Align Technology

Align Technology announces the iTero Element Plus Series

Align Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ: ALGN) today announced the availability of the iTero Element Plus Series, which expands the company’s portfolio of iTero Element scanners and imaging systems to include new solutions that serve a broader range of the dental market.

The new iTero Element Plus Series of scanners and imaging systems builds on the success of the award-winning iTero Element family and offers all of the existing orthodontic and restorative digital capabilities doctors have come to rely on — plus faster processing time and advanced visualisation capabilities for a seamless scanning experience in a new sleek, ergonomically designed package. Available in both cart and mobile configurations, the iTero Element Plus Series offers increased flexibility and mobility. The mobile configuration makes the power of the iTero Element Plus Series portable with a medical grade, compact mobile scanner solution that delivers the same high-quality images as the cart configuration.

“We are committed to meeting doctors’ evolving needs and designed the iTero Element Plus Series to help them provide the best clinical care for their patients, increase practice growth, and easily integrate digital scanning and imaging into their clinics as a core part of their digital workflow,” said Yuval Shaked, Align Technology, senior vice president and managing director, iTero scanner and services business. “With over 20 years of innovation in digital orthodontics and dentistry, including intraoral scanners and digital workflows, we are focused on bringing the latest technology to doctors and their patients. We engineered the iTero Element Plus Series with the latest computing power, a dedicated AI chip, and new AI-based features as well as an easy upgrade path — making it right for today’s needs and ready for tomorrow.”

The iTero Element Plus Series of solutions offer restorative and orthodontic digital workflows with:

· Enhanced visualisation for optimised patient experience, with higher brightness for clearer and more vivid images, and a fully integrated 3D intraoral camera**.

· Faster, seamless scanning: 20 percent less waiting time for scans to process***.

· Future AI-based features.

· The iTero Element 5D Plus imaging system includes NIRI technology, which aids in the detection of interproximal caries. The iTero Element 5D Plus Lite imaging system allows for easy NIRI activation via a software upgrade.

Dr. Chad Duplantis, a dentist who participated in the iTero Element Plus Series limited market release said, “The continued innovation that Align brings with each iTero Element scanner elevates the standard of care that I am able to provide to my patients. The iTero Element 5D Plus imaging system allows me to be more productive with increased scanning speed, as well as improve patient communication and treatment conversion with the advanced visualisation capabilities.”

The iTero Element Plus Series cart configuration is commercially available in the United States, Canada, European Union countries, Norway, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, and India with availability expected in other markets throughout 2021 and 2022. The iTero Element Plus Series mobile configuration is expected to be available pending regulatory approvals on a market-by-market basis. Information about the iTero Element Plus Series can be found at http://www.itero.com.

Align Technology launches new hygienist programme – Improving Oral Health Through Tooth Alignment

Align Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ: ALGN), has announced the launch of a training programme, specifically created for hygienists and therapists to help improve oral health through tooth alignment. The programme is designed to show dental hygienists and therapists the pivotal new role they can play within a multi-disciplinary, digitally-focused practice. The four-part series is delivered on a dedicated Invisalign webpage and is free for dental hygienists and therapists keen to learn how their expanded scope of practice makes them the ideal partner for dentists, offering Invisalign treatment.

An initial pilot for the programme proved extremely popular amongst the 150 hygienists and therapists who participated, and it has now been available nationwide across the UK. The agenda for the four-part online programme runs as follows:

  • Part 1: An educational session about how the Invisalign system fits into the hygienist/dentist interface and practice workflow; how to identify the patients who could most benefit from tooth alignment to improve their oral health; and how to introduce the Invisalign concept during the hygiene consultation.
  • Part 2: How to effectively communicate with patients during the Hygiene consultation.
  • Part 3: The relationship between oral health and straight teeth.
  • Part 4: How to implement a digital workflow between practitioner and hygienist in the practice: how to diagnose and scan with the iTero inter-oral scanner.

Part Three of the programme is presented by Anna Middleton, who was the highest ranked dental hygienist on this year’s Dentistry Top 50 – coming in at number 9 – and best known to her 11.6k Instagram followers as the @LondonHygienist. Here Anna explains more about the new training programme and the new role she plays in upskilling her peers:

“This is an online programme, especially developed for dental hygienists and therapists to give them an insight into how Align Technology offers a solution to aid patients in their treatment choices. I will be discussing both how I use digital scanning to have open conversations with patients about their dentition, and how I use it in my iTero workflow as an aid to the other clinicians in practice.

