John Flucke's Blog - Ramblings from Dentistry's Technology Evangelist

Ask Not What Dentistry can do for You...

2026-09-29T06:00:00.000-05:00

As regular readers know, I'm a supporter of organized dentistry. When I was just getting started, I questioned the value. Money was so tight, could I afford to pay the dues? Was it really worth the money? The reason I paid those dues in the early days wasn't because I felt obligated, I did it because of the influence from some people I respected.

My era of dental school was more about students being browbeat by the instructors. I often felt like the least qualified student on the planet and unfortunately almost everyone in my class felt the same way. However, there were a few of the instructors who were collegial and supportive. It was that tiny group of doctors, the ones who made me feel like I could succeed, that told me "Be sure to join the ADA. Being a member is important and it's something that is the right thing to do. Dentists who believe in the benefits of the profession are the ones who are members." They also told me that after I was established in the profession, that being a member would make more sense to me.

I trusted those doctors. They believed in me, and the way I could show their influence was by being a member as well. The wise advice they gave me turned out to be remarkably true.

I think one of the reasons I'm such a supporter of the ADA is not because I wanted to be in the House of Delegates or to be a Trustee. I joined because people I trusted said it was valuable and important. They said as I got a bit of perspective, I'd understand. They were right. There were several years as I was getting started that I thought about not paying the dues, but I did. If I had left, I would regret it terribly today. I was *wrong* in thinking there wasn't enough value, and I think when an individual's thinking shifts 180 degrees they become passionate about not letting others make the same mistake. There is tremendous value in organized dentistry... even if all you do is pay your dues.

A recent article in ADA News summed up my feelings incredibly well. If you are not a member or are thinking of not renewing your membership, read this My View column. I think it answers the question of "why join"perfectly. We are better together!

From eAssist: Important Security Notice for Former eAssist Customers

2026-09-28T06:00:00.000-05:00

Last week, I posted about a cyber security incident that recently happened to eAssist Dental Solutions.

Our office had been a client of eAssist a couple of years ago. Due to that relationship, the company included me in a follow-up email. I think, from a business and customer service standpoint, this is a smart move. Incidents like this need to be handled in the best way possible and contacting customers, even former customers, shows that they are trying to handle this by owning the problem. No company or customer ever wants to deal with the fallout from any type of hack, but unfortunately these things happen. Obviously, the best thing would be to eliminate these types of situations, however if they happen, they need to be dealt with in a trasparent manner.

On the rare chance that you are a former or current customer and haven't yet seen this email, I've got it in its entirety below.

Hello,

We are reaching out because your office previously worked with eAssist Dental Solutions.
eAssist recently became aware of a potential information security incident involving our systems. We immediately engaged third-party cybersecurity and forensic experts to assist with our investigation and response, and we have taken steps to contain the incident.
As part of our ongoing investigation, we determined that the data potentially involved may have included usernames and passwords used by eAssist team members to access customer systems. Consequently, we strongly recommend that former eAssist customers take the following steps:
Change all active passwords for any credentials that were assigned to or shared with eAssist, including, as applicable, credentials related to practice management systems, clearinghouses, claim software, payer portals, desktop logins, email accounts, and office-managed VPNs.
Remove any old or inactive eAssist user accounts that may still be active in those systems.
If any credentials or other sensitive information were contained in a shared document or spreadsheet that your office created and provided to eAssist, these shared documents should be deleted.
These recommendations are precautionary measures intended to help safeguard your systems and information.
If you have questions regarding this notice, please contact Amy Spaulding, Sr. Director of Operations, at clientcare@eassist.me.
Sincerely,
eAssist Dental Solutions

ShinyHunters Claims to Have Hacked the FBI: If They Can Get In There, What About Your Dental Practice?

2026-09-24T06:00:00.000-05:00

I've been following cybersecurity for quite a while now, and every so often a story comes along that really gets my attention. This is definitely one of those stories.

The hacking group known as ShinyHunters is claiming to have breached the FBI and stolen sensitive information about thousands of FBI agents, employees, and job applicants. Yes, you read that correctly. The FBI. The same organization that investigates cybercrime and helps protect the rest of us from hackers is now investigating a possible breach of its own systems. And while this story is still developing, I think there are some important lessons here for all of us in dentistry.

What Happened?

On September 22, ShinyHunters announced that it had compromised FBI systems and obtained sensitive personal information about current and former employees, as well as individuals who had applied for jobs with the agency.

The group reportedly provided journalists with a sample of approximately 5,000 records containing information such as names, home addresses, telephone numbers, and details about family members.

The FBI has acknowledged that it is investigating claims of unauthorized activity involving its FBIjobs.gov website. However, the full extent of the alleged breach has not been independently established.

The hackers also claim that the attack was retaliation for an FBI cybersecurity warning issued earlier this year that described the group's activities and tactics. Rather than demanding money, ShinyHunters has reportedly demanded that the FBI retract or correct that warning. That's certainly an unusual twist on a cybersecurity story!

What Does This Have to Do With Dentistry?

You might be wondering why I'm discussing an FBI cybersecurity incident on the blog today.

Here's why.

If an organization with the resources and cybersecurity expertise of the FBI can potentially experience a significant breach, what does that tell us about the risks facing the average dental practice? Think about everything connected to your practice network. Your practice management software, digital radiography systems, intraoral scanners, insurance billing services, cloud storage, and even your email.

Every one of those systems represents another potential entry point for someone attempting to access your network or patient information. And the risk doesn't necessarily stop at your office walls.

As we've recently seen with the reported eAssist cybersecurity incident, companies that provide services to dental practices can also become targets. You may have excellent security in your office, but what about the companies that have access to your systems and patient records? That's something every dentist needs to consider.

What Can We Do?

I'm certainly not suggesting that we abandon technology. Anyone who knows me understands that I believe technology has made dentistry better in countless ways. However, we need to take cybersecurity just as seriously as we take infection control.

That means working with knowledgeable IT professionals, keeping software updated, using multifactor authentication, maintaining secure backups, and making sure our teams understand how to recognize suspicious emails and other potential threats.

It also means asking the companies we work with some important questions about how they're protecting our information.

We don't need to become cybersecurity experts, but we do need to understand that protecting patient information is part of our responsibility as healthcare providers.

The Bottom Line

The FBI incident is still being investigated, and we'll undoubtedly learn more about what happened in the coming days. But regardless of the final outcome, the message for dentistry is clear. Cybersecurity is no longer something we can afford to think about only when something goes wrong. We spend a tremendous amount of time and effort protecting our patients clinically. We need to apply that same commitment to protecting their personal information. Because at the end of the day, our patients trust us with more than just their oral health.

And that trust deserves to be protected.

AMD Lasers Fall "Flash Sale" for Incredible Discounts - Up to 45% Off!

2026-09-23T06:00:00.000-05:00

Who doesn't love a good deal? When I see good sales, I try to pass them along to all of you because dentistry is a tightrope between how much you produce versus how much you spend. Obviously saving money is a good thing.

Along those lines, soft tissue lasers are also a good thing. I've been using soft tissue lasers since the late 1990s and they are one of those tech items that once you learn how to use it, you never want to be without one. You can do some amazing things with soft tissue lasers. If someone came into the office and stole all of mine, I'd be reordering several immediately. They've become that important to how I practice.

Some doctors have the misconception that diode lasers are only useful in the hygiene department and I want to make sure I emphasize, that's not true. Diode lasers *are great tools for hygiene, but they can do much, much more for the doctor!* That includes things like troughing of crown margins, cosmetic recontouring with incredibly predictable results, biopsies, frenectomies, removal of hyper-plastic tissue, and more.

One of the other great things about diode soft tissue lasers is their price. They are not something that requires you to take out a loan or worrying about how to finance. They definitely provide a good return on your investment. But hey, if you can get a great laser for a lower price, why not take advantage of it?

I'm a fan of AMD Lasers and their Picasso line of diode soft tissue lasers. I've used them a lot over my career and can tell you from personal experience they are well made and deliver great results. Today, it's even better because AMD is offering a Fall Flash sale on their Picasso line. You've only got until the end of the month to take advantage of this, so if you're interested, get on this one today.

Here's the offer:

45% Off Picasso Lasers!
The fall Picasso flash sale is here! Save 45% on our classic Picasso+, Picasso Lite+, and Picasso Clario soft tissue diode laser lineup.
That means:

Save over $1,700 on the Picasso Clario hygiene laser, the first laser designed specifically for dental hygienists
Save over $2,400 on the all-around practice workhorse Picasso Lite+ diode laser
Save over $3,600 on the Picasso+ diode laser, offering laser-assisted teeth whitening and photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy
This event only runs through September 30th, so don’t miss this chance for a major practice upgrade your patients will love.

Disclosure: I don't receive any compensation for any sales by the company, but if you place an order, please tell them you read about it here. Lasers can change the way you practice.

eAssist Suffers Ransomeware attack from group Direwolf

2026-09-22T06:00:00.000-05:00

I haven't heard of a bad ransomware attack for a bit, but maybe that's because I haven't been looking hard enough. Sometimes the news of a small practice suffering a hack doesn't make it to the major news sources. However, when a company the size of eAssist does, it definitely makes news.

From what I can discern, on September 6, 2025 eAssist was hacked by a ransomware group calling itself DireWolf. In case you haven't heard of eAssist, they are a company that allows doctors to outsource their billing, freeing the admin team up for other duties. They are also majority owned by Henry Schein.

This is, or course, the second big cyber incident that Henry Schein has had to deal with. You may well remember that in the fall of 2023 Henry Schein was hit by a *major* cyber attack that took their systems offline for several weeks. It ended up affecting 166.000 individuals. The company kept a pretty tide public lid on that event and even now, not much is known about it. I suppose it would be helpful for the company to have already been through something like this before, to help them deal with the current situation.

I want to be clear in this post... I am NOT denigrating Henry Schein or eAssist here. In the cyber realm all you can do is to try and lock things down as best you can. There are sometimes ways these attacks unfold that even the best IT security people couldn't have foreseen. If you are an eAssist customer, odds are that you have already been contacted by them regarding this, but on the odd chance you didn't know yet, you do now.

As far as what customers need to do...

I big salute to the Georgia Dental Association! They have a put a great page together about this incident. You can read their page here, but I've also put the contents of that page below so that you can read it here.

eAssist Dental Solutions notified customers on September 8 that it is investigating a potential information security incident.
According to eAssist, outside experts have been engaged to assist with the investigation and response. The company is working to determine the nature and scope of the incident, including whether customer or patient information was affected.
At this time:

eAssist has confirmed that it is investigating a potential information security incident.
The investigation remains ongoing.
eAssist has not confirmed that customer or patient information was accessed or compromised.
No specific records, credentials, or patient data types have been verified as exposed.
eAssist stated that it will notify and provide guidance to affected parties as required based on the investigation’s findings.
The DireWolf ransomware group has separately listed eAssist on its extortion site and claimed access to the company’s internal systems. The details of that claim have not been independently verified.

Out of an abundance of caution, eAssist has advised customers to change system passwords and remove old or inactive user accounts associated with practice-management software, clearinghouses, claims software, and online portals.

