Join Me Tomorrow for the virtual CE Event Increasing Diagnostic Accuracy With Artificial Intelligence

 

Tomorrow April 25th at 10:00am eastern (9:00am central) plan on taking an hour out of your day to join me for the FREE webinar Increasing Diagnostic Accuracy With Artificial Intelligence.  

I've been involved with using and evaluating AI dental systems for over 8 years and over that time I have gained some incredible experience and I've seen phenomenal progress in what these systems can do.

I can tell you with great confidence that the time to start incorporating AI into your clinical workflows is NOW.   Every day that I am seeing patients, I have a tab open in my browser to access our AI system and I have come to depend on what that system provides me.

We are *much* more efficient from a time management standpoint as our efficiency has increased tremendously through using AI.  However, better diagnostic capabilities is just one piece of what AI can do for you.  We've also seen a huge jump in patient understanding and case acceptance.

At this point in time, you've probably heard tons of info about AI, but you may still have questions about what it can do for you and what changes it can make in your practice.  This one hour event will help answer any questions you may have and will also set you up for success.

You will earn 1 CE credit and the event is FREE!!!

You can register by following this link.  I'm super excited to be presenting and I hope to see many of you there!

Spike in Measles Cases Could Reverse US Elimination Status

The science is overwhelming that vaccines work.  Unfortunately, in these days of instant information people have access to practically anyone's opinion... right or wrong.  These "sources" of information that declare vaccines are evil and cause all kinds of scientifically unproven complications have frightened many parents.  Of course, everyone wants what is best for their children and I salute that.  Caring for our next generations is noble and we should all be focused on making things better for those who follow us.

However, fear mongering about vaccines has led many well meaning families to refuse needed vaccinations for their children.  Due to that, we are seeing a rebound of measles cases here in the Untied States.  At one point in time, measles was more or less eradicated within the US, but no longer.  

The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) puts out a weekly report referred to as MMWR (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report) and this report dated April 11, 2024 goes into the details of the increase of measles cases here in the US.

The best way to help eliminate measles and the unnecessary suffering that comes with it is by vaccination.  The full report has lots of useful information for those interested.

The report can be accessed with this link.  

However, there is one part of the report that I'd like to provide here:

Summary

What is already known about this topic?

Although endemic U.S. measles was declared eliminated in 2000, measles importations continue to occur. Prolonged outbreaks during 2019 threatened the U.S. measles elimination status.

What is added by this report?

During January 1, 2020–March 28, 2024, a total of 338 U.S. measles cases were reported; 29% of these cases occurred during the first quarter of 2024, almost all in persons who were unvaccinated or whose vaccination status was unknown. As of the end of 2023, U.S. measles elimination status was maintained.

What are the implications for public health practice?

Risk for widespread U.S. measles transmission remains low because of high population immunity. Enhanced efforts are needed to increase routine U.S. vaccination coverage, encourage vaccination before international travel, identify communities at risk for measles transmission, and rapidly investigate suspected measles cases to reduce cases and complications of measles.

Increasing Diagnostic Accuracy With Artificial Intelligence

 

My teaching/lecturing schedule has been busy lately.  It's funny how things like this come in waves.  If you are a practicing dentist, like me you probably have days where it seems like almost every patient on the schedule seems to have a problem with tooth #30 or things like that.  I've always wondered how the stars align to create these things...

Now on to today's post.  Next Thursday, April 25th at 10:00 am EDT, I'm going to be presenting a webinar titled "Increasing Diagnostic Accuracy With Artificial Intelligence".  I'm doing this lecture in conjunction with Dental Products Report where I serve as Chief Dental Editor & Technology Editor.  

The event is one hour and if you attend, you can qualify for one hour of CE credit.  I'll be covering how I use AI in my clinical practice while also discussing how it can improve workflows and provide for better, more predictable patient outcomes.  I hope that many of you can join me!

If you'd like to be part of it, and I be honored if you are, here is the link to register.  

