Patients increasingly indicate that they prefer metal-fee solutions for dental implants as they seek to mimic the look and biological compatibility of natural teeth. ZERAMEX® XT offers patients the biological, soft tissue and esthetic benefits of ceramic implants with the modern design and ease of use of a two-part implant with a cement-free internal connection and tapered body.

DentalPoint, the pioneer in two-piece ceramic implants has received FDA approval for their latest product – ZERAMEX® XT. The ZERAMEX® XT system is a 100% metal free alternative to titanium implants designed for highly cosmetic tooth replacement, especially in the esthetic zone. Dental professionals will now be able to use a two-piece ceramic implant with a reversible screwed internal connection that supports a natural soft-tissue appearance. ZERAMEX® XT was developed for outstanding soft-tissue attachment and low inflammatory response.¹ The white zirconia material especially benefits patients with a thin mucosal biotype.² Zirconia implants demonstrate a low affinity to plaque³ and studies have shown that microcirculatory dynamics in peri-implant mucosa around zirconia are comparable with those around natural teeth.⁴

The ZERAMEX® XT ceramic implant is manufactured from high-strength ceramic Bio-HIP ATZ. The hard zirconia material with the color and translucence of natural teeth is manufactured by hot isostatic pressing. No thermal process (sintering) or post-processing takes place after the final shaping of the outer and inner geometry of the implant. This ensures that a high degree of precision is achieved, and no further changes can occur in the material structure.

ZERAMEX® XT offers greater restorative flexibility compared to one-piece or cemented ceramic implants. The reversible screwed internal connection is a unique differentiation to existing systems on the market. The extremely hard ceramic is combined with an ultra-strong, high-performance carbon fiber screw. The VICARBO® screw is 100% metal-free and stabilizes tensile forces. Risk of excess cement during the procedures which are often associated with soft tissue inflammation and the development of peri-implantitis can be avoided.⁵

“ZERAMEX® XT is a breakthrough in the development of an equal performing ceramic implant compared with traditional implants. But on top of that it offers all the benefits based on the material. We are convinced that ZERAMEX® XT is the right product to answer the recent trend of patient preferring metal-free dental implants.” Adrian Hunn, VP Marketing & Sales DentalPoint AG, Zurich, Switzerland.

The implant shape and thread design of ZERAMEX® XT have been developed to achieve high primary stability. The ZERAFIL™ surface is a micro-structured implant surface that enables decisive osseointegration of the dental implants. The success rate of ZERAMEX® ceramic implants with a ZERAFIL™ surface is between 96.7 and 98.5 percent, depending on the system, and bears witness to the decisive osseointegration thanks to the optimum surface structure.⁶ The hydrophilic implant surface ZERAFIL™ is sandblasted and etched so that osteoblasts can grow directly up to the dental implant and firm adhesion to the implant surface is achieved. The ZERAMEX® XT ceramic implant is placed 1.6 mm supracrestally (optionally up to 0.6 mm) and offers great prosthetic flexibility. The implant thread was developed to achieve high primary stability. The reservoir for bone chips at the implant tip simplifies the placement of the implant.

ZERAMEX® XT and ZERAMEX® P6 systems are available for sale through distribution partner, Emerginnova. Michael Foley, President of Emerginnova, says “XT allows implant clinicians to confidently offer ceramic implants to meet their patients demands while respecting the most modern designs, workflow and treatment planning that they expect.” First customer shipments are scheduled for December 14th. Introductory launch packages, including loaner use of surgical kits are now available for pre delivery purchase.

References

1. Cionca N, Hashim D, Mombelli A. Zirconia dental implants: where we are now, and where are we heading? Periodontol 2000 2017; 73(1):241-258

2. Cosgarea R, Gasparik C, Dudea D, et al. Peri-implant soft tissue colour around titanium and zirconia abutments: a prospective randomized controlled clinical study. Clin Oral Implants Res 2015;26(5):537-544

3. Cionca N, Hashim D, Mombelli A. Zirconia dental implants: where we are now, and where are we heading? Periodontol 2000 2017; 73(1):241-258

4. Kajiwara N, Masaki C, Mukaibo T, et al. Soft tissue biological response to zirconia and metal implant abutments compared with natural tooth: microcirculation monitoring as a novel bioindicator. Implant Dent 2015;24(1):37-41

5. Wilson TG Jr. The positive relationship between excess cement and peri-implant disease: a prospective clinical endoscopic study. J Periodontol 2009;80(9):1388-1392

6. Chappuis V, Cavusoglu Y, Gruber R, Kuchler U, Buser D, Bosshardt DD. Osseointegration of Zirconia in the Presence of Multinucleated Giant Cells. 2016 Aug;18(4):686-98. doi: 10.1111/cid.12375. Epub 2015 Sep 17

GC Corporation (the parent company of GC America) was highly evaluated and ranked second in the results of the 10th Quality Management Level Research in 2018, conducted by the Union of Japanese Scientists and Engineers (JUSE). GC is proud to be the only company ranked in the top 10 five times in a row, including a first-place ranking in 2016 and second-place ranking in 2014. Below are top 10 companies from the overall ranking:

