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.

OraQ TM ANNOUNCES LAUNCH OF COMMERCIAL OPERATIONS

Transforming practice growth and case acceptance with Artificial Intelligence

OraQ announced today the official launch of its commercial operations in North America, offering dentists a state-of-the-art clinical decision support system that harnesses the analytical power of artificial intelligence and machine learning.

“We are so excited to launch OraQ's technology to dentists everywhere, giving them software that drives precision patient care and has been shown to increase treatment acceptance rates by up to 30%. Said CEO and co-founder, Dr. Amreesh Khanna.

Unlike other Artificial Intelligence platforms available today OraQ’s FDA and Health Canada approved platform is far more than just an imaging tool. According to co-founder Dr. Mike Parchewsky, “OraQ is a comprehensive treatment planning technology that analyzes the complete patient profile to uncover treatment opportunities that might otherwise be missed.”

"After years of working with disparate dental data, we have harnessed the power of AI to provide useful insights to clinicians and patients." said co-founder and Chief Technical Officer, Wayne Madhlangobe.

With its interactive patient portal, dentists are finding improved patient engagement through enhanced trust and transparency. The result is a better experience for both patient and clinician.

“Our impact and vision are about helping Dentists every day and anywhere deliver a patient experience that will be fulfilling and create lasting and meaningful relationships with their patients!", says Dr. Khanna.

For more information, visit www.OraQ.ai. 

Benco Dental acquires PPO Profits, a leading dental practice solutions firm focused on fee optimization and revenue cycle management

 

The strategic acquisition will help Benco Dental better serve customers by offering class-leading fee negotiations, credentialing, and other revenue cycle management services

As a private practitioner, I can tell you from first hand experience about the struggles of trying to get adequate reimbursement of services from third party payers.  It doesn't matter what an office charges for a procedure, it matters what they actually get paid for that service.  I remember once discussing a hospital bill with my father.  He complained that a procedure "cost $15,000".  I said, "Dad, look at what the doctor actually got paid."  I pointed out that for that $15,000 dollar procedure, the doctor had actually received $2500.

Because of situations like that, it's important for a doctor(s) to have someone on their side that can help them minimize third party write-offs so that the office stays profitable.  Benco Dental has stepped up in a big way to help their customers maintain. profitability.  Here's the news...

Benco Dental, the nation’s largest independent distributor of oral healthcare technology and supplies, today announced the acquisition of PPO Profits, one of the market’s leading providers of dental fee negotiations and revenue cycle management services. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Benco Dental will operate PPO Profits as a standalone company, and PPO Profits will continue to serve current clients without interruption. Anna DuHamel, previously Benco Dental’s VP of Sales for Strategic Markets, has assumed the role of Chief Business Officer at PPO Profits.

“In today’s healthcare business climate, it’s essential for dental practices committed to succeeding long-term to strike a spot-on balance between generating enhanced revenue and delivering remarkable value to patients,” said DuHamel. “Adding PPO Profits to our portfolio allows us to immediately offer Benco Dental customers a proven solution for optimizing revenue from both insurance and cash patients.”

Anna Duhamel, Chief Business Officer, PPO Profits

DuHamel

Benco Dental has long offered a comprehensive suite of added-value practice growth and development services. PPO Profits is additive and will remain a separate entity. “PPO Profits has a very distinct mission that will compliment, but live separately from, services under umbrellas within Benco Dental like practice transitions, dental office design and IT,” explained DuHamel.

PPO Profits was founded by Vivek Kinra. After two decades in the corporate world, he left his job to take a more active leadership role in his wife’s startup practice. That led to forming PPO Profits with the goal of helping dental offices become more profitable while being contracted with PPOs. The company initially focused on fee negotiations and credentialing, but quickly expanded into billing and claims processing, and in-office membership plans. Within five years, PPO Profits was serving thousands of dentists nationwide with a workforce of 70 full time professionals and growing revenues 50% year-over-year.

“I connected with Benco Dental immediately and saw firsthand how they value their employees and customers. As a family-owned and customer-focused company rooted in the dental industry for decades, Benco Dental is the ideal organization to seamlessly assume the mission of PPO Profits,” said Kinra. “With Benco’s considerable resources, support, and leadership, I am confident that PPO Profits will be better equipped to serve dentists and assist them with all things dental insurance. I am psyched about the future and this next phase of the company, and am super excited to support the growth in a consulting capacity.”

