New curing light runs on disposable batteries

The Mini LED Black curing light, a new high-powered curing light from Acteon North America, just needs three “AA” batteries to run.

Because no charger or lithium ion battery is required, the curing light, at $695, is economical. The light also features a light shield that functions as a stand to prevent roll offs; an autoclavable multi-fibered opalescent glass light guide; and an anodized aluminum handpiece with a round surface for easy, comfortable handling.

The curing light was introduced at this year’s ADA annual session, along with the company’s new Sopro Life intraoral camera and caries detection device, and the 617, an intraoral camera with a fixed focus and a large depth of field.

New imaging sharing network launches at ADA

 

The Dental Sharing booth at the ADA.

DentalSharing.com gives clinicians a safe, effective way to share digital images.

Just like with a consumer photo sharing site, this new website makes it possible to store, share and manage digital files in a secure environment. Clinicians can upload an image, send an invite to the colleague they want to share the image with and once the invitees register, they can comment back and forth about the image.

For more information, visit the Dental Sharing Imaging Solutions booth for a demonstration.

Kerr launches enhanced curing light

Powered by Demetron Technology, the Demi Plus LED Light Curing System features a variety of design enhancements, including the lightweight yet durable Valox resin exterior and an advanced battery design for improved durability and performance. Kerr launched the new curing light and this weekend’s ADA annual session in Orlando.

The Demi Plus features a self-cleaning “cap and swipe” battery design to simply charging. One charge provides 300 full charges. Other enhancements include an extended turbo light guide that improves access for posterior procedures and a three-year warranty. This lightweight, ergonomic curing light has the same features and previous models, including Periodic Level Shifting (PLS) technology.

Align Technologies launches Invisalign G3

Using Invisalign just got more predictable, and that should lead to even better clinical results.  

 The Invisalign G3, launched at this year’s ADA annual session, comes with new SmartForce features designed for increased predictability of certain tooth movement; new aligner and software features that make it easier to use Invisalign with Class II and Class III patients; and simpler, more intuitive software to streamline treatment planning and review.

Invisalign G3 features New Precision Cuts, making it easier to use to treat Class II and Class III patients. These doctor-prescribed pre-cuts in the aligners accommodate the use of elastics.

 To streamline the overall treatment planning process, the upgraded ClinCheck software now makes it easier and more intuitive for doctors to create and modify treatment plans. The redesigned Doctor Site is easier to use, reducing treatment plan revisions.

The Invisalign G3 features are available at no additional cost for Invisalign-trained doctors.

EDA brings first “Green Lounge” to the ADA

At this year’s ADA, attendees had the chance to learn about green dentistry first hand. The Eco-Dentistry Association’s green lounge offers a place for attendees to relax and learn about green dentistry and what it can do for their practice. The lounge not only offers educational opportunities about how dental professionals can become part of the growing green dentistry movement, it also showcases many of the green dental products and materials available to help them get started.

During a press conference in the Green Lounge Saturday morning, Ina and Dr. Fred Pockrass, Co-Founders of the Eco-Dentistry Assocation, talked about the greater mission of the EDA and how their dental office became the first green practice in the country. Director Susan Beck shared informatmion about the GreenDOC program and the importance of getting involved.

Sponsors for the Green Lounge include Hu-Friedy, Discus Dental and DentalEZ.

New oral health website geared toward getting older adults more excited about dentistry

Adults 50 and older now have a place they can go to learn about oral health issues that matter to them, hopefully encouraging them to visit their dentist more often.

The National Museum of Dentistry launched its new website, GetMouthPower.org, at this year’s annual session. With support from Colgate-Palmolive, the museum put together an interactive, engaging website filled with comprehensive and quality oral health information that adults can use as a personal health resource or share with family and friends.

Museum Executive Director Jonathan W. Landers walked booth visitors through the site Saturday morning, pointing out features such as the calcium calculator. The website features four main topical areas: Your Sparkling Smile, About Your Mouth, Fit to Eat, the Mouth/Body Connection and the Interactive timeline.

The site also encourages older adults to visit their dentist regularly, not just when there’s a problem, Landers said, and lets visitors know there are plenty of options out there that can help them get their smile healthy and beautiful.

“When people get to around 40 they often think that’s it, I’m stuck with what I have and that’s my lot in life,” Landers said. “That’s not the case. I want to encourage people so say wait, I do have alternatives. I’m not stuck with this.”

