Happy Thanksgiving!!!

 

The first thing I want to say is "Why are you reading this?"  If you're reading this on Thursday November 26, 2025, it's Thanksgiving day and you should be watching football and hanging with your family.  That's what I'm doing as you read this.

Seriously though, I'm thankful for *so* many things.  I've had an amazing career.  I've gotten to see and do a lot of things I'd have never dreamed of.  If the John Flucke from 2025 had a conversation with John Flucke back in the 80s, I would call the 2025 version a liar or at least delusional.  So many great things have come my way that sometimes I sit back and am dumbfounded by how lucky I've been.  I hope many of you feel the same way.

I also want to tell you how thankful I am for all of *you* who read my posts, who read my articles,  watch my podcast, or help support me in any way.  I really love what I do.  I get a chance to tinker and explore things that I'm passionate about and then tell you all about it.  Someone that does the kinds of things I do needs to have interested followers to give my work any value.  All of *you* provide that value and I am more grateful for that than I can tell you.  Thanks for your interest, support, and for reaching out to me.  It's what you do that allows me to do what I do.

So today, I want to tell all of you how thankful I am for you.  Thanks for helping make my dreams come true.  A lot of my pretty incredible life is a direct result of your support.  Have a great Thanksgiving filled with faith and family!  And if you are planning on attending the Greater New York Dental Meeting, I'll be in the Medidenta booth.  Please stop by and say hi!

Personify Group Joins Dental Trade Alliance

Big news today from my good friends at Personify Group.  If you are in the industry and need help with your marketing plan, these are the folks you want to contact!

Read all about in the press release below:

New Membership Expands the Reach and Impact of Dentistry’s 

Fastest-Growing Branding, Marketing and Communications Agency

Personify Group, dentistry’s brand growth partner, today announced it has joined the Dental Trade Alliance (DTA), the national association representing suppliers, manufacturers and service companies dedicated to advancing oral health.

“We’re pleased to welcome Personify Group, as the newest member of the association," said Dental Trade Alliance CEO Greg Chavez. "Their DTA membership will enable them to connect with more manufacturing partners who may benefit from their dental knowledge base"  

DTA membership aligns Personify Group with a consortium of like-minded organizations committed to elevating the dental-care landscape through collaboration, innovation and industry-wide advocacy.

“Joining the Dental Trade Alliance reflects our commitment to advancing the future of dentistry and supporting the innovators who are shaping it,” said Michael Ventriello, Co-Founder and Chief Communications Officer of Personify Group. “The DTA brings together the most influential companies in oral health, and we’re honored to contribute our branding, marketing and communications expertise to such an important community.” 

Personify Group is redefining best practices in storytelling, creative development, marketing technology, public relations, digital media, influencer relations and investor marketing to accelerate growth for dentistry’s next generation of innovators.

“As dental technology rapidly evolves, from AI-enabled diagnostics to new biomimetic therapies, companies need strong, credible partners who can help them stand out, scale and drive adoption,” said Mark Ross, Co-Founder and Chief Branding Officer of Personify Group. “DTA membership strengthens our ability to support dental innovators by providing deeper industry access and new opportunities for strategic partnerships.”

About Personify Group

Personify Group is redefining dental branding, marketing and communications with an integrated mix of disruptive and dynamic solutions designed to accelerate growth for dentistry’s innovators. Founded by dental marketing thought leaders Michael Ventriello and Mark Ross, the agency blends bold creative with advanced technology and strategic insight to help clients rise above the noise and achieve measurable success. For more information, visit www.personifygroup.com.  Connect on LinkedIn: Personify Group: Overview | LinkedIn

About the Dental Trade Alliance

The Dental Trade Alliance (DTA) is a member supported trade association of suppliers and service providers of the oral health profession and industry with the common goal of improving the state of oral care. The organization provides resources, knowledge-sharing opportunities and advocacy supporting businesses throughout North America, with ties to the rest of the globe. With a dedication to oral health that reaches back to the 1800’s, the modern day DTA is committed to the success of its members and the industry at large. www.dentaltradealliance.org

Delta Dental of Virginia Notifies Individuals of Data Security Incident

I know that I make a lot of posts here about how critical data security is.  However, it's not just dental practices that need to stay focused on security.  Today's post is a press release from Delta Dental of Virginia.

Delta Dental of Virginia ("DDVA") is providing notice of a recent data security incident that may have involved personal and/or protected health information. DDVA takes the privacy and security of all information within their possession very seriously. DDVA has sent notice of this incident to potentially affected individuals and provided resources to assist them.

On or around April 23, 2025, DDVA discovered suspicious activity associated with one email account and immediately initiated an investigation of the matter. DDVA engaged independent cybersecurity experts to assist with the process. As a result of the investigation, DDVA determined that certain emails and attachments may have been accessed and acquired without authorization between March 21, 2025 and April 23, 2025. DDVA undertook a comprehensive review of those files and upon completion of that review, learned that some of your family member's personal information was contained within the potentially affected data. That is the reason for this notification. Please note that DDVA has no evidence of the misuse, or attempted misuse, of any potentially impacted information.

Notice of this event was mailed directly to potentially affected individuals with an available mailing address on November 21, 2025.

Based on our review of the potentially affected data, the following information for individuals may have been involved in the incident: names, Social Security numbers, state or federal government issued ID numbers, and Protected Health information. Please note that DDVA has no evidence of misuse, or attempted misuse of any potentially impacted information.

As soon as we discovered this incident, DDVA took the steps described above and implemented measures to enhance security and minimize the risk of a similar incident occurring in the future. We have established a toll-free call center to answer questions about the incident and address related concerns. Call center representatives are available Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm Eastern Time and can be reached at 1-833-303-6496.

The privacy and protection of personal and protected health information is a top priority for DDVA. DDVA deeply regrets any inconvenience or concern this incident may cause.

Untreated Apical Periodontitis Related to Multiple Systemic Complications

 

First of all, I want to give props to the folks at the ADA who put together ADA News.  Their Weekend Huddle e-newsletter has been the source of some great information as of late.  If you haven't subscribed to it , might I recommend you click here and do so.  

Today's post touches again on the oral systemic connection.  While this one isn't a big reach for most of us in dentistry, to the general public who don't understand the intricacies of the oral systemic connection it's an important piece of information.  A recently published study in the Journal of Transitional Medicine followed 65 patients over two years to draw some conclusions.  That study is titled Successful endodontic treatment improves glucose and lipid metabolism: a longitudinal metabolomic study and that title says a lot about the improvements that can be realized by curing a dental problem.

For those readers here who don't have dental backgrounds, I'll give you some basic information to provide a bit of context.

Apical periodontitis is a situation where the internal aspect of the tooth, the nerve and blood vessels that are inside the tooth, become infected and that infection spreads to the apex, which is the tip of the root.  As the infection progresses, it destroys bone at the apex and a chronic (long term) infection sets in.  In the most basic sense, this is a 'pool' of bacteria and infection in the bone of the jaw.  If nothing is done to eliminate this infection, the bacteria present have an easy path to the rest of the body.  The bacteria get into the blood vessels and are carried throughout the body.

