Thursday, September 2, 2010

PracticeWorks Now Operating as CareStream Dental

For those of you who don't know, Kodak Dental is no longer actually owned by Kodak.  As a matter of fact, it hasn't been owned by Kodak for sometime.  It has, instead, been owned and operated by a company called Carestream Health.  Kodak sold their dental business to them a few years ago.

Since that time, Carestream has operated Practiceworks and other Kodak products using the same names that were used before the sale.  This helped prevent confusion in their customer base.  Now, however, Carestream is announcing that they will begin using their name on PracticeWorks products.  Rest assured that nothing else is changing.  It will be the same quality you've always had, just a different name on a piece of paper or a box.

Here's all the details from Carestream:

 

This email is a reminder about an exciting transition at PracticeWorks Systems, LLC (PraticeWorks). In an effort to unify the Carestream Health global dental businesses, PracticeWorks and all other Carestream Health dental affilates will adopt the name Carestream Dental LLC (Carestream Dental)—a name that better conveys Carestream’s  global presence in the dental market.  This alignment of our worldwide dental businesses establishes the next logical step in supporting our future growth and development.

Effective September 1, 2010, PracticeWorks will be operating in the US as Carestream Dental LLC.  Other than the name change, there will be no impact on the current PracticeWorks company infrastructure or product and service offerings. Although PracticeWorks will be operating under a new name, this should have very little impact on you, as we continue to provide the same innovative and cutting-edge products and services to enhance your practice’s productivity and improve patient care.

As we begin operating under the Carestream Dental name you will notice company correspondence, including billing and statements, coming from  Carestream Dental LLC rather than PracticeWorks. Therefore, please be sure to update your accounting information as needed to ensure all future payments are remitted to Carestream Dental LLC.

Aside from these minor changes, business will continue to run as usual, with no impact on the way our customers obtain and receive our products, services, or company information. Carestream Dental will continue to be the exclusive manufacturer of Kodak Dental Systems and we remain committed to providing the same industry-leading practice management systems and dental imaging for which we are known.

These next few months mark an exciting time for us, and we look forward to having you as part of the Carestream Dental family! If you have any further questions about our upcoming name change, or want to learn more about our company’s extensive history, please contact your local sales representative, or call 800.944.6365 to speak with a member of our team. You may also visit our website anytime at www.kodakdental.com.

As always, we appreciate your business, and thank you for your continued loyalty and support.  Please follow us on Facebook and Twitter to keep up on company news and events.


Sincerely,

Patrik Eriksson
US President and CEO
Carestream Dental LLC

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Sirona Dental Systems Expands its InfiniDent Services

New Management, More Indications and More Material Choices

to Include Ivoclar Vivadent®’s IPS e.max CAD Material

Long Island City, NY (August 28, 2010) Sirona Dental Systems, LLC (Nasdaq: SIRO), the company that pioneered digital dentistry 25 years ago and the world’s leading producer of dental CAD/CAM systems, announced today the expansion of infiniDent, an Internet-based laboratory service that caters exclusively to Sirona inLab® and inEos® Blue users, which will now include Ivoclar Vivadent’s IPS e.max CAD material.

Sirona laboratory customers can upload the digital impressions they receive from CEREC® dentists to infiniDent, located in Charlotte, NC, for fabrication of all restoration types. The Sirona-operated facility then returns the completed work to the laboratory within three business days.

Under the new management of Bob Vasile, the range of materials and indications have been expanded from framework materials to include full-contour materials made from Ivoclar Vivadent®’s IPS e.max® CAD lithium disilicate and VITA®’s new RealLife® material.

Mr. Vasile recently joined Sirona as the CEREC Laboratory Manager for infiniDent, and brings a unique set of skills to Sirona. He most recently worked for a major manufacturer of custom CAD/CAM-fabricated implant abutments. Additionally, Vasile owned and operated his own dental laboratory for more than 20 years.

Under Mr. Vasile’s management, and starting from September 15, 2010, infiniDent will offer even more services and an expanded list of materials. Initially limited to providing only copings

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and bridge frameworks, infiniDent now provides a number of complete restorative applications, including recently added full-contour restorations and veneers. New materials now include Sirona CEREC Blocs, IPS e.max CAD lithium disilicate, VITA Mark II, VITA TriLuxe forte, and VITA RealLife.

