Today Planmeca introduces two new products that will debut at the Chicago MidWinter Dental Meeting--the Planmeca Creo C5 and the Planmeca Compact i5™.The Planmeca Creo C5 is a 3D printer custom-engineered for dental professionals for same-day appliances including surgical guides and dental models.

Planmeca’s all-new 3D printer can create surgical guides or dental models in less than 15 minutes, 50-60 temporary crowns in less than 10 minutes, or up to five full arch dental models in one print.

The Planmeca Creo C5 uses LCD Photomask technology which projects a uniform light source that virtually eliminates imperfections when printing dental appliances. Planmeca Creo C5 does not require calibration, features an easy-to-use touch display with pre-programmed settings and utilizes open STL and PLY files for seamless integration.

“Our all-new 3D printer is the latest innovation from Planmeca aimed at helping clinicians improve the care they provide and simplify their workflow by leveraging one software for their imaging, CAD/CAM, and now with the Planmeca Creo C5, their 3D printing needs,” said Ed McDonough, president, PlanmecaUSA.

Materials for Planmeca Creo C5 come in convenient capsules. They are a completely unique way to dispense high-quality 3D printing materials – without any material waste.

The Planmeca Compact i5™ introduces an easier way to work

A Planmeca Compact i5 dental unit helps make every day work smoother, more comfortable, and less stressful. Dentists and dental team members have convenient access to the treatment area from the floating chair and narrowing backrest.

The unit’s foldable and automatic leg rest make entering and exiting the chair easy for patients. The chair’s design follows the body’s shape and provides firm and comfortable support. In addition, Planmeca’s Ultra Relax™ upholstery adapts to the patient’s weight and body heat – leading to an enjoyable overall experience.

The practical design solutions of Planmeca Compact i5 make infection control especially easy, as all the essential functions are neatly organized, integrated, automated, guided, and recorded. A safe environment is guaranteed for both the dental team and the patients.

"Our product development is always guided by what we believe contributes to good design – ergonomics, safety, comfort, and aesthetics. In Planmeca Compact i5, these design values have been honed and perfected to the highest level," said McDonough.

The Planmeca Compact i5 can be customized in four different settings to match the dentist’s preference and our Planmeca PlanID™ sign-in system allows users to conveniently access their personal settings on any dental unit with a flash of a card. Planmeca PlanID is especially beneficial for dental universities and hospitals, as well as large clinics and DSOs with many users.

About Planmeca

Planmea is the largest privately held company in the dental equipment market and one of the industry’s leading manufacturers of dental X-rays and core equipment. With a North American office located in Roselle, Illinois, and international headquarters in Helsinki, Finland, For more information, visit www.planmecausa.com or find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PlanmecaUSA, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/PlanmecaUSA and LinkedIn; https://www.linkedin.com/company/planmeca-inc

In a special announcement at the upcoming Chicago Midwinter Dental Meeting (February 21-23), Komet USA LLC will formally publicize its partnership with Bien-Air. Together, the companies aim to advance the quest for a superior combination of precision, power, and performance in procedures from tooth preparation to finishing and polishing. The grouping of Komet USA’s renowned dental rotary instruments, delivered direct from their factory in Lemgo, Germany, and Bien-Air’s Swiss-made dental handpieces is far more than a simple pairing of instruments: the partnership represents a relationship between two family-owned companies with proud traditions of precision engineering, high-quality manufacturing, reliable performance, and expert customer service.

Komet USA’s sales and marketing teams will offer demonstrations of Bien-Air’s air-driven and electric handpieces, and Bien-Air’s teams likewise will demonstrate select Komet instruments as ideal adjuncts to their high-performance instrumentation. The partners will showcase Bien–Air’s air-driven Tornado X, Prestige, Bora, and Black Pearl models, EVO and Classic Series electric handpieces, and Optima Motor System in conjunction with Komet® carbides, diamonds, and a range of finishing and polishing instruments.

When asked what was different about this partnership from others that have existed previously, Daniel Call, Director of Sales at Bien-Air, said: “There are thousands of handpiece & rotary instrument combinations available in the landscape of the US market. Each handpiece behaves differently; they have different speeds, torque, power dynamic, vibration, etc. How can a single bur, like a ‘Zirconia’ bur, produce the same effiency in two vastly different types of handpieces? Rotary instrument and handpiece companies who have partnered before have left this terrain unexplored. We intend to provide a comprehensive solution for every material during our partnership with Komet USA. (E.g. Use “this” handpiece, at “this” speed, with “this” bur, for “this” material, etc., to achieve the maximum result”)

With sights set on a long and successful partnership, the two companies are a natural fit thanks to their shared values, humble origins, traditions, and longevity in the dental marketplace.

