Researchers at UCLA School of Dentistry Announce the Development Game-Changing Implant Technology

 

Today's post is something that could prove to be a true changing moment in dental implants.  It is truly amazing to me how much progress has been made in the field of dental implantology in the last 20 years or so.  Early in my career, dental implants were an acceptable choice for replacing a missing tooth.  However, back then it was more of a "hit or miss" treatment.  By that I mean, when they worked, they worked really well, but sometimes they would fail.  For the non-dentists reading this, an implant needs to have the body attach bone to it and this stabilizes the situation.  This is referred to as "osseointegration".  Unfortunately, in some cases, the body would not build new bone around the implant and there would be a failure of osseointegration.

Over the years, implants have become more and more predictable as the field of implantology has evolved.  Now comes some incredibly interesting news from the UCLA School of Dentistry about a new technique involving the use of UV light to aid in the integration process.

A team of researchers at the UCLA School of Dentistry has developed a new technology that could revolutionize dental implants. The new technology, which uses ultraviolet (UV) light to treat dental implants, has been shown to significantly improve the success rate of implants and reduce healing times.

How does the new UV technology work?

The new UV technology works by removing hydrocarbons from the surface of dental implants. Hydrocarbons are organic molecules that can prevent bone from attaching to the implant. By removing hydrocarbons, the UV technology allows bone to grow directly onto the implant surface, which improves the success rate of implants and reduces healing times.  This is an aid to osseointegration.

What are the benefits of the new UV technology?

The new UV technology has several potential benefits for patients, including:

• Increased success rate of dental implants

• Reduced healing times

• Reduced risk of complications

• Improved quality of life

What are the next steps for the new UV technology?

The researchers are currently conducting clinical trials to test the safety and efficacy of the new UV technology. If the trials are successful, the technology could be commercially available within a few years.

Conclusion

The new UV technology is a promising breakthrough that could improve the lives of millions of people who have lost teeth. The technology has the potential to make dental implants more successful, more affordable, and more accessible.

In addition to the benefits mentioned above, the new UV technology could also:

• Reduce the need for bone grafting

• Make it possible to place dental implants in patients who have previously been considered unsuitable for implants

• Improve the long-term success rate of dental implants

The new UV technology is a significant advancement in dental implant technology. It has the potential to revolutionize the way that dental implants are placed and to improve the lives of millions of people.

For the full article regarding this new technology via the UCLA School of Dentistry website, here is the link.  

Maine's Only Dental College at UNE Part of $4.4M Harvard-led Research Network

 

The funding, from the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, will establish UNE’s Oral Health Center as a clinical research site for approximately 40 dental medicine students as they look for predictors of pain in patients recovering from oral surgery.

PORTLAND, Maine — The University of New England College of Dental Medicine (CDM), Maine’s only dental school, is among seven collaborators sharing a $4.4 million grant from the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) to launch a novel clinical practice-based research network to train future clinician-scientists.

 Known as the Collaborative Clinical Practice-based REsearch Program for DENTal Schools (H-CREDENT), the five-year grant from NIDCR, a division of the National Institutes of Health, is being led by the Harvard School of Dental Medicine (HSDM) and will establish UNE’s Oral Health Center, home to the CDM, as a clinical research site for approximately 40 dental medicine students throughout the grant period.

 The goal of the collaborative research project is to look for predictors of pain in patients as they recover from oral surgeries like root canals or tooth extractions. Participating students will collect saliva samples from patients and monitor their post-operative pain as they heal.

Mohamed ElSalhy, B.D.M., Ph.D., M.Sc., M.P.H., assistant clinical professor of dentistry, will serve as principal investigator for UNE on the project. Through the research process, he said, students and faculty will develop a system for identifying patients who experience higher-than-normal levels of pain to aid clinicians in making evidence-based decisions for treating post-operative pain.

“The project aims to train dentists to have a good research background so that they can do research in whatever setting they choose, including private practice,” ElSalhy said.

 Nicole Kimmes, D.D.S., dean of the College of Dental Medicine, will oversee the facilitation of administrative, academic, and clinical logistics. She said students who participate in the program will benefit from a Harvard-developed research curriculum in addition to early, pre-career research opportunities and mentorship by skilled faculty from the CDM and from across the research network.

 “This opportunity will provide participating students and faculty with valuable research training using the curriculum that Harvard has created. The data gathered from training sites will contribute to our understanding of the risk factors that contribute to patient pain development following invasive dental procedures,” she said. “This research project perfectly aligns with UNE’s mission and the mission of the College of Dental Medicine to improve the health of Northern New England, and we are grateful to collaborate with colleagues across the consortium.”

 Additional collaborators on the project include Cambridge Health Alliance, Charles River Community Health, Harvard Catalyst, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, and Meharry Medical College. H-CREDENT will leverage the consortium’s collective expertise and encourage scientific partnerships between students and research faculty across collaborating sites. 

Kimmes noted that the H-CREDENT program is a great example of the profession’s efforts to expand the practice-based research network.

 “For practicing dentists who aren’t affiliated with the university setting, practice-based research is a vital way to contribute to the science and scholarship of dentistry,” Kimmes said. “By giving dentists that foundation while they’re students, we’re setting them up for success in their own practices with conducting their own research studies or collaborations with other colleagues.”

 HSDM Dean William Giannobile, D.D.S., M.S., said partnering with UNE will advance both institutions’ “shared vision” of enhancing research in the dental health sphere. 

 “We are delighted to have the opportunity to work with the University of New England College of Dental Medicine and our other regional partners to advance our shared vision of fostering a new generation of clinician-scientists and scientifically astute clinicians,” Giannobile said. “We look forward to trainees in the program going on to make an impact here in New England as well as widely across the profession.”

About the University of New England

The University of New England is Maine’s largest private university, with two beautiful coastal campuses in Maine, a one-of-a-kind study-abroad campus in Tangier, Morocco, and an array of flexible online offerings. In an uncommonly welcoming and supportive community, we offer hands-on learning, empowering students to make a positive impact in a world full of challenges. We are the state’s top provider of health professionals and home to Maine’s only medical and dental colleges, a variety of other interprofessionally aligned health care programs, and nationally recognized programs in the marine sciences, the natural and social sciences, business, the humanities, and the arts. Visit www.une.edu.

