August 22 is National Tooth Fairy Day

According to findings of the 2022 Original Tooth Fairy Poll® released by Delta Dental, the Tooth Fairy visited 79% of homes across the country with children ages 6-12 who have lost teeth. Most kids are demonstrating patience for the Tooth Fairy's visit, with more than half of parents (61%) reporting that their child waited for their loose tooth to fall out, unlike 18% of their children that pulled their own tooth! One in 3 parents agree that the Tooth Fairy is a positive way to instill good oral health habits in their child. The 2022 poll builds on insights gleaned over nearly a quarter of a century. A few additional highlights from this year's poll include:

The Tooth Fairy continues to bring joy

● More than 1 in 2 parents say the Tooth Fairy gives their child something to be excited about (55% 2022 versus 53% 2021).

● This year, more parents indicate that the Tooth Fairy provides their child with an opportunity to celebrate something fun (55% 2022 versus 48% 2021).

● In fact, 35% of parents express the Tooth Fairy was the perfect way to spread joy in a year when they needed it most (compared to 34% 2021).

"Our oral health is essential to our overall health, and the time-honored tradition of the Tooth Fairy can help bring attention in a fun way to the importance of establishing proper oral hygiene habits at an early age," said Jennifer Elliott, Chief Marketing Officer, Delta Dental Plans Association. "Delta Dental is committed to increasing the public's oral health care awareness as we support millions of dental health journeys across America."

The worth of a lost tooth — cash dominates

Since 1998, Delta Dental has been analyzing the Tooth Fairy's U.S. annual giving trends. The 2022 Original Tooth Fairy Poll® indicates the Tooth Fairy's average cash gift reached $5.36 per tooth, an all-time high in the 24-year history of the poll. This year's value of a lost tooth has more than quadrupled since the inception of the Original Tooth Fairy Poll® when the value of a lost tooth was $1.30. The 2022 poll's average gift of $5.36 per tooth is 66 cents (14%) higher than the previous peak of $4.70 set last year and well over $1 (33%) more per tooth in 2020 ($4.03). The 2022 poll also finds that 80% of the time the Tooth Fairy leaves only money rather than some other physical gift.

About the survey

The Original Tooth Fairy Poll® was conducted between January 19 and January 28, 2022, among a nationally representative sample of 1,000+ parents of children ages 6-12. The survey has a margin of error of +/- 3%.

For more information about the Delta Dental-sponsored survey, Tooth Fairy resources for families and kids, and oral health tips for infants to pre-teen, visit the  Original Tooth Fairy Poll®. 

Overjet, the leader in dental AI for providers and payers, received a Medical Device Establishment License (MDEL) from Health Canada for its innovative X-ray analysis technology.

Overjet, the dental industry leader in artificial intelligence solutions, announced today it's expanding into Canada. The company received a Medical Device Establishment License (MDEL) from Health Canada for its AI-powered radiograph analysis and annotation software designed to help dentists offer more comprehensive care.

Overjet is collaborating with several of Canada's largest dental groups, insurers, and product distribution companies to implement the AI technology. The software analyzes dental X-rays in real time to detect cavities and calculus, as well as identify restorations, root canals, and other prior treatment. It also quantifies bone loss to aid in the diagnosis of periodontal disease, a common gum infection that causes the bone and tissue supporting teeth to deteriorate.

The objective analysis helps dentists know where to take a deeper look so they can provide comprehensive patient care. The software also reviews the past 18 months of X-rays of every patient in the practice and cross-references with the treatment plans on file to identify patients with potentially undiagnosed conditions.

"Canada is one of the leading countries in AI and technology adoption, and we look forward to bringing Overjet to Canada to enhance oral health," said Wardah Inam, PhD, the CEO and co-founder of Overjet. "We look forward to working with our Canadian partners to create a future that is clinically-precise, efficient, and patient-centric."

"It's an honor to have the opportunity to introduce AI technology to advance patient care in the country where I grew up," said Chris Balaban, DMD, VP of Clinical Affairs at Overjet. "Overjet not only provides data-driven insights to help dentists determine the right treatment at the right time, but it helps educate and empower patients to make more informed decisions about their oral and overall health."

In the United States, Overjet has been cleared by the Food and Drug Administration and is used by dental support organizations (DSOs), independent dentists, and dental insurance carriers, representing more than 100 million patients.

