‘Empower and Grow 2024’ Promoted Female Leadership, Champion Inclusiveness, and Honor Women in Dentistry

Henry Schein, Inc. (Nasdaq: HSIC) today announced its commitment to driving conversations that foster diversity and inclusion in dentistry with speaking engagements at the 2024 Women in DSO event, ‘Empower and Grow 2024.’ The event took place March 6-8 at the Conrad Las Vegas at Resorts World. Women in DSO® is the official nonprofit organization supporting the empowerment and growth of women leaders in dental support organizations (DSOs).

During this year’s Empower and Grow event, Christine King, Executive Chair, Henry Schein One, delivered a session to attendees entitled ‘Lessons from a Lifetime in Leadership,’ hosted by Melissa Marquez, Senior Director, DSO Customer Solutions, Henry Schein One. In addition, Tanya Befus, Chief People Officer, Henry Schein One, and Amanda Lien, Director, Community Health, Henry Schein, participated in a panel discussion entitled ‘Chief Mission Mastery: Empowering Voices in a Mission-Driven Organization.’

“Henry Schein extends its commitment to fostering diversity and inclusivity beyond internal efforts by actively engaging with external partners who share our vision, such as Women in DSO®,” said Dirk Benson, Chief Commercial Officer of North America Distribution Group, Henry Schein, Inc. “As founding sponsors of Women in DSO®, we underscore the Company's enduring pledge to promote female leadership, champion inclusiveness, and honor the accomplishments of women in the field of dentistry.”

In addition to thought leaders from Henry Schein and Henry Schein One, ‘Empower and Grow 2024’ featured discussions with an extensive lineup of speakers, including a keynote presentation from Dr. Marion J. Bergman, MD, MPA, entitled “Breaking Barriers - Leading with Purpose and Power.” Dr. Bergman, along with Stanley Bergman, Chairman and CEO of Henry Schein, are advocates for expanding access to health care, particularly oral health care, for people in underserved communities. Dr. Bergman serves as the Director of Healthcare Projects for MCWGlobal, a non-profit organization that works with vulnerable communities and young leaders across the world to improve livelihoods and secure a future in which everyone is educated, healthy, and economically secure.

Henry Schein is also engaged with Women in DSO® at the leadership level. Kathleen Titus, Henry Schein’s Director of Community Health Centers and Corporate Relations, serves as a Founding Women in DSO® Board Member. David Kochman, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, joined the board this year. Samantha Glucksman, Henry Schein’s Director of Strategic Accounts, North America Distribution Group, McKenzie Fagan, Area Sales Manager for Henry Schein One, and Lisa Norton, Director of Business Development & Strategic Relations, Henry Schein, serve on the Women in DSO® Advisory Board.

“Throughout the dental industry, women have persistently driven progress and innovation,” said Ms. Titus, a Founding Board Member of Women in DSO®. “Our partnership with Women in DSO® underscores our commitment to fostering female leadership across all career stages. Through collaborative initiatives, we aim to provide avenues for sharing, connecting, learning, and professional growth, empowering women to pursue their career aspirations aligned with their personal and professional goals.”

Henry Schein also continues to provide a speaking platform for women leaders through its Women’s Leadership Network, the Company’s first Employee Resource Group with a mission to provide a forum that empowers, develops, and connects a network of women to drive business success.

To learn more about Women in DSO, visit https://womenindso.org/.

Leading dental educator predicts huge impact for patients, providers

Howard S. Glazer, DDS, FAGD has joined Balanced Pharma’s Scientific Advisory Board. Dr. Glazer, an award-winning, leading voice in dental education, joins the dentist-founded pharmaceutical startup Balanced Pharma as they progress toward commercialization of BPI-001 and BPI-002, their first pipeline drugs in development. Dr. Glazer and other key opinion leaders believe BPI-001 and BPI-002 are likely to be “game-changers” in the billion-dollar-plus injectable dental anesthetic category.

