Medidenta Acquires Ferguson Mini 8KS Accessories Business

 

Dr.  Rick Ferguson is a well known name in the realm of 3D printing in dentistry.  In the early 2010s, Dr. Ferguson discovered he had a real knack for digital dentistry.  He jumped into the proverbial deep end of the pool.  This embracing of 3D printing and his knack for tinkering led him to not only become an industry leader, but also an inventor.  He wanted to give other doctors a chance to explore 3D printing and get their feet wet without doing the same dive in the deep end that he did.

That lead to his work on developing some products to help doctors get better results with inexpensive printers as they learned so that when they took the next step and invested in higher end, dental specific printers they'd have some experience and be better because of it.

Now comes the announcement that Medidenta will take over the manufacturing and distribution of his products.  Here are all the details...

Medidenta, a trusted name in dental innovation for over 30 years, is proud to announce the acquisition of the Ferguson Mini 8KS accessories business from renowned educator and digital dentistry pioneer, Dr. Rick Ferguson.

This strategic acquisition strengthens Medidenta’s position in the growing 3D printing market and expands access to high-quality, budget-friendly digital dentistry solutions for clinicians worldwide.

“Having both followed and worked with Dr. Ferguson, we were thrilled at the opportunity to further partner with his innovations in the 3D printing arena,” said Sean Ryan of Medidenta. “His products and passion align perfectly with our push into education and digital dentistry at Medidenta.”

Advancing Digital Dentistry Together

Since founding the Dental 3D Printing Group in 2018, Dr. Ferguson has partnered with top-tier printer and resin manufacturers to make cutting-edge 3D printing accessible to the broader dental community. His custom-designed accessories for the Phrozen Mini 8KS have empowered thousands of practices to adopt advanced printing workflows without high upfront costs.

With demand for these accessories exceeding production capacity, Medidenta will now take over manufacturing and fulfillment, while continuing to provide support in collaboration with Dr. Ferguson—ensuring improved availability and a more streamlined experience for dental professionals. 

“Medidenta’s long-standing reputation, robust infrastructure, and commitment to dental innovation make them the ideal partner to carry this business forward,” said Dr. Ferguson. “This transition will improve ship times, enhance support, and ensure dentists have the tools they need to succeed in digital dentistry. I will continue to provide technical support to all accessory users to ensure a smooth transition.”

What Dentists Can Expect

• Improved Fulfillment: Medidenta will take approximately 6–8 weeks to ramp up full-scale manufacturing.
• No Service Gaps: All orders placed before the acquisition will be fulfilled directly by Dr. Ferguson.
• Ongoing Support: Dr. Ferguson will remain involved to provide technical support throughout the transition.
• Educational Opportunities: Medidenta’s Las Vegas facility offers continuing education courses to help clinicians implement and refine digital workflows.

About Medidenta & How To Order: 

To learn more about Medidenta and what it has to offer and to explore the full range of accessories and learn more about upcoming educational offerings by visiting:
https://medidenta.com/product-category/3d-printing/ 

Fluoride Facts from the American Dental Association

 

With all the news flying around about fluoride recently, I thought it pertinent to get this information to you.  The ADA recently put out a press release titled "You Ask, We Answer:  Fluoridation Facts".  In this debate facts matter and so does science.  So give this a read and if you want even more good and scientific information on this subject the ADA offers a *free* E-Book that members can download.

Here's the recent release:

With the release of the ADA’s new edition of Fluoridation Facts, readers can learn the answers to hundreds of frequently asked questions about community water fluoridation and the latest scientific research. Fluoridation Facts — the Association’s free resource on fluoridation that examines the mineral’s effectiveness, safety, practice and cost-effectiveness — works to assist policymakers and the general public in making informed decisions about fluoridation. The new edition contains more than 400 references and 10 new Q&A’s for a total of 69 covered over 114 pages. 

 

In a new series, the ADA News is delving into many questions explored in the book through conversations with experts about fluoridation information and misinformation — from overall effectiveness to whether ingesting fluoride impacts IQ, health and reproduction. 

 

This week, Susan Fisher-Owens, M.D., a pediatrician and professor at the University of California San Francisco, discussed the question of whether ingesting fluoride at recommended levels affects the intelligence in children or has a neurological impact – question #41 in Fluoridation Facts.  

 

While researching disparities with asthma years ago, Dr. Fisher-Owens learned that tooth decay is the most common chronic disease in children.  

 

“I like to say that pediatricians are preventionists. We try to prevent obesity by giving breast milk, we try to prevent disease by giving vaccines, how are we not preventing the most common chronic condition of childhood? That’s when I got involved in applying fluoride varnish and working on referral systems and training others to do so as well.”

But is fluoride safe? 

 

The Fluoridation Facts book states that several systematic reviews and individual studies provide evidence that consumption of optimally fluoridated water at levels recommended the U.S. (0.7 mg/L) is safe and effective. 

 

“High-quality evidence does not establish a casual relationship between consumption of water fluoridated at recommended levels and lowered intelligence or behavioral disorders in children,” the book said. 

