Solventum Foundation and America’s ToothFairy Launch National Effort to Expand Access to Preventive Dental Care

 

Two years ago, 3M's dental division changed their name to Solventum.  Even though it's been a bit over two years now, I find that a lot of dentists aren't aware of the switch.  The company makes a lot of popular products like 3M Filtek Supreme XTE Restorative, but if an office doesn't happen to order a lot of their products, that name change may have gone unnoticed.  However, the only thing that has changed with their products is the name.  It's all still the same great products inside the package.

There has been a recent announcement that the Solventum Foundation has partnered wtih America's ToothFairy to provide oral health screenings, education, and fluoride treatments to more than 100,000 children and caregivers over the next year. The oral health of children is critically important.  I'm proud of what both of these organizations are doing to help improve the lives of kids.

Solventum Foundation and America’s ToothFairy Launch National Effort to Expand Access to Preventive Dental Care

• Expands access to much needed dental care for underserved communities
• Supports safety-net dental clinics, increased screenings and preventive services and broader distribution of educational materials for children and families
• Advances meaningful societal impact through Solventum Foundation philanthropy aligned to the company’s core focus areas

The Solventum Foundation today announced a $350,000 grant to America’s ToothFairy to expand access to oral health screenings, dental education and fluoride treatment for more than 100,000 children and caregivers in underserved communities over the next year.

In addition to the Foundation's grant, Solventum's dental business will donate 60,000 applications of 3M™ Clinpro™ Clear Fluoride Treatment to support the initiative. Together, these contributions underscore Solventum’s commitment to enabling better, smarter, safer healthcare to improve lives by addressing critical gaps in oral health access.

“I am incredibly proud to see how the Solventum Foundation is working to improve lives and advance access to care in communities where we live and work around the world,” said Bryan Hanson, chief executive officer, Solventum. “This grant will help America’s ToothFairy provide essential resources so more children can build a foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles.”

This initiative addresses significant barriers that many families face in accessing dental care, including financial hardship, lack of transportation and a shortage of dental providers. The grant enables America’s ToothFairy to support safety-net dental clinics and community organizations in delivering fluoride applications and oral health education in trusted settings like schools and mobile units.

Key components of the initiative include:

• Expanded access: Adding five new safety-net dental clinics to the America’s ToothFairy Dental Resource Program, providing them with valuable resources to increase access to care in communities near Solventum facilities.
• Direct care grants: Awarding grants to support oral health screenings and urgent dental care for children who lack insurance coverage.
• Education: Distributing educational materials to 25,000 children and caregivers to reinforce healthy habits at home and the importance of fluoride in preventing tooth decay.

“At America’s ToothFairy, we see every day how difficult it can be for families to get the dental care their children need,” said Jill Malmgren, executive director of America’s ToothFairy. “This generous support from the Solventum Foundation will help us reach more children with preventive care, connect more families to trusted resources and give more kids the chance to grow up healthy and pain free.”

Solventum employees will also play a vital role in the initiative by hosting Smile Drives to collect essential hygiene products for families in need, volunteering to assemble oral health kits and delivering donated products to local clinics.

This is the Solventum Foundation’s first large-scale grant since its formation in 2025. The Foundation intends to make additional grants across Solventum’s core business areas.

About the Solventum Foundation

The Solventum Foundation is a tax-exempt private foundation that is funded and supported by Solventum. At the Foundation, we are dedicated to improving lives and advancing access to care for those who need it most. We focus our charitable efforts on three core pillars: supporting our employees in times of need, strengthening our communities and responding to global crises. The Foundation is a separate legal entity, guided by its own board of directors, that works in partnership with Solventum to create meaningful societal impact.

About Solventum

At Solventum, we enable better, smarter, safer healthcare to improve lives. As a new company with a long legacy of creating breakthrough solutions for our customers’ toughest challenges, we pioneer game-changing innovations at the intersection of health, material and data science that change patients' lives for the better — while empowering healthcare professionals to perform at their best. See how at Solventum.com.