Here is the promotional info that DPR has posted about the event:

Increasing Diagnostic Accuracy With Artificial Intelligence

In the last 5 years, artificial intelligence (AI) has seen explosive growth in our personal and professional lives. As that growth continues, it is imperative that doctors keep abreast of the amazing advancements in diagnostic accuracy and practice efficiency. Using AI-enhanced radiographs helps the doctor and team, and serves as a tremendously powerful tool to help patients better understand their problems and solutions.

Learning Objectives:

• Better understand the evolution of artificial intelligence (AI).

• Learn how AI enhanced radiographs can better aid in diagnosis and education.

• Learn how AI is a necessary tool for doctors and team members to use for every patient.

Course Details:

• AGD Subject Code:010, 730

• CE Credit: Catapult Education, LLC designates this activity for 1 continuing education credit.

• Audience: Dentistry Professionals

• Cost: Free

• Method: Live Webinar Lecture

CDOCS Welcomes Dr. Dan Butterman as New Faculty Chair, Setting Course for Advanced Innovation in Digital Dentistry Education

 

Scottsdale, AZ (April 16, 2024) — CDOCS, the world’s largest community of digital dentists and the leading provider of digital dentistry education, proudly announces the appointment of Dr. Dan Butterman as its new Faculty Chair. With a distinguished career spanning three decades in the dental field, Dr. Butterman brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and vision to his new role at CDOCS, where he has already been serving as an esteemed member of the Resident Faculty since 2019. During this time, he’s taught thousands of dentists at CDOCS’s hands-on workshops [Hands-On Workshops] and traveled the world as a leading dental KOL.

His appointment marks a pivotal moment for CDOCS as it aims to expand its influence and  continue its mission of transforming dental education through technology and community.  

“I am incredibly honored to take on the role of Faculty Chair at CDOCS,” Dr. Butterman said.  “This opportunity allows me to contribute to a community that is at the forefront of dental education. My goal is to ensure that we not only keep pace with the evolving landscape of modern dentistry but also set new benchmarks for excellence and innovation.”

Under Dr. Butterman’s leadership, CDOCS is set to embark on a well-balanced, integrated path, as his vision includes enhancing the curriculum with a focus on comprehensive education that encompasses both the technological aspects of dentistry and the critical soft skills required for practice management. Dr. Butterman emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach to dental education, one that prepares practitioners not just in the technical use of digital tools but also in navigating the challenges of running a modern dental practice.

“One of the aspects I’m most excited about is developing a curriculum that reflects the complete ecosystem of the dental practice. From mastering cutting-edge digital dentistry techniques to navigating patient relations and practice management, our aim is to offer a well-rounded educational experience that supports our members in all facets of their professional development,” Dr. Butterman elaborated.

Dr. Butterman’s approach to education is rooted in the belief that a sense of community and mutual support is fundamental to the learning process. He plans to foster an environment where CDOCS members can share experiences, learn from each other, and collectively push the boundaries of what’s possible in dental practice.

“Innovation doesn’t happen in isolation. It’s the result of passionate individuals coming together, sharing ideas, and challenging each other to think differently. That’s the culture we want to cultivate at CDOCS,” Dr. Butterman added.

To drive this innovation, he firmly believes in the importance of staying clinically active to maintain relevance in education.

“It’s critical that I continue practicing dentistry,” Dr. Butterman said. “It’s amazing to me how quickly you lose touch stepping away for a short amount of time.” This dedication ensures that CDOCS’s curriculum remains not only up to date but also grounded in practical, real-world applications.

Looking forward, Dr. Butterman is committed to expanding CDOCS’s reach and impact. His plans include the introduction of new courses and workshops designed to keep practitioners at the forefront of dental technology and patient care. In addition, he aims to strengthen the community aspect of CDOCS, building an even more vibrant and supportive network of dental professionals across the globe.

For more information about CDOCS and its programs, please visit CDOCS.com.

