Learn Bud’s Simplified Layering Technique that Produces Reliable Results in Composite Bonding.

 

The Center for Esthetic Excellence (CEE) has scheduled a Free virtual lecture entitled “The Three P’s of Composite: Potential, Predictability and Profitability” presented by Dr. Buddy Mopper, Wednesday, 10:00 a.m. — 2:00 p.m. CST, March 20, 2024 including an hour question and answer session following the presentation from 2:00 — 3:00.

Dr. Mopper is a world-renowned pioneer of direct-resin bonding who has taught thousands of clinicians how to successfully incorporate direct resin bonding into their practices. In this Free 4 CE-credit course, you will understand how to utilize bonding in ways you never expected.  

Bud will show you how to get consistently reliable results and will give recipes for success for every restorative situation. Learn all about the dentistry that you are not currently doing in your practice, and how doing more of it can benefit you financially and professionally.

This 4-hour lecture will demonstrate how to make long-lasting, seamless and invisible restorations of all types. Learn an in-depth direct approach technique for Class III, Class IV, Class V, diastema closure, direct resin veneer, masking dark teeth, incisal reinforcement, repairs and more. From simple to advanced techniques, this course covers it all. Please join Cosmedent for The 3 P’s of Composite: Potential, Predictability and Profitability on March 20, 2024. Registration is free, a gift from Cosmedent.

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

Veterinary Dentistry

 

Who doesn't love animals?

Today's post has two parts to it.  The first is a fascinating and feel good story that comes from the Point Defiance Zoo in Tacoma, Washington.  It seems that one of the zoo's Sumatran tigers suffered a fractured tooth.  While Sanjiv the tiger was chewing on one of his toys. he fractured one of his lower canine teeth (even though it is in a tiger, the tooth is still called a canine).  The event was witnessed by one of his keepers and it was discovered that not only did he fracture the tooth, he fractured it severely.  Upon inspection of the fragment, it was discovered to be almost an inch long.  The fracture also created another problem.  Beyond breaking the tooth, the fracture had also exposed the pulp inside the tooth.  The pulp is soft tissue that contains blood vessels and nerves.  When the pulp as exposed it creates a pathway for bacteria to get into the body which can cause an infection.

So the good folks at Point Defiance Zoo went to work to get Sanjiv all fixed up.  This is where I think the story becomes really fascinating, from a dental point of view.

The zoo brought in Dr. Alice Sievers.  She is a board certified veterinary dentist and oral surgeon.  She and the team sedated the tiger and proceeded to perform a root canal on the injured tooth.

There is a great story covering this on the Seattle Times website as well as some pretty incredible photos as well.

The second part of today's post is about the market for veterinary dentistry.  Like all branches of healthcare, the market that cares for animals is seeing growth as knowledge increases and many pet owners are willing to to spend to keep their pets in optimum health.

The market for veterinary dental instruments & equipment is expected to grow from a 2022 level of $358.2 million to a whopping $615.3million by 2031.

One of the points I find fascinating is that the technology growth we have experienced in the treatment of human dental patients is now being adopted by the veterinary industry.  They are now using things like lasers and digital radiography.

If you are interested in diving a little deeper into the subject, there is a great report from Transparency Market Research that provides much more detailed information.  

Dr. David Little and Dr. John Flucke Join CandidPro’s World-class Faculty

 

If after reading this, you'd like to see the actual press release from CandidPro this link will take you there.

Several years back I decided to become trained in clear aligner orthodontic therapy.  I had several friends who had taken the plunge and their enjoyment and enthusiasm was contagious.  That got me to engage with the process and I have had a terrific time with this treatment technology.

Last year I was looking at options in the "Clear Aligner" space and I decided to evaluate CandidPro and see how their system would work for me.  That evaluation turned into the decision to make CandidPro the treatment of choice for my patients.

I am tremendously honored to be part of the Candid Academy Faculty and even more so to be able to also work with my good friend and colleague Dr. David Little.  I've know David for probably 15 years... maybe more, and I know that he is going to bring incredible value to the faculty!

Here is the press release from CandidPro making the announcement.  As an FYI, what follows is from CandidPro.  I am extremely humbled by what they have said about me.

___________________________________________________________________________________

Dr. David Little and Dr. John Flucke Join CandidPro’s World-class Faculty

Columbus, OH, January 29, 2024 /Candid/ - Candid, the company behind the revolutionary CandidPro clear aligner system, is opening 2024 with two more significant additions to its already impressive Candid Academy Faculty. David Little, DDS, and John Flucke, DDS, have agreed to bring their expertise and support to CandidPro. With these two industry powerhouses on board, CandidPro is positioned to expand its reach, enhance its clinical expertise, and bring even more value to its providers. 

Dental practitioners have been drawn to CandidPro due to its unique combination of leading aligner technology, treatment planning support from US-licensed orthodontists, remote monitoring included with every case, and game-changing approach to partnership. Esteemed practitioners like Dr. Flucke and Dr. Little joining the Candid Academy faculty is further evidence of CandidPro’s competitive combination of quality and service to an industry long dissatisfied with traditional clear aligner offerings.

Dr. Little practices in San Antonio, TX, where he focuses on restorative treatments and implantology. He’s also a world-renowned international lecturer and clinical researcher who has worked with most clear aligner products on the market. Today, CandidPro is Dr. Little’s clear aligner of choice, and he is even a CandidPro patient.

“CandidPro is delivering the support and technology that dental professionals need to grow,” says Dr. Little. “My patients love the convenience of CandidMonitoring, and it actually feels like I have a partner that listens to my needs and supports my team. I’m thrilled to help more providers do great things with CandidPro.”

Dr. Flucke operates a practice in Lee’s Summit, MO, and serves as Tech Editor and Chief Dental Editor for Dental Products Report. He’s a leading voice in dental technology and has a deep passion for using technology to improve patient outcomes. His test drive of CandidPro—featured among Dental Products Report’s Top 100 list for 2023—and specifically CandidMonitoring™, went so well that CandidPro is now the preferred clear aligner system for his practice. 

“Last year, I began working with CandidPro as a bit of a trial and was so impressed that it has become my go-to clear aligner partner,” says Dr. Flucke. “I’m looking forward to helping more providers achieve great results with this technology.”

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. 

To see the official CandidPro press release regarding this, you can use this link to get there.  

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

SOURCE Candid

National Mobile & Teledentistry Conference Celebrates Year 5 In Dallas, Texas on March 1-2, 2024

 

Over the past few years I have begun to become more passionate about the percentage of our population who simply cannot physically get to a dental office.  The science of healthcare has expanded so greatly and we are so much better able to take care of patients that people are living longer than ever before.  What I find unfortunate is that I feel our ability to heal has begun to exceed our ability to care.

