Smilebliss is a ready-to-go practice model suited for a new practice or an existing practice looking to attract more new patients. The model is based on research that provides insight into consumer preferences regarding orthodontics. This research has allowed Smilebliss to create a strategic brand and plan to deliver practice owners’ results.

As competition in the orthodontic industry increases, independent practices are feeling the squeeze. Pressure comes from saturated markets, general dentists providing orthodontic services, corporate dental acquisitions, and national direct-to-consumer providers like Smile Direct Club. Independent orthodontic practices don’t have the resources to effectively compete on their own, which is why Smilebliss was created.

With Smilebliss, independent practices will now have access to a proven operational model that brings accelerated growth, operational efficiency, and competitive market advantage.

Smilebliss is a ready-to-go practice model suited for a new practice or an existing practice looking to attract more new patients. The model is based on research that provides insight into consumer preferences regarding orthodontic treatment. This research has allowed Smilebliss to create a strategic brand and plan to deliver practice owners’ results.

“Our Smilebliss license is the answer for practices that don’t want to sell but are ready for the operational benefits of an OSO or DSO. The current market is too stressful for practice owners to continue on their entrepreneurship journey alone,” explains Angela Weber, President of Smilebliss. “We’re providing the same type of data and strategic thinking as an elite OSO or DSO while adding a brand licensing program and an industry-leading marketing team to drive accelerated direct-to-consumer growth.”

Smilebliss uses data and expertise to help orthodontic practice owners identify underserved markets, select profitable office locations, execute proven marketing strategies, implement efficient revenue cycle management systems, secure quality supplies at a discount, and lay the foundation for a strategic operational model to ensure accelerated growth.

“We knew this type of model was needed in the industry, but perhaps underestimated the urgency of that need based on the response we’ve received,” said Angela Weber. “It’s time for this industry to fill the gap for practice ownership, and Smilebliss will be the answer for many looking to take that leap.”

About Smilebliss   

The Benefits of Smilebliss 

1. Jump-start your practice growth or revitalize your existing one
2. Gain greater brand awareness with marketing that gets people in the door & in your chair
3. Get access to established & proven practice operations
4. Save money on equipment & supplies
5. Get expert help with training programs, procurement, insurance & billing

The mission of Smilebliss Orthodontics 

At Smilebliss, our philosophy is simple: To provide affordable orthodontic care that gives patients the confidence they need to follow their bliss — wherever it may take them.

For more information, visit www.joinsmilebliss.com.

FEATURED IMAGE CREDIT: Mohamed Hassan from Pixabay

Dr. Ben Miraglia has treated patients with clear aligners for 17 years. In that time, he’s also become a familiar presence as an Invisalign Global faculty member and dental educator. Now, Dr. Miraglia has forged a new relationship with CandidPro, inking a partnership that will give him the institutional support he needs to bring his clinical treatment preferences to all his clear aligner patients.

For Dr. Miraglia, realizing that CandidPro’s treatment methodology complements his own was a major factor in his decision to join CandidPro. “I came to CandidPro because our treatment philosophies are so similar,” he says. This is especially true when it comes to IPR and attachments, for which CandidPro’s patent-pending CandidRx reduces the need. For Dr. Miraglia, “IPR and attachments tend to be excessive and unnecessary. I often achieve similar results using clear aligners alone. CandidPro treatment protocols are set up to avoid IPR and attachments.”

Dr. Miraglia also appreciates how CandidPro’s CandidMonitoring service tracks patient progress over time. “I love that my CandidPro patients perform self-scans from home every two weeks.” Miraglia notes, “I get the oversight I need to ensure everything is on schedule without all the follow-up appointments. CandidPro gives me a level of control I haven’t found with other clear aligner treatments.”

With treatment plans supported by our experienced orthodontist network, CandidPro has garnered the interest of industry leaders like Dr. Miraglia, who are looking for convenient and effective ways to treat more clear aligner patients. According to CandidPro’s VP of Sales, Brian Ganey, “I’ve worked with Dr. Miraglia for years, so I know that his commitment to orthodontic excellence is simply unparalleled. Having clear aligner superstars like Dr. Miraglia recognize the value of CandidPro speaks volumes about how transformative our products and services are. We’re thrilled to have his confidence and support.”

