Secure a front-row seat for the debut of Medit i900 and discover the latest cutting-edge dental technology

Medit (www.medit.com), a leading provider of dental 3D scanners and digital dentistry solutions, proudly announces the next evolution of intraoral scanning technology with the launch of Medit i900.

"Our customer focus fuels our advancements," said Michael Lee, CTO. "The i900 is a testament to our pursuit of innovation, empowering dentists to redefine the standards of patient care and practice efficiency."

The Medit i900 features an innovative new control interface, faster, smoother scanning, improved ergonomics, and enhanced material capture technology. It enhances user-friendliness while offering more precision and control. The Medit i900 will be revealed in a worldwide virtual event on April 29, 2024.

"Medit has maintained a unique clinician-driven approach to product development," said Han Ryu, Chief Growth & Strategy Officer at Medit. "The i900 embodies everything Medit stands for: intuitive design, cutting-edge software, and industry-leading imaging technology. But most importantly, it represents a leap forward in how digital dentistry can transform patient care."

Medit disrupted the market in 2018 with its first intraoral scanner, the i500, offering dentists a high-precision, user-friendly option at a significantly lower cost than competitors. Building on this success, Medit introduced the best-selling i700 in 2021, followed by the i700 Wireless and i600 in 2022, providing a comprehensive range of scanners for all types of dental practices.

The Medit i900 will also include the company's Medit Link platform, which offers free dental apps that boost productivity and streamline workflows. Medit Link seamlessly integrates with other platforms, services, and hardware.

Unveiling on April 29th, the i900 represents the next evolution of intraoral scanners, shaping the future of digital dentistry. Learn more here: https://www.medit.com/medit-i900-teaser/.

Oral antiseptics and their role are highlighted as allies in the prevention of periodontal diseases

· Limited knowledge among oral health teams of the recommendations and evidence currently available on oral antiseptics (that are clinically proven to be effective) reduces their implementation; therefore, more practical and simple advice is proposed.

· This meeting is part of the "Principles for Oral Health" initiative stemming from a global agreement between the SEPA Foundation and Listerine®, aiming to provide oral health professionals with access to the latest fundamentals and knowledge in preventing periodontal diseases.

Prioritizing the prevention and treatment of periodontal diseases and promoting periodontal health is essential for improving overall health outcomes, preserving natural teeth, reducing healthcare costs, enhancing quality of life, and promoting public health. This was highlighted at an International Summit of Experts held at the Casa de las Encías in Madrid, Spain, the headquarters of the SEPA Foundation. The summit combined current knowledge and thoroughly analyzed the scientific literature and prevailing international guidelines to clarify the role of certain mouthwashes in oral hygiene, gingivitis treatment, and periodontitis prevention.

"Periodontal diseases are prevalent worldwide, affecting hundreds of millions of people," says the meeting coordinator, Dr. Paula Matesanz, vice president of SEPA. She acknowledges that "focusing on prevention and promoting periodontal treatment among the general public allows us to reduce the burden of this disease, improve equality in oral health, and promote overall public health. And to achieve this ambitious objective, there are effective and safe resources that are still currently underutilized."

Oral antiseptics, generally antimicrobial mouthwashes or rinses, can play a key role in preventing periodontal diseases and their recurrence, given their ability to reduce dental biofilm formation. Depending on their active ingredients, as revealed by an analysis of the scientific literature, they can help reduce bacterial load, complement daily oral hygiene practices, reduce plaque and inflammation rates, or even be incorporated as additional resources in periodontal maintenance programs, helping preserve periodontal health and supporting the long-term success of periodontal treatment.

Hence the need to make clinical practice guidelines, developed by the European Federation of Periodontology and adapted by SEPA for use in Spain, accessible to oral health professionals, physicians, pharmacists, patients, and the general population. "So that scientific knowledge is more accessible and capable of improving health," says Dr. Matesanz.

This demonstrates the significance of this meeting of experts, both in terms of the qualifications and prestige of its participants and of the need for dental professionals to have practical, simple, and easy-to-follow recommendations on the use of oral antiseptics, which, as the SEPA vice president highlights, "do not replace tooth brushing but can be valuable additions to support periodontal health."