 

According to Dr. Fisher-Owens, the myth that fluoride poses safety concerns stems from a small kernel of truth. In many countries with higher levels of naturally occurring fluoride like China, people drink more water per day than the U.S. and use different forms of coal that can add to fluoride levels. In these countries, there appears preliminarily to be a risk.

Looking at such places without taking into consideration other excessive exposures to fluoride might make it look like IQ and fluoridation are connected. However, Dr. Fisher-Owens emphasized that all these studies are observational, meaning that they show correlation but not any causation. Plus, studies performed in countries with similar backgrounds to the U.S. — including Spain, New Zealand, Canada and Australia — found no impact on IQ.  

 

In 2017, for instance, the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council’s systematic review information paper concluded that there is no association between water fluoridation at current Australian levels — which range from 0.6 to 1.1 mg/L depending on climate — and the cognitive function of children or adults. 

 

A systematic review and meta-analysis published in JAMA Pediatrics for the National Toxicology Program in January examined 74 international studies published from 1989 to 2023 on the relationship between fluoride and IQ in children. While the review suggested that more exposure to fluoride may be linked to lower IQ scores in children, Dr. Fisher-Owens noted, 52 of the 74 studies were considered “low quality,” with a high risk of bias.

“It’s another reason why we shouldn’t rely on that to make us concerned about an appropriate preventive tool at the right levels,” she said. 

 

Some of these studies were published in non-peer-reviewed journals and relied on IQ’s in 3- and 4-year-olds, which Dr. Fisher-Owens said is a “very unreliable age to be doing IQ testing” since performance at this age can vary depending on whether they’ve had a nap or snack. She added that there is cultural bias with IQ testing that doesn’t level out until kids are older and in school. 

 

“It’s not a good way to test for true differences in IQ, whereas the [study] in Australia looked at exposures in younger kids but then also tested them at higher ages to see their differences in IQ,” Dr. Fisher-Owens said. 

 

She said she completely understands whenever a parent is worried about their child and raises concerns surrounding fluoridation. But she also reminds them that dentists and public health experts know the recommended levels are safe and effectively treat dental caries. 

“As a pediatrician I care about the whole child. So, this was an issue that was a concern to me when I first heard it. But after looking at the research, looking at the locations, looking at the levels and looking at what’s going on in the United States and other countries that fluoridate like the United States does, I was very relieved to realize that this is still a safe way for us to protect children and adults,” Dr. Fisher-Owens said. 

The Toothpaste Market may get a Little Wooly...

 

I hope the title of this post grabbed you.  Even though I'll admit that it was a blatant attempt at 'click-bait', I honestly thinking reading this post is worth your time.  Here's some interesting science info that *might* have the possibility of changing toothpastes and/or remineralization protocols for the better.  

Ever since tooth decay was discovered, people have tried to reverse engineer the process and make teeth whole again.  In the industry we call that "remineralization".  The basic concept (for those non-dental folks reading this) is to apply some type of substance to the tooth and have the tooth absorb those minerals into tiny weakened areas of decay.  The thought process is that if those small areas can soak up the minerals, new crystalline tooth structure can form.  In theory, this would allow the decay to 'reverse' itself and make the weakened areas like new.  Remineralization can only work on tiny areas of decay that are just starting, but small areas can become large areas, so reversing the process at the earliest stages is smart, and that's the goal.

There are several products that attempt to do this that are currently available, but not every product works all the time.  Because of that, scientists are constantly looking for better and more effective substances and ways to apply them.  Usually remineralization products contain Calcium and Phosphate ions.  These tiny particles are attracted to the weakened tooth structure and then bind there creating a matrix for new structure.  If that sounds complicated... that's because it is.  And, like I said,  not every product works every time.

So I took notice when I saw a recent article that talked about using a different chemical to attempt remineralization.  That substance is keratin.  Here's what Wikipedia has to say about the substance:

Keratin (/ˈkɛrətɪn/[1][2]) is one of a family of structural fibrous proteins also known as scleroproteins. It is the key structural material making up scales, hair, nails, feathers, horns, claws, hooves, and the outer layer of skin in vertebrates. Keratin also protects epithelial cells from damage or stress. Keratin is extremely insoluble in water and organic solvents. Keratin monomers assemble into bundles to form intermediate filaments, which are tough and form strong unmineralized epidermal appendages found in reptiles, birds, amphibians, and mammals

Scientists at King's College London, recently published the findings of a study in the journal Advanced Healthcare Materials that discusses using  keratin as the basis of a regenerative alternative for repairing damaged teeth.  The article title is "Biomimetic Mineralization of Keratin Scaffolds for Enamel Regeneration".

They used keratin extracted from wool and applied it to tooth surfaces in the lab.  What they discovered was that when their keratin contacted saliva, a crystallin lattice formed that appears very similar to natural enamel. This lattice appeared to then lead to tooth repair.  The study states:

Collectively, these results demonstrate that keratin treatment not only modulates secondary protein structures to promote mineral nucleation but also restores enamel mechanical properties both at the surface and within the lesion depth, supporting its potential as a functional biomimetic strategy for WAL repair.

