Visit Booth #501 To Learn How Dentistry.One Virtual-First Dental Care Leads to Healthier Members and a Lower Cost of Care for Commercial Dental Plans

Brant Herman, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, MouthWatch and Dentistry One, and Dr. Carolyn Brown, Chief Dental Officer, Dentistry One Join Panel Discussion, “Creative Strategies to Engage with High-Risk Members through Teledentistry”

September 20, 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. PT, Room Cobalt 500

Dentistry.One, a virtual-first dental care solution introduced by MouthWatch, LLC, is the highlight at Booth #501 during this week’s National Association of Dental Plans “CONVERGE” Conference at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront in California.

“A growing number of today’s consumers expect a telehealth option to help manage their healthcare, including their oral health,” said Brant Herman, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of MouthWatch, LLC and Dentistry One LLC.

According to a 2022 survey conducted by AHIP, 78% of respondents said telehealth made it easier for them to seek care.

“We are excited to participate in “CONVERGE” to discuss how Dentistry.One meets commercial dental plan member expectations with unprecedented access to virtual-first dental care on their own time from their own place, while helping lower the cost of care through efficiency and an emphasis on prevention,” continued Herman.

Dentistry.One’s nationwide network of dentists offer 24/7 access to care. Services include emergency care to help reduce time-consuming, costly emergency room visits, and on-demand and asynchronous consultations for second opinions, pre-and-post op support, ortho consultations, surgical clearance, e-prescriptions (non-narcotic), and timely answers to general dental concerns to help prevent development of more serious and costly health conditions.

“Our people-centric approach to virtual care is further supported by a dedicated team of Dentistry.One Care Advisors who provide personalized care coordination for in-network referrals, benefits navigation to help members more easily obtain care, and oral health coaching to improve self-care,” said Herman.

“We look forward to NADP attendees also learning more about our data-driven education campaigns customized for member outreach with health topics that matter most to them and their families.”

In addition to exhibiting at NADP, Mr. Herman and Dr. Carolyn Brown, Chief Dental Officer at Dentistry One, will participate in a panel discussion, “Creative Strategies to Engage with High-Risk Members through Teledentistry,” taking place Wednesday, September 20, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. PT in Room Cobalt 500.

To read more about how Dentistry.One virtual-first dental care leads to healthier members and a lower cost of care for commercial dental plans, click here. 

Leading innovator of dental imaging technologies, DEXIS, announces the launch of the next-generation OP 3D. Built on OP 3D technology, the OP 3D LX introduces expanded 3D diagnostic capabilities with:

• Larger field of view (FOV) options now up to 15(H) x 20(D) cm

• Seamless integration with AI-enabled DTX StudioTM Clinic software

• Improved patient positioning

• Enhanced image clarity

• Cloud-based service connectivity

“The OP 3D LX offers all the powerful features practices know and trust from our OP 3D line, with the addition of new innovations that provide expanded flexibility, improved workflow efficiencies, and enhanced diagnostic confidence,” says Lori Clements, Vice President, Commercial, North America at DEXIS. “With the addition of OP 3D LX in their practice, doctors will be able to enhance their diagnosis, planning, and treatment offerings for a wide range of patients and diagnostic needs.”

DEXIS has brought together some of the most recognized CBCT brands in the industry, including Instrumentarium, SOREDEXTM, Cranex, GendexTM and the well-known i-CATTM. Over the last 15 years, DEXIS has worked with distributors to install more than 35,000 CBCT units in dental practices and continues to serve their customers with the evolving OP 3D product line.

The OP 3D LX includes 2D and 3D imaging options that cover a full spectrum of dental extraoral needs, from endodontics to complex surgical cases and everything in between. The OP 3D LX offers flexible FOV options ranging from 5(H) x 5(D) cm up to 15(H) x 20(D) cm – the largest FOV option on the DEXIS OP 3D platform to date. This functionality can capture the maxillofacial complex and large diagnostic areas with one non-stitched scan for efficient workflows.

