Convergent Dental, developer of Solea®, the world's first laser to enable reliably anesthesia-free, pain-free dentistry, announced it has completed a $40M Series C funding round. The investment is led by Arboretum Ventures, with participation from existing investors, including Long River Ventures and the Gund Foundation.

Solea is the number one selling all-tissue laser in dentistry. This breakthrough technology enables virtually any cavity to be treated without anesthesia and soft tissue (gum) surgeries to be completed with little to no anesthesia, bleeding or sutures. In addition, Convergent Dental recently launched Solea Sleep, a painless, non-surgical treatment for snoring that works by tightening tissue in the soft palate in a simple 5-minute treatment. Dentists who use Solea experience significant practice growth as a result of the drill-free, needle-free patient experience and the new procedures that they can perform.

"We are excited to have completed this round of funding," said Michael Cataldo, Chief Executive Officer of Convergent Dental. "It will enable us to drive even more growth by expanding our product portfolio and increasing our investment in market development."

The lead investor, Arboretum Ventures, specializes in the healthcare sector, investing in companies that improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare costs. Solea is a perfect fit. Convergent Dental will invest funds from this round to accelerate the development of new product capabilities and bolster its already strong sales performance.

"Convergent is on its way to revolutionizing general dentistry, moving beyond 'the needle and the drill' to a much improved patient experience. We are very excited to be part of the journey," said Tim Petersen, Founder & Managing Partner of Arboretum Ventures.

ABOUT CONVERGENT DENTAL

Convergent Dental, Inc. (https://www.convergentdental.com/) is a privately owned dental equipment and technology company. The Company's flagship product, Solea®, is the only CO2 laser to be cleared by the FDA for all-tissue indications and delivers an anesthesia-free, blood-free, suture-free experience that you can count on. Solea is a true breakthrough in dental laser technology that offers a completely different experience for both dentists and patients when compared to traditional instruments or any earlier laser treatment. Solea enables increased new patient flow, better clinical outcomes, significant efficiency gains, and new procedures.

“Today’s announcement is a huge disappointment to all those who care so deeply about creating a more equitable health system.”

CareQuest Institute for Oral Health, a leading national organization focused on improving oral health for all, expressed disappointment in the reconciliation framework announced today that does not include a Medicare dental benefit, despite massive support for the program among the American people.

Strengthening Medicare by including dental coverage, as discussed over the last several months as a deal was being negotiated, would represent a giant step toward improving health equity, access, and outcomes for seniors and people with disabilities. The decision to leave this program out of the reconciliation bill will only exacerbate existing disparities and troubling trends:

● According to the CDC, one in five adults aged 65 years or older have untreated tooth decay or have lost all their teeth and more than two in three older adults have gum disease.

● In 2018, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation, almost half of all Medicare beneficiaries did not have a dental visit, with higher rates among those who are Black (68%), Hispanic (61%), or have low incomes (73%).

● Twenty percent of rural seniors have not seen a dentist in more than five years.

● Poor oral health has a direct impact on overall health and is associated with increased risk of chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, respiratory illness, and Alzheimer’s.

A recent CareQuest Institute poll revealed that eight in 10 voters favored the inclusion of dental benefits in Medicare. CareQuest Institute and its long-standing partners have been fiercely advocating for the dental benefit inclusion, including the launch of a significant digital campaign in 16 key states and convening a coalition of health leaders in urging its passage.

CareQuest Institute for Oral Health CEO and President Dr. Myechia Minter-Jordan issued the following statement:

“Today’s announcement is a huge disappointment to all those who care so deeply about creating a more equitable health system. By failing to include a Medicare dental benefit, Congress is leaving in place one of the greatest drivers of disparities in our health system and leaving millions of older Americans and people with disabilities without access to essential care.”

“Progress is never a straight line. We urge Congress to add critical dental benefits to Medicare as the package is finalized. CareQuest Institute will continue to fight until everyone has access to the health care they deserve, and we build a more equitable health system for all.”