So, the good news is that in the lab, this appears to be a truly promising way to reverse small areas of decay through remineralization.  However, despite these promising results, much more science and testing  is needed before we'll see anything like this available  in any products.  Science is a slow process, but that's a good thing.  Meticulous research can lead to incredible advances in knowledge and this could very well be one of them.

If I hear more about this, you can count on me letting you know.

Medicaid Telehealth Flexibilities Set to Expire September 30th - Congressional Extension Needed

 

One of the silver linings of the Covid-19 pandemic (yes, there were a few of those) was the expansion and acceptance of telehealth.  Trying to keep people isolated to help control the spread of the disease probably helped, but it also meant people in need of healthcare didn't have an easy way to seek contact with a medical professional.

Fortunately the proliferation of broadband Internet connections and smart software engineers came in as a big plus.  Remote healthcare became a well known reality.  Congress quickly passed legislation that allowed medical professionals to treat patients without physical contact.  Many patients now rely on telehealth for all kinds of appointments.  This is especially helpful to US citizens on Medicaid.  

However, that emergency legislation came with some limitations and one of those was that its use was only legally allowed for a limited amount of time.  At the time, no one knew if there would be problems that would occur from this new service and no one wanted to vote it into permanent status without the system getting a chance to take it for a test drive first.

Obviously we all know the benefits that come from telehealth.  Unfortunately, until recently not many people knew or remembered that the service for Medicaid patients was on a limited trial basis.  That legislation is set to expire on September 30th.  That has brought with it a full court press from the healthcare industry to get US legislators to quickly pass another extension that will allow it to continue.

The good news is that, in addition to professionals voicing support, many health insurance companies are also on board for an extension.  Recently 48 health systems signed a letter sent to the Senate Majority Leader (John Thune), the Senate Minority Leader (Chuck Schumer, the Speaker of the House (Mike Johnson), and the House Minority Leader (Hakeem Jeffries) encouraging the legislation to continue.

There don't seem to be many times that doctors and insurance companies are on the same side of an issue, but this is certainly one of them.

If you'd like to read the letter sent to the legislative leaders, you can access it with this link.  

Dentistry's iPhone Moment: Trust AI Raises $6M, Transforming How 200,000 Dentists in the U.S. Practice

As I keep saying, Artificial Intelligence is making tremendous inroads into the profession of dentistry.  For most people in the field, AI immediately makes them think of radiography (x-rays).  That's understandable since that has been the biggest push into the industry to this point.  In early 2023, ChatGPT launched and suddenly AI was on the front page of every news website.  Fortunately for dental AI radiographic analysis companies, several had launched in the previous six months and as ChatGPT made headlines, they went along for the ride.  Suddenly the term Artificial Intelligence was everywhere and everyone wanted to be part of it.

Yet AI wasn't resting on its digital laurels.  Researchers and software engineers were hard at work on expanding the possibilities of what was possible.  Now we're seeing the next big jump for that incredible technology in the dental industry.  Trust AI is working on creating a total AI hub for doctors.Here's the idea: 

Trust AI is a purpose-built artificial intelligence platform specifically for dentistry. Founded in 2025 and based in San Francisco, it's designed as an all-in-one, AI-powered “operating system” that transforms how dental practices operate—from diagnostics to administrative workflows.

 Basically, you ask it a question and it provides you an answer, similar to ChatGPT.  I've tinkered with it a bit and, while I haven't worked with it for an extended amount of time, what I've seen is pretty impressive.  Obviously others feel the same was as the company just announced that they recently raised $6 million in a seed round of funding.  Here's the news...

Trust AI, the 'ChatGPT' for dentists, has raised $6 million, the largest seed round ever for a dental technology startup. The emerging platform has attracted over 3,000 dentists in just weeks. Practices race to adopt AI, quickly making traditional dentistry obsolete. Trust AI is transforming everyday practitioners into AI-augmented clinicians with specialist insights instantly available.

Built by dentists for dentists, the seed round was led by dental industry leaders, including Wehrle Implant Immersion Center, Goetze Dental, Rockwood Programs, and a group of prominent dentists representing over $100 million in practice revenues; the very people who understand firsthand what the industry needs most.

"Dentistry was never meant to run a maze of disconnected apps, endless logins and fragmented workflows," said Dr. Divian Patel, Co-Founder of Trust AI and owner of multiple dental practices in the UK and the US. "Trust AI puts an end to the chaos. One platform. One secure HIPAA-compliant portal. One intelligent conversation that replaces them all. We built exactly what every practice needs; technology that actually works together.

Trust AI has become the fastest growing dental startup in history, adding around 500 new users per week, entirely through word of mouth. Its rapid adoption signals a seismic shift currently underway in the dental sector. Each practice contributes real-world cases and clinical insights that competitors can't replicate, extending Trust AI's technological lead with every new user.

