Dental Hypotheses is not supported by any institution, commercial company, or advertisers, and authors are not charged for publication. The magazine supports academic freedom for presentation and criticism of challenging, thought-provoking ideas in the dental field. Expect to see radical, speculative and non-mainstream concepts in the pages of this journal.

If you’d like to submit an article for review, see guidelines here. You can also read about the peer review process at www.dentalhypotheses.com. Articles are accepted by online submission.

• Automatic Design Procedure is Fast, Reliable, and Compatible with all Restorative Indications

Charlotte, NC (February 25, 2010) – Sirona Dental Systems, LLC (Nasdaq: SIRO), the company that pioneered digital impressions and dental CAD/CAM 25 years ago and the world’s leading producer of dental CAD/CAM and digital impression systems, is pleased to introduce user-friendly software developed for its CEREC^® chairside system.  The new software is based on Sirona’s patented Biogeneric technology.

Like fingerprints, no two human teeth are identical and each tooth has its own unique characteristics.  A group of researchers led by Professor Dr. Albert Mehl (Zurich University) and Professor Dr. Volker Blanz (Siegen University) have unraveled the rules that shape natural teeth, and these rules are based on a patient’s genetic makeup.  Sirona has harnessed this understanding into the new Biogeneric CEREC 3D software.

Version 3.8 of the CEREC software enables dentists to create lifelike reconstructions – even while working with completely damaged occlusal surfaces.  On the basis of a single intact tooth, the program extrapolates the natural morphology of that tooth to the patient’s damaged tooth structure.  CEREC 3.8 software can be used for all single-tooth restorations and for three-unit bridges.

“Biogenerics is based exclusively on the patient’s individual dentition status,” remarked Professor Mehl.  “This is a major advantage in terms of clinical reliability.  The more individual the occlusion, the better the resulting functionality.”

Currently, all occlusal design approaches are based on limited dental libraries and databases containing data records of various standard teeth.  Conventional CAD/CAM programs retrieve a matching tooth from the archive, and then generate a design proposal for the given clinical situation.  The user then manually edits and adapts this proposal.  No objective principles exist to justify this selection, and using matching databases can be subjective and time-consuming.

Explains Professor Mehl, “These standardized teeth are comparable to off-the-rack garments manufactured in standard sizes.  Frequently, such garments do not fit properly in all places and require subsequent alteration.  By contrast, a biogenerically designed tooth is a made-to-measure product; ‘tooth couture,’ if you will.”

“Biogenerics will revolutionize occlusal surface design,” remarked Bart Doedens, Vice President, Dental CAD/CAM Systems at Sirona.  “With a single mouse click, the user will obtain a natural and individually designed restoration that requires hardly any manual adjustment.  Such made-to-measure restorations are simpler, quicker, and, above all, more precise than their ‘off-the-rack’ equivalents.”

The Biogeneric design feature will replace the “dental database” feature in previous CEREC software versions.  With Version 3.8, it will be possible to easily create crowns, veneers, and anatomically sized bridges.  The user will simply require an intact reference tooth of the similar type – i.e., anterior or posterior.

The time-consuming process of selecting tooth morphology from dental databases has been virtually eliminated.  Moreover, due to the standardized and largely automated routines, the software is easy to learn and use.

For more information about any of Sirona’s CAD/CAM and digital impression solutions or to schedule a free demonstration, call your local Patterson branch, 800-873-7683, or visit www.cereconline.com.

About Sirona Dental Systems, LLC

Sirona, the dental technology leader, has served dealers and dentists worldwide for more than 130 years. Sirona develops, manufactures, and markets a complete line of dental products, including CAD/CAM restoration systems (CEREC); digital intraoral, panoramic, and 3D imaging systems; dental treatment centers; and handpieces. Visit http://www.sirona.com for more information about Sirona and its products.

WOBURN, Massachusetts – February 25, 2010 - SensAble Technologies, Inc®, a leading provider of  touch-enabled 3D modeling systems, dental CAD/CAM solutions and haptic devices, has announced Release 3 of the SensAble Dental Lab System (SDLS), with significant enhancements to this integrated system for creating dental restorations efficiently and more cost-effectively.

