The Ongoing Fluoride Controversy

 

I feel compelled to make a statement on municipal water fluoridation.  In the past couple of weeks, the news has had stories about the state of Utah banning water fluoridation and that was followed by a unanimous vote by the Lakeland, Florida City Council that has done the same thing.

I've tried to make this post as neutral as possible.  If anything here sounds argumentative, please understand that isn't what I'm trying to do.  I don't think arguing over something is the way to solve problems.  I'd much rather have a rational discussion and sometimes people need to respectfully agree to disagree.  I'm not trying to stand on a soapbox and shout my opinion.  I'm trying to be as factual about this and as middle of the road as I can.  If this post upsets anyone, I apologize.  That isn't my intent.  

Here's my take.  This is America, a country where we normally expect majority rule.  If a majority is opposed to something, we don't do it.  It's pretty simple.  That's apparently what has happened in Utah and Lakeland, Florida.  Personally I'm fine with that.  I have access to all the fluoride toothpaste and varnish that I need to keep my teeth healthy.

In fact, this is one of the few public health subjects that doesn't directly affect others.  Let me explain.  Opposition to vaccines has caused outbreaks of disease.  That can affect others.  No vaccine that I'm aware of is 100% effective.  There are rare instances of people contracting a disease they were vaccinated against.  However, if no one else has the disease, anyone's chance of catching it is pretty rare.  When lots of people are running around unvaccinated and shedding pathogens like my cat sheds fur, that's a problem... and it can affect others.

Fluoride isn't like that.  It really only affects one person... and that's the person who isn't receiving fluoridation.  It's especially true for children.  As children consume fluoridated water, it is passed into the permanent teeth developing in the jaws.  That uptake of fluoride means that the enamel develops stronger and when those teeth finally erupt into the mouth, the fluoride that has been deposited into their developing enamel makes that enamel less prone to decay.

What I want the lay public to understand is this: every decision has consequences.  There is an upside and a downside to everything.  By removing fluoride from drinking water, you are more or less trading a very unlikely outcome for a bad one.  Teeth that haven't developed with fluoride 'built into them' are much more prone to dental decay.  No fluoride in the enamel pretty much guarantees that your children are going to suffer more decay... not just in their primary (baby) teeth, but in their permanent teeth and that means it's a lifelong problem.  If you are comfortable with that decision (and the potential risk), then go ahead and remove fluoride nationwide.  However, just remember what you are asking for.  Your kids are going to grow into adults and throughout their life, they are going to have to deal with this decision.  Every parent I know wants their children to have a life that is better than their parents had.  This is going in exactly the opposite direction.  I know that some people have concerns, but I feel the science for safety is pretty convincing.

I always want people to know dentistry wanting fluoridation like is not some kind of a conspiracy.  In reality, no fluoride in the drinking water is going to make dentistry a lot busier and dentists will financially benefit from it.  The reason we, as a profession, are so pro fluoride is that we don't enjoy seeing people suffer with problems.  Dentists are busy enough.  We don't *need* to be busier.  There are enough dental problems right now to keep us busy.  Community water fluoridation has been touted as the most important public health measure in history and I don't know that I can argue against that.

So as longs as everyone understands the repercussions of this decision, I'm good either way.  What I don't want is a situation I heard in an old joke someone once told me about a cowboy.  The cowboy goes into the saloon and drinks an entire bottle of whiskey.  On his way home he takes off all his clothes and jumps on a cactus.  The next day, as the town doctor is pulling hundreds of thorns out of him he asks the cowboy, "What were you thinking?"  The cowboy replies, "Well it seemed like a great idea at the time."

What I want is for people to make an informed decision. I hope I've presented some good information here.

Introducing Young® ClearDefense™ Silver Fluoride – a Breakthrough in Sensitivity Protection from Young® Specialties

 

Here's some interesting news about a new product from Young® that just became available on April 1st.  It's a sliver fluoride containing solution that can be applied to help decrease or eliminate sensitivity.  Silver containing products have always had the risk of discoloration to the areas where it's applied, but Clear Defense™ has greatly decreased that risk.

The press release from Young® is below...