Other new intuitive features support a more efficient workflow and seamless integration with the award-winning DTX Studio Clinic software. The AI-assisted features in DTX Studio Clinic, such as MagicAssistTM, help with the completion of tedious tasks. This allows doctors to spend less time in the software and focus more time on their patients. Some of the AI features of this software integration include 3D X-ray landmark detection, tooth-centric workflows, correction of patient positioning, and annotation of mandibular nerve canals.

The improved patient positioning and intuitive user interface features promote clinical confidence with every scan. The user interface in the OP 3D systems allows for anatomy visualization, vertical adjustments, and bi-directional scout modifications so that the clinical staff can capture only the structures of interest and reduce retakes. The new head support design provides options to scan the patient without interfering with the patient’s soft tissue profile for orthodontic and surgical applications.

OP 3D LX offers a noise reduction feature embedded into the system software. The enhanced EPNR (Edge Preserving Noise Reduction) minimizes artifacts producing clean, high-quality images that give clinicians detailed visibility in areas of interest.

Lastly, The OP 3D LX now comes with cloud-based service connectivity, enabling remote access to system information for simplified installation, easier maintenance, and increased practice uptime.

DEXIS stands behind its products. To help clinicians feel confident with their investment, DEXIS includes a 60-day satisfaction guaranteed program with each purchase as well as self-paced educational opportunities with a radiologist on reading CBCT scans.

“The continual education and training provided after our purchase has helped my team become more confident with CBCT advantages,” says Ravi S. Ramjit, DDS of Smile Institute Miami.

Practices can begin ordering the new OP 3D LX on September 18, 2023. To learn more about the new DEXIS OP 3D LX, visit www.dexis.com.

The OP 3D LX is not yet available in all regions. Contact your local DEXIS representative or preferred dealer partner for availability.  

Delta Dental's first Senior Oral Health and Menopause Survey revealed that 70% of women 50 and older experience oral health symptoms they don't realize relate to menopause, making dentists a prime, untapped resource for women navigating it.

An astounding 84% of women aged 50 and over are unaware that some of the oral health symptoms and discomfort they experience could be related to menopause, according to Delta Dental's 2023 Senior Oral Health and Menopause Report: Breaking the Stigma.

The survey also revealed that most women who are experiencing menopause are unaware of how dental providers can help them address symptoms related to menopause and recommend treatments. Though 70% of women 50 and older indicated they have experienced at least one oral health symptom since beginning menopausal symptoms, only 2% have discussed their concerns with their dentist and only 1% with their dental hygienist.

"With menopause a long-stigmatized topic and symptoms going largely unaddressed or even ignored, these findings are stark but unsurprising," says Sarah Chavarria, President at Delta Dental. "Despite the knowledge gaps revealed in this survey, sentiments about menopause are beginning to shift, and women are eager to break the stigma. At Delta Dental, we are committed to empowering more whole-person care that incorporates oral health into overall physician care and wellbeing, including in menopause. Being more open will help make treatment plans more accessible for all people who experience menopause."

The Missed Connections Between Menopause and Oral Health

Of the over 1,000 women surveyed, 70% who have begun experiencing menopausal symptoms say they have noticed at least one of the following oral health symptoms: dry mouth (39%), receding gumlines (30%), tooth sensitivity or pain (28%), tooth decay (20%), bleeding gums (16%), altered taste (13%), reduced saliva production (13%) or burning tongue (5%).

Despite experiencing these common symptoms, most women didn't associate them with hormone shifts. While 39% said they experienced dry mouth, 77% were not aware dry mouth can be related to menopause. Lack of awareness was even higher among other symptoms:

• Reduced saliva production (90% unaware of association with menopause)

• Increased tooth decay (88%)

• Increased risk of gum disease (87%)

• Jawbone density (87%)

• Tooth loss (85%)

• Receding gum lines (83%)

The survey also revealed that despite these gaps, nearly half of women 50 and older indicated they are extremely or moderately curious to learn more about how menopause and hormonal changes affect oral health as they age. In a promising sign, after learning about the connection between menopause and oral health care, respondents indicated they were moved to make changes in their life to help improve their oral health:

• 77% of women 50 and older say they will prioritize scheduling their next dental exam/cleaning.

