Nate Lawson On The Technology Evangelist Podcast

 

I recently got a chance to sit down and talk about the profession and dental materials with the one and only Dr. Nate Lawson.  If you'd like to watch the episode, you can find all the links to your favorite podcast locations here.

In the ever-evolving world of dentistry, the stories of professionals and their journeys can be just as fascinating as the advancements in technology and materials. One such captivating tale is that of my friend, Dr. Nate Lawson, a distinguished faculty member at the University of Alabama Birmingham School of Dentistry. This post delves into Dr. Lawson's unique path from aspiring engineer to dentist and educator, shedding light on his passion for material science and the lessons he learned along the way.

Understanding the Origins: From Childhood Aspirations to Professional Realities

Dr. Lawson’s journey began at a surprisingly young age (which I love). Influenced by a family of dental professionals, he knew as early as six years old that he wanted to become a dentist. His aunt, a pediatric dentist, played a pivotal role in shaping his childhood dreams, providing him a glimpse into the dental world that many children never see. 

Despite his early determination, Dr. Lawson faced challenges along the way. He initially pursued engineering in college, motivated by a desire to avoid college foreign language requirements and inspired by his father, an engineer. However, after working as a dental assistant in his aunt’s office, he realized that his true calling lay within dentistry, particularly in the realm of material science. 

The Path to Dentistry: Overcoming Obstacles and Embracing Opportunities

Dr. Lawson’s academic journey was not without its hurdles. He faced significant challenges during dental school, often feeling like an underachiever compared to his peers. This experience led him to develop a profound empathy for students, prompting him to later become an educator who strives to make the dental school experience better for future generations. 

Following his graduation, Dr. Lawson found himself at a crossroads. After dropping out of a prosthodontics residency, he accepted a position with a Dental Service Organization (DSO) in Chicago. It was during this time that he received a call from his mentor, Dr. John Burgess, who invited him to return to Alabama to teach at the dental school. Although initially hesitant, Dr. Lawson seized the opportunity, which ultimately led to his pretty incredible career in academia. 

The Intersection of Technology and Material Science

Dr. Lawson's work is a perfect blend of technology and material science, focusing on how these elements can enhance dental practices. His research has contributed to advancements in dental materials, allowing practitioners to provide better and more predictable care to patients. He has a great way of translating complex scientific concepts into practical applications, which influences both dental students and practicing professionals.

The integration of material science into dentistry has been a game changer. As Dr. Lawson emphasizes, understanding the properties and behaviors of dental materials is crucial for effective treatment planning and execution. His passion for this field is evident in his teaching, where he encourages students to think critically and apply their knowledge creatively.

Key Takeaways from Dr. Lawson's Journey

1. Follow Your Passions: Dr. Lawson’s story illustrates the importance of pursuing what you love. Despite detours and challenges, his commitment to dentistry ultimately led him to a an amazing career.

2. Take Chances: Throughout his journey, Dr. Lawson took every chance to learn and grow, whether it was through hands-on experience as a dental assistant or engaging in research. This adaptability is crucial in any profession.

3. Value of Mentorship: The support and guidance of mentors can profoundly impact one’s career trajectory. Dr. Lawson’s relationship with Dr. Burgess not only opened doors for him but also inspired him to give back by mentoring others.

4. Contribute to the Field: As a researcher and educator, Dr. Lawson exemplifies how professionals can influence their fields positively. By sharing knowledge and advancing dental materials, he enhances doctor’s knowledge and ultimately benefits patients.

Wrapping Up

Dr. Nate Lawson's journey is a testament to the importance of passion, resilience, and the pursuit of knowledge in the field of dentistry. His story encourages aspiring dental professionals to embrace their unique paths and emphasizes the value of mentorship and collaboration in advancing the profession. As technology continues to evolve, the role of educators like Dr. Lawson will be vital in shaping the future of dentistry.