ALGONQUIN, ILL., April 1, 2025 – Young Specialties is transforming dental care with the launch of ClearDefense Silver Fluoride, a cutting-edge solution designed to provide relief from dental hypersensitivity while significantly reducing the risk of tooth discoloration.

"ClearDefense Silver Fluoride is the future of patient care," said Kenneth Serota, CEO of Young Innovations. "This noninvasive solution for dental sensitivity not only provides effective relief, but also minimizes the risk of discoloration, enabling clinicians to offer a better treatment experience while prioritizing patient comfort."

"At Young, we are committed to improving patient care while empowering clinicians to practice at the top of their license,” said John Frymark, Vice President of U.S. Direct, Marketing, and Analytics at Young Specialties. “ClearDefense Silver Fluoride exemplifies this mission — providing an effective, easy-to-use treatment that enhances both patient comfort and clinical outcomes. We are thrilled to bring this innovation forward and continue driving meaningful progress across the oral healthcare industry.”

Video:  Introducing Young® ClearDefense™ Silver Fluoride



Breakthrough sensitivity protection
ClearDefense Silver Fluoride treats dentinal hypersensitivity by occluding dentin tubules. Its unique formulation of 0.2% nanosilver, 3% sodium fluoride and vegetal chitosan offers noninvasive relief from sensitivity. 

Minimized discoloration risk
Unlike traditional silver fluoride treatments, ClearDefense is formulated with only 0.2% nanosilver, significantly lowering the risk of discoloration while maintaining its powerful protective benefits.

Designed for patient comfort
ClearDefense Silver Fluoride offers a gluten-free, water-based formula with no ammonia, low odor, and a non-irritating application, ensuring a more pleasant experience for patients.

Simple, one-step application
With an easy-to-use single-step application requiring no rinsing or posttreatment restrictions, ClearDefense seamlessly integrates into dental practice treatment protocols, enhancing efficiency without compromising effectiveness.

ClearDefense Silver Fluoride is now available for purchase through Young Specialties. Clinicians can register for CE courses to learn more here. For more information, visit clear-defense.com or contact support@youngspecialties.com.

Henry Schein’s THRIVELIVE Returns to Las Vegas

 

I apologize for the short notice on this announcement.  However, in my defense, the folks at Thrive Alive, just sent this to me and I created this the moment I got it.  They are in the final push to get the word out and I'm happy to provide this info to you.  Probably most of you who are aware of Thrive Alive have registered already, but if you haven't here's all the info and a link to the registration page.  Henry Schein does an amazing job with this event.  They created Thrive Alive as a showcase for the state of the art products they have in their inventory and if you are thinking of upgrading your practice, it's one of the premier events to attend.  It's always packed with terrific speakers where you can rest assured you'll learn a ton about the best products in dentistry.

Premier Dental Industry Event Offers Dental Teams Education and Networking  MELVILLE, N.Y. – March 31, 2025 – 

Henry Schein, Inc. (Nasdaq: HSIC) fourth annual THRIVELIVE® returns to Las Vegas from April 30 to May 3, offering dental teams a unique educational experience. Held at Resorts World Las Vegas, the three-day event features more than 100 courses and speakers, with insights from influential thought leaders on clinical applications of technology, the business of dentistry, team development, practice design, and software solutions. Interactive product demonstrations of the latest dental technologies and the Company’s suite of services will also be available.

“THRIVELIVE demonstrates our commitment and deep investment into the success of our customers,” said Mark Hillebrandt, Chief Digital Revenue Officer of Henry Schein. “This event was created to empower all dental team members to achieve their full potential. We are thrilled to continue the tradition of bringing community, connection, and lifelong learning to the dental profession with THRIVELIVE.” 

Several THRIVELIVE registration promotions are available, including:  

• ·       A 10 percent volume discount for groups of 10 or more. Contact thriveliveevent@henryschein.com for more details. 
• ·       Exclusive benefits and savings on THRIVELIVE tickets, as well as business management services, merchandise, equipment, shipping, and more from Henry Schein's Thrive Signature Program.
• ·       A doctor and team member bundle, where team member registrations (dental assistants, hygienists, front office, C-suite members, and non-doctor owners) are $999 each when added to a full-price doctor registration.