Dr. Miraglia is currently offering CandidPro’s signature teledentistry product to his patients and will be working closely with dentists and orthodontists to help them use CandidPro to enhance their patient offerings and drive revenue. “CandidPro is a win-win for everybody. The doctor enjoys less chair time thanks to no IPR, no attachments, and CandidMonitoring, all of which add up to increased profitability. The patients get to enjoy incredible results without IPR or attachments. Everybody wins.”

About Dr. Ben Miraglia

Dr. Ben Miraglia is a graduate of the State University of New York at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine and has been practicing dentistry in Mt. Kisco, NY, for 29 years, including 17 years offering interceptive orthodontics. As an Invisalign Global faculty member, Dr. Miraglia received multiple accolades, including the “Educator of the Year” award. He is widely recognized for his lectures and continuing education courses focusing on clear aligner therapy and craniofacial growth and development related to sleep-disordered breathing.

The Jordan Company, L.P. (“TJC”) today announced that an affiliate of The Resolute Fund V, L.P. (“Resolute V”) has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Dental365 (“Dental365” or the “Company”) from the founding shareholders and current investor Regal Healthcare Capital Partners, L.P. (“Regal”). Resolute V is completing the acquisition in partnership with Dental365’s founder and CEO, Dr. Scott Asnis, who will continue to lead the Company. Regal and its founders, Dr. David Kim and Jon Santemma will remain minority investors in the Company. The transaction is expected to close in August.

Founded in 2014 by Dr. Asnis and Dr. Kim, Dental365 is a dental service organization that has established itself as the market leader in the areas it serves over the past several years. The Company is focused on treating all phases of dentistry, including general dentistry, pediatric dentistry, orthodontics and oral and maxillofacial surgery. The organization is dentist-led at every level of the Company, offering clinical excellence and concierge dentistry in modern offices with advanced technology from expertly trained specialists and general dental practitioners at nearly 70 locations throughout the New York Metropolitan Area, Connecticut and New Jersey and will continue to scale into additional states throughout the U.S.

To date, the Company has nearly doubled in size each year and has over 400,000 patient visits annually. In addition, it employs over 165 dentists and 800 staff members. This new investment will provide the Company with significant resources as it drives continued expansion.

“We are extremely proud of the accomplishments we have made since 2014 and couldn’t be more excited to welcome TJC into our next phase of growth,” said Dr. Asnis. “There is a great cultural fit between our organizations, and we share a vision for Dental365’s future. TJC’s resources and experience will enable us to accelerate our long-term growth plan.”

“Our talented and dedicated doctors at Dental365 will benefit from TJC, as we plan to offer even stronger operational support,” Dr. Asnis states. “This partnership will afford the resources needed to provide our patients with even better clinical care as dental technology advances in the future and will assist in continuing to provide elevated patient experiences.”

“Dr. Asnis and the management team have built Dental365 into a leader in dentistry in the greater New York City market, with an unwavering focus on best-in-class providers and patient care,” said Dave Butler, Partner at TJC. “We are excited to contribute to the next stage of Dental365’s growth.”

“We are thrilled to partner with Dr. Asnis and the entire Dental365 team,” said Dan Williams, Partner at TJC. “The Company has an incredible culture centered on delivering top level support to its providers and the highest quality care to its patients.”

“It has been a pleasure working with Dr. Asnis to grow Dental365 from an idea on a white board to the leading DSO in the region. With TJC’s strategic and capital assistance, I am confident that Dental365 will continue its current track record of success,” said Dr. David Kim, Co-Founder of Dental365 and General Partner at Regal.

Kirkland & Ellis LLP acted as legal advisor to TJC. Ropes & Gray LLP acted as legal advisor and Jefferies Inc. acted as financial advisor to Dental365.

For any questions, please contact Kristin A. Custar, Partner and Head of the Global Investor Capital Group at TJC, at (212) 572-0829.