1,4-DPCA: A Potential Game-Changer for Dentists

 

While the term "game changer" is, at least in my opinion, a bit overused these days, it certainly *does* have applications, especially in healthcare.  Today I'd like to provide some info that will hopefully inform, but also stimulate some thought on cutting edge developments in dentistry.   Now, before we start here I want to add a word of caution.  This post is about a drug that is being studied.  There will need to be all kinds of tests and trials to see if it truly works as promised, but I think this is a truly interesting topic and should be on practitioners radar.  This kind of work is needed to improve our quality of life.  These are the kinds of things that are "many strikeouts with the occasional home run".

Dentists are always on the lookout for new and innovative ways to treat their patients. One such treatment that is currently in the experimental stages is 1,4-DPCA. This drug has the potential to be a game-changer for dentists, as it could be used to treat a variety of conditions, including:

• Periodontal disease: 1,4-DPCA could be used to help prevent the progression of periodontal disease by inhibiting the growth of bacteria in the mouth.

• Gingivitis: 1,4-DPCA could be used to treat gingivitis, which is inflammation of the gums.

• Dental caries: 1,4-DPCA could be used to prevent dental caries, which is more commonly known as tooth decay.

How Does 1,4-DPCA Work?

1,4-DPCA works by inhibiting the activity of an enzyme called prolyl 4-hydroxylase. This enzyme is responsible for the hydroxylation of collagen, which is a protein that is found in connective tissue. By inhibiting the activity of prolyl 4-hydroxylase, 1,4-DPCA can help to reduce the production of collagen. This can be beneficial for treating periodontal disease, gingivitis, and dental caries, as these conditions are all associated with excessive collagen production.

What are the Benefits of 1,4-DPCA?

There are several potential benefits of 1,4-DPCA for dentists:

• It could be used to treat a variety of conditions.

• It could be more effective than traditional treatments.

• It could have fewer side effects than traditional treatments.

What are the Risks of 1,4-DPCA?

There are some potential risks associated with 1,4-DPCA, including:

• It could cause skin irritation.

• It could cause allergic reactions.

• It could interact with other medications.

What is the Future of 1,4-DPCA?

1,4-DPCA is still in the experimental stages of development, but it has the potential to be a valuable tool for dentists. More research is needed to determine the safety and efficacy of 1,4-DPCA, but it is a promising new treatment option for a variety of dental conditions.

The Philadelphia Inquirer has a really good article that discusses the long journey of Ellen Heber-Katz who has been working on wound healing advancements for over 20 years.  The best part of these discoveries is that this may not *just* be an advancement for dentistry.  It seems to hold promise for regenerating nerves... among other benefits.

Webinar: Not Just Another Manual IPR System & Why You Should Care

 

Are you interested in some FREE Continuing Education as well as learning something that is simple and has immediate practical applications?  If so, make plans for Tuesday December 5th at 8:00pm Eastern time for my webinar "Webinar: Not Just Another Manual IPR System & Why You Should Care".

Clear aligner therapy has become a huge part of many practices and the field only continues to grow.  As those of you who provide this treatment know, IPR can be critical to a case and performing it quickly and easily is a benefit to both the patient and the doctor.

Most doctors currently performing IPR are doing so using abrasive strips or abrasive strips that are supported by a small plastic handle.  While those systems work, they frequently are not easy to use.  Getting them into the interproximal contact can be difficult and once in place, applying the necessary force can be a challenge.  Add to that the caution needed to not cause iatrogenic injury to the soft tissues.  Some doctors use abrasive discs, but those instruments come with a separate list of risks and challenges.

That's why I am so enthusiastic about the DentaSonic system.  The company makes an entire line of abrasive instruments including strips with those little plastic handles I mentioned above.  However, the best thing they make, and the thing we'll be discussing on Tuesday evening, is their strip system that uses a handpiece.

Registration can be found here.

The webinar will be hosted by my friend and technology expert Dr. Lorne Lavine and is being presented through GoldenDent.  I hope to see many of you logging in!

I Told You This AI Thing was Going to be Big!

 

Almost a year ago, I wrote an article about the coming wave of data and how AI was going to help us manage that.  I've made quite a few predictions in my career as Chief Dental Editor at Dental Products Report, but I can honestly say I didn't hit very many.  However, THAT one I hit square on the sweet spot.

However, this post isn't about me or my lucky prediction.  No, this one is about the incredible things that are happening in the dental industry and how that amazing AI tech is going to change how we are helping people.  

A recent article in UIC Today (University of Illinois-Chicago) discusses how a few of their doctors are using advance data analytics to improve their patient care.  The article titled "AI, blockchain and phone scans: UIC researchers bring new technology to dentistry" is a pretty fascinating overview of what those doctors are doing.

Sometimes in my career, I've seen our business partners bring new tech to the forefront faster than our educators, so it's nice to read about some forward thinking doctors working to use tech to make incredible changes for patients in serious need.

Read the article here.  Their efforts are impressive.

Restorative Revolutions is Coming This Friday December 1st

This Friday, December 1st is our last Dental Products Report online event of the year.  That means that you have a the opportunity to learn about the latest and greatest in restorative dentistry while also being able to earn three CE credits.

I always really enjoy these events as they give me a chance to interact with all of you while I also get the chance to learn from recognized experts in the profession.

The event kicks off at 10:00 AM Eastern and will end around 1:20 Eastern.  Our speakers this time around will be Dr. Priya Tirumalasetty and Dr. Lauren Yasuda Rainey.  

I know that you will have a terrific time learning from these two dynamic doctors and getting CE in the process.  Oh, by the way, did I mention that the CE is *free*?  That's right!  You can earn up to 3 hours of continuing education from wherever you'd prefer and do so at no cost to you.

So what are you waiting for?  Registration is open!  I hope to see many of you there!  

Roland DGA and Straumann USA Team Up to Offer World-Class Restorative Solutions

As many of you know and have read here before, I am a *huge* fan of Roland DGA.  We have a one of their DWX-42W mills in the office and we are "turnin' and burnin'" with it.  As a guy that loves tech I can tell you that integrating our mill into our digital workflows has really been a boon to the office.  If you are considering the move to in-office milling, I highly suggest you check out the DGShape line of mills.  They are sturdy, they are workhorses, and they create *stunning* clinical results.  We just cemented a crown in my mouth recently that Super Assistant D-Rey designed, milled, and polished.  I've been in the world of in-office milling since the late 1990s and I am continually stunned by what our mill creates.