Also included in attendees’ ticket prices is a performance by this year's headliner, comedian Kevin James, best known for his role in “The King of Queens.” Attendees will have additional opportunities to connect with peers between educational sessions through engaging activities, including pickleball, morning yoga, and a Kentucky Derby brunch.

For THRIVELIVE attendees interested in volunteer opportunities, this year’s event will support the American Dental Association Foundation’s Give Kids a Smile and Give Veterans A Smile programs. These ADAF programs, which Henry Schein supports year-round, provide underserved children and veterans with free oral health care and assistance in finding a dental home.

For more information and to register for THRIVELIVE, please visit https://thrivelive2025.com/.
 About Henry Schein, Inc. 

Henry Schein, Inc. (Nasdaq: HSIC) is a solutions company for health care professionals powered by a network of people and technology. With approximately 25,000 Team Schein Members worldwide, the Company's network of trusted advisors provides more than 1 million customers globally with more than 300 valued solutions that help improve operational success and clinical outcomes. Our Business, Clinical, Technology, and Supply Chain solutions help office-based dental and medical practitioners work more efficiently so they can provide quality care more effectively. These solutions also support dental laboratories, government and institutional health care clinics, as well as other alternate care sites.  

  
 Henry Schein operates through a centralized and automated distribution network, with a selection of more than 300,000 branded products and Henry Schein corporate brand products in our distribution centers.  

 A FORTUNE 500 Company and a member of the S&P 500® index, Henry Schein is headquartered in Melville, N.Y., and has operations or affiliates in 33 countries and territories. The Company's sales reached $12.7 billion in 2024 and have grown at a compound annual rate of approximately 11.2 percent since Henry Schein became a public company in 1995.  
 For more information, visit Henry Schein at 
www.henryschein.com, Facebook.com/HenrySchein, Instagram.com/HenrySchein, LinkedIn.com/Company/HenrySchein, and @HenrySchein on X.    

Compex HD™ an Amazing Heated Composite Dispenser

 

As regular readers know, I'm a huge fan of heated composite.  The benefits are numerous as far as clinical results and long term outcomes.  Over 60 studies have shown the benefits of heating composite prior to placement.  However, those benefits are a bonus for me compared to how easy warm composite is to place.  I love placing warm composite!  There really isn't a single change to your restorative protocol that can have a bigger impact on the clinical results.  Normally to achieve great results, the effort is worth it, but effort is required.  This is one of those amazing things that can give you better results and actually make your efforts easier.

Along those lines, I'm also a huge fan of AdDent.  The company makes several impactful, high-quality products *and* they are one of the leading companies when it comes to products that can heat your composite to achieve great results.  I recently published a post about their Calset composite warming system... and it works great.  Today's post is about another one of their 'better mousetraps' to help with that.

The Compex HD is a composite dispensing gun that heats composite and allows you deliver it directly into the prep.  There is a small heating element in the barrel of the Compex HD that warms the compule before delivery and then allows you to smoothly and easily dispense it with the pull of the trigger.  The barrel is incredibly well insulated so there is not concern about the barrel making contact with soft tissues.

It warms the material to 155°F (68°C) in 40 seconds.  My normal protocol is finish the preparation and then we turn the Compex HD on.   While we're isolating the field, the composite is warming.  By the time we've isolated and have the prep ready for delivery, the device is ready to go.  At that point the material is delivered in the same manner as always.  That means no real change to your clinical protocol other than to push the 'on' button on the device.  No matter what technique you use or material you choose, the Compex HD can be integrated easily.

The device is cordless and the rechargeable battery can heat 100 compules before needing to be charged.  It's incredibly light weight and can be moved from operatory to operatory easily.  Of course, I feel that once you've used it, you'll find you need one in every restorative operatory in your office.  I should also state that the device fits well in the doctor's hand.  Whether you're like me and have fairly large fans or you're a female doctor with smaller hands, the Compex HD is easy to hold and use.

The device also has a small tab on the barrel that ejects the compule when pushed so changing and reloading is fast and efficient.  Once the barrel is fully warmed, the next compule heats fast so there is no concern about using Compex HD in quadrant cases where multiple compules would be used.  Of course pairing the device with AdDent's Calset device means that your composites are always warm and placement is even easier.

Compex HD is a winner and I feel if you try it, you'll feel the same way.  The benefits are amazing.

