Taking a significant stride towards transforming the healthcare financing landscape, Bur Capital and UptimeHealth proudly announce their strategic partnership.

UptimeHealth, a leading trailblazer in dental equipment maintenance and facility management, is excited to announce its partnership with Bur Capital, a commercial lending financial company that offers dental and medical practices an alternative to traditional banking. By integrating Bur Capital's groundbreaking loan system with UptimeHealth's platform, this partnership aims to streamline the financing process, empowering dental clients with the financial tools they need to thrive in today's dynamic landscape.

"Through our partnership with Bur Capital, UptimeHealth is forging a powerful alliance that brings together cutting-edge technology and specialized financial expertise. With the ability to project their equipment needs and obtain the necessary funding, dental practices can make informed financial decisions that align with their long-term goals. This partnership transforms the industry as technology and tailored financing solutions merge to boost dental practice success,” says Jinesh Patel, Co-Founder and CEO of UptimeHealth.

"We are thrilled to partner with UptimeHealth, leveraging Bur Capital's express loan approval process with their growing healthcare network. This collaboration allows us to integrate our innovative loan system with UptimeHealth, streamlining the financing process and providing a seamless experience for healthcare clients. Our mission at Bur Capital is to transform the healthcare industry, and this partnership is a significant step toward empowering healthcare practices with the necessary financial tools to thrive in today's dynamic landscape," says Brian Nelson, Bur Capital CTO & Co-Founder.

Announces its Continued Support of OMS Foundation

U.S. Oral Surgery Management (USOSM) is proud to announce its continued support of the OMS Foundation, a 501(c) (3) nonprofit that strives to improve the quality and safety of patient care by fueling innovation in oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMS) research, training and education. A specialty management services company that exclusively serves premier oral and maxillofacial surgeons, USOSM made its first gift to the OMS Foundation in 2018, just a few months after USOSM opened for business, and it has been a dedicated supporter ever since.

“Our partnership with USOSM, now in its sixth year, has been a significant driver of the OMS Foundation’s success,” said OMS Foundation Chair Lou Rafetto. “As an OMSFIRE donor and gift-match challenge partner, USOSM has helped to generate more than $500,000 in gifts to the OMS Foundation since 2019 to support innovative, clinically relevant research and expanded enrichment opportunities for OMS residents and faculty.”

This year, USOSM committed to match up to $25,000 in donations to the Annual Fund during the Foundation’s mid-year appeal. More than $60,000 was contributed in May and June – thanks in large part to USOSM’s 2023 matching gift challenge.

“USOSM’s leadership and generosity provide a strong model for the specialty’s corporate sector, and its corporate partners in the AAOMS community have followed the company’s lead with generous support of their own,” added Rafetto. “We’re grateful for the relationship we’ve built and proud of all we’ve accomplished together.”

Since 1959, the OMS Foundation has facilitated the discovery of new knowledge in the OMS field by supporting research and providing platforms for the specialty’s most respected experts to educate their colleagues. The organization funds clinical and basic research, supports AAOMS educational opportunities with program grants and scholarships, and collaborates with AAOMS to offer education and enrichment to OMS faculty. For more information or to donate, visit https://omsfoundation.org/.

“We are deeply committed to the OMS specialty and to its continued advancement. As the first, shared services organization, exclusively serving board-certified oral surgeons, we thought it was important for us to be a leader in support of our specialty,” said USOSM President and CEO Richard Hall. “The OMS Foundation works hard to advance oral and maxillofacial patient care by providing oral and maxillofacial surgeons with the training, education, research and general assistance they need. We’re honored to continue supporting an organization that makes such a significant difference in supporting the specialty and their patients.”

Headquartered in Irving, Texas, USOSM has partner practices spanning 26 states. A shared services organization, USOSM collaborates with premier oral and maxillofacial surgeons to offer a partnership solution for continued and accelerated practice success. USOSM provides operational, marketing and administrative support services, reinvests resources, and applies best practices to improve clinical and financial performance and produce steadier, more profitable growth for all. For more information, visit https://www.usosm.com/.

