Periodontal Disease Independently Associated With White Matter Hyperintensity Volume

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

LightSpun Secures $13M Series A to Redefine Dental Insurance Administration with AI

 

In the continuing push into AI for the dental profession, here is info on another player who recently received some serious input of funding.  LightSpun is creating a system that will automate the submission of claims to dental third party payers.  The system will handle credentialing, provider onboarding, benefits management, and claims administration.  The company says they will be able to automate around 90% of claims.

The company recently secured $13 million in closing their Series A round of funding.  Below is the info from LightSpun...

Lightspun’s AI-powered automation enables 90%+ of claims to be auto-adjudicated, reduces provider onboarding from 45–60 days to under a week, and halves administrative costs

LightSpun (formerly 32Health), an AI-powered dental insurance administration platform, has raised $13 million in Series A funding led by Brewer Lane with Virtue, Cambrian, and Industry Ventures participating. Rohan Malhotra of Brewer Lane and Sean Doolan of Virtue join the board. Lightspun’s total funding now stands at $18 million.

Nearly 300 million Americans rely on dental insurance, but claim processing still takes 15–60 days for routine procedures, with one in seven claims filed by paper or fax. About 18% of every premium dollar is lost to administrative overhead. These bottlenecks drive up costs and limit access for patients, dentists, and payers nationwide. Venture capital is zeroing in on this inefficiency: in 2024 alone, dental AI startups drew a record $145 million.

LightSpun’s AI-powered platform automates claims administration, benefits management, and provider onboarding and credentialing. With LightSpun, customers are cutting administrative costs in half, adjudicating over 90% of claims automatically, and reducing provider onboarding times from 45–60 days down to less than a week.

This year, LightSpun has expanded its client base with leading payers and DSOs (Dental Service Organizations) and doubled its annual recurring revenue. Additionally, over 175K+ dental providers are processed on Lightspun’s platform.

This investment comes in the wake of LightSpun collaborating with the American Dental Association to launch AI-driven credentialing that streamlines provider onboarding nationwide, solving a top challenge for dental practices and patient access.

"Dental insurance runs on infrastructure that most businesses abandoned decades ago. That’s why it’s ripe for automation, and why AI can meaningfully reshape industry economics and the experience for providers and patients,” said Rohan Malhotra, lead investor and General Partner at Brewer Lane. “LightSpun stands out not just for its AI platform, but for real traction solving administrative headaches for payers, group practices, DSOs, and the millions who just want faster, transparent, better care.”

LightSpun will use the new funding to accelerate its AI platform, expand engineering and product teams, simplify customer onboarding, and grow partnerships, helping more insurers and dental service groups benefit from AI-driven efficiency by the end of 2026.

“Outdated technology holds everyone back, from payers to dentists and patients. Every manual step means weeks of delays and wasted cost,” said LightSpun CEO & co-founder, Shaju Puthussery. “Our vision is better patient outcomes at a lower cost, powered by an AI-native health administration platform. We’re grateful for our investors’ support as we tackle the most invisible—and expensive—problem in healthcare.”

For more information, visit https://www.lightspun.com/.

Occlusal Accuracy of Digitally Manufactured Removable Dentures

 

A quick explanation of the image here.  Just for fun I decided to use this image for this post.  I told an AI program "create an image of complete dentures" and this is what it give me on the first try.  Anyone who understands dentures, as most of you do, will realize that these aren't *right*.  There are several errors that the image generation AI made.

However, that's not to say that digital dentures are a poor substitute for their analog cousins.  Actually it's looking like digital dentures are better than analog.  A recent study has discovered 'digitally manufactured dentures using subtractive techniques were superior in occlusal accuracy".

For those of you not familiar with the term, 'subtractive' means CAD/CAM milled dentures.  This study doesn't apply to 3D printing.  However, if I come across a study on that subject, I'll be sure to let you know.

The study is titled "Occlusal accuracy of digitally manufactured removable dentures: a systematic review of in vitro studies". You can read it and download a pdf with this link.  

Pathway Between Oral Bacteria and Parkinson’s Disease Identified

 

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

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

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

The ADA News story is here.

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

National Dental Association Supports Interstate Dental & Dental Hygiene Licensure Compact

 

I've always been a big fan of licensure by credentials.  Basically, if you have a license in one state, have a clean practice record, and want to move to another area, why do you need another competency exam?  I still remember when I sat for my clinical board exam.  There was an oral surgeon in my group who had been practicing for 20 years.  He wanted to move to another state and was doing general dentistry on a competency exam.  He hadn't done what the exam required since he had graduated dental school.  That seemed ridiculous to me at the time... and it still does.  