Release 3 dramatically speeds the scan, design and fabrication processes for partial dentures as well as crowns and bridges; provides support for milling; adds support for impression scanning and the SensAble OpenScan™ interface; and expands SensAble’s unique software intelligence, called Intelli-Fit™, that automatically compensates for inaccuracies inherent in both digital and manual processes such as scanning artifacts and physical distortions introduced during fabrication processes.  With analysts predicting a significant increase in CAD/CAM-created dental prosthetic devices through 2015¹ , Release 3 lets labs gain optimal value from their technology investment and achieve sought-after efficiencies throughout their workflow.

In related news today, SensAble announced its first two Authorized Milling Centers and introduced its dental impression scanner (see press releases).  The company will preview Release 3 enhancements at the Cal-Lab and LAB DAY events in Chicago this week.

“The SensAble Dental Lab System has been a huge productivity plus to our lab since day one, and it just keeps getting better and better,” said Kristine Van Cleve, president of Dental Prosthetic Services (DPS). “In our business, every minute saved goes directly to the bottom line. As a beta partner, we’re already appreciating the new release’s dramatic speed improvements, and the many software enhancements that are allowing us to complete even more types of restorations than before. Release 3 is a perfect example of how SensAble continues to expand the versatility of their system as well as their commitment to helping dental labs grow.”

“Dental labs either have to get more efficient, or they face a diminished role as digital methods transform the industry and demand for dental restorations increases,” said Bob Steingart, president of SensAble Dental Products. “But, speed isn’t enough – labs need to produce accurate, consistent products on a repeatable basis, or their dentists will go elsewhere. Release 3 of the SensAble Dental Lab System continues to extend SensAble’s built-in advantage of total integration from A-to-Z. We sweat the hundreds of details involved in digital design and production so that lab technicians can focus on what they do best – designing precise, esthetically pleasing and great fitting restorations.”

Release 3 Highlights:

• Scan:
  • Support for impression scanning, providing increased accuracy and speed.  Labs can start designing digitally using the impression scan right away.
  • New OpenScan interface, which will allow the SensAble Dental Lab System to import industry-standard STL files from other open scanners that a lab may already own.
  • Faster scanning times, through innovative software and enhanced integration.
• Design:
  • Dramatically faster performance through innovative applications of hardware and software acceleration.
  • Expanded versatility with more types of restorations and streamlined design workflows for inlays, onlays, metal occlusion, metal dummies, open facings, and combination cases with attachments.
  • Enhanced features that speed design for multiple workflows, such as improved automatic positioning and sizing of virtual teeth, connectors, retention beads, hollow pontics and multi-part partials.
• Fabricate:
  • Support for milling and the ability to send digital design files to SensAble Authorized Milling Centers, providing labs with an additional fabrication option.
  • Intelli-Fit processing to automatically adjust, by restoration type, for fabrication techniques (3D printing and milling) and materials (alloys, ceramics, investment, resins, plastics, etc.).

The SensAble Dental Lab System is the only CAD/CAM solution that includes built-in support for both fixed and removable restorations in an integrated, touch-enabled platform. The system also uniquely incorporates a 3D “virtual touch” stylus where technicians work by holding a haptic (touch-enabled) device instead of a computer mouse, and use virtual wax-up tools to literally feel the onscreen model as they apply, smooth and carve digital wax. This touch-enabled approach mimics the traditional method of hand-modeling dental restorations, allowing technicians to keep the artistry and manual dexterity they have spent years perfecting.

System Configurations and Availability

Release 3 of the SensAble Dental Lab System is sold in several configurations to suit the needs of any size lab:

1. A complete SensAble Authorized Production Center configuration for labs that want complete in-house control, from scan to fabrication, to produce their own restorations, and that may also want the option of providing production services for other SensAble Dental Lab customers.
2. A Scan/Design configuration, for labs that want to design in-house, but outsource fabrication.
3. And, a Scan-only option for labs that want to outsource both design and fabrication.
   Release 3 is scheduled for general availability at the end of April.   Contact SensAble for more information on the SensAble Dental Lab System by calling 781-939-7493 or visiting www.sensabledental.com.

About the SensAble Dental Lab System

The SensAble Dental Lab System is an integrated digital solution to scan, design and fabricate common dental restorations.  It is the first integrated digital solution to support the production process for removable partial frameworks, as well as full contour crown and bridge. The system’s unique 3D “Virtual Touch” stylus allows technicians to digitally design multiple restoration types with unmatched speed and precision – while keeping the artistry and manual dexterity they have spent years perfecting. In the SensAble system, technicians hold a haptic (touch-enabled) device instead of a computer mouse.  They use virtual wax-up tools to literally “feel” the on-screen model as they apply, smooth and carve “digital wax.” This touch-enabled approach mimics the traditional method of hand modeling dental restorations – yet adds the consistency, precision and repeatability of a digital system.

