Dentbird AI: A New Way to Design Dental Crowns

 

In January of this year I went out on the proverbial limb and stated in my first column of the year that 2023 would be "The Year of AI in Dentistry".  My thought process was that I was seeing several companies making inroads to using the technology in dentistry and I thought, because of that, we'd see some interesting changes in the profession.  Wow!  Honestly, I didn't think it would explode like it has.  Now it seems that every little piece of dental tech is somehow improving with AI.  

Today's post goes that just a little bit further.  Dentbird AI has got a lot potentially going for it...

Dentbird AI is a cloud-based dental CAD software that uses artificial intelligence to automate the design of dental crowns. The software can be used to design crowns for both single and multiple teeth, and it can be accessed from any device with an internet connection.

The dental office first scans the patient's teeth using an intraoral scanner. The scan data is then uploaded to the Dentbird AI cloud platform, where the AI software analyzes it and generates a CAD design for the crown. The design can then be modified by the dentist or dental technician before it is sent to a dental lab for fabrication or the file can then be downloaded and the prosthesis created in the office by milling or 3D printing.

Dentbird AI offers a number of advantages over traditional methods of designing dental crowns. First, it is much faster and more efficient. The AI software can generate a CAD design in a matter of minutes, compared to the amount of time that it can take to design a crown manually.

Second, Dentbird AI is more accurate. The AI software is trained on a large dataset of real-world cases, so it is able to generate designs that are more accurate and precise than those that can be created manually.

Third, Dentbird AI is more affordable. The software is a subscription-based service, so dentists and dental technicians only need to pay for the time that they use it. This can potentially save money over the cost of traditional CAD software, depending on the amount of usage.  There is of course, the reliability of the office Internet connection as well.

If you are a dentist or dental technician, click this link to learn more about Dentbird AI.   

Philips Reaches Resolution of US Economic Loss Litigation for CPAPs

 

As many of you regular readers know, I treat a fair amount of OSA (Obstructive Sleep Apnea) in my practice.  I'm even such a big believer in what a good night's sleep can do for our health that I am now on the Board of Directors of the Foundation for Airway Helath.  So, as you can well imagine, I am also pretty in tune with the situation that has developed since 2021 over devices manufactured by Philips Respironics.  The company manufactures CPAP machines to help patients breathe easier while they sleep.  

It's now been announced that a class action lawsuit filed by patients has reached resolution.  Below is the information released by Philips.

Amsterdam, the Netherlands – Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA) announced today that the company and certain of its US subsidiaries, including Philips Respironics, have reached an agreement to resolve all economic loss claims in the US Multidistrict Litigation (MDL) related to Philips Respironics’ voluntary recall of certain sleep and respiratory care devices. This settlement, which is expected to be submitted to the US District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania later today, does not include or constitute any admission of liability, wrongdoing, or fault by any of the Philips parties.


The agreement, which is subject to approval by the court, will provide predefined cash awards to all eligible participants in the US depending on the type of device, extended warranties on all replacement devices, and an additional cash award if they return the recalled device to Philips Respironics. The settlement will further compensate certain individuals who acquired replacement devices post-recall. 


The final cost of the settlement may vary based on, among other things, how many patients participate in the settlement and what the Court awards for the professional fees relating to the resolutions. Philips Respironics has recorded a provision for an amount of EUR 575 million in the first quarter of 2023 to cover for the estimated costs of the final settlement.


Subject to final Court approval, payments to class members under the settlement are not expected to begin until the first quarter of 2024 at the earliest.


The agreement does not settle any personal injury or medical monitoring claims in the MDL, which the Philips parties have moved to dismiss.  

• Patients, hospitals, and sleep labs in the US eligible for benefits under the agreement do not need to take any action at this time in order to participate in the settlement. 
• The settlement must be approved by the US District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania, and additional information will be provided in the future.
• All related inquiries by patients, hospitals and sleep labs in the US should be directed to the third-party Settlement Administrator, Angeion Group. More information will be available at www.RespironicsCPAP-ELSettlement.com.

