Weave Now Integrates with eClinicalWorks

For those of you who are using patient communication services to keep in touch with your patient base, then a lot of you are either using or are familiar Weave.  They've made quite a name for themselves in the industry with an entire suite of ways to contact your patients and keep them in mind for family and friends.  Now comes word that Weave has another integration to offer.  Read on for the details...

New integration unlocks Weave features to help streamline communication workflows

Weave a leading all-in-one experience platform for small and medium-sized healthcare businesses, today announced an integration with eClinicalWorks, the largest cloud-based EHR software in the U.S., offering solutions tailored to healthcare specialties and ensuring that every patient receives the best care possible. More than 130,000 healthcare providers use eClinicalWorks. This integration delivers additional value to Weave customers by:

• Streamlining Operational Efficiency: Reduces manual daily tasks with reminders and helps staff manage high call volumes with Missed Call Text.
• Improving Patient Experience: Personalizes patient interactions with Call Pop notifications that display patient information in the Weave App.

Ensuring Data Accuracy: Reduces manual input errors and ensures patient information is up to date with a daily automated contact sync from eClinicalWorks to Weave.

“Our team is excited about the new integration with Weave and eClinicalWorks,” said Dr. Jeremy Anderson, DPM, of Belmont Anderson & Associates Podiatry. “By streamlining processes, this integration will enable us to focus on what matters most: providing exceptional service and quality of care.”

To learn more about Weave for Medical practices, visit getweave.com.

About Weave

Weave is the all-in-one 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.

Ex-Salesforce Leader Joins Planet DDS as COO

PlanetDDS has grown tremendously since it's inception.  The company is now considered "one of the big three" in Practice Management Software (the other two being Dentrix & Eaglesoft).  The company continues to grow by a focus on the customer providing services and updates that users request.  Today, the company has announced that they are bringing in some new faces to their leadership team.  Here is the info:

Planet DDS strengthens the leadership team to boost customer engagement and drive growth

Planet DDS, a leading provider of cloud-based dental practice management solutions, today announced the appointment of two executives to the senior leadership. Matt Zelen joins the company as chief operating officer. Bringing more than twenty years of executive leadership experience in private equity-sponsored and publicly held companies, Zelen will lead operations and customer success initiatives as Planet DDS continues its strong growth trajectory as the go-to platform for growth-minded dental businesses.

Molly Gapp, former WorkForce Software executive, will also join the company as Vice President of Professional Services, reporting to Zelen. She will provide strategic direction for onboarding and delivery of DentalOSTM solutions, including conversion, implementation, and training programs to the company’s growing customer base.

Zelen joins Planet DDS after a half-decade at UserTesting, a SaaS leader in experience research and insights. There, he served as chief customer officer, led global customer success initiatives, and drove UserTesting’s customer implementation, enablement, and training programs. Zelen participated in multiple capital market transactions, and mergers and acquisitions, including UserTesting's initial IPO, and the sale of the company to Thoma Bravo and Sunstone Partners in 2023. His background in guiding customer success programs at major global technology companies includes leadership roles at Salesforce and Oracle.

"I am very excited to serve Planet DDS employees and customers as Chief Operating Officer. The company’s core values and growth mindset distinguish the company and make it a great place to work,” said Zelen. “I have spent my entire career listening to the voice of the customer and providing innovative solutions that allow our customers to better service theirs. In this new chapter, I look forward to partnering with the Planet DDS leadership team to take the company through its next phase of growth."

"We are thrilled to have Matt Zelen as our new COO. His experience, combined with his unwavering commitment to customer experience, make him the ideal candidate to lead our operations,” said Eric Giesecke, Chief Executive Officer of Planet DDS. “Both Matt and Molly are the perfect fit for our company and our leadership team. I am honored to welcome them to our team."

Planet DDS has achieved many remarkable milestones within the last year, with a rapidly expanding customer base. The company’s cloud-based solutions have facilitated over $7 billion in production while catering to the dental needs of more than 75 million patients. Planet DDS now boasts one of the largest dental databases globally, demonstrating its technological prowess and dedication to helping its customers grow their practices.

In addition, the company’s commitment to innovation and employee engagement has also received other recent accolades, such as being recognized on Deloitte’s Technology Fast 500 list, Fast Company’s List of Top 100 Best Workplaces for Innovators and has secured a spot on the Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Private Companies list five times.

To learn about Planet DDS, visit planetdds.com.

Why I Use Warm Composite... and Why I Feel You Should as Well

 

For over 2 decades I've been warming my composite.  This started when I had a conversation with Dr. Josh Friedman who owns the dental manufacturer AdDent.  His company was selling a product called Calset and he wanted me to consider using it.

