Monday, July 21, 2025

Oral Biolife Assembles World-Class Scientific Advisory Board to Accelerate Development of Ambrilux Dental Gel


 


Oral Biolife (OBL), a pioneering biotechnology company advancing innovative dental treatments for both humans and companion animals, finalized the formation of its Scientific Advisory Board (SAB). The board brings together nationally recognized leaders in periodontology, dental innovation, regenerative medicine, and veterinary medicine.

The SAB will provide strategic scientific guidance to support the development and clinical advancement of Ambrilux Dental Gel® – a novel, light-activated, gel-based device designed to promote bone regeneration and transform the management of periodontal disease in both humans and animals.

Oral Biolife’s SAB includes:

  • Dr. Ronaldo Santana, DMD, Chair of the Department of Periodontology and Oral Implantology at Temple University Kornberg School of Dentistry; expert in regenerative medicine and grant development
  • Dr. Ed Zuckerberg, DDS, FAGD, Digital dentistry pioneer and advocate for the oral-systemic health connection with a patient-centered approach to innovation.
  • Dr. Pascal Kunz, MD, DMD, Entrepreneur and global leader in digital dental technologies, diagnostics, and guided robotic surgery, with dual expertise in medicine and dentistry.
  • Dr. Lisa Stehno-Bittel, PhD, Founder and President of Likarda; authority in hydrogel-based cell therapies and therapeutic delivery.
  • Dr. Shervin Molayem, DDS, Periodontist, implant surgeon, and researcher specialized in the intersection of oral health and systemic disease.
  • Dr. Tanya Kameneva, DVM, Veterinary Key Opinion Leader (KOL) instrumental in shaping Oral Biolife’s companion animal strategy and preclinical development.

“This marks a major milestone for Oral Biolife,” said Dr. Stella Vnook, Founder & President of Oral Biolife. “We are honored to have the support of such a distinguished group of experts. Their insights and experience will be essential as we advance Ambrilux Dental Gel® toward clinical use and commercialization. Our SAB reflects Oral Biolife’s commitment to scientific rigor and real-world impact.”

About Oral Biolife Inc.

Oral Biolife is an innovative biotechnology company headquartered in Bethlehem, PA that utilizes the unique properties of biotechnology materials to develop groundbreaking, first-to-market products. Their lead asset, Ambrilux Dental Gel, via its unique ability to regenerate bone lost due to periodontal disease and represents a potential breakthrough for treating periodontal disease.

For more information, please visit https://www.oralbiolife.com and on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/oralbiolife-inc.

Thursday, July 17, 2025

Measles Outbreak is at a 33 Year High Point

 


Someone has to yell, 'The emperor has no clothes!" and I think nothing screams that louder than cold hard statistics.  For years now the anti-vax movement has made all kinds of debunked claims about the dangers of vaccines.  Everyone of them has been proven statistically inaccurate or flat out wrong.  However many well meaning folks have been lead astray by these claims.

When I was a young child, the measles vaccine was introduced.  Over my time since then, I've never known a person to come down with the disease.  It had become so rare in the U.S. that many began to say it was irradicated.

Then along came the anti-vax claims.  Many of those terrified parents of young children who thought they were doing the right thing for their children by refusing the vaccine.  Due to that, there's a fair amount of people who no longer have immunity to measles.  That leads us to where we are today.  Fear is a powerful motivator.  When I was young it was the fear of their child catching measles that drove parents to get their kids vaccinated.  Today the debunked buy loudly shouted fears of problems caused by vaccines has, in some areas, driven fear in the other direction.

Measles (also called rubeola) is caused by the morbillivirus virus and is highly infectious.  It spreads through the air when an infected person sneezes, coughs, or even speaks.  Statistics say that if a person is not immune, 90% of those exposed to the virus will contract it.  That's 9 out of 10.  The odds are not in an unvaccinated person's favor.

The benefit of vaccines is that even if a person should contract a disease by some strange twist of fate, the odds of passing it to others is greatly reduced due to herd immunity.  However, in an area where few people are immune, the disease spreads like wildfire.  Measles is especially an example of this.  The other unfortunate thing is that symptoms don't start to show immediately.  It takes somewhere between one to three weeks before symptoms develop and that entire time, the person is spreading the virus to everyone they come in contact with.  90% of the people they come in contact with will then develop the disease... if they are unvaccinated.

Measles can lead to pneumonia, encephalitis, and even death.  Those are grave consequences.  Hopefully this puts things into perspective.  From a dental perspective, measles can also affect the mouth.  The oral symptoms are an early diagnostic tool as they normally present before the characteristic skin rash appears on other parts of the body.  Due to these early oral lesions, dentists can become key in helping fight the spread of the disease by identifying it and advising the patient to see a physician  and avoid contact with others.

The CDC keeps statistics on these types of things and they update them regularly.  The current "Measles Cases and Outbreaks" page on the CDC website is updated every Wednesday and contains some fascinating information.  Since 2015 more and more infections, cases and outbreaks have been reported in the U.S.  The outbreaks this year are large.  Since 2010, the largest number of cases was in 2019.  In that year there were 1,274 cases reported.  Through July 1 of 2025 there are 1,267 confirmed cases.  That means we've already surpassed the largest reported number of cases in the last 10 years... and the year is only a bit more than half over.

Simply put, the numbers don't lie.  If you'd like more info, I highly recommend visiting the CDC Measles Cases and Outbreaks page.  It not only gives you numbers, but there also links to resources you can use.

Wednesday, July 16, 2025

Louisiana Joins Interstate Dental & Dental Hygiene Licensure Compact

 


Here is some great news for dental professionals.  For decades physicians have been able to easily obtain licensure in other states and practice in those areas.  The concept of 'licensure by credentials' has been in that profession for a long time.  However, dentistry has lagged behind our colleagues in medicine.  Most states require a dental professional, sometimes with decades of experience, to go through a lengthy licensing process, including clinical competency exams.

I remember when I was taking my clinical boards there was a gentleman in an operatory near mine who was probably in his late 40s.  When I asked him why he was taking the exam he explained that he was an oral surgeon who wanted to practice in Colorado.  He hadn't cut a prep (a daily process for general dentists) in decades, but he was required to take a dental hands-on competency exam in order to get that license.  Even then I thought that was draconian and incredibly impractical.  Over the years I've only become more a fan of credentials.

So the info below marks a new era for dental licensure.  Congratulations to Louisiana for their legislators being so forward thinking.



