Discover how the Swiss company with half a century of success, is revolutionizing oral care with its evidence-based approach to gentle dentistry and a nature-inspired range of oral care products.

By Danny Chan

When we talk about gentle dentistry, it's not solely confined to a pain-free treatment approach or that which takes into consideration patients with dental anxiety issues. It begins even before your patients set foot in your clinic — with the use of oral care products that are gentle on their teeth and gums.

CURAPROX, a Swiss company founded in 1972, has been at the forefront of this dynamic market. With half a century of success under its belt, the renowned brand has become synonymous with colourful and effective oral care products, including interdental brushes, manual toothbrushes with fine filaments, gentle toothpastes, and state-of-the-art sonic toothbrushes.

More importantly, they make ingenious oral healthcare products that deliver evidence-based gentle dentistry into the hands of consumers.

Pioneers in Effective and Gentle Oral Care

Founded by the Breitschmid family, CURAPROX's parent company, Curaden, has remained committed to its mission of "better health for you" throughout its journey. Similarly, CURAPROX stays true to the brand's unwavering focus on the importance of oral health and its impact on overall wellbeing.

“CURAPROX's rapid progress continues to be driven by new innovations, educational programs aimed at imparting evidence-based oral care techniques, and cutting-edge products,” says Erik Leinius, Managing Director of CUROPROX Australia Pty Ltd.

The unique selling points of a CUROPROX self-care product, he stresses, boil down to two things: Gentleness and Effectiveness. To achieve these attributes, however, is more demanding than it sounds.

“With a focus on ergonomic design, our R&D teams work closely in collaboration with dental professionals and reputable dental universities to develop CUROPROX’s advanced line of manual toothbrushes, power toothbrushes, toothpaste and interdental tools that reflect the latest research findings and patented designs,” he says.

“Because our products have undergone rigorous scrutiny in randomized controlled clinical trials, their efficacy has been resoundingly proven.”

Higher End but Within Reach

Although Leinius admits that the CUROPROX oral care range is considered “higher-end” simply because they are more expensive than what you would typically find on the shelves in supermarkets, they are not priced out of reach for the discerning consumer.

One of their standout products is the CS 5460 toothbrush, which although costs about 30-40% more than most toothbrushes, retails at only $9. Considering what you’re getting from it, most people would agree that it’s competitively priced.

Curaprox's Cult Favorite: The CS 5460 Toothbrush

The CS 5460 boasts 5,460 Curen® filaments working together to combat plaque while being gentle on teeth and gums. The unique brush head features densely packed filaments, providing exceptional cleaning power. Its compact brush head, with a slight angle, ensures optimal cleaning even in hard-to-reach spots.

“With up to ten times the number of bristles found in conventional brushes, the CS 5460's extra dense cleaning surface helps prevent tooth decay and gum disease,” Leinius explains.

“The Curen® filaments used in this toothbrush are incredibly gentle and thin, measuring just 0.1mm in diameter.”
This patented toothbrush is produced in Degersheim, Switzerland – in just the same way that they were over 40 years ago – by highly skilled employees who have undergone extensive training to handle the intricate processes involved in running the factory, working in two shifts to maintain a steady production rhythm.

The factory's impressive output is a testament to its efficiency. In the year 2021 alone, a staggering 18 million toothbrushes rolled off the assembly line. To put this into perspective, it equates to an average of 80,000 toothbrushes manufactured each day or a remarkable rate of over 55 toothbrushes every minute. Curaden has set its sights higher, aiming to produce an astounding 24 million toothbrushes in the coming year.

The CS 5460 is one of few oral care products to have achieved a cult status. Even the brushing technique is proprietary to CUROPROX. While there are various brushing techniques, the CS 5460 toothbrush offers a proven method that suits everyone. Starting with the correct angle — half on the teeth and half on the gums — cleaning gently in small circles ensures effective plaque removal. The toothbrush serves as a guide throughout the process.

The Role of Education

Leinius informs us that this unique marriage between product design and proprietary user technique is something that extends across the CUROPROX range – and they are supported by the company’s educational courses that are designed in collaboration with dental professionals, including academics from European universities in Switzerland, Germany, South America, Italy and Australia (University of Sydney).

“Yes, our primary objective and goal are to work with dentists and provide solutions tailored to their needs. We educate them not only on dental hygiene techniques but also on the latest advancements in the field,” Leinius says.
“We then share our findings with other dental professionals so that they can effectively apply this knowledge and provide the best possible solutions for their patients.”

The company’s iTOP training courses serve as a platform for dentists and dental professionals to acquire international learnings and recommend the most suitable products for their patients. The online courses offer 6 CPD points for each attendee, in addition to a Curaprox hydrosonic toothbrush valued at the same price as the courses.

Online Presence

CURAPROX Australia also runs an online shop for their oral care products, ensuring accessibility for patients.

“While we primarily focus on the dental industry, approximately 90%, the remaining 10% caters to patients who may need access to the products without direct recommendation or sale by their dentist,” he continues.

“To meet this demand, we are expanding our pharmacy portfolio and increasing our online presence through social media and our webshop.”

Available from the Curaprox Australia webshop are other high-profile products developed in partnership with university-based experts, including the Curaprox Perio Plus and the high-grade toothpaste known as the Be You Toothpaste.

Embracing Nature: Curaprox's Natural Oral Care

“Perio Plus+ is a Chlorhexidine Mouthwash derived from the pith of the bitter orange, which refers to the white coating found inside the orange peel. This pith is the source of two important components in Perio Plus,” Leinius explains.

“It is worth noting that the pith of the bitter orange acts as nature's strongest antiseptic agent, which is why oranges are not consumed by bugs and are resistant to molds, viruses, and bacteria.”

The company has transformed this potent antiseptic into a powder form and incorporated it into their mouthwash and toothpaste products. As a result, Curaprox products possess powerful antibacterial properties derived from a natural source.

“As a company, we are committed to incorporating more natural, antibacterial ingredients into our formulations and moving away from chemicals and petrochemicals,” Leinius adds.

Likewise, the Be You toothpaste, which was launched three years ago alongside Perio Plus+, contains more natural ingredients than traditional toothpastes including Citrox.

“It comes in six different flavours, as we have moved away from traditional minty toothpaste options,” Leinius says.
“The Be You toothpaste is also vegan, and we have made sure to include all the beneficial ingredients while excluding any harmful ones. For instance, we have removed sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), a common ingredient in many toothpastes.”

Additionally, the toothpaste is free from microplastics, which are often added for abrasiveness. Instead, it has incorporated hydroxyapatite, among other beneficial components.

Curaprox's Global Impact and Exciting Future

With such groundbreaking innovations, it’s no wonder that Curaprox is the fastest growing oral hygiene company in the world. Leinius describes the positive feedback that he’s been receiving from Australian dentists, dental hygienists and consumers as “exhilarating”.

“Watching the growth of our company and the dental industry as a whole is a source of excitement. Our expanding education program is something we take great pride in,” he says.
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“We have a wealth of valuable information that we are eager to share with and that deserves to be heard by the Australian dental community. Look out for them!”

Dr Paulo Malo's resolute pursuit of a visionary path gave rise to All-on-4®, the legendary implant protocol that a quarter century later, continues to inspire new cohorts of Australasian dentists, thanks to Malo-mentored experts and educators like Dr Larry Benge.

By Danny Chan

On January 16, 2023, in Zurich, Switzerland, Dr Paulo Malo received the Quarter Century Award from Nobel Biocare, marking 25 years of the revolutionary All-on-4® treatment concept.
Few dental innovations have made a more profound impact than the All-on-4® technique. Dr Malo’s visionary implant concept has singularly transformed the lives of over 350 million edentulous individuals worldwide. Yet like a rose that grows from the concrete, it first had to contend with harsh resistance.

Road less travelled

Dr Paulo Malo's journey with the All-on-4® treatment concept began in the early 1990s, at a time when few believed in the feasibility of his technique. In fact, Dr Malo once remarked that he and his teammates were called “cheaters and cowboys” in the early days, despite garnering huge praise from the patients themselves.

