By Dr. Tyler Orehek, president North America, Airgle.
As we continue to live with COVID-19, the nation is adapting to a new normal. While hopes of fully eradicating the virus are all but gone, the government, businesses, and individuals are now adjusting to living with it.
One industry that must make this a priority is dentistry. Patients wearing masks while at dental offices, is all but impossible. Because of this, the dental industry must take every precaution possible to lower the risk of airborne pathogens spreading during procedures.
One of the most effective ways that the dental industry can adjust to this new normal as it relates to Covid-19, and keep patients safe, is by utilizing air purification systems. So, what exactly should dentists know about indoor air quality (IAQ), and the measures they can take to safeguard it?
Dentistry and Aerosols
It’s important to keep in mind that dentistry generates aerosols. Dental handpieces, air-water syringes and ultrasonic scalers are all capable of producing such aerosols, which typically consist of a mix of air and water from these devices and from the patient’s saliva. These aerosols are capable of remaining suspended in the air for long periods of time and travel even greater distances than splashes and splatters. Thus, the potential for disease transmission, even after the infected individual has left the space, remain high.
While personal protective equipment in dental offices is always recommended, there are additional steps that practices can take to protect both its employees and patients alike.
Deploy Medical Grade Air Purification
One of the best ways is through the use of medical grade, stand-alone air purification systems. The ability of a purifier to capture and contain airborne contaminants, such as pathogens, volatile organic compounds, ultra-fine particulates, and aerosols in general, is primarily determined by the type of filtration used. An air purifier’s effectiveness is correlated with the quality and integrity of the purification filter media itself.
While traditional HEPA filters can be effective at capturing more common pollutants, cHEPA filters are much better equipped at handling the smallest of particles and viruses, which are especially threatening in a dental setting. Cleanroom-grade cHEPA filters have a capture threshold down to .003 microns, a significantly smaller threshold than standard HEPA filters. These medical grade air purification units are capable of capturing the smallest airborne pathogens.
HVAC systems are best equipped for heating and cooling a building, which means that they must be porous enough to allow small contaminants and potentially dangerous pathogens to flow through. Many viruses are as small as 0.1 microns in diameter, which HVAC systems are unable to capture.
This is why medical grade, stand-alone air purification units are the most effective way to filter out pathogens, including viruses, bacteria and mold spores. Additionally, mobile units allow offices to move them to different treatment rooms where most needed.
Today’s dental patients are looking for less-invasive options to improve their smile at a price they can afford. That’s why 3M has introduced the 3M™ Filtek™ Matrix – a new restorative solution that makes composite placement less stressful and more predictable for dentists and more affordable for their patients.
Dental composites can be a great choice to restore or improve the esthetics of a patient’s smile. However, the traditional process can be long and complicated. The Filtek Matrix procedure begins with a digital restoration design. A patient-specific matrix is created that helps the clinician transfer the digital design to the patient’s teeth using 3M dental composites. Unlike more invasive ceramic procedures which often require the removal of tooth structure, the Filtek Matrix relies on additive composite techniques where little to no tooth reduction is required. In a clinical evaluation, dentists reported that using the matrix increased their confidence, delivered predictable and esthetic results, and saved chair time.
“This product brings together leading material science and digital innovation to enable clinicians to predictably and efficiently transform patient smiles,” said Andrew Milder, global portfolio director, 3M Oral Care. “It is exciting to see the amazing results that clinicians have delivered using the Filtek Matrix.”
The Filtek Matrix is the latest innovation in 3M’s industry-leading portfolio of restorative solutions. Clinicians can pair the Filtek Matrix with 3M Filtek Dental Restoratives to deliver excellent composite strength and wear resistance for patients.
To learn more about the new Filtek Matrix, please visit: 3M.com/FiltekMatrix.
According to findings of the 2022 Original Tooth Fairy Poll released by Delta Dental, the Tooth Fairy visited 79% of homes across the country with children ages 6 to 12 who have lost teeth. Most kids are demonstrating patience for the Tooth Fairy’s visit, with more than half of parents (61%) reporting that their child waited for their loose tooth to fall out, unlike 18% of their children that pulled their own tooth. One in three parents agree that the Tooth Fairy is a positive way to instill good oral health habits in their child.
The 2022 poll builds on insights gleaned over nearly a quarter of a century. A few additional highlights from this year’s poll include:
The Tooth Fairy continues to bring joy
More than one in two parents say the Tooth Fairy gives their child something to be excited about (55% 2022 versus 53% 2021).
This year, more parents indicate that the Tooth Fairy provides their child with an opportunity to celebrate something fun (55% 2022 versus 48% 2021).
In fact, 35% of parents express the Tooth Fairy was the perfect way to spread joy in a year when they needed it most (compared to 34% 2021).