Premier Dental® Announces Exclusive Distribution Partnership for PerioStōm®

 

Premier Dental® Announces Exclusive Distribution Partnership for PerioStōm® to Expand Advanced Periodontal Care Solutions

Premier to broaden clinician access to Forward Science’s FDA-cleared, non-drug oral wound dressing for post-procedural periodontal care

Premier® Dental Products Company, a global leader in innovative dental consumables and clinical solutions, today announced an exclusive distribution partnership with Forward Science to bring PerioStōm®, an FDA-cleared, non-drug oral wound dressing, to dental professionals throughout the United States. Through this partnership, Premier will serve as the exclusive distributor of PerioStōm®, expanding access to a science-driven solution designed to support healing and patient comfort following periodontal procedures.

The addition of PerioStōm® reinforces Premier’s commitment to delivering innovative technologies that improve clinical outcomes and enhance everyday dental practice. By leveraging Premier’s professional dental network, clinicians will have greater access to a novel post-procedural care solution that integrates into existing periodontal treatment protocols.

PerioStōm® is powered by chitosan microspheres, a biocompatible polymer. Applied directly into the periodontal pocket, PerioStōm® forms a protective, bio-adhesive barrier intended to help protect vulnerable tissue from irritation and trauma while supporting gingival healing and patient comfort while fitting seamlessly into existing periodontal treatment protocols, such as scaling and root planing (SRP). The delivery system is designed for consistent placement and integration into standard clinical workflows.

“Premier is committed to identifying and delivering clinically meaningful innovations that help dental professionals improve patient care. PerioStōm® represents a unique advancement in post-procedural periodontal care, offering clinicians an FDA-cleared, non-drug solution that supports healing while fitting naturally into existing treatment protocols. We are excited to partner with Forward Science to make this innovative technology more broadly available to dental professionals across the country.”

— Perry Lowe, CEO, Premier Dental Products Company

Developed over several years of research and innovation, PerioStōm® represents a significant advancement in periodontal therapy. As exclusive distributor, Premier will work closely with Forward Science to support product commercialization and clinician education while expanding awareness and adoption nationwide.

“This collaboration with Premier strengthens the pathway for PerioStōm® through a trusted partner in the dental industry,” said Robert J. Whitman, CEO of Forward Science. “Together, we are focused on bringing what we believe is one of the most impactful advancements the periodontal therapy field has seen in decades to clinicians nationwide, helping improve patient care and change more lives.”

The partnership is expected to broaden availability of PerioStōm® to a wider audience of dental professionals, supporting a more proactive approach to post-procedural periodontal care through an effective, non-drug solution designed for everyday clinical use.

For more information about PerioStōm®, visit PerioStom.com.

2026 Dental Testing & Regulatory Summit is Now Open for Registration

 

Registration Opens for 2026 Dental Testing & Regulatory Summit

 

Five-day October event unites regulators, educators, and examiners from across the country

 

• Annual meetings of ADEX, AADB, and AADA converge at the Summit
• Mission of Mercy MD/PA named charitable partner for the third annual giving campaign
• Educators can earn up to 4.5 CE credits through the ADEX Educators Conference

 

Registration is now open for the 2026 Dental Testing & Regulatory Summit and Educators Conference, a five-day event that convenes dental regulators, educators, and examiners from across the country to address the future of dental licensure. The American Board of Dental Examiners (ADEX), the American Association of Dental Boards (AADB), and the American Association of Dental Administrators (AADA) host the event Oct. 14-18, 2026, at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, Md.

 

What to Expect at the 2026 Summit

The Summit unites state regulators, program directors, faculty leadership, and examiners for focused sessions on licensure policy, examination standards, and dental education. It stands as one of the few venues where regulators and educators work side-by-side to address the profession's most pressing challenges, creating a collaborative space where stakeholders advance the goals of dental licensure and uphold the highest standards of professional practice.

 

The 2026 Educators Conference introduces a hands-on dental hygiene session where faculty can experience the ADEX exam and SimProDH typodont scaling firsthand. Educators can earn up to 4.5 CE credits in clinical dentistry and exam preparedness.

 

"The connections made at this Summit between boards, educators, and examiners are what make real progress possible, and I am confident this year will be our most impactful yet," said Stephanie Beeler, Director of Communications, Board Affairs & Events, ADEX. "From new hands-on sessions for dental hygiene educators to expanded programming on licensure and examination standards, this gathering showcases a shared commitment to advancing the profession and the communities we serve."

