Ultradent Halo Section Matrix Continues to Impress

 

If you are a restorative dentist, you're always looking for  a way to get great contacts on your posterior restorations.  We all occasionally struggle with getting good contacts and proper contours.  The idea, of course, is to recreate what nature provided, but that can sometimes be challenging.

Earlier this year, I got a chance to start working with Ultradent's new  Halo Sectional Matrix System and I've been using it for a few months now.

The Halo is a complete restorative sectional matrix system.  The kit comes with everything you need to take it out of the box and start using it right away.  

One of the really nice features is the 'pin tweezers'.  The bands have a small hole on both ends as well as on the top tab at the midpoint.  The pin tweezers are self-closing with a small pin in the jaws that allow them to engage the hole and securely hold the band for both delivery and removal.  It makes using the system incredibly easy.

The rings are stackable for multiple surface restorations.  They are nickel titanium and are engineered to be used over 1000 times.  They provide great separation and their grips hold the bands securely in place.

I also like the wedges which are V-shaped on the bottom.  That allows them to compress at the slimmest point in the interproximal box and expand across the entire gingival margin for a great finish line.

If you are looking for a new system or want to deliver your restorations with higher quality and lower stress, I think you should check out the Ultradent Halo.

You can  get more info on Halo by clicking this link.  

After clinical testing, this system is *highly recommended*.

Get 50% OFF Acuity X-Ray Sensor from AMD

 

The end of the year is rapidly approaching!  As I like to say, for some of us "Objects in calendar are closer than they appear".

With that in mind, some of my posts this month are going to be letting you know about sales being offered by manufacturers.  I know a lot of my fellow private practitioners are looking to take advantage of Section 179 for tax savings.  Because of that, I want to make sure that if you are looking to take advantage of the savings you'll be able to find some good ones sprinkled here until the end of the year.  I promise to give you my regular type of posts too, but saving money can be important.  Especially for private practices or recent graduates with significant student loan payments.

Today's post is a about great deal from AMD on their new Acuity digital x-ray sensor.  However the company is also offering some great deals on other items as well.

• Picasso Lasers
• Monet Laser Curing Light
• ZaPro Surface Disinfectant
• Laser Protective Glasses
• ClearView Blue LED Bulbs
• Picasso White Tooth Whitening Gel
• A few other items

Here is what the company is saying about the Acuity:

Acuity's Direct X-ray Photon Detection technology offers unparalleled precision, speed, and patient comfort. REALITY Ratings & Reviews, a leading dental products evaluation provider, described Acuity’s image quality as, “significantly better than the sensor we have been using,” and also stated, “Acuity produced … much more detailed and diagnostic images.”

Key Benefits of Acuity:

• Crystal-Clear Images: Highly detailed X-rays for confident diagnoses.
•  Faster Imaging: Streamline your workflow and see more patients.
•  Patient Comfort: Ergonomic design for a less invasive experience.

Black Friday Savings:

Take advantage of this phenomenal offer—50% OFF Acuity! According to REALITY Ratings & Reviews, “...with the Black Friday discount, we’re not sure why anyone would still opt to purchase a high-priced sensor.” 

Use code BLKFRI2024 at checkout to save big!

Don't miss this opportunity to upgrade your practice and provide exceptional patient care.

If you are interested, this link will take you to the page for the promotion on all four items.   

Get a $1,000 Rebate on DEXIS Scanners & More!

Heres some big savings news from DEXIS.  The end of the year is rapidly approaching and I know that a lot of doctors are wanting to take advantage of Section 179 savings before December 31.

To  help those of you who are interested, DEXIS has some really special pricing happening now.  

• Get a $1000 rebate of the DEXIS 2800W intraoral scanner
• Save $20,000 on the Orthopantomograph™ OP D™ EX
• Save over $200 on the Nomad™Pro 2
• Save over $500 on the DEXIS Ti2 intraoral Sensor

All of these deals can be found by clicking this link.  Enjoy the savings!