Benco Dental, the nation’s largest independent distributor of oral healthcare technology and supplies, welcomed three highly experienced executives: Anne Wilson as Chief Marketing Officer; Lee Lispi as interim Chief Information Officer; and Brian Denby as Field Sales Director for dental labs.

"We're excited to add talent like Anne, Lee and Brian, who have demonstrated a high level of success, commitment and enthusiasm throughout their careers," said Chuck Cohen, Benco Dental's Managing Director. "Their roles are crucial to helping Benco realize our ambitious innovation and growth goals over the next several years, and we look forward to their contributions."

Anne Wilson brings over 20 years of experience in marketing management, supply chain and analytics across small, mid-size and Fortune 500 companies. Her previous leadership roles include executive positions with Aeroflow Healthcare, McKesson, Hamilton Beech and Hanesbrands. Anne holds a BS in Business Administration, Marketing, from Winston-Salem State University as well as an MBA from UNC Greensboro.

"I'm thrilled to join a values-led company like Benco Dental to develop its marketing innovation engine," said Wilson. "For over nine decades, Benco has grown by putting customers first. The potential for combining face-to-face customer insights with rich data to drive strategy at the speed of today's fast-moving dental healthcare market is the right challenge for me at the right time. The fact that Benco invests so heavily in our people also dovetails perfectly with my personal passion for collaborating, mentoring, and shaping great teams from the highest echelon of professionals."

Lee Lispi was promoted to interim Chief Information Officer from his previous position as Vice President, Enterprise Applications and Architecture. He has a rich and varied background in eCommerce, SEO, programming and architecture at companies including MetLife and Emerson. He is also a former offensive lineman for Penn State.

"Benco Dental's IT organization spans everything from eCommerce to customer order fulfillment logistics to the internal infrastructure that supports 1,400 associates working in wide-ranging roles across the country remotely and in our headquarters, distribution centers and CenterPoint design and equipment showrooms," said Lispi. "Being part of a lean organization focused on continuous improvement, and leading back-end efforts to facilitate better experiences for our customers and team, is an opportunity I've been working toward my entire career."

Brian Denby is returning to Benco Dental as Field Sales Director for dental labs, where he'll leverage more than two decades of sales and marketing experience. He began his dental career as a CEREC Specialist for both chairside and lab, joining Benco Dental in 2003 to specialize in digital product offerings and capital equipment before spending a combined 15 years with AstraTech and Straumann. Brian has championed the early adoption of digital dentistry, while focusing on full-mouth rehabilitation.

"I've spent the majority of my career helping dental practice and lab owners manage their businesses efficiently," said Denby. "I’m so excited to be back at Benco to help bring our innovative solutions and customer-centric approach to dental lab customers. There is an enormous amount of growth in digital technology throughout the dental market, especially within the lab. Benco’s increased focus on technology, consumables and service for our laboratory customers supports this dynamic growth, while helping to improve the overall experience for the lab, clinician and patient.”  

PDS-supported clinicians and volunteers traveled to Guatemala for its 40th international service trip.

Pacific Dental Services® (PDS), one of the nation’s leading dental and medical support organizations, achieved a significant milestone in July 2023 by completing its 40th international service trip to provide vital dental care to patients in need.

Since its first international service trip in 2010, PDS-supported clinicians and non-clinical team members have provided a total of $11,148,654 in dental care globally, positively impacting 16,669 patients. This achievement can be attributed to the dedication of over 550 volunteers who have collectively contributed 27,720 hours of their time. These efforts have extended vital assistance to patients in Guatemala, Ethiopia, and Fiji.

“This achievement is one that makes me particularly proud, as it underscores our efforts to create opportunities for our team members to serve, not only having a meaningful impact on others, but also on their own lives,” said Stephen E. Thorne IV, Founder and CEO of Pacific Dental Services. “The inception of our internal ‘We Serve’ department and the PDS Foundation was rooted in this very purpose — to provide avenues for our team to serve others in a profound and impactful way.”