1. Konica Minolta, Inc.

2. GC Corporation

3. Canon Inc.

4. Takenaka Corporation

5. ROHM Co., Ltd.

6. Kumagai Gumi Co., Ltd.

7. Sekisui House, Ltd.

8. Asahi Group Holdings, Ltd.

9. Kirin Holdings Company, Ltd.

10. Ajinomoto Co., Inc.

11. NEC Corporation

According to the newspaper The Nikkei Sangyo, the reasons GC earned a high evaluation high evaluation were that: GC set long-term targets to evaluate its corporate quality, introduced a system to certify Global GQM (GC’s Quality Management) Promoters, and conducted a Global Customer Satisfaction Survey. These efforts are highly evaluated as a basis for the corporate quality. In the six major categories listed below, GC received the following high evaluations:

• Commitment of Top Management (2nd)

• Dissemination of Quality Management (1st)

• Cultivation of human resources for realization of quality management (3rd)

• Establishment and thorough implementation of a process (8th)

• Creation of customer value (3rd)

• Collaboration capability among departments (5th)

GC received the Deming Application Prize (current Deming Prize) in 2000 and the Japan Quality Medal (current Deming Grand Prize), the highest honor of Japan’s Total Quality Management (TQM), in 2004. Other GC companies have earned TQM awards in years past, including GC America Inc., which received the Deming Prize in 2014. Chairman Makoto Nakao received the Deming Prize for Individuals in 2012 for spearheading GC Group’s efforts for promotion of TQM and building it into a global company over thirty years. Furthermore, Chairman Nakao received the Marcos E.J. Bertin Quality in Governance Medal from the International Academy for Quality (IAQ) in 2016.

The American Dental Association (ADA) is aware of recently published research related to opioid prescriptions for dental procedures. A growing body of research supports ADA policy that dentists should prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) alone or in combination with acetaminophen over opioids as first-line therapy. The ADA continues to be dedicated to raising awareness and taking action on the opioid public health crisis.

In order to combat opioid abuse among adolescents and across all ages, the ADA has urged all 161,000 member dentists to double down on their efforts to prevent opioids from harming patients and their families. 

Dentists have written nearly half a million fewer opioid prescriptions over a five-year period, from 18.5 million in 2012 to 18.1 million in 2017. This is progress, and we know there is still more we can do. 

In March 2018, the ADA adopted policy related to opioid prescribing by dentists for acute pain that supports:

• Mandatory continuing education regarding prescription of opioids and other controlled substances.

• Statutory limits on opioid dosage and duration of no more than seven days for the treatment of acute pain, consistent with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention evidence-based guidelines.

• Dentists registering with and utilizing Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMPs) to promote the appropriate use of opioids and deter misuse and abuse

In April, researchers from the ADA Science Institute, Case Western University and the University of Pittsburgh published a scientific review of studies in the Journal of the American Dental Association which concluded that NSAIDs alone or in combination with acetaminophen are generally more effective and are associated with fewer side effects compared to opioids. The findings support the ADA’s 2016 policy statement that dentists should “consider NSAIDs as the first-line therapy for acute pain management.” 

Working together with physicians, pharmacies, policymakers and the public, the ADA believes it is possible to end this tragic and preventable public health crisis that has been devastating our families and communities.

Glidewell Dental, an industry-leading provider of dental laboratory services, products, technologies and clinical education, announced today the launch of its newest initiative, Guiding Leaders, an exciting program designed to elevate women dentists to new levels of leadership. Over the course of a year, Guiding Leaders will provide selected candidates with business-savvy training and professional development tools from top industry leaders.

For more information, please visit: www.guidingleaders.com.

Geared toward women dentists with 5+ years of clinical experience, Guiding Leaders begins accepting online applications January 2, 2019, for the program’s launch this upcoming April. “We’re honored and excited to provide this phenomenal opportunity for women in dentistry,” said Stephenie Goddard, executive vice president at Glidewell Dental and visionary of Guiding Leaders. “We have been working diligently over the past year to establish an outstanding program that would cultivate a new generation of women leaders who want to become key influencers. Guiding Leaders creates this type of dynamic environment where women can learn, grow and impact our industry together.”

This 12-month leadership development program combines monthly instructor-led and online courses covering a range of topics including emotional intelligence, goal setting and practice management. Glidewell Dental developed the program after recognizing a need in dentistry for more women leaders. “The dental landscape has shifted,” said Goddard. “Previously, women accounted for less than five percent of our industry. Now they comprise more than half of all graduating dentists. As a result, we designed a niche program tailored toward developing new leaders who are reflective of the current state of dentistry.”

Guiding Leaders provides a unique opportunity for women to not only successfully develop their leadership skills but to simultaneously expand their professional network and to even mentor newer colleagues in the coming years. “There’s a tremendous need for this type of resource. As dentists, we have several opportunities to advance our clinical training but we also need practical information that equips and empowers us as influential leaders,” said Dr. Mayuri Kerr, clinical affairs manager at Glidewell Dental. “During my time in the dental profession, I have not encountered one industry-related program that offers formal training to develop women dentists in the areas of leadership, team-building, and communication skills.”