We need a dedicated group of people who are willing to engage with patients by "going remote".  This will involve a team effort of people and systems that can go into nursing homes, assisted living centers, and other remote locations to gather data and treat patients who are unable to travel to a traditional dental office for care.

That's why I want to give you all some info today on the National Mobile & Teledentistry Alliance.  The group is getting ready to hold their 5th conference in Dallas soon.  Below, you'll find information on the organization as well as the press release that has details on their upcoming meeting.  If you would like to become a member of the organization, you can find membership info here.  

___________________________________________________________________________________

Founded in 2019, the American Mobile & Teledentistry Alliance (AMTA) is designated a 501(c)4 nonprofit organization and is the only professional association focused on the future of Alternative Care Delivery Models. AMTA is designed to support the dental professionals, dental practices and brands around the world who are utilizing mobile, virtual and other non-traditional care delivery methods.

Mission: To eliminate barriers to oral health internationally by promoting care outside of traditional dental settings.

Vision: The American Mobile and Teledentistry Alliance promotes equitable oral health services through alternative care models.

Values:

• Advocacy
• Outreach & Awareness
• Continuing Education
• Standard of Care
• Collaboration

The National Mobile & Teledentistry Conference

The National Mobile & Teledentistry Conference (NMTC), the only educational conference geared towards virtual and mobile dental care, is excited to announce our 5-year anniversary at our upcoming event on March 1-2, 2024 in Dallas, TX. 

This year’s event is pivotal as it represents the future of dentistry and focuses on collaboration with industry stakeholders including the Texas Oral Health Coalition, People of Color in DSO, Speaking Consulting Network and more. Two-days of educational courses will provide introductory and deep-dive education on the implementation, best practices, and protocols for organizations who are currently implementing or looking to implement service offerings beyond the brick-and-mortar. "What we’ve learned through the pandemic is that patients may never again walk through our practice doors but certainly will let us walk through their doors," said Sonya Dunbar, cofounder of NMTC. "This is critical as we think about how our dental practices will continue to be successful in the future." 

NMTC brings together stakeholders, management, and decision-makers from general and specialty practices, public health organizations, DSOs, MSOs, independent practices, and technology and product companies. “Our annual event is unique in that it brings together stakeholders who understand that operational efficiency and same store growth are vital for the future success of dental practices,” said Melissa Turner, cofounder of NMTC. “Because of this, our platform creates space for innovation, partnerships, and conversations that significantly shape the future of the clinical and business sides of dentistry.” Courses include education on artificial intelligence, remote patient monitoring, how to get started in virtual care, best practices for mobile and portable care, how to add a virtual or mobile arm to a brick-and-mortar practice, medical-dental integration and prevention-based models of care.. 

This year, NMTC will again host The Denobi Awards, a world-wide industry awards program honoring unsung heroes in dentistry, on the closing night of the 3-day event. Ten individuals and one dental team will be announced live on stage at the annual red-carpet gala. The gala is open to the public and tickets are on sale now at www.denobiawards.com. 

Since launch, the community also founded the American Mobile & Teledentistry Alliance (AMTA), a 501c(4) membership association geared towards supporting the dental professionals, dental practices and brands around the world who are utilizing mobile, virtual and other non-traditional care delivery methods. Individual, organizational and corporate memberships are available at www.amda.net. 

Press Contact 

Melissa Turner, Co-Founder 

info@nmdconference.com 

New Study Determines Quality is Better than Quantity when it Comes to Sleep

 

Humans require sleep, that's a well proven fact.  Not only do we need sleep, we suffer for the lack of it.  It's something we all know, but I think it bears repeating from time to time.

In the last decade or so there has been an expansion in our medical knowledge base of sleep... especially the discovery, diagnosis, and treatment of OSA (Obstructive Sleep Apnea).  That problem is basically an epidemic now that we know how to diagnose it.  Look at the number of people we all know who use a CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) device.  Those all too common (though necessary) machines are prescribed for people who don't get enough oxygen when they sleep due to obstruction of the airway by the tongue, airway diameter, and a multitude of other factors.

60% of people that have been prescribed a CPAP don't use them for a variety of factors, but the most common one is simply that they are uncomfortable.  As someone who suffers with OSA, once it was diagnosed and addressed, I was amazed by how much better I felt.  That experience is what lead me to study the disease and to learn how to treat it.

One of the things that all of us human beings suffer from is denial, and that is one of the things that keeps people from dealing with this problem.  Folks tend to think "I sleep at night, therefore I don't have this problem."  However, what many don't realize is that just because you are sleeping, that doesn't equate to getting the rest and rejuvenation that proper sleep provides.  Suffers of OSA sleep restlessly and wake up often, though those "wake up" moments can be so brief that people truly don't remember them or even think they occur.

However, if your brain is not going through the proper phases of sleep, this can have tremendous effects on both mental and physical aspects of your life.  Hence today's post.  A recent study that was published in September of 2023 has shown that quality of sleep and not just sleeping, can have effects on patient mortality.

I realize that for the non-medical folks who are regular readers of the blog scientific studies might be something you'd rather not read as you may spend more time trying to figure out what it says than it would take you to read the study itself.  However, even if you don't have any type of medical background I truly think at least reading the Abstract at the beginning of the article will give you a better understanding.

The study can be found at the Oxford Academic website.  You can read it by following this link.  

The One and Only: DMG Launches Innovative, One-Shade Ecosite One

 

In the last few years, we have seen more and more entries into the "single shade" market.  This is a huge benefit as patients get restorations that closely match their natural tooth and doctors get the benefit of not needing to keep a massive inventory of multiple shades.  It's also a tremendous advantage when there is a tooth that doesn't fall neatly into the standard shade guide.

DMG makes quality products and I'm glad to see them entering this market.  The more innovation we have in the industry, the more we all benefit.

One-shade posterior composite delivers long-term color stability 

DMG launched Ecosite One, its revolutionary one-shade layering composite at the recent 2023 Greater New York Dental Meeting.

The innovative Ecosite One is the newest member of the complete family of Ecosite restorative composite materials that includes Ecosite Bulk Fill – the original item in the line – and the newly- launched anterior/posterior nanohybrid composite, Ecosite Elements.

Ecosite One is already blazing its own trail, setting new standards in the field of posterior restorations with just a single shade. A curing depth of 3 mm and a rapid polymerization within 10 seconds will thrill clinicians seeking the outstanding esthetics of composite layering technology while saving significant time in the process.