Evidence and Expert Opinions

Currently available scientific and clinical evidence, systematic reviews of studies, and reference guides for dental professionals support the effectiveness and value of antiseptics as complements to daily oral hygiene. Their use can be considered within the prevention and treatment procedures for periodontal diseases. The Clinical Practice Guidelines for the treatment of periodontitis in stages I–III and the conclusions of the XI Periodontology Workshop of the European Federation of Periodontology provide recommendations and indications for the use of these resources. However, these recommendations may sometimes be complex for the oral health team, limiting their use.

Scientific information supporting the impact of certain mouthwashes and toothpastes with antiseptic formulations has been available for decades and is part of dental education. However, as Dr. David Herrera, trustee of the SEPA Foundation and co-director of the Etiology and Therapeutics of Periodontal Diseases Research Group (ETEP) at the Complutense University of Madrid (UCM), points out, "scientific information is often mixed with less reliable sources, inducing confusion among oral health professionals."

The Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Treatment of Periodontitis in Stages I–III, developed by the European Federation of Periodontology, translated into numerous languages and adapted for use in many countried around the world, is one of the main sources of information and guidance on the prevention and management of periodontitis. In this case, as detailed by Dr. Iain Chapple, professor of periodontology and head of research at the Institute of Clinical Sciences of the University of Birmingham in the United Kingdom, "the evidence from systematic reviews on the adjunctive use of oral antiseptics was strong, but due to cost implications, environmental factors, and the presence of alcohol in many mouthwashes, the consensus was to reduce the recommendation from strongly favorable to an 'open' recommendation," an aspect that this meeting of experts has sought to clarify and overcome through a soon-to-be-released report that is expected to be widely disseminated and implemented globally

Primary and Secondary Prevention

Some antimicrobial mouthwashes have been shown to be effective in controlling dental biofilm and gingival inflammation in many studies, including numerous randomized clinical trials. However, it is essential to understand their impact on the primary prevention of periodontal diseases (preventing their appearance) and on secondary prevention (reducing the risk of recurrence after treatment of periodontitis).

A crucial aspect discussed by attendees at this summit is the need to focus attention on the prevention of periodontitis and, therefore, adequately treat gingivitis (a previous stage of the disease characterized by inflammation and bleeding of the gums without affecting the alveolar bone and periodontium tissues). As Dr. Iain Chapple summarizes, "It is time for a paradigm shift: we must control gingivitis and not wait until periodontitis develops."

Multiple economic and health factors invite us to implement this change. It has been determined that eliminating gingivitis, thus preventing the progression to periodontitis, would save considerable costs over a 10-year period compared to "business as usual" (for example, about €36 billion in Italy, about €7.8 billion in the Netherlands), and the return on investment is enormous (from €15.2 billion in Italy to €57.5 billion in Germany). Furthermore, recent research reveals that periodontitis has systemic effects on health.

The primary procedure for managing gingivitis and periodontitis is mechanical plaque removal. However, it may not be possible to remove 100% of the biofilm, and for some people at high risk for periodontal disease, their plaque accumulation threshold is extremely low. "Sometimes it is not realistic for high-risk individuals to remove enough plaque daily to remain periodontally healthy," says Dr. Chapple.

Dr. Filippo Graziani, professor of periodontology at the University of Pisa (Italy) and honorary professor at University College London (United Kingdom), emphasizes, "There is no doubt that mechanical plaque control, through tooth brushing, is the cornerstone of oral health. However, it requires proper technique and consistent daily motivation." He further explains, "Lack of technique is a significant factor, which is why we recommend the complementary use of mouthwash." According to Prof. Graziani, "mouthwash is easier to use than brushing and can reach even the most difficult-to-access areas." Thus, he concludes, "For those who lack manual dexterity or have lost it, mouthwashes can supplement oral hygiene routines."

Over the past five years, the European Federation of Periodontology (EFP) has endorsed systematic reviews (Serrano et al., 2015; Figuero et al., 2020) showing that while mechanical plaque control by patients remains fundamental to successful periodontal treatment, antiseptic agents, including certain mouthwashes, may be more effective than toothpaste in plaque removal and reducing gingival inflammation. Recently, Prof. Graziani's research group published the results of a large randomized clinical trial, revealing that the primary factor in resolving gingivitis is a high level of plaque control and the use of appropriate devices. Hence, according to him, "mouthwashes are not only effective for their antiplaque properties but also for their ability to modulate inflammation."

