Paving the way for dental innovation, particularly in disadvantaged communities – this is the motivation behind the collaboration of Dentsply Sirona and the Hispanic Dental Association (HDA). As their first steps, they initiated common projects at the HDA Annual Conference that is part of the Greater New York Dental Meeting (GNYDM): On 25th November 2018, Dentsply Sirona and HDA organised the Innovation Valley for social entrepreneur start-up projects in dentistry. Additionally, Dentsply Sirona supports a lecture of the renowned expert, Dr. Antonio Berto on innovation in endodontics.
Ms. Terri Dolan, Dentsply Sirona
Innovation Alley – The Social Entrepreneur Experience – is one of the first common projects that underscores the focus on innovation of the newly agreed collaboration between Dentsply Sirona and the Hispanic Dental Association (HDA). They kick off their joint work at HDA’s Second Annual Global Health and Technology Innovation Forum 2018. The forum is part of the HDA’s Annual Conference that took place during the Greater New York Dental Meeting (GNYDM) from 23rd – 26th November 2018 in New York City.
Supporting innovation and social entrepreneurship in dental care
On 25th November 2018, from 3- 5p.m., the participants of the Innovation Alley were vying to win funds of more than $5,000 for their innovative social entrepreneur start-up projects. The competition was open for any ideas to resolve a patient treatment or product challenge in the dental industry, as well as for dental industry-related humanitarian programs. Two inspiring social entrepreneur keynote speakers opened the Innovation Alley. Then, the dental students presented their respective projects for five minutes each to a jury of experienced industry representatives. The funds are sponsored by Dentsply Sirona, the HDA and the Dr. Edward B. Shils Entrepreneurial Fund.
Ms. Terri Dolan, Chief Clinical Officer, Dentsply Sirona, points out, “we are very proud and excited to support this unique opportunity to interact with the youngest generation of dental industry entrepreneurs. Their innovative ideas are of great value for us as the industry leader of innovation in dentistry.”
Endodontics and more – concise overview on dental innovation
In addition to the Innovation Alley, Dentsply Sirona supports the clinical part of HDA’s Second Annual Global Health and Technology Innovation Forum 2018 and sponsors the lecture of the expert Dr. Antonio Berto on Advances and Innovations in Endodontics. He will review new developments that improve the state of the art and science of root canal treatment – from endodontic imaging to the preparation, disinfection and filling of the root canal to regenerative endodontic procedures (REPs). The forum’s other lectures cover innovative topics such as new advances in diagnostics and therapeutics of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and orofacial disorders.
HDA makes oral health innovation accessible
“Through our collaboration with Dentsply Sirona, we enhance our commitment to innovation in order to better serve our communities. Furthermore, we strengthen this year’s goal to position ourselves as a brand for oral health innovation”, says Anna M. Munne, MD, DDS, MS, FACD, FICD, and President HDA. “Since our foundation in 1990, we have become the leading voice for Hispanic oral health. Therefore, we provide service, education, advocacy and leadership for promotion of overall health of the Hispanic and other under-served communities.”