NYU School of Dentistry finds Protein that Promotes Growth of Oral Cancer

 

A team of researchers at NYU School of Dentistry has identified a protein that plays a key role in the growth of oral cancer. The protein, called ORAI1, is a calcium channel that allows calcium to enter cells. When ORAI1 is activated, it can promote the growth of cancer cells and also increase the pain associated with oral cancer.

The study, which was published in the journal Science Signaling, was led by Rodrigo Lacruz, PhD, professor of molecular pathobiology at NYU College of Dentistry. The researchers analyzed tissue samples from human oral cancer tumors and healthy tongues. They found that the ORAI1 gene, which contains instructions for creating the ORAI1 calcium channel, was heavily overexpressed in the cancer tissue but not the healthy tissue.

The researchers also found that when they activated ORAI1 in human oral cancer cells, it caused the cells to grow faster and become more resistant to chemotherapy. Additionally, they found that ORAI1 activation increased the production of pain-sensing molecules in the cells.

"Our findings suggest that ORAI1 is a promising target for the development of new therapies for oral cancer," said Dr. Lacruz. "By targeting ORAI1, we could potentially slow the growth of cancer cells and reduce the pain associated with the disease."

The researchers are currently conducting further studies to explore the role of ORAI1 in oral cancer. They are also working to develop new drugs that could target ORAI1 and prevent the growth of cancer cells.

This discovery is a significant step forward in the understanding of oral cancer and could lead to the development of new treatments for the disease. The researchers are hopeful that their findings will help to improve the lives of patients with oral cancer.

In addition to Dr. Lacruz, the study's authors include Jun Son, PhD, a postdoctoral researcher in Dr. Lacruz's lab; and Mark A. Rubin, MD, PhD, the William J. Gies Professor and Chair of the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at NYU College of Dentistry.

The research was supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Spotify Roles Out AI Interface Xavier - "Call me 'X'"

 

AI is penetrating all kinds of things in our lives, sometimes before we even realize it.  Now AI has come to my fave music app.

I *love* music... always have.  I almost always have something playing in the background of my life.  Whether I'm seeing patients, writing, relaxing; chances are I've got some music playing in the background.  Like a lot of you, I go through phases.  Sometimes it's hard rock, sometimes it's relaxing instrumentals, sometimes classical... even sometimes there's K-Pop.

Along those lines I love December when Spotify will send me a playlist of my most played songs for the year.  There have been times when I've looked at that playlist and thought, "wow, I forgot how much I listened to that one!"

 So I was thrilled the other day when I logged into Spotify in my car and heard a voice say something along the lines of, "Hey, how you doin'?  My name's Xavier, but my friends call me X.  I'm Spotify's new A.I. dj.  I'll be picking tunes I know you like and let you listen in.  Let's get started..."

The system's voice is that of Spotify's Head of Cultural Partnerships, Xavier “X” Jernigan. Previously, X served as one of the hosts on Spotify’s first (and personalized) morning show, The Get Up.   I've got to admit that X has the *perfect* voice to make me want to listen.

I love Spotify!  I've been a listener since the service was in Beta and you had to 'know someone' to get an account (Thanks Adam!!!)  I continue to use the service daily.  Most of the time I still select artists or genres on my own... but sometimes there is nothing better than sitting back and letting X take over.

For all the details on the new Spotify A.I. dj, follow this link.

 

As a founding member of the Cellerant Best of Class panel, I take a lot of pride in working hard every year to create the list that we refer to as the "Cellerant Best of Class Technology Awards".  My fellow panelists and I are always on the hunt for a product that we can recommend to our peers that will improve outcomes for the doctor *and* the patient.  The 2023 winners have been announced, and one of those winners is ReGen Universal Adhesive from Vista Apex.  As a general practitioner, I love what ReGen provides, but here is what Vista Apex has to say about it.  They are much more eloquent than I am...

RE-GEN™ Universal Adhesive has been selected as a 2023 Cellerant Best of Class Technology Award recipient. This is the second Cellerant award the adhesive has won. It was also awarded the 2022 Cellerant Best of Class Technology Award. RE-GEN™ was developed by Vista Apex, a market leader in Endodontic and Restorative dental products. RE-GEN™ was given the award for its innovation in the world of restorative dentistry. Vista Apex is honored to be recognized for the development of RE-GEN™, the world’s first bioactive dental adhesive system.