This allows the bacteria to settle anywhere it can find an area that is susceptible.  Some of the more common problems that can develop are:

• Infections of the heart, possibly even leading to a potentially fatal infection called endocarditis
• Respiratory infections, including pneumonia
• Pregnancy complications, including  preterm birth and low birth weight

This subject is especially important because statistically around 50% of adults develop apical periodontitis in at least one tooth during their life.

The good news is that this condition is treatable through either: extraction of the infected tooth, root canal therapy, and/or periapical surgery.

The study determined that after getting the infection healed, patients showed improvement in multiple cardiometabolic markers, including:

• Chloesterol
• Glycemic control
• Fatty acid profiles
• Inflammatory markers

These improvements were assocated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and Type 2 diabetes.

To read the ADA News article, follow this link.  If you're interested in reading the full study, you can find that here.  

Dental VIP Summit Returns to Chicago With A-List Keynotes and The “Top 20 Dental Innovators” Awards

Last February, my buddy Dr. Marty Jablow launched the inaugural Dental VIP Summit.  I was blown away by the first time event.  The idea was a great one.  Put smart inventors with incredibly good ideas together with people looking to invest in dentistry's 'next big thing'.  The result was amazing.  If you want to see the future of the dental industry, the place to be is the Dental VIP Summit.

In my 'other job' working in the dental industry, I've always been amazed at the amount of brain power that goes on behind the scenes.  Many of the things we now use clinically everyday, things like intraoral scanners and CBCT, were once just sketches on a cocktail napkin.  Yet those ideas changed our world.  This event gives you a chance to see products that are in development... some in their infancy, and will allow you a sneak peek at what will one day be a product dental professionals reach for or depend on every day.  In my opinion, this is a must attend event!  I hope to see a lot of you there.  Here's the first public information about the event:

Limited-Attendance Event Takes Place February 18, 2026, 

Prior to the Chicago Midwinter Meeting

Building upon the strong momentum of last year’s inaugural program, the 2026 Dental VIP (Venture, Innovation & Partnering) Summit will once again precede the Chicago Dental Society Midwinter Meeting February 18, 2026, at the Intercontinental Chicago Magnificent Mile.

“The Dental VIP Summit was created to give innovators, investors, and industry executives a centralized platform to spark collaboration, fuel positive oral health impact and drive meaningful commercial outcomes,” said Marty Jablow, DMD, Co-Chair of the Summit, “This year we’re taking our boutique conference concept to the next level with new co-chairs, keynote speakers and the first annual “Top 20 Dental Innovator Awards.”

A-List Co-Chairs and Keynotes:

Joining Dr. Jablow in organizing the Dental VIP Summit will be Jeremy Krell, DMD, MBA - General Manager of Revere Partners and Travis Rodgers - President of Dental Venture Capital.

This year’s keynote speakers will be Brian Colao – Director, Dykema Dental Service Organizations Industry Group, and Stephen E. Thorne IV, BA, MHA – Founder and CEO of Pacific Dental Services.

Prominent Speakers:

This year’s Dental VIP Summit will once again feature an impressive list of speakers  to provide forward thinking perspectives, insightful observations and color commentary. Among them will be:

• Arash Hakhamian, DDS, CEO of Dentulu
• Shervin Molayem, DDS, Co-Founder of Trust AI
• Ali Shazib, DMD, Dean of Highpoint University Workman School of Dental Medicine
• Kathryn Alderman, DDS – Founder & CEO of Intelligent Care Alliance
• Mariya Filipova, Managing Director of The 4100 Group
• Johnny Chang de Gruiter, Strategic Partnerships Lead for CareQuest Innovation Partners
• Andrew Smith, CEO at The Association of Dental Support Organizations
• Eva Allan, Innovation Strategist & Fund Advisor

Exciting Agenda

This year’s agenda features a full-day packed with keynotes, presentations from the most innovative start-ups & emerging growth companies, along with expert panel discussions. This is a premier opportunity to connect, collaborate, and shape the future of dental innovation. 

• Keynote: Convergence of Care: Medical & Dental Integration 
• The Digital Dentist of 2026
• Emerging Tech Showcase Shark Tank
• AI and Predictive Dentistry 2.0
• Innovation Showcase 1: The Smart Operatory
• Funding the Future: Dental Venture Capital in 2026
• Dental Disruptors Panel: New Models of Care
• Innovation Showcase 2: Bio + Tech Convergence
• Voices of Influence: Deans vs DSOs 
• Industry Perspectives on Scaling  Innovation and Strategic Partnerships
• Networking and Relationship-Building

There will also be multiple networking opportunities throughout the day for innovators, investors, entrepreneurs, industry executives, journalists and clinical visionaries to discuss the next frontier of dental technology and care delivery. 

The First Annual Top 20 Dental Innovation Awards

Making its debut at the 2026 Dental VIP Summit will be the Top 20 Dental Innovation Awards, designed to spotlight those who have made significant contributions to the advancement of the dental sector. Nominations can be submitted online. Summit co-chairs and advisory board will make final selections. The recipients will be invited to the summit where they will be announced and broadly publicized following the event.

Visit the Dental VIP Summit Landing Page

Full details are now available online, including attendee registration, sponsor information, and an open invitation for speaker submissions and company presentation at Get Involved - Dental Venture, Innovation & Partnering Summit.  All opportunities are limited and prompt action is recommended.

Deeply discounted hotel rooms are available for The Intercontinental Magnificent Mile through the Chicago Dental Society. https://book.passkey.com/event/51037825/owner/9214/home

About the Dental VIP Summit

The Dental VIP (Venture, Innovation & Partnering) Summit was created to showcase transformative dental technologies and accelerate innovation across the global oral-health community. The program unites entrepreneurs, investors, KOLs, clinical innovators, and industry executives to foster collaboration, evaluate emerging solutions, and advance technologies that elevate patient care and business performance.

Big News from Trust AI - iOS App is finally here & you can Download Isaac NOW

Today's post is a big announcement from Trust AI.  The company has been hard at work creating a completely dental system to bring AI to the profession.  I'm following them with a great deal of interest as I truly believe this is a critical piece of bringing a revolution to dentistry.  Their website went live this past summer and it is *impressive*.   Since then, the company has continued to innovate and what they've accomplished continues their incredible progress.

One of the things their users have been asking is "when will this be available in an app?".  I'm excited to tell you the answer to that question is NOW.  Go to the Apple Store, search on "Trust AI", and you will now find this app.  Download it and give it a try.  I think you'll be as impressed as I am.  Below is the announcement from the company's founder.

 Isaac OneHealth just dropped in the Apple App Store, and it's unlike anything you've used before.

