Leading the way in endodontic education

A review of the Dentsply Sirona Endodontic Educators Symposium 2022 held in London last October

Friday 14th October 2022 marked an important date for the endodontic community as delegates gathered at the Tower Suites by Blue Orchid Hotels, a state-of-the-art venue with magnificent views overlooking the Tower of London, for the Dentsply Sirona Endodontic Educators Symposium 2022.

After a long period of absence, it was the chance for many of the experts involved in endodontic teaching to once again meet up with like-minded colleagues to update their knowledge across a range of different topics and discover more about the new developments in endodontic systems, dentine preservation and digital workflows from leading lights in the profession.

The day began with a welcome from endodontic specialist and Chair of the Symposium, Julian Webber, who presented delegates with an entertaining and very personal look at the history of the Maillefer company that was first established in Ballaigues, Switzerland over 130 years ago. He talked about the different generations of Maillefer’s endodontic files, the key personnel involved in their development, his part as one of the co-developers of the WaveOne® Gold single-file reciprocating system, through to where the company is today as part of Dentsply Sirona a global leader in the design and manufacturer of endodontic file systems known around the world.

The presentations that followed clearly illustrated the major advances that continue to be made in endodontics and the integral part that digital technology now plays in the visualisation of root canal anatomy. A live panel discussion with the speakers at the end of the day also offered the opportunity for peer-to-peer discussion, creating a valuable opportunity for further informal learning and networking.

Professor Francesco Mannocci, Head of Endodontology at King’s College, London opened the Symposium with an in-depth discussion on the use of CBCT in endodontic treatment planning. Using a variety of case examples he explained why CBCT is so essential in the detection of fractures and cracks and the role this plays in pulp preservation and endodontic treatment. He also reminded delegates that mistakes will be made along the way, but the key was to learn from any mistakes and to turn them into positives for the future.

Endodontic educators and business partners, Jon Cowie and Luca Moranzoni, then turned the focus onto the philosophy of dentine preservation as a key concept in modern restorative endodontics. Walking through a case from start to finish they demonstrated how the TruNatomy ™ file system works to protect the integrity of the tooth while providing an opportunity to push the limits a little more while still preserving the all-important paracervical dentine.

Taking a step away from the surgical aspects of endo, Shalini Kanagasingam discussed the impact of social media on endodontic education. As a teacher at the University of Central Lancashire, Shalini has become increasingly aware of the impact social media has on her dental students and has undertaken research to see how different social media channels affect different age groups and how students are relying on these as sources of education.

She discussed how students and dental schools use social media and the type of information students were looking for such as clinical procedures, theoretical knowledge and case studies. She also highlighted the worrying amount of misinformation surrounding root canal treatment that is readily available online, yet there is no active social media monitoring policy from UK dental regulatory bodies to challenge this and put the record straight.

Jon Cowie and Luca Moranzoni returned for the final presentation of the day, looking not just at dentine preservation but also at onlay restorations. Setting the scene using two of their own case studies, they demonstrated how the timing of the restorative after root canal treatment and by placing extra coronal restorations in a timelier way can possibly lead to a better outcome and less likelihood of having those teeth extracted. Seeing this as an ideal workflow for general dentists they want to encourage more timely restoration of the retreated tooth and this is where a digital workflow can sit really nicely.

“We have had a great day here today. It’s been fantastic catching up with colleagues old and new and it has been a great event. Thank you very much Dentsply Sirona!”
Aaron Yusuf, Ridgway Dental, Wimbledon

“Today has been a great update on new technologies and what’s upcoming in the market as well as gathering with and meeting colleagues we don’t tend to see in clinical practice. It has also been a great opportunity to discuss cases and make sure we come up with solutions for the patients, because at the end of the day it’s about what’s in the best interest for the patient.”
Dr Cesar Munoz, K Dental Studios

“It has been a great day here at the Dentsply Sirona Endodontic Educators Symposium. It’s been a pleasure to get everyone back in the same room again to share opinions and experiences and just for the whole endo community to get back together again after such a long period of absence.”
Jon Cowie, Contemporary Endo

To find out more about Dentsply Sirona’s endodontic solutions, click here.