According to Komet USA’s CEO, Todd Blanton, “Komet USA’s mission has always been to put the best technology in the hands of our doctors so they can provide exceptional care to their patients. This commitment is something we share with Bien-Air, and we are happy to partner with them. Like great dental products, mutually beneficial partnerships lead to higher expectations in innovation and performance.”

About Bien-Air Dental

Located in Switzerland’s famous watch-making region, Bien-Air is celebrating 60 years of continuing focus on improving the day-to-day work of healthcare practitioners. In 1959, David Mosimann, a business-minded micromechanic founded the Bien-Air company, producing his first dental handpieces. From its inception, Bien-Air affirmed its expertise in micromechanics. The company's first turbines were considered the most reliable and durable on the market. In pursuit of innovations, the company took a decisive step in the 1970s when it launched its first electric motor. Renowned for their exceptional precision and performance, Bien-Air instruments soon became popular with dentists. In 2001, the company created the Bien-Air Dental and Bien-Air Surgery divisions. With headquarters in Bienne, two production/assembly sites in Noirmont (Switzerland) and eight subsidiaries, Bien-Air now employs more than 400 staff worldwide under the leadership of the founder’s son, Vincent Mosimann. Innovative and reliable products, a high-quality distribution network and outstanding customer service make Bien-Air a leading specialist in powered dental instrumentation and medical systems. For information on Bien-Air Dental and its product range, please visit https://dental.bienair.com/en_us/.

About Komet USA

Currently marking 95 years of unparalleled excellence in the dental industry, Komet is a recognized worldwide leader in the production of highly specialized dental burs, discs, diamonds, endodontic instruments, and accessories. Komet operates in the United States under the name Komet USA LLC. Komet sells direct to dental practitioners and dental laboratories, delivering orders quickly and efficiently from its state-of-the-art factory in Lemgo, Germany. The company’s U.S. headquarters is located in Rock Hill, South Carolina. For more information about Komet USA and the company’s partnership with Bien-Air Dental, call 888-566-3887 or visit www.kometusa.com.

Parents, do not be surprised if a savvy kid holds on to a lost tooth until market conditions improve. The Tooth Fairy's purse strings appear to be tighter than a year ago with the average monetary payout down by 43 cents. According to the just-released Original Tooth Fairy Poll®, sponsored by Delta Dental, the Tooth Fairy's average cash gift declined to $3.70 for a lost tooth.

Not all parents say the Tooth Fairy is following the national average. In homes that the Tooth Fairy visits, close to 2 in 5 parents (37 percent) share they give their child at least $5.00 or more. Also, a first lost tooth continues to impress. Parents recognize this monumental tooth with an average of $4.96, representing $1.26 above the $3.70 average for subsequent teeth lost.

Delta Dental has been gauging the Tooth Fairy's U.S. annual giving trends for more than two decades. The newly disclosed value of a lost tooth may be slipping but is significantly greater than the 1998 national average of $1.30, which equates to about $2.00 today with inflation.

Value of lost tooth and economy

The Original Tooth Fairy Poll has typically served as a good indicator of the economy's overall direction, tracking with the movement of Standard & Poor's 500 Index (S&P 500) for 14 of the past 17 years. A year ago, a single lost tooth was valued at $4.13 and dropped to $3.70 in this year's survey, down 10 percent. Over the same time period, the S&P 500 also saw a decline and decreased by 3 percent.

U.S. regional snapshot

The Northeast region ($3.75) appears closest aligned with the national average ($3.70) for the Tooth Fairy's tracked gift giving. Delta Dental's latest annual poll identifies a $1.28 difference between the highest U.S. regional average to the lowest. The Tooth Fairy's stingy streak looks to transcend all regions, with each experiencing a decline in the average payout amount. Additional regional highlights include:

$4.19 — The West: Continues to lead U.S. regions in highest average monetary gifts for a lost tooth but dropped 66 cents compared to a year ago ($4.85)

$3.91 — The South: Replaces the Northeast for second-highest regional average but slid by 21 cents when looking back a year ($4.12)

$3.75 — The Northeast: Closely follows the South in average Tooth Fairy payout but tumbled 60 cents from the previous poll ($4.35)

$2.97 — The Midwest: Represents an average of 73 cents less than the national average (3.70) and 47 cents lower than a year ago ($3.44)

Other stats from homes visited by the Tooth Fairy

Joy: The Tooth Fairy gives kids something to be excited about, according to more than half of parents (56 percent).

