Orthodontics company Dental Monitoring, has launched its new Virtual Practice Platform, designed for doctors and patients to partner during the entire treatment journey through a suite of intelligent workflows and tools.

By using the platform, clinicians will be better able to identify, engage, qualify, and convert leads; optimize treatment and monitor patients; and benefit from the creation of new revenue streams.

Dental Monitoring is launching the Virtual Practice Platform to meet growing patient expectations, a statement from the company read.

“The Virtual Practice Platform transforms care by allowing for lifetime patient engagement as well as practice optimization,” Philippe Salah, CEO of Dental Monitoring said in the statement. “This innovation is a testament to our forward-thinking mindset led by an incredible team that I’m extremely proud of.”

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The new platform is designed to allow clinicians to become partners with their patients through the treatment journey.

Dental Monitoring Debuts New Virtual Practice Platform

EasyRx Announces PTS Trim Line File Output to 3D Automated Services


Lab prescription and digital workflow company EasyRx

 has announced the addition of PTS Trim Line File Output to 3D Automated Services. EasyRx’s PTS Trim Line can generate the based file with the locator base for trimming machines, then these auto-based files and supporting PTS files are attached to EasyRx’s helpful prescription and patient file for viewing and adjustment.

Because orthodontists and dentists can manage and design through this tool, the PTS Trim Line File Output expands a practice or lab’s capabilities in serving patients, according to a press release from EasyRx.

The 3D Command Center from EasyRx allows users to view the PTS Trim Line and adjust as needed. It is supported by Digital Dental, MAXX, and Ortho-Automation Trimline machines.

PTS Trim Line File Output is available for both dental practices and labs.

EasyRx has announced the addition of PTS Trim Line File Output to its 3D Automated Services for both dental practices and labs.  

EasyRx Announces PTS Trim Line File Output to 3D Automated Services

Dental Monitoring Files Patent Infringement Lawsuit Against Get-Grin


Virtual dental practice platform Dental Monitoring has filed a lawsuit against Get-Grin. This lawsuit alleges infringements on 2 patents, U.S. Patent 11,314,983 and 10,755,409. These patents pertain to the method of analyzing images of patient’s dental arches.

Dental Monitoring says that it created these methods, and the Patents-in-suit relate to the technology used to do so, according to a press release from Dental Monitoring.

“Dental Monitoring brought this lawsuit to protect and stop infringement of its intellectual property, which is the result of more than 8 years of pioneering work and investment in advancing teledental services and solutions,” said founder and CEO Philippe Salah. “As CEO, I take my responsibility to protect Dental Monitoring’s inventions seriously. We will continue to invest in innovation and expand and protect our intellectual property.”

This lawsuit was filed with the United States District Court for the District of Delaware.

Dental Monitoring files a patent infringement lawsuit against Get-Grin in relation to its image analysis, teledental technology. 

Dental Monitoring Files Patent Infringement Lawsuit Against Get-Grin 

Envista to Acquire Osteogenics Biomedical


Envista Holdings Corporation has announced that it will acquire Osteogenics Biomedical Inc, Allotech LLC, and OBI Biologies. These 3 groups combine to make Osteogenics as a whole.

Osteogenics researches and develops a variety of regenerative therapies and bone grafting products for implant dentistry. According to a press release from Envista, bone grafting and these regenerative therapies promote bone stability, a key aspect in implant dentistry. Envista will expand in the regenerative field through this acquisition, according to CEO Amir Aghdaei.

“Increasing our capabilities in regenerative solutions is consistent with our intention to digitize, personalize, and democratize oral care,” said Aghdaei in the press release. “Osteogenics is a recognized pioneer in membrane technologies used in dental bone grafting procedures. They are a trusted brand and have a proven track record of growth. We are excited to welcome the Osteogenics team to Envista.”

The acquisition is expected to close in the third quarter and is not subject to a financing condition or shareholder vote.

Envista has announced that it is acquiring Osteogenics Biomedical to expand in the regenerative therapies and implant arenas. 