• More than 2 in 5 women 50 and older (43%) say they will spend much more time on their oral health care routine.

Patient Education Opportunities for Dentists and Dental Staff

The survey findings made evident that dentists and dental hygienists are a prime, untapped resource for women navigating menopause. When it comes to where women aged 50 and older go to learn more about menopause and their symptoms:

• More than 4 in 5 (84%) say there should be more resources that provide information about the link between menopause and overall health.

• Nearly 2 in 5 (39%) say healthcare providers can do more to encourage women to ask questions about menopause.

• Only 1 in 4 (26%) look to their primary care provider for information on menopause-related oral health concerns – the same percentage that look to Google.

"What's most compelling to me is how few menopausal women said they had asked any physician about oral health symptoms," says Dr. Jessica Buehler, Senior Director of Dental Affairs at Delta Dental. "That's a care gap with extensive repercussions – saliva is the natural buffer of your mouth, and less saliva means less protection against dry mouth, which is at the crux of all other oral health symptoms related to menopause, like burning tongue, increased tooth decay and altered taste."

Dr. Buehler encourages pre-, peri-, post- or menopausal women to "share the oral health changes that you are experiencing with your dentist or dental hygienist." Having open conversations with your dentist about your overall health and potential menopause onset will help your provider make the right treatment recommendations. "If you feel uncomfortable talking to your dentist about menopause," says Dr. Buehler, "focus on simply sharing the oral health symptoms that you're experiencing."

For dentists, Dr. Daniel Croley, Chief Dental Officer at Delta Dental, recommends checking in with patients who are approaching or in menopause. "As medical professionals, we have a responsibility to ensure our patients are receiving the holistic health care and support they deserve – not only oral health, but whole person health as well," he says. "We can help ease the burden and break the stigma by creating space for these conversations."

Delta Dental is committed to providing older adults with consistent, quality access to oral health care, improving education and driving lasting policy changes to address systemic issues. To learn more about the survey, view Delta Dental's full report.

Pac-Dent, Inc. proudly introduces the ProMate™ EZ-Q, an innovative new low-speed hygiene handpiece that features a quick-disconnect mechanism that significantly reduces preparation time between procedures. This remarkable product marks yet another milestone in Pac-Dent's ongoing commitment to optimizing hygienist workflows and enhancing procedure efficiency.

Designed with the utmost precision, the ProMate™ EZ-Q incorporates a convenient quick-disconnect mechanism that facilitates a seamless transition between patients and simplifies the sterilization process. This low-speed handpiece boasts impressive speeds of up to 3,000 RPM and a unique swivel head design, granting the user precise control with a full 360-degree range of motion. Additionally, the ProMate™ EZ-Q offers a universal prophy angle connection and a lube-free motor, making it the optimal choice for improving the efficiency of your practice.

Benefits and Features:

• Quick Disconnect Functionality: Significant reduction in preparation time between patients

• Maneuverability: Full Range of Motion with 360° Swivel Head

• Compatibility: Universal connector provides compatibility with most disposable prophy angle brands

• Low-Maintenance: Lube-free motor reduces need for maintenance

• Autoclavable: Stainless steel exterior simplifies sterilization process

For more information on ProMate EZ-Q, visit the product page.

Great Lakes Dental Technologies is proud to announce obtaining MDSAP (ISO 13485:2016) certification through SGS North America Inc., effective August 31, 2023. Certification to MDSAP (ISO13485:2016) indicates Great Lakes Dental Technologies quality process, management systems and practices follow MDSAP - Medical Device Single Audit Program requirements. The Quality Management System implemented at Great Lakes Dental Technologies meets the needs of customers and stakeholders while meeting all statutory and regulatory requirements for all products and appliances.

"Great Lakes is proud to be included among a select group of companies worldwide with this prestigious recognition for its success in establishing a culture based on robust, standardized, and well-defined processes," said John Ende, President & CEO of Great Lakes Dental Technologies. "This certification demonstrates our continued commitment to delivering high-quality, high-value products and appliances to our customers. We take this commitment very seriously and recognize the hard work, effort, and expertise that our employee owners have invested in building and maintaining our reputation for excellence."