Bedtime: Children go to bed early when leaving out a tooth say 30 percent of parents.

Savers: Children choose to save their Tooth Fairy earnings say nearly half of parents (48 percent).

Oral health: More than one-third of parents (34 percent) believe the Tooth Fairy instills good oral health habits.

"While our Original Tooth Fairy Poll is rooted in fun, it is also interesting to see how parents are using visits from the Tooth Fairy as a learning tool in their home," said Jennifer Elliott, chief marketing officer for Delta Dental Plans Association. "Parents share that the Tooth Fairy is delivering so much more than a tangible gift for a lost tooth, such as teaching our next generation about proper oral health habits and personal financial responsibility in a memorable way."

About the survey

The Original Tooth Fairy Poll was conducted between December 31, 2018, and January 13, 2019, among a nationally representative sample of 1,058 parents of children ages 6-12. The margin of error is +/- 3 percent.

The S&P 500 stood at 2,687 on December 28, 2017, and decreased to 2,596 by January 11, 2019, down 3 percent.

For more information about the Delta Dental-sponsored survey, Tooth Fairy trivia, and oral health tips for infants to pre-teen, visit Original Tooth Fairy Poll.

Follow us on Twitter @DeltaDental and Facebook: Delta Dental Plans Association

About Delta Dental Plans Association

Delta Dental Plans Association, based in Oak Brook, Illinois, is the not-for-profit national association of the 39 independent Delta Dental companies. Through these companies, Delta Dental is the nation's largest provider of dental insurance, covering more than 78 million Americans, and offering the country's largest dental network with approximately 156,000 participating dentists. In 2017, Delta Dental companies provided more than $61 million in direct and in-kind community outreach support to improve the oral health of adults, children and infants in local communities across the country. For more information, visit: deltadental.com.

GCL Systems™, innovator of dental implant soft tissue preservation solutions, announces their partnership with Darby Dental Supply®; a technology-focused dental supply company. This collaboration will enable GCL Systems to expand distribution for their innovative line of Gingival Cuff Links for dental practices in the United States.

GCL Systems is paving the way for soft tissue healing. Their first product to market, the Gingival Cuff Links System sculpts tissue one time. Compatible with most major implant systems the Gingival Cuff Links provisional dental implant healing cuff, shapes soft tissue into a natural emergence profile for fully functional final restorations. Food impaction is significantly reduced, and patients love the look as their implant restoration looks natural. The Gingival Cuff Links System is available in 11 shapes to fit every tooth in the mouth, is easy to use, and maximizes efficiency to get the most out of the global fee with reduction in repeat visits.

“We are very excited to partner with Darby Dental Supply, an organization that shares our vision, values and commitment to excellence. Darby Dental Supply will be a key distributor for GCL Systems to ensure our Gingival Cuff Links are readily available for oral surgeons, restorative dentists, periodontists and general dentists alike. Truly any practice that provides implants for its patients." said Mark Blaisdell, CEO of GCL Systems.

Darby Dental Supply provides more than 50,000 different products in several strategically located warehouse and distribution centers across the country to ensure product availability and reduce inventory costs for our customers. A leader in world class customer service Darby will continue to strive to make each customer experience one that exceeds their expectations and brings value to their business.

“We excited to have partnered with Darby Dental Supply a strong, highly committed organization to bring our Gingival Cuff Link System to dentists across the US oral healthcare market.” says Tom Batz, Director of Sales & Marketing for GCL Systems.

"The addition of GCL Systems is the perfect complement to Darby’s growing Implant Division of innovative products that help clinicians achieve better results” says Brian Kacerow, Implant Category Manager at Darby Dental Supply.

For more information about GCL Systems and its growing family of products, please visit gclstems.com or call a customer service representative at 833.425.4346.

GCL Systems

GCL Systems’ mission is to create soft tissue related products that matter. They are passionate about developing products that improve the lives of every member of the dental team including, surgeons, restorative dentists, assistants, dental laboratories, and ultimately patients. Their first product to market, the Gingival Cuff Links System, enables natural emergence profiles of tissue during the implant process. All Gingival Cuff Links are produced and shipped in the USA

The patented PRACTIview 2 Operatory Mirror lets patients observe hygiene techniques, procedure progress and treatment results. The 32” flexible silicone support with a strong wire core wraps around any operatory light arm or chair pole and keeps the mirror positioned as needed. The unbreakable acrylic mirror measures 6” wide by 4¼” high, and the entire unit weighs less than 6 oz.