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The CEREC® effect: how same-day dentistry benefits dentist and patient

Dentistry continues to change in an uncertain economic climate for patients and practices alike. Finding ways to meet these needs, safeguard patients’ disposable income and drive practice profitability is the key to navigating the reality we all face.

It’s technology that often holds the key to driving benefits for customers and businesses, and CAD/CAM dentistry is an example of a transformative move that could hold the key to this.

CAD/CAM dentistry with CEREC® in particular has the power to open up treatment options, reducing the number of visits and chair time, and therefore boost efficiency and profitability. Allowing for same-day dentistry across crowns, bridges, inlays, onlays and more, it also provides a cost-effective and comfortable alternative for patients.

Building a profitable practice

New equipment is a capital expense that should warrant a return on investment. A practice that invests in CEREC can expect to reliably see positive impacts across the business in terms of profitability. Along with expanding the treatment choices to patients and maximising revenue streams, CEREC technology also brings:

  • Reliability over a full restorative workflow and full control.
  • The ability to offer same-day restorations.
  • Less time is needed for appointments, across fewer visits.

Remember, it is possible to benefit from the government’s super-deduction scheme when buying new dental equipment too. This enables practices to deduct the partial or full value of the equipment before paying tax, as outlined in the details of the scheme. It’s advisable to speak with an accountant or tax advisor first to get the advice you need.

Passing the benefits down to patients

A fully digital workflow can offer exceptional versatility and efficiency, but let’s not forget that it also reduces visits and chair time for patients. Positive experiences such as these can improve compliance and increase word of mouth recommendations, not to mention making visits to the dentist more manageable for time-poor patients who value efficiency and a comfortable treatment experience.

To see how this would work, we need to look to the latest technology, including CEREC but also spanning across 3D printing and intraoral scanning. Together, these tools empower clinicians in workflows such as the production of a CEREC crown, for instance, reducing what could be a two or three-visit treatment plan to one single visit, within one day.

Integrating your workflow

If you already have an intraoral scanner, CEREC is an economic no-brainer that will complement your workflow perfectly. Intraoral scanners like Primescan® work with 3D printers and CEREC to complete treatment offerings in-house.

When choosing a 3D printer, it’s important to look for medical-grade devices like Dentsply Sirona’s Primeprint®, specifically made to handle medical applications. Built to handle the entire print, cure and wash workflow, Primeprint delivers the enhanced safety necessary for dental environments.

Then there’s Dentsply Sirona’s DS Core™, a new cloud-based platform designed specifically for dentistry that brings all software and digital equipment together, allowing clinicians to access all data through easy onscreen navigation and fully control their treatment workflows.

TRADE OFFER NOW ON!

Now, you can trade in old technology for a brand new CEREC system, trading any intraoral scanner for a brand new CEREC® Primescan® AC or any old milling machine for a brand new CEREC® Primemill® – if you trade before 31 March 2023.

 

Reach out to Dentsply Sirona CAD/CAM technology specialist by clicking here to receive a no-obligation, bespoke ROI calculation for you and your practice.

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The Probe Dental Podcast Presents: Exploring a same-day, restorative-led root to crown workflow from Dentsply Sirona

In this podcast, Specialist Endodontists Jon Cowie and Luca Moranzoni discuss a restorative-led root to crown workflow, which allows them to maintain their minimally invasive approach to endodontics as well as enabling a timely restoration. Find out why they think this workflow would suit general dentists who, with the help of digital dentistry, can now deliver endodontic and restorative treatment in the same appointment.

Listen here as well as on all major podcast platforms, including Apple PodcastsGoogle PodcastsSpotify and more:

 

For more information, visit https://www.dentsplysirona.com/en-gb

 

The Probe Dental Podcast Presents: Clinical applications of Ossix GBR/GTR materials and the DS PrimeTaper implant system

Clinical applications of Ossix GBR/GTR materials and the DS PrimeTaper implant system

In this insightful podcast, implant surgeon Dr Hrisith Choksi delves into the clinical applications of the Ossix range of guided bone and tissue regeneration materials and the DS PrimeTaper implant system.

