If they want to win, elite and amateur athletes need to make their oral health a top priority.

FDI World Dental Federation (FDI) couldn't agree more. Today the organization released a series of sports dentistry resources for amateur and elite athletes, dentists and sports medicine physicians, and sports organizations. The release coincides with a packed summer sports season, including the FIFA Women's World Cup France 2019, the Roland-Garros (French Open) finals, and the start of the US Open (golf), to name a few.

Oral injury or trauma are not the only dental dilemmas that arise while practicing sports:

Sports-related stress can lead to dehydration, dry mouth, and teeth-grinding.

Energy beverages and certain foods and supplements contain added sugars and acidic ingredients, which can cause caries and increase the risk of gum disease and tooth erosion.

A dental emergency – such as a gum abscess, infected tooth, or wisdom tooth eruption – before a competition can impair performance or even prevent the athlete from participating at all.

"A healthy mouth contributes to a healthy body. We don't always consider the disastrous effects of poor oral on overall health and athletic success," said FDI President Dr Kathryn Kell. "We want to build upon this understanding and make sure it's part of the conversation between sports medicine physicians and their patients."

Ignoring oral health impacts athletic performance in several significant ways:

-Poor oral health affects quality of life and well-being, two key elements for strong athletic performance.

-Tooth decay and gum disease can cause or maintain inflammations and infections in the body.

-Some athletes are also at an increased risk for oral and dental trauma and injuries when practicing contact and combat sports without proper protection.

FDI recommends wearing a mouthguard (custom-made is best) when engaging in contact sports, even if the sport is practiced occasionally. FDI also advises athletes to brush their teeth twice a day for two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste; visit the dentist at least once a year; counteract the effects of acidic and sugary energy foods and drinks by rinsing with water afterwards; and opt for water to stay hydrated throughout the day.

"We are proud to work with FDI to actively address athletes' oral health needs," said Marzia Massignani, senior manager of scientific affairs and corporate communications at Sunstar. "Whether you're an Olympian or out for a Sunday morning jog, your oral health impacts your performance. These resources will be shared widely with athletes, trainers, and health professionals to promote oral health and good oral hygiene practices for optimal athletic performance."

About FDI World Dental Federation

FDI is the main representative body for more than one million dentists worldwide, with a vision of leading the world to optimal oral health. Its membership comprises some 200 national member associations and specialist groups in over 130 countries. FDI is based in Geneva, Switzerland.

About SUNSTAR

SUNSTAR is a multinational company headquartered in Switzerland and founded in 1932 in Osaka, Japan. Under the motto "Always strive to help people everywhere achieve better health and enhance their quality-of-life," SUNSTAR continuously provides high-value-added products in the oral care, health & beauty, environment, and safety & high technology markets.

The American Dental Association (ADA) is aware of recently published research in The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) that examines opioid prescriptions written by dentists in the U.S. and England in 2016. The ADA continues to be dedicated to raising awareness and taking action on the opioid public health crisis.

Since 2011, the ADA has advocated to keep opioid pain relievers from harming dental patients and their families and worked to raise professional awareness on medication alternatives to opioids. A growing body of research supports ADA policy that dentists should consider prescribing non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) alone or in combination with acetaminophen over opioids as first-line therapy for acute pain management.

To combat opioid abuse, the ADA has urged all 163,000 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. 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 2018, 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.”

The ADA has also developed patient-friendly resources to inform the public that over-the-counter medication can often effectively relieve short-term dental pain.

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.

Learn more at ADA.org/opioids and MouthHealthy.org/opioids.