First state adopts dental licensure reform, enshrining high standards for patient care

Louisiana has become the first state to join the Interstate Dental & Dental Hygiene Licensure (IDDHL) CompactHB543, sponsored by Representative Wayne McMahen, is now law after it passed the legislature with no opposition. The IDDHL Compact, developed by the American Association of Dental Boards, aims to streamline the licensing process for dentists and dental hygienists who want to practice in multiple states. This compact offers a voluntary, expedited pathway to licensure for qualified dental professionals while maintaining high standards of patient safety and care.

 “The Compact facilitates a more efficient licensure process allowing practitioners to begin working in new states more quickly after meeting eligibility requirements,” said Representative Wayne McMahen during the House Committee on House and Governmental Affairs hearing on May 7, 2025. “Joining the Compact could significantly benefit Louisiana by expanding the dental workforce, improving access to care, and streamlining licensure process for dental professionals.”

The IDDHL Compact, modeled after the medical licensure compact, preserves state authority over dental licensing while simplifying the process for qualified professionals to practice across state lines. It requires graduates from Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA)-approved schools to pass the American Board of Dental Examiners (ADEX) licensure exam or have five years of practice after passing a regional licensing examination.

"This is a great step forward for dental care in Louisiana and the U.S., marking a significant milestone in dental care accessibility and professional mobility," said Dr. Art Jee, President of the AADB's Board of Directors. "Louisiana's adoption of the compact creates new opportunities for dental professionals to serve communities across state lines."
 

Key benefits of the compact include: 

 Expedited licensure process for qualified dental professionals
 Enhanced professional mobility for dentists and dental hygienists
 Maintained high standards of patient safety through uniform competency requirements
 Cost-effective implementation for participating states

The compact will also provide access to an AADB Licensure Repository, a centralized portal for verifying licensure documents and sharing disciplinary information among member states.

"By joining the IDDHL Compact, Louisiana demonstrates its commitment to meeting the needs of providers while protecting public health," added Dr. Jee. "We anticipate other states will follow Louisiana's lead, creating a nationwide network that benefits both dental professionals and patients."

The IDDHL Compact has been introduced in a total of nine states so far. It is actively being considered by legislatures in Massachusetts and Pennsylvania. The IDDHL Compact was also passed by the Oklahoma House of Representatives and both chambers of the Mississippi Legislature while making progress in other states where it has been introduced.

For more information about the Interstate Dental & Dental Hygiene Licensure Compact, visit aadbcompact.org.

 About the American Association of Dental Boards (AADB)

The American Association of Dental Boards, founded in 1883, is a national organization that promotes high standards in dental education, licensure, and regulation. AADB membership includes state dental boards, specialty boards, and dental educators from across the United States and its territories.

Tuesday, July 15, 2025

ADA Raises Concerns over Dental Insurer’s Acquisition of Dental Practices

 


Here's another post about why ADA membership is so critically important to private practice dentistry. I realize this is the second post this week about the ADA, but this one is really critical for you to read.  As I've stated here many times, dentistry needs a unified voice.  A single voice is easy to ignore or to not be heard, but a large number of voices bring the message and make it much  more clear.  

This can be not only with issues of standards and/or safety, but also when it comes to speaking a clear position to legislative bodies.  An agile group that can respond and convey a message is important.

Sometimes a voice is needed for something that has never even crossed the radar before.  Something that you may not have even considered and certainly not planned for.  That's one of those times where you really need that unified voice plus the resources to provide an immediate response.  I recently received an email from the organization to bring to my attention something I hadn't heard about...

What could a situation like that look like?  It looks like this... last week the ADA learned that Delta Dental of Wisconsin purchased a group of dental practices in the state.  You read that right.  An insurance company has purchased a group dental practice in Wisconsin.

Personally, I didn't even know this was legal.  I happen to practice in Missouri and the last time I checked only a licensed dentist could own a practice in the state. I've always figured that the rule was made to help prevent undue pressures being exerted on doctors.

And that brings me to my concern with this news.  Ask anyone is dentistry and they'll tell you that insurance companies focus on profits not patients.  I could go on and on about that point, but I'll save everyone the rant.  If you're a dentist, you know what I'm talking about.  The most important takeaway is that insurance companies push for the least expensive option practically every time... and sometimes the  least expensive option is to deny paying anything at all.

So what will happen when a business that doesn't want to spend money begins to make the total decision from start to finish?  By owning the practices the decision won't just be about treatment.  It will also affect things like the quality of products that the office uses.  Why purchase expensive supplies from reputable companies when the cheapest products available will mean greater profits?  Why order lab cases from well known and reputable labs when money can be saved by sending cases to foreign countries with no oversight from US authorities on things like infection control?  Those are just a couple of things I thought about, the list of questions could be much, much longer.

To wrap up today's post, this is why I'm glad the ADA exists.  If the ADA wasn't there keeping an eye out for the profession, this probably wouldn't have been much of a story.  This probably wouldn't make it onto people's news feeds.  However the ADA keeps track of happenings in the industry and when they see something they let members know.  We need a unified voice!




Monday, July 14, 2025

Oral Microbiome Composition could Differ Based on Different Self-reported Sleep Duration

 


Sleep is critical to overall health.  As someone who suffers from OSA (obstructive sleep apnea),  I can say that with confidence.  I denied my problem for years despite knowing better.  My journey of the problem lead me to my passion for treating patients with similar problems.

Adequate sleep is critical for your overall health.  Now there is info that not only can better sleep change overall health, but it can also affect the biologic content of the mouth.

The ADA has a brief piece on it with a link to more info on sleep, dentistry, to full body health.

The short article and like to sleep in fo can be found here.  

Thursday, July 10, 2025

RFK Jr. Says He’s Fine With Giving Americans ‘More Cavities’


 

The fluoride controversy continues.  As dentist I'm a big fan of fluoride.  I consider it one of the best public health initiatives in history.  If fluoride is removed from drinking water, there is going to be a dental health backlash.  Unfortunately the result would be more decay and therefore more health problems for children and lower income individuals and families.

Secretary of HHS, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr was asked about this recently and his response is sobering.  Rather than steal the thunder of Rolling Stone magazine, I'll simply provide a link.  

Wednesday, July 9, 2025

Ocutrx Technologies Inc. Unveils Surgery Breakthrough: First-Ever Technology to Make Blood Translucent During Surgery

 

One of the most critical aspects or surgery is controlling the field.  Being able to control bleeding is something that is critical both from a visualization aspect as well as helping the health of the patient.  Today's post is about a new discovery that can make a huge difference in helping patients by making surgery easier and more predictable.  This tech will probably help make emergency surgeries in hospitals much easier. Imagine being able to see through blood.

