Marty Jablow DMD, Dental News and Technology

Curve Dental Announces $200 Million R&D Investment

2026-08-28T14:05:00.000-04:00

As Curve Approaches $100 Million in Annual Recurring Revenue, Chairman and CEO Dave Cormack Predicts Major Shift in Dental Software Market

ALPHARETTA, Ga., Aug. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Curve Dental^®, the leader in modern AI-driven all-in-one dental software with an integrated end-to-end cloud platform, today announced a further $200 million investment in its Curve Hero product and comprehensive ecosystem of native best-in-class capabilities.

Record-breaking year-over-year growth since 2018, driven by rapid customer adoption, has enabled Curve to reinvest tens of millions of dollars each year in product development and customer services. The company is rapidly approaching $100 million in annual recurring revenue, almost entirely generated through organic growth.

With around 20% of the cloud dental practice market, Curve is fulfilling its promise to deliver best-in-class native functionality for single-location, small-group, and DSO practices—without requiring customers to contract with and manage multiple software vendors. Recognizing market demand for an open platform, Curve's API capability supports vendor integrations that meet rigorous standards for quality, security, reliability, interoperability and customer experience.

Dave Cormack, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Curve Dental and a 40-year veteran of high-growth software companies, reflected on the company's journey:

"Nine years ago, today's leadership team at Curve, having previously grown Brightree from a startup to the most successful cloud software platform in the homecare market, fell in love with the opportunity to deliver the most compelling solution for the dental industry when we saw that close to 100% of the market was relying on 20- to 30-year-old client-server solutions. No other opportunity in healthcare came close.

"We acquired Curve Dental because it provided an excellent foundation for us to build a fully integrated, end-to-end cloud platform. In my experience, multi-practice software cannot be scaled down for single locations or small-group practices. It must be built natively from the ground up—and that is exactly what we did.

"After $100 million of R&D investment in the last eight years, Curve has continually modernized into a fully native, single sign-on platform for solo practices to small multi-location groups and DSOs, including patient engagement, intelligent phone integration, advanced eligibility, credit card payments, auto payment posting, RCM, membership plans, orthodontics workflow, business intelligence and more. Curve is giving the dental industry a new way to practice and a better way to grow."

Investing for the Long Term

Cormack said Curve's financial position gives practices confidence that the company will continue investing for the long term:

"As a $100 million annual recurring revenue business, we are profitable and growing while reinvesting tens of millions of dollars each year in product development and customer services. As such, the dental market can be confident that we are here for the long term.

"My strong advice to any dental practice considering a move to a cloud system is to make sure that the software vendor is profitable, so it can continue to reinvest, and compare what they plan to spend on research and development against Curve's $200 million commitment."

Reflecting on Curve's extensive R&D commitment and what he believes will be a major consolidation of the dental software market, Cormack said:

"Our leadership has lived this journey many times and, as they say, we've seen this movie before, bought the T-shirt, and we always deliver for our customers.

"With 85% of the roughly 160,000 dental practices in North America still on a legacy client-server system, Curve will focus all its efforts on delivering the most compelling native end-to-end cloud platform in the market—one that meets the needs of practices of all sizes and stages of growth, so that they'll never outgrow Curve.

"We will achieve that by continuing to hire and retain great people who have a passion and desire to delight our customers. It's the only way."

A Market at an Inflection Point

Cormack believes the shift from legacy client-server systems to integrated cloud platforms will also drive significant consolidation across the dental software market over the next several years.

"A dental software death spiral is upon us. As the market rapidly shifts from legacy systems to the cloud, the vendor market across the ecosystem is oversaturated—from core practice-management platforms to add-on solutions for patient engagement, analytics, imaging and more.

"But moving to the cloud is only part of the equation. Practices should look beyond the cloud label to understand how a platform has actually been built and how well its products work together. While Curve has been 100% natively-built, many competitors have acquired a mismatched collection of products that leaves practices with fragmented data, multiple user interfaces, inconsistent workflows and integration complexity. These platforms do anything but operate as one unified system.

"I predict that over 40 percent of practice management software vendors, with an alarming number burning through cash to buy market share at the expense of R&D and customer services, will not exist in 36 to 48 months. The same pressure will affect point solutions that create more complexity than differentiated customer value, as AI-driven cloud platforms increasingly deliver those capabilities natively in a fully integrated manner and at a lower total cost of ownership than practices currently employ through licensing software from five or six different vendors.

Cormack concluded by returning to Curve's commitment to its customers:

"Our customers' success is how we measure our own success. We work to earn their business every single day by listening, responding promptly and continually keeping the Curve Hero platform ahead of our competition.

"If you haven't seen Curve in action recently—or at all—I encourage you to talk with us about the challenges you face and see how we can better serve you."

About Curve Dental

Curve Dental provides an intelligent, cloud-based operating platform designed to help dental practices manage and grow their businesses while giving teams more time to focus on patient care. Curve brings together practice management, clinical workflows, revenue cycle capabilities, payments, patient engagement, artificial intelligence, and an expanding ecosystem of connected solutions in one platform built for modern dentistry. Curve Dental serves dental professionals and practices across the United States and Canada and is privately held, with operations in Provo, Utah; Alpharetta, Georgia; Calgary, Alberta; and Aberdeen, Scotland.

Curve Dental is proud to be named a 2026 USA TODAY Top Workplaces award winner. Visit www.curvedental.com or call 1-888-910-HERO for more information.

SOURCE Curve Dental

BIOLASE and MegaGen America Expand Waterlase Foundations Training to Three U.S. Education Centers

2026-08-27T14:04:00.000-04:00

Expanded 2026-2027 training schedule increases access to hands-on Waterlase education across the West, Central and East Coasts.

FOOTHILL RANCH, Calif., Aug. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- BIOLASE and MegaGen America today announced the expansion of the Waterlase Foundations training program to three education centers across the United States, providing dental professionals with greater access to hands-on clinical education and training.

Beginning in 2026 and continuing through the first quarter of 2027, Waterlase Foundations courses will be offered at strategically located educational centers serving dental professionals across the country, including the BIOLASE Education Center in California, MegaGen America in New Jersey and the MINEC Education Center in Texas.

The expanded training reach is designed to make hands-on Waterlase education more accessible while helping clinicians build the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to incorporate laser dentistry into their everyday practice.

"Bringing a Waterlase into your practice is only the beginning. The real value comes when you have the knowledge and confidence to use it every day to improve clinical outcomes and expand what you can offer your patients," said Dr. Brad Labrecque, Chief Waterlase Educator. "The goal of the Waterlase Foundation is to give clinicians practical, hands-on education that translates directly into their daily clinical protocols. By expanding training locations across the country, we are making high-quality Waterlase education and ongoing support more accessible to help clinicians build confidence, increase utilization, and get the greatest clinical and financial return from their investment."

Expanding Access to Hands-On Waterlase Education

Waterlase Foundations courses are designed to build clinician competency, knowledge and hands-on skills in using Waterlase technology to manage established patient conditions. Through a combination of foundational laser science, device operation, safety, maintenance and hands-on clinical training, participants learn how to navigate through the appropriate laser settings and apply Waterlase technology across a range of hard and soft tissue procedures. The courses also address postoperative management, patient case acceptance and practice integration, helping clinicians develop the confidence and skillset needed to incorporate minimally invasive laser dentistry into everyday patient care.

The expanded program will offer training opportunities from experienced Waterlase educators across three regions:

West Coast: BIOLASE Education Center in Foothill Ranch, CA
Central U.S.: MINEC Education Center in Irving, TX
East Coast: MegaGen America in Fair Lawn, NJ

By establishing a broader geographic education network, BIOLASE and MegaGen aim to reduce barriers to in-person training and give more clinicians the opportunity to learn directly with Waterlase technology.

"Education has always been a fundamental part of the Waterlase experience," said Jeff Selph, Director of Sales, North America. "Hands-on learning can make an important difference when clinicians are building confidence with laser dentistry. Expanding our education footprint allows us to bring that experience closer to more practices across the United States."

Supporting Clinicians Throughout Their Waterlase Journey

The expansion of Waterlase Foundations reflects BIOLASE and MegaGen America's continued commitment to education, clinical support and helping customers maximize their investment in dental laser technology.

The incentive also builds on the growing collaboration between BIOLASE and MegaGen America following BIOLASE's integration into the MegaGen family. By bringing together BIOLASE's expertise in laser technology and education with MegaGen America's expanding U.S. commercial organization and resources, the companies are working to provide dental professionals with enhanced access to products, education, training and support.

2026-2027 Waterlase Foundations Training

Waterlase Foundations courses are scheduled at the three education centers throughout the remainder of 2026 and into the first quarter of 2027. Clinicians interested in participating can view upcoming course dates, locations and registration information at events.biolase.com.

To learn more about BIOLASE Education, including training and other upcoming courses, visit biolase.com/education.

BIOLASE®, Waterlase® and Waterlase iPlus® are registered trademarks of BIOLASE MG LLC.

For updates and information on BIOLASE and laser dentistry, find BIOLASE online at www.biolase.com/, Facebook at www.facebook.com/biolase, Instagram at www.instagram.com/biolase_official, and LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/biolase/.

About BIOLASE
BIOLASE, a MegaGen company, is a medical device company and global leader in dental laser technology. The company develops, manufactures and markets proprietary dental laser systems, including the Waterlase and Epic families of laser technologies, designed to help dental professionals deliver precise, minimally invasive and patient-friendly care.

About MegaGen America
The MegaGen brand is now recognized as a world leader in dental implants. Our innovative products and solutions are acknowledged as a game changer for more successful implant treatments and as the new standard for dental implants and digital dentistry. Started by dentists and driven by dentists, we are continually working for lifetime smiles. Developing technology to realize dreams and designing the future of healthcare. Working ethically and in good faith to become a total healthcare innovator.

Arcato Advances Non-Opioid Oral Pain Treatment

2026-08-26T14:55:00.000-04:00

Arcato Laboratories, Inc. (https://www.arcato-labs.com/) today simultaneously announced successful top line results from its first-in-human Phase 1 study of ARC-001 Gel in patients following third molar (wisdom tooth) extraction surgery, as well as the closing of its first round of financing.