About Dental365
Dental365 is a full-service dental practice offering general dentistry and specialty services with locations throughout New York, Connecticut and New Jersey. Their goal is to service communities with the latest technology in oral healthcare and wellness. Dental365 provides convenient dentistry for patients, offering everything from emergency extractions to routine exams, including cosmetic restorations and dental implants, all in state-of-the-art, beautiful environments where patient comfort and safety are a top priority. In addition, Dental365 is committed to providing dentists with the ongoing education and tools needed to provide the best patient care through Dental365 University, a unique concept built exclusively for Dental365 doctors. For more information about Dental365 visit www.GoDental365.com.

About The Jordan Company
The Jordan Company, founded in 1982, is a middle-market private equity firm that manages funds with original capital commitments in excess of $16 billion with a 39-year track record of investing in and contributing to the growth of many businesses across a wide range of industries. The senior investment team has been investing together for over 20 years, and they are supported by the Operations Management Group, which was established in 1988 to initiate and support operational improvements in portfolio companies. Headquartered in New York, TJC also has offices in Chicago. For more information, visit www.thejordancompany.com.

About Regal Healthcare Capital Partners
Regal Healthcare Capital Partners (“Regal”) is a New York-based growth equity and buyout firm focused exclusively on lower-middle market healthcare services companies. Regal partners with leading-edge healthcare entrepreneurs in need of financial investment and strategic, operational, and managerial expertise. Regal and its co-founders, Dr. David Kim and Jon Santemma, bring a unique combination of operational and transactional experience to healthcare services companies to help realize their growth potential. For more information, please visit www.regalhcp.com.

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As summer gets underway and kids get more active, including sports, DentalPlans.com is encouraging parents to take steps to protect their children from dental injuries.

Approximately a quarter of dental injuries among children can be attributed to sports, the company said, including those that include impact and speed such as baseball, soccer, volleyball, tennis, bike riding, and skateboarding.

DentalPlans.com has put together a checklist for parents and guardians to ensure families understand ways they can reduce the likelihood of sports-related dental injuries and how to get kids on board too.

First, get the right mouth gear. Children should wear a mouthguard during contact sports. In some cases, a face shield may be an option, as it protects delicate bones around the eyes, nose, and jaw. DentalPlans.com advises parents to speak to their dentist if they need advice on which gear to purchase.

Dentists also can make personalized mouthguards for children that fit correctly and do not interfere with breathing or cause distractions while playing. Equipment aimed at protecting other parts of the body may be required or encouraged depending on the sport as well.

Next, protect braces. Protective gear is especially important for children who wear braces, DentalPlans.com said, because braces can cut the inside of the mouth during a collision. The braces themselves can be damaged as well. Most orthodontists will recommend that children wear a mouthguard while playing sports to protect their teeth and braces.

Third, get children on board. Encouraging children to consistently wear protective gear can be challenging, DentalPlans.com said, but ensuring the gear fits correctly can reduce irritation and make it more likely they will continue to wear it.

Finally, DentalPlans.com said, parents should be prepared in advance. Treatment for dental injuries should not be delayed, so families should have a dentist that parents and child both trust. Preventing care like checkups and cleanings can help children feel comfortable with their dentist in advance of any unforeseen injuries. Regular dental care also will ensure their mouth is as healthy as possible in the event of a trauma.

“You can take all the precautions, but accidents and injuries can still happen. While the injury may be lessened thanks to protective gear, seeing a dentist as soon as possible will still be vital,” said Jenn Stoll, chief commercial officer at DentalPlans.com.

“Make sure you have an affordable way to pay for your family’s dental care so there are no delays. Consider that you may need emergency or restorative treatments following a dental injury, as well as any follow-up care, your dentist will likely want to see how your child is recovering afterwards,” Stoll said.

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Some cases initially may seem overwhelming. But when the patient’s dental needs are evaluated and envisioned as separate entities, such restorations become much more straightforward.

The Patient

A patient recently presented to our office with a chief complaint of being unhappy with his smile (Figure 1). He was looking for options for straighter and whiter teeth.

