Second Patient Dies from CDC-identified Outbreak of TB Cases Linked to Viable Bone Matrix

 

Second Patient Dies from CDC-Identified Outbreak of TB Cases Linked to Viable Bone Matrix

In this post, the first point I want to make is that this entire subject is very, very rare.  As a matter of fact in all of my years in clinical practice, I cannot remember something like this happening before.  This is not something which occurs with any regularity.  Bone grafts are performed thousands of times a day in the United States.  The are not only done in dentistry but in other surgical procedures such as joint replacement surgery performed by orthopedic surgeons.  

The tainted grafting material has been tracked back and linked to a single product lot that has been used in both medical as well as dental procedures.  The company is Asiyo Biologics and their product: FiberCel Fiber Viable Bone Matrix.  The company issued a voluntary recall notice on July 13, 2023 and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has been alerting health care providers in the United States.

The ADA News states:

Shipments of this product lot were sent to 13 facilities in seven states — California, Louisiana, Michigan, New York, Oregon, Texas, and Virginia — between Feb. 27 and June 20. A total of 36 people had medical or dental procedures using product from this lot, according to a CDC news release.

Now that I have established the facts of how rare this is, here is the post...

The American Dental Association (ADA) has reported that a second patient has died from a tuberculosis (TB) infection that is linked to viable bone matrix (VBM). VBM is a type of bone graft material that is made from donated human bone.

The first patient to die from the outbreak was a 67-year-old woman who had received VBM surgery in 2022. The second patient to die was a 72-year-old man who had also received VBM surgery in 2022.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified 11 cases of TB infection that are linked to VBM. The cases have been reported in six states: California, Florida, Illinois, Michigan, New York, and Texas.

The CDC is warning dentists and other healthcare providers to be aware of the potential risks of TB infection associated with VBM. The CDC is also recommending that patients who have received VBM surgery be tested for TB.

If you have received VBM surgery, it is important to talk to your doctor about the risks of TB infection. You should also be tested for TB. If you are diagnosed with TB, you will need to be treated with antibiotics.

The ADA is working with the CDC to investigate the outbreak of TB cases linked to VBM. The ADA is also providing information and resources to dentists and other healthcare providers about the risks of TB infection associated with VBM.

If you have any questions or concerns about VBM, please talk to your doctor or dentist.

Here are some additional things to keep in mind:

• The risk of TB infection from VBM is very low. However, it is important to be aware of the potential risks.

• If you have received VBM surgery, you should be tested for TB.

• If you are diagnosed with TB, you will need to be treated with antibiotics.

• The ADA and the CDC are working together to investigate the outbreak of TB cases linked to VBM.

This is the link to the story from the ADA News.  

The CDC News Release is linked here.  

Specialty1 Partners Endorses Synchrony's CareCredit Credit Card as the Premier Patient Financing Solution for Dental Surgery Procedures

 

Partnership offers customized financing options to the dental organization’s practices and patients for specialty dental care 

2023 – Synchrony (NYSE: SYF), a leading consumer financing company, and Specialty1 Partners, the market leader in specialty dental practice support services, today announced a five-year partnership, making Synchrony’s CareCredit health and wellness credit card the premier financing solution for the network of more than 225 endodontic, periodontic and oral surgery offices nationwide which are supported by Specialty1 Partners.  

 "Often times, the patients who end up at specialty oral health providers didn’t anticipate needing that care. When a routine trip to the dentist also turns into an unexpected trip to a specialist for a root canal or other procedure, CareCredit can help,” said Bete Johnson, SVP and GM, Dental Synchrony. "Unexpected costs should never be a barrier to accessing dental care. One of our biggest value adds is our network of general dentists and revolving line of credit that gives patients a payment option they can use at both their general dentist and specialist. Our partnership with Specialty1 means that more patients will now have options to pay for the treatment plan the specialist recommends.” 

 This partnership is central to Specialty1 Partners’ doctor-founded, doctor-led vision of helping dental surgical practices optimize their operations and elevate patient care. CareCredit will offer the practices supported by Specialty1 Partners with payment education and training, comprehensive financing options and resources to have confident and successful cost-based conversations with patients and financial solutions to help manage their out-of-pocket dental costs. 

 “Specialty1 Partners’ rapid growth is based on our success in heightening providers abilities to care for their patients by easing the burden of administrative tasks so that the patients’ needs can be their number one priority,” said Nate Mote, COO, Specialty1 Partners. “By integrating Synchrony’s financial tools and introducing CareCredit, we will help alleviate the stress surrounding financial matters for both providers and their patients.” 

CareCredit is endorsed by several of the largest dental associations, including the American Dental Association (ADA), the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) and the American Association of Dental Office Management (AADOM). CareCredit is integrated in more than 80% of all dental practice management software solutions, making it easy for dental teams to accept and for patients to apply.  For providers, payments made using CareCredit are reimbursed in two business days, and CareCredit handles the collection and payment process on their behalf, easing administrative workflows.   

 Patients looking for a modern, flexible way to pay for dental care can apply for the CareCredit health and wellness credit card in a dental practice, online, on any smart device, or over the phone. A credit decision is made within minutes and if approved, patients can use their account to pay for dental treatments and services right away. CareCredit has a wide range of financing options available on qualifying purchases, from 6 to 60 months, for treatment sizes small to large. Additionally, patients can use the Provider Locator to locate a specialist near them.   

 About Specialty1 Partners 

Specialty1 Partners dba for Endo1 Partners Holdings, LLC provides comprehensive business and operational support services to its endodontic, oral surgery, and periodontic practices. The company partners with best-in-class dental surgical specialists nationally and supports them, so they can spend more time providing high-quality dental care to their patients. For more information, visit www.Specialty1Partners.com. 

