MUSC Digital Post-grad Program Struggling

 

Occasionally I get some not so great information and today's post is about one of those subjects.  I recently spoke to someone off the record about the profession's first digital dentistry post graduate program.  The program is offered by MUSC (Medical University of South Carolina) College of Dental Medicine.  It is a "two-year clinical program with an emphasis on prosthodontic rehabilitations using multiple digital and analog systems to restore routine to complex patients".  Doctors who complete the program receive a degree "MSD (Master of Science in Dentistry, College of Dental Medicine, Digital Dentistry Track). 

As most of you know, I've been involved with digital dentistry since the very early days of my career and have made it my life's work to  deliver information about it to the profession.  Digital technologies have allowed dentistry to make incredible leaps forward.  Doctors now have the opportunity to provide treatment that is exponentially better than ever before.  Advancements have created 'totally digital workflows' with amazing outcomes.

I was thrilled when I learned that MUSC had started their post graduate program because that is exactly what the profession needs.  Many schools currently teach a mixture of analog and digital systems.  While these current educational programs allow doctors to graduate with a high degree of competency, many new graduates are then in need of learning how to incorporate the true digital aspects of practice.  This normally requires a serious financial investment in continuing education.  While established doctors have the financial wherewithal to do that, recent graduates are saddled with significant student loan debt.  When you add to that the costs of setting up a new office, debt loads can be severe.  Coming up with the money to then educate themselves about all the digital systems is often not possible.

That's why I was so excited about the MUSC program.  It allows doctors to get a post graduate focus on all the digital tools and how to incorporate them together.  The benefits of something along those lines would be a tremendous help to doctors and patients.

Unfortunately what I'm hearing is that the program is struggling... and that is unfortunate.  Digital systems are only advancing and doctors need knowledge and exposure to these systems to be able to integrate them into their practices for maximum benefit and impact.

Hopefully what I'm hearing is only a bump in the proverbial road.  Sometimes good ideas simply take a bit to catch on and any business goes through cycles of expansion and contraction.  I support MUSC in their decision to setup this program and I hope it continues.  The profession needs forward thinking projects like this to help prepare for the future.

I didn't get any specifics in my conversation, but I'm hoping for the best.

Another Post on the Importance of Security and Ways to Help

 

First of all, the way to help.  On Friday November 8th I'll be giving a webinar on data security in the dental office.  However,  while I'm passionate on the subject doctors need an expert to listen to.  That's why the webinar will  be a tag team effort by myself and Gary Salman who is the CEO of Black Talon Security.  As the CEO of a data security firm, Gary knows this subject forwards and backwards.  Click here to register.

The second thing I want to bring up today is about the severe penalties that can be meted out by the federal government *and* affected individuals for violations of HIPAA.  There are many reasons why data security is incredibly important, but if for no other reason, doctors should be concerned about the costs incurred with these types of security situations.

I'm not going to mention the practice by name, but in February 2023 (between the 17th and 22nd), a DSO with over 300 offices experienced a data breach that compromised PHI (Protected Health Information) of patients.  

In addition to the fines, affected business operations, etc that come along with these incidents, there was also a class action lawsuit filed by some of the patients.  Recently the DSO settled the lawsuit filed by the patients for $2.5 million.

I truly think that doctors should look at data security as 'insurance' and not as a 'nice to have'.  No locked door is 100% effective, but becoming a more difficult target certainly means that threat actors will go after less protected systems.

If you'd like to learn how to help avoid these kinds of situations, join Gary Salman and I on November 8th.  

 

A short post today as most of the info will come from the video above.  

Last week, I did a post about the special Compendium issue that has a lot of info about the Philips Sonicare Power Flosser.  It's interesting to me how well these devices work.  Most people tell me they dislike flossing, so I feel that anything the profession can provide them that cleans well between the teeth with greater ease than flossing is definitely a good thing.

After the post went up, I was lucky enough to be able to get the video above that shows how well the device works.  The device uses  Quad Stream technology which allows for greater coverage.  Basically the water exists the tip in an 'X' shape which allows the user to get better coverage without having to work at it.