“More and more hygienists and therapists are looking for ways to help their patients achieve high levels of good oral health, as well as building further skills by offering additional services, which can create a unique and positive patient journey. They are also keen to undertake such additional roles to help their practices to continue their growth. In the pilot sessions of the programme delegates were keen to learn more about how they could incorporate digital scanning into their scope of practice. They were also keen to develop ways to initiate conversations with patients about teeth straightening, and why these conversations are so important. I was able to share some of the dialogue I use and discuss the steps I take with my patients.

“With this orthodontic programme, there a real scope of opportunities for these dental professionals. I always say ‘Teamwork makes the dream work’. Often when I see a patient under direct access, they may not have visited a dental practice for some time. It is during this time I can discuss not only their oral health but their dental health. I use scanning of my patients as a digital record and we all know the saying ‘a picture is worth a thousand words’… it couldn’t be more true. The scans allow me to show patients all the areas in their mouth in detail, and use it to discuss any concerns they may have – then discuss potential solutions.

“Hygienists and therapists play an important role in any dental practice. The start of any smile make-over journey will begin with a session with me, and the dentists I work with always stress the importance of good oral hygiene and health in order to achieve results and well as preserve their treatment for long after it has been completed. Many of my patients who had difficulty maintaining their oral hygiene due to crowding, have now said how much better their mouths feel and how much easier it is to clean. Those who had more frequent visits in a year are now on 6-12 month recalls.

“I have had conversations with some hygienists and therapists who would like to use their expanded scope of practice more. I believe there is plenty of work to go round and often all it takes is to have a few open discussions with the team and implement a new workflow. The dentists I work with have special interests in aesthetic and restorative dentistry and by sending elements of work to me, means they can focus on the areas they best enjoy. This in turn, is also a better use of their time.

“I see the Invisalign programme helping hygienists and therapists to help their patients as we know misalignment of teeth can be a contributing factor to poor oral hygiene and tooth wear. While Invisalign treatment may not be suitable for all patients – it is the dentist or specialist orthodontist who makes the assessment and decides if the patient is a suitable candidate for a clear aligner treatment – it is a discrete and affordable solution, and one that some patients might not even be aware of. I still have patients who think that ‘braces’ means ‘metal train tracks’ so by being able to scan patients for Invisalign treatment means that you can offer options to your patients. The programme will also show hygienists and therapists other benefits of scanning as it records restorations and calculus. I use digital scanning for all my impressions now. I had a patient who desperately wanted whitening but could not tolerate alginate impressions, I used the iTero to scan their teeth to produce their whitening trays – this was a complete game changer for them.

“The iTero digital workflow between me and the dentists I work with has made things really simple. I have longer appointments for all new patients which allows plenty of time to scan and then treatment options with the patient. Then if there is anything they would like to discuss further, I book them in with the dentist, and because they have already had a scan, they can then continue the conversations – it is like passing the baton seamlessly. We are also now slowly scanning all existing patients so we have base-line digital recordings. It is easy to assume that patients are happy with their smile, but that can change over time. I have found that patients have been fascinated by the technology and then they tell me about what they see, that they do not like – which is the best way to initiate conversation about what we can do to help.

“Hygienist and therapists are in a prime position to carry out scans, by utilising those in your team who are happy and want to take on extra duties, the practice should be able to see an improvement in workflow and time management, as well as an increase in revenue, which I am sure would be welcomed by any dentist.”

Working in tandem

Anna Middleton works with Dr Rhona Eskander, who added: “I think this hygienist programme is such a good idea because ultimately the success of the Invisalign workflow depends on teamwork. The hygienist tends to have a very good relationship with the patients so educating them that aligning the teeth has a massive benefit on oral hygiene is a huge help. Patients are more likely to understand about teeth straightening options because the hygienist had already highlighted the benefits. Anna sees patients herself as a result of Direct Access and often I get referrals for aligning their teeth. In my experience the hygienist convinces the patient to have treatment before you have even seen them, so ultimately more patients can be seen because the hygienist has already had that discussion with the patient.

“I would advise dentists to get on board with this Align hygienist programme particularly if their staff are already talking to their patients about Invisalign treatment. With so many more hygiene than dental appointments, it makes sense to involve their hygienists and it is something that really should not be missed.”

