This year’s theme, Everyday Extraordinary, celebrates dental hygienists who transform everyday tasks with extraordinary expertise

The American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA®) is pleased to renew its partnership with Colgate® Oral Pharmaceuticals, Inc. for National Dental Hygiene Month 2023, which honors all dental hygienists throughout the month of October.

This is the fourth year the ADHA and Colgate are partnering for National Dental Hygiene Month. This year’s theme, "Everyday Extraordinary," celebrates dental hygienists who transform everyday tasks with extraordinary expertise. This is especially important, as dental hygienists work in various capacities including as clinicians, educators, researchers and entrepreneurs, as well as roles in administration, public health and corporate settings.

"Dental hygienists in all capacities give of themselves mentally, physically and emotionally all day to deliver the very best care, education and treatment they can to their patients and communities," says ADHA 2023-2024 President Becky Smith, CRDH, EdD, FADHA. "Colgate and ADHA recognize and share this passion that unites our dental hygiene community to do extraordinary work in improving overall public health through preventive oral health care."

ADHA established National Dental Hygiene Month in 2009 to promote good oral health and celebrate the dedication of dental hygienists across the country. This October, ADHA will reinforce that message through its partnership with Colgate® over four weeks, each week highlighting a topic of innovation, education, community and advocacy.

"Colgate is a caring, innovative growth company that is reimagining a healthier future for all. One way we help fulfill our purpose is by empowering dental hygienists with education and products designed to improve the oral health of their patients," says Barry Reichgott, General Manager, Colgate® Oral Pharmaceuticals, Inc. "We couldn’t be happier to join forces with ADHA to celebrate the dedication of dental hygienists this October – and always."

Initiatives will include a featured podcast, articles and spotlights on hygienists driving change through extraordinary community work. Additionally, ADHA® and Colgate will host a selection of webinars that offer continuing education credits. The webinars, which will be available at no charge for the entire professional oral health community, include: "Conflict: Stop the Blame Game and Bust through to Solutions!" (Oct. 4), "Driving Change to be Everyday Extraordinary: A hygienist and dentist share their extraordinary success story" (Oct. 10), "Increasing Preventive Dental Visits for Low-Income Youth" (Oct. 11), "Science and Evidence for Product Innovation, a Researcher's Approach" (Oct. 12) and "Driving Change: An Update on the Dentist and Dental Hygiene Compact" (Oct. 24). The October 17 episode of Your Official ADHA® Podcast will feature the incredible work of Colgate’s Bright Smiles, Bright Futures® program, which has reached more than 1.6 billion children since 1991.

For more information about ADHA’s National Dental Hygiene Month 2023, including registration for the NDHM webinar series, visit www.adha.org/NDHM2023. 

Revolutionary processing of CoCr – milling metal as simple as wax

In 2013, Amann Girrbach launched the CoCr sintering metal Ceramill Sintron, which has since enjoyed great popularity worldwide. To mark its 10th anniversary, the dental manufacturer is now announcing its own promotion campaign to coincide with the Cyberweek.

The Ceramill Sintron CoCr sintering metal is distinguished by innovative supremacy. The non-precious metal revolutionizes the manufacturing process, as Ceramill Sintron blanks can be dry milled effort-lessly on in-house desktop machines such as the Ceramill Motion 3 due to their wax-like nature. During the subsequent sintering process under inert gas flooding, the frames achieve their final state - a non-precious metal unit with a very homogeneous material structure, precise, without cavities and machinable with any common metal veneer ceramic within the CTE range. A revolution in the fabrication of CoCr restorations, with a manufacturing process that involves only few steps.

According to the data available from now ten years of market surveillance, Ceramill Sintron has proven itself to be an established and clinically proven material. Developed together with the Fraunho-fer IFAM Dresden and validated by independent universities and accredited test laboratories, the material and the matched workflow assure maximum safety for the user and the patient.