About the ADA

The not-for-profit ADA is the nation's largest dental association, representing 163,000 dentist members. The premier source of oral health information, the ADA has advocated for the public's health and promoted the art and science of dentistry since 1859. The ADA's state-of-the-art research facilities develop and test dental products and materials that have advanced the practice of dentistry and made the patient experience more positive. The ADA Seal of Acceptance long has been a valuable and respected guide to consumer dental care products. The monthly The Journal of the American Dental Association (JADA) is the ADA's flagship publication and the best-read scientific journal in dentistry. For more information about the ADA, visit ADA.org. For more information on oral health, including prevention, care and treatment of dental disease, visit the ADA's consumer website MouthHealthy.org 

The National Board for Certification in Dental Laboratory Technology (NBC) has announced that it will transition its written examinations entirely to computer-based testing with remote proctoring beginning January 1, 2020. This decision comes exactly one year after announcing that it would be offering its paper-based written examinations in this new computer-based testing with remote proctoring format in an effort to increase accessibility to its candidates.

“We have had such a positive response to the new computer-based testing option since its launch back in July 2018,” said NBC Chair Morris Fucarino, CDT. “Computer-based testing with remote proctoring presents a great opportunity for candidates to complete their CDT or RG written examinations online at a location, date, and time of their choosing.”

NBC is continuing its partnership with Assessment Systems Corporation to offer the CDT and RG written examinations online using a third-party remote proctor. It will also continue to offer its current paper-based format at volunteer locations until the end of 2019 as long as there are at least five candidates at that location. “With paper-based testing, candidates had to rely on volunteer host sites to be able to schedule a written examination, and that significantly limited people’s opportunity to test,” said NBC Vice Chair, Dennis Urban, CDT. “With computer-based testing, someone can test 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.”

There will be certain rules with computer-based testing to ensure the integrity of the process. For example, test takers will be required to select a 30-day testing window during which time they must schedule and complete their examination. Additionally, test takers will be required to test in a private location and no recording devices or test related materials may be on the desk or within reach of the test taker. Test takers must also have a computer available with a webcam, speakers, microphone, and internet access to be able to communicate with the remote online proctor. Most importantly, test takers will be required to complete a series of security protocols before, during, and after the examination.

“We knew when we launched computer-based testing that it was with the intent that we would consider phasing out traditional paper-based testing at some point in time,” said NBC Secretary/Fiscal Officer Mark Stueck, CDT. “Since the computer-based option offers a greater accessibility without compromising the security and integrity of the examinations, it was a unanimous decision to move in that direction. We are excited to continue to evolve as an organization and remove some of the barriers to becoming a CDT, while still upholding the Certified Dental Technician credential.”

The National Board for Certification in Dental Laboratory Technology was formed in 1955 as an independent certification organization dedicated to improving the quality of dental laboratory technology through voluntary testing and certification of dental laboratories and technicians. This is the only voluntary certification program for dental laboratory technicians recognized by the American Dental Association.

For additional information on becoming a CDT and the new computer-based testing option for the written examinations, please visit https://nbccert.org/certificants/certified-dental-technician/cdt-application.cfm or contact NBC by email at certification@nbccert.org or by phone at 800-684-5310.

Darby Dental Supply, one of the nation’s largest dental distributors, announced today that it has formed a strategic partnership with CareStack, an innovative technology company that has developed a revolutionary cloud-based software solution for dental practice management. CareStack’s groundbreaking software is the first of its kind, combining patient engagement, business analytics, integrated phone, revenue cycle management, charting, claims and scheduling onto a single platform while eliminating the need for practices to seek out multiple providers and navigate complicated, costly integrations. CareStack’s single-software solution provides a significant cost-savings over the patchwork of options most dentists are currently using.

This partnership further advances Darby’s position as a comprehensive solutions provider by adding another valuable resource to its growing range of services and fueling Darby’s commitment to helping its customers operate efficiently and profitably. CareStack’s all-in-one, cloud-based platform helps dental practices of all sizes better manage their clinical, financial and administrative workflows.

“As technology continues to transform the dental industry, the choice to partner with CareStack was a natural one. Darby aims to provide our customers with the most advanced and user-friendly solutions available,” said Michael Caputo, President of Darby Dental Supply. “To effectively manage their businesses, dental practices traditionally had to cobble together multiple software solutions, each requiring costly licenses, integration, support and updates. CareStack allows practitioners to leverage a single solution to increase practice productivity, optimize patient care, and communicate with their patients.”

