
Monday, June 30, 2014
What to Know About How Governments Hack your Phone

Friday, June 27, 2014
A Great Read on Embezzlement in the Dental Office

Thursday, June 26, 2014
Technical Crown & Bridge - and Why Loyalty Matters

Wednesday, June 25, 2014
Ultradent Products, Inc. Partners with Solutionreach To Improve Patient Communication and Outreach
Over the years, I've had the good fortune to deal with many of the team members from both Ultradent and Solution Reach.
In my role as Chief Dental Editor and Technology Editor for DPR, I've been able to meet many members of both companies and I've always come away impressed. Both companies are guided by good principles and the employees I've interacted with have been good people who have their ethics in the right places.
One of the things I try and evaluate when I'm first getting to know a company, is how do they rate on my own personal "ethics scale". In that regard, I've always found both companies to be focused on doing things the "right way" and always striving to do "the right thing". That's the kind of company I want to have dealings with and the kind of company I want to write about. As a profession and as a society we need to support and deal with companies that have that focus.
For those of you who don't know, Solution Reach was, for many years, known in dentistry as Smile Reminders. And, as we all know, Smile Reminders (before the name change) was one of the best patient reminder systems on the planet. The company was providing those services in lots more spaces than just the dental market, so they decided to do away with the name that referenced dentistry (Smile) and tried to unify the company behind a common brand.
On Tuesday June 24th, 2014, I received the following press release from Ultradent and Solution Reach. Read on for all the news!
CONTACT:
ShaLyse WalkerChristaLee Durrant
Public Relations Manager Continuing Education Manager
801-553-4243801-553-4589
shalyse.walker@ultradent.comchristalee.durrant@ultradent.com
Ultradent Products, Inc. Partners with Solutionreach
To Improve Patient Communication and Outreach
SOUTH JORDAN, Utah, June 24, 2014—Ultradent Products, Inc. has partnered with Solutionreach, a cloud-based platform of solutions for improving the success of health care practices. As part of the partnership, Solutionreach has created Ultradent-specific content for practices to use in their patient communication. In addition to the large library of newsletter templates and prewritten articles, the platform will now include a line of custom newsletters that feature Ultradent products. Practices can personalize these Ultradent-focused templates to promote their services and educate their patients with professionally designed outreach. Solutionreach will also have a presence at selective Ultradent events to support the companies’ shared goal of giving dental professionals the tools they need to succeed through better care for their patients.
The patient engagement platform from Solutionreach is designed to help health care practices increase revenue, decrease costs, and maximize office efficiency. With a powerful array of tools that also accelerate new patient generation, Solutionreach automatically engages patients before, during, and after their appointments to maintain a base of active, loyal patients. By delivering the right message to the right patient at the right time, Solutionreach helps make every patient feel like they are the only patient. To learn more about Solutionreach, visit solutionreach.com.
***
About Ultradent Products, Inc.
Ultradent Products, Inc. is a leading developer and manufacturer of high-tech dental materials, devices, and instruments worldwide. Ultradent’s vision is to improve oral health globally. Ultradent even works to improve the quality of life and health of individuals through financial and charitable programs. For more information about Ultradent, call 800-552-5512 or visit ultradent.com.
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Tuesday, June 24, 2014
Why Low Cost VPS Alginate Substitutes Can Save Your Bacon...

Sometimes it can be the little things, the little advancements in our profession that make the difference.
Today we had a situation that created the reason for this post.
One of our patients is going to have an implant placed for tooth #8. The tooth has fractured at the height of the gingival crest and the root structure is still present and intact.
The patient is in no pain and, due to that fact has put this situation on hold while putting away some money for the implant procedure.
To provide acceptable aesthetics, Super Assistant Sam-I-Am has created some essex retainers to create the appearance of the missing tooth.
During the time the patient has been wearing these, Sam has created a few replacements as the current device became worn of simply wore out.
Today Sam took a new impression (photo above) using Dentsply's alginate replacement Algin-X. We have also used Kerr's Alginot with equal success in these situations.
The joy of Algin-X and Alginot is that they are vinyl polysiloxane (VPS) materials and are very dimensionally stable throughout multiple pours. This was where the "bacon saving" portion of the post comes in.
Sam was having "one of those days" (admit it - we all have them) and *needed* the multiple pour aspect. Her first model fractured a tooth as it was being separated from the impression. The second model had a large bubbblle in one of the teeth near the edentulous space. I believe the third pour was the winner & allowed her to fabricate the final interim restoration.
Using traditional alginate, there would have most likely been enough tearing of the impression or enough wear and tear of the impression that 3 pours would have most likely been impossible. That would have meant another patient visit and subsequent delivery and follow-up appointments.
Utilizing a low cost VPS allowed us to avoid those situations.
-Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Monday, June 23, 2014
ShadeWave Shade Matching Software