TaaSPAK recommends that practices currently using eAssist take the following actions:

Change practice management software passwords. Replace passwords for every account provided to or accessed by eAssist.
Change clearinghouse and claims software passwords. Update credentials for claims-processing platforms and related services.
Change insurance carrier portal passwords. Use completely new, unique passwords rather than variations of previous passwords.
Remove old or inactive accounts. Review accounts in your practice-management software, clearinghouses, claims applications, insurance portals, and remote-access platforms. Disable accounts that are no longer needed.
Secure remote access. Change remote-access credentials and remove any eAssist access that is no longer required.
Revoke active sessions and integrations. Changing a password may not terminate every active session or connection. Sign out active sessions and review saved credentials, third-party integrations, access tokens, and API keys where applicable.
Enable multifactor authentication. Require MFA wherever it is available, especially for email, remote access, insurance portals, clearinghouses, financial accounts, and administrative accounts.
Review account activity. Check recent login and access records for unfamiliar users, devices, locations, or activity. Preserve any suspicious logs or evidence before making additional changes.
Document your response. Record when your practice received the notification, which accounts eAssist could access, the credentials changed, the accounts disabled, and any suspicious activity identified.
Prepare for possible service interruptions. Identify time-sensitive claims, insurance verifications, payment postings, appeals, and follow-up work that may require internal attention during the investigation.
Alert your employees. Warn staff about potentially convincing phishing emails, calls, or text messages involving patients, claims, insurance carriers, billing activity, password resets, or requests to change payment information.
Contact your HIPAA compliance and cybersecurity partners. Ask them to help document the incident, review your practice’s exposure, and determine whether additional action is appropriate.

At this time, practices should not assume that a reportable HIPAA breach has occurred. That determination will depend on the findings of eAssist’s investigation and whether protected health information was accessed, acquired, used, or disclosed.
Practices should retain all communications from eAssist and consult their HIPAA compliance or legal advisors as additional facts become available.
eAssist directed customer questions to its Chief Operating Officer, Patrycja DeGradi, at patrycja.degradi@eassist.me.
Our endorsed managed IT services partner, TaaSPAK, is closely monitoring reports involving eAssist Dental Solutions and the DireWolf ransomware group to keep GDA members informed as the situation develops.

This is obviously a developing story. If I get any more information on this, I will post more. At this point *I highly recommend reach out to eAssit for further instructions on how your office should handle this situation.

The ‘Principles for Oral Health in the US’ Report if Released

2026-09-21T06:00:00.000-05:00

I received the following info on Friday. Periodontal disease is something the dental profession sees, diagnoses, and treats every day. As the profession learns more about the disease and ways to potentially treat it, we need science to lead the way. This is a long post, but that's because I also included the footnoted references for you to review as well. Here's the report:

NHANES data show that 42.2% of dentate US adults aged 30 years or older had some degree of periodontitis, while prevalence reached 59.8% among adults aged 65 or older

Following two days of work and discussion at Kenvue’s headquarters in New Jersey, a multidisciplinary group of US and international experts has made progress in defining recommendations tailored to the realities of oral healthcare in the United States, with a focus on strengthening prevention and management of periodontal diseases.

Held as part of the ‘Principles for Oral Health’ initiative, led by the SEPA Foundation and sponsored by LISTERINE, the meeting brought together specialists in periodontology, dental hygiene, research, and education from leading US and international academic institutions, including the University of Michigan, the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), the University of Pennsylvania, Ohio State University, Texas A&M University, A.T. Still University, and Complutense University of Madrid.

“Bringing together this exceptional group of US and international experts reflects our conviction that prevention must sit at the heart of periodontal care. With more than four in ten American adults affected by periodontitis, translating rigorous science into practical, personalized guidance for the dental team has never been more important. Through ‘Principles for Oral Health’, LISTERINE and SEPA are proud to put science at the service of oral health professionals, and, ultimately, of their patients”, comment Smruti Nair, Medical Affairs Lead, Oral Care, Kenvue

A particularly significant challenge in the United States

The need to move toward risk-based preventive strategies is especially relevant given the high burden of periodontal disease in the United States. According to National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data analyzed by Eke and colleagues, 42.2% of dentate US adults aged 30 years or older had some degree of periodontitis, while 7.8% had severe periodontitis. [1]

The same study reported an overall prevalence of periodontitis of 59.8% among adults aged 65 or older and 59.9% among people who reported having diabetes. Prevalence was also higher among men (50.2%) than women (34.6%) and among current smokers (62.4%) than nonsmokers (34.4%). [1]

These data underscore the importance of identifying groups with a higher burden of disease or greater difficulty maintaining adequate biofilm control, and of incorporating individual risk assessment into prevention strategies.

Gingivitis: an important prevention window

The prevention of periodontal disease begins with effective management of gingivitis, the reversible inflammatory condition of the gingiva that precedes periodontitis. Managing gingivitis therefore represents an important opportunity for intervention and prevention. [2,3,4]

Patient-performed oral hygiene, through toothbrushing and interdental cleaning, remains the cornerstone of gingivitis management and the prevention and management of periodontal diseases. However, even when patients receive appropriate instructions and brush for the recommended length of time, mechanical biofilm removal may be insufficient for part of the population.

What the evidence says about antiseptics

The scientific evidence reviewed supports the use of certain antiseptic agents and mouthrinses as adjuncts to mechanical oral-hygiene measures. Among the agents reviewed, essential oils, chlorhexidine, and cetylpyridinium chloride have shown the greatest efficacy in reducing dental biofilm and gingival inflammation when used in addition to mechanical control. [3,5]

Their role should be understood within a personalized, risk-based approach. These products should not be routinely recommended to the entire population; their use should be individualized according to the patient’s characteristics, clinical needs, and any difficulties in achieving adequate mechanical biofilm control. There is currently insufficient direct evidence to conclude that antiseptics used at home can, by themselves, prevent the onset of periodontitis. [3,4,5]

Prevention continues after periodontal treatment

Individualization is also particularly important for patients who have already received periodontitis treatment and are enrolled in periodontal maintenance programs. The available evidence points to additional benefits in terms of gingival inflammation and biofilm levels when certain antiseptics are used in addition to mechanical measures, especially in patients with local or systemic factors that make biofilm control more difficult. [6]

Secondary prevention—aimed at preventing disease recurrence—is therefore part of ongoing periodontal care. The goal is to maintain treatment outcomes over the long term and tailor oral-hygiene strategies to each patient’s circumstances.

Risk-based prevention: who may particularly benefit?

One of the main conclusions is that periodontal prevention should be tailored to each patient’s profile and needs. [2, 6] The experts consider it particularly important to identify the circumstances that may make daily biofilm control more difficult.

Local factors include difficulty accessing certain areas to clean them properly (as may occur in people with crowded teeth, restorations with overhanging margins, or certain orthodontic appliances), as well as anatomical features that encourage biofilm retention. Patients with extensive or complex prosthodontic restorations may also require specific consideration.

General factors include certain chronic diseases, particularly when diabetes is suboptimally controlled; frailty and advanced age; temporary or permanent limitations in manual dexterity; and low motivation to maintain appropriate oral-hygiene measures. Recovery after certain surgical procedures may also temporarily limit a patient’s ability to perform proper mechanical oral hygiene.

“Not all patients have the same ability to achieve effective biofilm control through mechanical measures. It is therefore essential to identify the circumstances that can make daily oral hygiene more difficult and assess when an adjunctive strategy may provide an additional benefit,” says Dr. Gustavo Ávila-Ortiz, co-leader of this project and Clinical Professor and Director of Graduate Periodontics, Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, University of Michigan School of Dentistry.

Situations in which mechanical oral hygiene may be limited

The recommendations also address certain clinical situations in which mechanical biofilm control may be temporarily compromised. During specific phases of periodontal treatment, chlorhexidine may be considered for limited periods as an adjunct to subgingival mechanical instrumentation in selected cases. [6] After certain surgical procedures, when the patient cannot adequately clean the treated area, certain mouthrinses may help control biofilm and promote favorable healing conditions. [7,8]

“The value of antiseptics does not lie in replacing toothbrushing or interdental cleaning, but in their ability to provide additional support for controlling biofilm and gingival inflammation in certain patients and clinical situations,” notes Dr. Ana Molina, Associate Professor of Periodontology, Faculty of Dentistry, Complutense University of Madrid, and co-leader of the project.

When should special precautions be taken?

Individualization also involves identifying situations in which special caution is required. The experts note that children under six and people who cannot adequately control swallowing should avoid mouthrinses to prevent accidental ingestion. The safety of these agents has not been sufficiently studied in pregnant or breastfeeding women; local regulations and the advice of the relevant healthcare professionals should therefore be followed.

More personalized prevention

The recommendations developed in New Jersey thus reinforce a central principle of ‘Principles for Oral Health’: the need to incorporate individual risk assessment into periodontal prevention. The available evidence makes it possible to identify situations in which certain adjunctive strategies may provide an additional benefit, but their use should always be integrated into an approach built on mechanical biofilm control, patient education, and professional follow-up.

The work carried out in the United States represents another step in the development of ‘Principles for Oral Health,’ an international initiative whose purpose is to translate scientific evidence and clinical practice guideline recommendations into a useful, practical framework for US oral-health professionals.

Expert panel

- Ana Molina: Associate Professor of Periodontology, Department of Clinical Dental Specialties, Faculty of Dentistry, Complutense University of Madrid (UCM).

- Gustavo Ávila-Ortiz: Clinical Professor and Director of Graduate Periodontics, Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, University of Michigan School of Dentistry. Editor-in-Chief, The International Journal of Periodontics and Restorative Dentistry.

- Elena Figuero: Associate Professor in Periodontology and Secretary of the Department of Dental Clinical Specialties, Faculty of Dentistry, Complutense University of Madrid (UCM). Coordinator, ETEP Research Group. Director, Research Methodology in Dentistry Programme, SEPA. EFP Workshop Committee Chair.

- David Herrera: Dean of the Faculty of Dentistry, Complutense University of Madrid (UCM); Co-Director, Master’s Programme in Periodontology. EFP Workshop Committee Secretary.

- Effie Ioannidou: Professor and Chair, Department of Orofacial Sciences, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). Editor-in-Chief, Journal of Periodontology and Clinical Advances in Periodontics. President, AADOCR.

- Paul A. Levi, Jr., DMD: Professor, Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya (Barcelona).

- Carlos Parra: Clinical Associate Professor and Program Director, Postgraduate Periodontics, Texas A&M University College of Dentistry, Dallas, Texas.

- Danielle Rulli, DHSc, MS, RDH, FNAP: Associate Professor and Director, Graduate Dental Hygiene Program, Ohio State University College of Dentistry.

- Ann Spolarich, RDH, PhD, FSCDH: Professor, Course Director of Pharmacology and Assistant Dean for Research, Arizona School of Dentistry & Oral Health (ASDOH), A.T. Still University.

- Flavia Teles: Professor, University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. Editorial Board member, Journal of Periodontology. Member, Task Force on Design and Analysis in Oral Health Research.

References

1. Eke PI, Thornton-Evans GO, Wei L, et al. Periodontitis in US Adults: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2009–2014. J Am Dent Assoc. 2018;149(7):576–588.e6. doi:10.1016/j.adaj.2018.04.023.