Let me fill you in on a little secret: Our AI just scored a perfect 100% on USMLE - the hardest medical licensing exam in existence. ChatGPT? Didn't come close. We're only the second AI in history to achieve this score. Press release dropping soon, but you get to experience it first.

What this means for you: You now have the world's most advanced medical+dental AI in your pocket. Chairside. Anytime. Instant answers to clinical questions that would normally take hours of research.

Critical: If you're using Isaac on WhatsApp, that's the old version. The app is exponentially more powerful. Make the switch today.

Android drops before Christmas.

This is the tool you've been asking for. It's finally ready.

Get it. Use it. Then tell us what you think.

Bernard Casse, PhD

CEO, Trust AI

Dandy Launches AI Scan Review, the First Chairside AI Assistant for Crown Preparation

This announcement was just made today... a few minutes before this post went live.

A *big* announcement today from Dandy.  The company is making tremendous strides in the world of digital dentistry and this is another amazing leap forward for them.  One of the things I like about AI in situations like this is that it becomes like a colleague who suggests "did you notice..." and works to make you even better at what you do.  Details below.

AI Scan Review catches crown preparation issues instantly, reducing remakes, chairside adjustments, and rescan appointments. 

Dandy’s AI Scan Review detects crown preparation issues with, like undercuts, margin obstructions, and occlusal clearance, while the patient is still in the chair. 

If issues are detected, it alerts dentists right away, providing step-by-step visual guidance on how to refine the preparation.

It’s the first AI that confirms a crown preparation’s quality and lab-readiness, leading to better-fitting restorations and fewer chairside adjustments.

Dandy, the fully digital dental lab, today announced the launch of AI Scan Review, dentistry’s first chairside AI assistant for real-time crown preparation analysis. Built into Dandy’s Chairside scanning software, AI Scan Review provides instant feedback and visual guidance, helping eliminate costly remakes and improving the fit of dental restorations.

“Every clinician knows the sinking feeling: the lab calls days after you’ve submitted an impression, saying it has issues and needs to be redone,” said Kenn Butler, Head of Research and Development at Dandy. “But what if your technician reviewed impressions chairside, before your patient even left? That’s exactly what Dandy’s AI Scan Review does — within seconds.”

In practice, AI Scan Review acts as a quiet, always-on assistant, reviewing every crown prep and scan in the background and surfacing only what needs attention.

Quickly Identifies Issues

Unlike AI built into other scanning software, which flags general scan errors like overall completeness, Dandy’s AI goes deeper. It examines every tooth surface, angle, and path-of-insertion of the scanned preparation, processing millions of data points to identify undercuts, margin obstructions, and occlusal clearance issues that would lead to lengthy adjustments or a remake.

Dr. Glenn Appleton, DDS, said, “It’s like having your lab technician assist over your shoulder. The AI is quiet, accurate, and effective — a welcome helping hand.”

Eliminates Remakes and Lengthy Adjustments

When it detects a preparation issue, AI Scan Review gently alerts the dentist and displays real-time visual guidance where to refine their prep. After the detected issues are fixed, the preparation is re-analyzed for lab readiness. What could have led to a remake or several chairside adjustments is caught and corrected while the patient is still in the chair.

“The launch of AI Scan Review marks a major milestone in our mission to eliminate remakes,” said Daniel Hanover, cofounder of Dandy. “We’re out to improve the dental lab workflow from beginning to end, from scans to case reviews to automated production to rapid delivery on timelines no other lab can match. We’re with our customers every step of the way, helping them grow their practices and achieve better patient care.”

Availability

This new tool is now available to all Dandy Chairside users at no additional cost. To learn more about AI Scan Review, visit https://www.meetdandy.com/ai-scan-review/.  

About Dandy

Dandy is building the modern operating system for dentistry, powering the world’s most advanced dental labs. Dandy partners with dental practices to transform their business with state-of-the-art intraoral scanners, always-on expert guidance, and precision manufacturing accelerated by AI, 3D printing, and other state-of-the-art technologies seamlessly orchestrated by Dandy's proprietary software. 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 our LinkedIn page, www.linkedin.com/company/dandyofficial/.

BlueSkyBio Teamed Up With Medidenta Digital for a Webinar Tonight!

A short post today as I've been on the road and still playing catchup with all that travel entails... especially a mountain of emails to get through.  The other thing is, I've just rolled off a plane and tonight I'm helping on a webinar about how BlueSkyBio can make implant treatment planning easier.  Medidenta Digital has partnered with BlueSkyBio on this event.  These two companies can provide you with everything you need.  BlueSky provides the design software and Medidenta Digital provides the hardware and resins.

If you're not familiar with BlueSkyBio, you need to check it out.   It's an amazing design software that will allow you to do some incredible things.  One of the best parts about it, is the company's business model.  You can tinker and design to your heart's content, but the only time you pay is when you download a completed design file.  The company provides their software *free of charge* so you can decide if it's right for you.

Dr. Cory Glenn and Dr. Gene Peterson are both genius level users of BlueSky and tonight they are going to show you how to do some amazing implant treatment planning.  It's a two hour event that will give you the knowledge you need to treatment plan implants, create surgical guides, and create transitional partials all in your office with a 3D printer.  You can register here.  

Finding Bacteria and Caries Where it Hides with the AdDent MicoLux DW

 

For years I've been a fan of AdDent and for most of those years, I've been saying it's because the company makes "better mousetraps"... and that is so true.  One of their products that needs to be in every doctor's tool belt is the MicroLux DW.  This nifty little device serves two functions.  It can be used as an incredible transilluminator and it can be used as a fluorescence device.  

Let's discuss fluorescence first.  The high powered LED in this mode emits a light of 405nm.  That makes it in the part of the spectrum that looks purple.  When exposed to this color of light, biofilm and caries forming bacteria glow red.  This provides several diagnostic indicators for dentistry.  The most talked about is to find small areas of caries.  Fluorescence allows the clinician to see areas of enamel breakdown before the lesion has cavitated enough to allow for an explorer stick.  Those areas can either be restored very easily, normally without anesthetic, or treated with remineralization therapy.  Of course which treatment to provide requires a doctor's skill and expertise.

The second way to use the fluorescence mode is during hygiene care.  The MicroLux DW can help hygienists to see where biofilm and plaque hide and can help show patients areas of concern.  We are seeing more and more literature published that demonstrate the oral/systemic connection and proper plaque removal during home care is an important step in helping reduce systemic bacterial counts of oral pathogens.  Being able to SHOW the patients the areas they miss at home can help give them better overall health.  

It can also be a great way to monitor the health of implants.  Since identifying problems around implants can sometimes be difficult, being able to visually examine them using fluorescence can be a tremendous help in evaluating them and detecting the very beginning stages of periimplantitis.