Canadian providers, payers, and industry partners seeking more information are urged to visit overjet.com.

AAID-Credentialed Women Dentists Reflect on their Fulfilling Career Choice

According to the American Dental Association, women make up a record-breaking 56% of incoming dental students, almost tripling the percentage who were first-year students in the ’80s. Once these students complete their education, they’ll be joining the ranks of a new generation of female implant specialists. Three female dental leaders who have several decades of experience between them are American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID) credentialed dental implant experts Janice Wang, DDS, DABOI, Jasmine Sung, DDS, DABOI, and Polly Michaels, DMD, DABOI.

To earn their AAID credentials, dentists must meet rigorous qualifications that demonstrate they have the deep knowledge and critical skills essential to successfully placing implants and replacement teeth. Dr. Sung believes that recognizing and replacing teeth with dental implants is imperative to improving the quality of life of her patients. After receiving her D.D.S. from Baylor College of Dentistry, she completed over 1,500 hours of continuing education to ensure her patients know they are receiving the best care. “My patients have become like family. They need to be comfortable with their procedures, so I strive to provide the highest quality care with integrity,” she said.

After six years as a hospital-based dentist, Dr. Michaels started her own practice in 2010. She believes her experience with medically compromised patients allows her to complete complex surgeries with a more predictable, long-term outcome in implants and prosthetics. "Any existing issues are magnified in a medically complex patient, so it is of utmost importance that the care I provide is customized for each patient's success. The rigorous testing required for AAID credentialing allows patients to feel confident in my qualifications for providing this critical care," said Dr. Michaels.

Dr. Wang describes AAID’s program as the “best and safest practices in dental implantology — protecting the general public and providing dentists with extensive education and levels of credentials.” With 19 years of intensive experience in implantology, from extractions and bone grafts to implant placements and restorations, she has found that “implants are usually the only logical, comfortable, and conservative solution” for clients with missing or failing teeth.

Drs. Sung, Michaels and Wang have found great satisfaction in using their rigorous dental implant-focused training to change the lives of those needing replacement teeth. As implant experts with deep knowledge and extensive skills, they can ensure their patients feel comfortable and confident throughout the implant process and with the smiles that result.

To learn more about the professional journeys of these accomplished women and why AAID-credentialed dentists are the go-to dental implant experts for patients, watch their videos at Answers from AAID-credentialed dentists and read their articles on the LifeSmiles blog. To understand what AAID-credentialing is, visit our Training, Experience & Credentials page for a summary of the qualifications.

Introducing Allday® Dry Mouth Gel, the newest addition to the Elevate Oral Care patented oral moisturizing product line. Allday Gel combats dry mouth differently than any other moisturizing mouth product. Its patented innovation uses a special mucoadhesive hydrogel that works in concert with its maximum xylitol concentration, to relieve dry mouth and help improve oral health. Since dry mouth patients are extreme high-risk, achieving a non-acidic oral environment is crucial for disease prevention. Allday Gel is manufactured to a neutral pH of ~7.0, providing continuous buffering and protection with use throughout the day and night. Allday Gel is saturated with 44% xylitol, far more than any other dry mouth relief product. Its unique hydrogel holds more xylitol in the mouth for an extended period, prolonging the bacteriostatic benefits. More than 25% of your patients likely suffer from dry mouth. These patients want relief from their pain and discomfort, but since their low saliva flow puts them at high-risk, they also need extra protection from caries.

For more information or to order, call 877-866-9113 or visit www.elevateoralcare.com.

Sleep expert Dr. Matthew Walker, best-selling author James Hunter, insomnia researcher Dr. Robert Oexman and leading cardiologist Dr. Mimi Guarneri headline an impressive roster of speakers on sleep and breathing disorders.

Vivos Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: VVOS) (“Vivos”) is excited to announce the fourth annual Breathing Wellness Conference, which will take place Oct. 26–29, 2022, at the Hilton Hotel in Cancún, Mexico. The conference will be hosted by The Vivos Institute, the educational branch of Vivos Therapeutics.

Dentists, dental teams, and medical doctors from around the world gather at this annual conference to learn from top experts in the industry and explore the impact of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) on overall health and chronic conditions, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, dementia, and chronic fatigue. Participants also have the chance to explore the latest innovations in dental sleep medicine and how they can be implemented within their own practices to help their patients.