Visit the Amann Girrbach webshop during Cyberweek for attractive offers on Ceramill Sintron and other Amann Girrbach products.: https://us.ag.store/

Partnership provides students with information and tools to help improve their oral health and overall health & wellbeing – while enhancing their soccer skills

As summer fades to memory, students across the country are returning to school, studies, and recreational sports programs, including youth soccer. Today the Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures (BSBF) oral health education initiative announced that it is teaming up with the U.S. Soccer Foundation’s Soccer for Success program for a partnership focused on the links between oral health and overall health and wellbeing. The initiative will provide children with information and tools to help improve their oral health and overall health and wellbeing, while enhancing their soccer skills.

There are approximately three million youth soccer players in the U.S.1, making it the nation's largest youth sport. As part of the Colgate BSBF and Soccer for Success partnership, trained coach-mentors will lead youth in soccer drills embedded with nutrition, physical activity, youth development – and, importantly, oral health lessons. Families and coach-mentors will also receive resources to help build healthy oral health and hygiene habits at home. The collaboration launched a pilot program late last year in New York City and in Whittier, CA in late spring with a kickoff soccer jamboree. The program will roll out in additional cities across the United States in 2024.

Oral health is often overlooked, even though an estimated 3.5 billion people currently suffer from oral diseases. Despite there being proven strategies for prevention, cavities remain the most prevalent chronic disease among adults and children, and it is estimated that 2.3 billion people suffer from tooth decay.

Established in 1991, Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures has reached more than 1.6 billion children and their families in over 100 countries, providing free oral health and well-being education, dental screenings, and treatment referrals in order to advance brighter, healthier futures. In the United States, it maintains a fleet of mobile dental vans that visit nearly 1,000 cities and towns each year, reaching millions of children.

"Teaming up with the U.S. Soccer Foundation helps Colgate BSBF further its commitment to reach children and their families where they learn and play," explains Dr. Gillian Barclay, Vice President, Global Oral Health and Scientific Affairs, Colgate-Palmolive Company. "Our collaboration provides Colgate with another opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of oral health and its links to overall health and well-being, and to teach children practices that, over the course of their lifetime, improve health outcomes."

The U.S. Soccer Foundation has been working to grow soccer in the U.S. since 1994, establishing programs that leverage the sport's appeal to dismantle disparities and improve the health and well-being of youth in underserved areas. Through its signature program, Soccer for Success, the Foundation has reached more than 700,000 youth since its inception, helping them to establish positive social, emotional, and physical health behaviors and develop critical life skills.

“We’re thrilled to continue our partnership with Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures to ensure that more youth learn important oral health practices alongside other important healthy habits and critical life skills as the links cannot be overlooked,” said Ed Foster-Simeon, President & CEO of the U.S. Soccer Foundation. “Together, we can help ensure the next generation is equipped with the resources and tools to live healthy lives.”

To learn more about Colgate BSBF resources for parents, teachers, and children, visit www.colgatebsbf.com. Additional information about the U.S. Soccer Foundation is available at www.ussoccerfoundation.org.

The Denobi Awards, an industry-wide dental awards program celebrating outstanding individuals and dental teams, is excited to announce a new collaboration with Speaking Consulting Network (SCN), the premier network of top dental speakers, key opinion leaders and consultants in the industry.

This collaboration brings together two respected organizations to celebrate remarkable achievements of young professionals and will culminate with the giving of the SCN Rising Star Award, a new award category with the winner announced at the 4th annual Denobi Awards Gala on March 2, 2024 in Dallas, Texas. "We are honored to partner with the Speaking Consulting Network to introduce the SCN Rising Star Award," said Sonya Dunbar, cofounder of the Denobi Awards. "This award recognizes the next generation of leaders in the dental industry, and we are excited to see the impact these rising stars will make."

The SCN Rising Star Award will recognize individuals who are early in their careers but have already demonstrated exceptional talent, leadership and impact. “The Denobi Awards were founded on the premise of honoring unsung heroes in dentistry and those who are making an impact in the here and now,” said Melissa Turner, cofounder of the Denobi Awards. “Partnering with SCN for this honor will help positively shape the future of dentistry for generations to come.”

The Denobi Awards program is open to recipients who hold a role in the world-wide dental industry – clinicians, founders, educators, executives, students and more. Nominations for the 2024 program run from October 1st thru December 31st each year, with a shortlist of nominees released in January. Ten individuals and one dental team will be announced live on stage at the annual red-carpet gala. The gala is open to the public and tickets are on sale now at www.denobiawards.com.