Great Lakes, an employee-owned company, provides products, laboratory appliances and services, and both in-house and online appliance fabrication training to members of the orthodontic, prosthodontic, restorative, sleep, and general dental professions worldwide. Great Lakes has been a leading innovator in the dental industry since its start as an independent orthodontic lab in 1965. Great Lakes corporate headquarters is located at 200 Cooper Avenue in Tonawanda, New York.

The nation’s best and biggest dental professional survey has announced that it is now live and is inviting responses from dental practice owners, clinicians, and practice staff. Your input helps inform the Annual "State of the Dental Industry" Salary & Practice Growth Report on trends shaping the profession, practices, and teams. Take the survey today to be added to the VIP list to be one of the first to receive the results!

For more information and to participate in the survey, click here.

Combining the High-Powered V35 Electric Handpiece with the Time-Saving ThermaKnife™ Keeps Lab Benches Organized and Boosts Productivity

Buffalo Dental Manufacturing (BDM), a leading dental company with the industry’s widest range of handpieces, lab products, lab equipment and vacuum forming materials and accessories, recently launched “The Dynamic Duo” a lab bench innovation that combines two of BDM’s best-selling products.

Specifically, The Dynamic Duo combines BDM’s V35 Electric Handpiece; a high-powered, reliable value-priced 35,000 RPM electric handpiece system for dental laboratories and the ThermaKnife; an effective and time-saving tool for fast and easy trimming of bleaching trays, night guards, mouthguards, and 3D printed prostheses.

According to Buffalo Dental Manufacturing CEO Don Nevin, “The Dynamic Duo not only saves dental labs time, money and bench space, it also makes workflows more efficient – especially when detailing aligners.”

The Dynamic Duo includes the following features and benefits:

• Four Multi-Speed options (14k, 22k, 27k, 35k rpm) enable ideal speed selection for most cutting needs.

• High-Torque motor provides smooth operation and powerful performance with less operator fatigue.

• Fully adjustable temperature control for precise cutting action. The cutting tip heats ultra-fast to save time and eliminate waiting.

• A & B selection switch enables the use of two different Thermal Pens to reduce time and increase trimming productivity.

• Lightweight pen features an ergonomic design and sharp, permanent tip for improved comfort and control.

• An optional Heated Aligner Dimple Plier is also available, which is used for creating dimples in the aligner where the doctor wants to apply additional pressure to accelerate and/or guide tooth movement.

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

Leading Swiss oral health brand introduces innovative solution to empower individuals with disabilities to achieve independent oral care

Leading Swiss oral health brand CURAPROX, announced today the launch of Samba, the world's first robotic toothbrush created to allow people with disabilities to brush their teeth effectively and independently.

People with physical and mental disabilities currently only have two options for brushing their teeth - rely on a family member or a caregiver, or brush on their own and compromise their health with subpar cleaning. Studies have shown that a staggering 88% of individuals with disabilities suffer from dental problems, highlighting the urgent need for a tailored solution.

Developed for over eight years, Samba utilizes a pioneering combination of low and high-frequency oscillations, propelling 12,900 soft bristles along the teeth with a dynamic brushing motion that helps remove plaque and debris thoroughly from the teeth and gums. This technology eliminates the need for manual hand movements, granting individuals newfound independence in their oral care routine.

"Samba was developed with the belief that everyone, regardless of their abilities, deserves a healthy mouth; having a disability should not stand in the way of good oral hygiene," said Eran Eyal, one of the Inventors of Samba.

"Samba is a pioneering innovation at the intersection of technology and oral health, exemplifying our commitment to inclusivity and the well-being of all individuals, regardless of their physical or mental abilities," said Steffen Mueller, Managing Director, Curaden USA. "By eliminating barriers and empowering people with disabilities to brush their teeth effectively and independently, Samba opens the door to a healthier future for millions of individuals worldwide. We are proud to introduce this much-needed solution, which embodies our dedication to premium oral care and signifies our unwavering belief in promoting inclusivity and improving lives."