“People said we couldn’t place just four implants or incline implants. I remember once we did a live surgery, and someone said that we must have cheated on the video because it was not possible to do it in 35 minutes,” he recalls.
“But it was not the opinions of dentists that I cared about; I kept going because I knew this changed the lives of patients.”

Prior to Dr Malo's innovative work, dental implants were often not a viable solution for patients with compromised bone structures. The All-on-4® treatment concept, developed with crucial support from the late Dr Bo Rangert of Nobel Biocare, fundamentally reshaped implant dentistry by offering a cost-efficient, graftless solution for full-arch prostheses.

Today, the Founder of the world-famous Malo Dental imparts his sought-after wisdom at prestigious universities, traversing six continents, addressing audiences ranging from 300 to 10,000 individuals.

Just four will do

The All-on-4® technique is essentially a restorative dental implant solution that enables the replacement of an entire arch of teeth with just four dental implants. Two of these implants, strategically placed at the back of the mouth, are inserted at a 45° angle using purpose-made Speedy Groovy dental implants, designed to navigate areas of low bone density.

As well as eliminating the need for complex bone grafting procedures, this approach offers a permanent and fixed alternative to traditional dentures and is known for its high success rate of 98%, as validated by extensive clinical data over the years.
Nobel Biocare's Speedy Groovy Implants, exclusively designed by Dr Paulo Malo for All-on-4® treatments, are instrumental in achieving implant stability and supporting the immediate loading protocol. Nobel Biocare's decades-long commitment to science-backed technology has played a pivotal role in advancing All-on-4® treatments globally.

25 years on, the All-on-4® treatment concept remains one of the most vaunted milestones of modern dentistry. This well-documented, evidence-based solution has been credited with treating over 250,000 patients since its commercial launch in 2004.

All-on-4® arrives Down Under

From an Australasian standpoint, contemplating a quarter-century of the All-on-4® concept would be remiss without acknowledging the incredible metamorphosis it has ignited within the realm of one of Australia's foremost practitioners in the implant technique.
Synonymous with the All-on-4® brand Down Under, Dr Larry Benge is the Lead All–on–4® Dental Surgeon and owner of Next Smile Australia (Sydney/ Melbourne), an establishment where all the dental surgeons and their dedicated staff have been trained and mentored in the Malo Protocol by Dr Malo himself.

Dr Larry Benge specialises in reconstructive, aesthetic, and implant dentistry, with a specific focus on the innovative All-on-4® treatment approach for comprehensive full-arch restoration. He earned his first-class honours degree in Dental Science from The University of Melbourne in 1980, following his earlier completion of a Bachelor of Science with Honours at Monash University.
Eye-opening possibilities

The experienced dental surgeon’s voyage into All-on-4® dentistry commenced back in 2004 at a conference in Perth, run by Dr Patrick Henry. Little did he know that this would be the spark that ignited a transformational detour in his career.
Yet, it wasn't until the year 2007 when Nobel Biocare invited him to a five-day residency program in the city of Lisbon, Portugal, that Dr Benge's perspective underwent a profound shift.

“It opened my eyes to the possibilities of full-arch rehabilitation,” says Dr Benge. “This marked a significant departure from our previous approaches involving bone grafting and multiple implants. I was truly amazed by the potential.”
However, this pioneering era wasn't without its challenges. Echoing Dr Malo’s experience, Dr Benge faced his fair share of criticism and skepticism from peers.

“Upon returning to Australia in 2007, I decided to take a cautious approach,” Dr Benge recounts.
“I collaborated with Dr Kevin Spencer and completed 20 supervised cases to ensure that the concept was appropriately taught and mastered. The shift in my practice completely altered the way I approached dentistry. I recall that my initial marketing efforts for 'All-on-4®' focused on informing people about the benefits rather than trying to convince them to get the procedure.”

Taking the low-profile approach resulted in a fourfold expansion of Dr Benge’s practice during that time. The clinician realised that he had only scratched the surface of what All-on-4® had to offer. This epiphany led to multiple trips to Portugal and one-on-one training with Dr Malo, where he tackled complex cases and explored the limitations of 'All-on-4®' and zygoma implants.

Dr Benge has, to date, completed thousands of cases which places the clinician in a privileged position of teaching the advanced technique to many dentists across the country. As a matter of fact, at the time of this interview, Dr Benge was conducting a second cadaver course on the technique in Sydney.

“The 25th anniversary of 'All-on-4®' is truly remarkable. In its early days, it challenged the dental community, and many were skeptical. While some still hold reservations, the profession has largely embraced it,” Dr Benge says, with a deserved sense of validation.

What’s Next?

In 2019, Dr Benge’s practice group, Next Smile Australia (Melbourne and Sydney), made a significant move to their new, purpose-built location in Hawthorn, Melbourne.
Their All-on-4® Super Centre is thoughtfully designed to strike a balance between a warm, inviting atmosphere and clinical efficiency. The clinic is equipped with onsite CBCT scanners to expedite precise diagnosis and is custom-built to accommodate a wide range of dental procedures, including All-on-4® full-arch treatment, as well as single and multiple dental implant surgeries.

The practice group has also been certified as Nobel Biocare Centre of Excellence by the world-famous Malo Dental.
“As the All-on-4® treatment concept becomes more mainstream, there is a downside – everyone is marketing and providing All-on-4® often without a full understanding of its complexities.
“This is why it's essential that Nobel Biocare has established Centres of Excellence. To earn this designation, one must invest time, complete cases, and undergo essential education.”
Dr Benge's efficiency in performing All-on-4® cases, taking only 45 minutes to an hour, sets the benchmark, as compared to the four to five hours that others may require for the same procedure.
A key element of their formula for consistency, Dr Benge notes, is adhering to Nobel Biocare’s protocol.

“Centres of Excellence ensure the use of the correct implant, the Nobel Speedy External Hex, specifically designed for All-on-4®. This choice of implant significantly contributes to achieving the necessary primary stability, a vital aspect of the procedure's success.”

On the horizon

Looking ahead to the future, Dr Benge believes the dental implant community face fresh challenges, along which the All-on-4® treatment concept continues to evolve and adapt.
“Patients are aging, their bones are becoming softer, and there are more medical conditions to contend with,” he predicts.
“We're working on new implants, including zygoma and Speedy implants, designed to offer stability even in very soft bone. While we had hoped to launch these innovations for the 25th anniversary, we're slightly behind schedule.

“Nonetheless, we're excited about what the future holds, including advancements in digital dentistry.”

Dr Geoff Wallman's transition into retirement and his enduring association with Ekera Dental, explores the dynamics of post-sale relationships and the unique management approach that sets Ekera Dental apart in the corporate dental landscape.

By Danny Chan

When a car or piece of real estate is bought and sold, the buyer and seller would typically part ways after the transaction concludes. This holds true for most business sales. However, the dynamics shift when it comes to dental practices, where the prosperity and sustainability of the enterprise often depend heavily on the owner.

Under such circumstances, it makes sense for the buyer to retain the services of the proprietor, often times the Principal Dentist, even after the sale, until a suitable replacement can be secured. Acquisition companies commonly incorporate this practice by offering the selling dentist a contractual term to continue serving after the sale.

Dr Geoff Wallman found himself in such a situation when he agreed to remain as the principal dentist for five years after selling his clinic to the Ekera Dental group. If that sounds like an unusually lengthy post-sale relationship, you’d be surprised to learn that Dr Wallman went on to extend his duration of service.

“I wasn't quite ready to retire, so I ended up staying for about a year and a half,” he says.

“I didn't want to leave the practice in the lurch. We were just completing the five-year period, and I wanted to establish a succession plan. Hiring staff, particularly dentists, has been challenging lately. However, we were fortunate to finally find an excellent practice manager who enabled me to take a step back.”

Road to Blackwood

Graduating from Adelaide University in 1981, Dr Geoff Wallman spent the first 10 years of his career honing his skills as a general practitioner in Hong Kong. He then returned to South Australia with his family and established successful practices in the picturesque locations of Barossa Valley, Strathalbyn, and Blackwood.

