Monday, March 18, 2024

What's Up with the ADA?

 

I realize this is the second post in a row on the ADA.  I also don't want you readers to think that I am 'anti-ADA' or in anyway anti organized dentistry.  That's certainly not the case.  I've been a member of the ADA since the mid-1990s and I've belonged to the AGD the same amount of time.  I've also spoken at the ADA meeting (now Smilecon) practically every year since they embraced technology with the ADA Technology Day back in 1998.  So suffice it to say that I am a huge supporter and believer in organized dentistry.  

With that being said, however, I think as a member and huge supporter, I also have a duty to speak out when I think mistakes are/were being made.

Recently, in case you missed it, the ADA announced that they have decided to invest in two high tech companies that are making inroads into the profession.  The announcement was made in a recent addition of the ADA News.  

There's also a nice writeup of it on the DPR website.  Make sure your read it.  It's written by a non-dentist who loves dentistry as much as I do.

The two companies the ADA invested in are Oral Genome and Overjet AI.  Both companies are beyond what I'd call the 'startup phase' and are now actively marketing their products to the profession.

Oral Genome is a salivary diagnostic company that provides, according to the company, "Through advanced technologies, dental providers are transforming how oral care works by identifying potential health issues before they begin."  If you go to their webpage, and scroll about halfway down, you will see a banner that scrolls "our supporters" and the ADA is listed.

Overjet AI is a company that is utilizing artificial intelligence to analyze dental radiographs to help doctors with diagnosis.  The system analyzes radiographs and then indicates areas of potential concern to practitioners.

From the science and the philosophies they communicate, I don't have a problem with either company.  I think they are doing good work.  And for transparency, I occasionally do some testing and consulting work with an Overjet AI competitor, Pearl.  We are currently using Pearl's product Second Opinion in the office.

The problem I have with all of this is the simple fact the ADA is supposed to be objective.  One of the most important things the organization does is to provide the highly valued "ADA Seal of Approval" for products.  Take a look at any major dentifrice (toothpaste) packaging and you'll likely see that seal.  

Doctors and patients both rely on the ADA to provide this objective testing prior to endorsement.  Now currently, I'm not aware of Oral Genome or Overjet AI attaining that vaulted endorsement, but what does it say when they are an investor in those companies?  Money changes things... it always does, don't let anyone fool you otherwise.  In the world of dentistry there are billions of dollars generated.  

So the question becomes, if the ADA's purpose is to speak for ALL dentists, how do they feel about an office like mine that uses a product that is a direct competitor to one they have a financial stake in?

Back in the 1980s, while negotiating nuclear arms reduction, Ronald Regan said, 'Trust but verify."  The ADA has gone out on a limb here and what I fear is that companies that they profit from hold the proverbial saw.  The organization is sailing in uncharted waters... without GPS or even a compass.

We all need to be aware of this and proceed accordingly.  Personally I don't like it.  I'm expecting some flack about this post from the powers that be.  However, I think that... at the very least the profession needs some explanation about this.  I decided to be a dentist at the age of 3 (it's a long story), but suffice it say that I *love* what I do.  The profession has made my dreams come true and I've been incredibly lucky to have that happen.  Because of that, I feel an obligation to speak out.  Let the chips fall where they may...


Wednesday, March 13, 2024

After Change Healthcare Breach, ADA Announces Data Breaches can Happen to Anyone

 

Not to be snippy about this important subject, but I find it a tad 'interesting' that the ADA is now announcing that "Data Breaches can Happen to Anyone".  The organization is now telling the profession this after the organization itself suffered a *major* data breach in the spring of 2021.  From what I've discovered by talking to sources that wish to remain anonymous, that data breach was massive.  Plus we as the membership still don't really know what happened, what was stolen, or how the breach was accomplished.  The entire subject became something no one wanted to go on the record about.  Instead, like a police officer directing traffic after a major accident, the company line was "Move along... nothing to see here... keep moving..."

Don't get me wrong, I understand the philosophy of getting back to normal as soon as possible.  However, when these events happen, transparency is critical to restoring trust.  We still don't know for sure how the ADA breach happened or for sure what was taken.

The unfortunate thing about breaches is that they have become so incredibly common.  Because of that, our society has come to a type of acceptance of these events.  My grandfather used to say "locks keep honest people honest" and he was right about that.  He passed away long before the tech revolution changed our world, but that expression still applies.  In my grandfather's day, if someone really wanted to break into your house and the door was locked, they'd just break a window and go in that way.  In the tech world you can only do as much as you can do from a security standpoint, but there are always going to be smart people with bad intentions who will find a way around it.  There is way too much money to make just *finding* the flaws... not to mention in exploiting them.

