Roland DGA’s DGSHAPE Americas business group, a leading provider of advanced dental milling solutions, 3D printers, and accessories for laboratories and clinicians, has announced that its DWX-42W Plus Chairside Milling Solution has won the prestigious 2023 Cellerant Best of Class Technology Award. Selected annually by a panel of the most prominent technology leaders in dentistry, the Cellerant Best of Class Technology Awards recognize innovative products that set a standard of quality in their respective categories.

“These extraordinary companies and their technologies have shown perseverance and commitment to technological innovations that help dentists best equip today’s contemporary practice,” said Dr. Lou Shuman DMD CAGS, CEO of Cellerant Consulting Group and creator of the Best of Class Technology Awards program. “Our panel spent many hours in close discussion identifying these standout products.”

The DGSHAPE DWX-42W Plus is a next-generation Chairside Milling Solution incorporating technological enhancements that maximize overall efficiency, productivity, reliability, and ease of use. It boasts new features and capabilities that take performance and versatility to a higher level, including a newly designed spindle with a shaft wall that is approximately four times thicker than its predecessor’s, expanded material compatibility, and increased milling speed, precision, and quality. Further enhancing the DWX-42W mill’s accuracy and versatility is the wide selection of state-of-the-art milling tools available for this device, including ZGB tools for harder materials like Amber® Mill Direct, Powered by Roland DGA or fully sintered zirconia and ZGB2 tools for traditional glass ceramics, hybrid ceramics, and nano-composite materials. Powerful, user-friendly CAM Software, included with the DWX-42W, optimizes workflow by providing a host of useful tools and features, such as a quick mill option that lets you select frequently used materials and start milling quickly, a choice of fast or high-quality milling applications, Multiple Job Setup for significantly reduced milling times, and much more.

“Receiving a Cellerant Best of Class Technology Award is a tremendous honor, as it’s based on significant research by top experts within the field who thoroughly analyze and evaluate every aspect of the products under consideration,” said Jimmy Ruiz, Dental Business Manager at Roland DGA’s DGSHAPE Americas. “We’re thrilled, but not surprised, that the DWX-42W impressed the judging panel. It’s a truly innovative device that combines cutting-edge technology with ease of use and dependability to help any practice elevate its chairside-milling capabilities.”

For more information on the Cellerant Best of Class Awards and the 2023 award winners, visit https://www.cellerantconsulting.com/best-of-class-technology-2023. To learn more about the DWX-42W Plus wet dental mill or the complete DGSHAPE line of dental products and accessories, visit https://www.rolanddga.com/products/dental/dwx-series.

Delta Dental finds an overwhelming majority of U.S. adults value dental insurance in supporting overall wellness, according to the recently released 2023 State of America's Oral Health and Wellness Report, a nationwide analysis of consumer opinions and behaviors relating to oral health.

The report indicates that having dental insurance provides health, emotional, and financial benefits ranging from good overall health to peace of mind to helping save money. Delta Dental commissioned the research, which included more than 2,000 U.S. adults and parents of children 12 and under.

"This year's report underscores the critical role of dental insurance in supporting whole person health," said James W. Hutchison, President & CEO, Delta Dental Plans Association. "As the nation's leading dental benefits provider, we are deeply committed to fostering greater oral health equity through innovative and affordable dental plans, which will help lead to better overall health outcomes for all."

Key findings from the 2023 report include:

Supporting optimal overall health

• The report finds 86% of adults agree that having dental coverage allows for good overall health.

• A vast majority of adults (82%) believe that dental insurance is an essential part of overall wellness.

Fostering emotional well-being

• Nearly 9 in 10 adults (87%) agree that dental insurance gives them peace of mind.

• Further, most adults (81%) say having dental insurance instills confidence in their smile.

Providing tangible cost benefits

• More than 8 in 10 adults (85%) recognize dental insurance helps save money in the long run.

To read the full 2023 State of America's Oral Health and Wellness Report and learn more about the report's methodology and findings, click here.

About the report

The 2023 State of America's Oral Health and Wellness Report is based upon Delta Dental Plans Association-commissioned research conducted between January 6 and January 23, 2023, by Material Holdings, LLC, a global insights and strategy consultancy, using an email invitation and online surveys of two audiences recruited through an opt-in panel:

1,000 nationally representative Americans ages 18+

1,253 parents of children ages 12 and under

Geographic distribution quotas were set to ensure a reliable and accurate representation of the U.S. population of adults and parents with children 12 and under. Research in this report has a margin of error of +/- 3%. 