Present in all Ecosite composites is the eye-catching “Push-and-Flow effect.” Noticeably firm at the onset, the material quickly becomes significantly softer for ideal sculptability, enabling optimal adaptation and eliminating cracks and bubbles in the critical contact surfaces between the individual layers. Unique DMG-NC-1 (non-clustering) technology, also present across the entire Ecosite family, enables a homogenous distribution of particles to deliver optimum working characteristics and effortless polishability for a high-gloss finish, and outstanding esthetic results.

Other key benefits delivered by Ecosite One include:

• Low shrinkage stress

• Exceptional stain resistance for long-term color stability (data on file)

• Indicated for:

o Class I and II posterior fillings, including individual cusps o Class V fillings

o Core build-up

o Extended fissure sealing

o Restorations in deciduous teeth

To order a sample today, dental professionals may visit https://dmg- connect.com/samples/ecosite-elements-and-ecosite-one-sample-offers/

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

About DMG

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

DWX-42W Still Impressing as we go Over 20 Months of Usage

 

I was excited to vote in favor of awarding the DGShape DWX-42W mill with the Cellerant Best of Class Award for 2023.  As most folks in the dental industry know, the Cellerant BOC is a prestigious award and those of us on the voting panel do not our responsibilities lightly.

One of the things about dentistry that continues to make it exciting for me is the almost continual advancements we see and are able to utilize to provide greater efficiency and, more importantly, better and better patient outcomes.  Every year I see things that are incredibly impressive and that keeps me fired up about helping my patients and also about informing my peers about the latest and greatest.

I started using CAD/CAM in my practice a long time ago.  My first foray into the product category was in 1998.  Amazingly (compared to the standards of today) I had to boot the system with a 3.5 inch floppy disk!  Back then the process of getting digital impressions was difficult, time consuming, and sometimes just no possible.  The restorations were clinically acceptable and tooth colored.  Patients were impressed with them and the whole system worked, but I knew the industry could do better.  I tell those experiences so that you understand, I've got a decent background in the product category.

I stepped away from CAD/CAM in the late 2000s as I felt that the upgrades to my system were becoming too cost prohibitive.  However, by that time I was well entrenched in writing, lecturing, and consulting which allowed me to stay in close contact with the products in that category and evaluate them.

I followed the category for several years.  I had thought about jumping back in around 2014, but at that time 3D printing was starting make inroads and I thought it was 'the next big thing' and that we'd be printing permanent restorations soon.  Obviously I was wrong in that assessment.  Don't get me wrong, 3D printing has its place in dentistry and we utilize a SprintRay printer for lots of things, but I'm still not printing permanent restorations.  

So after I figured out that milling had a long and bright future  ahead, I made the decision to get back into the in office milling aspect of practice.  I looked at several companies and after seeing the results the DWX-42W could deliver as well as durability of the machine, I made my decision.

I was really impressed with the clinical results.  I had watched the machines evolve and improve over almost two decades and what was now being created were restorations that rivaled those done by human hands.  Combining that with the ease of use was what sealed the deal for me.

The results are spectacular and we are able to provide same appointment, same day, and JIT (Just In Time) restorations for our patients.  After the first of the year, I am planning a post to discuss some new materials that I've used for a while now with impressive results. For today, my focus is to let you know how amazing our experience has been.

Our office has been using the DWX-42W since April of 2022 and it has delivered even better than I anticipated.  In-house milling is a service that patients appreciate and my team, especially Super 
Assistant D-rey enjoy being able to provide.  If you are considering an in-office milling solution, you really need to put the DWX-42W on your list to consider.  I'm confident your experience will be similar to mine.  The device is *highly recommended*.  

Association of Poor Oral Health With Neuroimaging Markers of White Matter Injury in Middle-Aged Participants in the UK Biobank

 

In the early days of my postgraduate training, the concept of the "oral systemic connection" was not overly studied or emphasized.  Due to the history of the medical professions, for some reason in the middle ages dentistry and medicine split apart from each other and have stayed that way ever since.  That lead to the now almost unfathomable situation of a profession dedicated to the health of the oral cavity and the head & neck while a totally different medical profession was in charge of the rest of the body.

Due to that, dentistry and medicine often looked. at these systems as separate.  Thank goodness that has changed in the past 30 or so years.  Now professionals are trained (as they should be) to view the head & neck as connected to the rest of the body.

That's why I'm thrilled to see scientific papers that study those links as a way to improve overall health.  

Obviously, the mouth and the oral cavity are an opening to the environment outside the body and because of that many bacteria and other pathogens first penetrate the body through that link to the outside.  That means that oftentimes the things will cause problems in the oral cavity first and then progress to other parts of the body.

Over the years, researchers have found both chemicals and pathogens in areas that started in the oral cavity and then, once gaining a toehold there, move on to create serious problems in other parts of the body.  It's well established that oral pathogens can cause cardiovascular problems which can lead to the buildup of atherosclerotic plaques in blood vessels, especially in the coronary arteries that provide oxygen and nutrients to the cardiac muscle of the heart.  

However, those types of problems are just the "tip of the iceberg" and now researchers are investigating the connections between oral pathologies and the brain.

So without further ado, today I'd like to provide you a link to a paper that I personally find pretty interesting.  This paper is available on the website of "the most widely read and highly cited peer-reviewed neurology journal" appropriate titled "Neurology".

Here is the link.  It is fascinating reading...  

Agepha Pharma and Caristo Diagnostics Team Up to Fight Coronary Inflammation

 

I recently received the information in this post and felt compelled to share it with all of you who visit and read here on a daily basis.  For some time now, the "Oral Systemic Connection" has been discussed and study extensively.  The mouth is connected to the body, not only physically, but in myriad ways of chemistry as well as disease. 

One of those 'connections' that has been studied and proven is the connection between inflammation in the periodontal tissues and inflammation in blood vessels in other parts of the body... especially in the heart.  With that in mind, when I read the information I received regarding Caristo & Agepha Pharma I thought this is a subject that would be of interest to all of you... 

Agepha Pharma, a leading multinational pharmaceutical company with the first FDA-approved anti-inflammatory cardiovascular treatment (LODOCO®– colchicine, 0.5 mg tablets), together with Caristo Diagnostics, a leading cardiac disease diagnostics company with the novel CaRi-Heart® technology to visualize and quantify coronary inflammation, announced today their collaboration to improve awareness and clinical education about the central role of inflammation in coronary artery disease.