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 Healthcare and among Pennsylvania Best Places to Work® for 13 of 16 prior years.

DEXIS to Launch DEXIS 10 Imaging Suite with DEXassist Feature

Image courtesy of DEXIS

Leading innovator of dental imaging technologies, sensors, intraoral scanning, and CBCT solutions, DEXIS announces the launch of the DEXassist solution with 2D findings powered by Assisted Intelligence (AI). The DEXassist solution integrates AI features from DTX Studio™ Clinic into DEXIS 10 Imaging Suite Software. The solution helps practitioners to detect six pathologies in 2D intraoral X-rays including carries, calculus, bone loss, periapical radiolucency, root canal filing deficiency and discrepancy at margin of an existing restoration. Built on the proven DEXIS Imaging Suite Software platform, the DEXassist solution is designed to enhance diagnostic confidence, efficiency, and productivity.

The DEXassist solution seamlessly integrates with practices' existing DEXIS 10 software for fast access to capture 2D intraoral X-ray images with your existing DEXIS sensors, requiring no additional training.

"Integration with current DEXIS software means that installation is quick and easy for practices that are already familiar with DEXIS systems," says Lori Clements, Vice President, Commercial, North America at DEXIS. "This allows staff to begin using DEXassist right away without having to learn how to operate a new system."

The DEXassist solution additionally allows dentists to leverage AI-enabled 2D findings for efficiency when diagnosing patient conditions and planning treatments. With a simple click, clinicians can identify up to six different focus areas when acquiring X-rays directly in DEXIS software.

"DEXassist's AI solution helps to identify and supports diagnoses in up to six areas of dental pathologies, helping clinicians and staff to save time and optimize patient care," explains Brian Gooch, Vice President, Global Product Management. "DEXassist also allows practitioners to share AI findings with patients in an easy-to-understand format when discussing their diagnosis and treatment plan."

This newest software solution enables standardization in workflows and streamlines processes across the practice.

Because DEXassist is built on a proven DEXIS software platform, practices can expect the same reliable performance they've come to associate with the DEXIS software they use every day. For added confidence, DEXIS offers a 30-day free trial for the DEXassist solution.

To learn more about the new DEXassist solution, visit https://dexis.com/en-us/dexassist-earlyaccess

About DEXIS

DEXIS is a global leading brand in digital radiography for 70+ years. Today, DEXIS has brought together the most trusted brands in 3D imaging, intraoral scanning solutions, and diagnostic software to provide you with a complete digital diagnostic solution under a brand name. Our innovative award-winning technology enhances the way you diagnose, accelerates your workflow, and delivers simpler treatment paths with better patient outcomes. For more information, please visit https://www.dexis.com. 

About Envista Holdings Corporation 

Envista is a global family of more than 30 trusted dental brands, including DEXIS, Nobel Biocare, Ormco, and Kerr united by a shared purpose: to partner with professionals to improve lives. Envista helps its customers deliver the best possible patient care through industry-leading dental consumables, solutions, technology, and services. Its comprehensive portfolio, including dental implants and treatment options, orthodontics, and digital imaging technologies, covers a broad range of dentists' clinical needs for diagnosing, treating, and preventing dental conditions as well as improving the aesthetics of the human smile. With a foundation comprised of the proven Envista Business System (EBS) methodology, an experienced leadership team, and a strong culture grounded in continuous improvement, commitment to innovation, and deep customer focus, Envista is well equipped to meet the end-to-end needs of dental professionals worldwide. Envista is one of the largest global dental products companies, with significant market positions in some of the most attractive segments of the dental products industry. 

Orascoptic Announces Phantom

 

Orascoptic, a leading manufacturer of dental surgical telescopes (loupes) and headlights, has announced the launch of its new product, Phantom. The setup is a lightweight, durable, and customizable sports frame that is designed to provide clinicians with the best possible vision and comfort.

Phantom is made from titanium, making it the lightest sports frame (available with built-in prescription) on the market. It is also 15% lighter than the leading competitor, with prescription.

And for those of you who don't know, titanium is crazy light as well as being crazy strong.

Phantom is designed to support loupes and prioritize comfort. It offers all the features that clinicians love, such as bendable temple tips, an adjustable nose pad, cable control channel, and flex hinges, without added weight.

