OraCare Joins Forces with TruBlu Direct in Support of Private Practice Dentistry

 Award-winning OraCare Health Rinse is Now Available through the TruBlu Member-Only Dental Market Place

OraCare, provider of the award-winning OraCare Health Rinse, is pleased to announce a new partnership with TruBlu Direct. Effective immediately TruBlu Direct member dental practices can now purchase OraCare products through the TruBlu Direct online marketplace. 

“Our company is perfectly aligned with TruBlu Direct’s mission to preserve independent dentistry and private care,” said OraCare CEO, Dr. Robert Martino. In addition, to his role at OraCare, Dr. Martino owns and operates seven dental practices in West Virginia. “Offering OraCare products through TruBlu is a natural fit for us, as the TruBlu Direct platform helps its member practices stay cost competitive.”

OraCare Health Rinse uses an activated chlorine dioxide formulation, which destroys oral biofilm and pathogens, while eliminating the well-known issues associated with chlorhexidine rinses. It is the only rinse sold exclusively to dental professionals, supporting both an elevated standard of patient care, and practice revenue growth. The product has received numerous accolades and endorsements from the dental community, including being selected as a Cellerant Best of Class Hygiene award-winning product in 2021 and 2022.

The TruBlu Direct marketplace provides the benefits of purchasing at scale, otherwise only available to DSO’s, to its independent member practices. Trublu Direct is just one offering from TruBlu Dental Management which also provides best-in-class services, solutions, and support in areas such as software systems, patient membership programs, and practice coaching.

“As an independent practice owner, I understand how challenging it is to remain competitive in today’s environment,” said Dr. Robert Martino. “We are very excited to provide OraCare through TruBlu Direct as a way of helping practices stay on the leading edge of both patient care and operating excellence.”

OraCare is available immediately through the TruBlu Direct portal which can be found at https://trubludirect.com.

About OraCare

OraCare products are dedicated to raising the standard of care in dentistry through the development, production, and delivery of revolutionary products. Our unique partnership with the dental community is built upon the promise that you can only find our products in the dental office setting. Each product in our line is backed by real science and centered around the ingredient activated chlorine dioxide. Our company was founded for dental professionals by dental professionals, so we understand the doctor-patient dynamic. All of our products reflect our commitment to creating better health for our patients and to advancing the dental profession through our providers.

About TruBlu Direct

TruBlu Dental Management, Inc.(www.trubludental.com) is building the largest platform of technology-oriented independent dentists in the U.S. to preserve independent dentistry and private care. By providing best-in-class services, solutions, and support, TruBlu Direct is leveling the playing field for independent dentists and unlocking profitable practice growth. One of TruBlu Dental Management’s most attractive offerings is TruBlu Direct, LLC (www.trubludirect.com). TruBlu Direct is a member-only marketplace where independent dental practice owners pay a monthly fee to gain access to benefits and services tailored for their practice at the most competitive rates and premier service available. Many members subscribing to TruBlu Direct experience annual savings in excess of $40,000 with dentistry’s leading providers.

DentaQuest and TeamSmile Launch New Dental Home Project

 The TeamSmile Dental Home Project powered by DentaQuest connects children in need with long-term dental care

DentaQuest, the nation’s largest provider of Medicaid and CHIP dental solutions, and TeamSmile, today announced the launch of the TeamSmile Dental Home Project powered by DentaQuest, a nationwide initiative that connects children in need with long-term dental care resources and dental teams. Established with $275,000 from DentaQuest, this project builds upon DentaQuest’s years long partnership with TeamSmile, the nation’s premier advocacy group connecting oral health professionals with professional athletic organizations to provide life-changing dental care to underserved children across the country.

 The dental home model of care is a comprehensive approach to oral care similar to a primary care physician relationship. Now, children attending TeamSmile programs who often do not have regular dental care will be connected with a local primary dentist to care for each child as they grow.

 Through TeamSmile, children receive needed comprehensive dental care, including preventive and restorative treatments. They also learn from dental providers how to care for their mouths and why a healthy mouth is a key part of overall health. To date, TeamSmile has conducted more than 250 programs, served more than 45,000 children, and provided more than $18 million in free dental care and oral health education. From January to August 2022, roughly 3,000 children attended TeamSmile programs, and more than one-third of these children didn’t have a primary dentist. Since piloting this initiative, the TeamSmile Dental Home Project powered by DentaQuest has connected approximately 700 children with a dental home in their community.