The Calset is an AC powered base that is used to warm composite.  The best way to understand Calset is to simply visit the product webpage.  I came away from that conversation intrigued and I began to look at research that had been done on the process.  I was amazed at the number of articles and by the results they provided.  Warm composite is easier to place, easier to sculpt, and most importantly cures better.  By warming composite the molecules move faster and that creates better photo-polymerization.  That creates greater depth of cure, less shrinkage, and better marginal adaptation.

Lately, there has been another revolution in warming composite.  Two companies, AdDent and Vista-Apex have launched composite dispenser guns that actually warm the material in the gun.  The unit from Vista-Apex is called Phasor while the unit from AdDent is called the Compex HD.  

Both devices work well and there a few differences between them which you can read about in the product links provided in the above paragraph.

I recently came across a blog post from 3M (now Solventum) that lists 5 reasons why you should warm your composite.  Their market share is about 50% of all composites placed, so you can feel confident that providing warm composite really does make a difference.  Plus, as far as I know, 3M does not make a warming system, so that lends even more credence to their statements.  The blog is informative and lists the scientific papers they referenced in creating the post.

You can read Solventum's "Five Reasons Why You Should Warm Your Composite" blog post by following this link.

I think after reading what Solventum has to say, you'll be as convinced as I am about the benefits of placing warm composite.  I'm not sure why this concept has taken so long to gain traction in the profession, but I feel that, with all the evidence available, this should be something doctors take a great interest in.

Scams Abound since CrowdStrike Outage Crashed the Web - Don't Become a Victim

 

Unless you've been 'Rip Vanwikiling' away your time since last Thursday of so, you've most likely heard about the disaster that was brought about by an update from CrowdStrike that paralyzed certain parts of the tech landscape.

CrowdStrike is a security vendor that many companies running Windows computers count on.  The company helps protect its clients from malicious actors, usually through a product called Falcon.   Unfortunately, when the company pushed out an update to clients on Friday, there was a bug in the code which was unknown when the update deployed.  The result was that 1.8% of computers running Windows then crashed with the result being the feared 'Blue Screen of Death' which meant the computers wouldn't reboot.  At this point in time, it's my understanding that the only way to fix the problem is to boot the affected machine into Safe Mode and then remove the update manually by finding the file, clicking on it, and then deleting it.  Considering how many computers were affected, you know that the recovery process is going to be slow.

The problem caused all kinds of havoc.  The most noted was probably the effect it had on the travel industry.  Suddenly many airlines were unable to access their systems and the result was flights cancelled and travelers stranded... all over the place, with Delta Airlines being the worst affected.  I was actually flying home to KC on Saturday from a lecture in Tennessee and I consider myself lucky to have made it to my destination.  That day of my life is worth a blog post all on its own, but I'll save the you boring details for some other time.  I happened to be flying American Airlines for that trip.  They suffered some problems but nearly as severe as others.

Now, let's add to all of those troubles the fact that the moment the crash made headlines, into the void stepped the scammers.  Why criminals always jump into these moments to make a quick buck is beyond my comprehension, but you can pretty much count on that happening.  Recently Russia struck a children's hospital in Ukraine with a missile  and within hours, there were fake websites asking for donations to help those affected.  You can always count on the lowest level of humanity to try and take advantage of things.

Following that thread, there are now plenty of scammers attempting to profit from the CrowdStrike debacle.  According to Wired (which is one of my favorite publications) there has been a massive effort to create “CrowdStrike Support” scams targeting the company's customers and anyone who might be impacted by the chaos."  Please be aware of these types of websites, phone calls, etc and don't become a victim.  The impact of this disaster continues to be felt and I certainly don't want any of you nice enough to read my ramblings on a regular basis to end up losing your hard earned cash on something like that.

Wired has a great article on this that I feel is worth the 3-5 minutes it takes to read it.  Stay safe & keep your money safe too!

FTI Consulting Appoints Renowned Cybersecurity Communications Expert Brett Callow to Cybersecurity & Data Privacy Communications Practice

 

It's always a great feeling to see your friends succeed.  Today I get to tell you all about the great success achieved by my friend Brett Callow.  Our friendship is one of those great 'Internet stories'.  About 15 (or maybe longer) years ago, Brett was working for a auxiliary hard drive company that was exploring getting into the healthcare market.  He reached out to me to see about having me test some equipment.  That interaction lead to a long term friendship.  Brett moved on to security company Emsisoft where he became a threat analyst and spokesperson for the firm. He quickly became a well known expert and go-to guy for his perspectives on the data privacy and cybersecurity side of technology.

He's been interviewed by the New York Times and Wired magazine among many, many others.  He's also been quoted in several best selling books including Tracers in the Dark by Andy Greenberg (a book I highly recommend).