As part of their ongoing sustainability strategy, “BEYOND: Taking action for a brighter world,” Dentsply Sirona has partnered with FDI World Dental Federation on World Oral Health Day (WOHD) since 2022. The aim of this partnership is to empower people with the knowledge, tools, and confidence for good oral health. The Company now celebrates a successful 2023 WOHD communication campaign, congratulates The Sudanese Association of Dental Students for winning the sponsored “Most Original Activity” award, and announces their continued partnership through 2024.

Dentsply Sirona, the world’s largest manufacturer of professional dental solutions and technologies, celebrates the success of a comprehensive communication campaign for WOHD 2023. The campaign slogan, “Be Proud of Your Mouth”, garnered global engagement through an array of multi-platform initiatives.

Erania Brackett, Senior Vice-President of Orthodontic Aligner Solutions & Customer Experience and Head of Sustainability at Dentsply Sirona, appeared via video at the WOHD 2023 ceremony in Sydney, Australia to reflect on Dentsply Sirona’s successful 2023 campaign and celebrate sponsoring the “Most Original Activity” award. During the ceremony, the continued partnership between Dentsply Sirona and FDI World Dental Federation for WOHD 2024 was announced.

“Be Proud of Your Mouth”: A Successful 2023 Communication Campaign

Erania Brackett, a vocal advocate for oral health on social media, expressed her enthusiasm around an impressive 2023 communication campaign and the impactful results it achieved. "Our campaign was expansive and global, involving a cross-functional company-wide communication initiative via social media, various websites, mailers, and other mediums explaining the direct correlation between oral health and overall health,” she remarked.

The sign of this successful partnership is the clear alignment of values, evidenced between FDI World Dental Federation and Dentsply Sirona through this shared sentiment. FDI World Dental Federation President Prof. Ihsane Ben Yahya explains that “Good oral health is a vital part of our daily lives, both in terms of physical health and mental well-being.”

Dentsply Sirona’s campaign, visible across a multitude of social media channels, extended its impact beyond awareness, also equipping dentists with a downloadable toolkit for educating patients about the connection between oral and general health. Dentsply Sirona's commitment was further demonstrated by a distribution of over 400 oral health kits containing toothbrushes, toothpaste, dental timers, floss, educational flyers and personalized “Get well” cards to patients undergoing cleft treatment at Smile Train partner treatment centers in Colombia, Brazil, and Mexico.

Sponsoring the “Most Original Activity” Award

As part of the WOHD 2023 campaign, Dentsply Sirona sponsored the "Most Original Activity" award, which acknowledges exceptional initiatives to creatively promote oral health messages within the public domain. The award criteria evaluated participant numbers, external partnerships, innovation, the use of materials and alignment with the WOHD theme as well as impact through dissemination of take-home messages and/or oral care items.

This distinction was awarded to The Sudanese Association of Dental Students – specifically, the Prophylaxis Office and the External Relations Office – whose activities and accomplishments were expansive in scope, including educational visits to schools, awareness programs at dental hospitals, engagement with local businesses, and educational sessions at universities, reaching an audience of approximately 2,000 individuals.

Dentsply Sirona and FDI World Dental Federation: A Continued WOHD Partnership

At the WOHD Ceremony the continuation of the partnership between Dentsply Sirona and FDI World Dental Federation into 2024 was announced. "In the meantime, our 2023 mission doesn’t end here," Erania Brackett communicated. "Every day, all of us at Dentsply Sirona live our vision to transform dentistry to improve oral health globally.”

Dentsply Sirona's continued partnership reaffirms its commitment to the global oral health movement, aiming to make a lasting impact through education, awareness, and community engagement.

For more information on Dentsply Sirona’s sustainability strategy BEYOND, visit http://www.dentsplysirona.com/sustainability. 

Ivoclar, a leading manufacturer of integrated solutions for dentistry, has announced organizational changes for its North American operations. Chet Spivey was promoted to interim President of Ivoclar - North America, and Laura Gilbert was promoted to interim General Manager for Ivoclar - Canada.

“I would first like to congratulate Chet and Laura on their new roles with our organization,“ said Markus Heinz, CEO of the Ivoclar Group. “Both of them have displayed outstanding leadership skills and commitment to Ivoclar over the years. This is a dynamic adjustment for our organization that will allow us to focus on the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.“

In his new role, Spivey will lead Ivoclar - North America, overseeing the day-to-day business operations, and leading the executive team. Gilbert will report to Spivey, focusing her efforts on Ivoclar’s continued growth in Canada.