2. Chapple IL, Van der Weijden F, Doerfer C, et al. Primary prevention of periodontitis: managing gingivitis. J Clin Periodontol. 2015;42 Suppl 16:S71-S76. doi:10.1111/jcpe.12366.

3. Figuero E, Herrera D, Tobias A, et al. Efficacy of adjunctive anti-plaque chemical agents in managing gingivitis: a systematic review and network meta-analyses. J Clin Periodontol. 2019;46(7):723–739. doi:10.1111/jcpe.13127.

4. Serrano J, Escribano M, Roldan S, et al. Efficacy of adjunctive anti-plaque chemical agents in managing gingivitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Clin Periodontol. 2015;42(Suppl 16):S106–138. doi:10.1111/jcpe.12331

5. Escribano M, Figuero E, Martin C, et al. Efficacy of adjunctive anti-plaque chemical agents: a systematic review and network meta-analyses of the Turesky modification of the Quigley and Hein plaque index. J Clin Periodontol. 2016;43(12):1059–1073. doi:10.1111/jcpe.12616.

6.Sanz M, Herrera D, Kebschull M, et al. Treatment of stage I–III periodontitis—The EFP S3 level clinical practice guideline. J Clin Periodontol. 2020;47(Suppl 22):4–60. doi:10.1111/jcpe.13290.

7. Chye RML, Perrotti V, Piattelli A, et al. Effectiveness of Different Commercial Chlorhexidine-Based Mouthwashes After Periodontal and Implant Surgery: A Systematic Review. Implant Dent. 2019;28(1):74-85. doi:10.1097/ID.0000000000000854.

8. Solderer A, Kaufmann M, Hofer D, et al. Efficacy of chlorhexidine rinses after periodontal or implant surgery: a systematic review. Clin Oral Investig. 2019;23(1):21-32. doi:10.1007/s00784-018-2761-y.

Vista-Apex Solutions Announces Release of ReGen Cement - the Latest Addition to the ReGen Line of Products

2026-09-17T06:00:00.000-05:00

Todays post is a bit longer than normal, but I felt the need to explain this concept of bioactivity in a permanent cement in greater detail. Also, I want to emphasize that this product is part of an entire line of products that have been on the market for a while now... and that's important.

I've been a fan of Vista-Apex Solutions for over ten years. They are a smaller company in the industry with an incredible group of products and an amazing team that makes them happen. I like to use products from companies that do things "the right way" and Vista-Apex Solutions definitely meets that standard.

One of their product lines that I like is the ReGen family of products. Those materials incorporate bioglass which creates amazing bioactivity. The materials with bioglass actually stimulate creation of hydroxyapatite at the tooth/material interface. The ReGen family features a bonding agent, composite, flowable composite, endo sealer, and more products than I've got room to mention in this post. If you'd like to see all the ReGen products, take a look at the company website.

One of the things I love about dentistry is that materials continue to evolve. Sometimes the changes are incremental. Other times, somebody takes something we've been using forever and asks a pretty simple question: Can we make this do more? That was my reaction when I started looking at the new ReGen Bioactive Cement from Vista Apex.

Obviously, resin cements aren't new. We use them every day. We want a cement that gives us reliable retention, works with the restorative materials we're using, cleans up reasonably well, and—perhaps most importantly—doesn't give us surprises. But ReGen adds another interesting idea to that list: bioactivity.

I've been following bioactive materials for quite a while, and I think it's important that we don't let "bioactive" become just another dental buzzword. Vista Apex has built its ReGen family around bioactive technology, particularly the ability of these materials to interact with the surrounding tooth environment rather than simply being biologically inert. The new ReGen Bioactive Cement continues that concept.

It is a dual-cure luting cement designed for permanent cementation of indirect restorations, including crowns, bridges, inlays, onlays and endodontic posts. It can be used with the materials we're dealing with every day, including zirconia, lithium disilicate, porcelain, composite and metal restorations.

While bonded to the tooth, the cement is designed to release calcium and phosphate ions.

Vista Apex has already been working in this area with its ReGen restorative family, which incorporates bioactive glass technology designed to promote apatite formation and create a more favorable environment at the tooth/restoration interface. I think that interface is where this gets interesting.

When we cement a crown, we're hoping that restoration stays there for a very long time. Yet we all know what can eventually happen around margins. Plaque accumulates. Acids are produced. Demineralization can occur. Margins can deteriorate, and recurrent decay remains one of the reasons restorations eventually need to be replaced.

Traditionally, we've depended primarily upon the quality of our preparation, isolation, restorative material and cementation technique to protect that interface. What if the cement itself could contribute something as well? That's the concept behind materials in the ReGen line.

Rather than thinking of cement simply as the material occupying the space between the restoration and the tooth, we're seeing a material engineered to interact with its environment. I find that concept fascinating.

But don't forget the practical side. Of course, I'm still a practicing dentist. Interesting chemistry is great, but eventually somebody has to actually cement a crown with the stuff. ReGen is supplied in a double barrel mixing syringe that uses both self-polymerization and light polymerization—a dual-cure approach that makes sense for indirect dentistry because light isn't always going to reach every portion of the cement layer.

Its indications also cover a broad range of the restorations most of us are placing today, which means this isn't some highly specialized material looking for a clinical application. It's aimed directly at everyday restorative dentistry.

I've said many times that I'm interested in technology that doesn't simply make dentistry different—it makes dentistry better. Bioactive materials are an area I'm watching closely because they potentially change the role our restorative materials play. Instead of asking only, "How strong is it?" or "How well does it bond?", we're beginning to ask another question: What does the material do after we put it in the mouth? That's a very different way of thinking about dental materials.

ReGen Bioactive Cement is new, and as with any new material, I'm interested in seeing more independent laboratory data and, eventually, long-term clinical results. Bioactivity is exciting, but longevity in the mouth is ultimately where the story has to be proven. Still, I like where this is headed.

If we can combine the mechanical properties we need from a permanent resin cement with materials that release biologically relevant ions and potentially create a more favorable environment at the restoration/tooth interface, that's worth paying attention to. Because at the end of the day, the goal isn't simply to cement a crown. It's to keep that tooth healthy—and keep that crown in service—for as long as we possibly can. And if the cement can help us do that? I'm all for giving it more than just a supporting role. You can learn more by visiting the Vista-Apex Solutions website.

Premier Offers Special Deal on New Lumira Curing Light

2026-09-16T06:00:00.000-05:00

The smart folks at Premier have a pretty nice curing light. I'm especially impressed with the 3000 mW/cm² intensity. Pairing that with a lens that helps to collimate the beam is also a good idea. Focusing the beam means that photons reach to the bottom of the proximal box. Even if you are using incremental layering, in a deep proximal box the light can be up to 10mm away from the target. That means that a light that isn't focusing the beam may have a hard time setting composite at that depth. Premier's focused beam *will* do that. Below is what the company has to say about this unit...

Designed for today’s clinicians, the Lumira™ LED curing light delivers consistent performance and durability. Lumira’s lightweight, all-metal construction withstands the rigors of daily dental use while reducing hand fatigue.

Wavelength range 440–490 nm to effectively polymerize CQ products
Up to 3000 mW/cm² irradiance for rapid curing
Collimated, uniform beam for reliable depth of cure
Seven clinical modes (Normal, High, Turbo, Ortho, Soft, Pulse, Check)
Ergonomic, all-metal, low-profile head with 360° rotation allows easy access throughout the oral cavity

The company is currently having a sale on the Lumira. You can find the details here.

The Journey from Engineering to Dentistry: An Inspiring Tale from Dr. Nate Lawson - Episode 54

2026-09-15T06:00:00.000-05:00

I recently got a chance to sit down and talk about the profession and dental materials with the one and only Dr. Nate Lawson on The Technology Evangelist podcast. If you are interested in dental materials, Nate is your guy. There are some really smart people in the industry and a lot of them work for manufacturers. However, dentistry is a combination of art and science and we need objective scientists to evaluate materials who also understand clinical practice. That's what makes Nate such a needed person in the profession. He's a scientific researcher but also a clinician. He brings an unbiased perspective into the world of dentistry. Marketing in the industry is a necessary thing, but we also need the perspective of unbiased researchers who can put products under the microscope... sometimes literally. Here's a quick rundown of our conversation.

In the ever-evolving world of dentistry, the stories of professionals and their journeys can be just as fascinating as the advancements in technology and materials. One such captivating tale is that of my friend, Dr. Nate Lawson, a distinguished faculty member at the University of Alabama Birmingham School of Dentistry. This post delves into Dr. Lawson's unique path from aspiring engineer to dentist and educator, shedding light on his passion for material science and the lessons he learned along the way.

Understanding the Origins: From Childhood Aspirations to Professional Realities

Dr. Lawson’s journey began at a surprisingly young age (which I love). Influenced by a family of dental professionals, he knew as early as six years old that he wanted to become a dentist. His aunt, a pediatric dentist, played a pivotal role in shaping his childhood dreams, providing him a glimpse into the dental world that many children never see.

Despite his early determination, Dr. Lawson faced challenges along the way. He initially pursued engineering in college, motivated by a desire to avoid college foreign language requirements and inspired by his father, an engineer. However, after working as a dental assistant in his aunt’s office, he realized that his true calling lay within dentistry, particularly in the realm of material science.

The Path to Dentistry: Overcoming Obstacles and Embracing Opportunities

Dr. Lawson’s academic journey was not without its hurdles. He faced significant challenges during dental school, often feeling like an underachiever compared to his peers. This experience led him to develop a profound empathy for students, prompting him to later become an educator who strives to make the dental school experience better for future generations.

Following his graduation, Dr. Lawson found himself at a crossroads. After dropping out of a prosthodontics residency, he accepted a position with a Dental Service Organization (DSO) in Chicago. It was during this time that he received a call from his mentor, Dr. John Burgess, who invited him to return to Alabama to teach at the dental school. Although initially hesitant, Dr. Lawson seized the opportunity, which ultimately led to his pretty incredible career in academia.

The Intersection of Technology and Material Science

Dr. Lawson's work is a perfect blend of technology and material science, focusing on how these elements can enhance dental practices. His research has contributed to advancements in dental materials, allowing practitioners to provide better and more predictable care to patients. He has a great way of translating complex scientific concepts into practical applications, which influences both dental students and practicing professionals.

The integration of material science into dentistry has been a game changer. As Dr. Lawson emphasizes, understanding the properties and behaviors of dental materials is crucial for effective treatment planning and execution. His passion for this field is evident in his teaching, where he encourages students to think critically and apply their knowledge creatively.

Key Takeaways from Dr. Lawson's Journey

Follow Your Passions: Dr. Lawson’s story illustrates the importance of pursuing what you love. Despite detours and challenges, his commitment to dentistry ultimately led him to a an amazing career.
Take Chances: Throughout his journey, Dr. Lawson took every chance to learn and grow, whether it was through hands-on experience as a dental assistant or engaging in research. This adaptability is crucial in any profession.
Value of Mentorship: The support and guidance of mentors can profoundly impact one’s career trajectory. Dr. Lawson’s relationship with Dr. Burgess not only opened doors for him but also inspired him to give back by mentoring others.
Contribute to the Field: As a researcher and educator, Dr. Lawson exemplifies how professionals can influence their fields positively. By sharing knowledge and advancing dental materials, he enhances doctor’s knowledge and ultimately benefits patients.

