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Carestream Dental and MouthWatch to Deliver an Enhanced Teledentistry Solution During COVID-19 Pandemic

Posted on Tuesday, March 31, 2020

Doctors who use Carestream Dental’s digital imaging and practice management solutions will soon have greater access to the TeleDent teledentistry platform from MouthWatch thanks to a new partnership.

As seen in recent weeks, the coronavirus makes it extremely difficult to see patients directly in the office. However, having the ability to connect remotely with patients is an ideal way to communicate without the close physical contact. Teledentistry* provides an easy alternative for patients to connect and receive timely help and professional advice.

The TeleDent solution makes it possible for existing patients to contact the office if they have a question or dental emergency. The platform enables live streaming video consultations to facilitate remote treatment planning, supervision and collaboration in real-time and asynchronously at the provider’s convenience.

“Carestream Dental is excited to be partnering with MouthWatch and their innovative TeleDent software.” Ed Shellard, D.M.D., chief dental officer, Carestream Dental, said. “This partnership helps deliver a much-needed solution in light of the COVID-19 pandemic so practices can interact with patients remotely.”

“At MouthWatch, we believe in providing market leading solutions,” Brant Herman, MouthWatch founder and CEO, MouthWatch, said. “Collaborating with a partner, such as Carestream Dental, enables us to do just that. Their technological expertise aligns with our commitment to providing practices with turnkey teledentistry solutions.”

To learn more about Carestream Dental, visit carestreamdental.com. For more information on MouthWatch, visit mouthwatch.com

Please register at carestreamdental.com/teledentistry to receive more information.

*Teledentistry policies vary by state and reimbursement policies vary by insurance carrier. Please check with your state and carrier for the most current policies.

About Carestream Dental

Carestream Dental is committed to transforming dentistry, simplifying technology and changing lives. In this pursuit, we focus on providing the latest in high-quality scanning technology, the smartest chairside systems, the most intuitive practice management software, incredibly accurate imaging software and the data intelligence that helps continually refine patient outcomes. And we offer these solutions for the full range of dental and oral health professionals. For more information please visit carestreamdental.com.

About MouthWatch

MouthWatch, LLC is a leader in innovative clinician-focused teledentistry solutions, digital case presentation tools and intraoral imaging devices. The company is dedicated to finding new ways to constantly improve the dental health experience for both patient and provider. 







KaVo Imaging Sensor Portfolio Now Directly Integrates With Eaglesoft® Advanced Imaging

Posted on Monday, March 30, 2020

Hatfield, PA. All KaVo and DEXIS digital intraoral sensors now directly integrate with imaging software platform, Eaglesoft Advanced Imaging, at no additional cost to the end user. Acquire industry-leading images using your DEXIS™ Titanium by KaVo or all-new KaVo IXS™ sensors directly in Eaglesoft, without the need for a bridge or any additional software modules.

“It is our top priority to meet customers where they are without disrupting their current imaging software preferences,” said Jordan Reiss, Director of Product Management, KaVo Imaging, North America. “We look forward to giving Eaglesoft customers ease of access to our line of high-quality sensor products and supporting them along their journey of providing top dental care to their patients.”

The Eaglesoft integration works through a free software driver, called GxPicture (download here). Customers simply plug in the DEXIS Titanium or KaVo IXS sensor into their computer to install the calibration files, which are stored on the sensor itself – making it easy to implement. Within Eaglesoft, once the sensor is activated, the user can begin using the sensor to acquire images. It really is that easy. For more information, please watch this helpful tutorial video.

Experience industry-leading image quality, durable engineering, and a no-questions-asked, unconditional replacement warranty. To learn more or see a demonstration in your office, please visit kavo.com or call 888-ASK-KAVO.

About KaVo Kerr

KaVo Kerr is a premier dental solutions provider committed to exceptional customer experience.  Established in 2016, KaVo Kerr combines two global leaders with a long history of innovation and commitment to Dental Excellence and a common purpose of enabling healthy, beautiful smiles.  The KaVo Kerr portfolio of dental diagnosis and treatment solutions includes restoratives, digital imaging solutions, treatment units, rotary instruments, laboratory equipment, infection prevention and practice education. For more information, visit www.KaVoKerr.com, like us at www.Facebook.com/KaVoKerr, and follow us at www.Instagram.com/kavokerr.