 

Giving Back to the Community

ADEX selected Mission of Mercy Maryland/Pennsylvania (MD/PA) as the charitable partner for the 2026 Summit. Donations collected during registration will benefit Mission of Mercy's Mobile Dental Clinic, a three-operatory dental office on wheels that serves six communities in Maryland and recently expanded its reach to include veterans through two new community partnerships. Since 1994, Mission of Mercy MD/PA has provided free healthcare to nearly 50,000 patients, logging more than 221,100 visits and dispensing over 440,900 medications.

 

The Summit continues a giving tradition that has raised more than $50,000 for charities in host cities since 2024, following donations to Mission of Mercy Texas in 2025 and Kosair for Kids, a Kentucky-based charity, in 2024.

 

Registration is open now at www.dental-summit.org/2026.

 

About the American Board of Dental Examiners (ADEX)

The American Board of Dental Examiners (ADEX) is a not-for-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.

Ramblings From Dentistry's Technology Evangelist - Breaks 4,000,000 Page Views!!!

 

A big announcement today... "Ramblings From Dentistry's Technology Evangelist" has now surpassed 4,000,000 page views!  I could type for hours and not be able to adequately describe how grateful I am to all of you.  If it wasn't for people like you who are reading this post, there would not be a blog or anything else I'm involved with.  So my deepest thanks to all of you... I am truly humbled by the support.

I try not to get too hung up or focused on numbers for projects I'm involved with, but sometimes a milestone is passed and you'd have to be in a fog to not have it motivate you.  About fifteen years ago I noticed something about myself.  Maybe it's the mindset of being a dentist, or maybe it's just me, but when things went right I wouldn't think much about it.  I'd just move onto the next thing.  I *expected* things to go right.   Yet... when something went less than *perfect* I'd dwell on it and sometimes I'd beat myself up mentally... sometimes for days.

It's funny, but think about this for a second.  If someone gives you a compliment... maybe they say "your hair looks really good today".  I think most of us don't give it a second thought, often we don't even believe it.  Yet, if someone says "your hair doesn't look really good today", we immediately run to a mirror and try to fix it.  I'm not sure why humans are like that, but I've talked about this to a lot of people and it seems to be a pretty common thing.

I decided to try and make a change.  I made a concerted effort to celebrate my successes.  I wouldn't throw a party, but I *would* allow myself to think "that wasn't easy, but I did pretty well there."  My logic was, if I'm going to be hard on myself when things didn't go perfectly, I'd pat myself on the back when they did.

Because of that, I frequently tell others to celebrate their successes.  There is obviously a line between being happy with success and being egotistical, but there is nothing wrong of being proud of your achievements.

I have always felt if you do the right things for the right reasons, success will follow.  However, with that being said, sometimes things don't always go according to plan.  My advice?  Celebrate your successes.  There's nothing wrong with that feeling of satisfaction that comes from a job well  done.

Hanyang University ERICA Researchers Develop Electronic Skin That Brings Human-Like Touch to Robots and Prosthetics

Below is some pretty fascinating information from Hanyang University in South Korea.  For years we've been seeing the development of lifelike prosthetics to help injured humans become more independent.  They use robotics to actually recreate much of the movement from an amputated limb.  Researchers have now developed a sensor type system that could someday actually bring the sense of touch to mechanical devices such as artificial limbs.  These sensors could also provide robots with a sense of touch.  Read on for the details.

Researchers developed a vertically integrated dual-gate transistor design, enabling reliable touch sensing and high density, large-area integration

Conventional tribotronic devices, that convert mechanical stimuli like touch into electrical signals, offer fixed sensitivity and pose challenges in large-area integration. In a new study, researchers have developed a new vertically integrated dual-gated tribotronic transistor architecture, that offers tuneable sensitivity, reliable contact and proximity detection, as well as minimal pixel footprint for high-density array integration. This technology can pave the way for electronic skin systems that allow robots and prosthetics to reliably perceive human touch.

The recent advancement of miniaturized and portable electronics, particularly wearable and flexible devices, has increased the demand for self-powered sensing technologies. Among these, triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) have received increased attention for developing highly sensitive tactile sensors. TENGs convert external mechanical stimuli into electrical signals through redistribution of electric charges. They are particularly attractive for the development of advanced electronic skin and intelligent robotics. However, conventional tribotronic devices suffer from non-tuneable sensitivity and pose challenges in integration into large-area architectures, limiting practical applications.