 “As a mission-driven company, we take responsibility and seize any opportunity to reshape the current oral care system into one that addresses the needs of children across the country,” DentaQuest President Steve Pollock said. “The TeamSmile Dental Home Project powered by DentaQuest establishes a pathway for a child’s sustained oral health and wellness over their lifetime and opens doors to dental care for siblings and parents. We helped design and invested in this project because we share TeamSmile’s vision for a world where all children can access quality, ongoing oral care and build the foundation for a healthy future.”

 During the past few years, DentaQuest has concentrated its efforts on connecting members to permanent dental homes to increase access to preventive oral health care. Children with a dental home are more likely to receive appropriate preventive and routine oral health care at the right time, reducing the risk of preventable dental disease and costly dental care later in life. A dental home also enables dental care teams to coordinate care for children and their parents, ensuring preventive care and treatment at all stages of life for the entire household.  

 The TeamSmile Dental Home Project marks an important step toward ensuring children across the U.S. receive routine, comprehensive oral health care. The Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that about 20% of children ages 5 to 11 have at least one untreated decayed tooth and about 13% of adolescents ages 12 to 19 have the same. If left untreated, tooth decay or gum disease can result in problems eating, speaking and learning, with an estimated average of 34.4 million school hours lost due to acute or unplanned dental needs.

 “We are thrilled to announce the creation of the Dental Home Project powered by DentaQuest enabling us to foster ongoing care for TeamSmile children in need,” said John McCarthy, executive director, TeamSmile. “This initiative has the potential to positively impact thousands of children throughout the country each year. We are incredibly grateful for the support of DentaQuest in this endeavor, as they have continued to use their resources to be a force for good in places that need it most.”

 To learn more about the TeamSmile Dental Home Project, powered by DentaQuest, visit https://teamsmile.org/dental-home-project/.

 About DentaQuest

DentaQuest is a purpose-driven health care company dedicated to improving the oral health of all. We do this through Preventistry® — our inclusive approach to quality care and expanded access built on trusted partnerships between patients, providers and payors. As one of the nation’s largest and most experienced Medicaid dental benefits administrators, we manage dental and vision benefits for more than 33 million Americans through a nationwide network of providers in all 50 states. Our outcomes-based, cost-effective dental solutions are designed for Medicaid and CHIP, Medicare Advantage, small and large businesses, and individuals. At the same time, we are expanding our footprint of more than 70 oral health centers in six states to deliver direct patient care in rural and underserved populations. Learn more at www.DentaQuest.com and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter.

 

OCR Settles Three Cases with Dental Practices for Patient Right of Access under HIPAA

 

While I don't normally like to like to use posts to discuss other practices, I feel this is a bit different in that the Office of Civil Rights (OCR) has created a page dealing with the three following practices and their violations.  I'm posting the info here in hopes of helping other offices to see what was done and, hopefully, to help other practices avoid the same mistakes so that they do not incur the fines and problems that happen with violations.

I feel the takeaway here is to provide records in a timely manner and to not over charge for that service.  While there are always two sides to every story, These situations are now part of the public record and the fines were agreed to by the practices.  Hopefully readers here can read and learn...

Enforcement Actions Ensure Patients Receive Timely Access to their Records, at a Reasonable Cost

Today, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office for Civil Rights (OCR) announced the resolution of three investigations concerning potential violations of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Privacy Rule's patient right of access provision. These cases are part of a collective effort, bringing the total 41 cases, to drive compliance on right of access under the law.

“These three right of access actions send an important message to dental practices of all sizes that are covered by the HIPAA Rules to ensure they are following the law,” said OCR Director Melanie Fontes Rainer. “Patients have a fundamental right under HIPAA to receive their requested medical records, in most cases, within 30 days. I hope that these actions send the message of compliance so that patients do not have to file a complaint with OCR to have their medical records requests fulfilled.”