About America’s ToothFairy

America’s ToothFairy is celebrating 20 years of increasing access to oral healthcare. The organization supports nonprofit clinics and community partners who deliver education, prevention and treatment services for underserved children. America’s ToothFairy has helped more than 16 million children and caregivers across America access oral health services. For more information, visit America’sToothFairy.org.

The Technology Evangelist Podcast Episode 42 - Dr. Adam Hodges on Composite Veneer Technology and Digital Dentistry

Not too long ago I got a chance to have a great conversation with Dr. Adam Hodges about his passion for excellence and his dedication to the profession.  I was impressed with a lot of the things he said and the topics he covered, however the one that I really loved was his thoughts on mentorship.  I've said it a lot over the years, but at the time I started my practice, communication with other doctors was a lot more difficult.  I had limited resources available to me and I was often forced to figure things out myself.  Now with the ability to communicate with experienced clinicians, young doctors can learn from mentors at an amazing speed.

If you are a young doctor, don't hesitate to reach out to others.  There are a lot of clinicians like Dr. Hodges that enjoy helping others learn more about the profession.

Below is a summary of our conversation:

Composite veneer technology has transformed what general dentists can deliver for patients — and few clinicians know that story better than Dr. Adam Hodges. On this episode of The Technology Evangelist Podcast, host Dr. John Flucke sits down with Dr. Hodges, a Solventum KOL, Dental Advisor clinical ambassador, and 24-year veteran of a family dental practice in Asheville, North Carolina, to talk about how digital workflows are making composite veneers more predictable, more profitable, and more accessible than ever. This conversation is brought to you by Medidenta Digital Solutions, whose support makes this podcast possible.

Key Insights on Composite Veneer Technology and Generational Dentistry:

• A Generational Practice Built on Mentorship: Dr. Hodges is a 2000 graduate of the Medical College of Georgia who completed a general practice residency at Palmetto Richland Memorial Hospital focused on surgical and cosmetic dentistry. He went on to join his father in practice and now runs Hodges and Hodges Comprehensive Dental Medicine alongside his brother. He credits his father’s analytical, military-trained mindset with quietly programming him to think like a dentist long before he ever set foot in dental school — a foundation he says shaped his clinical precision and his ability to communicate calmly under pressure.
• How the Solventum Filtek Matrix Changed His Approach to Composite Veneers: As the initial clinical user of the Solventum Filtek Matrix, Dr. Hodges describes a personal turning point. Despite genuinely enjoying composite veneers as a concept, he had largely stopped doing them because he lacked confidence in consistently delivering a beautiful esthetic result. The Filtek Matrix — which uses a digital scan and design to create a case that the dentist injects composite into directly — changed that. What once took him four and a half hours now takes roughly ninety minutes, with results that are more predictable and patient-approved every time. Composite veneer technology, he says, went from being a pain point to a true practice differentiator.
• The Business Case for Affordable Esthetics: Dr. Hodges makes a compelling argument for composite veneers as a practice builder. Because the procedure is significantly less expensive than porcelain veneers, patients who complete treatment often become word-of-mouth referrals almost immediately. He also notes that when specialists in the area — orthodontists, pediatric dentists — learned he was offering this service reliably, he became a referral destination for cases that those offices could not handle themselves. The financial efficiency of completing six composite veneers in a single hour, he adds, makes this one of the most profitable procedures in his day.
• Choosing the Right Entry Point into Digital Dentistry: Both Dr. Hodges and I stress that digital dentistry does not require an all-or-nothing commitment. A practice that already has a digital scanner can take advantage of composite veneer technology without designing cases from scratch — Solventum’s portal handles the design work, and the clinician simply works from the resulting case. Dr. Hodges compares this to using water wings before swimming independently: start with the supported workflow, build confidence over a handful of cases, and add more self-directed digital capability only when it makes practical sense.
• The Role of Advanced Education in Clinical Confidence: Dr. Hodges began pursuing continuing education almost immediately after residency, even when he could barely afford it. He studied at Pankey and Spear, completed the LSU Cosmetic Continuum, and credits those experiences with building the clinical foundation that allowed him to take full advantage of new composite veneer technology and other digital tools when they arrived. He warns that many dentists wait too long to pursue advanced training, leaving themselves with less career horizon to apply what they learn.
• When to Pause on New Materials and Technology: Having been burned twice by adopting restorative materials that later failed at scale — including one that resulted in a manufacturer recall mid-use — Dr. Hodges advises particular caution with newer 3D-printed crown materials. He notes that while 3D printing produces remarkable anatomy, the materials’ long-term durability in the mouth is still in its early stages. He recommends relying on organizations like Dental Advisor and CR for independent testing data before adopting new materials, rather than letting compelling marketing drive clinical decisions.
• Patient Communication as a Clinical Skill: A recurring theme throughout the episode is the importance of tailoring communication to the individual patient. Dr. Hodges describes developing internal scripts — specific, tested language for everything from bite checks to treatment presentations — and refining them the same way a performer refines a stage act: if he is not getting the result he wants, he changes the delivery. He and Dr. Flucke also discuss the value of keeping chairside conversation focused on dentistry, noting that an endless, enthusiastic discussion of teeth is the one topic that will never alienate a patient or create controversy in today’s charged environment.
• Mentoring the Next Generation: Dr. Hodges currently mentors six dental residents, taking them to dinner, presenting cases, and deliberately trying to spark the curiosity that will drive them toward lifelong learning. He pushes back on experienced dentists who criticize younger clinicians without actively helping them — arguing that the obligation of seasoned practitioners is to help the next generation understand not just how to do things, but why, so they can apply that reasoning to tools and techniques that do not yet exist.