For more information, visit https://www.dentsplysirona.com/en-gb/categories/implant-dentistry/ds-primetaper.html

Listen here as well as on all major podcast platforms, including Apple PodcastsGoogle PodcastsSpotify and more:

 

Dentsply Sirona Appoints Tony Johnson as Chief Supply Chain Officer

Dentsply Sirona has announced that Tony Johnson has been appointed Chief Supply Chain Officer (CSCO), effective November 28, 2022. He succeeds Andy Johnson, who served as Interim Supply Chain Leader and will now fully focus again on his role as VP of Formulated Products.

Mr. Johnson is a seasoned operations executive with 30 years of global experience across engineering, manufacturing, supply chain and procurement in the medical device business. He joins the Company from Cardinal Health, where he led upstream product marketing, research and development, medical affairs, and the medical global supply chain as President of Global Products and Supply Chain. Prior to that, he was Senior Vice President of Operations at Becton Dickinson (BD) / CR Bard where he was responsible for their Interventional Segment, and spent 25 years with Baxter International where he held positions leading operations both in the United States and internationally.

Simon Campion, Chief Executive Officer of Dentsply Sirona, said, “We are pleased to have Tony as a seasoned operations executive with 30 years of global experience join us. Tony’s strong history of delivering results at international medical device businesses matches very well with Dentsply Sirona’s global footprint, our broad portfolio in the dental space and our future ambitions. His international leadership and supply chain expertise will be instrumental to deliver on our strategic goals, realize our full potential and create value for our stakeholders.”

Mr. Johnson said, “It’s an honor to join the global leader in dental products and technologies. I am convinced that my experience will be of value for Dentsply Sirona to build a robust platform that enables the Company to capitalize on the market opportunities and reliably serve the needs of the customers around the globe. I look forward to working with this great team on its important purpose to empower customers by creating innovative solutions for healthy smiles.”

A Smile is Born during simulcast world premiere

On Tuesday 1st November, London, Manchester and Glasgow all played host to the world premiere of A Smile is Born – a documentary highlighting the personal story of one man’s journey to confidence and his dream smile.

The premiere screenings were staged at the Everyman Kings Cross, Everyman Manchester St. John’s and Everyman Glasgow theatres, where guests were greeted with champagne receptions and canapés.

The Red Carpet in London

The film follows Luke, a real patient, as he undergoes end-to-end smile makeover, combining implant and orthodontic treatment in an advanced digital workflow. The process is managed by Dr Martin Wanendeya and Dr Nina Shaffie, who share their treatment journeys and shine spotlight on the key decisions they made to reach a successful outcome. A Smile is Born serves as a showcase not just for Dentsply Sirona’s digital technology, but also how clinicians and dental technicians work together with their patients.

Luke underwent SureSmile clear aligner treatment with Nina, tooth extraction and immediate placement of a PrimeTaper implant (Dentsply Sirona’s latest implant which gives outstanding primary stability) with Martin, and had his teeth whitened and some composite bonding.

In London, the enjoyment of those in attendance at the screenings was made apparent with the applause the film received as the credits rolled. Guests were then treated to a live panel discussion and Q&A session with leading industry experts. London’s panel comprised star of the film Martin Wanendeya along with Tif Qureshi, a general dentist who regularly uses SureSmile clear aligners, and Hugo Souza, a technician from Nexus Dental Lab, which also featured in the movie.

Attendees also received 1.5 hours of verifiable CPD.

Watch the trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LtC8e3kTnW8

 A Smile is Born will be available on general release in 2023.

Dentsply Sirona continues to support World Oral Health Day in 2023

The manufacturer congratulates dental students from Mongolia for winning the WOHD Best Branded Photo award

Dentsply Sirona, the world’s largest manufacturer of professional dental products and technologies, was the award sponsor for this year’s WOHD “Best Branded Photo” award and has congratulates the winners of the award – the Dental Students Association from Etugen University in Mongolia. The winning photo features teachers and students posing with the World Oral Health Day 2022 #MouthProud frame and personalized posters created by the group to teach kindergarten children how to keep their teeth healthy.