Throughout all of his fame and success Brett has continued to be humble and a truly 'good guy'.  He was even gracious enough to write an article for Dental Products Report about cybersecurity back in 2022.

He's now moved on to FTI Consulting to start his next career adventure.  Here's the press release about this new endeavor:

Callow to Serve as Managing Director, Bolstering FTI Consulting’s Cybersecurity & Data Privacy Communications Practice Globally

FTI Consulting, Inc. (NYSE: FCN) today announced the appointment of Brett Callow as a Managing Director in the Cybersecurity & Data Privacy Communications practice within its Strategic Communications segment.

Mr. Callow, who is based in Vancouver, will focus on providing cybersecurity and data privacy communications counsel to C-suites and boards, general counsel, information security and communications executives at U.S.-based and international organizations. Leveraging his extensive expertise, he will help clients effectively communicate through critical moments of crisis, navigate and manage the rapidly evolving policy, regulatory and media landscape and stakeholder relationships around cybersecurity and data privacy, proactively shape narratives, and protect and enhance their corporate reputation.

“We are thrilled to add Brett to our growing Cybersecurity & Data Privacy Communications global team and are excited about the unique perspective he will bring to our clients as we help them to navigate complex cybersecurity matters,” said Meredith Griffanti, Global Head of Cybersecurity & Data Privacy Communications for the Strategic Communications segment at FTI Consulting. “From crisis and incident response situations, to public policy and public affairs challenges, to cyber resilience and preparedness efforts, Brett’s reputation in our industry precedes him. His familiarity with the cybersecurity industry, media, policy makers and data privacy influencers is unmatched, and we look forward to tapping into that skillset to bolster our client capabilities and to expand our market presence and recognition as the leading global cybersecurity communications team.”

Prior to joining FTI Consulting, Mr. Callow served as a threat analyst and spokesperson for the cybersecurity firm Emsisoft, which is a partner in Europol’s No More Ransom project. He has been involved in some of the most high-profile ransomware incidents and has participated in panels and policy-related discussions for bodies including the Office of the Director of National Intelligence and the Aspen Institute, and served on the advisory board of the Royal United Services Institute’s Ransomware Harms project. His research has been cited in the U.S. Economic Report of the President, by the World Economic Forum, the European Commission for Economic Policy and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, among others.

Commenting on his appointment, Mr. Callow said, “I am excited to be joining FTI Consulting’s exceptional cybersecurity communications team and look forward to being able to support clients navigate their toughest challenges.”

FTI Consulting’s Cybersecurity & Data Privacy Communications team has grown in response to the increased demand from clients facing cybersecurity crises and high-pressure data privacy challenges. In effort to expand its cybersecurity crisis communications and preparedness capabilities, the team announced dedicated expertise in key markets around the world, including Senior Director Orla Cox in EMEA and Director Eli Serota in Singapore. In addition, leveraging its integrated strategic communications expertise, the team has developed “Secure Your Seat,” a unique board readiness and communications training program specifically for chief information security officers and senior information security leaders.

About FTI Consulting

FTI Consulting, Inc. is a global business advisory firm dedicated to helping organizations manage change, mitigate risk and resolve disputes: financial, legal, operational, political & regulatory, reputational and transactional. With more than 8,000 employees located in 33 countries and territories, FTI Consulting professionals work closely with clients to anticipate, illuminate and overcome complex business challenges and make the most of opportunities. In certain jurisdictions, FTI Consulting’s services are provided through distinct legal entities that are separately capitalized and independently managed. The Company generated $3.49 billion in revenues during fiscal year 2023. More information can be found at www.fticonsulting.com.

SICAT and Vatech America Create A Powerful Alliance for Streamlined Dental Workflows

 

              Image courtesy of Vatech                                       

The proliferation of tech in both society and especially in dentistry progresses at an astounding pace.  Often a revolutionary shift happens, something new is developed, and the immediate reflex in the industry is to copy or replicate whatever it is.  With that in mind, I love to see collaboration.  Rather than replicate and compete, I feel it's often better to take two originals and put them together.  The result is frequently that sum is stronger than the individual parts.  That''s why today I'm enthusiastic about the collaboration between SICAT and Vatech.

The dental industry is constantly evolving, with advancements in technology leading to more precise and efficient treatment methods. A recent collaboration between SICAT and Vatech America promises to be a provide so great benefits for dental professionals.

Leaders Unite: SICAT's Software Meets Vatech's Hardware

SICAT, a leading software company renowned for its user-friendly implant planning and surgical guide applications (SICAT Suite), has joined forces with Vatech America, a prominent innovator in dental equipment, particularly 3D CBCT imaging systems. This strategic partnership integrates SICAT's powerful software suite directly with Vatech's Ez3D-i™ 3D imaging software.

