In an exciting collaboration set to redefine oral care in the sports arena, BURST Oral Care proudly announces its partnership with Men of Westwood, the dynamic NIL collective for the UCLA Bruins Men's Basketball team. This groundbreaking alliance aims to transform oral hygiene from a mere necessity to a lifestyle choice, promoting overall health and wellness among student athletes.

With student athletes dedicated to peak condition through nutrition, fitness, and recovery methods, BURST is excited to mirror this enthusiasm in the players' oral care routines. Committed to transforming oral hygiene from necessity to choice, BURST has collaborated closely with a community of over 35,000 Dental Professionals to ensure high-quality products at accessible prices for consumers.

With an unwavering commitment to providing superior oral care products, BURST is teaming up with the Men of Westwood to empower student athletes with cutting-edge tools and education. Each player will receive BURST's latest innovation, the Curve Sonic Toothbrush – a uniquely curved powerhouse with a sleek and portable design. The rechargeable battery with up to 75-day battery life ensures athletes can maintain oral hygiene on-the-go, supporting peak performance during their travels. The brand recently launched a Metallic Cobalt Blue colorway, perfect for all Men of Westwood fans.

"I am a proud UCLA Alumnus and so thankful for the opportunities my time there provided, as such, I am thrilled to partner with the Men of Westwood to enhance the well-being of our student athletes," states BURST Co-Founder and President Brittany Stewart. "BURST's mission is to create innovative, accessible products that address systematic oral health issues, and I cannot wait to share our offerings with the UCLA community."

Beyond the court, BURST will extend their partnership to the broader UCLA community through a series of engaging initiatives. Fans and athletes alike will benefit from BURST's commitment to education, with social media activations featuring Bruins' players showcasing their pre-game oral care rituals. Additionally, BURST will unveil charitable initiatives, further underscoring the company's dedication to providing high-quality, affordable oral care products and education for all.

"I have been a massive UCLA fan my entire life, and I founded The Men of Westwood to help UCLA athletes excel," says UCLA Alumnus Ken Graiwer, Founder and CEO of the NIL Collectives Men of Westwood. "Our partnership with BURST Oral Care will continue to ensure the success of the UCLA Bruins, both on and off the court, by providing them with superior wellness tools and proper oral care education to help keep them in top shape."

Witness the launch of this transformative partnership at the UCLA Bruins' game against UC Riverside on November 30th, 2023. Stay tuned for updates on the chosen charity partner and other exciting initiatives that will shape the future of oral health and wellness.

Affordable Care announced that Jumoke Adedoyin, DDS, MICOI, MAAIP, AFAAID, and Daniel Fenton, DMD, FAGD, AFAAID, DICOI, have been named Chief Clinical Officers of Affordable Dentures & Implants, the nation’s largest provider network of dental practices -- supported by Affordable Care – that are solely focused on tooth replacement services.

“Dr. Adedoyin and Dr. Fenton have been instrumental in advancing clinical education, doctor mentorship and engagement, product innovation and best practice sharing across the Affordable Dentures & Implants supported practice network,” explains Will Johnson, Chief Operating Officer, Affordable Care. “Their commitment to doctors, along with their talents and vision for how to support a clinically led practice network, make them well positioned to provide outstanding leadership that supports clinics in their growth.”

Dr. Adedoyin most recently served as the Director of Clinical Relations for Affordable Dentures & Implants and has been a practice owner within the network for nearly 15 years. She will lead new doctor development, de novo clinic support and doctor engagement programs, along with supporting the expansion of patient care by affiliated practices. She is a graduate of Clark Atlanta University, and Howard University College of Dentistry.

“I’m thrilled for this opportunity to continue to raise the bar and support multiple doctor-centered initiatives across our Affordable Dentures & Implants practice network,” shares Dr. Adedoyin. “We have a thriving doctor community within our affiliated practices, and we will continue to foster meaningful relationships and opportunities with doctors at the center of decision-making.”