The experts gathered in this forum have also shared the possibilities of antiseptics in patients undergoing supportive periodontal care, meaning those who have received periodontal treatment and in whom secondary prevention aims to prevent recurrence of periodontitis. "One of the main components of this prevention is the control of supragingival biofilm, based fundamentally on mechanical control" (interdental tooth brushing, etc.), points out Dr. David Herrera, who indicates that "for those patients with more than 10% bleeding, additional measures can be considered, including the use of antiseptics.”

Growing Impact of Periodontal Diseases

The current socioeconomic impact of periodontitis is enormous, and its prevalence and incidence are strongly related to health inequalities. "The most disadvantaged are the most exposed: a low level of education is associated with an 86% higher risk of periodontitis," reports Dr. Chapple. This was highlighted in the 2021 Economist Impact White Paper "Time to take gum disease seriously," which highlighted how periodontal care was simply unaffordable for many people and identified important problems with access to basic oral health resources. There are 4 million oral health professionals worldwide, of which about 2.5 million are dentists. Around 80% of these dentists work in upper- or upper-middle-income countries, while only 1.4% practice in low-income countries.

A Fruitful Alliance

Hence the importance of this meeting, the result of the collaboration between Kenvue and Sepa, which is building a global strategic alliance "that aims to create a synergy that, ultimately, will benefit patients," says Soha Dattani, Director and Head of Scientific Engagement, Listerine® Oral Care, EMEA. The purpose is to improve the dissemination of relevant scientific information to dental health professionals on the prevention of periodontal diseases.

"Bringing together this illustrious group of global experts to analyze the scientific literature, guidelines, and share their extensive clinical and research experiences is of vital importance to address the existing challenges in periodontal care," highlights Dattani, who is "very satisfied that LISTERINE® and SEPA have established this important and ambitious initiative called ‘Principles for Oral Health’". In her opinion, "this collaboration represents an important step to educate and train oral health professionals so that they receive optimal support to help their patients on their journey towards periodontal health."

In developing this initiative, we work with the objective of putting science at the service of dentistry, and more specifically, at the service of prevention. "The idea is to create clear educational content and materials that help dental professionals understand the true added value of using antiseptics in the prevention and management of periodontal diseases at different stages of periodontal health and disease, which means understanding how these products can contribute to the general public with good periodontal health, gingivitis, or periodontitis (whether treated or not),” concludes Dr. Paula Matesanz.

Bibliography

1. Sanz M, et al. Treatment of stage I-III periodontitis-The EFP S3 level clinical practice guideline. J Clin Periodontol 2020 Jul;47 (Suppl 22):4-60 (version adapted by SEPA available in

5. Figuero E, et al. Efficacy of adjunctive anti-plaque chemical agents in managing gingivitis: A systematic review and network meta-analyses. J Clin Periodontol 2019 Jul;46(7):723-739

Argen Education – All Knowledge. All Free.

Enhance your design experience with Argen’s live 3Shape and exocad training webinars! The free programs are available to laboratories of all sizes, providing the opportunity to train new designers, expand product offerings, and deepen knowledge of design modules utilized daily. Take advantage of these valuable learning opportunities and earn CE credits.

Unable to attend the live webinars? No problem! Argen records all of its webinars and uploads them about 48 hours after the webinar has wrapped up.

Exocad Basic C&B Design Training – Tuesday, April 9, 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM PST

Don't miss this webinar session covering the basics of crown & bridge design using Exocad. The webinar will explore the DentalDB, the process for setting up orders, the indication options and materials. It will go over scanning with the Medit scanner, along with the process of importing scans, as well as design multiple cases including single units and bridges, covering all the tools and options you have for designing your C&B cases.

Exocad Model Creator Training – Wednesday, April 10, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM PST

This compact webinar session will demonstrate the tools and design options within Exocad's Model Creator. It will go over removable die and implant models, completing the process of turning scans into a complete digital model.

3Shape Basic C&D Design Training – Tuesday, April 23, 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM PST

This hands-off webinar will cover the basics of using the 3Shape Dental System. It will go over scanner maintenance, case set-up and scanning for fixed restorations. The webinar will dive into the crown & bridge design workflows which will include single units, bridges, frames, and full contour crowns. Learn how to import intra oral scans, mark margins, set insertion paths, explore interface settings, and see all the tools and options within 3Shape Smile Composer.

