exocad to showcase its latest workflow-enhancing innovations

exocad, an Align Technology, Inc. company and a leading dental CAD/CAM software provider, today announced its participation at two major U.S. dental events: LMT® LAB DAY® CHICAGO and the Chicago Dental Society Midwinter Meeting, taking place concurrently, February 24-26, 2022, in Chicago. exocad plans a full schedule of lectures, open forums, individual case presentations from dentists, demo stations and a variety of opportunities for clinicians and technicians to experience its latest software solutions.

“We’re excited to connect with our lab and clinician communities in person to demonstrate how ChairsideCAD, DentalCAD and exoplan can streamline workflows and improve communication along the treatment journey,” said Larry Bodony, president, exocad America. “We especially look forward to showcasing how our open software blends seamlessly with the latest in 3D printing and desktop scanning technologies.”

Attendees of LMT® LAB DAY® CHICAGO are invited to visit booth #D31/E30 to hear from the exocad team of experts who will demonstrate the most current releases and share insights into the latest features of exocad’s lab software. Four demo stations, a display of cutting-edge 3D printers and desktop scanners, and lectures will be offered to provide opportunities for attendees to learn and explore. Attendees who reserve spots for the lecture series*, occurring on the final day of the event, may attend educational presentations and an open question and answer session with exocad leadership.

At the Chicago Dental Society Midwinter Meeting, exocad, at booth #2405, will be joined by two of its “Aces,” digital dentistry pioneer Dr. August de Oliveira and cosmetic dentist Dr. Diana Tadros. The two doctors will demonstrate their own cases and answer questions. Attendees can see first-hand how to increase practice offerings with implant placements and night guard production, while also improving patient care and satisfaction. exocad plans a special sales offer for attendees who visit the exocad booth between 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. on Friday of the event.

Those who do not want to wait to choose their software, can try exocad’s CAD Configurator to determine which software is the best fit for their needs. This online tool provides software package recommendations based on users’ answers to questions and short prompts.

Additional information is available at exocad.com/chicago

* Link to registration:

https://lmtmag.com/shows/lmt-lab-day-chicago-2022/seminars?uid=46516_10012_6    

More Than Seven Million Underserved Children Have Received Free Oral Health Education and Services, and $20 Million in Oral Care Products Have Been Donated by Supplier Partners

The American Dental Association celebrates the 20th anniversary of its Give Kids A Smile (GKAS) program, which has provided free oral health care education and services to more than seven million underserved children in the U.S. The program is made possible thanks to the thousands of dental professionals who have volunteered their time to deliver this much needed care. To watch a celebratory video highlighting this important milestone, click here.

In 2022, nearly 1,000 GKAS events are scheduled to take place throughout the U.S., and it is estimated that 300,000 underserved children will receive free oral health education, and preventive and restorative services, such as cleanings and fillings. These services will be provided by more than 20,000 dental team volunteers, including approximately 5,000 dentists, using supplies from 3,200 kits of essential oral health care products donated by Henry Schein, Inc. (Nasdaq: HSIC), Colgate-Palmolive (NYSE: CL), and its supplier partners. Henry Schein has served as the exclusive professional product sponsor since the program’s inception, and Colgate-Palmolive has served as the exclusive sponsor of health and hygiene consumer products since 2007.

“What began as a grassroots effort has become a national movement to ensure access to quality health care for all children,” said Dr. Cesar R. Sabates, President of the American Dental Association. “The success of GKAS would not be possible without the nearly 37,000 dental professionals who volunteer at local events each year in addition to national sponsors, Henry Schein and Colgate, and long-time supporters like the ADA Foundation. My sincere appreciation and thanks to all of you who have been a part of the program, some from the very first day. We are all involved for the right reason – to Give Kids A Smile and help children in need.”

Over the years, Henry Schein’s support has included donations from its supplier partners, which have contributed to the $20 million in oral health care products made available to the program, and thousands of hours preparing and sending more than 40,000 dental kits that helped ensure volunteers had the supplies they needed to deliver much needed oral health care.

“Henry Schein is pleased to be a part of Give Kids A Smile’s evolution and its long-term success since the program’s inception, alongside our industry partners who provide the supplies and products to help dentists and their teams deliver quality care,” said AJ Caffentzis, President, U.S. Dental Distribution, Henry Schein. “The program exemplifies our commitment to the profession’s ideals, enhancing oral health literacy and expanding access to care to those who need it most. Congratulations and thank you to the American Dental Association for your leadership, our supplier partners for their collaboration, and all the dental volunteers, dental school faculty, staff, and students who have donated their time and talents to make GKAS the success it is today – one of the largest, charitable dental health programs in the country.”