Intl Digital Dentistry Academy Offers Free Webinars

Posted on Monday, March 30, 2020

The International Digital Dental Academy (IDDA) announced the launch of what it calls “the biggest charity drive we have ever done,” the IDDA SAVE The Future Of Dentistry Webinars.

These webinars over the next 3 weeks will be free, starting today at 7:30 PM, at 3dprintcovid19.com. Speakers

include Adam Nulty, Chris Lefkaditis, Patrik Zachrisson, Quintus Van Tonder, Amit Patel, Jan Hajto, Dimitris Liolios, Eimear Keenan, Eric Kukucka, Thomas Sealey, Todd Ehrlich, August de Oliveira, Ralph Georg, Adrienne Slevin, Agnieszka Kulik, Pawel Paskiewicz, Martin Attariani, Nilesh Parmar, Carl Fenwick, Miladinov Milos, Douglas Watt, Marcos White, Dan Shaffer, David Claridge, Hossam Dawa, Mark Bishara, Federica Antollenini, Hugo Patrao, Ray Rophie, Lino Adolf, Niraj Kinariwala, and Pierre Arnaud de Baritault.

All webinars will be in support of the 3D Printing COVID-19 Parts Initiative

“We have had some incredible support from hundreds of technicians from the U.K. and abroad,” the IDDA says in a statement, “but we need to step things up. We are registering this 100%-not-for-profit cause as an independent and full charity with full documented structure and spend. “

While the webinars are provided free of charge, viewers are encouraged to donate to the IDDA’s charity drive to raise capital, with 100% of donations going toward the purchase of materials and to help to pay for the coordination and production of PPE masks, PPE visors, Ventilator Parts, Ventilator Masks, and shipping to get the parts to the front lines. Click here to donate: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/idda-3d-printing-initiative?utm_term=GR5v7MWBG

Any leftover proceeds will be split between LovingByGiving and Bridge2Aid

The IDDA which is based in the UK but has groups associated around the globe, says in a statement:

“As a community of over 13,000 digital dentists and technicians who have 3D printing capabilities, we could produce parts for the front line in the fight against COVID-19. These 3D printers can print in a wide range of materials—even biocompatible.

“We can help coordinate these dentists and technicians to improve the production capabilities of the UK and indeed

foreign countries in an initiative to help the NHS/medical services in general to save lives with providing ventilators, intubators, and general parts needed in the fight against COVID-19.

“We’ve had a few hundred responses from individuals and companies all ready to go and who have the combined power of printing thousands of parts per day.

“Finally and importantly, we now have several hundred printers ready to go and have our first parts ready.

The Venturi valve that was in much shortage in Europe, ventilator splitters, masks, and visors.

“Please let us know if we can help, or indeed if you can use our production capacity in another form.

“Stay safe!”

For those interested in becoming an IDDA Certificated member, the academy has discounted the IDDA.org membership by 50% for the next 3 months with the code "COVID19" when joining. Members can then rewatch the lectures at their leisure.

 







NADL to Host Free COVID-19 Webinar

Posted on Friday, March 27, 2020

The National Association of Dental Laboratories will host a free webinar, "COVID-19 Safety and Infection Protection Guidance for Dental Laboratories," presented by Mary A. Bartlett and Gary D. Morgan, on April 1 from 2-3 PM.

Bartlett and Morgan, both of Safelink Consulting, Inc., will review the COVID-19 safety concerns that they have been addressing with their dental laboratory clients over the past several weeks. The course will allow ample time for questions and answers.

The webinar has been approved for 1 hour of Regulatory Standards CE credit through the National Board for Certification (NBC). Due to the potential high demand and limited space within the webinar platform, only the first 500 registrants will be able to attend the live version of the webinar. However, the NADL will make a recording available at no charge approximately 2 to 3 days after the webinar.