The examination revealed localized gingival inflammation, a need for a periodontal maintenance visit, and a history of scaling and root planing. Occlusally, severe wear was present throughout his dentition, and the anterior teeth were short and uneven in length (Figure 2). 

Multiple old and failing restorations were present in the posterior teeth. A deep overbite was present, as was severe tooth crowding (Figures 3-5).

Aesthetically, additional findings included a high lip line exposing excessive gingival display along with asymmetrical soft-tissue levels throughout. Multiple old fillings with recurrent caries were present. There was a loss of vertical dimension, as seen with excess freeway space. The teeth were dark, and negative space was present in the posterior. Along with the severe tooth crowding, an uneven occlusal plane and a canted midline were present as well.

Figure 2. The exam revealed gingival inflammation, a need for periodontal maintenance, scaling and root planing, and severe wear.	Figure 3. The patient had a deep overbite.
Figure 4. The patient had multiple old and failing posterior restorations	Figure 5. Severe crowding was an issue as well.

Recommendations for treatment included:

• Treatment of the gingival inflammation with a periodontal maintenance visit.
• Orthodontic treatment to straighten teeth followed by reevaluation of the soft-tissue aesthetics.
• Aesthetic crown lengthening with osseous surgery if deemed necessary after orthodontic treatment.
• Aesthetic and restorative rehabilitation with porcelain veneers, crowns, and onlay veneers to replace severely worn enamel while restoring the patient to a better occlusal scheme and function.

The patient also was advised that after treatment, lifetime orthodontic retention would be required as well as use of an occlusal guard during sleeping hours to protect his teeth from his heavy severe bruxism habit.

The Treatment

The patient underwent Align Technology Invisalign clear aligner treatment for one year. Toward the end of treatment, a previously treated root canal on tooth No. 3 fractured and required extraction. The tooth was extracted using a minimally invasive technique.

Great care was taken to preserve the buccal boney plate, and a corticocancellous allograft was placed to help preserve the ridge, allowing for a predictable implant site in the future. The Invisalign treatment continued for another four months, for a total of 12 months of clear aligner treatment.

At this point it was determined that aesthetic crown lengthening with osseous surgery would improve the overall aesthetic outcome of the case. The surgical phase was planned. Under IV sedation, a dental implant was placed in the healed extraction site of tooth No. 3.

Simultaneously, the aesthetic crown lengthening was performed. Bone was carefully removed from the facials of teeth Nos. 4-13 only. Care was taken to place the facial bony crest at a level 3 mm apical to the predetermined future free gingival margins of the teeth.

Six weeks after osseous surgery was performed (Figure 6), records were taken for diagnostic waxups of the upper and lower arches. The goal was to restore the teeth both aesthetically and functionally while slightly opening the vertical dimension.

Figure 6. Six weeks after osseous surgery, records were taken for diagnostic waxups of the upper and lower arches.

This minor opening of the vertical dimension created a more ideal freeway space while also creating room for our restorative materials. The diagnostic waxups were used to make stents for tooth reduction guides and provisional restoration fabrication.

Approximately 10 weeks after the osseous surgery, under IV sedation, full-mouth rehabilitation was performed. Tooth preparations were aimed at being conservative in nature while achieving our goals for caries removal and aesthetic and functional rehabilitation. Where possible, onlay veneers (partial crowns) and veneers were placed as opposed to full crowns.

Conserving tooth structure is critical for the health of our patients. We chose Ivoclar Vivadent’s IPS e.max lithium disilicate for the restorations for its strength, aesthetics, and ability to be used as a “bondable” veneer, partial crown, or full crown.

The definitive restorations would be layered porcelain for believable aesthetics. The layered veneering porcelain was placed only on the facials of the teeth to decrease risk of damage due to the patient’s bruxism habit.

The patient chose a bleach shade (BL1). While this is quite light, the technician at Burbank Dental Lab did a great job in making the restoration highly aesthetic. The patient left the office in provisional crowns, onlay veneers, and veneers.

