The End of Dental Products Report Magazine...

 

It's with a great degree of sadness that I write this post.  As of Friday December 20th, 2024 at 12:00pm Eastern time.  Dental Products Report ceased to exist.  The parent company made a corporate decision to shut the organization down completely.  There will be no more Dental Products Report magazine, no website where I can post... nothing.  DPR and all their sister dental brands are now over.

I'm sure all of you reading this will be as shocked as I was.  This was an event that came out of the blue.  I had no indication that it was coming.

As most of you know, DPR had been my home for a long time.  I started with the publication in 1998 and had eventually become the longest tenured member of the team.  A lot about the world of dentistry has changed since then.   When I started writing for the publication, there was a fairly new tech that was available it was called... USB.  That should give younger readers an idea of how long I've been at this!

There have been a lot of changes in the publishing world due to technology.  I still subscribe to some print publications and even my favorite, Wired magazine, continues to get thinner and thinner as more people move to digital publishing.  We had taken DPR from 12 issues to 10 in the last year.

I'm sure many of you are wondering what happened and I am right there with you.  I wish I had some answers for you, but I don't.  Basically the decision by the corporation that owned DPR was that they had decided to leave the dental space and concentrate on other areas.  The publishing company has a presence in a lot of other areas of healthcare and the decision was to concentrate more on those areas.

However, with this change as in any change, there is good that will come of it.  The good news is that I will still be posting here Monday through Thursday, just like always.  Also as word has begun to circulate in the dental industry about this, I've already been contacted by other publications who are interested in giving me a voice.  It's nice to feel wanted!

It's kind of funny to me that as  "The Technology Evangelist" my own career of communicating with my peers has been impacted by a tech change that is sweeping the print publication world.

So you haven't heard the last from me... not by a long shot.  I tend to be an optimist and in that regard I'm looking at this change as a good thing in my life and career.

As I wrap up today's post, I want to let you all know how much I appreciate you.  A lot of loyal readers started coming here due to my presence in DPR and a lot of DPR readers found out about my columns there by reading about it here.  To all of you who visit here regularly and read my columns in DPR, I'm grateful.  I enjoy writing and I also enjoy helping all of you to be better at what you do.  I never planned on becoming a voice for dentistry, but life gave me that opportunity.  However, writing is nothing without readers and I truly am grateful for your reading and your support over the years.

Also, I'll be making a post on this tomorrow, but I'm taking a little break from the blog until 2025, so no posts until January 2nd.  I thank you all for supporting me and I hope you all have a blessed holiday season as well as a healthy and prosperous New Year.  We'll talk again soon.

Scott+Scott Attorneys at Law LLP Files Securities Class Action Against Dentsply Sirona, Inc. (NASDAQ: XRAY)

 

Here's some more, and pretty detailed info, on the recently announced situation where Dentsply Sirona discontinued delivery of their Byte  clear aligner system.  As regular readers may remember, back at the end of October I made a post about the company suspending delivery of their Byte clear aligners.   That post included the press release from Dentsply Sirona about the reasons behind it voluntarily suspending sales of the Byte aligner product.

Now comes word that the company has been notified of a Class Action lawsuit filed in the United States District Court of New York.  The suspension of the Byte aligner product is involved in this.  This the second Class Action lawsuit filed (that I am currently aware of).  Read on for all the official info:

Scott+Scott Attorneys at Law LLP (“Scott+Scott”), an international shareholder and consumer rights litigation firm, has filed a securities Class Action lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York against Dentsply Sirona, Inc. (“Dentsply” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: XRAY), and certain of its former and current officers and/or directors (collectively, “Defendants”). The Class Action asserts claims under §§10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. §§78j(b) and 78t(a)) and U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder (17 C.F.R. §240.10b‑5) on behalf of all persons other than Defendants who purchased or otherwise acquired Dentsply securities between February 28, 2022, and November 6, 2024, inclusive (the “Class Period”), and were damaged thereby (the “Class”). The Class Action filed by Scott+Scott is captioned: Calvin v. Dentsply Sirona, Inc., et al, Case No. 1:24-cv-09764 (S.D.N.Y.).