To register, click here.







NADL Issues Guidance on CARES Act

Posted on Friday, March 27, 2020

The National Association of Dental Laboratories (NADL) issued guidance on key provisions for dental laboratories in the CARES Act, which recently passed in the Senate.

These include provisions involving Small Business Administration (SBA) loans, withdrawal of money from retirement funds, federal student loan payments, employer shares of Social Security tax, emergency unemployment compensation benefits, and more.

For the full report from the NADL, click here.







Carbon to Host Free COVID-19 Discussion

Posted on Thursday, March 26, 2020

In response to COVID-19, Carbon will digitally host a free online chat between dental laboratory thought-leaders to help dental laboratory professionals navigate through the uncertainty of these unprecedented times.

The webinar will be Tuesday, March 31 from 12-1 PM. Attendees will learn about resources available to small businesses, suggestions on how to handle your team, short- and medium-term plans to survive in this turbulent environment, and strategies to ramp up production to meet customer needs once this crisis ends. Carbon's David Moehlman will moderate a discussion with Megan Nakanishi, Conrad Rensburg, and Ashley Byrne.

To register, click here.

 







International Expert Symposium 2020 Goes Virtual

Posted on Thursday, March 26, 2020

Ivoclar Vivadent is shifting its International Expert Symposium 2020 on 12th and 13th June to an online format.

Succeeding together in tomorrow’s dentistry – under this motto, Ivoclar Vivadent is inviting customers and partners to this year's International Expert Symposium, which will allow them to explore the opportunities and possibilities available for everyday work. In an online format, insight into the latest dental topics will be provided in an interactive and entertaining way: Participants can expect new, exciting impressions, inspiration, and interesting facts – presented by dental experts from all over the world.

“We’re convinced that this decision is the right path for us. As an innovative and reliable partner, we want to fulfil our philosophy and meet our customers’ needs in providing first-hand information about the latest trends and developments in the dental world, even in this challenging time. By hosting the IES 2020 as an online event, we are taking the current situation into consideration and at the same time providing our customers and partners with an attractive platform,” explains CEO Diego Gabathuler.







With half of adults over 65 lacking dental insurance, poll finds strong support for universal Medicare dental benefit

Posted on Thursday, March 26, 2020

 

Oral care coverage acts as a strong draw for enrolling in Medicare Advantage plans, National Poll on Healthy Aging finds


Nearly all older Americans support adding a dental benefit to the Medicare program that covers most people over age 65, according to a new national poll that also reveals how often costs get in the way of oral health for older adults.

Ninety-three percent of people between the ages of 65 and 80 favor including dental coverage in traditional Medicare, though the percentage dropped to 59% when they were asked if they’d favor it even if they had to pay more for their Medicare benefits

Just over half of the older adults polled (53%) said they currently have dental coverage. Half of this group are covered as employees or retirees, or spouses of employees.

Another quarter said they have dental coverage because they’ve chosen to get their Medicare coverage through a Medicare Advantage plan offered by a commercial insurance company. In fact, 72% of those with Medicare Advantage coverage said they’d chosen their plan in part because it covered dental care.

Whether they had insurance or not, cost plays a role in dental decisions, the poll finds. One in five of the older adults polled said they had delayed getting dental care, or gone without it, in the past two years.

The majority of these respondents said cost, or insurance problems, played a role in this decision. Those without dental insurance, and those with lower incomes, were more likely to say they’d delayed or gone without oral care.

The new results come from the National Poll on Healthy Aging, carried out by the University of Michigan Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation with support from AARP and Michigan Medicine, U-M’s academic medical center. It involved a national sample of more than 1,030 adults aged 65 to 80 who answered a range of questions about their own oral health and dental health policy.

“These results suggest that health care providers and policymakers should seek solutions to better identify and address how cost and other factors act as barriers to dental care among older adults,” says Domenica Sweier, Ph.D., D.D.S.

Sweier, a clinical associate professor at the U-M School of Dentistry, helped develop the poll questions and analyze the results. She adds that as providers and policy makers continue to seek solutions, “This will be important to preventing health and social consequences of unmet oral health needs in this population.”

