Whip Mix Corporation proudly announces a significant leadership transition effective July 1, 2024. Allen Steinbock, who served with distinction, retired from his role as Chair of the Board of Directors, passing the torch to Anne Steinbock. Anne, the former CEO, is succeeded by Katherine Steinbock-Dyke, marking the fourth generation of family leadership at the global manufacturer of dental equipment and materials.

In an internal announcement to employees, Katherine Steinbock-Dyke expressed her gratitude and excitement for her new role as CEO. She stated, "It is an honor and a privilege to hold this position because this company is so special to me. I am honored to have the chance to protect and improve upon the hard work that has occurred in prior generations."

Steinbock-Dyke is committed to building on the legacy established by her great-grandparents and upheld through Anne Steinbock's tenure. This legacy, centered on relationships and customer wellbeing, has distinguished Whip Mix in the dental industry for over a century. Katherine aims to maintain this focus as the company enters an exciting new chapter.

In her new role as Board Chair, Anne Steinbock will work closely with Katherine and the leadership team. Anne remarked, "My focus as Chair will be as an advisor. I’ll be building and leading a group of talented experts who will provide guidance and advice for our new Top Management Team, led by Katherine."

For 105 years, Whip Mix has been a leader in providing solutions for the dental industry. With this leadership transition, the company is poised to continue its legacy while innovating for the future. In the near term, Steinbock-Dyke and the leadership team will concentrate on building a strong team at Whip Mix.

"My vision is to invest in our human capital and bet on ourselves to find solutions," the new CEO shared at a recent shareholders meeting. She went on to unveil Whip Mix’s newly refined mission statement: “Our unwavering commitment to a team-first philosophy and culture drives us to deliver dental products that enhance patient outcomes. At Whip Mix, it’s not just what we do... it’s our passion!”

Whip Mix Corporation proudly announces a significant leadership transition effective July 1, 2024. Allen Steinbock, who served with distinction, retired from his role as Chair of the Board of Directors, passing the torch to Anne Steinbock. Anne, the former CEO, is succeeded by Katherine Steinbock-Dyke, marking the fourth generation of family leadership at the global manufacturer of dental equipment and materials.

In an internal announcement to employees, Katherine Steinbock-Dyke expressed her gratitude and excitement for her new role as CEO. She stated, “It is an honor and a privilege to hold this position because this company is so special to me. I am honored to have the chance to protect and improve upon the hard work that has occurred in prior generations.”

Steinbock-Dyke is committed to building on the legacy established by her great-grandparents and upheld through Anne Steinbock's tenure. This legacy, centered on relationships and customer wellbeing, has distinguished Whip Mix in the dental industry for over a century. Katherine aims to maintain this focus as the company enters an exciting new chapter.

In her new role as Board Chair, Anne Steinbock will work closely with Katherine and the leadership team. Anne remarked, “My focus as Chair will be as an advisor. I’ll be building and leading a group of talented experts who will provide guidance and advice for our new Top Management Team, led by Katherine.”

For 105 years, Whip Mix has been a leader in providing solutions for the dental industry. With this leadership transition, the company is poised to continue its legacy while innovating for the future. In the near term, Steinbock-Dyke and the leadership team will concentrate on building a strong team at Whip Mix.

“My vision is to invest in our human capital and bet on ourselves to find solutions,” the new CEO shared at a recent shareholders meeting. She went on to unveil Whip Mix’s newly refined mission statement: “Our unwavering commitment to a team-first philosophy and culture drives us to deliver dental products that enhance patient outcomes. At Whip Mix, it’s not just what we do... it’s our passion!”

ABOUT WHIP MIX CORPORATION: Whip Mix Corporation, founded in 1919, is a leading provider of dental products and solutions. For over a century, Whip Mix has been dedicated to improving patient outcomes through innovative products and a commitment to excellence. The company’s team-first philosophy and customer-focused approach have solidified its reputation as a trusted partner in the dental industry.

Pictured above left to right: Allen Steinbock, Katherine Steinbock-Dyke, Anne Steinbock.

For the 27th consecutive year, Henry Schein, Inc. (Nasdaq: HSIC) is helping students worldwide start the academic year off right through its “Back to School” program, a flagship initiative of Henry Schein Cares, the Company’s global corporate citizenship program. Team Schein Members (TSMs) at 40 locations in the U.S., Canada, U.K., and Ireland are helping 5,300 students gain confidence and excitement for the school year, with more events planned later this year in Italy and Spain.