One of the key features of Phantom is its customizability. The frame can be adjusted to fit any clinician's face perfectly. The loupe mounts can also be adjusted to provide the perfect viewing angle and magnification.  That also applies to the magnification setup.  every option that Orascoptic offers can be used with the Phantom frame.  That includes the adjustable 3.0x-5.0x EyeZoom system.  If you are currently an Orascoptic user and you are in love with your 

Phantom is available in five colors: black, iris, rose gold, sapphire, and slate. This makes it the perfect choice for clinicians who want to look their best while providing their patients with the best possible care.

Benefits of using Orascoptic Phantom

There are many benefits to using Orascoptic Phantom, including:

• Lightweight and durable

• Customizable to fit any clinician's face

• Provides the perfect viewing angle and magnification

• Available in five stunning colors

Learn Composite Dentistry at the Center for Esthetic Excellence in Chicago

 

Announcing New Spring 2024 Continuing Education 
Lectures and Hands-on Workshops

Cosmedent’s Center for Esthetic Excellence, (CEE) has scheduled a lecture and hands-on workshop, entitled, “Composite Bonding for Smile Makeovers: Designed for Accreditation Case Type 5,” to be presented by Dr. Corky Willhite, on May 9-11, 2024, Thursday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., and Saturday, 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. This course is designed specifically for members of the AACD to help with challenges of the “six or more direct resin veneers” case. Learn strategies for managing Accreditation patients and reducing appointment time. Case selection: Recognize which cases work best and how to find those patients. Step by step procedure for individual tooth changes (color change, class IV’s, and more). Participation in this class will earn 23 CE Credits.

For more information regarding this course, please contact Erika Heier at 800-837-2321 or cee@cosmedent.com.

Cellerant Announces the 2023 Best of Class Technology Award Winners

 

Every year, I get the incredible honor of meeting up with some of my best friends.  The really fun part is that those friends are also the most knowledgeable  doctors in dentistry when it comes to dental technology.  We sit down and discuss all of the great products on the market and then we debate which ones make the list as our "Best of Class".  It is an awesome honor and an awesome responsibility to help guide our profession and our peers on what they can trust to provide outstanding patient services and outcomes.  So it is now my honor to help announce this year's Cellerant Best of Class winners...

Cellerant Consulting Group is pleased to announce the 2023 Cellerant Best of Class Technology Award winners. “These extraordinary companies and their technologies have shown perseverance and commitment to technological innovations that help dentists best equip today’s contemporary practice,” said Dr. Lou Shuman DMD CAGS, CEO of Cellerant Consulting Group and creator of the Best of Class Technology awards program. “Our panel spent many hours in close discussion identifying these standout products. In our 14th year for this coveted and prestigious award, we are proud to recognize, as always, that our process continues to be unbiased, rigorous and transparent.”

The 2023 Cellerant Best of Class Technology Award Winners are:  

• Amplify from Vyne Dental
• ChairsideCAD from exocad 
• CS 9600 from Carestream Dental
• DGSHAPE DWX-42W Plus from Roland DGA 
• Dragonfly™ from Orascoptic 
• DTX Studio Clinic by DEXIS 
• Guided Biofilm Therapy® from EMS Dental 
• MiniBio Auto-Reader from Terragene
• Nova by Bien-Air
• PreXion 3D Excelsior
• QASi™ particles from Nobio 
• RE-GEN™ Universal Adhesive 
• Second Opinion® from Pearl 
• SprintRay Ceramic Crown 
• TRIOS 5 Wireless intraoral scanner 
• VOCO Retraction Paste 
• Yapi™ dental communication solution

“Technology that offers efficient workflow, clinical excellence, or new patient growth and retention can have a positive effect on every aspect of a dental practice,” said Pam Maragliano-Muniz DMD, Editor-in-Chief of Dental Economics. “Each product on this year’s list of winners reflects these goals with forward-looking and creative solutions in its own way.” 

About the Cellerant Best of Class Technology Award

The Cellerant Best of Class Technology Award is the only program of its kind, earning coverage from the dental media across North America.  Since the inaugural presentation in 2009, the Best of Class Technology Awards have grown to occupy a unique space in dentistry by creating awareness in the community of manufacturers that are driving the discussion as to how practices will operate now and in the future. 