About SensAble

Founded in 1993, SensAble Technologies is the leading developer of 3D touch-enabled (force feedback) solutions and technology that allow users to not only see and hear an on-screen computer application, but to actually “feel” it.  With 41 patents granted and over 8,000 systems installed worldwide, SensAble Technologies’ haptic technology is being used in applications ranging from designing toys and footwear, to surgical simulation and stroke rehabilitation, to dental restorations, as well as a range of research and robotic applications.  The company markets its own 3D modeling solutions as well as its haptic devices and developer toolkits to medical, dental, design, and manufacturing companies; educational and research institutions; and OEMs. SensAble products are available through direct and reseller channels worldwide.  www.sensabledental.com.

# # #

SOURCE: Press Release from SensAble

What will this information be used for? The hope is that EPR can assist medical workers in triaging patients or dividing victims of radiation exposure into classes by the amount of radiation received. The new technology is minimally-invasive and would provide data useful in treating people exposed to radiation in an accident or by a “dirty bomb,” which refers to a radiation dispersal device.

A tiny bit of tooth can be removed without damaging the remaining tooth. This sample is then analyzed with microwaves. Free radicals absorb the waves and allow a trained professional to measure the amount of free radicals in the sample.

Problem is, a dentist has to use dental tools to remove the enamel sample, and this isn’t practical in an emergency. Furthermore, EPR currently detects high levels of radiation, so samples from people with moderate or minimal exposure would not show an accurate reading. The Howard University researchers will continue to work on EPR with the goal of creating a machine that can produce higher-frequency microwave energy for quick and accurate results of various levels of radiation exposure.

At present, EPR can be used to assess a person’s radiation exposure throughout life, which will provide data for other studies, such as radiation exposure’s influence on cancer risk.

SOURCE: LiveScience

Thanks to Dr. Tom Hedge for providing video coverage of select vendor booths at the Chicago Midwinter Dental Conference!

On February 26^th, xconomy San Diego published an article that tells us the FDA is not pleased with a marketing brochure published by Novalar. The FDA instructed Novalar, maker of OraVerse, to amend the drug brochure. Read the letter here. The FDA claims that the brochure minimizes and omits risks and overstates benefits of OraVerse. Issues such as pain at the injection site, headache, and pain following a dental procedure are not mentioned in the brochure. In addition, the brochure states that OraVerse can be administered to children as young as four years old, while it is actually cleared for children six and older.

The Novalar CEO, Donna Jansen, says that the brochure in question is no longer in use. If you’re concerned that you may still have copies of the brochure in question, visit xconomy to download a PDF.

Thanks to Dr. Tom Hedge for providing video coverage of select vendor booths at the Chicago Midwinter Dental Conference!

E4D CAD/CAM Materials & eMax

Visit E4D online here.

Thanks to Dr. Tom Hedge for providing video coverage of select vendor booths at the Chicago Midwinter Dental Conference!

Visit KaVo and DIAGNOdent online here.

Thanks to Dr. Tom Hedge for providing video coverage of select vendor booths at the Chicago Midwinter Dental Conference!

Visit DentalEZ Lite online here.

Thanks to Dr. Tom Hedge for providing video coverage of select vendor booths at the Chicago Midwinter Dental Conference!

The 2009 study analyzed more than 1 million households and compared the behavior of patients who chose CareCredit as a financial resource, to those using cash, credit cards or another method of payment. The study found, over the five-year period following their initial CareCredit transaction, patients with CareCredit were more loyal and more likely to accept treatment recommended by their dentist, investing 44% more in their oral health (as measured in dollar value) and visiting the practice 25% more often. This study supports the 2005 ADCPA Report that CareCredit increases practice production an average of 25.3%.

ADCPA 2009 Study Key Findings:

• In the initial year the CareCredit account was opened, patients accepted 282% more recommended dental services and visited the practice 62% more often.
• In the following five years, patients with CareCredit accepted 44% more recommended dental services and visited the practice 25% more often.