Planet DDS Accelerates Growth in 2024 With Product Innovation, New Partnerships, and Record-Breaking Revenue

 

-Planet DDS, a leading provider of cloud-based dental practice management solutions, is announcing several landmark accomplishments in 2024, cementing its position as a trailblazer in the dental industry. From new product improvements and partnerships, to fast-growing revenue and more, Planet DDS is poised for another record-breaking year.

Planet DDS made significant strides in product development throughout 2024, continuing to enhance its cloud-based solutions. Key developments included:

• Introduced DentalOS™: One of the standout achievements of 2024 was the launch of DentalOS, the industry’s first dental operating system, designed to address the pressing issues facing DSOs. Traditional dental software is broken—with inefficiencies, data silos, and a lack of flexibility that limits DSOs’ ability to scale and adapt. DentalOS is built to fix this by creating a customizable ecosystem through its open API platform, enabling seamless integration of third-party software and allowing DSOs to tailor-make their technology stack. This approach eliminates the restrictive nature of closed, proprietary systems and supports DSOs in achieving scalable, future-proof operations. In addition, Planet DDS released a comprehensive DentalOS eBook that introduces the new platform and its key benefits.

• Unveiled the Most Comprehensive and Open API Program: Planet DDS introduced its new open API program, to help DSOs enhance interoperability between tools, provide workflow customization, and improve security. Because the program allows DSOs and partners to seamlessly integrate various applications and facilitates synchronized data sharing, DSOs can realize new operational efficiencies.

• Enhanced Denticon and Added New Features: Planet DDS continued to advance its flagship product Denticon, launching a reimagined version that enhances practice management, patient communications, analytics, and marketing. In addition, the platform grew revenue by over 40% year over year, and the company is excited to announce that it recently surpassed $100 million in annual committed revenue. The company became the first dental practice management solution provider to achieve SOC 2 Type 2 certification across all of its products. It also launched Denticon’s single sign-on (SSO) feature to streamline access and improve security.

“2024 has been a banner year for us, with our sights set on accelerating the future of dental practice management,” said Eric Giesecke, CEO of Planet DDS. “We’re going beyond innovating our technology—we’re reshaping the dental industry as we know it by setting a new standard of how DSOs work and delivering a roadmap to the future. These key milestones have proven our cloud-based technology is driving the industry forward.”

Planet DDS has continued to forge key partnerships in 2024, expanding its technological capabilities:

• VideaHealth Integration: The new partnership with VideaHealth makes Planet DDS the first dental imaging solution provider to integrate with all three major AI companies—Overjet, Pearl, and VideaHealth. This integration enables dental practices to choose their preferred provider and leverage AI for enhanced imaging capabilities and improved diagnostic accuracy.

• Revenue Cycle Management (RCM) Enhancements: In partnership with DentalXChange, Planet DDS integrated the XConnect APIs earlier this year into Denticon to streamline insurance processes. The enhanced RCM workflow improves efficiency in claims processing, eligibility verification, and payment posting.

Throughout 2024, Planet DDS has continued to expand its customer base, while also introducing programs to support dental groups of all sizes:

• New Notable Customers: Notable DSOs, including SEVA Dental, Smile Doctors, DecisionOne Dental, Five Points Dental Specialists, and Chord Specialty Dental Partners, have all adopted Planet DDS solutions this year. Smile Doctors, in particular, has surpassed 400 locations using Cloud 9, while DecisionOne Dental and Chord Specialty Dental Partners have implemented Denticon and Cloud 9 across their practices. Additionally, Imagen Dental Partners, a dental partnership organization with over 100 locations, recently joined as a new customer.

• New Launchpad Program to Help Emerging Groups Scale: Planet DDS unveiled its Launchpad Program, a unique initiative designed to democratize access to cloud solutions for emerging dental and orthodontic groups looking to scale and grow. Available to new customers, eligible groups 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.