First introduced in 1998, the Back to School program reflects Henry Schein’s enduring commitment to communities by empowering TSMs with volunteer opportunities to support underserved children in partnership with local not-for-profit social service organizations. Team Schein Members come together to give back, packing backpacks filled with school supplies and dental kits that prepare children with essentials for the upcoming school year. Since its inception, the program has expanded globally, serving more than 65,000 children across various sites where Henry Schein operates.

On August 7, Henry Schein hosted its “Back to School” event at the Company’s worldwide headquarters in Melville, N.Y. Approximately 400 pre-identified children and their families received their packed backpacks along with a gift card to purchase first day-of-school outfits. The event included a BBQ, crafts, games, and other activities for all family members to enjoy. To reinforce the importance of education, the event featured a S.T.E.M. presentation and a tent with a variety of free books donated by TSMs and KPMG LLP – a U.S. audit, tax, and advisory firm – through its Family for Literacy program and its partnership with the nonprofit social enterprise, First Book. This fun-filled evening was one of the many “Back to School” events held around the world this season.

“Team Schein remains dedicated to ensuring children start the school year with confidence and excitement,” said Stanley M. Bergman, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Henry Schein. “By empowering these young minds with essential tools and resources, we are helping to nurture a brighter future for our communities. At Henry Schein, we are honored to continue supporting educational equity and inspiring children to reach their full potential.”

For the Melville “Back to School” event, Henry Schein partnered with 10 Long Island-based social service organizations to pre-identify participating children and their families: Bethany House; Espoir Youth Program, Inc.; Family and Children’s Association; Hispanic Counseling Center; Iovino South Shore Family Center (Family Service League); SCO Madonna Heights; Social Service Volunteers of Nassau; The Raymar Children’s Association; WellLife Network; and YES Community Counseling Center.

“We are grateful to Henry Schein for their dedication to the children and families we serve and for our continued partnership on the Back to School initiative,” said Suzette Gordon, President and CEO of SCO Family of Services. “This remarkable act of generosity prepares students for the school year and empowers children to achieve academic success. The backpacks represent so much more than school supplies – they instill hope, pride, and confidence in our students and their families. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Team Schein for their continued support of SCO Family of Services.”

To learn more about the “Back to School” program, click here.

About Henry Schein Cares

Founded in 1932 by Henry and Esther Schein, our Company has a rich history rooted in corporate citizenship. Their values inspired our commitment to innovation, leadership, and strong partnerships and serve as a driving force behind our ability to adapt to changing industry needs. Today, Henry Schein Cares, our global corporate citizenship program, aims to drive change through our five pillars: catalyzing health care access; advancing policies, solutions, and innovation; relationship building for change; empowering Team Schein; and sustaining the planet. Our purpose is to drive this positive change through the engagement of our constituents to help make the world healthier. By adhering to these pillars, we are committed to “doing well, by doing good” and recognize the importance of being accountable to the five constituents that make up the Company's Mosaic of Success — customers, suppliers, Team Schein Members, shareholders, and society at large.

To learn more about how we are making a difference, please visit: www.henryschein.com/corporatecitizenship.

About Henry Schein, Inc.

Henry Schein, Inc. (Nasdaq: HSIC) is a solutions company for health care professionals powered by a network of people and technology. With more than 25,000 Team Schein Members worldwide, the Company's network of trusted advisors provides more than 1 million customers globally with more than 300 valued solutions that help improve operational success and clinical outcomes. Our Business, Clinical, Technology, and Supply Chain solutions help office-based dental and medical practitioners work more efficiently so they can provide quality care more effectively. These solutions also support dental laboratories, government and institutional health care clinics, as well as other alternate care sites.

Henry Schein operates through a centralized and automated distribution network, with a selection of more than 300,000 branded products and Henry Schein corporate brand products in our distribution centers.

A FORTUNE 500 Company and a member of the S&P 500® index, Henry Schein is headquartered in Melville, N.Y., and has operations or affiliates in 33 countries and territories. The Company's sales reached $12.3 billion in 2023, and have grown at a compound annual rate of approximately 11.5 percent since Henry Schein became a public company in 1995.