Now comes word that my friends at Roland DGA have begun working with Straumann.  This is a really exciting announcement.  When two incredibly successful companies combine forces, there are almost always amazing things happening just over the horizon.  This promises to be an exciting year in dentistry and 2024 isn't even here yet!  Here is the announcement from the companies:

Irvine, Calif., Nov. 20, 2023 – Roland DGA’s DGSHAPE Americas Dental Business Group and Straumann USA, two of the most recognized and respected names in dental, are partnering to combine their collective talents and expertise to accelerate the awareness and acceptance of high-quality restorative solutions in the dental market. This new collaboration creates an exciting opportunity to provide world-class, full-service restorative solutions featuring Straumann’s implant solutions and DGSHAPE’s DWX Dental Milling Solutions. The partnership also enables Straumann USA to distribute Roland DGA’s state-of-the-art DGSHAPE DWX mills throughout the US and Canada.

Based on shared values, goals, and desired outcomes, the new working relationship between these two high-profile companies is expected to significantly benefit both Roland DGA and Straumann USA, boosting revenue and fueling innovation for the respective businesses.

“The Roland DGA and Straumann alliance will enhance the workflow and quality of restorative and implant solutions for dental professionals,” said Roland DGA’s Dental Marketing Manager, Lisa Aguirre. “We will work together to satisfy the growing demand for technological innovation and improve the overall clinician/patient experience.”

"Roland DGA and Straumann are dedicated to technological innovation and share a level of commitment to acquiring and retaining human talent that’s unparalleled in the dental industry. Both businesses are also laser-focused on providing products that effectively address the needs and wants of labs and clinicians to better the oral health of patients worldwide.

The two companies are entering this partnership as new, cutting-edge digital advancements continue to transform the dental industry. According to a recent ResearchAndMarkets.com report, restorative dentistry is undergoing a revolution due to computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technologies. Digital impressions, design, and manufacturing of restorations such as crowns, bridges, and dentures are accurate and time-and-cost-effective because of intraoral scanners, 3D imaging, and CAD/CAM technologies. With greater accuracy, quicker turnaround times, and superior patient experience, this trend is predicted to continue expanding*.

“Our partnership combines the branding leverage and the reputations of both companies to expand market awareness, reach, and adoption for the advancement of the dental community,” added Aguirre. “This initiative will consist of a product-based and communications-based effort to grow digital dental workflows and processes.”

To learn more about Roland DGA’s DGSHAPE dental solutions, visit https://www.rolanddga.com/products/dental/dwx-series. more information on Straumann USA or the complete Straumann product line, visit https://www.straumann.com/us/en/dental-professionals.html.

   *Yahoo Finance – Global Restorative Market Analysis

About Roland DGA Corporation and DGSHAPE Americas

Roland DGA Corporation serves North and South America as the marketing, sales, distribution and service arm for Roland DG Corporation and its subsidiary, DGSHAPE. Founded in 1981 and listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, Roland DG of Hamamatsu, Japan is a worldwide leader in wide-format inkjet printers, engravers, photo impact printers and CNC milling machines. DGSHAPE Americas is the Roland DGA dental business group dedicated to the DGSHAPE line of products, most notable as a market leader in dental milling machines. 

About the Straumann Group

The Straumann Group (SIX: STMN) is a global leader in tooth replacement and orthodontic solutions that restore smiles and confidence. It unites global and international brands that stand for excellence, innovation and quality in replacement, corrective and digital dentistry including Anthogyr, ClearCorrect, Dental Wings, Medentika, Neodent, NUVO, Straumann and other fully or partly owned companies and partners. In collaboration with leading clinics, institutes and universities, the Group researches, develops, manufactures, and supplies dental implants, instruments, CADCAM prosthetics, orthodontic aligners, biomaterials and digital solutions for use in tooth correction, replacement and restoration or to prevent tooth loss.

 Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, the Group currently employs more than 10,400 people worldwide. Its products, solutions and services are available in more than 100 countries through a broad network of distribution subsidiaries and partners.

 

The 2023 Version of - What I'm Thankful For...

 

I haven't done this for a few years, so I thought I'd get back in the swing of a post that lets all of you know what I am thankful for this year.  You know, life is funny sometimes.  We, as human beings are sort of programmed to look at things a bit negatively.  Not always horribly, mind you, but just not quite as positively as we probably could.

Now, maybe that's just my perception.  I'll gladly admit that.  However I do think it is because of our 24 hour news cycle that we tend to focus on the problems and not on the good.  So here's a brief list of what I'm thankful for...

• My best friend - she knows who she is
• The dolphin trainer
• The rocket scientist
• The artist
• My friends who are there to celebrate when things go great and who hold me up when things go bad
• Baseball, because the game is timeless and numbers are fascinating
• The office gang, because I couldn't do it without you
• My patients because your trust in me has made my dreams come true
• Z-Cat because of those soft paws and your effort to win me over no matter how much I claimed to be a "dog guy".
• God, because nothing exists without the almighty
• St. Michael because... well, because he is St. Michael
• Cool autumn evenings
• Santa because he lets me see the world through the eyes of children
• Tech because without tech, where would I be now?
• All of you, because you have given me an outlet for my creativity and a voice to help make things better...

Go spend time with ones you love.  Remember that love is one of the few commodities we can't run out of, so spend as much of it as you can!

The Best Orascoptic sale EVER!!!

You heard it here first!  If you order on November 27, which is Cyber Monday, and schedule a demo for December, my friends at Orascoptic are giving you $500 off!!!

You read that right.  A $500 discount will be applied to your order.  How cool is that?

The link doesn't work... yet.  

On Monday November 27 follow this link, schedule your demo, and get $500 off.  It is THAT simple!

I receive no compensation for this.  I just happen to love the brand and I know you will have a great experience with their magnification too.

ADA Survey Looks at Dentist Workload and Impact from Staffing Shortages

 

I have been a member of the ADA for a very long time now.  The simple reason is that I feel dentistry needs a unified voice.  When I started practice there weren't many large group practices and almost every dentist practiced in a small business kind of setting.  Due to that, it was difficult to get the messages and concerns of those singular to those who needed to hear it.  The ADA was the answer to that problem.

The ADA is involved in a lot of ways to make dentistry better and since the pandemic they have been doing a lot of surveys and number crunching to give America's dentists a better idea of where the profession is going and what it is going through.

The pandemic also created a workforce shortage.  Many team members left the profession during the Covid shutdown and a lot of them simply didn't return when things settled down.  Those impacts are *still* being felt in the industry.  To try and find out the impact, the ADA Health Policy Institute (HPI) has been doing a series of surveys.

There is some very important data in this most recent survey.  If you would like to review the entire workload impact information (which I strongly suggest), head on over the ADA website for all the details.