Chord Specialty Dental Partners Announces Massive Data Breach

 

Despite today being April Fools Day, today's post is true.  Quite honestly I wish it wasn't.

As you regular readers know, I'm constantly screaming about data security from the mountaintop.  However, I don't normally identify offices affected by a breach by name.  This one is different.  This breach is newsworthy because of the number of patients affected.  DSOs are prime targets for data breaches as they have interconnected systems that allow criminals to get *more* data than they could grab from a single office.  This particular breach has the potential to affect 173,000 patients and because of that, I think it's important to know about.

I want to make clear that this post is not meant to embarrass or demean the DSO.  This post is to remind all of us that security is a hugely important topic.  Taking your eyes off target can result in your practice being affected by something like this.  Incidents like this are hard to stop by the efforts of a private practice's IT contractor.  To get the best protection possible, an office needs security professionals.  There are several companies out there that can help make you as secure as possible.  My current favorite is Black Talon Security.  Also, to help you to be able to restore your info without paying the ransom, having solid and verified backups is critical.  That's why I trust DDS Rescue to provide backup services to my practice.

I'd also like to commend Chord Specialty Dental Partners for following the letter of the law.  HIPAA requires specific reporting and it looks like they are doing all they can to meet those reporting requirements.  These incidents are stressful and difficult on everyone involved and it appears that Chord is doing everything they can.  Below is their breach announcement as required by HIPAA.

NOTIFICATION OF DATA SECURITY INCIDENT

March 14, 2025 – On or around September 11, 2024, CDHA Management, LLC and Spark DSO, LLC dba Chord Specialty Dental Partners (“Chord”) discovered suspicious activity related to an employee’s email account. Upon discovery, we took immediate action to secure the account and engaged a team of third-party specialists to assist with determining the full nature and scope of the incident. The investigation determined that an unauthorized individual had gained access to several accounts for a limited time between August 19, 2024, to September 25, 2024. Therefore, we conducted a comprehensive review of the information potentially affected. The type of information varies by individual and may include name and one or more of the following: address, Social Security number, driver’s license, bank account information, payment card information, date of birth, medical information, and health insurance information.

At this time, Chord is not aware of any evidence to suggest that any information has been or will be fraudulently misused. However, we were unable to rule out the possibility that the information could have been accessed. Therefore, in an abundance of caution, we are notifying potentially impacted individuals of this incident.

In response to this incident, we immediately began an investigation and reviewed our policies and procedures related to data security. We are also providing potentially affected individuals access to credit monitoring and identity protection services as an added precaution. If you have questions about this incident or would like to enroll in the credit monitoring and identity protection services, please call 1-833-998-6327, Monday through Friday, between 8 AM and 8 PM ET, excluding holidays. You may also write to us at 1801 West End Ave., Suite 410, Nashville, TN 37203.

In general, we encourage potentially affected individuals to remain vigilant against incidents of identity theft and fraud by reviewing credit reports/account statements and explanation of benefits forms for suspicious activity and to detect errors. Under U.S. law, individuals are entitled to one free credit report annually from each of the three major credit reporting bureaus, TransUnion, Experian, and Equifax. To order your free credit report, visit www.annualcreditreport.com or call 1-877-322-8228.

Individuals have the right to place an initial or extended fraud alert on a credit file at no cost. If individuals are a victim of identity theft, they are entitled to an extended fraud alert lasting seven years. As an alternative to a fraud alert, they have the right to place a credit freeze on a credit report. The credit freeze is designed to prevent credit, loans, and services from being approved without consent. Pursuant to federal law, individuals cannot be charged to place or lift a credit freeze on your credit report. 

Should individuals wish to place a fraud alert or credit freeze, please contact the three major credit reporting bureaus listed below:

TransUnion                           Experian                                Equifax
1-800-680-7289                      1-888-397-3742                      1-888-298-0045
www.transunion.com              www.experian.com                 www.equifax.com

Individuals can further educate themselves regarding identity theft, fraud alerts, credit freezes, and the steps to protect their personal information by contacting the credit reporting bureaus, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), or their state Attorney General. The FTC also encourages those who discover that their information has been misused to file a complaint with them. The FTC may be reached at 600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. 20580; www.identitytheft.gov; 1-877-ID-THEFT (1-877-438-4338); and TTY: 1-866-653-4261. Instances of known or suspected identity theft should also be reported to law enforcement, the state Attorney General, and the FTC. 