Known for his expertise in implant technology, crown and bridge procedures, as well as laser dentistry, Dr Wallman has dedicated himself to both professional growth and exemplary patient care. He has undertaken extensive postgraduate studies in prosthetic and surgical implant therapy, as well as minor oral surgery. In addition, he is a long-standing member of the International Team of Implantology, as well as past member of the European Society of Oral Laser Applications.

Now at 67, after dedicating more than three decades of his life to the profession, Dr Geoff Wallman has officially retired.

Wise to the Occasion

Reflecting on his exit strategy that really took shape in 2016 when he discovered Ekera Dental through a trusted agent, he says the final decision was years in the making.

It is instructive to note that Dental Corporation (which later became Bupa Dental) had approached Dr Wallman before his fateful meeting with Dr Tony Coulepis, Ekera Dental’s Executive Chairman. Dental Corporation was of course one of the biggest and most influential brands on the market. Around the same time, a friend of Dr Wallman’s had sold a thriving practice to National Dental Care, another major player on the acquisition block.

Yet in retrospect, Dr Wallman believes he couldn’t have made a wiser decision, attesting – first and foremost – to Ekera Dental’s by-now famous “non-corporate corporate” management style.

“The Ekera Model allowed me to keep running the dental practice the way I had always been running it, as an individual practice,” he qualifies.

The Art of Preserving Identity: Ekera's Non-Corporate Model

Another significant factor was Ekera Dental's steadfast adherence to retaining the original branding and nomenclature of acquired dental clinics, a practice that distinguishes it from the prevailing norm observed within larger corporate entities.    

The uniqueness of Ekera Dental, Dr Wallman believes, lies in its approach of not assimilating practices into a vast conglomerate but allowing them to maintain their local and family-oriented identity. This approach enables the acquired practices to continue operating as they did before the acquisition, preserving their essence and integrity.
“I didn't really want a corporate that was going to come in and change the name of the practice and to all intents and purposes, make it into a "preferred provider" type of practice,” Dr Wallman says.

“I felt that we had spent some time and effort on building up "the brand" and it would be to our detriment changing it.”

Ekera Dental's Comprehensive Support

On the other hand, there were times when the “corporate” elements of Ekera Dental became an asset.

“Selling to a corporate also took out the parts of the practice that were quite frankly getting too complicated and time consuming – such as HR and Accreditation – for a single practitioner,” Dr Wallman admits.

“It offers a viable and secure succession plan, ensuring profitability. I had always contemplated retiring around the age of 65 or 66, and this approach provided me with a sense of assurance and certainty about my future.”

The former Practice Principal of Blackwood Dental was notably attracted to Ekera Dental's exceptional capacity to furnish comprehensive support for the myriad of demanding responsibilities they encountered.

“They took on the burdensome tasks like HR, bookkeeping, social media (whatever that means!) and bill payments, leaving the enjoyable aspects to us. It was quite a relief,” Dr Wallman enthuses.

“Most importantly, they allowed me to focus on dentistry.”

Viable Succession Plan

In response to the inquiry regarding the factors influencing his decision to prolong his tenure beyond the initially contracted five-year term, he expresses:

"At that point, I was approaching retirement age, and that had always been my overarching plan. The aspiration of establishing, purchasing, and selling dental practices had been fulfilled.

“I knew that ultimately, I would sell to a corporate entity and remain in that capacity for as long as required until the time came for a gradual transition or my eventual retirement."

Another factor that made Dr Wallman continue his association with Blackwood Dental was the remarkable Ekera team, led by Tony Coulepis.

“I had no issues with Ekera Dental – they were truly exceptional people. Tony is a wonderful leader who is always approachable,” Dr Wallman attests.

“He is very knowledgeable and willingly shares it. The team, as a whole, performs admirably under his leadership. Particularly during challenging phases, such as the period of the COVID-19 pandemic, their collective efforts and dedication proved invaluable.”

Cherishing Memories and New Pursuits

As Dr Wallman embarks on his retirement journey, it is undoubtedly the remarkable teamwork and camaraderie within the team that will leave indelible memories. Moreover, the enduring relationships he has forged with his patients over the years will be cherished reflections as he enters this new phase of life.

“Having been prepared for retirement, I haven't encountered significant difficulties during this transition,” Dr Wallman says.

“Nevertheless, the practice still reaches out to me whenever they require assistance, particularly with procedures like IV sedations and Implants, and I am delighted to be of service, ensuring that I remain connected with the team.

“Of course, it is hard to leave behind the patients that you have been treating for years and the staff you have been seeing every day for years. I was very touched by the gifts and comments I received from some of the patients and staff.”

Deborah, Geoff's spouse, was actively involved in the administration of the practice, leading to the establishment of a harmonious and well-coordinated work environment. The couple’s focus has now shifted beyond dentistry, onto their family life with two beloved children. These days, they can be found in serene locales, indulging their passion for golf and fishing.

“I am a golf tragic so am devoting my time to improving the handicap,” he remarks, hinting at a leisurely retirement.

Following a lengthy but contrived transitional phase, Geoff is enjoying his extended time out but remains in contact with the practice that he nurtured. Furthermore, he helps with both clinical and non-clinical assistance from time to time, which Ekera welcomes and is happy to encourage.
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“We will also be doing a bit of travelling and playing a little more bridge.”

BioHorizons Camlog combines two families of implant solutions with proven track records in the demanding markets of America and Europe.

Implant dentists choosing the right brand or system to meet their patient’s needs have their work cut out for them. With over 150 dental implant companies out there offering a bewildering assortment of products, it can be a challenge narrowing down the field.

For those who just want to focus on the clinical task at hand, Henry Schein is offering a one-stop alternative with BioHorizons Camlog.

When BioHorizons and Camlog joined forces under the umbrella of Henry Schein's Global Oral Reconstruction Group (GORG) in 2017, the merger brought together two world-class implant companies that originated from both sides of the Atlantic Ocean.

BioHorizons Camlog offers a consolidated portfolio of products from implant systems to restorative solutions; intelligent workflows to regenerative biomaterials. This evidence-based portfolio benefits from Henry Schein’s established local support network, including their comprehensive customer service team.

“We now have the confidence to say to the Australian clinician: “We have everything you need in one place””, says Kellie Paull, the National Surgical Business Manager at Henry Schein Australia.

“That’s because we have combined two amazing brands – each with a true global reach –with an extensive range of biomaterials.”

Star-spangled innovations

Born in the USA, BioHorizons was founded through research conducted at the University of Alabama in 1994 by Carl E. Misch, DDS, Martha Bidez, PhD and Todd Strong, COO of BioHorizons. Steve Boggan joined in 1995 and later became the CEO.

Firmly entrenched in scientific research, BioHorizons produced several breakthrough proprietary technologies, including: the BioHorizons 3inOne abutment in 1997, Laser-Lok microchannels in 2007 for implants and later the Laser-Lok surface technology was added to abutments to create a biologic seal that protects and maintains crestal bone in the aesthetic zone. Over the last few years the company launched Tapered Pro with unique design elements to provide predictable solutions for immediate and Full Arch treatments.  The product design was based on more than 10 years of tapered implant success.

BioHorizons is also a trailblazer in the biological field of dentistry. In 2000, BioHorizons brought to market the AlloDerm™ Regenerative Tissue Matrix (RTM), a widely accepted and researched acellular dermal matrix for dental soft tissue applications.

In 2004, the company added the popular MinerOss® to an already stellar line-up.  A mixture of allograft mineralized cortical and cancellous chips, MinerOss® addresses a wide range of dental bone grafting applications.
Today, BioHorizons is distributed globally in 90 markets including Asia, North America, South America, Africa, Australia, and Europe.

European flair

Founded in Germany, Camlog is one of Europe’s leading suppliers of dental implant systems, restorative components, regenerative and digital solutions.