For over 35 years, Practicon has partnered with dental professionals to advance patient care, increase productivity and profitability, and heighten professional enjoyment by bringing “practical innovations” to dentistry. Practicon’s growing product line ranges from hard-to-find problem solvers to cost-effective everyday supplies. For more information, visit www.Practicon.com or telephone (800) 959-9505.

SprintRay is proud to announce the all-new SprintRay Pro, which reimagines what desktop 3D printing can do for dentistry. The product will be presented for the first time at the 2019 Chicago Midwinter Meeting.

Featuring unmatched speed and double the capacity of previous models, SprintRay Pro brings industrial throughput to the desktop form factor. A new, cloud-connected software suite predicts problems, automates workflows, and reduces the learning curve. “We’re grateful for all of the support and feedback we’ve received from our customers since we introduced the MoonRay S to the dental industry,” said Amir Mansouri, CEO of SprintRay. “All of that input went into designing and building the most functional and dentist-friendly 3D printer the industry has yet seen, and we’re very excited to present it to the market.”

Unmatched Speed, Double Capacity

A custom DLP projector uses high-intensity light to reduce cure times, improving speed and efficiency. Dynamic Light Control adjusts light intensity for each individual layer, leading to increased accuracy. A self-monitoring, heated tank that keeps liquid resin at the perfect temperature to optimize the curing characteristics for each material. The larger build platform is perfectly flat and machined for optimal resin adhesion. The build surface can fit up to 21 full arches in vertical orientation and 7 in horizontal.

Software Integration and Automation

SprintRay Pro features an onboard, 6-core, touchscreen computer that lets you select parameters, set print queues, and get on-board help. Print files directly from a USB drive after approving them via the printer’s onboard touchscreen. Now clinicians can automatically close intraoral scans without having to use 3 rd party software. Editable supports, automatic parts labeling, and printability detector make printing a breeze for large batch jobs and single, high-detail pieces alike.

Built to Last

SprintRay Pro is built with a machined aluminum chassis for durability and extreme dimensional accuracy. Super-strong PMMA polymers form the UV-blocking swivel cover, and a layer of tempered glass keeps the projector safe from resin spills. Visit https://www.https://sprintray.com/pro-desktop-3dprinter for more information.

About SprintRay

SprintRay is a Los Angeles-based technology company that designs, manufactures, and supports 3D printers for digital dentistry. Their products empower dentists to provide faster, higher-quality care for their patients. Founded in 2014 with the mission of improving lives through 3D printing, SprintRay is the only 3D printing company that provides a complete, end-to-end user experience for dental professionals.

VITA North America is pleased to announce that it has hired prominent sales director Spencer Ellena as its new Director of Channel Management. Spencer has been tapped to strengthen and build on VITA’s existing dealer network and to foster renewed energy for the VITA North America brand.

“We are excited to have Spencer Ellena as our new Director of Channel to continue to build great partnerships with our valued dealer network,” says Greg Rome, VITA North America’s Director of Sales. “We consider our dealer partners to be an extension of the VITA family, and look forward to having Spencer help galvanize those already strong relations.”

Well known for his positive and infectious attitude, Ellena will be working with many of the industry professionals with whom he’s forged relationships as a decade-long healthcare and dental industry executive to drive a number of initiatives for VITA’s industry-leading products. In addition to previous sales roles with the Danaher, Kavo Kerr Group and Hu-Friedy, Ellena also serves as an advisor for the Chicago Dental Society Foundation, Oral Health America, and Children’s Place Association.

Supported by a strong internal team of outside sales, tele-sales, marketing and education efforts, Ellena will be responsible for driving strategic partnerships with VITA’s respected dealer network. Along with his considerable management expertise, Ellena has garnered a number of accolades for his sales and marketing acumen, including Sales Rep of the Year, Region of the Year, and Achiever of the Year, to name a few.

“Spencer brings a great and unique skill and mindset with him, which he combines with years of experience in the industry, technical knowledge, and a very dynamic and professional personality,” says Patrick Bayer, Vice President, Sales and Marketing for VITA North America. “We look forward to working together to bring better services and solutions to our channel partners to develop our common businesses.”

Strategic Data Marketing (SDM) and Northcoast Data Analytics announced today the merger of their business operations to service the dental industry as a stronger, unified, one-stop source for all dental marketing, sales, and research data. The two companies, each with varying industry data expertise, will now offer an expanded portfolio of services in the areas of quantitative and qualitative market research. The merged company will operate under “SDM Northcoast, LLC”, with principal place of business at 301 Route 17 North, Suite 701, Rutherford, New Jersey 07070. Ed Snyder, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Northcoast Data Analytics, will serve as Chief Executive Officer of the combined company and will be a member of the Board of Directors. Paul Seid, President of SDM will also serve on the Board of Directors for the combined company. Paul Seid, President of SDM said, “I could not be more excited about our merger with Northcoast Data Analytics. Ed Snyder’s distinctive background, and vast working knowledge as a seasoned dental market research analyst, combined with his established business relationships in the dental industry will be a tremendous asset to our customers.”