Access to the training programme is via the Invisalign portal and to register, the dental hygienist or therapist needs to log on in collaboration with the Invisalign provider in the practice where they work using their IDS number. CPD certification is conferred on all participants on completion of the course.

Dr Elaine Halley discusses Invisalign Virtual Care and how it has helped her practice during the Covid-19 pandemic

Align Technology, Inc. has developed virtual solutions which help doctors connect with existing Invisalign patients to ensure continuity of care include Invisalign Virtual Appointment and Invisalign Virtual Care. These represent the next level in practice and care transformation, which enable doctors to manage a range of practice services even when they are not in the same physical location as their patients. Until recently, both solutions were in pilot phases but their launch was accelerated to support doctors in managing their practices and patients during the Covid-19 pandemic.

· The Invisalign Virtual Appointment tool enables doctors to easily schedule and host HIPPA-compliant video appointments with patients. Doctors and their practice staff can schedule a video consultation and discussion Invisalign treatment.

· Invisalign Virtual Care is built into the My Invisalign app, and can be used for remote consultations, assessment of treatment progress, and to communicate adjustments or concerns during treatment. Patients use the intuitive My Invisalign App to stay engaged in their treatment and convey progress photos to their doctor, who reviews these photos on their Invisalign Doctor Site and communicates any needed instructions to patients, ensuring their Invisalign treatment journey is on track.

Here Dr Elaine Halley talks about Invisalign Virtual Appointment and Virtual Care and what difference they have made to her practice during the Covid-19 pandemic:

Could you describe how you have used Invisalign Virtual Care in your practice?

We have used Invisalign Virtual Care in a couple of ways: We have had some patients who had to move away from the area especially during lockdown and we have used Invisalign Virtual Care to help finish cases. Two patients had to go back to China as their student visas ran out and they were not quite finished. So we are in the process of using it for that albeit with limitations. It helps us keep in touch and provide the very end of their treatment. I took all the attachments off before they went, so that they could finish their aligner treatment.

We also used Invisalign Virtual Care for people with similar circumstances in the UK we need to adapt to – like a young chef who is leaving for a job in Cornwall and has recently started his Invisalign treatment. He will be able to come back, but in the meantime, I can keep an eye on him (using the tool).

We have also used Invisalign Virtual Care for people who wanted to minimize their trips to the practice. I am thinking of a few teachers who expressed that they would rather come in towards the end of treatment.

I have seen some practices use Invisalign Virtual Care for all patients. For us, it is more patient- selective. If it is not an issue for people to come in, then I would like to see them. But for the others, we have the option and that gives us an enormous amount of flexibility, which we embrace in these challenging times.

In terms of the workflow, we give the patients some retractors to take away with them. The virtual care tab on IDS, Invisalign Doctor Site, gives you a list of all the patients enrolled with their compliance as a percentage and an alert when they upload new pictures and videos. You can then have a look and send them instructions to keep going or to wear aligners for longer or to make an appointment.

How have your patients reacted to and complied with the tool?

The compliance level is great once they understand what to do. We have found that they need a bit of prompting. The younger ones take to it a bit more easily.

What difference has it made to your practice?

It does cut down the number of visits for certain patients and it also means that regardless of circumstances, patients can keep going with their treatments rather than being stuck on a specific aligner until we can see them again. From a treatment supervision point of view, it is also very helpful to know that you have actually seen the patient and been able to keep the record in the clinical notes as regular supervision without taking up chair time.

What do you feel about the support Align has given providers since the first lockdown?

It has truly been excellent. I think they have definitely worked very hard to try and be creative with how they could help during lockdown. What I have used right from the beginning was the Invisalign Virtual Appointments before Invisalign Virtual Care was launched. It is like a Zoom appointment system to make virtual consultation appointments through the Invisalign Doctor Site.

How do you feel these new services will help you during the second wave?

I think it helps us being more prepared and we can also reassure patients that even if they cannot see us, we can still keep in touch and we can still progress with their treatments.

Why should other practices move towards this way of working?

It gives flexibility instead of seeing patients at every set interval. It helps tailor the treatment to the patient’s needs. If patients can see you, that’s fine but if for any reason it is difficult to do so, it makes it easier for the patient without necessarily taking up chair time.

If you had one thing to recommend to your peers about adopting Invisalign Virtual Care what would it be?