“We are honored to welcome Dr. Glazer to our Scientific Advisory Board,” says Dr. Scott Keadle, CEO of Balanced Pharma. “His exceptional abilities, experience, and well-earned trust in the dental community will help our talented team put better products into the hands of clinicians.”

Balanced Pharma intends for BPI-001 and BPI-002 to be highly differentiated, best-in-class, dental anesthetics that can deliver less painful, faster-acting, and more reliable numbing injections.¹ Balanced Pharma’s patented container technology will allow delivery of acid-free formulations of the existing generics (lidocaine/epinephrine and articaine/epinephrine) in a standard dental cartridge, with a standard shelf-life, for a seamless product replacement.

Dr. Glazer said, “More comfortable injections, less time in the dental chair, and more reliable anesthesia? In a standard dental cartridge, without the hassle and expense of buffering kits? Count me in.”

He continues, “The dental community has been asking for an acid-free product in a standard cartridge for decades. Now we have a way to do it, and we’re going to do it.”

About Howard S. Glazer, DDS, FAGD

Dr. Glazer is a Fellow and Past President of the Academy of General Dentistry and former Assistant Clinical Professor in Dentistry at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York. He has been a visiting clinician at several universities and lectures throughout the United States and internationally about dental materials, cosmetic dentistry, forensic dentistry, and patient management.

For the past several years, Dr. Glazer has been named as one of the “Leading Clinicians in Continuing Education” by Dentistry Today. Recently, he received the prestigious New York University Smigel Prize for Distinguished Achievement in the Art and Science of Aesthetic Dentistry.

Dr. Glazer is a frequent author of dental articles and has been published throughout the world. He previously published the column “What’s Hot and What’s Getting Hotter!” in AGD Impact, the news magazine for the Academy of General Dentistry, and today publishes the column “I Have It... You Need It!” in Dental Economics. He is a podcast contributor to Through the Loupes and maintains a general practice in Fort Lee, New Jersey, where he has been recognized as one of the top dentists in the state. 

¹ “Effectiveness of buffered and non-buffered local anaesthetic in inferior alveolar nerve block: A randomised study”, M. Bala, A.O. Taiwo, A.A. Ibikunle, H.O. Olasoji, A.O. Sulaiman, B.C. Chukwuma, R.O. Braimah, B.O. Ile-Ogedengbe; Published in the British Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, April 21, 2023; https://www.bjoms.com/article/S0266-4356(23)00108-0/fulltext

² “58% of patients believe the injection is the worst part of the dental experience,” Olson Research Group, “Patient Dental Care Study Quantitative Report, Conducted for Balanced Pharma, May 7, 2021,” Fielding: March 30–April 23, 2021, total sample size: n=140 (includes 40 parents/caregivers);

 “Over 90% of dentists report a desire for current anesthetics to be more reliable, less painful, or faster acting,” Olson Research Group, “Dentist Quantitative Report, Conducted for Balanced Pharma, August 13, 2021,” Fielding: June 18–July 19, 2021, total sample size: n=181;

In a world where digital security is indispensable, Carestream Dental is proud to introduce Rx Manager, a Sensei product, a cloud-based module for electronic prescription management. This newest Patient Solution enhances the company’s Sensei practice and patient solution brand.

Enhanced Security at the Core

Sensei has prioritized cybersecurity in the selection of its technology partner iCoreConnect to launch Rx Manager. By integrating robust encryption, ongoing surveillance and adherence to HIPAA standards, Rx Manager stands against the digital threats of today, allowing practitioners to concentrate on delivering exceptional dental care.

A Smooth Transition to Advanced Prescription Management

With the understanding that adopting new software can be daunting, Carestream Dental ensures a seamless integration of Rx Manager into dental practice management software. This innovative solution promises a straightforward adoption process with a comprehensive suite of features that extend well beyond the realm of basic electronic prescribing. From instant alerts on drug interactions and transparent medication pricing, to a detailed 10-year prescription history, Rx Manager redefines efficiency and quality of patient care.