This integration offers significant advantages for dentists:

• Streamlined Workflow: Having SICAT Suite readily accessible within the familiar Ez3D-i™ environment eliminates the need to switch between separate software programs. This translates to a more efficient workflow, saving valuable time during treatment planning.  No one likes multiple clicks to get a task accomplished.  By integrating directly into the Vatech systems, this makes things much more simple.
• Enhanced Treatment Planning: The seamless integration allows for a more precise and predictable implant planning process. Dentists can leverage SICAT's advanced features, including Implant, Endo, and Airway modules, directly within the 3D imaging data from Vatech's CBCT scans.
• Precision Surgical Guides: SICAT's software allows for the creation of highly accurate surgical guides directly from the CBCT data. This translates to a more minimally invasive and predictable surgical experience for both the dentist and the patient.  Guided surgery makes implant surgery more predictable and easier to perform
• Improved Patient Care: Ultimately, this powerful combination of software and hardware empowers dentists to provide their patients with exceptional care. The streamlined workflow and enhanced treatment planning capabilities can lead to more better outcomes and potentially shorter treatment times.

A Look Ahead: The Future of Dental Technology

The partnership between SICAT and Vatech America represents a significant step forward in dental technology. By combining their expertise in software and hardware, they are paving the way for a more efficient, predictable, and patient-centered dental experience. As both companies continue to innovate, we can expect even more exciting advancements in the future.

Personally, I love the fact that two companies that make good products have joined forces to create a better outcome for patients.  We are starting to accumulate massive amounts of data as the profession moves to totally digital workflows and having powerful options that work well together are better for everyone involved.

Be Eco-Friendly and Get Rewarded with Hu-Friedy' Group's Environdent Program!

 We all want to help the environment.  That's one of the reasons I'm happy to announce that the HuFriedy Group's Envirodent™ has returned.  The program was paused for a while, but I'm excited to tell you that... it's back!

Looking for a way to declutter your dental instruments and help the environment at the same time? Look no further than Hu-Friedy Group's Environdent program! This free program allows you to recycle your old scalers, ultrasonic inserts, and surgical instruments, regardless of the brand.

Recycle and Reap the Rewards:

Not only are you doing your part for the environment by keeping dental instruments out of landfills, but you're also rewarded for your participation! Here's how it works:

• Recycle 12 instruments and get 1 FREE Hu-Friedy instrument of your choice!

• Recycle throughout the year – up to 60 instruments and receive up to 5 free instruments!

• Choose from a variety of instruments, including popular scaler designs.

• Enjoy exclusive promotions throughout the year as a participating member.

Easy to Participate:

The Environdent program is simple and convenient. Just visit the Hu-Friedy Group website or contact their customer service representatives to learn more and request a prepaid shipping label. Box up your old instruments and send them in – it's that easy!

Sustainable Dentistry:

By participating in Hu-Friedy Group's Environdent program, you're contributing to a more sustainable dental practice. You're reducing waste, conserving resources, and ensuring proper disposal of dental instruments.

Ready to get started? Head over to the Hu-Friedy Group website or contact them today to learn more about Environdent and be a part of a greener dentistry!

To learn more about the program, follow this link.  

New National Poll Shows Overwhelming Bipartisan Support for Medicare Dental Coverage

 

Here's some pretty interesting info I received from CareQuest Institute for Oral Health®.  Access to care is always a hot topic, no matter what healthcare discipline you happen to discuss.  It's unfortunate truth that no matter how good our healthcare system gets, there will always be unfortunate individuals that will struggle to pay for that care.  Many of those folks are forced to simply do without.  This leads to a loss of quality of life.  It would be great to solve that problem or, at a minimum, at least try to reduce that problem as much as possible.  With that in mind, I was excited to see the following information:

9 in 10 Voters Favor Adding Dental Coverage to Medicare; Survey also Finds Broad Support for Medicaid Adult Dental Benefits and Better Coverage for Veterans


July 16, 2024 (Boston, MA) – A new national poll shows that the vast majority of voters across the political spectrum favor adding dental coverage to Medicare. The results of the poll, commissioned by CareQuest Institute for Oral Health® and the Oral Health Progress and Equity Network (OPEN), show that more than 9 in 10 national voters (92%) support adding a dental benefit to Medicare.

 “These poll results show that people all across our nation understand just how important oral health is to overall health,” said Melissa Burroughs, director of public policy at CareQuest Institute. “No one in this country should have to choose between getting the care they need and putting food on the table. As candidates consider their health care platforms this year, the informed ones will make Medicare dental coverage a top priority.”