Admira Fusion BXL - VOCO Announces New Shades for the Admira Fusion Line of Composite

I've been a fan of VOCO products for a long time.  I use VisCalor, Grandio blocks (in my DGShape DWX-42W mill), and I also use Admira Fusion.  For those of you who aren't familiar with the Admira Fusion line, it is a composite that actually incorporates ceramic particles into the mix.  This gives the material incredible shade stability as well as allowing for phenomenal finishing and polishing.  It is very hard to stain a ceramic and that is why Admira Fusion looks so good for so long.  Now comes word from the smart minds at VOCO that they have added some new shades to Admira Fusion.

VOCO Expands Bleach Shade Offerings Within its All Ceramic-based Packable Nano-ORMOCER Restorative

Further enhancing the esthetics of its universal nano-ORMOCER material, VOCO has added to its bleach shade offerings with Admira Fusion BXL, bringing the total number of available shades for this material to 19. This new shade is available in both 0.2g caps and 3g syringes.

Admira Fusion is a universal nano-hybrid ORMOCER (Organically-Modified CERamic) restorative material that provides extremely low shrinkage (1.25%), immediate and long-term esthetics, easy handling, and superior biocompatibility, without any BPA or traditional monomers (BisGMA, UDMA, TEGDMA, UDMA or HEMA).

It is a universal restorative material, indicated for Class I to Class V restorations, composite inlays, core build-ups, and as a base for Class I and Class II cavities. It is the world's first all ceramic-based direct universal restorative material, and features Pure Silicate Technology, with fillers and matrix based purely on silicon oxide. This technology reduces shrinkage and shrinkage stress by up to 50% and features outstanding shade stability.

Admira Fusion is compatible with all conventional bonding agents, has a non-sticky consistency for easy handling, and offers a perfect balance of translucency and opacity for natural looking restorations. It is easy to polish to a high shine luster and has a high 84% fill rate for high wear resistance.

 

DMG to Launch Ecosite Elements Universal Composite

 

If you are planning on attending the Greater New York Dental Meeting later this month, make sure you go by the DMG booth to take a look at their new composite... Ecosite Elements.  Here is what the company has told me about it...

The new exceptionally esthetic and efficient composite system with maximum shade combinations and unbeatable handling 

DMG will formally unveil its new Ecosite Elements nanohybrid universal composite shade system at the Greater New York Dental Meeting, November 26-29, 2023. It will be available for dental professionals to purchase beginning November 1st, 2023. The company’s latest breakthrough can be used to master composite restorations, especially esthetically challenging cases. 

Ecosite Elements is the result of countless discussions and workshops with leading clinicians, coupled with innovative research conducted by DMG scientists. The nanohybrid composite is intended for dental professionals to deliver esthetically exceptional restorations, quickly and efficiently. 

Dr. Scott Chanin, one of the material system’s original evaluators, states “There’s a wide range of flexibility with this Ecosite Elements that allows you to obtain an ideal result easily. Everything you need in one system.” 

The keys to Ecosite Elements’ unique capabilities are as follows: 

• Amazingly compact to simplify your life o The Ecosite Elements line’s compact range of shades across three modules (Pure, Layer and Highlight) represents a much more manageable selection than some other competitors’ systems may require, which means significant reductions in storage and inventory expense. Packaged in ergonomically optimized dispensers the shades provide all the options needed for dentin or enamel replacement, layering, individualization and covering discolorations, with simple and accurate shade matching. 
• NC1 (non-clustering) technology for perfect polishability and esthetics o Ecosite Elements’ state-of-the-art mechanical values are perfectly suited for the anterior and posterior regions. With the precise silanization of individual ultrafine filler elements enabling exceptionally homogeneous distribution, its NC1 technology delivers optimum working characteristics and polishability and esthetic results. 
• Push-and-Flow restorative technique makes handling a dream o The NC1 technology makes the novel Push-and-Flow technique possible, enabling the material to adjust to each situation. The initially firm consistency quickly becomes noticeably softer during sculpting, allowing the material to be securely adapted to the cavity walls and eliminating bubbles or cracks. With perfectly accurate anatomical details, the finals restoration look lifelike. 

“Even in anterior cases, the restoration looks incredibly real,” Dr. Alan Pressman said. “The base VITA shade matches the opacity or translucency of the tooth next to it, and then you can cover that with the next shade module. If you are trying to match a veneer on tooth No. 8 with tooth No. 9 and there is some imperfection on the enamel, you can't tell the difference.” 

Ecosite Elements is the latest addition of innovative composite offerings from DMG, which include such industry-leading, award-winning materials as Luxatemp bis-acrylic provisional material and LuxaCore Z Dual core build-up and post cementation composite. 

The new composite can also be used in concert with other advanced materials in the Ecosite family, including Ecosite Bulk Fill and Ecosite Bond. 

Demonstrations and complimentary samples of Ecosite Elements will be available at the DMG booth #2822 during the Greater New York Dental Meeting on November 26-29, 2023, that will be held at the Jacob Javitz convention center in New York City. 

For more information about DMG, please visit https://www.dmg-america.com/. 

About DMG 

DMG manufactures and distributes a full range of market-leading dental materials and equipment that are internationally recognized for their quality and innovation. Known for its breakthrough dental technology – including flagship products like Luxatemp® and LuxaCore® Z Dual, the revolutionary Icon® resin infiltrant, LuxaCrown® long-term crown and bridge material, and new additions such as Ecosite Elements universal composite and DentaMile® 3D printing solution, complete with software, hardware and resins – DMG is committed to helping provide holistic solutions and streamlined workflows for dental and lab professionals to meet their needs through innovation, collaboration, and dedication. For more information about DMG products, or to find a sales representative, please visit online at www.dmgamerica.com, or call 800-662-6383.

Want Your Own QR Code? - Try QR Code Talker

 

Back in the early days of the commercial Internet, I stumbled across a website called Karen's Power Tools.  It turns out that there was a very talented computer code writer who's name was Karen Kenworthy.  This was back in the days when most of us were still connecting to the Internet via dial-up.

Back then, technology was primitive and the online world was a bit like the wild west.  However, a lot of the first people to get online were people that wanted to make the world a better place and they fostered a spirit of giving, often helping each other for free with tech problems or writing a short program someone might need.

I never met Karen, but I began using her programs.  They weren't glamorous, but they performed exactly as they were designed and I loved them!!!  One of the Power Tools was called "Karen's Replicator" and it was the easiest to use and implement replicator backup software that I had ever seen.  I am still using it to backup my Windows systems.  I began talking about Karen's Replicator in the lectures I was doing on "paperless offices" and I would always advise folks to download and use it.