 About Synchrony 

Synchrony (NYSE: SYF) is a premier consumer financial services company delivering one of the industry’s most complete digitally enabled product suites. Our experience, expertise and scale encompass a broad spectrum of industries including digital, health and wellness, retail, telecommunications, home, auto, outdoor, pet and more. We have an established and diverse group of national and regional retailers, local merchants, manufacturers, buying groups, industry associations and healthcare service providers, which we refer to as our “partners.”  We connect our partners and consumers through our dynamic financial ecosystem and provide them with a diverse set of financing solutions and innovative digital capabilities to address their specific needs and deliver seamless, omnichannel experiences. We offer  the right financing products to customers in their channel of choice. For more information, visit www.synchrony.com and

 Twitter: @Synchrony

 

 

DGShape Allows Us to Exceed Patient Expectations

 

Running a practice can be hard... especially in today's environment.  A practice owner has to wear a lot of hats and shift gears constantly to keep up with both their professional skills as well as their business skills.

There are lots of factors to take into consideration.  Concerns about the economy can make things difficult and when you add in that dentistry is looking at higher costs since the pandemic, it can definitely be difficult to keep the schedule full as well as be able to budget for things such as salary increases, continuing education, retirement, and new equipment.

Of course, the lifeblood of any business is to ensure that there is a steady stream of new clients while also ensuring that existing clients receiving outstanding service.   I really dislike talking or even thinking about healthcare (especially dentistry) as a business, but it's an unfortunate fact of life.  As I have said many times in my career, you be the best clinician with the best skills in the world, but if you do not operate your practice at a profit,  you will not survive and consequently will not be able to help many people.  I feel that in healthcare profit should be far down on the list of priorities, however it *does* need to be there.  The difference to me is that money should NOT be the motivating factor.  If you provide good care and treat people properly, the money will follow.

For me, one of the things that I have always loved about practicing dentistry is that we get to spend quite a bit of time with our patients and that allows us to form amazing bonds with them.  I have many folks who have been with me since I opened the doors and I am incredibly honored to say that.

I bring that up because those bonds are one of the things that brings more patients into a practice.  When people build bonds with an office, that increases satisfaction and referrals.  However, some offices feel they need to spend a lot of money on external marketing.  Instead, in my practice over the last couple of decades, we have preferred to invest in technology and let the technology and our relationships perform our marketing.  We care about our patients *and* we care enough to invest in the best tech to take care of them.  Our relationships with patients let us tell them about our tech and to explain *why* we feel the tech helps us to provide great care for them.

We had a recent situation that worked just like that.  A patient was diagnosed with the need for a crown.  However just that day they had learned that work was changing healthcare coverage and the patient would be losing dental coverage.  The plan pays for crowns on the cement date not on the prep date.

"Is there any way we could get this done before August 31st?" came the nervous question.

We were only too happy to reply, :"Yes, we have the ability to do that!"  We could answer in the affirmative because of our DGShape mill.  The DWX-42W allows us to perform same day or next day dentistry.

The patient left thrilled.  You can count on the fact that co-workers, family, and friends heard that story as well.   The technology markets itself, which is just one more good reason to check out what DGShape can do for your office!

NSK Acquires DCI to Strengthen its Dental Footprint in the US

 

NSK, the world's largest manufacturer of rotary instruments for the dental profession, has acquired DCI International, the second-largest dental chair manufacturer in the US. The acquisition, which was announced on August 21, 2023, is expected to close on August 31, 2023.

The acquisition will give NSK a stronger foothold in the US dental market, which is the largest in the world. DCI is a leading manufacturer of dental chairs, dental units, and dental parts. The company has a strong reputation for quality and innovation, and its products are used by dentists in over 100 countries.

NSK and DCI are both family-owned businesses with a long history of commitment to excellence. The two companies share a common vision of providing dentists with the best possible products and services.

The acquisition is expected to create synergies between the two companies. NSK will be able to leverage DCI's expertise in dental chairs and dental units to expand its product offerings. DCI, on the other hand, will benefit from NSK's global reach and financial resources.

The acquisition is also expected to benefit dentists. The combined company will be able to offer a wider range of products and services, which will give dentists more choices and help them improve the quality of care they provide to their patients.

In a statement, Eiichi Nakanishi, Group CEO of NSK, said, "The acquisition of DCI is a strategic move that will strengthen our position in the US dental market. DCI is a leading manufacturer of dental chairs and dental units, and its products are highly respected by dentists around the world. We are confident that this acquisition will help us to better serve our customers and partners in the US."

John Spencer, CEO of DCI, said, "We are excited to join forces with NSK. This partnership will allow us to accelerate our growth and innovation, and bring even more value to our customers. We believe that together, we can create a brighter future for the dental industry."

The acquisition of DCI by NSK is a significant development in the dental industry. It is a sign of the growing consolidation in the industry, as larger companies look to acquire smaller, more nimble competitors. The acquisition is also a testament to the strength of the US dental market, which is the largest in the world.

You can also read about this by heading over to my favorite dental publication Dental Products Report.  

Ultradent Named One of PEOPLE Magazine’s Companies That Care

 

SOUTH JORDAN, Utah August 23, 2023. Ultradent Products, Inc., a leading developer and manufacturer of high-tech dental materials, is honored to be recognized as one of PEOPLE Magazine’s Companies that Care—a nationwide list released this morning. The annual list honors a select number of companies that go above and beyond for their employees, to uplift their communities, and to make the world a better place through investing in employees’ mental health, giving back to those in need, and more.

Of the national recognition, Ultradent CEO and President, Dirk Jeffs, said, “To meet the standards by which the organizations on PEOPLE’s Companies that Care list are chosen, and to be recognized for the hard work and care—which happen to be two of Ultradent’s core values—that we put into bettering the lives of our employees and communities is a real honor.” He adds, “We believe that the care and investment we put into our people and our communities comes back to us tenfold. This award really validates those efforts, and we’re thrilled to be recognized.” 

For the last seven years, People Magazine, in partnership with Great Place to Work, have teamed up to find companies that best demonstrate outstanding respect, care, and concern for their communities, employees, and the environment. Rankings are based on about 6.1 million employee experiences, says Michael C. Bush, CEO of Great Place to Work.  

Bush remarked, “Changing the workplace changes lives. These companies show the impact engaged business leaders can have on their communities.” Click here to learn more.

PEOPLE’s Companies That Care Logo® is a registered trademark of; TI Gotham, Inc., a Dotdash Meredith company. Used under license.

About Ultradent Products, Inc.