Annual List Ranks Dallas-Fort Worth’s Fastest-Growing Midsize Companies

MB2 Dental, the first and largest Dental Partnership Organization (DPO) nationwide, announced today it ranked eighth on Dallas Business Journal’s ninth annual list of the 50 Fastest-Growing Middle Market Companies throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) area. This marks the third time the Company has appeared in the top 10 on the list.

Inclusion in the Dallas Business Journal’s list of the DFW metroplex’ 50 fastest-growing companies is based on those with annual revenue of $10 million to $1 billion. The 2023 list considered revenue growth over the three-year period spanning 2020, 2021 and 2022. MB2 Dental’s revenue increase during this period was 269 percent.

The list evaluates the fastest-growing midsize companies in North Texas, which is considered among the nation’s largest metropolitan growth areas and highly competitive U.S. marketplaces.

“Our Company’s roots are in the DFW area, as this is where our first dental practice started back in 2007. It’s hard to believe we now have nearly 50 practices in the DFW metroplex and more than 600 nationwide. We owe our continued growth and expansion to our 8,000+ team members throughout the country. We appreciate the recognition MB2 Dental received through this ranking from the Dallas Business Journal,” said MB2 Dental Founder and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Chris Steven Villanueva.

Winners were revealed at an awards ceremony on September 21, 2023 in Dallas.

The Workman School of Dental Medicine is North Carolina’s only private dental school

High Point University broke ground today on a new three-story, 77,500-square-foot facility that will be home to the Workman School of Dental Medicine, the state’s only private dental school.

A large crowd gathered inside Congdon Hall for the groundbreaking ceremony, which was held during HPU’s annual Fall Family Weekend.

“I hope you understand the power of this moment. For all of history, this will be the day where we remember the beginning of the Workman School of Dental Medicine,” said Dr. Nido Qubein, HPU’s president. “It’s huge for High Point University.”

HPU received a $32 million gift from the Rick and Angie Workman Foundation to establish the new dental school, which will welcome its first cohort of students in the fall of 2024. Dr. Rick Workman serves as HPU’s Dental Innovator in Residence in addition to being the founder of Heartland Dental, which supports more than 1,600 dental offices nationwide.

“While students have to learn the sciences and they have to learn the technical skills, the learning of leadership and interpersonal communication, how to lead a team and your staff, how to interact with patients and how to be a valued member of your community is very important to yourself,” Workman said. “It’s very important to the dental profession to take that and accept that responsibility within the community.”

About the Workman School of Dental Medicine

HPU’s dental school will be located on the section of campus known as Innovation Corridor. The new building will feature a fully functional dental office, a student lounge, state-of-the-art simulation labs and seven innovative learning spaces and classrooms.

The haptic simulation lab will be the world’s largest lab using SIMtoCARE dental simulation units to help train dental students. The high-tech simulators can replicate the feel of a real tooth so dental students can train safely without seeing live patients.

In addition, students will learn about the analog and digital dentistry and 3D printing workflows in the building’s new analog and digital dental production lab. A standardized patient clinical simulation lab will provide opportunities for students to interact with patients before they treat them during their clinical rotations.

About HPU Health LLC

One of the hallmarks of HPU’s approach to dental education is HPU Health LLC, a network of dental practices owned and operated by the university with locations across the state, including High Point, Greensboro and Chapel Hill. These practices are already fully operational and treating patients, with additional practices to open in the future. Each of these practices will connect dental students with real-world learning opportunities under the guidance of trusted dentists with decades of experience.

Today’s groundbreaking is the latest milestone for the Workman School of Dental Medicine as it moves closer to opening. On Aug. 24, the dental school received its initial accreditation from the Commission on Dental Accreditation.

“The Workman School of Dental Medicine will be groundbreaking with its innovative care curriculum, its novel admissions processes and its unprecedented oral health networks distributed across the Triad and across the state,” said Dr. Scott De Rossi, the dental school’s founding dean. “These practices will deliver care to the citizens of North Carolina while ensuring our students receive preeminent clinical and didactic education in authentic environments.”