That's why I'm happy to see the Interstate Dental & Dental Hygiene Compact gaining serious traction.  They've just announced another organization that is supporting the cause.  This time it is the National Dental Association.  I think this groundswell of support is good thing for the profession.  It may very well help bring dental professionals to areas where the are low numbers of practitioners and that will benefit patients as well as the lives of the professionals who treat them.

Leading dental organization supports initiative to improve professional mobility and access to care

The National Dental Association (NDA), the largest organization of minority dental professionals in the United States, announces its support of the Interstate Dental & Dental Hygiene Licensure Compact (IDDHLC), which streamlines dental licensing across state lines while maintaining high standards of patient care.

At its July meeting in Kansas City, the NDA House of Delegates voted to support the IDDHLC Compact, recognizing the importance of hands skill examination to validate competency, allowing portability while protecting patients.

The NDA is proud to support the IDDHLC developed by AADB, said Dr. Cheryle Baptiste Hill, President of the NDA. "This model upholds the principles of patient protection, professional competency and State Dental Board authority while advancing responsible licensure portability to improve access to care nationwide."

The IDDHLC, developed by the American Association of Dental Boards (AADB), creates an expedited pathway for dentists and dental hygienists to obtain licenses in multiple states. The compact maintains rigorous standards, including graduation from Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA)-approved schools and passage of the American Board of Dental Examiners (ADEX) licensure examination.

"The vote of support from the National Dental Association represents a significant milestone for the IDDHL Compact," said Arthur Chen-Shu Jee, DMD, President of AADB. "The NDA's support validates our approach to balancing professional mobility with patient safety, and we look forward to working together to improve access to quality dental care across the nation."

The NDA's support comes as the IDDHLC gains momentum nationwide. Louisiana recently became the first state to join the compact, with several other states making substantial progress in their legislative processes.

"There is a fine balance between public protection and license portability. Equally important is that Dental Boards have full and direct jurisdiction over healthcare providers in their specific State of practice. The Interstate Dental and Dental Hygiene Licensure Compact fulfills these requirements," said Dr. Leslie Grant, NDA Past President and current Chair of the Legislative Committee.

Key benefits of the IDDHLC that align with the NDA's mission include:

• Enhanced professional mobility for dentists and dental hygienists
• Maintain high standards of patient safety through uniform competency requirements
• Improved access to dental care in underserved communities
• Cost-effective implementation for participating states
• Preserved state authority over dental licensing

The NDA joins a growing coalition of dental organizations supporting the IDDHLC as the preferred model for interstate dental licensure portability.

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

About the National Dental Association

The NDA is the largest dental organization representing dentists, dental students, dental hygienists, and dental assistants of African descent, both nationally and internationally. Founded in 1913, the NDA is committed to promoting diversity within the dental profession and addressing health disparities through education, advocacy, and service.

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.

ClearChoice Dental Implant Center® Launches New Brand Campaign to End the Wait - and the Worry - With "Smiles Built for Life"

 

Here's some interesting news from ClearChoice.  Sometimes patients come into an office with complicated needs and a referral to another office is simply the best choice for them.  Over the years I've sent patients to visit a ClearChoice office for a consultation.  One of the current members of our office team worked at a ClearChoice center and her experience was a good one.  It also speaks volumes to me about them that she is incredibly knowledgeable about implants and she learned all of that info working for them.  Today I got word that ClearChoice just unveiled First Look—an AI-powered simulator that lets patients preview their potential smile transformation using only a smartphone or webcam.  This new system should interface well with their new Smiles Built for Life program that is detailed below:

ClearChoice Dental Implant Center® announced the launch of its bold new national brand campaign, Smiles Built for Life, a fully integrated platform anchored in one powerful truth: ClearChoice is a leading provider of permanent dental solutions the same day of surgery - backed by decades of expertise and a Lifetime Warranty on premium arches.

For millions of Americans living with severe dental issues, a smile can be a daily source of stress, embarrassment, or isolation. Smiles Built for Life meets patients in that moment, with a message of real hope. The campaign is designed to reinforce ClearChoice as the pioneer of same-day, full-arch dental implant treatment, offering not just speed, but peace of mind through a permanent, personalized solution.

"This is about changing the conversation," said Marcelle Parrish, Chief Marketing and Commercial Officer at ClearChoice. "We've seen new players enter the category with big promises. But we believe no one has the scale, clinical model, or experience to deliver what we do—permanent dental solutions, same day, done right. Our patients want to stop worrying about their smile. This campaign shows them they finally can."

The campaign is headlined by a national broadcast spot titled "Voice of Doubt," which gives emotional voice to the inner concerns and hesitations of people living with tooth loss. The ad's tone is both raw and hopeful, inviting viewers to imagine a different future, and a different kind of provider.