Ultradent Products, Inc., is a leading developer and manufacturer of high-tech dental materials, devices, and instruments worldwide. Ultradent’s vision is to improve oral health globally. Ultradent also works to improve the quality of life and health of individuals through charitable programs. For more information, call 800.552.5512 or

visit ultradent.com or find us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.

Are You Using the Latest Tech in Your Practice?

 

This Friday August 25 is the Dental Product Report Technology Summit! 

The event will take place from 10:00 AM - 1:20 PM EDT.  Take a deep dive into the latest technological innovations in dentistry with out team of expert clinicians and earn up to 3 CE credits.

Topics will be:

• The History & Evolution of Intraoral Radiography in Dentistry
• In-House Lab Revolution
• The Unspoken Challenges: Dental Supply Procurement

I'll be hosting and the presentations will be by Dr. Lorne Lavine, Jordyn Levitas, and Dr. Bryan Kariya.

Here is the website with all of the information including how to register.  Be there!!!

Help with a Maui Wildfires Fundraiser

 As we all are well aware, the island of Maui was struck with a horrible disaster on August 8th, 2023.  A lot of us probably know someone who has been impacted by this tragedy.  You either know someone who lives there, someone who has a loved one there, or some other of the six degrees of separation we seem to have with almost everyone these days.  

For me, the person I thought of was Patrick Wardle.  This is a great example of why being alive at this point in time is so incredible.  You see, Patrick and I have never physically met.  He is a computer security expert and understands Macs in ways that most human beings can't even fathom.  I met Patrick through some of my research as Technology Editor for Dental Products Report.  We've conversed via email and through "X" (formerly Twitter) I have the ultimate respect for Patrick.  He founded the Objective-See Foundation and also hosts the "Objective by the Sea" (#OBTS) conference.  He also has written and released quite a few Mac security utilities that he makes available through Objective-See *and they are free*!!!  So when I first heard about the fires, I was concerned about his welfare.   I'm glad to be able to tell you that Patrick is safe a healthy.

My next concern was "how can I help?"  We've all seen scam situations where criminals manage to setup what appears to be legitimate charities, but take the donated money and run.  So as I was considering how to donate, I was relieved to receive an email from Objective-See with a way to make donations.  Patrick has setup a Go Fund Me page for the disaster.  What follows is from an email I received from Objective-See:

Note that:

• 100% of the money raised through our fundraiser will be donated to trusted organizations, such as United Way's "Maui Fire Relief Fund" and Maui's Food Bank, that directly support those impacted by this crisis on Maui.
 

• As the Objective-See Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) organization, your donation is a tax-deductible contribution (to the extent allowed by US tax laws).

If you, like me are looking for a way to donate that you can be absolutely sure is going to help people on Maui affected by this disaster, this is the way to do it.  Patrick has a heart of gold and I'm proud to be able to provide this info to those of you who read the blog and support me every day by reading what I write.

Just in case you haven't heard about the wildfire or if you would simply like some info on the disaster, here is some info...

The Maui Wildfire: A Devastating Tragedy

On August 8, 2023, a series of wildfires broke out on the Hawaiian island of Maui. The fires quickly spread, fueled by strong winds and dry conditions. By the time they were contained, the fires had killed at least 111 people, destroyed thousands of homes and businesses, and caused billions of dollars in damage.

The fires were the deadliest in Hawaii's history, and they have had a devastating impact on the island's community. Many people have lost their homes, their businesses, and their loved ones. The recovery effort will be long and difficult, but the people of Maui are resilient and determined to rebuild.

The cause of the fires is still under investigation, but it is believed that they were started by downed power lines. The high winds that were blowing at the time caused the lines to arc, igniting the dry vegetation.

The fires have highlighted the vulnerability of Hawaii to wildfires. The state is in a drought, and the vegetation is very dry. The high winds that are common in Hawaii can also fan the flames and make it difficult to control wildfires.

In the wake of the fires, there have been calls for better fire prevention measures in Hawaii. These measures could include thinning the vegetation, clearing brush around homes and businesses, and installing fire-resistant materials.

The Maui wildfires are a reminder of the destructive power of wildfires. They are also a reminder of the importance of fire prevention and preparedness. The people of Maui are resilient, and they will rebuild. But it will take time and effort to recover from this devastating tragedy.

The people of Maui need your help. Please do what you can to help them recover from this devastating tragedy.  

Uptimehealth Partners with Bur Capital to Revolutionize Dental Financing

 

Taking a significant stride towards transforming the healthcare financing landscape, Bur Capital and UptimeHealth proudly announce their strategic partnership

- UptimeHealth, a leading trailblazer in dental equipment maintenance and facility management,

is excited to announce its partnership with Bur Capital, a commercial lending financial company

that offers dental and medical practices an alternative to traditional banking. By integrating Bur

Capital's groundbreaking loan system with UptimeHealth"s platform, this partnership aims to

streamline the financing process, empowering dental clients with the financial tools they need to

thrive in today"s dynamic landscape.

"Through our partnership with Bur Capital, UptimeHealth is forging a powerful alliance that

brings together cutting-edge technology and specialized financial expertise. With the ability to

project their equipment needs and obtain the necessary funding, dental practices can make

informed financial decisions that align with their long-term goals. This partnership transforms the

industry as technology and tailored financing solutions merge to boost dental practice success.”

-Jinesh Patel, Co-Founder and CEO of UptimeHealth

We are thrilled to partner with UptimeHealth, leveraging Bur Capital's express loan approval

process with their growing healthcare network. This collaboration allows us to integrate our

innovative loan system with UptimeHealth, streamlining the financing process and providing a

seamless experience for healthcare clients. Our mission at Bur Capital is to transform the

healthcare industry, and this partnership is a significant step toward empowering healthcare

practices with the necessary financial tools to thrive in today's dynamic landscape."

-Brian Nelson, CTO & Co-Founder of Bur Capital

About UptimeHealth:

UptimeHealth is a revolutionary company that is transforming the way medical equipment is

maintained and facilities are managed. Through device connectivity, device management,

compliance tracking, ongoing support, and advanced analytics, UptimeHealth empowers

healthcare facilities to optimize their medical equipment performance, reduce downtime, and

increase revenue.

