If you do bracketed orthodontics in your office, here's a nice organizational tool for brackets...

Cx Orthodontic Supply, an e-commerce supplier of orthodontic and dental supplies, today announced the launch of the Cx Precoat Box, a first-of-its-kind streamlined bracket storage system designed to optimize doctors’ efficiency, patient flow and wait time. The Cx Precoat Box was created to solve cost- and time-intensive problems around the clinical challenges of indirect bonding and precoated brackets.

 Designed by Dr. Dino Cacchiotti, a Moses Lake practitioner and owner of Cx Orthodontic Supply, the Cx Precoat Box was developed to allow assistants to preload brackets with adhesive during clinical downtime. When brought to the chair for the placement on patients, it results in significant savings in doctor time. Through testing in orthodontic practice, assistants report saving up to 10 minutes per patient, which is time that can be reinvested into patient care or increased appointment volume.

 “Doctor time is one of the most limited and valuable resources in our field,” said Dr. Cacchiotti. “We built this tool to help orthodontists reduce chair time without compromising quality, giving them the flexibility to see more patients and improve practice flow.”

The key features of the Cx Precoat Box, which retails for $49.50 per kit, are as follows:

• Reusable and autoclavable: Durable design supports repeated sterilization
• Airtight and light-Blocking: Keeps adhesive fresh and ready for use hours to days in advance, without risk of adhesive curing
• Clean, personalized presentation: Enhances patient experience and professionalismOrganized storage: Mini compartments and nonstick inserts ensure easy bracket handling

The stylish, streamlined Cx Precoat Box brings innovation directly to orthodontists, saving time without significant added cost. For more information, including how to purchase, visit cxorthosupply.com.

About CX Orthodontic Supply

Cx Orthodontic Supply is a trusted U.S.-based provider of high-quality orthodontic supplies, headquartered in Moses Lake, Washington. With over fifteen years of industry expertise, Cx Ortho is committed to delivering top-tier products at unbeatable prices by sourcing directly from leading manufacturers. Known for its innovation, reliability and award-winning customer service, the company has become a go-to partner for orthodontic professionals seeking efficient, cost-effective solutions. Its dedication to quality and practice-friendly design is reflected in its growing portfolio of supplies and accessories, including the orthodontist-invented Cx Precoat Box. Cx Ortho continues to lead, with a focus on clinical efficiency, product integrity and personalized service.

A Quick Update on "The Technology Evangelist Podcast"

 

First of all, a huge thank you to all of you who are listening and watching The Technology Evangelist Podcast.  I'm overwhelmed by how many of you are checking it out and subscribing.  It's been a hugely humbling last few months.  As most of you know, I've been blogging here for well over two decades.  One of the reasons I started this blog was because I was looking for a way to actually connect with folks.  When I wrote for Dental Products Report, I had no way of knowing how many of you were reading my columns and, more importantly, if you were enjoying them.  When the ability to blog came along, suddenly I could actually see the metrics and answer questions.  This blog became one of those "labors of love" for me because I actually could tell people were reading my stuff.  

Of course, with the evolution of how we communicate, a podcast seemed the next great move to reach the profession.  I had considered creating a podcast in the past, but with my life being as busy as it is, the thought of needing even more time to create, edit, etc seemed overwhelming.  When my good friend Sean Ryan (CEO at Medidenta) reached out to me and suggested I give it a try, I was interested, but I told him I just didn't have the time for all of the 'backend' work that it would require.  It was when Sean offered to have the team at Medidenta handle all of that for me, that the idea really took root in my tiny brain.  I will always be incredibly grateful to him for that offer.

Since those first discussions, The Technology Evangelist Podcast has really gained some traction.  I want to state again how grateful and honored I am that many of you are tuning in and subscribing.  It gives me a super great feeling to know that you see value in what I'm doing.

Moving on to the meat of this post, I've recently had a few folks ask me if the podcast is audio only or if there is a way to also watch the video of the episodes.  I'm figuring that if those subscribers weren't sure, probably a lot of others weren't sure as well.  So, to answer that question... the answer is a resounding YES!  It's available in both audio *and* video.  Take your pick!  We've really tried to meet the demands of the audience so whether you want to just listen or listen *and* watch, we've got you covered.