The tip or "light guide" of the MicroLux DW is 3mm in diameter, which allows it to be placed into narrow interproximal areas.  AdDent also makes attachments for the device that have a tip of 1mm in diameter.  These super small tips come in lengths of 3, 5, and 7mm.  This allows the light to go into even smaller and tighter spaces.  I highly recommend this tip for implant evaluation as it allows the operator to see incredibly well into the small areas of soft tissue surrounding implants.  Most clinicians are also working under magnification and viewing these areas under magnification improves diagnostic ability even more.  All tips can be autoclaved to avoid cross contamination and the device itself can be wrapped.

The purple wavelength is also handy for identifying small composites or sealants.  Bonded materials appear different under this wavelength.  Occasionally during an initial new patient exam it can be difficult to tell if an area is natural tooth structure or some type of bonded material.  This wavelength makes identifying them simple! 

Now I'll go into the second function of the MicroLux DW.  The device also has a very bright white LED that, when paired with the same 3mm diameter tip, can be used for transillumination.  Placing the tip into the interproximal area can provide an amazing amount of detail and can easily help the doctor find caries in those areas.  As all clinicians know, bitewing radiographs don't always reveal everything going on in the interproximal areas.  Using the MicroLux DW with the white LED in those areas can help provide needed information.  It can help confirm a questionable area, but it can also help the doctor decide with greater confidence that an area should be monitored and not restored.  It can also be a great help when monitoring remineralization therapy in interproximal areas.  I normally explain to patients that the device helps me make decisions and it doesn't require any radiation.  Patients appreciate that we are doing all we can to keep x-ray exposure low.

The MicroLux DW is also a terrific way to check the interproximal areas of anteriors as well.  Keeping with the ALARA principle when it comes to radiographs, PA's to check those areas aren't taken routinely and the white light of the MicroLux DW lets me evaluate those areas any time I need to, without the need for x-ray exposure.

The last great thing I want to tell you about this device is that it is affordable.  Overhead in a dental practice is high and often the things that we need to provide great care come with a significant price tag.  There aren't many devices a dentist can reach for routinely that can be purchased for under $500... but the MicroLux DW is one of them.  That price tag makes it easy to put several in your office.  I routinely reach for this device and it is *highly recommended*!  

ADEX Elects New Leadership at Dental Testing Summit

 

American Board of Dental Examiners highlights achievements at event co-hosted with partner organizations to advance industry best practices

• New ADEX leadership elected following historic merger
• Record attendance at five-day Dental Testing & Regulatory Summit
• Panel showcases benefits of unified approach to licensure

The American Board of Dental Examiners (ADEX), the nation's leading organization for dental licensure testing, elected new leadership, unveiled new data and presented its highest honor at the annual Dental Testing & Regulatory Summit and Educators Conference. The five-day event, co-hosted with the American Association of Dental Administrators (AADA) and the American Association of Dental Boards (AADB), brought together dental leaders from across the country to advance best practices in testing, regulation, and education.

 The event featured elections for key ADEX leadership positions. Dr. Wesley Thomas (D.C.) was elected Treasurer, and Diane Klemann, RDH (MT) was elected Secretary, both beginning their first year of two-year terms. Dental Members At Large include Dr. Kevin Collins (NC) and Dr. Robert Lauf (ND), both serving their third one-year terms, along with first-time members Dr. Jonna Hongo (OR), Dr. Melodie Jones (AL), and Dr. Merlin Young (NC). Dental Hygiene Members At Large include Heather Hardy, RDH (AZ), serving her third one-year term, and Susan Johnston, RDH (OH), beginning her first term. Maureen Hankin, RDH (NY) was elected to the Nominating Committee. Additionally, the Council on Examinations Chair and Vice Chair, Dr. Conrad McVea (LA) and Renee McCoy-Collins (DC), were introduced to the General Assembly for the first time. 

"The overwhelming success of this Summit reflects the dental community's commitment to excellence and collaboration," said Dr. Mark Armstrong, Chair of ADEX. "Following our recent merger, it was particularly gratifying to see such strong engagement. I extend my sincere congratulations to all newly elected leaders who will help guide our organization into this exciting new chapter."

The Summit marked ADEX's first major gathering since its merger a few months ago and provided a platform for meaningful dialogue among dental professionals, educators, and regulators. Attendees participated in specialized sessions, continuing education opportunities, and collaborative discussions aimed at enhancing public protection through consistent, high-quality dental licensure standards.

 The Summit included the "Becoming the American Board of Dental Examiners" panel discussion, which brought together organizational leaders to reflect on ADEX's growth and impact. Alexander Vandiver, Chief Executive Officer, facilitated the conversation with Board of Directors members and representatives from the Council on Examinations.

 "Our panel discussion provided valuable historical context while looking toward the future of dental licensure," said Vandiver. "The discussions highlighted how our unified approach strengthens relationships with state boards, candidates, and schools while reinforcing our commitment to fairness, reliability, and board oversight in the licensure process."

 The Summit also featured comprehensive data reports highlighting ADEX's operational scope. Dr. Benjamin Wall, Director of Examinations, reported ADEX conducted examinations at 607 sites nationwide serving over 12,000 licensure candidates so far in 2025.

 Dr. Arthur Jee (MD) received the Dr. Guy Shampaine/Dr. David Low Award for his contributions to dental licensure and examination standards. Committee chair Dr. David Perkins announced the award during the Summit.

 ADEX serves 98% of dental licensure candidates and 85% of dental hygiene licensure candidates in the United States. The organization develops and administers national examinations for initial licensure in dentistry while preserving the essential role of state dental boards in establishing national licensure exam standards.

 About the American Board of Dental Examiners (ADEX)

The American Board of Dental Examiners (ADEX), formed by the merger of CDCA-WREB-CITA and ADEX, develops and administers national examinations for initial licensure in dentistry and dental hygiene. ADEX serves 98% of dental licensure candidates and 85% of dental hygiene licensure candidates in the U.S., with exams accepted or required by law in 51 U.S Jurisdictions as an initial pathway to licensure. ADEX continues to pioneer innovative examination methods through close collaboration with dental boards and educators, maintaining the highest standards of fairness, competence and public protection.. Learn more at adextesting.org.

 

National Dental Therapy Conference Heads to Sacramento with Mission to Remake Dental Workforce & Expand Access to Care

 

For the past 4-5 years I've taken an interest in the problem of serving patients who don't have access to care.  This interest grew out of the experience I had when my father's health began to decline.  He ended up in an assisted living facility, but then quickly ended up in skilled nursing facilities for the remaining years of his life.  I hadn't given that situation much thought previously, but when I saw what the situation was like for people 'on the inside', I realized that our society has a problem and there is currently no solution for it.  

Previously I hadn't realized that there are many people in those facilities who need dental care, but have no way to receive it.  Especially in the skilled nursing facilities, I saw a lot of people who could no longer physically get to a dental office, but still needed care.  Many of the residents in those facilities could no longer drive, many of them had extremely limited mobility, and many of them were totally immobile.  My father was one of the few lucky ones.  I came to his room armed with a laptop, x-ray sensor, and a mobile x-ray generator.  I could take digital x-rays and then provide rudimentary treatment, but even *that* was better than what the other residents had access to.  

