MouthWatch, LLC, a leader in innovative intraoral imaging and teledentistry solutions, will showcase its intraoral cameras and teledentistry software for dental professionals attending the Chicago Dental Society Midwinter Meeting. The exhibit floor will be open February 22–24 at McCormick Place West in Chicago.

Visit MouthWatch at booth #4920 and get hands-on with the industry-leading MouthWatch Intraoral Cameras, including the MouthWatch Plus+ HD 1080p intraoral camera. See first-hand how the cameras capture crystal clear, high-quality images of a patient’s oral health and help dental professionals improve patient education, documentation, and case acceptance.

Attendees will also have an opportunity to see a demo of TeleDent, MouthWatch’s teledentistry software. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore how TeleDent and Dentistry.One, the teledentistry solutions by MouthWatch, can improve screening, collaboration, and outreach for a variety of dental settings.

“With shortages of dentists in many rural areas throughout the country and only approximately 38% of U.S. dentists accepting Medicaid, TeleDent can help increase reach into communities with limited access to in-person dental care,” said Brant Herman, Founder & Chief Executive Officer of MouthWatch and Dentistry One. “Dentists can use TeleDent to remotely diagnose and authorize preventative and non-invasive services and expedite care with greater interprofessional collaboration.

"We look forward to returning to the Chicago Dental Society Midwinter Meeting to demonstrate how our teledentistry software and intraoral cameras can empower dental practices to elevate their standard of care with an enhanced, patient-centric approach," continued Herman.

Dr. Carolyn Brown, Chief Health Innovation Officer at MouthWatch, will be participating in a panel session titled "What Every Provider Should Know About Dental Public Health: Opportunities for Now and the Future." The session is scheduled to take place on February 23 from 1:00 - 4:00 pm and will cover topics such as silver diamine fluoride, workforce trends, telehealth, and artificial intelligence (AI).

To learn more about MouthWatch solutions, visit mouthwatch.com. 

BURST Oral Care, the oral care brand trusted by professionals and consumers alike, is thrilled to announce the launch of the Precision Whitening Pen. This pocket-sized powerhouse is designed to enhance the teeth whitening experience, offering consumers a convenient, effective, and mindfully crafted solution for a brighter smile whenever, wherever.

"We didn't just grab an off-the-shelf pen and call it a day," said Hamish Khayat, the CEO of BURST. "We spent five years refining and perfecting the Precision Whitening Pen, because we know our customers deserve a whitening solution that's as seamless and effective as their busy lifestyles demand.”

The Precision Whitening Pen is the result of collaboration with thousands of experts from BURST’s network of over 40,000+ Dental Professionals, ensuring a formula that delivers results while prioritizing safety and convenience. Featuring a 9% hydrogen peroxide formula, this advanced whitening solution is paired with a precision applicator for targeted treatments, allowing users to address specific areas with ease.

What sets the Precision Whitening Pen apart is its commitment to gentle yet effective whitening. "We've thought long and hard about this and worked with our Dental Professionals to create something that is not only a whitening gem but gentle on your mouth," continued Khayat. “The concentration of hydrogen peroxide in the Precision Whitening Pen is carefully balanced with a soothing trifecta of ingredients of coconut oil, aloe vera and xylitol to achieve effective whitening while minimizing sensitivity concerns.’

Key Features and Benefits of the Precision Whitening Pen:

• Up to 5 shades whiter after just 7 days of use

• Up to 45 full treatments or 90 spot treatments per pen

• Precision applicator for targeted treatments

• 9% hydrogen peroxide formula for advanced whitening

• Pocket-sized for on-the-go convenience

• Gentle enough for daily use

• Quick and convenient application with no prep required

• Refreshing mint flavor for a delightful experience

• Vegan, cruelty-free formula free from parabens, phthalates, sulfates, and artificial colors, sweeteners, and flavors

Now available for purchase on the BURST website and select retailers. Join the thousands of satisfied customers who have already experienced the convenience and effectiveness of BURST's latest innovation in oral care.