Colgate-Palmolive’s support of GKAS helps build proper oral care habits and reflects the Company’s mission to reimagine a healthier future for all. In addition to supporting GKAS, Colgate-Palmolive promotes health equity and optimal health and wellbeing among underserved children and their families through its Bright Smiles, Bright Futures® initiative. Established in 1991, the initiative leads global social impact efforts that empower children and families to achieve healthy and bright futures, and has reached more than 1.4 billion children in more than 100 countries across the world.

“Colgate-Palmolive is proud to be a long-time supporter of the Give Kids A Smile program and promote oral health literacy, which is foundational for children’s overall health and well-being,” said Dr. Barbara Shearer, Worldwide Director, Professional Strategy and Innovation, Colgate-Palmolive and Chair, Give Kids A Smile National Advisory Committee. “As the worldwide leader in oral care, Colgate is on a mission to empower people to Know Your OQ™ – your oral health quotient – and for people to understand that your healthier future starts with oral health.”

Supplier partners that are supporting the 2022 Give Kids A Smile program through product donations also include 3M, Centrix, DASH Medical, Dentsply Sirona, DMG America, Dukal Corporation, Medicom, PacDent, Premier, Richmond, Sempermed USA, Sunstar, TIDI Products, and WaterPik.

For more information on Give Kids A Smile, visit: www.ada.org/GKAS.

Click here to view the GKAS 20th Anniversary Gratitude Report.

LOCATOR R-Tx abutments and LOCATOR Implants make perfect pair for streamlining overdenture cases

Zest Dental Solutions, the only manufacturer of the Zest LOCATOR® Family of Abutments and Overdenture Implant System, and provider of clinician-trusted dental materials and small equipment, announces the availability of LOCATOR R-Tx® abutments for its cost effective and versatile LOCATOR Overdenture Implants. As the next generation of LOCATOR abutments, R-Tx delivers enhanced durability as well as exceptional ease-of-use and flexibility.

Zest now offers the LOCATOR Overdenture Implant in 2.4, 2.9, 3.5, 3.9, 4.4, and 4.9 mm sizes, which allows clinicians to treat both narrow and standard ridge cases. This versatility expands clinicians’ patient universe and provides a tremendous opportunity for practice growth. By pairing LOCATOR implants with R-Tx abutments, clinicians now have a two-piece, all-inclusive solution for delivering positive outcomes to a myriad of edentulous and partially edentulous patients.

“It was only a matter of time until we made LOCATOR R-Tx compatible with the LOCATOR Overdenture Implant family,” said Tom Stratton, Zest Dental Solutions CEO. “Together, they create the next generation of cost-effective, high-quality, two-piece implant solutions that make it easier than ever for clinicians to give patients their smiles back and improve their quality of life.”

LOCATOR R-Tx provides a 30 percent increase in strength, 25 percent greater wear resistance, and a 65 percent reduction in surface roughness due its resilient DuraTec® coating. This technology allows the abutment to last longer, which equates to cost and timing savings in maintenance for both patient and clinician.

In addition, LOCATOR R-Tx offers an impressive 60° of total implant divergence. This exceptional angulation along with dual retentive design make seating the overdenture easier than ever. In cases where less movement is desired, Zest offers Limited Range Inserts for LOCATOR R-Tx that reduce the total implant divergence to 10° for a tighter, more secure fit. The dual engaging geometry on the R-Tx abutment offers a narrower leading edge and taper-like effect to allow the patient to more easily align and seat the overdenture.

“The ability to now use LOCATOR R-Tx with Zest’s LOCATOR Overdenture Implants is a game-changer,” said Zest Dental Solutions Chief Clinical Officer, Michael Scherer, DMD, MS. “Since LOCATOR R-Tx abutments accommodate up to 60° it allows me to use LOCATOR implants in more challenging ridge situations. I’ve also noticed the new DuraTec coating on the R-Tx abutments helps to reduce plaque accumulation and maintenance over time.”

LOCATOR R-Tx abutments for LOCATOR Overdenture Implants are available in a variety of cuff heights, and come in convenient, all-in-one packaging which contains abutment, and processing components to be paired with any LOCATOR Implant. To learn more about how LOCATOR R-Tx can help you exceed patient expectations and grow your practice, call 855-868-LODI (5634), go to https://www.zestdent.com/locator-r-tx-removable-attachment-system, or contact your current dental implant manufacturer or distributor.