Dr. Fenton, a practice owner since 2013, has served as Affordable Dentures & Implants’ Director of Clinical Education & Training. He will continue to lead clinical training and continuing education programs, clinical innovation, and new product expansion. He is a graduate of the University of Florida, Columbia University’s post baccalaureate sciences program, and Nova Southeastern University’s College of Dental Medicine.

“We have created an unprecedented clinical education program for our affiliated doctors,” explains Dr. Fenton. “As we continue to grow, I am very excited to continue the partnerships with our fellow doctors to expand on the world-class training available within our network.”

Johnson adds, “Dr. Adedoyin and Dr. Fenton have a long track record of excellence as practice owners and have demonstrated a relentless commitment to supporting Affordable Dentures & Implants affiliated doctors, helping them grow in their clinical practice. We look forward to a broad and positive impact by both in their elevated and expanded roles.” 

Spear Education, a trusted leader in dental education, is excited to announce a transformative change in its renowned Facially Generated Treatment Planning (FGTP) workshop. Starting in 2024, this workshop will evolve into "Treatment Planning with Confidence," offering an enhanced, concise, and dynamic experience for dental professionals while maintaining Spear's proven FGTP protocol trusted by thousands of dentists.

With "Treatment Planning with Confidence," we are streamlining the workshop into a two-day format. This adjustment allows you to return to your practice swiftly, empowered with Spear's proven FGTP protocol, ready to implement it immediately. This workshop equips you with a systematic approach to treatment planning for a wide range of common, yet challenging, dental conditions, elevating your practice and enhancing your overall fulfillment.

Additionally, Spear Education is proud to introduce a new workshop as a companion to “Treatment Planning with Confidence” to provide a robust workshop series.

"Integrating Digital Technology into Treatment Planning and Case Acceptance" is our new innovative workshop that builds upon the foundation laid in "Treatment Planning with Confidence" and delves into practical digital applications that are reshaping modern dentistry. If you have an intraoral scanner in your practice and are eager to optimize your digital workflows while enhancing patient communication, this workshop is designed for you.

In "Integrating Digital Technology into Treatment Planning and Case Acceptance," you will explore cutting-edge digital tools and strategies that seamlessly integrate with your treatment planning process. From enhancing case presentation through digital visuals to improving your case acceptance rate, this workshop empowers you to provide the highest level of care for your patients while maximizing your practice's efficiency.

Spear Education's unwavering commitment to excellence in dental education drives these fundamental shifts. By evolving our FGTP workshop into "Treatment Planning with Confidence" and introducing the "Integrating Digital Technology into Treatment Planning and Case Acceptance" workshop, we aim to equip dental professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in an ever-evolving industry.

We invite you to join us in 2024 to experience the future of dental education. With "Treatment Planning with Confidence" and the innovative "Integrating Digital Technology into Treatment Planning and Case Acceptance," you'll be poised to elevate your practice, advance your skills, and, most importantly, provide the best possible care for your patients.

Click here for more information about this workshop series and to secure your spot.

LuxCreo, Inc., an innovative solutions provider for dental 3D printing, announced that dental industry veteran Ira Rosenau will join the company’s advisory board and serve as an Executive Advisor to the company. Co-Founder and Chief Revenue Officer Michael Strohecker described the opportunity to add Rosenau as a strategic advisor to LuxCreo: “Ira has such a unique blend of skills and experience, including having built a business and brand in the dental 3D printing world,” Strohecker says. “We are excited to add his vision, messaging skills, and business experience to our LuxCreo team.”

Founded in 2019 and backed by venture capital firm Kleiner Perkins LuxCreo quickly made in-roads in the footwear and dental industries with a focus on innovating an integrated 3D workflow (including digital design, resins, software and hardware).

This year has seen major leaps forward for LuxCreo in its dental journey. It obtained the world’s first 510(k) FDA clearance for a direct print aligner, backed by clinical data on effective tooth movement. “This is a significant technological and regulatory advancement,” Rosenau says. “Particularly when combined with LuxCreo’s innovative digital polishing results, this resin and the iLux Pro workflow provides the dental industry with a truly clear, direct-printed, safe and effective aligner that can be delivered to a patient in just hours.” LuxCreo also launched this year the powerful and compact iLux Pro Dental printing system for dental clinics and laboratories, including a co-branded version with dental powerhouse Glidewell Laboratories.  