“We have seen some great initiatives come out of the 2022 campaign and we commend the Etugen Dental Students Association for their efforts to instill good oral health practices in the next generation,” said Erania Brackett, Senior Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer at Dentsply Sirona. “Oral health is such a central part of a person’s overall health and wellbeing, and we are proud to once again support World Oral Health Day in 2023.”

The award-giving ceremony took place during the FDI General Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland, on September 22, 2022. At the same event, key results from World Oral Health Day 2022 were presented and the 2023 campaign’s theme and concept were disclosed. The 2023 campaign focuses on the importance of maintaining life-long good oral health with its motto “Be proud of your mouth for a lifetime of smiles.”

Dentsply Sirona partners with FDI World Dental Federation for World Oral Health Day 2022 as part of its sustainability strategy “BEYOND: Taking action for a brighter world”. At its core is the ambition to lead the transformation towards a sustainable dentistry, increase quality of and access to oral care globally and create 25 million smiles by 2025.

Erania Brackett presented Dentsply Sirona’s ongoing activities in which the company partnered with dental professionals to promote the importance of oral health for overall health to their patients at the event at the FDI General Assembly. To continue the momentum of World Oral Health Day throughout the year, Dentsply Sirona recently ran a social media campaign that promoted the WOHD themes of emotional, social and physical wellbeing, with a mixture of culture and information posts to highlight oral health issues and ways to create healthy smiles. Meanwhile, DS Women, an employee resource group at Dentsply Sirona, organized an employee-led initiative to further oral health by collecting and donating more than 4,000 toothbrushes and oral hygiene products for community-based organizations serving families and individuals in need in the US and Canada.

Recognising the importance of oral health

“With the recent approval and adoption of a global oral health strategy, the World Health Organization has recognized oral health as an integral part of overall health and a priority area for Member States to address”, says Cherée Johnson, Senior Vice President, General Counsel & Chief Legal Officer and Chair of Sustainability Committee at Dentsply Sirona “At Dentsply Sirona, we welcome this decision and believe that now more than ever is the time for everyone in dentistry to increase awareness as well as take action and work on identifying new ways to increase the quality and access to oral health globally so that everyone around the world has a chance for a happy, healthy smile.”

For more information on Dentsply Sirona’s sustainability strategy BEYOND, visit www.dentsplysirona.com/sustainability.

Further information about the WOHD partnership with FDI is available on the website.

A realistic alternative to amalgam

Emma Cadey, National Product Specialist for Restorative, Endodontic & Preventative at Dentsply Sirona, explains why Surefil one self-adhesive hybrid composite offers a real alternative to amalgam for direct restorations

Since October 2013 when the Minamata Convention on Mercury agreed a global treaty to phase out the use of dental amalgam by 2030, the search for a realistic alternative has been growing at pace.

Amalgam use remains high in NHS-funded dentistry and it is the most commonly used material in NHS posterior restorations. The most common alternative is composite, which is not only more costly, it also takes longer to place and is more technique-sensitive, with a higher reported incidence of post-operative complications than amalgam.

A recent study[i] has shown that primary care clinicians have major personal and patient concerns regarding the amalgam phase-down. Many clinicians say they lack confidence using composite, especially when restoring posterior teeth in more complex cases, but confidence using amalgam is high.

In the study, a significant majority (65%) of clinicians said that the amalgam phase-out will impact on their ability to do their job, with concern about the extra time needed to place and replace alternatives, leading to an increased need for indirect restorations and more extractions. Already, 74% of UK adults have had at least one tooth extracted and 84% have a filling, with 2.4% of 5-year-old children in England having had one or more teeth extracted because of decay[ii].