The most amazing part of all of these programs?  Karen had a big heart and was generously giving them away for FREE.  She asked for donations if the user could afford them, but it wasn't necessary.  Needless to say, I always encouraged doctors to send some money to Karen.  Anyone who is willing to do nice things for people and expect nothing in return, deserves to be rewarded.  I placed an order for the Power Tools CD and was thrilled when it arrived in a small padded envelope via US Mail.

Sadly, Karen passed away on April 12, 2011.  I'd never met her, but I was sad nonetheless.  She had a "Power Tools Newsletter" that I subscribed to and over the years , I got a feeling for the type of person Karen was.  She was a truly giving person and I felt the world had lost a 'good soul' when she passed.  However, in her memory he family and friends continued to keep her website www.karenware.com up and running.  That means that everyone can still access all of the programs that Karen had made available for download.  I still *highly* recommend Karen's Replicator!  Those friends have even worked to provide updates to the original code.

I thought keeping her site up and running was a fitting memorial... that Karen continued to give to others even though she was gone from this world.  

I am still subscribed to the newsletter and every once in a while I receive an update.  The site is now run by her friend Joe and he sends things out occasionally.  Recently I got a newsletter that announced that for the first time since her passing, the site now has a new program.  It's called QR Code Talker and Joe wrote it and is following in Karen's footsteps to provide it for free downloads.  

If you are in need of an easy way to create your very own QR code, give Joe's new program a try.  It's a great way to carry on the memory and the work of a very giving lady.  Karen Kenworthy may be gone, but she left a legacy of free software for the rest of us.  Thanks, Karen!

Join Me on Thursday for a Webinar "Endodontic Advancements for the General Practitioner"

Just so no one things I've "slipped a cog on the reality wheel", I realize that today's post is a repeat of the one I made Thursday.  It's just that I *really* want to make sure people see this announcement.  Join me Thursday November 16th!!!

Repeat, repeat, repeat!!!

___________________________________________________________________________________

Thursday November 16th, I'd be honored if you'd join me to learn about new and exciting ways to make endodontic procedures easier and more predictable.

I recently gave a version of this lecture at the IAPA meeting in Las Vegas and I had a blast doing it.  There are *lots* of new technologies and tools that are changing dentistry for the better.  Many of those tools and tech can enable the GP to make better diagnoses and provide better care... especially in the realm of endodontics.

The good folks at Medidenta are allowing me to give this 1 CE course at no charge to all of you and I am very excited to see what you all think of it.  As Technology Editor and Chief Dental Editor of Dental Products Report, I get to see a lot of pretty impressive developments in the profession and this webinar will give me a chance to get that info to you.

Please follow this link to register.  We're going to have some fun and I *know* you will walk away from this with info that you will be able to use to change your practice for the better!

Join Me on Thursday November 16th for "Endodontic Advancements for the General Practitioner"

 

Next Thursday November 16th, I'd be honored if you'd join me to learn about new and exciting ways to make endodontic procedures easier and more predictable.

I recently gave a version of this lecture at the IAPA meeting in Las Vegas and I had a blast doing it.  There are *lots* of new technologies and tools that are changing dentistry for the better.  Many of those tools and tech can enable the GP to make better diagnoses and provide better care... especially in the realm of endodontics.

The good folks at Medidenta are allowing me to give this 1 CE course at no charge to all of you and I am very excited to see what you all think of it.  As Technology Editor and Chief Dental Editor of Dental Products Report, I get to see a lot of pretty impressive developments in the profession and this webinar will give me a chance to get that info to you.

Please follow this link to register.  We're going to have some fun and I *know* you will walk away from this with info that you will be able to use to change your practice for the better!

onDiem Launches PPO Health Insurance for Temp Dental Workers to Improve Hiring, Retention, and Production for Dental Practices

As one of the Chief Development Officers at Cellerant Consulting, I have to opportunity to see and work with some pretty amazing ideas and devices.  One of the companies that we work with, is onDiem.

onDiem is a national on-demand staffing platform that connects dental practices with verified dental hygienists, dental assistants, and front office professionals for temp and permanent staffing opportunities.

onDiem is transforming the dental industry by making it easier and more efficient for practices to find the staff they need, and for dental professionals to find the work that works for them. With onDiem, dental practices can post open shifts and instantly connect with qualified candidates, and dental professionals can browse and apply for shifts at their convenience.

onDiem offers a number of benefits to both dental practices and dental professionals, including:

For dental practices:

• Access to a large pool of qualified dental professionals
• The ability to post open shifts and instantly connect with candidates
• A streamlined hiring process
• Reduced staffing costs

For dental professionals:

• The ability to choose where and when they work
• The security of being a W-2 employee
• Affordable health care benefits
• Malpractice insurance
• Workers' comp insurance
• Employer-paid taxes

onDiem is committed to providing the best possible experience for both dental practices and dental professionals. The company is constantly innovating and adding new features to its platform, and it is dedicated to making the dental industry a better place for everyone.  Now onDiem is announcing a PPO health insurance plan for their workforce.  The press release below has all the details...

 

onDiem is now the first nationally-available dental staffing platform to provide temp dental workers with a comprehensive PPO health insurance plan in partnership with UnitedHealthcare®. This development comes in the midst of a severe labor shortage in dentistry—as the company’s effort to help practices better retain top talent and build more responsive and flexible dental teams. 

PORTLAND, ORE., November 6, 2023 — onDiem, the country’s first fully W-2 compliant and nationally-available dental staffing platform, will now also be the first to offer a PPO health insurance plan for temp dental workers. onDiem’s latest launch, in partnership with UnitedHealthcare®, is part of the company’s larger strategy to drastically improve hiring, recruitment, and production for dental practices and DSOs in the midst of a serious dental staffing shortage. 

According to a study by the Health Policy Institute, American Dental Hygienists Association, and the Dental Assisting National Board, 32.6% of dental hygienists and 29.8% of dental assistants who voluntarily left the field cited “inadequate benefits” as the reason for their departure. “The research is clear. When temp dental workers feel adequately cared for, they are more likely to become reliable, dependable, and invaluable team members for practices and DSOs across the country,” affirmed Joe Fogg, Founder & CEO of onDiem. “I'm thrilled that onDiem is the first dental staffing company to provide healthcare access, because it's simply the right thing to do. It also opens the door to a larger question and conversation: How can practices think of ‘temp staffing’ more strategically?”

onDiem’s healthcare offering is part of the platform’s unique approach to staffing: Improve hiring, retention, and production by transforming temporary staffing into complementary staffing. “Our dental practices and DSOs have seen tremendous upticks in production, just by choosing to see ‘temps’ as more than just occasional fillers for empty seats,” said Fogg. “We encourage our practices to see all the possibilities. How much additional revenue can you realize when you strategically leverage your temps—your complementary workers, we like to say—to open on evenings and weekends? What growth is possible when you maximize production through a properly ‘blended’ staff of both complementary and permanent employees?” 