I would recommend that they should learn about Invisalign Virtual Care, and consider discussing it with their patients. Invisalign Virtual Care can be valuable for all practices. I think it is important to know that it is available and an option for patients in circumstances where their treatment may get stuck and find the whole situation quite challenging. There is no need for it, as Invisalign Virtual Care can make such a huge difference to the progress of the treatment.

Are you planning to continue to use of Invisalign Virtual Care in 2021?

Yes, absolutely, it is definitely a valuable tool.

Align Technology announces UK General Dentist Forum lineup

Align Technology, Inc will stage its annual UK GP Forum on 6th February 2021. The event will be broadcast online from a TV studio. The company has curated a line-up of speakers from both inside and outside of dentistry to explore the most pressing topics shaping dental sector, which has evolved throughout 2020. The event`s programme has been designed to encourage dentists to explore insights into the latest technology and product innovations from Align Technology and beyond.

The speakers include George Blankenship, a former Tesla, Apple and GAP Inc. executive, alongside a notable line-up of dental professionals from the UK and USA. They will be joined by John Morton, Align Director of Research and Technology for product innovation.

Collectively, they will underline the opportunities which exist for general dentists to tap into the growing demand for Invisalign treatment, and embrace the digital advantages of the iTero system. Delegates will learn about the market for new patients in the Covid-19 environment, which has changed the dental landscape, and presented some new opportunities.

Confirmed Plenary Session speakers

· Dr Rhona Eskander and Brooke Radich, Align’s EMEA Director Marketing on The 2021 consumer: Align/dentist perspectives

· George Blankenship (USA) Former Tesla, Apple and GAP Inc. executive, on Leading Through Change

· John Morton (USA) Invisalign Director of Research and Technology for product innovation on End to End Innovation

· Dr David Galler (USA) on The Business of Invisalign Breakout Session Speakers:

· Dr Mohsen Tehranian on Comprehensive Dentistry – from start to finish

· Dr Camilla Morrison on Optimised End to End Treatment Planning, with the Invisalign Go System

· Dr Marcos White on The Digital Revolution Practice Team Breakout Speakers:

· Dr Kunal Patel and dental nurse and practice manager Lucy Patel on Building an award-winning patient journey

· Kevin Rose on Effective enquiry handling

· Anna Middleton, dental hygienist on Tooth alignment and oral hygiene

Keeping ahead of the curve in an evolving market

The speakers will advocate timely solutions to current issues which may prove challenging even to the most experienced dental professionals. Leading business innovation and transformation advisor George Blankenship will draw on the dynamism of market leading consumer brands to advocate ways to influence positive change amidst the Covid-19 pandemic. Whilst transforming clinical skills, dental practice workflow and patient care will be the domain of the roster of dental professionals on the platform. They will challenge delegates to embrace change; demonstrating that with the right treatments, digital technologies and support, GPs can turn their practices into thriving businesses at the same time as create new, beautiful smiles for their patients.

A range of clinical presentations aim to inspire delegates to consider the end-to-end patient journey, to evolve their treatment planning and up-skill to treat comprehensively. Finally, R&D expert John Morton will describe the collaboration between clinicians and the researchers at Align Technology throughout the last 24 years, illustrating how this has driven innovation and what they can expect next.

Business and clinical growth

As well as developing the most advanced technologies, the company realised the need to provide practice transformation best practice, education and business support to help practitioners to maximise their practice development. The GP Forum is a piece in the jigsaw of this end-to-end programme of support.

As presenter Dr Marcos White commented: “The pandemic has just reinforced how important digital technologies have become. I’m delighted to be speaking at the Invisalign UK GP Forum, discussing how the Invisalign system, iTero scanner and digital innovations have helped my business thrive during 2020. I hope that I can instill my peers that this thriving is better than just surviving.”

Speaker Dr David Galler agrees that digitalisation is a business enabler as it increases patient engagement and helps with treatment uptake: “The power of visualisation for the consumer is one of the most important thing we can do for our patients. In 90 seconds, a patient can visualise how amazing their teeth can look. If my local gym had an outcome

simulator and they would show me how I would look after all the gym work, I would probably have the premium gym membership level.”

The Invisalign GP Forum will showcase relatable strategies for dental professionals on how to break down barriers to adoption, highlighting the clinical, business and patient centric benefits of digital-centric practice. The topics have been chosen to inspire forward thinking dentists to become dynamic players for 2021 and beyond. To book a place on the Invisalign UK GP Forum, visit: www.ukgpforum.co.uk.