Half of all Medicare enrollees don’t have dental coverage, meaning nearly 24 million older Americans lack access to this essential form of health care. Approximately the same number of Medicare enrollees haven’t visited a dentist in 12 months, which has profound implications for the health and well-being of older adults.

The poll revealed that 85% of respondents who voted for Trump in both 2016 and 2020 and 99% of those who voted for the Democrat candidate in those two elections would like to see a dental benefit added to Medicare. When ranking health care topics they find “most important,” voters rank adding dental coverage to Medicare just as highly as abortion and even higher than the future of the Affordable Care Act. Dental care also ranked the highest on the list of services that voters would like to see added to Medicaid.

Additionally, separate polling showed broad support for dental coverage in Medicare in key states for the 2024 presidential election: in Michigan, 91% of voters support it; in Ohio, 92%; and in Pennsylvania, 93%. 

The poll also revealed that 91% of voters want expanded coverage to include dental services for veterans. Additionally, 74% of voters support adding adult dental benefits to Medicaid at the state or federal level.  

The national polling was conducted by Marketing for Change Co. from May 29 – June 4, 2024, using a representative sample of 1,000 registered voters nationwide from the YouGov online panel. The margin of error is +/- 3.1%. Marketing for Change also conducted separate polling in Michigan (n=765), Ohio (n=761) and Pennsylvania (n=760) using the Centiment online panel between May 30 and June 13. The margin of error for those surveys was between +/- 3.54% and +/-3.55%.

About CareQuest Institute for Oral Health®      

CareQuest Institute for Oral Health® is a national nonprofit championing a more equitable future where every person can reach their full potential through excellent health. We do this through our work in philanthropy, analytics and data insights, health transformation, policy and advocacy, and education as well as our leadership in dental benefits and innovation advancements. We collaborate with thought leaders, health care providers, patients, and local, state, and federal stakeholders, to accelerate oral health care transformation and create a system designed for everyone. To learn more, visit carequest.org and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram. 

 About the Oral Health Progress and Equity Network (OPEN) 

OPEN, an initiative of CareQuest Institute for Oral Health, is a diverse network of individuals and entities who are taking on America’s oral health challenges so that everyone has a chance to thrive. OPEN members use their unique experiences, knowledge, and skills to lead network activities every year, creating collective energy that is driving large-scale change.  

Heading to Pigeon Forge, TN this Friday & Saturday!

 

This Friday & Saturday (July 19-20) I'll be in Pigeon Forge, TN with two of my very best friends.  Dr. Marty Jablow, Dr. Paul Feuerstein, and I are heading to Tennessee to do a 1 1/2 day lecture on tech advancements in dentistry.

Over the years, the 3 of us have done a lot of these events.  It all started back in Montreal in the early 2000s where we were just hanging out together.  I happened to say, "You know, I'll bet if you put the three of us together in a room, there probably isn't a dental tech question that one of us couldn't answer."  From that little spark of inspiration grew the concept of 3 lecturers all working together to bring info to the profession.  The really funny part of that is that I don't think we've ever gotten a question that one of us couldn't answer.

Doing presentations is actually hard work, both for the speaker *and* the attendees.  Listening to one single person for a day or two can be tough on the audience.  It's easy to let you mind drift after listening to the same voice for an extended period of time.  The great part about three people is there is constant variety.  Different voices, different styles, different topics, different information.  We've found that audiences really enjoy it.

The three of us don't always agree, plus we are NOT above interrupting each other... or occasionally harassing each other.  It's always a good time.

So if you happen to be a dentist in the area who follows this blog, try and make the event.  We'd love to see you there and meet you.  Or if you're interested in having "The Three Amigos" put on event for your study club, drop a comment here and I'll see what we can do to make that happen.  We're always happy for an excuse to get together and if we can help educate our peers, those good times are even better!

Nominations are now Open for the 2024 MouthWatch TeleDentistry Innovation Awards

Dental professionals and business leaders invited to nominate teledentistry and virtual dental care pioneers for recognition at the 7th annual “Tellie” Awards in NYC

MouthWatch, LLC, a leader in developing digital technology solutions that drive success for dental professionals, improve oral health care, and enhance the overall patient experience, has opened nominations for its 7th annual Teledentistry Innovation Awards.  These unique awards, known as “The Tellies,” recognize a broad spectrum of individuals, programs, and organizations, utilizing teledentistry and virtual dental care applications to expand access to care, improve oral health and ultimately enhance overall health and well-being. 