Envista to Acquire Osteogenics Biomedical 

Glidewell and Medit Launch New fastscan.io Intraoral Scanner


Glidewell and Medit have announced a new partnership to introduce the fastscan.io™ Intraoral Scanner. This scanner combines the same technology behind the Medit i700 scanner and the glidewell.io™ In-Office solution as well as Glidewell’s dental lab. These 3 aspects merge to create an intraoral scanner that is said to offer dental practices an advanced scanning solution at an affordable price point, according to a press release from Glidewell.

The fastscan.io scanner is designed to be lightweight, with reversible tips, a detachable cable, and a UV-C LED disinfecting light. Users will also receive access to Medit applications, Ortho Simulation, Model Builder, and Crown Fit among others. It will be available in both wired and wireless versions, with both being offered a bundle opportunity that comes with a cart and a computer/laptop optimized for the fastscan.io’s technological specifications.

Clinicians who use the fastscan.io will be able to submit cases to either Glidewell’s lab, or whatever lab they choose. They can also upload impressions to the In-Office Solution to fabricate restorations in the office.

This partnership came about because it was a way to serve dentists an innovative, affordable solution, according to founder and president of Glidewell, Jim Glidewell.

“One of our primary goals with glidewell.io is to make digital dentistry more accessible and affordable to dentists everywhere,” said Glidewell in the press release. “By optimizing fastscan.io for both lab fabrication of restorations and in-office milling, we’re building towards a future where every dentist can control their own restorative workflow—bringing value to the practice and patients alike.”

Glidewell and Medit will partner up to offer dentists an affordable and effective intraoral scanner for restorations and in-office milling. 

Glidewell and Medit Launch New fastscan.io Intraoral Scanner

Doing things for others without regard for yourself is altruism. However, being altruistic often gives you as much as the others receive.

Harvard Business School research suggests that giving to others makes people happier, which isn't surprising. However, the researchers also say that happiness is cyclical. In other words, happier people give more and then get happier, which leads to them giving more—and getting even happier.

So, happiness and more altruism are benefits you can count on, which is excellent news. However, the even better news is that many dental professionals experience multiple benefits when demonstrating altruism at the dental practice—and some of them might surprise you.

Speaker and author Daniel Bobrow, MBA, president of AIM Dental Marketing, a healthcare consulting firm in the Chicago area, is also a Certified Dental Practice Consultant. He encourages dentists to remember the definition of altruism when committing to a charitable act, which is the practice of selfless concern for the well-being of others.

"I agree with and believe that concern for one's fellow human being should be and must be the overriding motivation behind the charitable act. I lean toward the adage ascribed to Ben Franklin to inform one's action in this regard, and that is, 'Do well by doing good,'" Bobrow says. "The more successful one is, the more charitable one can afford to be."

Bobrow and the team at AIM champion the concept of Cause Marketing. Cause Marketing refers to a partnership between a nonprofit and a business for the benefit of both. The idea behind Cause Marketing, Bobrow explains, is that it's a way to grow the practice that is both cost-effective and image conscious. The "cause" is the focus, but the "marketing" is the side benefit. In other words, when dental practices help others, their practice will benefit. Moreover, Bobrow says the power of Cause Marketing is limited only by the energy and creativity of the practices that choose to try it.

, in which these ideas of altruism and Cause Marketing serve as guiding principles. Supporting charitable causes is one way to grow the business through good acts.

"It comes back to you in many unexpected ways," Bobrow says.

Jonathan B. Levine, DMD, Associate Professor at the NYU School of Dentistry and Founder and President of 

, gives a lot of his time to charitable causes. He is on the board of Foundation Rwanda, the advisory board of Health Corps, and donates his professional services to Operation Smile. Along with his wife and business partner, Stacey Levine, the 

 provides free dentistry to people without access to care. Dr Levine commits time to charity because he believes in the concept of servant leadership.

"Servant leadership is all about how we make people the best versions of themselves so that you become the best version of yourself," Dr Levine says, adding that it drives his work with the foundation, his company, and also his private practice in New York City.