Innovation and Dependability

"At Sensei, Carestream Dental’s practice management business, our mission is to empower dental practices with cutting-edge solutions, all while guaranteeing the highest standards of security and reliability,” Monica Minore, chief revenue officer, Sensei, said. “The introduction of Rx Manager epitomizes our dedication to meeting our clients' evolving needs. We are proud to present a solution that reimagines the future of electronic prescription management."

Rx Manager is available for all of Sensei’s solutions: Sensei Cloud, PracticeWorks, OrthoTrac, SoftDent and WinOMS. To learn more about Rx Manager, click here; to learn more about any of Sensei’s innovative solutions, visit gosensei.com.

Henry Schein Women’s Leadership Network Field Chapter will host a live session featuring an introduction from Stanley Bergman, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, Henry Schein, Inc. and an interview with Julie Charlestein, President and Chief Executive Officer of Premier Dental. This engaging session will offer invaluable insights into various facets of professional growth and leadership including adapting to change, overcoming imposter syndrome, and earning respect with colleagues while maintaining healthy boundaries.

To register for this event, please click on the following link: https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/f18737fa-8eb5-418f-89f6-f7034afc45ee@cd56815b-9436-42fb-a04d-475f95114903

WHO: Women’s Leadership Network, a Henry Schein employee resource group whose mission is to promote an environment for Team Schein Members where diversity and inclusion thrive to best support the diversity of our customers and the patients they serve.

WHAT: Virtual event featuring a live interview and discussion on: Adapting to Change Overcoming Imposter Syndrome Earning Respect with Colleagues while Maintaining Healthy Boundaries

WHERE: Microsoft Teams: https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/f18737fa-8eb5-418f-89f6-f7034afc45ee@cd56815b-9436-42fb-a04d-475f95114903

WHEN: Monday, March 18, 2024, 9:00a.m. EST

CONTACT: Claire Barbier

                   Email: Claire.barbier@henryschein.com

                   Phone: 631-559-2942

With the introduction of BEGO printing materials for the Planmeca Creo® C5 dental 3D printer, dental professionals can now produce all components they need for their treatment workflows precisely and efficiently in house – and offer their patients a cost-effective option for same-day dental restorations.

Planmeca is thrilled to announce a strategic cooperation with BEGO, a renowned pioneer of CAD/CAM technology with more than 20 years of experience in the field of 3D printing. Leveraging the combined expertise of both companies, the cutting-edge materials by BEGO for printing dental restorations have now been successfully validated for the Planmeca Creo® C5 dental 3D printer.

With the validation of VarseoSmile Crown plus, VarseoSmile Temp and VarseoSmile Teeth, Planmeca Creo C5 users can now offer their patients a cost-effective choice for same-day dental restorations, which fulfil the highest quality standards. In addition to elevating patient care, these materials help dental professionals streamline their prosthetic workflows and manufacturing process.

Planmeca Creo C5 users will benefit especially from VarseoSmile Crown plus, the world’s first 3D printing material for permanent restorations. The ceramic-filled and medically approved 3D printing resin allows manufacturing high-quality single crowns, partial crowns, crowns on abutments, inlays, onlays, tabletops, and veneers, whose durability has been proven in extensive scientific studies.

As for printing temporary restorations, VarseoSmile Temp offers a medically approved resin for manufacturing temporary crowns, bridges, inlays, onlays, and veneers. With VarseoSmile Teeth, Planmeca Creo C5 users can create highly aesthetic teeth for full and partial dentures. Both of these ceramic-filled materials ensure high resistance to abrasion.

“I am extremely pleased with our collaboration with BEGO, which now makes same-day restorations available to an even broader range of patients worldwide. Planmeca Creo C5 has been specifically designed to meet the needs of modern dental practices and laboratories, providing a powerful tool for printing a wide range of high-quality dental applications precisely and efficiently. With the validation of BEGO’s leading 3D printing materials for dental restorations, our printer enables dental professionals to produce all necessary components for their treatment workflows and achieve outstanding results every time,” says Pontus Degerlund, CAD/CAM Director at Planmeca.