Accolades Highlight Remarkable Growth and Industry Leadership

Additionally, Planet DDS has received significant recognition for its sustained growth trajectory. They climbed to No. 1,599 on the Inc. 5000 list, a significant leap from No. 3,376 in 2023 and No. 2,489 in 2022, and earned the #3 spot for Fastest Growing Medium Sized Companies with the Orange County Business Journal. For the second consecutive year, Planet DDS has earned a spot on the prestigious 2024 Deloitte Technology Fast 500 list, securing spot #352 with a 333% growth rate over the past three years.

With these accomplishments, Planet DDS is well-positioned for continued success throughout 2024 and beyond. As the company scales its client base, elevates its product offerings, and leads in technological innovation, it remains committed to transforming the dental industry with cloud-based solutions that drive growth, efficiency, and improved patient outcomes.

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.

TXPROS Announces New Partnership with Pac Dent

 

I've been using PacDent products for years and I've always been impressed by their quality, not to mention their affordability.  Here's some new info about their partnership with ITXPROS

ITXPROS, a leading provider of digital dentistry solutions, is proud to announce its latest collaboration with Pac Dent, a leading manufacturer of advanced 3D printing resins. This partnership allows ITXPROS to distribute Rodin Resin products in USA including Rodin Titan and Sculpture 2.0: game-changing resins specifically engineered for dental prosthetic design applications.

“We are incredibly excited and proud to partner with Rodin 3D Resin,” said Ahmad “AK” Khater, CEO at ITXPROS. “This collaboration enhances our ability to provide dental professionals with cutting-edge materials for their prosthetic design needs, reinforcing our commitment to advancing digital dentistry.”

• Rodin 3d Resins offer several key benefits:
• Superior detail resolution for precise dental models
• Excellent durability and stability
• Biocompatible formulation
• Optimized for rapid printing with minimal shrinkage

This strategic partnership strengthens ITXPROS’s position as a one-stop solution for dental practitioners while increasing Pac Dent’s reach to provide their advanced 3D printing resins to more dental professionals.

About ITXPROS

ITXPROS is a leading digital dentistry provider. Based in Tampa, FL, ITXPROS offers innovative technology solutions for implant treatment planning and CAD/CAM design. Founded by a team of dentists, CAD engineers, and executives, ITXPROS combines over 150 years of collective experience to provide unique solutions for dental practices and laboratories, elevating the standard of care through advanced technology.

https://www.itxpros.com

About Pac Dent

Founded in 1992, Pac-Dent, Inc. is a leading manufacturer and wholesale distributor of high-quality dental products. With a strong commitment to excellence, the company has built a solid reputation for delivering superior products and exceptional customer service. Pac-Dent continually adapts to meet the evolving needs of its customers, offering the latest technologies and innovations in the dental industry. Focused on quality and cost-effectiveness, Pac-Dent ensures its products help customers succeed while maintaining competitive prices. Dedicated to customer satisfaction, the company is known for going the extra mile to support its clients’ business growth.

www.pac-dent.com

Dental Products Report Courses at the Upcoming Greater New York Meeting

 

If you are planning on attending the upcoming Greater New York Dental Meeting, there is more information for you!  I won't be attending this year, but in addition to the great list of speakers the meeting has put together, the gang at DPR has also got some great CE for you as well.

DPR has put together a list of four great speakers that will be there.  Here is that list...

To register for the Greater New York Dental Meeting, follow this link.

Join Me on Thursday Night for 3D Printing Webinar from DPR

 

As I've posted here previously, this year I have done a 'deep dive' into the world of 3D printing. 

I've worked with several companies and several resins to see just how far we've come with 3D printing... and we've come *a long way*.  I remember seeing a 3D printer in about 2017 at a major meeting and, as a geek and tech lover, I was impressed.

I even went so far as to order an extrusion printer (which is NOT recommended for dentistry), and built it from a big box of unassembled parts.

However, as I took the time back then to really look into it, I saw some limitations.  Now, those limitations are off!  Fabricating things in-office has made tremendous advances in the last couple of years and it is only getting better.  As I type this, I'm currently printing an orthodontic retainer and a flexible (soft) occlusal guard.