As the first specialized large language model (LLM) for dentistry, Trust AI serves as a real-time clinical partner. The platform delivers advanced diagnostic support, personalized treatment planning, radiographic image analysis, insurance verification and administrative automation.

"We're not building software for dentistry; we're rebuilding dentistry itself," said Dr. Bernard Casse, CEO and Co-Founder of Trust AI. "Practices using Trust AI are already operating in 2030 while their competitors are stuck in 1995."

Trust AI's purpose-built dental LLM is accessible through multiple channels under the name Isaac. Available 24/7 via web, voice call, or WhatsApp, Isaac allows practitioners to talk through complex patient cases, ask follow-up questions, and refine treatment decisions. From routine care to rare cases, Isaac handles dentistry's toughest diagnostic challenges with nuance and context. It's the dental hotline that never sleeps.

Trust AI is building dentistry's operating system, with Isaac as the single AI brain powering everything. One brain, multiple superpowers: from answering clinical questions to handling the front desk, from analyzing radiographs to navigating insurance complexities. Every capability stems from the same intelligent core, getting smarter with each interaction across thousands of practices.

"Smart dentists aren't worried about AI taking their jobs. They're worried about being the last practice in town without it," said Dr. Shervin Molayem, Co-Founder of Trust AI and Beverly Hills periodontist. "That day is coming sooner than you think."

With its core platform available free globally, Trust AI is democratizing access to advanced clinical intelligence. The company expects to become the industry standard by 2026 as dental practices increasingly adopt AI-powered solutions to meet evolving patient expectations and clinical demands.

About Trust AI 

Founded in 2025, Trust AI is building the operating system for the future of dentistry. The company's purpose-built AI platform fundamentally transforms how dental practices operate - from delivering specialist-level insights to orchestrating entire practice workflows. By enabling dentists to focus purely on patient care while AI handles everything else, Trust AI is creating a new standard for clinical excellence and operational efficiency. Based in San Francisco, Trust AI serves practices nationwide. Learn more at www.trustdentistry.ai.

Lawfirm Announces Investigation of Align Technologies Over Drop in Stock Price

 

Here is an interesting tidbit from the industry and investment side of the things.  Publicly traded companies are highly regulated and their statements, especially those related to finance, are monitored closely both by the SEC and also by law firms looking for potential litigation.

There are even some law firms that specialize in monitoring companies stock prices and file lawsuits for clients who lose money on investments due to mismanagement or statements about finances that my have been too optimistic.  Those statements *might* result in investors buying or keeping shares of a  company's stock based on overly optimistic projections.

I'm not sure exactly where this story falls, but the law firm Levi & Korsinsky put out a press release recently to announce they are investigating Align Technologies and encouraging potential clients to contact them.  It seems that after announcing their most recent financial results, Align revised it's financial outlook going forward which caused a significant drop in their stock price.

As someone who is in the dental industry, I'm more interested in industry trends and projections on the future than I am about stock prices, but this probably isn't the best news for Align.  I have no idea what happened, but any time a company loses over 30% of their stock value, it's something I take notice of.  Only time will tell if there is anything to this, but I think anyone in the industry should be aware of a situation like this

Here is the press release:

Levi & Korsinsky notifies investors that it has commenced an investigation of Align Technology, Inc. ("Align Technology, Inc.") (NASDAQ:ALGN) concerning possible violations of federal securities laws.

Align Technology, Inc. disclosed its financial results for the second quarter of 2025 on July 29, 2025, and revised its full-year outlook, a mere two months after management presented a multi-year Long-Range Plan at its Analyst Day. Despite prior guidance projecting mid-single-digit revenue growth, the company's reported Q2 revenues were essentially flat year-over-year, establishing a lower-than-anticipated baseline for the balance of 2025.

Following this news, Align Technology's common stock declined over 31% in early trading on July 31, 2025. To obtain additional information, go to:

https://zlk.com/pslra-1/align-technology-inc-lawsuit-submission-form?prid=159675&wire=1&utm_campaign=37

or contact Joseph E. Levi, Esq. either via email at jlevi@levikorsinsky.com or by telephone at (212)363-7500.

WHY LEVI & KORSINSKY: Over the past 20 years, Levi & Korsinsky LLP has established itself as a nationally-recognized securities litigation firm that has secured hundreds of millions of dollars for aggrieved shareholders and built a track record of winning high-stakes cases. The firm has extensive expertise representing investors in complex securities litigation and a team of over 70 employees to serve our clients. For seven years in a row, Levi & Korsinsky has ranked in ISS Securities Class Action Services' Top 50 Report as one of the top securities litigation firms in the United States. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.

OraCare Unveils OraPro – The Game-Changing Toothpaste Dentists Have Been Waiting For

OraCare is proud to introduce OraPro, the most advanced toothpaste ever created—engineered with next-level technology and exclusively available through dental professionals.  This unique toothpaste is powered by Micro Netting Technology (MNT)—a revolutionary innovation that acts like a microscopic net, sweeping away plaque from places other toothpastes can’t even reach. 