Providing Higher Bond Strengths to Enamel and Dentin than the Leading Competitor

Parkell, a recognized global leader in dental materials and equipment manufacturing for over 70 years, is proud to announce the new Brush&Bond® MAX bonding system.

Building on decades of success with Brush&Bond®, Brush&Bond MAX is a next-generation bonding agent that focuses on providing optimal performance on the surfaces dentists use bonding agents the most - enamel and dentin. This single-bottle system provides stronger adhesion and higher bond strengths than the leading competitor, so clinicians can feel more confident in their ability to deliver restorations that can withstand the test of time with no post-op sensitivity.

One key differentiator with Parkell’s Brush&Bond MAX is the introduction of the simplified touch application technique, which is an alternative to the scrubbing step needed when applying many other bonding agents to the prep surface, some of which require up to 20 to 30 seconds of active scrubbing.

Prior to launch, Parkell conducted a survey and over 55% of doctors surveyed, who currently use a bonding agent that requires a scrub application technique, did not feel confident that they are covering the entire prep surface.

With Brush&Bond MAX, dentists just need to dip the head of the chemically treated activator brush into the Brush&Bond MAX liquid and simply touch it to the prep surface, going back and forth to pick up more liquid until the entire prep surface is moist.

Once the brush touches the surface, Brush&Bond MAX does the rest of the work, as it begins penetration down into the tubules. This technique eliminates doubts about being able to scrub the liquid into tight line angles or the bottom of a small proximal box.

Brush&Bond MAX also treats dentin hypersensitivity and seals crown preps with a durable surface coat during temporization. Because of its low film thickness, it is imperceptible in x-rays and won’t interfere with the seating of lab fabricated restorations when used in conjunction with resin based adhesive cements. It is compatible with all Parkell restorative composites as well as all light-cure, self-cure, and dual-cure methacrylate-based composites and cements currently available.

It can be used with Ea-Z-Y Primer (sold separately) for enhanced benefits and bonding to porcelain, zirconia and lithium disilicate restorations.

Brush&Bond MAX works with all etching techniques (total-etch, selective-etch, self-etch), seals dentin, cementum and enamel, improves retention of most self-adhesive resin cements when applied to the prep surface prior to the final cementation of indirect restorations, and provides deep penetration into the tubules to promote the formation of a complex hybrid network that ensures MAXimum bonds between the tooth and the restorative.

For more information about Parkell, please visit www.parkell.com or call (800) 243-7446.  

Dentsply Sirona has been awarded a Diamond award (second place) for “Best E-Learning Design” in the “Shift It Online” category of the LearnX Live! Awards 2021. The award recognizes four e-learning courses developed by Dentsply Sirona.

The four courses – Orthodontics 101, 20/20 Vision on Oral Inflammation, It Takes a Team: CAD/CAM Efficiency, and Maximizing the ROI of your CAD/CAM System with Implants – were based on presentations given at the virtual Dentsply Sirona World 2020 conference. They were developed in close collaboration with key opinion leaders, with recordings from the sessions broken down, storyboarded, and turned into interactive courses on Dentsply Sirona Academy.

“It was a fantastic experience working with Dentsply Sirona to bring these courses to life in such an exciting way,” said Dr. Kristine Aadland, dentist from Vancouver, WA, USA and presenter of the Maximizing the ROI of your CAD/CAM system through Implants. “They turned out great and it’s nice to see my presentation given an extended lifespan beyond Dentsply Sirona World as a unique learning tool.”

Making e-learning engaging and interactive

The new courses and their modules were designed to be interactive, so that users can apply the knowledge they gain to their own practices and ways of working. They are also given the opportunity to provide their own experiences and expertise to the case studies and activities throughout. They now rank among the most popular courses on Dentsply Sirona Academy.

Dentsply Sirona has long been committed to empowering dental professionals to provide better, safer, and faster dental care through innovation and education. In 2020 alone, more than one million participants joined the company’s clinical education courses, with almost 7,300 courses taking place across 80 countries – predominantly online. This was almost double the number of participants in 2019.

While Dentsply Sirona World returned to Las Vegas in 2021, the conference was run in a hybrid format, with both in-person and online programs. This ensured that those who could not travel or those who preferred to join virtually still had the opportunity to participate.