Dr. Adam Hodges brings a rare combination of clinical depth, industry involvement, and genuine enthusiasm for the future of dentistry to every conversation. Whether you are a new graduate trying to figure out where composite veneer technology fits in your practice, or an experienced dentist looking to revisit a procedure you have been avoiding, his insights offer a practical and encouraging roadmap.   

The Technology Evangelist Podcast is available wherever you get your podcasts.  Please "Like", "Subscribe", and "Comment" as that helps more people find us and helps keep the algorithm happy.  To see this discussion with Dr. Adam Hodges, click here.  

 

Have a Great Memorial Day - and Remember the Fallen

The photo above is a gorgeous shot of Arlington National Cemetery taken by Duane Lempke.  He has generously dedicated this work to the public domain by waiving all rights to it.  I think that it's a great way to start this post. 

According to Wikipedia, "Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States for mourning the U.S. military personnel who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces".  Here's a bit of trivia... the holiday was originally called Decoration Day and was so named to encourage placing flowers on the graves of fallen soldiers.  I can still remember my grandma wanting to go to a cemetery on "Decoration Day" to place flowers.  It's one of those childhood memories that warms my heart.

The holiday started out as a way to honor Union soldiers who had died in the Civil War and has since morphed into a remembrance of all fallen soldiers and military personnel.  

From a personal point of view, it seems to me that over the years the real reason for the holiday has become a bit lost.  I feel a lot of people look upon it more as the beginning of summer and a day to relax and grill in the backyard.  While I'm certainly not opposed to bonding over a backyard burger, I wanted to take today's post and remind everyone of "the why" behind the day.

Sacrifice for the common good is honorable and we should all take a moment today to pause and remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for others.  Enjoy the day and remember the fallen who cannot be there with you.

3D Printing Waste - How Do We Handle It?

 

As regular readers will know, I am all in on 3D printing.  This area of dentistry is really starting to take root and continues to grow.  The profession is rapidly moving to delivery of common "bread and butter" removable appliances and crowns to in-office.  The design process has gotten much easier as AI is integrated more and more into the workflow.  More 3D printing in being done in dental offices and even more is being done in dental labs.  The dental lab industry was quick to see the benefit of digital dentistry and incorporating 3D printing into their workflows has given labs increased speed while cutting costs.

This product category is growing, yet there is one area of this change that we all need to think about.  3D printing does create some excess cured resin and how can that be recycled in an environmentally friendly way?  As the image above shows, when a device is 3D printed, it's necessary to create supports.  These small pieces literally 'support' the project while it is being printed.  These supports are then trimmed off, the project is polished, and the supports are normally tossed in the trash.  Obviously we're all trying to reduce the amount of plastics that end up in landfills and despite my love of 3D printing, I think we need to think about this.