Clinical statistics show its incredible results:

• OraPro reduces plaque 359% more effectively than over-the-counter toothpaste..
• OraPro delivers 209% increased fluoride absorption when compared to regular OTC toothpaste, helping to enhance enamel strength.
• OraPro whitens just as effectively as leading whitening toothpastes with far less abrasion (RDA 88) leading to a brighter smile

“OraPro isn’t just another toothpaste—it’s a leap forward in oral care,” said Dr.Robert Martino,

CEO at OraCare. “We’ve had offices who love our OraCare rinse ask us when we are going to

have a toothpaste, and we took our time because we wanted it to be different. We’re proud to

finally offer a product that truly transforms the daily brushing experience.”

OraPro joins OraCare’s other products, which have already gained the attention of dentistry’s

most knowledgeable professionals. OraCare Health Rinse, a professional chlorhexidine

alternative, won the coveted Cellerant Best of Class Hygiene Award for 2021, 2022, 2023, and

2024! These awards highlight the most innovative and practice-changing technologies available

to dentists. Now, OraPro, exclusively dispensed by dental professionals, also is poised to set a

new standard in oral hygiene and whitening performance. 

Don’t settle for ordinary. Feel the science of a superior clean. Learn more at www.OraProPaste.com

Aspen Dental Agrees to $18.7 Million Class Action Lawsuit over Data Privacy

 

I try and keep an eye out for industry news to tell you all about.  Some regular readers will know that I often mention security and why that is so important in healthcare.  Today's post definitely deals with that subject, but that's not the main reason for this post.  No, instead I want to focus a bit on something about this subject in particular that all offices need to pay attention to.

It seems that Aspen Dental offers online scheduling for patients and I know lots of other offices offer that as well.  The problem arose when it was learned that Aspen Dental installed some tracking info (probably cookies, although I'm not sure) and that allowed for patient information to be sent to Google, Facebook, Bing, Salesforce, and other marketing data brokers.

The lawsuit claims that in order to schedule and search for information on specific dental conditions, patients had to provide PII and PHI.  By acquiring this information and then sending it on to third parties, the plaintiffs claim that Aspen Dental violated its own privacy policy as well as the laws of various states.

The lawsuit states “This disclosed private information allows third parties like Facebook and other third parties to know that a specific patient is seeking confidential medical care and the type of medical care being sought.  Third parties then use this information — without patient consent — to target them with advertisements.”

So here is the lesson to be learned from this.  If you offer online scheduling, be sure that any data entered is *not* being passed on to third parties.  I haven't done enough research to know if this type of thing is common in online scheduling platforms, but if it is, there's a lawsuit waiting to happen.  I'd hate for anyone to face a similar situation if it can be avoided.  An ounce of prevention and all...

RipeGlobal Launches AI-Powered Dental Training Platform in U.S. Market

 

RipeGlobal, the internationally recognized leader in cloud-based, hands-on dental education, today announced its official market launch in the United States. Building on its proven success across 35 countries and with over 10,000 dental professionals committed to skill development and clinical growth, RipeGlobal brings immersive, simulation-based clinical training to U.S. dentists throughout Dental Support Organizations (DSOs), group practices, and private practices, with a core mission to elevate skills, confidence, and patient outcomes. 

As part of its U.S. expansion, RipeGlobal has appointed Dr. Roshan Parikh, a respected dental clinician and executive, as Chief Revenue Officer. Dr. Parikh brings extensive experience in dental practice operations and will help spearhead growth and strategic partnerships across North America. He has also established a new Global Advisory Committee composed of respected industry leaders. U.S. DSO legal expert Brian Colao will serve as the Head of the Committee, and Dr. Farzeela Rupani, Chief Medical Officer for Colosseum Dental, Europe’s largest DSO, will serve as its inaugural member. 

"After five years of transforming thousands of dental careers worldwide, the time is right to bring RipeGlobal’s model to the U.S.,” said Dr. Lincoln Harris, Founder and CEO of RipeGlobal. “Our platform doesn’t just teach skills—it fosters a community of excellence, growth, and lifelong learning. We are excited to help American dentists unlock new levels of clinical mastery.” 

 A Platform Built for Real-World Impact  

Unlike traditional destination-based or online continuing education, RipeGlobal provides real-world repetitions and training via hands-on simulation kits shipped directly to participants, allowing them to learn and practice in their own operatories. The organization maintains a network of 80+ global educators, fostering a true 24/7 online educational community.  This highly engaging, flexible, and infinitely scalable model has cultivated a global network of over 10,000 active learners and has driven measurable improvements in clinical performance and confidence. 

 Guided by Global Dental Leaders 

The newly formed Global Advisory Committee will help shape RipeGlobal’s future curriculums, strategic direction, and global partnerships. 

 Brian Colao, Director of Dykema’s Dental Service Organizations Group and a widely respected global DSO expert, brings over 30 years of legal and business expertise to the Committee. “RipeGlobal is precisely what the industry needs right now—high-quality, accessible, and practical education at scale,” Colao said. “I’m honored to support their mission to transform dental associate training in the U.S. and beyond.” 