OCR has taken the following enforcement actions that underscore the importance and necessity of compliance with the HIPAA Rules, including the foundational right of access provision:

Family Dental Care, P.C. (“FDC”), is a dental practice located in Chicago, Illinois. OCR received a complaint on August 8, 2020, alleging that FDC failed to provide a former patient with timely access to her complete medical records. The former patient requested her entire medical records in May 2020, but received only portions.  The former patient filed a complaint with OCR, and during OCR’s investigation, FDC provided her with the remainder of her records in October 2020. Thus, FDC did not provide a complete copy of the records until more than five months after the request was made. OCR's investigation determined that FDC’s failure to provide timely access to the requested medical records was a potential violation of the HIPAA right of access provision. FDC agreed to pay $30,000 and implement a corrective action plan.

Great Expressions Dental Center of Georgia, P.C. (“GEDC-GA”), is a dental and orthodontics provider with multiple locations throughout the state of Georgia. In November 2020, OCR received a complaint alleging that GEDC-GA would not provide an individual with copies of her medical records because she would not pay GEDC-GA’s $170 copying fee. The individual first requested her records in November 2019, but did not receive them until February 2021, over a year later. OCR's investigation determined that GEDC-GA’s failure to provide timely access to the requested medical records, and its practice of assessing copying fees that were not reasonable and cost-based, were potential violations of the HIPAA right of access provision. GEDC-GA agreed to pay $80,000 and implement a corrective action plan.

B. Steven L. Hardy, D.D.S., LTD, doing business as Paradise Family Dental (“Paradise”) is a dental practice in Las Vegas, Nevada.  On October 26, 2020, OCR received a complaint alleging that Paradise had failed to provide a mother with copies of her and her minor child’s protected health information. The mother submitted multiple record requests between April 11, 2020, and December 4, 2020, but Paradise did not send the records until December 31, 2020, more than eight months after her initial request. OCR's investigation determined that Paradise’s failure to provide timely access to the requested medical records was a potential violation of the HIPAA right of access provision. Paradise agreed to pay $25,000 and implement a corrective action plan.

OCR’s guidance on the right of access is available at https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-professionals/privacy/guidance/access/index.html.

Individuals who believe their HIPAA rights have been violated have the right to file a complaint with OCR.

Futudent proCam is Worthy of the Investment

 

Behold the Futudent proCam.  This *tiny* camera can be mounted on the doctor's glasses or the track light (if the doctor is using one), or even on a pole mount in the ceiling.  It shoots in 4K resolution and can provide a constant "eye in the sky" POV for procedures.  It allows the patient to see the doctor's perspective which helps the patient better understand their problems along with the actual clinical situation.

One thing I have found as a doctor who believes whole heartedly in communication, is that the visual aspect of communication is incredibly important.  Having good documentation can give support of treatment recommendations and outcomes.  

Human beings are incredibly visual creatures and because of that, having visual records can help prove a point.   Whether it is for record keeping purposes or to provide amazing "over the shoulder POV" communication with your patients, Futudent cameras are an amazing high tech way of doing just that.

I have been  a big believer in  their cameras for several years now.  I love to be able to use the images or video to show other doctors clinical things I am teaching, but some patients really get a charge out of being able to see exactly what I am seeing on a monitor... while we treat them.  Futudent cameras do a terrific job of allowing us to do that!

Submit Your Questions for DEXIS Days!

 

Next Thursday evening, I'll be doing a Question and Answer Session as part of "DEXIS Days".

I'd like to take this opportunity to request that if you have any questions on imaging, please send them in and I will make sure to get to them.

This particular web broadcast is going to be really free form and conversational.  It's your opportunity to get the answers to any burning questions you may have.  As an attendee at a meeting I would sometimes go to learn one or 2 particular points and sometimes. the speaker could only cover one of them

This event is an attempt to eliminate that aspect of things because all I'll be doing is having a conversation about imaging and answering YOUR questions!

If you have something you would like covered, please send it to jflucke@yahoo.com  I will do my best to cover every question that is submitted to either myself or the good people at DEXIS.

Thank you!!!

The End is Near! Chief of WHO States End of Pandemic is 'in sight'

 Well that took long enough, didn't it?  Seriously, we have been battling Covid-19 since the later weeks of 2019 and we will continue to battle for a bit longer it appears.  The SARS-CoV-2 virus is responsible for the deaths of almost 6.5 million people.  Those folks are parents, children, wives, husbands, fathers, mothers, you name it.  This has been an incredibly frightening and sorrowful time in human history.  Personally I am glad to see the optimism that perhaps we can begin to put this behind us.