Align Technology, Inc. (“Align”) (Nasdaq: ALGN) a leading global medical device company that designs, manufactures, and sells the Invisalign system of clear aligners, iTero intraoral scanners, and exocad CAD/CAM software for digital orthodontics and restorative dentistry, today announced the findings of a multi-center clinical study, “Reflected Near-Infrared Light Versus Bite-Wing Radiography for the Detection of Proximal Caries: A Multicenter Prospective Clinical Study Conducted in Private Practices,” published in the peer-reviewed Journal of Dentistry (Oct. 24, 2021). The study validates and further demonstrates the significant benefits of the iTero Element 5D imaging system, the company asserts, as an aid in detection and monitoring of interproximal caries lesions above the gingiva without harmful radiation.

The clinical study was designed to compare the detection of interproximal caries (dental cavities and decay on the proximal surface(s) of adjacent teeth) by dentists using near infra-red technology (NIRI) and bitewing radiography (a dental x-ray designed to show the crowns of the upper and lower posterior teeth simultaneously). The results demonstrated high accuracy (p<0.0001) detection of early enamel lesions (88.6%)*** and of carious lesions involving the dentino-enamel junction (96.9%)*** (the boundary between the enamel and the underlying dentin that form a tooth).

In addition, the study compared NIRI and bitewing radiography to visual caries debridement (clinical removal of tooth decay). When compared against clinical evaluation of posterior proximal lesions observed during caries debridement, the NIRI technology of the iTero Element 5D imaging system was 66%** more sensitive than bitewing x-ray technology and demonstrated 96%** sensitivity for posterior interproximal lesions detections.

“We are pleased to see the results of these clinical findings further validate what doctors and their patients have experienced. The visualization capabilities of the iTero Element 5D imaging system helps in the early detection of cavities without x-ray radiation,” said Yuval Shaked, senior vice president and managing director, iTero scanner and services business, Align Technology. “This study emphasizes the valuable role that the iTero 5D imaging system with NIRI technology is already providing doctors and their staff to support their dental assessments of patients and overall patient oral healthcare and treatment options. When combined with the ease of use and comfortable experience for a broad population of patients, the iTero 5D imaging system with NIRI technology is an essential tool for any doctor’s office.”

As part of the study, the iTero Element 5D imaging system was used to perform intraoral scans on 100 patients in five dental clinics across Germany and Canada. The iTero Element 5D imaging system includes NIRI technology that scans the internal structure of a tooth (enamel and dentin) in real time that aids in caries detection while simultaneously capturing 3D color images of dentition. Reflected near infra-red light images of posterior (back of the mouth) teeth were used to detect interproximal caries and the results were then compared to bitewing radiography. NIRI was found to be more sensitive than bitewing radiography in detecting early enamel lesions and comparable in detecting dentinal lesions.

Lead study author Dr. Zvi Metzger, Professor, Departments of Oral Biology and Endodontology, at The Goldschleger School of Dental Medicine, Tel Aviv University, commented on the study findings: “Reflected near infra-red light images generated simultaneously during 3D scanning of dental arches with the iTero Element 5D imaging system scanner may be used reliably for detection, screening and monitoring of proximal caries. This method for caries detection may potentially minimize the traditional use of ionizing radiation.”

Dr. Peggy Bown, a participant in the study, shared that: “As a current user of the iTero Element 5D imaging system, participating in the study was very beneficial to me. I could further see the clinical value of the iTero Element 5D imaging system through its high sensitivity at detecting early enamel lesions and ease of use. Having one system, one scan, and one tip eliminates the need for multiple devices, repetitive sterilization, and minimizes the use of harmful radiation.” 

NOTE: The study described was sponsored by Align Technology.

* iTero NIRI technology is the same across the iTero Element 5D system and some configurations of iTero Element Plus imaging systems since the wand, optics and software are the same.