The 2023 Cellerant Best of Class Technology Award winners were selected by a panel of the most prominent technology leaders in dentistry: Paul Feuerstein, DMD, Editor-In-Chief for Dentistry Today, John Flucke, DDS, Technology Editor and Chief Dental Editor for Dental Products Report, Marty Jablow, DMD, known as America’s technology coach, Pamela Maragliano-Muniz, DMD, Editor-In-Chief of Dental Economics, Chris Salierno, DDS, Chief Dental Officer at Tend, and Lou Shuman, DMD, CAGS, founder and creator of the Best of Class Technology Awards. 

Over the course of each year, the panel members seek out and conduct research on potentially practice-changing technologies, culminating with deliberations on nominees and final voting. Panelists are precluded from voting in any category where they have consulting relationships. The entire selection process is conducted and managed on a not-for-profit basis. 

In mid-September DPR will release a video presentation of the awards featuring the members of the selection panel sharing the reasoning behind the selection of each of the Best of Class technologies.

For more information on the Cellerant Best of Class Awards and the 2023 Award Winners, go to https://www.cellerantconsulting.com/best-of-class-technology-2023.

Smile Direct Club Files for Bankruptcy Protection

The company that tried to bypass doctor supervision of orthodontics by offering consumers a chance to perform DIY tooth movement has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.

Smile Direct Club raised $1.35 billion in an IPO less than five years ago, but the business obviously didn't got the way they anticipated.

At first the company was going to be a consumer only company with no doctor supervision, then they tried to become a company that made aligners *for* doctors using the doctors to diagnose the problem and then shipping aligners to the patient.

However, most doctors were not enthusiastic about a company that, at first, didn't want to work with them and made sure they marketed that to the public, to then wanting to partner with doctors when the first business model wasn't profitable.

That sort of left the company in a 'no man's land' of relying on their retail outlets even though they said they were trying to get away from that part of the business.  

Now the company has a stated asset amount of around $400+ million but owes its creditors over $1 billion.

There are a ton of stories about this online.  So if you search "smile direct club bankruptcy" you will have more info on this than you thought possible.

Kenvue to showcase new Listerine® Clinical Solutions Mouthwash Line at American Dental Association’s SmileCon 2023

Since SmileCon is this week, I thought a news worthy post on something you can check out while you're in Orlando would be in order.  Read on for the details from the maker of Listerine...

 Kenvue Inc., the world’s largest pure-play consumer health company by revenue, will showcase a new extension to its Listerine® line, Listerine® Clinical Solutions, at the American Dental Association’s (ADA’s) SmileCon 2023, to be held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida, October 5 through 7.

Listerine®, the #1 mouthwash brand globally and the #1 dentist recommended mouthwash brand in the United States, will showcase the new line at its booth, where meeting attendees will have opportunities to sample the products before they reach Walmart shelves in the United States by the end of October and a wider array of outlets in early 2024. The new line includes Listerine® Clinical Solutions Antiseptic Gum Health Mouthwash, Clinical Solutions Breath Defense Mouthwash, and Clinical Solutions Teeth Strength Mouthwash.

“Listerine’s newest line promotes the power of everyday care with our most advanced formulations to address consumers’ top oral health concerns: treating early gum disease, preventing cavities, and providing fresh breath,” said Jonathan Miller[2], Vice President of Kenvue Global Essential Health R&D. “We’re proud to expand our portfolio of category leading brands with these innovations designed to improve consumer’s oral health and breath, and we can’t wait to meet with our colleagues across the field of dental health at SmileCon 2023 to share the data and insights that make these products unique & effective.”

Listerine® scientists will share details about:

· Clinical Solutions Antiseptic Gum Health, which boasts more tartar-preventing zinc chloride than other Listerine® Antiseptic products and is the first mouthwash to promise both reduced gingivitis and a 64% decrease in gum bleeding within one week compared with brushing alone. In addition, rinsing with Listerine® Antiseptic offers patients 4.6 times more sustained plaque reduction above the gumline between dental hygiene visits than flossing by a dental hygeinist.1,2 The new formula is designed to help optimize the oral microbiome for gum health without altering healthy salivary flow or oral pH.

· Clinical Solutions Breath Defense, which offers 24-hour fresh breath when used twice daily. Its formula includes zinc chloride and technology that neutralizes and transforms odor molecules, as well as four essential oils to kill bacteria.

· Clinical Solutions Teeth Strength, powered by Rapid Fusion Technology to provide a stronger tooth surface through increased fluoride uptake and promoting remineralization. Combined with brushing, this formulation repairs enamel immediately to prevent cavities, resulting in teeth that are 3 times stronger and longer lasting.