ARC-001 Gel is a novel, proprietary, sustained-release, single-dose gel formulation combining three well-characterized, non-addictive anesthetics: benzocaine, lidocaine, and bupivacaine. The novel formulation of ARC-001 Gel allows for a one-time local administration into the tooth socket following surgical extraction, with a pharmacokinetic profile supporting the potential for pain relief for up to 7 days. ARC-001 Gel does not require an injection or a needle; the gel is easily administered directly into the extraction socket.

The Phase 1 primary endpoint of safety was achieved, supporting further Phase 2/3 development. Exploratory efficacy endpoints suggest pain reduction within the first 24 hours and that a single dose of ARC-001 Gel may provide pain relief for up to one week. Further exploratory analyses demonstrated that patients on placebo self-reported a need for opioids twice as often as those on ARC-001 Gel to manage pain.

“The dental and oral surgery community welcomes the work Arcato is doing to develop a pain treatment specifically for oral health. ARC-001 Gel is a unique approach to local pain management after third molar surgery, combining three well-known anesthetics in a novel formulation. With more than 3 million patients per year in the U.S. having third molar surgery, new pain management options are needed. While progress has been made in reducing postoperative opioid use, there is much work to be done,” said Dr. Thomas E. Van Dyke, DDS, PhD, Vice President of Clinical and Translational Research at the ADA Forsyth Institute.

“Our clinical results demonstrate that ARC-001 Gel is an exciting new approach to managing oral pain. We are actively engaged with the FDA, closely aligned with their May 2026 draft development guidance for non-opioid analgesics. Moreover, I would like to thank the Arcato team, as well as our investors, at this exciting milestone,” said Jeff Miller, Chief Executive Officer of Arcato Laboratories.

Profluorid Varnish + BioMin®

2026-08-26T14:31:25.501-04:00

America's #1 5% Sodium Fluoride Varnish Now Enhanced with BioMin Technology

VOCO announces the launch of Profluorid® Varnish + BioMin, an enhanced version of America's No. 1 5% sodium fluoride varnish that combines the proven benefits of ADA-recommended* 5% sodium fluoride with innovative BioMinbioglass technology. The advanced dual-action formula releases additional calcium and phosphate ions that work synergistically with fluoride to provide enhanced protection against dentin hypersensitivity while strengthening enamel.

BioMin bioglass, developed at Queen Mary University of London, has been successfully used in bioactive oral care products for years. When exposed to saliva, the invisible, flavorless bioglass dissolves, releasing calcium and phosphate ions that enhance the efficiency of the fluoride varnish. These ions contribute to fluorapatite formation on the enamel surface while also supporting long-term protection of tooth structure.

Compared with conventional fluoride varnishes, ProfluoridVarnish + BioMin offers enhanced protection against dentin hypersensitivity. BioMin releases ultra-fine crystals that penetrate deep into dentin tubules, where fluorapatite forms to seal the tubules. Combined with fluorapatite formation on enamel surfaces, this process increases enamel hardness, improves resistance to acid attacks, and provides a long-term desensitizing effect.

The formulation is based on VOCO's Advanced Pro-Colophony technology, allowing the varnish to be applied in a thin, clear layer with superior adhesion to the tooth surface for long-lasting fluoride release. Rapid ion release begins within the first 15 minutes, with efficacy nearly doubling within 60 minutes. Its excellent taste, neutral smell, and smooth feel promote outstanding patient acceptance while making application easy and comfortable for dental hygienists.

Profluorid Varnish + BioMin is available in four patient-friendly flavors: mint, caramel, bubble gum, and cherry. It is offered in both tubes and convenient SingleDose delivery systems to accommodate a variety of clinical workflows.

For more information, visit vocoamerica.com.
* Maguire A. ADA clinical recommendations on topical fluoride for caries prevention. Evid Based Dent. 2014 Jun;15(2). 38-9.

Lumos 3DX Mobile Dental Imaging System Brings Advanced Diagnostics Chairside

2026-08-25T09:28:00.000-04:00

New solution from Valkyrie BioScience delivers chairside Tomosynthesis and Intelligent Imaging to bridge the gap between 2D and CBCT.

Lumos 3DX by Valkyrie BioScience is a high-resolution dental imaging system that brings advanced diagnostics directly to the point of care. With a mobile, cloud-connected design and an intuitive interface, the system helps dental teams work faster, communicate more clearly, and treat with greater confidence.

Lumos 3DX brings advanced diagnostics directly to the point of care. Photo: Valkyrie BioScience.

Lumos 3DX delivers chairside Tomosynthesis and Intelligent Imaging—bridging the gap between 2D and CBCT—so clinicians can visualize anatomy with greater clarity, explain findings with confidence, and plan treatments in real time, according to Valkyrie BioScience.

This is imaging built for how dentistry actually works: fast, flexible, and focused on the patient.

Key Advantages

Chairside imaging, without compromise: Tomosynthesis and Intelligent Imaging at the point of care; delivering 3D layered insights, bridging the gap between traditional 2D imaging and CBCT, and improving clarity, diagnosis and patient communication.

Mobility that moves with the clinician: Engineered for seamless mobility between operatories—keeping your diagnostic workflow continuous and efficient.

Cloud-based flexibility: Secure, streamlined access to images across locations and systems.

Modern, Intuitive Interface: Designed to simplify use, not overwhelm it—so teams can focus on care.

Insight-Ready Platform: Built to support intelligent detection tools under development to enhance diagnostic clarity over time.

Valkyrie BioScience was founded by leaders in dental imaging, with a mission to deliver intuitive, fast, and future-ready tools that bridge the gap between diagnosis and treatment.

Additionally, the system offers high-resolution imaging to reveal anatomical detail with clarity and accuracy to support better clinical decisions; features a compact, elegant design that integrates seamlessly into any operatory; eliminate barriers to access, sharing, and storage — while maintaining HIPAA compliance; and allows clinicians to scan and share instantly, enabling confident clinical discussions in the moment.For more information, visit valkyriebiosci.com/lumos-3dx

Vyne Dental and Zelis Simplify Dental Payments

2026-08-24T11:28:00.000-04:00

Partnership will simplify how more than one-third of U.S. dental practices receive, reconcile, and understand insurance payments.

Vyne Dental, a leading provider of dental revenue technologies and electronic health information exchange solutions, and Zelis, a leading provider of healthcare technology solutions, recently announced a partnership designed to help dental practices move away from paper checks while simplifying workflows and reducing friction across the payment experience. Together, Vyne Dental and Zelis will provide dental practices with faster digital payments, a simpler reconciliation process, built-in visibility into claim performance, and greater clarity and control in managing revenue cycles.

Through the partnership, Vyne Dental providers are able to gain access to ZAPP Edge℠, which delivers electronic payments and embedded payment data and performance insights from 550+ insurance payers in a single, secure portal. Dental teams will also be able to quickly receive and reconcile payments, access more detailed claims insights and reporting, and better manage revenue workflows – helping to optimize revenue cycles and gain a clearer view of what’s driving financial performance.

“Dental practices have lived with paper checks and disconnected payment data for too long,” said Steve Roberts, CEO of Vyne Dental. “Paper is slow, it’s manual, and it leaves office teams chasing money instead of collecting it. The partnership with Zelis changes that. We’re giving practices a direct, electronic path to get paid faster, along with the visibility to understand and account for payment trends. With this partnership, our customers chase less and collect more of every dollar they bill.”

“Modernizing the healthcare financial experience means more than digitizing paper checks. It means eliminating fragmented electronic connections that lead to delays in getting the data providers need,” said Yusuf Qasim, President of Payments Optimization at Zelis. “By connecting ZAPP Edge with Vyne Trellis, Vyne Dental’s revenue cycle management platform, we can bring payments, data, and insights together in a connected experience that helps dental practices simplify reconciliation, understand payment activity, and make more informed financial decisions.”

For participating Vyne Dental customers, electronic payments can reduce the need to receive, process, and deposit paper checks, while ZAPP Edge provides a more connected experience with built-in payment and denials insights to support simpler reconciliation and more informed revenue decisions. Connecting those payments with associated remittance and claims-payment information can help practices manage reconciliation through a more streamlined workflow.

Initial enrollment for practices affiliated with participating payers is expected to begin in the coming months, with broader availability planned for late 2026. Vyne Dental and Zelis will share additional enrollment and implementation details as they become available.

About Vyne Dental

Vyne Dental delivers end-to-end revenue acceleration across payers, providers, and patients through connectivity, revenue cycle automation, claims management, and data exchange. With solutions like Vyne Trellis, Vyne Dental is helping reshape the dental profession’s financial infrastructure – unlocking faster payments, fewer errors, and better experiences. For more information, visit vynedental.c o m.

About Zelis

Zelis is modernizing the healthcare financial experience across payers, providers, and healthcare consumers. We serve more than 725 payers, including the top 5 national health plans, regional health plans, TPAs, and millions of healthcare providers and consumers across our platform of solutions. Zelis sees across the system to identify, optimize, and solve problems holistically with technology built by healthcare experts—driving real, measurable results for clients.

Learn more at Zelis.com.

Larineco Introduces New Daily Enamel Pouches

2026-08-21T14:06:00.000-04:00

First-of-its-kind product delivers daily enamel care via one of the fastest-growing consumer product formats, oral pouches

Larineco today introduced Remineralizing Pouches, a new oral care category designed to support daily enamel care in one of today’s most familiar and convenient product formats. Powered by Larineco’s proprietary Natural RMX50 Complex™, the nicotine-free pouches deliver nano-hydroxyapatite, xylitol, and clean-focus ingredients in a hands-free format that fits naturally into everyday routines, from the office and gym to commuting and travel.

The launch reflects a broader shift in how consumers think about oral health. While brushing remains the foundation of good oral care, people are increasingly looking for products that help support their teeth throughout the day.

At the same time, oral pouch formats have become increasingly familiar to consumers because of their convenience and discreet design. Larineco saw an opportunity to reimagine that format for oral wellness, creating a pouch that offers consumers a healthy benefit.

“Oral health is one of the most overlooked parts of daily wellness, yet it plays a huge role in long-term health and daily confidence,” said Matthew DeWitte, founder of Larineco. “With our proprietary Natural RMX50 Complex™, we’ve built an enamel-support system that can easily be integrated into someone’s lifestyle. It replenishes minerals where enamel loses them and protects the oral environment they depend upon. By combining that science with the familiar pouch experience, we’re giving people a way to keep the routine they enjoy, whether at work, in the gym, or on the go, and turn it into something that actively supports their oral health.”

