December 2003

December 9, 2003
PULPDENT RELEASES EMBRACE WETBOND UNIVERSAL RESIN CEMENT
WATERTOWN, MA: December 9, 2003? Pulpdent Corporation’s Embrace™ WetBond™ Universal Resin Cement bonds chemically and mechanically to tooth structure and all restorative materials, providing a strong bond. It can be used for all surfaces including cementation of PFM, gold, Cerec®, and all-porcelain crowns; inlays; gold, metal, titanium, and fiber posts; Maryland Bridges, and veneers. It can also be used for bonding stainless steel and nylon splinting materials. The material provides an excellent marginal seal against microleakage and cement washout.

Embrace™ WetBond™ Universal Resin Cement is the first moist-bonding resin cement. A dual cure, fluoride- releasing, one-step cement, it is self-etching to dentin, requires no bonding agent, is margin-free, tooth integrating, and bonds in a slightly moist field.

Embrace™ WetBond™ Universal Resin Cement is formulated with an advanced, hydrophilic, Resin Acid-Integrating Network (R.A.I.N.), unique to Embrace. OxOut Oxygen Inhibiting Gel can be placed over the margins to prevent the formation of an oxygen-inhibited layer. After light curing, the cement is impervious to water and creates an excellent marginal seal. The cement and margins can be further sealed with Embrace Seal-n-Shine™, which provides exceptional marginal integrity and protection for both the tooth and the restoration.

Embrace Wetbond Universal Resin Cement is available from dental dealers in automix or standard syringe packaging. The Automix Syringe Kit contains 7 gm cement, 20 automix tips and 1.2 mL each of Seal-n-Shine and OxOut. The Standard Syringe Kit contains 3.5 gm base, 3.5 gm of catalyst, and 1.2 mL each of Seal-n-Shine and OxOut. Refill kits are available for both presentations. A $5.00 manufacturer’s rebate is in effect through March 31, 2004 with proof of purchase.

Pulpdent manufactures high-quality products for the dental profession, including adhesives, composites, sealants, cements, etching gels, calcium hydroxide products, endodontic specialties, and bonding accessories. For more information, call 800-343-4342 or visit www.pulpdent.com.


December 3, 2003
Announcing the Academy of Laser Dentistry Standard and Advanced Proficiency Certification
Registration is now open for the Academy of Laser Dentistry Certification Program. Standard and Advanced Proficiency Recognition will be held on Tuesday & Wednesday, March 2 and March 3, 2004 in Indian Wells, Palm Springs, California in conjunction with Source 2004: Lasers in Dentistry, ALD’s 11th Annual Conference and Exhibition, March 3-6, 2004.

Participation in the Standard Proficiency Program on March 3, 2004 is an ideal opportunity for laser newcomers to start the conference with a broad overview of lasers in dentistry and laser physics. Standard Proficiency includes specifics on laser tissue interaction and laser safety. Candidates participate in a lecture and hands-on course and then demonstrate their understanding of all wavelengths through a written examination and clinical proficiency, with at least one laser wavelength via a clinical simulation examination. This level defines the standard of care for the dental professional according to the Curriculum Guidelines and Standards for Dental Laser Education. Applicants may be a licensed dentist, hygienist or any assistant, office manager, industry representative, hospital staff or anyone interested in learning about the safe & effective use of lasers in dentistry.
Space is limited. Application is strongly encouraged for Standard Proficiency by January 15, 2004. Applicants may register online http://www.source2004.org/certification.htm and receive their study materials immediately.

Advanced Proficiency represents advanced knowledge and clinical experience with the dental laser. Candidates for Advanced level recognition must demonstrate knowledge of all laser wavelengths and pass a comprehensive written examination. Advanced clinical proficiency is then demonstrated using the dental laser of their choice. Dental practitioners who use the laser for treatment must also prepare five clinical case studies and be prepared to present a minimum of two of them. Laser safety officers do not participate in the case study presentation section of this examination. Applicants must be a licensed dentist, hygienist or any assistant, office manager, industry representative, etc. wishing to act as a laser safety officer. The prerequisite for this level of certification is the successful completion of ALD’s standard proficiency level course and examination. Each Advanced applicant must be a member of the Academy of Laser Dentistry and pay all applicable fees.

