Today, the American Dental Education Association released the following statement:

"The American Dental Education Association (ADEA) believes that a comprehensive dental benefit should be part of any comprehensive public or private health care coverage plan and should be available to every person.

Oral health care is essential care. Congress has the historic and unprecedented opportunity to recognize that oral health is essential to whole health and warrants creating such a benefit in Medicare. We know that gum disease is related to diabetes and cardiovascular disease. We know that early detection of oral cancers is fundamental to survival. We know that untreated dental abscesses can lead to death. We also know that these conditions disproportionately affect persons over 60 years of age.

According to the Federal Reserve report, Economic Well-Being of U.S. Households in 2020, dental care was the most frequently skipped care due to an inability to pay. Oral health services are crucial to the general health of the elderly and persons with disabilities, who often have difficulty accessing dental care. This puts them at greater risk of complications from other chronic health conditions, which leads to increased health care costs and burdens on emergency rooms, which are often ill-equipped to address patients’ oral health needs.

We encourage the adoption of legislation that expands Medicare coverage to a broad range of oral health care services for all and provides reimbursement for those services at rates commensurate with the high quality of care provided."

About ADEA: The American Dental Education Association (ADEA) is The Voice of Dental Education. Our mission is to lead and support the health professions community in preparing future-ready oral health professionals. Our members include all 78 U.S. and Canadian dental schools, more than 800 allied and advanced dental education programs, more than 50 corporations and approximately 18,000 individuals. Our activities encompass a wide range of research, advocacy, faculty development, meetings and communications, including the esteemed Journal of Dental Education®, as well as the dental school application services ADEA AADSAS®, ADEA PASS®, ADEA DHCAS® and ADEA CAAPID®. 

Digitally powered overdenture treatment designed to reduce patient visits by 50 percent

Zest Dental Solutions, the only manufacturer of the Zest LOCATOR® Family of Abutment Systems, including the Zest LOCATOR Overdenture Implant System, and provider of clinician-trusted dental materials and small equipment, announces the release of ENCOMPASS™, an all-inclusive, digitally powered overdenture treatment solution, through a partnership with Absolute Dental Services. Driven by precision and efficiency, ENCOMPASS can reduce patients visits by 50 percent, while providing them with customized, high-quality overdentures.

Each ENCOMPASS bundle box includes an Absolute NavaGation™ Pilot Guide and treatment plan; two, four, or six all-in-one Zest LOCATOR Implants and Abutments with processing pack; a premium Absolute Forever Denture™; CHAIRSIDE Attachment Processing Material; Denture Removal Tool; CHAIRSIDE Rubber Finishing and Tapered Carbide Burs; Fixation; and a Denture ID microchip. The end result is a comprehensive solution focused on precision and efficiency that is unlike anything else in the industry.

“ENCOMPASS is a game-changer,” said Tom Stratton, Zest Dental Solutions CEO. “Zest is focused on exceptional products that deliver proven and predictable results. We’ve really captured that approach with ENCOMPASS and housed it all in a single box. The clinician now has everything at their fingertips to confidently treat overdenture patients, and they can do it faster and with greater precision, cutting visits in half. These time and cost savings can be passed along to patients and used to drive practice growth.”

Cloud-based, digital workflow delivers enhanced case planning and efficiency for the clinician, streamlining the entire process to help reduce patient visits by as much as 50 percent, thereby freeing up valuable chairtime and creating an overall better patient experience. The ENCOMPASS Pilot Surgical Guide further adds to this precision and consistency, allowing the clinician to maintain the correct depth and placement for optimum overdenture support and patient comfort.

Each ENCOMPASS box also includes a Lucitone 3D Carbon Printed, Absolute Forever Denture. This 3D, custom-printed overdenture is three times stronger than the minimum ISO strength standard for a denture. Created on a Carbon® M2 printer, each overdenture is the perfect combination of precision, strength, and aesthetics. The ability to customize the tissue portion with five different shades of pink adds to the realistic outcome and patient satisfaction. Zest is excited to be partnering with Absolute Dental Services which was the 2019 NADL Lab of the Year and has been in business for 26 years with four US locations.

“Absolute Dental Services is excited to be partnering with Zest,” said Conrad Rensburg, Absolute Dental Services owner. “Our commitment to dental lab precision, consistency and efficiency meshes perfectly with Zest and its commitment to excellence and leadership in the overdenture space. This collaboration has given way to ENCOMPASS, an end-to-end laboratory enabled overdenture solution that promises to deliver patients with best-in-class, customized Absolute overdenture.”