To learn more, visit uptimehealth.com

About Bur Capital:

Bur Capital is a commercial lending fintech company that offers dental and medical practices an

alternative to traditional banking. With tailored financial products, services, and resources, Bur

Capital helps its members thrive in the dental industry. By combining a first-in-class commercial

lending solution, an innovative marketplace, and comprehensive compliance, Bur Capital

provides innovative solutions to underserved healthcare providers, transforming the lending and

banking industry.

To learn more, visit burcapital.com

ADA Survey Finds that Due to Rising Expenses, Income of General Dentists has *Declined*

 

Dentistry has dealt with quite a few problems since the pandemic.  Obviously the closing of offices for all but emergency treatment was a huge problem for practice revenues, but even since offices reopened in late spring-early summer of 2020, things have not rebounded as most dentists and most economists had anticipated.

Many offices have seen the number of appointments made continue to be lower than 2019 with offices noticing openings in their schedule that were uncommon previously.

Then there are staff expenses.  After the shutdown of 2020, many employees decided not to return to the dental field.  The last three years have seen a significant decrease in the number of dental hygienists looking for employment.  However, e3very position in the typical office is seeing shortages.  To provide a quick summation, the number of people seeking work or wanting to work in the field of dentistry dropped significantly and has not returned.  That means doctors are either trying to get by with less help (which is difficult) or paying higher salaries which limits the profitability of the office.

And make no mistake, this is NOT simply about dentists not taking home as much money.  An across the board drop in practice revenues translates to less money to give to existing employees, less money to spend on supplies, and less money available to invest in new technologies that lead to state of the art care.  In the short term, something like this could be blip on a statistical curve.  The danger is that it becomes indicative of a long term trend.  If a trend develops, that can impact every person involved with an office... including the patients. 

A recent survey by the American Dental Association (ADA) found that the average net income of general dentists in private practice declined by 7% in 2022. This is the first time that general dentist income has declined in over a decade.

The survey found that the decline in income was due to a number of factors, including:

• Increasing practice expenses: Practice expenses, such as rent, salaries, and insurance, have increased at a faster rate than practice revenues in recent years.

• Rising competition: The dental market has become increasingly competitive in recent years, with more dentists competing for a smaller pool of patients.

• Changes in insurance reimbursement: Insurance reimbursement rates have declined in recent years, making it more difficult for dentists to cover their costs.

The decline in general dentist income is a concerning trend, as it could make it more difficult for dentists to provide quality care to their patients. The ADA is working to address the issue of declining income, and has developed a number of resources to help dentists manage their expenses and increase their revenues.  This is just one reason why I feel it is important to support organized dentistry.  The ADA has the resources to help analyze these situations and provide guidance.  Of course, declining revenues will also begin to impact whether a doctor has the money in the budget for annual dues to organizations.

Here are some tips for general dentists who are looking to improve their income:

• Increase your efficiency: There are a number of ways to increase your efficiency in the dental office, such as using digital technology and streamlining your workflows.

• Focus on preventive care: Preventive care is a high-value service that can help you improve your income and patient satisfaction.

• Market your practice effectively: Make sure your practice is visible to potential patients through online and offline marketing.

• Team up with other dentists: Consider partnering with other dentists to share resources and expertise.

The decline in general dentist income is a challenge, but it is not insurmountable. By taking steps to increase your efficiency, focus on preventive care, and market your practice effectively, you can improve your income and continue to provide quality care to your patients.

In addition to the tips above, dentists can also consider:

• Negotiating with insurance companies: Dentists can work with insurance companies to negotiate higher reimbursement rates.

• Offering discounts and promotions: Dentists can offer discounts and promotions to attract new patients and increase their revenues.

• Expanding their services: Dentists can expand their services to offer additional treatments, such as cosmetic dentistry and laser dentistry.

Pearl and Vyne Dental Partner to Streamline Claims Processing

 

New partnership pairs Pearl’s flagship AI solution, Second Opinion, with Vyne Trellis to elevate smarter, more efficient claims submissions

Pearl, the global leader in dental AI solutions, and Vyne Dental, a leading provider of dental revenue technologies, claims processing, and electronic health information exchange, today announced a partnership to pair Pearl’s Second Opinion® AI solution with Vyne Trellis, Vyne’s end-to-end revenue acceleration platform. This partnership will provide Trellis users with Pearl’s radiographic image retrieval capabilities, enabling faster, more efficient AI-assisted claims submissions.

“This partnership brings together two of the most innovative technology solutions in dentistry,” said Steve Roberts, president of Vyne Dental. “By joining Pearl’s cutting-edge AI-backed technology with our end-to-end revenue acceleration platform, we are uniquely positioned to revolutionize claims processing, enabling dental practices of all sizes to streamline workflow, enhance efficiency, and ultimately maximize revenue.”

Vyne Dental processes over 8 million claims per month across more than 50,000 practices, totaling over $4.5 billion in claims monthly. Integrating features from Pearl’s Second Opinion – the first chairside AI software authorized by the FDA to help dentists detect numerous conditions commonly diagnosed in x-rays of adult teeth of patients 12 and older – Vyne Trellis will offer users a more streamlined workflow for sourcing patient x-rays and identifying the most appropriate imagery to support insurance claim submissions. With a few simple clicks, Vyne Trellis users will now be able select and attach patient imagery to claims directly within the application, reducing time spent on compiling and submitting claims by up to 50 percent. As the partnership progresses, the two companies have their sights on developing features aimed to facilitate a revolution in real-time chairside claim adjudication and approvals.

“Pearl’s breakthrough AI technology solutions are designed to enhance efficiency and elevate the standard of care,” said Ophir Tanz, founder and CEO of Pearl. “Our partnership with Vyne Dental will enable smarter, more efficient insurance claim filing so that dental professionals can spend less time searching through patient charts for x-rays, and more time on what matters most – delivering quality care to patients.”