Ocutrx Technologies Inc. ("Ocutrx"), through its R&D division Genius Labs, today unveiled a major surgical innovation: the ability to render blood translucent in real time during surgery. This patent-pending advancement enables surgeons to see through pooled blood without the need for suction or irrigation—a world first. The technology, called HemoLucence™, will be a feature of the OR-Bot™ 3D Surgical Microscope System, which is scheduled to enter clinical trials in 2025 or 2026.

The HemoLucence technology is powered by Ocutrx's proprietary algorithmic AI and digital engine, which is integrated into the OR-Bot™ system. The technology utilizes digital volumetric reconstruction and advanced de-scattering algorithms to visualize obscured anatomy under the blood. In tests, the system successfully visualized through three millimeters, approximately one-quarter inch, of whole human blood, which includes all major blood components. In further tests, the company expects to be able to visualize under at least half an inch of blood."

The Ocutrx OR-Bot 3D Surgery Microscope's ability to turn blood clear during surgery is a monumental achievement for the future of surgery, and a new high mark for Ocutrx's journey towards pioneering innovation in healthcare," said Michael A. H. Freeman, J.D., CEO/CTO of Ocutrx. "Our team at the Ocutrx Genius Labs worked tirelessly with me for two years to develop this remarkable technology that sets a new bar for surgical precision and visualization."

Ocutrx recently debuted this breakthrough during Abu Dhabi Global Health Week 2025, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Council.

Transforming the Surgical Field

The HemoLucence technology overcomes blood opacity through advanced computational physics. The technology uses advanced math and physics to understand how light behaves when it passes through areas filled with blood. Although it works well from a single viewpoint, it achieves more accurate results by collecting images from different angles. This helps it distinguish between light being absorbed by blood and light being scattered by red blood cells. Behind the scenes, new, advanced algorithms employ sophisticated statistical methods and neural networks through proprietary techniques to extract detailed images of tissue structure and texture, even in areas where blood would normally obstruct the view.

"Having the ability to render blood 'transparent' now makes the unseen, in the heat of surgical battle, seen, creating another layer of safety and confidence for surgeons that traditional visual aids can't provide," said Dr. Leonel Hunt, MD, Ocutrx Medical Advisor and attending surgeon at Cedars-Sinai Spine Center and Cedars-Sinai Orthopedic Center in Los Angeles. "My primary areas of research interest involve the development of new surgical technologies and innovative surgical and non-surgical treatments for spine-related neck and back pain, and this is an important new one."

Dr. Robert Louis, MD, a neurosurgeon and Director of the Skull Base and Pituitary Tumor Program at Hoag Memorial Hospital in Newport Beach, Calif., added: "The ability to render blood as transparent will provide a level of visualization not previously possible in any field of surgery. No matter the discipline or scale, bleeding is a regular part of any surgery and can create several challenges. This breakthrough helps overcome those challenges and is a significant step forward in making surgery safer and more efficient."

A Technical Milestone in Surgical Imaging

"In operating room imaging, seeing through blood in real-time during a surgery has been a long-sought-after tool, considered not just difficult, but impossible, and with current microscopes fundamentally unachievable," said Jordan Boss, Chief R&D Officer and Director of the Ocutrx Genius Labs. "At Ocutrx Genius Labs, we saw what others viewed as a barrier—blood obscuring vision during surgery—as a challenge to overcome. While traditional systems can't see through blood, our OR-Bot™ uses AI-driven algorithms to cut through the scatter and reconstruct a clear 3D view of what's underneath, including vessels, nerves, bleed sites, and even tumors. This breakthrough transforms surgical visibility and precision. It's our commitment to bold innovation in medical imaging, AR/XR, and 3D tech that drives everything we do."

Industry Recognition and Vision

"Congratulations to Ocutrx for advancing microscope capabilities with this incredible breakthrough," said Dr. William D. Hunter, MD, a neurosurgeon at the Neuroscience and Spine Center in Gastonia, NC and Ocutrx Medical Advisor. "This new visualization tool will give us clearer views, better performance, and ultimately, better outcomes for patients."

Ocutrx continues to lead the way in AR, XR, and 3D visualization technologies, driven by a commitment to enhancing surgical procedures and exploring new market potentials. The company's dedication to innovation and its strategic patent portfolio underscore its role as a key player in advancing surgeries and healthcare with meaningful situation-changing solutions.

Looking to the future, Ocutrx is not slowing down. The company has 42 patents issued in over 35 patent families, with more than 50 patents currently in prosecution. The company plans to continue expanding its Ocutrx patent portfolio, furthering technologies that promise to enhance surgical procedures and other high-value markets. These efforts underscore Ocutrx's role as a key player in the ongoing development of new surgical technologies, with a clear focus on creating meaningful, impactful solutions.


About Ocutrx Technologies, Inc.

Ocutrx Technologies, Inc., with a presence in the US and Europe, leads in AR/XR and 3D visualization, expanding its reach across various industries. Founded by Michael and Mitch Freeman, two Emmy Award-winning inventors of mobile video in the 1990s, the company emerged from a passion to tackle the adversities of Advanced Macular Degeneration. Ocutrx's groundbreaking OcuLenz™ headset corrects vision for patients with advanced macular degeneration, improving their vision and quality of life. Complementing this, Ocutrx's OR-Bot 3D Surgical Visualization system sets new benchmarks in surgical methodologies, offering surgeons unmatched resolution, cinematic-quality magnification, and depth precision. In a significant acknowledgment of its innovative prowess, Ocutrx's DigiLoupe headset marks the next phase in enhanced surgery holographic visualization. With the acquisition of Spectrum Advanced Manufacturing Technologies, Inc., Ocutrx became diversified across several industry sectors, including Healthcare, AR/XR, 3D Visualization and Microscopes, AI, Medical Devices, Aerospace, Spaceflight, and Defense. Learn more at ocutrxtech.com.


Tuesday, July 8, 2025

Millions of Student Loan Borrowers could Face Garnished wages



New TransUnion analysis finds record number of borrowers 90 or more days past due, with many only weeks away from potentially defaulting

At the end of the Biden presidential administration, the news was reporting about forgiveness of lots of student loan debt.  If you're in dentistry, you know how how much student loan debt is accrued from dental school.  The costs are massive.  Because of that, there was a collected response of relief when the potential debt forgiveness was announced.