Wrapping Up

Dr. Nate Lawson's journey is a testament to the importance of passion, resilience, and the pursuit of knowledge in the field of dentistry. His story encourages aspiring dental professionals to embrace their unique paths and emphasizes the value of mentorship and collaboration in advancing the profession. As technology continues to evolve, the role of educators like Dr. Lawson will be vital in shaping the future of dentistry. If you'd like to find every episode of The Technology Evangelist podcast, follow this link.

Delta Dental of Rhode Island & Boston University Launch New Scholarship Program

2026-09-14T06:00:00.000-05:00

Dentistry is a terrific career. I've loved darn near every minute of my professional life. I happen to be one of those odd individuals that always knew what I wanted to do when I grew up. From the age of three, I wanted to be a dentist. It's been the perfect place for me and it's also a profession that will always be in demand. We *need* more dentists currently and we're seeing new dental schools built and brought online pretty often these days. Unfortunately, the one drawback for people thinking of dentistry as a career is the incredibly high cost of a dental education. While the income in dentistry is a nice benefit, many young doctors are saddled with heavy student loan debt. Due to the high costs, a lot of young doctors won't be able to pay off those debts for decades.

The good news in today's post is, if you are a predoctoral student and looking at ways to potentially decrease debt load, Delta Dental of Rhode Island and Boston University have just announced a program that might be able to help. Details from the recent announcement are below.

Delta Dental of Rhode Island and Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine today announced a new scholarship program aimed at building Rhode Island's dental workforce by supporting students who commit to launching and growing their careers in the state after graduation.
The Delta Dental of Rhode Island Scholars Program will be offered to eligible third- and fourth-year students pursuing their doctorates in dental medicine who commit to practicing in Rhode Island after earning their degrees. Delta Dental of Rhode Island Scholars must also agree to participate in Delta Dental of Rhode Island networks and annually provide at least 30 hours of community-based service in support of vulnerable individuals, families and communities across the state.
"As the nation continues to navigate healthcare workforce shortages, including in the dental sector, Delta Dental of Rhode Island has taken proactive steps to ensure our state remains an attractive place for dentists to build rewarding careers," said Joseph R. Perroni, President & CEO of Delta Dental of Rhode Island. "We are pleased to join with Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine to bring this new program to life, and we look forward to working with its graduates as they leverage their skills and training to improve access to dental care for all Rhode Islanders."
With a faculty of more than 230 educators, clinicians, and researchers, Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine offers pre- and postdoctoral programs to more than 800 students per year. Aspiring dentists and researchers receive a technologically advanced, personalized education and hands-on experience at the school's on-campus dental clinic, which sees more than 94,000 patient visits annually.
"At Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine, the people we serve are at the heart of our mission," said Dr. Cataldo Leone, Dean and Spencer N. Frankl Professor in Dental Medicine at Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine. "This meaningful investment from Delta Dental of Rhode Island demonstrates leadership in recognizing and addressing Rhode Island's oral health needs. This scholarship empowers our students to focus fully on their education and their commitment to delivering high-quality, compassionate care—particularly in communities where access to dental care is most limited."
"This scholarship will strengthen Rhode Island's dental workforce by helping to build a pipeline of talented, compassionate providers and improving access to high-quality oral healthcare for communities across the state," said Dr. Joseph Calabrese, Associate Dean of Students at Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine.
This new scholarship program is part of Delta Dental of Rhode Island's longstanding commitment to both strengthening Rhode Island’s dental workforce and addressing barriers in access to care. In 2025, Delta Dental of Rhode Island created a statewide Dentist Loan Repayment Program, which awards up to $20,000 in student loan repayment assistance per year for up to three years to eligible early-career dentists who commit to practicing in Rhode Island. This program supported eight local dentists in 2025 and applications are being accepted for 2026.

Big Announcement! A New Chapter for AEGIS Dental Network

2026-09-10T06:00:00.000-05:00

I'm happy to bring you today's post because I enjoy seeing my friends succeed. However, this is an even bigger announcement for the dental industry. For years AEGIS was one of the best known names in dental publishing. A few years ago the company was acquired by BroadcastMed and integrated into their network, eventually that conglomerate was rebranded as Conexiant. At that point AEGIS as a name no longer existed.

One of the best things about my role outside the clinical sphere, is the relationships I've been able to build with people in the non-clinical side of the industry. Over my years in dental publishing, I have worked with several of the people who ended up under the company name Conexiant and I count them as friends. You'll read their new roles below. The news I'm excited to deliver here is that my friends Noah, Eric, and Justin are back with AEGIS as a standalone company that focuses only on the dental market. These gentlemen know the dental industry inside and out.

Starting on October 1 the dental industry is going to start seeing information from AEGIS Dental Network. This new version of AEGIS is poised to do incredible things... and their only focus will be the world of dentistry. That laser sharp, dental only, focus will be on the things that matter most to the industry I love. So get ready to see the name AEGIS in the very near future. Read on for all the details...

Experienced leadership team and continued Conexiant partnership position

AEGIS for its next chapter of growth, innovation and collaboration Dear AEGIS Customers, Advertisers, Contributors, and Industry Partners,

Today, we are excited to share an important new chapter for the AEGIS Dental Network.

Beginning on October 1, AEGIS will return as an independent, dedicated operating company focused exclusively on the dental market. AEGIS will be led by an experienced team with deep roots in dental publishing, education, content, marketing, and commercial strategy.

While our structure is changing, our commitment to you is not.

What This Means for You

Your relationships continue. The people who know your businesses, brands, products, audiences, and programs will continue to be part of AEGIS.
Our core brands continue. AEGIS will continue building on the strength of its established portfolio, including Compendium, Inside Dentistry, Inside Dental Hygiene, Inside Dental Technology, Inside Dental Assisting, and CDEWorld.
Our programs continue. Existing advertising, content, education, editorial and marketing programs will continue through the transition, with the same focus on quality, service, and delivery.
Our focus becomes sharper. As a dedicated dental organization, AEGIS will be able to make decisions, prioritize investments, and develop new opportunities specifically around the needs of the dental market.

The Future for AEGIS

We believe the opportunity ahead is particularly exciting because we are not starting over, we are accelerating forward.

A vital part of the dental industry since 2005, AEGIS continues to build with established brands, trusted professional audiences, longstanding industry relationships, and a team with significant experience in dental media and education.

AEGIS brings these assets together with a renewed focus and entrepreneurial approach.

Our team includes experienced professionals who have spent years working within the dental publishing industry. AEGIS is led and managed by:

Eric Temple - VP, Commercial Activities & Strategy
Justin Romano - VP, Operations, Content & Strategy
Noah Levine - Editorial Director
Seth Hauben - Investor and Ownership

Continued Conexiant Partnership

AEGIS will also maintain an ongoing partnership with Conexiant. Through a multi-year infrastructure service agreement, Conexiant will continue providing important technology infrastructure, commercial support operations, reporting, and analytics.

This partnership provides the continuity and resources that allow AGEIS to concentrate on what we do best: serving dental professionals and helping our industry partners connect with them.

What We See Ahead

We believe this new structure creates a tremendous opportunity for our customers, advertisers, contributors and partners.

It allows us to be:

More focused on the dental industry.
More responsive to our customers and partners.
More entrepreneurial in developing new ideas and opportunities.
More connected to the needs of dental professionals.
More collaborative with the companies and organizations we serve.
Most importantly, we remain committed to the relationships that have helped make AEGIS a recognized name in dental media, education, and marketing.

The name is returning. The team is here. The relationships continue. Our focus on dental is stronger than ever.

We look forward to building the next chapter of AEGIS together with you!

Sincerely,

The AEGIS Dental Network team - please reach out:

• Eric Temple, eric.temple@conexiant.com or (971) 645-6805

• Justin Romano, justin.romano@conexiant.com or (201) 306-7662

• Seth Hauben, (617) 694-8077

AEGIS Dental Network

275 Grove Street, Suite 2-400

Newton, Massachusetts 02466

https://www.linkedin.com/company/aegisdentalnetwork

The Technology Evangelist Podcast - Episode 57 Dr. Jen Derse

2026-09-09T06:00:00.000-05:00

In this episode of the Technology Evangelist Podcast, I got a chance to catch-up with Dr. Jen Derse. She and I did a dive deep into own personal journeys to becoming dentists. This one was really fun because Jen's got a great ability to tell stories. They're filled with humor, unexpected twists, and life lessons. I love talking with people who don't take themselves too seriously, but can communicate the challenges they've been through. Jen is definitely one of those people.

I had seen Jen's name on the programs of several meetings, but I hadn't met her until a mutual friend invited us both to dinner last November at the Greater New York meeting. Over dinner I was impressed with her warmth and her humor. Fast forward to this June. Jen and I had both been invited to attend VOCO's Global Clinician Symposium in Germany and we ended up sitting next to each other for the whole meeting. At that point, I *knew* I had to have her on the podcast.

Jen kicked off her story with a crazy anecdote from her birth. "Apparently when I was born, I was born a month early... My dad was a state patrol officer, and when he got the call, he flipped on the lights and started hauling ass down the highway... He hit a deer on the way!"

That story alone should give you a pretty good idea of how the episode goes. That vivid tale sets the tone for a conversation that blends personal history with professional insights. Jen reflects on how life's urgency often turns out to be less critical than it seems — a message that resonates through her experiences.

Jen's career has a lot of twists and turns. I think you'll enjoy giving this one a watch or listen. If you'd like to subscibe to The Technology Evangelist Podcast (and I really hope you do!) here's a link to a page that will give you the episodes and all of the platforms where you can subscribe.

Patient Prism Publishes Executive Cast Study with Heartland Dental

2026-09-08T06:00:00.000-05:00

Even with all the technology available today, one of the still primary ways that offices stay in contact with patients is through phone calls. Of course, for many offices, the phone is a bit of a black hole. Things such as who is the caller, what did they need, or was the phone even answered, are difficult for many practice owners to know.

However, technology does exist that can help with monitoring office phone lines 24/7. Often a phone call can be the difference between a scheduled appointment and a lost opportunity. Systems like Patient Prism can monitor phone calls and provide some vital answers as well as solid insights.

To try and help answer those questions, and many others, Heartland Dental turned to Patient Prism. Here's a quote from a recent executive summary.

For years, Heartland Dental had visibility into the top of the funnel and almost nothing past it. Ring Central gave the Patient Service Center team good data on which calls came in and which went unanswered — that visibility was the original reason the Patient Service Center existed. But the path from a marketed phone number to a booked appointment was largely invisible.
Supported practices outside the Patient Service Center were answering only 60 to 70 percent of inbound calls. That is a structural problem at any scale, and a serious one when those practices are paying for local marketing that drives the phone to ring in the first place. Even when calls were answered, practice leadership had no reliable read on what was happening on them. Why were patients calling? What were team members saying? Where were bookings breaking down? At the office level, Heartland was effectively blind to providing data to and assisting its supported practices’ booking rate.
Marketing attribution was a separate fight. Calls could be tied to campaigns at the phone-number level, but matching a caller’s number back to a patient record to confirm the call became an appointment required manual data entry that was, in Pat Bauer’s words, a guessing game. Marketing dollars were scaling. The visibility was not.

