Smile Source and ACT Dental Announce Merger

 

As always, I'm working to get the latest and best info to my readers.  Sometimes the posts are on groundbreaking tech that I've found, used, and/or love.  Sometimes, like today, it's on a business change in the industry.  As most of you know, I'm a huge fan of the independent private practice.  There are a few groups devoted to helping private practices thrive as they go head to head against large corporations with multiple locations and the commensurate buying power that brings.

One of those groups is Smile Source.  Founded in 2006, Smile Source® is a private practice dental community empowering independent dentists by offering practice management, continuing education, marketing support, and unsurpassed buying power.  Today comes word of Smile Source merging with practice consulting comany ACT Dental.  Read on for the details.

 Smile Source, the nation's leading private practice dental network, is proud to announce its merger with ACT Dental, a premier provider of dental practice coaching and education. This merger represents a powerful step forward in supporting the vitality of independent dentistry nationwide.

Together, Smile Source and ACT Dental are proud to share a unified mission: to preserve, protect, and elevate independent dentistry. By combining forces, the two organizations are creating an integrated community that empowers private practice dentists with expanded resources, deeper peer networks, and industry-leading education and coaching.

"By joining forces, we're combining expertise, resources, and communities to better serve our mission." said Dr. Jeff Osborne, Chief Dental Officer of Smile Source. "Together, Smile Source and ACT Dental form a powerful alliance, uniquely positioned to help our members not just survive, but thrive."

A defining aspect of this merger is a shared dedication to cultivating a values-driven culture. Both organizations are built on the belief that strong relationships, meaningful collaboration and continuous growth are the cornerstones of long-term success. This partnership brings renewed focus on fostering a supportive and empowering environment for dentists and their teams.

"As a private practice owner for nearly 20 years, it's a privilege to be named the next CEO of Smile Source. I'm passionate about private practice and allowing it to thrive for decades to come." said Dr. Barrett Straub, Smile Source's new Chief Executive Officer. "Together, Smile Source and ACT Dental are creating the kind of community that empowers dentists to lead smarter, healthier, more independent practices." Kirk Behrendt, Founder & Visionary of ACT Dental, added.

As Smile Source and ACT Dental begin this new chapter together, we remain deeply committed to the members we serve. This merger is just the beginning of what's to come! By bringing together our strengths, we are building something powerful. A future where independent dentists have more support, more tools, and more opportunity than ever before. We look forward to sharing more exciting updates in the coming months as we work together to elevate the business and the heart of private practice dentistry.

Align Settles Consumer Lawsuit and is Sued by Smile Direct Club - One of These Things is Not Like the Other...

Photo by Wesley Tingey on Unsplash

 Some interesting news from the legal word recently.  On April 25th, Aligln Technology, the parent company of Invisalign, has agreed to a $31.7 million settlement in a class action lawsuit from consumers.  The settlement deal still requires approval by US District Court Judge Vince Chhabria.

The suit alleged that Align conspired with the now bankrupt Smile Direct Club.  The alleged deal was that Align would not enter the direct to consumer market.  The suit alleges that this allowed SDC to charge higher fees to consumers.  Basically if Align did not compete with SDC, then SDC could charge consumers more for their product.  SDC was not part of the lawsuit...  probably because the company declared bankruptcy and is out of business which means they couldn't pay a dime.

The suit is on behalf of 230,000 consumers which means that the amount received would be about $103 per consumer.  However, it's also noted that the class could potentially be 1.4 million consumers.  I have NO idea how they will determine the number.  If the suit is settled with the high number of consumers, that would mean each would receive about $17 each.  For those of you math minded readers who do the calculation, that doesn't seem to be correct.  The reason for that is the attorneys are requesting $8 million in fees for their work on the suit.  That would bring the amount down to $23.7 million.

Personally, I have no stake in this, but it seems like a lot to go through for roughly a payout of somewhere between $100 to $20 each for the consumers.

Never mind the fact that even without competition, SDC went bankrupt and they burned through cash like a lit match in a gasoline factory.  It was one of the most incredible flameouts in the history of the dental industry.

So now we move on to the twist in this story.  Last week I was made aware of a lawsuit filed by Smile Direct Club against Align.  According to what I've seen, "the history of this case is that SDC was an operating business that was driven to bankruptcy".

This is where it gets interesting.  I'm trying to wrap my head around how, if the agreement was that Align would not compete with SDC... how exactly was SDC "driven into bankruptcy"?  One of these lawsuits doesn't make sense.  Either Align drove them out of business or Align conspired with SDC to not compete and therefor made SDC potentially more profitable.

I'm not an attorney and I don't pretend to know how all of this works in the legal world.  However, it seems that only one of these claims is true.  So I'll be following all of this with a bit of interest.  As I learn more, I'll try and update the story.

AdDent MicroLux DW for Two Ways to Help with Diagnosis

 

Two of the diagnostic technologies that I've been excited about for years are transillumination and caries fluorescence.  Both of these allow the doctor to find decay at its earliest stages.  The great thing about finding things when they're tiny is that is gives the doctor a lot of options.

We all know that some patients suffer problems that quickly break down, while others progress slowly.  Ask any doctor and they will tell you that some patients seem to suffer decay much more easily than others.  Many times these patients can have meticulous home  and still see frequent problems.  The flip side is that some patients don't do nearly as much home care and seem to rarely if ever suffer problems... and if they do, they progress slowly. 

For patients who suffer from frequent and fast breakdown, early intervention is usually needed.  That means finding problems when they are small allows the doctor to remove small amounts of tooth structure and leave more, healthy structure in place.