Ed Snyder said, “I’m very excited to lead SDM Northcoast into the future and to play an active role in helping our dental customers accelerate their growth rates. Paul Seid has spent 25 years building SDM into the bellwether for dental market data. I’m excited to build on that strong foundation and further improve the products and services for our customers.”

The SDM Northcoast merger agreement has been finalized. Financial terms have not been disclosed.

About Strategic Data Marketing

SDM was established in 1994, and has serviced the dental industries in the US, Canada, and the United Kingdom, as the foremost provider of qualitative and quantitative research services. The company is primarily recognized for its publication of dental market share trends (DPMSS) for thousands of products. The reports are amassed from the contributed monthly retail sales data of many dental supply distributors. Our objective is to help our clients understand the needs and purchasing decisions of dentists, their primary customers.

About Northcoast Data Analytics

Northcoast Data Analytics launched in July 2018 as a provider of qualitative and quantitative data for the dental industry. Snyder has more than 25 years of experience in the dental industry as an institutional equity research analyst and has served as a Principal, Managing Director, and Senior Equity Research Analyst at Northcoast Research. Snyder has been ranked as a 5-star institutional equity analyst by Zacks, and in 2016 he was awarded the Thomson Reuters Analyst Award as the #1 Earnings Estimator in the Health Care Equipment & Supplies industry. Incisal Edge also named Ed Snyder as one of The 32 Most Influential People in Dentistry in 2017 and 2018.

Ivoclar Vivadent and the National Association of Dental Laboratories (NADL) joined forces to raise funds to support the Foundation for Dental Laboratory Technology by giving folks the chance to win “The Spirit of the Esthetic Revolution™” – a 1995 Harley-Davidson® Softail Classic motorcycle donated by Ivoclar Vivadent, Inc.

Over 700 tickets were sold and the campaign raised $15,000 to help support the Foundation for Dental Laboratory Technology’s scholarship and grant programs to dental technicians looking to further their education and enhance their skills within the restorative dental field.

The fundraising campaign culminated at the 2019 NADL Vision 21 Meeting, where the winning name was drawn on the main stage. Kyler Meteer of Laguna Hills, CA, was the winner of the 1995 Harley-Davidson® Softail Classic motorcycle. 

“We truly appreciate our friends at Ivoclar Vivadent and their CEO Robert Ganley for their generosity in donating 'The Spirit of the Esthetic Revolution™' to help raise funds for the Foundation,” said Foundation Chair Gary Iocco. “We are grateful for their support.”

Last year, vhf's made-in-Germany dental milling machines were met with great interest from the US trade public. Now this audience will get a chance to see the futuristic dental milling machine Z4 at the Midwinter Meeting of the Chicago Dental Society from February 21 to 23, 2019. The Z4 is a sophisticated milling and grinding machine that allows restorations to be fabricated within minutes. Users benefit from first-class quality restorations and surprisingly intuitive operation.

The trade journal LMT will also be inviting visitors to Chicago for Lab Day from February 22 to 23. With the high-end machine R5, a highly automated milling and grinding machine with a tenfold blank changer for wet and dry machining will be exhibited – bringing revolutionary approaches to the production of dental prostheses. In a minimal footprint, it combines utmost precision with maximum stability capable of handling any material. With the new K5+, on the other hand, dry milling is even more convenient: processing a particularly wide range of materials and indications with five axes, users will benefit from the tool-free blank fixer and integrated ionizer.

The vhf machines will not only be on display at the company’s own booths, however, but also at the booths manned by sales partners Jensen, Pearson, and Talladium, as well as two new distributors who will be announced on the first day of the trade show. The CEO of vhf Inc., Dr. Nicolas Rohde, is excited about the cooperation with the American dental specialists: “We are extremely pleased with our partners who are helping us meet the high demand for our high-quality desktop milling machines in the US. First-class customer service, training, and support are our top priorities – and this focus is greatly appreciated by our customers in the US and throughout the world.”

Visitors can get to know the Z4 at the CDS Midwinter Meeting at the vhf booth 4918. During LMT Lab Day Chicago, vhf will be showcasing the R5 and K5+ at booth M-28. Partner booths at both trade shows can be found in the respective trade show maps.