** Data on file at Align Technology, September 2021

*** Data on file at Align Technology, February 2021

About Align Technology

Align Technology designs, manufactures and offers the Invisalign system, the most advanced clear aligner system in the world, iTero intraoral scanners and services, and exocad CAD/CAM software. These technology building blocks enable enhanced digital orthodontic and restorative workflows to improve patient outcomes and practice efficiencies for more than 210 thousand doctor customers and is key to accessing Align’s 500 million consumer market opportunity worldwide. Align has helped doctors treat over 11.6 million patients with the Invisalign system and is driving the evolution in digital dentistry through the Align Digital Platform, our integrated suite of unique, proprietary technologies and services delivered as a seamless, end-to-end solution for patients and consumers, orthodontists and GP dentists, and lab/partners. Visit www.aligntech.com for more information.

For additional information about the Invisalign system or to find an Invisalign doctor in your area, visit www.invisalign.com. For additional information about iTero digital scanning system, visit www.itero.com. For additional information about exocad dental CAD/CAM offerings and a list of exocad reseller partners, visit www.exocad.com.

Dental support organization Pacific Dental Services® (PDS) has announced the launch of its College Advancement Program, making it the first in the industry to offer eligible employees 100% up-front college tuition coverage toward an undergraduate degree of their choice.

In partnership with InStride, the premier global provider of Strategic Enterprise Education™, the new program will allow PDS operations managers, benefits coordinators, and dental assistants the flexibility and satisfaction of advancing their careers while earning their education debt-free – all while remaining employed full-time. PDS will measure the program’s success and hopes to extend this offer to other positions in the future.

“Pacific Dental Services is a recognized leader in the dental industry, and we are proud to be the first dental support organization to offer our team members the opportunity to pursue their passion while removing the financial barrier that oftentimes keeps adult learners from reaching their educational goals,” said PDS Founder and CEO Stephen E. Thorne IV. “We believe that by investing in the growth and development of our team members, we are investing in the future of our company.”

“We are excited that Pacific Dental Services has made this industry-leading commitment to their team members,” said Vivek Sharma, InStride CEO and Co-Founder. “Stephen Thorne and his leadership team have recognized that providing fully-funded strategic education opportunities results in both business and social impact for their company and the communities they serve.”

The Pacific Dental Services College Advancement Program initially will be realized through InStride’s partnership with world-class academic institution Arizona State University, ranked most innovative college by U.S. News & World Report for seven consecutive years. PDS will not only pay 100% tuition, but also cover book expenses and any associated mandatory fees for the duration of the degree program. Classes for the first semester begin Jan. 10, 2022. Academic partners from within InStride’s network will be added to the list of institutions where employee-learners can apply in the future.

In addition to the College Advancement Program, PDS helps employees advance their education through a traditional tuition reimbursement program up to $5,250 per year, more than 1,000 free continuing education courses offered through PDS University, and a professional development program focused on specialized training and certificates. To learn more about the Pacific Dental Services College Advancement Program, visit pacificdentalservices.com/education.

About Pacific Dental Services

Founded in 1994, Pacific Dental Services (PDS) is one of the country’s leading dental support organizations, providing supported autonomy that enables dentists to concentrate on clinical excellence and the highest levels of cost-effective comprehensive patient care. PDS originated the Private Practice+® model to enable dentists to focus on their passion: serving patients. PDS also pioneered the concept of Modern Dentistry so that dentists are equipped to combine advances in the latest technology with the best operational practices and procedures, highly skilled support staff and a commitment to ongoing training and education. PDS continues to grow, with more than 800 supported dental offices across the United States. PDS has been on the Inc. 5000 list of the fastest growing private companies in America 14 times. PDS supported dentists aim to be the provider of choice in all the markets they serve and to develop Patients for Life™. For more information, visit the company at pacificdentalservices.com.

About InStride

InStride drives business and social impact through strategic workforce education. As the global leader in these programs, InStride works with corporate partners like Aramark, adidas, Carvana, Magna and more, providing their employees with access to top-tier academic institutions, strategic learning paths, and an innovative technology platform. Guided by its mission to change lives for working adults and cultivate the workforce of the future, InStride has been recognized with Fortune’s Impact 20 and Inc.’s Best in Business awards. Visit instride.com. 