In addition to healthcare, dental professionals who book jobs through onDiem already enjoy a suite of unique benefits including malpractice insurance and workers’ comp insurance. Professionals automatically earn up to $250 in Care Benefits (which cover health- and wellness-related expenses) and one hour of PTO per 24 hours worked, which can be applied toward healthcare to bring premiums down to as low as $112 per month. onDiem will also continue to provide their ACA-compliant fixed indemnity plan through Essential StaffCARE, which provides coverage for day-to-day medical expenses. 

To learn more about how onDiem serves the dental practice and DSO community, please visit their website or contact Beth Deutsche, COO, at beth.deutsche@ondiem.com.   

About onDiem

Headquartered in Portland, Oregon, onDiem’s dental staffing platform connects dental practices with dentists, hygienists, dental assistants and front office personnel for temporary and permanent staffing opportunities. As the first dental staffing platform to be W-2 compliant nationwide, onDiem provides dental professionals with not only flexible work, but also legal protections and benefits—including but not limited to health benefits, paid time off, and employer-paid taxes. For practices and DSOs, onDiem eliminates the burden of staffing compliance and provides innovative hiring and recruitment strategies—so that dental organizations and businesses can focus on maximizing quality of care, production, and revenue. Today, the platform serves over 34,000 dental professionals and over 13,000 dental practices nationwide. 

Contact:

Beth Deutsche, onDiem

beth.deutsche@ondiem.com 

Vista Apex Announces Black Friday and Cyber Monday Deals!

 

I've been a big fan of Vista Apex for a while now.  They make good products and they sell them for a fair. price, what's not to like?  Add to that the fact that they have some great people there and I am glad to tell my peers about them.

Also, some of their products are created in a working relationship with Dr. John Kanca who has made some incredible discoveries and created some incredible products.

So I'm excited to help bring awareness to the Vista Apex Black Friday sale.  The company has set up a web page that allows you to register ahead of time.  That way, when the sale starts you don't have to remember anything.  The company will drop you an email that is delivered straight to your Inbox.

The sale runs from November 20 to November 30.  

Join me on Wednesday November 8th, for The Straight Scoop - Exceeding Expectations with In-Office Milling

 

This Wednesday, November 8th, I'll be provideing some FREE continuing education on the VivaLearning website.  It's brought to you courtesy of Roland DGShape, the makers of the DWX-42W mill that we are using in my office.

We have been milling restorations with this mill for almost 18 months now and it has changed so many things we do for the better!  If you are considering an in-office mill, I think you'll be interested in what I'm going to cover.  AND if you are even remotely considering bringing some of your restoration fabrication in-house, there will be plenty of info for you too!

I've been working with digital impressions and CAD/CAM restorations for more than half my career and I am loving the advances in the technology.

Here's a bit of what I'll cover:

Course Description

In-Office milling is an amazing service to offer your patients and it just keeps getting better!  Not only can you now ‘wow’ your patients with incredible ;same day’ or ‘just in time’ dentistry, you can also create restorations with remarkable aesthetics and remarkable strength.

Utilizing a DG Shape mill and cutting edge materials can allow you to create stunning restorations with the same strength and aesthetics you expert from restorations fabricated by a dental laboratory.  

Learn how to create a ‘wow’ experience for your patients with no staining, no glazing, and no stress through the benefits of digital impressions, custom in-office design, and in-office milling utilizing state of the art equipment from DG Shape.

Learning Objectives

1 Learn prepping techniques and tissue management options

2 Lear advantages and techniques of in-office same day crown delivery

3 Learn about new restorative materials that eliminate staining and glazing while providing uncompromising strength & outstanding aesthetics

I hope many of you can make it.  The folks at Roland DGA are providing this to you *free of charge* so you can pick up one hour of CE while learning about some of the latest advances in the field.

Curaprox Pink Limited Edition Sale: Get a Great Deal on a Great Toothbrush

 

Curaprox is known for making some of the best toothbrushes on the market, and their CS 5460 toothbrush is no exception. It features 5,460 ultra-soft Curen® filaments that are incredibly gentle on gums and teeth, yet tough on plaque.

For a limited time, Curaprox is offering a special sale on their Pink Limited Edition CS 5460 toothbrush. This six-pack of toothbrushes is available for a discounted price, and the best part is that 25% of each sale goes to the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

If you're looking for a new toothbrush that will give you a deep clean without irritating your gums, the Curaprox Pink Limited Edition CS 5460 toothbrush is a great option. And since you'll be supporting a worthy cause at the same time, it's a win-win.

Here are some of the benefits of using a Curaprox CS 5460 toothbrush:

• Ultra-soft Curen® filaments are gentle on gums and teeth, yet tough on plaque.

• Densely packed bristles provide a deep clean.

• Ergonomic handle makes brushing comfortable and easy.

• Available in a variety of colors, including the limited-edition pink.

How to get the most out of your Curaprox toothbrush:

• Use a gentle brushing technique. Let the bristles do the work, don't scrub.

• Brush for two minutes, twice a day.

• Be sure to brush all surfaces of your teeth, including the backs and chewing surfaces.

• Replace your toothbrush every three months, or sooner if the bristles are frayed or damaged.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to get a great deal on a great toothbrush. Shop the Curaprox Pink Limited Edition CS 5460 toothbrush sale today!

Weave Introduces AI-Driven Voicemail Transcriptions for Healthcare Providers

 

Weave (NYSE: WEAV), a leading all-in-one experience platform for small and medium-sized healthcare practices, today announces the addition of AI-driven voicemail transcriptions to its platform.

Now available to Weave’s 27,000+ customers, Voicemail Transcription automatically transcribes voicemails from patients allowing for efficient, visible, and private reading experiences. With this update, users will now see the voicemail transcription when they click on the Voicemail tab within their Desktop Application or within the mobile app, improving overall user experience by making it faster to consume messages without having to listen to the audio, which can often be difficult in busy settings.

“AI has exploded in popularity over the past year, and we’re taking steps to ensure Weave is delivering state of the art offerings that empower our customers to enhance patient experiences and deliver top of the line care,” said Branden Neish, Chief Product and Technology Officer at Weave. “AI will only continue to grow in popularity and daily use, which will have a transformative impact on the future of the healthcare industry. Weave customers that have already implemented AI into their practices claim they save an average of an hour a day with the technology.”