However, nothing is over until it's over (I'll love Yogi Berra), and now comes word that those same student loan borrowers may be facing garnishment of wages.  Here's the news report from TransUnion...

Less than two months since the U.S. Department of Education resumed collections activities among defaulted federal student loan borrowers, new research from TransUnion (NYSE: TRU) reveals that the number of consumers delinquent on student loans and at risk for entering default continues to climb. The analysis will be featured in a new TransUnion webinar titled Market Update: Student Loan Repayment Impacts on June 26th.

The updated analysis found that as of April 2025, the latest month for which data are available, 31.0% of federal student loan borrowers with a payment due are 90 days or more past due (90+ DPD) as reported by their servicer.1 This represents a sharp increase over the February 2025 figure of 20.5% reported as part of a previous TransUnion analysis in early May. It also stands at nearly triple the 11.7% figure from February 2020, just prior to the start of the pandemic. In addition, borrowers who have been newly reported as delinquent on their student loans have seen significant drops in their credit scores as a result, by an average of 60 points (based on VantageScore® 4.0).

The April 2025 rate of 90+ DPD delinquency represents the highest figure ever recorded. However, it does represent only a modest increase over March 2025’s 30.6% rate, which may indicate that more student loan borrowers are becoming aware of the importance of maintaining on-time payments.

The full article can be read on this page at the TransUnion website.  There is a lot more info there.

Monday, July 7, 2025

Join Me on Thursday July 10 for the Thriving Dentist Podcast

 


Interested in what Artificial Intelligence in dentistry?    If so, I've got some great news for you.  On Thursday July 10th I'll be part of a panel discussion about AI on the Thriving Dentist Podcast.


🦷 Learn How to Run a Smarter, Stronger Dental Practice

Join us for the Thriving Dentist Annual Expert Panel


Topic: AI in Dentistry – Revolutionizing Diagnostics & Workflow

Date: Thursday, July 10, 2025
Time: 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM EST
Where: Zoom (Live on LinkedIn & Facebook)
Cost: FREE
What You’ll Learn:
✅ What is AI in Dentistry? – Understand the types of AI being used (like machine learning and computer vision)
✅ Better Diagnostics – How AI helps dentists diagnose faster and more accurately
✅ Improved Workflow – Use of AI tools like chatbots to save time and improve patient communication
✅ Data Security – How to stay HIPAA-compliant and protect patient information
Who Should Join:
Dentists
Practice Owners
Office Managers
Dental Team Members

💡 Don’t miss this chance to grow your practice, become a stronger leader, and prepare for the future of dentistry.
👉 Sign up now: Register Here
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/9817512940150/WN_kUjtnqatTsqNyZg9lYxAtQ

Thursday, July 3, 2025

Community water fluoridation: Untangling facts from fear

 


Since the long weekend is almost upon us I thought maybe a post today that is quick and easy would be appropriate.  The fluoride debate continues to rage and it's sometimes hard to separate fact from fiction.  

To help doctors with the current educational situation, the ADA has just posted a great web page that helps doctors to provide necessary information for patients.  There are tons of misconceptions out there.  People need reliable scientific information.  I love technology, but everything has pluses and minuses.  The great thing about the Internet is that anyone can have a voice.  The bad thing about the Internet is that anyone can have a voice.  Because of that it's really hard for curious people to find actually reliable science on a given subject.  

Most people count on their dental professionals to trust when it comes to this.  Along those lines, the ADA has put together this info for doctors to use.  This is yet another reason to be an ADA member.  As I frequently say, the profession needs a unified voice that has the ability to talk to lawmakers while also having the resources to provide reliable scientific information.

Follow this link to access this important info.  And remember that the ADA speaks for the profession.  We need this kind of leadership to help us in ways that you may not even be aware of.

Wednesday, July 2, 2025

National Health Care Fraud Takedown Results in 324 Defendants Charged in Connection with Over $14.6 Billion in Alleged Fraud

 


A short post today, as the real info is from the link.  As distressing as it is for me to say this, healthcare fraud exists.  Doctors bill for procedures they haven't performed or bill a more expensive procedure than the one that was performed.   The problem doesn't always involve doctors.  Sometimes it's done by other professionals in the healthcare sector.

The problem erodes trust in people that are supposed to above this sort thing.  It's sad, but human nature is human nature and there will always be some bad apples.  However, it's good to know that people who do these sort of things don't always get away with it.  I happened to come across this story recently and I was stunned at the numbers involved.  This is more than twice the number which set the previous record, which was $6 billion.

Below is the first paragraph from the Department of Justice page that announces this.  If you'd like to read the full press release with a lot more detail, you can find it at this link.  


The Justice Department today announced the results of its 2025 National Health Care Fraud Takedown, which resulted in criminal charges against 324 defendants, including 96 doctors, nurse practitioners, pharmacists, and other licensed medical professionals, in 50 federal districts and 12 State Attorneys General’s Offices across the United States, for their alleged participation in various health care fraud schemes involving over $14.6 billion in intended loss. The Takedown involved federal and state law enforcement agencies across the country and represents an unprecedented effort to combat health care fraud schemes that exploit patients and taxpayers.

Tuesday, July 1, 2025

 


The DSO market continues to expand.  Here's a news story on some new expansion...

EPIC4 Specialty Partners Welcomes Beecroft Orthodontics to Its Growing Network of Leading Specialty Practices Scottsbluff, NE – EPIC4 Specialty Partners is proud to welcome Beecroft Orthodontics, one of Virginia’s most respected orthodontic groups, to its expanding national network of doctor-led specialty practices.

Founded in 2012 by Dr. Matt Beecroft, the practice began with a single office in Spotsylvania, Virginia. Through a series of strategic acquisitions and a relentless commitment to exceptional patient experiences, Beecroft Orthodontics has grown to include eight locations across the state, serving communities in Fredericksburg, Stafford, Arlington, Woodbridge, Ruckersville, Charlottesville, Mechanicsville, and Glen Allen.

“Beecroft Orthodontics exemplifies what EPIC4 was built for, practices that deliver clinical excellence while staying deeply connected to their patients and communities,” said Dr. Sami Webb, CEO at EPIC4 Specialty Partners. “We’re thrilled to partner with a team that leads with integrity, hospitality, and vision.”

Known for their “How can we make you smile?” philosophy, Beecroft Orthodontics has set itself apart through personalized service, forward-thinking treatment options; including braces, Invisalign, in-house aligners, and Botox and a high-performing team led by Dr. Beecroft and David Richardson (CEO).