3D printing is an amazing technology and now, at long last, it's easy!  Trust me, if I can do this anyone can.

So if you can, join me on Thursday night at 7:00pm Eastern for a webinar on 3D printing.  I'm going to cover the basics and hopefully encourage some of you to explore what this tech has to offer.  I'm having a blast doing things in-office on a regular basis and you can too!  

Just click this link to register.  It's going to be a fun 60 minutes!

You can earn one CE credit and it's being provided free of charge.  I hope a lot of you can make it.

Attention Students: NASA Launches Power Systems Student Essay Contest

 

Twelve-year-old, Aadya Karthik of Seattle, Washington; nine-year-old, Rainie Lin of Lexington, Kentucky; and eighteen-year-old, Thomas Lui, winners of the 2023-2024 Power to Explore Student Writing Challenge observe testing at a NASA Glenn cleanroom during their prize trip to Cleveland. Photo Credit: NASA 

Growing up as a kid who always loved science, was doing chemistry experiments in the basement, and taking things apart just to see how they worked, I've always loved NASA.  Along those lines, our society *needs* kids who are interested in STEM to continue to move things forward.

That's why today's post is about a chance for kids to engage with science and NASA!  Any of you who know a youngster who might be interested, be sure to pass this along to them.  It's a tremendous opportunity for students with a dream of working on the journey into space.

I'm a NASA fan and this a *great* opportunity for students looking to engage with them.

You can also check out the following links:

• RPS Launch video
• RPS Technology Explainer
• Official challenge graphics
• More info on the RPS visit
• NASA Press Release

Below is the information about the program straight from the folks at NASA:

NASA’s fourth annual Power to Explore Student Challenge kicked off November 7, 2024. The science, engineering, technology, and mathematics (STEM) writing challenge invites kindergarten through 12th grade students in the United States to learn about radioisotope power systems, a type of nuclear battery integral to many of NASA’s far-reaching space missions.   

Students are invited to write an essay about a new nuclear-powered mission to any moon in the solar system they choose. Submissions are due Jan. 31, 2025. 

 With freezing temperatures, long nights, and deep craters that never see sunlight on many of these moons, including our own, missions to them could use a special kind of power: radioisotope power systems. These power systems have helped NASA explore the harshest, darkest, and dustiest parts of our solar system and enabled spacecraft to study its many moons.  

 “Sending spacecraft into space is hard, and it’s even harder sending them to the extreme environments surrounding the diverse moons in our solar system,” said Nicola Fox, associate administrator, Science Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington. “NASA’s Power to Explore Student Challenge provides the incredible opportunity for our next generation – our future explorers – to design their own daring missions using science, technology, engineering, and mathematics to explore space and discover new science for the benefit of all, while also revealing incredible creative power within themselves. We cannot wait to see what the students dream up!” 

 Entries should detail where students would go, what they would explore, and how they would use radioisotope power systems to achieve mission success in a dusty, dark, or far away moon destination.  

 Judges will review entries in three grade-level categories: K-4, 5-8, and 9-12. Student entries are limited to 275 words and should address the mission destination, mission goals, and describe one of the student’s unique powers that will help the mission.  

 One grand prize winner from each grade category will receive a trip for two to NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland to learn about the people and technologies that enable NASA missions. Every student who submits an entry will receive a digital certificate and an invitation to a virtual event with NASA experts where they’ll learn about what powers the NASA workforce to dream big and explore.  

 Judges Needed 

NASA and Future Engineers are seeking volunteers to help judge the thousands of contest entries anticipated submitted from around the country. Interested U.S. residents older than 18 can offer to volunteer approximately three hours to review submissions should register to judge at the Future Engineers website.  

 The Power to Explore Student Challenge is funded by the NASA Science Mission Directorate’s Radioisotope Power Systems Program Office and managed and administered by Future Engineers under the direction of the NASA Tournament Lab, a part of the Prizes, Challenges, and Crowdsourcing Program in NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate.  