Dentsply manufactures professional dental products and technologies, develops, manufactures, and markets dental equipment, dental products, and healthcare consumable products.

The Class Action alleges that, during the Class Period, Defendants made misleading statements and omissions regarding the Company’s business, financial condition, and prospects. Specifically, Defendants failed to disclose to investors that it targeted low-income people with underlying dental issues that were ineligible for more traditional aligner treatment, Dentsply sold Byte aligners, a direct-to-consumer (“DTC”) aligner solution, to contraindicated patients, and Dentsply knew that its Byte aligners were causing severe patient injuries.

As the truth about Dentsply’s business reached the market, the price of Dentsply’s stock suffered significant declines, harming investors. For example, on November 7, 2024, before the market opened, Dentsply filed a Form 8-K with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, reporting a significant downward revision to its 2024 outlook. Dentsply claimed that its revised 2024 outlook was “due to market pressures impacting U.S. equipment, legislative changes affecting the direct-to-consumer aligner business model, and the voluntary suspension of sales, marketing, and shipments” of Byte. On this news, the price of Dentsply stock fell $6.72 per share, or more than 28%, to close $17.26 per share on November 7, 2024, on heavy trading volume.

Lead Plaintiff Deadline

If you purchased Dentsply common stock during the Class Period and were damaged thereby, you are a member of the “Class” and may be able to seek appointment as lead plaintiff.

If you wish to apply to be lead plaintiff, a motion on your behalf must be filed with the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York no later than January 27, 2025. The lead plaintiff is a court-appointed representative for absent members of the Class. You do not need to seek appointment as lead plaintiff to share in any Class recovery in the Class Action. If you are a Class member and there is a recovery for the Class, you can share in that recovery as an absent Class member.

What You Can Do

You may contact an attorney to discuss your rights regarding the appointment of lead plaintiff or your interest in the Class Action. You may retain counsel of your choice to represent you in the Class Action.

About Scott+Scott

Scott+Scott has significant experience in prosecuting major securities, antitrust, and consumer rights actions throughout the United States. The firm represents pension funds, foundations, individuals, and other entities worldwide with offices in New York, London, Amsterdam, Connecticut, California, Virginia, and Ohio.

Dr. Howard Glazer Shares his Thoughts on Shofu

 

A short post today as things have been crazy for me.  

At the recent Greater New York Dental Meeting, the gang at DPR caught up with Dr. Howard Glazer.  He gives a rundown on some great products from Shofu.

Follow this link to read and watch Dr. Glazer.  See ya on Thursday!

American Dental Association Invests in Pearl to Advance AI in Dentistry

 

Here's some interesting news.  As the ADA has begun investing in dental companies, a lot of members and other dentists have followed this subject with interest.  Today comes news that the ADA has now invested in AI company Pearl.  Here are details of today's announcement.

Pearl, the global leader in dental AI solutions, today announced that the American Dental Association (ADA), the nation’s leading dental organization, has made a strategic investment in Pearl’s dental AI platform. The investment reflects the ADA’s commitment to supporting visionary companies whose disruptive technologies empower dental professionals to advance patient care and public health. The investment was led by the organization’s Innovation Advisory Committee, dedicated to identifying and supporting novel solutions that elevate dentistry.

“To evolve and serve the dental profession and the public, we focus on forward-thinking businesses that are re-envisioning the needs of the industry, both from a technology and clinical practice perspective,” said Roger Liew, Chair of the ADA’s Innovation Advisory Committee. “Investing in Pearl represents our ongoing commitment to transformational dentistry that positively impacts the industry as well as the oral and overall health of the public.”

Pearl was founded on the notion that artificial intelligence can serve the dental practitioner and patient in unique and meaningful ways.

“Pearl allows dentists to enhance the precision, efficiency, and confidence of their care, while retaining complete control in their clinical decision-making,” said Ophir Tanz, founder and CEO, Pearl. “These advanced tools add a cognitive layer to the digital dentistry workflow that enables practitioners to consistently achieve the highest standard of care when addressing the distinct clinical needs of every patient. This investment from the ADA –– which has been driving our industry forward for over 160 years –– affirms the importance of AI to the future of dentistry, and underscores the impact that companies like Pearl can have on redefining the way that dentists serve and care for their patients.”