Stan Goff Joins Dentistry Today

Today I bring you some great news.  I can't begin to describe how happy I am to tell you all this.  Stan and I worked together at DPR for over 20 years.  During all of that time I considered him a colleague and more importantly my friend.  So it's with a happy heart that I tell you that Stan has joined the team at Dentistry Today.   That's great news because not only is Stan one of the nicest people you' ll ever meet, but it also means his incredible knowledge of the dental industry will be put to good use.  He's a first class journalist and the folks at Dentistry Today are lucky to have him!  Here's what DT had to day about this...

Goff brings more than two decades of experience in covering the dental industry to the leading clinical news magazine and website for dentists.

Dentistry Today, the nation’s leading clinical news magazine for dentists, proudly announces the hiring of veteran journalist Stan Goff.

Leveraging nearly 25 years of experience in the dental industry, Goff began his career in 1999 at Dental Products Report and over the years held a variety of positions including senior editor, managing editor, executive editor, and editor-in-chief. In his new role with Dentistry Today, Goff will serve as Senior Content Editor and will create, manage, and curate high-quality, relevant content for the magazine and its digital offerings.

He joins a strong team of editors and writers led by Editor-in-Chief Dr. Paul Feuerstein, DMD, for Dentistry Today, which also boasts an esteemed CE Editorial Board and a vast, talented Dental Advisory Board.

“I have had the pleasure of working alongside Stan throughout much of his career, and it’s truly exciting to now have him as part of our team,” said Dr. Paul Feuerstein, DMD, Editor-in-Chief of Dentistry Today. “Our combined experience and skillsets will undoubtedly strengthen our editorial offerings and continue to serve the dental industry at the highest level.”

“Stan’s wealth of experience and deep understanding of the dental industry make him a tremendous addition to our team,” said Jim Radcliffe, Publisher of Dentistry Today. “His strong relationships with manufacturers and Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs), along with his leadership in content creation and dedication to quality journalism, will undoubtedly enhance our efforts to deliver the best and most relevant information to our audience of dental professionals.”

“This is a great time to work in dentistry as technology and product innovations evolve and enable clinicians to deliver the best possible oral care for patients,” Goff said. “I am thrilled to continue my career as a dental journalist with a brand that is celebrating 45 years of clinical excellence, and to work with Dr. Feuerstein and the rest of the talented team.”

Goff, who has a Journalism degree from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, began his journalism career 40 years ago in the newspaper industry and has been reporting on the latest in dental products, techniques, and technologies since 1999.

“In my new position, I can’t wait to assist Dentistry Today in its efforts to inform clinicians everywhere on the latest news and products designed to enable dental practices to thrive and to provide the best patient care.”

For media inquiries or to share information on product releases, news, or story ideas, please contact Stan Goff at sgoff@dentistrytoday.com.

DGSHAPE Americas Announces Launch of New DWX-43W Wet Milling Solution

 

For the past couple of months I've been using testing the *new* DGSHAPE on office mill in my office.  The unit is called the DWX-43W and it has been giving us amazing results.  Now the company is announcing the new mill is available to everyone.  Read on for all the details.

Roland DGA’s DGSHAPE Americas dental business group, a leading provider of innovative digital dental solutions for producing lab-quality esthetic crowns, bridges, onlays, and veneers, has announced the launch of the new DWX-43W – a next-generation wet milling solution that combines innovative filter-free technology with faster milling times for superior, cost-effective performance. Unbeatable for producing traditional ceramics and custom titanium abutments, the DWX-43W enables dental businesses to deliver high-quality same-day restorations while reducing operating costs, allowing for maximum profitability. 