About CDOCS

CDOCS, a Spear company, is the world’s largest community of digital dentists and the leading provider of digital dentistry education, equipping dental professionals with the clinical training and resources to achieve modern dental excellence. Since 2006, CDOCS has empowered members through specialized educational tracks, hands-on workshops led by experienced faculty, and supported by the world’s largest community of modern dentists. Whether new to digital workflows or a seasoned practitioner, CDOCS offers membership tiers to support continuous skill development and practice growth. As the premier destination for modern dental technology education, CDOCS is committed to helping members thrive in the digital age.

For more, visit CDOCS.com.

ReGen Bioactive Endo Sealer: A Revolution in Root Canal Treatment

 

I recently returned from teaching a hands-on class on Low Stress Endodontics for the General Practitioner at LVI Global.  I absolutely *love* endodontics and I also *love* teaching my peers.  If I can help even one doctor provide better treatment, who knows how many patients that can impact?

At that recent course, I introduced the doctors to a new endo sealer that I have been using for over a year with amazing results.  It's the ReGen Bioactive Endo Sealer which was created and is manufactured by Vista-Apex.

There are several bioactive endo sealers now on the market, but in my opinion, the ReGen sealer offers some notable advantages.

For dentists seeking a root canal sealer that goes beyond basic closure, the Vista-Apex ReGen Bioactive Endo Sealer offers a groundbreaking approach. This innovative product leverages bioactivity to not only seal the canal but also potentially promote healing and strengthen the tooth.

Bioactivity: The Power of Regeneration

Unlike traditional sealers, ReGen Bioactive Endo Sealer incorporates bioglass technology. This unique material releases calcium (Ca) and phosphate (PO4) ions, mimicking the natural components of tooth structure. These ions can potentially stimulate the remineralization of dentin, the hard tissue beneath the enamel.

Benefits of Bioactive Sealing:

The incorporation of bioactivity in ReGen Bioactive Endo Sealer offers several potential advantages:

• Enhanced Sealing: The released ions contribute to a tighter seal at the interface between the filling material and the dentin, potentially reducing the risk of leakage and future problems.

• Promotes Healing: By stimulating dentin remineralization, the sealer may encourage the tooth to repair itself, potentially leading to a stronger and more resilient structure.

• Reduced Microleakage: Traditional sealers can develop microscopic gaps over time. ReGen Bioactive Endo Sealer's bioactive properties may help minimize this issue, contributing to                    long-term treatment success.

Additional Features for Optimal Performance:

Beyond its bioactive properties, ReGen Bioactive Endo Sealer boasts several features that enhance its clinical performance:

• High Radiopacity: Ensures clear visualization on X-rays, allowing for accurate placement, verification, and monitoring.

• Quick Setting Time: Saves valuable treatment time by allowing dentists to move on to the next steps of the procedure efficiently.  Some doctors prefer to perform endo and a crown on the same apportionment and the fast set helps in this regard. 

• Excellent Biocompatibility: Minimizes the risk of allergic reactions or tissue irritation.

• Easy to Use: The user-friendly formula simplifies the application process for smooth integration into existing workflows.

• MST: stands for "Material Saving Tip".  The kit comes with a small cannula that allows for minimal waste while also allowing for accurate sealer placement.

A Leap Forward in Root Canal Treatment:

The ReGen Bioactive Endo Sealer represents a significant leap forward in root canal therapy. By harnessing the power of bioactivity, it offers the potential for:

• Improved Long-Term Outcomes: The combination of enhanced sealing and potential for dentin remineralization may contribute to a more durable and successful root canal treatment.

• Enhanced Patient Care: The biocompatible nature and focus on healing can potentially lead to better patient outcomes and potentially reduced risk of complications.

A Note from myself as a clinician:

As a dentist, I'm always looking for innovative technologies that can improve patient care and clinical outcomes. The ReGen Bioactive Endo Sealer is a product I'm excited about, with its potential to offer a new level of effectiveness and long-term success in root canal treatment. If you have any questions about this product or root canal procedures in general, please don't hesitate to contact me.