“With CareStack, dental practices get a modern all-in-one solution on the cloud with advanced capabilities for centralization, automation, and analytics that provide more opportunities to maximize insurance reimbursement and enhance patient experience,” said Abhi Krishna, Co-Founder and CEO of CareStack. “Both Darby and CareStack share a deep, customer-centric culture and an undying commitment to elevate dental practices to the next level of financial success. Together we look to redefine dental practice management through our combined technology-led offerings.”

The collaboration with CareStack complements Darby’s growth strategy to expand its ecosystem of full-service solutions and cutting-edge technology. As customers seek out more convenient ordering channels and faster response times, Darby has invested in technological solutions to allow customers to personalize the way they do business. The company recently launched a new user-optimized website and mobile app, complete with an inventory management system.

About Darby Dental Supply

Darby Dental Supply, LLC, is one of the largest dental distributors in the United States, shipping over one million orders each year. Headquartered in Jericho, NY, the company was founded in 1948 and has expanded into seven sales offices and three fully-automated distribution centers strategically positioned across the country. As a low impact solutions provider, Darby gives general practitioners and specialty dental practices convenient access to over 50,000 products without interrupting daily workflow. By focusing on world-class service, dedicated customer care and a progressive spirit, Darby helps dental practices across the country operate more efficiently. In addition to physical products, Darby provides innovative and forward-thinking solutions such as a technology services division, capital equipment division, surgical division, equipment repair services and a full line of private label products. For more information, please visit darby.com.

About CareStack

CareStack’s mission is to give dental healthcare practitioners greater understanding and control over their fiscal health using cloud-based technology. CareStack is a unique enterprise practice management solution designed for dental practices, allowing them to run more efficient operations and deliver better patient dental care. To learn more, please visit carestack.com. 

Dental Student Clement Kairous was recently awarded the Rising Star Evy Award by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD). Kairouz was presented with his award during the 35th Annual AACD Annual Scientific Session’s Celebration of Excellence on April 27, 2019 in San Diego.

The AACD honors its most accomplished and dedicated professionals with Celebration of Excellence awards, also known as Evy awards. Evy recipients are first nominated for the award by their colleagues and then are selected by the Awards and Recognition Committee. Evy award winners represent the most exemplary and talented individuals within the AACD who are dedicated to advancing excellence in the art and science of cosmetic dentistry and to the highest standards of ethical patient care.

The Rising Star Award is given to an AACD member who shows the greatest leadership potential for the AACD or the cosmetic dentistry industry, regardless of their age or length of time within the profession.

Clement Kairouz only became an AACD member in April of 2018 and is currently a dental student at NYU. He joined the AACD to further his education in dentistry and was the first student member in history to be honored with an Evy Award. From day one, he took on an active leadership role at NYU College of Dentistry, including roles on class council, the Esthetics Club and Honors program. “Clement made a major contribution to the Esthetics Club with his involvement with the Esthetics Synposium NYU College of Dentistry hosted in 2018, setting the bar high for the years to come” says one of his fellow students. He also participated in global outreaches and has been on Leadership Retreats through the school. One of his many colleagues who nominated him said, “Clement has always taken the lead on many beneficial and educational Aesthetic programswithin our school and through that has provided valuable learning opportunities for both faculty and students.” Clement was chosen to be the recipient for this award because of his talents and passion for helping others grow. Whether it is a full mouth rehabilitation or an anterior composite restoration, his attention to detail and gift for cosmetic dentistry shines through.

For more information about AACD Celebration of Excellence awards, visit https://www.aacd.com/evy-awards.

About the AACD

The AACD is the world’s largest non-profit member organization dedicated to advancing excellence in comprehensive oral care, combining art and science to optimally improve dental health, esthetics, and function. Comprised of more than 5,000 cosmetic dental professionals in 70 countries worldwide, the AACD fulfills its mission by offering superior educational opportunities, promoting and supporting the respected Accreditation and Fellowship credentials, serving as a user-friendly and inviting forum for the creative exchange of knowledge and ideas, and providing accurate and useful information to the public and the profession.