If you are in front of a screen and want the video you can find it on our YouTube Channel.  However both the audio *and* the video episodes are also available via Spotify  and also on Apple Podcasts.  

If you need some info on both formats and want to watch or listen no matter where you find them, here's a quick primer courtesy of Google Gemini, which is Google's LLM AI system:

Video podcasts are not limited to YouTube and are available on both Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Here's a quick breakdown:

Apple Podcasts: The platform supports video podcasts, allowing creators to upload both audio and video versions of their shows. Many popular video podcasts are fully accessible through the Apple Podcasts app.

Spotify: Spotify has significantly expanded its support for video podcasts. Listeners can watch the video feed directly within the Spotify app, and the content often syncs with the audio feed, allowing users to switch between them.

YouTube: YouTube is, of course, a major platform for video podcasts, often serving as the primary distribution channel for the video version of a show.

The key difference is how each platform handles the format, but all three are major players in distributing video podcast content.

 I want to end this post with another huge THANK YOU to all of you who are checking us out.  Myself and the great team at Medidenta are incredibly grateful for the support you are showing us.  I'm open to your feedback, so please make a comment here or wherever you're listening and watching.  I'm always looking for great ideas, great topics to cover, and great guests to interview.  This effort is *truly* about giving all of you what you want.  A podcast is nothing without an audience and I want you all to know, that from the bottom of my heart, this is a journey we're all on together!  Thanks for coming along for the ride!

Illegal Teeth Whitening Story by the BBC

Today's post is a short one to start off the week.  It seems that there is quite the illegal market for tooth whitening across the pond.  I know that this situation also exists here in the US as I've seen similar "tooth whitening booths" in hair salons and malls.

It always irritates me to see this because there's a lot more to making a smile whiter than just applying a chemical.   Many folks are getting a lot of information from social media.  I'm all for people getting information, but I've also read more and more in the last couple of years about 'veneer techs' and other people who advertise on social media and end up taking unsuspecting people's money, while causing permanent damage as the result.

It's easy to reach a large audience with a flashy ad via social media.  However, those ads may not be from people who actually know what they are doing.  Unsuspecting people who don't understand the possible bad outcomes that are possible can be misled by self proclaimed experts.  If it's happening in the US and the UK, then it's also happening in other places which makes this a truly international problem.

This story from the BBC tells what is going on in the UK.   The story details how people with little or no training are applying some severely damaging chemistries to 'customers' that result in damage to the teeth... even permanently.

So without stealing any of the BBC's thunder, here is the link to Illegal Teeth-Whitening Industry Exposed by BBC.  

I'll close this post by saying, if you are reading this and are not a dental professional, please only seek whitening options from a licensed professional.  We all want a nice smile, but you don't want to cause yourself permanent problems that may be very expensive to fix.

Henry Schein One and AWS Collaborate to Transform Global Dentistry with Generative AI

 

Today we have an announcement from AWS (Amazon Web Services) and Henry Schein One.  The two companies are partnering with a focus on integrating more AI into the dental clinical ecosystem.  Rather than building some of their AI systems from the ground up, Henry Schein One is working to incorporate some the the Internet wizardry that AWS is working on implementing in the background of a lot of systems.  I'm interested to see where this one goes... 

Industry leaders join forces to bring advanced AI capabilities to dental technology platforms — redefining patient care, clinical efficiency, and practice performance worldwide

Henry Schein One, a leading global provider of dental technology, today announced a groundbreaking partnership with Amazon Web Services (AWS), the world’s most comprehensive and broadly adopted cloud platform. Together, the companies will integrate AWS’s generative AI (GenAI) technologies across the Henry Schein One platform — including Dentrix, Dentrix Ascend, and Dentally — to usher in a new era of AI-powered dentistry.

At the center of this partnership is Henry Schein One’s ambitious global AI strategy — a multi-layered initiative to transform how dental professionals manage their practices and deliver care. The company’s goal is to become the world’s first AI-augmented practice management system, unifying tools and workflows that have traditionally existed in silos. From booking and imaging to payments and treatment presentation, AI is natively embedded across every step of the dental journey to eliminate friction and help improve outcomes.