According to the WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus,"We are not there yet, but the end is in sight."  However, he also added in the same statement, "Now is the time to run harder and make sure we cross the line and reap the rewards of all our hard work."

This virus has been affecting our lives for almost 3 years straight and we will continue to deal with it for the foreseeable future, perhaps forever as it mutates and occasionally changes to elude vaccines.  In fact some professionals, myself included, are seeing a world where a yearly vaccine is simply part of our lives... just like the yearly flu shot.

In the early days, there was massive fear as the virulent virus spread like wild fire and caused massive amounts of death.  The virus caused a worldwide lockdown and isolation of almost everyone on the planet.  That triggered  problems in the supply chain that were unthinkable before.  It's been a very difficult 3 years and we aren't over it yet.

However, *maybe* we are seeing a glimpse of the light at the end of the tunnel.  That would be a Godsend for all of us.

Head over to Reuters.com to read the full article.  It definitely feels uplifting to me. 

dntl bar Introduces AI to New York Dentistry with Pearl Partnership

 

Patients visiting any of the rapidly growing DSO’s New York City locations will now receive AI-augmented care, including supplemental x-ray review from Pearl’s FDA-cleared comprehensive disease detection AI software

Pearl, the leader in dental AI solutions, and dntl bar, an NYC-based dental service organization (DSO) committed to offering the convenient and quality dental care that patients want, today announced a partnership to offer Pearl’s Second Opinion® and Practice Intelligence® AI solutions in dntl bar’s locations across New York City. The partnership will enable dntl bar’s offices to achieve the highest level of clinical performance while elevating the patient experience with AI-backed care from the chairside dental software cleared by the FDA to read radiographs and assist in the detection of numerous forms of disease and other dental conditions.

“For our patients, consistency in diagnoses and clinical care is expected, just the same as they expect high-quality, white glove service at each of our dntl bar locations,” said dntl bar co-founder and chief dental officer, Dr. Ben Chami. “Our partnership with Pearl to offer the company’s FDA-cleared AI platform takes us one large step closer to being able to provide more clinical consistency between our dentists and less variability, which is a huge win for our patients.”

“We can never get all dentists to the 50-yard line in terms of diagnoses and care, but Pearl will help us get diagnoses between the 40-yard lines,” added dntl bar president and CEO, Dr. Roshan Parikh. “Pearl’s AI ensures a more standardized clinical experience for our patients.”

Pearl brings transparency and objectivity to dentistry by applying computer vision to read dental x-rays with expert accuracy, improving consistency in radiologic interpretation and streamlining practice management through practitioner performance and patient health insights.

“In partnership with dntl bar, we are furthering our commitment to helping dentists deliver a higher standard of patient care,” said Ophir Tanz, founder and CEO of Pearl. “Our work with an innovative, patient-focused DSO is yet another step toward broadening the reach of AI in dentistry and introducing patients and providers to its benefits and capabilities. We look forward to our ongoing collaboration with dntl bar as they continue to grow.”

About Pearl

Pearl is shaping the future of dental care by delivering dental AI and computer vision solutions that advance efficiency, accuracy, transparency, and patient care. Founded in 2019 by Ophir Tanz, Pearl is backed by Craft Ventures and other leading venture capital firms. For more information or to request a demonstration, please visit https://www.hellopearl.com.

 

About dntl bar

Founded in 2019, dntl bar is an emerging New York-based DSO that offers patients a tech-enabled dental experience that emphasizes convenience and hospitality, being open 7 days a week, in 5 different neighborhoods across Manhattan.

dntl bar has a team of New York City’s finest clinicians to provide their patients with a full range of dental services including teeth cleanings, clear aligners, cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, root canals, emergency services, and more.

With most insurances accepted, transparent pricing, patient-first settings, and being open 7 days a week, dntl bar aims to provide convenient & quality dental care in a luxurious, contemporary atmosphere.

Leading Dental Industry Consultants Dr. Margaret Scarlett and Michael Ventriello Form Dental Transformation Partners

 

I've known Mike Ventriello for close to two decades now.  When we met he was working for an advertising agency that had quite a few dental clients.  Eventually he decided to start his own agency and founded Ventriello Communications, LLC.  Mike is a terrific individual who always seems to have a smile on his face as well as be intensely interested in music... as am I.  So, over the years our relationship has grown from working on projects together into a great personal friendship.