“From our first conversations, it was clear EPIC4 wasn’t just another DSO model,” said Dr. Matt Beecroft Orthodontics. “They took the time to know us as people, not just a practice. Joining EPIC4 gives us a seat at the table and a real opportunity to shape something meaningful.”

Beecroft Orthodontics joins EPIC4’s growing family of premier specialty practices committed to collaborative growth, clinical autonomy, and building lasting legacies.

EPIC4 Specialty Partners is redefining the DSO model for orthodontic and pediatric specialists. Built by doctors for doctors, EPIC4 offers a true partnership, providing strategic, operational, and financial support while preserving each practice’s clinical autonomy and culture. With a fast-growing network of high-performing practices nationwide, EPIC4 empowers doctors to grow intentionally, lead confidently, and focus on what matters most: delivering exceptional patient care.

For more information about Beecroft Orthodontics, visit: [www.beecroftorthodontics.com]
To learn more about EPIC4 Specialty Partners, visit: [www.epic4partners.com]

Monday, June 30, 2025

Milling is *Even Better* with the DWX-43W from Roland DGA’s DGSHAPE

 


As many of you regular readers know, when it comes to digital restorations, I’m a big fan of in-office milling.  So that you can properly understand my perspective, let me give you some backstory…

In 2021 I began to look closely at the market for in-office mills.  I had actually done in-office milling earlier in my career, but the hardware was very expensive and I wasn’t always happy with the results.  However, our practice was growing, patients were getting busier, and technology was making incredible changes in the profession.  Zirconia had changed aesthetic restorative treatment and I knew that labs were routinely milling zirconia.  I thought “if labs are getting amazing results, I’ll bet we can do the same thing in our office.”  With those thoughts in mind, I began exploring my options.

Because of my work in the industry I’ve made a lot of contacts and I began to reach out to them.  When I brought up the word “milling”, I kept hearing the same name… Roland’s DGSHAPE.  What I didn’t know at the time was that DGSHAPE has a very large footprint in the dental laboratory world.  That intrigued me.

In the world of the dental lab, quality is everything.  If a lab delivers a crown that doesn’t fit or isn’t aesthetic, the doctor will return it.  That simple fact was one of the biggest reasons I decided to put a Roland DGSHAPE mill in my office.  I knew that if the lab industry was getting well-fitting and aesthetic restorations with DGSHAPE mills, that was the company that I needed to partner with.  I was also smitten with the fact that DGSHAPE mills are open architecture.  That means they work with any intraoral scanner and any design software.  As a doctor, I love options and knowing that if I ever changed scanners or design software, I could still use my current mill was a huge plus.

In April of 2022 we brought the DGSHAPE DWX-42W mill online into our office.  We quickly discovered that having an in-office mill offered lots of benefits.  The convenience of doing crowns in house was a huge benefit to our patients.  We also got the control of creating exactly what we needed exactly as we wanted it.  For the first few cases, we continued to send cases to the lab as well as creating our own restorations in the office.  We then compared the two crowns on the model and discovered the fit and quality were identical.  We also realized significant cost savings which made the ROI indisputable.

We discovered that the DWX-42W mill was a reliable workhorse. In fact, we were so impressed with it that this spring we added the new DWX-43W as a second unit.  

The DWX-43W has some advantages over its predecessor.

  • It comes with the new DGSHAPE CAM software that decreases milling times by up to 20% while still creating phenomenal restorations.
  • Filterless technology.  By doing away with the need for filters, we are saving money as well as time needed to perform maintenance.  This feature can cut costs up to 20%.
  • Easy Care.  The unit has new automatic coolant jet operation and draining cycle features that can reduce routine mill maintenance by up to 50% compared to our other unit.
  • Easy connectivity.  Design files can be transferred via Ethernet or USB.


We continue to be impressed with both mills.  They have definitely changed our office for the better.  If you are looking to keep your costs low while still delivering amazing high quality prosthetics, be sure to check out Roland’s DGSHAPE mills.  I’m confident you’ll be as impressed as we are.


Wednesday, June 25, 2025

Security Isn't All About Cyber...

 


A few years ago I was talking to a nice lady I knew who was a practice management consultant.  We were talking about her career and the kinds of problems she helped offices solve.  The discussion eventually progressed into discussing overhead and accounts receivable.  It was at that point in the conversation when she told me that it wasn't uncommon for a doctor to contact her with cash flow problems of unknown origins.

However, when she dug into the numbers and reports she'd discover... embezzlement.  Her feeling was that it happened in 20-25% of the offices she worked with.  Now this gal was good with numbers.  That was one of her strong points, so maybe that had to do with why a doctor contacted her in the first place, but I was stunned by some of the stories she told me.

It's hard to believe that you can work closely with someone, sometimes for years, only to discover that they were stealing from you.  Unfortunately it happens... and it happens a lot.  I frequently post about cyber security because I'm a tech guy, but plain old accounting security is just as important.  

To bring this into a tech perspective, today's practice management software systems are really strong when it comes to the practice numbers and accounting.  It takes a certain amount of effort to cover up the tracks of embezzlement.  That's why I was amazed when the consultant told me that the biggest mistake she saw doctors making was simply NOT reviewing the daily reports their software generated.  She told me I'd be shocked at how many doctors are given daily reports and simply put them in a file somewhere and never look at them.

She said she had seen that numerous times.  She'd be called in because the doctor was struggling to meet payroll and when she asked how often the reports were reviewed she would get nervous or blank looks from the doctor.

So the advice in today's post is "review your day sheet" and the other reports your software generates.  I always did because I found the stuff interesting, However a lot of doctors trust someone only to find out that trust was abused.  It might have been President Reagan in the 80s, but someone famous once said, "Trust but verify" and I firmly believe in that.  A trustworthy person wants you to know they can be trusted.

The whole reason for today's post was an item I happened to see from the Nassau County Police Department in Long Island, NY.  It seems that the 34 year old office manager managed to embezzle almost $290,000 from a dental office.  The age of the suspect shocked me because it means this wasn't a trickle of dollars over a long period of time.  Even if the suspect had started embezzling at the age of 21, that would have been around $22,000 a year... and I doubt the theft had been going on for that long.

So in closing... trust but verify.  As you read this, some office somewhere is being embezzled.  Do the best you can to not be one of them.  Cyber security *is* important, but so is financial security.