The Camlog brand was first introduced in 1999 as a range of products – including the Camlog Cylinder-Line and Screw-Cylinder-Line – with Altatec GmbH as the legal manufacturer.

Interestingly, Altatec was the new moniker given to EBERLE Medizintechnik in 1995. The latter is the original name of the German dental implant firm founded in 1988 by renowned dentist and oral surgeon Dr Axel Kirsch.
After several products bearing the Camlog name gained market prominence, it made perfect sense to use it as an overarching customer-facing identifier.

Standout Camlog products over the years include: Camlogs Screw Line Implant in 2002; Conelog Screw Line Implant in 2011; DEDICAM CAD/CAM prosthetic solutions and Camlog iSy Implants in 2013; and in 2019, Conelog Progress Line implant system designed to address immediate and Full Arch implant treatments was introduced.

The products are manufactured in state of the arts technology at its Wimsheim location.

Intercontinental spread

Camlog and BioHorizons presented their newly formed partnership for the first time at the IDS 2019 in Cologne, Germany.

Behind the scenes, the two companies have been “strategically evolving” under Henry Schein's Global Oral Reconstruction Group (GORG) since 2017.

Henry Schein is a FORTUNE 500 Company that thrives on providing dental practitioners solutions to help them work more efficiently and render quality care more effectively. The formation of GORG is no exception, Kellie attests.
“The optimum user experience lies at the heart of what we do,” she says.

“Whether it’s a type of connection, material, thread design, leading to treatment protocol a particular patient need or situation, we’ve got you covered with a single brand.”

On the marketing front, a fresh logo and modern collaterals greet customers in a brand new website (www.biohorizonscamlog.online) showcasing all the products under the joint brand. Products include implant lines such as: Tapered PTG, Tapered Pro, Tapered 3.0, Tapered Short, CONELOG®, and iSy®.

“Whether you are a surgeon, prosthodontist or dental technician, our product portfolio can be tailored to meet your specific preference,” Kellie explains.

“For overseas-educated Aussie dentists, you may either be more familiar with an American- or European-style implant system. What’s special about BioHorizons Camlog is that it provides a versatile intercontinental menu of choices.”

“We offer evidence-based solutions for different concepts and requirements to cater to as wide a customer base as possible.”

Meeting of minds

The real intersection of the brands, however, is taking place at the R&D level. The holy grail of any merger is the ability to harness the brains behind the success of each entity. Both BioHorizons and Camlog have their R&D teams to thank for a steady supply of ingenious product output over the years.   

With the two innovation minds now sharing the same passions in serving patients’ need, Kellie urges customers to stay tuned to “some exciting developments in coming years”.

As it stands, Aussie dentists can already look forward to BioHorizon Camlog’s wide selection of implant systems and established products for hard and soft tissue regeneration from a single source. Henry Schein’s dedicated surgical team and massive support network is on standby to provide the necessary guidance.

“An implant practitioner typically keeps a few brands in their armamentarium, and not least because patient needs vary – it’s important that we are able to offer choice to our customers,” Kellie says.

“That said, with BioHorizons Camlog, we are providing customers with more than just another option on the market but also a go-to portfolio of dental implant solutions.
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“BioHorizons is already one of the most popular brands in Australia. BioHorizons Camlog is simply taking the portfolio to a whole new level.”

Revisiting the trailblazing story of Australia’s beloved dental brand and company.

By Danny Chan

American astronomer Carl Sagan once remarked: “You have to know the past to understand the present.”
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Looking back on 50 years of SDI, it’s impossible to appreciate the current success of Australia’s home-grown dental materials corporation without revisiting its humble beginnings – although to readers of this magazine, SDI’s storied past may well be industry folklore by now.

Still, it’s a fascinating account that continues to shine a light on the indomitable spirit of Australian innovation and entrepreneurship.

How it all began

In 1972, Jeffrey Cheetham started SDI from his home garage, simply because he thought that the services dentists were receiving in those days were less than ideal.

The single-use dental amalgam capsule was christened as the very first SDI product. Developed through repeated trial-and-error tests, SDI founder Jeffrey Cheetham would spend countless hours perfecting the mixture over the kitchen sink, getting it ready for the first crop of Aussie dentist customers.
Finding modest success with his maiden innovation, more home made products soon followed: tooth-coloured restoratives, plastic composite fillings and tooth whitening.

Early sacrifices

As the business started to expand requiring fresh injection of funds, the financially squeezed Cheethams remained undeterred.

“Well I used my personal finances,” Jeffrey recalls nonchalantly, in a video commemorating 50 years of SDI.

“My wife and I literally had to mortgage the dog.”

To help cut costs while making space for amalgam capsule production, Jeffery even had to move his daughter, Samantha, out of her own bedroom.

“She doesn't like being reminded about that,” he quips.
SDI’s current CEO and Managing Director, Samantha Cheetham looks back on that infamous episode as just another example of Dad’s “entrepreneurial mindset”.

Although she cannot remember her reaction being too young at the time, Samantha reckons her bedroom was “probably identified as the quickest and cheapest location for the expansion of SDI operations.”

“Ambition was endless, but money and time was in short supply,” she adds.

“Jeff had to order, organise and store imported materials in bulk – and then fill large production orders at short notice. I’m sure that if our original house had more bedrooms, each one would have been converted to a research, production or product storage room.”

Global ambitions

In 1976, Jeff and his wife Pamela went on a trip that would forge the future direction of SDI.

Having only started their export business a year ago, the ambitious couple had already set their sights on a global market. However, the original plan to cultivate sales channels in England was quickly squashed by expensive air-tickets.

As luck would have it, Olympic Airways had a special deal flying to Athens, Greece. It was there that the Cheethams met someone by the name of Miltos Vitsaropoulos, who gave them their first big break to export SDI’s innovative capsules.

On the strength of that one trip, Jeff secured five distributors across Asia, and in 1980 decided he would expand into America.

By 1990, SDI had opened a tiny American office and secured distribution across Asia. Another SDI office followed suit, this time in the heart of European dental manufacturing, Germany.

Many developments occurred in the intervening years. Notably, SDI was listed on the Australian Stock Exchange in 1985 and shifted its R&D facilities to Bayswater in 1990 to expand its manufacturing capacity.

That Australian dental company

SDI products are today sold in over 100 countries and the company exports 90% of the products it manufactures. That’s no mean feat, especially considering Australia’s geographical position.

“As Australia is so physically isolated from other export markets, export planning is crucial,” Samantha explains.

“The SDI manufacturing and logistics teams work in tandem to navigate customer order changes, regulation nuances and product refrigeration requirements. SDI aims to ensure consistent product quality and maximised product shelf life for all exports.”

The company’s well-oiled planning and export logistics team proved their mettle during the pandemic.

“Our international teams reported that SDI products remained in stock and available where other manufacturers faced rolling shortages,” Samantha adds.

In September 2022, the company was awarded the Victorian Exporter of the Year Award through the Governor of Victoria Export Awards Program. The award also acknowledges SDI’s achievements during the difficult pandemic years.

Proudly flying the Aussie flag wherever they go, SDI has always been a poster company for supporting local manufacturing.

“International dentists synonymously link SDI with Australia. When asked to describe SDI, many international dentists mention Australia within the first sentence,” Samantha beams.

“SDI strengthens this positive association, by featuring mini kangaroo and koala accessories within its international dental exhibitions. As Australia is seen as a trusted manufacturing location, SDI proactively highlights Australia as part of its communications.”

Reflections on turning 50

After leading SDI for 42 years, Jeffrey handed the reins of the company to Samantha in 2014.

Asked for the most valuable lesson learned as a company over the last 50 years, and looking back on her own 8 years at the helm, Samantha believes it’s their tenacity to insist on dentist-led innovation.

“Rather than develop products that copy the dental market, SDI conducts regular research with dentists to identify the key frustrations of dentists and patients,” she shares.

“SDI then combines its internal and external knowledge of material science breakthroughs to develop innovative products that solve real dental frustrations.”

Of course, the company has had its share of setbacks, which to Samantha, are all important lessons from which future opportunities may be gleaned.