In a new customer and consumer report conducted by Weave, the company found that patients are accepting of AI in healthcare settings and they see it leading to enhanced care and patient experiences. In fact, the majority of consumers (65%) are open to providers using AI tools in their practices. The report also found that consumers and providers are aligned with how they think AI will impact the healthcare industry, with two in three consumers (67%) and 3 in 4 (75%) healthcare providers believing that AI is likely to become a prevalent tool in healthcare.

“Artificial Intelligence is the catalyst for a new era in healthcare.” says Dr. Matt Nejad, DDS of Beverly Hills, CA. “Weave’s AI-enabled voicemail transcripts are a leap in this direction, providing automation and actionable insights that empower providers to focus on what truly matters: patient care.”

This announcement follows months of AI-driven activity from Weave to enhance features that allow healthcare providers to deliver quality care and improve patient experiences, including Email Assistant and Response Assistant. To learn more about Weave Voicemail Transcriptions and Phones, go to: https://www.getweave.com/weave-phones/ 

About Weave

Weave is a leading all-in-one customer experience platform for small- and medium-sized healthcare businesses. From the first phone call to the final invoice and every touchpoint in between, Weave connects the entire customer journey. Weave’s software solutions transform how local businesses attract, communicate with and engage customers to grow their business. In the past year, Weave has been named a G2 leader in Patient Engagement, Optometry, Dental Practice Management and Patient Relationship Management software. To learn more, visit getweave.com/newsroom/

Update on Henry Schein Data Breach

 

For those of you not in the dental field, Henry Schein, Inc is the largest dental supply company in the world.  They have multiple divisions that provide supplies, support, and equipment to the medical, veterinary, and dental industries.  They not only sell supplies, but manufacture some as well.  The company is a huge presence in the dental industry and has branches all across the US and the world.

A couple of weeks ago (Saturday October 14th to be precise), the IT team at Henry Schein noticed someting usual in their digital systems dealing with manufacturing and distribution.  Detecting these anomalies, the systems were shut down and taken offline.  Since that time, the company has been at work trying to rectify the situation, understand what happened, and get everything back up and running.  As you can well imagine, something like this has been incredibly disruptive to the company.  

In addition to selling physical goods and repair services, Henry Schein also has many electronic goods and services that they provide to clients.  Schein owns and operates the largest dental practice management software system on the planet, having purchased the company called Dentrix in the early 2000s.  Since that time they have also purchased several other PMS companies.  In addition to the software companies, Schein also offers many "add-on" pieces such as credit card billing, insurance claims submission, and patient communication platforms that interface with the PMS side.  Basically their are massive numbers of dental offices that depend on Henry Schein in myriad ways to keep them up and running as well as providing them means of billing.  So, not only do practices depend on Henry Schein for their supplies they also depend on them to keep their cash flows steady.

For those doctors who are reading this in hope of finding out more about those business services your office may be dependent on, let me tell you that according to the company "Henry Schein has determined that the practice management software used by its clients has not been disrupted."

Schein is working relentlessly to get things fixed and back to working order as soon as humanly possible. 

I also want to state that I have been at many Schein sponsored technology summits over the years.  These are events the company sponsors where we meet with them, learn about new things they are implementing, and offer suggestions on product enhancements or new products.

In the not too distant past Schein spent about a 1/2 day of one of these summits to showcase their focus on digital security.  They brought in some of their digital security experts who walked us through the different ways they protected their data as well as providing the work history and qualifications of these experts.  I was impressed.  The team was loaded with folks who had incredibly amazing schooling and work histories.  Many had worked with 3 letter government agencies.  I came out of that meeting with a high regard for Schein's focus on security.  I remember thinking that even though NO system is 100% "hack-proof", I felt that Schein was doing about as much as possible to lock things down on their end.

I mention that here because I'm sure that there are customers reading this and I want to make sure those affected understand that Schein is doing everything they can to fix this.  I also want to emphasize how important maintaining security is.  Schein is a huge company with a name and a bank account that most likely was very interesting to the criminals involved.  They would be an understandable target.  While a small dental office would not be a target as lucrative as Schein, it's a target nonetheless.  Make sure you do all you can to prevent cyber related incidents.

The other point I want to emphasize is that I feel Henry Schein has been *very* transparent throughout this incident.  It seems that the *normal* protocol for companies hit with a cybersecurity incident is to delay and diffuse until the storm from the media has passed.  While that is probably good for the company's PR side, it is not good from the side of those users affected or potentially affected by having the data at risk.  Around April-May of 2022 the ADA was hit with a breach and it was almost impossible to get information from them regarding the incident.

I have been impressed with the transparency Schein has shown throughout this incident.

As I write this, the main Schein site for ordering is *still* offline with a popup window that offers suggestions on how to still order until they have things back together.  The team at Dental Products Report has an article that discusses the current situation as well as an update on things to this point.  You can read that article here.  

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DMG Launches NEW DentaMile Desk MC System

 

Plug-and-play system is designed to let dental professionals embrace digital dentistry effortlessly 

Ridgefield Park, New Jersey – October 18, 2023 DMG introduces the DentaMile Desk MC system, a complete and validated solution tailored for dental practices and small dental laboratories venturing into the world of dental 3D printing. This all-in-one system comprises a 3D printer, a washing unit, and a curing unit, creating a seamlessly integrated trio. 

The DentaMile Desk MC system delivers impressive performance and high precision in a convenient compact size. Seamlessly integrated with plug-and-play technology, the system ensures effortless coordination and immediate usability. 

The first component of the DentaMile Desk MC system is the DentaMile Desk MC-5 DLP printer. Its compact shape fits anywhere, yet it offers a spacious 5” x 3” x 3.5 build platform area for the simultaneous production of multiple devices. This user-friendly printer is compatible with all standard dental CAD programs (STL files). 

Additionally, the DentaMile Wash MC unit provides fast and fully automatic cleaning of the 3D-printed devices via highly efficient preset programs and its generously-sized cleaning container. Its magnetic mixer and removable basket ensure a thorough isopropyl alcohol cleaning of both devices. 

Lastly, the DentaMile Cure MC, is also designed with compactness and user-friendliness in mind. This curing unit’s Omni 360° technology – an advanced ultraviolet LED arrangement – ensures uniform curing of 3D-printed devices. The dual-frequency technology, featuring two wavelengths, adequately cures a variety of resins. 

The DentaMile Desk MC system can be used with DMG’s LuxaPrint suite of light-curing 3D printing resins and with DentaMile connect, the Company’s cloud-based design software with easy step-by-step guided workflows and an algorithm that automatically nests and slices print jobs. The DentaMile Desk MC system also comes with DentaMile CAM MC nesting and slicing software to prepare files for 3D printing. 