The executive summary is now online and provides some pretty interesting info. If you are interested in seeing what Heartland Dental learned, here is the link. Even solo practitioners can gain some great insights from systems like this, so I recommend giving it a read. Fair warning, it will take you a few mintues, but it's worth it. You may determine having an AI. phone system can be a real boost to your practice.

Happy Labor Day!

2026-09-07T06:00:00.000-05:00

Happy Labor Day everyone! It's a holiday here in the US. I hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable day off. Here in the US, Labor Day normally signals the end of the summer season and the very beginning of autumn. Neighborhood pools close and those children not yet back in school will head there this week. Here in the KC area in the middle of the country, the weather isn't aware of the official summer ending declaration. We're under an intense heat wave. Yesterday my beloved Kansas City Royals announced that every game of their recent 10 game home stand was played with first pitch temperatures exceeding 95F at *every* game.

Hopefully things cool off soon. I'm taking the day off today, but will return to normal posting tomorrow. Enjoy your time off!

Could Rodin Chroma Flash Change Curing for 3D Printing?

2026-09-03T06:00:00.000-05:00

A longer post today, because I'm going to do a bit of a deeper dive on the chemistry of 3D printing here. Suffice it to say that the resins used in 3D printing are light cured liquid resins that are photopolymerized by high intensity light. In basic terms a 3D printer uses very intense tiny, precise beams of light to strike the liquid resin in exactly the right spot to polymerize it.

The basic understanding of this is pretty easy for dentists to comprehend because we photopolymerize composites every day. The wavelengths of printers are different, but the science is very close and I've always been grateful for that because it makes teaching about 3D printing easier.

One of the things about light curing resins that all dentists are aware of is the presence of an "oxygen inhibition layer" (OIL) which happens during photopolymerization. This happens because:

Oxygen reacts with free radicals.
This leaves a thin oxygen-inhibited layer on the surface.
The result can be a tacky surface, lower surface hardness, and slightly reduced mechanical properties.

The same thing happens with resins in 3D printing. The OIL makes the printed project feel a bit tacky even after final cure. That layer can be removed during polishing, but it requires a bit of extra time because even smooth areas of the 3D printed project need to be polished. Also, with clear projects like occlusal guards or clear ortho retainers it can lead to some discoloration over time.

Until now, there have been two ways to remove the OIL. Complete polishing of the completed project to remove the OIL *or* complete the post-cure process in a unit that provides a "nitrogen only" environment.

Nitrogen curing units flood the post-curing chamber with pure nitrogen before curing. The nitrogen is forced into the chamber, driving out all of the room air that contains oxygen. By curing without the presence of oxygen, the OIL does not form.

The biggest complaints about nitrogen curing have always been:

Buying nitrogen tanks
Maintaining regulators
Replacing cylinders
Or purchasing a nitrogen generator

While nitrogen post-cure units definitely work (and work well), most require a tank of nitrogen to be connected to them. The tank of nitrogen needs to be purchased and connected. There is also a need for a regulator to decrease the pressure from the nitrogen tank to the curing unit. It's not a huge deal to handle and assemble, but it does make nitrogen post-curing a bit more of a hassle. However, you can purchase a new system that can eliminate the need for nitrogen *and eliminate the OIL* using only light.

That new device is the Rodin Chroma Flash. The Chroma Flash handles things differently. Traditional post-curing devices use high powered LEDs to bathe the project in light to complete the post-cure process. The Chroma Flash uses high energy xenon flash lamps instead of conventional LEDs. Those flashes produce an extremely intense, broad spectrum pulse of approximately 280-950nm. Those flashes deliver tremendous light intensity which drives polymerization very rapidly and very deeply, producing excellent conversion without requiring a nitrogen purge. The easiest way to think about it is that LEDs deliver a lower intensity & longer exposure cure while the xenon flashlamps deliver extremely high intensity for milliseconds repeated many times. That is one of the reasons that flash curing is very common in industrial photopolymerization applications.

The other way Rodin has approached this is with their resin chemistry. Pac-Dent has also developed its materials and surface chemistry to work with this curing method. That means that using Rodin resins with the Chroma Flash unit provides optimized resin chemistry, optimized photo initiators, extremely high-intensity xenon flashes, and carefully controlled cure cycles. Putting all of these factors together makes the Chroma Flash the perfect post-cure unit for Pac-Dent's complete line of Rodin resins.

I'm pretty excited about this new device and I’m on the list to receive a unit as soon as the first ones are here in the US. However, the proof is always going to be in the results. Because of that I'm going to be doing a lot of tinkering and testing with this unit. I'll report back here with my findings and let you know what my take is. 3D printing is making tremendous strides in a lot of areas. Design, resin chemistry, and hardware are all seeing incredible progress. In a few short years we've seen the concept go from "pretty cool" to "clinically relevant" and it only continues to grow.

My prediction is that in less than 5 years, delivery of a large percentage of clinical treatment will be done using things created by 3D printing. In the adoption curve this tech has moved out of "Early Adopter" and has now moved into "Early Majority" and it is only going to keep growing.

Dyson CameraJet: The first toothbrush with a camera and a jet, to target the gaps and remove plaque between your teeth

2026-09-02T06:00:00.000-05:00

I've been hearing rumors of the Dyson company launching a toothbrush for a while now... and it's finally here! I've got to give the company credit, they know how to write a press release as you'll see below. It's very detailed and tells you everything you need to know about this product. The oral care market is a financially significant one and it's seen a lot of growth in the last few years. If you walk down the oral care aisle of a store today you'll see lots of powered toothbrushes. However, most of the growth in the powered toothbrush market has been at the lower cost range. Dyson is a brand known for premium products at premium prices.

I'd love to get my hands on the the new Dyson CamerJet to give you my personal opinion from usage, however at this point I don't have any hands-on experience with it. After reading the press release I can say for sure that the device sure sounds impressive. The company is attempting to solve a problem that has existed since the toothbrush was invented... and that is the fact the toothbrush bristles don't reach between the teeth. That's the reason for floss or a water flosser. Dyson has combined those two things into one and it's a great idea. Most people don't floss on a regular basis and that leads to problems. By creating a device that cleans between the teeth and everywhere else, they may have a real home run product here.

While the price may seem expensive, if you are already using a top of the line powered brush and a top of the line water flosser, those two devices combined can be in the price range of the Dyson. It looks like Dyson has done a lot of research and development on the device so I'm optimistic about its performance. Of course only use by the public will tell for sure. As of now, I'm impressed. If you know anyone at Dyson, let them know I'd love to get one to try!

It's a camera viewing, gap finding, jet washing, liquid flossing, mouthwash dispensing, technique teaching, live streaming, plaque blasting, precision cleaning toothbrush. That's all.

Today, in Paris, James Dyson revealed an entirely new way to clean your teeth. The Dyson CameraJet™ is the only toothbrush with a camera powered by Gap Optical Targeting™ to identify gaps between teeth and precision-floss while you brush. Gap Optical Targeting™ analyzes 28 live images per second to identify and target gaps between teeth in real time, triggering a precision jet burst of mouthrinse where it is needed.

It is the result of six years of research, development, and engineering, challenging every aspect of conventional oral care. While others cannot find the gaps between teeth, CameraJet™ can4. While conventional sonic toothbrush bristles can stall against the tooth surface, Dyson's variable sonic oscillation is engineered to keep bristles moving during brushing. While traditional needle-type jets can puncture through plaque, Dyson's conical jet is designed to remove more plaque while being gentler on gums and enamel.

"Flossing is an awkward and time-consuming chore. Few of us do it even though we know we should. Dyson engineers and scientists have spent well over a decade understanding oral care regimes and how nasties build up in the mouth. Our research has shown that people consistently miss the areas where plaque forms: the gaps between teeth.
We wanted to solve three fundamental problems: how to see those gaps, remove plaque, and how to improve cleaning performance while brushing.
By combining a camera, machine learning, precision fluid dynamics, advanced brushing technologies, connectivity and WiFi, Dyson CameraJet™ introduces an entirely new way to keep your mouth healthy."
James Dyson, Founder and Chief Engineer

For decades, oral care routines have relied on multiple separate steps: brushing, flossing, and mouth-washing. Yet very few people do what dentists recommend: twice a day, every day. 9 in 10 people do not floss as regularly as they should and, on average, people spend just 45 seconds brushing which is well below the two-minute guideline.

Most consistently miss the interdental spaces: the gaps between teeth, where the problems start and plaque first forms then hardens. Left behind over time, plaque can contribute to everyday oral health problems, from bad breath and tartar to gum irritation and tooth decay, making the missed spaces between teeth one of the most important areas to target.

According to the World Health Organization's 2025 Global Oral Health Status Report, nearly 3.7bn people are estimated to be affected by oral diseases globally. Poor oral health is also increasingly recognized as being linked to wider health conditions, including heart disease and Alzheimer's disease.

Gap Optical Targeting™

The 100k pixel macro lens camera is powered by Gap Optical Targeting™, Dyson's AI machine learning algorithm. Gap Optical Targeting™ analyzes 28 live images per second to identify and target gaps between teeth in real time. Within 100ms of the camera seeing a gap, the device detects and jets the gap, triggering a conical burst of mouthrinse to floss while you brush.

Only Dyson has a camera powered by Gap Optical Targeting™ to precision-floss between teeth while you brush.

Dyson CameraJet™ runs on 16 million lines of code, and a machine learning system trained on 470,000 dental images collected during development

Conical Jet

Dyson fluid dynamicists spent years optimizing the profile of the jet to remove plaque more effectively. To test plaque removal accurately, Dyson developed its own proxy plaque through a five-year collaboration with the National University of Singapore's Faculty of Dentistry. This enabled engineers to iterate quickly and optimize for plaque removal, without requiring a clinical trial every time a change was made.

Traditional water flossers often use a "needle-type" jet, a sharp piercing profile of laminar fluid flow. When tested on Dyson's proxy plaque, this type of jet pierced a hole through the plaque but failed to overcome its stickiness and remove it all. In contrast, Dyson's conical jet uses a unique broad conical shaped spray. Its wider coverage sweeps and removes plaque at once, while being optimised at a lower pressure to be gentler on gums and enamel.

Anti-Gravity Tank

Its compact 12.5ml mouthrinse tank dispenses the recommended amount of mouthrinse, optimized to clean the gaps in one session without flooding the mouth. This brings mouth-rinsing into the brushing routine, removing the need for a separate step during use.

The Dyson CameraJet™ uses an anti-gravity tank with a diaphragm pump and pressure chamber that adapt during use to deliver controlled jets in any orientation. Unlike conventional systems that rely on a "straw in a cup" design, which can draw in air and lose performance when tilted, Dyson's anti-gravity tank is engineered to minimize air pockets and help prevent the device from firing blanks.

This is especially important when cleaning the back of the teeth, where the device is often horizontal. The anti-gravity tank helps ensure mouthrinse is delivered consistently each time the precision jet is triggered, whether the device is upright, angled, or horizontal.