“The ADCPA works with dentists on a daily basis and we’ve always hypothesized that CareCredit positively impacts patient behavior,” said Rick Willeford, President of the ADCPA. “This study analyzed a significant sample size – over 1 million patients – and was able to quantify the positive impact over a 5 year period. CareCredit’s revolving line of credit provides an ongoing financial resource for patients that positively affects their behavior in the dental office. They visit the practice more often and accept more dentistry, demonstrating their loyalty to the practice in clear, quantifiable ways.”

“There are many reasons why a patient may not accept their doctor’s treatment recommendations, including their personal financial situation. The ADCPA study verifies that when you give patients a flexible financial resource, it’s easier for the patient to accept care and fit dentistry into their lifestyle and budget,” stated Dave Fasoli, President of CareCredit.

About the ADCPA: The ADCPA is a national association of accounting firms that specialize in meeting the unique needs of the dental practice. For more information on the ADCPA, visit www.adcpa.org.

About CareCredit: For more than 20 years, CareCredit has been making it easy for patients to get the dentistry they need and want. Today, CareCredit is at work in more than 125,000 practices in the nation and has been used by over 8 million patients. CareCredit is exclusively selected for their members by most state and national dental associations, including ADA Business ResourcesSM*, AGD, AAOMS, and AAP, and is also recommended by leading practice management consultants. For more information on CareCredit, call 1-800-300-3046 ext. 4519 or visit www.carecredit.com to view the full study report.

*ADA is a registered trademark of the American Dental Association. ADA Business Resources is a service mark of the American Dental Association. ADA Business Resources is a program brought to you by ADA Business Enterprises, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of the American Dental Association.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (February 24, 2010) – In recognition of American Heart Month, WomenHeart: The National Coalition For Women With Heart Disease and Colgate Total^® toothpaste have partnered again to launch the Heartwarming Smiles campaign – an initiative to help educate women throughout the U.S. about the impact proper oral care can have on their heart health.

Heartwarming Smiles will focus on empowering women by providing the knowledge and tools needed to make positive lifestyle changes to help reduce their risk of heart disease. The campaign’s online resource, www.womenheart.org/ourPartners/heartwarmingsmiles.cfm, is specifically designed to encourage women to engage their physician in discussing their overall health and the simple changes they can make to help reduce the risk of heart disease and improve their oral care.

“Although finding time in our busy schedules may seem overwhelming, it is extremely important for everyone to make their heart health a number one priority, not only for themselves but for their loved ones,” said Essence Harris, heart disease survivor and WomenHeart Champion. “I had no idea that simple actions, like talking to my physician and taking proper care of my oral health, may have an impact on my heart health.”

Recent research shows that poor oral health, specifically severe gum disease, is often associated with the development of cardiovascular disease. There is an increasing need for patients to have open lines of communication with their dentists and physicians.  A national survey¹ revealed that 53% of people surveyed with primary care physicians reported that their doctors have never discussed oral health during appointments. Similarly, more than a third (35%) of people surveyed stated that despite visiting the dental office, their dentists have never discussed issues beyond dental health in their appointments. The survey also found the following:

While the majority of Americans understand that exercise (84%) or diet (82%) can impact their heart health, far fewer people (53%) believe that proper oral care could also have an effect on their heart health.

More women than men (59% vs. 48%, respectively) understand that when they take care of their teeth, they are taking care of their hearts; yet women are much less likely than men (17% vs. 21%, respectively) to put most of their energy into good oral care routines over other lifestyle modifications, like exercise and diet.

Less than two in five (35%) Americans ages 18-24 are sure of the link between their dental habits and a healthy heart, compared to 56 percent of those who are 25 and over.

“Since heart disease is the leading cause of death for Americans, it is increasingly important that patients take the initiative to establish open lines of communication with their doctors and dentists,” said Elizabeth Klodas, M.D., F.A.C.C., President, Preventive Cardiology Consultants (Edina, Minnesota). “Patients need to inform their physicians and dentists of any major oral health issues or heart conditions they may have to ensure optimal care. Patients should ask about measures available that may help improve their overall health, like using Colgate Total, an antibacterial toothpaste that fights plaque and gingivitis, an early form of gum disease.”

A healthy mouth is important to the health of the entire body, especially heart health. To learn more about the Heartwarming Smiles campaign, please visit www.womenheart.org.