The facility had a dentist who would visit there every 12 months.  Patients could 'sign up' to be seen by the dentist.  Of course, that ponders the question of how people who weren't capable of signing the clipboard, could sign up for a dental visit.

My point here is that in addition to folks below the poverty line who cannot afford regular care, there is also a population that might be able to afford care, but have no chance of ever getting to a facility to receive that care.  Over 11,000 people a day turn 65 in the US and that number continues to grow.  By 2030 it is predicted that over 2.4 million US citizens will live in nursing homes and a great majority of those citizens cannot leave the facility.  Dentistry is about to be hit by a huge wave of older adults that still require care... and cannot receive it.  And I'm not talking about preventative care like routine prophys,  I'm talking about people who could be suffering with painful infections or broken teeth.  Those people will suffer and there is no plan to help them in sight.

The answer?  To be honest, I don't have one.  I think what dentistry needs is potentially to follow the medical model and create more midlevel providers who can at least provide palliative care to people in need.  We definitely need a range of hygienists who can be certified in more expansive skills.  Along with allowing hygienists to do more, we also need to increase the number of hygienists in the work force.  Since the pandemic, the number of hygienists has been dropping and is continuing to move in that direction.  Dentistry needs to reverse that trend as quickly as possible while still providing the amazing training that the profession requires.

For years, dentists have been opposed to expanding the roles of providers who do not have a DDS or DMD.  While I certainly understand their arguments and concerns, I haven't heard of a true solution to the problem that is developing.  I also want to add that as our medical treatment and pharmacology gets even better, people will live even longer.  That population does not deserve to live in facilities and areas where there are no doctors.  

Of course there is also the concept of Dental Therapists.  The concept seems to continue to pick up momentum as there are now 14 states that allow some type of treatment by them.  We often hear about people who don't have the money for care and that group certainly is important.  However, I don't hear nearly as often about the folks in nursing facilities that also require care.  The basic point is, dentistry needs to do something about the increasing number of individuals who are 'falling through the cracks' and I support anyone who is willing to do something about it.  The current system cannot care for all those who deserve it.  Solutions need to be discussed and implemented.  Simply sitting and debating as a fire rages even more out of control will do nothing.

I was recently contacted with information on a meeting in Sacramento, CA for dental therapists.  You can read all about the below.

The 2025 National Dental Therapy Conference (NDTC) will convene December 8-10, bringing together advocates, policymakers, educators, and dental professionals, educators, policymakers, and advocates from across the country for three days of learning, connection, and collaboration. The conference will kick off with a keynote address from legendary labor and civil rights leader Dolores Huerta. Registration closes November 19.

 Conference highlights include:

• Dynamic learning experiences from national leaders and up to 17 CDE credits available
• Hands-on workshops and interactive sessions
• Exclusive insights into new policy developments and practice models
• Opportunities to network with peers, leaders, and advocates from across the nation
• Sessions on interdisciplinary collaboration and team-based care approaches

Led by Community Catalyst, the American Dental Therapy Association and the California Oral Health Equity Coalition, this year’s conference will feature an expanded agenda of opportunities for dental professionals across the industry. Conference attendees can expect up to 17 hours of Continuing Dental Education (CDE) credits with sessions led by national leaders, hands-on workshops designed to strengthen clinical skills and expand knowledge, policy and practice insights on new care delivery models, and networking opportunities with dental professionals and innovators shaping the future of oral health care.

“We really have two dental care systems in the United States: one for people with private insurance and enough money to pay out of pocket for any additional care, and then a safety net for everyone else, and that safety net is really failing folks,” said Laura Hale Brannon, Senior Project Manager for Dental Therapy at Community Catalyst. “This conference comes at a critical moment as more states recognize that dental therapists are an effective solution for expanding access to equitable, compassionate, community-centered care.”

Dental therapists are now authorized to practice in 14 states, and the movement continues to grow as communities seek innovative approaches to address oral health care shortages. About 58 million people in the United States live in areas with dentist shortages, and significant oral health disparities persist among people of color and those on public insurance.

The conference is designed for dental professionals at all career stages, including dentists, dental hygienists, dental therapists, dental assistants, educators, and practice managers.

Registration is open through November 19. Sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities are still available for organizations interested in connecting with this growing community. Visit the conference website to review the full agenda, learn more about the co-host organizations, and register.

About Community Catalyst:

Community Catalyst is a national organization dedicated to building the power of people to create a health system rooted in race equity and health justice, and a society where health is a right for all. We’re an experienced, trusted partner to organizations across the country, a change agent to policymakers at the local, state, and national level, and both an adversary and a collaborator to health systems in our efforts to advance health justice. We partner with local, state and national organizations and leaders to leverage and build power so that people are at the center of important decisions about health and health care, whether they are made by health care executives, in state houses, or on Capitol Hill. Together with partners, we’re building a powerful, united movement with a shared vision of and strategy for a health system accountable to all people. Learn more at www.communitycatalyst.org.

 

If you do bracketed orthodontics in your office, here's a nice organizational tool for brackets...

Cx Orthodontic Supply, an e-commerce supplier of orthodontic and dental supplies, today announced the launch of the Cx Precoat Box, a first-of-its-kind streamlined bracket storage system designed to optimize doctors’ efficiency, patient flow and wait time. The Cx Precoat Box was created to solve cost- and time-intensive problems around the clinical challenges of indirect bonding and precoated brackets.

 Designed by Dr. Dino Cacchiotti, a Moses Lake practitioner and owner of Cx Orthodontic Supply, the Cx Precoat Box was developed to allow assistants to preload brackets with adhesive during clinical downtime. When brought to the chair for the placement on patients, it results in significant savings in doctor time. Through testing in orthodontic practice, assistants report saving up to 10 minutes per patient, which is time that can be reinvested into patient care or increased appointment volume.

 “Doctor time is one of the most limited and valuable resources in our field,” said Dr. Cacchiotti. “We built this tool to help orthodontists reduce chair time without compromising quality, giving them the flexibility to see more patients and improve practice flow.”

The key features of the Cx Precoat Box, which retails for $49.50 per kit, are as follows:

• Reusable and autoclavable: Durable design supports repeated sterilization
• Airtight and light-Blocking: Keeps adhesive fresh and ready for use hours to days in advance, without risk of adhesive curing
• Clean, personalized presentation: Enhances patient experience and professionalismOrganized storage: Mini compartments and nonstick inserts ensure easy bracket handling

The stylish, streamlined Cx Precoat Box brings innovation directly to orthodontists, saving time without significant added cost. For more information, including how to purchase, visit cxorthosupply.com.