“At Dentsply Sirona, we believe altruism is part of being a sustainable dental practice,” Erania Brackett, Senior Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer at Dentsply Sirona. “This includes giving to others, providing access to underserved populations, and contributing to the community you serve.It’s about making a positive impact on society and the environment.”

Altruism makes the world a better place and creates positive change – not only for communities but for us as individuals, Brackett explains.

“In genuinely giving to others, we form new meaningful relationships that lead to a greater good. Studies have shown that altruism boosts well-being and resilience—both important in our hectic times,” Brackett says.

“Dental professionals do not just perform a needed service for their patients,” Brackett continues. “They have a huge impact on human lives, enhancing the overall well-being and health of patients across their lifetime, and increasing their self-confidence. Dentists have the power to extend their positive influence even further with sustainable, altruistic engagement.”

Doing Good Builds Teams That Do Good Together


Behind Dr Levine's desk is a large mission statement on the wall: "Everyone deserves to have a healthy, beautiful smile. And it all starts here." He says that drives his actions to provide his expertise wherever there is an access to care problem. For example, his efforts connected him to entertainer Lenny Kravitz, who asked Dr Levine if he could help his community on the island of Eleuthera in the Bahamas. Before COVID, Dr Levine and his team would travel there to help the people who live there. The last 2 trips before the pandemic brought more than 100 volunteers to the island to provide free dentistry and education.

"It's an amazing feeling to be able to help people," Dr Levine says. "And what happens when you help people? You find other people who want to help people, and like-minded people like to hang together, and you get filled up by each other. So, these missions are extraordinary because everybody is in it for everyone else. Everyone has that mindset."

Dr Levine recognizes that it can be daunting to think about taking time away from the practice to serve others who don't have access to care. However, in his experience, the rewards for doing so are excellent for the team's productivity. In addition, these super-charged good feelings from doing good are great for team morale.

"We have this amazing culture in our practice. We have each other's back, and it's very much like a family, but a very functional family," Dr Levine says. "I run an organization that is about learning and growing. But the fact that we have this higher purpose elevates what we do when we're practicing on our patients in New York City. The positive reinforcement that comes back to the culture of my team is nothing short of extraordinary."

Another benefit of altruism in the dental practice is your peace of mind. Giving to others is an antidote to burnout, Dr Levine says. If you are always going full throttle and working all the time, it's not good for the longevity of your career or your enthusiasm about it, he explains.

"Here I am in my sixth decade, and I'm more excited about dentistry than ever before," he says.

Dr Levine thinks the connection between dentistry with the medical community is a chance to elevate dentistry. As dental professionals join forces with their medical counterparts through salivary diagnostics and airway and sleep medicine, they innovate dentistry. However, dentists can't do it alone, so a happy and motivated team is essential to this future. The charitable work his practice engages in facilitates this atmosphere.

"You wake up in the morning, and everyone is excited to get to work, and you're building people's careers at the same time," Dr Levine says.

Dr Levine and his team are returning to Eleuthera for the first time since the pandemic in early December 2022. With the cooperation of Henry Schein CARES, they are building a freestanding clinic there. The foundation will host a fundraising event in early November for it, too. As a longtime lecturer worldwide, Dr Levine's connections from all over the world join in the projects with the same goal to help others.

"Nothing makes me happier than going down there, helping these people, and having my family, friends, and colleagues near me," he says. "It fills you up."

Can Your Practice Do Well By Doing Good?


Research shows that helping people is what most people want. Moreover, consumers want the companies they buy from and work for to help people. In June 2014, Nielsen published a report, "Doing Well By Doing Good," stating:

67% want to work for socially responsible companies

55% would pay extra for products and services from firms that demonstrate the positive social and environmental impact

52% made at least 1 purchase in the previous 6 months from at least 1 socially responsible company

52% care whether the product packaging has a sustainable impact

49% volunteer or donate to social and environmental programs

Moreover, these concerns took on a generational trend. Many of the respondents that emphasized these social responsibility goals were Millennials, whose responses in the positive for social responsibility were double that of Generation X and more than triple Baby Boomers.