Pictured: Henry Schein’s “Back to School” event at the Company’s worldwide headquarters in Melville, N.Y. (Photo: Business Wire)

Productive Dentist Academy (PDA), the nation’s leading dental consulting and marketing firm, is thrilled to announce a strategic alliance with Glidewell, the largest full-service dental laboratory in North America, and a leading provider of dental products. This partnership aims to elevate the quality of dental care by providing top-tier dental restorations and cutting-edge solutions to dental professionals nationwide.

“Productive Dentist Academy is committed to empowering dentists to achieve excellence in their practices,” says PDA Co-founder Dr. Bruce B. Baird. “Our alliance with Glidewell underscores our dedication to offering the best resources and technologies to our clients, ensuring they can deliver exceptional care to their patients.”

Glidewell, renowned for its innovation and high-quality dental restorations, offers a comprehensive range of products and services designed to meet the diverse needs of dental professionals. With a focus on enhancing patient outcomes and practice efficiency, Glidewell provides solutions that integrate seamlessly with PDA’s mission of building Investment Grade Practices™.

“We are excited to collaborate with Productive Dentist Academy to support dentists in delivering superior care,” says Glidewell’s Chief Growth Officer Rob Brenneise. “By combining our expertise in dental restorations with PDA’s exceptional consulting and marketing services, we aim to set new standards in the dental profession.”

Through this alliance, PDA clients will benefit from Glidewell’s extensive portfolio of dental products, including crowns, bridges, implants, and digital dentistry. This partnership will also facilitate educational initiatives and training programs to help dental professionals stay at the forefront of industry advancements.

“Partnering with Glidewell allows us to bring unparalleled value to our clients,” says PDA Co-founder and CEO Dr. Victoria Peterson. “Together, we are dedicated to fostering innovation and excellence in dental practices, ultimately benefiting both dentists and their patients.”

For more information about Productive Dentist Academy, visit https://productivedentist.com, and for more information about Glidewell, visit https://glidewell.com.

About Productive Dentist Academy

Productive Dentist Academy (PDA) is an award-winning dental business and marketing consulting firm based in Anacortes, WA. At PDA, we know independent dentists are uncertain about the future of private practice and are concerned there may be no other option than to sell to a dental service organization (DSO). That's why PDA built the Investment Grade Practice™ platform to be the advocate and level the playing field so independent dentists can optimize profitability, improve patient experience, and align teams to the dentist's core vision. Founded in 2004, employee-owned PDA empowers thousands of dentists internationally so they can make confident decisions as a leader, re-engage their passion, and achieve financial and personal satisfaction. 

About Glidewell

Glidewell, based in Newport Beach, California, is an industry-leading provider of custom laboratory services, innovative technology and continuing education to dental professionals nationwide. 

Dentistry.One, a virtual-first dental care solution introduced by MouthWatch, LLC, has been selected by Health Plan of San Mateo (HPSM), San Mateo County’s largest non-profit Medicare/Medicaid public health plan, to provide virtual dental care for its nearly 150,000 Medi-Cal and dual eligible members. This benefit will be a valuable complement to HPSM Dental, California’s first and only dental plan for Medi-Cal members that is fully integrated with medical and mental health care benefits.

Under the new agreement, HPSM members will have access to Dentistry.One’s virtual dental care network of experienced, highly trained dentists and Care Advisors. These experts in dental hygiene provide personalized oral health care advice and patient care coordination. Available anytime, from anywhere, Dentistry.One addresses a broad range of dental issues, including:

• Emergency tooth pain.

• Starting the journey to healthier teeth and gums.

• Understanding available dental benefits.

• Arranging in-person appointments with local providers in the HPSM Dental network.

• Selecting the best products for specific dental needs.

• Answering questions about treatment options.

HPSM members will enjoy the simplicity and convenience of selecting a Dentistry.One appointment that works best for their schedule. Appointments can include live video consultations and uploading photos so a dentist can diagnose the member’s condition. Dentistry.One then sends a personalized Oral Health Report with recommended next steps to the member within 24 hours of a visit.

With nearly 2% of emergency department (ED) visits being dental-related, Dentistry.One also provides a less time-consuming, more cost-effective alternative to expensive ED trips.