Over the weekend, I was contacted by my friend Dennis at Dental Learning Centers.
The company has been involved with digital photography and all kinds of imaging in dentistry for several years now. I've always known them to have good stuff and to be a reputable company to deal with.
The contact over the weekend was to let me know about a new product they are offering called ShadeWave. It is a new shade matching system that utilizes digital photos. I'm going to be taking a tour of the software in the near future with perhaps a test drive as well. Once I have more info, I'll report back here.
In the meantime, here is some info of ShadeWave, courtesy of the company:
ShadeWave utilizes the Science of Color to mathematically correct photos real-time and provides the perfect shade.
It’s widely known that manual methods to shade matching teeth have many inherent weaknesses. Some of these are the ability of the person, eye fatigue, lighting, inconsistent shade tabs and no method for determining value. This is further compounded by the misinterpretation created with certain contrasting neighboring colors such as gum tissue next to a tooth. The sad reality is one doesn’t know the match or mismatch until the worst possible time; when you try it in!
Key Features of ShadeWave:
![]() | Open Architecture Philosophy The ShadeWave Dental Shade Matching System is open to all shade guides and manufacturers including custom shade guides, stump shades, cad-cam blocks and even gingiva colors. It's easy to use and accessible from any computer with an internet connection. Upload, access and store your images from any computer. |
![]() | Web Based Process ShadeWave provides a web based, single server location where images are processed and stored. The dentist or staff can easily enter the patient name, upload images and, choose their laboratory of choice to process it directly for direct composites or choosing a cad-cam block. The laboratory will automatically be notified by email and given access to the case. The lab will process the image, manufacture the restoration(s) and have a mechanism for shade quality control. |
![]() | Color Correction and Discovery of Shade Translucency & Value A digital camera image is made of the patient’s tooth or the one that has been manufactured on the bench. In the image, next to the tooth is our scientifically formulated ShadeTarget placed near the tooth. The reference target has known mathematical formulas as do all of the shade tabs. These are called our Standards. The image is then uploaded into the ShadeWave program. The user selects their image and clicks on Auto Correct. This unleashes an automatic process that locates and determines, through the use of advanced algorithms, the formula of the reference target colors. The target formula is then compared and mathematically equalized to the Standard. This color corrects the entire image revealing all of the unknown shades, translucency and value. |
![]() | Quality Control-Shade Comparison ShadeWave's Quality Control-Shade Comparison's, enhance the process of comparing shade; translucency and value of the color corrected original image to the color corrected completed restoration. |
![]() | No Limits Integration is available to all manufacturers of porcelain, whether powder, blocks or composite material. We also welcome integrating ShadeWave with digital impression systems and cad-cam manufacturers. |
Friday, June 20, 2014
If Google Disappeared… So Would I

Thursday, June 19, 2014
JADA Live - The Journal of the American Dental Association is Hitting the Road Soon - Make Plans to Attend!!!

- Minneapolis, MN on August 1, 2014
- Tampa, FL on September 19, 2014
- McLean, VA on October 24, 2014
Here is what the programs will feature:
The publishers of The Journal of The American Dental Association bring you JADA Live – a live CE seminar offering up to 6.5 hours of ADA CERP credit. This full-day event promises to be relevant and practical with the best and latest information to help you provide better care for your patients.
Course Includes
- Why Dental Technology
- Getting More out of Digital Radiography
- 3D for the GP – Cone Beam Basics to Enhance Your Practice
- 3D Imaging in the Treatment of Sleep Apnea
- Making Every Technology Purchase Count: ROI, SEO and Social Media
What You Will Learn
- Understand digital imaging as a clinical success factor in your practice
- Explain the diagnostic benefits of digital radiography compared to traditional film
- Determine the value of investing in new technologies and implementing new clinical initiatives
- Consider the ways 3D imaging in treatment planning can simplify implant procedures and help ensure good results
- Determine how 3D technology can help expand practice potential with increased focus on implants
- Motivate your team to unlock the full potential of your practice
8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
Registration and Continental Breakfast
9:00 a.m. - 9:05 a.m.
Opening Remarks
9:05 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Overview of Dental Technology
10:30 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.
Break
10:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Digital Radiography For You, Your Practice and Your Patients
12:15 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Lunch
1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
3-D Imaging – The Basics and the Uses including Implants & Sleep Apnea
2:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Break
3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Making Every Technology Purchase Count: ROI, SEO and Social Media
4:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Panel Discussion – Where to Go Now in Digital Dentistry
5:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Reception / Technical Exhibits / Prize Drawings
Wednesday, June 18, 2014
Anonymizer… It Would be a Great One Word Paragraph Subject