Charging dock

To make refilling and charging seamless, Dyson has engineered a docking station that refills the toothbrush at the touch of a button in just three seconds.

The docking station also charges the device between cleans and provides a dedicated place to store it upright, hygienically, and ready for daily use. A travel case is included so you can use the Dyson CameraJet™ at home or on the go.

Dual Bristle Brush Head

Teeth aren't flat – so our brush head isn't either.

The topography of Dyson's brush head is unique and engineered to reach a greater proportion of the tooth's surface. Its dual-bristle design is precisely contoured to clean along the gumline and lift surface stains for whiter teeth, while helping to remove plaque others leave behind. The brush head uses two bristle types: slightly firmer inner bristles work to remove surface stains, while softer outer bristles clean gently along the gumline.

The brush head is also designed with a sonic dampener for optimal acoustics and comfort. Each brush head is equipped with its own RFID tag, identifying when it is connected, how many cleans it has completed, and alerting users when it is time to replace. When a new brush head is attached, the cycle starts again. The range also includes a sensitive variant of the brush head, designed to be even gentler for those with sensitive teeth and gums.

Variable Sonic Oscillation

Dyson's unique variable sonic oscillation varies the angle of oscillation while you brush, keeping the bristles in constant motion and helping to prevent stalling, especially in hard-to-reach areas. External testing has shown that the Dyson CameraJet™ removes up to 69% more plaque than market-leading premium electric toothbrushes in hard-to-reach areas.

Connectivity

The Dyson CameraJet™ is Wi-Fi connected at 2.4GHz and Bluetooth connected. Its integrated camera is a high-quality endoscope, allowing users to see what their dentist sees through the live-viewing feature in the MyDyson™ app.

The camera is only active during live viewing or auto-jetting. No images are recorded or stored on the product or in the cloud, and images remain private to the user.

Through the MyDyson™ app, users can access guided cleaning, how-to films, brushing and flossing insights, coverage mapping, and personalized feedback. The app helps users understand where they are cleaning effectively, where they may be missing, and how to improve their technique over time.

Users can also customize their experience, choosing between auto-detect and manual jetting modes, and adjusting brushing intensity to their comfort level.

Dyson Toothpaste and Mouthrinse

Coming soon, Dyson has engineered a complete dental system to optimize the performance of Dyson CameraJet™. This includes a proprietary non-foaming toothpaste, formulated without SLS (a common foaming agent) to help keep foam out of the way so the camera can see clearly and support Gap Optical Targeting™, alongside a low-foaming mouthrinse formulated for use with the precision jet.

Availability

The Dyson CameraJet™ launches on September 1, 2026, priced at $499 and offered in two colorways: Ceramic Ultra Blue and Ceramic Pink. The Dyson CameraJet ™ includes a refill dock, two regular brush heads, and a charging cable, all engineered to work together for a complete brushing, precision-flossing and mouth-rinsing routine. Pair with an SLS-free, clear mouth rinse and SLS-free toothpaste for optimal performance.

To buy and learn more and experience The Dyson CameraJet™ visit a Dyson Demo Store near you or https://www.dyson.com/oral-care.

SprintRay Introduces Midas Restore™, a New Definitive Restorative Material Engineered for Midas Digital Press

2026-09-01T09:15:00.000-05:00

The evolution of 3D printing continues at the speed of tech. Not only are we seeing rapid evolution in the ease of design, but we're also seeing continuing progress and evolution in the material science that dentistry depends on. The last couple of years have seen several announcements of improved materials for fixed prosthetics. Today it's a major announcement from SprintRay.

Today the company has announced SprintRay Midas Restore™. Filler rates keep increasing and SprintRay Midas Restore™boasts 75% filler by weight, which is impressive. Read on for all the detials announced by SprintRay...

Glass ceramic and zirconia-filled restorative material combines advanced material science with SprintRay's Midas Digital Press technology for same-visit crowns, inlays, onlays and veneers
SprintRay, a dental technology company advancing dental 3D printing and digital manufacturing, today announced the commercial launch of SprintRay Midas Restore™, a new FDA-cleared ceramic and zirconia-filled definitive restorative resin engineered specifically for the Midas Digital Press.
With over 75% filler by weight, Midas Restore brings glass ceramic and zirconia together in a formulation designed around what matters in definitive restorative dentistry: strength where it counts, resistance to occlusal wear, lasting polish and natural aesthetics. The material enables dentists to produce definitive crowns, inlays, onlays and veneers through a streamlined same-visit digital workflow.
Unlike restorative materials engineered primarily around maximum strength, Midas Restore was designed around how a definitive restoration polishes, wears, flexes and functions once adhesively bonded to remaining tooth structure, while maintaining the required clinical strength.
"If we could 3D print enamel, this is it."
The statement captures the design philosophy behind Midas Restore: creating a restorative material that balances polish retention, wear resistance, strength, surface hardness, stiffness, and optical performance while working in concert with the natural tooth.
"Traditional dental 3D printing forces a compromise: the material has to be fluid enough to print, which limits how highly filled it can be," said Amir Mansouri, CEO and Founder of SprintRay. "Midas Restore was designed in our material science lab to address that limitation. By pairing a highly filled glass ceramic and zirconia formulation with Midas Digital Press, we can give clinicians access to a new class of definitive restorative materials and bring them into an efficient same-visit workflow."
Designed Around the Bonded Tooth
For decades, restorative materials have been engineered around bulk strength. Glass ceramics and zirconia are brittle, so their primary defense against crack propagation is shear strength — which in turn means more tooth reduction and stiffness well beyond what function requires.
Midas Restore takes a different approach. Its resin matrix is designed to arrest cracks rather than simply resist them, and its flexural modulus sits closer to dentin than to a glass ceramic. Once adhesively bonded to remaining tooth structure, the restoration becomes part of a system in which material and tooth distribute function together, rather than concentrating stress at the interface.
SprintRay laboratory testing demonstrated that Midas Restore retained 98% of its initial gloss after 5,000 simulated toothbrush abrasion cycles, and delivered five times the wear resistance of SprintRay Ceramic Crown over 200,000 cycles — wear performance comparable to a milled hybrid ceramic. In biaxial flexural testing, Midas Restore reached a maximum strength of 215 MPa, the highest of any SprintRay definitive restorative material.¹ The surface hardness was measured to be greater than 80 HV, statistically equivalent to a leading nanofilled direct composite and roughly double that of previous-generation printed restorative resins. Its translucency parameter of 13.5 places it in the same range as milled lithium disilicate HT.²
"We engineered Midas Restore around how a restoration actually behaves once it is bonded to a tooth, not around a single strength number," said Hossein Bassir, Chief Product Officer at SprintRay. "Filler content, polish retention, wear resistance, modulus and optics are not separate features. They are one system, and the tooth is part of it."
Made to Be Pressed
Achieving this combination of properties requires a filler loading that conventional dental 3D printing cannot process. Highly filled formulations are highly viscous, and viscous material does not flow into a print zone on its own.
SprintRay's Digital Press Stereolithography (DPS) technology actively pushes highly viscous material into the print zone from sealed capsules. That is what allows Midas to work with filler loads over 75% by weight — and it is why Midas Restore is engineered exclusively for the Midas Digital Press.
Built for Same-Visit Dentistry
Midas Restore brings definitive restorative material into a streamlined digital workflow spanning scanning and design through pressing, post-curing, polishing and bonding.
Clinicians can press multiple units from a single capsule, post-cure in four minutes, and polish restorations to final with two wheels in under two minutes — with no glaze or oven required. Midas Restore can also be adjusted, added to and repaired intraorally before adhesive cementation, supporting definitive delivery without a provisional, second appointment or lab bill.
Midas Restore builds on the Midas Digital Press platform, introduced in 2024. Since its launch, clinicians across 33 countries have produced more than 100,000 restorations with Midas. Early clinical evaluation of Midas Restore has also demonstrated straightforward finishing and polishability.
"With Midas Restore, I can achieve a beautiful, lasting surface gloss in just two or three quick polishing steps with a standard polishing system," said Andrew C. Johnson, DDS, MDS, CDT, FACP, Diplomate of the American Board of Prosthodontics and prosthodontist at OmniSmile Digital Dental Solutions, who participated in the early clinical evaluation of Midas Restore. "That combination of durability, aesthetics and straightforward finishing is what I expect as a clinician from a definitive restorative material. This is an exciting time for digital dentistry."
Availability
Midas Restore will be available beginning September 1, 2026, in the United States in shades A1, A2, A3, B1 and C2. A three-pack of Single-Unit Capsules is $135 and will be available through the SprintRay Store and authorized SprintRay distribution partners.
Midas Restore is validated for use with the SprintRay Midas Digital Press and SprintRay NanoCure. In the United States, it is FDA 510(k) cleared (K260661), Class II, Rx only.
¹ Maximum value. ISO 6872, piston-on-three-balls. Mean 180 MPa. ² Shade A1; other shades may vary.
About SprintRay
SprintRay is a dental technology company specializing in dental 3D printing and digital manufacturing solutions for dental professionals. The SprintRay ecosystem combines dental 3D printers, Digital Press technology, biocompatible dental materials, AI-powered design software and post-processing solutions to help clinicians deliver restorative, prosthetic and appliance-based care in the dental practice.
By developing hardware, software and materials as connected systems, SprintRay is working to make advanced digital dentistry and chairside manufacturing more accessible, efficient and clinically practical at the point of care.

Personify Group Names Michelle Strange, MSDH, RDH, to Advisory Board

2026-08-31T06:00:00.000-05:00

I've known Michelle for a number of years and I really enjoy her hard work and dedication to the profession. As a member of the Personify Advisory Board myself, I'm excited that Michelle is joining. I know she's going to bring great insights and energy to Personify Group and I'm looking forward to working with her. Read on for info on Michelle and Personify...

Dental Hygiene and Infection Control Expert will Provide Clinical insight to Support Client Strategy, Innovation and Commercialization

Personify Group, Inc., a commercialization, branding, public relations, and demand generation firm serving the dental industry, today announced that Michelle Strange, MSDH, RDH, has joined its Advisory Board as an independent dental hygiene and infection prevention advisor.

Strange brings more than 25 years of experience spanning clinical dental hygiene, infection control, education, public health, mobile dentistry, long-term care and independent practice ownership.

Her advisory board appointment expands Personify Group’s access to independent clinical perspectives as the firm advises dental manufacturers, technology companies and innovators on product development, positioning, commercialization, market adoption and revenue generation.

“Michelle provides Personify Group with something particularly valuable: the perspective of a clinician, educator and entrepreneur who understands what actually happens when a new product, technology or protocol reaches the operatory,” said Michael Ventriello, Co-Founder and Chief Communications Officer of Personify Group. “She can help us challenge assumptions, identify potential barriers to adoption and better understand how innovations will be received and implemented by dental hygienists and other members of the clinical team.”

As an independent advisor, Strange will provide Personify Group with strategic insight on dental hygiene, infection control, clinical workflow, professional education and emerging trends affecting the hygiene profession. She may also advise on select client initiatives where her expertise can help inform market strategy, messaging, clinician engagement and commercialization planning.

Strange is a practicing dental hygienist, educator and entrepreneur. She is the owner of SmileLogic, an independent dental hygiene practice in Colorado. She is also the founder of MichelleStrangeRDH.com and Level Up Infection Prevention, platforms focused on education, practical resources, clinical care and compliance.