The precision overdentures are then confidently held in place with two, four, or six genuine LOCATOR abutments and implants. The progressive diameter design, self-tapping tip and RBM-treated surface allows the clinician to place Zest implants with confidence in both standard and narrow ridges (available in 2.4, 2.9, 3.5, 3.9, 4.4, and 4.9 mm). When paired with LOCATOR abutments, an unmatched clinical combination is born, one which is globally trusted and universally accepted.

To learn more about how Encompass can help you exceed patient expectations and grow your practice, call 855-868-LODI (5634) or visit www.zestdent.com/encompass.

Henry Martin, CDT, past President of the National Association of Dental Laboratories and owner of Restorative Arts Dental Lab, has passed away. He has had an immeasurable impact on the profession of dental technology, not only serving as NADL president, but also serving twice as the Chairman of the National Board for Certification in Dental Technology, past President of the Southeastern Conference of Dental Laboratories, and past trustee for the Foundation for Dental Technology. He will be greatly missed, and the sympathies of everyone at IDT go out to his friends, family, and all whose lives he touched within the industry.

October is National Dental Hygiene Month, a month dedicated to promoting healthy smiles and celebrating the hard work of dental hygienists across the country.

Throughout the pandemic, the dental hygiene community has continued to come together in extraordinary ways to ensure that caring for patients was still possible while maintaining a safe environment.

In addition to working throughout the pandemic as a pediatric dentist, Dr. Dane Hoang uses her skills to volunteer with global nonprofit Operation Smile which provides free reconstructive cleft surgery to areas of the world where it’s needed most.

In honor of National Dental Hygiene Month, Dr. Dane has offered to share 5 tips to help children and adults achieve optimal oral health.

About Dr. Dane Hoang

Dr. Dane Hoang has been serving children in her community as a pediatric dentist at Children’s Dental Care in Dallas, Texas for over 20 years.

Dr. Hoang has also contributed her skills as a dental volunteer on over 10 medical missions with Operation Smile. Most of her volunteer work has been focused in Hue, Vietnam, near where she was born and lived until her parents fled the country to immigrate to the United States in 1979.

“My parents’ work ethic and independence inspired me to find an occupation that would incorporate both autonomy and manual dexterity. The field of dentistry provided me with the best of both worlds,” said Dr. Hoang.

Inspired to do more to support Operation Smile’s mission, Dr. Hoang began raising funds around Dallas through her nonprofit Le Hoang Foundation. Dane has worked closely with Operation Smile to establish a gala in Houston that has raised more than $650,000 since its inception in 2014.

As a a volunteer with Operation Smile, Dr. Hoang is dedicated to ensuring the health and well-being of her patients, which includes maintaining optimal oral health.

“It’s been a life changing experience for me to travel around the world and meet some of the most amazing human beings who have dedicated their lives to help children by volunteering with Operation Smile,” Dr. Hoang said. “Dental hygiene month is important to raise awareness and remind everyone to practice proper oral hygiene in order to achieve optimal oral health for a beautiful smile.”

Dr. Hoang’s Tips For Optimal Oral Health

1.) Brush Twice a Day: The foundation for good oral health is brushing your teeth. By brushing twice daily you greatly reduce your risk of cavities, gum disease and other oral health conditions.

2.) Floss Once a Day: Cleaning between your teeth may help prevent cavities and gum disease and prevent the buildup of plaque on your teeth.

3.) Use Fluoride Toothpaste: Toothpaste that contains fluoride helps to prevent cavities in both adults and children. Fluoride is a natural element that strengthens teeth and prevents their decay.

4.) Drink a lot of Water: By rinsing away harmful bacteria and food debris, drinking water fights cavities and gum disease.

5.) Dental Checkup Every 6 Months: Visiting the dentist every six months can help detect and diagnose any problems early and help avoid costly and painful procedures.

About Operation Smile

Operation Smile is a global surgical nonprofit that improves the health and dignity of patients living with cleft lip and cleft palate in low- and middle-income countries. Since 1982, Operation Smile has been committed to providing patients with health that lasts through life-saving cleft surgeries and comprehensive care, helping them to better breathe, eat, speak and live lives of greater quality and confidence. Its training and education programs elevate safe surgical standards and strengthen a global network to reach more people earlier in their lives. Learn more at www.operationsmile.org or by following @operationsmile on social media.