###

About WomenHeart

WomenHeart: The National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease is the nation’s only patient advocacy organization serving the 42 million American women living with or at risk for heart disease – the number one killer of women. WomenHeart is solely devoted to advancing women’s heart health through advocacy, community education, and is the nation’s only patient support network for women living with heart disease. WomenHeart is both a coalition and a community of thousands of members nationwide, including women heart patients and their families, physicians, and health advocates, all committed to helping women live longer, healthier lives. For more information and to get your free heart health action kit, visit www.womenheart.org/kit.

About Colgate-Palmolive Company

Colgate-Palmolive is a leading global consumer products company, tightly focused on Oral Care, Personal Care, Home Care and Pet Nutrition. Colgate-Palmolive sells its products in over 200 countries and territories around the world under such internationally recognized brand names as Colgate, Palmolive, Mennen, Softsoap, Irish Spring, Protex, Sorriso, Kolynos, Elmex, Tom’s of Maine, Ajax, Axion, Soupline, and Suavitel, as well as Hill’s Science Diet and Hill’s Prescription Diet.  For more information about Colgate-Palmolive’s global business, visit the Company’s web site at www.Colgate.com.

About Colgate Total^® Toothpaste

The patented formula of Colgate Total^® toothpaste is clinically proven to actively fight germs for 12 hours.  Colgate Total^® toothpaste has an antibacterial formula and is the only toothpaste both approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and accepted by the American Dental Association, to fight gingivitis.  Using Colgate Total^® toothpaste can promote better oral health and better oral health may help improve overall health. Colgate Total^® is approved by the FDA to aid in the prevention of cavities, plaque and gingivitis and is the number one toothpaste recommended most by dentists and hygienists. It has not been approved for the prevention or treatment of serious gum disease or other diseases. For more information about Colgate Total^® toothpaste, visit www.ColgateTotal.com.

REFERENCES

[1] Survey conducted by Kelton Research on behalf of Colgate-Palmolive, January 2010.

(Savannah, GA) February 24, 2010 – Stage Front Presentation Systems today announced inVisionCam, a hands-free camera that generates high-definition video for use in dental instruction and teledentistry.

Featuring an integrated high-definition camera, light source and microphone mounted on an articulated arm, inVisionCam looks and moves like a dental light. Generating video is a simple matter of switching inVisionCam on, positioning it to illuminate any dental area, and speaking in a normal voice. As the instructor or dentist focuses on dentistry, inVisionCam generates smooth, jitter-free HD video, with easy repositioning as needed.

“inVisionCam introduces a unique no-fuss, no-assistance-required approach to dental video,” said Phil Smith, new markets manager at dental equipment manufacturer A-dec. “I would expect most dental professionals working in teaching or teledentistry to consider it worth a close look.”

In its basic configuration, inVisionCam is ready to serve as a video component in Stage Front’s Multimedia Teaching System (MTS), which currently delivers audio/video to student bench-tops in over half of U.S. dental schools. Optional broadcast and storage add-ons enable video routing to distance learning and teledentistry facilities, or to a storage device for replay on demand.

“The need for inVisionCam became clear in our experience with dental schools,” said Steve Stephens, Stage Front president. “Several instructors have told us that a video camera that doesn’t require handling or an assistant would be a welcome addition to MTS. We designed inVisionCam to meet those instructors’ needs, and added broadcast and storage options to enable wider use within the field of dentistry.”

inVisionCam is available directly from Stage Front at pricing below $30,000, including installation. Stage Front will demonstrate inVisionCam in booth # 527 at the 2010 ADEA Annual Session & Exhibition, March 1-2, in Washington, DC.

About Stage Front Presentation Systems

Established in 1978, Stage Front designs and deploys high-impact technical systems that help people educate, communicate, and entertain. For institutions of higher learning, Stage Front equips teaching spaces to deliver curriculum via a variety of electronic sources including computer, broadband television, DVD, document camera, electronic whiteboard, microscope camera, and other forms of audio-visual input. From the simplest large-screen display to complex distance learning applications, Stage Front has the solution for virtually any educational need. For more information, visit www.sfps.net.

Before caries fully develops, we see demineralization. Icon, a product by DMG America, treats incipient dental caries by filling and stabilizing demineralized areas. Icon is more aggressive than remineralization, yet more conservative than placing a filling. You can treat a demineralized lesion as deep as to D-1 in a single office visit. The micro-invasive treatment works for proximal and smooth surfaces; kits are available for each. It arrests dental caries quickly and without causing pain.

To view a video of how Icon works, visit http://www.drilling-no-thanks.com/en/demonstration.html.