Guatemala faces an overwhelming demand for dental care, especially among rural residents who encounter challenges in accessing it. Dental diseases, exacerbated by inadequate education and malnutrition, pose significant health concerns. Recognizing the significant need for oral health care within the country, the PDS Foundation established a cost-free dental clinic in Xenacoj in 2015. The PDS Foundation Clínica Dental also provides Spanish-translated educational resources, bridging the language gap to educate patients about the vital significance of oral health to their overall health.

From July 18 – 23, 2023, a group of PDS-supported dentists, dental hygienists, dental assistants, and non-clinical volunteers worked alongside the PDS Foundation Clínica Dental staff. Together, they provided essential care to 102 patients, offering a comprehensive range of treatments valued at $101,651, including fillings, extractions, and root canals. Beyond dental care, the volunteers partnered with the PDS Foundation’s local team and delivered stoves and food to families within the community. This trip marked PDS’ third visit to Guatemala this year, with one more scheduled for September.

To learn more about the PDS Foundation’s international service program, please click here.  

The American Association of Endodontists (AAE) announced that registration has opened for Insight Track: Pain. The meeting is described as a perfect blend of learning and luxurious escape as endodontists descend on Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. at the PGA National Resort.

Since 2009 (then known as “Fall Conference”), Insight Track meetings – which each address a single topic or theme critical to the specialty -- have always combined education with leisure, offering busy endodontists a uniquely productive immersion in learning that also serves as a weekend getaway.

This year is no different: the education portion of “Pain” promises to take a long and detailed look at the enigmatic world of pain. From biology to pharmacology, sedation types to emergencies, no tooth pain topic will be untouched.

“So much of an endodontist’s practice focuses on the diagnosis, relief and management of our patients’ pain,” said AAE President Dr. Craig S. Hirschberg. “This will be an outstanding program, which takes an in-depth look at the many aspects of pain and even includes a presentation on chair yoga. In addition to the Welcome Reception, they have planned the optional add-ons of a golf outing or a Historic Palm Beach Biking Tour, which will provide a great mix of education and recreation.”

Sessions include: “Unraveling the Neurobiological Foundations of Endodontic Diagnosis and Treatment Planning”, “Giving It Our Best Shot - Local Anesthesia for Pain Management and Prevention”, “Endodontic Flare Ups: Predisposing Factors”, “Evidence-Based Analgesic Therapy”, and “Chronic Pain/Persistent Pain.”

Learn more at aae.org/InsightTrack. 

Henry Schein, Inc. (Nasdaq: HSIC) today announced the launch of its new equipment repair subscription offering – Henry Schein Thrive Service Plus, delivered by ServiceFirst – the newest addition to the exclusive portfolio of benefits and value offered as part of the Henry Schein Thrive Rewards program.

This new subscription plan, exclusively offered by Henry Schein, offers comprehensive access to the Company’s ServiceFirst technicians, a highly trained team dedicated to delivering personalized, in-office repair service; a direct line to our expert Technical Advisors who provide remote support and help reduce the need for an onsite visit; and priority dispatch from our ServiceFirst emergency response team to expedite repair services when critical equipment unexpectedly fails.

“When we say rely on us, we make a promise to help our customers operate successfully and deliver quality patient care,” said Dave Steck, Vice President and General Manager, US Dental Group. “The Henry Schein Thrive Service Plus subscription plan helps us deliver on this promise by understanding the vital need our customers have for dependable, expert service and by providing an outstanding solution to address this need.”

Henry Schein’s Thrive brand is a portfolio of offerings that provide savings, rewards, support, and experiences specifically designed to help practices be successful.

• Henry Schein Thrive Rewards: A no-fee, points-based membership program available to private practices and small group practices. Customers advance through four loyalty levels for increased service benefits, higher points earn rates and additional solution discounts.

• Henry Schein Thrive Signature: A paid subscription service that provides enhanced value to the dental practice through exclusive savings on business management services, merchandise, equipment, shipping, and more.

• Henry Schein Thrive Service Plus: A paid subscription service delivered by ServiceFirst; members receive comprehensive repair coverage for their large equipment with one low monthly fee.

• THRIVELIVE, Presented by Henry Schein: The Company’s premier educational annual event for the entire dental team, featuring a robust lineup of world-class education, renowned speakers, and innovative technology. THRIVELIVE 2024 will take place May 2 – 4 at the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas, NV.