Dentsply Sirona’s mission is to empower millions of customers every day to help patients have healthy smiles. At this year’s DS World, the ‘Ultimate Experience in Digital Dentistry,’ Dentsply Sirona presents its newest products and solutions to help dental professionals move forward with confidence to deliver the best possible care for their patients.

Dentsply Sirona World 2023, taking place September 21-23 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, is one of the dental industry’s most anticipated annual clinical education events. Thousands of dental professionals come together for an engaging, empowering, and unique experience with over 130 education courses presented by more than 100 distinguished experts. With this year’s theme of “The Future of Care,” Dentsply Sirona announces the addition of several new products and solutions to their highly integrated product portfolio as well as discuss their ongoing initiatives to address sustainability.

Upcoming Dentsply Sirona Products and Solutions Launches

Adding to its comprehensive portfolio, Dentsply Sirona announces and showcases new products and solutions* in Las Vegas:

• Updates in DS Core’s Communication Canvas, Ordering and Viewer functionalities, which will allow, among other things, annotations on 2D x-ray, 2D media, and 2D CBCT slices, both freehand drawing and text; supports GDPR/HIPAA compliant file sharing with patients; improved chat function for better accessibility from mobile devices and the capability to view even more data formats such as STL and PLY, making DS Core a powerful communication and collaboration tool for users of 3rd party IO-scanners. 

• SureSmile™ Simulator**: The SureSmile Simulator, powered by DS Core, empowers dental professionals to transform treatment conversations by showing patients the potential esthetic benefits and helping them make informed and timely decisions. Prior to treatment planning, the SureSmile Simulator assists dental professionals in evaluating each case. By measuring initial models and generating estimated treatment duration and complexity from the post-simulation results, clinicians can enter the planning phase with greater insight.

• OSSIX Agile™: The pericardium membrane along with the GLYMATRIX® sugar cross-linking properties of OSSIX Agile™ provides longevity and biocompatibility, resulting in low host reactions and a long-lasting barrier effect.

• Midwest® Energo™: A complete new electric handpiece series. With a significantly increased lifetime and equipped with a variety of innovations, this new line is designed to make daily treatment even easier and more pleasant.

Other existing and recently launched solutions such as Primescan, Primeprint, Primemill, Axeos, and OmniTaper EV Implant, the latest addition to the EV implants family, are also available for hands-on experiences and demonstrations in Las Vegas. Participants can also take part in the DS Core Showcase, a new educational experience to help gain a true understanding of the power of the cloud solution in a realistic practice environment.

Andreas Frank, EVP and Chief Business Officer at Dentsply Sirona, says, “This year’s theme, The Future of Care, is not just about imagining the possibilities of digital dentistry, but seeing these possibilities come to life with DS Core at the heart of our next wave of innovation in dental care. At DS World, we aim to unite with dental professionals to help them move forward with confidence and advance our shared vision of transforming dentistry together."

Innovating BEYOND: Taking Action for a More Sustainable Future

As part of the ongoing comprehensive sustainability strategy BEYOND, Dentsply Sirona hosts Dr. Moataz Kasrawy, DDS, and Dr. Steven Mulligan, clinician, teacher and researcher based in U.K, and founding member of the FDI World Dental Federation’s Sustainability in Dentistry Task Team, and Dr. Rainer Seemann, VP Clinical Affairs and Workflows at Dentsply Sirona, as they lead a breakout session called “5 Tips to Make Your Practice More Sustainable.”

“Education is vital to improve sustainability, increase awareness and identify actions that can lead to environmentally sustainable outcomes.” explains Dr. Steven Mulligan “Hosting a sustainability in dentistry session at DS World is another way in which Dentsply Sirona demonstrates its commitment to supporting dentists in their journey towards becoming more sustainable and I’m thrilled to collaborate in this endeavor.”

Dentsply Sirona also continues to uphold its ESG commitments during DS World 2023 by offsetting CO2 emissions generated from staff travel to and from the event, ensuring equal representation of women speakers on the main stage, offering sustainable catering options, and striving to achieve zero print marketing material use. In addition, Dentsply Sirona also has a sustainability booth that attendees can visit to learn more about the topic and find resources that enable them to take immediate action.