To bring this vision to life, ClearChoice partnered with independent creative agency Geletka+. Geletka+ led creative strategy, concept development, video production, and photography. The process was deeply collaborative, with input from patients, doctors, researchers, and internal teams alike.

The result is a fast-turn, 360 campaign with thousands of assets spanning TV, digital, social, print, and in-center content, each tailored to engage patients at key decision-making moments.

"This wasn't just about making ads," said John Geletka, Founder and CXO of Geletka+. "It was about building a brand platform that speaks directly to real human concerns and offers a permanent solution. ClearChoice is uniquely built to deliver on that promise, and we wanted the work to reflect that with emotional honesty and bold simplicity."

Campaign Highlights:

• "Same Day, Done Right": A permanent, FDA-approved solution on the same day of surgery - backed by a Lifetime Warranty on premium arches and prosthodontist-led expertise.
• No Compromises: Every smile is custom-designed and delivered in an all-in-one center, with no shortcuts or hidden costs.
• Emotional Resonance: Campaign creative reflects deep audience insight, tested messaging, and the lived experience of ClearChoice patients.
• Fast, Collaborative Execution: Entire campaign developed and launched in under 60 days—a modern model of agile, insight-driven marketing.

Smiles Built for Life marks the first major campaign produced in partnership with Geletka+, and sets the tone for a bold new chapter in ClearChoice's growth and category leadership.

For more information, visit clearchoice.com.

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 Group℠.

The Technology Evangelist Podcast Secures Distribution through Apple

I have paused my 'happy dance' just long enough to put this post together.  As most of you know, this year I started production of The Technology Evangelist Podcast.  I'm having a blast doing it and I hope those of you who listen and/or watch can feel that in every episode.  I spent 30+ years writing for Dental Products Report and one of the great things about that job was meeting all the great people in the industry.

Since the magazine stopped publication last December, I've continued to write, but writing a regular column was fun and I missed having that outlet every month.  When I decided to do the podcast I got that feeling, but it was even better.  Now, I'm bringing info to profession once a week and getting a chance to bring incredible stories and the people behind them to the profession.

Of course, with any kind of media your audience is important.  It doesn't do any good to create, if people can't find it.  That's why I'm thrilled to tell you all that The Technology Evangelist Podcast is now on Apple.  We've been working on getting distribution through them for a while now.  It's a complicated process and I just got word today that we made it!

This means that the podcast is now available through Apple *and* Spotify!!!   

I'd be honored if you'd check it out, then subscribe and tell others about it.  I think I'm building something here and I am thrilled to be able to bring this to all of you!  Thanks for being part of my journey.  

Dental KOL Boot Camp and Innovation Day: Where Future Influencers and Startups Meet

Paul Feuerstein, John Flucke, Travis Rodgers (VC), Marty Jablow

What a great weekend I just had!  As we all know, there's really nothing better than spending time with friends... doubly so if you are working towards a common goal.  Who better to work with than people you love?  In this case it was Dr. Paul Feuerstein, Dr. Marty Jablow, and myself.  For well over thirty years the three of us have been working together along with manufacturers to help bring tech to the dental industry.  All three of us work in unison, or sometimes separately, on projects to make dentistry better.  It's been a fun and incredibly fulfilling ride.

About three years ago Marty had a stellar idea.  A lot of innovation in dentistry comes from small startups and many of them are started by dentists.  A startup is a tough gig.  It's hard to take an idea, make it a reality, and then actually bring it to market.  Marty has got a great grasp of the business side of things and he knows that one of the most critical things in that process is funding.  So his idea was to hold an event where dental startups could meet investment groups.  The result was The Dental VIP Summit held last February on the Wednesday before the start of the Chicago MidWinter Meeting.  That event was really well received and Marty decided to take it 'next level'.

The result was the Dental KOL Boot Camp and Innovation Day, held that past weekend in West Palm Beach, Florida.  During the Chicago event Marty, Paul, and I were approached by many of the startups to ask us if we would be willing to help them or if we could put them in contact with doctors that could.  Marty realized that there is a definite need to get a new generation of dentists involved in what we do.  So the concept of The KOL Boot Camp was born of that need.

Friday we spent the day explaining to the doctors in attendance strategies and ways to begin helping companies in product development, product testing, and getting information out to the industry.  Don't get me wrong, there is no set 'recipe' for working in that space, but the three of us have been doing this for so long that we've definitely learned some good ways to accomplish the process.

Plus, the three of us can't keep doing this forever.  It's time to prepare the next generation of doctors who are well educated and prepared to step forward.

