Finding Bacteria and Caries Where it Hides with the AdDent MicoLux DW

 

For years I've been a fan of AdDent and for most of those years, I've been saying it's because the company makes "better mousetraps"... and that is so true.  One of their products that needs to be in every doctor's tool belt is the MicroLux DW.  This nifty little device serves two functions.  It can be used as an incredible transilluminator and it can be used as a fluorescence device.  

Let's discuss fluorescence first.  The high powered LED in this mode emits a light of 405nm.  That makes it in the part of the spectrum that looks purple.  When exposed to this color of light, biofilm and caries forming bacteria glow red.  This provides several diagnostic indicators for dentistry.  The most talked about is to find small areas of caries.  Fluorescence allows the clinician to see areas of enamel breakdown before the lesion has cavitated enough to allow for an explorer stick.  Those areas can either be restored very easily, normally without anesthetic, or treated with remineralization therapy.  Of course which treatment to provide requires a doctor's skill and expertise.

The second way to use the fluorescence mode is during hygiene care.  The MicroLux DW can help hygienists to see where biofilm and plaque hide and can help show patients areas of concern.  We are seeing more and more literature published that demonstrate the oral/systemic connection and proper plaque removal during home care is an important step in helping reduce systemic bacterial counts of oral pathogens.  Being able to SHOW the patients the areas they miss at home can help give them better overall health.  

It can also be a great way to monitor the health of implants.  Since identifying problems around implants can sometimes be difficult, being able to visually examine them using fluorescence can be a tremendous help in evaluating them and detecting the very beginning stages of periimplantitis.

The tip or "light guide" of the MicroLux DW is 3mm in diameter, which allows it to be placed into narrow interproximal areas.  AdDent also makes attachments for the device that have a tip of 1mm in diameter.  These super small tips come in lengths of 3, 5, and 7mm.  This allows the light to go into even smaller and tighter spaces.  I highly recommend this tip for implant evaluation as it allows the operator to see incredibly well into the small areas of soft tissue surrounding implants.  Most clinicians are also working under magnification and viewing these areas under magnification improves diagnostic ability even more.  All tips can be autoclaved to avoid cross contamination and the device itself can be wrapped.

The purple wavelength is also handy for identifying small composites or sealants.  Bonded materials appear different under this wavelength.  Occasionally during an initial new patient exam it can be difficult to tell if an area is natural tooth structure or some type of bonded material.  This wavelength makes identifying them simple! 

Now I'll go into the second function of the MicroLux DW.  The device also has a very bright white LED that, when paired with the same 3mm diameter tip, can be used for transillumination.  Placing the tip into the interproximal area can provide an amazing amount of detail and can easily help the doctor find caries in those areas.  As all clinicians know, bitewing radiographs don't always reveal everything going on in the interproximal areas.  Using the MicroLux DW with the white LED in those areas can help provide needed information.  It can help confirm a questionable area, but it can also help the doctor decide with greater confidence that an area should be monitored and not restored.  It can also be a great help when monitoring remineralization therapy in interproximal areas.  I normally explain to patients that the device helps me make decisions and it doesn't require any radiation.  Patients appreciate that we are doing all we can to keep x-ray exposure low.

The MicroLux DW is also a terrific way to check the interproximal areas of anteriors as well.  Keeping with the ALARA principle when it comes to radiographs, PA's to check those areas aren't taken routinely and the white light of the MicroLux DW lets me evaluate those areas any time I need to, without the need for x-ray exposure.

The last great thing I want to tell you about this device is that it is affordable.  Overhead in a dental practice is high and often the things that we need to provide great care come with a significant price tag.  There aren't many devices a dentist can reach for routinely that can be purchased for under $500... but the MicroLux DW is one of them.  That price tag makes it easy to put several in your office.  I routinely reach for this device and it is *highly recommended*!  

ADEX Elects New Leadership at Dental Testing Summit

 

American Board of Dental Examiners highlights achievements at event co-hosted with partner organizations to advance industry best practices

• New ADEX leadership elected following historic merger
• Record attendance at five-day Dental Testing & Regulatory Summit
• Panel showcases benefits of unified approach to licensure

The American Board of Dental Examiners (ADEX), the nation's leading organization for dental licensure testing, elected new leadership, unveiled new data and presented its highest honor at the annual Dental Testing & Regulatory Summit and Educators Conference. The five-day event, co-hosted with the American Association of Dental Administrators (AADA) and the American Association of Dental Boards (AADB), brought together dental leaders from across the country to advance best practices in testing, regulation, and education.