“It is exciting to see RE-GEN™ recognized for its innovative design” said Dr. Michael Miyasaki, Chief Dental Officer at Vista Apex. “Combining proven adhesion with the properties of Bioglass 45S5 to make an adhesive, flowable composite liner and Pit & Fissure Sealant that does what the other products that call themselves bioactive do. But then Vista Apex took it a step farther giving the RE-GEN™ based materials the ability to stimulate the tooth to create hydroxyapatite like material.”

RE-GEN™ reduces restorative failure and sensitivity, and constructs a longer lasting restoration. Vista Apex has been focused on delivering exceptional products within the restorative and endodontic markets for over two decades. With a focus on innovation, Vista Apex works with Clinicians to achieve better patient outcomes.

“My patients have been impressed, and I have been pleased with the success we have seen even in the deepest of 'pink eyed' preparations. I feel RE-GEN™ is the best we can offer to our patients today and applaud the Cellerant group for recognizing the design ingenuity." said Dr. Miyasaki.

This is the fourth Cellerant award that Vista Apex has received. The Phasor™ Composite Warming System and PinkWave™ have also received the Best of Class Technology award. Vista Apex will continue to stride towards making innovative products and help make dentistry better for everyone.

About Vista Apex. Founded in 1997 and headquartered in Racine, Wisconsin, Vista Apex designs, manufactures, packages, and distributes more than 500 cataloged dental products, many of which offer significant clinical advantages. The company is best known for its endodontic irrigating solutions and restorative dental materials that outperform traditional products, leading to better patient outcomes. Vista Apex has a passion for being a trusted partner who provides quality solutions for their Clinicians.

Ultradent Named a Fortune Magazine Top Workplace for Third Straight Year

 

For years now I have been a huge fan of Ultradent.  They have great products *and* great people.  Their founder, Dr. Dan Fischer, has created an amazing culture that permeates every corner of the company.  If. you interact with someone from Ultradent, you know what I mean.  I count Dr. Fischer as one of my personal friends and I am incredibly proud of what he has created!

SOUTH JORDAN, Utah September 5, 2023. Ultradent Products, Inc., a leading developer and manufacturer of high-tech dental materials, is being recognized for the third consecutive year as a Fortune Magazine Top Large Workplace in Manufacturing and Production. Ultradent is fourth on the list in 2023, after being fifth and ninth in 2022 and 2021, respectively. Ultradent is the only company in Utah, as well as the dental industry, to ever make the list. 

Fortune bases its rankings on a rigorous evaluation of the company’s culture, values, employee satisfaction, and extensive 3rd party employee surveys and feedback. 

“Above all else, we value our people,” says Ultradent CEO Dirk Jeffs. “Without their passion and dedication, we wouldn’t be able to make such a distinct impact on oral health care around the world. I’m continually inspired by the efforts and innovation of our team members.” 

Established in the basement of Founder and CEO Emeritus Dr. Dan Fischer in 1978, Ultradent has sought excellence in both its products and in what its founder calls “happiness in the workplace” since its inception. 

About Ultradent Products, Inc. 

Ultradent Products, Inc., is a leading developer and manufacturer of high-tech dental materials, devices, and instruments worldwide. Ultradent’s vision is to improve oral health globally. Ultradent also works to improve the quality of life and health of individuals through financial and charitable programs. For more information about Ultradent, call 800.552.5512 or visit ultradent.com or find us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram. 

Interdisciplinary group focuses on developing personalized oral cancer vaccine

 As a general dentist, I've bee interested in Oral Cancer for quite some time from a preventative aspect.  However, once a patient is diagnosed with cancer, as much as possible needs to be done to remove the disease and keep it gone.

That's why I was intrigued to see an announcement from MUSC about research into a potential personalized cancer vaccine.

The article is a short but pretty thorough explanation of what they are doing and it makes good sense from a scientific overview.  Rather than repeat what they've written, I'll provide this link and let you read the in formation from their site.

If this works as they are hoping, this has the potential to be a major step forward...