Dentist finds even more Perfection in Da Vinci's Vetruvian Man

 

Image credit:  Luc Viatour / https://Lucnix.be

Every once in a while I come across something that really expands my mind and forces me to sit back and think about it for while.  Today's post is about one of those moments.

I found this amazingly cool and I hope you do as well.  A dentist, who is obviously well schooled in both dental anatomy, mathematics, and art recently published an article about a concept he noticed in Leonardo Da Vinci's iconic image Vitruvian Man.

The image was done to basically show the perfection of the design of the human body in its proportions.  It shows a man surrounded by a square and a circle and how those perfect shapes relate to human anatomy.  However, Dr. Rory Mac Sweeney also noticed that the triangle formed by the figures legs also relates to Bonwill's Triangle which was discovered by Dr. William Bonwill in 1864.

This fascinating little piece of trivia and discovery was recently published in The Journal of Mathematics and the Arts.  That article is a pretty heavy read and requires some decent thinking to digest.  However, there is also an article about this in Popular Mechanics that does an explanation that's a bit easier to understand.

This also relates a bit to the Golden Ratio or Golden Proportion that can be used to find the ideal lenght and width of teeth in the cosmetic zone.  As a science lover and die hard geek, I find info like this fascinating.  Art really does imitate life and it seems that Dr.Rory Mac Sweeney has an even better way to prove that.  Be sure to click on the links for the full story of this.  Enjoy!

DMG to Offer Hands-On 3D Printing Courses at Its Headquarters

 

I've been pretty impressed with what DMG has been doing with 3D printing.  Their Desk MC-5 performs really well and their DentaMile Connect design software is incredibly intuitive and easy to use.  Designing bleaching trays and occlusal guards is really easy.  I've used it personally and can vouch for the user friendliness.

Intimate bi-monthly courses to demonstrate the transformative power of in-office 3D printing Ridgefield Park, New Jersey

In response to the rapidly growing desire of dental practices to take advantage of the numerous benefits of 3D printing, DMG has announced that it will offer hands-on 3D printing courses at its Ridgefield, New Jersey, corporate headquarters for New Jersey-based dentists every other month in 2026 starting on January 28th.

Each of these beginner-oriented courses, will take place from 9:00 am until noon for an in-depth look at 3D printing.  The course – “In-Office Fabrication: Dental 3D Printing 101” – is designed to help dentists fully understand and appreciate the power of in-office 3D printing to transform everyday workflows, reduce costs, increase efficiency, elevate the standard of care, and “wow” patients. Participants will gain practical experience with all key aspects of in-office fabrication, including intraoral scanning, design, resin selection, production and post-processing. Importantly, each attendee will experience the entire step-by-step fabrication process using DMG’s fully validated, state-of-the-art 3D printing system:  DentaMile Desk MC-5 3D printer, DentaMile Wash MC washing unit, DentaMile Cure MC curing unit, DentaMile connect design software, and LuxaPrint resins. By the end of the three-hour course, each dentist will have designed, printed, washed, cured and post-processed a splint.

By limiting the number of participants in each course to six dentists, DMG is committing to provide an intimate, highly personalized learning experience that gives each participant all of the attention they require while covering the entire digital 3D printing workflow. Plus, participants will earn 3 CE credits.

New Jersey dentists wishing to be one of the six attendees at the January 28th course and experience firsthand the wonders of state-of-the-art 3D printing are encouraged to register at  https://dmg-connect.com/ce-course/in-office-fabrication-dental-3d-printing-101/  at their earliest convenience. 

More information on DMG products and services can be found at https://dmg-america.com.

About DMG

DMG manufactures and distributes a full range of market-leading dental materials and equipment that are internationally recognized for their quality and innovation. Known for its breakthrough dental technology – including flagship products like Luxatemp® and LuxaCore® Z Dual, the revolutionary Icon® caries infiltrant, LuxaCrown® long-term crown and bridge material, and new additions such as Ecosite Elements and Ecosite One restorative composites, and DentaMile® 3D printing solution, complete with software, hardware and resins – DMG is committed to helping provide holistic solutions and streamlined workflows for dental and lab professionals to meet their needs through innovation, collaboration, and dedication. 

For more information about DMG products, or to find a sales representative, please visit online at www.dmg-america.com, or call 800-662-6383.

Together, we’re looking ahead: A smile ahead together.

CaviSense Introduces 10-Second, Radiation-Free Test for Early Caries Risk at Yankee Dental Congress

 

If you're going to be at the Yankee Dental Congress this week (I'll be there) be sure to check out CaviSense!  I'm going to be taking a look at this new product on Thursday morning.