Finding problems when they are small can also allow a doctor to try remineralization therapy to perhaps reverse tiny lesions in patients who break down slowly.  This can potentially eliminate the need to perform a restoration at all.

Usually by the time an area of caries in the interproximal area is detectable on a bitewing, the lesion is hard to reverse and difficult to monitor adequately.  This is when transillumination is a great thing to have.  Often areas in the interproximal area can be seen with transillumination before they are visible on a bitewing.

It's the same with with areas on the occlusal or smooth surfaces where an explorer is normally used.  Frequently when a lesion is detectable with an explorer, it has cavitated and undermined enough enamel that a restoration is needed.

These clinical problems can be handled with the MicroLux DW from AdDent.  The smart people at AdDent created the MicroLux unit several years ago.  However, they've recently upgraded the device with the new name of MicroLux DW and the DW stands for dual wavelength.  It has both a visible white light mode for transillumination as well as a violet (405nm) light that performs biofluorescence.  This allows the device to perform two important functions to increase diagnostic accuracy and to find areas of concern when they are tiny.

The device comes with a small autoclavable tip that is attached.  The tip is 3mm in diameter and allows the doctor to get it wherever needed in the mouth.  The tip allows for easy illumination of interproximal lesions with minimal light pollution to the doctors eyes, since the small tip directs the light easily below the height of contour of the area being examined.

The transillumination mode can be used for: 

•  Visualizing teeth for cracks, fractures, calculus, and caries
•  Visualize existing composites for marginal defects and microleakage 
•  Checking inlays and onlays for micro-cracks or crazes before cementation 
•  Evaluation of enamel discoloration, including white spot lesions 
•  Visualization of the root canal and root fractures

The fluorescence can be used for:

• Visualize Biofilm 
• Visualize caries Bacteria 
•  Evaluation of White Spot Lesions and Demineralization 
• Visualize Plaque for perio and implant maintenance 
• Differentiate between tooth fluorescent vs non-fluorescent restorative materials 

The unit has a rechargeable battery with a voltage regulator that maintains a uniform brightness no matter how low the battery is.  This helps ensure a consistent light source for accurate clinical determinations.

We have a unit in the office and reach for it frequently.  If you'd like more info, follow this link.  

Learn 3D Printing this June in Las Vegas with Medidenta and Flucke

 

 Many of us are now thinking about the fascinating subject of 3D Printing in dentistry.  The only thing that is the barrier is knowledge.  How do I get into this?  What do I need?  How much does it cost?  Most importantly, where can I learn?

Well, I'm excited to tell you that you can get the answers to *all* of those questions... and more directly from me this June 21-22 in Las Vegas.  This year I've partnered with Medidenta Digital to help bring my peers the necessary information to get into this super cool technology.

We are putting on a course in June that I'm really thrilled about.  You can come out to Las Vegas and spend two days learning and working with the technology.  The course is structured as 1/2 day of lecture and we'll spend the rest of the time actually working with the equipment.  You will get 1 and 1/2 days of actually using 3D Printing tech to see how it works, what it can do, and if it's right for you.

The best part?  You don't even need to OWN any equipment beforehand.  The idea is a pretty simple one.  Medidenta sells a full line of 3D printing equipment, but they would much rather you try before you buy.  So come out to Las Vegas, give the tech a try, and see what it can do in your own hands.

So often doctors buy expensive pieces of hardware with limited or no experience with it.  We all know that when we spend our hard earned dollars, we don't want it to quickly become a plant stand or a coat hanger.  This course will let you actually see how it performs  in your own hands.

We're going to have a lot of fun and you'll return home with the skills you need to start creating things in your office as soon as the equipment arrives.  I love the concept of letting doctors actually try the tech before committing to a purchase and I think you'll leave with a really good working knowledge.  Not only will I be there to help, but you will also be around experts from the companies involved to help you with all the little nuances you may need and to answer any questions you have.

To register for this course and to see all of the other courses Medidenta is offering, follow this link.  I hope a lot of you will be able to come out to Las Vegas and learn about 3D Printing!

26 USOSM Surgeon Partners to Participate Across Seven States

 

April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month and I'm proud to provide the following info courtesy of Dentistry Today.  My great friend Dr. Paul Feuerstein is Chief Editor of the publication and this info appeared on their LinkedIn page.  If you are practicing in any of the areas metioned or if you are a patient who would like a screening, please read on:

In honor of Oral, Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Month, 26 U.S. Oral Surgery Management surgeon partners in seven states will offer free oral cancer screenings during the week of April 14. The screenings are part of a joint partnership with the Head & Neck Cancer Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness of oral, head and neck cancer.

April is recognized as Oral, Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Month, a time to increase awareness of the condition, risk factors, statistics, and screenings. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimated that in 2024 alone, 58,450 new cases of oral cancer were diagnosed, with 12,230 deaths attributed to it.

“The good news is that oral cancer has a survival rate of 80 to 90% when diagnosed early, according to the Head & Neck Cancer Foundation. That’s why events like this are so important,” said Vincent J. Perciaccante, DDS, FACS, USOSM chief clinical officer and a practicing oral and maxillofacial surgeon with South Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery. “Many oral cancer cases go undetected until they are categorized as late-stage cancers. If a pathology like oral cancer is present, it’s better to diagnose it as soon as possible. Early diagnosis can mean better treatment options and outcomes.”

The Head & Neck Cancer Foundation reports that the oral cancer diagnosis median age is 66, but the number of early-onset cases is rising. In particular, there are more patients being diagnosed under 50 who do not have traditional risk factors, like smoking or alcohol use. This shift is largely attributed to the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is now considered the number one cause.