To learn more about Henry Schein Service Plus, please visit www.dentistswhothrive.com/servicefirst.

Spear Education is pleased to announce the addition of Matthew Chesler, DDS, as their newest Resident Faculty member. Dr. Chesler will serve as the instructor for Spear's new Endodontics Workshop Curriculum Series, which is part of Spear's new curriculum paths specifically designed for general practitioners.

“I have always had a passion for teaching & learning,” said Dr. Chesler. “Helping someone to understand and implement new concepts to their clinical repertoire is one of the most rewarding things I've been able to do in my career. It's that ‘lightbulb’ moment that makes it all worthwhile,” continued Dr. Chesler. “To be selected as Resident Faculty with Spear is truly an honor and I look forward to delivering endodontic education that is worthy of the reputation that Spear has built over the years for educational excellence.”

Dr. Chesler earned his bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of California San Diego and then his Doctor of Dentistry degree from University of Southern California in 2004. During his studies, he received an American Association of Endodontics (AAE) faculty award for excellence in endodontics. While a student, Dr. Chesler also served in the U.S. Navy and completed a one-year residency in Advanced Education in General Dentistry. Shortly afterwards, he became one of the youngest residents to ever be selected for the Endodontics Residency Program at the Naval Postgraduate Dental School in Bethesda, Md. He completed the program in 2008 and concurrently earned a postdoctoral Master of Science degree from The George Washington University, Washington, D.C.

Post graduation, Dr. Chesler reported to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii as the Endodontics Department head. Commander Chesler was then transferred back to the San Diego area in early 2011 where he served as the head of the Endodontics Department at Marine Corps Air Station, Miramar. In 2015 he separated from the Navy after 11 years of active duty but is currently a naval reservist. Dr. Chesler has remained academically active. In Hawaii he was chairman of the annual Tri-Service Dental Symposium, providing lectures to all Oahu-based dental officers. He has also lectured extensively around the country providing general dentists and endodontists with the latest in endodontic continuing education and most recently completed multiple courses with both Spear Education and CDOCS.

The first two workshops in the Endodontics Workshop Curriculum series begins in November 2023. Learn more about Spear's Endodontics Workshop Curriculum series.

Toscano will have direct responsibility and oversight for the field operations team to enhance coordination and care at Benevis’ 120 practices nationwide.

Benevis, a leading dental healthcare delivery organization for practices focused on delivering life-changing oral care and orthodontics, appointed Christopher Toscano to a new role of Chief of Field Operations, effective August 7. In this role, Toscano will manage the field operations team by providing oversight of the organization’s district managers, and partner closely with enterprise operations and regional dental directors to ensure practices operate smoothly, efficiently, and collaboratively.

“We are excited to welcome Chris into this new role at Benevis that will help our practices perform at their best, ensuring efficiency and effectiveness in our operations and continued improvement in quality measures across our 120 offices located in 13 states and the District of Columbia,” said Bryan Carey, CEO of Benevis. “Chris brings Benevis a wealth of knowledge and experience in field leadership and operations excellence to collaborate with our nationwide network and improve dental care access and outcomes for underserved communities.”

Most recently, Toscano served as vice president of operations at a large multi-site healthcare organization, where he oversaw and collaborated with the field team to improve clinical outcomes across the Northeast. In addition, Toscano has consulting experience with prior roles with EY and Alvarez & Marshal where he had interim operational leadership roles.

“Benevis’ mission and its ability to provide high quality, affordable dental care to underserved patients and their families resonated with me and heartened me to take this new role” said Toscano. “I look forward to serving its practices across the country by ensuring that they have the personnel and resources they need, so Benevis dentists and staff can seamlessly deliver care.”

Toscano earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in mechanical engineering from Clarkson University as well as an MBA from the Yale School of Management.  

NDA Recognizes the Contributions of Mr. Kess to the NDA-HEALTH NOW® Program

Henry Schein, Inc. (Nasdaq: HSIC) today announced that Steven W. Kess, Founding President of the Henry Schein Cares Foundation and Senior Consultant, Global Professional Relations at the Company, received a Bridge Builder Special Recognition Award by the National Dental Association (NDA) during the Opening Session of its Annual Convention held in New Orleans, La. on July 20.