About CX Orthodontic Supply

Cx Orthodontic Supply is a trusted U.S.-based provider of high-quality orthodontic supplies, headquartered in Moses Lake, Washington. With over fifteen years of industry expertise, Cx Ortho is committed to delivering top-tier products at unbeatable prices by sourcing directly from leading manufacturers. Known for its innovation, reliability and award-winning customer service, the company has become a go-to partner for orthodontic professionals seeking efficient, cost-effective solutions. Its dedication to quality and practice-friendly design is reflected in its growing portfolio of supplies and accessories, including the orthodontist-invented Cx Precoat Box. Cx Ortho continues to lead, with a focus on clinical efficiency, product integrity and personalized service.

A Quick Update on "The Technology Evangelist Podcast"

 

First of all, a huge thank you to all of you who are listening and watching The Technology Evangelist Podcast.  I'm overwhelmed by how many of you are checking it out and subscribing.  It's been a hugely humbling last few months.  As most of you know, I've been blogging here for well over two decades.  One of the reasons I started this blog was because I was looking for a way to actually connect with folks.  When I wrote for Dental Products Report, I had no way of knowing how many of you were reading my columns and, more importantly, if you were enjoying them.  When the ability to blog came along, suddenly I could actually see the metrics and answer questions.  This blog became one of those "labors of love" for me because I actually could tell people were reading my stuff.  

Of course, with the evolution of how we communicate, a podcast seemed the next great move to reach the profession.  I had considered creating a podcast in the past, but with my life being as busy as it is, the thought of needing even more time to create, edit, etc seemed overwhelming.  When my good friend Sean Ryan (CEO at Medidenta) reached out to me and suggested I give it a try, I was interested, but I told him I just didn't have the time for all of the 'backend' work that it would require.  It was when Sean offered to have the team at Medidenta handle all of that for me, that the idea really took root in my tiny brain.  I will always be incredibly grateful to him for that offer.

Since those first discussions, The Technology Evangelist Podcast has really gained some traction.  I want to state again how grateful and honored I am that many of you are tuning in and subscribing.  It gives me a super great feeling to know that you see value in what I'm doing.

Moving on to the meat of this post, I've recently had a few folks ask me if the podcast is audio only or if there is a way to also watch the video of the episodes.  I'm figuring that if those subscribers weren't sure, probably a lot of others weren't sure as well.  So, to answer that question... the answer is a resounding YES!  It's available in both audio *and* video.  Take your pick!  We've really tried to meet the demands of the audience so whether you want to just listen or listen *and* watch, we've got you covered.

If you are in front of a screen and want the video you can find it on our YouTube Channel.  However both the audio *and* the video episodes are also available via Spotify  and also on Apple Podcasts.  

If you need some info on both formats and want to watch or listen no matter where you find them, here's a quick primer courtesy of Google Gemini, which is Google's LLM AI system:

Video podcasts are not limited to YouTube and are available on both Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Here's a quick breakdown:

Apple Podcasts: The platform supports video podcasts, allowing creators to upload both audio and video versions of their shows. Many popular video podcasts are fully accessible through the Apple Podcasts app.

Spotify: Spotify has significantly expanded its support for video podcasts. Listeners can watch the video feed directly within the Spotify app, and the content often syncs with the audio feed, allowing users to switch between them.

YouTube: YouTube is, of course, a major platform for video podcasts, often serving as the primary distribution channel for the video version of a show.

The key difference is how each platform handles the format, but all three are major players in distributing video podcast content.

 I want to end this post with another huge THANK YOU to all of you who are checking us out.  Myself and the great team at Medidenta are incredibly grateful for the support you are showing us.  I'm open to your feedback, so please make a comment here or wherever you're listening and watching.  I'm always looking for great ideas, great topics to cover, and great guests to interview.  This effort is *truly* about giving all of you what you want.  A podcast is nothing without an audience and I want you all to know, that from the bottom of my heart, this is a journey we're all on together!  Thanks for coming along for the ride!

Illegal Teeth Whitening Story by the BBC

Today's post is a short one to start off the week.  It seems that there is quite the illegal market for tooth whitening across the pond.  I know that this situation also exists here in the US as I've seen similar "tooth whitening booths" in hair salons and malls.

It always irritates me to see this because there's a lot more to making a smile whiter than just applying a chemical.   Many folks are getting a lot of information from social media.  I'm all for people getting information, but I've also read more and more in the last couple of years about 'veneer techs' and other people who advertise on social media and end up taking unsuspecting people's money, while causing permanent damage as the result.

It's easy to reach a large audience with a flashy ad via social media.  However, those ads may not be from people who actually know what they are doing.  Unsuspecting people who don't understand the possible bad outcomes that are possible can be misled by self proclaimed experts.  If it's happening in the US and the UK, then it's also happening in other places which makes this a truly international problem.

This story from the BBC tells what is going on in the UK.   The story details how people with little or no training are applying some severely damaging chemistries to 'customers' that result in damage to the teeth... even permanently.

So without stealing any of the BBC's thunder, here is the link to Illegal Teeth-Whitening Industry Exposed by BBC.  

I'll close this post by saying, if you are reading this and are not a dental professional, please only seek whitening options from a licensed professional.  We all want a nice smile, but you don't want to cause yourself permanent problems that may be very expensive to fix.

Henry Schein One and AWS Collaborate to Transform Global Dentistry with Generative AI

 

Today we have an announcement from AWS (Amazon Web Services) and Henry Schein One.  The two companies are partnering with a focus on integrating more AI into the dental clinical ecosystem.  Rather than building some of their AI systems from the ground up, Henry Schein One is working to incorporate some the the Internet wizardry that AWS is working on implementing in the background of a lot of systems.  I'm interested to see where this one goes... 

Industry leaders join forces to bring advanced AI capabilities to dental technology platforms — redefining patient care, clinical efficiency, and practice performance worldwide

Henry Schein One, a leading global provider of dental technology, today announced a groundbreaking partnership with Amazon Web Services (AWS), the world’s most comprehensive and broadly adopted cloud platform. Together, the companies will integrate AWS’s generative AI (GenAI) technologies across the Henry Schein One platform — including Dentrix, Dentrix Ascend, and Dentally — to usher in a new era of AI-powered dentistry.

At the center of this partnership is Henry Schein One’s ambitious global AI strategy — a multi-layered initiative to transform how dental professionals manage their practices and deliver care. The company’s goal is to become the world’s first AI-augmented practice management system, unifying tools and workflows that have traditionally existed in silos. From booking and imaging to payments and treatment presentation, AI is natively embedded across every step of the dental journey to eliminate friction and help improve outcomes.

 “This collaboration represents a pivotal moment for dentistry,” said Ryan Hungate, Chief Clinical and Strategy Officer at Henry Schein One. “Cutting-edge AI is finally meeting clinical expertise. We’re not just improving workflows — we’re reimagining how dental care is delivered, documented, and optimized around the world. Our vision is to create an AI-first ecosystem that supports every aspect of care — from diagnostics to documentation, from claims to patient engagement — integrating intelligence into the core of every experience. This is the future of dentistry: connected, efficient, and profoundly human.”