Tuesday, June 24, 2025

Veterinarians to get Free AI Scribe to Ease Workload

 


While this isn't dental related, it for sure is healthcare related.  Veterinary medicine has a lot of similarities to dentistry.  Both are small subsets of the overall healthcare sphere and often use similar products.  For instance, when our dog had a dental exam, the radiographs were taken with DEXIS hardware. 

Also, similar to dentistry there are still a fair number of private practices that are not part of  corporate management.  Those private practices also share many of the same burdens that dental practices do with paperwork, clinical chart notes, etc.  In the past couple of years dentistry has seen a few companies come to market with AI powered chart note systems.  Companies like Dentscribe are changing workflows for the better.

Today's post is about a similar system for veterinarians and I thought it might be good info for my readers to be aware of...

a16z-backed pioneer removes all barriers to adoption as veterinary practices embrace AI-powered documentation

Veterinarians typically spend hours after appointments writing medical records, often working late into the evening to complete documentation. It's a broken system that contributes to widespread burnout across the profession. Today, Scribenote – the company that pioneered the AI-powered scribe built specifically for veterinarians – is flipping the economics of veterinary software by launching a Free Plan, a move that could fundamentally alter how veterinary clinics across North America operate.

The announcement comes as Scribenote experiences significant growth following its $8.2M funding round from Andreessen Horowitz in September 2024. The platform turns veterinarians' words into structured SOAP notes in seconds, eliminating hours of post-appointment documentation. This free tier launch represents the next phase in the company's mission to make these benefits accessible to all veterinary practices, building on its strategic price reduction in January. 

 "Veterinarians didn’t choose this profession to drown in paperwork. They chose it to heal, to help, to connect. " said Ryan Gallagher, co-founder and CEO of Scribenote. "Documentation used to be a big part of the job, but we changed that. Vets using Scribenote are seeing more patients, spending less time on admin, and actually enjoying their work again. So we asked ourselves: why should any veterinarian be denied this because of budget constraints?"

The Free Tier includes everything a veterinary practice needs: unlimited AI-generated medical records using Scribenote's default templates, full team collaboration capabilities through Teams Mode, and access to self-serve help documentation and AI-powered chat support. Premium features like custom Adaptive Templates, Client Summaries, Multilingual Mode, AI Writing Assistant, and human support from Scribenote's Customer Delight team remain part of Scribenote Pro. New signups automatically receive a 2-week free trial of the Pro plan.

The timing is strategic. The veterinary industry faces a well-documented staffing crisis, with burnout and work-life balance cited as primary concerns. Traditional practice management systems, built decades ago and barely updated since, compound the problem by requiring extensive manual data entry. Meanwhile, a wave of AI solutions has emerged, but few offer the veterinary-specific features and accuracy that define purpose-built platforms.

By removing price as a barrier, Scribenote accelerates its path to becoming the standard for veterinary documentation. The move reflects broader changes in AI economics – as models become more efficient and affordable, companies can offer powerful capabilities that were previously cost-prohibitive.

"Veterinary professionals are overwhelmed, and cost should never be a barrier to getting home on time," added Gallagher. "AI is becoming smarter and more affordable. We want to pass those savings on to the people who need it most."

Since its founding in 2019, Scribenote has grown from a solution built for Gallagher's veterinarian sister to a platform that has tripled its user base in the past year alone - even as 44 competing AI scribes flooded the market. The company's AI technology records conversations between veterinarians and clients, automatically generating accurate medical records in minutes – replacing hours of manual documentation. This proven scale has enabled Scribenote to recently complete the largest enterprise rollout of AI scribing software in veterinary medicine.

Looking ahead, Scribenote is slated to release a second product this fall to create even more value for veterinary clinics, the details of which are currently under wraps. In the meantime, the company sees the launch of its free tier today as a catalyst for industry-wide adoption of AI-assisted documentation - helping veterinarians spend less time typing and more time with their patients.

Veterinary professionals can sign up for free access immediately at scribenote.com.
 

Monday, June 23, 2025

DIAGNOcam Vision - Full HD for Incredible Imaging

 


It's been a bit since I mentioned this device, but I think it bears repeating occasionally for those of you who my be new to the  blog or have missed this in the past.

I'm a huge fan of communication and especially communication with patients.  This whole concept began in the 90s when my father (who wasn't a dentist) saw an intraoral camera for the first time.  He happened to be with me for the demo of a cutting edge intraoral imaging system.  Back then it was standalone and on a cart.  Heck, back then there was no such thing as computers in the operatory so the entire imaging system was wheeled around on a cart.

My dad was amazed at what he could see on the screen.  At the time, a simple camera system was $15.5K and the moment the sales guy left my dad turned to me and said, "When are you going to buy it?  You have to get one!!!"

This was early in my career and I didn't have the money to buy it.  My dad offered to loan me the money and told me that if I didn't buy it immediately, I was making a mistake.  He then went on to explain to me that if I could show people their problems and helped them understand the reason for treatment, I would be able to help more people.  He explained that it's all about communication.  My dad was in sales and he understood that inherently.  The next week, I had a camera in my office and I was shocked at just how right my dad had been.

In a nutshell, better informed patients make better decisions about their care.  It's just that simple.  For that reason, I've always loved any kind of tech that allows me to better communicate with my patients.

Which brings us to today's post.  Not too long ago, Kavo brought a new device to market.  It's called the DIAGNOcam Vision Full HD and it is a terrific piece of technology.  For the first time in the history of the profession a doctor or team member can pick up a single device and acquire every image possible that doesn't require x-rays.  The DIAGNOcam Vision functions as an intraoral camera, a transilluminator, and a visual caries detection device.  

The unit not only takes all three types of images, but it can be configured to take all three types with the push of a single button.  Basically you put the device on top of the tooth, push a button and pop, pop, pop... all three images appear.


Camera

The camera, as the name implies, is a true HD image.  The illumination for photos is bright and images have terrific contrast.  The camera also has true autofocus so the images are always sharp and clear.  The autofocus works so well, that it can even be used as an extra oral camera for patient photos.  The best part is that because of the autofocus, there is no distortion or 'fish-eye' even on images taken of the patient's face.

Transillumination

Transillumination is a great diagnostic tool.  It allows the operator to see small areas of interproximal decay as well as cracks and fracture lines.  There are a lot of devices available to perform that function.  However, others are like tiny flashlights that let the operator shine the light from the buccal or the lingual with no way of actually taking a photo of the situation.  The DIAGNOcam Vision handles it in a much more high tech way.  The device has small flexible arms (see the photo at the top of this post) that gently grip the tooth.  Those arms have fiberoptics in them and the device uses an invisible NIR (near infrared) wavelength that penetrates the tooth.  While invisible to the human eye, it can be seen by the camera in the device.  This lets the device capture an image from the occlusal surface while the tooth is illuminated from the buccal and lingual with the NIR.