“Our leading 3D printing materials adhere to the highest quality standards, enhancing the quality of patient care and improving the efficiency of manufacturing workflows. We are delighted that these materials are now available to the users of Planmeca Creo C5 in a validated workflow,” says Marius Kempf, Team Leader of the 3D printing category management at BEGO. “I am particularly pleased that this also includes VarseoSmile Crown plus, which stands out due to its clinical longevity, excellent translucency and overall aesthetics as well as the many scientific publications that prove its outstanding performance. We are eagerly looking forward to a future collaboration with the companies and distributors of Planmeca Group.”

Planmeca Creo C5 has been engineered to withstand the daily workloads of even the busiest dental clinics and labs. All printing materials for Planmeca Creo C5 undergo rigorous mechanical testing and evaluation, including additional tests for the materials requiring medical approval.

For more information, availability, and ordering, please contact your local distributor. Regional restrictions apply.

The Argen Corporation is pleased to announce that Juston Gates has joined the company as Executive Vice President, Global Sales. As Argen continues its commitment to supporting the success of its customers, Gates joins the Executive Team to lead global sales, strategy, and commercial execution.

Juston Gates joined Argen in 2024 as Executive Vice President, Global Sales to lead global sales, strategy, and commercial execution. Gates is a global healthcare leader with a proven method of building winning teams, delivering above-market performance, leading business transformations, and driving innovation across the medical technology industry. His career includes over 20 years of leadership experience spanning the medical technology and pharmaceutical fields within the US, Europe, and Asia. Gates began his career in the financial services industry and then transitioned into healthcare holding increasing roles of responsibility at Johnson & Johnson. Gates's career trajectory within Johnson & Johnson showcases his exceptional leadership qualities most recently serving as the Worldwide Vice-President within the DePuy Synthes Orthopaedic company of Johnson & Johnson.

Gates obtained an Executive MBA from Villanova University and his undergraduate degree from Harding University. Outside of work, Gates enjoys time with his family, hiking, skiing and is active in professional organizations, mentoring programs, and community service.

"I am thrilled to join Argen, a company at the center of developing innovative solutions to advance the dental industry. It is an honor and a privilege to embark upon my new role at such an exciting time. I am energized by the innovative spirit, family culture, committed people, and the opportunity to reach more customers and continue building smiles, one person at a time,” says Gates. 

Second Ivoclar certification for vhf in one year

vhf and Ivoclar are further expanding their joint partnership: In February 2023 vhf was one of the first manufacturers to be certified as an Ivoclar Authorized Milling Partner for the Ivotion Denture System. vhf camfacture AG is now also an official Ivoclar Authorized Milling Partner for the renowned lithium disilicate ceramic IPS e.max CAD.

The IPS e.max Authorized Milling Partner accolade represents a validated and optimally coor-dinated processing procedure between the material and the device. This seal of quality guarantees high-precision, high-quality restorations and has now been officially awarded to vhf. The vhf DENTALCAM 8.09 software update will be available in mid-March 2024, and the IPS e.max CAD for PrograMill in the vhf N4+ will be authorized for crowns, inlays, onlays, veneers and three-unit dental bridges up to the second premolar. vhf is also planning to obtain authorization from Ivoclar for additional wet grinding machines in the near future.

“The collaboration between vhf and Ivoclar to achieve a successful validation reinforces the trust and certainty of users in the quality and precision of the vhf dental milling machines. The IPS e.max Authorized Milling Partner accolade is the official declaration that dental and practice laboratories can process IPS e.max CAD in an optimal procedure with vhf ma-chines,” says Lucas Kehl, Head of Product at vhf camfacture AG.

vhf is one of the leading manufacturers of modern dental milling machines, high-precision milling tools and associated CAM software, and is renowned internationally for its high standards of quality and the innovative strength of its products; two characteristics shared by vhf and Ivoclar. The N4+ is the bestseller from the vhf PERFORMANCE CLASS. The four-axis wet grinding machine has been demonstrating its strength as a partner for dental la-boratories and practices since 2020. In early February 2024, vhf updated the N4+ and has brought it to the latest state of the art. The dental milling machine has a new machine de-sign and even the most demanding users are impressed with the wet processing capabilities of the device.