Samba is officially available only in the U.S. starting today at www.samba.us for $299.

Pac-Dent, Inc. is thrilled to unveil an exciting expansion of the renowned Rodin™ product line with the introduction of the cutting-edge Rodin™ Bond Dental Adhesive system. Building upon the incredible success of Rodin™ Resins, Pac-Dent is leading the way in providing a complete restorative solution tailored for seamless compatibility with 3D printed indirect restorations.

Introducing Rodin™ Bond, a versatile light-cured dental adhesive meticulously designed for use with direct and indirect bonding applications. Through the incorporation of cutting-edge glass filler technology, Rodin™ Bond strengthens the hybrid zone and deeply permeates dentin tubules, providing exceptional bond strength that outperforms conventional unfilled adhesive systems.

Enhance the bond strength of Rodin™ Bond by pairing with Rodin™ Sensiguard. This 2-in-1 desensitizer and primer promotes bonding, seals dentin tubules to prevent sensitivity, and reduces the risk of caries formation beneath the restoration. The integration of Rodin™ Sensiguard significantly elevates shear bond strength and adhesion on both direct and indirect surfaces, ultimately extending the lifespan of restorations.

Product Features:

• Best-In-Class: Bond strength and reliable adhesion to a dentin, enamel, composites, zirconia, as well as various dental metals such as PFM.

• Full Compatibility: Can be used with light-cured, self-cured, and dual-cured composite materials on direct and indirect restorations

• Efficiency: Flip-top cap design saves valuable time and provides “one-drop” flow of adhesive while innovative trophy unit-dose system reduces exposure to air and moisture, preserving the bond agent’s effectiveness and reducing the need for measurement.

• Complete Solution: Combine Rodin™ Bond and Rodin™ Sensiguard for a comprehensive bonding solution that not only enhances bonding but guards against postoperative sensitivity through dentin tubule sealing.

For more information on Rodin™ Bond, visit the product page.

MB2 Dental, the first and largest Dental Partnership Organization (DPO) nationwide, announced today its entry into Wisconsin with the forging of a dental partnership in Green Bay.

The latest practice to join MB2 Dental’s fast-growing DPO network is Eastridge Dental in Green Bay, Wis., led by the husband-and-wife team of Drs. William R. Meier and Carolyn W. Meier.

Currently, MB2 Dental has more than 600 DPO partnerships spanning 39 states and supporting more than 1,200 dentists and specialists. These practices serve in excess of one million patients throughout the country.

Dr. William Meier commented on Eastridge Dental’s new partnership with MB2 Dental: “It’s very important to Dr. Carolyn and me to provide an exceptional work environment for our staff. The MB2 Dental way allows us to retain full clinical and staffing autonomy so we can continue to do what we think is best for our practice, patients and team. MB2 Dental’s ability to leverage buying power with suppliers and laboratories as well as provide enhanced employee benefits will set our practice apart from the competition. Offering employees quality, highly affordable health insurance is a powerful differentiator in attracting and retaining staff. MB2 Dental’s behind-the-scenes approach ensures that nothing patient-facing will change within our practice. We are incredibly excited to be the practice that unveils MB2 Dental in the state of Wisconsin and look forward to sharing this journey with our esteemed colleagues.”

MB2 Dental Founder and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Chris Steven Villanueva added: “We welcome Eastridge Dental into the growing MB2 Dental network. Our new presence in Wisconsin through this partnership with Eastridge Dental will serve as a springboard for introducing our DPO concept to many other general and specialty dental practices statewide. We look forward to the opportunity to attract additional doctor partners in this market and to expanding our footprint.”

MB2 Dental’s model preserves the integrity of the dental profession amid a rapidly consolidating market. Its DPO started as a single practice, owned by Founder and CEO Dr. Chris Steven Villanueva, in 2007. This model resonated with Dr. Villanueva’s colleagues and quickly grew through referrals. MB2 Dental has since undergone two successful recapitalization events, most recently partnering with private equity firm Charlesbank Capital Partners in 2021.

For more information, visit www.mb2dental.com.