The good new is, now there's a way to recycle this excess cured resin.  You read that right, recycle.  DRNA  (Dental Recycling North America) is now offering a way to dispose of the pieces without sending them to a landfill.  

Back when amalgam disposal was still a minor concern in the industry, DRNA began selling amalgam separators that removed amalgam from dental suction.  Their system is a canister that connects to the suction unit and removes the amalgam dust and particles before they go into the municipal sewer lines.  Amalgam separators are new required in dental offices, but back when I had one installed, I did it simply because I thought it was environmentally responsible.  I've been using their product ever since.

Recently the company came out with a system to recycle 3D printed resins and, again, I think it's a great idea for the environment.  As we are all aware, taking care of the planet is something we should all be concerned with and this is great idea to help with that.  The company can safely dispose of both cured and uncured (liquid) resin.

The process is simple.  You simply purchase a 2.5 gallon bucket from the company, place the cured resin pieces into it, and when the bucket is full it is shipped back to DRNA who then recycles the material.  It's a simple, turnkey solution, that simplifies the process of recycling the cured resin leftovers.  Occasionally a 3D printer will make a mistake and misprint something.  It isn't common, but it happens and you can recycle those as well.  I like the idea because it makes recycling consistent, easier, and provides paperwork to the office that the materials have been responsibly disposed of.

The idea came to the folks at DRNA when the SprintRay Midas 3D printer came to market.  The Midas uses the same concept as the Keurig Coffee Pod.  It uses a small cartridge that contains enough resin to print a single crown.  It cuts waste by reducing the amount of resin used and streamlines the workflow for offices that are 3D printing crowns.  However, in addition to the left over resin, there is also the pod to consider as far as waste.  The folks at DRNA decided to create a solution that was easy and environmentally friendly to make recycling easier.  Yet you don't need to be a Midas user to recycle.  Now DRNA has brought 3D recycling to any office using a 3D printer.  As the 3D printing market expands and printers evolve, there will also be other 'pod' type solutions on the market and getting started with recycling now is a good thing for everyone.

You can find all of the info on DRNA's system here.  

During AAPD 2026: CaviSense™ Showcasing its 10-Second Chairside Test for Active Demineralization in Pediatric Patients

At the Yankee Dental Congress this past January I got a chance to see the CaviSense™ system in action and I also got a chance to actually have it used on me.  This is a unique idea that moves the profession further into the prevention model by helping to identifying demineralization at its earliest stages.  This may allow doctors to then be able to provide remineralization therapy or resin infiltration.

The big news here is that the company will have a booth at the upcoming AAPD meeting in Las Vegas this weekend.  If you are planning on attending, be sure to stop by Booth #104 and tell them I said hello!  Read on for the details...

Company Will Also Provide an Early Preview  of its Full-Mouth Active Demineralization Detection Tray System

Leading Pediatric Dentist, Adam Silevitch, DMD will explain his success with CaviSense, Saturday 11:00AM, May 23rd, in CaviSense Booth #104

CaviSense Inc., a Harvard/Tufts spin-out and developer of a radiation-free diagnostic technology for active tooth demineralization. CaviSense will be returning as an exhibitor to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) Annual Session, May 21–24 in Las Vegas.

At Booth #104, CaviSense will be providing live chairside demonstrations of its 10-second diagnostic sensor designed to identify interproximal active demineralization before lesions become radiographically apparent.

In addition, the company will be previewing its new and revolutionary tray system designed to provide comprehensive screening for localized active tooth demineralization of the entire dentition in 30 seconds. 

According to Dr. Gili Naveh, founder of CaviSense. “Today with our CaviSense single point sensor and our upcoming, full mouth tray system,  we’re rapidly 

shifting the caries management paradigm. We’re enabling detection to extend beyond the four walls of the dental office and into home testing. Clinicians can now detect the early stages of caries and intervene earlier, when minimally invasive treatments are most effective.”