For more information about the Precision Whitening Pen and other BURST products, visit burstoralcare.com

Supporting underserved patients’ needs with high-quality dental imaging technologies during 1.4 million visits

Planmeca today announces a commitment to provide a complete suite of dental imaging equipment to Benevis’120 dental offices. Benevis sites that offer general dentistry, orthodontic, and specialty care primarily for pediatric patients will include Planmeca 2D extraoral imaging units, Planmeca ProX™ intraoral X-rays, Planmeca ProSensor® HD intraoral sensors, and Planmeca Emerald® S intraoral scanners for the treatment of over 600,000 patients annually.

With the superior Planmeca product quality, exemplary service supported by Henry Schein Dental, the dental division of Henry Schein, Inc., and robust Planmeca Digital Academy education resources, Benevis dental offices will honor their commitment to quality and efficient access to care, especially in underserved communities. In addition, Benevis completed a long and rigorous review process that included clinical, operational, and technology alongside the Planmeca team to ensure seamless integration and efficient care.

"We are pleased with the development of the relationship and are honored to be part of Benevis' outreach to care," stated VP of Sales and Strategic Accounts Rudy Wolf. "We have had significant successes and lead the DSO space with our best-in-class 3D imaging. The Benevis team looked at the benefits of the integrated Planmeca solution – from imaging to intraoral scanning, and Planmeca became the optimal partner. Throughout the process, Planmeca worked with Benevis to ensure a seamless transition to new technologies that uphold high-quality dental care. As a result, Benevis is elevating the level of professional dental care for everyone."

"We are looking forward to the transformative impact this partnership will have on our dental offices," said Will Alexander, Senior Vice President of Enterprise Operations and CIO. "The integration of Planmeca's cutting-edge imaging and scanning technologies aligns perfectly with our commitment to providing high-quality dental care. This collaboration represents a significant step forward in advancing our technological capabilities and enhancing the overall patient experience."

Dentsply Sirona, the largest manufacturer of professional dental products and technologies, and A-dec, a leading manufacturer of dental operatory equipment, today announced the expansion of their collaboration.

Today, Dentsply Sirona and A-dec announced the extension of their collaboration and the integration of the Dentsply Sirona Primescan Connect™ intraoral scanner with the A-dec 500 and A-dec 300 delivery systems.

The expanded collaboration reflects the need for simplicity, ease, and productivity of digital impressions. Offering Dentsply Sirona’s Primescan Connect as an integrated option brings high efficiency to doctors’ workflow and significant value to their A-dec delivery systems. The Primescan Connect intraoral scanner enables a highly accurate, full arch scan in under one minute. Incorporated into the A-dec delivery system, Primescan Connect can improve the patient experience, increase operational efficiency, and support revenue generation for the practice. Primescan Connect is powered by Dentsply Sirona’s cloud-based software platform, DS Core*. This platform allows dental professionals to enhance their daily workflows with different tools, like viewing images remotely from their smart phone or other connected devices, creating productivity and flexibility for dental professionals.

A-dec Chief Executive Officer, Marv Nelson, said the strategic collaboration is a fitting way to mark the company’s 60th year of bringing dentists reliable, creative solutions. “A-dec customers will benefit from the ability to offer digital impressions more easily with great accessibility to images. We are pleased that this collaboration with Dentsply Sirona brings one more valuable integrated option for our customers. Adding Primescan Connect reinforces our commitment to give professionals more choices of integrated devices and technology for their A-dec equipment, elevating their practices now and well into the future.”

“Our expanded collaboration with A-dec offers significant value to customers as it adds our hi-tech Primescan Connect intraoral scanner to A-dec’s modern dental delivery systems, enabling excellent workflows for dental professionals and facilitating more treatment options for their patients,” says Andreas Frank, Executive Vice President and Chief Business Officer at Dentsply Sirona. “For us, the future of digital dentistry means providing our customers with the tools to grow their practice, increase efficiency, and drive better patient experiences and clinical outcomes.”