 To learn more about the challenge, visit:  https://www.nasa.gov/power-to-explore/  

 

Garrison Dental Solutions Launches Loop™ Curing Light with Closed Loop Technology

 

Here is a super interesting idea for a curing light.  The new Garrison Loop™ promises to give you the right cure by calibrating the distance between light and target.  For years I've been a fan of putting a sleeve on the curing light, not only for infection control (which is critical), but also because then you can put the light directly onto the target tooth without getting bits of bonding agent stuck to the lens. 

I've been in a lot of offices in my career and I've watched a lot of other doctors work.  Many times the light will be applied and then the operator will turn away to protect their eyes.  Often times when the operator turns, the light moves off the target (sort of like drifting in your lane when checking your blind spot.)  Of course, when the light moves away from the target, the intensity of the cure drops.

The Loop™ has a sensing technology that gauges the distance and increases intensity which compensates for the distance.

I received one on Friday and I will start putting it through it's clinical paces in the next few days.  I'll report back after some clinical experience.

In the meantime, here is the press release from Garrison Dental...

 

SPRING LAKE, Michigan –– Garrison Dental Solutions, a pioneer in dental innovation, is proud to introduce its latest breakthrough in light curing technology: the Loop™ Curing Light. This state-of-the-art curing light brings groundbreaking precision and consistency to restorative dentistry, enhancing clinician confidence with every cure.

The Loop™ Curing Light features a revolutionary closed-loop algorithm that dynamically adjusts light output to deliver the exact energy needed for a perfect cure every time. Loop ensures that the right dose of energy reaches the tooth, minimizing the risk of under-curing or over-curing. By continuously measuring and adjusting power output more than 500 times per second, Loop eliminates guesswork and allows for consistent curing across all restoration surfaces, regardless of hand positioning or distance.

Loop offers multiple modes, including Direct Restorative Mode with three power levels (1,000, 2,000, and 3,000 mW/cm²) for varied curing times and a specialized Tack Mode for securing materials. The built-in LED display provides intuitive real-time feedback, enabling seamless navigation through settings while confirming selected modes and remaining cure time at a glance. This streamlined control empowers clinicians to work with accuracy and efficiency.

The Loop™ Curing Light is equipped with a broad-spectrum dual-wavelength LED system that ensures consistent spectral beam homogeneity. This guarantees thorough activation of all photo initiators, covering a wavelength range from 390nm to 480nm, regardless of the material being cured. The expansive 9.7mm lens diameter and real-time adjustments maintain uniform irradiance even as the distance between the light and tooth surface varies, resulting in an effective beam diameter of 13 mm at 10 mm distance from the target.

Loop simplifies maintenance with a self-calibration feature. Daily lens checks and monthly full calibration cycles ensure optimal performance, preventing issues such as lens debris or LED degradation. The Loop system includes a calibration and charging base, protective sleeves, and other accessories, backed by a 3-year limited warranty.

About Garrison Dental Solutions

Established in 1996, Garrison Dental Solutions is a privately held company dedicated to advancing the quality and efficiency of dental care. As a global leader in sectional matrix systems and other dental innovations, Garrison’s products are trusted by clinicians worldwide. For more information, visit www.garrisondental.com

 

Thomas Jackson, DDS Introducing Smyles Above Innovations During “The Great Oral Health Pitch” at GNYDM 2024

 

In advance of the Greater New York Dental Meeting later this month, here's a new company that is making their debut at this year's GNYDM.  I received this info recently and thought I'd pass it along...

Thomas Jackson, a practicing periodontist, prosthodontist, and successful inventor recently founded Smyles Above Innovations Inc., a company dedicated to developing and commercializing leading-edge dental devices and oral care products that support the continuum of dental implant success from placement to maintenance, and advanced flossing tools for hard to access oral appliances.

Dr. Jackson will formally introduce Smyles Above Innovations during The Shils Entrepreneurial Fund’s “Great Oral Health Pitch,” which is taking place at the 2024 Greater New York Dental Meeting on Monday, starting at 2:30 PM.