“We recommend annual pathology screenings by a qualified health care professional, particularly since the number of early-onset cases is rising,” noted Dr. Perciaccante. “We also encourage you to do monthly self-exams to look for any changes – such as lumps, sores, or discolorations – which could be early signs of a pathology.”

Some additional, common symptoms of oral cancer identified by the CDC include sores or pain in the mouth or throat that will not go away; swelling or unusual bleeding; or difficulty performing daily functions like breathing, speaking, chewing, or swallowing food.

“If you’re experiencing any symptoms, have risk factors, or haven’t had a pathology screening yet this year, we urge you to take part in a free screening event in your area,” added Dr. Perciaccante. “If there isn’t one in your area, ask your insurance if they cover annual screenings such as this. Many cover it at no cost to the patient.”

Some risk factors to consider include smoking and alcohol use, genetic predisposition, poor nutrition, improperly fitted dental implants, mouth/face injuries, inadequate oral hygiene, and certain medical conditions/diseases.

USOSM surgeon partners providing free oral cancer screenings this month include 26 surgeons in 20 locations across seven states.

“We are proud and supportive of our partner surgeons to provide this valuable service free of charge to their communities,” said USOSM President and CEO Richard Hall. “This is another indication of our commitment to quality care and service to the community.”
In chronological order, categorized by free oral cancer screenings, USOSM participating partners include:

4/14

• • 7:30–9:30 am – Dr. Jeffrey Schultz, South Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Newnan, GA
• • 12–2 pm – Dr. Cassandra Stacy, Dakota Valley Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Burnsville, MN
• • 1:30–4 pm – Dr. Dana Brotherton, Fort Bend Oral Surgeons, Missouri City, TX
• • 2–4 pm – Dr. John Carey, North Metro Oral & Implant Surgery, Canton, GA
• • 2:30–4:30 pm – Dr. Benjamin Bush, Central Coast Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Paso Robles, CA
• • 3–4 pm – Dr. Sara Weinstein, Colorado Regional Oral Surgery, Arvada, CO

4/15

• • 11 am–1 pm – Dr. Carmine Colarusso, Central Mass Oral Surgery, Leominster, MA
• • 12–2 pm – Dr. Nancy McDermott, Dakota Valley Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Owatonna, MN
• • 1–3 pm – Dr. Sandeep Pathak, Oral & Facial Surgery Associates, Lawrenceville, GA
• • 2:30–4:30 pm – Dr. Lisa Tran, Ratner, Wilson & Tran DDS, Inc., Orange, CA
• • 3–5 pm – Dr. Brijesh Patel, Clark & Patel Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Oxnard, CA
• • 3–5 pm – Dr. Emily Frye, Oral and Maxillofacial Associates LLC, Oklahoma City, OK
• • 3–5 pm – Dr. Ross Martin, Oral and Maxillofacial Associates LLC, Oklahoma City, OK
• • 3–5 pm – Dr. Drew Wendelken, Oral and Maxillofacial Associates LLC, Oklahoma City, OK
• • 3–5 pm – Dr. Diane Pennington, Camden Oral Surgery PC, St. Marys, GA
• • 3:30–4:30 pm – Dr. Nicholas Politano, Colorado Regional Oral Surgery, Arvada, CO
• • 3:30–4:30 pm – Dr. Eric Reimer, Colorado Regional Oral Surgery, Arvada, CO
• • 3:30–5 pm – Dr. Howard Cooke, Metroplex Surgical Arts, Dallas, TX

4/16

• 1–2 pm – Dr. Travis Hamilton, Colorado Oral Surgery, Denver, CO

• 2–4 pm – Dr. Justin Weaver, Central Coast Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Paso Robles, CA

• 2–4 pm – Dr. Angie Rake, Dakota Valley Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Lakeville, MN

• 2:30–4 pm – Dr. Patrick Walker, Oral & Facial Surgery Associates, Braselton, GA

4/17

• • 11 am–1 pm – Dr. Vincent Perciaccante, South Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Peachtree City, GA
• • 2–4 pm – Dr. Jennifer Keyser, South Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Fayetteville, GA
• • 3–5 pm – Dr. William Clark, Clark & Patel Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Oxnard, CA

4/18

• 1:30–2:30 pm – Dr. Michael Hale, Colorado Oral Surgery, Parker, CO

The Head & Neck Cancer Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness of oral, head and neck cancer. The foundation strives to produce measurable, progressive change through education, awareness, research, outreach, and advocacy. For more information, visit https://www.mnofs.com/head-neck-cancer-foundation.

Headquartered in Irving, Texas, USOSM sets the standard for oral and maxillofacial surgery management. A management services organization spanning 29 states, USOSM has built a best-in-class network of premier oral and maxillofacial surgeon partners. USOSM provides operational, financial, and administrative support services to fuel clinical excellence, innovation, and wealth creation. For more information, visit https://www.usosm.com.

Dental Duets - An Interview by Michael Ventriello

 

A really short post today because the real info comes from the link below, but I want to provide a little backstory to this.  I've been friends with Micheal Ventriello for at least 20 years.  He's an amazing public relations mind.  When I met him he was working for an ad agency that specialized in a focus on dentistry.

We'd see each other at industry meetings and exchange emails in between those events.  We eventually graduated up to meeting for breakfast at those meetings and then we eventually began collaborating together on projects.  In fact, recently Mike started a PR collaboration with another great friend, Mark Ross.  They launched Personify Group in the fall of 2024 and I have joined as the Dental Technology Advisor to help with their services and deliverables.