In the early days of amalgam production, SDI released products “that were either too weak, or so strong that they would crack a tooth”. Another occasion in the early 2000s saw SDI prematurely launch the Riva range “without enough quality control, which also affected (their) reputation for many years to come”.

“SDI has learned from these previous mistakes and is acutely aware that reputation is built in decades but destroyed in moments,” she adds.

“We understand that dentists are vouching for us when they use our products, and we stand behind them 100%.”

New and upcoming releases

That unwavering assurance now stands behind every new offering, including the 2022-launched packable composite Luna 2 and the new amalgam replacement product called Stela.

Luna 2 is a new generation of BPA-free composites which has improved handling and colour properties, while also being more radiopaque.

“We’re happy to see most of our customers have eagerly switched over from the original Luna to embrace the benefits of Luna 2,” Samantha enthuses.

Part of full pipeline of products due for launch between 2023-2027, the new amalgam replacement product Stela will be released in early 2023.

“This tooth-coloured posterior restorative is both simple to apply and delivers very impressive strength properties,” Samantha notes.

Too many to mention

As the global dental company crosses the half-century milestone, it would be remiss of any Anniversary feature to forget mention of their massive product contributions.

SDI has given us brands such as the Pola range of tooth whitening; the Riva range of glass ionomers; the Luna, Wave and Aura ranges of composites and Zipbond, the universal adhesive.

SDI product users have benefited from a string of innovations over the last 50 years, and that would continue unabated into the future, Samantha assures.

“People know that we've been here through the cycles, we've been through the trends, and we can see what's coming,” she adds.
​
“We're planning to be here for the next 50 and 100 years.”

The 25th Anniversary of Dental Innovations proves that the purchasing network for independent dentists is alive and well in our highly corporatized industry.

By Danny Chan

In 1997, while serving as senior regional manager for NAB, Merv Saultry was approached to research the dental industry. What he found was shocking.

Suppliers were charging dentists vastly different prices for the same product – even if they were located on the same street or in neighbouring townships.

Seeing how individual dental practices were easily exploited for lack of buying power in a largely opaque supply market, Merv decided to leverage his financial knowhow and set up a dental buyer’s network.

The concept was straightforward: Draw on the collective strengths of individual dentists to amass greater negotiating and buying power. That seed idea has since grown into Australia's largest commercial network for dentists.

As Dental Innovations marks its 25th Anniversary this year, it brings to bear a salient point – what Merv had discovered in 1997 is still as relevant today.

United we stand

In a marketplace increasingly dominated by large corporates and health fund providers, the economic imperative for dentists to unite is still as pertinent – though more profoundly felt than ever.

“The Dental Industry has changed significantly over the last 25 years and continues to do so,” says Berris Saultry, Director of Dental Innovations.

“However the value proposition of the independent dentist who owns and operates his or her own practice still remains unchanged.”

The same dichotomy can be said of the company. Although Merv stepped down as the CEO in 2011 to let his sons Tim and Berris run the organisation, nothing has changed fundamentally.

They remain a family business dedicated to improving the bottom-line of their members. They continue to help practice owners systemise their business while leveraging the power of the collective to enhance individual prosperity.

What has changed is the scale and delivery of the business. From a modest outfit in 1997, DI has grown into a bona-fide network boasting more than 750 independent dental practices across Australia and New Zealand.  Since its inception, DI has saved its members millions of dollars.  

Savings (both time and financial) are accrued from a range of membership benefits: Stock Management and Inventory Control systems including exclusive discount pricing with ten suppliers on more than 60,000 products; reductions in credit card merchant fees; practice insurance premiums; equipment discounts and access to complimentary marketing content resources.

The company has also created various avenues for members to connect and exchange ideas and best practices with other dentists. These include a private online forum, networking events and webinars.

These well-received programs have been developed in keeping with the rapid change of pace as well as increased pressure on dentists.

“Dentists are up against multi-nationals. Venture capital is flooding in. Health funds are attempting to control the industry,” Tim adds. 

“It’s an increasingly hostile environment. What most dentists want to do is dentistry but they end up having to cope with the immense pressures of running a business.”

Membership has its privileges

The message is clear. Only by banding together can dentists ever hope of generating enough critical mass to make themselves stand out in the crowded marketplace or heard above the media-saturated cacophony.

That said, there are those who join Dental Innovations with simpler goals.

Dr Sam Rogers, who has been with DI right from the start, said he was looking to form a peer group – preferably one with “very efficient buying power that the Australian Dentist Association wasn’t involved in.”
​
While complimentary of DI’s peer group support, exclusive deals and customer service, the owner of Northbridge Dental Clinic believes his biggest membership gains were the friendships he had cultivated within DI’s collegial framework.
 
“It’s the feeling of not being in it alone,” he summarises, identifying one of those ‘invaluable intangibles’ rarely associated with the price of a membership.
 
Echoing the sentiment, fellow Foundation Member Dr Andrew Prideaux said he also joined DI because he saw the value of grouping with like-minded dentists.
 
Dr Prideaux joined as part of a group practice in 1998, but found bigger membership yields since moving into his own private practice in 2000.
 
The Director of Mosman Fine Dental says he benefited the most from DI’s networking information, online portal and benchmarking services.   
 
Dr Prideaux singles out the peer-to-peer chat forum as the go-to conduit for sourcing timely information – everything from bang-for-buck consumables to buying a car. He also appreciates the online ordering portal and the quarterly reports on practice expenditure and other timely data.
 
The network’s industry-benchmarking data, he attests, outperforms even commercially available third party alternatives.   

“As a practice owner, you are always looking for that happy medium between the clinical and operational aspects of dentistry,” he avers, “DI helps to fill part of that knowledge gap – the stuff they don’t teach you in university.”

Mission Possible
One of the “missions" described on the Dental Innovations website is to “take on the big boys” through helping dentists gain leveraged access to the best suppliers and providing peer-to-peer support.

How does the company stack up against the competition? By ‘competition’ we mean big corporate health funds and practice aggregators with deep pockets.
​
“They may have deep pockets,” Tim Saultry admits, “but not the personalized service and relationships which independent dentists can leverage. 
 
He cites the example of Dental Innovation’s 25-year relationship with Dentsply Sirona which has been supporting the DI Network concept since 1997.
 
“Corporates that are accountable to investor returns so often miss the importance of relationships. This problem is exacerbated by a high staff turnover where their personnel seldom stay long enough to cultivate strong relationships,” he adds.
 
“Unlike most other industries, a dentist remains a dentist for their working life. That’s why they look to industry service providers with whom they can partner for the long haul.” 
 
Unlike bureaucratic corporate structures, Berris Saultry believes the DI community thrives on having a proactive support network.
 
“We saw this community spirit in action during the recent pandemic lockdown,” he says. “Our members were helping each other navigate through that crisis.
 
“I think that member dental practices will continue to grow as they differentiate themselves from corporate groups in the market.
 
“Being part of DI will allow those practices to achieve the same economies of scale as corporates but still maintain their independence.”
 
“Our mission is the same as it was in the beginning,” Tim interjects, “empowering and supporting dentists, allowing them to be proactive within their own industry.”

Andent’s Implant Package is an all-inclusive bundle that even Elon Musk would approve of.

By Danny Chan

In the 1960s, the US Military came up with the acronym “KISS” (Keep It Simple Stupid) as a design principle for manufacturing jet aircrafts. Interestingly, visionary thinkers from Leonardo Da Vinci to Albert Einstein to Elon Musk have all pretty much espoused the same theory at some point, minus the acronym.

The KISS principle basically advocates keeping a workflow or system totally devoid of unnecessary complexity. The idea may be old but not redundant. It can obviously be applied to many aspects of dentistry and the implant process is no exception.

Without mentioning the acronym once, that concept kept hovering over my conversation with Matt Smith, General Manager of Andent. We were discussing about the Genuine Implant Package offered by the Melbourne-based dental laboratory.