 

Henry Schein's Strategic Move: Acquiring Majority Interest in Large Practice Sales LLC

Introduction

In a significant development within the healthcare industry, Henry Schein, a global leader in dental, medical, and animal health products and services, has made a strategic move by acquiring a majority interest in Large Practice Sales LLC. This acquisition not only showcases Henry Schein's commitment to expanding its offerings but also signifies its dedication to providing comprehensive solutions to healthcare professionals. In this blog post, we will delve into the details of this acquisition and its potential implications for the industry.

The Acquisition: A Brief Overview

Henry Schein's acquisition of a majority interest in Large Practice Sales LLC marks a pivotal moment in the company's expansion strategy. Large Practice Sales LLC is a prominent player in the healthcare industry, specializing in facilitating the sale, purchase, and transition of large dental practices. The acquisition aligns well with Henry Schein's mission to support healthcare practitioners at every stage of their careers, from establishing a practice to smoothly transitioning it to new ownership.

Benefits and Implications

Enhanced Service Portfolio: The acquisition enables Henry Schein to diversify and enhance its service portfolio, offering a broader range of solutions to healthcare professionals. By incorporating Large Practice Sales LLC's expertise, Henry Schein can now provide comprehensive support not only for practitioners looking to set up a new practice but also for those seeking to sell or transition their existing practices.

Streamlined Transitions: Transitioning a healthcare practice, especially a large one, involves numerous complexities. With the combined resources and expertise of Henry Schein and Large Practice Sales LLC, practitioners can expect streamlined and well-managed transitions, minimizing disruptions to patient care and business operations.

Industry Expertise: Large Practice Sales LLC brings a wealth of industry-specific knowledge and experience to the table. This acquisition positions Henry Schein as a one-stop resource for healthcare professionals seeking guidance on practice management, transitions, and valuations, solidifying its reputation as a trusted partner in the industry.

Market Expansion: As Henry Schein expands its service offerings, it also gains access to a broader market. The acquisition enables the company to tap into the growing demand for practice transitions and sales services, further establishing its presence as a leader in the healthcare industry.

Innovation and Collaboration: The synergy between Henry Schein and Large Practice Sales LLC opens the door for innovation and collaborative efforts. By combining their resources, the two entities can work together to develop cutting-edge solutions that address the evolving needs of healthcare practitioners.

Conclusion

Henry Schein's acquisition of a majority interest in Large Practice Sales LLC is a strategic move that holds immense promise for the healthcare industry. This partnership combines Henry Schein's established reputation and resources with Large Practice Sales LLC's specialized expertise, creating a powerhouse of comprehensive solutions for healthcare professionals. As the industry continues to evolve, this acquisition positions Henry Schein at the forefront of innovation and support, fostering a more seamless and successful experience for practitioners navigating practice transitions and sales.

Dental Products Report Technology Summit is Happening *Virtually* on August 25th

 

Once a quarter the folks at Dental Products Report bring a virtual learning event to the profession.  We feel that providing quality certified education to the profession that can be accessed anywhere you have an Internet connection is the future of continuing education.  Ever since the shutdown of Covid-19, we've made a concerted effort to bring the best educators and the most interesting topics to dentists worldwide.  

If you haven't had a chance to be a part of one of these events, you will NOT be disappointed.  The topics are "to the point" and cover things that you *need* to know.  There are even opportunities to ask questions of the experts.  Personally, I always have a lot of fun moderating plus I get to take lots of notes and learn from experts who I respect.

It's now time to let you know about the next event in our virtual cavalcade of events.

On Friday August 25th, 2023 Dental Products Report will bring to you our "Technology Summit" as our third event of the year.  This one is going to be a great one.  In addition to myself as moderator, we will also have my friend Dr. Lorne Lavine,  Jordyn Levitas, as well as Dr. Bryan Kariya.  All three are recognized experts.  

If you are looking for quality continuing eduction that you can watch from anywhere you have an Internet connection, you need be a part of this event.  This summit promises to give amazing information and you won't want to miss out.  As you know, practices are trying harder and harder to make appointments more convenient and that is one of the principles behind our efforts at DPR.  We want to bring the concept of convenience to educational events as well and what is more convenient than "wherever you choose to be?"

In addition to that amazing convenience, we are also bringing some really smart people to this party.

Here is a bit more about each of them for you to digest...

Dr. Lorne Lavine

Transparency: I've personally known Dr. Lavine for at least 20 years and count him as a personal friend.  However, from a professional point of view, Lorne is one of the most talented IT folks in the profession.

Dr Lorne Lavine, founder and president of The Digital Dentist, has over 30 years invested in the dental and dental technology fields. A graduate of USC, he earned his DMD from Boston University and completed his residency at the Eastman Dental Center in Rochester, NY. He received his specialty training at the University of Washington and went into private practice in Vermont until moving to California in 2002 to establish TDD, a company which focuses on the specialized technological and HIPAA needs of the dental community.

 Dr Lavine has vast experience with dental technology systems. He is a CompTia Certified A+ Computer Repair Technician, CompTia Network+ certified, and is a HIPAA Certified Security Professional. As a consultant and integrator, he has extensive hands-on experience with most practice management software, image management software, digital cameras, intraoral cameras, computers, networks, and digital radiography systems.

 Dr Lavine writes for many well-known industry publications and lectures across the country. He is the regular Technology columnist for Dental Products Report. His articles have appeared in Dentistry Today, Dental Economics, Dental Equipment and Materials, Dental Practice Report, New Dentist, Dental Angle Online, and DentalTown magazine, where he was a moderator of ten of their Computer and Software Forums. He has lectured to the Yankee Dental Congress, American Academy of Periodontology, American Academy of Endodontics, the DentalTown Extravaganza, and numerous State Dental Society and Study Club lectures. In addition, he is a member of the Speaking and Consulting Network. He is also the former technology consultant for the Indian Health Service.

Jordyn Levitas

Jordyn Levitas has been with Torch Dental for 5 years and has been inside thousands of dental offices. She has seen the company grow from zero practices to over 2,000. She is passionate about innovative technology in the dental space and how it can advance practices with any big or small tasks. She understands that convenience and transparency is super important while running a business. 

Jordyn started with Torch Dental in New York City helping dentists and learning the ins and outs of the dental supply world. She began as a Sales Consultant for Torch and now works on Strategic Partnerships. Jordyn is currently based in Chicago,  living with her husband and a small cavapoo, Rocky. 