Roland DGA’s DGSHAPE Americas dental business group has announced the release of new DWindeX2 performance visualization software. This powerful, user-friendly software enables easy monitoring of all current DWX series mills – including the DWX-42W, DWX-52D, DWX-52DC and DWX-52DCi models – from one location. Previous versions of DWindeX software allowed single location monitoring of DWX-52DCi mills only. The enhanced features and capabilities of new DWindex2 make it simple for users to minimize downtime and maximize return on investment.

DWindex2 features an enhanced dashboard with artificial intelligence (AI) that allows users to monitor and collect data on milling machine performance, maintenance, productivity, and more. An easy-to-read dashboard provides a summary of material and tool usage for each device, as well as machine error history, operation hours utilization, and maintenance history. The DWindeX2 software’s intuitive AI technology significantly reduces downtime by offering remote mill management and live views.

“We are excited about the introduction of our next-generation DwindeX2 software, which will further improve the overall DWX mill user experience,” said Lisa Aguirre, Roland DGA’s dental solutions product manager. “It’s our goal to provide not only efficient, reliable, easy-to-use dental mills, but also innovative software that streamlines workflow, increases convenience, and optimizes productivity and profitability.”

DGSHAPE DWX series mill owners can start using DWindeX2 today, by clicking on the following link, and following the instructions for downloading and installing the software: https://www.dgshape.com/en/dwindex2/dwindex2_installation_instructions_en_2102_00/. To learn more about DWindeX2 software, or the complete line of DGSHAPE dental products and accessories, visit: www.dgshapeamericas.com.

This National Dental Hygiene Month, Colgate-Palmolive’s global research reveals the harmful impact of dental cavities on children and their parents

● Tooth pain leads to worry, anxiety and sadness in kids and parents.

● Children in the U.S. miss up to three days of school a year with the CDC reporting that in total an estimated 51 million school hours per year are lost because of dental-related illness.

● Parents in the U.S. lose up to three days of work due to their children’s oral health issues with the CDC reporting that employed U.S. adults lose more than 164 million hours of work each year as a result of oral health problems or dental visits.

● Colgate’s research links oral health to overall wellbeing, underscoring the urgent need to address the prevalence of cavities as a public health crisis.

Global research from Colgate-Palmolive Company, the worldwide leader in oral care, reveals the effect of childhood cavities on children and parents’ quality of life and wellbeing, offering a compelling reason to prioritize oral health education during National Dental Hygiene Month and beyond.

Colgate conducted a survey of more than 20,000 parents across 12 countries to uncover the real-world impact of tooth decay. Among the 1,800 parents surveyed in the U.S., Colgate found 62% of children suffer from cavities—and these cavities are the source of significant physical, emotional, social, and economic consequences. The study draws another link between oral health and overall wellbeing and supports Colgate’s purpose to reimagine a healthier future for all.

Impact of cavities on emotional wellbeing

According to the U.S. parents surveyed, Colgate finds children experiencing oral health issues feel embarrassed (30%), worried (30%), sad (28%), and anxious (24%). Children with cavities also feel they cannot smile freely (27%) and are not able to concentrate (20%).

The toll of childhood cavities extends to parents too, with U.S. parents experiencing worry (50%), sadness (36%), and anxiety (25%) as a result of their kids’ pain and emotional distress. What’s more, 42% of parents whose children are experiencing oral health issues feel they have failed their child by not preventing their oral health issues, causing this subset of parents to feel ashamed (67%) and embarrassed (64%).

Impact of cavities on childhood development, adults’ livelihood, and the strength of our communities

The consequences of cavities in early life go beyond physical pain or emotional issues, with children missing valuable opportunities to learn, play, and grow and adults taking time off work.

Colgate’s study reveals how oral health issues hinder a child’s education and social development. Of the children experiencing cavities in the U.S., nearly half miss up to three days of school, whether due to pain or for dental treatments. Between a third and a quarter of children with cavities in the U.S. either need to miss social events and athletic activities due to pain or embarrassment or are just not interested in participating. The parents surveyed report their children avoid these extracurricular activities when they have cavities due to mixed feelings of confusion, powerlessness, and anger; as a result, they often miss milestones essential for their development, such as birthday parties, playing with friends, sports games, and family occasions.