 Among the benefits are a real-time documentation assistant that uses AI to capture and summarize patient interactions, and voice-activated perio charting, which enables hands-free charting to reduce administrative burden and improve accuracy.

 Beyond the immediate clinical benefits, the partnership will introduce predictive business intelligence, automated claims validation, and dynamic pricing tools — giving practices the insights they need to optimize operations and revenue cycles. AI-driven scheduling and communication tools will further personalize the patient experience, helping reduce no-shows and improving engagement at every touchpoint.

 With AWS’s infrastructure supporting global scalability, the company will expand its intelligent platform capabilities across the U.S., U.K., and E.U., helping ensure seamless interoperability and consistent standards of care worldwide.

 We're proud to combine AWS's AI services, including Amazon Bedrock and Transcribe Medical, with Henry Schein One's deep domain expertise in dentistry," said Dan Sheeran, VP and General Manager, Healthcare and Life Science at AWS. "Together, we're building the industry's first AI solutions that can meaningfully improve patient outcomes while reducing the administrative load on dental professionals. This partnership shows what's possible when technology and healthcare innovation move in lockstep."

 By building secure, regulatory compliant, and interoperable systems, Henry Schein One aims to lead the industry and to help dental professionals focus on what matters most — delivering care, not managing complexity – while providing data privacy.

 About Henry Schein One

Henry Schein One, a subsidiary of Henry Schein, Inc., is a leading global provider of dental technology. We help dental practices optimize every aspect of their business, creating exceptional experiences for every member of the practice and the patients they serve. Our multi-layered solutions include practice management, patient engagement, and business management, as well as e-commerce solutions. For more information, visit www.henryscheinone.com.

 About Amazon Web Services (AWS)

Amazon Web Services (AWS) is the world's most comprehensive and broadly adopted cloud platform, offering over 200 fully featured services from data centers globally. Millions of customers—including the fastest-growing startups, largest enterprises, and leading government agencies—are using AWS to lower costs, become more agile, and innovate faster.

Registration is *Now* Open for the 2026 Chicago MidWinter Meeting

Here's some big news for the dental industry.  Regitration for the 2026 Chicago Dental Society's MidWinter Meeting is now open!  This is one of the premier in person meetings in dentistry!  Every February, tens of thousands of dental professionals converge on the city of Chicago to see all the latest and greatest the industry has to offer.

The MidWinter meeting is the place for the announcement of new products that rock the dental world.  If a company has something new and amazing hitting the market, this is the place where you'll be the first to find out, see it, and touch it.

I don't know how many years in a row that I've attended, but I can guarantee you it's a *lot*.  This is one of the meetings that I never miss.  In fact, this year I've been invited to do a lecture with my good buddies Dr. Marty Jablow and Dr. Paul Feuerstein.  Why not register and come to our course?  When the three of us are in a room together, it's never tame.  You'll get tons of good info and a few laughs as a side dish.

Also, if you're planning on being in Chicago, come in on Tuesday and plan on being at the second annual Dentall VIP Summit at the Intercontinental Hotel on Wednesday February 18th.   Check out the info on the link.  These Summits are incredible events and you'll get some amazing info as well.
I recently got an email from the team at the MidWinter Meeting with all the info on how to register.  I've got that email below.  Check out the links for all the details...
 

Get ready for an even better Midwinter Meeting experience. We’ve added new enhancements and thoughtful updates designed to help you make the most of your time and enjoy everything the 2026 meeting has to offer.

Registration opens soon, and this year’s improved process makes signing up faster and easier than ever. Here’s what you need to know before November 3.

What's new for registration?

The 2026 Midwinter Meeting will feature a new and improved registration process, including:

• An enhanced Midwinter Meeting website and new registration system, creating a smoother and faster registration experience.
• Better search functions in our upgraded event website, making it easier than ever to find your favorite speakers, topics, and courses that fit your schedule.
• An improved badge process! While registering, you’ll be able to see a preview of how your badge will look, and you’ll be able to print your badge immediately at self-service kiosks in McCormick Place West and three participating Midwinter Meeting hotels. Please note that this year, badges will not be mailed prior to the Midwinter Meeting.
• A more unified login process to access multiple Midwinter Meeting systems. If you register using your ADA email address, your information will automatically populate in the registration platform. Additionally, this will be the same login you’ll use to access "My Midwinter," the registration system and the Midwinter Meeting app.

Whether you attend every year, every other year, haven’t attended in a long time or have never attended, you won’t want to miss the 2026 Midwinter Meeting. Mark your calendars—registration opens on Monday, November 3 at 9:00 a.m. CT!

Best,

Dr. Phil Schefke

2026 President

Chicago Dental Society

Wear Rate of 3D Printed Dentures is Dependent on Resin

 

This might be a simple concept that most doctors would consider, but I wanted to bring it up here because I think it's important plus, for many doctors 3D printing is a fairly new concept.  However, it's one that is going to become a bigger and bigger part of what we do.  Even if you are scanning and sending to a lab, I think it's important to know what resin the lab is using to print 3D dentures or if they offer choices to the clinician. 

As the profession moves more and more into in-office fabricated prosthetics and appliances, materials will still matter. When dealing with crowns, most doctors will prescribe zirconia or gold on a second molar in a patient who exhibits wear from clenching and/or grinding and does not sleep with an occlusal guard.  That decision is made taking into account many factors, one of which is how durable zirconia and gold are.

3D resins require similar considerations.  Not all 3D printing resins exhibit the same characteristics or wear rates.  So it pays to do a little research before making a decision.  In the early days of 3D printing dentures, resins were more susceptible to breakage, but that issue has been dealt with.  However, depending on the chemical constituency of the resin, some will wear more readily than others.  In making decisions on a case, a good literature review and contacting the manufacturer are smart choices to make.

Along that same line, a recent study in the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry has looked at occlusal wear of three different 3D printed resins.  They were compared to PMMA and natural enamel.  In that study, two of the resins showed similar wear while one showed a bit more.

If you're interested in this and would like to read the abstract, you can find that here.  The full article is available for purchase as well.

Rat Shaped Sidewalk Hole in Chicago - Explained

 

While today's post isn't about AI, I still found a way to work it in.  Today's post is about a fairly recent, but popular social media image.  However, I couldn't find an image of it that wasn't copyrighted.  So... I used AI with the simple prompt "create an image of a dent in a sidewalk in the shape of a rat" and... behold, my very own, AI generated image for this post.

The story behind this image is interesting.  In January 2024 a mark in a Chicago sidewalk began to go viral on social media,  It looked like a rat had fallen into wet cement on a sidewalk, died, decomposed, and left its mark in the concrete.  The concept was sort of a like a fast fossil.  People took photos and even left little rat toys, etc in the spot.  Online it became known as "The Chicago Rat Hole" or (my favorite) "Splatatouille".  