Dr. Bryan Kariya

Dr Bryan Kariya attended Brigham Young University for undergraduate studies, where he was a running back on the football team from 2008-2011. Following undergrad, he attended the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry for his dental training. Upon graduation, Dr Kariya worked in private practice in Nevada, Utah, and Oklahoma, where he gained a variety of experience and found a passion for digital dentistry. 

Driven to increase his experience and knowledge of implant dentistry, Dr Kariya completed an AEGD residency in Birmingham, AL that primarily focused on implants and digitally driven prosthodontics. He currently practices full-time at Transcend Dental Clinic in Huntsville. Dr Kariya is married to his high school sweetheart, Sam, and has three daughters and one son.  

Plan on attending!!!  I hope to see a lot of you there!!!  

Benco Dental Now Offers the Full Planmeca line - Plus Asiga 3D Printers and Materials

 Benco Dental, the nation’s largest independent distributor of oral healthcare technology and supplies, is bolstering its CAD/CAM and imaging offerings with the addition of Planmeca and Asiga to its roster of vendors.

 "We believe in offering customers the power of choice via the widest possible selection of carefully curated products," said Lisa Fleming, Benco Dental's Digital Dentistry Manager. "We're delighted to add world-class CAD/CAM and imaging devices from the globally respected, deeply rooted dental industry leader Planmeca. It's also exciting to help expand awareness and availability of Asiga's reliable, affordable lineup of 3D printers and materials."

 • Planmeca products have a massive installed user base spanning over 120 countries. From advanced CBCT imaging systems to open architecture CAD/CAM systems, Planmeca offers one of the most comprehensive product offerings in the industry. Even more importantly, Planmeca systems are powered by a single robust software platform for unparalleled practice efficiency – Planmeca Romexis®.  Planmeca is strongly committed to continual research and development; driving technological advancements through product development and proprietary improvements to health care, including Planmeca Ultra Low Dose™ and Planmeca CALM®. Headquartered in Helsinki, Finland, Planmeca is the largest privately-owned dental manufacturer with over 4,600 employees worldwide.

 In addition, Benco Dental will also now offer Ivoclar restorative material blocks compatible with Planmeca products. 

 • Formed in 2007, Asiga launched the world’s first LED based DLP 3D printer in 2011 and started the affordable desktop stereolithography revolution which changed digital manufacturing forever. The company won the MJSA’s 2012 Thinking Ahead award for best new technology and gained international recognition for the innovations contained within the Pico, MAX and PRO 4K platforms that continue to lead their respective categories to this day. Asiga's product development and manufacturing is managed in-house at their facilities in Sydney, Australia. Benco Dental will offer first-line technical support for purchasers in addition to Asiga's unlimited lifetime tech support.

 The new product offerings are part of Benco Dental's continual strengthening of its decades-long commitment to serving both in-house and commercial laboratories. In addition, Brian Denby is returning to Benco Dental as Field Sales Director for Dental Labs, where he'll leverage more than two decades of sales and marketing experience. He began his dental career as a CEREC Specialist for both chairside and lab, joining Benco Dental in 2003 to specialize in digital product offerings and capital equipment before spending a combined 15 years with AstraTech and Straumann. Brian has championed the early adoption of digital dentistry, while focusing on full mouth rehabilitation. Browse Benco Dental's 360+ page lab catalog here.

 Both Planmeca and Asiga products will be featured in Benco Dental's CenterPoint design and equipment showrooms for hands-on product demonstrations. Learn more about CenterPoint locations in Texas, California and Pennsylvania.

Mouthwatch and Dentistry.one Founder & CEO Brant Herman Included in "2023 People to Watch in Healthcare" by NJBIZ

 

Brant Herman, CEO and Founder of MouthWatch LLC and Dentistry.One, Inc was recently named one of “2023’s People to Watch in Healthcare” by leading New Jersey business publication, NJBIZ.  

MouthWatch, LLC, is a recognized leader in teledentistry software and digital imaging devices, while Dentistry.One is a virtual-first dental care network introduced by MouthWatch earlier this year.

The nominations were based on successfully meeting the challenges facing the New Jersey healthcare industry in a post-covid world. 

The recipients were selected based on three main criteria:

• Implementing and evaluating new technology during and after the pandemic to see and treat patients. 

• Answering the need to reach out to the communities that providers serve. In other words, to deliver care to people where they are rather than expecting them to go to a hospital or doctor’s office.

• Providing solutions for the difficulties that New Jersey hospitals and private practitioners are facing in attracting and retaining talent due to pandemic-related burnout.

 “I’m very honored to be included in this prestigious list of forward-thinking New Jersey healthcare leaders,” said Mr. Herman. The NJBIZ criteria for nominations are in perfect alignment with the core mission of MouthWatch and Dentistry.One - to improve access to oral care and make the patient/provider encounter easier and more efficient for both parties. We are dedicated to continuing this mission not only in New Jersey, but across the United States.” 

About MouthWatch, LLC 

MouthWatch, LLC, is a leader in developing digital technology solutions that drive success for dental professionals, improve oral health care, and enhance the overall patient experience.

Headquartered in Metuchen, New Jersey, MouthWatch is widely known for its intraoral cameras that help engage patients in treatment planning through high quality, affordable imaging technology, and its TeleDent software that provides practices and organizations with a teledentistry option to engage patients with providers remotely. 

MouthWatch recently launched Dentistry.One, a virtual-first care network that addresses the expectations of today’s modern healthcare consumers, the need for greater efficiency in healthcare, and the proven connection between good oral health and total health. Dentistry.One features on-demand dental consultations, personalized care coordination, and oral health coaching for prioritizing oral health. 

MouthWatch hardware and software is in use at over 40,000 practices, over 30 leading Dental Service Organizations (DSOs), and over 100 dental schools. The company has been recognized three times in the Inc. 5000. 

For more information, visit mouthwatch.com. or dentistry.one.

 

Image from Hughes Network Systems

On July 28, 2023, the Hughes Jupiter 3 satellite was successfully launched on a Falcon Heavy rocket from Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The launch was delayed by one day due to weather conditions, but it was ultimately a success.