2023 marks Spivey’s 25th year with Ivoclar. For the past four years, Spivey has served as Senior Vice President of Sales. Prior to that, Spivey served as Vice President of Marketing. Spivey has served on several industry boards, including the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. He has spent the last 32 years working in the dental industry.

Spivey graduated in 1990 from California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, California, with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration and a concentration in Marketing. He received a Master's of Business Administration degree from the State University of New York at Buffalo in 2006.

Gilbert joined Ivoclar in 2012 and has held various positions with the organization focusing on marketing and education. In her prior role with the organization, Gilbert was the Director of Laboratory Marketing for North America. She is an 18-year veteran within the dental industry.

After graduating with a BA from the University of Windsor where she majored in Communications, Gilbert started her career with IBM Canada Ltd. Laura held many positions in services procurement with IBM including a team leader role where she specialized in marketing communications.  

CURAPROX is partnering with Susan G. Komen to join the fight against breast cancer and help save lives! The Swiss renowned oral care brand has revamped its iconic CS 5460 Toothbrush within a limited-edition kit – Pink Limited-Edition Set– and is donating 25% of the retail sale price from each kit to the Susan G. Komen Foundation through the end of October.

CURAPROX’s CS 5460 Pink Limited Edition Toothbrush Set - Available NOW on curaprox.us for $39.95

If you love pink, you’ll be absolutely thrilled with this edition. Six wonderful candy colors in various shades, with one that stands out. Pink represents femininity, optimism, empathy and dedication.

What you’ll find inside: Plaque’s toughest opponent – the gentleness of Curen® filaments. The 5460 ultra-soft Curen® filaments form an incredibly dense and efficient cleaning surface. These filaments are as gentle on gums and teeth as they are tough on plaque. Once you’ve tried a CS 5460 toothbrush, you’ll never want to give up that clean feeling.

• Gentle Curen® filaments

• Efficient cleaning surface thanks to 5460 densely packed Curen® filaments

• The compact head with a slight angle reaches every nook and cranny of the mouth

• The octagonal grip helps you to clean at the right angle

• Made in Switzerland

• Free from harmful substances such as bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates or azo dyes

Expanded portfolio opens even more possibilities for users

VITA has announced an expansion of is VITA VIONIC SOLUTIONS portfolio and is offering users even more freedom of choice for workflow and materials. Regardless of the hardware and software systems used, the expansion offers new possibilities in esthetics and efficiency. In addition to the existing available products, users can choose from an expanded range of products in the series:

• VITA VIONIC® DENT DISC multiColor: With the new disc, users can mill teeth for partial and full dentures via CAD/CAM. Within the VITA VIONIC SOLUTIONS portfolio, you can now choose between prefabricated and individually created teeth. Thanks to the high-quality composite (inorganically filled PMMA), the new disc is significantly more abrasion-resistant than comparable products. VITA is continuing to offer its selection of high-quality analog VITA premium teeth for digitally created dentures as well. The integrated shade gradient also makes the VITA VIONIC DENT DISC multiColor unique on the dental market. The disc is available starting September 2023.

• VITA VIONIC® BASE DISC HI: The disc for milling the denture base via CAD/CAM offers an improved material that is impact-resistant and more durable than its predecessor. In addition, the BASE DISC HI is available in three lively gingiva shades (a fourth shade is being developed), which appear even more natural for full and partial dentures. VITA VIONIC BASE DISC HI is available now.

• VITA VIONIC® DIGITAL VIGO Denture Library: VITA is also reorganizing its dental database. In the future, users will be able to digitally design try-in dentures, denture bases and teeth, and then 3D print them or mill them. The database will be available for the denture modules of 3shape and exocad. Users can choose from a total of seven predefined setup concepts for partial and full dentures, including crossbite and the recently added setup concepts for straight setup lingualized, straight setup buccalized and Dutch lingualized occlusion. This means that the VITA VIONIC DIGITAL VIGO denture tooth database enables simple and time-saving digital design and manufacture using all common open CAM and 3D print systems. The denture tooth library for 3Shape was available beginning July 2023, and will be available soon for exocad.

VITA is a leading provider of innovative dental products. The company pioneered the field of tooth shade determination with the development of the world-renowned VITA classical® A1-D4 shade guide and its proprietary VITA SYSTEM 3D-MASTER®, the first and only system of its kind that covers the complete range of natural tooth shades. From premium denture teeth and veneering materials, to digital shade measurement, furnaces and CAD/CAM restorations, VITA helps laboratory technicians and clinicians deliver high quality and esthetic results to patients quickly and efficiently.