“Our annual Breathing Wellness Conference brings together leading clinicians and researchers from a wide range of healthcare disciplines and serves as a platform where we can learn about the causes and serious health consequences of OSA and the latest advances in the world of sleep medicine while continuing to spread the message about Vivos’ breakthrough technology,” said Kirk Huntsman, Chairman, and CEO of Vivos.

In years past, attendees have gained practice benefits and treatment options that can be life-altering for OSA patients. “The Breathing Wellness Conference is, hands down, my favorite conference of the year! The lecturers are always phenomenal, and the camaraderie of dental professionals is unparalleled,” said Dr. Michelle Rowe, a Vivos Integrated Provider, and owner and general dentist of Willow Spring Family Dentistry in Centennial, Colorado. “I have met some of my closest friends and some of the most inspirational dentists at this conference. I highly recommend this conference for all doctors who are starting their journey into sleep dentistry.”

“I invested to bring 12 team members across the country for the Vivos Breathing Wellness Conference last year,” said Dr. James Massa, owner of Massa Dental Center in Naples, Florida, and a Vivos Integrated Provider. “It was one of the best investments of my 30-year dental career! Thanks to this conference, our team is knowledgeable, motivated, and invested in life-changing therapy that improves our patients’ and families’ lives everyday.”

This year, attendees will have the opportunity to hear from the following guest speakers:

Matthew Walker, PhD: “Why Sleep?”

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

James Hunter: “Servant Leadership: Creating a Culture of Excellence.”

Michael Czubiak, DDS: “Sleep 101.”

Seth Heckman, MD: “Evidence-Based Medicine: What We Have, What We Are Investigating, and How You Can Make a Difference.”

Lindsay Williams, DDS: “Finishing Cases with Clear Aligner Orthodontics.”

Ben Miraglia, DDS: “How Did We Get Here: Origins of Sleep Apnea.”

Jon Caulfield, DDS: “The Paradigm Shift: Looking Beyond the Mouth.”

Sanjive Jain, MD: “Interpreting Home Sleep Tests.”

Kalli Hale, DDS: “Sleep Medicine in Dentistry.”

Kevin Goles, DDS: “Use of the Laser in Sleep Dentistry.”

Susie McCullough: “Implementing Sleep and Airway into the Dental Practice.”

Robert Oexman, DC: “Insomnia: Learn to Sleep.”

Brian Kraft, DDS: “Implementing a Winning Team Bonus Plan.”

Anthony Penketh: “Successful Tips on How to Attract More Fee-for-Service New Patients.”

Tim Weeks, DC: “What the Neck?”

For more information about the Breathing Wellness Conference, including registration, please visit thevivosinstitute.com/bwc22. 

Pioneer in Treating Dentofacial Abnormalities and / or Mild-to-Moderate Obstructive Sleep Apnea Ranks Among Top 10 Most Innovative Medical Device Companies of the Year

Vivos Therapeutics, Inc. (“Vivos” or “the Company”) (NASDAQ: VVOS), a medical technology company focused on developing and commercializing a suite of innovative diagnostic and treatment modalities for patients with dentofacial abnormalities and / or mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and snoring, announced today that Fast Company magazine has selected Vivos and its novel and proprietary technology for the publication’s 2022 “World’s Most Innovative Companies” list as part of the medical devices category.

Ranking at No. 9 on the list, Vivos’ customized oral appliances and proprietary clinical protocols, known as The Vivos Method, are part of a multidisciplinary treatment modality prescribed by independent Vivos-trained dentists and other medical professionals. Unlike the current standard-of-care treatment for OSA, such as CPAP machines (which require lifetime use) or invasive surgical procedures, patients undergo treatment with The Vivos Method for approximately 12 to 24 months, with potentially significant airway improvement. The Vivos Method represents the first clinically effective non-surgical, non-invasive, non-pharmaceutical and cost-effective solution for patients on the market.

“It is an honor to be recognized by Fast Company for Vivos’ innovations in treating patients’ dentofacial abnormalities known to be associated with sleep apnea, which more than 1 billion people globally and 54 million Americans suffer from – 80 percent of whom remain undiagnosed,” said Kirk Huntsman, Vivos Chairman and CEO. “Our mission is to make the world more aware of this silent killer and its host of comorbidities, including high blood pressure / hypertension, heart failure, stroke, and many other life-threatening illnesses. We believe that Vivos has a truly groundbreaking technology that’s unlike anything else in the industry today, with thousands of successfully treated patients to back it up.”