“Tellie award winners have mastered the use of teledentistry to improve oral health,” said Brant Herman, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, MouthWatch and Dentistry, One. “We look forward to honoring these dental pioneers for their innovative role in driving the future of virtual care and the success of the teledentistry programs they have implemented to enhance patient engagement and expand reach into the communities they serve.”

The five Tellie nomination categories represent a wide variety of teledentistry applications:  

• Dentists & Specialists using teledentistry/virtual care in ways that have improved patient journeys and/or clinical workflows.
• Hygienists implementing teledentistry to expand access to care and improve patient care in any setting, public or private.
• Oral Health Programs, including organizations, public health programs, DSOs and other care delivery settings that use teledentistry/virtual care to transform and enhance clinical care and the patient experience.
• Educational Institutions, such as dental/hygiene schools, universities and other education settings that integrate teledentistry into the curriculum or services they provide.
• Industry Innovators, including any person or organization innovating in the dental space where teledentistry/virtual care plays a key role.

2024 Tellie Award winners will each receive: 

• A cash grant of $1,000.00.
• An invitation to be honored at the 2024 Tellie Awards ceremony event in New York City.
• Recognition of their business, practice, or program in a nationally distributed press release, social media posts, and as a special feature story for publication.

“Every year the Tellie Awards become more exciting as the nominations reflect technology advances and the application of teledentistry for improved access to care and patient outcomes becomes more sophisticated – including use of teledentistry to digitally bridge dental and medical care,” added Herman. 

Nominations are open until October 1, 2024. Self-nominations are welcome and can be submitted on The Tellie Award website, teledentistryinnovationawards.com. Tellie Award winners will be announced during the 2024 Greater New York Dental Meeting taking place November 29 - December 4, 2024. The location and time of the invitation-only Tellie Awards event will be announced separately. Learn about previous Tellie Awards winners here.

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 teledentistry software that provides practices and organizations with a teledentistry option to engage patients with providers remotely.  

MouthWatch recently launched Dentistry.One, a virtual-first dental 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 dental consultations available anytime, from anywhere, personalized care coordination, and oral health coaching for prioritizing oral health. 

MouthWatch hardware and software is in use at over 42,000 practices, over 30 leading Dental Service Organizations (DSOs), and over 100 dental schools. The company has been recognized three times in the Inc. 5000.

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

HuFriedy Group HVE Mirror Connect

 

I love the concept of 'better mousetraps'.  The ideas that come from improving an existing situation are frequently amazing.  In fact, I recently wrote an article in Dental Products Report about the AdDent company and their outside the box products and ideas.  

However, today's post is from one of the most well known and quality focused instrument companies in the industry.  HuFriedy Group has pretty much become synonymous with high quality hand instruments (among other things).  As most people in the profession know, the company makes incredible products for both doctors and hygienists.  Today's post is about a handy little gadget that can make a hygienist's life a lot easier.

It's called the HVE Mirror Connect.  The idea is a good one, in my opinion.  It allows the hygienist to connect the HVE line to a dental mirror.  This means that you can get vision, retraction, *and* suction all from one device.

It integrates with the #5 double-sided mouth mirrors that HuFriedy sells.  We love those double-sided mirrors and use them almost exclusively in our hygiene department.

I haven't had a chance to use this device... yet.  I've put in a request to the company and I'm hoping to get some samples to try.   My plan is to get them into the hands of our hygiene team to get their opinions and I would like to try it myself.  Obviously once I get a chance to test, I'll post on my clinical experience here.

The only question I have on this is regarding the weight and pull of the HVE hose.  That, of course, is going to depend on the length of the hose and its flexibility.  However, that could be overcome by keeping the hose in the hanger on the unit and only getting enough length to work.  I'm sure you could also figure out a way to deal with that buy using some type of support like 3M Command Hook or something similar.

HuFriedy is offering a free sample of the HVE Mirror Connect, so if you are interested, here is the link to the sample request page.

Orascoptic 5.0X Ergo Magnification Brings High Mag to Declination

 

In the last few years dentistry has seen several companies bring a new type of magnification design to market.  These scopes (loupes) are different than the traditional style of "straight" telescopes.  This new style has been call 'declination' scopes as the magnification system 'declines' or has a bend in the telescope.  As you can see in the image above, the scopes point down toward the patient.

The idea behind them is that because the magnification points down, it allows the operator to sit more upright.  The profession has a well documented history of neck and back injury due to the clinical posture of the operator.

Before I started using magnification in the late 1990s, I was often twisted up like a pretzel as I tried to get adequate vision of the operative field.  Once I started using mag, I found my posture improved dramatically.  In basic terms, because the system had a fixed focal length, I needed to stay in better posture to keep things in focus.  There was a very brief learning curve, but once I adapted my job actually became noticeably easier.