Leading the way in clinical education

Dentsply Sirona is now collaborating with a number of key opinion leaders to deliver further courses for next year. The brand-new implant curriculum, for example, focuses on interactive courses that guide a learner from foundational knowledge to master level courses.

“The past two years have shown that virtual training formats are increasingly demanded by our customers. We really needed to think outside the box last year to continue to offer world-class continuing education in a virtual format,” said Prof. Dr. Rainer Seemann, Vice President Global Clinical Research and Scientific Support at Dentsply Sirona. “We are incredibly pleased with how the e-learning pilot project turned out, and that its success has been recognized by the wider industry as well. We now have a unique and award-winning blueprint for e-learning courses in the future.”

More information about webinars and on-demand courses is available on the Dentsply Sirona website: www.dentsplysirona.com/en/education.html.

Tooth decay is one of the most common chronic diseases in childhood. Untreated cavities can cause pain, infections, and can lead to problems eating, speaking, and learning. During February, National Children's Dental Health Month, the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA) reminds parents it is important not only to know how to keep childrens' teeth healthy, but also to ensure that they have access to safe dental care.

"A recent AANA Foundation study on public perceptions of anesthesia found that adults are more worried about their children receiving anesthesia than themselves. Although generally thought of for adult dental procedures, many children receive sedation and anesthesia, even for what would be considered routine dental care like cavity fillings, due to special needs, fear, anxiety, or procedural pain," said AANA President Dina F. Velocci, DNP, CRNA, APRN. "Study respondents reported that an in-person discussion of the anesthesia delivery plan could reduce those concerns."

Advanced practice registered nurses such as Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) are members of one of the most trusted professions, according to Gallup.

"Children who require sedation or anesthesia for dental procedures can count on a CRNA to stay with them throughout their procedure, advocate on their behalf, and provide high-quality, patient-centered care," Velocci said. "In addition to teaching children good dental habits, parents and guardians should work with their child's dental team to help ensure the delivery of sedation or anesthesia care is provided by a qualified, licensed anesthesia professional such as a CRNA."

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), children who have poor oral health often miss more school and receive lower grades than children who don't. Attitudes and habits established at an early age are critical in maintaining good oral health throughout life

Sedation for any dental procedure increases the complexity of care and emphasizes the importance that sedation and anesthesia are provided by an anesthesia professional, such as a CRNA, who is focused only on patient safety, monitoring, and vigilance.

CRNAs are highly educated, trained, and qualified anesthesia experts. They provide 50 million anesthetics per year in the United States, working in every setting in which anesthesia is delivered. They also deliver quality care to rural and other medically underserved areas, where they ensure access to anesthesia care to populations that would otherwise have to travel significant distances from their homes for treatment. 

New offerings include enhanced virtual dental care benefit and other digital resources designed to help people make more informed choices

Additional pilot program provides eligible dental plan members in certain states with a quip Smart Electric Toothbrush and enables individuals to earn up to $600 per year in incentives

UnitedHealthcare Dental has introduced several enhancements designed to help people improve their oral health and access dental care in a more convenient and informed way, with the aim of helping lower costs and improve satisfaction among members and dental professionals.

The latest offering expands access to 24/7 Virtual Dental Visits to help members meet with a licensed dentist via phone or video, giving eligible members in many UnitedHealthcare Dental plans two virtual dental appointments with no cost sharing. The enhanced virtual dental care benefit is designed to improve access to dental advice anywhere and anytime, which may help avoid often-unnecessary visits to the emergency department for oral health issues.

In addition, to help people improve their oral care habits, millions of UnitedHealthcare Dental members can now save up to 30% on smart electric toothbrushes from oral health company quip. Additionally, UnitedHealthcare Dental members now have access to an online resource to help bring greater transparency to treatment options and the cost of dental care, with the goal of helping prevent surprise costs.

“As more and more Americans adopt a digital-first mindset, these new resources are designed to help our members improve and maintain their dental health, which may contribute to overall well-being and help reduce the risk of certain chronic health conditions,” said Colleen Van Ham, CEO, UnitedHealthcare Dental. “These new initiatives advance UnitedHealthcare’s approach of using technology to improve access to quality, cost-effective medical and dental care, while empowering people with personalized information.”