The CaviSense single point sensor and full mouth tray system both integrate seamlessly into the  pediatric office workflow, with no radiation exposure and without invasive procedures - important considerations for both clinicians and parents.


“Anything we introduce into our pediatric operatories has to be fast, kid friendly, and clinically meaningful,” said Dr. Adam Silevitch, DMD, pediatric dentist and early CaviSense adopter. “This technology checks all three boxes. It enables me to identify active acid challenges in specific areas, and have a much more precise, visual conversation with parents and their children.”

Dr. Silevitch will be making a special appearance at CaviSense booth #104 on Saturday, May 23rd, at 11AM to explain how CaviSense transformed his pediatric practice and enabled him to boost revenue by increasing case acceptance and positive outcomes of minimally invasive treatments.

During the AAPD Annual Session, CaviSense will also promote its Lunch & Learn program, inviting pediatric practices to schedule post-meeting, virtual lunch & learn sessions designed to educate the entire team on the benefits of early caries detection with CaviSense. Schedule a Lunch & Learn here: https://bit.ly/CaviSenseLearning

About CaviSense

CaviSense develops advanced diagnostic technologies to improve the early detection and management of dental caries. Its patented chairside sensor and upcoming full mouth tray system identify localized cariogenic conditions and active tooth demineralization in seconds, enabling clinicians to intervene earlier and deliver minimally invasive care.

References:
1. CDC Oral Health Surveillance Report
2. NIDCR Dental Caries Data

 

Premier Announces Lumira™ LED Curing Light

I've always been fascinated by curing lights and the science behind them.  About 80% of what general dentists do is based on adhesive procedures, so that aspect of clinical treatment  is critical to long term success.  Unfortunately, many in the profession don't really think about the light and how intrinsic it is to the process.  I often refer to the curing light as "the stepchild of dentistry" because while it's always around, people don't pay a lot of attention to it.

So, with that being said, I'm excited about a new curing light announced by Premier.  I haven't had a chance to get my hands on one to test... yet.  However, I'm pretty excited about the features, especially that the user can select a mode with the stated output of 3000mw/cm² intensity.  I like to see a light with a minimum output of at least 1000, and this tops that by a long way!!!  That is great for instances of getting good depth of cure in deep areas.

Here is the press release from Premier with all of the features and benefits of Lumira™:

From Dentistry to MedTech: A Journey of Transformation with Dr. Namrata Upadhyay - The Technology Evangelist Podcast Episode 41

 

One of the best things about my career outside of clinical dentistry is the friendships I've made along the way.  Often those friendships open doors to meeting even more great people and this is one of those moments.  At the Dental VIP Summit this past February one of my longterm dental friends introduced me to Dr. Namrata Upadhyay.

She's the guest on the most recent episode of The Technology Evangelist Podcast.

In the world of healthcare, transitions are common but not always straightforward. Heck, I started out taking computers apart in my spare time just to figure out how they worked and that desire to tinker completely changed my trajectory.  Have you ever wondered how a dentist could successfully pivot to a thriving career in the MedTech industry? And how about if that person could help you to do the same thing?  In this post, I’ll share the remarkable journey of Dr. Namrata, who navigated various global landscapes and professional challenges to become a leader in medical/dental technology. You'll learn how her diverse background shaped her approach to clinical studies, product development, and how she can help do the same for you.

About Dr. Namrata

Dr. Namrata is a dental professional turned MedTech expert who has lived across multiple countries, providing her with a global perspective on healthcare. With a background in general dentistry and specialization in endodontics, she transitioned into roles that bridge the gap between clinical practice and regulatory requirements in the medical device industry. Her unique journey is not only inspiring but also illuminates the complexities faced by healthcare professionals in today’s evolving landscape.

Perspectives... A Unique Beginning: Growing Up as a Global Citizen

Dr. Namrata's story began as the daughter of a diplomat, moving from country to country. This upbringing allowed her to experience various educational systems, including American and British curriculums, while still holding onto her Indian roots. 