 The event featured elections for key ADEX leadership positions. Dr. Wesley Thomas (D.C.) was elected Treasurer, and Diane Klemann, RDH (MT) was elected Secretary, both beginning their first year of two-year terms. Dental Members At Large include Dr. Kevin Collins (NC) and Dr. Robert Lauf (ND), both serving their third one-year terms, along with first-time members Dr. Jonna Hongo (OR), Dr. Melodie Jones (AL), and Dr. Merlin Young (NC). Dental Hygiene Members At Large include Heather Hardy, RDH (AZ), serving her third one-year term, and Susan Johnston, RDH (OH), beginning her first term. Maureen Hankin, RDH (NY) was elected to the Nominating Committee. Additionally, the Council on Examinations Chair and Vice Chair, Dr. Conrad McVea (LA) and Renee McCoy-Collins (DC), were introduced to the General Assembly for the first time. 

"The overwhelming success of this Summit reflects the dental community's commitment to excellence and collaboration," said Dr. Mark Armstrong, Chair of ADEX. "Following our recent merger, it was particularly gratifying to see such strong engagement. I extend my sincere congratulations to all newly elected leaders who will help guide our organization into this exciting new chapter."

The Summit marked ADEX's first major gathering since its merger a few months ago and provided a platform for meaningful dialogue among dental professionals, educators, and regulators. Attendees participated in specialized sessions, continuing education opportunities, and collaborative discussions aimed at enhancing public protection through consistent, high-quality dental licensure standards.

 The Summit included the "Becoming the American Board of Dental Examiners" panel discussion, which brought together organizational leaders to reflect on ADEX's growth and impact. Alexander Vandiver, Chief Executive Officer, facilitated the conversation with Board of Directors members and representatives from the Council on Examinations.

 "Our panel discussion provided valuable historical context while looking toward the future of dental licensure," said Vandiver. "The discussions highlighted how our unified approach strengthens relationships with state boards, candidates, and schools while reinforcing our commitment to fairness, reliability, and board oversight in the licensure process."

 The Summit also featured comprehensive data reports highlighting ADEX's operational scope. Dr. Benjamin Wall, Director of Examinations, reported ADEX conducted examinations at 607 sites nationwide serving over 12,000 licensure candidates so far in 2025.

 Dr. Arthur Jee (MD) received the Dr. Guy Shampaine/Dr. David Low Award for his contributions to dental licensure and examination standards. Committee chair Dr. David Perkins announced the award during the Summit.

 ADEX serves 98% of dental licensure candidates and 85% of dental hygiene licensure candidates in the United States. The organization develops and administers national examinations for initial licensure in dentistry while preserving the essential role of state dental boards in establishing national licensure exam standards.

 About the American Board of Dental Examiners (ADEX)

The American Board of Dental Examiners (ADEX), formed by the merger of CDCA-WREB-CITA and ADEX, develops and administers national examinations for initial licensure in dentistry and dental hygiene. ADEX serves 98% of dental licensure candidates and 85% of dental hygiene licensure candidates in the U.S., with exams accepted or required by law in 51 U.S Jurisdictions as an initial pathway to licensure. ADEX continues to pioneer innovative examination methods through close collaboration with dental boards and educators, maintaining the highest standards of fairness, competence and public protection.. Learn more at adextesting.org.

 

National Dental Therapy Conference Heads to Sacramento with Mission to Remake Dental Workforce & Expand Access to Care

 

For the past 4-5 years I've taken an interest in the problem of serving patients who don't have access to care.  This interest grew out of the experience I had when my father's health began to decline.  He ended up in an assisted living facility, but then quickly ended up in skilled nursing facilities for the remaining years of his life.  I hadn't given that situation much thought previously, but when I saw what the situation was like for people 'on the inside', I realized that our society has a problem and there is currently no solution for it.  

Previously I hadn't realized that there are many people in those facilities who need dental care, but have no way to receive it.  Especially in the skilled nursing facilities, I saw a lot of people who could no longer physically get to a dental office, but still needed care.  Many of the residents in those facilities could no longer drive, many of them had extremely limited mobility, and many of them were totally immobile.  My father was one of the few lucky ones.  I came to his room armed with a laptop, x-ray sensor, and a mobile x-ray generator.  I could take digital x-rays and then provide rudimentary treatment, but even *that* was better than what the other residents had access to.  

The facility had a dentist who would visit there every 12 months.  Patients could 'sign up' to be seen by the dentist.  Of course, that ponders the question of how people who weren't capable of signing the clipboard, could sign up for a dental visit.

My point here is that in addition to folks below the poverty line who cannot afford regular care, there is also a population that might be able to afford care, but have no chance of ever getting to a facility to receive that care.  Over 11,000 people a day turn 65 in the US and that number continues to grow.  By 2030 it is predicted that over 2.4 million US citizens will live in nursing homes and a great majority of those citizens cannot leave the facility.  Dentistry is about to be hit by a huge wave of older adults that still require care... and cannot receive it.  And I'm not talking about preventative care like routine prophys,  I'm talking about people who could be suffering with painful infections or broken teeth.  Those people will suffer and there is no plan to help them in sight.