So it is with great happiness that I give you today's post about Michael's latest endeavor, Dental Transformation Partners.  One of my many hats in the industry is serving as one of the Chief Development Officers for Cellerant Consulting and that means just maybe Michael and I will have even more projects to discuss or work together on.

Way to go my friend!  Here is the press release:

Atlanta, GA  – September 13, 2022 – Two of dentistry’s leading advocates for driving disruption from approval to adoption, Dr. Margaret Scarlett, president of Scarlett Consulting International, and Michael Ventriello, owner, and founder of Ventriello Communications LLC, have forged a strategic working alliance named Dental Transformation Partners (DTP). Within the framework of this alliance, Dr. Scarlett will serve as the Chief Science and Technology Officer and Michael will be the Chief Marketing and Communications Officer.

The mission of DTP is to help launch the next generation of innovations that will transform dentistry and to ensure that oral health is recognized as a critical component of overall health by healthcare systems, providers, and patients. 

According to Dr. Scarlett, “This is the most exciting time for significant change in dentistry since the late 1980s. DTP’s ideal clients will be companies launching new digital and biotech technologies that can be implemented at scale to prevent, diagnose, and treat a wide range of oral diseases.  

 DTP’s scope of services can range from assisting with prelaunch FDA approval to creating integrated strategic sales and marketing programs to accelerate adoption and drive revenue. This is made possible by the complimentary skill sets of Scarlett and Ventriello which enable Dental Transformation Partners to deliver an unparalleled combination of clinical, research, communications, and marketing prowess.

Dr. Scarlett and Michael Ventriello have worked in just about every dental product and technology category that has either changed the practice of dentistry or is currently transforming the dental industry. “Dr. Scarlett and I have been collaborating off and on for almost 20 years,” explained Ventriello. “Since the COVID outbreak, we found ourselves working together more frequently within relevant product categories such as teledentistry, air purification and  periodontal therapy. We agreed that with all the innovation occurring in dentistry, such as diagnostics and artificial intelligence, we should combine our skills on a more consistent basis to help emerging companies and systems go to market. The result is Dental Transformation Partners.”

For more details about Dental Transformation Partners, visit www.DentalTransformationPartners.com, send an email to Info@DentalTransformationPartners.com and follow DTP on LinkedIn  https://www.linkedin.com/company/dental-transformation-partners/. 

 About Margaret Scarlett, DDS:

Dr. Scarlett is a practicing dentist and an infectious and chronic disease expert. Author of CDC's first infection control guidance in 1986, Dr. Scarlett leads Scarlett Consulting International which specializes in helping companies and organizations improve overall health and oral health outcomes through data. She is the former editor of the Woman’s Dental Journal, started Medscape Dentistry and Oral Health, and is also the author of countless industry journal articles and scientific whitepapers. In addition, Dr. Scarlett is a sought-after speaker and webinar presenter. Among her many areas of expertise are dental technology (hardware & software), infection control, digital workflows, regulatory, oral-systemic links, dental education, materials, and more.

About Michael Ventriello: 

Michael is an award-winning copywriter, former journalist, and accomplished public relations and marketing strategist. For more than twenty years, Michael has been focused on dental industry marketing and public relations, working to advance product adoption by the profession for many leading dental technology companies. In 2012, Michael founded a virtual marketing, advertising and public relations agency, Ventriello Communications, launching innovative products into the dental industry. Michael is also an author and industry pundit whose articles and guest columns about public relations, dental technology and marketing have appeared in many of the leading print and online dental trade journals.

CDHA Response to Today’s PM Announcement on the Canada Dental Benefit

Wendy Stewart, CDHA’s President has issued the following statement in a response to today’s announcement by Prime Minister Trudeau, that the government is moving forward on dental care by providing direct, tax-free payments to qualifying families who earn $90,000 or less, to pay for dental visits for children under 12, starting December, for a 2-year period, retroactive to October 1, 2022.

 This latest announcement validates many issues and concerns faced by people in Canada when it comes to affordability and access to oral health care. In CDHA’s engagement with practising dental hygienists across Canada, we have heard clearly that delivering direct supports to vulnerable Canadians within a national model will make a meaningful difference as development of a comprehensive program continues with full implementation in the coming years.