The data points to ramifications for adults too. Colgate finds that more than half of parents in the U.S. take time off from their jobs to deal with their children’s cavities, sacrificing up to three days of work. When taken in sum, these lost hours have a significant impact on the economy: according to the CDC, over $45 billion is lost in productivity in the U.S. each year because of untreated oral disease.

Oral health linked to overall wellbeing

Colgate’s study builds upon a strong foundation of research that connects oral health and overall health. Colgate’s public health survey points to the toll of childhood cavities on mental health for children and parents alike, as well as the impact on social and economic development. For adults, oral health has also been linked in other studies to physical health conditions such as cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, diabetes, adverse pregnancy outcomes, pneumonia, Alzheimer’s, rheumatoid arthritis—even oral cancer.

“Overall health, emotional health and community health can all depend on oral health,” said Colgate’s Chief Clinical Officer, Dr. Maria Ryan. “Colgate-Palmolive’s global study underscores the fact that oral health is a key factor to unlocking a brighter, healthier future for kids, their parents, and our communities. During National Dental Hygiene Month, and all year long, Colgate is on a mission to help people through all stages of life to understand the connections between oral and overall health, because if we do that, we move one step closer to reimagining a healthier future for all.”

Colgate-Palmolive and oral health

With the Colgate brand in more homes than any other, Colgate-Palmolive is uniquely positioned to address the global crisis of oral disease, which affects nearly half of the world’s population. Colgate is spreading the important message that a healthy future begins with good oral health, while taking steps to increase access to oral health education and remove barriers to oral care worldwide.

“Despite being largely preventable with simple, cost-effective tools such as the toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste along with a healthy diet, cavities remain the most common chronic disease among children globally. It doesn’t have to be this way. Oral health has long been overlooked, and now is the time to take action. A healthy mouth is a foundational building block for our own wellbeing and the strength of our communities, and that’s why Colgate is committed to promoting oral health access and education across the globe,” said Ryan.

Outreach

For more than 30 years, the Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures program has been providing oral hygiene education and resources for underserved families worldwide, so that children can build proper oral care habits early on and safeguard their healthy futures. Through Bright Smiles, Bright Futures, Colgate has reached more than 1.3 billion children in over 80 countries, with the goal to reach 2 billion kids by 2025.

Innovation and Education

Colgate is an industry leader in oral care research, recently launching a groundbreaking study with Verily to advance the understanding of the connection between oral health and overall health. To empower people to improve their brushing habits, Colgate develops innovative connected health products like hum by Colgate, which also includes a smart battery-powered version for older kids and a manual toothbrush with augmented reality for younger kids to help them develop healthy habits at a young age.

Colgate supports multiple scholarship and fellowship programs to increase diversity within the dental profession and empower the next generation of dental professionals. Colgate recently launched the “Audacity to Dream” scholarship program with the National Dental Association Foundation and partnered with the Harvard School of Dental Medicine to create an endowed scholarship for underrepresented minority students.

Engagement

Colgate employees dedicate hours of community service in pursuit of better oral health outcomes around the world through Colgate Cares Days and the Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures program. In addition, Colgate collaborates with retail partners and community organizations globally to promote oral hygiene and preventative oral care.

For more information on the link between oral health and overall health, visit Colgate.com. Follow Colgate-Palmolive on LinkedIn to stay up-to-date on how Colgate is reimagining a healthier future for all people, their pets and our planet.

BurtonBands announces the immediate availability of several new VursaWedge innovations, including the release of two new sizes—medium and large—and the addition of the Anatomical VursaWedge designed specifically for use in challenging furcation cases.

Invented by Illinois practicing dentist Dr. Matthew Burton, the VursaWedge, with its proprietary split wedge design, solves Class II procedural inefficiencies such as gingival seal issues, matrix contour issues and proximal contact issues all in one easy-to-use device. A better seal at the gingival margin also results in less flash, thereby achieving better results with less time needed for finishing and polishing.