The companies will jointly support a series of educational forums among clinicians beginning later this year highlighting the significant new scientific breakthroughs that are radically transforming the traditional approach to heart disease prevention and prediction. They will also selectively support clinical research involving the CaRi-Heart technology for coronary inflammation diagnostics and LODOCO 0.5 mg tablets for therapeutic intervention.

“Caristo shares Agepha Pharma’s passion for fighting coronary inflammation, which is one of the primary drivers of heart attack risks,” said Frank Cheng, CEO of Caristo Diagnostics. “We look forward to collaborating with Agepha Pharma in order to combat heart disease as the number one cause of death globally.”

“Together with Caristo we are proud to lead this revolution in preventative cardiology,” said Steve Andrzejewski, Agepha Pharma Head of US Operations. “In the future, patients with coronary inflammation can be identified by the CaRi-Heart technology and treated by our FDA-approved LODOCO 0.5 mg tablets.”

More than 8 million Americans visit hospital emergency departments experiencing chest pain every year. Coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) is routinely used to diagnose CAD caused by the narrowing (stenosis) or blockage of the coronary arteries that supply the heart with blood. But in three quarters of patients, there is no clear sign of significant narrowing at the time of CCTA. Nonetheless, many of these people still die from a heart attack within a few years, driven by inflammation that is now detectable in routine CCTA scans with the CaRi-Heart technology. Clinical trials have shown significant reductions in cardiovascular risk through therapeutic targeting of coronary inflammation with anti-inflammatory treatments such as colchicine, but identifying those at highest risk due to undiagnosed coronary artery inflammation has great potential for more patients to be treated effectively, to prevent more heart attacks and save more lives.

Agepha’s LODOCO inhibits microtubule assembly and has multiple anti-inflammatory mechanisms. In June 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved LODOCO as the first anti-inflammatory atheroprotective cardiovascular treatment demonstrated to reduce the risk of myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, coronary revascularization, and cardiovascular death in adult patients with established atherosclerotic disease or with multiple risk factors for cardiovascular disease. The effectiveness and safety of LODOCO in preventing heart attacks and strokes is supported by randomized trial data reported in the New England Journal of Medicine, Circulation, Journal of the American College of Cardiology, and European Heart Journal, while data emphasizing the critical need to address inflammation as much as high cholesterol in heart disease patients has recently been described in The Lancet. Specifically, LODOCO reduces cardiac event risk in adult patients with established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) by an additional 31% as compared to placebo.

Caristo’s CaRi-Heart technology applies advanced AI algorithms to routine cardiac CT scans to visualize and quantify coronary inflammation. Since 2018, exceptional validation results showing CaRi-Heart® technology’s ability to aid the prediction of heart attacks have been published in leading medical journals including the Lancet, JACC, European Heart Journal, and Cardiovascular Research. New research recently presented at the American Heart Association’s Late Breaking Science Sessions has found that the CaRi-Heart® technology can predict fatal and non-fatal cardiac events independently from routine clinical risk scores and standard coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) interpretation, and can significantly impact treatment for CAD by transforming risk stratification and management of patients undergoing routine CCTA. Among patients who had no plaque and zero calcium at time of CCTA, those with the most abnormal CaRi-Heart test results experienced 11-fold higher risk for cardiac mortality and 5-fold higher risk for major adverse cardiac events (MACE) than those who had normal CaRi-Heart test results. The CaRi-Heart® technology is in clinical use in the UK, EU and Australia, and is limited to research use in the U.S. before the FDA grants marketing authorization.

About AGEPHA Pharma

AGEPHA Pharma is a family-owned, leading multinational pharmaceutical company focused on bringing treatments to patients who need them most. Since 1947, they have invested in proven therapies, including a wide range of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and nutritional supplements, supported by a highly qualified team of clinical scientists and regulatory experts.

For more information, please visit AGEPHA Pharma’s U.S. corporate website or follow AGEPHA Pharma on Twitter (@AGEPHAPharmaUS) and LinkedIn.

About Caristo Diagnostics Limited

Caristo Diagnostics Limited is a global leader in cardiac and vascular disease diagnostics and risk prediction. Founded in 2018 as a spin-out company from the University of Oxford, the world’s #1 research university, Caristo has developed a portfolio of imaging-based and AI-assisted platforms that can be applied to aid the prediction and diagnosis of heart attack, stroke, and diabetes. Caristo was highlighted by Nature in 2020 as one of the most exciting science-based companies to have emerged from academic labs. Find Caristo online on its website, LinkedIn and X.

Zyn: Beyond the Nicotine Buzz - Potential Oral Health Risks for Your Patients

 

 For probably the last 5 years or so... most likely more, the concern for high schoolers and nicotine has been vaping.  It seemed that once cigarettes became more heavily regulated (and somewhat uncool to boot), someone figured out a different way to deliver nicotine to customers.  The idea of living on the edge has always been something that is attractive to young folks.

Have you heard of Zyn yet?  Until recently I had not.  However, once I heard about it, I decided to do some checking.  While today's post is by no means scientific, it certainly is culled from what I learned about the product from the comfort of my desk and doing some searches.  What really triggered my interest is when I learned that in 2022 Phillip Morris International (PMI) acquired the company Swedish Match for a rumored $16 billion (with a B).  That acquisition meant that Swedish Match, which manufacturers Zyn, was now owned by a huge corporate powerhouse that has made a large portion of their profits from products that contain nicotine.

Zyn pouches, the sleek, flavored nicotine pouches seemingly taking the world by storm, have become a popular alternative to traditional cigarettes and vaping among teenagers and young adults. While marketed as "smoke-free" and "tobacco-free," these products pack a hidden punch, especially for your dental patients. As dental professionals, it's crucial to be aware of the potential oral health risks Zyn poses and effectively communicate them to your patients.

A Nicotine Trojan Horse in Disguise:

Zyn pouches may not contain tobacco leaves, but they're far from harmless. Each pouch is loaded with synthetic nicotine, highly addictive and capable of wreaking havoc on the developing brain and body. Studies have linked nicotine use to numerous health problems, including:

• Gum recession and tooth loss: Nicotine constricts blood vessels, limiting blood flow to the gums and supporting tissues. This can lead to gum disease, bone loss around the teeth, and eventual tooth loss.