 CDHA notes that specific details about the dental expenses that will be covered for eligible families with kids under 12 were not addressed in today’s announcement, such as the specific services and the specific oral health care providers who will be eligible to provide and be paid for services in connection with the benefit.

 As an interim measure, CDHA supports timely help for people who need it. “It’s important that the ultimate impact improves access to preventive dental hygiene services and professional oral care to help maintain good oral and overall health,” added Stewart. While the government continues to work out the eventual permanent details of the program, CDHA remains committed to working in partnership with government and experts to ensure access to a range of oral health services and supports.

CDHA is the collective national voice of more than 30,000 dental hygienists in Canada, directly representing 21,000 individual members, including students. Since 1963, CDHA has worked to advance the profession and promote the importance of oral health. Dental hygiene is the sixth-largest regulated health profession in Canada, with professionals working in a variety of settings, including independent dental hygiene practice, with people of all ages, addressing issues related to oral health. For more information on oral health, visit dentalhygienecanada.ca. 

Candid reloads leadership team with industry giants, significantly enhances its clinical capabilities

 This fall, high-growth clear aligner challenger Candid is stacking its leadership team, with dental giants Dr. Lou Shuman coming on as Executive Consultant and Chief Development Officer and Dr. Brian Gray as Chief Dental Officer. They join Dr. Ben Miraglia DDS, VP of GP Clinical Education at Candid Academy as major leadership additions. Under the guidance of the new leadership team, Candid will be releasing a host of new features and enhancements vaulting the Orthodontics as a Service company ahead of many of its competitors.

After shuttering its direct-to-consumer clear aligner business in December 2021 and pivoting into a full provider-based model, Candid has grown its provider base over 500% in 2022.

New Executive Consultant and Chief Development Officer Lou Shuman DMD, CAGS is the CEO and founder of Cellerant Consulting and an expert in growing dental technology companies. He was immediately attracted to Candid’s tech-first Orthodontics as a Service model of partnership and support.

“Candid’s innovations, technology partnerships, and delivery of a total support model is exactly what general practitioners need right now and orthodontists will benefit by in the near future,” says Shuman. “Candid’s commitment to state-of-the-art technology as witnessed by their new massive fabrication facility, superb management team, and focus on aligner quality, already make Candid a great choice for dentists, and our planned clinical upgrades will soon make that choice even easier.”

Known for having trained nearly 30,000 dentists in clear aligner therapy over the last two decades, new Chief Dental Officer Dr. Brian Gray thinks Candid is uniquely positioned to meet the general practitioner where they are.

“I’m joining Candid because it feels like a new era in clear aligners,” says Gray. “As a clinical evaluator, I’ve tried nearly every clear aligner product out there. Candid has unlocked the convenience and predictability that clinicians have been after for years by empowering dentists with the deep clinical knowledge to protect their reputations while giving patients the safe, effective treatment they need.”

Candid rounds out its leadership upgrade with a host of new Candid Academy Faculty members, with Drs. Tom Shannon and Geoffrey Skinner joining visionaries like Drs. Ben Miraglia, Kalli Hale, and Craig Spodak. Dr. Miraglia has played a pivotal role in upgrading Candid’s Rx and through his teaching and advocacy continues to attract top clinicians to Candid Academy.

For CEO Nick Greenfield, Candid is on the road to becoming the practitioner’s choice for clear aligners.

“We’re on a similar trajectory to a company like Tesla,” says Greenfield. “Amazing product, top-flight tech, and outstanding design, but early Teslas could only go 100 miles on a charge. This massive tech enhancement means Candid can now take partner practices so much farther—with even more exciting developments on the horizon.”

Dr. Gray concurs that Candid’s expert-led Orthodontics as a Service model is poised to grab significant market share.

“I see so much in the works that I can’t wait to share with my patients and colleagues,” says Gray. “Candid has developed a number of game-changing product enhancements and techniques that lead the clear aligner segment into a new era. I see it as Ortho 3.0, and am excited to be part of this transformational change in dental health care.”

Dr. Shuman sees even more growth for Candid on the horizon.