3Shape Virtual Temps Design Training – Wednesday, April 24, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM PST

Learn the ins and outs of the 3Shape Temporary design options including how to digitally prep units, create a study model, and other uses for the temporary option.

3Shape Model Builder Design Training – Thursday, April 25, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM PST

Join this webinar to learn what it means to design a model digitally using 3Shape Model Builder. The training will cover the basics of the workflow, explore settings, and various adjustments that can be made to any model design making your Model Builder experience frustration-free.

Register Here: https://argen.com/education#/

PDS continues its expansion as a specialty dental support organization, offering unique benefits to dental specialists and announcing several new supported specialty groups across the country.

Pacific Dental Services® (PDS), a leading dental and medical support organization in the U.S., announces the expansion of its specialty dental support organization (DSO) and specialist ownership model, reaching new states and fostering unique advantages for dental specialists and patients alike.

PDS is pleased to announce the following new supported specialty groups:

• Endo Health Group: Owned by Fredericka Salbo, DMD, provides endodontic care in Georgia and Louisiana

• Optimus Endo: Owned by Djavan Wharton-Lake, DDS, provides endodontic care in Virginia and Maryland

• Periodontics Health Group: Owned by Zulema Valdivia, DDS, provides periodontic care in Georgia, in addition to Florida and South Carolina

With a focus on empowering dental specialists, PDS’ specialty DSO model allows them to own their own practice without the financial burden of a physical location. Practice owners can leverage the business and operational expertise of PDS and have the freedom to focus exclusively on patient care. This innovative approach provides owners with greater flexibility and access to a robust clinical network, including PDS-supported dental and medical practices, enhancing overall patient care.

“Owning my own practice is something I’ve always wanted,” said Fredericka Salbo, DMD, one of the newest dental specialists to leverage the PDS specialty DSO after five years of providing endodontic treatments at PDS-supported practices in Georgia. “Through the PDS platform, I benefit from PDS’ leading-edge technology, including integrated dental and medical health records, and have access to a front office team that helps coordinate schedules and billing so that I can focus on providing the highest quality care without the headache of managing a physical office space.”

For patients, PDS’ comprehensive specialty model provides unparalleled convenience by allowing them to access specialty services within the same practice as their general dentist, offering a seamless transition between general and specialized dental care.

“Patients can get the treatment they need without leaving their general dentist’s office – truly a win-win situation that promotes continuity of care and enhances overall patient satisfaction,” added Dr. Salbo.

Since 2021, PDS has supported seven specialist groups through its specialty DSO platform, with an ongoing commitment to further investment in this area. This strategic focus aims to empower dental specialists in ownership while ensuring a seamless process for patients seeking orthodontic, endodontic, periodontic, or oral surgery services.

To learn more about how PDS supports dental specialists, visit pacificdentalservices.com.

TheraBreath’s New Dentist-Formulated Rinses Continue to Bring Alcohol-Free Oral Care Solutions to Consumers Nationwide

TheraBreath™ brand, the fastest-growing mouthwash brand in the U.S. among leading brands, announces two new additions to the oral care aisle: TheraBreath Deep Clean Oral Rinse and TheraBreath Overnight Oral Rinse. Both rinses offer dentist-formulated, alcohol-free, and dye-free solutions for oral health.

TheraBreath Deep Clean Oral Rinse marks the brand’s debut with antiseptic benefits all while preserving their signature alcohol-free formula across their oral rinses. The new rinse effectively kills 99.9% of germs that cause bad breath, plaque, and gingivitis.* Coming in a new Fresh Mint flavor, Deep Clean provides a minty fresh taste.

Specially intended for nighttime use, TheraBreath Overnight Oral Rinse is an anticavity fluoride rinse that fights bad breath for 12 hours**. The rinse also helps to prevent cavities and strengthen enamel. Coming in a Chamomile Mint flavor, this unique flavor profile aligns well with bedtime routines.

“These new rinses reflect our deep commitment to oral care. They are crafted from research and understanding of what our consumers truly need – effectiveness and a product that fits seamlessly into their daily lives,” said Anthony Cirigliano, TheraBreath's Lead Product Development Engineer.