“We are delighted to further expand our already very successful partnership with vhf. We share the high standards that we want to offer our customers at all times, along with the constant development of our products and workflows,” says Stefan Schulz, Director Global Business Unit Clinical Prosthetics at Ivoclar.

IPS e.max CAD has inspired dental technicians and dentists for almost 20 years. The reason: clinically proven, high-strength lithium disilicate glass ceramic material with a strength of 530 MPa,¹ which achieves impressive results with its natural color behavior and optimal light-optical properties. After the blocks are wet processed, the restorations are crystallized in a Programat furnace.

1. Average biaxial flexural strength, Outcome after more than 10 years of ongoing quality testing, R&D Ivoclar, Schaan.

Global achievement signifies the Company’s commitment to quality and safety, while paving the way to deliver continued innovation and growth for surgeons and patients

X-Nav Technologies, LLC announced that the X-Guide® Dynamic 3D Surgical Navigation System is the first of its kind to receive certification under the European Union Medical Device Regulation 2017/745, commonly referred to as EU MDR.

The EU MDR is one of the most rigorous medical device regulations in the world today, intended to ensure a higher standard of safety and quality in the development and manufacturing of medical devices distributed in the European market.

The regulation requires a thorough audit of a company’s Technical Documentation, Clinical Evidence, and Quality Management System. The completion of this process certifies that the X-Guide System delivers the claimed clinical benefits for dental surgical procedures, including dental implant surgery and endodontic access.

“This certification reflects X-Nav’s commitment to quality, safety, and performance that go into all products and processes,” said Kimberly Chan, Director of Regulatory Affairs and Quality Assurance at X-Nav Technologies. “I am pleased to see our high standards rewarded with this distinction. We are honored to be a leader in our field and among the top medical device companies capable of meeting this regulation.”

With EU MDR certification, X-Nav is in a unique position to support our European customers, partners, and patients with hardware, software and feature updates, as well as deliver future innovations that will drive value for our customers.

“I am proud of the in-house X-Nav team for their dedication and collective efforts in achieving this milestone for the business,” stated Edward Marandola, President and CEO of X-Nav Technologies. “It reflects our commitment as a global leader in delivering high-quality and innovative medical devices. This sets us up to deliver our roadmap of future surgical solutions.”

The EU MDR certification is a notable addition to the existing portfolio of X-Nav’s quality and regulatory accomplishments. You can learn more about X-Nav’s commitment to quality programs by visiting www.X-NavTech.com/quality-regulation.

X-Guide is the industry-leading surgical navigation system used by dentists and clinicians around the world to deliver more accurate and less invasive dental surgical procedures with remarkable precision. From single implant placement to full arch reconstruction, the X-Guide delivers precision, control, and confidence during surgery.

The X-Guide Surgical Navigation System is available in 23 languages and 50+ countries, holds 31 trademarks and 50+ patents, and is used by over 50 universities around the world.

The PDS Foundation has granted over $1.6 million in scholarships since 2016

The Pacific Dental Services® (PDS) Foundation proudly announces the Spring 2024 Dr. Carolyn Ghazal Dental Assistant Scholarship recipients, a remarkable group of 13 dental assisting (DA) students who collectively received over $45,000 to help cover tuition expenses.

The scholarship comes at an important time in the dental industry. According to a recent report from the American Dental Association Health Policy Institute, the dental industry is currently experiencing a significant workforce shortage, with vacant dental assisting positions contributing to a 10 percent reduction in dental practice capacity nationwide. Moreover, financial hardship often prevents many enrolled DA students from finishing school.

Recognizing the importance of DAs to the future of dentistry, the PDS Foundation created this scholarship to provide students with the financial support they need to complete their education. Named after Carolyn Ghazal, DDS, a member of the PDS Foundation Board of Directors, this educational scholarship provides DA students with need-based financial aid, mentorship, on-the-job training, and aims to mold the next generation of passionate, servant-hearted dental leaders.