The concept behind 'declination' scopes is that they can get the operator to sit even *more* upright than using standard straight telescopes.  The one thing that has been lacking, to my knowledge, has been high magnification.  The declination models that I have seen up to this point have been in the 2.5-3.5x range.  Now, Orascoptic has announced the HDL Ergo 5.0x which brings 5.0x to the line.  I do most of my dentistry at 5.0-5.5x (and occasionally 6.0x) so I felt that this was something the profession needed.

I have not personally worked with this level of magnification in a declination set up, but I have experience with 3.5x.  My experience found that after so long with straight scopes there was a learning curve for me as I got up to speed.  As I usually do with new things, I worked on the bench with them for a bit.  I tinkered with Dentaforms and learned where my hands were in relation to the field of view.  I didn't think the learning curve was too steep.  After about an hour I tried them on a simple one surface restoration and didn't have any problems.

For some doctors that are very used to straight scopes, there may not be a tremendous reason to switch to declination scopes, but many people are now starting with this design in school and have never known any other way.  Up until now, my only concern has been that declination scopes have only been available in lower magnification levels.  That problem is now a thing of the past.

For those younger doctors who have only used declination setups and anyone experiencing neck or back problems, this should be something on your radar.  It might be the solution you are looking for.

If you would like more information on the HDL Ergo 5.0x follow this link.  

Planet DDS Invests in Emerging Dental Groups with New Launchpad Program

 

The industry-first Launchpad Program will help growing dental and orthodontic groups scale by democratizing access to cutting-edge cloud solutions

Planet DDS, a leading provider of cloud-based dental practice management solutions, is announcing the release of its new Launchpad Program, a first of its kind in the dental industry. Designed to support emerging dental and orthodontic groups, this initiative will democratize access to the suite of cloud solutions offered by Planet DDS – Denticon, Cloud 9, Apteryx, and Legwork – for practices looking to scale and grow.

Eligible groups will have access to the best-in-class practice management and imaging solution features at 80% savings, plus education and support from a team of growth experts along with other perks that Planet DDS has carefully curated. Some of the advanced features include AI-powered clinical recommendations to improve patient care, booking features to help fill schedules, automated tools to reduce administrative burdens, and helpful features that reduce outstanding accounts receivable.

“The Launchpad Program represents a strategic investment in the future of dentistry," says Eric Giesecke, CEO of Planet DDS. "By supporting the growth of practices, we're enhancing the health of communities at large and helping to drive the industry forward.”

The Launchpad Program is not just about providing dental and orthodontic practice management tools; it's about achieving a long-term vision for excellence in dental care while increasing access to technology that practices can implement early on to drive expansion and profitability.

As a part of this vision, Planet DDS strives to be the DentalOS™ of the entire dental industry by providing a customizable platform that empowers customers to make the best decisions for their growth – the Launchpad Program is just another example of how Planet DDS is creating more opportunities and pathways for its customers to choose how they serve their patients best.

One of the first customers to join the program is Panhandle Pediatric Dentistry, and with five locations in Panama City, the Launchpad Program is poised to help them grow market share and better serve new and existing patients. Lorany Vazquez, Director of Operations of Panhandle Pediatric Dentistry, shared, “We are excited to join the Launchpad Program. The support and advanced tools from Planet DDS will be instrumental in helping us streamline our operations, enhance patient care, and propel our organization to the next level.”

In addition, Pearl AI has joined the program to provide Launchpad Program members with advanced AI-driven radiologic and case presentation capabilities in Apteryx. “Like Planet DDS, we believe that emerging dental groups committed to growth through clinical excellence should be enabled with the most advanced dental technologies available,” said Ophir Tanz, CEO of Pearl AI. “We’re proud to support this novel initiative to help these practices elevate patient care, recruit leading talent, and grow their value.”

Planet DDS is also inviting other industry leaders to participate in the program, including Thinc Forward and Optimize Dental Consulting. These industry leaders will have the opportunity to contribute educational content and their expertise in IT and technology transformation.

By making cutting-edge software more accessible to practices in early stages of growth, this program will foster a collaborative environment that benefits all participants and elevates the industry. The Launchpad Program is available to eligible dental and orthodontic groups with a minimum of two locations and annual revenue between $3M and $25M. They cannot be backed by private equity firms.

To learn more about the Planet DDS Launchpad Program and to sign up, visit Planet DDS Launchpad.

About Planet DDS:

Planet DDS is the leading provider of cloud-enabled dental software solutions, serving over 13,000 practices in the United States and having over 118,000 users. The company delivers a complete platform of solutions for dental practices, including Denticon Practice Management, Apteryx Cloud Imaging, Cloud 9 Ortho Practice Management, and Legwork Practice Marketing. Planet DDS is committed to creating value for its dental practice clients by solving the most urgent challenges facing today’s dental practices nationwide. To learn more, visit: Planet DDS.