Saturday was all about startups pitching their ideas to potential funding partners.  The startups got the opportunity to get in front of the attendees and explain their product, their vision, and their needs.  After each presentation the audience got to ask questions to clarify their understanding.  Then Marty, Paul, and I gave constructive criticism to help them in their journey.  It's a bit like 'Shark Tank', but since we're nicer and it's a more positive environment, we refer to it as "Dolphin Tank".  No splashing necessary.

Marty is already planning Dental VIP Summit II for Wednesday February 18th at the International Hotel on Chicago's 'Miracle Mile'.  It will be the Wednesday before the Chicago MidWinter Meeting kicks off on Thursday.

Also be on the lookout for more events like the one held in West Palm Beach this past weekend.  More events are being planned in different locations, so if you'd like to be part of one, I'll keep you updated on dates and locations.

This is a super fun concept and I'm really enjoying being part of it.  If you are a startup, an investor, or a doctor that wants to expand your role in the industry, jump on board and be part of the fun.  We're looking forward to meeting you and working with you.

Owandy Radiology Launches 3rd-Generation Opteo Sensor for Ultra HD Intraoral Imaging

 

Here's some interesting information from Owandy.  The company makes some pretty impressive x-ray equipment and they have just introduced the new third generation of their Opteo Intraoral Sensor.  I love the fact that there are three different sizes.  Sometimes patients have a hard time tolerating the standard #2 size sensor.

It's amazing for me to think that I've been practicing to the point that I barely even remember film.  That may say more about my age than anything else, but Owandy makes some great products and this promises to continue that tradition.

Three Sizes Available to Support All Clinical Applications

Owandy Radiology Inc., a global leader in the manufacture of dental radiology hardware and imaging software, recently introduced its latest innovation, the 3rd-generation Opteo Intraoral Sensor, engineered to deliver unmatched image clarity, speed, and reliability for dental professionals.

The new Opteo Sensor features 18.5-micron Ultra HD resolution for exceptional diagnostic precision, allowing clinicians to visualize and document even the finest details. 

“Opteo combines the clarity clinicians demand with the reliability they expect,” said Boris Loyez, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Owandy Radiology North America. “It is designed to make intraoral imaging faster, easier, and more comfortable for both practitioners and patients.”

For example, incorporating Wide Dynamic Range (WDR) technology enables the Opteo Sensor to automatically adapt to varying exposure levels, ensuring consistently sharp and usable images while reducing the need for time-consuming retakes.

What’s more, to enhance clinical workflow, Opteo incorporates “Always On” technology, which keeps the sensor ready for immediate use without warm-up time. In addition, a new 1.5 sensor size expands diagnostic coverage by capturing up to four teeth in a single image, complementing the existing size 1 and 2 options.

Additional benefits of the 3-generation Opteo Sensor include:

• Seamless integration: Direct USB connection for simple, clutter-free setup across single or multiple workstations.
• Durability: Built with robust components including CMOS chip, fiber optics, and shock-absorption system for long-lasting performance.
• Clinical versatility: Ideal for endodontics, periodontics, caries detection, prosthetics, and implant surgery.

For more information about the Opteo Sensor, visit www.Owandy.com or email sales@owandyus.com. Dealer and distributor inquiries are welcome.About Owandy Radiology, Inc.

Headquartered in France, and serving North America from Garden City, New York, Owandy Radiology is a global leader in the manufacture of dental radiology hardware and imaging software designed for the most demanding dental professionals. Its products are distributed through dental dealers across the USA, and in 100 countries world-wide, on every continent. For more information, visit www.owandy.com or contact us at sales@owandyus.com. DSO, dealer, and distributor inquiries welcome. 

Willo® Announces "BrushBot®": The First-Ever Automatic Toothbrush built Just for Kids to Help Establish Strong Independent Oral Care Habits

 

With all of the current hubbub circling around the fluoridation issue, anything that encourages better homecare habits and routines is going to be welcome in the profession of dentistry.  For the non-dentist readers of this, a brief explanation.  When water is fluoridated and consumed by children, some of the chemical is absorbed into the teeth developing under the gums.  That fluoride uptake microscopically and structurally changes the  the enamel on a molecular level.  It makes the enamel decay resistant.  So that means that in non-fluoridated areas, children will be the most affected.  That weaker enamel is going to be more susceptible to decay. 

When combined with the fact that children also don't have the understanding of *why* homecare is important as well as lacking the coordination or focus to properly keep their teeth clean, it's a recipe for disaster.

Into this scenario comes Willo® with a new powered toothbrush that has the potential to change things up a bit.  The new Willo® device is called BrushBot™ and it's an interesting concept.  