Guinness World Records™ title for the largest online album of smiles

Attendees are invited to join the Company in supporting their partner Smile Train in setting a Guinness World RecordsTM title for the largest online album of smiles. For more information and to participate, please visit https://www.everysmile.org/dentsplysirona.

For more information on Dentsply Sirona World 2023, please visit: https://www.dentsplysirona.com/en-us/lp/ds-world.html

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

**Requires user to have a DS Core subscription and Primescan IOS. Displayed results are a simulation of potential aligner treatment and not a prescribed treatment plan, which has to be directed by the dentist and complied with by the patient. Actual treatment outcomes may differ substantially.

Partnership Aims to Educate Hispanic Communities About the Signs, Symptoms, and Prevalence of Gum Disease

Collaboration Launches During Hispanic Heritage Month With Activations Featuring Patient Ambassador Alex Rodriguez

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, Bausch Health Companies Inc. (NYSE:BHC),(TSX:BHC) and its oral health care business, OraPharma, today announced its collaboration with the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) - the largest and oldest Hispanic organization in the United States - to foster a greater understanding of gum disease detection, and treatment within the Hispanic community.

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a chronic bacterial infection that affects nearly 65 million American adults and is even more common among Latinos. The most common symptoms of gum disease are bleeding during or after brushing and red or swollen gums. Further, studies show gum disease may be associated with increased risk for other chronic conditions throughout the body such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease, which may considerably affect the Hispanic community.

This partnership includes LULAC's involvement in supporting the Cover Your Bases campaign, a national awareness initiative featuring patient ambassador and World Series Champion, Alex Rodriguez, who is helping to raise disease awareness by encouraging people to talk to their dentist about their oral health, including screening for gum disease.

"I'm proud to welcome LULAC to the Cover Your Bases campaign to help educate the Latino community on the importance of identifying the signs and symptoms of gum disease," said Rodriguez. "I was lucky my dentist diagnosed my gum disease early and implemented a comprehensive treatment plan. I hope that by sharing my story I can help more people do the same, especially since we know gum disease is more prevalent in men and within the Latino community."

OraPharma's work with LULAC includes a range of educational resources featuring Alex Rodriguez that will be distributed across the organization's social and digital channels. OraPharma will also be at LULAC's National Health Summit in Dallas, TX on October 21st to help educate attendees about gum disease and treatment options.

"As an organization dedicated to advancing the health of the Hispanic population in the United States, LULAC is honored to join hands with OraPharma and Alex Rodriguez to share this important message," said Juan Proaño, LULAC Interim-CEO. "Millions of Hispanic Americans suffer from gum disease, yet many individuals are unaware and undiagnosed. Coupled with the potential associated health risks, gum disease is a chronic condition, so we must help heighten awareness surrounding this condition and arm our members with information that encourages them to take action and talk to their dentist.

For patients with gum disease, it's important to consider a comprehensive treatment plan to help fight the bacteria that causes gum disease. Like other bacterial infections, a dentist can treat gum disease. A treatment option for adults with gum disease is an antibiotic called ARESTIN® (minocycline HCI), which is used in combination with scaling and root planing (SRP) and applied at the site of infection. ARESTIN is part of an overall oral health program that includes good brushing and flossing habits.

"As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, OraPharma is proud to partner with respected organizations like LULAC to address gum disease as an often-overlooked health disparity in the Latino community," said Tom Stern, Vice President and General Manager at OraPharma. "Though there is no cure for gum disease, we hope that the mission we're on together will help to bridge the information gap and empower the Hispanic community to take control of their oral health by speaking with their dentist and seeking a treatment plan that may help manage the condition."

To learn more, visit www.Arestin.com

vhf is successful in the dental sector, industry and advertising technology sector

vhf is one of the leading manufacturers of modern dental and portal milling machines, high-quality milling tools and intuitive CAM software. This year marks the 35th anniversary of the company’s founding. vhf was founded on 26 September 1988. Today, with its many years of expertise, it stands for complete milling solutions and outstanding quality – true to its own claim of Creating Perfection.