My concern in healthcare tech security is that it seems the rules have changed in the last 5 years or so.  Healthcare breaches used to seem rare.  Now that rarity is gone.  The frightening part (at least to me) is not just the potential for patient identity theft.  I mean, no one wants to go through the nightmare of identity theft, but when criminals start tinkering in the healthcare space they run the risk of truly hurting, or God forbid, killing someone.  

I know that it's now being reported that Change Healthcare paid a $22 million ransom to get their systems back running.  Many tech experts feel that paying a ransom simply encourages more of these nightmare scenarios, but when people's lives hang in the balance, I can certainly understand why that decision was made.  If I knew someone died and I could have prevented it, the guilt would be more than I could bear.  Simply put, I can understand why the ransom was paid.

I don't know what the answer to all of this is.  The scope is way beyond what I can fathom or impact.  Something needs to be done, but I'm hard pressed to define what that something is.

The ADA article on data security features an interview with Gary Salman, the CEO and cofounder of Black Talon Security and is a very good read.  I highly recommend reading and saving this interview.  

Monday, March 11, 2024

Smiles All Around at the Chicago Dental Society’s 159th Midwinter Meeting

As many of you know,  I was fortunate enough to  present a couple of lectures at The Chicago Dental Society's MidWinter Meeting.  In addition to being able to lecture, I also had a terrific time.  As a midwest guy, the CMW is always on the list of meetings that I make sure to attend.  At this point, I'm not sure how many years in a row it has been for me, but it's got to be around 20 years or more that I've been there.

If you've never attended, I highly recommend attending.  It's such a great meeting!  The folks at CDS have got this down to a science.  It's incredibly well run and has become *the* meeting to see the latest and greatest new products.  Here's the wrap up from the CDS...

The 2024 Midwinter Meeting Attracted More than 21,000 Attendees to Chicago’s McCormick Place and Generated Nearly $27 Million in Economic Impact

 

March 6, 2024 (CHICAGO) – The Chicago Dental Society (CDS) Midwinter Meeting is the most historic and one of the largest dental conferences in the country. The 159th Midwinter Meeting took place February 22 to 24, 2024, at McCormick Place West, attracted more than 21,000 attendees and generated an estimated $26.6 million in economic impact for Chicago. The annual event continues to grow in size and yield attendee and exhibitor satisfaction in a post-pandemic environment.

 “The energy of the 2024 Midwinter Meeting was outstanding, which is a real testament to the passion the CDS volunteers and staff have when organizing an incredible show year after year,” said CDS CEO, Heather Nash, CMP, CAE. “There were more than 560 exhibitors in the Exhibit Hall this year, up from last year, over 230 scientific sessions and a great mix of networking events that brought students and early career dentists together, like the new Yoga for Midwinter Mindfulness, Sips, Suds & Sales, and the new Podcast Lounge that was bustling with interviews.”

 In the dental industry, the Midwinter Meeting is often described as the kick-off to the year, and the three-day conference for dental professionals is regarded as the most respected scientific dental meeting in the industry and the largest dental meeting in North America. The Midwinter Meeting provides attendees with unmatched access to hundreds of companies showcasing and debuting the latest products and innovations to see and test, hundreds of continuing education opportunities to help stay current on the best practices and latest techniques as well as career-building networking events. Midwinter Meeting attendees include dentists, hygienists, assistants, office personnel, residents, laboratory technicians and dental students from all around the world. The 2024 event attracted attendees from 49 U.S. states and 68 different countries. 

 “The Midwinter Meeting is the must-attend event in the dental industry, and this year’s event truly exemplified that statement,” said CDS President Dr. David Lewis. “Each day of the Midwinter Meeting, I spoke with attendees, exhibitors, speakers and CDS members, and every one of them had positive feedback about the show. It’s invigorating to see and hear so many professionals under one roof who are enthusiastic and dedicated to advancing the profession.”

 From 2022 to 2023, attendance at the Midwinter Meeting surged, increasing 27% year over year. From 2023 to 2024, attendance continued to climb another 1% to 21,135 attendees. Choose Chicago, the City of Chicago’s tourism agency, reported an estimated economic impact of more than $26.6 million from the 2024 Midwinter Meeting.