Bobrow sees this as a positive change. For generations, businesses focused on maximizing stockholder value. He envisions a broader definition of shareholder value for the future.

"I'd rather take a little bit less capital gain in exchange for living in a healthy environment or knowing that the businesses we are funding aren't supporting undesirable activities worldwide," Bobrow says.

It can worry practice stakeholders to take time away from the business to perform altruistic service. Brackett says that altruism can feel like a big word, but small acts of giving can go a long way.

“If you bring your team and colleagues together, the culmination of small acts can make a very big impact,” Brackett says. “Altruistic engagement is extremely rewarding, as we hear again and again from the dental professionals who partner with us on the initiatives we support as part of our sustainability program called 

For example, in September 2021, thousands of dental professionals who participated with Dentsply Sirona World had the opportunity to support Smile Train, the world’s largest cleft organization, with their personal donations, which were then matched by Dentsply Sirona to increase their impact.

“In doing so,” Brackett explains, “They provided free access to cleft treatment to hundreds of children around the world, offering them the gift of a healthier, more fulfilled life. One that we at Dentsply Sirona support through a recently announced $5 Million donation and a true commitment to advance the future of cleft care. Because every 5 minutes a Smile Train cleft surgery helps a child in need.”

A life-changing action dental professionals took together with Dentsply Sirona, Smile Train and FDI World Dental Federation was to join the project task team and work on developing the first-ever set of standard cleft treatment protocols that integrate digital workflows, Brackett says, to genuinely advance the quality of and access to cleft care for countless patients.

“The rewards you reap extend further than yourself. You inspire others with your actions—colleagues and patients alike—and become an ambassador for sustainable dentistry, making your practice more attractive to many patients,” Brackett says.

We believe dentists who choose to integrate sustainability into their practice and do good will ultimately prosper—at a human level but also in their own practices,” Brackett continues. “Aside from personal gains these dentists reap, there is a business aspect to this as well—people are increasingly choosing services and employment based on their sustainability practices.”

Bobrow says Cause Marketing can take many forms. For example, you could offer a free dentistry day for veterans or have an event for a charity. Then, you promote the project to your current patients. The promotion increases awareness for the charity or event and lets your patients know that you do the right thing.

For example, AIM Dental Marketing has a health partner (client) who, as part of the new patient protocol, gives patients the option to pay for the initial consultation and X-rays or to match the practice's donation to the "Make-A-Wish" Foundation of $100 and the practice will comp the visit. Since the first-visit bill is more than $100, new patients save money and feel good about donating to such a worthy cause at the same time.

"Cause Marketing is one of the most effective ways to earn trust in a prospective patient's mind quickly. It's highly powerful," Bobrow explains. "It leverages your reputation."

“Each and every one of us can take action for a brighter world,” Brackett explains. “When choosing a project to support it’s very important that it’s an area that you truly connect with. At Dentsply Sirona, we offer you the possibility to take action for the environment, for communities, and even for your team.”

Brackett encourages dental professionals to contact 

Corporate.Communications@dentsplysirona.com

 if they would like to go beyond together with Dentsply Sirona. For example, Brackett says that dentists could:

Partner with Dentsply Sirona to develop and increase awareness around the first-ever Code of Good Practice for Sustainability in Dentistry, that Dentsply Sirona documents in partnership with FDI World Dental Federation

Volunteer to share knowledge and time to provide oral care services to people in need

Join hands with Dentsply Sirona as Dentsply Sirona strives to offer female dental professionals the opportunity to gain a stronger voice in dentistry.

“At Dentsply Sirona we have also supported a number of short-term projects, such as care missions in Uganda and Jamaica, where dentists treated a large number of patients during a set amount of time. To make your contribution truly count, choose a project where your unique expertise can make a real difference.”