Primescan, the high-performance intraoral scanner from Dentsply Sirona, is an excellent starting point for digital workflows that can assist in further improving dental treatment in restorative dentistry, orthodontics, and implantology. Primescan is now validated for full arch fixed implant restorations with Atlantis suprastructures, mainly due to the proven accuracy¹ of Primescan. It is now possible for the first time worldwide to use the Atlantis suprastructures service with scan data from Primescan.

Dentsply Sirona has validated a new workflow for clinically-efficient and digitally-supported implant treatment that includes all components, from impression to prosthetics. An essential part of this workflow is taking the digital impression with Primescan, which is characterized by ease of use, speed and very high accuracy¹ over the entire arch. All treatment steps are coordinated with each other and come together in an efficient implant dentistry workflow.

With the upgrade of Connect SW 5.2, dental professionals now have convenient access to high-quality, patient-specific Atlantis suprastructures, designed and manufactured using highly accurate digital impression taken by Primescan. New firmware makes the intraoral scanner twice as fast, provides a higher-performing scanning experience and gives users access to new workflows and even better usability*.

In the validated workflow with Atlantis, dentists benefit from a very high flexibility, as the individual steps can be carried out completely digitally and in collaboration with the laboratory. Dentsply Sirona offers the possibility of ordering prosthetic components, including a complete suprastructure for the partial or full-arch case, from the global Atlantis design and manufacturing sites, the company's own digital laboratory.

Dentsply Sirona is the first to enable intraoral scans with Atlantis suprastructures for fixed multiple-unit implant restorations. Thanks to the proven accuracy¹ of Primescan, it is the first and only intraoral scanner validated for the fully digital workflow for Atlantis suprastructures, which was previously only validated for laboratory scanners.

With Primescan, a digital impression can be taken for single teeth, quadrants, whole dentition and now also edentulous jaws with multiple implants placed based on the Atlantis IO FLO-S scanbody. Users can then transfer scan data to their preferred lab via the Connect Case Center. Based on the open data format, labs must be able to detect the IO FLO-S scanbody in their lab software and can start working on the case coming from Primescan, creating more efficiency between practice and lab. Once complete, the technician can upload all required data to Atlantis.

Simplified and improved workflow with Primescan*

The combination of Atlantis suprastructures and the full arch accuracy of Primescan assists in delivering an easier workflow for the dentist and the dental laboratory. Following this protocol, the clinician takes a digital impression using Primescan and Atlantis IO FLO-S Scanbodies. The partnering dental laboratory finalizes the order and sends it to Dentsply Sirona for design and manufacturing of the Atlantis suprastructure. The restoration is finalized by the lab technician and sent back to the clinician.

Atlantis patient-specific solutions

When function and esthetics are prioritized, a customized, patient-specific restoration probably is a natural choice. Atlantis patient-specific solutions are produced using state-of-the-art technologies and supported by computer based industrial and medical device expertise for a very high accuracy.

Moreover, additive manufacturing provides new possibilities for advanced geometries for fixed, screw-retained solutions in titanium or cobalt-chrome for all major implant systems. Atlantis includes a full range of dental implant suprastructures for fixed and removable splinted implant restorations.

“It is a big step forward to restore edentulous jaws using a digital workflow. This makes the process of planning, surgery and restoration between the clinician and the laboratory more coherent and offers very good esthetic results, while taking less clinical time,” explained Dr. Martin Wanendeya, dentist from London (UK). “Atlantis’ validation for Primescan gives us as practitioners the reassurance that it works reliably and consistently.”

This reliability was a major focus of the validation: Supporting implant restorations comprehensively with digital technology gives everyone involved peace of mind, ensuring that the planned treatment can be implemented predictably.

More information about Primescan can be found at www.dentsplysirona.com/primescan.

* Unless stated otherwise, all comparative statements in this press release refer to a comparison between Dentsply Sirona products.

¹ https://assets.dentsplysirona.com/flagship/en/explore/digital-impression/documents/DIM-Document-Primescan-clinical-studies-overview-EN.pdf [Date of last access: 2021, July 5th]

Due to the different approval and registration times, not all technologies and products are immediately available in all countries. 

a Scalable, Open-Technology Digital Dental Solution for All Clinicians

Today, Imagine USA announced the immediate availability of Imagine OPEN, a digital dental treatment ecosystem that is powerful, versatile and free of restrictions — enabling dentists to add intraoral scanning and a digital dental workflow that is tailored specifically to their practice.