“As Listerine® scientists, we’re always excited when we have the opportunity to use consumer insights to develop new products that address unmet needs,” said Anthony Mariani[3], Kenvue Principal Scientist for Global Oral Care Product Development. “Formulating the Listerine® Clinical Solutions line gave us a unique opportunity to generate new learnings for our brand and deliver a premium and differentiated benefit for our consumers.”

The entire line, including the Breath Defense, Teeth Strength and Gum Health formulas, have been awarded the ADA’s Seal of Acceptance, the leading mark of dental product safety and efficacy for 90 years. The seal is awarded to products with clinical or laboratory data that demonstrate safety and efficacy.  Dental health professionals and members of the media can visit the exhibit hall to speak with Listerine® scientists including Mariani and try out the full Clinical Solutions line, as well as other Listerine® mouthwashes.

To learn more or set up an interview with one of the scientists behind the newest Listerine® formulations, please contact media relations, Meghan Harding at mhardin1@kenvue.com.

Kenvue Booth #2129

· Thursday, October 5 from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

· Friday, October 6 from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

· Saturday, October 7 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

 

SmileCon Starts on Thursday!

 

SmileCon, which is the annual meeting of the American Dental Association, begins this week in Orlando, FL.  It is with tremendous excitement, that I remind all of my fellow professionals that at the end of this week, SmileCon will be taking place.  Formerly known as the ADA Annual Session, the meeting is a get together for the best minds in the profession as well as the meeting of the ADA House of Delegates where decisions and policy are decided.

This year I am presenting all day on Thursday with my good buddies Dr. Paul Feuerstein (Editor - Dentistry Today) and Dr. Marty Jablow (America's Dental Technology Coach).  We will be in the Tech Hub on the  Exhibit Floor and our time this year is devoted to "answering YOUR questions".  That's right, you can sit in the audience and ask the questions that YOU want the answers to.  We've all attended lectures where afterwards you think to yourself "dang I wish they would have talked about..."  This year we decided to fix that problem by allowing the audience to ask the questions and we will provide the answers.  It's the *ultimate* Q&A!!! 

Earlier in the day we'll be talking about 3D Diagnosis and Treatment Planning in Room S320GH.

Of course, there are plenty of other speakers as well.  If you'd like to see the meeting at a glance, you can view and download the Onsite Guide by following this link.  

If, for some reason, you've forgotten about the meeting and would still like to attend, we'd love to have you there!  Here is everything you need to know:

The American Dental Association (ADA) SmileCon 2023 is coming to Orlando, Florida, from October 5-7, 2023. This annual meeting is an opportunity for dentists, hygienists, and other dental professionals to learn about the latest advances in dentistry, network with colleagues, and have some fun.

What is SmileCon?

SmileCon is a reimagined annual meeting that offers continuing education, networking opportunities, hundreds of exhibitors, social events, and fun! It is the perfect opportunity for dental professionals to learn, grow, and connect.

What can I expect at SmileCon?

SmileCon offers a variety of activities for dental professionals of all levels of experience. There are continuing education courses on a variety of topics, including clinical dentistry, practice management, and leadership. There are also networking opportunities, social events, and exhibits from leading dental companies.

Who should attend SmileCon?

SmileCon is a great event for all dental professionals, including dentists, hygienists, dental assistants, and office managers. It is also a great event for new dentists and dental students.

How do I register for SmileCon?

You can register for SmileCon online at the ADA website. Registration fees vary depending on membership status and the type of pass you purchase.

What are some of the highlights of SmileCon 2023?

Some of the highlights of SmileCon 2023 include:

• Keynote speaker Constance Wu
• A Night at Universal Islands of Adventure
• Grin & Gobblin' Fest
• Hundreds of exhibitors
• Continuing education courses on a variety of topics
• Networking opportunities and social events

How do I get to Orlando for SmileCon?

Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the closest airport to the Orange County Convention Center, where SmileCon is being held. There are a variety of transportation options available from the airport to the convention center, including taxis, ride-sharing services, and shuttles.

Where can I stay in Orlando for SmileCon?

The ADA has partnered with a number of hotels in Orlando to offer discounted rates to SmileCon attendees. You can book your hotel room through the ADA website.

I really hope to see and meet a lot of you in Orlando!!!