About Pearl

Pearl is an AI-driven company committed to enhancing patient care in dentistry. Founded in 2019 by a team with decades of experience developing successful, enterprise-grade computer vision solutions, Pearl introduced the first-ever FDA-cleared AI capable of reading and instantly identifying diseases in dental X-rays. With regulatory clearance in 120 countries, Pearl's AI assists dentists in making precise clinical decisions and effectively communicating with patients, thereby transforming the dental care experience worldwide. As dentistry’s global AI leader, Pearl is committed to the ongoing innovation of robust, accessible AI tools that improve patient health outcomes and build greater trust in dental medicine. To request a demo, please visit hellopearl.com/getdemo

Paperplane Therapeutics Introducs Therapeutic VR Solution to US Dental Practices

Paperplane Therapeutics (paperplanetherapeutics.com), a software company creating therapeutic virtual reality (VR) experiences for patients, is pleased to bring its dental solution to the U.S. this fall.

Thanks to its immersive experiences, the programs developed by Paperplane Therapeutics transports patients of all ages into an interactive universe before or during a dental or medical procedure. These programs do more than simply distract patients; they provide a powerful multisensory experience that enables the brain to modulate the intensity of each stimulus. This effect leads to a reduction in anxiety and the perception of pain as patients enter a flow state.

With its dental virtual reality solution, Paperplane Therapeutics aims to help dental practices increase efficiency by reducing disruptions caused by patients’ anxiety about dental treatment. Studies have shown that the solution can save an average of 5 to 10 minutes per patient hour, allowing dentists to see more patients.

“As an ER physician, I have witnessed firsthand how a patient’s pain and anxiety can significantly impact the clinicians providing care,” said Dr. Jean-Simon Fortin, CEO of Paperplane Therapeutics. “By helping patients—especially children—remain calm and comfortable during dental procedures, we not only enhance their experience, but also lighten the load for clinicians, leading to improved job satisfaction and greater efficiency in healthcare delivery.”

How it works

Patients wear a VR headset and are immersed in a series of experiences that keep them focused on the virtual environment, rather than on any discomfort or fear they might have about their dental care. While most VR environments involve head movements and encourage limb interactions, dental patients need to remain still during treatment. The Paperplane Dentalcare technology is specifically designed for this purpose, allowing patients to stay calm and still. With this system, patients quickly adapt to remaining still, ensuring an uninterrupted VR experience with no cybersickness and no interference with ongoing dental/medical care.

Clinicians can control the experience shown in the VR headset from a smart tablet, which also displays what the patient is viewing. This setup allows clinicians to quickly launch the VR experience in less than a minute and ensure everything is functioning properly. The dental VR headset includes audio from the virtual environment, but patients can still clearly hear instructions from the clinician while wearing it. Additionally, a built-in camera allows patients to see and speak with clinicians without needing to remove or adjust the headset, enabling them to wear it comfortably throughout the entire appointment.

Paperplane Dentalcare is currently being evaluated in two large randomized controlled trials, where pilot phases have shown highly promising results—including significant benefits for special needs patients.

Main Characteristics of the Solution:

For Dentists:

• Turnkey solution for easy installation

• Simple for caregivers to use

• No interference with the healthcare team’s work—in fact, it saves them time and reduces stress

For Patients:

• Maximum and sustained distraction through a scientifically validated approach

• Measurable decrease in pain and anxiety

• Non-violent scenarios that create an immersive and soothing atmosphere

• Scalable design suitable for users of all ages

About Paperplane Therapeutics:

Founded in 2019 in Canada, Paperplane Therapeutics was established by a visionary and experienced team. Combining expertise in medicine and interactive entertainment, the founders set out to create therapeutic, interactive VR experiences. Their goal is to tangibly improve the care experience for both children and adults undergoing treatment or medical/dental procedures, whether in a clinic or hospital environment.