 “This collaboration represents a pivotal moment for dentistry,” said Ryan Hungate, Chief Clinical and Strategy Officer at Henry Schein One. “Cutting-edge AI is finally meeting clinical expertise. We’re not just improving workflows — we’re reimagining how dental care is delivered, documented, and optimized around the world. Our vision is to create an AI-first ecosystem that supports every aspect of care — from diagnostics to documentation, from claims to patient engagement — integrating intelligence into the core of every experience. This is the future of dentistry: connected, efficient, and profoundly human.”

 Among the benefits are a real-time documentation assistant that uses AI to capture and summarize patient interactions, and voice-activated perio charting, which enables hands-free charting to reduce administrative burden and improve accuracy.

 Beyond the immediate clinical benefits, the partnership will introduce predictive business intelligence, automated claims validation, and dynamic pricing tools — giving practices the insights they need to optimize operations and revenue cycles. AI-driven scheduling and communication tools will further personalize the patient experience, helping reduce no-shows and improving engagement at every touchpoint.

 With AWS’s infrastructure supporting global scalability, the company will expand its intelligent platform capabilities across the U.S., U.K., and E.U., helping ensure seamless interoperability and consistent standards of care worldwide.

 We're proud to combine AWS's AI services, including Amazon Bedrock and Transcribe Medical, with Henry Schein One's deep domain expertise in dentistry," said Dan Sheeran, VP and General Manager, Healthcare and Life Science at AWS. "Together, we're building the industry's first AI solutions that can meaningfully improve patient outcomes while reducing the administrative load on dental professionals. This partnership shows what's possible when technology and healthcare innovation move in lockstep."

 By building secure, regulatory compliant, and interoperable systems, Henry Schein One aims to lead the industry and to help dental professionals focus on what matters most — delivering care, not managing complexity – while providing data privacy.

 About Henry Schein One

Henry Schein One, a subsidiary of Henry Schein, Inc., is a leading global provider of dental technology. We help dental practices optimize every aspect of their business, creating exceptional experiences for every member of the practice and the patients they serve. Our multi-layered solutions include practice management, patient engagement, and business management, as well as e-commerce solutions. For more information, visit www.henryscheinone.com.

 About Amazon Web Services (AWS)

Amazon Web Services (AWS) is the world's most comprehensive and broadly adopted cloud platform, offering over 200 fully featured services from data centers globally. Millions of customers—including the fastest-growing startups, largest enterprises, and leading government agencies—are using AWS to lower costs, become more agile, and innovate faster.

Registration is *Now* Open for the 2026 Chicago MidWinter Meeting

Here's some big news for the dental industry.  Regitration for the 2026 Chicago Dental Society's MidWinter Meeting is now open!  This is one of the premier in person meetings in dentistry!  Every February, tens of thousands of dental professionals converge on the city of Chicago to see all the latest and greatest the industry has to offer.

The MidWinter meeting is the place for the announcement of new products that rock the dental world.  If a company has something new and amazing hitting the market, this is the place where you'll be the first to find out, see it, and touch it.

I don't know how many years in a row that I've attended, but I can guarantee you it's a *lot*.  This is one of the meetings that I never miss.  In fact, this year I've been invited to do a lecture with my good buddies Dr. Marty Jablow and Dr. Paul Feuerstein.  Why not register and come to our course?  When the three of us are in a room together, it's never tame.  You'll get tons of good info and a few laughs as a side dish.

Also, if you're planning on being in Chicago, come in on Tuesday and plan on being at the second annual Dentall VIP Summit at the Intercontinental Hotel on Wednesday February 18th.   Check out the info on the link.  These Summits are incredible events and you'll get some amazing info as well.
I recently got an email from the team at the MidWinter Meeting with all the info on how to register.  I've got that email below.  Check out the links for all the details...
 

Get ready for an even better Midwinter Meeting experience. We’ve added new enhancements and thoughtful updates designed to help you make the most of your time and enjoy everything the 2026 meeting has to offer.

Registration opens soon, and this year’s improved process makes signing up faster and easier than ever. Here’s what you need to know before November 3.

What's new for registration?