Fast Company’s editors and writers sought out the most groundbreaking businesses across industries for the list and also judged nominations received through their application process. The “World’s Most Innovative Companies” list honors organizations that are making the biggest impacts on their respective industries and culture as a whole.

SurfCT, the award-winning information technology, design, and digital workflow integration company has announced the addition of P. Christian Rose as SurfCT’s new Business Development Director. Rose is a seasoned business growth entrepreneur with over three decades of success and business expertise to dental and elective healthcare providers across the globe.

“SurfCT dentists and surgeons are recognized as best-in-class by their patients and their peers, and are well established at the highest levels of production and patient care around the world. Top caliber clinicians and doctors such as these require innovative, high-quality solutions so they can continue to elevate the patient experience,” explains Paul Vigario, founder, and CEO of SurfCT. “That is why we invest in talent that is strategically suited to provide clients with custom-tailored solutions.

SurfCT employs a consultative approach, which means we consider all facets of the business from office design connected to the integration of digital technology, business goals, vision & brand, and the patient experience. Chris’s depth of knowledge in dental and healthcare technology incorporation combined with entrepreneurial business acumen make him an ideal fit to support the growth and long-term goals of our entrepreneurial doctors and clients.

We are honored to support new and existing premier clients with an innovative approach and provide solutions to keep healthcare practitioners on top for years to come.”

In his previous role, Rose was the Director of Dental Channels and Sales of North America at EnvisionTEC, a privately held global company that developed, manufactured and marketed desktop and production 3D printers to the dental, medical, professional, and industrial markets. In 2021, Rose played a key role in the acquisition of EnvisionTEC by Desktop Metal, which launched the subsidiary, Desktop Health, where Rose served as Business Success Manager of the dental channel.

In addition to significant roles at Dental Professional Laboratories, Inc. and Patterson Dental, Rose’s role as general manager/partner for The Rose Group provides a perspective that blends expertise, empathy and ingenuity for SurfCT doctors and clients looking to implement integrative solutions that support the health of both patients and business.

“My passion is to identify the growth opportunities available to dental and healthcare practices so business owners can experience the expansion they deserve. I mesh my entrepreneurial skills with a deep background in clinical practice workflow, and lab knowledge for advanced dental and healthcare technology. SurfCT is an exciting company to join because clients receive a consultative approach rather than a big-box store feel. This formula provides positive, unparalleled results.”

Rose’s commitment to service-minded leadership extends into his personal pursuits as well. From 1994-2014, Rose served as a master diver for Aquatic’s Underwater Recovery & Rescue Inc., a Lake County Sherriff’s department non-profit organization in Crown Point, Indiana. An experienced scuba diver, Rose and fellow certified divers used the latest in underwater technology and emergency equipment to provide Lake County citizens underwater rescue specialists.

“Chris lives by the SurfCT belief that Everything is Connected®,” Mr. Vigario shares. “We are grateful to deliver the benefits Chris will bring to our clients and team.”

Learn more about SurfCT here. 

With Revenue Growth of 175 Percent, PepperPointe Receives Ranking No. 3,072 Among America’s Fastest-Growing Private Companies

Today, Inc. revealed that PepperPointe Partnerships is No. 3,072 on its annual Inc. 5000 list, the most prestigious ranking of the fastest-growing private companies in America. In PepperPointe’s first appearance on the list, they ranked 173 in health

services, 24 in Kentucky, and fourth in their hometown of Lexington.

The list represents a one-of-a-kind look at successful companies within the economy’s most dynamic segment — its independent businesses. Facebook, Chobani, Under Armour, Microsoft, Patagonia, and many other well-known names gained their first national exposure as honorees on the Inc. 5000.

“It is an honor to be recognized for such a distinguished achievement,” said PepperPointe Partnerships CEO and President, Dr. Greg White. “We are so grateful to our doctor partners for their continued support and their dedication towards protecting personalized care. This milestone is just the beginning for PepperPointe, it solidifies us as one of the largest and fastest-growing DSOs and most importantly, strengthens our ability to further our mission.”

PepperPointe Partnerships is the only doctor-owned, doctor-controlled dental service organization (DSO) of its size. This unique DSO facilitates the formation of completely doctor-owned and doctor-led pediatric dental and orthodontic Group Practices that are supported by PepperPointe. The organization was founded on the belief that true doctor ownership — at all levels of the organization — ensures long-term continuity of care for the patient. This important distinction preserves the legacy of doctor-owned practices and in doing so, protects the continuity of patient care for generations.