Details of the new offerings include:

● An enhanced 24/7 Virtual Dental Visit benefit for dental plan members that provides access to remote telephone and video consultations for advice and guidance to an appropriate setting for in-person care, such as their own dentist, another local dentist with availability or a primary care physician.* The enhanced benefit provides eligible members with two covered virtual dental visits per plan year at no member cost sharing (i.e., waived deductible and copay) or additional cost for people enrolled in UnitedHealthcare’s fully insured employer-sponsored plans.* Virtual dental care is available to eligible plan participants through myuhc.com or by calling the UnitedHealthcare customer service number on the back of their member ID cards.

Oral health issues rank among the most frequently avoidable emergency department visits,[1] even though these settings are not usually staffed to provide comprehensive dental care and may offer pain medication without addressing the underlying condition. With 24/7 Virtual Dental Visits, plan participants can be supported in making more informed decisions about where to go for care, enabling additional access to dental advice and services.

● A discount of up to 30% on quip Smart Electric Toothbrushes and bundles, including toothpaste, refillable floss and refillable mouthwash. Available to more than 23 million UnitedHealthcare dental members nationwide, the discount program is designed to help people improve their at-home oral hygiene habits, which may help prevent cavities and gum disease, and reduce the risk of certain health conditions such as heart disease and diabetes. quip Smart Electric Toothbrushes seamlessly sync with the quip app via Bluetooth® technology. The quip app provides users with personalized feedback related to brush duration, tooth/gum coverage and intensity, plus the opportunity to earn rewards, including gift cards, for meeting certain brushing targets. Eligible UnitedHealthcare members will be notified about the quip discount via an email from their employer and provided a link to take advantage of the offering.

Additionally, a new UnitedHealthcare Dental plan for select employers with between 100 and 2,000 employees in Illinois, Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C., includes a quip Smart Electric Toothbrush at no additional cost, as well as enables eligible members to earn up to $600 in financial incentives for meeting certain daily oral health activities, such as brushing for a full two minutes twice per day.

● Launch of the Treatment Plan Calculator to help dental plan participants and care professionals make more informed decisions related to treatments. The Treatment Plan Calculator offers access to cost estimates based on actual contracted rates and the member’s plan, including real-time processing capabilities. Through uhcdental.com, network dental care professionals can access the Treatment Plan Calculator to discuss with patients – while still in the exam room – potential treatments and anticipated out-of-pocket expenses (if any) for each care option.If the actual cost of dental services exceeds the amount estimated by the Treatment Plan Calculator, UnitedHealthcare will honor the original estimate to help avoid a potential surprise bill**.

The introduction of the Treatment Plan Calculator helps address an industrywide priority, including efforts by the American Dental Association, to help people avoid surprise dental bills. Across the health care system, millions of Americans receive surprise medical bills each year.

UnitedHealthcare Dental serves more than 23 million people enrolled in employer-sponsored, Medicare and Medicaid plans, helping provide access to care via a network of more than 120,000 dental professionals.

*Not all dental services are eligible for virtual dental care.

**Certain restrictions and limitations apply.

All trademarks are property of their respective owner.

[1] International Journal for Quality in Health Care, 2017, https://academic.oup.com/intqhc/article/29/5/642/4085442

National Wear Red Day, #OurHearts movement and Generation of Smiles Magazine are among the ways PDS will raise awareness in February about the link between oral health and heart health.

Leading dental support organization Pacific Dental Services^® (PDS) is joining healthcare professionals nationwide in recognizing American Heart Month by raising larger awareness of the link between oral health and heart health with campaigns in February targeted toward patients and its own team members.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States according to the American Heart Association. There is increasing research indicating the connection between oral health and heart health is even more pronounced than experts previously thought. About 90% of middle-aged adults and more than 74% of young adults have one or more risk factors for heart disease. Risk factors include diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity and gum disease or oral inflammation.

Periodontitis is a severe gum infection affecting 740 million people, making it is the sixth-most prevalent disease worldwide. One study showing the association between periodontal disease and atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases suggests that the risk factor of gum disease may initiate the development, maturation and instability of atheroma in arteries and conversely when the condition of one disease improves, it positively impacts the condition of the other. Early diagnosis and treatment of periodontal disease can greatly impact and improve the status of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases.

A new report from the National Institutes of Health summarizes that Americans’ oral health has largely worsened over the past 20 years and that movement toward integration of dental and medical services is an important strategy to improve patient care. Gary Pickard, Pacific Dental Services’ Senior Director of Government and Industry Affairs, was a contributor on the report.