Dr Levine encourages dental professionals wanting to start something altruistic for their practice to avoid "paralysis by analysis." First, determine what they want to do and where they want to do it. Then, using that as your motivation, talk to established foundations doing similar things in the area. Collaboration maximizes the amount of funding raised that goes to helping people.

"Finding a local organization or joining forces with a foundation that wants to help and has done this before will help you move in the right direction," Dr Levine says.

Bobrow agrees, adding that the team and patients should have input, too. He also recommends vetting the charity you want to support to prevent any bad public relations surprises. Also, determine how the charity will support your efforts.

"Any successful charity recognizes they can't take their donors for granted. So, if you're going to do something, they should provide you with in-office displays or a website that will enable you to reach out and market to your public to get them to make donations," Bobrow says.

For example, practices that support Climb for a Cause get free public relations support from AIM Dental Marketing, event organization and promotion, and in-office display materials. Participants in the climbs also get preferential consideration to go on a volunteer overseas oral health education and treatment project. Bobrow's organization has had assignments in Mexico, Guatemala, India, and Nepal. Smile Tree has a similar support program for practices, including social media content.

"The more we can encourage the dental public to recognize the power and value of doing this, the better we will do. Everyone will benefit from this," Bobrow says. "This tide will raise all boats."

Dr Levine agrees that altruism in the dental practice is an excellent way to empower the dental profession. Plus, dental professionals want to help people. He wants more dentists to embrace that part of their motivation and not get caught up in the details of how to get started.

 to do it is easy," Dr Levine says. "The important thing is 

 you do it. The answer for helping people falls right into place because that's what we do."

1. Anik L, Aknin L, Norton M, Dunn E. Feeling Good About Giving: The Benefits (and Costs) of Self-Interested Charitable Behavior. Hbs.edu. https://www.hbs.edu/ris/Publication%20Files/10-012_0350a55d-585b-419d-89e7-91833a612fb5.pdf. Published 2009. Accessed May 3, 2022.

2. Doing Well By Doing Good: Increasingly, Consumers Care About Corporate Social Responsibility, But Does Concern Convert to Consumption?. Nielsen.com. https://www.nielsen.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2019/04/global-corporate-social-responsibility-report-june-2014.pdf. Published 2014. Accessed May 3, 2022.

There are multiple benefits to demonstrating altruism at the dental practice—and some of them might surprise you.

Giving and Receiving: The Benefits of an Altruistic Dental Practice

Dentsply Sirona Announces Band Journey to Perform at DS World 2022


Dentsply Sirona has announced that the award-winning band Journey will perform at Dentsply Sirona World 2022 (DS World). Journey, known for their songs “Don’t Stop Believin’” and “Anyway You Want It,” will join DS World 2022’s line of entertainment this year along with comedian David Spade.

DS World 2022 will also offer continuing education (CE) credits and hands-on experience with new dental technologies, according to a press release from Dentsply Sirona.

“I am excited to be part of DS World 2022 again,” said Vice President of Education at CDOCS Dr Sameer Puri in the press release. Dr Puri will act as MC for the event. “This event offers a unique opportunity to engage with dental experts, gain access to the latest education courses and innovation in dentistry, earn CE credits, and enjoy world class entertainment.”

DS World 2022 will also feature a live simulcasted surgery, a variety of speakers, and new product showcases. It will be held at Caesars Forum in Las Vegas, Nevada from September 15-17, 2022.

The band Journey will headline Dentsply Sirona World 2022, which will feature other events and entertainment. 


Dentsply Sirona Announces Band Journey to Perform at DS World 2022

Dental artificial intelligence company Overjet has received 510(k) clearance for the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its Caries Assist, AI-powered dental caries detection and outlining software for chairside aid and patient communication, the company announced in a press release. The announcement follows the 2021 FDA clearance of Overjet’s Dental Assist platform, which supports dental professionals in measuring mesial and distal bone levels in bitewing and periapical radiographs for the diagnosis and treatment planning of periodontal disease.