For more information, visit www.vitanorthamerica.com or call 800-828-3839.

A leader in community service, the organization was once again named to The Civic 50 Orange County, a recognition given to the top 50 most community-minded companies in the region.

Pacific Dental Services® (PDS) has once again been recognized in the annual The Civic 50 Orange County, an award given to the top 50 most community-minded companies in the region. It is an initiative of Points of Light, the world’s largest organization dedicated to volunteer service, in partnership with OneOC, a nonprofit committed to accelerating nonprofit success in Orange County, Calif.

This marks the fifth time PDS has been named an honoree, having previously been recognized in 2017, 2019, 2021, and 2022.

The Civic 50 selection process employs an independently administered and scored survey, evaluating four key dimensions of engagement to identify honorees: resource investment, integration across business functions, institutionalization through policies and systems, and the measurement of social impact.

“Receiving the Civic 50 Orange County recognition for the fifth time is a testament to our unwavering commitment to service and community,” said Stephen E. Thorne IV, Founder and CEO of Pacific Dental Services. “Through years of dedicated service to others, we’ve not only seen the positive impact we bring but also the transformative effect it has on our team members. Serving others changes us for the better, and this recognition highlights our shared dedication to making a significant difference in the world.”

Since its inception in 1994, PDS has cultivated a strong tradition and culture of service, extending support to communities at the local, regional, and international levels. Locally, PDS-supported practices regularly organize donation drives, contribute to local food banks, engage in charitable partnerships through sponsorships, and offer team members paid volunteer time to support their chosen organizations. Annually, the company's 14,000+ team members unite to provide donated dental services and community support during Smile Generation Serve Day. They also collaborate in the construction of playgrounds with KABOOM! and lend their support to Special Olympics International.

On a global scale, PDS and its affiliated practices consistently channel their efforts towards philanthropic causes, not only by raising funds but also by actively participating in international service missions. Earlier this year, PDS achieved a significant milestone by raising over $1,000,000 for charity: water, an organization that helps provide clean and safe drinking water to underserved communities in developing nations. Partnering with dental schools and non-governmental organizations, the PDS Foundation coordinates service trips to its dental clinic in Guatemala, offering mentorship to the students, and dental treatment and essential supplies to the local community. Through these collective endeavors, the compassionate actions of PDS team members resonate profoundly within every community they touch, leaving a lasting and positive impact.  

Spear Education, a pioneering institution in dental education, is happy to announce a leadership transition. Effective Sept. 12, 2023, Kaleim Manji, the co-founder and long-standing CEO, is shifting from his role to become an active member of the Spear Education board, and passing the leadership baton to Matthew Coggin, who has been promoted from his role as President to Chief Executive Officer (CEO). This transition has been strategically planned for some time and reflects a seamless evolution within the organization. Manji's dedication to Spear Education remains unwavering, as he continues to serve as a substantial shareholder and an active member of the board. His enduring commitment to the institution and its stakeholders assures a stable and promising future.

Coggin's elevation to the CEO position underscores the confidence placed in his leadership and vision for Spear Education. Throughout his tenure, Coggin has consistently demonstrated his capabilities, strategic acumen, and unwavering passion for the values and mission of Spear.

Manji expressed his sentiment about the transition, saying, "I cannot overstate how fortunate I feel to have found someone like Matt as my successor. The journey of identifying a leader who not only comprehends the business but also shares the ethos and vision of its founders is a challenging one. With Matt, we have found that leader."

Coggin first joined Spear in April 2023 as President, building on a distinguished career that includes serving as Senior Vice President of Clear Aligners for Dentsply Sirona.

CareQuest Institute Survey Reveals Income, Race, and Ethnicity Directly Tied to Dental Access

CareQuest Institute for Oral Health®, a leading national nonprofit focused on creating a more accessible, equitable, and integrated oral health system, released new data showing that discrimination and socioeconomic factors are leading contributors to persistent oral health disparities in the US.

The survey revealed that among adults who reported encountering discrimination across various factors and social contexts in their lifetime, 37% had not undergone a routine dental visit in the last 12 months, in contrast to the 31% who had not faced discrimination. Furthermore, the experience of discrimination in oral health care showed a significant correlation with economic variables. For instance, individuals lacking dental insurance were almost twice as likely to report discrimination in oral health care (11%) compared to those with dental insurance (6%).