This offering builds upon the two companies’ previous successful collaboration integrating the Dentsply Sirona’s Cavitron® ultrasonic scaling system into A-dec delivery systems. The interface with Dentsply Sirona’s Primescan Connect intraoral scanner is expected to be available through selected dealers on new A-dec 500 and A-dec 300 delivery systems in late spring 2024.

For more product information, including availability in specific countries, contact your authorized A-dec dealer.

* More information about DS Core can be found here.

Applications for the Second Annual 2024 S.M.I.L.E. Healthcare Pathway Program are now being accepted

Henry Schein, Inc. (Nasdaq: HSIC), National Dental Association (NDA), and Schattner Foundation are pleased to partner and present the S.M.I.L.E. (Student Mentoring with Immersive Learning and Enrichment) Healthcare Pathway Program. This innovative public-private partnership is designed to mentor and support aspiring healthcare professionals and enhance inclusivity within the dental field.

Applications are now being accepted for the 2024 program taking place July 7 to 11, 2024, at Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry, Nashville, TN. Joining Henry Schein, the NDA, and Schattner Foundation in presenting the 2024 program are the Hispanic Dental Association, the Society of American Indian Dentists, Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry, and the A.T. Still University’s Arizona School of Dentistry & Oral Health, and the A.T. Still University's Missouri School of Dentistry and Oral Health.

The S.M.I.L.E. Program empowers underrepresented high school students (grades 9-10) with a passion for oral health to gain exposure to the variety of career opportunities available within the oral health profession, including assisting, hygiene, and dentistry, as well as various practice models and industry roles. Through an immersive, week-long experience, the program provides:

● Mentorship from experienced dental professionals;

● Hands-on learning of real-world procedures and develop practical skills;

● Career pathway exposure to discover diverse dental career options; and

● Capstone project culminating in a presentation focused on translating their learnings into tangible action.

This comprehensive approach fosters informed career choices, builds essential skills, and empowers future leaders in oral health.

“We are thrilled to join with our partners to present the S.M.I.L.E. Healthcare Pathway Program,” said Dr. Carol Summerhays, Henry Schein S.M.I.L.E. Program Director. “This program represents a significant milestone in our unwavering commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion within the dental profession. Through early exposure, mentorship, and direction, we firmly believe that by introducing students to the dynamic world of dentistry, we can ignite their passion and empower them to pursue careers as dentists, dental hygienists, dental assistants, and dental office administrators. In America, over 30% of the population identify as Black or African American or Hispanic, with that number dropping significantly to less than 10% for dentists.1 We hope to cultivate the next generation of dental professionals to better serve our diverse patient community and strengthen the foundation of our critical health care community."

In 2023, the inaugural S.M.I.L.E. program took place at three locations: Howard University College of Dentistry, University of Maryland School of Dentistry, and Mary’s Center, a federally qualified health center located in the DC Metro area that delivers affordable, accessible, quality, and value-based primary health care. The program was made possible by a generous grant from the Schattner Foundation and the support of other professional organizations.

The program brought together 34 ninth and tenth-grade students from the Metropolitan DC area, Las Vegas, New York, and Ohio, for an immersive learning experience with dental professionals and specialists. To learn more and gain insights from participants' watch this video.

“The NDA remains mission-focused and committed to supporting educational initiatives and programs that empower aspiring health care professionals. By partnering with Henry Schein, the Schattner Foundation, and esteemed institutions like Howard University, the University of Maryland, and now Meharry Medical College, we will continue to ‘build bridges’ and to make a significant impact in nurturing talent and fostering growth in the dental industry. Together, our collective efforts will help mentor future health care professionals, enhance health literacy, expand diversity in the health care workforce, and ultimately improve health equity and overall outcomes in underserved communities nationwide,” said Dr. Marlon Henderson, 99th President of the National Dental Association.

Applications for the 2024 program at Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry are now being accepted. The application deadline is March 31, 2024. Eligible students can apply by completing the online application form on the official S.M.I.L.E. Program website, https://ndaonline.org/smile-program.

