Wixom, MI -  Axsys Dental Solutions has expanded its line of dental machining centers with the addition of the new Versamill 5X200.

The 5X200 replaces the existing Versamill 5x and features a spacing-saving upright configuration with the same high-quality, vibration-dampening construction characteristics found in the Versamill 5x and many full-framed high-speed industrial CNC Machine Tools.

“The new, larger Versamill 5X200 is heavier than its predecessor, provides increased axes-travels and features a 15-station Automatic Tool Changer,” says Steve Braykovich, President of Axsys Dental Solutions. “The 5X200 features our own proprietary work-holding system, which provides significantly greater rigidity, accuracy and repeatability than the standard offering."

Complimented by finely tuned CAD libraries and machining templates, derived from nearly 40-years of manufacturing experience, Axsys’ unique solution enables faster machining times, razor-sharp margins, greater tool life, and minimum post-machining bench-work, Braykovich says.

The Versamill 5X200’s superior construction enables it to machine a wide range of materials including zirconia, titanium, chrome cobalt, resin, wax, and lithium disilicate and is ideally suited for complex indications including bridges, custom abutments, and dental bars.

“A common misconception is one has to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on a 'big machine' to effectively machine complex restorations made of hard materials," Braykovich says. “Don’t let its small footprint fool you; this is one serious machine that can get the job done, in many cases more effectively - for one-third the cost of 'full-frame' machines."

For more information, contact Axsys Dental Solutions at 1-855-687-7941 or visit axsysdental.com.

CIMsystem, known worldwide for CAD/CAM software and technology development, will exhibiting during IDS 2015 in Cologne, Germany from March 9-14. The Italian company will showcase its best yet solutions for dental laboratories and dentistry. Included are the well-known CAM software SUM3D Dental 2015 Update and all of the latest improvements introduced in its recent software updates.

SUM3D Dental is an open CAM system with a simple and intuitive graphic interface. The sys­tem is suitable for any material and offers an extensive range of automated and customizable features. Material consumption, tool-paths, and cutting strategies are all optimized for a wide range of milling solutions. Other time- and cost-reducing features include auto­matic material management, implant abutments, interlocking interfaces, undercuts, and drilling holes; prep-line, pin, and connector creation; part height optimization and auto-nesting; collision checking and avoidance, statistics and reporting.

SUM3D Dental software has recently received several new features, such as the Replace technology, Premilled blank machining and support for the usage of "T" Shaped Tools for machining undercuts and/or angled screw-access holes for implant abutments.

Nevertheless, SUM3D Dental’s continuous development facilitates a constant update of new features and enhancements in the software.

The most recent release of SUM3D Dental includes a number of brand-new characteristics created in response to the needs of customers and partners.

Some features to look forward to include new features that are designed to entirely meet users’ needs. Included in these are: The Rest Material Visualization calculates and allows users to visualize any residual material that will not be milled during the machining process. Multi Layered will assist users in nesting restorations at the same position as where they have been designed. The Post-Sintered Milling feature is designed to manage milling a part after it has been created using laser sintering technology. The Overpress procedure allows users to create copings and bridges through a fast and low-cost process, also suitable for 3-axis machines that do not have a milling rotary axis.

Moreover, three innovative products are being launched at IDS 2015: MillBox, the easiest CAM software able to mill any variety of dental components both on discs or blocks; Model Manager for Model Design management; and Pyramis, the application to handle 3D Printing.

CIMsystem engineers will welcome visitors at IDS 2015, Hall 3.1 Booth J 057.

Tallahassee, FL –  The Foundation for Dental Laboratory Technology announced the launch of a new, comprehensive, Virtual Full Denture Training Program. The program was underwritten and produced through the generosity of DENTSPLY Prosthetics to provide new learning tools for dental technicians in removable technology that will enrich the Foundation’s removable curriculum. This 5-module removable video program documents a patient case from initial chairside assessment through placement of the final dentures. Each individual module was scripted and produced to document each step of the denture process between the dentist and the dental laboratory technician. Dr. Lars Bouma and Mr. Jerry Kaizer (Murray-Kaizer Dental Lab) provided clinical and technical guidance throughout the program development and production. This unique program provides a visualization of the chairside and labside protocols and delivers key insights into the collaboration needed between the dentist and the technician to ensure the best denture solution for the patient. 

“The Foundation’s mission is to ensure accessible high quality education to meet ever changing workforce needs. Removables continue to be a growing segment of the dental laboratory market, and many technicians, who focus on crown and bridge, are getting to this arena and have skills gaps on dentures," says Leon Hermanides, CDT, Foundation chair.