The problem

Clinicians face a choice when it comes to restorative options between composite, amalgam (which cannot be used on under 16s or pregnant women), glass ionomers (GIs), resin modified GIs or extraction. While GIs are easy to place they are not indicated as a permanent restorative material due to their inferior mechanical properties. This can lead to premature failure and the need for re-treatment at the practice’s expense.

Composites require complete isolation during restorative procedures and achieving moisture control, especially when treating children, the elderly or patients with special needs, often makes successful placement of composite quite difficult.

The solution

A new alternative, that combines the simplicity of a glass ionomer with the longevity of a bonded composite, is Surefil one™ from Dentsply Sirona. This material represents a step change, being the first self-adhesive, bulk filling, composite hybrid, with the added benefit of long-term fluoride release.

Surefil one is a tooth-coloured, moisture-tolerant material that does not require any sort of external bonding mechanism or cavity conditioning; it only requires cavity preparation and filling. Its new patented MOPOS (Modified Polyacid System) technology creates a chemical bond with the tooth surface, pulling the calcium ions to the tooth, creating a bond as strong and durable as composite.

Surefil one’s self-adhesion makes etching and bonding obsolete and virtually eliminates polymerisation shrinkage that can lead to post-operative sensitivity. With Surefil one, post-operative sensitivity has been reported at less than 1%[iii]. Fewer steps in the procedure make restorative treatment faster and more efficient, ideal in situations where speed is critical, for instance when treating vulnerable patients, those with special needs or those with dental phobia.

With unlimited depth of cure there is no risk of insufficient curing, providing assurance that even in deep cavities, complete cure will be achieved without layering. It can also be light-cured so the restoration can be finished and immediately polished. And unlike GIs and amalgam, once it is light-cured it is set, meaning that patients can eat and drink immediately.

A real alternative

With over a quarter of British adults (27%) only visiting the dentist when they have a problem[iv], patient education is vital. If patients know they can have a restoration completed quickly and simply and eat and drink as normal after their appointment, this can only be a good thing. Innovative materials, like Surefil one, will encourage patients to see their dentist more regularly and perhaps choose to have restorative procedures, rather than extractions, leading to improved oral health.

In the face of a continued reliance on amalgam in NHS dentistry and the amalgam phase-out getting ever closer, finding a cost-effective, long-lasting and easy-to-use alternative is more important than ever.

Surefil one is easy to place, bonds effortlessly to the surface of the tooth and is moisture-tolerant, allowing clinicians to predictably restore teeth even in compromised clinical situations. When speed is of the essence and there is no room for compromise on performance, Surefil one is the answer – an efficient and effective alternative to a traditional Class II solution, as well as a high-performing replacement for amalgam and glass ionomers.

To find out more about Surefil one, and to access the Scientific Compendium where all the data can be reviewed, please visit dentsplysirona.com/surefilone

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Emma Cadey

About the Author
Emma Cadey is Dentsply Sirona National Product Specialist for Restorative, Endodontic & Preventative

References:

[i] Amalgam Phase-Down: UK-Based Posterior Restorative Material and Technique Use 2020

  1. Bailey, C.R. Vernazza , S. Stone, L. Ternent, A.-G. Roche, C. Lynch

[ii] https://www.dentaly.org/en/dental-facts-statistics/

[iii] Dentsply Sirona internal data

[iv] https://www.dentaly.org/en/dental-facts-statistics/

Dentsply Sirona and Amazon Doctors mark five years of partnership to provide dental care to Brazilian indigenous communities

Amazon Doctors (Doutores da Amazônia) aims to transform access to healthcare for the indigenous population of Brazil, providing modern and advanced care while respecting the cultural heritage and values of each tribe. The partnership between Dentsply Sirona and Amazon Doctors began in 2017. Over the last five years, Dentsply Sirona has donated specialised equipment and materials for the expeditions, with a number of employees also participating as volunteers.

In June 2022, a team of 50 volunteers set off on a three-week expedition to provide medical and dental care to tribes in the Xingu Indigenous Territory. A total of 650 dental consultations were performed during the expedition, including 230 root canals, 126 prostheses, and 156 crowns with the CEREC CAD/CAM system. The next expedition is scheduled for October 2022.