TheraBreath's products cater to a personalized approach to oral hygiene with each product offering specific benefits for a consumer’s individual needs. TheraBreath Deep Clean Oral Rinse and TheraBreath Overnight Oral Rinse are now available at retailers nationwide such as Walmart, Walgreens, and Target in addition to Amazon. For more information about TheraBreath products, please visit www.therabreath.com/pro.

*In laboratory testing

**When used as directed

Itena is pleased to announce its two new, recently launched endodontics products: MTA Bioseal and MTA Biorep; along with the upcoming launch of some new shapes of composite polishers.

MTA Bioseal is an endodontic root canal sealer based on Mineral Trioxide Aggregate. It is a double paste component that allows complete filling of all root canals including accessory and lateral ones.

• Homogeneous penetration of MTA in tubulis

• Prevention of the proliferation of bacteria (bacteriostatic properties)

• Perfect sealing

• Fast and durable protective action

• Decreased working time

• Easy insertion into the canal

• Easy withdrawal when needed

• Does not discolor teeth

MTA Biorep is an endodontic bioceramic reparative cement with high plasticity indicated for treatment of root canal and furcation perforations caused by carious or iatrogenic lesions as well as treatment of root perforations, pulp capping, pulpotomy, apexogenesis, apexification or periapical surgery with reverse filling.

• Bioceramic reparative cement with MTA

• Fast setting time - 15 minutes : treatment in only one session

• The particles’ size after hydration in this new formula allows an easy manipulation and insertion into the dental cavity.

• The addition of a new radiopacifier, Calcium Tungstate (CaOW4), does not cause root or crown staining and discoloration.

• Low solubility

• Excellent marginal sealing ability through a controlled setting expansion, which hinders the migration of microorganisms and fluids into the root canal.

• Excellent biological sealing of root perforation sites due to periradicular cement formation.

• The induction of a dentine shield formation when used on pulp exposures in cases of pulp capping.

• MTA Biorep can be used in a wet environment without alteration of its properties.

Polish HD Twist and Brush shapes available starting May 1st 2024!

• Reduction or surface conditioning of dental tissues such as dental enamel and dental materials

• Convenience of use

• Twist: polishes all surfaces with a single instrument. Medium-grit polishers (pre-polishing) and fine-grit polishers (polishing)

• Brush: polishes the occlusal surfaces, including pits and fissures. Medium-grit polishers (pre-polishing) and fine-grit polishers (polishing)

• Time-saving

• 2 steps (instead of 4)

• Use without polishing paste

• Natural looking result

• Reduced risk of microbial contamination: single use instrument 

For more information visit https://itena-clinical.com/en/.

Henry Schein to Maximize Viome's Reach Among Dental and Medical Practices With Patient-Centric and Preventive Models of Care

Viome, a leading innovator of health technology and personalized health solutions, is partnering with Henry Schein to provide better access to Viome's Oral Health Pro™ With CancerDetect™.* Viome's laboratory-developed test* helps detect early biomarkers of oral and throat cancers, enhancing practitioners' ability to effectively harness the power of preventive care and improve patient outcomes.

Henry Schein will be the first stop for clinicians who want to order Oral Health Pro™ With CancerDetect™, for their patients, and will provide access to the test. After the healthcare professionals have captured a saliva sample, they will send the sample to Viome's high complexity CLIA lab for testing. Results are posted on a secure portal for the clinician and patient in one to two weeks, so that health professionals and patients can review the results together.

Dr. Ed Zuckerberg DDS FAGD, Chief Dental Officer at Viome, highlights the transformative impact of Viome's test and Henry Schein's unique ability to help generate greater access across healthcare. "The traditional approach to oral care has been predominantly reliant on visual and tactile examinations. With new research and technology, we can now better understand the risks for oral health diseases and better detect the onset of oral and throat cancer. Oral Health Pro With CancerDetect can help change oral healthcare for both patients and medical professionals who never had access to this type of test. Our collaboration with Henry Schein extends the power of preventive care and it enables dentists and medical professionals to be more effective in their treatments, fundamentally changing the game."

According to Nutrients, an international, peer-reviewed, open access journal of human nutrition, there are over 400,000 new cases of oral cancer reported annually in the U.S. alone, reflecting the need for reliable oral and throat cancer detection.