All in the package

Explaining the idea behind their offering, Smith may as well have been extoling the tenets of the KISS principle. 
The implant package, he enthuses, stems from an effort to help dentists unclutter their entire implant workflow by delivering all the required components in a single bundle.

“All that’s required from the client is for him or her to choose the material for the restoration and tell us their preferred implant modality,” says the GM.

“They can choose between a bundle that uses genuine components or one that includes a generic range.”

The Andent Implant Package includes the Titanium Base (including screw), Analogue and Andent Crown. The bundle also comes with the soft tissue model and a choice between screw-retained and cement-retained implants. The non-genuine bundle is priced at $499 and the genuine components bundle at $699.

Customers can choose from a comprehensive list of brands: Ankylos®, Astra Tech Implant System™, BioHorizons, Biomet 3i™, Blue Sky Bio, Dentium, Encode, Implant Direct, MIS®, Nobel Biocare®, Neoss™, Osstem Implant, Southern Implants, Straumann®, TRI®.

No hidden costs

Even the pricing, which basically covers everything with zero hidden costs, is designed to keep things simple.
“We’ve set the price for an all-inclusive bundle, so you know how much it's going to cost you upfront – meaning no add-on costs along the way,” Smith attests.

“When you’re seeing a patient, you would know exactly how much the lab fee is going to be. Otherwise, it can easily go into the thousands, especially if we start using precious metals and other products that we don't tend to use anymore.

“We tend to use everything that's CAD-ready, and then actually custom design it for the patient rather than just using stock abutments.”

Genuine vs non-genuine: We do both

As to why Andent is offering two versions of the bundled deal – an option between genuine and non-genuine components – Smith says it boils down to giving the customer freedom of choice.

“Some dentists will look at the cost factor, and see how they are able to reduce the cost burden for their patients. They can reduce that bill a bit using non-genuine components.

“And some people like to use the actual implant brand. Certain implant companies will only cover a warranty if you use genuine components.

“To help simplify the dentist’s decision-making process, we offer both.”

The right component

Implants are considered the elite class of tooth replacement, so patient expectations are understandably high. In addition to the quality of the final product, patients also expect a speedy turnaround with minimal delays.

To produce the desired outcome for each individual case, Smith shares, would require intimate knowledge of a plethora of different branded products and associated componentry. The time it takes to source for and select a suitable body, abutment or crown must also be factored into the efficiency of the process.

With 20-plus years of experience working at Andent, the veteran dental technician is convinced that dentists are better served when they leave the experts to choose the components for them.

“Some dentists would supply the components with the job. After sending the impression, they would order the analogue and abutment. However, what we have found is that a lot of the componentry are not suitable for the case,” he says.  

“In some cases, we may have to re-order or even charge them for a new one, which would result in time delays and extra costs.

“If the dentist insists on us working with the components that they supplied, there is a risk they may not end up with the best product.”   

Signed, sealed and delivered

By offering an implant package, Andent is assuming the responsibility of choosing the correct product, which they do with the help of a computerised system that trawls an extensive in-house library of neatly categorised implant components.

“We carry all the stock for all the main implant companies. That’s really important because there are like 50 different components that you could actually choose for one implant,” Smith continues.

“Dentists can find assurance in the fact that we have a highly trained team of technicians that are focused on implants. All of them are experienced and able to determine what the best product is.”

To further give dentists a peace of mind, Andent’s warranty would also cover the jobs in which the bundled products were used.

Equipped for every task

Smith’s confidence also stems from the lab’s extensive equipment set-up and Andent’s ability to manufacture all the different brands in-house. That not only speeds up production but also provides more flexibility in the outcome of the cases. 

“If you wanted to mill a Straumann custom abutment, for example, you need to have the correct machinery and the correct holders to be able to do that. And you also need to be able to design and manufacture it,” he elaborates.

“Not all labs have the ability to mill titanium or cobalt chrome but we have the machines for that. We also have industrial machines that can actually manufacture for a large portion of the genuine implant companies, and obviously the expertise to use them.”

Easier way out

The all-inclusive package is about giving dentists a hassle-free and worry-free customer experience.

“One of the hardest thing with implants, especially in the lab business is that you have to learn a lot of the different systems, and what's available,” he surmises.

“We've got people that specialise in the implant area. So instead of looking for different products and having to select from a plethora of confusing options, dentists can simply use our Implant Package and tap on our knowledge and expertise.”
​
Once again, what Smith is trying to convey here harkens back to what the US Army and some brilliant minds have been saying all along.

As growing numbers of Australians search for more affordable and aesthetically pleasing alternatives to traditional metal braces, the clear aligner market is poised for a huge wave in the years ahead.
 
By Danny Chan
 
Recent market research estimates that the Australian clear aligner market will reach nearly three quarters of a billion dollars (AUD $739M) by 2028. This translates to a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 28.7% from 2021 to 2028.
 
The growth projection sits well with recent reporting from Orthodontics Australia that finds more than half (55%) of the population is self-conscious about their teeth, and 62% are willing to fix their misaligned teeth.
 
However, this double-digit swell will simply crash over the heads of most general dentists in the country, according to the founders of Clear Aligner Excellence (CAE).
 
Doctors Geoff Hall and Jesse Green believe that aligners are currently being under-utilised by general dentists to treat patients and their associated malocclusion.   
 
The reasons for the underutilisation, as they see it, include:
 
1.Lack of clinical confidence to offer treatment to the types of malocclusions presenting in their practice every day.
2.Lack of business and practice management processes to effectively integrate aligner therapy into their practice.
3.The impact of aligner lab fees on profit margins.
 
You say you want a revolution...
 
Using a monthly subscription and membership model, CAE was set up to help members overcome these barriers through:
 
1.Providing online clinical and practice development training and education.
2.Driving patient traffic through internal and external marketing campaigns.
3.Access to an exclusive buying network.
 
Regarded as one of Australia’s pioneers in modern-day orthodontics and education, Dr Geoff Hall is a specialist orthodontist that also runs MP Orthodontics in Cheltenham, Melbourne, as co-owner and principal Orthodontist.
 
“Most aligner companies charge Australian dentists about double than what they charge dentists in America.  We have been royally screwed over from the aligner lab fees,” Dr Hall says.
 
“Our goal is to level the playing field for CAE member dentists and in turn reducing cost as a barrier to patients accepting treatment,” Dr Hall says.
 
“What we’ve done is develop commercial relationships with major aligner companies to negotiate preferred pricing for CAE members,” he shares.
 
“The buying network will offer heavy discounts and preferential rates covering lab fees for all major aligner systems including Invisalign®, SmileStyler®, ClearCorrect®, SureSmile®, and AngelAlign®.  The resulting savings in aligner lab fees can be as much as AUD $900 per case, and additional reputable aligner brands are on the way.”
 
“Based on what we now offer, the treatment is more commercially viable. We are going to revolutionise the way aligner therapy is done in Australia.”
 
The negotiated savings, they add, will also cover non-aligner and complementary services.
 
Strength in unity
 
The overriding goal of CAE is to drive the uptake of aligner therapy – or as Dr Hall puts it, increase the ‘aligner pie’ by expanding clinical applicability and increasing case conversion rates. 
 
He believes this can be achieved through CAE’s Aligner Accelerator Program (AAP). The AAP delivers eight training sessions on clinical orthodontics with a particular focus on aligners and another eight training sessions on integrating clear aligners into the practice.
 
In addition, CAE will provide ongoing monthly training and education to members to further drive clinical confidence and practice integration.
 
In applying the aphorism that ‘a rising tide lifts all boats,’ the purpose of CAE is not simply to get more general dentists onto the aligner bandwagon, but to equip them with the clinical, business and commercial skills, in a bid to raise the overall quality of the aligner market.
 
The ‘E’ in CAE
 
Author, speaker and entrepreneur, Dr Jesse Green is the dental business coach behind Savvy Dentist, which is a dental training and consultation outfit that helps dentists develop financial intelligence, create high performance teams, and master the art of patient flow.
 
According to Dr Green, the word ‘Excellence’ should be viewed from different angles, with clinical training and education being only one aspect of it. 
 