Shofu Announces Availability of new Beautibond Xtreme Universal Bonding Agent

 

Shofu BeautiBond Xtreme: A Game Changer for Universal Bonding?

Shofu's BeautiBond Xtreme has taken the dental world by storm, introducing itself as a revolutionary universal bonding agent. This blog post will delve into the features and benefits of BeautiBond Xtreme, exploring why it might be a game changer for dental professionals.

Single-Step Powerhouse:

Traditionally, universal bonding agents require multiple steps, including etching, priming, and bonding. BeautiBond Xtreme simplifies the process by combining these steps into a single application. This not only saves valuable chair time but also reduces the margin for error associated with multi-step procedures.  The enemy of bonding is contamination.  As all dentists know, controlling the field is critical.  If contamination of the field occurs, the results will suffer.  Because of that, the more efficient we can be in delivery of adhesive restorations, the less time there is for contamination to occur.  It's not about money, working faster to earn more, it's about quality... taking less time to ensure a better result.  Recurrent decay and marginal staining are normally the result of contamination.  By working more efficiently, there is less time for contamination to happen.  BeautiBond Xtreme is a truly universal adhesive formulated to offer flexibility with self-etch, selective-etch, or total-etch techniques.

Strength and Reliability:

Despite its streamlined approach, BeautiBond Xtreme boasts exceptional bond strength. The "Quad-Adhesive Technology" promises a strong and reliable bond for both direct and indirect restorations. This makes it suitable for a wide range of procedures, giving dentists peace of mind.  BeautiBond Xtreme’s technology facilitates bonding to enamel, dentin, zirconia, precious metal alloys, composite resins, and glass ceramics.

Minimally Invasive Dentistry:

The adhesive film of BeautiBond Xtreme is incredibly thin, measuring only around 5µm. This minimal invasiveness makes it ideal for situations where preserving tooth structure is a priority. Additionally, the HEMA-free formulation minimizes the risk of postoperative sensitivity, a concern for some patients with traditional bonding agents.

Universal Compatibility:

BeautiBond Xtreme shines in its compatibility. It works seamlessly with all light-, dual-, and self-cured materials, eliminating the need for multiple bonding agents for different procedures. This versatility simplifies dentists' workflows and streamlines inventory management.  There is nothing worse than asking for a component and then finding out you just used the last of that material.

Precision and Esthetics:

The thin film thickness of BeautiBond Xtreme contributes to excellent marginal adaptation, reducing the chance of marginal staining – a common aesthetic concern. This allows for the creation of highly esthetic restorations that blend seamlessly with the surrounding tooth structure.

Overall, Shofu BeautiBond Xtreme presents a compelling case as a significant advancement in universal bonding agents. Its combination of simplified application, strong bond strength, thin film thickness, and universal compatibility makes it a valuable tool for dental professionals seeking efficiency and predictable results.

Availability

BeautiBond Xtreme is currently available through your preferred distributor.   It is available in a 50-unit, 0.1ml unidose set with microbrushes (my personal favorite) (MSRP $169.99), and a 5ml, ergonomic-designed, 1-hand-controlled dispensing bottle (MSRP $164.99).

Off for a Few Days...

 I'm taking some time away from the blog for a little mind refreshing.

Posts will resume Monday July 8th.  Thanks for your understanding & for reading.  I truly appreicate the loyalty you all have shown me over the years!

-John

Bluesky Bio Announces New Photogrammetry Scanner

 

For several years now BlueSky Bio has been a leading force in helping doctors to read, analyze, and create patient solutions with CBCT.  Over the years, I've gotten a chance to know the creators of the company and I feel they are good people doing good things for the profession.

The company first came to market with BlueSky Plan which gave doctors a *free* platform to read CBCT datasets.  They paired this with ability to design things like implant surgical guides and occlusal guards and pay for them on a per case basis.  Many doctors have made BSB their choice due to the free software and quality of their components.

Now the company has announced a photogrammetry scanner to increase clinical efficiency and accuracy.  The science of photogrammetry is basically the extraction of 3D information from a series images and then converting them into 2D or 3D models.  Doctors are finding this is a great adjunct to delivering incredible prosthetic implant results.  The basic process is to screw in specially made scanning abutments which the scanner can then "see" and identify.

The device is called the BlueSkyBio Grammee and is now available for purchase.

There is a ton of info available from BSB on the Grammee and rather than putting that all here, I'll let those of you interested follow this link to the website.  It looks impressive although I have not had any hands on experience with it.

You can also download a pdf brochure from this link.