DWX-43W Wet Milling Solution Features Include:

• Flexibility Comes Standard: Open-Architecture Eco-System Platform allows users to utilize their choice of restorative materials, scanners, and CAD design software.
• The Need for Speed: New DGSHAPE CAM software (included) decreases milling times by up to 20% while increasing milling efficiency and predictability.
• No More Costly Filters: New filter-less technology eliminates the need for coolant tank filters, reducing the cost of use by 20%. Upgraded coolant tank tray design filters milling waste without the need for separate tank filters.
• Easy Care: New automatic coolant jet optimization and draining cycle reduces routine mill maintenance by 50% compared to previous DWX-42W series models.
• Added Value Accessories: The DWX-43W includes 15 high-quality DGSHAPE wet milling tools and a 6-pin adapter accessory (a $1,630 value).
• Get Connected: Simple integration with Ethernet or USB connectivity.

The DWX-43W is uniquely engineered to make the wet milling of hard materials – like Chairside Zirconia & Amber Mill Direct, Powered by Roland DGA – easier and more precise than ever before. It’s compatible with many other materials as well, including traditional and pre-crystalized lithium disilicates, glass ceramics, PMMA, hybrid ceramics, composite resins, and pre-mill titanium blanks.

The DWX-43W comes bundled with DGSHAPE CAM software, which includes a host of tools that dramatically increase efficiency and convenience. Features include a “quick mill” option that streamlines workflow by making it easy to select frequently used materials and start milling quickly, a choice of “fast” or “high-quality” milling modes to suit specific user needs, the ability to save significant time and effort by milling up to six units simultaneously with the included 6-pin adapter accessory, and much more.  

  

Users will also appreciate the DWX-43W’s proprietary VPanel and DGSHAPE Cloud software, which enable real-time remote monitoring from anywhere, anytime, on any device. In addition, the DWX-43W includes authentic DGSHAPE tools and accessories that allow for expanded milling capabilities and greater ROI.

In addition, the DWX-43W’s newly designed internal material adapter and coolant tank tray are compatible with DGSHAPE’s AK-1 Material Adapters facilitating the milling of custom titanium abutments with pre-mill CAD/CAM blanks from MEDENTiKA®, DESS®, and GeoMEDI®.

“The new DGSHAPE DWX-43W ushers in a new era of wet-milling capabilities, ease of use, and performance,” said Lisa Aguirre, Roland DGA’s Dental Marketing Manager. “It builds upon the award-winning technology of DGSHAPE’s previous wet milling solutions and offers even greater productivity, reliability, and cost-effectiveness. With its cutting-edge features and advancements that allow for higher quality, increased output, and greater profitability, this solution can help any dental business improve workflow, reduce costs, and exceed customer expectations.”

Like all DGSHAPE devices, the DWX-43W wet milling solution is built to provide unsurpassed precision and reliability over the long haul. Plus, for extra peace of mind, it’s backed up by a two-year manufacturer’s warranty and Roland DGA’s industry-best service and support.

 

To learn more about the new DWX-43W, visit https://www.rolanddga.com/DWX-43W. For more information on the complete line of DGSHAPE dental milling solutions, visit https://www.rolanddga.com/dental.

About Roland DGA Corporation and DGSHAPE Americas

Roland DGA Corporation serves North and South America as the marketing, sales, distribution and service arm for Roland DG Corporation and its subsidiary, DGSHAPE. Founded in 1981, Roland DG of Hamamatsu, Japan is a worldwide leader in wide-format inkjet printers, engravers, photo impact printers and CNC milling machines. DGSHAPE Americas is the Roland DGA dental business group dedicated to the DGSHAPE line of products, most notable as a market leader in dental milling machines. To learn more about Roland DGA Corporation and DGSHAPE Americas, visit https://www.rolanddga.com/dental.

About Roland DG Corporation

With the purpose of “To Empower Creativity and Excitement Worldwide,” Roland DG Corporation strives to bring new opportunities to society through digital solutions that make it easy for anyone to create things. The company’s inkjet printers and printer/cutters are widely used in a variety of visual communication fields, including signage and interior decoration. In the digital fabrication field, our inkjet printers, cutting machines, and 3D digital fabrication tools enable the personalization and customization of items tailored to individual customer needs. By adopting a high-mix, low-volume, on-demand approach, Roland DG aims to create new applications. Recently, Roland DG has further expanded the digital transformation frontier. The company provides a cloud-based service to enhance customers’ printing operations and profitability and a cloud-based production improvement solution offering the expertise of its proprietary production support system for small and medium-sized manufacturers. To learn more about DGSHAPE Corporation, visit https://www.dgshape.com.