While Remineralizing Pouches were created for anyone looking to support enamel throughout the day, Larineco believes they’ll also resonate with consumers looking to reduce or eliminate nicotine without giving up the familiar pouch experience. Research shows more than 40 million adults want to quit or reduce nicotine use by 2030. Rather than asking consumers to abandon the ritual altogether, Larineco offers a nicotine-free option that supports daily enamel care in the same familiar format, with the same sensation, all while supporting and replenishing enamel between brushings.

Key ingredients and features include:

Clean focus: L-Theanine 60mg + Alpha GPC 40mg + caffeine 50mg (about half a cup of coffee) for clean cognitive performance without the crash
Daily enamel support: Nano-hydroxyapatite and xylitol, working between brushings to help support stronger, healthier teeth
Natural RMX50 Complex™: Larineco’s proprietary mineral-rich enamel-support system
Nicotine-free, always

“We’ve spent decades thinking about oral care as something that happens twice a day,” continued DeWitte. “We asked ourselves a simple question: What if you could support your teeth throughout the day in the same way people already support their energy, hydration, or nutrition? That’s what inspired Remineralizing Pouches.”

The pouches are available in three flavors: Mint, Cinnamon, and Mango, all made with natural flavors. Recommended use: up to 4 pouches per day.

Larineco™ Remineralizing Pouches are the first nicotine-free pouch designed to support balanced energy, cognitive support, and daily oral health, transforming a familiar habit into a healthier one.

About Larineco

Larineco™ is an oral care innovator committed to making smarter oral care simple, effective, and habit-friendly. Built around hydroxyapatite, the same mineral that makes up 97% of tooth enamel, Larineco develops products that help replenish and protect enamel beyond the twice-daily brushing routine. From remineralizing toothpaste, gum, mints, and pouches, the brand offers convenient, mineral-rich solutions designed to keep mouths feeling cleaner, fresher, and healthier throughout the day.

All products are available at buylarine.com.

Where Legacy Meets Innovation: The 19th MegaGen International Symposium

2026-08-20T15:15:00.000-04:00

An academic alliance with Nobel Biocare, clinical validation by leading global scholars, and the New Toronto Declaration charting the next 50 years of implant dentistry.

Attendees watch MegaGen’s 13 points of the New Toronto Declaration.

The 19th MegaGen International Symposium took place last month and plenty of momentum was generated by the New Toronto Declaration. The spirit of cross-generational collaboration is expected to grow even further in the years ahead. Five key takeaways follow, helping review the past 50 years of implant dentistry and taking a look at the future.

1. Carrying Forward the Legacy of 1982: The Historic Significance of the Toronto Symposium and a New Academic Alliance

In the history of modern dental implantology, the 1982 Toronto Conference stands as the milestone that established the concept of osseointegration and opened a new era. In 2026, leading figures from across the global dental community gathered once again in Toronto—the birthplace of modern implantology—for MegaGen’s 19th International Symposium.

Held under the main theme, “Reviewing the Past 50 Years, Envisioning the Next 50 Years of Implant Dentistry,” the symposium brought together approximately 1,300 clinicians, researchers, and industry experts from around the world to reflect on half a century of achievement and to discuss the clinical standards of the future.

The symposium drew particular attention with the participation of Nobel Biocare, the company that pioneered the early history of dental implants. This collaboration took concrete form through “The Grand Alliance,” an academic partnership established between MegaGen’s academic foundation, MINEC, and Nobel Biocare’s educational foundation, FOR (Foundation for Oral Rehabilitation).

More than a one-time corporate exchange, this partnership embodies a shared commitment to connecting the traditional legacy of dentistry with the digital innovation of the future. United by a common mission to deliver safer, more predictable, and biologically stable treatments to patients worldwide, the 2 organizations have taken a monumental first step toward fusing clinical trust with advanced technology.

2. Validating Clinical Value: A Cross-Generational Lineup of 14 Distinguished Speakers

The scientific sessions featured 14 world-class speakers whose lectures spanned the entire arc of implant dentistry, from its formative years to the current era of digital innovation.

l Pioneers of Implant Dentistry: The program opened with lectures by the legendary scholars who laid the foundations of modern implantology. Prof. Tomas Albrektsson, who conducted research alongside Prof. Brånemark and helped define the modern criteria for implant success, shared his invaluable insights on long-term osseointegration. Prof. Dennis Tarnow, originator of the “5 mm rule” in aesthetic implantology, offered clinical wisdom on preserving interproximal tissue, while Prof. David Garber, whose career has been devoted to long-term aesthetics through comprehensive prosthetic rehabilitation, delivered a featured lecture. In addition, Dr. Izchak Barzilay presented an in-depth scholarly review of the 50 years of development since the 1982 Toronto Conference.

l Leaders of Contemporary Clinical Innovation: The program continued with speakers who are actively expanding the boundaries of clinical practice. Dr. Paulo Maló, developer of the All-on-4 concept that redefined full-arch rehabilitation, discussed the latest parameters of immediate full-arch reconstruction, and Prof. Tomas Linkevičius, founder of the Zero Bone Loss concept, presented evidence-based protocols for maintaining crestal bone stability. Prof. Christian Makary, a leading figure in immediate placement and immediate loading, shared practical strategies for achieving both patient safety and clinical efficiency.

l Architects of the Digital Future: Sessions charting the standards of next-generation digital dentistry also drew strong interest. Prof. Alessandro Pozzi, an authority on prosthetically driven digital implant treatment, and Prof. Francesco Mangano, president of the Digital Dentistry Society (DDS), examined the path toward complete digital standardization. Prof. Clark Stanford (Dean, University of Iowa College of Dentistry), Prof. David Kim (Harvard School of Dental Medicine), and Prof. Kyu-Jin Cho (Seoul National University School of Dentistry) joined as panelists, offering diverse perspectives on integrating advanced tissue management and biological principles into digital clinical practice.

3. A Shift in Clinical Paradigms: The New Toronto Declaration

A Look at the Past and Future of Implants: the MegaGen Symposium packed with 14 renowned experts and over 1,300 dentists.

Building on the scientific validation and reflections of the world’s leading scholars, MegaGen proposed the New Toronto Declaration, setting out a new direction for the future of implant treatment.

True to the theme, “Legacy Meets Innovation,” the significance of this symposium lies in presenting, in a single forum, a rigorous understanding of the past and a patient-centered vision for the future. The core values shared by participating clinicians were as follows:

Recalibrating the Foundations: Scientific evidence was presented for re-examining long-held clinical assumptions—including crestal bone loss, peri-implantitis, and implant surface aging—in light of the latest biological understanding.
A Map of 50 Years of Evolution: The program offered a macroscopic review of the changes in implant design and surgical techniques over the past half-century, weighing their strengths and limitations, and re-illuminating the clinical wisdom demanded by the present era.
Evidence-Based Protocols: Practical, efficient solutions directly relevant to clinical practice were established, covering immediate placement and accelerated loading, All-on-4 full-arch rehabilitation, and single-tooth aesthetic restoration.
A Clinical Philosophy Responsive to Patients: In response to the growing number of elderly patients and those with systemic conditions, the symposium affirmed a patient-centered paradigm oriented toward simpler, minimally invasive treatments.
A View Toward the Future of Dentistry: The program outlined the organic connections between dentistry and adjacent advanced sciences, including artificial intelligence (AI), mixed reality (MR), biomedical convergence technologies, and biomimetic robotics.

At the heart of the declaration are the following key shifts—concrete paradigm changes for patient-centric implantology:

Beyond technological progress, these approaches reflect MegaGen’s clinical philosophy: to honor patient well-being and quality of life through advanced engineering.

4. Visualizing Legacy and Innovation: A New Paradigm for Exhibitions

The exhibition space went beyond conventional product promotion, staged as both a museum of dentistry and a showcase of innovation. At the front of the booth, a special Honorary Zone was dedicated to the research achievements of the pioneers who led the 1982 Toronto Conference—a gesture that beautifully captured MegaGen’s philosophy of pursuing future innovation on established foundations.

”Nice to meet you!” A futuristic medical robot greets visitors with a heart-shaped hand gesture.

Connected to this legacy, MegaGen’s product lineup was also exceptionally well received. The booth featured a Seamless Digital Solution zone in which the entire course of treatment—from the patient’s first visit and consultation through diagnosis, placement, and final restoration—was integrated into a single, unified workflow.

Alongside the digital workflow, the exhibition also gave substantial weight to the fundamentals of implant technology: fixation strength and placement stability. Next-generation implant solutions engineered to achieve reliable primary stability across a wide range of bone quality conditions drew keen interest from clinicians on-site. By intuitively presenting the integration of its next-generation implant lineup with the digital workflow, MegaGen’s booth was highly credited with setting a new standard for the future of implant exhibitions.

5. Toward the Future: The 20th Symposium Awaits in Shanghai

With the conclusion of the Toronto Symposium, the attention of the global dental community now turns to the next chapter of this journey. The momentum generated by the New Toronto Declaration and the spirit of cross-generational collaboration are expected to grow even further in the years ahead.

The 20th MegaGen International Symposium will be officially held on April 16 to April 17, 2027, at the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Center (SWEECC) in Shanghai, China.

For more information, visit megagenamerica.com.

Amend Surgical Advances NanoFUSE® Bioactive Plug Development Through Exclusive Licensing Agreement with MLM Biologics

2026-08-19T08:29:00.000-04:00

ALACHUA, Fla., Aug. 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Amend Surgical, a regenerative biomaterials company focused on developing innovative technologies for oral surgery and tissue regeneration, today announced continued development of its NanoFUSE® Bioactive Plug, a next-generation solution designed to stimulate bone growth and reduce complications following tooth extractions. Through an exclusive worldwide licensing agreement with MLM Biologics, Amend has expanded its regenerative dentistry platform with a proprietary collagen technology that serves as the foundation of NanoFUSE® Bioactive Plug.

The NanoFUSE® Bioactive Plug is being developed to address two important challenges in socket preservation procedures: regenerating new bone for future restorative treatments and reducing postoperative complications. The product combines pro-regenerative and anti-microbial properties in a single solution designed to support healing while helping protect the surgical site.