The exposure to different cultures and education systems helped her develop a global mindset, making her adaptable and open to new ideas.  Dentistry can be a pretty change resistant profession, but she learned to embrace change and that made a huge difference in her career path.

As an example, influential teachers from her early years in Chicago instilled in her the importance of reading and forming connections.  Those diverse backgrounds ultimately shaped her decision to pursue a career in dentistry, as she sought a stable environment after years of constant movement. 

Navigating the Challenges of a Global Career

After completing her dental education in India, Dr. Namrata faced the challenge of transitioning into the European healthcare system. She boldly moved to Slovenia, navigating the process of getting her credentials recognized while working in various clinical settings.  That's key because each location presented unique patient behaviors and expectations—urban patients were tech-savvy and informed, while rural patients offered her opportunities to encounter rare cases.

One memorable case involved performing a complex root canal on a lower molar with eight canals, showcasing her dedication and skill early in her career.  You read that right.  Eight canals on a lower human molar.

Despite her successes (when was the last time you did endo on a molar with eight canals?), the transition to Switzerland brought new hurdles, including the need to start her qualifications again from scratch. This experience taught her resilience and the importance of perseverance.

Finding Her Footing in MedTech

After years of clinical work, Dr. Namrata faced a crossroads when she moved to Switzerland and needed to redefine her professional identity. Frustrated with the traditional job application process, she took a proactive approach by networking at conferences and branding herself as a "MedTech enthusiast."

Building a New Path 

Her journey through the MedTech industry included specializing in regulatory processes, clinical research, and marketing for medical devices.  The EU has an organization similar to the FDA called EMA (European Medicines Agency).  Working alongside experts in the field provided her with invaluable insights into how to align clinical practices with regulatory standards, ultimately benefiting companies and patients alike.

Here in the US, we have doctors who are experts in dealing with the FDA.  She became a similar expert in Europe by having an incredible work ethic and learning what to do from the ground up.  Dealing with regulatory agencies takes a specific skillset and I'm impressed with the fact the she developed that skillset more or less on her own.

The Birth of a New Venture: FreeDen

After gaining extensive experience in the MedTech space, Dr. Namrata identified a significant gap in the industry: the difficulty companies faced in accessing a broad range of clinical insights from doctors "in the trenches".  This led to the creation of her company, which aims to connect healthcare companies with a diverse pool of clinicians and experts to enhance product development.

Learning through her own journey, she recognized the struggles of clinicians transitioning into MedTech and other consulting roles.  There are lots of dentists who want to work on products and techniques to give patients better outcomes and quality of life, but they don't know how to get started.  That's where FreedDen comes in.  FreeDen allows both companies and doctors to create an online profile that describes who they are and what they are seeking.  This gives both parties a chance to understand each other better and provide ideal 'fits' for working  together.

However, it doesn't just serve as an online matching platform.  FreeDen is also dedicated to providing training and support to help others navigate similar career shifts.  Doctors looking to expand their careers by working with companies can do online study through FreeDen to help them expand their knowledge and their skillsets.

When I met her in Chicago, I knew after five minutes into our conversation that I had to have her on the podcast.  In my career I've had a lot of doctors ask me, "How can I do what you do?"  I've also had companies contact me and ask, "Do you know of a doctor who knows about...?"  When Dr. Namrata told me about FreeDen, I thought it was a great idea and I wanted to help her get the word out about it.

Key Takeaways from the Episode

• Embrace Diversity: Dr. Namrata's journey exemplifies the importance of diverse experiences in shaping one’s professional path. 
• Adaptability is Key: Navigating multiple healthcare systems requires flexibility and a willingness to learn from each experience. 
• Proactive Networking: Building relationships and leveraging personal branding can open doors in unexpected ways.
• Identify Gaps: Recognizing unmet needs in the market can lead to innovative solutions and new business opportunities. 

As you reflect on your career journey, consider how your unique experiences can shape your professional identity and open new doors.  If you are a doctor who is interested in expanding your career by working with companies, be sure to check out FreeDen.  I love my 'other job' and it may be something you would enjoy as well.  You can find all of the podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or by following this link to the YouTube channel.