 Dr. Farzeela Rupani, a distinguished clinical executive and Chief Medical Officer at Colosseum Dental, will bring a valuable international perspective. “RipeGlobal’s ability to deliver standardized, high-caliber training globally is a game-changer,” she said. “I look forward to helping elevate care standards and professional development across borders.” 

 Targeted Programs, Big Vision 

RipeGlobal’s U.S. launch will center on its acclaimed Fellowship in Restorative Dentistry, Fellowship in Modern Implantology, Fellowship in Modern Aligners, and DAPPr, the Dental Associate PowerUp Program – a solution specifically curated for groups and DSOs that boasts proven and guaranteed ROI. Additional programs and career-enhancing tools tailored to the American market are soon to follow. The company is actively forming partnerships with DSOs, group practices, and individual dentists to deliver scalable, outcome-driven continuing education. 

 Proven Track Record of Success  

RipeGlobal's entry into the U.S. market is backed by an impressive foundation of global success: 

• Network of 80+ expert educators from around the world 
• Active community of 10,000+ learners across 35 countries 
• 24/7 online educational platform supporting continuous learning 
• Proven ROI demonstrated across diverse practice types and sizes 
• Measurable improvements in clinical performance and confidence 

About RipeGlobal  

RipeGlobal is the world's leading cloud-based dental education platform, combining innovative simulation technology with expert instruction to deliver measurable practice transformation. Since 2020, RipeGlobal has built an international community of dental professionals committed to clinical excellence and continuous learning. The platform's unique methodology has been proven across diverse markets and practice types, consistently delivering improved clinical outcomes and enhanced professional satisfaction. For more information about RipeGlobal's U.S. programs and partnership opportunities, visit www.ripeglobal.com. 

 

vVARDIS’ Drill-Free Solution Curodont™ Has Treated Over One Million Teeth in 18 Months and Is the Fastest Growing Dental Care Product in Its Category

 

Tooth decay is one of the most prevalent diseases in the world.  Bacteria cause a breakdown in the hard tooth structure and as these weakened areas spread it weakens the tooth structure, creating what we know as a 'cavity'.  The most common way to restore teeth is to remove the diseased area and replace it.  However, what if there was a way to strengthen and restore cavities when they are tiny areas that are just starting out before rotary instrumentation (a drill) is needed?

That's the idea behind Curodont™ from vVardis.  The company recently announced that it has been used to treat over 1,000,000 teeth and more than 420,000 patients in the United States since 2024.  There is quite a bit of info below.  If you are looking to provide the best in minimally invasive treatment, I highly recommend you give it a read.

Clinical adoption of Curodont™ is helping to elevate the standard of care in caries management

Leading clinical experts herald Curodont™ as a true step forward in the treatment of early decay 

 vVARDIS, a Swiss high-growth healthcare company, active in the development of innovative dental products, recently announced that more than one million teeth and more than 420,000 patients have been treated in the United States since January 2024 with Curodont™, its drill-free solution for early stage tooth decay, making it the fastest growing dental care product in its category .

Nearly 80 percent of all dental patients have early tooth decay. Oral health is an important aspect of overall health, and poor oral health, including untreated decay, can become life-threatening. With Curodont™, dental teams have a drill-free solution to treat tooth decay at an early stage.

Curodont™ represents a true win-win proposition: patients benefit from a quick, needle- and drill-free treatment, while dental professionals can treat early decay within minutes—eliminating the need for a follow-up appointment and freeing up chair time for more complex procedures.

“Now that Curodont™ is available in nearly 10 percent of U.S. dental offices, an increasing number of dental professionals – or “Curodontists” – are embracing our treatment and giving patients access to this revolutionary solution,” said Dr. Haley Abivardi, DMD, co-CE, and co-founder of vVARDIS. “Such high-speed adoption shows how dental professionals have been waiting for decades for a solution that enables them to treat tooth decay at an early stage.”

Dr. Goly Abivardi, DMD, co-CEO and co-founder of vVARDIS, said, “We are thrilled to witness a ground-breaking transformation in dentistry similar to the advancements that medicine embraced years ago toward non-invasive, early intervention approaches. In the same way, Curodont™ is helping to elevate the standard of care for the early treatment of cavities.” 

With more than 25 years of science, vVARDIS’ Curodont™ is backed by universities internationally and has earned the endorsement of renowned thought leaders, clinical experts, and innovators across the dental profession:

• Dr. German O. Gallucci, Chair of the Department of Restorative Dentistry and Biomaterials Sciences at Harvard School of Dental Medicine, said, “Curodont™ is highly effective for treatment of early decays. This new non-invasive therapeutic option is a game changer in the battle against tooth decay.” 
• Prof. Amid I. Ismail, Laura H. Carnell Professor and Dean of the Kornberg School of Dentistry, Temple University, said, “As an epidemiologist and cariologist who has studied dental caries for over four decades and developed guidelines for its diagnosis and management, I can state without hesitation that the advent of Curodont™ represents a significant breakthrough in caries management.”
• Dr. Timothy Quirt, DDS, MBA, Senior Vice President, Clinical Operations at Heartland Dental, said, “Curodont™ represents a transformative step forward in dentistry. At Heartland Dental, we’ve seen firsthand how this innovation empowers clinicians to treat early-stage caries non-invasively, improving outcomes and deepening patient trust. It’s not just a product – it's a shift in how we think about the future of oral health.”
• Dr. Shan K. Bagby, DMD, MHA, FACHE, Brigadier General, USA (Ret.) has recognized Curodont’s™ potential to improve the health of children from lower-income homes, saying, “What makes Curodont™ especially impactful is its potential to reduce tooth decay among vulnerable populations—particularly children and those covered by Medicaid. Curodont™ isn’t just a new tool; it’s a meaningful, science-driven advancement that is reshaping healthcare and setting a higher standard for dentistry where it’s needed most." 
• Prof. Avijit Banerjee, Professor of Cariology & Operative Dentistry; Hon Consultant in Restorative Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences, King's College London, said, “The scientific research into Curodont™ Repair technology has been well documented in reputable scientific peer-reviewed journals since the late 1990s. Multiple published clinical studies, including systematic meta-analyses, have provided evidence that, unlike conventional topical re-mineralizing agents which primarily act on the surface of the tooth, Curodont™ Repair can treat early decay throughout the depth of the lesion.” 
• Prof. Ivo Krejci, University of Geneva, said: “Curodont™ is no longer the future. It’s the present and it should be part of the treatment spectrum in every modern dental practice.”

vVARDIS’s Curodont™ products are currently available in the U.S. and Europe and will continue to roll out globally. 

About Curodont™

Using a proprietary biomimetic formulation, Curodont™ is a groundbreaking clinically proven drill-free treatment for early tooth decay. It replicates and builds on the body’s natural defenses, working together with minerals in the saliva to repair the damage done to the tooth in the early stages of tooth decay. Curodont™ is a non-invasive, drill-free solution: once the formula is applied, it diffuses through the enamel and repairs the missing parts of the tooth (lesions) with minerals from saliva by mimicking the way nature created teeth (biomimetic). The beauty of this product is that Curodont™ helps patients save the natural tooth structure without artificial filling materials.

About vVARDIS AG

vVARDIS is a Swiss high-growth healthcare company located in Zug, Switzerland that offers groundbreaking biomimetic, non-invasive solutions for dental professionals under the Curodont™ brand. Founded by Drs. Haley and Goly Abivardi, sisters, Swiss dentists, innovators, and awarded entrepreneurs, vVARDIS is the result of more than 25 years of research, paired with the commitment of its founders to make an impact on people's lives, especially the underserved.

vVARDIS' mission is to expand access to novel approaches to the standard of care in dentistry with the purpose of improving oral health – the foundation for overall health. vVARDIS is backed by more than 25 years of science, 230 scientific publications, including meta-analysis, peer-reviewed clinical studies and a long-term peer-reviewed real-world evidence study demonstrating a success rate above 90 percent. It has been used in clinical practice for more than 10 years. Curodont™ is already mentioned in lectures at renowned universities as a standard of care for the treatment of early decay. 

For more information, visit vVARDIS at www.vVARDIS.com and www.linkedin.com/company/vvardis.

ADA debuts new informatics standards webpage for easy access, adoption

 

It amazes me how fast time flies by.  When I installed my first office computer, I was way ahead of everyone else I knew.  In the years since the early 90s, digital information has made remarkable inroads into the profession and into our lives. 

As most dentists know, the ADA develops standards for all kinds of things in the profession.  Recently they've created a website to help make those standards easier to access and review.

In a recent announcement about making the standards easier to find, the ADA stated:

The ADA’s main dental standards webpage now links to a new landing page on informatics standards, where visitors can find the standards divided into 10 categories: terminology and nomenclature, clinical data exchange, administrative data exchange, augmented and artificial intelligence, imaging, specialty-specific data exchange, forensics, electronic prescriptions, architecture and security, and medical devices.

“In today's digital health care environment, seamless communication between systems is essential, not only for efficiency but also for the quality of care we provide. The ADA’s dental informatics standards ensure that both clinical and administrative technologies work together securely and accurately,” said Jennifer Thompson, D.D.S., vice chair of the ADA Council on Dental Practice. “Equally important is the accessibility of these standards. A centralized, user-friendly website allows software developers and industry partners to align their products with the needs of modern dental practices. This alignment supports better interoperability and data consistency and ultimately leads to improved patient care.”

The full page with more info can be found on the ADA website.

Filling the Void and Why 'Stuff' Doesn't Do It

 

Hats off to The Athletic.  This sports site from the New Your Times has begun to put together a series of articles they are referring to as "Peak".  The series focuses on lessons learned from people who have reached the pinnacle of their sports careers and how it affects them.  I have a paid subscription to The Athletic and yesterday I happened to come across this article about professional golfer Scottie Scheffler.

What really fascinated me about the article was what Scheffler had to say about reaching the spot of being the number one ranked golfer in the world.  Here's what he had to say about it...  