The addition of the NanoFUSE® Bioactive Plug, enabled by the licensed MLM technology, strengthens Amend's growing portfolio of regenerative solutions for dentistry. Together with the Company's NanoFUSE® Bioactive Matrix and Amend Tissue Tape®, it expands Amend's product platform across bone regeneration, socket preservation, soft tissue management, and infection control, creating a more comprehensive suite of solutions to support clinicians across nearly every phase of dental treatment.

"This milestone represents an important step in our strategy to build a comprehensive regenerative dentistry platform," said Robby Lane, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Amend Surgical. "As we continue to bring together complementary technologies, we are expanding our ability to address key clinical needs, creating value for clinicians, patients, and future partners."

Under the agreement, Amend Surgical has secured exclusive worldwide rights to MLM Biologics' collagen technology, manufacturing processes, and related technical expertise for use in all dental applications. The licensed technology will support development of the NanoFUSE® Bioactive Plug as well as future opportunities across the Company's product portfolio.

As part of the collaboration, MLM Biologics will manufacture intermediate product for Amend Surgical during the first five years of the agreement and provide support for product development, regulatory activities, and commercial scale-up. The partnership is expected to accelerate development timelines and support efficient scaling as Amend advances the technology toward commercialization.

"We're pleased to partner with Amend Surgical as they advance the development of the NanoFUSE Bioactive Plug," said Chandra Nataraj, PhD, Chief Executive Officer of MLM Biologics. "It represents an exciting application of our technology, and we believe this collaboration creates a strong foundation for innovation that can benefit clinicians and patients alike."

About Amend Surgical, Inc.

Amend Surgical is a regenerative biomaterials company focused on developing innovative technologies for oral surgery, tissue regeneration, and wound healing. Through a growing portfolio of differentiated products, the Company is committed to providing clinicians with solutions that address unmet clinical needs and improve patient care across the continuum of dental treatment. www.amendsurgical.com

About MLM Biologics, Inc.

MLM Biologics is a medical device company that specializes in the design, manufacture, and distribution of FDA-regulated collagen-based biomaterials with a focus on musculoskeletal and wound care clinical conditions. The company utilizes proprietary platform technology to produce a series of novel biomaterials that address all stakeholders in the clinical care continuum.

Unveiling a Smarter Future for Dentistry at China Dental Show 2026

2026-08-18T13:21:00.000-04:00

AI-powered clinical solutions, hands-on experiences, and global business opportunities will come together in Shanghai from October 13 to 16

China Dental Show 2026 (CDS 2026) will take place from October 13 to 16 at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), bringing together dental professionals, distributors, and buyers from around the world to explore China’s latest dental technologies, products, and academic achievements.

Presented by the same organizing team behind the FDI World Dental Congress 2025, CDS 2026 will serve as an integrated platform for technology showcases, trade matching, academic exchange, and industry cooperation. Through technical demonstrations and interactive on-site activities, international attendees will have the opportunity to experience China’s latest dental solutions, meet Chinese companies and institutions, and explore sourcing and partnership opportunities.

AI, Robotics, and Digital Dentistry

A core attraction of CDS 2026 will be the Digital Intelligence Experience Zone within the Prosthodontics Exhibition Area, bringing together three leading Chinese brands: Yakebot, Yangshan Medical, and IMPNAV. Featured technologies will range from dental implant robotics to oral surgery navigation systems, giving visitors a hands-on look at China’s growing capabilities in intelligent dentistry. CDS 2026 will also feature a Future Dental Clinic experience showcasing the world’s first smart headset designed for clinical use. Integrated with dental microscopes, intraoral scanners, and navigation systems, the device allows users wearing AR glasses to switch seamlessly between data feeds from multiple devices simply by turning their heads.

Toward Intelligent Manufacturing

China’s dental industry is moving well beyond its earlier profile as a source of low-end consumables and OEM manufacturing. Chinese companies are now developing increasingly sophisticated digital and intelligent dental solutions that are reaching laboratories, clinics, and distributors across the Asia-Pacific region. In 2025, China’s dental equipment and materials exports reached USD 1.847 billion, up 8.94 percent year-on-year. CDS 2026 will serve as a gateway for technology exports, product procurement, trade matching, and long-term business partnerships.

Academic Exchange and Clinical Learning

CDS 2026 will be held alongside the 28th Annual Conference of the Chinese Stomatological Association and the 20th Academic Conference of the Prosthodontics Committee, drawing university deans, researchers, and practitioners from China’s leading dental institutions. Distinguished speakers will share recent research breakthroughs and clinical techniques, with the program featuring step-by-step workshops and hands-on sessions. For international participants, the event offers a rare opportunity to engage directly with China’s academic community and explore cross-border research partnerships.

Easier Access for International Visitors

China has further expanded its inbound travel facilitation measures in 2026. Visa-free transit stays for eligible travelers from a range of countries in Europe, Southeast Asia, and Latin America have been extended to 240 hours, and additional ports of entry and eligible regions have been introduced, making it more convenient than ever to attend exhibitions and conduct business in China.

For further information, event updates, and registration details, visit the official China Dental Show website: https://www.chinadentalshow.com/en/#/.

Clerri Launches Chrome Extension for Dental Practices

2026-08-17T13:19:00.000-04:00

One extension works alongside any web-based PMS — Denticon, Dentrix Ascend, and beyond — installing from the Chrome Web Store in under two minutes with no IT support and automatic updates across every location.

Clerri, the dental industry’s largest and most trusted membership platform, recently announced the launch of the Clerri Bridge Chrome Extension, bringing Bridge — Clerri’s front desk companion for membership status, savings, and enrollment — to any web-based practice management system. Because Bridge now runs in the browser rather than against a specific PMS installation, a single extension works alongside whatever web-based platform a practice uses, installs from the Chrome Web Store in under two minutes, and updates automatically with no IT involvement.

“Practices shouldn’t have to choose their membership tools based on their PMS. By delivering Bridge through Chrome, one extension works alongside any web-based system a front desk runs — and it’s the same Bridge in every one of them. Deployment overhead goes to zero: a 50-location group used to mean 50 separate installs; now it’s one Chrome policy, and every future update just shows up,” said Jacob Evans, Chief Product and Technology Officer at Clerri.

One Extension. Any Web-Based PMS.

Bridge opens in Chrome’s side panel, sitting beside the practice management system rather than on top of it — which means it isn’t tied to any single platform. Staff working in Denticon, Dentrix Ascend, or any other web-based PMS get the same persistent companion: it never covers PMS content, and it stays open with its state intact as staff navigate between tabs. For Denticon users, Bridge goes a step further and syncs automatically to the schedule date staff are viewing.

The fit is natural: both Denticon (Planet DDS) and Dentrix Ascend officially recommend Google Chrome as their supported browser, meaning staff are already working all day in the exact environment Bridge installs into — no browser switching and no additional software.

Same Bridge. No IT Required.

The Bridge Chrome Extension is functionally identical to the Bridge practices already know — the same patient search, membership status, savings calculator, and enrollment workflow. What’s new is the delivery. Any staff member can install it from the Chrome Web Store in under two minutes, with no software download, no Windows installer, and no admin access required. Every future update ships automatically through Chrome, so practices are always on the latest version without a single IT ticket.

Because the extension runs in the browser, it works on any computer a practice uses — Mac or Windows.

Built for DSOs: Every Location Live the Same Day

For DSOs and multi-location groups, the Chrome Extension turns what used to be a location-by-location rollout project into a single step. Organizations can push Bridge silently to all managed browsers at once through Chrome enterprise policy — including force-install and pin-to-toolbar options — or let location managers self-install in minutes. The entire group goes live simultaneously, and every future update reaches all locations at the same time, eliminating version drift across the organization.

Security Built In

Patient data and PHI are held in session memory only — never written to local storage or disk — and are cleared when the browser closes. Isolation between Bridge and the PMS page prevents the underlying site from reading anything Bridge displays, meeting the same PHI-handling standard as Clerri’s on-premise Bridge.

Availability

The Clerri Bridge Chrome Extension is available today in the Chrome Web Store for practices with an active Clerri integration, and works alongside any web-based PMS in Chrome. A single link and extension ID work across all practices and DSOs, and deployment policies can be scoped to specific organizational units in Google Admin. Groups or practices new to Clerri can request a demo at clerri.com/get-started.

About Clerri

Clerri is the leading care membership platform transforming how dental practices grow. By simplifying access to care through smart, sustainable membership plans, Clerri empowers providers to increase patient loyalty, reduce insurance dependence, and build recurring revenue.

Trusted by over 25,000 dentists, including more than 5,000 independent offices and 200-plus group practices, Clerri delivers a clear path to practice success powered by automation, expert support, and nationwide compliance.

Spear Education and VoiceStack Partner to Strengthen Dental Front Office Performance

2026-08-14T08:41:00.000-04:00

Spear's front office education will be available within the VoiceStack platform, giving dental practices easier access to training alongside communication insights

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Aug. 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Spear Education, the leading provider of advanced dental education and dental workforce enablement solutions, today announced a partnership with VoiceStack, an AI-powered communication platform for dental practices. Through the partnership, Spear's front office education will be available directly within the VoiceStack platform, giving dental teams access to training alongside communication insights that strengthen patient conversations, support team development, and improve front office performance.

VoiceStack customers will have access to a limited selection of Spear's practice growth courses for office managers and their teams. This includes Conversation Essentia ls to train them to improve case acceptance, scheduling and fee presentation training, and onboarding content for new front office team members.

"The front office shapes nearly every patient's experience with a practice, yet those team members have few structured development opportunities," said Aimee Fletcher, director of strategic partnerships at Spear Education. "This partnership gives VoiceStack practices seamless access to proven training that builds the confidence of front office teams, strengthens patient interactions, and offers a needed avenue for professional development."

VoiceStack's AI identifies where front office performance breaks down, from missed calls and unconverted opportunities to inconsistent call handling, while Spear's training gives teams practical guidance to address those challenges. By bringing communication insights and education together, practices can identify coaching opportunities faster and give front office teams practical tools to improve patient conversations and appointment conversion.