“Our oral health is essential to our overall health, and the time-honored tradition of the Tooth Fairy can help bring attention in a fun way to the importance of establishing proper oral hygiene habits at an early age,” said Jennifer Elliott, Chief Marketing Officer, Delta Dental Plans Association. “Delta Dental is committed to increasing the public’s oral health care awareness as we support millions of dental health journeys across America.”
The worth of a lost tooth — cash dominates
Since 1998, Delta Dental has been analyzing the Tooth Fairy’s U.S. annual giving trends. The 2022 Original Tooth Fairy Poll® indicates the Tooth Fairy’s average cash gift reached $5.36 per tooth, an all-time high in the 24-year history of the poll. This year’s value of a lost tooth has more than quadrupled since the inception of the Original Tooth Fairy Poll® when the value of a lost tooth was $1.30. The 2022 poll’s average gift of $5.36 per tooth is 66 cents (14%) higher than the previous peak of $4.70 set last year and well over $1 (33%) more per tooth in 2020 ($4.03). The 2022 poll also finds that 80% of the time the Tooth Fairy leaves only money rather than some other physical gift.
About the survey
The Original Tooth Fairy Poll was conducted between January 19 and January 28, 2022, among a nationally representative sample of more than 1,000 parents of children ages 6 to 12. The survey has a margin of error of +/- 3%.
For more information about the Delta Dental-sponsored survey, Tooth Fairy resources for families and kids, and oral health tips for infants to pre-teen, visit the Original Tooth Fairy Poll.
As part of a larger update to the organization’s leadership structure, Delta Dental of California recently announced that MohammadReza Navid has been appointed senior vice president and chief relationship and business development officer.
Navid joined Delta Dental in 2006 as vice president of sales in California and was promoted to group vice president of sales and marketing in 2017. In his new role reporting to President Sarah Chavarria, Navid is responsible for Sales, Network Development, Product Strategy, Market Insights and Business Development.
“Mohammad’s leadership has been pivotal in advancing the growth of our market-leading business to encompass more than 40 million members,” said Sarah Chavarria, president of Delta Dental of California. “In his new role, Mohammad will focus on defining our long-term strategies, including business growth opportunities, deepening relationships with new and existing customers, and more closely partnering with our network providers so that together we can deliver exceptional experiences and quality outcomes to patients.”
Navid has spearheaded Delta Dental’s strategic shift to focus on specific customer segments and tailor products to better meet customer needs. Under his leadership, Delta Dental has retained more than 98% of its customers over the past two years, with 99% indicating strong satisfaction with the organization.
Navid has more than two decades of leadership, consulting and sales experience in health care. Prior to joining Delta Dental of California, he was principal at Mercer Health and Benefits.
Navid holds a bachelor’s degree in Business from University of Southern California’s Marshall School of Business.
Inc. magazine revealed that Spark Dental Management, a leading dental support organization (DSO), was named to the 2021 Inc. 5000 list, ranking at No. 699 overall and 42nd among companies in the Health Services category. This is the fifth year that an affiliate group of Spark Dental Management was included in this prestigious ranking of the nation’s fastest-growing private companies.
Dental Support Organization Among America’s Fastest-Growing Private Companies with 3-Year Revenue Growth of nearly 900%.
The theme of this year’s Inc. list was “Winning in a Time of Change”. The companies on the 2022 Inc. 5000 have not only been successful, but have also demonstrated resilience amid supply chain woes, labor shortages, and the ongoing impact of COVID-19. Among the top 500, the average median three-year revenue growth rate soared to 2,144%. Together, those companies added more than 68,394 jobs over the past three years.
Spark Dental Management saw a year of abundant growth in 2021. Through de novo builds and strategic acquisitions, the dental support organization grew to more than 70 practices and expanded its geographic footprint to seven states. Spark Dental Management now has locations in Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Georgia, Virginia, New Jersey, Delaware, and Indiana.
Spark Dental Management is a multi-specialty dental support organization that provides complete business and operational support services for its affiliated practices. The DSO currently supports 70 pediatric dental and orthodontic practices in seven states as well as five outpatient ambulatory surgery centers, a unique and critical component in solving access to care challenges.
The DSO is a model organization for the delivery of high-quality dental services, recognized for its superior patient care, customer service, and staff. Its mission is to provide exceptional and appropriate dental care to its patients while educating and facilitating a lifetime of excellent oral health.
Many dentists reach a point in their careers where they are done with owning a practice. Some are tired of managing the financials, dealing with payers, chasing down suppliers, and all the other headaches of practice ownership. Others have physical limitations that make daily practice difficult. And some want to capitalize on a hot market for practice sales.
These doctors are not always done with patients, though. They love the art and science of dentistry. They still get a thrill from solving a tough case or restoring a smile. They just don’t want to do it five days a week, or they don’t want to manage a business anymore.