The medium-sized company was founded as a start-up. Meanwhile it has gained renown as a hidden champion that has been on a strong growth course for many years. Today, vhf camfacture AG operates both nationally and internationally and is more successful than ever. Its headquarters are in Ammerbuch near Stuttgart. In addition, it has a company site in Fürth and international branches in New York and Shanghai. The vhf Group currently employs around 350 people. Thanks to decades of experience, a high level of professional competence and a close exchange with specialist dealers and users worldwide, the company is optimally equipped for the future.

Since 2007, it has been impossible to imagine the dental industry without vhf. Over time, it has established itself as one of the leading manufacturers of high-precision dental milling machines and milling tools. Among experts, the compact devices are known, first and foremost, for their high quality, precision and openness to technology. In addition, they also enjoy an excellent international reputation as a high-tech product Made in Germany. Thanks to its wide range of powerful four- and five-axis milling machines, dental and practice laboratories use vhf to produce high-quality, professional CAD/CAM dental restorations. At the same time, vhf offers dentists an easy entry into the field of digital fabrication in the practice, also known as same-day dentistry.

Prior to this, vhf had already made a name for itself in the industrial and advertising technology sectors, where its portal milling machines have been convincing users for a long time. The current product portfolio comprises four series of different performance classes, with which vhf covers a wide range of applications in panel processing. Thanks to their modular design, the vhf portal milling machines can be configured according to the customers’ needs and specifications. Users appreciate their high quality standards, precision and stability and have proven themselves in the demanding daily industrial routine for many years.

The success story of vhf is based on a high level of technical know-how, the continuous further development of all company divisions and imaginative innovations. Independent experts have already distinguished the vhf milling machines with renowned design and innovation awards such as the iF Design Award or the German Innovation Award on several occasions. "We are proud of all we have achieved in the past 35 years", says Frank Benzinger, CEO of vhf camfacture AG. "Our thanks go to our customers, partners and, of course, our dedicated employees. They are the heart of the company and contribute significantly to vhf's success. Driven by our claim of Creating Perfection, we will continue to actively shape and drive the future of CAD/CAM manufacturing."

Nationwide elite oral surgery practices driven by highest levels of innovation

Planmeca today announces a commitment to provide extraoral dental imaging equipment to partner locations of Paradigm Oral Health. The selection of the Planmeca Viso® G7 supports the commitment by Paradigm to attract and train leading oral surgeons, and to develop and maintain strong relationships with referring doctors and dentists. The Nebraska-based organization includes partnerships across 26 states.

"The choice of Planmeca equipment echoes the core value of Paradigm to leverage the best in technology to provide the ultimate patient experience," stated Planmeca president Glen Kendrick. "The proprietary features of the Planmeca Viso G7, including Planmeca Ultra Low Dose™ for an average of 77% reduction in radiation dose* and Planmeca CALM® for patient movement correction to reduce retakes, have been developed by Planmeca to prioritize patient safety and allow clinicians a course to definitive diagnosis. Moreover, by selecting an evolutionary cone beam and industry-leading imaging unit, Paradigm instilled confidence in their referring practices that they are ready for the future of oral care.

As Planmeca’s distribution and sales partner, Henry Schein Dental will implement this technology in Paradigm Oral Health locations.

"It is our privilege to work with Henry Schein and Paradigm. Planmeca considers this a full-service commitment - providing ongoing technical support and clinical training for staff and a network for education, bridging the gap and deepening the bonds between patient and clinical relationships," said Kendrick.

"We are pleased to enhance our relationship with Paradigm Oral Health, helping to equip their practices with the latest in imaging technology from Planmeca," said Don Hobbs, Vice President of Equipment, North American Strategic Accounts, Henry Schein. “Thanks to Planmeca’s innovative imaging solutions, which help to reduce radiation exposure and the need for retakes, we can continue to provide Paradigm with exceptional imaging solutions tailored to their needs.”

*According to “Dosimetry of Orthodontic Diagnostic FOVs Using Low Dose CBCT Protocol” by JB Ludlow and J Koivisto.