 Preliminary results from the post-event survey are quickly quantifying the event’s success. On a scale from one to 10, more than 50% of respondents have indicated a 10 when asked if they would recommend the Midwinter Meeting to a colleague or friend. Others are expressing their satisfaction on social media, such as Max Zanan of Dental Protection Group, a first-time exhibitor, who commented on the CDS Facebook page, “Dental Protection Group exhibited in Chicago for the first time, and we absolutely loved it. By far the best dental conference of the year. Looking forward to coming back in 2025.”

 Established in 1864, CDS is the largest local component of the American Dental Association, with more than 4,000 members in Cook, Lake and DuPage counties.

About the Chicago Dental Society

Trust a Chicago Dental Society (CDS) dentist with more than just your smile. Talk with them and you'll see their work is an investment in not just your oral health, but your overall health. They are current on the dental trends and technology through extensive CDS continuing education programs, including the Midwinter Meeting. Ranking among Chicago’s top 20 conventions, the CDS Midwinter Meeting – one of North America’s largest exhibits of dental products and professional dentistry – typically welcomes nearly 22,000 dental professionals each year and generates more than $26 million for the local economy (according to Choose Chicago). The largest local component of the American Dental Association, the non-profit Chicago Dental Society represents dentists across the Chicago region. They're your neighbors, friends and community anchors. Connect with the Chicago Dental Society at cds.org, where you’ll find our easy-to-navigate Find-a-CDS Dentist search tool. Or, connect on Facebook, X, YouTube and Instagram. 

Thursday, March 7, 2024

medmix Wins German Patent Infringement Complaint Against Kettenbach/Xinial Dental Mixing System

 


medmix Switzerland Ltd. continues to enforce its rights as Kettenbach/Xinial is legally prevented from manufacturing or offering its infringing mixing system for sale in Germany, as well as to recall and destroy its infringing mixing system 


German Injunction – Enforceable Now

Baar, Switzerland (March 6, 2024) – medmix has won a major victory in the German patent infringement litigation against the Kettenbach/Xinial dental mixing system. The Düsseldorf Higher Regional Court (OLG Düsseldorf) announced on February 1, 2024, in an appeal judgment, that the Kettenbach/Xinial dental mixing system infringes the German part of medmix’s European Patent EP2485852B1 (docket no.: I-15 U 17/23). This judgment is a milestone in the patent dispute which started after the launch of the Kettenbach/Xinial dental mixing system in 2021.

The German patent infringement judgment rendered against Kettenbach GmbH & Co. KG and XINIAL Systems GmbH & Co. KG is provisionally enforceable now and provides for an immediate injunction prohibiting Kettenbach/Xinial from manufacturing in Germany the infringing dental mixing system (cartridges and mixing tips) and from offering and selling the infringing system in or from Germany. Therefore, Kettenbach and Xinial are also unable to manufacture the infringing mixing system in Germany not only for local customers but also for export to international customers in other countries.

According to the German judgment announced on February 1st, Kettenbach/Xinial must also render a detailed accounting of the infringing acts, must recall the infringing dental mixing system from all of its German and international commercial customers, and Kettenbach/Xinial must also destroy these infringing products in their possession. The court further ordered Kettenbach/Xinial to pay damages for these infringements. An appeal on points of law was not permitted by the Düsseldorf court. However, Kettenbach/Xinial appealed by filing a complaint against denial by the Court of leave to appeal (“non- admission complaint”).

The validity of medmix’s European Patent EP2485852B1 was already confirmed to-date by the European Patent Office (EPO) in opposition and in appeal, and by judgment of the German Federal Patent Court (BPatG). The latter judgment is under appeal by Xinial.


US Case – Ongoing

medmix also filed a lawsuit in New York against the Kettenbach/Xinial dental mixing system. The New York case is expected to go to trial in early 2025 to address false advertising claims made by Kettenbach and trademark infringement committed by Kettenbach/Xinial. Xinial filed a separate invalidity case at the USPTO against medmix’s US patent. medmix has filed an appeal of the US invalidity case decision.

medmix Switzerland Ltd. operates globally in the field of static mixing tips, cartridges and dispensing devices for the dental sector. Genuine MIXPAC tips can be identified by the MIXPAC™ name stamped on the retaining ring and the CANDY COLOR Quality Seal.

Wednesday, March 6, 2024

Congratulations to Noah Lavine Winner of a Denobi Award!

 

Noah Levine (center)  photo courtesy of Denobi

A special heartfelt post today to my Editorial Director at Dental Products Report!  Noah Lavine and I have worked together at DPR for about a decade now and I could not be any more proud of him than I am right now.  He's definitely a "mover and shaker" in the industry and does an amazing job managing the DPR empire.  I can think of no one more deserving!