Volunteer Trips for Dental Clinics -- April 14-20 and May 4-12

When Elmer Mazariegos was 9 years old, his parents were faced with a terrible decision: Take their ailing son to a dentist, or, feed their family of 11 that week. The painful, tangerine-sized bulge in Elmer’s left cheek due to a tooth abscess went untreated until the tooth finally fell out several months later. It’s a choice parents should never have to make, and pain no child should have to endure. Yet 30 years later, there is still no consistent source of dental care in Elmer’s village in the Western Highlands of Guatemala. That’s about to change.

This April, Local Hope Guatemala, a 32-year-old non-profit organization providing healthcare and other critical services in Elmer’s community, will inaugurate the Open Wide Legacy Dental Clinic. The new facility will be located within Local Hope’s Xela AID Community Clinic. The Open Wide facility will be the first in the area to offer professional dental care on an ongoing basis. It will be inaugurated during a volunteer trip April 14-20 of this year.

The new dental facility was made possible by Legacy members of the former Open Wide Foundation, and The Rotary Foundation, in partnership with Local Hope.

Founded in 2011, by Dr. Glen Wysel, Lisa Wysel, and Imtiaz Manji, Open Wide Foundation's vision was to redefine humanitarian dentistry by bringing long-term oral health solutions to the most vulnerable communities in Guatemala, beyond the traditional acute-care model usually focused on short-term, emergency care. Open Wide volunteers, donors and industry partners provided support for three public dental clinics, served more than 250,000 patients, sponsored more than 1,100 volunteer trips, and mentored more than 500 Guatemalan dental students. Thwarted by Covid, the Open Wide Foundation closed in 2021, but its invaluable work promises to continue to flourish via the work of Local Hope.

The Wysels and Manji generously underwrote the new dental suite: “We are honored to contribute our knowledge and experience to help support the new dental clinic in Xela Aid Center. It is gratifying to us that through this effort, the legacy of Open Wide continues, making sustainable dental care within reach of those who need it most.”

The Rotary Foundation (TRF) provides Global Grants to support a range of health and social concerns. Through the Global Grant “Health for All,” spearheaded by the Rotary Clubs of Placentia, California, and Quetzaltenango, Guatemala, TRF funding is supporting a year-round dentist to work out of Local Hope’s new dental facility, along with numerous other upgrades to the Xela AID Clinic.

Prior to the influx of funding, dental care at Local Hope’s Xela AID Clinic, located in the indigenous village of San Martin Chiquito, had been intermittent, with visits by volunteer dentists up to several times per month over the past three years. This new, permanent facility with a paid dentist will guarantee regular dental care, both as follow-up to special dental missions such as those being held April 14-20 and May 4-12, and for much-needed ongoing dental care for local residents.

“We feel exceptionally fortunate for having crossed paths with Glen and Lisa and our other friends who have dedicated so many years to establishing Open Wide,” said Mel Dinkel, COO of Local Hope. “Their support, expertise and network of dentists will allow us to provide an exceptionally high quality of care to a community that has never before had access to professional dentistry."

“All are welcome to join these volunteer missions – members of the dental community, as well as the general public interested in humanitarian service,” noted Leslie Baer Dinkel, Local Hope’s CEO. “Each trip is customized to the skills and interests of every participant, who will meet and work side-by-side with Mayan community members, learn about their rich culture and undergo a life-changing experience -- both for them and the people they serve.”

In addition to dentistry, Local Hope will match talent and interest with need so that volunteers will be able to participate in many other important service projects and cultural activities. This could include practicing English or teaching art or computer classes to children, experiencing life in a local home, partaking in Mayan cooking classes, building and distributing chicken coops to families in need, learning about the ancient art of backstrap weaving, experiencing an authentic Mayan “Day Keeping” ceremony, and more.