“Additionally, today’s dental school graduates receive less hands-on training in removable prosthetics. This program will serve as a valuable resource for both target audiences."

The new program will be available formally through the online education platform on the Foundation website by the end of the first quarter of 2015.

“Dentsply Prosthetics has been committed to removable product solutions for more than 110 years. As part of our corporate commitment to give back to the industry, we are pleased to have this opportunity to work with the  Foundation to enrich their training tools and curriculum in Removable Technology Programs. We believe this new virtual training program and live video materials will  provide significant value to a broader base of dental professionals” says Catherine Bonser, Director of Marketing, DENTSPLY Prosthetics.

GIBBSTOWN, N.J. – Keystone Industries, a leader in manufacturing dental and pharmaceutical products, has moved its headquarters from Cherry Hill to Gibbstown, New Jersey Although this is just an 18-mile move south, the difference in size gives Keystone a distinct advantage with its production process.

In Gibbstown, Keystone is now conducting business out of a 250,000-square foot manufacturing facility with state-of-the-art accommodations throughout. The move allows for expansion of manufacturing products for the dental industry. It does not, however, affect the warehouse operations, manufacturing of machinery, or extrusion and injection molding production in Myerstown, Pennsylvania.

One of the biggest advancements to be seen from Keystone’s move to Gibbstown is the transformation of its private branding program. Inside of the new, larger facility with a face-lifted program, products can be manufactured with unprecedented quality and efficiency, allowing for timely delivery at competitive pricing.

Tallahassee, Florida - The National Association of Dental Laboratories (NADL) honored outstanding contributors to dental laboratory technology at the annual Vision 21 Meeting on Friday, January 23 at The Mirage in Las Vegas, Nevada. Winners were nominated by their peers and were selected based on an objective point system.

NADL awards included:

NADL Merit Award for Outstanding Achievements

Steve D. Killian, CDT – Killian Dental Ceramics, Irvine, CA

This award honors an individual for achievements made on behalf of NADL nationally and for the industry at large.

NADL Supplier Member of the Year

DENTSPLY Prosthetics – York, PA

This award is presented to an NADL member manufacturer/supplier company that has made significant contributions and demonstrated leadership in relation to working in the dental laboratory industry.

NADL Laboratory Member of the Year

Friendship Dental Laboratory, Inc., CDL – Rosedale, MD

This award is presented to an NADL member laboratory that has made significant contributions and demonstrated leadership in relation to working in the dental laboratory industry.

NADL Hall of Fame Award

Henry Martin, CDT, TE – Restorative Arts Dental Laboratory, CDL, Charleston, SC (pictured with NADL 2014 President Gary Iocco, left)

This award is presented to an individual that has made contributions to the dental laboratory profession in general. These contributions may not necessarily be in service to NADL, although the nomination may be made for outstanding service to the Association.

NADL Vision Award

Valerie Berger – Aegis Communications

Pam Johnson – Aegis Communications

Stuart Steinbock – Whip Mix Corporation

This award is being presented to these individuals for having the concept to create the “Race for the Future”. This was a fundraiser held by The Foundation for Dental Laboratory Technology in conjunction with an ITU Triathlon in Chicago, Illinois. Through this event, over $30,000 was raised, allowing The Foundation to provide more scholarships and grants to individuals and educational institutions.

2015 CDT of the Year

Dan R. Elfring, Master CDT, TE – Pickle Prosthodontics, Colorado Springs, CO

The National Board for Certification in Dental Laboratory Technology recognizes an individual Certified Dental Technician (CDT) who has made contributions to his/her peers and the dental laboratory profession, and has gone above and beyond the call of duty.

Tallahassee, Florida - The Foundation for Dental Laboratory Technology has announced the four winners of the 2015 PTC Education Grant:

Homayoun Louie, CDT – Beaverton, Oregon

Sandra Kotowske, CDT, TE – Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Fred Isaac, CDT– Coral Springs, Florida

Derek Pawlak, CDT – Davie, Florida

The Foundation for Dental Laboratory Technology created this grant in order to support the Foundation’s purpose by recognizing the need for increased accessibility to fundamental education in dental laboratory technology, and partnered with PTC (Productivity Training Corporation) to bring you the PTC Education Grant. Each winner will be awarded a PTC Ness Academy Hands on Course at no charge, thanks to the generosity of PTC.

“Each applicant demonstrated incredibly impressive attributes. It was very clear to me that each candidate was sincerely devoted to their education and future in the dental laboratory technology field, making the selection process extremely difficult,” said Bennett Napier, CAE, Foundation Executive Director.

“We could not have provided this grant opportunity without the kindness of PTC, and we are so appreciative to be able to come together with them to help support the education of dental laboratory technology professionals,” said Foundation Chair Leon Hermanides, CDT.