ADA Honors Dr. Charles Bertolami with 2010 Distinguished Service Award

The American Dental Association (ADA) will honor Charles N. Bertolami, D.D.S., with the 2010 Distinguished Service Award at the ADA Annual Session, Oct. 9 in Orlando, Fla. Dr. Bertolami, the dean of the New York University College of Dentistry, will be honored for his years of service and dedication to the dental profession and the praise he has earned over the years for teachings on ethics in education. The Distinguished Service Award is the highest honor conferred by the ADA Board of Trustees.

“We are fortunate that Dr. Bertolami is one of our own,” said ADA President Ronald L. Tankersley, D.D.S. “Throughout his career, Dr. Bertolami has been an exemplary role model for his students and colleagues. Being multidimensional, he has positively impacted those in research, education and private practice. But, it’s his passion for assessing and promoting professional ethics that truly distinguishes Dr. Bertolami during a time when ethical misconduct is a significant concern. The ADA recognizes the need for more dentists knowledgeable in the subject of dental ethics.”

In 2007, the ADA sought Dr. Bertolami as a featured speaker for the Association’s Symposium on Integrity and Ethics in Dental Education. Then dean of the University of California at San Francisco School of Dentistry, Dr. Bertolami had written a widely-circulated article in the Journal of Dental Education, “Why Our Ethics Curricula Don’t Work.”

The ideas put forth in the paper “had been ruminating” for a while, said Dr. Bertolami. As he saw it, the problem was not that students didn’t know right from wrong. “They did what they knew was wrong because they thought there was a short-term need to do so.”

The challenge for educators is to present intellectual content in a way that “inspires, captivates, excites and role models students to do the right thing,” Dr. Bertolami said, “not only because it’s in their best interest to do so, but because it’s so much more fulfilling.”

Put into practice at New York University, these ideas have led to the creation of an honor court called the Student Peer Review Board and mission trips abroad that have brought down the “us-versus-them” structure of education. A committee of dental students at every grade level comprises the board that reviews all disciplinary actions, including dismissal from school.

Dr. Bertolami said he is pleased to be honored with the Distinguished Service Award because it is from the organization that speaks for the entire dental profession. “It really is a wonderful way to demonstrate to our students that if you do the best you can, good things will happen to you,” he said.

Dr. Bertolami earned his dental degree from Ohio State University College of Dentistry and completed a residency in oral surgery at Harvard and Massachusetts General Hospital.

From ADA Press Release

Dr. Terry Dickinson honored with ADA Humanitarian Award

The American Dental Association (ADA) will honor Terry Dickinson, D.D.S., with the 2010 Humanitarian Award Oct. 9 at the opening session and Distinguished Speaker Series program at the Orange County Convention Center during the ADA’s 151st annual session in Orlando, Fla.

Dr. Dickinson, executive director of the Virginia Dental Association, will receive the award for his leadership in developing the Missions of Mercy (MOM) Project in 1999, which has become a national model for dental outreach programs.  Dr. Dickinson assisted on MOM projects in Texas, Kansas, North Carolina, South Carolina, and West Virginia and will assist Maryland at the end of October on its first MOM project.

“I realized my mission was to focus on bringing help to those who struggle every day to put food on the table, to pay rent, to put gas in the gas tank,” Dr. Dickinson said. “MOM programs have provided care to those who need it the most, but the lack of access to oral health care continues to be a problem in this country. Dentists can do what they can to help, but ultimately the federal, local and state governments and society at large must stop shortchanging oral health and find the political will to get better dental care to the millions of Americans who need it.”

MOM projects under Dr. Dickinson’s direction have provided more than $21.1 million in free dental care to more than 38,000 underserved rural residents. Since founding the Virginia MOM project a decade ago, more than a dozen states have launched MOM programs, and an estimated 20 programs could be operational nationwide by the end of 2010. As part of his award, the ADA will donate $5,000 to Dr. Dickinson’s MOM project.

Dr. Dickinson, who earned his dental degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, ran his own private practice for 30 years and has served as an educator, dental examiner and dental researcher. He currently serves as an ADA spokesperson on access to oral health care issues.

The ADA Humanitarian Award, which was created in 2007, recognizes individual volunteer commitment and leadership that has had a broad impact on oral health and the improvement of the human condition. The award honors an ADA member dentist who has contributed to alleviate human suffering, demonstrated significant leadership, served as an inspiration to others and established a legacy that is of ongoing value and benefit to those in need both in the U.S. and abroad.

From an ADA Press Release

Welcome to Orlando!

Greetings, DPR readers! Our editorial team is here in Orlando, ready to bring you hour-by-hour coverage of this year’s annual session.

If you are at the show, feel free to stop by our booth, #1749, and say hi!

In the meantime, check back for video and posts on everything ADA.