• Increased risk of oral cancer?:  While nicotine is not a known carcinogen, it can be involved in promoting the growth and spread of cancer cells.  According to a study that can be read on the NIH website:  

At present, it is not possible to draw a conclusion whether nicotine itself may act as a complete carcinogen. In mice studies with NNK as an initiator, nicotine acts as a promoter after injection or dermal absorption, but not after oral administration. In drinking water experiments, there is considerable first-pass metabolism of nicotine before nicotine enters the systemic circulation. As a result, serum concentration is much lower after ingestion than after i.p. administration. Nicotine enhanced tumor growth and progression after injection of malignant cells in mice. Enhancements were found both after exposure of nicotine by i.p. injection, oral, and skin administration. Moreover, cotinine did also enhance tumor growth.

While the long-term cancer risk of Zyn is still being studied, any nicotine exposure raises concerns... especially in young humans whose bodies are still undergoing growth and development.

• Sensitivity and staining: Zyn's high acidity and abrasive ingredients have the potential to wear down tooth enamel, leading to increased sensitivity to hot and cold. The pouches can also stain teeth, impacting aesthetics.

Beyond the Individual:

The popularity of Zyn among teenagers is particularly alarming. Its candy-like flavors and discreet use make it an attractive gateway to nicotine addiction and potentially more harmful tobacco products later. As dental professionals, we have a responsibility to educate our young patients and their parents about the dangers of Zyn and advocate for stricter regulations to curb its accessibility.  It seems to be advertised heavily on TikToc and the social media advertising algorithms have it popping up on teens phones frequently.

My Take:

My nicotine story is a bit interesting for someone in healthcare.  I grew up when "dipping" was a huge thing socially.  There were lots of young men in my circle of friends and acquaintances who constantly carried a can of smokeless tobacco with them... and I was one of them.  When I started dental school I was "a closet chewer" who used smokeless tobacco, but hid it from most people.  I knew it wasn't good for me, but in my 20's I was "bulletproof" and I was convinced I "would live forever".  Even though I knew it was a poor choice I thought I would be the one who would never have to deal with adverse consequences of that action.

Then one day I was sitting in a lecture about Oral Pathology and the instructor began to discuss oral cancers.  Over the next few lectures we covered all the different forms of the disease and many of the known causes.  I can still remember the turning point for me.  The screen at the front of the room showed a horribly disfigured man.  His cancer had been severe and the only chance of survival was a procedure called a "hemi-mandiblectomy" which was a surgical procedure that removed half of the patient's lower jaw.  The disfigurement was startling and frightening to me.

Suddenly, out of the blue, it occurred to me that the result on the screen was not something the patient had ever expected would happen to him.  No one would want that.  No, the patient on the screen had been just like me, expecting "that won't ever happen to me".

The result for me was that I stopped "dipping and chewing"... and it wasn't easy.  I had no idea how addictive nicotine is  Quitting was awful.  I don't remember how long it took before the nicotine cravings left me, but it was a long time.  

We are all a sum of our experiences and my experiences began to create in me an interest in early detection systems for oral cancers.  Of course one of the potential contributing factors is nicotine.

I make it a point to tell my patients who use smokeless tobacco that I once was just like them.  I tell them, "I will never guilt you or lecture you about this.  Everyone knows this is bad for you.  If you ever want to try to quit, I'm here for you and there are cessation programs that can be very effective."  

We all know the easiest way to stop a bad habit is to not start it in the first place.  Studies I've seen over the years have shown that the earlier a patient gets a nicotine addiction, the harder it is for them to stop.  Hopefully I've given you enough information today that you are encouraged to do some research on your own and that this can help you talk to your young patients about this.

In closing, I'd like to provide 3 links.  The first 2 are from "big media" companies.  Those are the New York Times and GQ.  I salute both publications for bringing this topic to light.  New to the market products used by young people usually take a pretty long time to come to the attention of anyone over 30, but both the NYT and GQ are out in front of this story.  The third article is what I really find interesting.  It is a story that appeared in The Harbinger which is the student publication of Shawnee Mission East High School.

I discovered the Harbinger story while I was reading the NYT piece and I was delighted to see it.  First of all, SME is just a few miles from my home and is located on the Kansas side of the Greater Kansas City area.  The piece is incredibly well written and it brings the perspective of a high school senior to this subject.  It's one thing for "old people" to wring their hands and talk about how the latest trend is corrupting the youth.  It is another to see something written by a young man who is "in the trenches" and seeing this subject up close.  The piece is very well written and brings some really fascinating information to the reader.

1. Our Kids are Living in a Different Digital World - from the New York Times
2. Why Are Zyn Nicotine Pouches Suddenly Everywhere?  - from GQ
3. A Smokeless Buzz:  A rise in oral nicotine pouch use raises health concerns for high schoolers - from The Harbinger - The Student Publication of Shawnee Mission East High School

5Ws* DTX Studio™ Clinic

 

In late 2022 (which is over a year ago in case you weren't paying attention) I was talking with some of the incredibly smart people at DEXIS.  They were super excited about the latest developments in their flagship imaging product DTX Studio.  The company had been making tremendous strides with the program and they we had connected remotely so that they could give me a sneak peek at what would be coming in the future.  

At that time they were in the middle of submission and approval with the FDA on several pretty amazing features.  Due to the FDA process I was under a pretty strict NDA (non-disclosure agreement), which I agree with.  The FDA has a very rigorous process to make sure products are safe and efficacious and they don't want a company to promote a product in any way until is approved.  Because of that, I have been waiting oh so patiently for DEXIS to get approval so that I can tell the profession about it.  The great news is that time has come.  The program is incredibly powerful and makes workflows more efficient.  Here is what I've come up with to share with you:

Streamline Your Workflow and Empower Your Patients: DTX Studio™ Clinic for the Modern Dentist

DTX Studio Clinic simplifies and empowers your clinical routine by streamlining workflows, enhancing patient engagement, and boosting your overall efficiency. Here's how it can transform your dental practice:

1. Centralized Image Management: Say goodbye to the days of scattered scans and images across different platforms. DTX Studio Clinic gathers all your visual data – intraoral scans, CBCTs, photos – in one central location, readily accessible at any workstation.

2. Simplified Workflow: Imagine completing tasks with just a few clicks. DTX Studio Clinic streamlines your workflow by integrating all essential tools, from image acquisition and treatment planning to implant workflows and reporting. No more jumping between programs and wasting time.

3. Enhanced Patient Communication: Active patient engagement is key to successful treatment outcomes. DTX Studio Clinic empowers you to share 3D models and simulations with your patients, fostering better understanding and informed decision-making. Visualizing treatment plans builds trust and strengthens patient relationships.

4. Increased Efficiency: Time is precious, and DTX Studio Clinic helps you make the most of it. Its intuitive interface and automated processes save you valuable minutes on everyday tasks, allowing you to focus on what matters most – your patients.