 

Learn Composite Dentistry at the Center for Esthetic Excellence in Chicago Announcing Spring 2025 Continuing Education Lectures / Hands-on Workshops

 

The Center for Esthetic Excellence, (CEE) has scheduled a lecture and hands-on workshop, entitled, “Full-Mouth Rehabilitation with Composite Resin,” presented by Dr. Javier Quirós, Thursday — Friday, 8:00 a.m. — 5:00 p.m., March 20-21, 2025. 

Start with esthetics, so the goal of treatment is to have a well-calibrated occlusion, anterior guidance, canine rise and posterior support. This course will teach you how to solve functional and esthetic problems in patients with full mouth disabilities. You will learn how to restore a worn-down dentition; how to present a treatment plan for a full mouth rehab; how to create a digital smile design, restore vertical dimension of occlusion; and how to transfer a full mouth wax-up into a full mouth of veneers and onlays.

See these links for more details: 

• March 20-21, 2025 at The Center for Esthetic Excellence in Chicago
• https://www.cosmedent.com/product/full-mouth-rehabilitation-with-composite-resin-2/
• Here is the website link to the full CEE 2025 In-Person course schedule:
• https://www.cosmedent.com/continuing-education/in-person-classes/?fwp_format=live-in-person

 

Please contact Erika Heier, by e-mail erika@cosmedent.com with any questions you may have or if you would like to register. 

Oclean - Give a Bright Smile for Christmas!

 

One of the best parts about what I get to do in my 'other job' outside of clinical practice is to tinker with new products.  Between my work with Dental Products Report and my product consulting, I get exposure to lots of new ideas, new concepts, and new companies.  One of those newer companies is Oclean, a company that makes oral hygiene products.

Everyone in the profession knows how much dentistry has changed with the influx of all things digital, but the entire home care space has changed as well.  Powered toothbrushes and water flossers (oral irrigators) are now mainstream consumer products.  I've seen estimates stating that the growth of powered toothbrushes will expand to $1.275 billion by 2032.  Obviously consumers love 'electric toothbrushes' and the benefits they provide.

So today, I'd like to make you aware of some products made by Oclean that I've been trying and have enjoyed using.  Patients have a lot of choices when they go to the oral healthcare aisle of a store and those choices can be overwhelming.   Lately, I've been impressed with powered brushes that have apps which connect the brush to your phone and offer live brushing coaching to help patients as they brush.  One of the toothbrushes from Oclean, the X Ultra S comes with that as part of the purchase and I am really glad they do.  This is especially true of the "Personalized Brushing Report" that the patient can review.  This is also a great feature for parents that want to check on their child's brushing habits or individuals who are taking care of an older family member.  Being able to check and make sure kids and adults needing elder care are taking care of their teeth is critical.

The company was founded in 2016 and has a line of both powered toothbrushes and powered interdental cleaners.  This fall I've tried several of their different devices and I'm happy to tell you that  I've had a good experience with all of them.  Now that we're in the full swing of the holiday season, some of you may be looking for gifts that won't put a big dent in your bank account.  Oclean products have performed really well and the fact that they are affordable is a plus.

Here's a list of the products I've tried with their features and suggested retail price:

• X Ultra S toothbrush
• Real-time voice AI guide
• Personalized brushing report to a smartphone
• Smart Touchscreen that gives instant feedback
• 5 modes
• $129
• X Pro Digital toothbrush
• Smart screen-missed areas instant feedback
• Supplementary brushing plan
• Tailor made & exclusive brushing modes
• $99
• Ease toothbrush
• Portable with lid for travel
• 2 brushing modes
• 2 minute smart timer
• 30 second timer for each quadrant
• $21
• W10 Water Flosser
• Cordless
• 1400 pulses per minute
• 200ml detachable reservoir
• 5 distinct modes
• 2 nozzles
• 15 second Quad timer & Smart timer
• $69
• AirPump A10 Water Flosser
• Pulses air water spray with each button push
• Palm sized and portable
• 3 modes
• $59

I've used all of these devices and have been really pleased with their performance.  You can find out more and see all of their products by visiting their website.  I believe some of their devices are on currently on sale, so you can get even better savings.