“Pacific Dental Services continues to lead the way in highlighting the connection between oral health and overall health, or what we call the Mouth-Body Connection®, and the importance of dental-medical integration,” said Stephen E. Thorne IV, Founder and CEO, Pacific Dental Services. “Our goal throughout American Heart Month is to continue educating our patients, team members and communities we serve about the importance of maintaining good oral health. A healthier smile lowers the risk of heart disease, which in turn creates a healthier heart.”

Some of the ways Pacific Dental Services is observing the month include:

• PDS team members and supported practices participated in the American Heart Association’s National Wear Red Day Feb. 4 to help raise awareness about heart disease and stroke in women. The initiative, Go Red for Women, is designed to increase women’s heart health awareness and serve as a catalyst for change to improve the lives of women globally.

• Encouraging patients and PDS team members to join the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute’s 28 Days Toward a Healthy Heart challenge as part of its #OurHearts movement to inspire people to support each other to be heart-healthy and achieve heart health goals.

• Inviting PDS team members in Irvine, California, Dallas, Texas and Henderson, Nevada to spend some of their Valentine’s Day on Feb. 14 learning CPR to be better prepared in case of an emergency. Additionally, team members will create no-sew heart pillows to help patients recovering from open heart surgery. The pillows provide an extra layer of pressure and comfort to combat painful jolts from coughing, sneezing or moving and helps to reduce pain by keeping the surgical incision and skin around the incision in place.

• PDS-supported practices distributed the latest issue of Generations of Smiles, an educational magazine produced by the Smile Generation® that aims to educate the public on the link between oral health and whole-body health. The issue focuses on the link between oral health and heart health and features content form the American Heart Association.

Since its inception in 1994, PDS-supported dentists have been committed to clinical excellence and providing the Perfect Patient Experience®. This includes educating patients about the link between oral health and whole-body health – what PDS and its supported practices call the Mouth-Body Connection®. Research shows that harmful bacteria and inflammation in the mouth can indicate and even cause systemic conditions throughout the body. Maladies of the mouth, including periodontal disease, may be linked with other medical conditions including oral cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis and more. 

Company Broadens Signature Bright Smiles, Bright Futures Program, Launches Global Oral Health Accelerator with Enactus, Initiates Groundbreaking Research and Expands Diversity Scholarships

Colgate-Palmolive Company, the worldwide leader in oral care, today announced it is launching a public health initiative to empower people to Know Your OQ™: to understand—and improve—their oral health quotient. Just as people may know their IQ or EQ, which measure cognitive and emotional intelligence, Colgate wants people to know their oral health quotient and understand the links between oral health and overall health and wellbeing. In total, the Company will commit more than $100 million over the next five years to address a global health crisis affecting nearly half the world’s population and ensure oral health is incorporated into broader public health strategies.

“As the worldwide leader in oral care and with our trusted Colgate brand in more homes than any other, Colgate-Palmolive has the opportunity to address a global health crisis that has far-reaching and significant impacts,” said Noel Wallace, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. “We’ve got the team, the partners, the innovations and the motivation to reimagine a healthier future for all.”

At www.KnowYourOQ.com, people can take a free, interactive assessment to determine their OQ score. The website also includes compelling information about the depth and breadth of the global oral health crisis and provides educational resources for primary care physicians, nurses and educational leaders as well as consumers to improve oral hygiene, encourage healthier habits and promote overall systemic health.

“Research has consistently shown that oral health is a window to overall health, yet oral health literacy is very low,” said Maria Ryan, DDS, PhD, Vice President and Chief Clinical Officer at Colgate-Palmolive. “That’s why we’re on a mission to help people increase their oral health knowledge with: Know Your OQ™. If we all understand the importance of oral health and embrace simple, proven preventative strategies, we can help decrease risk for oral diseases and empower people worldwide to join in the fight against oral diseases that impact overall health and well being.”

Oral health is often overlooked, even though an estimated 3.5 billion people currently suffer from oral diseases. Despite there being proven strategies for prevention, cavities remain the most prevalent chronic disease among adults and children, and it is estimated that 2.3 billion people suffer from tooth decay. Periodontal disease is among humanity's most common ailments, with severe gum diseases, which may result in tooth loss, affecting 10% of the global population. The crisis of oral disease has significant consequences, since oral health has impacts for physical health and emotional wellbeing: research shows that oral health is linked to other physical health conditions, and a global Colgate study found that childhood cavities lead to worry, anxiety and sadness in both kids and their parents.