The 2026 Midwinter Meeting will feature a new and improved registration process, including:

• An enhanced Midwinter Meeting website and new registration system, creating a smoother and faster registration experience.
• Better search functions in our upgraded event website, making it easier than ever to find your favorite speakers, topics, and courses that fit your schedule.
• An improved badge process! While registering, you’ll be able to see a preview of how your badge will look, and you’ll be able to print your badge immediately at self-service kiosks in McCormick Place West and three participating Midwinter Meeting hotels. Please note that this year, badges will not be mailed prior to the Midwinter Meeting.
• A more unified login process to access multiple Midwinter Meeting systems. If you register using your ADA email address, your information will automatically populate in the registration platform. Additionally, this will be the same login you’ll use to access "My Midwinter," the registration system and the Midwinter Meeting app.

Whether you attend every year, every other year, haven’t attended in a long time or have never attended, you won’t want to miss the 2026 Midwinter Meeting. Mark your calendars—registration opens on Monday, November 3 at 9:00 a.m. CT!

Best,

Dr. Phil Schefke

2026 President

Chicago Dental Society

Wear Rate of 3D Printed Dentures is Dependent on Resin

 

This might be a simple concept that most doctors would consider, but I wanted to bring it up here because I think it's important plus, for many doctors 3D printing is a fairly new concept.  However, it's one that is going to become a bigger and bigger part of what we do.  Even if you are scanning and sending to a lab, I think it's important to know what resin the lab is using to print 3D dentures or if they offer choices to the clinician. 

As the profession moves more and more into in-office fabricated prosthetics and appliances, materials will still matter. When dealing with crowns, most doctors will prescribe zirconia or gold on a second molar in a patient who exhibits wear from clenching and/or grinding and does not sleep with an occlusal guard.  That decision is made taking into account many factors, one of which is how durable zirconia and gold are.

3D resins require similar considerations.  Not all 3D printing resins exhibit the same characteristics or wear rates.  So it pays to do a little research before making a decision.  In the early days of 3D printing dentures, resins were more susceptible to breakage, but that issue has been dealt with.  However, depending on the chemical constituency of the resin, some will wear more readily than others.  In making decisions on a case, a good literature review and contacting the manufacturer are smart choices to make.

Along that same line, a recent study in the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry has looked at occlusal wear of three different 3D printed resins.  They were compared to PMMA and natural enamel.  In that study, two of the resins showed similar wear while one showed a bit more.

If you're interested in this and would like to read the abstract, you can find that here.  The full article is available for purchase as well.

Rat Shaped Sidewalk Hole in Chicago - Explained

 

While today's post isn't about AI, I still found a way to work it in.  Today's post is about a fairly recent, but popular social media image.  However, I couldn't find an image of it that wasn't copyrighted.  So... I used AI with the simple prompt "create an image of a dent in a sidewalk in the shape of a rat" and... behold, my very own, AI generated image for this post.

The story behind this image is interesting.  In January 2024 a mark in a Chicago sidewalk began to go viral on social media,  It looked like a rat had fallen into wet cement on a sidewalk, died, decomposed, and left its mark in the concrete.  The concept was sort of a like a fast fossil.  People took photos and even left little rat toys, etc in the spot.  Online it became known as "The Chicago Rat Hole" or (my favorite) "Splatatouille".  

The tale takes an interesting turn when the evolutionary biochemist Dr. Michael Granatosky was in Chicago doing postdoctoral research.  He decided to try to identify the type of animal that made the imprint and after quite a bit of work, determined that it was not made by a rat, but a squirrel.

Personally, being a science nerd like I am, I was fascinated by the fact that someone decided to look into this.  We're all driven by different things that interest us.  My fascination with tech started when I was a kid and took apart toys to see how they worked.  I eventually grew up and began taking computers apart and it completely changed my career.  So I salute Dr. Granatosky for his work!

For the full story, which is a great read, follow this link to the New York Times article.  And, in case you can't get enough of oddball stories like this, Dr. Granatosky also published a scientific article about this in the journal Biology Letters.  The NYT story goes into much greater detail than I'm providing here and I really enjoyed reading it.  Funny how things like an implanted image in a piece of concrete can become a phenomena that makes it into an internationally read newspaper *and* a journal read by experts.