Align Technology to host first Digital Innovations Forum to help futureproof the dental profession

Align Technology, Inc announced that it will host its first Digital Innovations Forum on 2nd and 3rd December 2020 from 5pm to 8pm (CET). The two-day virtual meeting will be delivered digitally to bring together an international panel of speakers to showcase the latest thinking about practice-related digital innovations who will demonstrate how practitioners can adopt improved digital workflows and more efficient treatment experiences – for their practices and ultimately, also for their patients.

To date, Align has invested over $1 billion (US) in research and development of its cutting-edge technology, including Invisalign aligners and iTero intraoral scanners to advance solutions for dental professionals and their patients. The company remains focused on elevating practices beyond their current digitization level and help them in their optimization efforts, as well as assist in futureproofing the dental profession.

Throughout the Digital Innovations Forum, the roster of speakers will explore why the shift to digital is happening right now, and why embracing digital technology is an essential part of a dynamic business.

The audience will be privy to a talk by, Dr. Edward J. Zuckerberg, D.D.S.,F.A.G.D. who is a Graduate of NYU College of Dentistry, a pioneer in the integration of technology in the dental office and development of techniques for delivering painless dentistry for over 30 years who confirmed his presence at the Forum. Dr. Zuckerberg’s early adoption of advanced technologies in his practice caught the attention of Industry leaders who enlisted him to lecture, write articles and beta test new technologies. In his lecture, he will talk about technology integration in the dental practice, social media marketing and online reputation management for dentists and dental practices, to better understand and meet the needs and challenges brought by the digital revolution.

To hear from Dr. Zuckerberg, click here and scroll down to view a short video.

Align Technology has lined up an array of experienced clinicians from around the world who will share their knowledge, experience, and provide easily actionable advice, so practitioners can immediately start applying what they learn. Presenters will include: Drs Affan Saghir, George Cheetham and Mohsen Tehranian (UK), Dr Ahmad Hagar (Germany), Dr. Alessandro Greco (Italy), Dr. Emmanuel Dumu (Belgium), Dr. Marcos Hiroce (Brazil), Dr. Martin Pedernera (Spain), Drs. Michaela Sehnert and Peter Schicker (Germany), and Dr. Silvia Caruso (Italy), as well as Align’s presenters: Dr David Lopes and John Morton.

For more information about the 2020 Digital Innovations Forum and to register, please visit https://aligndigitalinnovationsforum.com/

Align Technology to host first Digital Innovations Forum to help futureproof dental profession

Align Technology has announced that it will host its first Digital Innovations Forum on 2nd and 3rd December 2020 from 5pm to 8pm (CET). The two-day virtual meeting will be delivered digitally to bring together an international panel of speakers to showcase the latest thinking about practice-related digital innovations. Their collective aim will be to demonstrate how practitioners can adopt improved digital workflows and more efficient treatment experiences – for their practices and ultimately for their patients.

To date, Align has invested over $1 billion (US) in research and development of its cutting-edge technology, including Invisalign aligners and iTero intraoral scanners to advance solutions for dental professionals and their patients. The company remains focused on elevating practices beyond their current position in their digitization and optimization efforts, assisting in futureproofing the dental profession.

Throughout the Digital Innovations Forum, the roster of speakers will explore why the shift to digital is happening right now, and why embracing digital technology is an essential part of a dynamic business. 

Bo Dahlbom, a lecturer on the importance of digitalisation for business and society, IT professor at the University of Gothenburg, chairman of the board of Activation, and a long-time adviser to the government on IT policy issues, will start the plenary session with an insight into ‘The Digital Revolution and Dental Care’.

Explaining the subject of his lecture, Bo Dahlbom commented: “Dentists could resist digitalisation if the whole profession remained conservative and did not easily embrace technological advances. But this is not reality. To remain ahead of the game, dental practitioners need to benchmark themselves against competition and see how the digital revolution is impacting on them.” He added: “In my keynote, I will talk about the changes in society and the similarities between dentistry and other industries. I will also highlight how powerful companies’ digital platforms shape the future and how Align Technology has this ambition to drive the dental industry forward”.