The Follow-Up

A few days after the preparation visit, the patient returned to the office to evaluate the occlusion and the aesthetics. Modifications to the occlusion and aesthetics were accomplished at this visit. Photos, alginate impressions, or digital scans are taken at this time for lab communication.

Over the next three weeks, the occlusion and aesthetics were further evaluated. During this time, the implant site for tooth No. 3 was left untouched and allowed to heal. Three weeks after the preparation visit, the definitive restorations were placed under IV sedation.

As these were “bonded” restorations, they were adhered to the teeth with Dentsply Sirona’s Prime&Bond elect and Pentron’s Mojo resin cement, using the total etch technique.

Essix type orthodontic retainers were made for the patient to continue to wear 24 hours a day. The patient was advised to continue full-time retainer use for five months, after which he was advised to wear them only during sleeping hours.

Six months after implant placement, the implant was surgically uncovered. Care was taken to avoid trauma to the papilla in the area of the adjacent teeth. Three weeks later, a screw-retained crown was fabricated using Cerec technology, and the final crown was delivered a few days later.

The patient was scanned with an itero intraoral scanner for an occlusal guard and final Vivera retainers from Align Technology. He was instructed to wear the upper hard/soft occlusal guard along with the lower Vivera retainer nightly.

The final result was a very pleased patient (Figures 7 and 8).

Figure 7. The multiple approaches resulted in an aesthetically pleasing smile.	Figure 8. The patient was pleased with the results.

Dr. Goldin is a Fellow of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) and a Diplomate of the International Congress of Oral Implantology (ICOI). He and his wife, Dr. Marcy Goldin, founded the Cosmetic Dentistry Institute in Troy, Michigan. Dr. Goldin is a Heartland Dental supported dentist. He practices full time and teaches other dentists about cosmetic and dental implant procedures.

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DentalMonitoring said that it offers the industry’s only virtual monitoring solution applicable to both aligner and braces treatments of all types and brands based on artificial intelligence (AI), as most practices serve a mixed clientele of users. 

“Our solution has made yet another major breakthrough, and we are proud to unveil a new suite of functionalities of our platform,” said company CEO Philippe Salah.

“Dental professionals can now monitor all their aligner and braces cases independent of brand with the same, highly scalable, AI-driven workflow,” Salah said.

“In addition to monitoring treatment progress, they can now actively define and monitor clinical goals for each patient. This results in more active control, productivity, and a new level of safety and confidence for their practice: a real mindset shift for our industry,” he said.

“Doctors now have complete control over all orthodontic treatment and can automatically track inter-arch parameters such as the overbite, the overjet, the transverse, or class correction of patients or detect the arch wire and auxiliaries passivity in addition to the intra-arch parameters they were already able to track with our solution,” he said.

“Dental professionals can virtualize and automate all non-clinical procedures and schedule appointments only when needed. At the same time, the patients’ compliance and engagement are improved, thanks to the complete revamping or our highly rated patient app,” he said.

Powered by AI and a database of more than half a billion patient photographs, the company’s virtual practice solutions are designed to give dental professionals the flexibility and convenience they need to safely address all sorts of orthodontic patient cases and optimize chair time, DentalMonitoring said.

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Dentsply Sirona said that it has acquired substantially all of the assets of Propel Orthodontics, including the VPro device and the Fastrack Mobile App. According to Dentsply Sirona, these product lines perfectly complement and add digital capabilities to its Byte and SureSmile businesses to improve patient engagement and treatment monitoring.

The at-home High Frequency Vibration product line includes the VPro5, VPro+, and VPro and supports both active treatment and retention in just 5 minutes a day. When used as part of an orthodontic treatment plan, the companies said, they can increase patient comfort and reduce overall treatment time significantly.

Dentsply Sirona said that it also will continue to enhance the VPro Fastrack App, which helps patients and providers remotely monitor the orthodontic treatment plan.

“With the acquisition of the assets of Propel Orthodontics, Dentsply Sirona takes another step to position the company as a leading innovator in the fast-growing clear aligner market. It is the perfect match to Byte, and our SureSmile business, and is also a strong strategic fit with Dentsply Sirona,” said Don Casey, CEO of Dentsply Sirona.