The direction of the stream is important when using an irrigator and the thing that is nice about Quad Stream is that because the water strikes the teeth and gingival tissues at several angles, it makes it easier for the device to reach into all kinds of difficult to reach areas with less effort.  A single stream will work, but having multiple angles makes it more efficient and less technique sensitive.  You get a really good view of this in the video.

Some offices sell these directly to patients, but they are also available at most major retailers as well.

Don't Miss the Dr. Nate Lawson Webinar Tonight!

 

I mentioned this not too long ago, but I want to re-emphasize this course because I think it's that important.  Tonight at 7:00pm Eastern Time, there is a great webinar being given by Dr. Nate Lawson.

Every doctor works in the anterior region and the profession has all kinds of choices in techniques and materials to provide the best aesthetic results possible.

Dr. Lawson is not only a materials genius, since he runs the UAB Division of Biomaterials, but he also practices clinically so he understands the struggles of being 'in the trenches' with the rest of us.  He's got a great way of explaining things that will quite simply, make your anterior composites better.

The webinar is FREE and you can also get one CE credit for attending.

Follow this link to register.

Here's the course info:  

Materials and Techniques for Anterior Composites

Tue, Oct 22, 2024 7:00 PM EDT

This lecture will cover different types of composites for anterior restorations. We will discuss advantages and limitations of single shade composite. We will also cover injection molding and have a conversation about adapting and polishing anterior composites.

Learning Objectives:

• Learn advantages and limitations of single shade composite.
• Learn about materials for injection molding.
• Learn materials and techniques to adapt and polish composite.

Course Details:

• AGD Subject Code: 250
• CE Credit: Catapult Education, LLC designates this activity for 1 continuing education credit.
• Audience: Dentistry Professionals
• Cost: Free
• Method: Live Webinar Lecture

Sponsored By:  SDI

Meet the Instructor:

Nathaniel Lawson, DMD, PhD, is the Director of the Division of Biomaterials at the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Dentistry and the program director of the Biomaterials residency program. He graduated from UAB School of Dentistry in 2011 and obtained his PhD in Biomedical Engineering in 2012. His research interests are the mechanical, optical, and biologic properties of dental materials and clinical evaluation of new dental materials. He has published over 200 peer reviewed articles, book chapters, and research abstracts. He was the 2016 recipient of the Stanford New Investigator Award and the 2017 Innovative Research Fellowship both from the American Dental Association. He served on the American Dental Association Council of Scientific Affairs and is on the editorial board of The Journal of Adhesive Dentistry and Compendium. He has lectured nationally and internationally on the subject of dental materials. He also works as a general dentist in the UAB Faculty Practice.

Samba from Curaprox - Brushing Without Moving Your Hand...

 

Meet Samba, the new toothbrush from Curaprox.  It's an interesting concept.  

It uses a combination of high and low frequency movements, a flexible brush head and a thin 12,900 bristles structure.  This design allows Samba to clean all 36 surfaces of the teeth.  The really interesting thing about it is that all of this happens without having to move your hand.  

Basically,  the user puts their teeth into the 'U' shaped brush head and turns on the unit.  The bristles move independently so all the user needs to do is get it in place and hit the button.  It allows the user to clean an entire arch in only 30 seconds.  Once it shuts off, the user flips it over and then brushes the other arch.

For years, dentists have advised patients to brush for 2 minutes.  Of course with the traditional toothbrush design this requires the user to put the brush where it needs to go.  That means cheek side, top, and tongues side.  Since Samba cleans all of those sides at the same time, less time is needed.

Samba could also be a good solution for patients with impaired dexterity.  Many older folks lose grip strength and manual dexterity as they age.  With a large handle and no need to move, those people may find this to be a much better solution.

The company is sending me a unit for a personal trial and after I've used it a bit, I'll post again about my experience.

Here's what the company has to say about it:

Samba is the first toothbrush created explicitly to allow people with disabilities to brush their teeth effectively and independently. Developed over eight years by an Israeli startup and introduced by the Swiss premium oral care brand Curaprox, Samba automates the brushing process and opens the door to a healthier future for millions of people in the U.S. and worldwide.