"What VoiceStack surfaces is the 'what,' and Spear provides the 'how," says Neil Hoover, vice president of partnerships at VoiceStack. "Practices already using VoiceStack know where they're losing calls and where their conversion rates drop. Now they'll have direct access to the training content that helps their teams do something about it."

The partnership will launch with a joint webinar featuring Spear faculty member Amy Morgan and the VoiceStack team, highlighting how communication analytics and front office education can work together to strengthen patient interactions and practice performance. Register here.

Dental teams who are not VoiceStack customers can access this same team training, plus hundreds more virtual courses including modules to train hygiene teams, associates and provide advanced clinical skill building for established dentists through Spear Practice Membership.

About Spear Education
Spear Education is the leading provider of advanced dental training and dental workforce enablement solutions, equipping dentists and their teams with the clinical and leadership capabilities needed to enhance patient care and grow their practices. Through a blend of tech-enabled virtual learning, hands-on workshops, live seminars, and study clubs, the company is committed to advancing modern dentistry at every level. For more information, visit www.speareducation.com.

SOURCE Spear Education

Case Western Reserve University leads NIH academic–industrial partnership to develop rapid, chairside oral cancer test

2026-08-13T20:03:40.246-04:00

CLEVELAND—A Case Western Reserve University–led research team is developing a noninvasive oral cancer test to help clinicians decide—chairside and within minutes— whether a suspicious lesion in the mouth needs a biopsy.

The project pairs a discovery made in the university’s School of Dental Medicine with device-engineering and microfabrication expertise from the Case School of Engineering and the commercialization capabilities of industry partner Hemex Health Inc. of Portland, Oregon.

The work is supported by a new five-year, $2.93 million grant from the National Cancer Institute (NCI), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

The type of grant is an NIH award structured as an academic–industrial partnership: It teams university researchers with a company to advance technology from the lab to a commercial, point-of-care product.

“Our goal is to take a sophisticated laboratory measurement and engineer it into a simple, affordable device that works reliably at the chairside,” said Aaron Weinberg, professor and chair of the Department of Biological Sciences at the School of Dental Medicine. “Manufacturing and validating that device to a commercial standard is exactly the kind of translational engineering challenge our collaboration was built to solve.”

Weinberg, also a member of the NCI-designated Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, is one of the project’s three principal investigators. The team spanning dentistry, engineering and industry also is led by:

• Umut Gurkan, the Wilbert J. Austin Professor of Engineering in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the Case School of Engineering and director of the Case Biomanufacturing and Microfabrication Laboratory. Gurkan's group contributes point-of-care device design, microfabrication and analytical validation to turn the lab work into a manufacturable, easy-to-use test.

• Peter Galen, chief innovation officer and co-founder of Hemex Health and a Case Western Reserve engineering alumnus. Hemex Health's Gazelle point-of-care platform, developed in collaboration with CWRU, has been used in more than 40 countries for blood-disease testing. The company will help advance the oral cancer test toward regulatory clearance and manufacturing.

The research team also includes: CWRU’s Mireya Diaz-Insua and Rod Rezaee, from the School of Medicine, and Santosh Ghosh, from the School of Dental Medicine; and Allesandro Villa, from the Miami Cancer Center.

Simpler test for a difficult decision

The American Cancer Society estimates about 60,480 new cases of oral and throat cancers and 13,150 deaths nationally this year.

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is among the most common cancers worldwide and is especially prevalent in low- and middle-income countries, where pathology services are often scarce and diagnoses can be delayed or inaccurate.

In higher-income settings, the opposite problem is common: Clinicians often biopsy suspicious lesions even though roughly 90% turn out to be benign, Weinberg said. While reassuring for patients, those biopsies add cost, discomfort and anxiety.

The test being developed, called the BDI fluorescence immunoassay, or BDI-FIA, offers a non-invasive alternative. It measures the ratio of two naturally occurring peptides—human beta-defensin-3 (hBD-3) and human beta-defensin-2 (hBD-2)—from a simple oral swab.

That ratio, which the research team calls the beta-defensin index (BDI), corresponds with the presence of OSCC. A reading available at the chairside in minutes could help clinicians advise patients immediately, identify who actually needs a biopsy and serve as a screening tool in communities with limited pathology services.

Weinberg's lab was among the first to characterize human beta-defensins in the oral cavity and showed that hBD-3 becomes overexpressed, while hBD-2 declines, in the early stages of oral cancer. That observation is the biological basis for the BDI.

From bench to chairside

The project has three aims: manufacturing the test, analytically validating its precision and accuracy and then clinically validating it in patients. The team plans to pursue commercialization through both U.S. and Indian regulatory agencies to reach communities where oral cancer is common but diagnostic services are limited.

By combining a CWRU discovery with a commercial partner's manufacturing and distribution capacity, the academic–industrial structure is designed to more quickly get a promising product into clinicians’ hands to treat patients—an approach of growing importance as federal research budgets tighten and funders prioritize work with a clear path to real-world and commercial impact.

The project also received funding from the Ohio Third Frontier, managed through the Ohio Department of Development, and was supported by the Clinical and Translational Science Collaborative of Northern Ohio, which is funded by the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences of the NIH, UM1TR004528.

Research reported in this release is supported by the NCI of the NIH under Award Number R01CA306044. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the NIH.

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As one of the fastest-growing research universities in the United States, Case Western Reserve University is a force in career-defining education and life-changing research. Across our campus, more than 12,000 students from around the world converge to seek knowledge, find solutions and accelerate their impact. They learn from and collaborate with faculty members renowned for expertise in medicine, engineering, science, law, management, dental medicine, nursing, social work, and the arts. And with our location in Cleveland, Ohio—a hub of cultural, business and healthcare activity—our students gain unparalleled access to academic, research, clinical and entrepreneurial opportunities that prepare them to join our network of more than 125,000 alumni worldwide. Visit case.edu to see why Case Western Reserve University is built for those driven to be a force in the world.

Hygiene KOL Michelle Strange Publishes Independent by Design

2026-08-13T08:40:00.000-04:00

New Book Presents Dental Hygienists a Roadmap to Career Growth and Independent Practice Ownership

Dental hygienist, educator, entrepreneur, and podcast host Michelle Strange, MSDH, RDH, recently published Independent by Design: A Dental Hygienist’s Journey to Practice Ownership, a new book that explores the evolving career opportunities available to today’s dental hygienists, including independent practice ownership.

Drawing on more than 25 years of experience in clinical care, education, public health, mobile dentistry, long-term care, and business ownership, Strange shares the professional lessons, challenges, and decisions that shaped her career.

The book is intended to help dental hygienists evaluate new career possibilities while providing practical insights for those interested in expanding beyond traditional clinical roles.

Rather than presenting a single formula for success, Independent by Design examines the many paths available within the profession and encourages readers to define careers that align with their personal and professional goals.

“Many dental hygienists reach a point where they begin to question what comes next,” said Strange. “My goal was to write the book I wish I’d had earlier in my career; one that honestly discusses both the opportunities and the obstacles while demonstrating that there are more options available than many clinicians realize.”

The book chronicles Strange’s unconventional professional journey, including her decision to leave a traditional career path, spend several years working throughout the United States as a traveling dental hygienist, and ultimately become the owner of Smile Logic, an independent dental hygiene practice in Colorado.

In addition to sharing personal experiences, the book offers guidance designed to help readers avoid common business and career development pitfalls while navigating the transition from clinician to entrepreneur.

Independent by Design: A Dental Hygienist’s Journey to Practice Ownership is available in print and Kindle editions through Amazon.

About Michelle Strange, MSDH, RDH

Michelle Strange is a practicing dental hygienist, educator, and entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience in the dental field. She began her career as a dental assistant and then a dental hygienist, earning a bachelor’s degree in health science from the Medical University of South Carolina, followed by a master’s degree in dental hygiene education from the University of Bridgeport. Her commitment to excellence is demonstrated by ongoing professional development, including earning a Certificate in Dental Infection Prevention and Control, Myofunctional Therapy, Interim Restorative Therapies, and Neuromodulators.

Michelle is the founder of MichelleStrangeRDH.com and Level Up Infection Prevention, two platforms dedicated to empowering dental professionals through education, hands-on resources, and practical strategies for success in clinical care and compliance. Most recently, she became the proud owner of SmileLogic, an independent dental hygiene practice in Colorado that delivers value-based, patient-centered care.

With a unique blend of clinical expertise and entrepreneurial drive, Michelle continues to elevate the profession by bridging education, innovation, entrepreneurism, and real-world application.

DentiMax Announces Three New Platform Partnerships

2026-08-12T08:39:00.000-04:00

DentiMax, a longtime provider of dental practice management and imaging software, recently announced three new partnerships for its web-based practice management platform, DentiMax Flow. The additions of Gusto, Mango Voice, and Marea give dental practices an easier path to running payroll, managing patient calls, and automating clinical documentation, all alongside the software they already use to manage their day-to-day operations.

The partnerships reflect DentiMax Flow’s push to cut down on the disconnected tools and workflows dental offices have to juggle. Flow already brings texting, online scheduling/forms, billing, charting, imaging, and insurance management into one browser-based platform for solo practices, groups, and multi-location DSOs. These new relationships extend that consolidation into three areas nearly every practice touches: payroll and HR, phone communication, and clinical documentation.

Gusto brings full-service payroll, benefits administration, time tracking, and hiring tools to DentiMax practices, including automated tax filings, compliance support, and employee benefits such as health, dental, and vision coverage, helping owners spend less time on paperwork.

Mango Voice adds an AI-powered voice platform built for healthcare practices. It unifies calls, texting, and fax into one system, surfaces patient information the moment a call comes in, and transcribes and summarizes every conversation.

Marea layers AI automation onto a practice’s existing systems. Its Inbound product answers calls, books appointments, and completes patient intake before a patient walks in, while its Documentation tools generate clinical notes, referral letters, and perio charts in real time, all synced back to the practice’s records.

Together, these partnerships let DentiMax Flow customers manage payroll and staffing, patient communication, and clinical documentation without leaving the ecosystem their practice already runs on, cutting down on duplicate data entry and the “tech fatigue” of stitching together too many point solutions.

“Dental practices don’t want more software; they want less friction,” said Alicia Dieujuste, DentiMax Software Managing Director. “Bringing partners like Gusto, Mango Voice, and Marea into the Flow ecosystem lets practices keep the tools they rely on while getting a more connected, less chaotic day-to-day experience.”