Mike recently reached out to me about collaborating wiht him on his Dental Duets column for Dr. Bicuspid.  That column recently went live and I think (selfishly I'll admit) that it's a pretty good read.  You can find the column here.  Enjoy!

AdDent BioScreen - the Benefits of Oral Cancer Screening

 

April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month and along those lines, I'd like to highlight a product to help doctors better screen for oral cancer.  That product is an oral cancer screening device called BioScreen and it is manufactured and sold by one of my favorite 'better mousetrap' companies, AdDent.  Dentistry is a wonderful profession.  I love that it lets me solve problems as well as allowing me to know I'm helping people.  Dentistry can be life changing for many people, however there are also ways that it can be life saving.  One of those potentially life saving things is to be performing routine oral cancer screenings for patients on a regular basis.

Oral cancer is, as are most cancers, an insidious disease that often goes unnoticed in its early stages.  Unfortunately any cancer becomes much more difficult to remove and/or cure as it progresses.  The key to beating cancer, for both the doctor and the patient, is early detection.

Here are some Key Statistics about oral cancer:

• Around 60,000 new cases are diagnosed annually in the United States
• It accounts for about 13,000 deaths each year
• The 5 year survival rate is 68%
• 95% of cases occur in people over 40 with an average age of diagnosis around 60 years of age
• It used to be historically more prominent in males, at one time having a 6:1 male to female ratio.  However, currently it has shifted to 2:1 male/female ratio
• While the common belief is that alcohol and tobacco use were the prime risk factors, currently it is also linked with HPV 16 infections (which cause cancer in the tonsils and the base of the tongue).  That is the same virus that causes cervical cancer in women
• There has been a 49% increase in cases in the last 10 years

Those are sobering statistics and they are why oral cancer screening is critical for saving lives.

One of the best ways to prevent oral cancers is to inoculate young people with the HPV vaccine (Gardasil).  Originally this was used for prevention of cervical cancer in women, but as more has become known about HPV, the vaccine has also been given to young men as the first step in helping to prevent oral cancers.  The benefits for helping to prevent oral cancer is shared by both genders.  Gardasil 9 protects against nine types of HPV: 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58.  Oral cancers have been linked to HPV 16.

The other critical piece of helping to prevent the impact of this disease is to screen patients routinely as part of a regular dental examination.  Finding oral cancer at its earliest stages makes it much easier to treat and the screenings are especially easy to do if the doctor and hygienist use a light assisted screening.  Screening lights utilize a special wavelength of light that creates biofluorescence to aid detection.  The AdDent Bioscreen is a great way to provide these screenings.

I explain to patients that the light is *not* a diagnostic device.  It doesn't tell me that I see cancer.  It is a *screening* device.  Injured tissues look different when exposed to the light.  Healthy tissues look like the skin of a green apple while any injured or abnormal tissues appear dark or black.  Small areas are much easier to see with a screening light.

The BioScreen uses 5 LEDs that allow the screening to be done, even in a brightly lit area.  An eyepiece and viewing filters increases the contrast between healthy and abnormal tissue.  The device runs on a rechargeable battery that will last for 500 charging cycles.  It even has an auto shut off feature if the device is accidentally left on.  It also has a low battery indicator that tells the user to charge it before the battery is fully spent.

Our patients often mention how much they appreciate the fact that we perform oral cancer screenings and I personally think they are one of the best things we can do.  As specialists of the mouth, head, and neck, dental professionals are uniquely positioned to provide these screenings.  By doing so, a doctor might just save a life... and that is a powerful thing to think about.

The BioScreen is currently available for a 20% discount during Oral Cancer Awareness Month.  The discount code is: SCREEN20

AdDent also offers an eBook on the benefits of light assisted screening.  You can download it here.  

Heartland Dental, Concorde Career Colleges break ground on co-branded campus

Heartland Dental and Concorde Career Colleges have broken ground on their first co-branded dental training campus in Fort Myers, Fla.

Concorde Career Colleges launched a partnership with the DSO to open campuses for hygienists and dental assistants in August. As part of the deal, Heartland Dental is funding the construction and providing scholarships to students. 

The Fort Myers campus will train up to 190 hygienists and dental assistants each year.
Concorde Career Colleges announced the groundbreaking in an April 8 LinkedIn post. The campus is expected to open later this year.

 

Announcing Three 2025 Continuing Education Lectures / Hands-on Workshops Presented by Corky Willhite , DDS, FAGD, FAACD 

If you would like to join Dr. Willhite for his popular Ultimate Esthetics Course, we invite you to join us at the Center for Esthetic Excellence in Chicago this May 15th & 16th for his 2-day lecture and hands-on workshop called “Ultimate Esthetics with Composite: The Basics of Layering to Advanced Techniques." There are a few spots left, and this course will be a deep dive into how to achieve more natural results with composite resin. You will learn a practical and predictable layering technique that you can incorporate into your daily practice to make your composite restorations look natural and beautiful. 