Felix Chung, CEO at Imagine USA said, “Imagine OPEN is designed for general and comprehensive dentists who aren’t yet benefitting from the open digital workflow. It provides them with reliable and proven open CAD/CAM systems that allow flexibility whether they want to produce restorations in-house or outsource them to a lab.”

The Imagine OPEN Ecosystem

The company says that Imagine OPEN is an “ecosystem” rather than simply a product because this chairside digital dental solution is not only designed based on the unique needs of each clinic, but it also incorporates everything they need to be successful using it including training and support.

Brent Harvey, Chief Business Officer at Imagine explains, “Most dentists know that the era of digital dentistry is upon us and are ready to add intraoral scanning to their capabilities. But the idea of designing or even producing restorations in-house can seem daunting. As digital dental experts, we partner with these doctors and their staff to train them and implement a digital workflow that is optimized for them. That could simply be intraoral scanning with the ability to send STL files to their favorite lab, or it could be scanning, design, 3D printing, or milling of restorations in-house. Either way, we make sure that they start benefiting from digital dental technology as soon as Imagine OPEN is installed in their clinic.”

The Foundation of Imagine OPEN

While Imagine OPEN is a completely scalable solution, iTero scanning technology is at the heart of all Imagine OPEN packages. Being a product of Align Technology, the makers of Invisalign, iTech intraoral scanning technology gives doctors with Imagine OPEN the unique ability to offer premium orthodontic aligners to their patients. iTero intraoral scanners are designed to deliver speed, reliability, intuitive operations, and outstanding visualization capabilities for general practitioners. iTero scans have been used in more than 7.5 million restorative crowns, bridges, and custom implant abutment cases.

Plus, iTero intraoral scans can be easily imported to exocad Chairside CAD software which sets a new standard for flexibility and productivity specifically for the dentist and clinical professional. With this pairing, a full range of restorative indications and materials can be used, and restorations are designed within an intuitive user interface and then manufactured from connected 3D printing and milling systems, or sent to an external production center.

Because Imagine OPEN is based on all “open” technology the CAD/CAM files can be used by anyone with an open digital system, which gives doctors tremendous flexibility to produce restorations and appliances in-clinic if they choose, send cases out to labs when they prefer — or do both. Imagine also provides a connection to a host of qualified labs in their OPEN network as an additional option for clinics.

Imagine OPEN Availability

Imagine OPEN is available immediately with a World Premiere Demonstration occurring at SmileCon in Las Vegas, October 11 through 13th in Booth #D4214 inside the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino.

Henry Schein will present a selection of digital imaging solutions, 3D printing solutions, and Henry Schein-products at ADA SmileCon, taking place from October 11 – 13, 2021, in Las Vegas, Nevada. At booth #1511, attendees can explore 3D imaging and printing solutions from 3Shape, Dentsply Sirona, KaVo Kerr, Planmeca, and SprintRay. The booth will also feature an array of Henry Schein-branded products, including the Company’s latest proprietary designs in the air management category, the Maxima Pro2AR™ handpiece and Single Use Aerosol Evacuator. Members of the Henry Schein Dental team will be available to answer questions and demonstrate digital products.

“We’re excited to connect with the dental community at ADA SmileCon and showcase our portfolio of digital and branded products,” said AJ Caffentzis, President, U.S. Dental Distribution. “Our customers can continue to rely on Henry Schein to help them harness the power of technology and enhance the patient experience.”

Mobile SmileShop on Wheels Expands Access to Premium, Affordable, Convenient Oral Care By Traveling to Remote Areas Across the US and UK

SmileDirectClub, Inc. (Nasdaq: SDC), the next generation oral care company with the first medtech platform for teeth straightening, today announced the United States Patent & Trademark Office (”USPTO”) will issue a patent on the Company’s innovative SmileBus concept. SmileDirectClub’s investment in its SmileBus fleet and its SmileBus concept, which the USPTO recognized as novel, underscores its commitment to its mission of increasing access to oral care. The patent will further strengthen protection for SmileDirectClub’s intellectual property as one of the methods for bringing premium, affordable, accessible oral care to more people through its telehealth platform.

Since launching in the US in 2018, SmileDirectClub’s fleet of SmileBuses has traveled across the continental US. A similar SmileBus concept launched in the UK in 2020. The US and UK fleets have made nearly 1,200 stops and empowered SmileGuides to take nearly 100,000 3D images to date, helping consumers get a smile that they love wherever they live, including the many areas without access to an orthodontist.