Tuesday, June 17, 2014
Baseball Hall of Famer Tony Gwynn Loses Battle with Cancer

Monday, June 16, 2014
Juliet Marine Systems Creates GHOST Naval Vessel that Rivals Stealth Aircraft

Sometimes technology is small and sometimes it's big. Like this post of a radical new design in naval vessel called GHOST. I was doing some research over the weekend and when I came across this information, I knew I had to share it here. I mean, if I can't share it with you guys… who love tech as much as me, then who *can* I share it with. Read on for more details & then watch the video above.
NEW YORK – (DGIwire) — Like all branches of the military, the U.S. Navy is undergoing revolutionary change, where time-tested military tactics and cutting-edge technological advances can potentially meet formidable challenges. One of the greatest threats on the high seas is low-tech vessel attacks with conventional explosives; for example, the October 12, 2000 attack on the USS Cole that killed 17 sailors and wounded 39 others.
That horrific event alerted America’s military to the clear and present danger of those tactics being used again against our Navy and other military branches. It also underscored the need for new solutions. One innovative company is stirring great excitement among a variety of naval leaders. Juliet Marine Systems, a maritime technology company headquartered in Portsmouth, NH, takes historically proven systems, combines them with new technologies and comes up with breakthrough solutions to existing needs.
With regard to the ongoing threat of terrorist attacks against America’s naval and coalition ships, the company has developed a first-of-its kind anti-terrorism vessel called GHOST. It is a combination of stealth fighter aircraft and attack helicopter technologies packaged in a marine platform. The unique capabilities of GHOST are designed to provide a marine surface and subsurface platform for tracking and identification of multiple targets. Systems for integrating onboard weapons will be designed to be capable of multi-target firing solutions while GHOSToperates at very high speed. These weapons integration systems will also allow for attacking several targets simultaneously with a variety of weapons systems options. Already GHOSTvessels have the ability to create a protective fleet perimeter, while providing sensor and weapons platforms to deny surface or subsurface intrusions.
The company is additionally developing highly promising commercial applications in the maritime arena. These are the same capabilities that have made helicopters valuable, thanks to an aircraft’s ability to get to hard-to-reach locations quickly. GHOST crews can offer personnel rotations or resupply runs for critical items needed at off-shore oil rigs—all two to three times faster than the craft currently in use, far less expensively and with fewer weather restrictions than helicopters. Another possible use: GHOST is also two to three times faster than most ferries in use today.
Gregory E. Sancoff, President and CEO of Juliet Marine Systems, says, “Successful completion of complex maritime transport systems entails thousands of engineering and mission design decisions. We approach our development programs by paying attention to nontraditional methods to seek solutions for today’s military needs. Given the enormous security challenges faced by today’s military, we focus on integrating the best of the best air and land power into adaptive force packages that can safeguard the entire spectrum of operations. This ranges from everyday security activities to monitoring conflicts between major powers. With our technology, we believe we are poised to help offer the necessary solutions.”
Monday, June 9, 2014
LIfe Gets Crazy...
Life gets crazy sometimes… and this is one of those times.
I'm taking a week off from blogging to handle some pressing matters. I'll be back to the regular schedule next week.
Thanks for your patience!
Wednesday, June 4, 2014
How Google Glass will impact dentists and the dental profession