“Studies show there are links, between chronic infections and inflammation, and medical conditions like cardiovascular disease and stroke, with common oral diseases being identified as contributors to increased risk for a number of systemic disorders. The mouth is a source of bacteria and inflammation impacting overall health,” said Nieca Goldberg, MD, nationally recognized pioneer in women’s heart health, cardiologist and Medical Director of Atria New York City. “It’s critical that the medical community consider the importance of oral health to provide the best care for our patients.”

It is more urgent than ever to Know Your OQ™: to understand the links between oral health and overall health, and to maintain proper oral hygiene. The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a toll on oral care habits. A study published in the International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry found that the frequency of toothbrushing, use of dental services, and self-perceived need for dental treatment significantly decreased among adolescents during the pandemic. And although the American Dental Association recommends brushing your teeth for two minutes twice a day, a recent OnePoll survey found that 22 percent of adults in the UK now go more than three days without brushing their teeth. The need for improved oral health literacy is clear: the same survey found that more than a quarter of adults do not think that poor oral health could lead to wider health complications.

In addition to Know Your OQ™, Colgate’s efforts include groundbreaking research studies, a new accelerator challenge with Enactus, product innovation and advancements in connected health technology, and scholarships that support diversity within the dental profession.

DO YOU KNOW YOUR OQ™?: Colgate-Palmolive’s Leadership in Promoting Oral Health

SOCIAL IMPACT

Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures

Established in 1991, Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures (BSBF) has reached more than 1.4 billion children in more than 100 countries across the world. The program strategically partners to reach underserved children and their families where they are born, live, work, learn, play, and pray. BSBF promotes health equity, optimal health and wellbeing, and leads global social impact efforts that empower children and families to achieve healthy and bright futures.

EDUCATION

Advancements in Oral Health Research

Colgate is planning a new study for later this year to assess whether implementing a connected health technology program in schools can overcome the barriers to effective brushing and improve oral health literacy. Developing a partnership with the Medical University of South Carolina, Colgate would provide approximately 250 students 9-12 years old from rural and underserved communities with a hum by Colgate smart toothbrush and Colgate toothpaste to take home. The hum by Colgate App will notify participating students to brush, educate them about oral health, and track changes in brushing behavior over three months.

Colgate launched a groundbreaking study with Verily, an Alphabet company, to advance the understanding of the connection between oral health and overall health. The study's goal is to see how oral health practices, including intensive non-surgical periodontal therapy, as well as a robust Colgate home oral hygiene regimen monitored through its hum smart toothbrush connected technologies, affect health more broadly. The study has enrolled participants in Verily's ongoing Baseline Health Study, ages 18 and older, with prediabetes, type 2 diabetes and/or cardiovascular disease for up to 18 months, in order to expand the understanding of the interrelation between oral health, cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

Colgate recently conducted global research that revealed the harmful impact of dental cavities on children and their parents. In a study of more than 20,000 parents across 12 countries, Colgate found childhood cavities are the source of significant physical, emotional, social, and economic consequences, drawing another link between oral health and overall wellbeing.

Know Your OQ™ Assessment

Colgate-Palmolive today launched www.KnowYourOQ.com, a new oral health resource that provides key information about the crisis of oral disease, tips for how to improve your oral health, and a free, interactive assessment to determine your oral health quotient. By finding out your OQ score, people around the world have the opportunity to understand the connection between oral health and overall health, and learn proven, preventive strategies to take care of their mouths for a brighter, healthier future.

Go to www.KnowYourOQ.com to take Colgate’s free, interactive assessment to promote your healthier future: discover your OQ score, and learn more about the links between oral health and overall health & wellbeing.

KnowYourOQ.com builds on another educational resource by Colgate: Colgate’s Oral Care Center, which is the world’s #1 branded online oral health resource.

Scholarship and Fellowship Programs

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.

Colgate also launched the Trailblazers in Oral Health Research Scholars of African-American Heritage (TORCH) program this year to attract and develop young researchers of African heritage with the goal to increase representation and participation in oral health research both in academia and industry.

Product Innovation

To empower people to improve their brushing habits, Colgate develops innovative connected health products like hum by Colgate, which is clinically proven to increase brushing efficacy for a cleaner smile. The new hum by Colgate Smart Rhythm Sonic toothbrush leverages smart tracking technology developed in-house, and is offered at an accessible price point in order to democratize connected health technology and reimagine a healthier future for all. The hum by Colgate Smart Rhythm Sonic toothbrush was recently selected as a CES® 2022 Innovation Awards Honoree by the Consumer Technology Association, awarded for its innovation, engineering and functionality, aesthetic and design.