“The flexible split wedge design of VursaWedge allows for proper contour and a tight gingival seal, as the two legs of the wedge splay out to effectively hold the matrix in place, creating a system that is fully compatible with all major ring systems,” states Dr. Burton. “The current small size VursaWedge is ideal for use in healthy gingiva cases with little-to-no attachment loss. However, I quickly realized that larger sizes would be needed to overcome larger embrasure cases, and that’s where the new medium and large size VursaWedges come into play.”

Additionally, Dr. Burton developed a specialized VursaWedge for use with cases involving furcation. Due to its unique convex contour, the aptly named Anatomical VursaWedge allows clinicians to predictably seal difficult furcation cases.

VursaWedge is available to dentists in the US and Canada through an exclusive distribution agreement with Young Specialties. For more information and to order, visit: https://www.youngspecialties.com/product-category/plak-smacker/matrix-systems/

About Dr. Matthew Burton

Founder of Burton Dental Innovations, LLC (www.BurtonBands.com), Matthew Burton, DDS, developed the BurtonBands and VursaWedge matrix system to help dentists achieve more predictable and favorable Class II composite results with improved efficiency and optimal outcomes. Dr. Burton specializes in Class II composite restorations at his private practice in Frankfort, Illinois and has leveraged his insights to develop and market new solutions for dentists who face the same challenges in their own practice.

About Young Specialties

Young Specialties, a division of Young Innovations, LLC, has strategically partnered with some of the most influential brands in the dental specialty market, bringing more than a century of collective experience under one roof. Our mission is to help dental professionals achieve the outcomes they expect in a skilled, compassionate and effective manner. Young Specialties provides clinicians with custom product solutions expertly designed to fit their practices, along with leading-edge technology and best-in-class clinical training programs, all designed to help practices thrive.  

Darby Dental Supply is proud to announce that Liz Meyers, the company’s EVP of Purchasing & Global Sourcing, has been appointed to leadership roles in two prominent industry organizations – Women in DSO and the Dental Trade Alliance Foundation (DTAF).

As a member of Women in DSO’s Board of Advisors, Liz will work closely with the nonprofit group to support the empowerment and growth of women leaders throughout the dental sector. Darby works closely with Women in DSO as a founding sponsor to provide strategic networking opportunities, professional mentorship, specialized education and a growing network of resources for women throughout the dental industry.

This accomplishment coincides with Liz’s appointment to Vice Chair of the Board of the Dental Trade Alliance Foundation (DTAF) – the philanthropic arm of the Dental Trade Alliance (DTA). Liz has been an active member of the Board of Directors for the DTA Foundation and will be taking over as Vice Chair of the Foundation Board in 2022. Alongside board members and industry partners, Liz will work to raise awareness and increase access of oral health care by broadening literacy of oral health’s impact on overall health.

“The future of our industry depends on two key objectives – increasing oral health awareness and mentoring the next generation of industry leaders,” said Liz Meyers. “I’d love to help more women play a significant role in both endeavors.”

In addition to these roles, Liz spearheads “Darby Gives Back,” the company’s Social Responsibility Program that is committed to making a positive impact in local, national and global communities. Throughout her over 25-year tenure with Darby, Liz has been heavily involved in charitable work and organizations such as Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island, where she has been an active member of their Board of Directors for several years.

About Darby Dental Supply, LLC

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 1947 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 www.darby.com.

SprintRay's new ProCure 2 reduces one week of dental work into a day

3D Next Summit convenes dental industry leaders to discuss advancements in digital dental technology

SprintRay Inc., an industry leader in digital dentistry and 3D printing solutions, today announced the launch of more powerful and faster Speed to Care solutions for dental professionals – including the revolutionary new ProCure 2 – at its 3D Next Summit in Miami, Florida. The Company also introduced the first radio-opaque 3D printer resin for implant-supported hybrid dentures, SprintRay OnX.

SprintRay is the only dental technology company that has designed an ecosystem of 3D printing products that incorporates power, speed, artificial intelligence and a user experience that enables dental professionals to move from scan to placement in less than one hour – delivering a faster, more efficient and less costly chairside experience for patients.