Furthermore, nearly 70 million Americans live in areas with a shortage of dental health professionals. San Mateo County is one of these “dental deserts,” according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

“Dentistry.One shares Health Plan of San Mateo's deep commitment to help residents of San Mateo County with limited income and resources live their healthiest lives,” said Brant Herman, Founder & Chief Executive Officer of MouthWatch and Dentistry.One. “We look forward to offering HPSM members an innovative virtual dental care benefit that eliminates barriers to care, increases utilization, and drives better health outcomes. Virtual services are especially important for those with chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, cancer, or pregnancy where better dental care has been proven to improve overall health.”

Studies show that people living with certain chronic conditions more often have untreated oral diseases or conditions. For example, according to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), gum disease can worsen glycemic control (blood sugar level) in people living with diabetes.

“Partnering with Dentistry.One exemplifies our 35-year commitment to the vision that Healthy is for everyone, which extends beyond solely addressing medical needs by integrating dental care,” said Carolyn Brown, DDS, Health Plan of San Mateo Dental Director. “Offering our members access to Dentistry.One virtual dental services underscores our recognition that oral health is vital to overall well-being. The service will provide a tangible solution for increasing access to the oral health care our members need and deserve.”

HPSM members can start using Dentistry.One online through a co-branded Dentistry.One and HPSM webpage.

Dentistry.One’s national network of dentists and Care Advisors is available to individuals, health plans, and other organizations focused on patient health. If you are an organization and want to learn more about how to seamlessly integrate Dentistry.One into an existing benefits portfolio or add it as an affordable stand-alone option, visit dentistry.one to schedule an introduction.

Health Plan of San Mateo (HPSM)

HPSM is a local, non-profit County Organized Health System (COHS) founded in 1987. HPSM's mission is to ensure that San Mateo County's residents with limited income and resources have access to high-quality care, services, and support so they can live the healthiest lives possible. With more than 150,000 members or participants, HPSM serves all of the County's Medi-Cal eligible residents, nearly 9,000 members eligible for both Medicare and Medi-Cal, as well as families, seniors, people with disabilities, and children with complex medical conditions. HPSM also sponsors special programs that address the complex social issues that some eligible members face from home-based health care to affordable housing for the homeless. Learn more at www.hpsm.org.

About MouthWatch, LLC

MouthWatch, LLC, is a leader in developing digital technology solutions that drive success for dental professionals, improve oral health care, and enhance the overall patient experience.

Headquartered in Metuchen, New Jersey, MouthWatch is widely known for its intraoral cameras that help engage patients in treatment planning through high-quality, affordable imaging technology, and its TeleDent software that provides practices and organizations with a teledentistry option to engage patients with providers remotely.

MouthWatch recently launched Dentistry.One, a virtual-first care network that addresses the expectations of today's modern healthcare consumers, the need for greater efficiency in healthcare, and the proven connection between good oral health and total health.

Dentistry.One features on-demand dental consultations, personalized care coordination, and oral health coaching for prioritizing oral health.

MouthWatch hardware and software is in use at over 40,000 practices, over 30 leading Dental Service Organizations (DSOs), and over 100 dental schools. The company has been recognized three times in the Inc. 5000. For more information, visit mouthwatch.com or dentistry.one.

Education, new products, and celebration are key elements of annual meeting

By Fred W. Michmershuizen, Senior Editor, Inside Dental Hygiene

The American Dental Hygienists’ Association held its annual conference, ADHA24, in late July in New Orleans, Louisiana. The theme of the meeting was “Oral Health & All That Jazz.” Events took place July 24 to 28, Wednesday through Sunday.

“The annual conference is a chance for hygienists to learn, network, and have some fun,” said Erin Haley-Hitz, RDH, BSDH, MS, FADHA, MAADH, president of the ADHA, who met with Inside Dental Hygiene for an on-site interview during the meeting. “It’s a time to celebrate who we are and what we do. After all, there are many amazing ways that hygienists contribute to oral health every day. At the conference, we celebrate our award winners, we present scholarships, and we recognize outstanding students. Education is important, and that’s also one of the many things going on over these three days.”

Haley-Hitz said that with the concept of medical-dental integration being elevated, the ADHA’s “Hygienist Proud” breakfast program, sponsored by Crest + Oral-B and presented Saturday morning by Dr. Hazel Glasper and hygienist Andrea Johnson, MS, RDH, was especially relevant. Haley-Hitz pointed out that initial diagnosis of systemic disease can often happen in the dental hygiene chair, which is why it’s so important that dental hygienists have enough time to provide all the assessments necessary.