Overjet Caries Assist is designed to allow clinicians to detect caries accurately and reduces the rate of missed lesions (false negatives). To demonstrate the validity of the software, Overjet analyzed more than 7000 tooth surfaces. With the aid of Caries Assist, dentists were said to be able to detect 32% more tooth surfaces containing caries, according to the company’s statement.

“Since our inception in 2018, we have been on a quest to improve oral health by creating a future that is clinically precise, efficient, and patient-centric,”  Wardah Inam. PhD, Overjet co-founder and CEO, said in the company’s press release. “Today, with this landmark clearance we are spearheading the transformation with innovative solutions for an industry that collectively wants better patient outcomes. With our Caries Assist, we are here to make a positive impact on the health of millions of Americans.”

With this technology, Overjet will support clinicians to be more effective and efficient by presenting them with accurate findings, identifying anatomical structures and common pathologies, and providing instant visualizations while improving patient-dentist communication.

With Dental Assist and Caries Assist, Overjet is said to be the first dental AI technology company cleared by the FDA able to address both bone level measurement with periodontal disease and dental caries detection, as well as quantification for bone level and outline with caries.

Caries Assist is designed to allow clinicians to detect caries accurately and reduces the rate of missed lesions.

Overjet's AI Caries Assist Platform Receives FDA Clearance

Rising to Their Expectations: How to Keep Patients Smiling in the Dental Chair. Photo courtesy of pressmaster/stock.adobe.com. 


We all have expectations. Sometimes they are based on experience, and other times, they come from comparison to something similar. And if we don't have anything personal to draw upon, we make it up based on stories we've heard or things we’ve watched on Netflix.

Your patients have expectations too. Do you know what they are and if you are delivering them? If not, maybe it's time you did. We take a closer look at why patient expectations are what they are and what you can do to keep them smiling in your dental chair.

First, it is essential to recognize that there has been a shift in information accessibility. Mark Hyman, DDS, MAGD, an Adjunct Full Professor and Special Assistant to the Office of the Dean at UNC Adams School of Dentistry, says in the "good ole' days," the dental team had proprietary information, and patients did what the team suggested. Now, with the internet and "Dr Google," patients see things without evidence and context and put their trust in that information.

"We can get angry and frustrated about this change, or we can use some fundamental principles of education that will win the day," Dr Hyman says.

When browsing for a "dentist near me," patients will see a wide range of dental content, from articles that describe sealants to videos demonstrating the benefits of implant dentistry to commercials about the wonders of clear aligners. So, patients know more about procedures when they walk through the door. The challenge occurs when patients develop expectations based on self-diagnosis.

"With dentistry, people come in with their expectations and research, and it can be hard to take the doctor's recommendation," Jeff Rohde, MS, DDS, says. "I am not offended by that. Instead, I see it as a chance to talk about this stuff, and I love talking about it."

With a misguided self-diagnosis, Dr Rohde prefers to have a conversation rather than tell patients they are wrong. So, he starts the conversation by asking where they read it. Then, he asks them why they were looking it up and what else they had learned.

Dr Hyman also believes in answering a question with a better question. When he has a patient that reads something on Google and objects to Dr Hyman's diagnosis or treatment plan, he asks, "What if Google is wrong?"

Dr Hyman also uses the “Feel, Felt, Found” objection handling technique with patients. For example, if a patient objects to fluoride treatment, Dr Hyman would say, "I understand how you feel. Many patients have sat right there and told me they felt the same way. However, research has found that fluoride cuts out cavities across the board." He finds that this approach puts his patients at ease.

"There is a temptation to be upset and feel challenged or demeaned, but I want us to stand our ground and smile while asking them to tell us more or how that makes them feel. Keep asking for information like why they came in or their goals for their smile. Be curious. Respectful. Then, reassure them from a professional that they are making the right decision," Dr Hyman says.

Sometimes the patient is looking for what they want to hear rather than what they need to hear. Dr Rohde says it can be challenging to disappoint patients. Still, by elevating the conversation and explaining why they need what you recommend, you can get patients on board with the diagnosis and treatment plan. While it might take longer than it used to, you can create a climate of trust in the operatory so that patients feel heard, even though you might push back and disagree.