The hum by Colgate line 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.

Building Healthy Habits

Colgate is initiating a Smile O’Clock campaign to integrate brushing into children’s night-time routines and establish healthy habits. By partnering with behavioral scientists to build this comprehensive program, Colgate is taking a bold, new insights-driven approach to oral health education, including launching a Smile O’Clock digital learning hub where kids can make a pledge to participate in a 21-day challenge and parents can learn the importance of night brushing for cavity prevention.

ENGAGEMENT

Enactus Accelerator Challenge

Colgate-Palmolive is partnering with Enactus, the world’s largest experiential learning platform dedicated to creating a better world while creating the next generation of entrepreneurial leaders and social innovators, to host a global accelerator challenge in India, United States, United Kingdom, Brazil, and Kenya with the mission to help people Know Your OQ™. University teams within these five regions will compete to develop innovative ideas to educate local communities about the importance of oral health and promote better oral care habits. By tapping emerging leaders to join the movement, Colgate-Palmolive is mobilizing the next generation of leaders to prioritize oral health and raise awareness about this hidden global crisis.

Employee Engagement

Colgate is mobilizing its 34,000 employees to fulfill the company’s mission and amplify the public health message to their networks: Know Your OQ™. By activating its employees to drive awareness about oral health, Colgate is building upon its successful #SafeHands campaign, which tapped employees to support the World Health Organization’s effort to create greater awareness for proper hand washing to stop the spread of COVID-19, plus launched a global matching gift program for all Colgate employees to support nonprofit partners’ relief efforts.

About Colgate-Palmolive:

Colgate-Palmolive Company is a caring, innovative growth company reimagining a healthier future for all people, their pets and our planet. Focused on Oral Care, Personal Care, Home Care and Pet Nutrition, the Company sells its products in more than 200 countries and territories under brands such as Colgate, Palmolive, elmex, hello, meridol, Sorriso, Tom’s of Maine, EltaMD, Filorga, Irish Spring, PCA Skin, Protex, Sanex, Softsoap, Speed Stick, Ajax, Axion, Fabuloso, Soupline and Suavitel, as well as Hill’s Science Diet and Hill’s Prescription Diet. The Company is recognized for its leadership and innovation in promoting sustainability and community wellbeing, including its achievements decreasing plastic waste, saving water, reducing waste, promoting recyclability, conserving natural resources and improving children’s oral health through its Bright Smiles, Bright Futures program, which has reached more than 1.4 billion children since 1991. For more information about Colgate’s global business and how the Company is building a future to smile about, visit www.colgatepalmolive.com. CL-C

Ivoclar Inc. is proud to announce that the company has been awarded DENTAL ADVISOR’s 2022 Innovative Company of the Year. The highly-respected award recognizes Ivoclar’s continued commitment to the research and development of integrated product solutions that meet the needs and end-user performance expectations of dental professionals. A leader in delivering quality products backed by quantitative research and performance data, Ivoclar was also recognized for its commitment to educating dental professionals.

“We are thrilled to award Ivoclar the Innovative Company of the Year for 2022" said Dr. Sabiha S. Bunek, DDS, CEO and editor-in-chief and founding member of DENTAL ADVISOR. "They are leaders in dentistry, continually introducing new concepts, products and equipment that really illustrate they understand the needs of dental professionals.”

Three Ivoclar Inc. products received DENTAL ADVISOR’s 2022 Top Award Winner honors. The BluePhase® PowerCureTM curing light for its innovative alert and correction system that vibrates to alert users to potential curing issues and automatically increases curing time by 10 seconds to ensure a thorough cure along with its 3S Cure 3-second flash cure mode. VarioLink® Esthetic LC light- and dual-curing luting composite was awarded 2022 Top Award Winner for its shade stabilizing Ivocerin technology and new high viscosity formulation for placement of thin restorations such as veneers without concern of displacement during seating. Monobond Plus® was recognized as a truly universal quick-acting primer for use on all substrates including composites without the need to refrigerate.

“At Ivoclar, we strive to deliver quality products that meet the highest standards of oral health care,” said Dr. George Tysowsky DDS, MPH, FACD, Senior Vice President and Head of Global Training, Ivoclar Inc. “Developing innovative state-of-the-art technology and material solutions is our passion and our commitment to the dental industry.”