Delta Dental to offer teledentistry services to members

Delta Dental of California has launched new teledentistry services available through videoconferencing and smartphone applications. The services are aimed at preventive care and will be available as a covered benefit to members of Delta Dental of California preferred provider organization (PPO) and Delta Dental Premier plans. Using a photo-based app, members will be able to take photos of different areas of their teeth and mouth, which will then be reviewed

Study: Women underrepresented in publishing leadership

The authors of a new study of chief editing positions at prosthetic dentistry publications concluded that women are “significantly underrepresented” in journal leadership. The investigators examined the gender of people in top editing positions and compared the results with demographic data from the International Association for Dental Research (IADR) and the International College of Prosthodontists (ICP). Results were published online February 18 in the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry. Out of

RoundTable acquires DDS Lab

RoundTable Healthcare Partners has acquired dental laboratory DDS Lab for an undisclosed amount. RoundTable said it expressed an interest in the Tampa, FL-based firm due to its centralized manufacturing, digital capabilities, and customer service. DDS Lab is the second equity investment acquired under RoundTable’s $700 million Equity Fund V.

3D printing impression trays saves money and time

Clinicians can save money and time by 3D printing open impression trays for patients in need of multiple implant-supported prostheses, according to a study published on February 14 in the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry. A team of Chinese authors compared the accuracy and feasibility of using a digital dentistry technique with conventional open tray fabrication. The CAD/CAM workflow saved more than $4 per impression without sacrificing accuracy. “The 3D-printed custom

FDA crafts graphics on dental amalgam use

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has developed graphics to go along with its previously announced recommendations regarding the use of dental amalgam in high-risk groups. Last September, the FDA advised that high-risk individuals, such as pregnant women, avoid getting amalgam fillings “whenever possible and appropriate.” Previously, the agency warned that people in these groups may be at greater risk of adverse health events from mercury-containing fillings. The new

Recognizing Children’s Dental Health Month with AAPD

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, and the occasion is a little more somber this year than most. American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) President Dr. Jessica Lee sat down with HuangshanDental.com to discuss how the pandemic is affecting children’s dental health. Lee said she’s seen more tooth decay and extractions since dental offices closed in 2020 at the start of the COVID-19 outbreak. Based on her experience, she isn’t

Are you talking to your patients about ‘COVID tongue’?

SARS-CoV-2 infection may be associated with geographic tongue (GT), which some patients are referring to as “COVID tongue,” according to a letter to the editor published February 12 in the British Dental Journal. Dental professionals should be aware of this possible link because it may be an indicator of infection with the novel coronavirus and patients may ask about it, according to the letter. “If a GT is of recent

Walgreens to sell SmileDirectClub’s oral care line

SmileDirectClub said its line of oral care products will be sold at Walgreens’ more than 1,700 stores in the U.S. The direct-to-consumer orthodontics company’s Bright On whitening products, toothpaste, electric toothbrush and replacement heads, and water flosser will be available at the retailer’s brick-and-mortar stores and online.

Dominion extends teledentistry coverage

Dental and vision insurer Dominion National announced that it is extending its coverage of teledentistry indefinitely. The coverage applies to in-network teledentistry consults. The company first extended its teledentistry benefits in March of 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. “While not a replacement for in-person dental treatment, teledentistry is a convenient way to help maintain a happy and healthy smile in between regularly scheduled dental appointments,” Dominion President Mike

Formlabs launches new indirect bonding tray resin

3D printing company Formlabs has launched a new indirect bonding tray (IBT) resin for orthodontic bracket placement. The indirect bonding tray resin. All images courtesy of Formlabs. Traditionally, orthodontists place brackets by hand, one at a time, the company said. With its IBT resin and 3D printing technology, providers can use intraoral patient scans to create trays that hold the brackets in place for faster placement, according to Formlabs.

Air Techniques to host aerosol reduction course at Chicago Midwinter

Dental equipment manufacturer Air Techniques will host an aerosol reduction course at the upcoming Chicago Dental Society’s Midwinter meeting from February 25 to 27. The course, called “A Practical Approach to Aerosol Mitigation,” will be presented by Martin Koch, PhD, of Dürr Dental in Bietigheim-Bissingen, Germany. It will help attendees identify the risks and properties of dental aerosol particles generated by turbine and water jet devices, Air Techniques said.

Zimmer Biomet names CEO of dental, spine spinoff

Zimmer Biomet has named Vafa Jamali as the new CEO of NewCo, its newly spun off dental and spine company. Zimmer Biomet announced plans in early February to create NewCo as an independent, publicly traded company The spin off transaction is expected to close in mid-2022, noted Zimmer Biomet. Jamali was tapped to the lead the new company because of his extensive knowledge and experience in the medical device industry,