“Dr Hall will train the dentists to become clinically confident CAE-accredited doctors, giving them the ability to perform aligner treatments to the highest standards of excellence,” he says.
 
“However, in my experience,” Dr Green shares, “successful integration of clear aligners for dental practices is challenging because of the perceived “elective” nature of aligners, and the lack of systems designed to effectively present and close those cases.”
 
“Therefore, the training that I provide will help them become excellent from a practice management point of view – to become more profitable, scalable and valuable.”
 
Through the CAE, member dentists will learn how to optimise their internal patient databases to generate leads and convert patients. This includes additional training for front desk staff and treatment coordinators. CAE also runs a direct-to-public marketing platform that will help drive patient traffic to all members and their practices.
 
Leveraged income
 
Dr Hall believes clear aligner therapy to be the only area in dentistry where you can delegate the time-consuming aspects of the work to a hygienist or oral health therapist.
 
“This is the most leveraged form of income a dentist will ever make,” Dr Green adds.
 
“We will show them how to diagnose a clear aligner case, but ultimately have the treatment delivered by others.”
 
“Compared to scaling and cleaning that earns $200 an hour,” he continues, “when it comes to aligners, your hygienist can make over $1,000 an hour for you. And it’s totally scalable.”
 
Catching the wave
 
Says Dr Green: “My experience in working with dental practices across Australia has shown that most dentists are starting about one new clear aligner case per month.  However, we have seen success in full integration of aligner therapy in the practice resulting in starting a new clear aligner case each week, on average.”
 
“Going from one case a month to one case a week can add as much as AUD $270K in annual revenue to the practice.”
 
With the Australian dental aligner marketplace projected to grow by double digits, both Dr Hall and Dr Green say CAE membership is a no-brainer for a vast majority of general dentists in the country.
 
Based on their calculations, it takes the dentist roughly 1.2 aligner cases a month to cover the costs of CAE monthly membership.
 
CAE also has special enterprise pricing for those dentists who are already doing over 50 cases a year, so they too can benefit from all the ongoing education and great ancillary value which is exclusively offered to CAE members.
 
“A veritable tsunami wave for clear aligners is coming,” Dr Green emphasises, “and CAE network providers will be uniquely positioned to ride that wave faster and further than their peers.”
 
If you require more information about Clear Aligner Excellence call 1 300 002 239 or visit https://clearex.com.au/

Ever since she first laid eyes on the unit at ADX 2014, Dr Pervinder Kaur’s commitment towards the Diplomat dental chair has remained unshaken.
 
By Danny Chan
 
Six years ago, I had the pleasure of interviewing Dr Pervinder Kaur, a dynamic NSW dentist and entrepreneur. At the time, Dr Kaur had just set up the second branch of Minto Family Dental, then an up-and-coming practice she founded just a year prior.
 
It was particularly memorable as I had never, or since, spoken to someone as enthusiastic about a dental chair purchase. Dr Kaur had just bought her second Diplomat DA 370 model dental chair from Australia’s lone manufacturer of dental units, William Green. She had purchased the same exact unit two years prior after testing it during the ADX 2014.
 
Recalling that initial encounter, she once gushed: “It was love at first sight!” She even went as far as proclaiming the Diplomat dental chair to be “the one” made just for her practice, and calling it “the best deal on the market”.
 
Be safe, not scary
 
To be clear, Dr Pervinder Kaur wasn’t an immature rookie easily wowed by newfangled technology. The full-fledged dentist had by 2016, already notched more than a decade of clinical experience, and knew her way around the most sophisticated equipment.
 
Relocating to Sydney from India in 2008, the alumnus of King Georges Medical & Dental College (India) completed her Masters in Public Health (UWS) and ADC to practise dentistry in Australia. Despite her vast experience, she continued working for others until committing to start Minto Family Dental in 2015.
 
“I finally decided to set up my own practice,” she enthuses, “in order to create a dream practice that captures my aspirations for dentistry!”
 
From the get go, Dr Kaur was on a mission to counter misleading notions that cast dentists as “scary masked people”. The goal is to make all her patients, especially the little ones for whom she has affinity, feel completely safe and comfortable during every visit.
 
Of course, the centrepiece equipment complementing her vision are those dream chairs she bought six years ago from William Green.
 
Dr Kaur’s enduring brand loyalty can be seen writ large in her purchasing three more models of Diplomat chairs over the years – the most recent of which is the Diplomat Pro 500, which she bought this year.
 
“Since I needed another chair,” she says, “I thought might as well pamper myself by upgrading to ‘Business Class’.”
 
Love at first seat
 
Reminiscent of Dr Kaur’s ebullient description of her Diplomat DA370 encounter, the marketing tagline of the Model Pro series is ‘Love at the first seat’.
 
Just like its standard counterparts, the Diplomat Pro 500 comes in a holistic package deal of advanced ergonomic features, convertibility, stability, and compatibility.
 
The Diplomat Dental chair is designed for occupant comfort. It boasts a small footprint, which makes it perfect for small practice rooms. The robust body is layered with UV resistant paint. It has an articulate and foldable armrest, multi-functional and programmable foot, controller, and a 3-D headrest with manual and pneumatic adjustment.
 
The Dental unit is equipped with a movable bowl that provides an ideal rotation up to 120 degrees to the patient and out.
 
Of course, the Pro version takes things to a sophisticated level.
 
Pro has its pros
 
The synchronized chair movement of the seat and backrest, for example, allows the patient to remain in a fully relaxed position throughout the entire procedure.
 
Operators are not left out either. The dentist`s and assistant`s element include tray tables that always position the instruments within a comfortable reach. For added comfort and well-designed ergonomics, in addition to the versatile 3-D-headrest, you also get articulated and foldable armrests, as well as a multifunctional, programmable foot controller.
 
On that ergonomic note, you can convert from left- to right-handed configuration in about 30 seconds – no tools or additional parts required. This feature is also suitable for left-handed users.
 
“I had previously lost two very skilled dentists, just because they were left handed but all I had were right-handed chairs,” Dr Kaur reveals.
 
“This conversion feature actually gives me an advantage when advertising for new positions!”
 
For a touch of modernity, the dental chair can be connected to your portable device for seamless operation. You can make a preventive appointment, prepare white filling, convert the configuration, or change the inclination of the seat and backrest, all from your tablet. Even odd jobs like bowl rotation, cup filling and bowl rinsing can be easily managed through the device.
 
Dr Kaur says the tablet connectivity allows the team greater flexibility. This includes the ability to save unique user profiles to the Cloud from her iPad, so her dental team can access training by the technical support team at William Green.
 
When it comes to connectivity and upgradable options, Dr Kaur believes the Diplomat Pro 500 shows the dental make has come a long way.
 
Ahead of the game
 
As someone who has put several of the Diplomat chair models through their paces over the years, and experienced firsthand the different iterations and upgrades for both hardware and software,” she attests: “I can safely say that the chairs are way ahead of the game.”
 
Impressed by their “sleek design, clear finish lines and other aesthetic enhancements”, Dr Kaur says emphatically: “It has all we can ask from a chair, really!”
 
Ownership of five Diplomat chairs attests not only to the value and quality of the chairs themselves, but also a credit to the after sales and support services rendered by the team at William Green, she says – giving mention to Simon Green, Ryan Green, Chris Jones and Bob Hockey.
 
“They are all wonderfully professional and reliable people. Their support is really just a phone call away – Bob, the easy going one, seems always the fastest to respond,” Dr Kaur beams.
 
“One time, Ryan came out after work at 6pm, just to accommodate my busy schedule that day, to check and fix up some issues.”
 
Among the compliments, what is perhaps most remarkable is that Dr Kaur’s effusive appraisal of the first Diplomat chair she ever bought hasn’t shown any signs of waning.  
 
“It's still working as well as when I first bought it,” she enthuses.
 
“It’s actually my favourite chair and still the one I’m most comfortable working on for all my difficult cases!”

Dr Nitin Dhanani bought a great dental laser at ADX 2018, but it was just the beginning...
 