CaviSense, a Harvard/Tufts spin out is a developer of an innovative radiation-free technology for identifying tooth specific caries risk by detection of active tooth surface demineralization, will make its official Yankee Dental Congress debut from January 29–February 1, at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center.

Located at Booth #2132, CaviSense will offer complimentary 10-second chairside demonstrations of its novel localized diagnostic sensor, which enables clinicians to identify early enamel demineralization that may not be visible on traditional radiographs or through visual inspection. 

“Radiographs remain essential, but when it comes to early caries detection they are not providing enough information. They show defects after they have already happened and are not completely safe” said Dr. Gili Naveh, company founder and the inventor of CaviSense. “Caries is a multifactorial pH disease, which requires pH related diagnostics, CaviSense helps clinicians see early demineralization that other techniques can’t, so they can intervene sooner, preserve healthy tooth structure and benefit their patients.”

Designed for easy integration into hygiene and preventive workflows, CaviSense measures demineralization conducive environment on a tooth surface using proprietary pH sensor technology with 98% accuracy.

“Caries management begins with early, targeted risk assessment,” said Brian Nový, DDS, Harvard lecturer, practicing dentist and current President of the National CAMBRA (Caries Management by Risk Assessment) Coalition. “CaviSense is an effective and powerful tool that enables me to  identify tooth surfaces susceptible to caries, which increases my chances of successfully managing and controlling the disease before the tooth cavitates, with technology I can place in the hands of parents and patients alike.”

“CaviSense enables me to identify cavity risk before there’s visible damage,” says Adam Silevitch, DMD, a leading pediatric dentist. “By measuring early acid activity, I can focus on prevention; implementing proactive, minimally invasive treatment strategies tailored to each child’s needs and often avoiding the need for traditional restorative procedures.”

Throughout the Yankee meeting, attendees are invited to stop by Booth #2132 for a free CaviSense test, speak with the company’s clinical and product specialists, and enter to win a six-month supply of CaviSense test kits.

“Early detection is the foundation of modern caries management,” said Dr. Naveh. “By identifying high-risk sites before cavitation occurs, clinicians can shift from restorative treatment to true disease prevention.”

For more information visit CaviSense.com. To request an in-office lunch and learn in the New England region, complete this contact form. 

About CaviSense

CaviSense develops advanced diagnostic technologies designed to improve the early detection and management of dental caries. CaviSense chairside sensor identifies localized caries-causing environment and active enamel demineralization in seconds, enabling clinicians to intervene earlier, successfully implement minimally invasive care, and improve long-term oral health outcomes. Learn more at CaviSense.com.

Quieter Dental Drills may be on the Horizon

 

It's interesting to me how people perceive the dental profession.  I haven't used air turbine driven handpieces in least fifteen years, possibly longer.  What I prefer to use in the handpiece in the image above, which is the Bien Air Nova which is an electric handpiece.  That handpiece has completely changed the way I practice.  I've written about it since its release and I also shot a series of videos for the Bien Air Academy that show me putting it through some of the amazing things it's capable of.

Because of that, I don't even pick up an air driven handpiece anymore.  However, the patient perception of whining high speed handpieces driven by an air turbine persist.  Today's post is to let you know about a recent article in Popular Science that talks about research into making air driven handpieces quieter.  A lot of study is going into changing the turbine blade shape and other things in attempts to make the sound less piercing.

I'm all for research and perhaps for a doctor on a very limited budget, air driven handpieces might be a good choice, to get by until upgrading to electric.  However with the things electric handpieces can do *without* the associated noise, I wonder if this concept will find its way to the market.  I didn't change to electric because of the noise, although it *is* a nice benefit.  No, I made the move to electric because of all of the performance and efficiency benefits electric handpieces provide.

My Bien Air Novas aren't just 'replacements" for my old air driven systems, they are a much, much better alternative.  Since you can change the RPM of the handpiece with the push of a button, it eliminates the need to have a slow speed for practically any restorative procedure.  Slow speed caries removal?  Check!  High speed smooth prepping for crowns?  Check!  Cutting through zirconia?  Double check because the Nova does NOT stall, meaning I can perform zirconia crown removal, faster and easier than is possible with an air turbine.

My advice is that if you haven't ever tried a Bien Air handpiece, you don't know what you're missing.  The moment you do a demo, the benefit is obvious.  I highly recommend giving the 
Bien Air Nova a try in your own hands.  Most likely the only question you'll have is "when can it be delivered?"  The difference is that profound.  Check out their website here.