According to Dr. Jackson, “Smyles Above was established to incorporate my two existing products IrriGUIDE and The AutoFlosser under one corporate umbrella to create more effective synergy and salability across our branding, operations and sales and to make our company more efficient and more attractive to investors.”

Dr. Jackson’s goal for additional funding is to invest in additional product development and to expand the sales and marketing support of his two existing and well-received product innovations:

IrriGUIDE: An easy-to-install retrofit adapter developed by Dr. Jackson for any dental implant surgical guide system. IrriGUIDE enables saline to flow through the guide and directly irrigate and cool the implant osteotomy to keep it below the critical temperature threshold of 47°. 

The AutoFlosser: A unique dental floss solution specifically designed by Dr. Jackson to alleviate flossing difficulties for all-on-X patients and anyone who has been fitted with connected or solid appliances such as implants, bridges, braces, and bonded retainers.

Philips and Aspen Dental Launch multi-year Sonicare-brand Partnership

 

Here's some info on an interesting development in the industry.  Philips Sonicare and Aspen Dental have formed a collaboration to bring Sonicare products into Aspen Dental offices.  Aspen is one of the largest DSOs in the industry with over 1,100 offices.

Industry leaders collaborate to offer Philips clinically proven tools and resources to Aspen Dental patients, providing better care for more people

Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA), a global leader in health technology, today announced a partnership with Aspen Dental®, the largest group of branded dental offices, to bring Philips Sonicare, the No.1 dental professional-recommended sonic toothbrush brand worldwide, to Aspen Dental's national network of over 1,100 locations. Aspen Dental's clinicians will now be able to offer Philips Sonicare solutions in office, including Philips Sonicare ExpertClean, which uses built-in smart sensors to guide a patient's brushing. Practices will also spotlight Philips Sonicare Cordless Power Flosser and Philips Sonicare Teeth Whitening Kits, the brand's latest offerings in power interdental cleaning and at-home teeth whitening, providing patients with a full suite of at-home solutions and expanding access to comprehensive oral care.

Philips and Aspen Dental share a mission to empower dental professionals to deliver better care to more people. The Philips Sonicare portfolio of clinically proven power toothbrushes and interdental cleaners are trusted solutions to help patients achieve a healthy smile between dental visits.

"Our purpose is to improve people's health and well-being through meaningful innovation and Aspen Dental is the perfect partner to help continue to make that vision a reality," says Matina Vidalis, Senior Marketing Director, Consumer & Professional Oral Healthcare, Philips North America. "We're committed to working with Aspen Dental's network of dental professionals to introduce our evidence-based solutions to their patients. Together, we can help provide more people with access to the quality dental care they need both in and out of the chair." 

Chairside education will also be at the center of this collaboration, with Philips introducing their new Path to Health Toolset to all Aspen Dental practices. Developed in partnership with behavioral scientists and dental professionals, the toolset seamlessly integrates into the natural workflow of dental practices. It is designed to help quickly learn a patient's health goals, drive case acceptance through patient education and support dental professionals and patients on a path towards health together.

"Making sure Americans have access to quality dental care is a priority for Aspen Dental that extends well beyond a visit to one of our offices," says Cameron Jones, RDH, BSDH, Vice President of Hygiene Operations at Aspen Dental. "We are proud to offer new solutions from Philips Oral Healthcare to our patients nationwide and pair them with the work our best-in-class practitioners provide on a daily basis."

Philips Sonicare products are available now at Aspen Dental. Visit PhilipsOralHealthcare.com and AspenDental.com to learn more.

Don't Miss the Cyber Security Webinar this Friday!

 

This Friday, I'll be partnering with Gary Salman, CEO of Black Talon Security, on a webinar we've titled "Winning the Cyber War: A Battle Plan to Protect Your Practice".