This March, dentists across the country will be converging on Sydney’s International Convention Centre. For three days (17th – 19th), ADX Sydney will be playing host to Australia’s largest gathering of dental suppliers, exhibitors and dental professionals.
 
For some, ADX is considered a networking event and hunting ground for advanced technology. Dr Nitin Dhanani remembers ADX 2018 as the place where he first saw the Fotona Lightwalker laser system and met Paul Baltas of Innovative Medical Technologies (IMT), who introduced him to the all-tissue laser.
 
The owner of Figtree Dental needed little convincing to purchase his first Fotona hard & soft tissue laser. The long-time AMD Picasso diode laser user heard great reviews about the Fotona Lightwalker from friends and colleagues leading up to the exhibition. He just needed to see the product up close, although the knowledgeable staff at IMT helped to clarify the few queries he still had. 
 
Post-sale value
 
What really impressed Dr Dhanani came after the sale: IMT’s proactive approach in making sure Fotona users were getting the most value from their laser products.
 
“That’s the thing I found with Paul,” he adds. “He’s not the type of person who sells you a machine and says “see you later”.”
 
It was through IMT that Dr Dhanani signed up and completed the Master in Laser Dentistry Program with the Laser and Health Academy (LA&HA) in 2019.
 
Dr Dhanani affirms the LA&HA Master program as a “must” for any dentist serious about laser dentistry as it delivers in-depth knowledge on the Fotona LightWalker from a broad range of application-based modules.
 
Just as critical is receiving peer support from an online Fotona user group (that IMT set up) – comprising Australian and overseas course graduates – that picks up the slack whenever his memory gets a bit foggy.
 
For all intents and purposes
 
The Fotona Lightwalker is a dual wavelength (Er:YAG and Nd:YAG) universal laser that covers virtually all laser-assisted dental restorative treatments, TouchWhite® tooth whitening, TwinLight® periodontal therapy, peri-implantitis, SWEEPS® endodontics, oral surgery, NightLase® snoring treatments, Photobiomodulation therapy and dento-facial aesthetic treatments.

Dr Dhanani uses it for traditional “in-the-mouth” treatments including gum reshaping and contouring, atraumatic removal of porcelain veneers in addition to facial aesthetic cases such as collagen tightening without fillers, lip plumping (using Liplase) and skin resurfacing.
 
“It’s a remarkable multi-purpose laser that helps to fill in the gaps in dentistry applications and patient care,” he enthuses.
 
“Not only that, it helps deliver quality fillings, pain-free dentistry and gentle patient care while improving healing times and longevity of treatment. What else can you ask for?”
 
It’s also a surprise hit with patients who request for minimally invasive care.
 
Some of our patients upon hearing the word ‘laser’ immediately think that it is painful,” he adds.
 
“After the treatment, they  are surprised at how painless it really is.”
 
Swiss army laser
 
Perhaps Dr Dhanani needed even less encouragement to purchase his next laser, the RADIANT S1TM Blue 3-wavelength Dental Diode. Not least because it came highly recommended by someone whose expert opinion he has come to trust.
 
Although function-wise less comprehensive than the Fotona Lightwalker, the RADIANT H1 represents an affordable entry-level 810nm laser that covers quite a bit of ground, whilst the S1 Blue triple wavelength system represents the current pinnacle in dental diode laser technology says Paul Baltas. 
 
“Other PBM therapeutic lasers ranging from $40,000 - $75,000 can’t even offer any of the surgical procedures that the RADIANT H1 & S1 lasers provide at only 10-20% of the cost.” he says.
 
“While the majority of competitors offer PBM laser applicators in the milliwatt range (typically <1/2 watt of power), the CLASS 4: H1 & S1 units offer up to 10 Watts and include different size PBM handpieces for both large area extraoral and inside-the-mouth therapeutc applications at a fraction of the time of class 3 lasers.
 
What Paul dubs a “laser Swiss army knife” the S1 offers a host of applications: periodontal therapy, soft tissue surgery, photo-activated disinfection, cosmetic dentistry, tooth whitening, photo-dynamic therapy photobiomodulation for wound healing and pain management.
 
Using the S1 mostly for gum correction and contouring as well as curing composites, Dr Dhanani comments: “The blue wavelength lets you cure the fillings easily with minimal temperature rise. The desensitising and photobiomodulation features are also very impressive.”
 
“Swapping between the Lightwalker and S1 when the handpieces for one of them are being sterilised also means that I get to move forward in an efficient workflow,” Dr Dhanani praises.
 
“The two lasers complement each other very well. They definitely help to raise the quality of treatments and standard of patient care.”
 
Something in the water
 
Another area of patient care that Dr Dhanani has revisited over the last year is infection control.
 
Once again, he credits IMT’s recommendation for his choice of infection control system – the Biosure range of Advanced Ozone Technologies for Infection Control in Dentistry.
 
According to the product literature, ozone directly oxidises the cell body of bacteria and viruses, destroying their RNA to achieve an inhibitory effect. The sanitation, it claims, is 3000 times faster than chlorine whilst remaining both safe and environmentally friendly.
 
Biosure produce Ozone generators utilsing patented electrolysis technology that converts regular tap water into ozone solutions used by many industries throughout Australia for over 10 years.
 
Dr Dhanani was one of the first to invest in the latest range of Biosure ozone solutions, which IMT are officially launching during the upcoming ADX22 in Sydney.
 
Among the dentist’s early-bird pickings were: Compact Disinfection Unit Plus (CDU+), SHIELD Space Sanitizer System, Ozone Spray Bottle and the Oral Rinse Tumbler
 
The Compact Disinfection Unit Plus / CDU+ is the upgraded version of a popular disinfection unit that dispenses high grade electrolytic ozonated water along with molecular hydrogen rich water.
 
The latter, Paul explains, shows unique potential for its antioxident effect.

As cited in the recently published randomized, double-blind trial: Hydrogen-rich water reduces inflammatory responses and prevents apoptosis of peripheral blood cells in healthy adults.1
 
In the current climate, the biggest selling point of the CDU Plus is the ozonated water.
 
“Ozonated water (O3)  is a strong oxidant, in which the oxygen molecules are in an extremely unstable and reactive state,”.
 
“This characteristic is what makes it so potent in breaking down cell walls of viruses, bacteria and microorganisms in seconds.”
 
Dispensed via a digitally controlled facet with infra-red sensors enabling touch-free operation, ozonated water is ideal for a host of disinfection purposes: hand-washing, surface disinfection (including dental chairs and equipment), mouth rinse, instrument pre-wash, bacteria-free water source and treatment area irrigation (direct patient oral application use).
 
Two sides of the same shield
 
The new SHIELD system is a compact, automatic ozonated water atomising sanitiser that neutralises virusus, bacteria and pathogens in the air and on surfaces in closed and open spaces.
 
Besides the in-office units, Dr Dhanani offers ozone oral rinse tumblers that his patients take home. The portable, rechargeable ozone flasks instantly convert tap water into ozonated water, a natural sanitiser effective at reducing oral germs and treating bad breath. 
 
“I normally give it to patients after treatment to help reduce bacterial load, support the healing process and improve treatment efficacy,” he adds.
 
“Patients tell me that their bad breath disappear almost overnight. Their mouth feels better than when they were using other mouth rinse products.”
 
You can’t buy trust
 
Dr Dhanani takes a sanguine view when it comes to investing in infection control.
 
“As long as it improves staff and patient care, I’m in,” he says.
 
“You can’t measure these things except for the peace of mind.”
 
It helps of course, that he trusts the technology and the people recommending it.
 
“When you already know the person and trust his opinion, there isn’t a need to research too much,” he qualifies.
 
“IMT’s phenomenal support and the great rapport I have with Paul, goes a long way towards earning that trust.”
 
Innovative Medical Technologies will be at ADX22 stand # 523
 
1. Sim M, Kim CS, Shon WJ, Lee YK, Choi EY, Shin DM.Sci Rep. 2020;10(1):12130.