 Dr. Willhite will also be teaching a few more courses at the Center of Esthetic Excellence in 2025: “Composite Bonding for Smile Makeovers: Designed for Accreditation Case Type 5” on September 24-26, 2025 & “A Simple, Predictable Technique to Open VDO, Change Occlusion, & Build Long Lasting Cosmetic Restorations” on November 13-14, 2025. 
 To learn more details about what will be covered in each course or to register, you can use the links below: 

1. • “Ultimate Esthetics with Composite: The Basics of Layering to Advanced Techniques,” on May 15-16, 2025 Master Anterior Composite Restorations - Cosmedent 
2. • “Composite Bonding for Smile Makeovers: Designed for Accreditation Case Type 5” on September 24-26, 2025: https://www.cosmedent.com/product/composite-bonding-for-smile-makeovers-designed-for-accreditation-case-type-5-1/ 
3. • “A Simple, Predictable Technique to Open VDO, Change Occlusion, & Build Long Lasting Cosmetic Restorations” on November 13-14, 2025.  https://www.cosmedent.com/product/a-simple-predictable-technique-to-open-vdo-change-occlusion-and-build-long-lasting-cosmetic-restorations-1/

 If you have any questions, please contact Erika Heier at either erika@cosmedent.com or 
1-800-837-2321

Delta Dental of Washington and Dentistry.One Partnership Offers Virtual Dental Care

 

New Service Helps Address Barriers to Care; Provides 24/7 Service for Dental Emergencies

A new partnership between Delta Dental of Washington and Dentistry.One, a virtual-first dental care solution introduced by MouthWatch, LLC provides a virtual dental care option for more than 4 million Delta Dental of Washington members. 

Through this partnership, Delta Dental of Washington members gain 24/7 access to Dentistry.One’s suite of virtual care services, including live video consultations, asynchronous photo reviews, and AI-powered SmileScan™, which utilizes artificial intelligence to track a patient’s oral health. 

Members also benefit from a nationwide network of expert dentists, including eight dentists located in Washington state, and dental hygienist care advisors, offering tailored advice and seamless coordination of in-person care when needed, including evening and weekend appointments for dental emergencies. 

After a virtual care appointment, Dentistry.One will share the member’s oral health report directly with the member’s preferred dentist, if they have one. For those without a dentist, Dentistry.One can assist with identifying a nearby dentist and with scheduling in-person appointments as needed.

"Our partnership with Delta Dental of Washington represents the future of oral healthcare – seamless, accessible, and patient-centered," said Brant Herman, Founder & Chief Executive Officer of MouthWatch and Dentistry.One. "We’re excited to offer Delta Dental of Washington members an innovative benefit which makes accessing care easier than ever, enhancing member engagement, and keeping members healthy. Dentistry.One is designed to meet the evolving needs and goals of oral health, by delivering a new standard that improves member experience and outcomes while connecting more members to care." 

“This partnership amplifies Delta Dental of Washington's decades-long commitment to innovation and dental care equity,” said Diane Oakes, Chief Mission Officer of Delta Dental of Washington. “Partnerships like this move us closer to our goal that everyone can enjoy good oral health with no one left behind – including many rural communities where dental care resources are scarce.”

By combining Delta Dental of Washington’s mission to remove barriers to health care and improve overall health with Dentistry.One's virtual technology and ecosystem of services, the collaboration provides new access to care. For patients managing chronic health conditions, this means easier access to dental services which can significantly improve their overall health outcomes. 

“Through our virtual consultations, we can identify potential oral health issues before they become serious, offer immediate triage, and coordinate in-person care, when necessary,” said Dr. Derek Weigand, a dentist at Dentistry.One. “For populations like diabetic patients or expectant mothers, this proactive approach can be truly life changing." 

To learn more about the partnership and see if you are eligible, visit https://www.deltadentalwa.com/virtual-dental-care.

About Delta Dental of Washington
Founded 70 years ago by Seattle area dentists who set out to revolutionize oral health care, an innovative program was developed to provide longshoremen’s children access to dental care – and the concept of dental benefits was born. Today Delta Dental of Washington, a not-for-profit, is the state’s leading dental benefits provider covering nearly 4 million people statewide and beyond.

Through corporate philanthropy, oral health advocacy, and funding the Arcora Foundation, Delta Dental of Washington plays a vital role in making dental care more equitable and accessible, increasing dental health education with an emphasis on youth, and expanding diversity at all levels within the dental profession. These collective efforts aim to improve oral health care in Washington so all people can enjoy good oral and overall health with no one left behind. Delta Dental of Washington is part of the Delta Dental Plans Association, consisting of 39 independent, affiliated member companies. For more information, visit: www.deltadentalwa.com. 

About Dentistry.One 
Dentistry.One was created to break down the barriers that prevent millions of people from accessing the dental care they need. Our vision is to make dental health accessible to everyone, unlocking the significant health and cost-saving benefits that come with a healthy mouth. Through telehealth, Dentistry.One provides dental care to the 60% of the population who don’t regularly visit a dentist. Offering anxiety-free online consultations, personalized care coordination, and seamless care coordination, Dentistry.One empowers patients to take control of their oral and overall health. To learn more, visit https://dentistry.one/. 

The Technology Evangelist Podcast is coming Soon!

 

In my first post here of 2025, I mentioned that I was thinking about starting a podcast.  Well, since that post I've been hard at work.  There's a lot that goes into putting a podcast together.  A lot of the work is on the 'backend' post-production.  For me, talking is easy... sometimes too easy... but my point is that, for me, content is easy to create.  The time consuming and sometimes difficult part is creating the content.  It's the backend part that will be more difficult.

That's why I'm grateful that I'm partnering with Medidenta Digital on this.  They have the experts and the expertise to put this all together into a digestible form for the audience.

We've just about got the whole process ready to go.  In the not too distant future I'm going to start interviewing guests and then getting that content out to all of you.  I know the graphic for this post says "Register here to Watch or Listen for free", but our content isn't live yet, so there's no link to follow.

However, the moment it *does* go live, I'll let you know.  There will be a post about it here and I'll also push it out on my social media channels.  That way no matter where you follow me, you'll know when you can subscribe.  I'm super excited to be wrapping up the planning and details stage and moving forward to letting you watch and listen.  So be patient just a big longer and then I'll get you all the details.  I promise to bust my backside to give you pertinent, interesting, and fun info.  Let the games begin!