The tale takes an interesting turn when the evolutionary biochemist Dr. Michael Granatosky was in Chicago doing postdoctoral research.  He decided to try to identify the type of animal that made the imprint and after quite a bit of work, determined that it was not made by a rat, but a squirrel.

Personally, being a science nerd like I am, I was fascinated by the fact that someone decided to look into this.  We're all driven by different things that interest us.  My fascination with tech started when I was a kid and took apart toys to see how they worked.  I eventually grew up and began taking computers apart and it completely changed my career.  So I salute Dr. Granatosky for his work!

For the full story, which is a great read, follow this link to the New York Times article.  And, in case you can't get enough of oddball stories like this, Dr. Granatosky also published a scientific article about this in the journal Biology Letters.  The NYT story goes into much greater detail than I'm providing here and I really enjoyed reading it.  Funny how things like an implanted image in a piece of concrete can become a phenomena that makes it into an internationally read newspaper *and* a journal read by experts. 

Pathway Between Oral Bacteria and Parkinson’s Disease Identified

 

A short post today as I don't want to steal the ADA's thunder.  Today the ADA announced a link between oral bacteria and Parkinson's disease.  This is huge news and is further proof of the oral systemic connection that everyone needs to be aware of.  

Strep mutans in the gut appears to be a trigger.  However, without going into all the details, you can get better info in the links below.

The ADA News site has a brief summary as well as a link to the study.

The ADA News story is here.

If you'd like to go directly to the study in Nature Communications click this link.

Trust AI has Big Plans for Dentistry

 

Before I even get this post rolling, I want to explain the QR code above.  That code will take you to the website of Trust AI.  The system is currently available for free.  The QR code will take you directly to a page on their website where you can create an account and then see for yourself how powerful this tool is.

Trust AI is making some serious headway into the profession.  Since going live this past summer, the company has over 5000 users and nearly 100,000 interactions.  Those are a combination of calls, SOAP notes, intelligence, and insurance tools.

I recently interviewed their CEO Bernard Casse, PhD for The Technology Evangelist Podcast.  The episode is currently in post-production so it's not available yet, but as soon as it is, I'll be sure to let you know here.  It's a fascinating conversation with a really smart guy.  Dr. Casse has worked on several amazing tech products in his career and the idea for this latest project came to him as he was struggling to schedule a dental appointment for himself.  The story reminded me of an article I read that stated 75% of innovation in a given field comes from an idea outside that field.  That's certainly the situation here.  Bernard saw a problem and wondered why no one had tried to create a solution for it.  That one moment started his journey into dentistry.  He's now hard at work building a solution to that problem as well as several more facing dentistry.

The first piece of that solution is a chatbot named Isaac.

I've spent some time tinkering with Isaac, which is a LLM (Large Language Model) system and I've found it easy to use and impressive in its responses.  The system is currently available in both a browser based client (similar to how you use other online AI platforms) as well as a What's App channel where you can interact with Isaac directly from your phone.

What's really impressive and critical about Isaac and what Trust AI is doing is that the system is by dentists and for dentists.  Rather than something that anyone can interact with, Isaac is designed to specifically interact with dentists.  The knowledge base that Isaac uses is based on dental knowledge and not for use by every human.  That means that Isaac is trained by general dentists, specialists and dental scientific literature.  It also learns from every interaction.

I read not too long ago that medical knowledge grows at an estimated rate of doubling every 18 months.  New research and new scientific papers are being published constantly and Isaac reads and understands all of it.  That means that from a dental point of view, the system can be a colleague to ask questions, get coaching, and keep you abreast of the latest and greatest information available.

Another amazing feature is that Isaac currently speaks 30 major languages.  I love the fact that this source of information is available to any dental professional with an Internet connection and can speak to them in the language they understand best.

In my opinion, dentistry is at a tipping point where our systems are about to become 'smart systems'.  Some of you may have heard my prediction in the last 5 years or so, but I've been saying that I can see a time where we will have "the continually updating 3D patient".  If you haven't heard my thoughts on this, here they are in a condensed version.  A new patient will come to a practice and part of the new patient intake will be to take a CBCT and an intraoral scan.  Those two different data sets will be merged to give you an exact representation of the patient as they exist.  Then every time a new CBCT or IOS is done, that data will be merged again.  Basically we will have access to an exact representation of our patient visually every time something changes.  

However, the more I learn about AI, the more I think I may have not been dreaming big enough.  I can picture a time when, in addition to 'continually updating', our systems will also do charting, SOAP notes, insurance verification and much more.

The biggest benefit of all of this is that mundane tasks we now perform as humans will be done by smart systems.  That time savings is going to allow us to spend more time interacting with our patients... and that  is going to be a huge plus.  I feel that at its heart, dentistry is a relationship business.  The more time we spend with our patients, the better those relationships will be.  The future is bright.  

Periodontal Disease Independently Associated With White Matter Hyperintensity Volume

 

Science is finding more and more links into how oral pathologies affect the entire human body.  In recent years, dentists have been trying to bring greater attention to the 'mouth-body connection' and as a result more and more scientific studies and literature are focusing on the oral systemic connection.  

A lot of these studies focus on specific situations which is terrific because those studies are helping us not only understand that the oral systemic connection exists, but also helps us understand how dental professionals can tailor our treatment more specifically to the needs of at risk patients.

Yesterday I was rooting around on the Internet, as I tend to do, and I came across a study published on Neurology.org with the title "Periodontal Disease Independently Associated With White Matter Hyperintensity Volume".   I won't try to completely explain the study since you can follow that link and get more out of reading it than I could put together here.  However, the takeaway is that the study found periodontal disease (PD) is statistically related to cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD).  Basically PD is a contributing factor to disease in the small blood vessels in the brain.

So now we have "one more brick in the wall" of the oral systemic connection.  This is obviously of great importance.

I also came across another paper on Neurology.org that was titled "Combined Influence of Dental Caries and Periodontal Disease on Ischemic Stroke Risk".  The takeaway from this is "Co-occurring PD and dental caries were independently associated with increased risk of ischemic stroke and MACEs. Regular dental care may reduce this risk by improving oral health. Limitations include reliance on one-time dental assessment and residual confounding."  Basically, PD increased the risk, dental caries increased the risk, and PD combined with dental caries had the highest risk.  

For while now there has been a growing body of literature that has found that the bacteria in PD contributes to all kinds of adverse health.  Lately, I've also seen some studies that show patients that have lots of caries also are more susceptible to adverse health situations.  Now we're seeing that having both perio disease *and* caries simultaneously increases those risks even more.

If this area is of interest to you, I've got a podcast interview with Dr. Ed Zuckerberg scheduled in about a month to discuss the oral systemic connection.  He has done a really deep dive on this topic and is incredibly knowledgable about it.  When the podcast is available for viewing, I'll be sure to post about it here.