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Weekly Digest
The ADN Weekly Digest is your concise guide to this week's most important dental developments. Week of December 30th, 2024

Goodbye 2024!
As we welcome 2025, we want to thank you for being part of our community. Whether you're reading this between patients or enjoying a well-deserved holiday break, we hope this first edition of the year brings you valuable insights and keeps you connected with the latest in dentistry. Let's kick off this new year together with fresh perspectives and continued growth in our field.
What is this digest about?
Each week, our team of dental industry experts sifts through hundreds of stories, podcasts, blog posts, and social media posts to bring you only the most relevant and impactful updates. Whether you're a practicing dentist, specialist, practice owner, or dental industry professional, we understand your time is valuable. That's why we focus on delivering clear, concise summaries that keep you informed without overwhelming your schedule.
Table of Contents
In The News
In Europe, A New £350 Saliva Test Claims to Predict Disease Risk
A groundbreaking dental test called ORALIS 1 analyzes oral bacteria to assess a person's risk of serious health conditions including heart disease, cancer, and dementia. The £350 test examines the oral microbiome - the collection of bacteria in the mouth - to identify potentially harmful pathogens. Scientists have linked poor oral health to various diseases, with one study finding that gum disease increases type 2 diabetes risk by 69%. While the test's developers hope it could eventually be adopted by the NHS to revolutionize preventive healthcare, it's currently only available privately. The article's author tried the test himself and discovered concerning levels of bacteria associated with gum disease and colon cancer, though experts note these issues can be addressed through improved dental hygiene and regular dental visits.
Modern Dentistry's Role in Overall Health is Becoming More Popular
A new article examines dentistry's expanding role beyond traditional oral care, highlighting its crucial connection to overall wellness and quality of life. The piece emphasizes how poor oral health can impact systemic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections through bacterial spread from untreated gum infections. Key preventive measures include biannual check-ups, professional cleanings, and thorough home care routines. The article also discusses modern dental specialties, from pediatric dentistry to periodontics, and emphasizes the importance of cosmetic procedures not just for aesthetics but for functional restoration. For selecting a dentist, the article recommends considering reputation, service range, and location accessibility, noting that modern dentistry should be viewed as a gateway to improved overall health rather than just routine maintenance.
Hope Dental Clinic in Minnesota Set to Close after 60 Years of Service
AI in 2025: Your Practice's Secret Weapon for Success
What if you could boost patient retention by 30%, automate your scheduling headaches away, and still have time for that luxury vacation? Alan Clarke's latest piece breaks down six game-changing AI trends that are reshaping dentistry in 2025. From AI-powered diagnosis tools to smart marketing systems that work while you sleep, discover how artificial intelligence isn't just changing the industry – it's creating opportunities for both better patient care and a better work-life balance. Whether you're tech-savvy or just AI-curious, this forward-looking article offers practical insights for turning these innovations into real practice growth. Read the full article here: https://dentistry.co.uk/2024/12/27/six-strategic-ai-trends-for-2025/
New Products or Services
Medit Launches New App
Dental tech company Medit has released MEDIT M, a mobile app that brings digital dental workflows to smartphones. Available on iOS and Android since December 18, the app enables real-time collaboration between dental clinics and labs through instant notifications, mobile case management, and built-in chat features. Users can access patient information and 3D scan data on the go, streamlining the workflow between dental professionals and potentially reducing treatment delays. The app integrates with Medit's existing platform, Medit Link, and comes with comprehensive training materials for new users.
Carestream's CS 9600 CBCT System Wins Best of Class Award
Carestream's latest CBCT imaging system, the CS 9600, has been recognized with the 2024 Cellerant Best of Class award. The system features AI-powered patient positioning and SmartAuto Technology to optimize exposure settings, reducing radiation exposure by up to 86% compared to traditional 2D panoramic images. Notable features include 14 different fields of view, high-resolution imaging up to 75 microns, and optional modules for implant planning, airway analysis, and cephalometric scanning. The unit's metal artifact reduction technology helps produce clearer images around dental restorations, while its integrated face scanning capability allows for 3D facial reconstruction overlaid with CBCT data. Reviewers highlight the system's efficiency and adaptability for various dental procedures, from implant planning to endodontic treatment.
Dental Podcasts
Each week, we select 5 episodes from a variety of podcasts, covering a wide range of topics that you may find interesting. If you like the episodes, don’t forget to subscribe to the show in your favorite podcast app.
Continuing Education
Here’s a list of notable continuing education courses happening in January 2025.