DMG America
242 S Dean St
Englewood, NJ 07631
Phone: 800-662-6383

With Pulpdent Tuff-Temp Resin, temporaries are tough, impact-resistant, and grip the teeth. Chipping, breaking, debonding, and recementations are minimized or eliminated.

Tuff-Temp is designed to grind and powder, producing crisp and accurate margins that do not soften or distort. It does not gum up or clog finishing instruments. Exceptional results can be achieved by trimming with a slow speed acrylic bur, fine grit diamond bur, or finishing and polishing disk system. A fast application of Tuff-Temp Provisional Glaze provides enhanced esthetics and patient satisfaction during temporization.

Tuff-Temp is dual cure. It both self-cures and has a light cure option to produce a final set, full strength restoration on demand. The fast light cure option is also ideal for use with a clear vinyl polysiloxane template.

For alterations or smile design, the Tuff-Temp system includes Tuff-Temp Provisional Add-on, a shade-matching, light cure, flowable resin formulated from the Pulpdent’s proprietary rubberized-urethane chemistry.

Tuff-Temp is packaged in a 50 mL automix cartridge that fits into a standard one-to-one gun used for impression materials. It is available in six popular shades: A1, A2, A3, A3.5, B1 and Bleach.

Pulpdent manufactures high-quality products for the dental profession, including adhesives, composites, sealants, cements, etching gels, calcium hydroxide products, endodontic specialties and bonding accessories. For more information call 800-343-4342 or visit www.pulpdent.com.

SoundBite has two parts – a discreet over-the-ear piece, and a wireless device that fits into the mouth so that sound can be transmitted through teeth. It’s removable, and no surgery is required.

Sound collected in the deaf ear is transmitted through teeth to the hearing ear. Because the oral device doesn’t cover the biting surface of teeth, SoundBite wearers can eat and drink normally while wearing the device.

In most cases, a patient is referred to a dentist by an ear, nose, and throat doctor because the dentist must make sure that the patient has good oral health. A dental impression is also required. Each SoundBite is custom fitted to a patient’s mouth. Sonitus is awaiting FDA approval and completing testing of the device now.

Source: http://www.dentalproductsreport.com/articles/show/dlp0210_we-openwide

About D4D Technologies LLC

D4D Technologies is taking the dental profession to a higher level of productivity, patient comfort, and convenience with its E4D Dentist™, E4D Labworks™ and E4D Studio™ Systems, all part of the E4D Sky™ Network of products. The systems use high-speed laser scanning technology to produce digital 3D impressions of teeth prepared for full contour crowns, inlays, onlays, smile designs, and no-prep veneers without the application of contrast agents. The intuitive DentaLogic™ software enables operators to customize restoration designs and send them wirelessly to the precision mill that uses the latest restorative materials to produce fine esthetic restorations.

Highly accurate, versatile, and easy to use, the E4D Systems provide significant productivity improvements allowing dental professionals to offer a healthier, more economical and more convenient solution with Same Day Dentistry™.

Headquartered in Richardson, TX, a suburb of Dallas, D4D Technologies has partnerships with major corporations in the dental profession: Henry Schein Dental is responsible for global sales and distribution; 3M ESPE and Ivoclar Vivadent provide restorative materials.

Contact Dalyce Willis dwillis@d4dtech.com; 214-432-6349 (direct)

MEDIA RELEASE February 17, 2010

New Digital Music Service Designed Just For Dental Practices
Boulder, CO – Dental offices now have a better alternative for their in-office music. Custom Channels, a company that creates custom on-line and on-premise radio stations for nationally known brands, has launched Smile Radio – a music service specifically designed for dental practices.

Smile Radio includes multiple channels of professionally programmed, continuously updated music handpicked to enhance the sound and atmosphere of dental offices. Smile Radio channels are broadcast directly to dental practices via the Internet and received on a specially designed streaming receiver.

Custom Channels’ co-president Dave Rahn said, “A number of my dentist friends really had a hard time finding a good music solution for their dental office. Many used FM or satellite radio, or their own iPods or CDs – but found each had serious drawbacks. We created Smile Radio to address their concerns about lack of variety, song repetition, inappropriate songs, commercials and interruptions.”

Dr. Anil Idiculla of Park Meadows Orthodontics in Denver said, “The power of music is highly underrated in today’s offices. It affects your patients, your team members, and more importantly, your daily productivity. With the numerous choices of music options out there already, it can be very overwhelming to decide what the best option is to achieve this goal. Smile Radio is the total package… current music, extensive playlists, and customization. It can take your office to the next level.”