For those of you unfamiliar with the award, here is the scoop straight from Denobi:

The Denobi Awards Gala is the premier celebration recognizing and honoring excellence in dentistry and is focused on honoring “unsung heroes” from all roles in dentistry – those who’ve made outstanding contributions to the world-wide dental industry. With the 2024 gala exclusively sponsored by John Stamper Media, hundreds of nominations were received and a shortlist was released in January. In partnership with the National Mobile & Teledentistry Conference, the prestigious gala took place on March 2, 2024 in Dallas, TX. 

Noah has done incredible things in his career (plus he puts up with me).  I'm proud to call him my friend and I am SO proud of his achievement!

Tuesday, March 5, 2024

CDC Updates and Simplifies Respiratory Virus Recommendations

 

CDC released today updated recommendations for how people can protect themselves and their communities from respiratory viruses, including COVID-19. The new guidance brings a unified approach to addressing risks from a range of common respiratory viral illnesses, such as COVID-19, flu, and RSV, which can cause significant health impacts and strain on hospitals and health care workers. CDC is making updates to the recommendations now because the U.S. is seeing far fewer hospitalizations and deaths associated with COVID-19 and because we have more tools than ever to combat flu, COVID, and RSV.

“Today’s announcement reflects the progress we have made in protecting against severe illness from COVID-19,” said CDC Director Dr. Mandy Cohen. “However, we still must use the commonsense solutions we know work to protect ourselves and others from serious illness from respiratory viruses—this includes vaccination, treatment, and staying home when we get sick.”

As part of the guidance, CDC provides active recommendations on core prevention steps and strategies:

Staying up to date with vaccination to protect people against serious illness, hospitalization, and death. This includes flu, COVID-19, and RSV if eligible.

Practicing good hygiene by covering coughs and sneezes, washing or sanitizing hands often, and cleaning frequently touched surfaces.

Taking steps for cleaner air, such as bringing in more fresh outside air, purifying indoor air, or gathering outdoors.

When people get sick with a respiratory virus, the updated guidance recommends that they stay home and away from others. For people with COVID-19 and influenza, treatment is available and can lessen symptoms and lower the risk of severe illness. The recommendations suggest returning to normal activities when, for at least 24 hours, symptoms are improving overall, and if a fever was present, it has been gone without use of a fever-reducing medication.

Once people resume normal activities, they are encouraged to take additional prevention strategies for the next 5 days to curb disease spread, such as taking more steps for cleaner air, enhancing hygiene practices, wearing a well-fitting mask, keeping a distance from others, and/or getting tested for respiratory viruses. Enhanced precautions are especially important to protect those most at risk for severe illness, including those over 65 and people with weakened immune systems. CDC’s updated guidance reflects how the circumstances around COVID-19 in particular have changed. While it remains a threat, today it is far less likely to cause severe illness because of widespread immunity and improved tools to prevent and treat the disease.  Importantly, states and countries that have already adjusted recommended isolation times have not seen increased hospitalizations or deaths related to COVID-19.

While every respiratory virus does not act the same, adopting a unified approach to limiting disease spread makes recommendations easier to follow and thus more likely to be adopted and does not rely on individuals to test for illness, a practice that data indicates is uneven.

“The bottom line is that when people follow these actionable recommendations to avoid getting sick, and to protect themselves and others if they do get sick, it will help limit the spread of respiratory viruses, and that will mean fewer people who experience severe illness,” National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases Director Dr. Demetre Daskalakis said. “That includes taking enhanced precautions that can help protect people who are at higher risk for getting seriously ill.”

The updated guidance also includes specific sections with additional considerations for people who are at higher risk of severe illness from respiratory viruses, including people who are immunocompromised, people with disabilities, people who are or were recently pregnant, young children, and older adults. Respiratory viruses remain a public health threat. CDC will continue to focus efforts on ensuring the public has the information and tools to lower their risk or respiratory illness by protecting themselves, families, and communities.

This updated guidance is intended for community settings. There are no changes to respiratory virus guidance for healthcare settings.


Monday, March 4, 2024

Getting Back on Track...

 A quick post today to bring you all up to speed... Chicago was a great meeting and a whirlwind of activity for me.  However, while there I must have bumped into some bad bug as I've been under the weather and battling back ever since.  That's why posts have been sparse.

Please give me a couple of days to get back on track.  One thing about my life (and probably your's as well) is that any downtime immediately creates a backlog of things you need follow up on.  So I ask for your patience as I get back after it.  Always know that I love to write and I miss this outlet when I don't have it.

Hopefully by tomorrow I can start to get the worst of the back log dealt with.