To address these limitations, a research team led by Associate Professor Jaekyun Kim from the Department of Photonics and Nanoelectronics at Hanyang University in South Korea has developed a novel vertically integrated dual-gated tribotronic transistor. “Our vertical dual-gate architecture not only offers gate-tunable amplification of the triboelectronic responses, but also minimizes pixel footprint, enabling high-density, large-area integration,” explains Dr. Kim. Their study was made available online on April 9, 2026, and published in Volume 153 of Nano Energy on June 15, 2026.

The proposed dual-gated tribotronic transistor features a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) triboelectric sensing layer as the top gate, stacked on top of a dedicated gate insulator, which in turn is positioned above an indium-tin-zinc-oxide (ITZO) thin-film transistor (TFT). This innovative configuration provides synergistic control of sensitivity.

In its default state, the bottom gate sets the baseline current flowing through the ITZO transistor. To enable contact and proximity sensing, the device first undergoes a charging phase, in which a stainless-steel plate comes into contact with the PDMS surface. This causes  triboelectric charges to form at the interface. As the plate separates from the PDMS layer, these accumulated charges create a triboelectric potential that acts as the top-gate voltage, which suppresses the current flow through the ITZO transistor. 

As the charged plate or another object approaches the PDMS surface again, the triboelectric potential gradually decreases, causing the transistor current to recover, based on the proximity of the plate or surface. This change in current serves as the tribotronic response, indicating contact or proximity. Meanwhile, the bottom-gate voltage sets the baseline current, allowing the sensitivity to be electrically tuned. Specifically, the researchers found that the sensitivity increased with increasing bottom-gate voltage.

The researchers also showed that increasing the contact pressure enlarges the effective contact area between the PDMS layer and the contacting object, generating more triboelectric charge and producing a stronger response. 

Additionally, the device exhibited stable response and recovery times of 127 and 212 milliseconds, respectively, during each contact-separation cycle. It also maintained stable performance without noticeable degradation after 1,000 operating cycles.

To demonstrate active tactile sensing, the researchers fabricated a 10 × 10 transistor array using the proposed architecture. After initially charging the sensing layer with a stainless-steel plate, they demonstrated pixel-level responses to finger touches as well as reliable proximity sensing at distances of up to 500 micrometers using a stainless-steel probe. 

“Our research could contribute to the development of electronic skin systems that allow robots, prosthetic devices, and wearable electronics to perceive touch, pressure, and proximity more precisely,” remarks Dr. Kim. “This will lead to safer and more reliable human–machine interaction, with applications in healthcare robots, health monitoring and autonomous systems.”

Overall, this innovative architecture provides a scalable platform for programmable, mechanically robust tribotronic sensor arrays, paving the way for advanced human–machine interfaces. 

Reference

Title of original paper: Vertically integrated dual-gated tribotronic transistor for active-matrix tactile and proximity sensing

Journal: Nano Energy

About Hanyang University ERICA

Hanyang University ERICA (Education Research Industry Cluster at Ansan) is a prominent research-focused campus established in 1979 in Ansan, South Korea. ERICA offers undergraduate and graduate programs. ERICA is renowned for its active industry-university cooperation, offering students hands-on experience through partnerships with various industries. This ensures that graduates are well-prepared to meet societal needs and excel in their respective fields. With state-of-the-art facilities and a supportive learning environment, Hanyang University ERICA empowers students to pursue their passions and contribute meaningfully to society, staying true to the university's founding philosophy of "Love in Deed and Truth."

Website: https://www.hanyang.ac.kr/web/eng/erica-campus1

About the author

Dr. Jaekyun Kim is an Associate Professor and researcher in the Department of Photonics and Nanoelectronics at Hanyang University. His group focuses on oxide semiconductor thin-film transistors, tribotronic sensors, electronic skin, and active-matrix sensing systems. The group develops device platforms that integrate semiconductor electronics with functional sensing materials for tactile, proximity, and wearable applications.