CareQuest Institute Reacts to Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and EPA Secretary Lee Zeldin’s Statements on Fluoride

So, once again a post on the fluoride controversy.  Sometimes I plan a theme for a few posts, but this week that wasn't the intention.  It's a simple matter of the news being the news and since this is an issue that really impacts the profession, I reordered the queue of posts to make sure these were going to be seen.  Unfortunately, I don't know how much longer this issue will carry mainstream news interest, but I hope it doesn't fade quietly away.  I worry about lower income folks not seeing the benefit of fluoride.  However, as I've stated previously, I believe in democracy and the concept of majority rule.
 

    April 8, 2025 (Boston, MA) – CareQuest Institute for Oral Health®, a leading national nonprofit focused on creating a more accessible, equitable, and integrated oral health system today issued a statement regarding U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s plans to direct the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to stop recommending fluoridation in communities nationwide and EPA Secretary Lee Zeldin’s announcement that the EPA, which oversees water quality, will also “take action”. 

CareQuest Institute Senior Director of Policy Melissa Burroughs issued the following statement:  

“Decades of research have proven that at safe and optimal levels, fluoride is safe and plays a critical role in preventing tooth decay and promoting good oral health. Efforts to remove it from public water systems–like those recently proposed by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and already enacted in Utah–ignore this well-established science and risk worsening our nation’s oral health crisis.  

 “These actions come at a time when 70 million Americans lack dental insurance, 23 million face potential cuts to Medicaid dental coverage, and recent HHS layoffs have scaled back vital oral health programs at the federal level. As a result, our nation is at risk of losing critical layers of protection for basic oral health access. Without these programs and infrastructure, the US could see a sharp rise in not just dental disease, but also preventable conditions linked to poor oral health — including diabetes, hypertension, and adverse pregnancy outcomes. As this administration works to make America healthier, we need solutions on oral health that continue to make improvements and address challenges posed by recent changes.” 

RFK Jr. says he plans to tell CDC to stop recommending fluoride in drinking water

 

It's sometimes strange how the news cycle works.  This is the second post this week about fluoride and adding it to municipal water systems.  This post is short, because all of the real information is in the lnked story at the bottom, but it for sure is something you need to be aware of.  

My post this past Monday was on the ongoing fluoride controversy and my feelings on that.  However today's post is about a news item.  Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr had a press conference on Monday.  He was in Salt Lake City celebrating the recent law passed in Utah that bans fluoridation in any municipal system in the state.

While there, he announced that he plans to tell the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to stop recommending fluoridation in communities nationwide.  It was also announced Monday that the EPA is reviewing the potential health risks of fluoride in drinking water.

You can read all of the info on a pretty informative article on the Associated Press website.  

Dandy Launches The 3-Appointment Smile Makeover — A Breakthrough in Digital Aesthetic Dentistry

Some interesting info today from Dandy.  This definitely bears checking out... 

Dentistry’s first all-digital workflow delivers predictable, patient-approved results, while saving dentists’ valuable time

Dandy, the leading fully digital dental lab, has launched dentistry’s first end-to-end aesthetic digital workflow, “The 3-Appointment Smile Makeover”. The new offering enables dentists to deliver predictable aesthetic outcomes without the inefficiencies of traditional labs.  

Aesthetic cases, such as veneers and anterior crowns, can be high-pressure. Dentists need to ensure that patients are confident in the process and delighted with the outcome. Given their complexity, these cases require constant two-way communication and data transfer between the dentist and the lab. Today, no dental lab offers a streamlined workflow for aesthetic, multi-appointment cases, and much of this communication is done via email, phone or text messages, leading to disorganization, lost files, and unpredictable results. 

Dandy’s 3-Appointment Smile Makeover offers a novel solution to an industry-wide problem. It enables dentists to go from temporaries to final restorations in one connected, predictable workflow. Dentists can scan, order, and communicate with the lab, all within Dandy’s fully-integrated software. There’s no need to reference previous smile designs, scans, prescriptions, or shades, as all patient and case data is in one place. 

Dentists can also allow patients to test-drive their new smile with lab-designed provisionals and then perform a Temp-Reference Scan, capturing the approved temporaries with any adjustments that Dandy will use as the blueprint for the final design. This important feature ensures the final restoration fits, functions and looks exactly as the patient expected.

The 3-Appointment Smile Makeover has three simple steps:1. 

1. Consultation 

Order a Physical Wax-Up + Matrix for the next appointment.
Digitally modify and approve the wax-up design before production. 

2. Smile Test Drive

With the Matrix, temporize the patient using lab-designed, aesthetic provisionals.

Perform a Temp-Reference Scan with any chairside adjustments for a precise digital blueprint of the finals.

Approve the final design with Dandy’s seamless Design Preview.

3. Deliver the Perfect Final Restoration

Predictable fit, function, and aesthetics—no surprises.

Streamlined workflow eliminates errors and unnecessary lab back-and-forth.

Give patients the confidence of a truly life-changing smile.

The 3-Appointment Smile Makeover is just the latest innovation from Dandy, which is committed to delivering exceptional quality dental lab services and practice experiences at affordable prices, through digitization.

“For too long, dentists have had to deal with inefficient lab workflows, constant design revisions, and unpredictable results,” said Ben Licht, Anterior Crown and Bridge Product Owner at Dandy. “The 3-Appointment Smile Makeover changes everything. Now, every dentist can confidently deliver life-changing aesthetics with a simple, fully digital workflow—without the frustration of endless lab back-and-forth. This is the future of cosmetic dentistry.”