Air Techniques, Inc., a leading innovator and manufacturer of dental equipment has announced the availability of SICAT applications for their ProVecta 3D Prime CBCT system. SICAT IMPLANT and SICAT Surgical Guides, will be available to ProVecta 3D Prime users for both, endodontic and implant treatments.

The ProVecta 3D Prime hybrid X-ray system generates 3D and 2D images in a unique 130mm x 85mm jaw-shaped anatomically adapted volume, including all treatment areas without imaging non-relevant anatomy. Thanks to the SICAT workflow solutions, practitioners with ProVecta 3D Prime benefit from diagnostics and planning in 3D with the easy to use SICAT software modules and the highly accurate SICAT Surgical Guides. These combined technologies help strengthen the competitiveness of today’s dental practice.

“Air Techniques offers a diverse product range for innovative, digital dentistry that improves the practitioners’ diagnostic capabilities and daily workflows,” said Christoph Roeer, Air Techniques’ Chief Executive Officer. “SICAT’s open software applications, provide ProVecta 3D Prime users with a precise, and accurate integrated solution for their practice.”

Founded in 2004, SICAT successfully develops and markets 3D-based analysis and planning software, surgical guides and therapeutic appliances for many dental disciplines at its headquarters based in Bonn, Germany – since more than 10 years. Since January 1st 2019, SICAT operates as a fully independent company. For more information,

Air Techniques’ strong product portfolio of utility systems, digital imaging and merchandise, are capable of equipping the smallest practice to the largest university or hospital. Consistently, Air Techniques remains the leading and largest manufacturer of dental air compressors and vacuum systems in North America.

For more information on Air Techniques, please visit www.airtechniques.com. Become a fan of Air Techniques on Facebook and follow the company on LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram.

Solmetex, LLC a leading global provider of amalgam separation technology and dental waste management solutions, is pleased to announce that Bill Gerety has been named as Vice President of Marketing & Customer Experience, a new position at Solmetex, reporting directly to President, Kevin Danahy. Gerety most recently served as VP of Marketing at Sirtex Medical Limited. Gerety brings more than 20 years of senior management experience in Marketing and Sales in the life sciences, consumer packaged goods and financial service industries.

“Bill has demonstrated excellence in his career in leading strategic marketing initiatives, establishing dominance in company / product branding and being a cutting-edge dynamic leader. I am confident that he will demonstrate greatness that will impact our partners, dealers, and customers. We are lucky to have Bill join our leadership team”. ~Kevin Danahy

Effective immediately, Gerety will be instrumental in developing the overall strategy for Solmetex, across marketing and customer experience/service initiatives. Gerety will be responsible for creating and executing innovative Marketing strategies, as well as, overseeing an exceptional Customer Service team which will be essential in transitioning a rapidly growing company to the next level while maintaining Solmetex' 25 years of on-going industry excellence.

"I am excited to join the world-class team at Solmetex. The leadership and talent at Solmetex, history of innovative technology, and commitment to its customers, provide a solid foundation for our future growth and success. I look forward to working with all the teams at Solmetex, as well as the customer-partners we serve, as we continue to develop and market novel solutions.” ~Bill Gerety

Solmetex has been the industry leader in the manufacturing of amalgam separators for over 25 years within the dental industry, with a primary focus on keeping dental practices compliant with the ever-changing regulatory environment. The Hg5 series of amalgam separators are ISO 11143 certified, accompanied with a simple recycling and compliance program that meets all EPA dental regulation requirements on the handling and disposing of amalgam waste within the dental practice.

For more information, please contact Solmetex 800-216-5505 or visit www.solmetex.com.