“For far too long, access to orthodontic care was limited to only those areas that could support an in-person practice. Thanks to the SmileBus and SmileDirectClub’s industry-first telehealth platform for teeth straightening, more communities than ever now have a premium, affordable, accessible option,” said Susan Greenspon Rammelt, Chief Legal Officer and EVP of Business Affairs at SmileDirectClub. “We are pleased the USPTO has acknowledged the novelty of our SmileBus concept by allowing this patent. The SmileBus has helped thousands of people in the US and UK get started on their smile journey – many of whom live in ‘dental deserts’ without convenient access to orthodontic treatment.”

This newest patent will join the Company’s robust intellectual property portfolio, which includes SmileDirectClub’s patent-protected and innovative digital customer journey, groundbreaking advancements in the manufacture of clear aligners, award-winning whitening system and many other premium oral care offerings.

Since its launch in the U.S. in 2014, SmileDirectClub has become one of the fastest-growing health technology companies in the world and is the leading telehealth platform for orthodontia. SmileDirectClub has straightened smiles for over 1.5 million customers around the world.

Accelerated program provides opportunities for students in an in-demand career

Concorde Career Colleges, a national leader in health care education with 17 campuses in eight states, has launched an accelerated dental hygiene program at its Grand Prairie campus that will help address a shortage in dental professionals.

Enrollment is open and classwork will begin in November 2021 for the 18-month program, which has been granted the status of initial accreditation this month by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). Concorde's Dental Hygiene program is accelerated, allowing students to earn an associate degree and enter the workforce quicker than a typical program.

Concorde-Grand Prairie will accommodate 32 students every 8 months, providing more opportunities for candidates to enroll in the dental hygiene program.

"We want our students to have beneficial experiences that will prepare them to apply for state licensure and enter the profession as soon as possible," said Erin Delashmit, Concorde's Dental Hygiene program director. "Our Program Advisory Committee, which is made up of dental practitioners and community members, will regularly meet with staff to review our program and offer real-world suggestions."

The urgent need for dental hygiene professionals is regional and nationwide. According to a dental outlook by the Texas Department of State Health Services, between 2018 and 2030 the shortage of dental hygienists was projected to grow by 28.4% in Texas.

Concorde's Dental Hygiene program will be a mixture of classroom learning and hands-on labs, as well as working with patients in an on-site dental clinic. The clinic will offer services, including cleanings, X-Rays and sealants to any individual many of whom have difficulty affording dental care on their own.

By summer 2022, the dental clinic will open to the community, which will maximize students' training opportunities and help them prepare for dental board certification exams.

The Concorde-Grand Prairie campus, which offers a variety of health care programs, is located at 3015 West Interstate 20 Grand Prairie, TX. Concorde also has campuses in Dallas and San Antonio. For more information, visit our website at: www.concorde.edu or call 469-532-0088.

Identity Dental Marketing has announced a new program that enables clients to update their photo and video marketing content annually, along with a website refresh every two years. This new initiative will help practices maintain a modern brand, stay connected with their community, and enjoy the benefits of a high-quality, secure website.

The newly announced special allows existing clients to take advantage of these updates at a substantially discounted rate.

Practice owners often assume that once their website is built, it's set for life. This one-and-done perspective can prevent them from keeping current with technology and having a modern appearance.

Identity Dental Marketing's CEO, Grace Rizza says, "You're not the same person you were 3 years ago. Your website, photos and video content should be leveraged to make a powerful, current first impression. These updates also allow for a stronger digital footprint. Updating your website allows you to take advantage of the latest design trends, preventing you from appearing outdated, while improving load speeds and subsequently better rankings in search results."

Mike, Senior Developer at Identity Dental Marketing, reminds us, "It is for this same reason that we update our phones so often - we want to leverage the latest in technology. Updates are no longer recommended, they're critical, and should happen at the very least every three years, ideally every two."

The Identity Dental Marketing team can help you create a custom-designed website that is tailored to your specific niche and built to achieve your practice goals. Their experts will fine-tune your SEO efforts to help you achieve top rankings across multiple search engines.

Schedule your complimentary marketing planning session today. Visit identitydental.com/grace and set up a time with their team to discuss your goals, challenges, and find out how Identity Dental Marketing can help you.