The Productivity Training Corporation is located in the southernmost part of Silicon Valley in Morgan Hill, California, and has been training dental professionals since 1978 through dental technician courses that use proven learning systems to help new and existing technicians quickly improve their technical ability. For additional information about the PTC, visit https://www.ptcdental.com/.  

For additional information about the Foundation and its program, visit https://www.dentallabfoundation.org/.

The Foundation relies heavily on donations from individuals as well as companies to fund the scholarship and grant programs. Donations are accepted throughout the year.  To support the Foundation, please visit https://nadl.org/dltf/donate-online.cfm.

JERUSALEM – Optimet has launched its ultra-high precision DSi 6000 dental chairside scanner, which offers patients the highest standards for complex dental prosthetics. With the push of a button, the DSi 6000’s advanced scanning technology can capture the dental contours of impression materials with extraordinary precision including narrow and deep holes, steep angles, and other features that are difficult to scan.

“The DSi 6000 is based on Optimet’s patented conoscopic holography where the scanner’s transmitted laser path is exactly the same as the reflected laser path which records the shape of the dental impression,” said Optimet’s Israel General Manager, Reuven Silverman. “It can also scan a wide range of dental impression materials, meaning dentists can use the resources they are most comfortable with minus powders. This standard industry practice minimizes reflections extraneous to dental scans but also makes them less precise.”

The DSi 6000 also helps streamline the dental prosthetic restoration process to save time and money. The scanner is very easy to use with operators only needing an hour of training to be set up. Dentists can continue their usual method of administrating dental impressions while dental technicians can create prosthetics without using gypsum to fill the impression materials. There is no need to manually create molds, meaning time and material costs are further saved.

The DSi 6000 is the latest in a long line of advanced dental scanning technologies from Optimet, which has been an OEM supplier within the dental prosthetic industry for more than 15 years.   

“Optimet has provided thousands of dental labs around the world with quality dental scans,” Silverman said. “Our highly experienced R&D, engineering, and manufacturing teams combine their proficiencies to create high precision tools that consistently contribute to the delivery of high quality prosthetics. We’re very excited about the levels of comfort and fit that the DSi 6000 will provide dental patients.” 

Attleboro, MA – Sterngold Dental LLC, in its continuing efforts to support DSO customers, announced its Industry Partnership with the Association of Dental Support Organizations (ADSO). Sterngold also will sponsor the ADSO Annual Meeting in Las Vegas from March 19-21.

Sterngold also continues its ongoing support for the American Academy of Dental Group Practices (AAGDP) and will be present at their annual event, also in Las Vegas, from February 12-14.

NEWPORT BEACH, CA — Glidewell Laboratories, provider of dental laboratory products and services, announced the release of BruxZir™ Shaded 16 blocks compatible with CEREC® and inLab® MC XL milling machines, the dental CAD/CAM solutions from Sirona Dental Systems, Inc. The new blocks, available in both 20x19 and 40x19 sizes, are to be distributed exclusively by Henry Schein, Inc., the world’s largest provider of health care products and services to office-based dental, animal health, and medical practitioners.

BruxZir™ Shaded 16, the series of pre-shaded zirconia blocks matching all 16 VITA Classical shades, is an iteration of the BruxZir™Solid Zirconia line, the most prescribed brand of solid zirconia restorative material. Known for its superior strength and unique vital translucence, the addition of inLab®-compatible BruxZir™ Shaded 16 blocks to the BruxZir portfolio will deliver consistency and complete shade penetration to dental technicians implementing Sirona’s CEREC® and MC XL milling machines. With the significant market penetration of Sirona CAD/CAM systems, distribution of blocks consistent with the machines’ specifications ensures a wide new audience for the benefits provided.

Tallahassee, Florida - The Foundation for Dental Laboratory Technology on Tuesday announced Renata Budny, CDT, TE, of Brooklym, New York, as the winner of the 2015 Kois Center Education Grant.

The Kois Center is located on the shore of Lake Union in the heart of Seattle, Washington, and offers a didactic and clinical program, featuring a comprehensive course curriculum of 9 courses, with the latest advances in esthetics, implants, and restorative dentistry. The Kois Center uses the best and most current technology to facilitate and support the learning environment. For additional information about the Kois Center, visit www.Koiscenter.com.

For additional information about the Foundation and its program, visithttps://www.dentallabfoundation.org/.

The Foundation relies heavily on donations from individuals as well as companies to fund the scholarship and grant programs. Donations are accepted throughout the year. To support the Foundation, please visit https://nadl.org/dltf/donate-online.cfm.