For more information about the Digital Innovations Forum and to register, please visit https://aligndigitalinnovationsforum.com/

New report reveals measures undertaken by the dental profession have aided post-Covid-19 recovery

Align Technology published results of a new survey revealing the measures taken and challenges faced by the dental profession in the United Kingdom during and post the Covid-19 lockdown.

According to the report, drawn together from a number of independent sources by Align Technology, the dental profession has risen to the challenge of treating patients throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, with increased safety measures and a rise in virtual consultations compared with pre-Covid-19 times.

The report also finds that closing practices again during a potential second wave in the autumn could be detrimental to patient health. In a survey of dentists, therapist, hygienists and nurses working for the 600 mydentist group practices, 96 percent stated that lockdown has had an adverse impact on the nation’s oral health and that greater access to affordable dental care is needed. 88 percent of dental health experts surveyed said that the UK’s dental health could decline because a lack of routine appointments could lead to preventative dental issues getting worse1.

Those mydentist professionals surveyed suggested that there were missed opportunities to identify oral cancer which may cause significant long-term health issues. Over three quarters (77 percent) of those questioned are especially worried that oral cancers will be missed, and not referred onwards1. 1,700 members of the British Association of Private Dentists concur, nearly 97 percent of those surveyed are performing fewer oral cancer screens per day in comparison to their situation pre-lockdown2. Oral cancer specialist Professor Mike Lewis reported that where he normally receives 100 oral cancer referrals, over the same period of time, he received only three. Professor Lewis notes this underlines the need to ensure that patients have regular access to dental practices.

Over a quarter (41 percent) of dentists believe it will take between a year and 18-months for the UK’s oral health to return to ‘normal’ after the Covid-19 crisis1. The probable rise in the need for implants was a concern that was specifically raised. Dr. Guy Laffan, a dentist practicing in Wales, advised that he personally extracted 10 patients’ teeth post lockdown, and felt these could have been saved if his practice had remained open and treatment was accessible. Whilst London based, Dr. Gina Vega added that 35-40 of her patients had root canal issues during lockdown. Around half did not meet the criteria to be seen by the dental hubs and some had teeth extracted as a result. Dr. Vega expects a surge in the number of implants conducted over the coming months.

Positive news

Many positive findings also emerged.  The report suggests those patients who have been able to connect with a dentist virtually during the lockdown period had a positive experience. Patients who used a virtual clinic or telephone consultation had 97 percent and 94 percent satisfaction with their experience, respectively1. This suggests a future for the use of telehealth in dentistry as an aid for recovery from the coronavirus pandemic.

All dentists questioned agreed or strongly agreed that a teledentistry system would be very useful in saving time. Dr. Ben Atkins, president of the Oral Health Foundation, suggests teledentistry has improved the patient experience, with the use of virtual clinics and telephone consultations. Dr. Atkins recommends that dentists consider increasing their teledentistry offering to help reduce the risk of viral transmission and compliance with social distancing measures.

Adult orthodontics has also been identified as an opportunity for growth for practices post lockdown. Over three quarters (80 percent) of orthodontists in a new survey saw an increase in adult patients, and over half (60 percent), say this is due to heightened awareness of adult orthodontics. More than 15 percent of orthodontists say their adult patients are influenced by celebrities and bloggers. The majority of adult patients (85 percent) are in the 26 to 55 age bracket and female (80 percent).3

According to Dr. Mark Cronshaw, President of the Pandora Group*, the dental profession has led the way for stringent safety measures. While protective masks, gloves and clothing have always been the gold standard for patient and doctor protection, during lockdown, this lobbying organisation created a recommended 8-step protocol for reopening safely. This included evidence-based advice about the length of fallow time, air sterilisation, AGPs, rubber dam, PPE (levels of) suction technologies, and patient pre-treatment checks 4.

The protocol aims to reduce the risks associated with aerosol generating procedures down to around 0.1 percent risk, and cumulatively reduce the overall risk and impact on the provision of general dental practice. Additionally, while dentists have been advised that they should have a month’s worth of PPE in reserve in case of a second wave, no dentists questioned reported concerns about access to PPE, underlining how the profession’s forward planning measures are already in place. 4

Align Technology has committed $1 million to the Align Foundation to source and supply personal protective equipment (PPE) and medical supply donations as well as making cash donations to the World Health Organisation in Europe. It is also using its 3D printing technology and manufacturing expertise to produce face shields and medical swaps to support the fight against Covid-19.