For more information about DMG, please visit https://www.dmg-america.com/. 

PreXion Launches New X-Ray Sensor Along With 3-in-1 Imaging System

 

PreXion Launches New X-Ray Sensor Along With 3-in-1 Imaging System

PreXion, Inc., a leading provider of dental imaging solutions, has announced the launch of two new products: the Evolve Sensor intraoral dental digital imaging sensor and the PreXion3D Evolve CBCT, PAN and CEPH. These new products expand PreXion's dental imaging portfolio and offer clinicians advanced features and capabilities to improve patient care.

Evolve Sensor

The Evolve Sensor is a high-definition intraoral digital imaging sensor that provides clinicians with the precision they need for accurate and safer diagnoses. The sensor is fully compatible with all x-ray equipment available on the market and features user-friendly software designed to provide a smooth transition to digital imaging.

PreXion3D Evolve CBCT, PAN and CEPH

The PreXion3D Evolve CBCT, PAN and CEPH is a 3-in-1 imaging system that provides clinicians with a complete dental imaging solution in a single product. The system combines cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), panoramic (PAN) and cephalometric (CEPH) imaging into a single unit, providing clinicians with the ability to capture all of the necessary images for diagnosis and treatment planning in a single session.

The PreXion3D Evolve features a number of advanced features, including:

• High-resolution imaging

• Low radiation dose

• A fast scan time

• A user-friendly interface

• A comprehensive software package

Benefits for Clinicians

The Evolve Sensor and PreXion3D Evolve offer clinicians a number of benefits, including:

• Improved image quality: Both products produce high-resolution images that provide clinicians with a clear and detailed view of the patient's dentition.

• Increased efficiency: The Evolve Sensor's fast scan time and the PreXion3D Evolve's ability to capture all of the necessary images in a single session can help clinicians to streamline their workflows and improve patient throughput.

• Reduced radiation exposure: Both products use low-dose radiation technology to minimize the patient's exposure to radiation.

• Enhanced patient care: The Evolve Sensor and PreXion3D Evolve can help clinicians to provide more accurate and comprehensive diagnoses and treatment plans, leading to better patient outcomes.

The Evolve Sensor and PreXion3D Evolve are significant additions to PreXion's dental imaging portfolio. These new products offer clinicians advanced features and capabilities to improve patient care.

REMastered Sleep Aims to Disrupt Sleep Industry with Preventative Airway Health Device for Children

 

REMplenish JrTMMyo-Nozzle is designed to help children establish an optimal foundation of airway health by strengthening their airways to improve breathing and sleep 

Minnesota-based REMastered Sleep is launching its newest product aimed at helping children ages three to nine years old breathe and sleep better. The REMplenish JrTM Myo-Nozzle is a smaller version of the popular REMplenish Myo-Nozzle designed especially for children to strengthen their 

REMplenish Jr Myo-Nozzle is a small drinking device that comes incorporated into a water bottle or can attach to a straw. The REMplenish Jr requires the user to push their tongue up rather than sucking in with their cheeks to get the water flowing. This unique mechanism provides targeted exercise repetitions effectively strengthening the tongue and airway muscles. 

”There is an airway health epidemic, with over 1 billion people suffering from sleep-related breathing disorders. Our modern soft food diets have resulted in smaller and weaker airways impacting our ability to breathe and sleep,” Anders Olmanson, CEO of REMastered Sleep said. “By providing this simple solution, we can change the trajectory of a child's airway health for a lifetime of better breathing and sleep.” 

Healthcare professionals have been using the REMplenish Jr Myo-Nozzle and have reported meaningful results. “I have seen great improvement in my younger patients who use REMplenish Jr. You can see the difference in their facial structures, the way they swallow and their tongue posture,” Karindy Ong, a speech language pathologist in Texas said. “I can’t wait to see how it can help more kids improve their growth and development, airway, and sleep.” 

REMplenish Jr is available now. Visit remasteredsleep.com to place your order, see a video about how it works or find more information.   

About REMastered Sleep: 

Minnesota-based REMastered Sleep is on a mission to eliminate preventable airway health issues. Their journey began in 2020 with an idea to help the estimated 1 billion people suffering from sleep-disordered breathing with REMplenish targeting snoring and sleep. Inspired by a didgeridoo study and backed by myofunctional therapy research, the patented REMplenish Myo-Nozzle was created. By now targeting issues in early childhood, the potential to prevent future generations from sleep and breathing disorders is within reach. Learn more at remasteredsleep.com. 

Henry Schein Suffers CyberSecurity Incident

 

This past Saturday, October 14, 2023 Henry Schein suffered a cybersecurity incident.  I want to give credit to the company for coming forward immediately to let customers and the industry know about the incident.

Usually a company waits months before letting anyone know, but Schein has made this announcement quickly and honestly.  Good for them!  While no company ever wants to have something like this happen, I'm proud of HS for being rapidly truthful about the situation.

Here is their official statement:

This email is to inform you of an important operational matter. Please note that this is an operational email and is not a marketing message, therefore, it is going to those that are opted in, and to those that have previously opted-out. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation. 

Throughout our more than 90-year history, Henry Schein has been committed to serving your needs as a valued partner. We regret to inform you that on Saturday, October 14, we determined that a portion of our manufacturing and distribution businesses experienced a cybersecurity incident. Henry Schein promptly took precautionary action, including taking certain systems offline and other steps intended to contain the situation. 

We have engaged outside cybersecurity and forensic information technology experts to help investigate any data impact and respond to this situation. Henry Schein also has notified relevant law enforcement authorities. 

The precautionary action to take down certain systems has led to temporary disruption of some of Henry Schein’s business operations, and we are working to resolve the issue as soon as possible so that we can continue to provide the service you have come to expect. 

We have determined that the Henry Schein One practice management software used by our clients has not been disrupted. Other Henry Schein businesses are also unaffected, and these businesses will communicate separately with customers. 

If you have an urgent question about an order or any other additional inquiries, please call your Field Sales Consultant, email us at custserv@henryschein.com, or call us at 1-800-372-4346. 

The Henry Schein Service Department and Installation teams remain fully operational during this period. We are steadfastly committed to supporting your office needs. Kindly bear with us if you experience any interruptions or delays when reaching out to our dispatch hub due to higher-than-normal call volume. We appreciate your understanding. 

We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience this incident may have on your business. We will provide updates when additional information becomes available and, as always, we thank you for your support.