Differences across the over-50 age range

previous National Poll on Healthy Aging report looked at dental health, including insurance and cost factors, among people in their 50s and early 60s. Only one in four of those polled said they lacked dental insurance, but half said they did not know how they would get dental coverage after they retired and some assumed that traditional Medicare would cover their dental care needs.

“Across the spectrum of ages, dental care and coverage vary, and cost plays a major role,” says Preeti Malani, M.D., director of the poll and a professor of internal medicine at U-M with special training in the care of older adults. “We know that poor oral health can affect everything from social interactions to eligibility for surgery, so it’s important for health professionals as well as policymakers to understand what older adults are experiencing.”

One in four of the adults over 65 polled (27%) said they were embarassed by the condition of the teeth, and about the same percentage rated their overall dental health as fair or poor.

The role of dental care costs

One in three hadn’t been to the dentist for preventive care such as a cleaning in at least a year. When the research team cross-referenced this with household income, they found that those with incomes over $60,000 were nearly twice as likely as those with incomes less than $30,000 to have gone to the dentist in the past year.

Nearly half of the poll sample (46%) said they were missing teeth but didn’t have a denture or implant to fill the gap.

“Coverage of dental care, as well as vision and hearing care, is critical for the long-term health of our population” says Alison Bryant, Ph.D., senior vice president of research for AARP.  “Even simple teeth cleanings may not be affordable to seniors living on fixed incomes, so having coverage for dental benefits may help address that problem.”

The poll also shines additional light on the growing body of evidence linking oral health and overall health and wellbeing. Those who said their overall physical or mental health were fair or poor also visited the dentist’s office less often, and were more likely to say their oral health was poor. Problems with dry mouth related to medication use, and challenges eating a healthy diet because of untreated dental problems, could make these issue worse, says Malani.

The National Poll on Healthy Aging results are based on responses from a nationally representative sample of 1,039 adults aged 65 to 80 who answered a wide range of questions online. Questions were written, and data interpreted and compiled, by the IHPI team. Laptops and Internet access were provided to poll respondents who did not already have them.

A full report of the findings and methodology is available at www.healthyagingpoll.org, along with past National Poll on Healthy Aging reports.







Teeth Serve as “Archive of Life,” New Research Finds

Posted on Thursday, March 26, 2020

 

Findings Have Implications for Studying Evolution of Menopause, Birth Patterns, and Offspring Rearing of Earlier Humans

Teeth constitute a permanent and faithful biological archive of the entirety of the individual’s life, from tooth formation to death, a team of researchers has found. Its work provides new evidence of the impact that events, such as reproduction and imprisonment, have on an organism.

“Our results make clear that the skeleton is not a static organ, but rather a dynamic one,” explains Paola Cerrito, a doctoral candidate in NYU’s Department of Anthropology and College of Dentistry and the lead author of the paper, which appears in the journal Scientific Reports.

The paper’s other authors include Shara Bailey, a professor in NYU’s Department of Anthropology, Bin Hu, an associate research scientist at NYU’s College of Dentistry, and Timothy Bromage, a professor at NYU’s College of Dentistry.

The research focused on cementum, the dental tissue that covers the tooth’s root. It begins to form annual layers—similar to a tree’s “rings”—from the time the tooth surfaces in the mouth.

“The discovery that intimate details of a person’s life are recorded in this little-studied tissue, promises to bring cementum straight into the center of many current debates concerning the evolution of human life history,” says Bromage.

The Scientific Reports study tested the hypothesis that physiologically impactful events—such as reproduction and menopause in females and incarceration and systemic illnesses in both males and females—leave permanent changes in the microstructure of cementum and that such changes can be accurately timed.

“The cementum’s microstructure, visible only through microscopic examination, can reveal the underlying organization of the fibers and particles that make up the material of this part of the tooth,” notes Cerrito, who obtained her bachelor’s degree at Sapienza University of Rome.