5. Scalability and Growth: Whether you're a solo practitioner or part of a growing team, DTX Studio Clinic adapts to your needs. Its modular design allows you to add modules as your practice evolves, ensuring you have the tools you need for continued success.

Beyond the core benefits, DTX Studio Clinic offers additional features that make it stand out:

QuickPrescribe: Delegate routine imaging tasks to your team with confidence, ensuring smooth workflows and consistent results.

Open Communication: Seamless integration with communication platforms like Dentrix and Eaglesoft facilitates sharing information with labs and specialists, streamlining collaborative care.

Secure Cloud Storage: Keep your data safe and accessible with secure cloud storage options, eliminating the risk of data loss and ensuring peace of mind.  This also allows the doctor to access this data from anywhere they have an Internet connection.

I've watched this system grow over the years and I've also had the opportunity to test different pieces of it, I've been impressed with the progress DEXIS has made over the years.  If you'd like to learn more, visit the DTX Studio website to learn more and request a free demo: https://www.dtxstudio.com

Former NIDCR Director Passes Away...

 

In the late 1990s, early in my career, I had the opportunity to visit NIDCR.  I was but a wide eyed youngster with a dental degree, suddenly surrounded by some of the smartest minds on Earth.  A good friend of mine, Dr. David Dodell, had arranged the visit for a group of dentists from the Internet Dental Forum which was an early online tech discussion group. 

We were welcomed to NIDCR by the director, Dr. Harold Slavkin.   At the time of the visit the facility/organization was called the National Institute of Dental Research or NIDR.  That name was changed due to the efforts and research of Dr. Slavkin who was considered one of the minds that was out front in the field of craniofacial research.  He was a very gracious host and escorted us around the campus and gave us an amazing tour of the facility.  It was *impressive*.  The thing I remember the most about the tour was the Visible Human Project which was just wrapping up.  Dr. Slavkin showed us some of the images from that work and it was nothing short of incredible to me.

The other thing I will always remember about that visit was how Dr. Slavkin treated us.  The group I was in was a hodgepodge of dentists... most of us very young and just starting our careers.  We were not high powered or well known researchers... we were just everyday practitioners.  Yet, he treated us like equals.  He was very proud of the work being done at NIDCR, that was plain to see.  He was excited about the future.  A person of his rank and stature could easily have treated the group like the tourists that we were.  However, instead he treated us as peers.  He seemed genuinely glad we were there and tolerated all of our questions.  He made the trip really special for me.

Dr. Slovkin served as Director of the center from 1995-2000.  I remember he talked to us about research that was being done to potentially use stem cells to actually regrow teeth in extraction sites.  He was smart and enthusiastic about what the NIDCR could accomplish.

So I was saddened to hear the news that Dr. Slovkin passed away on December 22, 2023.  The profession has lost a brilliant mind.

The ADA News has a nice article detailing his career and I truly feel it is worth a read.  Head over to the ADA News website to read it.  I also feel the obituary from NIDCR is definitively another really honoring tribute.   

Rest in Peace, sir.  You will be missed.

Tissue Regeneration Being Studied as Alternative to Root Canal Therapy

 

Root canals, are often a necessary evil for saving infected teeth, but what if there was a better way? Scientists are working on a revolutionary new approach that could change everything: tissue regeneration.

Imagine this: instead of removing the damaged pulp, dentists could stimulate the tooth's own cells to regrow healthy tissue. This would not only eliminate the need for root canals, but also preserve the natural tooth structure, leading to better long-term outcomes in many cases.  There are many reasons root canal therapy is needed and frequently it is due to the presence of a large amount of decay.  

The Power of Resolvins

One promising avenue of research involves a class of molecules called resolvins. These naturally occurring lipids play a crucial role in resolving inflammation, a key factor in dental pulp infections. Studies have shown that applying resolvins directly to the tooth can promote the growth of new pulp which is the soft tissue that in inside of every living tooth.  Normally when endodontic therapy (root canal) is done this soft tissue is removed and replaced with an inert material.  Now there is a potential to be able to remove the pulp and possibly have the tooth regrow new pulp.

Early Stages, Big Promise

It's important to note that tissue regeneration for teeth is still in its early stages. While research is promising, it will likely be several years before this technology becomes widely available in dental offices. But the potential benefits are huge. Not only could it eliminate the need for root canals, but it could also pave the way for regenerating other damaged tissues in the body, from bone to cartilage.

The current exploration in this area is studying Resolvin E1 (RvE1) and how it affects the pulp and other dental structures.  

There are a couple of good articles on this available.  This one is an overview from MedicalXpress.

This is a journal article from SageJournals that is a scientific paper on RvE1.  

The Mac Malware of 2023 - A Post from Objective-See

 

As long term readers will recall, I am a *huge fan of Objective-See*!!!  This non-profit 501(c)(3) foundation was founded and is still run by Patrick Wardle, who is one of the most gifted coders on the planet.  However, in addition to his phenomenal skills as a software developer and engineer, he has always impressed me with a focus on 'doing good'.   As a quick aside, Patrick lives on Maui and when the wildfire struck there this past summer, he was quick to respond and provide fund raising for the victims and made sure the money ended up where it could do the most good.

The main focus of the Objective-See Foundation is to do research and create security solutions for Mac users.  Wardle has created quite a few programs that function to keep an eye on your Mac system so that various forms of malware can be tharwted before they can get a toehold in your system.  He creates these programs and then makes them available for download to anyone who needs them.  The best part is the he provides these *free of charge*.  

Objective-See, does request for a donation to help continue their work, but a donation is NOT required to download and use the programs.  I'm a firm believer in their work and I support Objective-See via Patreon, but that is a choice each user needs to make.  If you are interested in supporting the organization, you can follow this link to see the ways you can help.

Now, on to the post for today.  In addition to the creation of tools to fight Mac malware, Objective-See also does a lot of analysis and blog posting regarding the state of Mac malware.  They recently released the Mac Malware of 2023 via the organization's blog and I think it bears, at the bare minimum, a review.

If you happen to be a Mac user, the info provided is interesting... to say the least.  Patrick has also created a downloadable pdf of the past year's Mac Malware which is being provided to the community free of charge.  Give the info a look and if you have the means, help support Objective-See's work.  We need more people doing good work like this.