In the last couple of years I've seen the powered brush market bring  a couple of what I'm calling "Full Arch Devices" to market.  The idea is that the brush covers all the upper or lower teeth at once.  There's no need for dexterity or angling the brush in the proper direction.  You simply put it over your teeth and let the device do the work.  The device automatically runs for the proper amount of time, then you flip it over and do the opposing arch.  The other devices I've seen are designed for adults and I think for older people who have lost dexterity or mental sharpness, it's a great option.

However, Willo® has the first of these devices I've learned about that the company designed specifically for kids.  They are the "AutoFlo+ Fully Automatic Kids Toothbrush" and now, the new BrushBot.  My thoughts are that this is a nice option for children who don't have good dexterity yet and also lack the proper knowledge to clean their teeth properly.  Simply load the brush with toothpaste, let the child put it over their teeth, and let the device do its job.

The device also has an app that will connect it to the parent's phone via BlueTooth which allows a parent to monitor their child's homecare even if they aren't physically there when the child brushes.

Anything that helps kids take better care of their teeth is important... and it's going to become even *more* important in areas that don't have fluoridated water.  I have not yet had any 'hands-on time' with the BrushBot™, but I have had time with the Willo®  "AutoFlo+ Fully Automatic Kids Toothbrush" and it's a nice device.  I expect the same quality from the BrushBot™.

Here's the info from Willo®:

Willo®, a company led by a team of oral health experts on a mission to revolutionize children’s oral health, today proudly unveils its latest innovation: Willo® BrushBot™, a first-of-its-kind automatic toothbrush designed specifically for kids ages 5 to 13. BrushBot™ represents the evolution of Willo’s lineup, developed in collaboration with pediatric dentists, oral health engineers, and real families. The result is a complete reinvention of how kids brush, making the routine easier, more fun, and delivering results parents can trust and dentists can see.

BrushBot™ brings Willo’s groundbreaking automatic technology into a handheld, easy-to-use format that works anywhere in the home or on the go, giving kids an effective, dentist-approved brushing routine without the hassle. Like AutoFlo+, BrushBot™ features Willo’s patented OptiClean® brush head, gliding with robotic precision to mimic the dentist-recommended technique at the push of a button. Smart Sensors guide hand placement to ensure the most effective clean, while the app leads children through a full two-minute brushing session with real-time feedback

“Willo is the only kids’ toothbrush that addresses all three key problems we see in pediatric dentistry: correct bristle angle to reach along the gumline, consistent brushing motion to ensure effective plaque removal and brushing for the full two minutes,” said Dr. Joel Berg, DDS, MS, Willo’s Chief Dental Officer. “BrushBot™ delivers consistent, effective brushing at home, improving oral hygiene between visits and reducing the risks of cavities. There are no missed spots, just a thorough, effective clean, every time.”

Why Kids (and Parents) Love BrushBot™:

• Effortless Brushing: Place it, press start and BrushBot™ ensures a full, dentist-recommended two-minute clean.
• Clinically Proven Performance: It removes 7x more plaque than a manual toothbrush and ensures proper bristle angle, consistent motion and full brushing time.
• Guided Brushing with Real-Time Feedback: Smart sensors guide hand placement and brushing along the gumline while the app keeps kids on track and parents in the loop.
• Space-Smart and Travel-Friendly: BrushBot™ features a compact footprint, fitting neatly into shared bathrooms and traveling easily for weekends away, vacations, or sleepovers.
• Low-Maintenance, High-Convenience: Fast charging, long battery life and easy cleaning make BrushBot™ ideal for busy families and life on the go.

“Willo’s dedicated team of engineers, designers, and dental health professionals work together to ensure every child has a stress-free, independent, and engaging brushing experience,” said David Fox, CEO, Willo. “We’re excited to build on the success of the AutoFlo+ by adding BrushBot™ to our growing lineup of automatic oral care solutions to help children build lifelong oral care habits.”

For families seeking additional enamel-strengthening protection, it can be paired with Willo’s new dentist-recommended fluoride toothpaste to complete the oral care routine.

BrushBot™ is available for pre-order on Willo.com and will be available on Amazon in November 2025.

About Willo:

Founded on a mission to revolutionize the oral health of children, Willo combines innovative design, advanced technology, and decades of oral health expertise to create breakthrough dental products for children. Willo’s dedicated team of engineers, designers, and dental health professionals work together to create innovative dental products that make brushing easy and enjoyable for kids while giving parents confidence that they are helping to establish healthy, lasting oral care habits for their kids. Willo is dedicated to transforming daily routines into opportunities for better health, ensuring every child enjoys a brighter, healthier smile.