However, they know that if they start scaling back production in their own practice, the bottom line will decrease. Staff may leave if they’re not needed — and we know how hard it is to find/retain good staff right now! Patients will go elsewhere if they can’t be served in a timely manner due to a reduced schedule. All this will eventually lead to a lower sale price.
That’s why some dentists choose to sell sooner, while the value is high, and continue to work in some capacity. This can take many formats:
Sell the practice, but stay on to work part-time as an associate
Work in a community clinic, FQHC, or other setting on a more relaxed schedule
Teach, mentor, or pursue less physically taxing ways to practice
At ADA Practice Transitions (ADAPT), we speak with many dentists contemplating their next steps and trying to plan how and when to retire. If you’re thinking about retiring in the next five years, consider exploring some of these options.
BroadcastMed, the world’s most innovative healthcare media company has acquired AEGIS Dental Network, expanding its audience of healthcare professionals with the addition of 400k dental clinicians to its existing membership of 1.7 million physicians across 11 specialties, resulting in an organization with more than 100 combined years of professional experience, leadership, and insight into healthcare publishing, education, and multimedia communications. The official announcement was made on August 18, 2022. This strategic investment is backed by 424 Capital, a growth capital partner.
BroadcastMed is committed to providing physicians and other allied healthcare professionals with convenient access to the very best in educational content. Its recent acquisition of AEGIS Dental Network – an innovative leader in the dental communications space allows BroadcastMed to continue its tradition of providing industry-leading clinical content to front-line healthcare professionals with the ultimate objective of improving patient outcomes.
The acquisition continues BroadcastMed’s tremendous growth trajectory which is driven by its commitment to expand the global dialogue on healthcare, by connecting and expanding an audience of healthcare constituents, BroadcastMed is able to gather and analyze intelligence from those engagements to create more value for its clients.
“Our acquisition of AEGIS Dental Network will allow BroadcastMed to provide deeper and more meaningful content to dental health professionals. We are committed to using our world-class media solutions to advance the ways in which specialty-centric clinicians share their subject matter expertise,” said Ross Joel, CEO.
“As BroadcastMed continues its growth trajectory, we welcome in the AEGIS team as we take another definitive step toward our strategic goal of growing a multi-channel resource to serve all healthcare constituencies,” said Peter Gailey, president. “Our growth into the dental space, and our plans for the future, support that vision,” continued Gailey.
AEGIS Dental Network a part of AEGIS Publications, LLC has an extensive oral healthcare platform providing the entire team—clinicians, technicians, hygienists, assistants, and students—with a comprehensive collection of accessible, high-quality, purposeful content designed to enhance their practice and patient care.
With decades of experience and more than 18,000 media productions to date, BroadcastMed is solidifying its position as a healthcare media company inspiring the future of medicine. BroadcastMed was the first media company in the world to livestream surgeries online. The company provides data-driven solutions to optimize marketing and education initiatives for healthcare organizations such as Mayo Clinic, Boston Scientific, Novartis, Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses, and the Institute for Functional Medicine.
Vyne, an industry-leading software company providing revenue cycle, information exchange and secure communication solutions across healthcare markets, announces that Steve Roberts, who currently serves as president for Vyne Dental, has been named CEO of Vyne. Roberts will begin his new role immediately.
An experienced business leader who has led Vyne Dental since August 2020, Roberts succeeds Lindy Benton, a decorated healthcare technology leader who has served as CEO since February 2011. Benton will continue to drive the organization’s strategic vision as executive chair of the company’s Board of Directors.
“The best CEOs excel at creating growth culture and building capable teams,” said Roberts. “That is Lindy’s strength, and how she turned Vyne from a small niche product into an extremely well-respected health technology brand, serving both the medical and dental markets. I am honored and excited to step onto the path she laid and lead Vyne into its next phase of innovation and service.”
As CEO, Roberts will lead the company in continuing to develop innovative software serving health systems, payers and dental practices to improve operational efficiencies, reduce costs, and improve care. He brings more than 20 years of direct industry leadership experience to the position, having contributed to growth and innovation initiatives at Weave, Henry Schein One and Dentrix.
Vyne currently serves hospitals and health systems, dental offices and insurance payers in the United States through its health information collation, exchange and claims management technology. Uniquely positioned to serve multiple key stakeholders within healthcare, Vyne has made Inc. 5000’s annual list of the nation’s most prestigious and fastest-growing private companies for 15 consecutive years. Under Roberts, Vyne will continue leveraging synergies across its two health tech businesses, Vyne Medical and Vyne Dental, to accelerate growth and facilitate relationships between providers, payers and patients across the full healthcare spectrum.