“The findings from this year’s survey underscore the troubling health disparities based on race, ethnicity, and economic status that continue to plague our health care system,” said Kaz Rafia, DDS, MBA, chief health equity officer and executive vice president of CareQuest Institute for Oral Health. “Every person should be able to achieve optimal health regardless of their background, and we will continue our work with policymakers, legislators, and advocates to ensure that dental care becomes more accessible for all.”

Findings in the report, based on a nationally representative survey of more than 5,000 adults, point to the significant gaps in health care access and affordability for Hispanic, Black, and Asian adults. According to the survey, individuals in minoritized communities reported worse oral health and irregular access to adequate dental care, despite reporting similar and, in some cases, better rates of oral hygiene habits such as brushing and cleaning between their teeth. Adults identifying their race/ethnicity as “other” were also more likely to report experiencing discrimination in the oral health care setting.

Key findings, summarized in the “Cost, Race, and the Persistent Challenges in Our Oral Health System” report include:

• More than half of Black adults (52%) reported having lost one or more permanent teeth due to decay or gum disease, compared with 43% of all adults. 

• Adults earning $100,000 or more a year were much more likely to rate their oral health as excellent, very good, or good (87%), compared with 60% of those making less than $30,000 per year. 

• Homeownership was linked to higher rates of having a dental home, better self-rated oral health, and more regular dental visits, compared with renting or occupying a home without payment. 

• Among adults with a disability, 14% said they had experienced discrimination in the dental setting, and 27% said they had been denied oral health care due to discrimination. 

These findings emphasize the need to continue working toward an oral health care system that includes enhanced dental coverage for all, including those enrolled in public programs like Medicare and Medicaid.

The State of Oral Health Equity in America survey created by CareQuest Institute is a nationally representative survey of 5,240 adults to study knowledge, attitudes, experiences, and behaviors related to oral health. It is the largest survey of its kind in the industry.

Read the full report.

One million patients around the world have now benefitted from treatment with SureSmile® Technology. Dentsply Sirona is celebrating this significant milestone by saying thank you to the patients, doctors, partners, and employees around the world who have been a part of the SureSmile® journey so far, while continuing its mission to improve oral healthcare and the treatment of malocclusion around the world.

With SureSmile® Aligners, patients and practices around the world have been able to rely on predictable results, expert support, and a better treatment experience along the clear aligner journey.

SureSmile has empowered doctors worldwide to provide a higher standard of care in the treatment of malocclusion. With no refinements required in 3 out of 4 SureSmile cases*, refinement rate is a huge advantage in ensuring better patient outcomes and transforming smiles with unparalleled precision.

“We know that a happy and healthy smile can improve someone’s confidence, self-esteem, and overall well-being,” said Erania Brackett, Senior Vice President, Orthodontic Aligner Solutions and Customer Experience, at Dentsply Sirona. “Thank you to our employees, our partners, and the thousands of doctors around the world for the hours of dedication and personalized care you have given to SureSmile® patients – all one million of them. At Dentsply Sirona, oral health is both a science and an art. d We have our sights set firmly on the future as we continue to transform the treatment of malocclusion and enable dental professionals to move forward with confidence to deliver the best possible care for their patients.”

SureSmile® Aligners make customized and predictable treatment of malocclusion easy

Powered by two decades of pioneering orthodontics experience and expert support every step of the way, SureSmile® technology allows for customized treatment of all patients. SureSmile® aligners provide effective tooth movement and clinical options for mild to complex cases. With open software, an optimized workflow with Primescan®, and data-driven treatment planning, SureSmile delivers predictable results and a great treatment experience for practices and patients.

Practices have access to expert treatment planning through the SureSmile® Digital Lab, as well as online resources and training modules on SureSmileU® and Dentsply Sirona Academy. Meanwhile, the comprehensive SureSmile® Aligner Complete Case offers outstanding value for patients. The solution includes Clear Aligners, the SureSmile® Whitening Kit (US Only), and the SureSmile® VProTM High-Frequency Vibration Device.

“SureSmile enables me to deliver the smile my patients have always desired while improving their overall oral health," says Dr. Jeffrey Rohde, from Santa Barbara, Calif., USA “The entire system is so simple, seamless, and intuitive to use – it saves a lot of time for my practice without compromising results. Moreover, with its consistent and predictable outcomes, SureSmile ensures a positive and reliable patient experience. I am proud to be the part of helping one million patients to achieve their dream smiles.”

For more information about SureSmile® Aligners, visit: https://www.suresmile.com

* Based on an internal analysis in excess of 100,000 global SureSmile® aligner cases conducted between Jan. 2019 - Dec. 2021. Data on File.

Due to the different approval and registration times, not all technologies and products are immediately available in all countries.