The images are crisp and highly diagnostic.  The NIR provides incredible illumination with low intensity which means there are no overly bright spots.  This is a great way to monitor small areas, especially when the doctor is using remineralization therapy.  It allows for monitoring of an area on a regular basis since no x-rays are required.  It's also incredibly useful for pediatric patients or patients that are pregnant.

Caries Fluorescence

Finding caries when it is tiny is another way to conservatively manage patients.  Under certain wavelengths of light, metabolic byproducts, called porphyrins, fluoresce.  The DIAGNOcam Vision uses one of those wavelengths to bathe the tooth in a purple bluish light that lets the operator actually see where those bacteria are located.  After polishing the teeth to remove plaque, the light can indicate where live bacteria are causing breakdown of tooth structure.  This means caries can be located when the area is tiny.  If a restoration is required, this means more conservation of healthy tooth structure.  It can also help with remineralization therapy because areas can be frequently monitored.  The images can be saved and compared to create a virtual time lapse of progression or remineralization.

Wrapping Up

I was lucky enough to be able to clinically evaluate the DIAGNOcam Vision before it was publicly available and I was impressed.  The device is easy to use, well designed, and is a *great* communication tool.  Being able to collect diagnostic images quickly and easily while then allowing the patient to see their situation is a remarkable win/win for the practice.  My dad was right.  Better informed patients make better decisions.  Combining that fact with the ability of the practioner to also be better informed through all of these imaging modalities leads to better outcomes.

For more info on the DIAGNOcam Vision Full HD you can follow this link.  




Thursday, June 19, 2025

SuperMouth Launches NEW Electric ToothBrush Travel Case - Meet Ultim8 Travel SmartCase!

 


As regular readers know, I'm a huge fan of powered toothbrushes.  They are easy to hold, easy to use, and utilizing bristels that clean without manual 'scrubbing' works much better than manual toothbrushes.  Powered brushes let the bristles do the cleaning, which is where they help make a real difference.  A couple of months ago SuperMouth sent me one of their Ultim8 SmartBrush systems to try... and I was impressed.  The bristles are amazingly soft and the unit comes with a charger that doubles as a UV sanitizer.  When you finish brushing, you put the brush into the charger and it kills the germs on the brush head while it recharges.  It's one of the best new powered brushes I've tried in quite a while.

Today I got word from SuperMouth that they are now selling a great travel kit and charger so that you can take your Ultim8 brush with you when you travel.  One of the coolest features of this travel case is that, like the countertop version, it contains a UV sanitizer so that you can keep those bristles clean... on the go!  Details are below...

SuperMouth, the dentist-founded brand known for creating advanced oral care solutions for all ages, has unveiled its latest cutting-edge innovation—the Ultim8 Travel SmartCase™. The ultimate companion for SuperMouth’s Ultim8 SmartBrush, the SmartCase is a sleek, convenient solution for carrying and protecting your Ultim8 toothbrush, travel size floss, and toothpaste.


 Developed by Dr. Kami Hoss, founder of SuperMouth and renowned oral health expert with over 30 years of clinical experience, the Ultim8 Travel SmartCase is where luxury meets state-of-the-art hygiene technology. Thoughtfully designed to be as stylish as it is functional, this modern, compact case allows users to travel in confidence—combining advanced sanitization technology with a sophisticated design. Engineered with TSA-approved lithium batteries, the Travel SmartCase features a powerful UV sanitizer that eliminates 99.9% of harmful germs and bacteria from your toothbrush, setting a new standard for travel-friendly oral care. Ideal for frequent flyers and on-the-go brushers, it also includes a charging cable and rechargeable battery, for effortless sanitizing and recharging anytime, anywhere.


 “We’re thrilled to introduce the Ultim8 Travel SmartCase, the final piece to our SmartBrush System,” said Dr. Kami Hoss, founder of SuperMouth. “We spent a lot of time considering the practical needs of travelers and identifying what’s lacking in today's electric toothbrush cases. The Travel SmartCase was created to fill those gaps. With its elevated design and advanced hygiene features, we hope it empowers consumers to travel cleaner and smarter.”

The final addition to the award-winning Ultim8 SmartBrush System, standout features of the Travel SmartCase include:

    • Stylish & Ergonomic Design: Though compact, the SmartCase holds all essential brushing items for effortless travel.
    • TSA Approved Lithium Battery: Designed to meet all travel regulations, the SmartCase ensures a seamless airport experience whether you’re checking or carrying on a bag.
    • Hygienic Storage & Recharging: Built for clean, organized storage and effortless recharging of your Ultim8 SmartBrush on-the-go.
    • UV Sanitizer: Simply close the SmartCase lid to activate UV sanitization, which effectively eliminates 99.99% of germs in just 3.5 minutes. A blue light indicates that sanitization is in progress. Once complete, the SmartCase light will turn off, or switch to red if plugged in.
    • Efficient Charging: Thanks to SuperMouth’s SmartMag technology and a built-in battery, the UV sanitizer can run for up to three weeks per charge.
    • All-in-One Storage: Includes dedicated spaces for your Ultim8 SmartBrush and travel-sized toothpaste and floss.
    • Quick-Access Latch: Simplifies interior cleaning and ensures efficient water drainage to prevent mold.
    • Integrated Cable Management: Equipped with a universal charging cable that is compatible with all Ultim8 products.

Designed to complete the Ultim8 SmartBrush System, the Travel SmartCase is available in three beautiful colors: Sapphire Blue, Pearly White, and Rose Gold. The SmartCase is priced at an MSRP of $39.99 when purchased on its own at www.SuperMouth.com/products/ultim8-electric-toothbrush. When purchased as part of the Ultim8 SmartBrush System, customers can enjoy it at a discounted price of $30.00. For more information on SuperMouth and the new Ultim8 Travel SmartCase, please visit www.SuperMouth.com.


 About SuperMouth®

SuperMouth is a dentist-founded oral care brand offering over 200 best-in-class products and holding nearly 300 patents, reflecting its commitment to innovation and excellence. With products designed for every age and stage of life, SuperMouth continues to push the boundaries of oral care, creating solutions that combine safety, effectiveness, and fun. Learn more at www.SuperMouth.com.