The Inc. 5000 list honors the fastest-growing private companies based on their growth and development over a three-year period. The companies on the list have not only been successful, but have also demonstrated resilience amid supply chain woes, labor shortages, and the ongoing impact of Covid-19.

“The past few weeks have been remarkable for PepperPointe, not only due to our debut on the Inc. 5000 list but as we celebrated the expansion into our first market outside the state of Kentucky, with the addition of eight orthodontic and pediatric practices in New York,” said Dr. White. “This year has consisted of many firsts for us but we’re most proud of what the growth and lasting impact will have on our patients and communities.”

PepperPointe will continue its successful growth while serving nearly 100 doctors owners, 1,000 team members, and providing quality care to over 275,000 patients.

Collaboration creates patient support and new growth opportunities for affiliated dental practices across the southeast region

orthobrain® – an Ohio-based, dental practice growth system with a total solution that makes integrating orthodontics easy and profitable, has partnered with Oakpoint, a dental support organization offering dental care providers support services in key functional areas of dental practices, from marketing and human resources to finance and patient advocacy.

Together, the organizations will use their clinical expertise and business acumen to deliver personal support to affiliated practices. Specifically, Oakpoint will integrate orthobrain’s Core service offering to support and drive orthodontic activation, resulting in increased patient acquisition and practice growth.Established in 2019, Oakpoint is a doctor-owned model passionate about supporting dental practices. With more than 300 dedicated team members, the company assists 34 practices and growing in separating the clinical work from the clerical, letting dentists concentrate on practicing the art of dentistry without the distractions and burden of running a practice.

“orthobrain and Oakpoint share a common understanding of creating successful and profitable practices,” said Mick Janness, CEO at Oakpoint. “We know the day-to-day realities practices face, and together, we will help them run efficiently, translating to better quality patient care and outcomes.”

The collaboration combines the passionate and purpose-driven mentality of Oakpoint with the orthobrain total solution package of leveraging digital technology and learning systems to give dentists the clinical confidence to provide orthodontic services.

“We’re excited to partner with Oakpoint and bring additional resources, skills and confidence-building support to their practices,” said Kimberly Harrington, Chief Operating Officer at orthobrain. “With up to 12 million people seeking orthodontic treatment globally every year, partnerships like this will empower patient access and support clinical confidence. Our shared vision will make transformative growth possible for dental practices.”

Roland DGA’s parent company, Hamamatsu, Japan-based Roland DG Corporation, has announced that it will be relocating to a new, uniquely constructed headquarters near its current facilities in Hamamatsu, Japan. The completion of Roland DG’s new “nearly ZEB” certified building in the Miyakoda area of Kita-ku, Hamamatsu in July 2023 will integrate the company’s factory and headquarters, which are currently located at two separate venues.

ZEB certification is defined by four levels of achieving zero-energy construction by combining energy-saving technologies, such as the use of natural energy and efficient equipment systems, with energy-creating technologies, such as solar power generation. Roland DG’s new state-of-the-art building will achieve a primary energy consumption of 75%+ through energy conservation (50%+) and energy creation.

The new building will provide a space that creates new value by organically combining R&D, administration, and sales functions together in a single office area. All floors will have public areas, interaction areas, and creative areas designed to enable employees to freely change their work environment, generate ideas, and communicate with each other.

Shizuoka Prefecture sets a seismic zone standard that is stricter than the national standard, and the new building to be constructed will be 1.5 times safer than the national standard. The new building will also be equipped with a solar power generation system on the rooftop, automatic lighting control and inverter airflow control for exhaust fans, and a top-class efficiency air conditioning system, all of which are consistent with global efforts to achieve carbon neutrality. The building will provide a comfortable workplace that accommodates a variety of work styles, including a deck terrace taking advantage of its location in front of Miyakoda-sogo Park, cafeteria lounge, training room, and showers.

At a time when the role of an office building is rapidly changing due to the pandemic, the design takes into account a hybrid working style between office and telecommuting, considering the “way of working” in the future. The company aims create an environment that facilitates communication and promotes team building in order to realize its slogan to “Inspire the Enjoyment of Creativity” and spark excitement.