive technology to the dental industry, the Clinical Advisory Board is a crucial element in understanding how InnerView will be utilized in the clinical setting and the needs of patients,” said Robert Hayman, CEO, chairman of Perimetrics. “The Clinical Advisory Board is very invested in guiding Perimetrics through clinical development to the commercial launch, providing real-world insights into the current pain points when detecting tooth damage.”

The Perimetrics Clinical Advisory Board will offer subject-matter expertise and deeper level understanding of the challenges in detecting tooth damage, including cracks, failing restorations and mobility in teeth. The experts will guide the company as it brings InnerView to market, it continues to expand the technology and capabilities, and it develops new and innovative applications.

The Clinical Advisory Board Members include:

● Jeffrey B. Dalin, DDS, FACD, FAGD, FICD, FADI – Dr. Dalin practices general dentistry at his private practice in St. Louis. He was the editor of St. Louis Dentistry Magazine for over 20 years and is a spokesperson for the Missouri Dental Association and the Greater St. Louis Dental Society. Dr. Dalin co-founded Give Kids a Smile, which delivers full-service dental care to children who do not have access.

● Jack L. Ferracane, PhD – Dr. Ferracane is a professor and chair of the Department of Oral Rehabilitation and Biosciences at Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon. He is a founding fellow and past-President of the Academy of Dental Materials as well as a past-President of the American Association for Dental Research. Dr. Ferracane has conducted extensive research on dental materials science, with a focus on cracks, and has authored or co-authored several textbooks on dental materials and operative dentistry.

● Robert Kelly, DDS, MS, DMedSc – Dr. Kelly is professor emeritus at the University of Connecticut Health Sciences, Institute of Materials Science where he teaches graduate prosthodontics and biomaterials. He is the vice chairman of the American Dental Association Standards Committee on Dental Products and past president of the American Academy of Fixed Prosthodontics. Dr. Kelly was awarded the Distinguished Scientist Award by the International Association for Dental Research in 2016.

● Kenneth A. Malament, DDS, MScD – Dr. Malament is a clinical professor of Dental Medicine and Prosthodontics at Tufts University and is currently the president of the Academy of Prosthodontics and president-elect of the American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry. His full-time practice in Boston is limited to prosthodontics and includes a dental laboratory with master dental technologists. Dr. Malament has been the recipient of numerous awards in prosthodontics including the American College of Prosthodontists’ Clinician/Researcher Award, and the Daniel F. Gordon Award for Lifetime Achievement and Distinguished Lecturer Award.

● Linda C. Niessen, DMD, MPH, MPP – Dr. Niessen serves as vice provost for Oral Health Affairs at Kansas City University (KCU) and is founding dean and professor for the KCU College of Dental Medicine in Joplin, Missouri. She is a diplomate of the American Board of Dental Public Health and the American Board of Special Care Dentistry. Dr. Niessen was vice president and chief clinical Officer for DENTSPLY International, a dental manufacturing company, where she oversaw the global clinical education and professional relations activities.

● Clifford J. Ruddle, DDS, FACD, FICD – Dr. Ruddle is the founder and Director of Advanced Endodontics, an educational organization focused on endodontic technologies and techniques, He is an assistant professor of Graduate Endodontics at Loma Linda University and University of California, Los Angeles, as well as an associate clinical professor at University of California, San Francisco. Dr. Ruddle also is a diplomate of the American Board of Endodontics and a fellow of the American College of Dentists and International College of Dentists.

● E. Todd Scheyer, DDS, MS – Dr. Scheyer is a board-certified periodontist at Perio Health Professionals in Houston. He currently serves on the board of trustees for the American Academy of Periodontology, is the past-president of the Southwest Society of Periodontists and is past-president-elect of the Texas Society of Periodontists. Dr. Scheyer has received numerous awards for his work including the Clinical Research Award from the American Academy of Periodontology.

● John West, DDS, MSD – Dr. West is the founder and a practicing endodontist at the Center for Endodontics in Tacoma, Washington and an affiliate associate professor at the University of Washington. He is an associate editor for Endodontic Practice US and serves on the editorial advisory boards of several peer-reviewed journals including The Journal of Esthetic and Restorative Dentistry. Dr. West has authored or co-authored numerous books on endodontics including Esthetic Management of Endodontically Treated Teeth in the third edition of “Esthetics in Dentistry.”