Guiding Leaders launches April of 2019 and concludes April of 2020. To be considered for this complimentary program, participants must reside in the United States during that timeframe.

The application deadline for Guiding Leaders is January 31, 2019.

About Glidewell Dental

Glidewell Dental is among the world's largest providers of custom restorative services and is recognized as an industry-leading materials and devices manufacturer. Established in 1970 in Orange County, California, Glidewell Dental continues to build on its storied history of technological innovation, continuing education and a commitment to making comprehensive, high-quality treatment more accessible to patients in the U.S. and internationally. For more information, please visit: glidewelldental.com.

A high school in Staten Island, New York, learned recently that it will received $500,000 in funding from the New York City Council for its dental laboratory program, according to the Staten Island Advance.

The newspaper reported December 1 that Councilman Joseph Borelli announced he is providing the funding from his capital budget to upgrade the technology and equipment at Staten Island’s only high school dental laboratory program.

“Tottenville is the largest high school on Staten Island and is home to some of the most innovative programming in the entire New York City school system,” Borelli says, according to the article. “The dental lab upgrades are going to ensure that Tottenville High School remains at the cutting edge of tech-integrated education and continues to provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary to prepare them for lucrative careers in dentistry design and model printing.”

Linkage, Inc., a global leadership development company, honored Maureen MacInnis on Wednesday, November 14, at a special awards ceremony during its 2018 Women in Leadership Institute held in Phoenix, Arizona. MacInnis was one of four award recipients who were honored.

The Executive Impact Award recognizes leaders who have demonstrated a deep commitment to advancing women leaders and have accelerated the growth of women in their organization and community. A six-member jury selected MacInnis, Senior Vice President, Chief Human Resources and Communications at Dentsply Sirona, for one of this year's awards.

“This is an honor I share with all the women of Dentsply Sirona,” MacInnis says. “Our leadership and career development efforts are sustainable because we are taking action together. Every week, I learn about new examples, confirming the strength of our global Women Inspired Network and the results for our customers and colleagues.”

MacInnis leads a global team of approximately 310 Human Resources and Communications professionals and is a member of the company’s Executive Team. Dentsply Sirona employees nominated MacInnis for the award in recognition for her efforts to advance women and her commitment to promoting diversity across the organization.

Advancing women leaders

MacInnis established Dentsply Sirona’s Women Inspired Network (WIN), a platform for women leaders at Dentsply Sirona to support the acceleration of their career development by building key leadership competencies and developing stronger networks. Now in its fourth year, the current cohort includes 27 participants, who join the more than 75 who are already part of the Network.

“I view my role as that of a steward,” MacInnis explains. “You’re remembered for what you build, and I constantly ask myself, how can I help the next generation?”

Inspirational global forum

Linkage hosted a panel with the four award recipients. On a stage in front of more than 900 female executives from Fortune 1000 companies, nonprofits and global government agencies around the world, the honorees shared insights into how their personal experiences shaped their careers.

Since 1999, Linkage’s Women in Leadership Institute™ (WIL), a four-day immersive learning experience, has equipped more than 10,000 women with actionable strategies to overcome the seven hurdles women often face in the workplace.

While almost every dental lab is utilizing 3D print technology, more and more dentists are beginning to adopt this technology to save time and money, especially to manufacture splints, surgical guides and models. Compared to general consumer-oriented printers, VOCO’s compact desktop dental 3D printer was custom-engineered for the dental office and excels thanks to higher printing speeds, more accuracy and the ability to print truly clear orthodontic appliances.

One of SolFlex 170’s various innovations is sensor monitored production (SMP). An optional built-in laser sensor measures the peeling forces to optimize the building speed. Not only does this increase process efficiency and reliability, it reduces print times by as much as 40%--as well as reducing material-consuming misprints.

Another innovation is VOCO’s use of 385 nm DLP (Digital Light Processing) chip technology. With a wavelength of 385 nm, the SolFlex printers can print in the invisible spectrum of light, allowing for the production of truly clear ortho appliances without the yellow tint, which is a byproduct of SLA or DLP printers that print using a wavelength of 405 nm. The use of DLP technology is faster and has a higher resolution than SLA printers, which is particularly useful for high-precision objects like crown and bridge models or surgical guides.

A third innovation is the SolFlex 170’s use of VOCO’s patented Flex-Vat technology. The Flex-Vat build tray is flexible and made from one piece of high-tech silicone. This significantly reduces the peeling forces during manufacturing, enabling the printer to work much more quickly while reducing the number of required support structures, and reducing post-processing time and material used.

VOCO is taking advantage of more than 30 years of resin manufacturing know-how to offer with V-Print high-quality print resins that are optimized for the SolFlex printer. However, the printer adheres to the open print standard, meaning most 3D printing materials can be used with this printer.

VOCO also offers the intuitive Pyramis software free with all printers as well as an optional 24-hour loaner exchange and job continuation solutions with on-call professional dental lab technicians. Each customer receives extensive training at no cost.