After 20 years as a commercial attorney, Rosenau joined Keystone Industries in 2015 as the president of the company’s dental division, overseeing all facets of Keystone’s comprehensive manufacturing of dental medical devices and pharmaceuticals, including the development and commercialization of the KeyPrint® line of dental 3D printing resins. 

Now working at 2.0 Consulting, Rosenau noted that LuxCreo was well-positioned to make a significant impact for dental professionals and patients: “LuxCreo is the best hidden value in digital dentistry,” he says. “It is my goal to help the dental world see the potential opportunities LuxCreo presents for better dentistry, better patient service, and increased efficiency and profitability for dental clinics and labs.”

To learn more about LuxCreo’s innovative approach and products, visit https://luxcreo.com/

To inquire about 2.0 Consulting’s offerings and programs, email irosenau@2pt0consulting.com, call 484-282-0931, or go to 2pt0consulting.com.

onDiem is now the first nationally-available dental staffing platform to provide temp dental workers with a comprehensive PPO health insurance plan in partnership with UnitedHealthcare®. This development comes in the midst of a severe labor shortage in dentistry—as the company’s effort to help practices better retain top talent and build more responsive and flexible dental teams.

onDiem, the country’s first fully W-2 compliant and nationally-available dental staffing platform, will now also be the first to offer a PPO health insurance plan for temp dental workers. onDiem’s latest launch, in partnership with UnitedHealthcare®, is part of the company’s larger strategy to drastically improve hiring, recruitment, and production for dental practices and DSOs in the midst of a serious dental staffing shortage.

According to a study by the Health Policy Institute, American Dental Hygienists Association, and the Dental Assisting National Board, 32.6% of dental hygienists and 29.8% of dental assistants who voluntarily left the field cited “inadequate benefits” as the reason for their departure. “The research is clear. When temp dental workers feel adequately cared for, they are more likely to become reliable, dependable, and invaluable team members for practices and DSOs across the country,” affirmed Joe Fogg, Founder & CEO of onDiem. “I'm thrilled that onDiem is the first dental staffing company to provide healthcare access, because it's simply the right thing to do. It also opens the door to a larger question and conversation: How can practices think of ‘temp staffing’ more strategically?”

onDiem’s healthcare offering is part of the platform’s unique approach to staffing: Improve hiring, retention, and production by transforming temporary staffing into complementary staffing. “Our dental practices and DSOs have seen tremendous upticks in production, just by choosing to see ‘temps’ as more than just occasional fillers for empty seats,” said Fogg. “We encourage our practices to see all the possibilities. How much additional revenue can you realize when you strategically leverage your temps—your complementary workers, we like to say—to open on evenings and weekends? What growth is possible when you maximize production through a properly ‘blended’ staff of both complementary and permanent employees?”

In addition to healthcare, dental professionals who book jobs through onDiem already enjoy a suite of unique benefits including malpractice insurance and workers’ comp insurance. Professionals automatically earn up to $250 in Care Benefits (which cover health- and wellness-related expenses) and one hour of PTO per 24 hours worked, which can be applied toward healthcare to bring premiums down to as low as $112 per month. onDiem will also continue to provide their ACA-compliant fixed indemnity plan through Essential StaffCARE, which provides coverage for day-to-day medical expenses.

To learn more about how onDiem serves the dental practice and DSO community, please visit the onDiem website or contact Beth Deutsche, COO, at beth.deutsche@ondiem.com.

New: milling machines from Amann Girrbach can now also be used with the third-party software "MillBox for Amann Girrbach"

Made-to-measure solutions which optimally support the individual workflow in the laboratory and dental practice are the cornerstones of all product innovations at Amann Girrbach. This ranges from safe, fully integrated and validated processes to the option of linking Amann Girrbach products with third party products to the individual ecosystem in the laboratory or dental practice where feasible. Amann Girrbach also embodies this principle in the area of its CAM software solutions: with the Ceramill Match 2 CAM software, Amann Girrbach offers users a high degree of process safety, as all products involved in the milling process are integrated into a validated workflow and deliver predictable optimal results. New as of November 2023, it will also be possible to control Amann Girrbach machines via the "MillBox for Amann Girrbach" software from third-party supplier CIMsystem. In doing so, the company is opening up the CAM application range of its milling machines - thus allowing customers to integrate these into an already existing software infrastructure.