“infiniDent provides an extremely wide variety of indications,” remarked Vasile. “We’re flexible; if a laboratory owner has only our inEos Blue scanner, for example, they can send the case over to us and we will send back their finished product. We’ve also added full-contour materials to meet the growing demands of our inLab and inEos customers.”

infiniDent continues to support existing materials, such as pure zirconium oxide (ZrO2), aluminum oxide (AlO2), and laser-sintered non-precious metal, as well as fully anatomic wax patterns.

infiniDent enables current inLab and inEos owners to derive additional value from their technology investments by providing access to a continuously expanding menu of materials and indications, as well as providing customers with complete design control of their restorations.

infiniDent is an ideal solution for various lab groups, such as:

  1. Labs that have their own inLab system, but no sintering furnace: These labs can utilize infiniDent to offer pure zirconium oxide crown and bridge frameworks to their dentists without giving up design control, as they would when sending their work to an outsourcing lab. infiniDent allows them to build their volume to a level that enables them to buy their own sintering furnace, if they choose.

  1. Labs looking for a low-investment, but expandable, entry model into CAD/CAM: In this case, a lab buys only an inEos Blue scanner. They would then scan and design their work in their own lab and have infiniDent fabricate their restorations. As their volume grows, they can purchase their own inLab MC XL milling unit, as well as their own sintering furnace.

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  1. inLab users who want to gain access to future indications and materials: infinDent protects their investment in inLab technology by enabling lab owners to order new materials as soon as they become available.

According to Roddy MacLeod, Vice President of CAD/CAM for Sirona, “Sirona strives for continuous innovation and improvement in our technology. Laboratories that may not have the newest technology are able to expand their business and take full advantage of complete services by partnering with infiniDent. Sirona offers an economical entry into the digital restorative revolution.”

The infiniDent service was named one of 2006’s most innovative products for the dental laboratory industry by the Journal of Dental Technology (JDT). Some of the winning features highlighted were infiniDent’s ease of use, time savings, and increased accuracy. More efficient use of labor hours put infiniDent on the winning list for its time-saving aspects. The technology improves quality by freeing up technicians’ time for more labor-intensive work. The money-saving aspect was detailed by the fact that technicians are able to save money by eliminating the need for ancillary equipment. Also, shipping costs are lowered due to the electronic transfer of information.

Sirona continues to provide additional value to its inLab and inEos Blue customers with service options such as infiniDent, as well as free software updates. The company believes the only way it can be successful is by making its customers successful. Sirona strives to achieve this mutual success through innovation, which ensures that all of its customers stay on the cutting edge of technology.

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.inLab.com.

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Sirona Unveils New Exclusive Material, VITABLOCS® RealLife®, at the CEREC® 25th Anniversary Celebration in Las Vegas

VITABLOCS RealLife® Feature Dentin Core with a Complementing Enamel Coat for Natural Esthetics Right from the Milling Machine


Long Island City, NY (August 28th, 2010) – Sirona Dental Systems (Nasdaq: SIRO) announced the availability of new VITABLOCS RealLife at the CEREC 25th Anniversary Celebration, a milestone event celebrating the 25-year anniversary of its CEREC CAD/CAM system.

VITABLOCS RealLife are the first and only all-ceramic blocks that incorporate a unique, spherically curved dentin core with a complementing enamel coat within the block. The layered structure of VITABLOCS RealLife effectively simulates the optical characteristics of natural teeth.

Used in conjunction with Sirona’s new V3.80 software, VITABLOCS RealLife provide the dentist or laboratory technician with virtually unlimited options for designing anterior restorations of unsurpassed esthetic quality.

With a few simple clicks of the mouse to define labial wall thickness, the V3.80 software directs the milling machine to automatically position the VITABLOCS® RealLife block on the enamel-dentin border of the block, thus reducing milling time while simultaneously achieving a perfect shade effect with the correct ratio of dentin and enamel.

Only VITABLOCS RealLife have the ability to reproduce the desired shade effect in regard to translucency, chroma, and lightness. What’s more, The V3.80 software allows the dentist or lab technician to quickly and easily change the position of the restoration in the block as needed to reproduce very fine shade nuances, which can be verified on-screen before milling begins.

The result is a finished, highly esthetic restoration that is ready to be seated directly upon removal from the milling machine, with no need for additional characterization, staining, or individualization steps.

VITABLOCS RealLife is a registered trademark of VITA Zahnfabrik H. Rauter GmbH & Co.

Monday, August 30, 2010

Looking for a Great Deal on a LED Auxiliary Lighting System?