 People with physical and mental disabilities currently have two options when it comes to brushing thir teeth - rely on a family member or a caregiver, or brush on their own and compromise their health with subpar cleaning; leaving 88% of them suffering from dental problems. That’s where Samba comes in. 

By eliminating the need to move your hand, Samba grants everyone daily independence to eliminate the health risks associated with inadequate brushing. It is the first toothbrush to combine both low- and high-frequency oscillations in its brushing movement, driving 12,900 soft bristles along the teeth for a superior, effortless clean.

 MSRP: $299​

Learn more at enjoy.curaprox.com/us/product/samba.

New Findings about Philips Sonicare Power Flossers

 

Everyone involved in the dental profession knows one of the key components of periodontal health is proper cleaning between the teeth.  Keeping the interproximal areas clean and healthy is important.  Especially because of all the discoveries of oral-systemic links to disease.

The easiest way to clean interproximal areas is flossing, but it can be challenging for patients.  Probably one of the most difficult things in dentistry is motivating people to floss.  Isn't there a better, easier way?  The good news is that, yes, there is a better and easier way.  Oral irrigators that clean between the teeth are becoming more and more popular.

While a device that does this is, obviously, more expensive than traditional 'kite string' floss,  most patients are much more likely to use an irrigator than try to floss.  In our office, we recommend irrigators routinely and patient acceptance is pretty high.  We do *not* sell the devices in the office.  Patients purchase them based on our professional recommendation, which I think is a pretty good indication of their acceptance of the idea.  Most patients don't like to floss, but using something like the Philips Sonicare Power Flossers is easier and appeals to them.

These devices have been proven to clean just as well, if not better than floss.  If you need even more info on what they can do,  a special issue of Compendium has several articles dealing with the Philips Sonicare Power Flossers.   There are several studies that definitely deserve to be read on the subject.

Motivating patients is only half the goal.  Patients need a solution that they will actually use.  I highly recommend reading them.

Owandy Radiology Relocates its U.S. Headquarters to Larger, Modern Facility in Garden City, NY

 

Owandy makes some pretty incredible radiology equipment.  Here's an announcement about the new company headquarters...

 – Owandy Radiology Inc., a global leader in the manufacture of dental radiology hardware and imaging software, recently moved its US headquarters to a newly-renovated office building on 585 Stewart Street, Suite L30, Garden City, New York. This move is the company’s third expansion and relocation on Long Island since establishing its U.S. headquarters there almost 20 years ago.

The new 1,800 sq. foot ultra-modern facility is a combination of office, showroom, and training center. According to Boris Loyez Owandy’s VP of Sales and Marketing for North America. “Our Paris-based company has a strong presence in 100 countries world-wide, but this new location will help us to better serve our largest market, North America for years to come.”

The recent move enables Owandy to hire the additional employees such as field sales representatives, administrative personnel and technicians required to respond quickly and efficiently to the growing demands of its North American customers. The custom-configured facility will also be able to host hands-on technical training for distributors and customers.

“We invite any GP dentist or specialist in the New-York tri-state area to schedule a visit to our new headquarters,” added Loyez. “Here you can see first-hand our game-changing, wall-mounted, high-resolution  I-Max 3D CBCT unit which is compact and affordable. Also available for on-site demonstrations are our full line of  innovative digital radiology hardware including I-Max 2D pan ceph units,  digital scanners, intraoral cameras, digital sensors, and our breakthrough AI powered software for dental implant placement.”

In conjunction with the grand opening of its new facility, Owandy’s, year-end special pricing is now in effect. Download the promotional flyer from https://www.owandy.com/offers.  To schedule a product demonstration in Owandy’s new Garden City, NY showroom, call 516-858-5695 or send an email to sales@OwandyUS.com. 

About Owandy Radiology, Inc.: 

Headquartered in France, and serving North America from Garden City, New York, Owandy Radiology is a global leader in the manufacture of dental radiology hardware and imaging software. Its products are distributed through dental dealers across the USA, and in more than 100 countries world-wide, on every continent. For more information, visit www.Owandy.com.