“Sitting in a room with Candid leadership reminded me of my work with clear aligners 20 years ago,” he says, “young, brilliant visionaries coming together to create a technique poised to transform the market.”

iTero Used to Scan Coral Along Great Barrier Reef

  I came across a pretty fascinating article recently.  It seems a marine researcher was at a dental visit recently and the team used the iTero Elements 5D Flex to scan her teeth.  Dr. Kate Quigley was highly impressed with the digital 3D scanner and it generated a great idea... she thought that the iTero system might be a great way to also scan coral.  

Dr. Quigley is a Senior Research Scientist at the Minderoo Foundation and she spends a lot of time measuring coral.  She figured that since coral are mainly composed of calcium and teeth are also heavily composed of calcium,  a scanner that works well on teeth should also work pretty well with coral.

Of course, those of us in dentistry that use intraoral scanners understand that it is not just hard tissues that can be scanned, but also soft tissue such as the gums surrounding the teeth as well as the palate, but that isn't the point here.  The point is that the iTero system could certainly scan coral... it's just a matter of the software that drives the system.

Dr. Quigley was already heavily engaged in evaluating coral, but it is difficult to measure them without hurting the small living organisms.  During her Ph D work it would take 1/2 a day to do a scan.  Using the iTero cuts the scanning time 99%.

The full article is pretty interesting.  A lot of innovation comes to a field from another discipline and this is a great example of this.  Head over the Phys.org for the full article with all the details.  

Leading Oral Health Innovation Conference Announces Startup Competition Finalists

 The Forsyth Institute has announced the startup competition finalists for Forsyth dentech 2022, a leading oral health investment forum. Now in its second year, Forsyth dentech brings together global leaders in venture capital, industry, and research to discuss the role of innovation in public oral health. It is the only conference where startups can pitch their ideas to all the players in the oral health innovation ecosystem at the same time.

   “The $140 billion-dollar oral health space is often overlooked,” said Forsyth’s CEO, Dr. Wenyuan Shi. “Despite the huge medical importance and vast investment opportunities, big investment forums like the JP Morgan meetings or BIO conference don’t feature oral health companies. Dentech is working to address this imbalance, which is what makes this conference so unique and important. The advent of new technologies and the success of companies like Straumann or Align Technology show this is an untapped market primed for growth.”

Forsyth dentech 2022 received over 70 applications from startup companies hoping to capture the attention of investors like CareCapital, Prime Rock, and Revere Partners, who will attend the conference. Last year 8 of the 18 startups selected to compete during the event raised over $32 million collectively.

Given the volume of applications, the Forsyth dentech 2022 startup competition will feature an impressive lineup of 30 companies from all over the world. Their technologies range from new oral health products and dental materials to the use of artificial intelligence in designing treatment plans. Companies include Truthbrush and Mussel Polymers as well as European startups Relu and Augmedit. These companies are in various stages of the startup process.

In addition to the start-up competition, Forsyth dentech 2022 also features a CEO Panel with 8 senior executives from companies like Sherlock Biosciences, CareStream, Colgate, and Flare Capital. The second day closes with 4 special topic panel discussions from global leaders in oral health.

“The mouth is the gateway to the body. Yet as important as oral health is for overall health, it is always overshadowed by medicine” Dr. Shi said. He sees the Forsyth Institute as the right leader to establish the ecosystem and overcome this challenge. In addition to developing an incubator in-house and creating Forsyth dentech, Forsyth is now working to establish an innovation VC Fund to promote oral health technology even further.

People around the world may attend Forsyth dentech 2022 by registering at the conference website.

Henry Schein Acquires Midway Dental Supply

 Henry Schein is the world's largest dental supply company and they continue to just keep getting bigger.  The company recently purchased a much smaller dental supplier in Michigan.  Midway Dental has been around since the 1980s and grew to a pretty good size for a regional dental supply company.  While I think competition is good, I'm also sure that this acquisition made some dreams come true for the Midway Dental management team.  Info from the public press release is below...

Henry Schein, Inc. (Nasdaq: HSIC), the world’s largest provider of health care solutions to office-based dental and medical practitioners, today announced the acquisition of Midway Dental Supply, a full-service dental distributor serving dental offices and dental laboratories across the Midwestern United States.