"We need to flip our thinking around to remember that they are looking for the answer and are just disappointed with the outcome," Dr Rohde says when patients question his plans in the operatory. "It's all about matching those expectations."

Not Meeting Some Patient Expectations is Good, Too

There are some expectations you don't want to meet. Dental anxiety and dental fear are patient expectations that fall into this category.

Dr Rohde says dental anxiety was already accompanying many patients into the operatory. Add to it the pandemic, and now you have people afraid of dentistry and catching a disease. The war in Ukraine isn't helping with stress levels, either. Dr Rohde says he sees the effects of the rising levels of anxiety based on how many night guards he has made over the last 18 months.

Elevated anxiety and stress can result in short-tempered patients loaded with mental baggage. Dr Rohde says that he and the team remind themselves when the patient lashes out at them that it isn't about the team personally.

"Our job is to care about people and show them compassion even when they are not at their kindest," Dr Rohde says.

Dr Rohde says that initiating those conversations and making people feel accepted for who they are is essential. Since his team has many touchpoints with patients before he sees them, he raises the team's awareness about how they are delivering the elevated experience he wants at the practice. For example, he wants the team to let anxious patients know they are not alone, and if people feel scared, he encourages the team to respond to that in empathetic ways.

He also wants the team to meet patients where they are. If they are not consistent enough with their home care or do not floss often enough, he discourages the shaming approach to clinical diagnosis. Instead, aim for improvement and individualized goals, not perfection. He says that if a patient isn't flossing at all, try to get them to floss once or twice a week. It's not ideal or enough, but it's better than it was.

"What will we accomplish by making someone feel terrible for not flossing?" Dr Rohde says.

Dr Hyman uses photography, digital imaging, and digital printing. Also, Dr Hyman is excited about the new Artificial Intelligence (AI) products, like Pearl, that provide an automatic second opinion chairside. He believes that training the office on all these technologies is paramount. Training gets everyone on the same page with educating patients on their oral health. Seeing is believing and can help with treatment acceptance.

Another product he likes is PreVu Smile Simulation Software. He recommends using it as onboarding for new patients. First, you take a smiling photo, a panorex, and a cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), and in 30 seconds, a simulation is complete. Then, you show it to them and ask the patient what they think and how soon they would like to be finished.

"An objection is not a 'no,' it's a request for more information," Dr Hyman says.

He also says you should dedicate time with the team to train on Digidoc cameras and role-play the patient conversations. The idea is to be curious but not authoritative. Once you have the photos on the monitor, Dr Hyman says the temptation is to lecture patients about what they should do. Instead, he wants the team to say, "Tell me what you see." Then, they should follow up with "how can I help you?"

He also likes hygienists to take a before and after photo for cleanings and show them to the patient. Then, he wants hygienists to ask the patient what they see. He describes a quality photo in front of the patient as liberation for dental teams.

"You have all this equipment. Well, any bozo can buy the equipment. It's how you use it and train on it," Dr Hyman says. "You want to exceed patient expectations and knock their socks off."

When You Can't Meet Patient Expectations Despite Your Best Efforts

But what about when a patient's expectations exceed your patience? Dr Rohde does not allow rude or verbally abusive people to stay patients. Dr Rohde expects the team to be there for patients and bend over backward to provide that elevated experience, but when that isn't enough, Dr Rohde will tell patients that the patient care at his practice isn't a good fit anymore. He thinks dentists should draw the line with these patients and support their teams.

"Even though people are coming in with all these fears and anxiety, and we have to be more patient and compassionate, it doesn't mean we have to be a doormat," Dr Rohde says. "You are not going to be the perfect fit for everyone."

If You Don't Know What Your Patients Want, Ask.

Perhaps most importantly, Dr Hyman says that you don't have to pine for the “good ole' days” when you were the authority and patients did what you said just because you said so. Instead, he encourages the dental team to rise to patient expectations, and if you don't know what they are, ask. Some of the questions that he trains the group to ask are:

What are your goals for your health, teeth, and smile?