With this new CAM solution, Amann Girrbach is expanding the application options of its machines: in addition to the company's own fully integrated Ceramill Match 2 software solution, there will also be the option of linking the company's milling machines to the "MillBox for Amann Girrbach" software from third-party supplier CIMsystem as of November 2023. Users who work with the MillBox can thus create an individual connection to the existing system to digitally operate the Amann Girrbach Ceramill milling machines. "For MillBox users, the 'MillBox for Amann Girrbach' software seamlessly integrates into the familiar MillBox environment and workflows and enables access to the familiar MillBox functions. In addition, this open CAM solution offers extended connectivity options for the users of alternative CAD programs such as 3Shape. This makes it easy to import dental CAD designs regardless of source," explains Christian Ermer, Vice President Marketing & Digital at Amann Girrbach. The "MillBox for Amann Girrbach" software is characterized by its intuitive interface. The stored, automated func-tions shorten the time required for production and minimize manual errors.

Ceramill Match 2: intuitive to control as well as high-performance application

Nonetheless, users are still able to secure the complete digital and validated workflow with the Ceramill Match 2 software from Amann Girrbach. "With the integration of Ceramill Match 2, all the system components are truly optimally matched to reliably achieve outstanding results in terms of restorations in the shortest possible time," emphasizes Christian Ermer. A well-structured user interface enables intuitive operation. "CAM and milling know-how are not required to use Ceramill Match 2 - even with little experience, milling programs can be created easily and quickly to fabricate a wide range of differing indications. Positioning and aligning the blanks is also quick and easy," adds Ermer. Other advantages include the fast calculation of milling paths, sintering-matched and accurate processing of large-span zirconia restorations, and the convenient nesting concept according to the Vita shade guide. "We permanently advance the development of the Ceramill Match 2 - in the field of composite fabrication, the Diamond Finish processing mode provides for highly esthetic results. And for titanium implant work, the Ceramill Match 2 allows design and fabrication with angulated screw channels. For the user, this offers advantages such as greater flexibility, high speed as well as maximum safety in a perfectly coordinated workflow," continues Ermer.

More information about the CAM capabilities of the Ceramill Match 2 and the connection of the de-vices via the "MillBox for Amann Girrbach" can be found at https://www.amanngirrbach.com/en-us/cam-software.

Campaign funds will be used to expand access to dental care for patients with special needs.

Smile Generation's nationwide network of trusted dental practices helped raise over $650,000 in support of the Pacific Dental Services (PDS) Foundation's Special Needs Dentistry program. These funds will be used to improve access to dental care for patients with special needs and provide training for clinicians specializing in this field of dentistry.

The fundraising efforts comprised two key components. The first, a 60-day campaign called "Smile for Special Needs," offered dental service discounts to patients at Smile Generation-trusted dental practices in exchange for a donation to the campaign. This campaign received contributions from over 8,600 individuals, resulting in more than $396,000 in funds raised.

The second component was the weeklong "Stroll for Special Needs 5K" event that brought together supporters across the country in various communities. Over 1,400 participants from 37 states came together to stroll, run, walk, or roll, covering a combined total of 4,547 miles and raising over $254,000 for the cause. This initiative received support from a group of dedicated sponsors, including Guidehouse, Lockton, Anthem, Intellys, OSTechnical, and SprintRay. Among these generous sponsors, Concorde Career Colleges played a vital role.

"We have a unique appreciation for the profound impact that quality healthcare can have on people's lives. That's why Concorde Career Colleges is thrilled to sponsor this campaign and engage our students from across the nation in supporting special needs patients. We believe it's vital for our students to not only provide exceptional care but also to recognize good community partners who also value diversity, equity, and inclusion in the quality of care they deliver," said Nancy Jones, Vice President of Student Affairs at Concorde Career Colleges.