“I am deeply honored to be associated with such a meaningful endeavor, one that embodies the hope of investing in the lives, education and futures of dental assistant students nationwide,” said Dr. Ghazal. “This financial support will alleviate barriers for students, while the mentorship provided through the program will empower them to pursue an honorable career in dental assisting.”

Scholarships are awarded on a quarterly basis to DA students to help cover tuition expenses. The Scholarship Review Committee awards scholarships based on applicants' financial need, heart for service, career aspirations, and other criteria.

Since its establishment in 2016, the PDS Foundation has granted over $1.6 million in scholarships to support the educational pursuits of over 276 students in the dental field.

“Investing in the future of oral health leaders through the Dr. Carolyn Ghazal Dental Assistant Scholarship program fills us with immense joy,” said Michael Le, Executive Director of the PDS Foundation. “This initiative celebrates the significant contributions dental assistants make, not only within their offices but across the broader oral healthcare industry. Supporting their education and development opens doors to a variety of career paths, including leadership opportunities, underscoring their indispensable role and potential for growth within the field.”

The application deadline for the next dental assistant scholarship is May 1. To learn more or apply, please visit pdsfoundation.org/programs/scholarships.

Spring 2024 Dr. Carolyn Ghazal Dental Assistant Scholarship Recipients:

Student	Academic Institution	City, State
Sonia Olla Ameh	Ross Medical Education	Erlanger, Ky.
Jacqueline Gomez	Concorde Career College	Garden Grove, Calif.
Nadine Gonzales	Concorde Career College	San Antonio, Texas
Kayla Johnson	Southeastern Technical Institute	South Easton, Mass.
Esmirna King	Concorde Career College	San Diego, Calif.
Ashley Loera	North-West College	Riverside, Calif.
Fabian Luna	West Los Angeles College	Culver City, Calif.
Jocelyn Marquez	UEI College	Ontario, Calif.
Jazmin Morales	UEI College	Fresno, Calif.
Brooke Talley	Concorde Career College	Tampa, Fla.
Teaghan Townsend	Concorde Career College	San Diego, Calif.
Eudis Alfanzo Utrera	CompuMed Vocational Careers	Miami, Fla.
Evelyn Tamayo Villa	Pima Medical Institute	Renton, Wash.

MouthWatch, LLC, a leader in innovative intraoral imaging and teledentistry solutions, will showcase its intraoral cameras and teledentistry software at booth # 418 during the upcoming American Dental Education Association (ADEA) Conference in New Orleans.

During the conference, MouthWatch Founder and CEO Brant Herman will deliver a presentation titled, “Unlimited Opportunities Unveiled by Teledentistry.” This lecture will focus on how the evolution of virtual-first care models incorporates new opportunities to extend care across diverse settings from all health touchpoints. The presentation will take place in room D383, NOCC, Level 3, on Saturday, March 9, from 1 p.m. - 2 p.m. ET.

“According to Mr. Herman, “From enabling remote confirmation of a diagnosis and review and authorization of treatment plans proposed by dental students, to fostering interprofessional collaboration with nursing or hygiene programs, teledentistry continues to offer new and exciting dental care opportunities.”

What’s more, in collaboration with ADEA, Mr. Herman and MouthWatch will co-announce the winners of the Patti DiGangi Scholarship for Dental Hygiene Innovation and the Predoctoral Dental Student Scholarship for Innovation. These scholarships are offered to dental students who demonstrate professional excellence and strive to make a difference in the profession of dentistry.

“MouthWatch is proud to support dental students who exhibit professional excellence and a dedication to making a lasting impact in the field of dentistry,” said Mr. Herman.

ADEA 2024 visitors are invited to visit MouthWatch at Booth #418 to learn more about its industry-leading MouthWatch Intraoral Camera, its MouthWatch Plus+ HD 1080p intraoral camera, and see a demo of its award-wining teledentistry software, TeleDent.

“We look forward to showcasing how our cameras bring essential technology into school clinics for students, and how TeleDent supports schools and their outreach programs with powerful teledentistry capabilities, which continue to play a key role in the future of dental care,” stated Mr. Herman.

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