“Dental hygienists are often among the first people expected to integrate new technologies, products and protocols into everyday patient care,” said Strange. “I’m looking forward to bringing that clinical perspective to Group and helping companies better understand what dental professionals need for an innovation to make sense not just in theory, but in real-world practice.”

Strange earned a bachelor’s degree in health science from the Medical University of South Carolina and a master’s degree in dental hygiene education from the University of Bridgeport. Her continuing professional development includes a Certificate in Dental Infection Prevention and Control as well as training in myofunctional therapy, interim restorative therapies and neuromodulators.

“In our opinion, an advisory board should do more than lend names to an organization’s web site,” said Mark Ross, Co-Founder and Chief Branding Officer of Personify Group. “We carefully select advisors who will bring distinct expertise, ask difficult questions and give us perspectives that strengthen the strategies we develop on behalf of our clients. Michelle adds an important clinical and professional dimension to this elite group.”

Strange recently published Independent by Design: A Dental Hygienist’s Journey to Practice Ownership, which explores evolving career opportunities for dental hygienists and draws upon her own progression from clinical practice and education to entrepreneurship and independent practice ownership.

About Personify Group

Personify Group, Inc. is a commercialization and strategic communications firm serving the dental and medical industries. The company helps manufacturers, technology companies, service providers, and innovators accelerate growth through brand strategy, public relations, market positioning, demand generation, thought leadership, and commercialization planning. By integrating communications with measurable business objectives, Personify Group helps clients build awareness, credibility and commercial momentum.

A Big Advancement in Decreasing Sensitivity and Increasing Remineralization: VOCO Profluorid Varnish + BioMin®

2026-08-27T06:00:00.000-05:00

I'm a big fan of products from VOCO. I've used them for years and I rely on them to help me get the best outcomes possible. In June of this year I was lucky enough to be able to travel to the VOCO headquarters in Cuxhaven, Germany for a meeting. I can tell you from personal experience that not only does VOCO make products I depend on, they also have incredible people on their team. While I was in Cuxhaven, I got a chance to actually try the new varnish formula, by tasting some of the different varieties while some of the VOCO team watched my reaction. It was actually a lot of fun.

What sets Profluorid +BioMin apart for the pack when it comes to fluoride varnish products is the addition of BioMin. The chemical is a form of bioglass which is pretty incredible. Bioglass was discovered in the 60s to help solve problems with orthopedic surgery. It was discovered that bioglass has incredible bioactivity and actually helps stimulate growth of bone as well as enamel.

As a geeky guy, who likes chemistry, I've followed the news about bioglass for years due to its applications in dentistry and I was excited when I learned that VOCO was incorporating it into their fluoride varnish. The great new is that Profluorid® Varnish + BioMin is avaaiable in Canada right now and will be available in the US, next week, Tuesday September 1. Knowing what I know about bioglass, I'm excited about this product. A great explanation of the science is in the VOCO info below...

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 BioMin bioglass 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, Profluorid Varnish + 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.

Drone News: Mara raises $7M to stop ongoing FPV-drone nightmare with low-cost autonomy

2026-08-26T08:00:00.000-05:00

As a drone pilot and a tech lover I've got a real love of drone tech. I've followed the happenings in Ukraine for several years and the evolution of this tech is amazing. Drones are doing lots of things outside the defense section such as delivering medicines to remote villages and looking for lost hikers. However, a lot of those abilities come from the defense industry.

I've also love stories of young people with a dream that see it take shape. Mara was started by two friends who met in high school in 2013 and have been working together since. So read what these two young men have accomplished. It's pretty impressive and it may save lives on the battlefield. Not bad for an idea that started in a dorm room...

Mara has raised a $7 million pre-seed round led by Khosla Ventures to build Spike, an automated counter-UAS system designed for the small, inexpensive FPV drones reshaping modern conflict.

The deadliest weapon in modern warfare, the small and ubiquitous FPV drone, costs a few hundred dollars and can disable a vehicle worth millions or knock out power for millions of people. Yet much of the counter-drone (counter-UAS) industry was built for a different target: large drones flying high overhead on a predictable course.

Small FPV drones launch from anywhere, attack in groups from several angles at once and increasingly use fiber-optic control links or onboard guidance to bypass traditional electronic jamming. Despite billions in counter-drone investment, these drones remain the leading cause of combat casualties globally. After Ukraine’s Operation Spiderweb in June 2025, the world realized that FPV drones can destroy strategic and civilian targets thousands of kilometers from active combat.

Mara was founded to neutralize this threat. Today, the company announced a $7 million pre-seed round to bring Spike, its integrated counter-UAS platform, from field testing to broad combat deployment.

The round was led by Khosla Ventures, with participation from a16z Speedrun, Night Capital, Palmdrive, Protagonist, Freedom Fund and Indicator Fund, alongside angel investors.

Why this matters now

FPV’s use pincer, swarm, and ambush tactics to circumvent defenses.

Traditional counter-UAS systems rely on a gun, laser, or semi-piloted interceptor focused on one sensor and effector cone. That can work against larger high-flying threats, or against one FPV drone at a time. It stops working when several small drones arrive along different vectors in rapid succession. Over the Ukrainian front line’s infamous “gray zone”, hundreds of FPVs are in the air per square kilometer doing just that.

Mara’s answer is distributed, autonomous, omnidirectional defense. “Small drones changed the battlefield because they distributed the cost and capability of precise attack,” said Daniel Kofman, Co-Founder and CEO of Mara. “Most defenses still concentrate both replacement cost and line of fire. Spike instead creates a distributed mesh of small, cheap nodes that can each aim and shoot in multiple directions at once.”

Spike uses stationary targeting sensors alongside a magazine of tiny interceptors, giving the system 360-degree hemispherical coverage in a portable package. Designed to be fully attritable from the sensors to the interceptors, Spike can fire on dozens of threats simultaneously at a system cost below the cost of the asset being protected.

How Spike works

Spike combines the full counter-UAS chain in one system consisting of two modular parts that work alone or together.

Its Spotter targeting system combines visual, acoustic, and optional radar sensors with advanced in-house AI for day, night and all-weather detection. Its Seeker kinetic interceptor is small (250g), fast (200kmh), and tube-launched, with onboard intelligence. Spike can pass launch orders autonomously from Spotter to Seeker, but a human remains on the loop to set rules of engagement and safely abort launches if necessary.

Spike is designed to scale with the mission. A rucksack-portable configuration can protect a dismounted squad. Vehicle-mounted Spikes can cover a convoy. Larger deployments can create multi-kilometer perimeters at military bases, front lines, sporting events, or power plants.

From dorm-room prototypes to field use

Mara was founded in October 2024 by Daniel Kofman and Sriram Raghu, who met in high school in 2013 and have been building together ever since.

Their work in drones began with tactical FPV prototypes for a DHS program, assembled from their college dorm rooms. The pair later co-founded, alongside its current CEO, Optivolt, which shipped smart solar panels to Anduril, the U.S. Air Force and Ukraine. Mara grew from their conviction that the industry had left the most important and lethal defense gap wide open.

Over the past several months, Spike’s components have moved into live field exercises. Seeker completed intercepts cued through U.S. Army software at an exercise in Texas. Spotter operated hands-free on an armored vehicle during another Army exercise in Europe, feeding detection data into Army command software. Mara demonstrated end-to-end engagement in field testing with a U.S. special operations unit, where Spotter detected the target and cued Seeker to launch without operator input.

Most recently, in July, Ukrainian forces operated Spotter 40km from the front line, where it tracked multiple FPV drones.

Beyond military applications, Mara is deploying Spike in a civilian pilot at a South Korean port. The company has cooperative research and testing agreements with three U.S. defense organizations, was selected for NATO’s DIANA innovation accelerator and is in early-stage engagement with international military partners in the UK, Czech Republic, and Ukraine.

“Mara has moved rapidly from proof-of-concept to user testing for an autonomous system,” said Nicole Fraenkel, Partner at Khosla Ventures. “what caught my eye is that they’re building counter-drone autonomy with a system cost that’s orders of magnitude lower than anything else we’ve seen.”

What’s next

Mara is currently focused on deploying Spike to key customers for ground-mounted use by the end of 2026. Vehicle-mounted and man-portable capabilities will launch alongside production scale-up in 2027.

Once Spike is deployed at scale, Mara plans to continue its mission – using machine autonomy to defend human autonomy – by mass-producing an arsenal of cheap, tiny robots that dominate the line of contact in any battle: land, air, or sea.

Weave Announces Acquisition by Francisco Partners

2026-08-25T06:00:00.000-05:00

Transaction Accelerates Investment in Weave’s AI-Powered Platform for Healthcare Practices

Weave Stockholders to Receive $7.40 Per Share in Cash, Representing a 34% Premium

Weave Communications, Inc. (“Weave”) (NYSE: WEAV), a leading AI-powered patient engagement and payments platform purpose-built for healthcare practices, and Francisco Partners (“FP”), a leading global investment firm that specializes in partnering with technology companies and technology-enabled businesses, today announced that FP has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Weave, at an aggregate equity valuation of approximately $650 Million.

Under the terms of the agreement, Weave stockholders will receive $7.40 per share in cash, representing a premium of approximately 34% to Weave’s unaffected closing stock price on August 17, 2026, the last full trading day prior to the transaction announcement. Upon completion of the transaction, Weave will cease to trade on the NYSE and become a private company.

Founded in 2008, Weave is a leading all-in-one customer experience and payments software platform for small and medium-sized healthcare businesses. Weave’s software solutions transform how healthcare practices attract, communicate with, and engage patients and clients to grow their business. Following the completion of the transaction Weave will continue to operate under the Weave name and maintain its headquarters in Lehi, Utah.

“Since our founding in 2008, we have built Weave for a customer most software companies overlook — the independent practices that care for patients in communities across the country. More than 40,000 locations rely on us today,” said Brett White, Chief Executive Officer of Weave. “Together with Francisco Partners, we will be able to enhance our ability to invest in our AI platform, deepen our payments and revenue cycle management capabilities, and further our vision of a better healthcare experience at every practice. Today’s announcement represents a compelling outcome for our stockholders, and we look forward to partnering with Francisco Partners, who have an extensive track record in successfully scaling companies at the intersection of vertical software and healthcare, in the next phase of Weave’s journey.”

Stuart C. Harvey Jr., Chair of the Weave Board of Directors added, “The Weave Board conducted a thorough evaluation of strategic alternatives and spoke with a number of strategic and financial parties. The transaction with Francisco Partners delivers a substantial premium and compelling, certain cash value to our stockholders. The Board unanimously determined that this transaction represents the best path forward for Weave and recommends that stockholders vote in favor of the transaction. On behalf of the entire Board, I want to thank Brett and the Weave team for building a business that has achieved this outcome and is positioned for continued growth.”

