New and Important Caries Management Guidelines Released by the World Health Organization...

 

vVARDIS, is welcoming the release of the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) Guideline on Environmentally Friendly and Less Invasive Oral Health Care for Preventing and Managing Dental Caries, a global crisis affecting an estimated 2.5 billion people worldwide, according to the WHO.

This guideline supports the Bangkok Declaration and the transition to preventive, less invasive, climate resilient, environmentally sustainable, and safe oral healthcare. This perspective aligns with a broader shift toward a salutogenic model of sustainable oral health, one that prioritizes the preservation and regeneration of natural dental tissues.

This forward-looking perspective is echoed in the article “Equity and integration; why the oral healthcare community urgently needs to reflect on its approach to caries management” just published in the International Journal of Equity in Health, which introduces a biomimetic formulation, in a product known as CurodontTM Repair, as an example of a non-invasive and environmentally-friendly solution for treatment of non-cavitated caries.

For additional information, please refer to the attached press release. As always, let me know if you require additional information.

Planet DDS Expands Its Lead in Enterprise and Multi-Location DSO Adoption in 2025

 

Planet DDS is one of the leading PMS systems currently available.  The company has made serious advances in both features and market penetration.  Here's some recent news from them detailing what they've accomplished lately.  This is pretty impressive.

Cloud-based dental software leader adds major DSOs, expands DentalOS™ ecosystem, and advances its AI-first platform 

Planet DDS, a leading provider of cloud-based, enterprise-grade dental software solutions, closed 2025 by widening its lead in enterprise and multi-location DSOs adoption, driven by growth across Denticon, Cloud 9, and Apteryx. 

 

 Today, Planet DDS supports more DSOs with 100+ locations nationwide than any other cloud-based dental practice management provider, enabling 14,500 practices and 175,000 users to standardize operations on a single, enterprise-ready platform.

 

 Enterprise Customer Growth Across Denticon and Cloud 9

As DSOs scale through acquisitions and consolidations, Planet DDS has become the default choice for organizations outgrowing legacy systems and fragmented tools, seeking operational consistency, real-time data visibility, and long-term enterprise value. Throughout 2025, the company expanded its footprint across both general dentistry and orthodontics, adding new customers and deepening existing relationships across its cloud-based portfolio. Built on connection, the platform brings people, workflows, and technology together across growing-organizations—addressing a core industry truth: dental software is broken, and it must work better at scale.

 

 “2025 reinforced what we are hearing consistently from DSOs and multi-location practices,” said Eric Giesecke, CEO of Planet DDS. “Standardization matters. Organizations want one connected platform that supports growth today and positions them for what comes next. Our results reflect that shift.”

 Notable customer additions and expansions include:

• Sage Dental, spanning 140 locations
• The Smilist, expanding Cloud 9 across 100 orthodontic locations
• Coast Dental, with 88 locations
• Altius Dental, with 74 locations
• Choice Healthcare, supporting 61 Denticon locations and 49 Cloud 9 orthodontic locations
• Dental Care Alliance, converting 51 orthodontic locations to Cloud 9
• Eastern Dental, spanning 38 locations
• Additional growth with Guardian Dentistry Partners, Squire Dental, and Fuller Smiles

 These additions further strengthen Planet DDS as the most widely adopted platform among large DSOs, including organizations operating 30, 50, and more than 100 locations nationwide.

 Leadership Expansion and Industry Recognition 

To support increasing enterprise demand, Planet DDS expanded its executive leadership team by adding Ian Solcz as Vice President of Professional Services.

 

 Solcz brings deep healthcare technology experience from Epic Systems, where he partnered with large provider organizations on complex implementations and operational transformation. At Planet DDS, he leads professional services with a focus on consistent delivery, scalable onboarding, and long-term customer success.

 

 Planet DDS also received multiple third-party recognitions in 2025, reflecting both growth performance and market leadership.

 Recent award wins include:

• Best in Biz Awards (North America): Silver, Small to Medium Company of the Year
• Deloitte 2025 Technology Fast 500: Ranked #336, up from #352 the prior year
• Los Angeles Times Fastest Growing Companies: Ranked #9

 These recognitions highlight sustained execution as the company continues to scale its platform and customer base.

 

From Cloud-First to AI-First 

Looking ahead, Planet DDS is preparing to unveil the next phase of DentalOS™ with AI at Orbit, the company’s annual user conference taking place February 25–27, 2026

At Orbit, Planet DDS will introduce its transition from a cloud-first foundation to an AI-first strategy, including the initial rollout of agentic AI capabilities, designed to help DSOs automate workflows and drive more predictable performance across operations. This evolution builds on Planet DDS’s foundational belief that dental software must move beyond disconnected systems toward intelligent, connected operations that scale with modern DSOs.

 

 The company will also debut its next Dental Industry Outlook Report, providing data-driven insights into consolidation trends, technology adoption, and operational benchmarks shaping the dental industry.

 

In summary, Planet DDS closed 2025 with expanded adoption among the largest DSOs in the industry, deeper leadership capabilities, and increasing third-party recognition. More importantly, the company enters 2026 with the customer base, platform maturity, and AI roadmap to define what enterprise dental software looks like for the next decade.

Resources

• Learn more about DentalOS with AI 
• Explore Denticon cloud-based practice management
• Discover Cloud 9 orthodontic practice management
• Register for Orbit 2026

 To see how Planet DDS can be your partner in growth this year, visit www.planetdds.com. 

 

 About Planet DDS 

Dental software is broken. We aim to fix it. As a partner in growth for DSOs and dental groups outgrowing legacy systems and fragmented tools, Planet DDS delivers a cloud-based AI platform designed to scale alongside growing organizations. Powered by DentalOS™ with AI, Planet DDS is built on connection—connecting people, partners, and technology across an open ecosystem that includes Denticon Practice Management, Cloud 9 Ortho Practice Management, and Apteryx Cloud Imaging. Trusted by leading DSOs and emerging dental groups nationwide, Planet DDS supports more 100+ location DSOs than any other cloud-based dental practice management provider, enabling 14,500 practices and 175,000 users to move beyond outdated legacy software with seamless integrations, optimized workflows, and scalable technology built for growth.

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.