"Leveraging power, speed and AI, SprintRay's Speed to Care ecosystem of innovative 3D printing products is transforming the digital dentistry space. With the new ProCure 2 launched today, dental professionals will be able to compress one week of dental work into one day, delivering a most cost-effective, efficient and improved chairside experience," said SprintRay CEO and Co-Founder Amir Mansouri, Ph.D. "We have convened over 140 dental industry leaders at our inaugural 3D Next Summit on the heels of our two major partnership announcements over the past few days. We hope everyone here and all of our other stakeholders will join us as we continue to build SprintRay and further our commitment to designing and developing innovative technology and products that improve dental care quality and delivery times."

SprintRay's new ProCure 2 reduces post-curing times by 10x or more, opening the doors to chairside 3D printing in dentistry. With 25x more light power from a custom curing engine, dental professionals can cure a night guard in just 3 minutes - no preheating required. Mated to a user-friendly, cloud-connected touchscreen computer, chairside 3D printing is now as simple as pressing a button.

SprintRay OnX is the first radio-opaque 3D printer resin for implant-supported hybrid dentures. Delivering best-in-class flexural strength, the OnX offers the best balance of strength and modulus for full arch restorations. OnX is a nanoceramic hybrid class II 3D printing resin used for the production of denture teeth and featuring an optimal combination of translucency and opacity to mimic natural dentition. With industry-leading ceramic content, OnX is exceptionally aesthetic and easy to characterize.

On October 15, SprintRay announced its multi-year partnership with eight-time Olympic gold medalist Usain Bolt, who will represent SprintRay as its Global Brand Ambassador. In addition, SprintRay Foundation, in association with Bolt Foundation, will launch Bolt Labs Powered by SprintRay – an initiative with a mission to make world-class digital dental care accessible and affordable to patients across the world, starting with Jamaica.  

Dentists from around the world to learn about the innovative and life-changing treatments for patients suffering from obstructive sleep apnea and snoring

Vivos Therapeutics, Inc. (“Vivos” or “the Company”) (NASDAQ: VVOS), a medical technology company focused on developing and commercializing innovative diagnostic and treatment modalities for patients suffering from mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and snoring, today announced the commencement of the 3rd-annual Breathing Wellness Conference presented by The Vivos Institute, which will take place from October 20-23, 2021, at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Dentists and medical doctors from around the world will hear from the industry’s top experts on OSA about its impact on chronic conditions such as heart disease, chronic fatigue, and dementia. Attendees will also have the opportunity learn how innovations supporting the science of dentofacial sleep medicine are transforming the future of dentistry forever.

“Dentists are essential to solving the sleep and breathing epidemic as they serve as the front line to proper screening, education, and increasingly, treatment. Our annual Breathing Wellness Conference gives us a chance to educate these individuals on the dangers of OSA and share more about the latest innovations in treatment as we seek to improve the oral and overall health of patients,” said Kirk Huntsman, CEO, Vivos. “Rather than patch OSA with temporary, invasive solutions like CPAP machines and surgery, dentists are leading the change and focusing on potentially life-changing treatments that address the root cause of OSA.”

Dentists and other doctors appearing at the Breathing Wellness Conference as guest speakers include:

Mimi Guarneri, MD: Sleep-Disordered Breathing: A Reversible Cardiovascular Risk Factor

Dave Singh, DMD, PhD, DDSc: Introduction to Craniofacial Sleep Medicine

Ben Miraglia, DDS: How Did We Get Here – Origins of Sleep-Disordered Breathing and Sleep Apnea

Jon Caulfield, DDS: The Paradigm Shift – Looking Beyond the Mouth

Jerry Hu, DDS: My Personal Journey

Kalli Hale, DDS: Don’t Roll the Dice on Your Airway

Sahil Chopra, MD: Interpreting Home Sleep Tests

Matthew Walker, PhD: Why Sleep?

Chris Farrugia, DDS: Medical Billing in the Dental Practice

For more information about the 2021 Annual Breathing Wellness Conference Presented by The Vivos Institute click here: https://thevivosinstitute.com/breathing-wellness-conference-2021/.