 

An Unusual Side Effect - Ozempic Tongue


 

A short post today, because you'll get more info from the links...

Many medications can affect the oral cavity.  They can decrease salivary flow, cause more calculus to form, and a myriad of other things.  Now with so many patients taking glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists a new thing has occurred in some patients.

Some folks are reporting a situation that is being termed Ozempic Tongue.  The symptoms are a a persistent bitter or metallic taste in their mouths.  Obviously, anything that absorbs into the body has the potential to then be distributed throughout.  Experts think it stems from the medication being absorbed into the body and then getting into the salivary glands.

It doesn't seem to be causing any problems in the mouth other than a persistent bad taste and it's not something that every patient deals with.  Still it's a great idea for doctors to be aware of it.  It's also good to discuss this potential side effect with patients that are taking these medications.

There is a nice short discussion on the ADA webpage.  A longer article can be found on VeryWell Health.

Tuesday, June 17, 2025

ClearChoice® Launches Endura Elite: A Breakthrough in Natural-Looking, Long-Lasting Smiles



ClearChoice has carved out a really good niche practice in dentistry.  Some patients require the skills of a practice who chooses to routinely do full mouth reconstruction.  For those patients, it's good to know that there are offices that perform this type of reconstruction on a regular basis.  

For doctors, it can also be a benefit.  When patients have a significant need, I've referred to them.  As a dentist, I occasionally come across a case that needs their services and it's a nice referral tool to have in your toolbox.

Today's post is about a new material that ClearChoice is offering.  Here's what they have to say about it...

ClearChoice Dental Implant Center® is proud to introduce Endura Elite, our most advanced full-arch dental restoration yet. Designed to mirror the natural beauty of real teeth, Endura Elite combines modern technology with expert craftsmanship to deliver a smile that's strong, confident, and made just for you.

What makes Endura Elite different? It's all in the details.  

Each Endura Elite smile is:

  • Individually customized to match your face and features
  • Hand-finished by skilled dental artisans for a natural look and feel
  • Made from premium zirconia, a material known for its durability and brilliance
  • Enhanced with multi-layered shading to mimic the sparkle and depth of real teeth

We've also developed an exclusive smile design collection—only available through ClearChoice—to ensure your smile looks balanced, lifelike, and truly yours.

"Endura Elite reflects the doctors' commitment to helping people restore more than just their teeth; we help restore confidence and quality of life," said Rahma Samow, CEO of ClearChoice Management Services, LLC. "It's a smile that not only functions well, it looks and feels amazing."

This launch follows the introduction of the ClearChoice Lifetime Warranty for zirconia full-arch restorations, underscoring our commitment to delivering lasting solutions with trusted quality and care.

Rediscover what it means to smile. Ask your ClearChoice team about Endura Elite.

Learn more at clearchoice.com/dental-implant-services/endura-elite/.

About ClearChoice Dental Implant Center®

Since 2005, ClearChoice Dental Implant Centers have helped restore hope and confidence in more than 200,000 patients across the U.S. through advanced oral treatments designed to improve overall health and quality of life. Equipped with innovative technology—including digital design, 3D intraoral scanning, virtual smile design, and full-service, on-site labs—each ClearChoice Dental Implant Center is owned and operated by a licensed, experienced dentist providing comprehensive implant treatment in a state-of-the-art, all-in-one facility. The ClearChoice Network is supported by TAG – The Aspen GroupSM.


Monday, June 16, 2025

Simplify Shade Matching with Rite-Lite Pro™

 


One of the most difficult things to do in dentistry is to shade match a single shade in the cosmetic zone.  However, matching two teeth isn't really that much easier.  The proper shade match is critical and it's never easy.  If you've been practicing dentistry for any amount of time and run into this problem, you know exactly what I'm talking about.

Anterior crowns are especially difficult.  Our aesthetic materials have made this a bit easier in the last 10-15 years, but even with all of the advancements, it is still a challenge.  Simply put, the design of human tooth consists of enamel over dentin.  Enamel is translucent and dentin is not.  That means that light striking the tooth is reflected in ways that are hard to mimic with manmade materials.  Things such as hue, value, and chroma all come into play... and they can present some challenges. 

Part of the challenge is the light the shade match is done under.  A smile isn't just seen in sunlight, it's also seen in a variety of manmade wavelengths and those are probably the biggest reason for the difficulty in shade matching.  A crown can be perfect under the lights of a dental office, but when seen under the lights in a home, an office environment, or restaurant, that shade can be affected by the ambient light.  Many doctors will match the shade and view the patient under a variety of lighting environments to try and maximize the aesthetics.  Personally I've taken shades in the operatory, in the reception area, and the parking lot on difficult shade cases.

How can a doctor view the smile under a variety of shade environments and decrease the chances of a crown not matching?  One of the easiest ways I've found to do this is with the Rite-Lite PRO™ from AdDent.

There is a measure of how accurately a light source reveals the colors of an object compared to natural sunlight.  That measure is referred to as CRI (Color Rendering Index) and can be incredibly helpful in these types of situations.

The Rite-Lite PRO is a shade matching device that uses a variety of high CRI LEDs at different specific wavelengths that allow the tooth to be visualized correctly.  A variety of different wavelengths can help increase the accuracy of the shade match.  The LEDs provide 3 modes of shade taking.

  1. Color-corrected light at a color temperature of 5500° Kelvin.  This is considered 'true north' light.
  2. Incandescent-room light at 3200° Kelvin that is found in many indoor environments.
  3. Ambient list at 3900° Kelvin.  This is a combination of room light and daylight.
There is also a black light setting for matching restorations to natural dentition fluorescence.

As you can see from the image at the top of this post, the Rite-Lite PRO looks like a large magnifying glass.  The LEDs are setup in a ring with a large viewing port in the middle of the ring.  This lets the doctor or shade taker see the teeth evenly illuminated with each specific wavelength.  You can also purchase a polarizing filter to remove any surface reflection.  Pressing a button on the handle cycles the LEDs through the different wavelengths.

The ring illuminator is attached to a handle that contains a rechargeable Li-ion battery that provides constant power output which means the light is always at its correct brightness and intensity.  This allows the shade taker to know everything is the same... every time.

If you've ever struggled to get the shade match you and your patient expect, I highly recommend this device.  It makes shade taking *much* easier.  As I've said before, the smart people at AdDent make some of the best "better mousetrap" devices I've seen.  This is one of them!