The Hughes Jupiter 3 satellite is the third in a series of high-throughput satellites designed to provide satellite internet to rural and remote areas of North and South America. The satellite is equipped with a powerful Ku-band payload that will deliver speeds up to 100 Mbps to HughesNet customers.

The launch of the Hughes Jupiter 3 satellite is a major milestone for Hughes Network Systems, the leading provider of satellite internet to rural America. The satellite will help to bridge the digital divide and provide much-needed broadband connectivity to millions of people who live in areas where cable and fiber are not available.

The Hughes Jupiter 3 satellite is expected to enter service in early 2024. Once it is operational, it will provide a significant boost to HughesNet's network capacity and enable the company to offer even faster speeds and more bandwidth to its customers.

The launch of the Hughes Jupiter 3 satellite is a major win for rural America. It will help to connect millions of people to the digital economy and improve their quality of life. The satellite is a testament to the power of space technology to bridge the digital divide and create a more connected world.

Here are some of the key highlights of the launch:

• The launch was conducted by SpaceX on a Falcon Heavy rocket.

• The launch took place from Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

• The launch window opened at 11:04 p.m. ET on July 28, 2023.

• The launch was successful, and the satellite was placed into a geosynchronous transfer orbit.

• The satellite is expected to enter service in early 2024.

The launch of the Hughes Jupiter 3 satellite is a major milestone for Hughes Network Systems and for rural America. The satellite will help to bridge the digital divide and provide much-needed broadband connectivity to millions of people who live in areas where cable and fiber are not available.

CandidPro Clear Aligners Now Have Mixed Dentition Support

 

 Image: © Candid

State-of-the-art orthodontic company, Candid has announced that its CandidPro™ clear aligner system will now offer dental professionals support for eligible mixed dentition cases. This feature release builds on upgraded support for interproximal reduction and attachments unveiled earlier this year and a collaboration with global healthcare leader Philips Sonicare, among other updates. With support for mixed dentition live, dental professionals now have the flexibility to offer CandidPro's signature clear aligner treatment to an expanded range of younger patients.

Support for mixed dentition patients is a major win for CandidPro doctors who focus on airway health. Many of these clinicians prescribe orthodontic treatments to younger patients in an effort to preempt airway health issues like obstructive sleep apnea later in life. Clear aligner therapy is often prescribed in conjunction with other airway-centric therapies to achieve functional tooth alignment. Among airway doctors, CandidPro is well-known for tailoring treatment plans to meet their specific needs.

"I absolutely love that CandidPro helps me to set up my younger patients for success by offering mixed dentition support," says Dr. Brittany Johansen of Alpine Airway Wellness. "They are constantly innovating and applying feedback. It is great to work with such a receptive company."

For airway providers like Dr. Johansen, finding a clear aligner partner that understands the goals of airway providers can be difficult, and support for mixed dentition cases is rare. With this feature release, CandidPro firmly positions itself as a company that prioritizes dental practitioners' clinical needs.

"I love having a clear aligner partner that prioritizes my clinical needs," says Dr. Julienne Sabet of Developmental Dentistry. "I also had the opportunity of helping the CandidPro team pilot their mixed dentition features, which was incredible. I'm so proud to have been a part of it."

With several major upgrades already released this year, CandidPro is building momentum that promises to last through 2024 and beyond.

"We have some of the most talented clinical minds in the industry building even more clinical tools for our providers," says Candid's Chief Dental Officer, Dr. Brian Gray. "I'm proud to see our mixed dentition support go live today, and I'm excited to share more updates to CandidPro soon."

About CandidPro

CandidPro believes that dentists deserve more when it comes to clear aligners. That's why its orthodontic platform leverages best-in-class technology, a game-changing approach to partnership, and clinical expertise to give doctors more control, more convenience, and more happy clear aligner patients.

Learn more at: https://www.candidpro.com

LightForce Orthodontics Secures $80 Million Series D Funding Led By Ally Bridge Group, Opens Second Digital Factory

LightForce Orthodontics will expand its manufacturing capabilities to advance production and further its custom orthodontic treatments using AI and 3D printing

LightForce Orthodontics, makers of the world’s first fully personalized 3D printed braces system, today announced it raised an $80 million Series D round led by Ally Bridge Group. Transformation Capital, and CareCapital. Omega Venture Partners, Matter Venture Partners, and the American Association of Orthodontics also participated in the round, as did existing LightForce investors, including Kleiner Perkins, Tyche Partners, and Matrix Partners. With the funding, LightForce will advance its mission to empower orthodontists to deliver personalized care with custom 3D printed brackets by scaling production with a new facility, advancing the use of AI in its workflows, and investing in education.

LightForce, the world’s largest manufacturer of directly 3D printed functional medical devices by volume, provides orthodontists with a comprehensive braces solution that improves treatment efficiency and outcomes for patients. LightForce’s 3D printed hardware is custom-made according to a personalized, digital treatment plan. From Intraoral and CBCT support to final prescription, the LightForce software incorporates powerful AI for generating accurate digital representations of patient anatomy, and optimal teeth positions for clinical efficiency and aesthetics. With the new funding, LightForce will continue to grow its world-leading team of engineers and scientists to further develop its software and hardware to improve patient experience with shorter treatment times and better clinical outcomes. The Series D round will also prepare the company to grow and scale production capabilities, with a new, 36,000 square-foot manufacturing facility in Wilmington, Massachusetts.

Launching commercial operations in 2020, LightForce is changing a nearly century-old approach to braces with 3D printing and AI, enabling a new wave of personalization and efficiency for orthodontists. As LightForce scales production and advances its technology, it plans to address the need for education in the orthodontic industry by investing in clinical education resources that will provide orthodontists with the skills and technology required to transition from stock one-size-fits-all braces to a fully digital practice.