ADEX Completes First Dental Licensure Examination in Saudi Arabia

There has been a fair amount of news about licensure lately, especially here in the U.S.  Standardizing licensure would make things much easier for established practitioners to move from one state to another.  ADEX has been working to make that easier.  Now comes news about ADEX bringing their examination to Saudi Arabia.  This should also help graduates of King Abdulaziz University get licensed in the US if they choose to practice here.

First exam culminates three years of strategic collaboration with King Abdulaziz University and the Saudi Health Commission

The American Board of Dental Examiners (ADEX), a leading dental testing organization, has completed the inaugural administration of the ADEX Dental Examination in Saudi Arabia, marking a significant milestone by making the American standard for clinical assessments available in the eastern hemisphere.

The examination was conducted during the first week of January 2026, at King Abdulaziz University (KAU) in Jeddah. KAU is one of only two Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA)-recognized dental education programs operating outside of United States, positioning it as a highly qualified international exam site for delivery of the ADEX examination.

“This examination represents the culmination of nearly three years of planning, collaboration, and shared commitment to excellence,” said Dr. Benjamin Wall, Director of Examinations for ADEX. “The facilities, faculty support, and operational readiness at King Abdulaziz University met the rigorous standards required for the ADEX examination.”

The Saudi Arabia exam administration reflected significant coordinated planning between ADEX and King Abdulaziz University, including multiple site visits, infrastructure validation, examiner preparation, and operational testing to ensure the examination was delivered in accordance with established psychometric, clinical, and security standards.

"We are deeply grateful to the leaders at KAU for their dedication and collaboration in bringing the ADEX examination to Saudi Arabia," said Dr. Mark Armstrong, Chair of ADEX. "This expansion represents a meaningful step forward in furthering our mission  and contributing to international dental competency standards that may ultimately protect public health and safety worldwide."

While the ADEX Dental Examination is not required for licensure within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, many candidates pursue the exam for the professional distinction it represents and for its acceptance by U.S. licensing jurisdictions. The successful completion of this administration further reinforces the ADEX examination’s role as a trusted, internationally recognized measure of clinical competency.

Saudi Arabia now joins a growing list of international locations where the ADEX Dental Examination is administered, including Canada, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, and Mexico. ADEX continues to work with academic institutions, regulators, and examiners to uphold consistent standards while responsibly expanding global access to high-quality licensure assessments.

About the American Board of Dental Examiners (ADEX) 

The American Board of Dental Examiners (ADEX) is a not-or-profit organization dedicated to supporting dental boards in their mission to protect the public through the licensure of qualified oral health professionals. Established in 1969, ADEX administers independent competency examinations developed and approved by representatives of state dental boards. ADEX examinations are accepted or required by law in 51 U.S. jurisdictions and serve as the initial licensure pathway for 98% of dental and 85% of dental hygiene candidates nationwide. Through ongoing collaboration with dental boards and educators, ADEX continues to advance innovative, evidence-based assessment methods that uphold the highest standards of fairness, clinical competence, and public protection. Learn more at adextesting.org.

 

 

A short post today, but it's important and if you're a practicing doctor you need to be aware of it.  From the ADA website:

The ADA updated its sample Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, or HIPAA, Notice of Privacy Practices to reflect new federal requirements regarding the use and disclosure of certain substance use disorder treatment information. Beginning Feb. 16, HIPAA-covered practices must include information in their Notice of Privacy Practices describing how substance use disorder records protected under title 42 of the Code of Federal Regulations Part 2 may be used and disclosed. The new federal requirements are the result of a final rule modifying the Part 2 rules published Feb. 16, 2024. 

So head on over to the ADA to changes to the HIPAA, Notice of Privacy Practices.  As we all know, compliance to federal law is important.   Also, this is another plug from me on the benefits of membership in organized dentistry.  Without a source for this kind of information, it would be up to each of us to keep track of things like this individually... and we all know how difficult that would.  As I've said before, organized dentistry does a lot for us behind the scenes that many are not aware of.  This is just another example of when someone asks, "What does the ADA do for me?"  I'd answer... "things like this."

I don't want anyone to think that I'm frequently bringing this up because I'm heavily involved with the ADA.  I'm a member, but that's the extent of it.  However, I'm a big believer in what they do.   Like any large organization, there are things I don't agree with, but the benefits more than weigh out the negatives.  I highly encourage every doctor to be a member.

Colgate-Palmolive and WHO Foundation Announce Global Partnership on Oral Health

 

A big announcement today from Colgate.  This is a major news story and I'm glad to help get the info out to my peers.  The WHO and the WHO Foundation are helping promote health around the globe and oral health is key to their goals.  Those of us in the profession know how critical the oral-systemic link is to overall health and it's great to see companies that can afford to help making such a big commitment.
 