“The current tools for diagnosing tooth damage are so limited in their effectiveness that dentists often feel like they are flying blind," said Cherilyn Sheets, DDS, director and co-founder of Perimetrics." Now, we are on the cusp of changing how we as clinicians practice dentistry, providing an innovative solution to finding cracked teeth, failed restorations and abnormal mobility. We are very proud to have assembled such an esteemed group for our Clinical Advisory Board who will work with us to support our mission of solving dentistry's biggest diagnostic issue."

On July 7, 2023, onDiem announced the five winners of their inaugural Changemakers in Dentistry Award, which will be a yearly effort to recognize and celebrate the most compassionate and impactful leaders in dentistry. The winners were announced at the ADHA (American Dental Hygienist Association) 2023 Conference, for which onDiem served as a title sponsor. Each winner received a $3,000 grant, in addition to other prizes and honors.

The 2023 onDiem Changemakers in Dentistry Award winners:

●      Carrie Wucinich, RDH, Founder of the Kindness Conquers Foundation, for her work to support the well-being and oral health needs of children with cancer.

●      Morris Mugo, RDH,Founder of Safari N Smiles, for empowering diverse practitioners and organizing the provision of critical dental care in Africa.

●      Sue Kassoff-Correia, CRDH, BS, Clinical Director for the Special Olympics and Special Smiles volunteer, for her leadership and advocacy for adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities.

●      Ryan Rutar, RDH, MAM, BS, BA, Chair of the IDEA Committee for the ADHA and Editorial Advisory Board member for RDH Magazine, for his work to build a safe and inclusive dental industry for the LGBTQ+ community.

●      Misty Mattingly, RDH, BS, Senior VP and Chief Dental Hygiene Officer at Sage, for her strong advocacy efforts to improve the working conditions and livelihoods of hygienists.

“We announced our winners at the ADHA’s Friday Night Reception—at a venue decorated with pan-Asian symbols of healing, mercy, compassion, and abundance. There was truly no better place to celebrate our winners and nominees, who have each demonstrated exceptional commitment to creating a more empowered, diverse, and thriving dental community,” said Joe Fogg, Founder and CEO of onDiem. “The onDiem Changemakers Award is designed to empower compassionate dental professionals who, like onDiem, have made it their mission to improve the livelihoods and growth potential of our dental community. I’m humbled to be a small part of their heroic efforts.”

Nominees for the Changemakers Award, in addition to the winners,  will become part of an exclusive onDiem community designed to uplift and empower more changemakers in the industry.

The nominees included:

●      Katrina Klein, RDH, CEAS, CPT

●      Jessica Atkinson, RDH, BSDH, MEd, FADHA

●      Shelley Brown, MEd, BSDH, RDH, FADHA

●      Sheena Hinson, RDH

●      Beryl "Sue" Kassoff-Correia, CRDH, BS

●      Melia Lewis, MEd, BSDH, RDH

●      Jeannette Diaz, RDH, RDHAP, MS, MPH, FADHA

●      Alicia Murria, RDH MS

●      Michelle Strange, MSDH, RDH, CDIPC

●      Cheryl Shafer, RDH, BS, COM

●      Amanda Hill, BSDH, RDH, CDIPC

●      Nicole Ortega, RDH, RDHAP, CEO

●      Marlyce James , MSEd, RDH, CDA

For more information about this award, and to learn how to nominate a dental professional for next year’s honor, please contact beth.deutche@ondiem.com.

OraCare. a professional dental rinse, has been named Cellerant Best of Class Hygiene Award winner for a third year running. Even as new technology has emerged, the expert panel of industry leaders and educators agree the chlorhexidine alternative without side effects is a must have for the highest standard of care. The unbiased and rigorous selection process is conducted and managed on a transparent and not-for-profit basis, with panelists precluded from voting in any category where they have consulting relationships.

"To have hygienists backing us not once, not twice, but three years in a row is just outstanding," says Dr. Robert Martino, CEO of OraCare. "We created this rinse over a decade ago with one mission: to give all the benefits of chlorhexidine without any of the side effects, and the impact practices have made with it is just tremendous."

Recommended by dental professionals as an alternative to chlorhexidine and for uses such as everyday care, bad breath, tissue management, and dry mouth, OraCare is used by millions of patients nationwide. The unique two part activated rinse utilizes chlorine dioxide and has the ability to eliminate oral pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, neutralize VSC's and break up biofilm {dental plaque) without side effects. The rinse has also been found to help alleviate oral side effects brought on by chemo and radiation treatment for cancer patients, a relief brought to many patients for free through the company's "Ora Care Cares" program.