About DentiMax

DentiMax provides dental practice management software, digital imaging solutions, and dental sensors trusted by thousands of practices across the United States. Its web-based platform, DentiMax Flow, is designed to help single-location practices, growing groups, and multi-location DSOs manage clinical, operational, and financial workflows from a single login.

Smile Source Acquires Profitable PPOs to Expand Financial Health Solutions for Independent Dental Practices

2026-08-11T10:25:00.000-04:00

MILWAUKEE, Aug. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Smile Source announced the acquisition of Profitable PPOs, a nationally recognized leader in PPO strategy and insurance solutions company for independent dental practices.

Smile Source has acquired Profitable PPOs, expanding PPO strategy, reimbursement optimization, credentialing, and financial health solutions that help independent dentists build stronger, more profitable practices.

This acquisition marks Smile Source's second strategic acquisition in the past 14 months, reinforcing its continued investment in the future of independent dentistry allowing dentists to maintain complete ownership and autonomy. By adding specialized PPO expertise to its growing ecosystem of business solutions, Smile Source continues to expand the resources available to support the long term success of private practice dentistry.

"To succeed in private practice today, dentists need more than a list of PPO contracts. They need a thoughtful PPO strategy," said Dr. Barrett Straub, CEO of Smile Source.

Many independent dental practices are producing more dentistry than ever before, yet profitability continues to be impacted by insurance write-offs, reimbursement challenges, and complex participation decisions. Profitable PPOs help practices maximize profitability through PPO analysis, fee negotiation, credentialing, and financial modeling. As part of the Smile Source ecosystem, its expertise strengthens existing financial health resources, creating a more complete approach to improving both practice revenue and profitability.

"Independent dentists should not have to become insurance experts to build financially healthy practices," said Clint Johnson, CEO of Profitable PPOs. "Our work is about helping practice owners understand their options, make informed decisions, and participate more profitably with insurance. Joining Smile Source creates an opportunity to extend that mission while preserving the specialized expertise and service our clients value."

"Private practice is the gold standard for values driven, relationship based care. It's important that someone stands with all the independent dentists out there, not try to buy them," Dr. Straub said. "That is Smile Source. This is exactly what we are doing. Adding PPO Optimization to our support system is a very key part of this story."

About Smile Source

Smile Source is building the operating system for independent dentistry by combining purchasing power, financial health insights, education, coaching, technology, community, and vetted business solutions to help independent dentists build stronger, more profitable practices while preserving their independence.

Dental Innovation Alliance Doubles Down on Relu

2026-08-10T10:37:00.000-04:00

Relu, now designing over 1 million dental lab cases a year, deepens its U.S. push with fresh capital from seed investor DIA.

Dental labs across the U.S. are stretched thin. Demand for night guards, crowns, and dental models keeps climbing, but there aren’t enough skilled technicians to keep up. Relu’s AI platform automates much of the design and administrative work behind those cases, helping dental labs close that gap. Today, Relu announced a $1.75 million strategic investment from Dental Innovation Alliance (DIA), which also backed its seed round.

Relu currently handles more than 1 million cases each year from dental laboratories across 82 countries. The financing provided by DIA will further strengthen Relu’s position in the U.S. market.

“A lab’s growth used to be capped by how many technicians it could hire and train. AI removes that ceiling: technicians who adopt Relu become far more productive, designing multiples of the cases they could before,” said Holger Willems, CEO and Co-Founder of Relu. “This investment lets us bring that to more American labs.”

“We backed Relu at the seed stage, and we’re investing again because the results speak for themselves,” said Thomas Sharpe, Managing Partner at Dental Innovation Alliance. “The lab operators among our investors have seen Relu deliver real design and workflow automation, along with growing adoption by leading American labs. We’re proud to help them scale.”

About Relu

‘Relu has built Relu® Automate, an AI platform that automates the design and administrative work for dental lab cases, including night guards, crowns, and dental models. Relu® Automate is a pay-per-case platform that automates design and workflow processes, giving labs room to grow. Relu was founded in 2019 by Holger Willems (CEO), Adriaan Van Gerven (CTO), Antoine Coppens (COO), and Thomas Beznik (CPO), and has offices in Leuven, Belgium, and Boston, MA.

Learn more at relu.ai.

About Dental Innovation Alliance

DIA is a venture capital fund investing in innovative technologies and solutions in the dental and multi-site healthcare industry, backing companies that develop transformative solutions for dental practices, DSOs, and the broader multi-site healthcare ecosystem.

Denterprise Suits Up: Tuxedo Imaging Joins the Denterprise Family

2026-08-10T10:13:37.669-04:00

Denterprise International has acquired Tuxedo Imaging, bringing its intraoral sensor lineup into the Denterprise product family and expanding support for Tuxedo customers nationwide.

Denterprise International, an FDA-registered exclusive importer-distributor of dental imaging equipment serving independent dealers across North America since 1989, today announced the acquisition of Tuxedo Imaging, the Akron, Ohio-based maker of the Tuxedo A Series and TuxDeluxe B Series intraoral sensors.

The acquisition brings Tuxedo Imaging's sensor under the Denterprise umbrella, where it will continue on as part of Denterprise's QuickRay sensor lines — backed by Denterprise's 37+ years of distribution infrastructure, dealer network, and support operations.

Why This Matters

Tuxedo Imaging built a loyal following among single-provider practices, DSOs, and public health institutions on the strength of its image quality, deductible-free warranty, and unlimited U.S.-based technical support. Denterprise is continuing that commitment while extending Tuxedo customers access to a much larger dealer and support network built over three and a half decades.

What Changes — and What Doesn't

Existing Tuxedo Imaging customers keep the products and warranty coverage they already have. Tuxedo A Series and TuxDeluxe B Series sensors continue as Denterprise's QuickRay and QuickRay Pro sensors — same engineering, same performance, now with Denterprise's support infrastructure behind them.

Looking for your Tuxedo product or support info?

Visit the Tuxedo Imaging transition page for product name mapping, warranty details, ordering info, and answers to common questions.

Go To Tuxedo Imaging

Solventum’s Filtek Composite Warmer Earns Red Dot Award for Product Design

2026-08-07T12:59:00.000-04:00

Solventum has officially been awarded the prestigious 2026 Red Dot Award for Product Design for its groundbreaking Filtek Composite Warmer. The dental product is celebrated for its human-centered design that helps simplify composite warming in everyday dental workflows.

Solventum has officially been awarded the prestigious 2026 Red Dot Award for Product Design for its Filtek Composite Warmer

With the Filtek Composite Warmer, clinicians get all the benefits of composite warming in a compact device that fits their workflow. It is fast, portable and easy to use—and designed so that users achieve improved adaptation, better flow and more. All from a device that fits in your hand and warms composite in as little as 2 minutes. It is designed especially for Solventum’s Filtek dental restoratives that are indicated for warming.

Dental Restoratives offer a flexible solution to help clinicians enhance the natural beauty of their patients’ smiles with ease and precision, whether they require a touch-up or a comprehensive restoration. Composite warming during direct restoration reduces the viscosity of restorative materials, helping improve flow, enhance adaptation and decrease the extrusion force required during application.

The Filtek Composite Warmer’s features include:

Rapid Warming: Achieves a full system heat-up in 10 minutes. From there, it warms composite capsules in just 2 minutes and flowable syringes in 5 minutes—lowering viscosity to deliver better flow, less air inclusion, and superior adaptation.*
True Point-of-Care Mobility: Features a first-of-its-kind removable holder. Instead of forcing clinicians or assistants to walk back and forth to a stationary heating base, the holder can be brought directly to the chairside to streamline treatment.
High-Capacity Staging: Simultaneously accommodates up to 6 capsules and 1 flowable syringe to keep multi-step procedures moving smoothly.
Infection Control & Safety: Includes a heat-safe silicone sleeve to protect fingers during handling. The entire top portion is completely autoclavable to easily integrate with standard clinical sterilization protocols.

“This recognition reflects what’s possible when our R&D teams design around the realities clinicians face every day,” Ellen Bosl, vice president of R&D for dental solutions at Solventum, stated in a press release. “We started by listening to the everyday challenges in restorative workflows, then engineered a solution that addresses those clinical needs.”

VITA Excellence Award 2027 Now Open to Entries for Cases

2026-08-06T12:57:00.000-04:00

Clinicians and dental labs can submit patient cases for a chance to win a cash prize, an Apple iPad, and the opportunity to present at IDS 2027 in Cologne.

VITA North America is inviting clinicians and dental laboratory professionals to showcase their expertise in minimally invasive restorative dentistry through the VITA Excellence Award 2027. The international competition is open to users worldwide and recognizes outstanding patient cases demonstrating innovative adhesive treatment concepts using VITA ENAMIC, the world’s ﬁrst polymer-inﬁltrated ceramic network (PICN) material.

VITA Excellence Award 2027 now accepting entries for minimally invasive restorative cases

The winning case will receive a €2,000 cash prize (approximately $2,300), an Apple iPad (11thgeneration), and the opportunity to present the case at IDS 2027 in Cologne, Germany, one of the world’s leading international dental trade shows.

This year’s competition highlights minimally invasive restorations that preserve healthy tooth structure while delivering exceptional aesthetic and functional results. Patient cases will be evaluated by an international panel of experts based on aesthetics, function, treatment planning, and clinical documentation. Eligible indications include inlays, onlays, partial crowns and veneers.

The focus for this year’s award is on VITA ENAMIC, an innovative CAD/CAM material designed for minimally invasive restorative workﬂows. Its unique dual-network structure combines the strength of ceramic with the resilience of a polymer network, enabling thin restorations, conservative tooth preparation and excellent force absorption, according to VITA North America. Restorations can be milled in less than 5 minutes, polished without firing and integrated seamlessly into existing CAD/CAM workflows, helping improve efficiency while supporting durable, long-lasting restorations.

The deadline for submission is December 12, 2026. For more information, visit the VITA Excellence Award 2027 website: hs.vita-zahnfabrik.com/en/vita-excellence-award.