The address by Dr. Glasper was one of many educational events available to attendees at the meeting. Other sessions included hands-on courses, product presentations, and lectures on a wide range of topics. JoAnn R. Gurenlian, RDH, MS, PhD, AAFAAOM, FADHA; Tammy L. Filipiak, RDH, MS, FADHA; and Beth Jordan, RDH, MS, FADHA, participated in an opening general session panel discussion, moderated by Andrea Johnson, RDH, MS, titled “From Evidence to Action — The Power to Improve Oral Health.” Linda D'Amico, RDH, BS, presented “The Dental Professionals Role in Managing the Diabetic Patient,” and Christina L. Reinhardt, RDH/LDH, presented “FBI Dental Fraud Investigations and the Hygienist.”

There were also topics related to mental health. Sherri M. Lukes, RDH, MS, FAADH; Carol A. Jahn, RDH, MS; and Susanna Scherer, BS, RDH, presented a “Brunch & Learn” session, titled “Down and Out or Down and About? Raising Awareness of Mental Health Issues in Dentistry.” In addition, Diane Mullins, RDH, MS, CDIPC, presented “Gatekeeper Suicide Prevention Training.”

New products

In the exhibit hall at ADHA24, dental hygienists had the opportunity to explore some of the newest technology and products.

Henry Schein Dental showcased a comprehensive display of offerings from its ACCLEAN preventives portfolio, including new disposable prophy angles, curettes, scalers, and diagnostic instruments. Stephanie Melton, RDH, delivered a presentation spotlighting the company’s products and tools and provided product education in the company’s booth on the trade show floor.

Henry Schein also was a sponsor of the ADHA Institute for Oral Health Foundation’s community service event, taking place during the meeting, in which participants assembled take-home bags of essential oral care products donated by Henry Schein, including ACCLEAN toothbrushes and floss, donated to Clover New Orleans, a local charity supporting underserved communities in the New Orleans area.

VOCO reps were on hand to tell meeting attendees about its products, including Remin Pro triple protective tooth cream and Profluorid Varnish.

Elevate Oral Care showcased its wide range of products and offered in-booth educational presentations about how its Allday spray and gel can be used by patients for relief of dry mouth. As Cheryl Clements, RDH, MS, explained, dental hygienists should talk to all their adult patients about dry mouth. Products with a neutral pH, like Allday, are safest and most effective, Clements said.

Meeting attendees could also visit the Love Hygiene booth to test out Love Hygiene Air, a newly developed solution for periodontal therapy that uses powder for biofilm disruption and removal. To add to the excitement of its new technology, Love Hygiene reps also distributed beverages, swag bags, and t-shirts to meeting attendees.

At Ivoclar, meanwhile, reps were on hand to demonstrate how the company’s VivaDent aerosol reduction gel can be used to reduce mist from ultrasonic scaling. Xlear dispensed information about its oral and sinus care products, plus plenty of samples, while BISCO presented its FluoroCal brand of sodium fluoride varnish with tri-calcium phosphate.

At its booth, Waterpik showcased its selection of water flossers and related products, with company reps on hand to dispense information.

New exhibitors at ADHA included DentiCalm, a company offering topical pain relief for bruxism, available in a roll-on applicator; and CaviSense, a pH-sensing toothpick designed to detect harmful biofilm acids in interproximal spaces.

More news at ADHA24

A representative from the American Dental Association was on hand at the ADHA meeting to discuss the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact, which allows for license portability across state lines. According to Haley-Hitz, the compact is an advocacy priority for ADHA, because it allows hygienists to redistribute across the country, thereby helping alleviate the workforce shortage and improve access to care. In addition, the compact is of benefit to military families across the country, she said.

The meeting also hosted a screening of the film “Filling the Gaps,” which depicts how a dental hygienist in Maine, Amber Lombardi, founded Mainely Teeth, a non-profit mobile dental clinic serving the needs of the underserved from a mobile dental clinic.

The ADHA has also announced that its next annual conference, ADHA25, will be held during National Dental Hygiene Month, October 4 to 6, 2025, in Long Beach, California.

Pictured top: New Orleans, Louisiana, hosts ADHA24, the annual conference of the American Dental Hygienists’ Association. Above: At the Elevate Oral Care booth at ADHA24, Cheryl Clements, RDH, MS, tells dental hygienists about products for patients experiencing dry mouth. (Photos: Fred W. Michmershuizen, Inside Dental Hygiene)