"At Henry Schein, we are pleased to deliver the first crucial step in Viome's process for detecting biomarkers associated with oral or throat cancer, marking a significant advancement for Henry Schein's product offerings and dentistry at large in helping to prevent cancer," said Dr. Bruce Lieberthal, Vice President and Chief Innovation Officer at Henry Schein. "Understanding the importance of early detection and intervention, we're pleased to be able to work with Viome to enhance patient outcomes and usher in a new era for dental and medical professionals. Our vision is to help lead a transformation where oral care prioritizes prevention, focusing on the patient's health and well-being in and outside dental and medical offices. This is a pivotal step in redefining the current standard of care, where early action and prevention lead to a healthier society."

For more information please visit http://viomepro.com and https://www.henryschein.com/.

* Viome's Oral Health Pro™ With CancerDetect™ is a laboratory developed test that was validated, pursuant to the Clinical Laboratory Improvements Amendments of 1988 (CLIA), and as such it has not been reviewed by FDA. As with any test, there may be false positives or false negatives. 

New Analysis Reveals Impact of Medicaid Redetermination Process on Access to Dental Health Care and Oral Health Equity

A new analysis from CareQuest Institute for Oral Health® — a leading national nonprofit focused on creating a more accessible, equitable, and integrated oral health system — reveals that 12 million people across the country lost Medicaid dental coverage between April 2023, when the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE) expired, and September 2023. That figure includes 5.9 million adults and 6.1 million children. The analysis estimates the number will jump to 13.9 million when data is received through December 31, 2023.

When the national COVID-19 PHE expired, states began conducting eligibility redeterminations and un-enrolling individuals determined to no longer be eligible for their state’s Medicaid program. The new report, An Estimated 12 Million Children and Adults Lost Medicaid Dental Insurance after the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Expired, by CareQuest Institute projects that nearly 10 million of these adults and children were not re-enrolled in dental benefits through the private marketplace or their employer and remained without dental insurance after redetermination.

“These data confirm that we have a long way to go to ensure that everyone has access to necessary oral health coverage, especially those most marginalized by our current system,” said CareQuest Institute for Oral Health CEO and President Myechia Minter-Jordan, MD, MBA. “While coverage alone does not address long-standing oral health and overall health disparities, it is an essential bridge to care that remains out of reach for far too many people.”

Poor oral health has a direct link to a person’s overall health — including greater risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, dementia, mental health, and adverse birth outcomes. Regular preventive dental care significantly saves overall medical and dental care costs. For example, one recent study found that adults with diabetes who were treated for periodontal disease saw their overall health care costs decrease by 12 to 14 percent. In addition, as states grapple with the high costs of emergency department visits, access to preventive dental care has been shown to reduce emergency department visits for oral health problems that are better treated in a dental office.

As community and state organizations support impacted Medicaid enrollees during the redetermination process, there needs to be a focus on the importance of oral health and helping people find new coverage options that include dental benefits. In particular, it is critical for states to act on the new finalized CMS rule that will allow them to add adult dental benefits to the essential health benefits covered by their private market plans.

This analysis supports a previous report in April 2023 that projected more than 14 million people would lose dental coverage during redetermination.

Read the full report and access an interactive map that shows impact by state.

The dental healthcare and orthodontics organization is committed to closing the dental divide and health disparity gaps by expanding access to affordable oral health services.

Benevis, a leading dental healthcare and orthodontics delivery organization committed to providing quality care to underserved communities, is proud to support National Minority Health Month with the National Institute of Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIH) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Minority Health (OMH). For the April observance, Benevis is raising awareness about the importance of improving the dental health of minority communities to reduce health disparities and improve overall health outcomes.

Benevis recognizes that not all Americans have equitable access or financial resources to receive routine dental care and orthodontic treatment, making poor oral health a primary marker of social and economic inequality. The American Academy of Pediatrics states, "Although dental visits have increased in all age, race, and geographic categories in the U.S., disparities continue to exist, and a significant portion of children have difficulty accessing dental care." Benevis has positioned itself as a leader in dental healthcare and orthodontics for children and families with social, economic, and environmental barriers to dental care. The organization has prioritized the unique needs of underserved patient populations by expanding access to high-quality care in its dental homes located in 120 communities across 13 states and D.C. While many dental practices do not accept government-sponsored health insurance plans, for over 20 years Benevis has served approximately five million children and adults, over 80% of which are patients covered by Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Programs (CHIP).