If you've been looking for a LED headlight, but have been putting off the purchasing decision due to cost, this may be just the thing you've been waiting for. I was talking with the folks at High Q Dental over the weekend and they've offered a tremendous deal for readers of the blog.

They have a new LED light called EOS that has some impressive specs:

eospecs.jpg

 

The best part of this is that for a limited time, they are offering a $200 discount for readers of the blog. When you call to place the order just mention that you heard about the discount from John Flucke and the price goes from $695 to $495!  That's some serious savings.

The ordering area of their website can be accessed here. Enjoy!

 

Sunday, August 29, 2010

Sirona Launches inLab® Multilayer Design Software that Utilizes VITA® Rapid Layer Technology at the CEREC® 25th Anniversary Celebration in Las Vegas


The world of CAD/CAM dentistry just keeps getting better. With Sirona hosting its CEREC 25 event this weekend, I'll be putting up info that I think is relevant to both users and non-users alike. While many dentists are advocates of the whole computer controlled aspect, many just don't want to give up the control to the machine. Of course, no matter which side you lean toward, the technology creates benefits that trickle into other aspects of what we do. Because of this, keeping up to date with this subject can have positive outcomes for you and your patients. Read on for the latest details:


Rapid Layer Technology Enables the Production of Both the Substructure and Accompanying Full-Contour Overlay With a Few Mouse Clicks

Long Island City, NY (August 26th, 2010) – Sirona Dental Systems (Nasdaq: SIRO) today announced the availability of the inLab Multilayer Design Option, which utilizes new VITA Rapid Layer Technology, during the CEREC® 25th Anniversary Celebration, a milestone event celebrating the 25-year anniversary of its CEREC CAD/CAM system.

VITA Rapid Layer Technology is a high-speed bridge production technique that utilizes innovative Sirona inLab V3.80 software, along with the Sirona inLab MC XL milling unit, to mill both the framework and corresponding full-contour overlay with a few mouse clicks. Natural-looking veneer structures can now be manufactured quickly and simply.

This fully computerized process guarantees efficient production of the substructure and overlay structure at once, producing fully anatomical bridges and crowns without the need for traditional waxing, porcelain layering or pressing.

Using Sirona inLab V3.80 software, the VITA Rapid Layer Technology process starts with the generation of the anatomical multi-unit bridge or crown on screen. The software automatically calculates the data for both the substructure and fully contoured overlay within a few seconds.

The framework is then milled from a VITA In-Ceram® YZ block, and the full-contour overlay is milled from VITABLOCS TriLuxe forte polychromatic ceramic, perfectly matching the VITA YZ substructure with an adhesive luting composite, creating a long-lasting bond between the substructure and veneering ceramic for an esthetic bridge restoration with long-term durability.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Saturday, August 28, 2010

StarDental® Partners with Premier® Dental Products Company for Exclusive Hygiene Product Promotion StarDental® Partners with Premier® Dental Products Company for Exclusive Hygiene Product Promotion

Buy One Prophy Star® 3 Handpiece and Receive

144 Premier 2proTotal Access Disposable Prophy Angles FREE!



 

Malvern, PA (August 27, 2010) – DentalEZ® Group, a supplier of innovative products and services for dental health professionals worldwide, recently partnered with Premier® Dental Products Company to offer an attractive deal for its popular StarDental® Prophy Star® 3 Hygiene Handpiece and Premier’s 2pro Total Access Disposable Prophy Angles.

Effective September 1 through December 31, 2010, dental professionals who purchase a Prophy Star 3 Hygiene Handpiece will receive 144 2pro Total Access Disposable Prophy Angles absolutely FREE!

“We hope that this special promotion makes both the Prophy Star 3 and 2pro Prophy Angles more accessible to dental professionals who may not have had the chance to try our superior hygiene products,” remarked Rick Gross, Senior Product Manager for StarDental.  “The Prophy Star 3 is lighter than any other handpiece on the market, making polishing easier and more enjoyable.  It made sense to partner with Premier Dental, a leading company in our industry.  2pro Prophy Angles are an outstanding hygiene product.  It’s the perfect fit.”

Ergonomically designed and weighing only 65 grams, the lightweight anodized aluminum design of the Prophy Star 3 reduces hand and wrist fatigue while providing superior maneuverability and a natural grip for unparalleled comfort.  The Prophy Star 3, only 4” in length, provides less drag on the operator’s hand from the swivel and tubing.  Moreover, the longer 360° swivel of the Prophy Star 3 is ergonomically designed for better operation and control.