There are a lot of myths and misconceptions surrounding security and best practices.  Just like, as a dentist, I'm not qualified to perform an appendectomy, many doctors trust their security to either themselves or 'computer guys' that are really great with helping offices run, but are woefully under skilled to evaluate and perform security against threats.

The unfortunate truth is that the people who deal in ransomware, encryption attacks, and data theft are highly skilled professionals.  Many of them have college degrees in Computer Science and they are incredibly good at what they do.

Cyber Security requires vigilance and experts that have your back.  Gary and I are going to go over some best practices and recommendations to decrease your likelihood of having to deal with these types of threats.  I've been at the tech game for quite a while and I've seen a lot of changes.  The current environment requires offices to be vigilant about their security.

Join Gary and I this Friday to learn how you can do more to prevent a security disaster from happening!

You can read more about the course and register here.  

Delta Dental of Massachusetts Partners with Smile Generation to Launch Novel Program Using Saliva-Based Screenings to Detect Periodontal Disease Earlier

 

Here's some interesting news about an effort being made by Delta Dental of Massachusetts.  I recently received this press release and thought it was something readers should be aware of.  If you are a Delta Dental provider, assuming it performs as promised, you may be hearing more about this as other Delta state offices implement it...

 Delta Dental of Massachusetts (DDMA), the largest dental insurance carrier in Massachusetts, is introducing a groundbreaking program aimed at early detection of periodontal (gum) disease using saliva-based screenings. This novel initiative, running through July 2025, offers patients a more holistic approach to oral health by identifying disease risk early, with the goal of preventing serious systemic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes.

In a first-of-its-kind effort for a dental insurer, DDMA is collaborating with six Smile Generation offices in Massachusetts to offer these chairside saliva screenings at no additional cost to its members. The program’s goal is to use saliva to educate patients on their periodontal health risks and offer personalized care to mitigate those risks.

As part of the “Healthy Body Enhanced Benefit Program,” eligible members will not only receive the saliva-based screenings but also additional benefits such as extra dental cleanings, personalized education, and take-home medications — all designed to address their specific periodontal disease risk at no extra out-of-pocket cost. This initiative represents a proactive approach to oral health care by focusing on prevention rather than treatment.

“Gum disease is far too prevalent and is largely preventable,” says Anthony Falone, DMD, MS, owner and practicing dentist at Waltham Modern Dentistry, one of the participating dental practices. “This program allows us to intervene earlier with personalized treatments, using non-invasive saliva screenings to catch disease progression before clinical signs of disease are visible to the naked eye.” 

Nearly half (42%) of all adults aged 30 years and older have some form of gum disease, with severe periodontitis affecting about 8% of adults (CDC, 2024). Research continues to demonstrate a strong connection between oral health and overall health. Periodontal disease, if left untreated, can exacerbate systemic conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease, significantly increasing overall health care costs. Early detection, through the use of these saliva screenings, is crucial in reducing those risks.

The saliva-based test measures levels of active matrix metalloproteinase-8 (aMMP-8), a biomarker that indicates active collagen breakdown in the gums—a key sign of periodontal disease. Identifying elevated aMMP-8 levels allows dentists to detect gum disease progression earlier than clinical symptoms appear, enabling timely, personalized interventions to prevent the progression of both oral and systemic diseases.

The program is available at six Smile Generation-trusted offices in Massachusetts, including Arsenal Modern Dentistry, Burlington Dentistry, Dentists of Attleboro, Milford Dentist Office, Shrewsbury Dentistry, and Waltham Modern Dentistry. These saliva screenings, typically not covered by dental insurance, will be available at no additional cost for DDMA adult members at these participating offices.

DDMA hopes the learnings from this innovative program will enable a greater focus on patient-centered care for all stakeholders and will ultimately inform our approach relative to covered benefits and reimbursement.  

“We are committed to enabling optimal oral health for our patients through the adoption of innovative solutions and collaboration with our participating dentists. By working together, we can improve our patient oral health outcomes and more broadly their overall health,” says Kirill Zaydenman, Vice President of Product Strategy and Transformation Delta Dental of Massachusetts.