Team members will officially accept the 3rd award presented by Cellerant Consulting on Thursday July 20th at ROH UOR in Nashville, Tennessee.

Overjet, the industry leader in dental artificial intelligence solutions, today announced a partnership with Kleer, the nation's premier dental membership platform. Through this collaboration, Kleer customers enjoy access to Overjet's innovative artificial intelligence technology to analyze X-rays and provide clinical insights.

Since 2018, Kleer has provided dental practices and DSOs with a unique software solution that enables them to offer subscription-based dental membership plans directly to patients and employers. Practices are fully in control, setting the subscription price, fee schedule, and treatment protocols. The platform helps practices reduce dependence on insurance, automate day-to-day plan management, and increase patient loyalty and engagement to maximize profitability and drive long-term growth.

"Our strategic partnership program is a critical component of Kleer's mission to liberate dental care," said Dave Monahan, CEO and founder of Kleer. "Through our alliances with leading technology companies like Overjet, our goal is to help dental teams do their jobs better, faster, and more efficiently while improving the quality of care for patients. We're excited to introduce Overjet's dental AI technology to Kleer's network of providers to help dental teams deliver best-in-class clinical care."

Overjet's FDA-cleared software analyzes and annotates X-rays in real-time, detecting decay, quantifying bone loss, and drawing attention to other areas of concern.

"We've long admired Kleer in its efforts for setting new precedents in delivering personalized care directly to patients," said Wardah Inam, CEO and founder of Overjet. "We share Kleer's commitment in empowering dentists and patients with advanced, customized options to improve patient access to care and treatment acceptance."

To learn more about how dental support organizations are using Overjet's dental AI platform to lead the change to clinically precise, efficient & patient-centric dental care, visit www.overjet.com.

About Kleer

Powerful, automated, and data-driven, Kleer's cloud-based software and world class support team remove all of the complexities, hassles, and costs of dealing with insurance — improving patient access to care, increasing patient visits and treatment acceptance, and providing the foundation for dental practice success.To learn more visit kleer.com.

About Overjet

Founded by experts from MIT and Harvard School of Dentistry, Overjet develops accurate and quantified ways to detect pathologies and integrates actionable insights into workflows. Every day, private practices, dental groups and insurance companies rely on the accurate information provided by Overjet to drive care and service to patients. Learn more at overjet.com.

State-of-the-art orthodontic company, Candid has announced that its CandidPro™ clear aligner system will now offer dental professionals support for eligible mixed dentition cases. This feature release builds on upgraded support for interproximal reduction and attachments unveiled earlier this year and a collaboration with global healthcare leader Philips Sonicare, among other updates. With support for mixed dentition live, dental professionals now have the flexibility to offer CandidPro's signature clear aligner treatment to an expanded range of younger patients.

Support for mixed dentition patients is a major win for CandidPro doctors who focus on airway health. Many of these clinicians prescribe orthodontic treatments to younger patients in an effort to preempt airway health issues like obstructive sleep apnea later in life. Clear aligner therapy is often prescribed in conjunction with other airway-centric therapies to achieve functional tooth alignment. Among airway doctors, CandidPro is well-known for tailoring treatment plans to meet their specific needs.

"I absolutely love that CandidPro helps me to set up my younger patients for success by offering mixed dentition support," says Dr. Brittany Johansen of Alpine Airway Wellness. "They are constantly innovating and applying feedback. It is great to work with such a receptive company."

For airway providers like Dr. Johansen, finding a clear aligner partner that understands the goals of airway providers can be difficult, and support for mixed dentition cases is rare. With this feature release, CandidPro firmly positions itself as a company that prioritizes dental practitioners' clinical needs.

"I love having a clear aligner partner that prioritizes my clinical needs," says Dr. Julienne Sabet of Developmental Dentistry. "I also had the opportunity of helping the CandidPro team pilot their mixed dentition features, which was incredible. I'm so proud to have been a part of it."

With several major upgrades already released this year, CandidPro is building momentum that promises to last through 2024 and beyond.

"We have some of the most talented clinical minds in the industry building even more clinical tools for our providers," says Candid's Chief Dental Officer, Dr. Brian Gray. "I'm proud to see our mixed dentition support go live today, and I'm excited to share more updates to CandidPro soon."

About CandidPro

CandidPro believes that dentists deserve more when it comes to clear aligners. That's why its orthodontic platform leverages best-in-class technology, a game-changing approach to partnership, and clinical expertise to give doctors more control, more convenience, and more happy clear aligner patients.