Multi-year funding will advance oral health, as oral diseases are among the most prevalent and overlooked noncommunicable diseases impacting 3.7 billion people globally.

 

Today, Colgate-Palmolive announced a new multi-year collaboration with the WHO Foundation to support the World Health Organization's work on oral health. The four-year funding commitment will help expand oral health education, support integration of oral health into national health systems, and raise awareness of oral health as a public health priority. This initiative builds on Colgate’s commitment to providing communities with oral health education and resources. The Company recently announced that the Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures® program has reached approximately two billion children and their families around the world since 1991 with oral health education.

 

“At Colgate-Palmolive, we are driven by our purpose to reimagine a healthier future for all – and to make more smiles. We’re launching this collaboration with the WHO Foundation given its unique position to support global health challenges and Colgate’s leadership position in oral health as the brand that’s in more homes than any other,” said Ram Raghavan, President, Enterprise Oral Care, Colgate-Palmolive. “Oral health is a critical – and too often overlooked – part of the global health agenda. We are committed to elevating oral health as a public health priority by scaling prevention and education and supporting evidence-based solutions that help strengthen health systems and improve lives across communities around the world.”

 

Oral health is foundational to overall health and wellbeing, yet remains underprioritized in many health systems. This neglect is exacerbated by factors such as economic status, education, health literacy, and access to healthcare.1 For children in particular, the consequences of poor oral health can lead to physical pain, emotional issues and challenges in education, including concentration difficulties and increased absenteeism.3-5 Through this collaboration, Colgate, part of the Colgate-Palmolive family of brands, and the WHO Foundation are supporting the World Health Organization to address persistent barriers affecting approximately half the world’s population, supporting efforts to integrate oral health into broader public health agendas and systems.

 

“The WHO Foundation supports WHO’s mission by mobilizing private funding in support of public health priorities,” said Anil Soni, Chief Executive Officer of the WHO Foundation. “Oral health plays an essential role in overall health, and progress depends on long-term investment in prevention, trusted guidance, and strong health systems. Support like this helps enable WHO’s work to advance oral health and improve health outcomes for communities around the world.”

 

A Shared Focus on System-Level Impact

The partnership aims to accelerate progress by elevating oral health as a foundational public health priority, guided by three strategic areas of action:

• Scaling Oral Health Education: Helping to integrate core prevention and education principles into established government health infrastructure – such as school health systems – in designated regions.
• Supporting Policy and Guidance: Supporting essential research to help Ministries of Health develop evidence-based, cost-effective recommendations for integrating oral health interventions into national health systems.
• Increasing Prioritization: Supporting awareness through strategic, global, and cross-sector engagement to raise the profile of oral health and showcase the impact and outcomes of this partnership.

 

Colgate and the WHO Foundation are launching this partnership at a time when collaboration between public and private sectors is crucial to deliver progress against global health goals. At the recent Fourth United Nations High-Level Meeting, oral health was recognized and included as a public health priority in the prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases, with Member States supporting and calling for action. By focusing on preventive oral health measures, evidence-based policy, and broader public awareness about the link between oral health and overall health and wellbeing, this partnership seeks to improve lives around the world.

 

About Colgate-Palmolive Company

Colgate-Palmolive Company is a caring, innovative growth company that is reimagining a healthier future for all people, their pets and our planet. Focused on Oral Care, Personal Care, Home Care and Pet Nutrition, we sell our 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, Lady Speed Stick, PCA SKIN, Protex, Sanex, Softsoap, Speed Stick, Ajax, Axion, Fabuloso, Murphy, Soupline and Suavitel, as well as Hill’s Science Diet, Hill’s Prescription Diet and Prime100. We are recognized for our leadership and innovation in promoting sustainability and community wellbeing, including our achievements in decreasing plastic waste and promoting recyclability, saving water, conserving natural resources and improving children’s oral health through the Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures program, which has reached approximately 2 billion children and their families since 1991. For more information about Colgate’s global business and how we are building a future to smile about, visitwww.colgatepalmolive.com.

 

About the WHO Foundation

The WHO Foundation is an independent organization headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, created in 2020 to support the mission of the World Health Organization. It mobilizes philanthropic capital and builds catalytic partnerships to advance health equity, respond to urgent health challenges, and strengthen systems that save lives. By connecting partners and practitioners, the Foundation helps scale trusted solutions, fund life-saving responses, and drive lasting change toward Health for All. who.foundation