For the April trip, besides service work, volunteers will also experience the magnificent colonial city of Antigua, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, built in the shadow of three volcanos. They will enjoy Central Park with its renown Italian Renaissance-inspired grid, iconic fountain, and wide selection of boutique coffee shops. During the May trip, participants will also visit Antigua, plus Lake Atitlan — arguably one of the most beautiful places in the world—to relax, explore indigenous villages around the lake, hike a volcano, zip-line through the valleys, or shop in local markets.

Service trip information – https://xelaaid.org/volunteer

· April 14-20: 7 days/6 nights (with optional nights for early arrival and next-day departure).

Antigua and San Martín Chiquito. Cost: $1,853 double occupancy (single occupancy $2,243)

· May 4-12: 9 days/8 nights (with optional nights for early arrival and next-day departure).

Antigua, San Martín Chiquito and Lake Atitlan. Cost: $2,159 double occupancy (single occupancy $2,679).

For more information about the trips: https://xelaaid.org/volunteer or call Mel Dinkel, (714) 322-0974.

Founded in 1992, Local Hope, known in Guatemala as Xela AID (Agency for Integrated Development), is a not-for-profit organization that provides a range of 18 proven programs spanning health care, education, career development and related support serving largely indigenous populations in poverty belts in Guatemala. We team with organizations, locally and abroad, who share values consistent with our mission, to empower families and communities to become healthy, educated and self-reliant. The expenses of our programs are supported by donations from individuals and foundations, healthy sources of earned income, and endowment income. Because our earned income covers all administrative expenses, 100% of all donations are applied to fuel our programs that provide direct assistance.

Spear Education is pleased to announce that a new in-person seminar, Reclaiming Your Dental Vision: Strategies for a Thriving Practice, will be held May 17-18, 2024, at Spear’s main campus in Scottsdale, Ariz.

Internationally recognized leader in dental education and Spear Education's Co-Founder, Dr. Frank Spear, along with Spear Faculty Member Dr. Ricardo Mitrani, an expert in implant prosthodontics and esthetic dentistry, will guide participants through a transformative experience aimed at helping dental professionals rediscover their passion for dentistry and breathe new life into their practices.

The dental profession is known for its challenges, and the constant juggling of clinical expertise and business acumen can lead to burnout and disconnection from the passion that brought individuals into the profession. Reclaiming Your Dental Vision offers a revitalizing journey to rekindle the love for dentistry and propel practices toward resounding success.

Seminar Highlights:

- Decode Practice DNA: Uncover the essence and "X factor" that sets their practice apart.

- Craft Vision-Driven Mission: Differentiate between vision and fantasy while incorporating the practice's unique value

- Set Strategic Principles: Align strategic principles with the practice vision

- Inspire Team Through Leadership: Learn visionary leadership techniques to inspire the dental team.

Visit Reclaiming Your Dental Vision to secure your spot for this paradigm-shifting dental seminar led by industry leaders.

Air Techniques, Inc., a leading innovator, and manufacturer of dental equipment, will be introducing their next all-star, FlowStar Nitrous Flowmeters and Components. The new FlowStar Touch and Analog will be displayed at the Air Techniques booth, #1425, and attendees will get an up-close look at these next-level nitrous oxide/oxygen sedation innovations. Attendees will also be eligible for free Garrett Popcorn, a Chicago staple, after receiving a demo of VisionX Imaging Software.

Nitrous Oxide / Oxygen Sedation is the next natural fit for Air Techniques, a pioneer in air compressors and vacuum systems since 1962. Nitrous Oxide / Oxygen scavenging systems benefit from a high-quality vacuum system and can be administered safely within dental practices. Air Techniques will show FlowStar Touch, Analog, and various components and accessories.

FlowStar Touch is the next generation of nitrous oxide sedation, combining timeless elegance and superior technology. The innovative flat touchscreen control fits perfectly with modern practice. The FlowStar Analog is built with high-quality, wear-resistant materials and offers many functions that provide value to users in everyday situations. The auto-compensating total flow rate secures a balance between oxygen and nitrous gas when adjusting the N2O percentage, which saves time and costs.