VITA is a leading provider of innovative dental products. The company pioneered the field of tooth shade determination with the development of the world-renowned VITA classical A1–D4 shade guide and its proprietary VITA SYSTEM 3D-MASTER, the first and only system of its kind that covers the complete range of natural tooth shades. From premium denture teeth and veneering materials to digital shade measurement, furnaces and CAD/CAM restorations, VITA helps laboratory technicians and clinicians deliver high-quality, aesthetic results efficiently.

For more information, visit vitanorthamerica.com or call(800) 828-3839.

Ivoclar Takes Action to Combat Risks Associated With Counterfeit and Gray Market Products

2026-08-05T08:32:00.000-04:00

What was once primarily seen as a concern in the fashion industry has reached the dental market as a growing problem: products from unofficial distribution channels (gray market) and counterfeits. In the medical field in particular, this can have serious consequences, as such products often bypass legal quality and safety standards—frequently without being detected. Yet those who provide treatment bear responsibility, above all for patient safety. The use of gray market products or even counterfeits can have severe consequences for everyone involved.

Ivoclar’s new verification program helps dental professionals quickly and easily verify product authenticity.
Photo credit: Ivoclar.

For dental manufacturer Ivoclar, patient safety is top of mind, so the company has a new verification program in place. To help dental experts avoid the risks associated with counterfeit dental products, Ivoclar provides an overview of authorized distributors.

The Risks of the Gray Market

Products from the gray market often have a non-transparent history. They may be diverted, repackaged, or stored and transported under unsuitable conditions. In many cases, they don’t comply with the manufacturer’s original specifications or regulatory requirements of the country in which they are used.

The risks are real—and often not immediately visible. Products may be expired, damaged, or incorrectly labeled. Improper logistics can lead to contamination, chemical degradation, or altered material properties. The result can be compromised treatment outcomes or, in the worst case, harm to both patients and users. In addition, products sourced outside authorized distribution channels typically come with neither warranty nor support. In such cases, the responsibility—and the risk—lies with the treating professionals, whether legal, financial, or medical.

Counterfeit Products Bring Risks

Counterfeit products are particularly critical. They are often produced without regulatory oversight and are not subject to any quality control. As a result, the basis for safe use is entirely lacking.

“Counterfeit dental products are a serious concern for everyone in the dental community, as these products are not produced under the stringent quality control guidelines of a medical devices manufacturer such as Ivoclar,” Markus Heinz, CEO of the Ivoclar Group, stated in a press release earlier this month. “To prevent such risks and thereby protect patients and our customers, we exclusively work with business partners who meet its strict compliance requirements and cooperate with official authorities to fight illicit activities.”

For instance, illegal factories in China have already been uncovered and shut down.

Take Warning Signs Seriously

It is therefore all the more important to identify risks at an early stage. In practice, there are several indicators of gray or black market activity:

Prices significantly below market level
Irregularities in packaging or labeling
Sales through unauthorized dealers
Unusual product availability
Lack of warranty or support services

Further information regarding signs and risks of gray or black market goods is provided on Ivoclar’s website.

New Verification Program

Patient safety is paramount. To help dental experts avoid the risks mentioned above, Ivoclar provides an overview of authorized distributors. In addition, the company is taking an important step further: with its new verification program, customers are provided with a simple tool to quickly and reliably check product authenticity. The Ivotion portfolio and the ProArt CAD Try-In discs are the first Ivoclar products to feature this function.

Safety Standards

A QR code, that also serves as the product seal, is located on the outside of the packaging and can easily be scanned with a smartphone—no app is required. Users are then directed to an Ivoclar webpage where they are asked to enter a PIN that is located beneath the peel-off QR code. After entering the PIN, end customers immediately learn whether the product is genuine and meets the highest safety standards. If anything appears to be incorrect, Ivoclar’s Customer Care is available to assist.

The company plans to gradually expand the verification program to additional products in its portfolio. It represents a simple, convenient, and reliable way to verify the authenticity of Ivoclar products—helping ensure that clinicians can rely on the quality and safety of the products they use every day. Moreover, further features are planned to be linked to the QR code scan, such as displaying useful and relevant product information, e.g. instructions for use. For more information on the verification program and included products, visit ivoclar.com/anti-counterfeit.

The Ivoclar Group, headquartered in Schaan, Liechtenstein, is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of integrated solutions for high-quality dental applications. Ivoclar. The company’s United States headquarters are located in Amherst, NY.

Drill-free cavity care: One minute. One tiny brush. One pivotal trial.

2026-08-04T19:50:00.000-04:00

University of Michigan-led trial could pave way for FDA approval of simple treatment before that cavities lead to pain, infections, emergency visits, surgery

ANN ARBOR—Every year, untreated tooth decay sends thousands of young U.S. children to emergency departments for dental problems doctors can't treat. Many eventually undergo surgery under general anesthesia, while others endure pain and infection.

A simple, inexpensive liquid called silver diamine fluoride, or SDF, could spare many of those children. Applied to a cavity with a tiny sponge-tipped applicator in about a few second's time per tooth, SDF arrests decay without drilling, shots or sedation.

Dentists have used SDF successfully for decades in many countries, and off label in the United States since 2014, when it was approved as a medical device to treat tooth sensitivity. However, it has lacked the large U.S. population clinical trials for efficacy and safety that are needed for FDA approval as a drug to treat cavities.

Now, a University of Michigan-led clinical trial has produced that evidence.

Published in JAMA Pediatrics, the Phase III trial enrolled 830 children under age 6 who were recruited through dental offices, pediatric medical practices, Head Start and Early Head Start programs in Michigan, New York and Iowa.

Researchers found that 38% SDF arrested tooth decay in more than half of children's affected baby teeth when treated at 6-month intervals. Unlike conventional treatment, which removes part of the tooth before placing a filling, SDF is simply painted onto the cavity.

"This is a very effective and safe treatment—even in children as young as 1," said Margherita Fontana, professor of dentistry at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry and the study's lead investigator.

Tooth decay is the most common chronic disease of childhood, affecting more than 40% of U.S. children. Left untreated, cavities can cause severe pain, infection, difficulty eating and sleeping, missed school and repeated medical visits.

SDF may be especially valuable for very young children, older adults, people with developmental or physical disabilities, patients with severe dental anxiety, and others who cannot easily tolerate or access conventional dental treatment, Fontana said.

Its primary drawback is cosmetic, she said. The silver permanently darkens the decayed portion of the tooth.

"If we want more children and families to benefit from this treatment, we need rigorous evidence showing both that it works and that it's safe. From a public health perspective, if we want broader implementation across the United States, including in medical settings, we need carefully collected data in U.S. populations, and we now have that," Fontana said.

The study began in 2018 and progressed even with the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"In medicine, clinicians want high-quality evidence before changing practice," Fontana said. "It is important to have data they can refer to because young children often see pediatricians years before they ever visit a dentist, broader acceptance could allow many more cavities to be treated while a referral to a dental home is successful, and before they become painful, infected or require surgery."

Fontana and co-researchers from New York University, the University of Iowa and Indiana University, together with the NIH's National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, which provided over $12 million in funding, completed a study that provides clinical trial data needed by the manufacturer to submit a dental caries drug application to the FDA. The product used in this trial, Advantage Arrest 38% SDF, was provided by Elevate Oral Care.

Amr Moursi, professor of pediatric dentistry at New York University College of Dentistry, said the study provides important data for broadening use of SDF.

"Our results support FDA approval of SDF for managing arrest of tooth decay in young children. Removing SDF from off-label status would be an important innovation which could lead to increased utilization by providers, enhanced payments by insurers and more consistent product quality," said Moursi, a co-principal investigator on the study.

For some children, reapplying SDF every few months may be all that's needed until the baby tooth naturally falls out. For adults, it may serve as a long-term treatment or as a bridge until restorative procedure is affordable or practical.

"For almost anyone, this can arrest the decay and stop the infection and the pain it causes," Fontana said. "This could benefit many people."

Study: Efficacy of Silver Diamine Fluoride On Young Children With Severe Early Childhood Caries - A Randomized Clinical Trial (DOI: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2026.2567)

VELMENI Earns FDA Clearance for CBCT AI

2026-08-03T08:41:00.000-04:00

VELMENI for DENTISTS® 3D brings AI-assisted CBCT segmentation, anatomical visualization, measurements, panoramic reconstruction, and workflow support to dental practices, specialists, DSOs, and imaging centers.

VELMENI, a dental artificial intelligence company developing connected clinical and administrative workflows for dentistry, recently announced that it has received 510(k) clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for VELMENI for DENTISTS (V4D) 3D.

The FDA clearance, issued under the 510(k) process, expands VELMENI’s dental AI portfolio into three-dimensional cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging. VELMENI for DENTISTS (V4D) 3D is designed to assist qualified dental professionals in reviewing and analyzing dental CBCT scans through AI-assisted anatomical segmentation, visualization, measurements, and image reconstruction.

By bringing 2D dental radiograph analysis and 3D CBCT intelligence into the broader VELMENI platform, the company is building a more connected dental AI workflow for general dentists, oral and maxillofacial radiologists, oral surgeons, orthodontists, prosthodontists, endodontists, dental service organizations, and imaging centers.

“VELMENI’s vision extends beyond isolated AI image interpretation,” said Mini Suri, CEO and Co-Founder of VELMENI. “Our 3D AI helps clinicians review complex CBCT scans more efficiently, supporting confident decisions while streamlining the clinical workflow.”

AI-Assisted 3D CBCT Review for Modern Dental Workflows

Dental CBCT imaging provides detailed three-dimensional views of oral and maxillofacial anatomy that can support implant planning, endodontic assessment, orthodontic evaluation, surgical review, airway analysis, and other dental applications.

VELMENI for DENTISTS (V4D) 3D applies artificial intelligence to help dental professionals navigate complex CBCT datasets and convert volumetric imaging information into clear, clinically useful visualizations.

Subject to the product’s FDA-cleared indications for use, key capabilities include:

Intelligent 3D Anatomical Segmentation

VELMENI’s 3D dental AI assists with identifying, labeling, and segmenting anatomical structures such as the maxilla, mandible, mandibular canal, teeth, maxillary sinuses, temporomandibular joints, and airway structures. These segmented structures can be viewed in three dimensions to support anatomical review, treatment planning, specialist collaboration, and patient education.