Dentists ask court to certify class action in lawsuit against Delta Dental

 

Here's an interesting bit of news from the industry.  For quite sometime this has been discontent from practicing dentists about reimbursement from Delta Dental.  Over roughly the last decade, Delta Dental has been working diligently to lower he amounts it pays to dentists for procedures performed on Delta covered patients.

Costs for dental offices have increased precipitously since the pandemic.  This is especially true when it comes to salaries.  Many dental hygienists and dental assistants left the profession during the pandemic and chose not to return afterwards, moving on to other jobs.  In order to find qualified employees dentists were forced to offer higher wages.  There is also the fact of simple business costs such as professional supplies.  As these costs have increased, Delta Dental continued to strive toward decreasing reimbursements to doctors.  Many doctors are diligently looking for ways to decrease their costs while continuing to provide the best patient care possible.  However, there is only so much cost cutting one can do.

In order to help doctors in this situation, the ADA filed a class action lawsuit alleging that Delta Dental violated antitrust laws by agreeing to reduce reimbursements to participating dentists through territorial restrictions, fixed pr ices for specific dental goods and services, and restricted competition from other competitors in the dental reimbursement industry.

The court’s ruling on whether to certify the case as a class action will be an important milestone in the litigation, according to the ADA’s legal division. Under the court’s current scheduling order, Delta’s response to the plaintiffs’ class certification motion is due on June 18, followed by additional discovery and further briefing to be completed by Dec. 19. At the conclusion of the briefing, the court will set a date for a hearing on the motion for class certification. Following the court’s ruling on the issue of class certification, the court will set a schedule for further pre-trial proceedings.

The story appears in the ADA News and can be found here.

If you would like to read the full class action filing, it can be found here.

Sharper Vision, Smarter Dentistry: The New Kavo Diagnocam Vision Full HD

One of the best parts of my job, outside of clinical dentistry, is getting to work with and try amazing new pieces of technology.  I'm about to start a Test Drive for Dental Products Report on a new device from Kavo.   You can expect a video on the DPR website as well as a written advertorial about the device in the not too distant future.

It was unveiled at the recent Chicago MidWinter meeting in Chicago and now I've got one in my hands and I'm excited to see what it can do in use clinically.  Here's a brief post about it to give all of you an idea of what it is & what it can do.  I will follow up more once my clinical testing and evaluation are completed.

Unveiling Exceptional Detail:

The Diagnocam Vision Full HD takes intraoral diagnostics to a new level with its high-resolution, 5-megapixel sensor. This translates to stunning image clarity, allowing dentists to visualize even the most minute details of the oral cavity. From pinpointing subtle cracks in enamel to examining intricate root canal anatomy, the enhanced resolution empowers a more confident and accurate diagnosis.

Beyond Resolution: A Feature-Rich Powerhouse:

The Diagnocam Vision Full HD isn't just about impressive resolution. It boasts a range of features designed to optimize the workflow and elevate the overall experience:

•Enhanced LED illumination: Ensures consistent and bright lighting across the entire image field, eliminating dark spots that can obscure crucial details.

•Live image optimization: Provides real-time adjustments for color and contrast, allowing you to capture perfect images every time.

•Seamless integration: Works seamlessly with most dental software programs for a smooth workflow.

Benefits for Both Dentists and Patients:

The device offers a multitude of advantages for both dental professionals and their patients:

• The device is a 3-in1 that features an intraoral camera, transillumination, and fluorescence caries detection. 
• Dentists: Experience a new level of diagnostic accuracy and improved communication with patients by being able to capture & show all 3 image types, show them on the patient monitor and save them in the digital chart.
• Patients: Benefit from a more comfortable imaging experience with a smaller head, and potentially earlier detection and treatment of dental issues.

The Future of Intraoral Imaging:

The Kavo Diagnocam Vision Full HD represents a significant advancement in intraoral imaging technology with its 3-in-1 imaging. With its exceptional image quality and the communication it provides, it positions itself as a valuable tool for modern dental practices. Whether you're a seasoned dentist or just starting, the device is a compelling way to both diagnose and communicate with your patients.