Henry Schein acquired 100% of Midway Dental, which was founded in 1987 by the late Roger Abigt, and is headquartered in Livonia, Michigan. This transaction is expected to be modestly dilutive to Henry Schein’s earnings per share in fiscal year 2022 and increasingly accretive thereafter. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Midway Dental’s sales from 2021 were approximately $110 million, including nearly $20 million in sales of personal protective equipment (PPE) and COVID-19 related products. Midway Dental offers a comprehensive portfolio of dental consumable merchandise, equipment, services, and education products to nearly 7,000 customers, which will be immediately consolidated into Henry Schein’s U.S. Dental business. The integration of Midway Dental’s sales and service team with Henry Schein’s network of trusted advisors will further advance the Company’s efforts to deliver customized solutions and technology-driven products and services to help our dental customers meet the needs of patients.

“Over the past 35 years, Midway Dental has earned an excellent reputation within the industry, grounded by a strong commitment to customer service and industry leadership that is aligned with Henry Schein’s values-based culture and high-touch, full-service business model,” said Stanley M. Bergman, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Henry Schein. “Midway Dental’s vision to establish a nationwide footprint aligns with Henry Schein’s commitment to provide the products and services customers can rely on to work more efficiently and deliver high-quality patient care more effectively.”

Led by CEO Steven Kizy, Midway Dental has approximately 200 employees, including 55 sales representatives and 50 service technicians. Mr. Kizy will join Henry Schein as Vice President, Strategic Development-U.S. Dental.

“As part of Henry Schein, Midway Dental will have access to new capabilities, including an expanded portfolio of solutions to serve our customers even better while offering our staff exciting new career possibilities,” added Mr. Kizy. “More specifically, Midway Dental’s customers will benefit from the vast array of Henry Schein branded products as well as the latest digital technologies that are modernizing dental practices. We are delighted to be joining forces with the world’s leading provider of dental products and services.”

Parkell TurboSensor Ultrasonic Scaler is a Winner!

One of the best things about my job(s) is getting to test and tinker.  I love getting my hands on and testing (sometimes breaking) the latest and greatest things on the market.  I've been lucky enough to be able to do this for years and over the last couple of years, I've been combining my work with Dental Products Report with product testing.  We call them "Test Drives" and they let me combine testing with a written piece and a video that go along with that testing.

I've just completed a Test Drive and I'd like to make today's post about that experience.  The team and I have been putting the TurboSensor ultrasonic scaler through some rigorous paces lately. 

If you've been in dentistry, even for a little while, you're probably familiar with the name Parkell.  The company started in 1948 and you don't survive in dentistry that long unless you make some pretty good products

Ultrasonic scalers are pretty much the heart and soul of a modern dental hygiene department.  It is a piece of equipment that you really cannot do without.  However, the market today has a couple of drawbacks.  Number one is price.  Ultrasonic units tend to be expensive.  Number two is size.  Many of the units on the market today are pretty large.

Parkell has done a great job of dealing with both of these issues.  As far as price, Parkell has carved a very nice place in the market with quality products at reasonable prices.  The company makes good products that they stand behind.  If you are looking to make a purchase and not dip into your retirement account to do so, Parkell should be someone you are familiar with.  They sell direct to the dentist to try and keep prices as low as possible and they stand behind what the sell.

As far as the size of the unit, it is 1.5 inches high, 5.5 inches wide, and 7.5 inches in depth.  Suffice it to say the unit is pretty small.  I find this a tremendous advantage as we keep adding hardware to our clinical armamentarium, but we don't keep adding counter space along with it.  We are running out of p laces to put things and Parkell did a good job of designing a unit that is small but still powerful.

The unit automatically senses which ultrasonic insert is placed into the handpiece and adjusts itself accordingly.  It also has a "turbo" feature which I like.  If the clinician happens to come across a tenacious area of calculus, a hard press on the foot control causes the unit to automatically increase in power.  Once the debris is removed, stepping back off the controller reverts back to the power it was set to originally.  It's a nice feature that means the user does not have to turn away to dial the power up and then turn away again to dial the power back down.

It also has autoclavable handpieces to help decrease cross-contamination.  The handpiece itself has a nice ergonomic design that feels good in all the hands I had use it... including mine.  

My hygiene team has been very happy with the TurboSensor unit.  If you are in the market for an ultrasonic scaler that will fit your budget, give this unit a look see.  I think you'll like it.

Here is a link to the device page on the Parkell site.