Founded by 30-year broadcast radio veterans Dave Rahn and John Bradley, Custom Channels creates and manages custom music channels for local and national brands including Floyd’s 99 Barbershops, Whole Foods Market, Bonnaroo Music Festival, Chipotle Mexican Grill, Cost Plus World Market, Clearwire, and numerous broadcast radio stations. Smile Radio is the company’s entrée into providing specialized music channels designed for the dental and medical professions.

Smile Radio costs $39.95 per month and includes all required ASCAP, BMI and SESAC music performance licenses. A 30-day risk free trial is offered to customers who sign up through their website at http://www.smile-radio.com. Dentists can preview all the music channels on the Smile Radio website.

Contact for more information: John Bradley – john @ CustomChannels.net 303.444.7700

• If you have a website (and we hope you do!), add a blog or page that explains bruxism, the symptoms, and your recommended treatments.

• Many dentists recommend the NTI-tss for bruxers. A recent redesign has made the NTI-tss website user friendly and more informative. Patients can access video explanations, explanation of the condition, a list of NTI providers, and how the device is created. They cannot order the appliance online – only dentists with passwords can make Internet orders. To treat headaches and migraines, Keller Lab offers the NTI-tss Plus, which also has a great website.

• If you don’t use the NTI, to explain bruxism to patients, you could send them to the UK’s Bruxism Association website: www.bruxism.org.uk. This site defines the condition and reviews the dangers. As for treatment, patients can purchase the SleepRight mouthguard on this website, but relaxation exercises, drug therapy, Botox treatment, dietary suggestions, and biofeedback are also covered.

• The American Dental Association offers a limited amount of patient education about bruxism. You’ll find a short article, but that’s about it. However, the Academy of General Dentistry, at the consumer website Know Your Teeth, provides more comprehensive information directed toward the patient.

• For patients whose bruxism has led to TMJ disorder, the conditino  is explained pretty well at the Healthline website.

CADapalooza ’10 begins with a Millin’ Around Welcome Reception on the evening of Thursday, June 17, 2010 for all registered attendees at the stunning Gaylord Texan Resort (www.gaylordtexan.com). On Friday, June 18, 2010, participants will enjoy watching the future of dentistry unfold at the largest domed venue in the world. Take in the valuable lectures from the industry’s top visionaries in the comfortable leather seats or relax in the 33,000 square foot Club Level for breaks, lunch and interaction with leading manufacturers. All participants will have the opportunity to tour the stadium and end the evening with a cocktail reception at the Star Bar, which sits seven stories high overlooking the field for a whole new view of dentistry. Saturday is a special day for all participants, who are invited to visit D4D Technologies’ global headquarters for Build-a-Crown™ Workshops and facility tours. Be there as CAD CAMbassadors guide you through the scan, design and milling of your own restoration, and work with ceramic experts to impart the ideal color and strength. If you already own a chairside CAD CAM system, you can elect to participate in Advanced Design Workshops from experienced designers to maximize your productivity in design and material handling. Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind event!

See and experience the future of CAD CAM Dentistry at CADapalooza ’10 – space is limited so register yourself and your team today. Registration is $295/person (can be charged by credit card or Henry Schein Dental account) before June 1, 2010 and $395 on-site or after June 1, 2010. Up to 9 CE hours available. To register, visit www.CADapalooza.com.

To reserve your hotel room at the Gaylord Texan Resort through a special ‘CADapalooza’ room block, call the Gaylord Texan at 817.778.2000 or visit www.gaylordtexan.com. Transportation to and from the Gaylord Texan to Friday’s CADapalooza full-day program and Saturday’s Build-a-Crown™ Workshops is included, as well as up to 9 CE hours.

CADapalooza ‘10 is sponsored by D4D Technologies, Henry Schein Dental, Ivoclar Vivadent, 3M ESPE and Premier Dental. Go to www.CADapalooza.com to register or for more information!

About CADapalooza

CADapalooza is an annual conference designed to provide attendees with the most recent information and a vision of the capabilities of chairside and laboratory dentistry using products and technologies offered by D4D Technologies and Henry Schein Dental.  The interactive venue will also feature the latest applications and techniques utilizing materials designed especially for digital dentistry today and in the future.