Komet USA LLC is pleased to announce a new partnership with Clinical Research Dental Supplies & Services, Inc., appointing the Canadian company as a distributor for the renowned array of precision-engineered Komet® burs and diamonds, endodontic instruments, finishers, polishers, and other essential instruments and accessories. Clinical Research Dental is the exclusive Canadian distributor for dental brands Clinician’s Choice, Ultradent, Cosmedent, Bioclear, Triodent, Angelus, ContacEZ, and Ribbond.

“Joining the Clinical Research Dental family was an easy decision for us, as they are well-known for being excellent consultants to their Canadian dental community. It’s important for us to have a strong technical partner representing the Komet brand, and we’re excited to see how our brand will grow with Clinical Research Dental’s support,” says Todd Blanton, CEO of Komet USA. He adds, “Since 1923, we’ve remained at the very forefront of dental innovation. That’s really the heart and soul of Komet. By partnering with users, Key Opinion Leaders, and universities and colleges around the world, we work every day to advance the science of dentistry, developing new instruments for new techniques and materials—and even adopting and adapting techniques that originated in adjacent sectors such as the medical field.”

Peter Jordan, President of Clinical Research Dental, notes, “Designed and manufactured in Germany, Komet diamond and tungsten carbide burs have always been known for being of the highest quality. We are pleased to represent the Komet line in Canada, and our philosophy of “Teaching Better Dentistry,” as supported by our highly trained technical sales and service team, merges well with Komet’s commitment to helping dental professionals find the perfect combination of instruments for their practices.”

About Komet USA

Currently celebrating more than 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 and delivers 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 its partnership with Clinical Research Dental Supplies & Services, Inc., call 888-566-3887 or visit www.kometusa.com.

Offering protection and security that far exceeds plastic cases with snap closures, SmileGoods SafeCase Retainer Tins have vented screw-on lids that cannot open by accident. Made from anodized aluminum, SafeCases are also stronger by design than plastic to provide superior protection for expensive retainers, aligners, and other dental appliances. Slim, compact cases slip easily into pocket or purse. 12 black and 12 silver cases per box.

For 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.

Dentsply Sirona introduces new Hemoban™ Gel 25% Aluminum Chloride Hemostatic Solution. Via a combination of composition, viscosity, and delivery, Hemoban™ Gel solution is designed to provide quick hemostasis during critical direct and indirect procedures. Hemoban™ Gel solution’s patented 25% aluminum chloride clear gel formulation is delivered through an infusor tip to provide easy handling and quick results. With a tissue-kind silica formula that is simple to rinse without leaving residue or stains, Hemoban™ Gel solution will be a valuable complement to any dental office.

Simpler Procedure. No secondary bleeding*

Hemostasis is essential to isolation and tissue management. In critical procedures like final impression taking (digital or conventional) where secondary bleeding is the number one challenge to impression quality, hemostasis should be predictable and lasting. Hemoban™ Gel solution quickly stops initial bleeding and, through its gel formulation and unique lubricating effect in the sulcus, allows for simplified packing and removal of retraction cord—reducing the risk of re-occurring bleeding.

Better placement. Easy rinsing*

Simple syringe delivery and innovative infusor tips make Hemoban™ Gel solution a convenient spreadable non-drip gel that can be precisely placed and remain where placed to further enhance hemostasis. When rinsing, the patented formula leaves no residue and does not stain teeth or soft tissue, further simplifying the work clinicians perform each day.

Clinically Proven*

When using Hemoban™ Gel solution compared to their current products and techniques, more than 90% of the clinicians reported a reduced risk of secondary bleeding during final impression taking. More than 95% of clinicians attributed Hemoban™ Gel to helping them achieve clinically desirable impressions. And all clinicians report Hemoban™ Gel solution to be kind to tissue, helping them ensure continuous tissue management.

For use during a variety of dental procedures

Hemoban™ Gel solution is indicated for use across multiple dental procedures:

• Final impressions—digital or conventional

• Provisional removal & final cementation

• Direct restorations

• Preventive procedures

Visit www.singleunitrestorations.com/hemoban to learn more.

ML750012M (5/3/19) *Data on file