For more information, please visit www.willo.com.

Brush Healthy. Brush Happy.

ADA Study Finds ‘Fiscal squeeze’ on Dental Practices Continues

 

A recent survey by the ADA Health Policy Institute has found that despite doctors best efforts, many dental practices are struggling with finances.  I've got a summary here and a link to the ADA News for the full story...  

Overall:
Dental practices remain under financial pressure — a “fiscal squeeze” — as costs rise faster than patient demand.

Key Findings:

• Economic confidence: Stable but lower than the 2024 peak.

• Pricing: Dental fees rising faster than inflation; ~⅔ of dentists increased fees in 2025.

• Staffing: Ongoing difficulty hiring, especially dental hygienists, continues to limit practice capacity.

• Consumer spending: U.S. households are spending slightly more on dental care, but that growth isn’t translating to busier practices.

• Utilization trends: Appointment wait times are falling — an indicator that chair time is opening up and demand is softening.

Commentary (Dr. Marko Vujicic, ADA HPI):
Despite modest consumer spending growth, practices report lighter schedules and greater availability — a sign that capacity exceeds demand.

Outlook:
HPI will continue quarterly tracking of dentist sentiment, pricing trends, and demand indicators to map the evolving dental economic landscape.

For the complete story in the ADA News article click here.  

If you'd like to read the full report from the ADA HPI click here.  

Confido Health Raises $10M to Expand AI Voice Agents Beyond Scheduling

More info today on the continuing proliferation of AI into the dental industry.  We are rapidly approaching a tipping point where lots of office functions will be automated by AI systems that can decrease staff time spent of tasks when their time could be much better spent on other things.  My personal feelings on this is that automating tasks won't eliminate staff.  I feel that healthcare is about personal relationships and that freeing staff to have more face to face interactions is a good thing.

Backed by Blume Ventures, Together Fund, DeVC, and Medmountain Ventures, Confido is scaling its AI platform that answers, resolves, and documents patient calls in one shot

 Even in 2025, 81% of patients still hit the phones to reach their doctors. For many, it means being stuck on hold, navigating confusing phone menus, or waiting days for a callback. For providers, front desks are overloaded and staffing shortages make access hard to scale. Patient frustration and staff burnout feed into each other, eroding loyalty and making every interaction harder. Confido Health is solving this problem with AI-powered voice agents built specifically for healthcare. 

 The company today announced a $10 million Series A to expand its platform, bringing its total funding to $13 million. The round was led by Blume Ventures, with participation from new investors such as Schema Ventures, Vicus Ventures and also existing investors Together Fund, DeVC, and Medmountain Ventures, as well as strategic healthcare operators from Innovaccer, Memora Health, and a roster of Confido customers.

 Confido’s system replaces the phone tree entirely. Its voice agents answer on the first ring, authenticate the caller, check eligibility, and intelligently resolve what the patient is asking for – whether that’s a referral, refill, intake, payment, status update, or appointment booking. When complex edge cases need human expertise, the system smoothly warm-transfers to staff, and every interaction is written back to the EHR or PMS. In a healthcare market where less than half of patient calls get resolved on the first attempt, Confido is built to answer, resolve, and document everything in one call.

 The timing couldn’t be more urgent. According to the American Hospital Association, providers are facing deep financial pressures that strain their ability to offer 24/7 access. At the same time, demand for automated solutions is surging, with multiple startups raising funding in 2025. Confido stands apart by handling a wide variety of workflows beyond just scheduling, making it a single point of contact for patient access and delivering a stronger return on investment. In just the past eight months, Confido has grown 10x, now providing round-the-clock access to more than 1 million patients, up from 150,000 in December 2024.

 That expansiveness is especially valuable for private equity-backed groups and multi-site operators managing dozens of clinics or facilities. By consolidating patient access into one platform, Confido allows them to unify patient experience, reduce overhead, and scale faster across their portfolios. With automation rates above 80% and seamless integration into existing phone and EHR/PMS systems, practices achieve faster resolutions while staff can focus on higher-value work.

 “Healthcare is at an inflection point,” said Chetan Reddy, co-founder and CEO of Confido Health. “Labor shortages and rising patient demand mean practices can’t keep scaling front desks the way they used to. At the same time, building AI for healthcare isn’t like other industries - it requires deep empathy for both staff and patients. Our agents are designed to support people, not replace them, so patients get faster access and workers feel less stressed. That combination is what makes this moment so powerful.”