“This incredible syndicate of investors brings diverse expertise from the medical device, health IT, AI, and advanced manufacturing sectors to provide critical resources and expert guidance that will support our overall growth and continued innovation,” said LightForce CEO and co-founder Alfred Griffin III, DMD, Ph.D., MMSc. “Teen patients have been limited by the inaccuracy and inefficiency of non-custom braces for decades. LightForce was founded to provide fully personalized treatment options to orthodontists for each of their patients to improve their outcomes and experience while in treatment. With this funding, LightForce will continue to attract key talent, innovate through our incredible community of orthodontists, and scale operations as we seek to elevate the standard of care for teen orthodontic treatment.”

“LightForce is taking the orthodontic industry to the next level,” said Kevin Reilly, Managing Director at Ally Bridge Group. “Their solution applies highly innovative technologies to enable the personalization of orthodontic treatment via 3D printing, helping patients achieve their best smiles. We are excited to be part of a diverse group of top-tier healthcare and tech investors that believe in the benefits of personalized medicine in the orthodontic industry. The future of orthodontics is customization and digital workflow and we are excited to see the continued enhancement in patient care through this funding.”

Each tooth’s shape and every patient’s jaw is as unique as their fingerprints, so no one orthodontic treatment suits all patients. Treatment with traditional one-size-fits-all braces requires the orthodontist to perform multiple wire and bracket adjustments to achieve a patient’s ideal outcome, which can add many months to the treatment time. LightForce’s personalized approach dramatically reduces the need for adjustments, which results in shorter treatment times, fewer appointments, and better outcomes compared to traditional braces. A recent peer-reviewed study in the Journal of Clinical Orthodontics showed that LightForce cases finished 45% faster with 41% fewer scheduled appointments than conventional bracket cases.

To support the new business growth, LightForce will also add sales and manufacturing roles to its team. To apply, visit https://lf.co/sp/careers.

Learn more about LightForce Orthodontics here.

About LightForce Orthodontics

LightForce Orthodontics is a digital platform providing orthodontists with fully customized, 3D printed tooth-moving tools. Founded in 2015 by Dr. Alfred Griffin, DMD, PhD, MMSc, along with Dr. Lou Shuman, DMD, CAGS, LightForce is revolutionizing the specialty through advanced manufacturing and technology. After five years of extensive research and development, LightForce launched its first product to the orthodontic market - the world’s first and only fully customized 3D printed bracket system and digital treatment software. Today, LightForce cases are improving the orthodontic experience; a recent peer-reviewed study in the Journal of Clinical Orthodontics showed that LightForce cases finished 45% faster with 41% fewer scheduled appointments than conventional bracket cases. Learn more at https://lf.co/.

About Ally Bridge Group

Ally Bridge Group is a global healthcare investment management firm focused on high-impact life science innovation. The firm, founded in 2013 by Frank Yu, Chief Executive Officer, and Chief Investment Officer, manages assets from offices in New York and Hong Kong. Since its establishment, Ally Bridge Group has been the lead or co-lead on over $6 billion of transactions across healthcare subsectors. The firm’s mission is to generate superior risk-adjusted returns for investors while seeking to address unmet medical needs. The firm aims to achieve this by blending deep scientific and clinical research with expertise in M&A and capital markets.

Benco Dental Again Named One Of The Best Places To Work In Healthcare

 

Benco Dental, the nation's largest independent distributor of oral healthcare technology and supplies, has been Certified™ by Great Place To Work® yet again.

“Being certified over and over, and again this year, is especially gratifying because this award is based 100% on feedback from our associates," said George Rable, Benco Dental's Chief Culture and People Officer. “As a family-owned company, our culture thrives not only on the work contributions of our dedicated team, but also how much our associates feel valued, engaged and indispensable to our success."

This year, 88 percent of employees said it’s a great place to work, compared to 57 percent at a typical US-based company. Benco Dental associates overwhelmingly agreed they're proud to tell others they work here; are made to feel welcome upon joining the organization; and enjoy a healthy work-life balance that allows for time away from their jobs. In addition, associates said they're confident in the company's leadership strategies and rate the service they help deliver as "excellent."

Benco Dental's culture of Driving Dentistry Forward together means that Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are woven into the fabric of our family. Associates to encouraged to bring their whole self to work, inspire innovation, drive results, assume positive intent, and focus on giving back. Benco Dental offers numerous opportunities for associates to help guide the company's cultural growth via volunteer committee participation, surveys and personal feedback. Further, associates are supported by an internal team of Total Rewards compensation specialists who administer bonuses, wellness programs, profit sharing and an associate emergency fund.

 "Great Place To Work Certification is a highly coveted achievement that requires consistent and intentional dedication to the overall employee experience," says Sarah Lewis-Kulin, the Vice President of Global Recognition at Great Place To Work. She emphasizes that Certification is the sole official recognition earned by the real-time feedback of employees regarding their company culture. “By successfully earning this recognition, it is evident that Benco Dental stands out as one of the top companies to work for, providing a great workplace environment for its employees."

According to Great Place To Work research, job seekers are 4.5 times more likely to find a great boss at a Certified great workplace. Additionally, employees at Certified workplaces are 93% more likely to look forward to coming to work, and are twice as likely to be paid fairly, earn a fair share of the company’s profits and have a fair chance at promotion.

 Want a join a Great Place to Work? Benco Dental is hiring for positions nationwide. Visit benco.com/careers to find an exciting new opportunity.

 About Benco Dental

- Benco Dental is Driving Dentistry Forward® with innovative solutions and our caring family culture. Our industry firsts include Painless® electronic ordering, automated supply management, BluChip® customer loyalty rewards, CenterPoint design/equipment superstores and OneVisitTM open architecture CAD/CAM. Independent since 1930, our over 1,400 dedicated associates serve customers at locations nationwide including 400+ sales representatives and 300+ factory-trained service technicians. Benco Dental is one of Fortune's Best Workplaces in Health Care and Biopharma and among Pennsylvania Best Places to Work® for 13 of 16 prior years.

 

About Great Place To Work®

As the global authority on workplace culture, Great Place To Work® brings 30 years of groundbreaking research and data to help every place become a great place to work for all. Their proprietary platform and For All™ Model helps companies evaluate the experience of every employee, with exemplary workplaces becoming Great Place To Work Certified™ or receiving recognition on a coveted Best Workplaces™ List. Learn more at greatplacetowork.com and follow Great Place To Work on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.