URGENT UPDATE............... Sililgent and Massachusetts Dental Society Announce "Tech Hub" at Yankee Dental Congress 2024

This post was made a about 36 hours ago, but since it went public, I have received word that the idea has been cancelled for the 2024 Yankee Dental Congress

Siligent Intelligent Technology, a leading cyber security and IT services provider for dental practices, and the Massachusetts Dental Society will be introducing “The Tech Hub” on January 25th and 26th during the 2024 Yankee Dental Congress in Boston.  

According to Siligent Founder and Chief Technologist Tasha Dickinson, “Dentistry is undergoing a fertile period of innovation and transformation, which is being driven by start-up companies lead by talented entrepreneurs and forward-thinking, well-stablished companies as well. The Technology Hub is an interactive way for them to connect directly with dentists and potentially create sales opportunities early in the year.”

Specifically, The Tech Hub will consist of a “Tech Talk” stage with seating, located in a high-traffic section of the Yankee Dental Congress exhibit floor. There are two Tech Hub sponsorship opportunities available for current exhibitors and new exhibitors, with speaking slots included for both options:

• Current YDC 2024 Exhibitors| 975.00 

• Two 15-minute speaking slots (One on Friday 2/25 and one on Saturday 2/26)  

• Promotion in the new YDC 2024 App

• Two e-blasts from the YDC.

• Ongoing social media promotion by YDC (#TechHubYDC)

• Gourmet coffee bar to drive traffic and exhibitor staff

• Badge scan leads from coffee bar available after YDC 2024

• Regular speaking slot price is $4,200. The Tech Hub package saves $3,225.

• New YDC 2024 Exhibitors | $5,175 

Includes everything listed above, plus the following:

• 10’ x 10’ booth space

• 8’ black background drape plus 3’ side rails with drape

• 7’ x 44” company ID sign for back drape

• Option to rent pre-show attendee list for an additional cost

• 8 attendees’ badges

• The regular price of a speaking slot plus 10 x10 exhibit space is $8,400.00. The Tech Hub package saves $3,225.

“The Tech Hub is a great way for new companies and legacy companies with new technology to showcase their innovations during the first major dental meeting of the year,” said Yankee Dental Congress event coordinator Jocelyn Bauman, “We’re very excited to be partnering with Siligent Intelligent Technology to produce what we hope will be an annual highlight of the Yankee Dental Congress.”

Please note: Exhibit space and speaking slots are limited and will be assigned on a first come-first serve basis and must be reserved by Thursday January 11th, 2024. For more details and sponsorship information on The Tech Hub at YDC 2024, visit https://bit.ly/TechHubYDC or contact Jocelyn Baumann at  jbaumann@massdental.org.

About Siligent Intelligent Technology:

Siligent is a leading provider of cyber security, privacy protection, data back-up, workflow integration, and business process automation solutions for dental practices. 

The company is customer driven and has created an innovative and inclusive environment for all of its employees as it strives to be the most trusted managed services and IT solutions provider for dental practices across the country. For more information, visit www.siligent.com.

About The Massachusetts Dental Society: 

The Massachusetts Dental Society (MDS), is a 5,000+ member constituent of the American Dental Association and is dedicated to the professional development of its member dentists through initiatives in education, advocacy, and promotion of the highest professional standards, and championing oral health in the Commonwealth. MDS, in cooperation with the dental associations of Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont sponsors the annual Yankee Dental Congress, a premiere dental meeting in the United States for dental professionals seeking the highest quality dental continuing education, as well as dental products, services, and resources. For more information visit www.massdental.org.

Which Way’s the Bleach? DMG Unveils Breakthrough New Approach

3D printing makes bleaching tray workflow more efficient, precise, comfortable and cost-effective 

 DMG has reimagined the bleaching tray workflow with a streamlined process utilizing 3D printing to reduce the number of steps needed for fabrication by one-third. 

DMG offers an integrated, automated suite of products enabling dental professionals to seamlessly implement this approach: 

• DentaMile connect cloud-based design software 


• DentaMile Desk MC-5 DLP 3D printer 


• DentaMile Wash MC washing unit 


• DentaMile Cure MC curing unit 


• LuxaPrint Ortho Flex biocompatible, light-curing 3D printing resin 


This state-of-the-art digital suite delivers a host of benefits to practices and patients alike: enhanced efficiency thanks to a faster, easier, streamlined process; enhanced precision resulting in better patient outcomes; enhanced comfort that reduces patient anxiety; and enhanced cost effectiveness in several areas. 


Enhanced Efficiency 


The traditional approach to fabricating bleaching trays requires six steps: 

1. Impression is taken


2. Model is cast


3. Model is trimmed 


4. Wells area dded to model


5. Material is vac-formed over model 

6. Plastic is trimmed and cleaned 


In contrast, using 3D printing requires only four steps for any practice that has a scanner: 

1. STL scan is imported to create the patient case


2. Design software is used to create the bleaching tray design


3. File is sent to the 3D printer 


4. 3D system’s components are used to print, wash and cure the tray 


 

The design aspect is particularly easy. With DentaMile connect, users simply follow three guided steps, after which the software’s algorithm automatically nests and slices the print job. For those who do not have a printer, the DentaMile bleaching tray workflow facilitates fast and flexible collaboration between dental practices and laboratories to support the manufacture of high-precision bleaching trays. 

Enhanced Precision 

With the high-precision bleaching trays created by this workflow, the bleaching gel stays on the tooth due to the reservoirs created for the gel. For patients with fluorosis, caries-related white spots, or traumatic lesions, the bleaching tray workflow can be combined with infiltration treatment featuring DMG’s Icon to yield impressive aesthetic outcomes. 

Enhanced Comfort 

As any patient will attest – and as any dental professional has observed – the conventional means of taking impressions is one of the most uncomfortable and anxiety-inducing experiences a person can have in a dental practice. Every time a practice uses digital technology to take impressions and print a bleaching tray or other appliance is one less time the sound of a gagging patient will be heard. And because high-precision bleaching trays created by the digital workflow prevent the escape of the bleaching gel, there is no gingival irritation and discomfort for the patient. 

Enhanced Cost-Effectiveness 

The digital approach to the fabrication of bleaching trays – and virtually all dental appliances – generates significant savings in labor and shipping costs. Moreover, DentaMile connect requires a relatively low investment for a practice interested in going digital. Many practices that opt to start with 3D-printed bleaching trays will quickly move on to printing other appliances once they experience the plethora of benefits digital technology has to offer. 