 Confido’s breadth also enables expansion across specialties. Its agents are already live in pediatrics, orthopedics, GI, nephrology, dermatology, pain medicine, and more. At Dallas Renal Group, the impact has been immediate: over 66% of patients confirm appointments instantly on outbound calls, and fewer than 6% need to be forwarded to staff. On inbound calls, wait times dropped from minutes to just 15 seconds, saving staff nearly 50 hours in a single week. “Confido has helped make access faster, smoother, and far less stressful for everyone,” said Srinivas Danda, COO of Dallas Renal Group.

 The company’s roadmap reflects the same ambition. Beyond scheduling and intake, Confido is expanding into high-value workflows like recalls, reactivation, payments, and care coordination. With specialty playbooks, audit trails, analytics, and first-call resolution metrics, the platform is built to become the infrastructure layer for patient communication.

 “We believe better access is the foundation of better care,” Reddy added. “Phones remain the front door of healthcare, and Confido exists to make sure they open instantly, every time. As private equity sponsors and healthcare platforms continue to consolidate and scale specialty groups, we see Confido as the standard layer ensuring consistent, efficient, and human-like patient interactions across every clinic, regardless of size or specialty.” With this vision, Confido is positioned to become the definitive standard for AI-powered patient communication across healthcare.

 Sanjay Nath, Partner at Blume Ventures added: “Chetan, Vichar and the Confido team have gone incredibly deep into the trenches of the healthcare industry, having faced the pains of poor patient experience themselves - and have emerged with an offering that is transforming the way patient communication with providers is run. It is clear to us that healthcare especially in the US is ripe for AI-led transformation, given the widespread administrative staff shortages, and Confido is well positioned to 10X the patient experience. We are very excited to lead this investment round and see a clear path to Confido becoming the market leader in this space, driven by a patient-first product ethos and close partnership with the provider ecosystem.”

 Shubham Gupta , Founding General partner at Together fund said: "Chetan, Vichar, and the Confido team have gone deeper than anyone we’ve seen in tackling the patient access problem. Their fully generative, multi-agent platform is not just a tech innovation — it’s already proving its impact in real-world provider settings by handling the communication bottlenecks that EHRs and legacy vendors have consistently failed at. They also are building the most differentiated tech in this space focused on data & integrations not just voice. We’re excited to partner with them in building the market leader in AI-powered patient engagement."

 About Confido Health

Confido Health builds AI-powered voice agents for healthcare, transforming patient calls into instant, seamless, and human-like interactions. Its platform replaces phone trees by answering on the first ring, authenticating patients, and resolving requests like scheduling, refills, payments, and referrals — all written back to the EHR/PMS. With automation rates above 80% and adoption across specialties including pediatrics, orthopedics, nephrology, and dermatology, Confido enables providers to unify patient access, reduce overhead, and scale efficiently. Backed by Blume Ventures, Together Fund, DeVC, and Medmountain Ventures, Confido now serves more than 1 million patients with round-the-clock access. Learn more at https://www.confido.health/

Xlear partners with ADHA on Petition to FDA to Approve Xylitol as an Active Ingredient in Oral Care Products

 

Recently the ADHA (American Dental Hygiene Association) and Xlear have put together a petition to the FDA.  The petition calls on the FDA to approve xylitol as an active ingredient in dental hygiene products.  Xlear is a company that makes and sells several products for nasal hygiene that contain xylitol.  The company also owns Spry, a company that makes oral hygiene products that contain xylitol.  

Xylitol is readily available in many OTC (Over the Counter) products and is frequently recommended by dental professionals.

The current FDA stance on xylitol is the following:

The FDA has approved a health claim that foods containing xylitol or other polyols "do not promote tooth decay" or "reduce the risk for cavities," based on scientific evidence.

The history of xylitol is interesting.  During WWII there was rationing of many items and one of them was sugar.  As a result of rationing, there was a lot of research into alternative sweeteners.  This lead to the discovery of xylitol, a chemical that can be synthesized from plants.  In fact, the name was created due to the word xylit, which is the Greek word for 'wood'.

After the war, dentists in countries that had used a lot of xylitol to sweeten foods noticed a pronounced drop in tooth decay in their patients.  This lead to research into the chemical which discovered that xylitol can be a significant factor in decreasing decay.

The reason?  One of the bacterial types that contribute to tooth decay is streptococcus mutans.  This bacteria metabolizes sugar as its energy source and its metabolic waste product is acid.    The bacteria cling to teeth, metabolize sugar, secrete acid, and this acid causes the tooth structure to decay.  The interesting thing about xylitol is that, while it is sweet, it cannot be metabolized by strep mutans.  Basically xylitol reduces the food supply for strep mutans and thus, starve the bacteria of their food supply.  This means fewer strep mutans survive to breakdown teeth.  Basically if there are fewer bugs to cause decay, then decay is reduced.