Tuesday, June 3, 2014
Solar Roadways is a Prototype & Could be a Reality Sooner Than You Think
A tip of the electron on this one to my good friend Tom Baugh who is President of KC Constructors. We were spending some time together Sunday night and he (being a geek like me) asked if I had looked into the concept of roads made out of solar panels. When I confessed I hadn't researched it, he told me that I definitely needed to take a look at it.
So… tonight I did a little research and found the project on Indiegogo.com
The project is amazing, to say the least. I'm sure that there are bugs to work out and probably some hiccups to overcome, but the overall concept seems fairly straight forward.
It appears that most of the people reading Indiegogo thought it was a good idea as well. Last night the project had $1,875,663 USD pledged and the company had requested an initial round of $1,000,000. That means they have reached 188% of their requested goal. Persuasive!
I could go on & on, but read the info below (provided by the company) and watch the video and I think that you will come away as impressed by the concept as I was...
Here is what the company had to say:
Solar Roadways is a modular paving system of solar panels that can withstand the heaviest of trucks (250,000 pounds). These Solar Road Panels can be installed on roads, parking lots, driveways, sidewalks, bike paths, playgrounds... literally any surface under the sun. They pay for themselves primarily through the generation of electricity, which can power homes and businesses connected via driveways and parking lots. A nationwide system could produce more clean renewable energy than a country uses as a whole (http://solarroadways.com/numbers.shtml). They have many other features as well, including: heating elements to stay snow/ice free, LEDs to make road lines and signage, and attached Cable Corridor to store and treat stormwater and provide a "home" for power and data cables. EVs will be able to charge with energy from the sun (instead of fossil fuels) from parking lots and driveways and after a roadway system is in place, mutual induction technology will allow for charging while driving.
Did you know:
- Solar Roadways has received two phases of funding from the U.S. Federal Highway Administration for research and development of a paving system that will pay for itself over its lifespan. We are about to wrap up our Phase II contract (to build a prototype parking lot) and now need to raise funding for production.
- Our glass surface has been tested for traction, load testing, and impact resistance testing in civil engineering laboratories around the country, and exceeded all requirements.
- Solar Roadways is a modular system that will modernize our aging infrastructure with an intelligent system that can become the new Smart Grid. We won the Community Award of $50,000 by getting the most votes in GE's Ecomagination Challenge for "Powering the Grid" in 2010. We had the most votes again in their 2011 Ecomagination Challenge for "Powering the Home".
- On August 21, 2013, Solar Roadways was selected by their peers as a Finalist in the World Technology Award For Energy, presented in association with TIME, Fortune, CNN, and Science.
- Solar Roadways was chosen by Google to be one of their Moonshots in May of 2013.
- Solar Roadways was chosen as a finalist in the IEEE Ace Awards in 2009 and 2010.
- Solar Roadways has given presentations around the country including: TEDx Sacramento, Google's Solve for X at Google's NYC Headquarters, NASA, Keynote Speaker for the International Parking Institute's Conference and much more...
- Solar Roadways is tackling more than solar energy: The FHWA tasked us with addressing the problem of stormwater. Currently, over 50% of the pollution in U.S. waterways comes from stormwater. We have created a section in our Cable Corridors for storing, treating, and moving stormwater.
- The implementation of our concept on a grand scale could create thousands of jobs in the U.S. and around the world. It could allow us all the ability to manufacture our way out of our current economic crisis.
Monday, June 2, 2014
Brasseler USA® Introduces the ESX® Rotary File

Here is some info on a new rotary file from Brasseler. Endo products change constantly in our profession. It pays to keep up to date...
Designed for Powerful yet Precise, Minimally Invasive
Endodontic Procedures
SAVANNAH, GA (May 15, 2014) – Brasseler USA®, a leading manufacturer of quality instrumentation, is pleased to introduce the ESX® Rotary File. Designed with several performance-enhancing patented features, ESX Rotary Files are designed for a powerful yet minimally invasive performance, maximizing the long-term success of the treated tooth.
The ESX Rotary File is equipped with a patented ACP™ (alternating contact point) design that efficiently cleans 3 dimensionally as its sharp cutting edges engage with the canal walls at opposing intervals. The asymmetrical flute design alternates between zero to three points of engagement while moving debris coronally in a wave-like motion. This mechanism allows the ESX to operate at a low torque setting yet at a higher speed, reducing stress on the file and root. In addition, the triangular cross section of the ESX Rotary File supports sharper cutting edges and a larger chip space for more effective debris removal.
As with all Brasseler USA rotary files, the ESX Rotary File surface is treated with Brasseler’s exclusive proprietary electropolished finish. The electropolished treatment greatly improves resistance to cyclic and torsional fatigue often associated with the long-term use of dental rotary files.
Another significant feature of the new ESX Rotary File is its patented booster tip. The BT Tip™ maximizes safety and efficiency and provides the user stress-free
apical progression and clearing of debris while respecting even the most challenging canal anatomy. The BT Tip features six cutting edges that smoothly transition to a true reamer design for increased cutting efficiency, and has an anti-ledging and anti-perfing centering mechanism that provides superior performance each and every time.
For more information about the ESX Rotary File, please visit http://brasselerusadental.com/index.cfm/esx/ or call 800-841-4522.
About Brasseler USA®
Brasseler USA® is a leading ISO Certified healthcare company, providing quality instrumentation to healthcare professionals for use in restorative dentistry, endodontics, oral surgery and oral hygiene. Over the past 35 years, Brasseler USA
has developed a reputation as an innovative market leader in diamonds, carbides, polishers, endodontics, hand instruments and handpieces. Today, Brasseler USA offers the most comprehensive assortment of instruments and power systems under one brand in the world. For more information, please visit www.brasselerusa.com.