“This workflow provides such a huge level of ease and predictability that any dentist can now deliver stunning anterior cosmetic dentistry,” said Dr. David Sherberg of Bayway Dental in St. Petersburg, Florida. “Amazingly, it’s all embedded in the Chairside software we already know and use.”
Dentists can adopt the 3-Appointment Smile Makeover digital workflow in their practice by visiting meetdandy.com/get-started and signing up today.

About Dandy
Dandy is building the modern operating system for the North American dental office. Dental practices partner with Dandy to work with a state-of-the-art intraoral scanner, always-on expert guidance, and the industry’s only fully digital dental labs, all operating seamlessly together through Dandy’s proprietary portal. Dandy empowers dentists with technology, innovation, and world-class support to achieve more for their practice, their people, and their patients. With unparalleled quality, efficiency, and experience, Dandy makes the business of dentistry pain-free. To learn more, visit meetdandy.com or follow along on Instagram @meet.dandy.

The Ongoing Fluoride Controversy

 

I feel compelled to make a statement on municipal water fluoridation.  In the past couple of weeks, the news has had stories about the state of Utah banning water fluoridation and that was followed by a unanimous vote by the Lakeland, Florida City Council that has done the same thing.

I've tried to make this post as neutral as possible.  If anything here sounds argumentative, please understand that isn't what I'm trying to do.  I don't think arguing over something is the way to solve problems.  I'd much rather have a rational discussion and sometimes people need to respectfully agree to disagree.  I'm not trying to stand on a soapbox and shout my opinion.  I'm trying to be as factual about this and as middle of the road as I can.  If this post upsets anyone, I apologize.  That isn't my intent.  

Here's my take.  This is America, a country where we normally expect majority rule.  If a majority is opposed to something, we don't do it.  It's pretty simple.  That's apparently what has happened in Utah and Lakeland, Florida.  Personally I'm fine with that.  I have access to all the fluoride toothpaste and varnish that I need to keep my teeth healthy.

In fact, this is one of the few public health subjects that doesn't directly affect others.  Let me explain.  Opposition to vaccines has caused outbreaks of disease.  That can affect others.  No vaccine that I'm aware of is 100% effective.  There are rare instances of people contracting a disease they were vaccinated against.  However, if no one else has the disease, anyone's chance of catching it is pretty rare.  When lots of people are running around unvaccinated and shedding pathogens like my cat sheds fur, that's a problem... and it can affect others.

Fluoride isn't like that.  It really only affects one person... and that's the person who isn't receiving fluoridation.  It's especially true for children.  As children consume fluoridated water, it is passed into the permanent teeth developing in the jaws.  That uptake of fluoride means that the enamel develops stronger and when those teeth finally erupt into the mouth, the fluoride that has been deposited into their developing enamel makes that enamel less prone to decay.

What I want the lay public to understand is this: every decision has consequences.  There is an upside and a downside to everything.  By removing fluoride from drinking water, you are more or less trading a very unlikely outcome for a bad one.  Teeth that haven't developed with fluoride 'built into them' are much more prone to dental decay.  No fluoride in the enamel pretty much guarantees that your children are going to suffer more decay... not just in their primary (baby) teeth, but in their permanent teeth and that means it's a lifelong problem.  If you are comfortable with that decision (and the potential risk), then go ahead and remove fluoride nationwide.  However, just remember what you are asking for.  Your kids are going to grow into adults and throughout their life, they are going to have to deal with this decision.  Every parent I know wants their children to have a life that is better than their parents had.  This is going in exactly the opposite direction.  I know that some people have concerns, but I feel the science for safety is pretty convincing.

I always want people to know dentistry wanting fluoridation like is not some kind of a conspiracy.  In reality, no fluoride in the drinking water is going to make dentistry a lot busier and dentists will financially benefit from it.  The reason we, as a profession, are so pro fluoride is that we don't enjoy seeing people suffer with problems.  Dentists are busy enough.  We don't *need* to be busier.  There are enough dental problems right now to keep us busy.  Community water fluoridation has been touted as the most important public health measure in history and I don't know that I can argue against that.

So as longs as everyone understands the repercussions of this decision, I'm good either way.  What I don't want is a situation I heard in an old joke someone once told me about a cowboy.  The cowboy goes into the saloon and drinks an entire bottle of whiskey.  On his way home he takes off all his clothes and jumps on a cactus.  The next day, as the town doctor is pulling hundreds of thorns out of him he asks the cowboy, "What were you thinking?"  The cowboy replies, "Well it seemed like a great idea at the time."

What I want is for people to make an informed decision. I hope I've presented some good information here.

Introducing Young® ClearDefense™ Silver Fluoride – a Breakthrough in Sensitivity Protection from Young® Specialties

 

Here's some interesting news about a new product from Young® that just became available on April 1st.  It's a sliver fluoride containing solution that can be applied to help decrease or eliminate sensitivity.  Silver containing products have always had the risk of discoloration to the areas where it's applied, but Clear Defense™ has greatly decreased that risk.

The press release from Young® is below...

ALGONQUIN, ILL., April 1, 2025 – Young Specialties is transforming dental care with the launch of ClearDefense Silver Fluoride, a cutting-edge solution designed to provide relief from dental hypersensitivity while significantly reducing the risk of tooth discoloration.

"ClearDefense Silver Fluoride is the future of patient care," said Kenneth Serota, CEO of Young Innovations. "This noninvasive solution for dental sensitivity not only provides effective relief, but also minimizes the risk of discoloration, enabling clinicians to offer a better treatment experience while prioritizing patient comfort."