“I believe that we, health professionals, have the duty and obligation to help people who do not have access to adequate health care, using our practical and theoretical knowledge to help make a better world,” said Dr. Caio E. C. L. Machado, founding partner of Amazon Doctors.

With access to state-of-the-art dental equipment and materials donated by Dentsply Sirona – including digital CEREC technology – the volunteers can perform restorations, implants, and endodontic treatments in remote areas of the rainforest. More than 8,000 dental procedures have been carried out since the start of the Amazon Doctors program.

“It’s amazing how well aligned the mission of Amazon Doctors is with Dentsply Sirona’s own mission, which is to improve oral health globally. It is a worthy cause to provide care to the indigenous populations here in Brazil,” said Rodrigo Canelhas, RCO Vice President, Dentsply Sirona Latin America.

“Being part of this project fills us with immense pride,” said Tiago Veiga Souza, Marketing Director, Dentsply Sirona Latin America. “Along with the excellent work of Amazon Doctors, our equipment, consumables, and implants technology can provide a service to indigenous people that would perhaps never be possible.”

Taking action to increase access to oral health

Dentsply Sirona’s partnership with Amazon Doctors is part of its wider efforts to increase access to oral health globally and help communities in need – as outlined in the “Healthy Smiles” pillar of the company’s sustainability strategy BEYOND: Taking action for a brighter world.

Dentsply Sirona partners with a variety of organizations around the world, including Amazon Doctors, to bring better oral health and well-being to local communities. Last year, Dentsply Sirona launched a partnership with Smile Train, the world’s largest cleft organization, to provide high-quality cleft care for children, financial support for families, and ongoing clinical education for dental professionals in local communities. Other initiatives include the Nine Miles of Smiles program in Jamaica, where 1,000 patients were treated in 10 days; a partnership with Let Love International to support dentistry clinics in underserved areas of Peru; and an eight-day mission to Uganda with the Build Your Smile Dental Foundation.

For more information about Amazon Doctors, visit https://en.doutoresdaamazonia.org.br/

Dentsply Sirona launches novel sustainability educational curriculum for dental professionals

Global initiative arrives following study results indicating knowledge gaps

Sustainability in dentistry is now a key challenge for the oral healthcare sector, with a large majority of dentists – 7 out of 10 participants – expressing that the dental industry is lagging behind when it comes to sustainability, while 80% say that it is really important that our industry reduces its environmental impact. These are key findings of the Global Sustainability in Dentistry Study*, which was commissioned by Dentsply Sirona, the world’s largest manufacturer of professional dental products and technologies The study, in which more than 1,300 dentists from the UK, United States, Brazil, Germany, France, China and Japan participated, also revealed that 69% of dentists admitted that they did not know how to start implementing concrete sustainability actions but were eager to learn more.

“At Dentsply Sirona we are determined to contribute our knowledge, technologies and passion to this important cause,” says Cherée Johnson, Dentsply Sirona’s Chief Legal Officer and Chair of Sustainability Committee. “We commissioned this study to understand how dentists around the world view sustainability and where they look to us and the industry for support.”  She continued: “Sustainability is one of the most prominent and important topics in society today and Dentsply Sirona, as a member of the dental industry, must play its part in protecting the planet and improving the quality of lives around the globe.”

Sustainability Educational Curriculum for Dental Professionals

To address the existing knowledge gap among dentists, Dentsply Sirona has now launched the first course of its comprehensive Sustainability Educational Curriculum. Delivered online and for free through the Dentsply Sirona Academy, each of the five interactive courses is led by experienced experts and will focus on a different aspect of sustainability.

The curriculum introduces dentists to the biggest challenges and opportunities for the dental industry, industry-wide initiatives and ideas and resources that dentists can use to help further sustainability in their practices and beyond. The first course is now LIVE and will be followed by additional modules in 2023. Participants will receive CE credits upon successful completion of each course, as per the Academy of General Dentistry in United States and Canada

*Global Sustainability in Dentistry Study organized in 2022, Link to Study Report