If you are interested in reading the petition, learning more about it, and/or want to sign it...

You can read a summary of the petition here.

To read the full petition and sign (if you choose) follow this link.  

 

DEXIS Unveils Imprevo Scanner - Powered by IS Scanflow Innovation

I've always been a fan of DEXIS.  The company has always done an amazing job with R&D and when they bring a product to market, it's ready to roll.  This year, I've been working with their previous version of the intraoral scanner and I've been impressed with both the hardware and the software that allows you to work with the scans it creates.  The new Imprevo improves upon that... in big ways.  I don't have hands on experience with the Imprevo... yet, but I have no doubts it is incredible.  Here's what DEXIS has to say about it...

- Innovation Redefines Digital Dentistry with Speed, Precision, and Wireless Freedom -

 DEXIS, a global leader in dental imaging, is proud to expand its portfolio of products with the release of the DEXIS Imprevo, powered by IS ScanFlow 2.0 software. DEXIS unites the industry’s award-winning and trusted brands across 2D and 3D imaging, intraoral scanning, and diagnostic software within a single, connected, AI-powered ecosystem. Designed exclusively by DEXIS, the Imprevo sets a new standard in dental imaging excellence, offering impressive speed, precision, and wireless freedom. This wireless intraoral scanner empowers dental professionals to seamlessly navigate the full spectrum of digital workflows—delivering exceptional accuracy and detail, effortless usability, and unparalleled freedom of movement. Its advanced imaging technology and ergonomic design support a seamless digital workflow from start to finish.

“DEXIS Imprevo represents a leap forward in digital dentistry,” said Robert Befidi, President of DEXIS. “We are proud to announce this new product release, designed to deliver increased scanning confidence, efficiency, and patient comfort. By listening to our customers and leveraging our expertise, we’ve developed a scanning solution that significantly strengthens the DEXIS portfolio.”

Feature Spotlight - What sets DEXIS Imprevo with IS ScanFlow 2.0 apart:

• Slimmer Design: 20% slimmer than the IS 3800 family, enhancing comfort for both clinician and patient.
• Improved Speed: Maximum 40 frames per second (FPS), double that of IS 3800 scanners.
• Extended Depth of Field (DOF): 25 mm (-2 to +23 mm), a 39% increase over the IS 3800 series, facilitating scanning of deeper preparations and interdental spaces.
• Parallel Processing: Leverages GPU-based parallel processing technology for detailed, refined meshes, higher data density, and faster processing.
• Seamless Integrations: Power of choice from integrations with leading third-party partners.

“The DEXIS Imprevo scanner immediately conveys a sense of solidity and confidence, while maintaining excellent handling. The evolution of the accompanying software DEXIS IS ScanFlow v2.0 makes the entire scanning experience smoother and more pleasant, both for the clinician and the patient. The increased depth of field is remarkable, allowing for scanning in significantly tighter spaces,” said Dr. Carlo Massimo Saratti.

“The digital impressions taken with the new DEXIS Imprevo scanner are very sharp and well-defined. Details in tight spaces, such as interproximal regions, are typically much clearer and more visible than in previous versions—evidence of a high-performance, cutting-edge device. The entire digital workflow benefits from this, enabling smooth and reliable operations,” said Leonardo Franchini, Dental Technician.

IS ScanFlow 2.0 also offers full integration with DTX Studio™ Clinic, the centralized imaging hub for intraoral, 2D, and 3D data. The AI-powered platform streamlines diagnostics, patient communication, treatment planning, and surgical guide creation. With this integration, Imprevo users can automate case setup, easily fuse 3D and intraoral scans, and complete treatment planning chairside.

Imprevo is the latest addition to the DEXIS digital ecosystem, an AI-driven platform that unifies the dental workflow from diagnosis to delivery. With this launch, DEXIS continues its commitment to driving innovation in digital dentistry, empowering clinicians with intelligent, intuitive tools that elevate patient care and practice efficiency. For more information on DEXIS Imprevo, visit https://dexis.com/en-us/imprevo.

About DEXIS

DEXIS, part of the Envista family of brands, is a global leader in dental imaging, uniting the industry’s most trusted brands across 2D and 3D imaging, intraoral scanning, and diagnostic software within a single, connected, AI-powered ecosystem. Our innovative and award-winning technologies are designed with smart simplicity to streamline workflows, enhance diagnostic precision, increase productivity, and support better patient outcomes. By unifying imaging and diagnostic tools under one brand, DEXIS empowers dental professionals to diagnose with greater confidence and deliver more efficient care with one connected ecosystem - built on choice. To learn more, visit DEXIS.com. Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.