"It's deeply inspiring to see thousands of people all over the country uniting to support special needs dentistry," said Michael Le, Executive Director of the PDS Foundation. "One the biggest problems for patients with intellectual and physical disabilities is finding competent oral health care. This often means that patients can go months or even years without a dental cleaning. Thanks to the support from these annual campaigns, we can connect more special needs patients and their families with quality, compassionate care and reduce the stress around finding a dentist."

"A small act can send a big message of acceptance, kindness, understanding, and love," remarked Cristina D., who joined the "Stroll for Special Needs 5K" event in Miami, Fla. and raised funds on behalf of her son.

For someone with special needs, daily tasks like brushing your teeth, eating breakfast, or driving to an appointment can be challenging, and visiting the dentist is even harder. Access to quality oral healthcare poses a substantial challenge for the 27% of the U.S. population living with disabilities.¹

The PDS Foundation – a non-profit organization that seeks to impact overall health by improving oral health through service opportunities – has been providing specialized dental care to patients of all abilities through a one-of-a-kind dental office in Phoenix, Ariz. since 2019. The PDS Foundation Dentists for Special Needs office features specially trained clinicians and team members equipped with behavioral care techniques to support each patient's unique needs. The practice offers a family-friendly, sensory-integrated dental experience including rooms that offer patients a calm and relaxing environment, an office and parking lot that is wheelchair accessible, and tele-dentistry for emergency consultations from home using a smartphone or tablet.

Family members often remark about the monumental difference special needs dentistry provides for their loved ones, who often struggle to access even the most basic dental care.

To learn more or make a donation to the PDS Foundation, visit the organization's website.

1. "Disability Impacts All of Us Infographic | CDC." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 15 May 2023, www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/disabilityandhealth/infographic-disability-impacts-all.html. 

A revealing YouGov poll dives into the intersection of dental health and socioeconomic status in America. The survey sheds light on how Americans view their smiles and the lengths they go to in order to maintain them, with income playing a pivotal role in their experiences and perceptions.

Below is a snapshot the stats that emerged:

• The Dental Divide: A clear income-related disparity in dental health, with those earning $100,000 or more annually being the most likely to report having very straight and white teeth.

• Insurance Inequity: 75% of high earners have dental insurance compared to only 51% of those making less than $50,000.

• Visiting the Dentist: 66% with dental insurance have seen a dentist in the last year, as opposed to 35% without.

• Dental Desirability: A striking 82% say their teeth's appearance influences their self-confidence.

• Cosmetic Dentistry: 17% of Americans have undergone cosmetic dentistry, with a higher tendency among those with higher incomes.

• Orthodontic Interventions: 32% of the population has had orthodontic procedures, with younger adults and higher-income individuals more likely to have had such treatments.

The "Smile Gap" uncovered by this YouGov research provides a nuanced look into how financial well-being is closely linked to dental health and, by extension, self-confidence.

Read the full story for more analysis and graphics.

Leading supplement brand debuts the only probiotic toothpaste suitable for sensitive teeth

Designs for Health, the expert-recommended and preferred brand for high-quality, professional strength, research-backed supplements, and recipient of the 2023 Top Nutraceutical Company award** today announced the launch of PerioBiotic™ Silver, a fluoride-free probiotic toothpaste formulated with a unique combination of ingredients to support tooth enamel strength, brighten your smile, and support overall oral health.* This product joins Designs for Health's growing line of oral health solutions including PerioPull™ and Periommune™.

PerioBiotic™ Silver features Kalident, a nano-hydroxyapatite, purified silver, CoQ10, grape seed extract, and Dental-Lac™, a strain of Lactobacillus paracasei. Dental-Lac™ has been shown in clinical research to help support a healthy balance of bacteria in the mouth and overall periodontal health.* Similar to the role of probiotics in the gastrointestinal tract, beneficial oral bacteria may help maintain dental and oral health. Purified silver may support overall oral wellness, CoQ10 may help support gum health, and grape seed extract may help healthy inflammatory support.*

Two unique functional ingredients in this formula are calcium hydroxyapatite and hydrated silica. Hydroxyapatite is the primary mineral component of healthy tooth enamel, which can be worn down over time by acidic foods and drinks, harsh orthodontic glues and braces, and microbial imbalances within the mouth. Incorporating calcium hydroxyapatite into one's daily routine may help promote healthy tooth enamel and overall shine. Hydrated silica may possess natural cleaning properties and promote the teeth's natural brightness. Additionally, instead of using traditional harsh sulfates, this formula contains coco betaine, a coconut-sourced foaming and cleansing agent, and is suitable for sensitive teeth.