“Vyne Dental’s differentiated approach to dental revenue cycle software services is generating compelling growth and strong market adoption,” said Roberts. “We intend to bring Vyne Dental’s same level of innovation, growth and expertise to the entire Vyne portfolio by evolving into a next generation medical revenue cycle management platform through internal development, partnerships and acquisitions.”
Benton, meanwhile, will bring her leadership and business development experience to the Board of Directors, where she will lead the company’s broader strategic efforts.
The Great Resignation has reached dentistry — especially as hygienists choose not to return to the profession. In fact, a new study co-authored by the American Dental Hygienists’ Association and the American Dental Association found that the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a contraction of about 3.75% of all hygienists, representing a loss of approximately 7,500 hygienists nationwide.
Without these critical staff, many dentists aren’t able to see as many patients, especially since new COVID-19 infection control protocols require more staff time than before the pandemic. 32.3% of owners say that trouble filling vacant staff positions prevents them from running a full schedule — leading to longer wait times for patients who may wind up skipping preventive care altogether or allowing simple problems to become serious. Over time, this may lead to more dental emergencies and a potential increase in heart disease, digestive trouble, and other serious health problems.
And the problem is only getting worse. In October 2020, 51.8% of owners said that it was “extremely challenging” to recruit hygienists. By November 2021, 75.6% of dentists made the same claim.
Meanwhile, driven by COVID-19, many dentists are choosing to retire earlier than planned. The average retirement age for a dentist has dropped to 67.9, down from a peak of 69.1 in 2018. Through my work at ADA Practice Transitions, I help these retiring dentists find like-minded buyers to ensure patients continue receiving care. However, buyers taking over a long-standing practice have their own challenge: retaining that long-term staff through the transition to provide continuity for patients.
That’s why it’s essential that owner dentists take steps to retain their most valuable resource: long-tenured, knowledgeable staff who have built trust with patients.
Why hygienists are leaving the workforce
When dental practices closed at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in March of 2020, many staff were sent home. Even as practices began reopening, many of the 98% of practicing dental hygienists who are female found themselves juggling child care challenges and needing to stay home. Dental work has no “remote” option, and dental schedules inherently lack the flexibility to pivot when a child has to stay home unexpectedly due to a COVID exposure.
As a result, many hygienists began to exit the profession entirely. Even as the pandemic has eased, many hygienists have not returned — nor do they plan to. An August 2021 study found that 74% of hygienists not working had left the profession for voluntary reasons. While some say they are “waiting out” the pandemic, a full 37% say they have decided to retire.
Some of those remaining are leveraging the shortage to improve their circumstances, whether finding jobs closer to home or negotiating for greater flexibility, higher pay, or better benefits. By May 2021, 70.7% of practice owners had raised pay for their dental hygienists.
Hygienists’ career changes mirror the larger Great Resignation in which an October 2021 Gallup poll found that 48% of US workers were actively job searching or watching for new opportunities.
The Delta Dental Institute (DDI) and the American Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research (AADOCR) announced two new Oral Health Equity Awards to support research that advances recommendations for greater oral health equity in populations that lack access to dental care and improves oral health literacy for underserved populations. Two awards will be conferred – one in each research area in the amount US$25,000.
“At Delta Dental, our mission is to advance the oral health of all Americans. We are pleased to partner with AADOCR to invest in critically needed research to advance access to care for all and ensure greater health equity across the country,” said Vivian Vasallo, executive director of the Delta Dental Institute.
“Understanding the best ways to remove barriers, improve oral health literacy, and provide equitable access to oral health services is critical to fulfill our mission of championing overall health and well-being,” said AADOCR President Jane Weintraub. “This new partnership between AADOCR and DDI will provide research toward improving oral health in communities where it is most lacking.”
Submissions must represent original research that addresses Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) and oral health disparities and promote oral health equity in the areas of Access to Care and Oral Health Literacy. Populations of interest include underrepresented racial and ethnic minorities, age groups and hard to reach populations, including adolescents, tribal and rural communities. Applications are now being accepted through the AADOCR website and will be reviewed by an expert review panel acknowledged as leaders in their fields.
The deadline for submission is Oct. 28, 2022.
The two awards will be conferred in the form of unrestricted research grants. Award winners will be announced at the 52nd meeting of the AADOCR, and 47th meeting of the Canadian Association for Dental Research (CADR), Mar. 15-18, 2023, in Portland, Oregon.
According to findings of the 2022 Original Tooth Fairy Poll released by Delta Dental, the Tooth Fairy visited 79% of homes across the country with children ages 6 to 12 who have lost teeth. Most kids are demonstrating patience for the Tooth Fairy’s visit, with more than half of parents (61%) reporting that their child waited for their loose tooth to fall out, unlike 18% of their children that pulled their own tooth. One in three parents agree that the Tooth Fairy is a positive way to instill good oral health habits in their child.
Inc. magazine revealed that 