Is it essential that you keep your teeth for the rest of your life?

Please help me understand why you don't want to move forward.

Another important consideration is where your patient is in their life. Generational differences affect how patients view dentistry. For example, Millennials do not have the same perception of dentistry as Baby Boomers. That means connecting with patients at different ages and life stages might require a varied approach. If you treat every patient the same way and assume they want the same things, you could miss out on many opportunities to connect with them and build a relationship. Asking questions and learning about the person in the chair is essential to meeting their expectations.

"It is a joyful way to work when you understand basic human relation principles," Dr Hyman says. "We in dentistry have the greatest thing going. We get to take colossal care of patients and make a profound difference in their life, and very few of them die when we're working on them. It's the greatest profession in the world. So, work hard on yourself and give the patient the courtesy of getting to know them by asking, 'Why did you walk in today?'"

Patients arrive in your operatory with an idea of what should happen. Do you know what they expect and whether you will deliver it? 

Rising to Their Expectations: How to Keep Patients Smiling in the Dental Chair

The American Dental Association (ADA) notified its members today that while an investigation is still ongoing, that there is no evidence that data from its membership database has been accessed by unauthorized entities. This announcement, sent via email by ADA President Cesar R. Sabates, DDS, comes on the heels of earlier reports stating the association was hacked on April 22.

A little more than 2 weeks ago the ADA reported it had recently fallen victim to a cybersecurity incident that had resulted in technical difficulties impacting certain systems. They added that they were working around the clock to restore their systems and limit the disruption this incident causes its members.

In today’s message from the ADA President titled “May 13 Cybersecurity Update,” Dr Sabates wrote:

“I’ve spoken before about how the ADA is our collective dental family—and how family members worry when they can’t reach anyone at ‘home.’ When the ADA recently fell victim to a cybersecurity event, it may have felt like the ADA went dark overnight. Please know that our number-one priority has been investigating this incident and working around the clock to get our operations back up as quickly as possible after rigorous testing and verification.”

Keeping Personal and Practice Data Safe in the Wake of the American Dental Association Hack

The statement also says safeguarding member information and data is the ADA’s utmost priority, and adds: “I want to reiterate that at this point in the investigation, there is no evidence that data from our membership database has been accessed by unauthorized entities. The investigation is still ongoing, and I will let you know when it is completed.”

The update also includes these highlights:

MyADA: You can now log in to view member benefits, track order status, and make changes to your information, including updates to your Find-A-Dentist profile. Login at ADA.org/MyADA.

Continuing Education: Hundreds of CE courses are available at ADACEonline.org to further your professional development, as is the CE Tracker in your MyADA profile to keep track of your hours.

ADA Library & Archives: Full-text journals and ebooks, research databases, and evidence-based clinical tools are available at ADA.org/library, and specialized librarians can assist you with your research and information needs. Reach them at ADAlibraryandarchives@gmail.com.

Member-Exclusive Content: Articles on ADA.org that require an ADA login are now accessible to members.

ADA Catalog: The ADA Store and ADA Catalog are back online. You can place an order at ADAcatalog.org if you wish and track your order status in your MyADA account.

Membership Application: Dentists looking to join or renew can now complete their applications online.

National Board results: If you know your DENTPIN® and took your exam on or before April 30, 2022, you may log in to your account to see your results and the state boards you requested results to be sent to. If you do not have your DENTPIN, we are working on restoring access to be able to help you get that. Please email ADAtestserv@gmail.com with any additional questions about results.

Automated Installment Plan Payments: If your dues are automatically debited from your account or charged to a credit card, you will see payments resume. Rest assured these charges are legitimate, and rest easy that the ADA does not keep credit card or bank account information on file.

In closing, today’s statement adds that “the ADA team is doing everything possible to investigate, to restore operations at the ADA, and to communicate to you, our valued ADA members. Please continue to send questions to 

Members notified that investigation is still ongoing, but services returned and no evidence that membership data has been accessed by unauthorized entities.