“As the most trusted name in dental equipment, Air Techniques continues to bring innovations to our community,” said Scott Borden, Air Techniques Vice President, North American Sales and Marketing. “Our customers inspire us to deliver products that enhance clinical outcomes, patient satisfaction, and overall business profitability. FlowStar and VisionX are two modern examples of our technically advanced product offering, aimed at helping today’s dental professionals identify a clear choice when choosing systems for their practice.”

Along with being among the first to see these new FlowStar products, the Chicago Midwinter Meeting attendees will be gifted the Chicago staple, Garrett Popcorn, for demoing Air Techniques' VisionX Imaging Software. VisionX powers ProVecta 3D Prime CBCT, among other high-tech digital products offered by Air Techniques. This software is unique in its ability to allow implant planning in just five clicks, thanks to its high level of AI functionality.

Visit Air Techniques at the Chicago Midwinter Meeting, booth # 1425, to experience VisionX Software and FlowStar Nitrous Flowmeters and Components.

Air Techniques' complete product portfolio of utility systems, digital imaging, and merchandise can equip the smallest practice to the largest university or hospital. Consistently, Air Techniques remains the leading and largest manufacturer of dental air compressors and vacuum systems in North America.

For more information on Air Techniques, please visit www.airtechniques.com.

Beginning March 1, 2024, all dental products currently sold under the CAO Group (CAO) name globally will transition to its AMD Lasers, Inc. division (AMD). With the combination of both dental brands, AMD will offer a comprehensive product portfolio for the dental community.

Known for its Picasso soft tissue laser and Monet laser curing light, AMD is expanding its offering to include Imaging and Diagnostics with the newly released Acuity™ digital x-ray sensor, soon to be released Leonardo™ versatile laser system, Hubble™ digital vision headset, and other innovations in 2024 and 2025.

In addition, AMD will be offering products in the Restorative, Endodontic, Preventive, Whitening, Infection Control and Accessories product categories, such as retrofit LED bulbs for dental units and delivery brush tips.

AMD will continue to focus on its direct business but will offer most products via dental products distributors. Further, outside of the United States AMD will offer its products solely through distributors in each country/region.

While CAO has several business units in addition to AMD, such as forensic, medical, veterinary, and lighting, CAO has decided to focus on the dental business as its main revenue driver.

“The AMD Lasers brand is as well-known as any of the other large manufacturers in the dental space.” said, Dr. Densen Cao, PhD, President of AMD and CEO of CAO Group, Inc. “This consolidation of the dental business under one brand will enable AMD to continue its journey of innovation and to make our customers’ jobs Easier, Faster, and Better.”

Details about the company merge can be found at www.amdlasers.com and www.caogroup.com or call +1-866-999-2635.

Mid America Dental Sales, Inc., (MADS) a master distributor of technology devices to the dental dealer channels, is proud to introduce their just released X4 Handheld X-ray device. The X4 utilizes a Carbon Nano Tube (CNT) X-ray tube, and an all-digital controller to produce a device that is Smart, Efficient, and Very Light Weight. The CNT tube technology leapfrogs the older analog, filament vacuum X-ray tubes, which haven’t changed their design, or operation in over 50 years. The X4 produces a fixed 70kV/ 2mA beam with a 0.4 mm Focal spot that produces great X-rays all the time.

The X4, weighs just 4lbs, and that includes the protective scatter shield that exceeds over 0.5mm Pb (lead equivalency) to assure maximum user protection.

At just 4lbs, the X4 can be easily positioned without causing excessive arm fatigue, as other, heavier units often do. The X4 is perfect for one handed use. Great for those offices performing implants, sedation dentistry, Pediatrics, and special needs patients.

The All-Digital X4 is so efficient that it can get up to 800 images per charge from a battery nearly half the size of most of its competitors. Try it out for yourself. Ask your local authorized MADS dealer for a demo.

For further information, please contact Mid America Dental sales, Inc, at 888-629-6646, or visit www.dentalsalesinc.com info@dentalsalesinc.com