The Bridge Builder Special Recognition Award was developed to commend individuals who have made significant contributions to the 10-year success of the NDA-HEALTH NOW® program, which raises awareness about oral health through community outreach and educational activities. The Award, presented by Dr. Marlon D. Henderson, President, National Dental Association, recognized Mr. Kess for his commitment to help advance the mission and work of the NDA.

“I am honored to receive such a special recognition from Dr. Henderson and the NDA, an organization that has done so much to provide services, education, and access to thousands in underserved communities across America and around the globe,” said Mr. Kess. “At Henry Schein, we share NDA’s commitment to community, and will continue to help advance the NDA’s mission of leveraging public-private partnerships to serve children, senior citizens, and others without access to health care. We will also continue to support its mission of reducing health disparities, increase oral health literacy and promote prevention in underserved and vulnerable populations. Together, we can help ensure access to necessary oral health care.”

An advocate for underrepresented minorities and a catalyst in helping to create awareness about the importance of oral health, Mr. Kess has been particularly active in efforts to advance health equity and improve access to health care for at risk populations and people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. He has served in a variety of leadership roles in many health care associations and organizations, and currently serves as the Founding President Emeritus of the Dr. Edward B. Shils Entrepreneurial Fund and Chairman of Project Accessible Oral Health for individuals with disabilities. He is the Immediate Past President, and an active Executive Management Committee member of the Santa Fe Group, a leading oral health think tank. In addition, Mr. Kess has served on several dental school advisory boards, including at The New York University College of Dentistry, Columbia University College of Dental Medicine, The University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, and University of Michigan School of Dentistry.

“Mr. Kess’ vision and unparalleled support helped lay the foundation for the NDA-HEALTH NOW program, which has placed mobile health units, equipped for medical screening, vision screening, and dental services in underserved communities,” said Dr. Henderson. “He envisioned the impact that NDA-HEALTH NOW would have, and made a commitment to help advance the mission and work of the NDA. Together with Henry Schein, Mr. Kess helped leverage resources, human capital, and in-kind support to grow a supportive network of like-minded individuals who also embraced the principles of health equity. As a result of his decade-long commitment, NDA-HEALTH NOW has flourished beyond imagination. Mr. Kess is a pillar of the program’s past and future, and will forever remain a part of its legacy.”

For more information about the NDA-HEALTH NOW program, please visit https://ndaonline.org/healthnow/.

In her upcoming CE webinar course, “Open Wide and Look Inside: Oral Anomalies and Pathologies in Children and Adolescents,” IDH Editorial Advisory Board member Sherri Lukes, RDH, MS, FAADH, will discuss lesions and oral changes and deciphering anomalies and oral pathologies based on the evidence. The course will be offered on Thursday, October 5, 2023 from 7:00-9:00 pm ET on the Professional Learning Services platform.

Learning outcomes include:

1. List the etiology, clinical appearance and treatment options for a variety of oral anomalies and pathologies that may present in children and adolescents.

2. Explain the process of developing a differential diagnosis for anomalies and pathologies discovered in young patients.

3. Explain the importance of interdisciplinary, collaborative care among healthcare providers in treating pathologies and anomalies in young patients.

Topics covered include:

• Developmental and Hereditary conditions

• Soft tissue lesions

• Lesions in bone

• Connecting professionals for optimal patient care

For each area the following is covered: etiology, clinical appearance and treatment options with cases of each condition.

Course participants will earn 2 CEUs, and registration cost is $35.

Sherri M. Lukes, RDH, MS, FAADH, has been a dental hygienist for 41 years and holds advanced degrees in education. She is Associate Professor Emmerita, Southern Illinois University, where she taught oral pathology, public health and multicultural dental hygiene. Her research was concentrated in migrant oral health, oral pathology, and public health issues, resulting in multiple peer reviewed publications. She is an approved national speaker by the AADH where she holds a Fellowship status.

For more information and to register, click here.