The answer?  To be honest, I don't have one.  I think what dentistry needs is potentially to follow the medical model and create more midlevel providers who can at least provide palliative care to people in need.  We definitely need a range of hygienists who can be certified in more expansive skills.  Along with allowing hygienists to do more, we also need to increase the number of hygienists in the work force.  Since the pandemic, the number of hygienists has been dropping and is continuing to move in that direction.  Dentistry needs to reverse that trend as quickly as possible while still providing the amazing training that the profession requires.

For years, dentists have been opposed to expanding the roles of providers who do not have a DDS or DMD.  While I certainly understand their arguments and concerns, I haven't heard of a true solution to the problem that is developing.  I also want to add that as our medical treatment and pharmacology gets even better, people will live even longer.  That population does not deserve to live in facilities and areas where there are no doctors.  

Of course there is also the concept of Dental Therapists.  The concept seems to continue to pick up momentum as there are now 14 states that allow some type of treatment by them.  We often hear about people who don't have the money for care and that group certainly is important.  However, I don't hear nearly as often about the folks in nursing facilities that also require care.  The basic point is, dentistry needs to do something about the increasing number of individuals who are 'falling through the cracks' and I support anyone who is willing to do something about it.  The current system cannot care for all those who deserve it.  Solutions need to be discussed and implemented.  Simply sitting and debating as a fire rages even more out of control will do nothing.

I was recently contacted with information on a meeting in Sacramento, CA for dental therapists.  You can read all about the below.

The 2025 National Dental Therapy Conference (NDTC) will convene December 8-10, bringing together advocates, policymakers, educators, and dental professionals, educators, policymakers, and advocates from across the country for three days of learning, connection, and collaboration. The conference will kick off with a keynote address from legendary labor and civil rights leader Dolores Huerta. Registration closes November 19.

 Conference highlights include:

• Dynamic learning experiences from national leaders and up to 17 CDE credits available
• Hands-on workshops and interactive sessions
• Exclusive insights into new policy developments and practice models
• Opportunities to network with peers, leaders, and advocates from across the nation
• Sessions on interdisciplinary collaboration and team-based care approaches

Led by Community Catalyst, the American Dental Therapy Association and the California Oral Health Equity Coalition, this year’s conference will feature an expanded agenda of opportunities for dental professionals across the industry. Conference attendees can expect up to 17 hours of Continuing Dental Education (CDE) credits with sessions led by national leaders, hands-on workshops designed to strengthen clinical skills and expand knowledge, policy and practice insights on new care delivery models, and networking opportunities with dental professionals and innovators shaping the future of oral health care.

“We really have two dental care systems in the United States: one for people with private insurance and enough money to pay out of pocket for any additional care, and then a safety net for everyone else, and that safety net is really failing folks,” said Laura Hale Brannon, Senior Project Manager for Dental Therapy at Community Catalyst. “This conference comes at a critical moment as more states recognize that dental therapists are an effective solution for expanding access to equitable, compassionate, community-centered care.”

Dental therapists are now authorized to practice in 14 states, and the movement continues to grow as communities seek innovative approaches to address oral health care shortages. About 58 million people in the United States live in areas with dentist shortages, and significant oral health disparities persist among people of color and those on public insurance.

The conference is designed for dental professionals at all career stages, including dentists, dental hygienists, dental therapists, dental assistants, educators, and practice managers.

Registration is open through November 19. Sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities are still available for organizations interested in connecting with this growing community. Visit the conference website to review the full agenda, learn more about the co-host organizations, and register.

About Community Catalyst:

Community Catalyst is a national organization dedicated to building the power of people to create a health system rooted in race equity and health justice, and a society where health is a right for all. We’re an experienced, trusted partner to organizations across the country, a change agent to policymakers at the local, state, and national level, and both an adversary and a collaborator to health systems in our efforts to advance health justice. We partner with local, state and national organizations and leaders to leverage and build power so that people are at the center of important decisions about health and health care, whether they are made by health care executives, in state houses, or on Capitol Hill. Together with partners, we’re building a powerful, united movement with a shared vision of and strategy for a health system accountable to all people. Learn more at www.communitycatalyst.org.

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About CX Orthodontic Supply

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

A Quick Update on "The Technology Evangelist Podcast"

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here's a quick breakdown:

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

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

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

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

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

Illegal Teeth Whitening Story by the BBC

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 About Henry Schein One

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

 About Amazon Web Services (AWS)

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