"Since fluoride was added to toothpaste in the 1950s, not much has changed in the way of true innovation in the toothpaste category, which is why we are thrilled to announce the launch of our unique PerioBiotic™ Silver formulation," said Founder and Chairman Jonathan Lizotte at Designs for Health. "The latest science shows a healthy mouth begins with a balanced oral microbiome, which is why we have meticulously formulated it to exclude harsh irritants, toxins, and foaming and whitening agents that could compromise one's oral health. The final product is a culmination of clinically studied ingredients based on the latest research to help design a healthier smile for all."

Designs for Health began in 1989 as a small educational services company with deep roots in natural medicine – and big ambitions to revolutionize the industry. More than 30 years later, the company is pioneering new approaches to nutritional science, breaking barriers in quality standards, and ultimately transforming the healthcare ecosystem. Through a robust product pipeline and a diverse portfolio of more than 300 nutritional products, Designs for Health is leading the charge in the natural and integrative medicine movement to design a well world for all.

PerioBiotic™ Silver contains no fluoride, sodium lauryl sulfate, or saccharin. It is free of BPAs, parabens, synthetic colors, gluten, dairy, and synthetic sweeteners, and is vegetarian and non-GMO. It comes in spearmint and lemon flavors and is available to purchase at https://www.designsforhealth.com/periobiotic.

To learn more about Designs for Health and its comprehensive portfolio of products, including its line of oral health products, visit https://www.designsforhealth.com.

Please tune in to Designs for Health's new podcast, Conversations for Health, and immerse yourself in the current landscape of Functional Medicine to empower you to design a well world with us.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

**Top Nutraceutical Company awarded by Food Business Review

The CleanImplant Foundation a non-profit scientifically based implant organization representing the interests of dentists including more than 150,000 members globally, through their scientific advisory board and international opinion leaders.

Twenty-seven renowned implantology experts from 15 countries, met for the 3rd CleanImplant Ambassadors' Summit in the Berlin, Germany. With their experience and specialist knowledge, they support the goals and ideals of the organization helping to raise awareness globally of the need for flawless implant surfaces for cleaner and safer implantology and decreasing peri-implantitis potential.

The meeting took place on the eve of the 30th annual scientific meeting of the European Association for Osseointegration in Berlin. CleanImplant, in cooperation with Thermo Fisher Scientific, installed a scanning electron microscope at exhibition hall. The analysis protocol for determining surface contamination on implants was demonstrated on site to manufacturers and meeting attendees. Users brought implants from their practices that were examined directly, while CleanImplant provided information about those implant systems that have already been awarded the “Trusted Quality” seal for residue-free surfaces.

Presentations included, Prof. Dr. Patrick R. Schmidlin, of the University of Zurich, presented possible methods for analyzing cytotoxicity, inflammatory reaction and osteoblast viability as biological consequences of factory-related contamination on dental implants. Dr. Birgit Hagenhoff, Tascon GmbH, visiting professor at the University of Münster, spoke about how precise elementary and molecular information about the composition of particulate and thin-layer contaminants can be obtained on new manufactured implant surfaces. And Dr. Miguel Stanley, CleanImplant Ambassador and founder of the White Clinic Lisbon, hosted a discussion on “the importance of oral health in relation to our systemic health,” followed by Dr. Dirk U. Duddeck, who presented the CleanImplant Roadmap 2.0.

The event was funded solely by the CleanImplant Foundation, which advocates for transparency and unbiased, unfiltered scientific research.

For further information visit https://www.cleanimplant.com/