In their work, the scientists examined nearly 50 human teeth, aged 25 to 69, drawn from a skeletal collection with known medical history and lifestyle data, such as age, illnesses, and movement (e.g., from urban to rural environments). Much of this information was obtained from the subjects’ next of kin. They then used a series of imaging techniques that illuminated cementum bands, or rings, and linked each of these bands to different life stages, revealing connections between tooth formation and other occurrences.

“A tooth is not a static and dead portion of the skeleton,” observes Cerrito. “It continuously adjusts and responds to physiological processes.

“Just like tree rings, we can look at ‘tooth rings’: continuously growing layers of tissue on the dental root surface. These rings are a faithful archive of an individual's physiological experiences and stressors from pregnancies and illnesses to incarcerations and menopause that all leave a distinctive permanent mark.”

The research was supported by a grant from the National Science Foundation (BCS-1062680) as well as by a Max Planck Research Award.







Study shows commonly used mouthwash could make saliva significantly more acidic

Posted on Thursday, March 26, 2020

The first study looking at the effect of chlorhexidine mouthwash on the entire oral microbiome has found its use significantly increases the abundance of lactate-producing bacteria that lower saliva pH, and may increase the risk of tooth damage.

A team led by Dr Raul Bescos from the University of Plymouth's Faculty of Health gave a placebo mouthwash to subjects for seven days, followed by seven days of a chlorhexidine mouthwash.

At the end of each period, the researchers carried out an analysis of the abundance and diversity of the bacteria in the mouth - the oral microbiome - as well as measuring pH, saliva buffering capacity (the ability to neutralise acids in the mouth), lactate, glucose, nitrate and nitrite concentrations.

The research, published in Scientific Reports today, found using chlorhexidine mouthwash over the seven days led to a greater abundance of species within the families of Firmicutes and Proteobacteria, and fewer Bacteroidetes, TM7 and Fusobacteria. This change was associated with an increase in acidity, seen in lower salivary pH and buffering capacity.

Overall, chlorhexidine was found to reduce microbial diversity in the mouth, although the authors cautioned more research was needed to determine if this reduction in diversity itself increased the risk of oral disease.

One of the primary roles of saliva is to maintain a neutral pH in the mouth, as acidity levels fluctuate as a result of eating and drinking. If saliva pH gets too low, damage can occur to the teeth and mucosa - tissue surrounding the teeth and on the inside of the mouth.

The research also confirmed findings from previous studies indicating that chlorhexidine disrupted the ability of oral bacteria to turn nitrate into nitrite, a key molecule for reducing blood pressure. Lower saliva and blood plasma nitrite concentrations were found after using chlorhexidine mouthwash, followed by a trend of increased systolic blood pressure. The findings supported earlier research led by the University that showed the blood pressure-lowering effect of exercise is significantly reduced when people rinse their mouths with antibacterial mouthwash rather than water.

Dr Bescos said: "There is a surprising lack of knowledge and literature behind the use of these products. Chlorhexidine mouthwash is widely used but research has been limited to its effect on a small number of bacteria linked to particular oral diseases, and most has been carried out in vitro.

"We believe this is the first study to look at the impact of 7-day use on the whole oral microbiome in human subjects."

Dr Zoe Brookes and Dr Louise Belfield, Lecturers in the Peninsula Dental School at the University of Plymouth, are co-authors of the study.

Dr Belfield said: "We have significantly underestimated the complexity of the oral microbiome and the importance of oral bacteria in the past. Traditionally the view has been that bacteria are bad and cause diseases. But we now know that the majority of bacteria - whether in the mouth or the gut - are essential for sustaining human health."

Dr Brookes added: "As dental clinicians, we need more information on how mouthwashes alter the balance of oral bacteria, so we can prescribe them correctly. This paper is an important first step in achieving this.

"In the face of the recent COVID-19 outbreak many dentists are now using chlorhexidine as a pre-rinse before doing dental procedures. We urgently need more information on how it works on viruses"

The study was carried out by a team from the University of Plymouth's Institute of Health and Community, Peninsula Dental School, Peninsula Medical School and School of Biological and Marine Sciences, along with colleagues from Bishop Grosseteste University and University of the West of Scotland.







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