VCom Interoffice Messaging System - You Can Download and Try for Free

One of the fun things about being "The Technology Evangelist" is that a lot of people reach out to me with new ideas, both in dentistry and the consumer market.  I love seeing and learning about these products and it allows me to see some pretty cool things.  Recently I was contacted by Dr. James Webb about an interoffice communication system.

In a busy office, communication and distractions can be a major problem.   Staff will frequently be busy with patients clinically as well as at the front desk.  Also, clinical staff will often float between different treatment areas which can make them hard to find, depending on the office layout.  It's so much easier to have some type of digital communication system in the office that discreetly sends a message to the proper person.  In ttoday's dental offices there are computers in every operatory as well as multiple locations throughout the office.  That makes a communication system on the office network something that a lot of offices use or are in need of.

There are a lot of chat clients on the market, but most of them run in a separate window on your computer which means you have to click to see the message.  That's usually not a big deal, but if you are in the middle of a procedure with gloves on it can be a hassle.  In the admin area, it requires staff to leave whatever window they are working in to open the chat window underneath.  

VCom is an interoffice communication system that runs on every computer in the office.  However, instead of running in a window, VCom runs as a "banner" across the top of the screen.  That means it's never hidden behind another window that will require a click to bring the info to the front.  Instead, the VCom message will simply appear in the banner at the top of the screen, which brings it to the immediate attention of the user.  You can also assign a unique 'tone' so a busy user can know they have a message in the banner.  The system allows a user to check a message with just a glance without a patient noticing the distraction.

If you have any interest in checking this out, you can find pricing info here.  

I don't have personal experience with VCom, however the company offers a free trial.  You can download, install, and then see if the system is right for you and your workflows.  You can use this link to download.  

Hygiene KOL Michelle Strange Publishes New Book: Independent by Design

 

New Book Presents Dental Hygienists a Roadmap to Career Growth and Independent Practice Ownership

Dental hygienist, educator, entrepreneur, and podcast host Michelle Strange, MSDH, RDH, recently published Independent by Design: A Dental Hygienist's Journey to Practice Ownership, a new book that explores the evolving career opportunities available to today's dental hygienists, including independent practice ownership.

Drawing on more than 25 years of experience in clinical care, education, public health, mobile dentistry, long-term care, and business ownership, Strange shares the professional lessons, challenges, and decisions that shaped her career. 

The book is intended to help dental hygienists evaluate new career possibilities while providing practical insights for those interested in expanding beyond traditional clinical roles.

Rather than presenting a single formula for success, Independent by Design examines the many paths available within the profession and encourages readers to define careers that align with their personal and professional goals.

"Many dental hygienists reach a point where they begin to question what comes next," said Strange. "My goal was to write the book I wish I'd had earlier in my Career; one that honestly discusses both the opportunities and the obstacles while demonstrating that there are more options available than many clinicians realize."

The book chronicles Strange's unconventional professional journey, including her decision to leave a traditional career path, spend several years working throughout the United States as a traveling dental hygienist, and ultimately become the owner of Smile Logic, an independent dental hygiene practice in Colorado.

In addition to sharing personal experiences, the book offers guidance designed to help readers avoid common business and career development pitfalls while navigating the transition from clinician to entrepreneur.

Independent by Design: A Dental Hygienist's Journey to Practice Ownership is available in print and Kindle editions through Amazon.

About Michelle Strange, MSDH, RDH 

Michelle Strange is a practicing dental hygienist, educator, and entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience in the dental field. She began her career as a dental assistant and then a dental hygienist earning a bachelor’s degree in health science from the Medical University of South Carolina, followed by a master’s degree in dental hygiene education from the University of Bridgeport. Her commitment to excellence is demonstrated by ongoing professional development, including earning a Certificate in Dental Infection Prevention and Control, Myofunctional Therapy, Interim Restorative Therapies, and Neuromodulators.

Michelle is the founder of MichelleStrangeRDH.com and Level Up Infection Prevention, two platforms dedicated to empowering dental professionals through education, hands-on resources, and practical strategies for success in clinical care and compliance. Most recently, she became the proud owner of SmileLogic, an independent  dental hygiene practice in Colorado that delivers value-based, patient-centered care.

With a unique blend of clinical expertise and entrepreneurial drive, Michelle continues to elevate the profession by bridging education, innovation, entrepreneurism, and real-world application.