Byte, which Dentsply Sirona acquired in December 2020, already includes the VPro product, labeled as HyperByte, in every treatment. Dentsply Sirona also said it will launch new branding as part of the SureSmile portfolio for the professional market after Propel Orthodontics’ assets have been integrated and will continue to sell VPro directly to dental professionals.

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Dentsply Sirona’s Smart Integration Award recognizes female dentists and dental technicians from around the world who are working in a smartly integrated practice or lab environment and who offer their patients excellent, modern treatment solutions, according to the company. Teresa A. Dolan, DDS, MPH, vice president and chief clinical officer at Dentsply Sirona, discusses the award and why it matters.

Q: The Smart Integration Award by Dentsply Sirona has existed since 2019. How did it come into being?

A: The Smart Integration Award honors extraordinary success stories and innovative ideas of female dentists and dental technicians. Modern dentistry is all about innovation, and technology is changing rapidly. As the leading company in the field of digital dentistry, we always strive to find the best possible solutions in the digital workflows of dentistry practices. The key to our success is communicating with our customers. By asking our customers how connected workflows support efficacy and how they integrate the patients’ needs into treatment, we can find ways to optimize dental treatment.

Q: The Smart Integration Award recognizes female talent in dentistry. What is the specific situation of women in this profession today?

A: Today, more and more women work in the field of dentistry. In many countries, over 50% of students at dental schools are women. The creative potential of women in the profession will shape the future of dentistry, and we are committed to supporting their professional advancement.

The Smart Integration Award and Expert Development Program are tailored to the specific demands of women leaders and innovators. We learned a lot from research on this topic. For example, support in developing professional networks is a priority. So, with the Smart Integration Award, we wanted to establish a platform for building a strong international network of female talent within the profession.  

There is also a considerable demand for education and training that empowers women professionals to open or grow their own practices. We get a lot of positive feedback for the women-centered environment of the competition and network. Many female professionals feel more comfortable in this setting.

Q: How important is it for a company like Dentsply Sirona to consider specific needs of men and women in the field of dentistry?

A: The integration of different perspectives enables us to develop technological solutions holistically. We work with female and male dentists, technicians, hygienists, and team members and learn about their needs in detail so that we can offer relevant innovations that best meet the expectations of our customers. This can be different requirements in terms of ease of use, but also in terms of comfort and ergonomics.

To continuously develop our portfolio, we establish contacts with the most talented dentists from their early career and through their career development. In programs like the Global Clinical Case Contest and SCADA student research competition, we cooperate with universities around the world and provide professional development opportunities for their very talented students, and thus help ensure that the best possible treatment continues to be available to patients in the future.

Q: Dentsply Sirona is continuously investing in dental education programs. What is the focus of these programs?

A: With training and education, we strive to empower dental professionals all over the world. This is part of our purpose and mission as a company. We want our customers and dental professionals to bring forward modern dentistry and deliver the best possible treatments to their patients.

Today, dental professionals can choose from a wide range of in-depth education programs. This education happens online and in-person through Dentsply Sirona Academy and key educational partners. We continue to open new education centers in markets around the world.

With our Women in Dentistry program, we invite professionals to hone their skills in a wide range of topics. With EPIC—Educate, Practice, Innovate and Connect—we introduced the Women’s Dental Meeting in Charlotte, North Carolina, and bring female practitioners from all over the United States together for two days of education centered on CEREC, networking, and building a community of women CEREC users.

Clinical education is part of that foundation upon which the industry moves forward, delivering better oral health care and ultimately improving the lives of patients. The numbers prove that our education and training programs are at the pulse of dental professionals’ needs. In 2020, more than 1 million dental professionals in 80 countries participated in one or more of our 7,289 courses.

Q: What is the process to apply for the Smart Integration Award 2021 as well as the requirements?

A: Registration is open online until June 28. All female dentists are invited to submit their success stories or ideas for improving workflow and/or patient experience through the use of connected products within Imaging, Treatment Centers, Digital, Orthodontics, Endodontics, Dental Conservation, Dental Technology, Hygiene, Implantology, Equipment Management, Design, and User Experience.