“Weave is ideally positioned to capitalize on the healthcare industry’s large and growing demand for AI to help optimize their practices and services,” said Ezra Perlman, Co-President at Francisco Partners. “Its vertical platform sits at the center of how tens of thousands of practices communicate with their patients and collect revenue, a position that is difficult to build and harder still to replicate.” Nick Nelson, Principal at Francisco Partners, added, “Weave has built a differentiated platform, and we see significant opportunity to build on that position through continued product innovation and by expanding the value Weave delivers to its customers. We are excited to partner with the entire team for the next chapter of Weave’s growth.”

Henry Schein and Special Olympics Renew Partnership Through 2030

2026-08-24T06:00:00.000-05:00

One of the most important things I've learned in my career and my life is the importance of giving back. For those of us blessed enough to have success, it's important to use our resources to help others. Today's post is to let all of you know about the commitment to others shown recently by Henry Schein.

 Henry Schein’s Long-Term Commitment Helps to Advance Health Screenings, Education, and Wellness Support for People with Intellectual Disabilities Around the Globe

Access to quality healthcare can make a profound difference in a person’s life. Yet for many people with intellectual disabilities (ID), barriers to care remain a daily reality. According to Special Olympics, despite severe need and higher health risks, individuals with ID are often denied health services and have a life expectancy that is, on average, 16 years shorter than the general population.

Henry Schein, Inc., the world’s largest provider of healthcare solutions to office-based dental and medical practitioners, and Special Olympics have extended their collaboration through 2030, reinforcing a shared commitment to expanding access to health screenings, education, and wellness resources for athletes at select Special Olympics events globally.

Through this partnership, which began in 2018, Henry Schein donates essential oral health and medical care products for the Special Olympics Healthy Athletes® program. Since 1997, Healthy Athletes has delivered over two million free health screenings to Special Olympics athletes worldwide and trained more than 300,000 healthcare professionals and students to treat people with ID. It supports the physical and social-emotional well-being of people with ID, the reduction of health disparities, and can help to increase life expectancy. The partnership also empowers and encourages healthcare providers to volunteer their time and services while increasing their knowledge of best practices in caring for and communicating with people with ID.

“Creating healthier communities requires collaboration and sustained commitment, principles that have been central to Henry Schein since our founding in 1932,” said Kyle Guerin, Director, Corporate Social Responsibility, Henry Schein Cares, at Henry Schein. “Extending our partnership with Special Olympics reflects our shared belief that every individual deserves the opportunity to achieve better health and well-being. We are proud to continue supporting programs that help expand access to care, foster inclusion, and equip healthcare professionals with the resources and experience to better serve people with intellectual disabilities.”

Henry Schein’s donations are used during screenings in nine Healthy Athletes disciplines: Special Olympics Fit Feet (podiatry); Special Olympics FUNfitness (physical therapy); Special Olympics Health Promotion (preventative medicine); Special Olympics Healthy Hearing (audiology); Special Olympics Lions Clubs International Foundation Opening Eyes® (vision/eye health); Special Olympics MedFest® (sports physical exam); Special Olympics Special Smiles® (dentistry); and Special Olympics Strong Minds (mental health), in several countries including Germany and the United States. Beyond these disciplines, Henry Schein’s donations also support Special Olympics Healthy Young Athletes, the pediatric discipline of Healthy Athletes.

Recently, the company donated a range of essential healthcare products for the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games that took place from 20 to 26 June 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The event united around 3,000 athletes, 1,500 coaches, 10,000 volunteers, and 75,000 fans from 50 U.S. states.

“Long-term partnerships are essential to creating lasting change in health outcomes for people with intellectual disabilities,” said Dr. Dimitri Christakis, Special Olympics Chief Health Officer. “Henry Schein has been a valued partner in helping us reach athletes with critical health services, education, and support. Together, we are working toward a future where quality healthcare is accessible, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of every individual.”

The donations to Healthy Athletes are an initiative of Henry Schein Cares, the company’s global corporate citizenship program, celebrating its 25th anniversary this year.

About Henry Schein Cares

Founded in 1932 by Henry and Esther Schein, our Company has a rich history rooted in corporate citizenship. Their values inspired our commitment to innovation, leadership, and strong partnerships and serve as a driving force behind our ability to adapt to changing industry needs. Today, Henry Schein Cares, our global corporate citizenship program, aims to drive change through our five pillars: catalyzing healthcare access; advancing policies, solutions, and innovation; relationship building for change; empowering Team Schein; and sustaining the planet. Our purpose is to drive this positive change through the engagement of our constituents to help make the world healthier. By adhering to these pillars, we are committed to “doing well, by doing good” and recognize the importance of being accountable to the five constituents that make up the Company's Mosaic of Success — customers, suppliers, Team Schein Members, shareholders, and society at large.

About Henry Schein, Inc.

Henry Schein, Inc. (Nasdaq: HSIC) is a products, services, and technology platforms company for healthcare customers. With more than 25,000 Team Schein Members worldwide, the Company’s network of trusted advisors provides more than 1 million customers globally with more than 300 valued solutions that help improve operational success and clinical outcomes. Our Business, Clinical, Technology and Supply Chain solutions help office-based dental and medical practitioners work more efficiently so they can provide quality care more effectively. These solutions also support dental laboratories, government and institutional healthcare clinics, as well as other alternate care sites. Henry Schein operates through a centralized and automated distribution network, with a selection of more than 300,000 branded products and Henry Schein corporate brand products in our main distribution centers. A FORTUNE 500 Company and a member of the S&P 500® index, Henry Schein is headquartered in Melville, N.Y., and has operations or affiliates in 34 countries and territories. The Company’s sales reached $13.2 billion in 2025, and have grown at a compound annual rate of approximately 11.0 percent since Henry Schein became a public company in 1995. For more information, visit Henry Schein at www.henryschein.com.

About Special Olympics International

Founded in 1968, Special Olympics is a global sports movement to end discrimination against people with intellectual disabilities. We foster acceptance of all people through the power of sport and programming in education, health and leadership. With more than 4.6 million athletes and Unified Sports® partners and over one million coaches and volunteers in more than 200 countries and territories, Special Olympics offers over 30 Olympic-type sports and nearly 60,000 games and competitions every year. Engage with us on: X, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn. Learn more at SpecialOlympics.org.

Justice Department Files Complaint to Stop Nevada Firm from Manufacturing and Selling Adulterated and Misbranded Dental Products

2026-08-24T06:00:00.000-05:00

This is something that I definitely want to make you aware of. I also want to thank ADA News for covering this story. This is another example of the value that comes from the American Dental Association. I learned about this story from their Morning Huddle e-newsletter. News like this story are important for the profession. The next time you hear someone say, "What does the ADA really do for me?", be sure to tell them about this.

Of course, here in the US a defendant is considered innocent until proven guilty. However, since this story applies to products used in implant cases, it's something that has the potential to affect the care delivered to patients. If a doctor is using any of these products they need to be aware of it. That's the purpose of this post.

On August 6, 2026 the US Department of Justice filed an injunction against dental manufacturer SteinerBio. The company manufactures and sells several products, some used for bone grafting.

The DOJ is seeking a "permanent injunction" against the company. The company and the DOJ have been in a regulatory standoff for nearly 7 years. I want to again emphasize "innocent until proven guilty", but this is definitely something doctors need to be aware of so they can make their own decision on whether to use the products or not.

The article from ADA News can be found here.

The DOJ press release can be found here.

The pdf of the Complaint for Permanent Injection can be found here.

An analysis on the case from MedPath can be found here.

Nate Lawson On The Technology Evangelist Podcast

2026-08-20T06:00:00.000-05:00

I recently got a chance to sit down and talk about the profession and dental materials with the one and only Dr. Nate Lawson. If you'd like to watch the episode, you can find all the links to your favorite podcast locations here.

Understanding the Origins: From Childhood Aspirations to Professional Realities

The Path to Dentistry: Overcoming Obstacles and Embracing Opportunities

The Intersection of Technology and Material Science

Key Takeaways from Dr. Lawson's Journey

1. Follow Your Passions: Dr. Lawson’s story illustrates the importance of pursuing what you love. Despite detours and challenges, his commitment to dentistry ultimately led him to a an amazing career.

2. Take Chances: Throughout his journey, Dr. Lawson took every chance to learn and grow, whether it was through hands-on experience as a dental assistant or engaging in research. This adaptability is crucial in any profession.

3. Value of Mentorship: The support and guidance of mentors can profoundly impact one’s career trajectory. Dr. Lawson’s relationship with Dr. Burgess not only opened doors for him but also inspired him to give back by mentoring others.

4. Contribute to the Field: As a researcher and educator, Dr. Lawson exemplifies how professionals can influence their fields positively. By sharing knowledge and advancing dental materials, he enhances doctor’s knowledge and ultimately benefits patients.

Wrapping Up

Premier Dental® Announces Exclusive Distribution Partnership for PerioStōm®

2026-08-19T06:00:00.000-05:00

Premier Dental® Announces Exclusive Distribution Partnership for PerioStōm® to Expand Advanced Periodontal Care Solutions

Premier to broaden clinician access to Forward Science’s FDA-cleared, non-drug oral wound dressing for post-procedural periodontal care

Premier® Dental Products Company, a global leader in innovative dental consumables and clinical solutions, today announced an exclusive distribution partnership with Forward Science to bring PerioStōm®, an FDA-cleared, non-drug oral wound dressing, to dental professionals throughout the United States. Through this partnership, Premier will serve as the exclusive distributor of PerioStōm®, expanding access to a science-driven solution designed to support healing and patient comfort following periodontal procedures.

The addition of PerioStōm® reinforces Premier’s commitment to delivering innovative technologies that improve clinical outcomes and enhance everyday dental practice. By leveraging Premier’s professional dental network, clinicians will have greater access to a novel post-procedural care solution that integrates into existing periodontal treatment protocols.

PerioStōm® is powered by chitosan microspheres, a biocompatible polymer. Applied directly into the periodontal pocket, PerioStōm® forms a protective, bio-adhesive barrier intended to help protect vulnerable tissue from irritation and trauma while supporting gingival healing and patient comfort while fitting seamlessly into existing periodontal treatment protocols, such as scaling and root planing (SRP). The delivery system is designed for consistent placement and integration into standard clinical workflows.

“Premier is committed to identifying and delivering clinically meaningful innovations that help dental professionals improve patient care. PerioStōm® represents a unique advancement in post-procedural periodontal care, offering clinicians an FDA-cleared, non-drug solution that supports healing while fitting naturally into existing treatment protocols. We are excited to partner with Forward Science to make this innovative technology more broadly available to dental professionals across the country.”

— Perry Lowe, CEO, Premier Dental Products Company

Developed over several years of research and innovation, PerioStōm® represents a significant advancement in periodontal therapy. As exclusive distributor, Premier will work closely with Forward Science to support product commercialization and clinician education while expanding awareness and adoption nationwide.

“This collaboration with Premier strengthens the pathway for PerioStōm® through a trusted partner in the dental industry,” said Robert J. Whitman, CEO of Forward Science. “Together, we are focused on bringing what we believe is one of the most impactful advancements the periodontal therapy field has seen in decades to clinicians nationwide, helping improve patient care and change more lives.”

The partnership is expected to broaden availability of PerioStōm® to a wider audience of dental professionals, supporting a more proactive approach to post-procedural periodontal care through an effective, non-drug solution designed for everyday clinical use.

For more information about PerioStōm®, visit PerioStom.com.