Automated Panoramic Reconstruction and Cross-Sectional Views

The software automatically identifies the dental arch and generates reconstructed panoramic and cross-sectional views from CBCT datasets, enabling efficient review of anatomical structures across multiple planes.

Measurements and Multi-Dimensional Visualization

VELMENI for DENTISTS (V4D) 3D provides clinically relevant measurements and high-resolution multi-planar and three-dimensional visualizations to support efficient CBCT review and treatment-planning workflows.

STL Export for Education and Collaboration

Users can export detailed STL files to create three-dimensional models for patient education, case presentation, and collaboration with specialists and dental laboratories.

Structured Reporting and Workflow Connectivity

VELMENI’s platform connects CBCT imaging insights with structured reporting, clinical documentation, and collaborative workflows, helping practices streamline imaging, documentation, and patient communication.

Supporting Clinicians, Not Replacing Clinical Judgment

VELMENI for DENTISTS 3D is intended to assist qualified dental professionals and is not a replacement for a complete clinical examination, professional judgment, patient history, or in-person assessment. Final diagnoses, treatment recommendations, and patient treatment plans remain the responsibility of the treating dental professional.

“As an oral and maxillofacial radiologist, I have seen how responsibly developed artificial intelligence can improve consistency and efficiency in dental imaging review while supporting clinical decision-making,” said Dr. Dale Miles, DDS, MS, FRCD(C), Oral and Maxillofacial Radiologist, DoctorConeBeam, and CBCT Advisor to VELMENI.

“VELMENI brings together three important AI-native workflows—voice, two-dimensional imaging, and three-dimensional imaging—within one connected platform,” said Dr. Nodesh Shyamsunder, Oral and Maxillofacial Prosthodontist. “The system is intuitive, and the reduction in repetitive workload can be immediate.”

Expanding the VELMENI ONE Dental AI Platform

VELMENI for DENTISTS (V4D) 3D is part of VELMENI ONE, a connected dental AI platform that brings together:

AI-assisted 2D dental X-ray analysis
AI-powered 3D CBCT imaging and visualization
Voice-enabled periodontal charting and clinical documentation
Automated CBCT reporting support
Dental insurance claims automation
Clinical workflow and practice-management integrations

Unlike standalone dental imaging applications, VELMENI ONE is designed to connect clinical imaging, documentation, patient communication, and administrative workflows within one intelligent dental AI ecosystem.

About VELMENI

VELMENI is an AI-powered dental technology company transforming clinical workflows through intelligent imaging and automation. VELMENI ONE unifies AI-powered 2D imaging, 3D CBCT analysis, voice-enabled clinical documentation, structured reporting, and workflow automation into a single connected platform. It is designed for dental practices, specialists, DSOs, and imaging centers.

To learn more about VELMENI dental AI or schedule a personalized demonstration, visit velmeni.ai.

Regulatory Notice

VELMENI products are intended to assist qualified dental professionals and are not substitutes for professional judgment or a complete clinical examination. Final diagnoses and treatment plans remain the responsibility of the treating dental professional. Product availability and regulatory status vary by market.

BIOLASE and MegaGen America Launch U.S. Commercial Collaboration to Advance "More Brilliant Dentistry Together"

2026-07-31T12:20:00.000-04:00

Following strategic integration, organizations begin a new chapter focused on expanding customer support, innovation, and comprehensive clinical solutions.

FOOTHILL RANCH, Calif., July 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- BIOLASE and MegaGen America announced the official launch of their U.S. commercial collaboration, marking an important milestone in the strategic integration of the two organizations. Effective July 1, 2026, the BIOLASE and MegaGen America teams have begun working together in support of shared business objectives, combining their complementary expertise to delivery greater value for dental professionals while expanding opportunities for long-term growth and innovation.

The announcement builds upon BIOLASE's recent investment in expanding its Corona, California manufacturing infrastructure, which established the company's enhanced role as the global center for laser innovation and manufacturing within the MegaGen family. With manufacturing and product development continuing to be led by BIOLASE, the commercial collaboration with MegaGen America represents the next phase of the organization's shared vision to strengthen customer engagement, education, and market development.

For decades, BIOLASE has been recognized as the global leader in dental laser technology, helping clinicians deliver minimally invasive procedures across a wide range of dental specialties. MegaGen has earned worldwide recognition for its leadership in implant solutions and digital dentistry. Together, the organizations' complementary technologies and clinical expertise create new opportunities to provide more comprehensive treatment solutions while supporting the evolving needs of modern dental practices.

"As we continue building the future of BIOLASE within the MegaGen family, this collaboration represents far more than organizational alignment. It reflects a shared commitment to advancing dentistry through innovation, education, and exceptional customer support," said Jeff Selph, Director of Sales, North America. "By bringing together BIOLASE's leadership in laser dentistry with MegaGen America's commercial capabilities and clinical expertise, we are creating new opportunities to better serve clinicians and improve patient care."

Under the collaboration, teams across BIOLASE and MegaGen America will work together by leveraging their respective areas of expertise, and strengthening customer support, clinical education, training and commercial operations. The combined capabilities of both organizations are designed to create a more seamless experience for customers while expanding access to advanced dental technologies and clinical solutions.

The collaboration is represented by the share initiative, "Moving Beyond: More Brilliant Dentistry Together," reflecting the organizations' commitment to innovation, partnership, and shaping the future of dentistry through collaboration.

While the organizations are working closely together, BIOLASE and MegaGen America will continue to maintain their distinct brand identities, preserving the strong reputations and customer trust each company has built over the years. A coordinated communications strategy will highlight the value of the collaboration while reinforcing the unique strengths each brand brings to the marketplace.

"Under the new operating model, BIOLASE will serve as the center of excellence for manufacturing, product innovation, and research and development, while MegaGen America will lead commercial operations, including sales, marketing, customer service, and clinical support," said Kristina Diluzio, Managing Director & HR, MegaGen America. "This strategic alignment enables each organization to focus on its core strengths, creating a more agile organization, and enhanced experience for customers."

As the collaboration continues to evolve, BIOLASE and MegaGen America remain focused on delivering innovation technology, world-class education, responsive customer support, and clinical solutions that empower dental professions to provide exceptional patient care.

Delta Dental Hosts Fifth Kids Dental Day

2026-07-30T11:47:00.000-04:00

Fifth annual event brings together Delta Dental of Tennessee, Nashville Sounds, Soles4Souls, and dozens of community partners to support local children

Delta Dental of Tennessee employee Gina Conrad keeps her dental hygienist license current to be able to volunteer at events just like Kids Dental Day.

More than 400 children from youth organizations across Middle Tennessee recently received free dental screenings, dental care, oral health education, new shoes, books, and more during the fifth annual Kids Dental Day at First Horizon Park. Hosted by Delta Dental of Tennessee, the Nashville Sounds, and cityCURRENT, the event brought together healthcare providers, nonprofits, and volunteers from across the community to help children start the school year healthy, confident, and ready to learn.

“The Nashville Sounds are proud to host Kids Dental Day each year because it’s one of the best examples of what a community partnership can accomplish,” said Adam English, General Manager and Chief Operating Officer of the Nashville Sounds. “Watching hundreds of children fill First Horizon Park, not just for baseball but to receive important healthcare services and resources, is incredibly meaningful for our organization.”

Tooth decay remains the most common chronic disease of childhood and can affect a child’s health, attendance and academic success. According to the CDC’s 2024 Oral Health Surveillance Report, half of children ages 6 to 9 have experienced cavities in their primary or permanent teeth.Also, according to Delta Dental’s 2026 State of America’s Oral Health and Wellness Report, 67% of parents are concerned dental issues will impact their child’s confidence in their appearance. Events like Kids Dental Day help remove barriers to preventive care by bringing dental services directly to families in a welcoming, community-centered environment.

“This event is proof of what can happen when an entire community comes together around a shared purpose,” said Jeff Ballard, President and CEO of Delta Dental of Tennessee. “Kids Dental Day has grown tremendously over the past five years because our partners continue to show up for children and families. Together, we’re improving access to care, building healthy habits, and helping hundreds of children begin the school year with the confidence that comes from a healthy smile.”

Children arrived throughout the day from nearly 20 summer camps and community organizations across Middle Tennessee. They received free dental screenings, dental cleanings as needed, oral health education, hygiene supplies, snacks, and a free book from the Book’em Book Bus. Healthcare providers also administered silver diamine fluoride (SDF), a noninvasive treatment that helps stop the progression of cavities when appropriate.

New this year, Soles4Souls partnered with Kids Dental Day to provide every participating child with a brand-new pair of athletic shoes and socks, helping families prepare for the upcoming school year.

“A new pair of shoes may seem simple, but it can have a lasting impact on a child’s confidence as they walk into a new school year,” said Buddy Teaster, President and CEO of Soles4Souls. “We’re honored to join Kids Dental Day and partner with organizations that understand supporting children means caring for their whole well-being.”

Neighborhood Health and Meharry clinicians, students, and volunteers provided dental care throughout the event.

“Prevention is one of the most powerful tools we have to improve children’s long-term health,” said Dr. Michele Blackledge-Polk, Director of Oral Health at Neighborhood Health. “Kids Dental Day allows us to meet families where they are, identify concerns early, and provide treatment that can make an immediate difference. It’s a wonderful example of what happens when healthcare and community partners work together to improve children’s lives.”

The day also featured educational activities from community partners, including the American Heart Association, Nashville PBS, and Adventure Science Center. Volunteers from cityCURRENT partners and other organizations helped guide children through the event, distribute books and supplies, and ensure every family had a positive experience.

“We had so many amazing companies and organizations participating,” said Jeremy Park, CEO of cityCURRENT and Chair of Delta Dental of Tennessee’s Smile180 Foundation. “About 250 volunteers came out, and around 400 kids were served with dental screenings and cleanings, new socks and shoes, books, food, and more. It was an awesome day of impact and a perfect example of collaboration in our community!”

Additional partners helped make the event possible behind the scenes. Signature Transportation provided transportation for participating youth organizations from across Middle Tennessee. Kroger donated snacks and beverages for volunteers and participating children, while Henry Schein Cares donated dental supplies, Colgate Bright Smiles Bright Futures® Program provided hygiene products, and Hope Smiles provided dental equipment.

To learn more about Kids Dental Day, visit KidsDentalDay.com.