The award is open to both women who own their practice as well as women dentists who are employees whether they are specialists or work in a general practice. Participants are free to design their entry however they like using photos, video, text, or sketches.

Q: Will the award presentation be digital, and have you already confirmed a date?

A: While we would be thrilled to be able to meet in person for an award presentation, we will continue to monitor the pandemic situation globally. Safety is our main concern and therefore we will hold off on a decision until a later date.

Dr. Dolan leads Dentsply Sirona’s global clinical affairs and is responsible for its strategic direction. In this role, she oversees professional education activities in accordance with ADA CERP standards and guidelines. She also supports the unique clinical initiatives and strategies of each Dentsply Sirona business unit. Prior to joining Dentsply Sirona in 2013, she worked with the University of Florida College of Dentistry, serving as both a professor and dean. Dr. Dolan is a a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Rutgers University and earned a DDS degree from the University of Texas. She also holds a master of public health degree from the University of California, Los Angeles. Dr. Dolan’s areas of specialization are in dental public health and health services research, as well as gerontology and geriatric dentistry. Among a multitude of honors, she was a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Dental Health Services Research Scholar and also completed a Veterans Administration Fellowship in Geriatric Dentistry.

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The increase in Zoom meetings and other video conferences during the COVID-19 pandemic is driving a demand for orthodontic services, according to the British Orthodontic Society (BOS). According to a BOS survey conducted in March and April of 2021:

• 84% of orthodontists report an increase in adult patients
• 60% of orthodontists say they have seen a larger than expected demand for treatment in the last 12 months
• 65% of this increase in demand is due to heightened awareness of adult orthodontics
• 55% of this increase in demand is due to rising patient expectations and social factors
• 88% of these adult patients are between the ages of 26 and 55
• 80% of these adult patients are female

With close-up video conferencing the new normal for work, the BOS said, patients have never been more conscious of their teeth.

“It is interesting to see the rise in demand for orthodontic treatment over the last 12 months,” said Anjli Patel, BOS director of external relations.

“I know from patients I see at my practice that many have become increasingly more aware of their teeth through the ‘Zoom effect.’ We want to ensure patients are given the very best advice about orthodontic treatment. Tooth straightening can give people the confident smile they’ve always dreamed about,” Patel said.

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Christina Gordon, a student at the Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Dentistry who doesn’t like flossing, has invented a cleaning device for orthodontic patients who wear braces. Her invention now is one of five projects awarded funding to help it reach the commercial market.

Gordon, vice president of the school’s class of 2023, wore braces as a preteen and struggled to clean her teeth. She agrees with those who complain that the recommended oral hygiene for orthodontic patients—brushing with a manual or electric toothbrush, cleaning around the brackets and under the wire with an interproximal brush, and flossing—is complicated and time consuming even though it reduces the risk of cavities and gum disease.

Gordon believes her device, the Proxy-Flosser, could ease the daily cleaning routine of the more than 4 million Americans who wear braces.

“I’m a dental student, but despite this fact, I absolutely hate flossing,” she said. “However, flossing is absolutely essential for the maintenance of oral hygiene, and especially important among children and adults undergoing orthodontic treatment.”

The Proxy-Flosser simultaneously flosses and cleans around braces in one motion, saving time and money, the school said. Orthodontic patients would be encouraged to follow the proper cleaning regimen, Gordon said. The new funding will allow her to work on prototype development.

The funding for the project came from VCU’s Commercialization Fund, whose board guides VCU Innovation Gateway in advancing university inventions with funding to improve their odds of getting to market to benefit society. Typically, up to $300,000 is awarded each year in two rounds.

“Innovation Gateway is honored to support VCU inventors, whether faculty members or students such as Gordon, through the Commercialization Fund,” said Ivelina Metcheva, PhD, senior executive director for Innovation Gateway, within the Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation.

“Over the last five years, we have provided over $1.7 million in funding to 58 projects. Recipients have gone on to receive more than $18.5 million in follow-on funding, secure eight licenses, and launch five Virginia-based startup companies,” Metcheva said.

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