In addition, the company is supporting campaigns to help dentists and dentistry through sharing best practice, cooperating with leading associations, providing practical support for organisations and developing technologies to support the profession, including introducing virtual solutions to connect doctors and patients.  

Visit www.aligntech.com for more information.

References:

1 Research conducted by mydentist amongst 600 dental practices

2 British Association of Private Dentists

3 British Orthodontic Society

4 The Pandora Group – * Pandora is an independent think tank founded in recognition of the need for evidence based best practice and guidance during the Covid-19 pandemic.  Since the end of March, the group has been researching and pooling resources to create protocols enabling the profession to get back to treating the nation’s dental needs and how to open safely, sooner, access scarce PPE and save costs.

Align Technology launches MyiTero lab workflow

Align Technology has launched an enhanced laboratory workflow, designed to significantly improve the collaboration between dental practices and laboratories, and can lead to increased efficiency, better accuracy, enhanced communication and a faster turnaround for both parties.

At the heart of the new workflow sits the cloud-based MyiTero.com platform, which enables the laboratory to receive scans within minutes, allowing them to review and communicate with the dentist in real time, for example – while the patient is still in the chair. It provides the laboratory with increased flexibility to manage the restorative workflow, ultimately enhancing patient communication and outcomes, and reducing the need for multiple revisits.

Steven Campbell, President of the United Kingdom Dental Laboratories Association, said: “The new workflow allows technicians to work on immediate scan enhancements and make timely modifications to their milled models, saving at least a day, if not more, on cases. Scans can be received and reviewed within minutes, rather than the previous timeline of 8 – 48 hours.”

As an early user of the new workflow, Campbell has already observed some of the benefits in his lab and among his customers. As he explained: “In my opinion the MyiTero workflow is a major advance in direct communication with dental surgeons, so that they can make the adjustments needed while the patient is still in the dental chair. It allows us to work more collaboratively, as well as to create a convincing and effective proposition to offer patients. Our restoration remake rate is the lowest it has ever been, and it is purely down to communication. We now have a tool that allows us to send the whole design to the surgeons who can view it in their own time, inspect it from all angles, make an informed decision and request rapid changes. This reduces stress, saves time, product wastage and postage, as well as prevents disappointments regarding patient treatment. With the iTero intraoral scanner, the digital workflow process is fully mapped out, ready and mature.”

Align Technology announces virtual events

Align Technology’s Invisalign brand is hosting a digital edition of its Scientific Symposium in the format of a television news broadcast from 14-15 May. In addition, Align Technology is also ‘relocating’ its Dubrovnik Growth Summit to a virtual platform. Described as a ‘hyper-connected broadcast’, the summit will feature a TV studio with a news anchor moderating the event to beam some of the brightest minds in dentistry and business directly into dentists’ homes throughout a full two-day symposium on 19 and 20 June.

The Invisalign Scientific Symposium will present upcoming Invisalign innovations, the opportunity to ‘attend’ lectures from world-class speakers, the chance to network with international colleagues during a virtual social hour, and recognition of Invisalign cases via the Invisalign Scientific Symposium Award. For more information on how to attend, the full schedule and list of speakers, visit www.invisalignscientificsymposium.com.

Meanwhile, in June, Align Technology’s Growth Summit has been curated for all dentists to look beyond the current situation and learn how to prepare for a life back in practice. Joining this unique digital experience will present an opportunity to connect with thought leaders and absorb the unrivalled clinical, business development and personal growth modules. The programme covers many in-demand topics from leadership and influence, to crisis management, patient connectivity and communication, recovery and business prosperity, comprehensive and multidisciplinary dentistry, diagnoses, treatment planning and protocols, facial driven treatment planning, ways to lead with digital (iTero), and personal growth and wellbeing.

Align Growth Summit speakers

Align Growth Summit speakers

The list of speakers will include: Dr Ingo Baresel, an accomplished international speaker and author of numerous articles relating to digital workflows and intraoral scanning; Dr Karla Soto, semi-finalist at the national 2017 Invisalign Summit and is the image for a pilot program for the Invisalign software; and Dr David Galler, who has even developed his own interproximal reduction (IPR) technique. The summit will also present speakers on a range on non-dental topics, such as: Ken Hughes, a  shopping and consumer behaviourist who will be suggesting five ways to bring patients back; and Connie Dieken, a word-renowned executive coach for senior business leaders.

For full details, visit www.aligngrowthsummit.com.