Learn more at: https://www.candidpro.com

This Friday, dental hygienists attending the RDH Under One Roof conference at Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville are in for a treat as premium oral care brand, TheraBreath™, presents an exhilarating Orangetheory® Fitness workout experience to foster a healthy mouth and healthy body. The event brings together two innovative brands, each dedicated to improving the well-being of individuals in their unique ways.Hosted right inside the conference hotel, this Orangetheory workout, sponsored by Team TheraBreath, promises to be the highlight of the conference, combining cutting-edge fitness techniques with surprises and giveaways that attendees won't want to miss. Participants can look forward to sampling TheraBreath products and other exciting freebies that will further enhance their healthy lifestyle journey. There will be three 45-minute morning sessions on Friday, July 21st, with the first one starting at 5:00 a.m.

"The RDH Under One Roof conference is the perfect platform to showcase the powerful connection between oral health and overall well-being as it is a hygienist-exclusive conference, and they are the true heroes of home hygiene who truly care about their patient’s health,” said Kevin Sherlock, Marketing Vice President, TheraBreath and Personal Care Brands. “By featuring Orangetheory, a leading name in the fitness industry, we aim to inspire the participating hygienists to prioritize their health holistically. This special event represents our commitment to empowering individuals to achieve optimal wellness.”

Orangetheory Fitness is a renowned science-backed, technology-tracked, coach-led group workout designed to provide maximum results from the inside out. With its unique blend of community and advanced technology, Orangetheory Fitness not only encourages meaningful connections amongst its members but also fosters a lifestyle geared towards longevity and vibrancy.

Throughout the conference, between July 20-22, attendees can also visit TheraBreath representatives at booth #401 to receive samples, ask questions and learn more about why TheraBreath’s dentist-formulated products are the ideal option for better patient care. TheraBreath products are featured as a part of the “Hygiene Squad” of Church and Dwight brands, including, Waterpik®, Arm & Hammer™, and Spinbrush™. For more information about TheraBreath products and how to order them for your dental office, please visit www.therabreath.com/pro.

MemorialCare, a prominent nonprofit Southern California integrated health system, and Pacific Dental Services® (PDS), one of the nation’s leading dental and medical support organizations, who entered into a joint venture in December 2022, unveiled today the site of their first-of-its-kind co-located dental and medical office. The partners recently signed a lease in Irvine at University Park shopping center, taking over the former home of Ace Hardware at 18102 Culver Drive in Irvine.  

This unique partnership between a regional health system and a national dental support organization, powered by a shared electronic health record system, set a new precedent in collaborative healthcare. The signing of the partnership’s first lease marked the beginning of bringing it to life.  

MemorialCare Medical Group opened its health center at the site in May and features physicians specializing in family medicine, obstetrics/gynecology and pediatrics. The opening of Culver Smiles Dentistry, a dental practice supported by PDS, will complete the integrated medical and dental office this fall.  

“MemorialCare is excited to be a part of reimagining health care and improving the well-being of the communities we serve,” says Barry Arbuckle, Ph.D., President and CEO of MemorialCare. “In just a few months we’ll watch our vision become a reality and most importantly patients of MemorialCare and Pacific Dental Services dental practices will have convenient access to primary care and oral health care in one location.”  

“Our first co-located practice will mark a significant milestone that underscores our dedication to improving patient health,” says Stephen E. Thorne IV, Founder and CEO of Pacific Dental Services. “This project’s momentum is driven by the shared commitment of MemorialCare and Pacific Dental Services to improving health outcomes through closer collaboration between the dental and medical fields. By prioritizing oral health, we can help patients improve their overall well-being and lead healthier, happier lives.” 

This is the joint venture’s first of several co-located practices that will open over the next five years, with PDS-supported dental offices located within select MemorialCare Medical Group health centers throughout Orange and Los Angeles counties. The co-located offices will bring together dentists and physicians, working collaboratively to provide patients with integrated health care services. These providers will have access to shared electronic health records on the Epic system to provide seamless coordination of care and offer patients comprehensive, whole-person health.  

Decades of clinical research have determined oral health is a critical component to overall health. By integrating oral health care into the primary health care setting, MemorialCare demonstrates its commitment to delivering easily accessible, high-quality care. Simultaneously, PDS’ unwavering dedication to medical-dental integration aligns with the objective of improving health outcomes and reducing annual healthcare expenses and unnecessary hospitalizations. Together, these shared goals drive the collaboration to bring comprehensive and efficient health care solutions to patients.