“There’s a lot of people that make it to what they thought was going to fulfill them in life, and you get there, you get to No. 1 in the world, and they’re like, what’s the point?” Scheffler said. “I really do believe that. Because what is the point? Why do I want to win this tournament so bad? That’s something that I wrestle with on a daily basis.”

He added: “(Golf) is one of the greatest joys of my life, but does it fill the deepest wants and desires of my heart? Absolutely not.”

 Of course, this begs the question of "what is he talking about?  Why wouldn't being the best in the world at something not fill your deepest wants and desires?"  I bring this up because it's something I've seen a lot of in my life.  I'd like to bring this into the focus of what we do in dentistry because that's my best perspective.  

I've had an incredible career and I'm lucky to have 'a voice' in the industry.  That's a gift that I don't take lightly.  You all have given me that voice and I'm grateful for that.  I've been a dentist for over thirty years and as I look at the future and the changes that will bring as I wind down my career, I want to occasionally pass along some of my perspectives to all of you who are kind enough to read the things I write.

One of the great things about my work both in clinical dentistry as well as speaking and consulting, is that I've gotten to know a lot of dentists throughout my career.  That includes people in every aspect of the profession and from all over the world.

As professionals we are forced into a pretty tight space.  We have to be smart, we have to have incredibly great hand skills, we have to perform at an incredibly high level constantly, and we have to be successful.  We also have to be perfect.  Close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades.  Dentists are expected to provide perfect outcomes in imperfect situations and we are expected to do it every time.  Now don't get me wrong.  Dentistry is incredibly rewarding and I love what I do.  However every dentist reading this can relate to the stresses and pressures that come with what we do.

When I was in college I joined a fraternity.  By the time I graduated college, I had lots of close friends who were a couple of years behind me.  I graduated and went to dental school while these guys finished up with their bachelor's degrees and got jobs.  I went to a local college so we all kept in touch and got together on a regular basis.

I graduated from dental school and began work as an independent contractor in a small office.  After a year of that, I decided to jump into the deep end and started a new practice from basically scratch.  I struggled.  I went WAY into debt.  There were many months where expenses exceeded income by a large amount.  Meanwhile my friends were getting married, buying new cars, and buying houses.

I kept thinking "What is *wrong* with me?  I'm smart, I worked hard, I got four more years of education than all of my friends and yet I am a *failure*.  What happened to me?"

All I wanted was to be successful.  I had the thought "if I can just pay all of the bills and have a little left over, I'll be happy."  Over time, that finally happened.  I began to have some money left over at the end of the month, but I wasn't happy.

Then I thought "now that I have some money, I'll buy stuff.  THAT will make me happy."  There were lots of gadgets and toys that I'd been wanting for a long time, so I started to buy them.  But what I found was the wanting of those gadgets was a much bigger buzz than actually owning them.  I'd get some toy on my radar and think "that's the one" and then when I got it that same buzz went away.  Again, don't get me wrong.  Buying things was fun and I enjoyed them, but owning things didn't really fulfill me the way I wanted or the way I expected.  I'm willing to bet that those of you reading this have had similar experiences.

This also loops back into being a doctor.  Many patients expect doctors to be successful and have money to burn.  Those expectations pour fuel on the fire of the desire to be successful.  We buy expensive cars, wear expensive clothes, and take nice vacations.  The bad part is most still don't feel the feeling of filling the void like we expect them to.  That also takes a toll on savings.  According to the ADA approximately 40-50% of dentists cannot maintain their pre-retirement standard of living after retiring.

Think about that for a moment.  If you are hoping to purchase your way to happiness... and it's not working now... how will you feel when that purchasing power is gone?  Stepping away from your career is hard enough, but adding in depression and cutting spending will only make it worse.  Many doctors end up practicing much longer than they want to simply because they cannot afford to retire.  It makes me sad to even type that.  We all work so hard doing what we do and dealing with the stresses, that at some point we should be able to step back, look at our accomplishments, and fondly enjoy the incredible ride we had.

So getting back to Scottie Scheffler... when I read that article it just reinforced what I've known for a long time now.  We ALL have a certain void inside us.  It's like a bathtub without a stopper in the drain.  

We pour buckets of stuff into it and sometimes we think it's starting to get full... and then the stuff goes down the drain and we are right back to an empty tub.

My realization is this.  You cannot fill the tub with stuff.  That just doesn't work.  Whether it's possessions or the rank of number one in the world, eventually it will drain out of the tub.  What you need to do is to look inside yourself and find that thing that matters to you most.  Chances are it's probably faith in a higher power or maybe family or maybe both.  One thing is for sure.  You cannot fill a metaphysical void with physical things.  However you also can't fill it with a number one ranking.

So to wrap this up my advice to you is to not get bogged down in the 'stuff'.  Whether you're trying to impress friends, your patients, or society with your stuff, it all drains out of that bathtub.  The stopper is created by something you earn, but not by something you spend.  That's my philosophical take on it... for what it's worth.