 

Premier’s 2pro Total Access Disposable Prophy Angles have a patented dual-action cup, and the tip design guarantees total access to all tooth surfaces.  Its patented gearless design ensures smooth, quiet operation with near-zero freeze-ups and less heat buildup.  The ergonomic 100-degree design allows easy access to all areas of the mouth.  2pro Total Access Disposable Prophy Angles are latex-free and available in four cup styles: soft/short, firm/short, soft/long, and firm/long.  

“We are thrilled to join forces with DentalEZ to promote two exceptional hygiene products,” remarked Kate Kunnmann, Assistant Product Manager for Premier Dental Products Company.  “Two great companies and two great products working together.  We like to call it 2 PROS working as 1!”

For more information on all StarDental promotions, call 1-866-DTE-INFO or log onto www.dentalez.com.

About DentalEZ® Group

DentalEZ® Group is committed to advancing the practice of dentistry through innovative products and services.  Encompassing six distinct product brands — StarDental®, DentalEZ®, CustomAir®, RAMVAC®,NevinLabs, and Columbia Dentoform® — DentalEZ® Group manufactures everything in the operatory, from handpieces to chairs to vacuum systems to dental simulation models, creating a complete line of products to elevate the health, comfort, and efficiency of the dental operatory.  For more information, please visit www.dentalez.com.

About Premier® Dental Products Company

Premier® Dental Products Company, a manufacturer and distributor of dental and hygiene products for over 95 years, offers many innovative and market-leading products such as 2pro™, Enamel Pro® Varnish, Enamel Pro® Prophy Paste, Enamel Pro® Fluoride Gel, Traxodent® - Hemodent™ Paste Retraction System, Triple Tray®, Two Striper® Diamonds and a full line of dental instruments.  Premier is dedicated to providing the finest products backed by the highest level of integrity and service.  Complete customer satisfaction is the company’s goal.  For more information, please visit www.premusa.com.


Friday, August 27, 2010

Genius Launches Wireless Laser Mouse with BlueTooth Connection

 

Navigator 905BT_with bluetooth (by Genius).jpg
Genius makes some pretty amazing stuff at price point  that is easy on the budget and hardware that performs as advertised.  I love the tiny dongle on this device made for people on the go.

 

Fast-tracking, trendy Navigator 905BT mouse offers comfort, accuracy and convenience

MIAMI (August 26, 2010) – Genius (www.geniusnetusa.com), a brand division of KYE Systems Corp., today announced a new addition to the company’s extensive line of mice, the Navigator 905BT mouse that connects instantly to any PC or Mac that is Bluetooth enabled. The new mouse includes Genius’ innovative ‘Flying Scroll’ technology for scrolling web pages or documents in eight directions all through the scroll wheel.

The Navigator 905BT’s Bluetooth EDR 2.0 gives the user a 10 meter working range and 1600 dpi resolution for accurate cursor tracking and speed. The Navigator 905BT also includes the Stick-N-Go mount that allows users to attach the mouse to a notebook or laptop, creating an ultra portable mouse. A complimentary Norton Symantec 60 day free trial is included in the CD driver to prevent the user’s notebook from virus attack and firewall breach. Now available in royal ruby and cold silver, the Navigator 905BT mouse is attractively priced at MSRP USD $32.99.

Features:

* Sporty design with Bluetooth EDR 2.0

* 1600 dpi sensor for precision cursor control

* Innovative ‘Flying Scroll’ for eight way scrolling

* Stick-N-Go mount for convenient portability

* Norton Symantec 60 day free trial

* Power switch for extended battery life (two alkaline batteries included)

Sales/Purchase:

The new Navigator 905BT mouse starts shipping in August 2010. Interested shoppers can go to New Egg.comAmazon.comwww.geniuseshop.com, Tiger Direct, Buy.com or for more information on the entire line of Genius products and other retailers and distributors please visit: http://www.geniusnetusa.com/.

ABOUT KYE SYSTEMS CORP.

Genius is an international leading company in computer peripherals. Genius was established in 1985, product portfolio includes computer mice, keyboards, web and security cameras, speakers, gaming peripherals, remote controls, headphones, digital cameras, digital camcorders and digital photo frames. It also holds the U.S. patent for mouse scroll-wheel technology. Genius expanded from computer peripherals into consumer electronic products that include mobile phone accessories, Bluetooth headsets, digital cameras, digital photo frames, iPod speakers and EeePC mice.