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

About DMG 

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

I've been a fan of Mouthwatch for a number of years now.  The company really shook up the industry when they brought their Mouthwatch Intraoral Camera to market.  That product dropped the price of an intraoral camera with a nice image to the sub $500 realm when they had been several thousand dollars previously.  They didn't sit on their past successes, but continue to grow and bring more offerings to the profession.  Here is the latest info from the company:

MouthWatch, LLC, an industry leader in teledentistry solutions and dental intraoral cameras, is marking 2023 as a year defined by its commitment to continuous innovation, development of new technology solutions, and helping dental professionals increase access to care, improve oral health, and deliver excellence in patient experience.

 “As we reflect on 2023 and look ahead to 2024 and beyond, we are so proud of what we have accomplished, grateful for the recognition we have received, and excited about the growing role MouthWatch solutions play in addressing the needs of today’s patients, healthcare professionals, and organizations focused on patient health,” said Brant Herman, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of MouthWatch and Dentistry One.

2023 was an exciting year for MouthWatch, as it continued to bring new and exciting solutions to the marketplace:  

• Virtual Care Innovation: MouthWatch launched Dentistry.One; a virtual-first dental care network built to break down barriers to oral health care, address the expectations of today’s modern healthcare consumers, the need for greater efficiency in healthcare, and the proven connection between good oral health and overall health. Dentistry.One features on-demand dental consultations, personalized care coordination, and oral health coaching for prioritizing oral health. 

• Congressional Briefing: Mr. Herman joined other distinguished leaders in dental innovation at a Congressional Briefing in Washington, D.C., hosted by the Dental Trade Alliance, to share insights and experience about how teledentistry and artificial intelligence can improve both access to dental care and patient outcomes. 

• Founder Recognition: Mr. Herman was named among NJBIZ Magazine’s “2023 People to Watch in Healthcare.” He was also named by the American Mobile and Teledentistry Alliance as one of the "Top 50 Teledentistry Leaders to Know in 2023," along with three other company Directors. 

• Leadership Team Growth:  New leadership roles were created to ensure continued growth and success of MouthWatch and Dentistry One: 

•    Carolyn Brown, DDS: Dr. Brown assumed the role of Chief Dental Officer at Dentistry One. She first joined MouthWatch in 2022 as Chief Health Innovation Officer, a position she continues to hold. 

Dr. Brown is nationally recognized for her focus on helping individuals and organizations achieve growth, improve health outcomes, leverage digital innovation, and bridge the gap across the medical-dental divide. She was instrumental in helping to launch Dentistry.One.    

Dr. Brown’s training at Dartmouth during the early days of value-based care and ACO formation is invaluable in the understanding of big data, diagnostic codes, healthtech, and risk-based partnerships. Previously, Dr. Brown has held academic positions at two dental schools, with over $20 million in research-related grant funding, and was amongst the first in the country to explore new models of dental care, including mobile and teledentistry. 

• Sharity Ludwig, EPDH, MS: Ms. Ludwig joined Dentistry One as Senior Director of Clinical Operations. In this pivotal role, she oversees the development and implementation of innovative clinical strategies and processes for ensuring a seamless Dentistry One Provider-Patient experience.

-more-

Prior to joining Dentistry One, Ms. Ludwig worked for 12+ years in various roles at DentaQuest, the largest Medicaid dental benefits administrator in the US. Her primary role was responsible for collaborating with clinical providers and operations management to develop and implement non-traditional services and care models across more than 70 practices and 200 providers. She played a key role in developing high-value clinical business opportunities and defining strategic and tactical objectives to oversee community-based care coupled with integrated care models for physical, behavioral, and oral health systems.

Ms. Ludwig, in addition to dental care administration, treated at-risk patient populations as a clinical dental hygienist in both a federally qualified health center and private practice. Her background also includes coordinating dental services among various public and private dentistry stakeholders for a public health department and serving as project director for a Phase 3 randomized clinical trial of silver diamine fluoride.

• Susan Vassallo: Ms. Vassallo was promoted to Director of Marketing for MouthWatch and Dentistry One. In this role, she is responsible for driving visibility for the company’s products, services, and solutions to help ensure their sustained success. 

Ms. Vassallo brings over two decades of leadership experience in marketing communications and brand management to the company. Prior to joining MouthWatch and Dentistry One, her work in creating and deploying marketing communications strategies and initiatives contributed to growing a $1.5 billion national healthcare distributor into a multi-billion dollar global Fortune 500 health solutions company serving dental and medical practitioners across 32 countries. 

Ms. Vassallo is passionate about raising awareness for important health topics and uncovering opportunities to increase access to care. 

• Product Awards: The MouthWatch Intraoral Camera continued its winning streak by taking a 2023 Dentaltown Magazine Townie Choice Award in its category for the fourth consecutive year.

In addition, the dental industry online forum and community, Nifty Thrifty Dentists, awarded the MouthWatch Intraoral Camera with a best product award based on its value and performance.

The company’s newest product, The MouthWatch Plus+ HD Intraoral Camera was recognized with three separate awards by Dentistry Today Magazine: “Top 50 Technology Products,” “Readers’ Choice Top 100 Products,” and “Top Innovative Products.”

“The success we achieved during 2023 was possible because of the outstanding expertise of the MouthWatch and Dentistry One team and the deep commitment we share to improve oral health and help our customers achieve their goals,” said Mr. Herman. “We look forward to taking on 2024 and beyond with the same vigor and enthusiasm we experienced this past year.”

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

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

Happy New Year!!!

 

I'm back and ready to bring you more insights and adventures in 2024!

I will do my best to keep you up to date on the latest and greatest tech that I can get my hands on (and possibly break).  While I'm in the process of that, I'll try and give you my impressions from hands on use both on successes and failures.

However, if I can't get my hands on it, I'll do the best research I can and give you my take on the hardware and software that has the potential to change our lives.

This year I can pretty much guarantee that we will see more and more progress made in AI.  We'll continue to see some amazing things in that space, both in dentistry and healthcare to our lives in general.  As I've said before, AI has made a lot of inroads into the backbone of our tech lives and, although you might not have really 'seen' much of it, trust me that it is there and continuing to grow.

I don't look upon that as a bad thing; not at all.  Like all progress, both digitally as well as analogue, there is a potential for amazing good, but there is also the potential for bad things as well.  It's going to be up to us as a society to put some rules down to make sure AI benefits the greater good.  That will require our elected officials (and I say OUR with great emphasis... after all, they *work* for us), but it will also be up to us as individuals to "do the right thing".  I once was a sign in a locker room that said "You are truly yourself when no one else is around.  Act with honor."  I truly believe that.

Now that I've gone all philosophical on you, let's reel it back in and get ready for 2024 and the great wave of progress we'll ride into the future!