"At Young, we are committed to improving patient care while empowering clinicians to practice at the top of their license,” said John Frymark, Vice President of U.S. Direct, Marketing, and Analytics at Young Specialties. “ClearDefense Silver Fluoride exemplifies this mission — providing an effective, easy-to-use treatment that enhances both patient comfort and clinical outcomes. We are thrilled to bring this innovation forward and continue driving meaningful progress across the oral healthcare industry.”

Video:  Introducing Young® ClearDefense™ Silver Fluoride



Breakthrough sensitivity protection
ClearDefense Silver Fluoride treats dentinal hypersensitivity by occluding dentin tubules. Its unique formulation of 0.2% nanosilver, 3% sodium fluoride and vegetal chitosan offers noninvasive relief from sensitivity. 

Minimized discoloration risk
Unlike traditional silver fluoride treatments, ClearDefense is formulated with only 0.2% nanosilver, significantly lowering the risk of discoloration while maintaining its powerful protective benefits.

Designed for patient comfort
ClearDefense Silver Fluoride offers a gluten-free, water-based formula with no ammonia, low odor, and a non-irritating application, ensuring a more pleasant experience for patients.

Simple, one-step application
With an easy-to-use single-step application requiring no rinsing or posttreatment restrictions, ClearDefense seamlessly integrates into dental practice treatment protocols, enhancing efficiency without compromising effectiveness.

ClearDefense Silver Fluoride is now available for purchase through Young Specialties. Clinicians can register for CE courses to learn more here. For more information, visit clear-defense.com or contact support@youngspecialties.com.

Henry Schein’s THRIVELIVE Returns to Las Vegas

 

I apologize for the short notice on this announcement.  However, in my defense, the folks at Thrive Alive, just sent this to me and I created this the moment I got it.  They are in the final push to get the word out and I'm happy to provide this info to you.  Probably most of you who are aware of Thrive Alive have registered already, but if you haven't here's all the info and a link to the registration page.  Henry Schein does an amazing job with this event.  They created Thrive Alive as a showcase for the state of the art products they have in their inventory and if you are thinking of upgrading your practice, it's one of the premier events to attend.  It's always packed with terrific speakers where you can rest assured you'll learn a ton about the best products in dentistry.

Premier Dental Industry Event Offers Dental Teams Education and Networking  MELVILLE, N.Y. – March 31, 2025 – 

Henry Schein, Inc. (Nasdaq: HSIC) fourth annual THRIVELIVE® returns to Las Vegas from April 30 to May 3, offering dental teams a unique educational experience. Held at Resorts World Las Vegas, the three-day event features more than 100 courses and speakers, with insights from influential thought leaders on clinical applications of technology, the business of dentistry, team development, practice design, and software solutions. Interactive product demonstrations of the latest dental technologies and the Company’s suite of services will also be available.

“THRIVELIVE demonstrates our commitment and deep investment into the success of our customers,” said Mark Hillebrandt, Chief Digital Revenue Officer of Henry Schein. “This event was created to empower all dental team members to achieve their full potential. We are thrilled to continue the tradition of bringing community, connection, and lifelong learning to the dental profession with THRIVELIVE.” 

Several THRIVELIVE registration promotions are available, including:  

• ·       A 10 percent volume discount for groups of 10 or more. Contact thriveliveevent@henryschein.com for more details. 
• ·       Exclusive benefits and savings on THRIVELIVE tickets, as well as business management services, merchandise, equipment, shipping, and more from Henry Schein's Thrive Signature Program.
• ·       A doctor and team member bundle, where team member registrations (dental assistants, hygienists, front office, C-suite members, and non-doctor owners) are $999 each when added to a full-price doctor registration.

Also included in attendees’ ticket prices is a performance by this year's headliner, comedian Kevin James, best known for his role in “The King of Queens.” Attendees will have additional opportunities to connect with peers between educational sessions through engaging activities, including pickleball, morning yoga, and a Kentucky Derby brunch.

For THRIVELIVE attendees interested in volunteer opportunities, this year’s event will support the American Dental Association Foundation’s Give Kids a Smile and Give Veterans A Smile programs. These ADAF programs, which Henry Schein supports year-round, provide underserved children and veterans with free oral health care and assistance in finding a dental home.

For more information and to register for THRIVELIVE, please visit https://thrivelive2025.com/.
 About Henry Schein, Inc. 

Henry Schein, Inc. (Nasdaq: HSIC) is a solutions company for health care professionals powered by a network of people and technology. With approximately 25,000 Team Schein Members worldwide, the Company's network of trusted advisors provides more than 1 million customers globally with more than 300 valued solutions that help improve operational success and clinical outcomes. Our Business, Clinical, Technology, and Supply Chain solutions help office-based dental and medical practitioners work more efficiently so they can provide quality care more effectively. These solutions also support dental laboratories, government and institutional health care clinics, as well as other alternate care sites.  

  
 Henry Schein operates through a centralized and automated distribution network, with a selection of more than 300,000 branded products and Henry Schein corporate brand products in our distribution centers.  

 A FORTUNE 500 Company and a member of the S&P 500® index, Henry Schein is headquartered in Melville, N.Y., and has operations or affiliates in 33 countries and territories. The Company's sales reached $12.7 billion in 2024 and have grown at a compound annual rate of approximately 11.2 percent since Henry Schein became a public company in 1995.  
 For more information, visit Henry Schein at 
www.henryschein.com, Facebook.com/HenrySchein, Instagram.com/HenrySchein, LinkedIn.com/Company/HenrySchein, and @HenrySchein on X.