Advanced candidates are mentored by experienced ALD members through the Mentor Program for Advanced Proficiency Candidates. Participation as an ALD Advanced Proficiency Mentor is by invitation that follows specific criteria. The process for matching mentors to Advanced candidates also adheres to specific criteria. One goal of the Mentor Program is to provide an opportunity for experienced ALD members to participate actively in the learning process of the Academy’s certification program.
The Dental Laser Recognition schedule begins at 7:30 am and runs to 6:00 pm on March 2 & 3, 2004. Contact the Academy of Laser Dentistry for a full schedule, examination applications, preparatory guidelines and conference information. Advanced Proficiency applicants must apply by November 1, 2003 and must call the Academy for preparatory details or log online http://www.source2004.org/certification.htm.

The Academy of Laser Dentistry has formally adopted the Curriculum Guidelines and Standard for Dental Laser Education. This document was initially developed in 1992 and revised in 1998 through a consensus process with individuals from dental academia, industry and clinical practice. The document offers guidelines and establishes standards of education for the use of lasers in dentistry. It defines standards for the demonstration of competency for the safe and effective use of lasers by dental professionals.

Contact the Academy for application details and fees.
Estrella Azus, Education Coordinator
PO Box 8667
Coral Springs, FL 33075 USA
Phone (954) 346-3776 Fax (954) 757-2598
Email: estrella@laserdentistry.org
www.laserdentistry.org
http://www.source2004.org/certification.htm


December 1, 2003
San Francisco Dentist Introduces Revolutionary New Toothbrush
American dentists will on December 6, 2003 be introduced to the new Curvex toothbrush, designed by a dentist, Dr. Stephen Harada of San Francisco, California. Unlike traditional toothbrushes that have a concave or flat bristle surface, the new Curvex toothbrush has a patented convex head and tapered bristle array that is designed to better contact the surfaces of teeth, front and back.

The new tapered bristle array also reduces the common splaying of bristles, thus enhancing the tooth cleaning process. The effectiveness of the Curvex toothbrush has prompted accolades from leaders in the dental profession. "I can categorically state, having used the Curvex toothbrush, that this is a truly innovative product designed with a total understanding of patient needs, ability, and dental anatomy," says Shannon Wong, D.D.S., Associate Professor at the University of Pacific School of Dentistry.

Developed by Ergonomic Dental Technologies, Inc., the Curvex toothbrush caters to the general toothbrushing population and comes in sizes for adults and children. The comprehensive line also includes the innovative Curvex II toothbrush with its specially designed head and handle to meet the cleaning needs of patients in different states of dental care, such as in periodontal treatment, braces and the like. In the next year, the company also plans to introduce a toothbrush for special needs users that offers better mobility and for use by caregivers.

The Curvex toothbrush and Curvex II toothbrush will also be made available to Japanese consumers in the greater Tokyo metropolitan area, exclusively through AEON, a leading chain of superstores group in the Asian market.

"Japanese consumers have often been at the cutting edge of new technologies and have a deep interest in health and dental care," according to Dr. Harada. "We are very honored that our product appeals to AEON's management and look forward to a successful offering," he adds.

Dr. Harada, the Founder and Chairman of the Board of Ergonomic Dental Technologies Inc., has been in private practice for more than 26 years. He is a member of the American Dental Association, the California Dental Association, and the San Francisco Dental Society.

About Ergonomic Dental Technologies

Ergonomic Dental Technologies (EDT) was founded by Stephen D. Harada, D.D.S. who has spent the past 5 years designing, developing and patenting an innovative dental product suite. EDT's mission is to provide quality, innovative professionally endorsed dental hygiene tools that are both effective and more user friendly than products on the market today. EDT also addresses the needs of the physically challenged and elderly people who have been overlooked by all manufacturers of dental hygiene products.

About AEON

AEON consists of AEON Co., Ltd., engaged in retail sales centered on general merchandise store (GMS) operations, together with 116 consolidated subsidiaries and 24 affiliated companies. The business of these companies comprises four segments: GMS and other retail store operations, specialty store operations, shopping center (SC) development operations, and service and other operations.

CONTACT: Cedric Vanhaver of Neale-May & Partners, +1-650-328-5555, ext. 125, or cvanhaver@nealemay.com

Source: Ergonomic Dental Technologies, Inc