"Benevis has made it its mission to improve access and affordability to essential dental healthcare. During the 1.4 million visits each year to a Benevis dental home, our care teams continue to promote beneficial oral health routines and education for diverse patient populations with or without various forms of insurance, including Medicaid," shared Bryan Carey, CEO, Benevis. "We must close the dental divide and health disparity gaps by ensuring that all children have access to quality oral healthcare to improve overall health outcomes."

Dental Care Options and Resources

The theme for National Minority Health Month 2024 is Be the Source of Better Health, with an emphasis on sharing resources to improve health knowledge and outcomes through culturally competent materials in local communities. Committed to breaking down barriers to high-quality, affordable dental care for children, Benevis has provided the following educational resources:

· To help spread awareness for equitable oral health, the Dental Health Disparities Greatest for Minorities infographic.

· For kids to learn good dental habits and to help them have a lifetime of happy, healthy smiles, a resources toolkit for children and families.

Benevis is also proud to open its doors to children and families in communities that are typically overlooked by general dentists to provide free dental care during its Sharing Smiles Day on Sunday, May 19, 2024. Dentists and hygienists in Benevis dental homes in key markets such as Georgia, Texas, Maryland, Louisiana, Virginia, South Carolina, Mississippi, and more will provide free dental treatment to uninsured families. Care teams will administer dental exams, limited emergency care, extractions, and restorative care, with cleanings offered on a limited basis, to children and adults. It is recommended that patients make an appointment at their local office.

An international summit of experts, to be held at the Casa de las Encías in Madrid, will present practical recommendations and indications for the use of antiseptics, highlighting the solid scientific evidence currently available.

The latest scientific and clinical evidence, systematic reviews of studies, and reference guides for dental professionals all support the efficacy and value of antiseptics as a complement to daily oral hygiene, and their use is considered a part of the prevention and treatment of periodontal diseases. The Clinical Practice Guidelines for the treatment of periodontitis and the conclusions of the XI Periodontology Workshop of the European Federation of Periodontology provide recommendations and indications for the use of antiseptics in the prevention and treatment of periodontal diseases. However, these recommendations are sometimes complex or inaccessible to the oral health team, which may limit the use of these resources that have proven clinical efficacy.

Faced with this situation, led by the vice president of SEPA, Paula Matesanz, a distinguished and select group of experts are meeting on Friday, April 5, at the Casa de las Encías in Madrid, the headquarters of the SEPA Foundation, to share their knowledge, thoroughly analyze the scientific literature, and evaluate the recommendations of the prevailing international guidelines to try to draw general conclusions, with the aim of clarifying the role of mouthwashes in oral hygiene and in the treatment of gingivitis and the prevention of periodontitis. 

Following the meeting, Drs. Paula Matesanz, David Herrera, Filippo Graziani, Iain Chapple, and Soha Dattani will participate in an online press conference to share their impressions and conclusions. It will be held on April 5 at 2:00 p.m. (CEST). 

https://int-meetings.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_UTxnVenfR6SWbjTxZJIyNA#/registration

This meeting is part of the activities derived from the 2023-2025 strategic global agreement between the SEPA Foundation and Listerine, who have joined forces in the “Principles for Oral Health” prevention and awareness initiative, which aims to guarantee access for oral health professionals to the fundamentals of primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention of periodontitis. Within this cooperation framework is the first project, called “Essentials,” to specifically reflect on the efficacy and value of clinically tested antiseptics and antibacterial mouthwashes included in the systematic reviews of the European Federation of Periodontology (EFP S3) and simplify the relevant conclusions on their current use as well as their adjunctive role in controlling dental biofilm.

Online Press Conference International:

· Date: Friday, April 5, 2024

· Time: 2:00 p.m. (CEST) (duration: 30–40 min)

· Location: Online, via ZOOM https://int-meetings.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_UTxnVenfR6SWbjTxZJIyNA#/registration

· Subject: Presentation of the indications and limitations of antiseptics as part of oral hygiene for the prevention and treatment of gingivitis and periodontitis