Editor’s Note: This blog was written by Ultradent Founder & CEO Emeritus, Dr. Dan Fischer As we enjoy this special time of year, I find myself reflecting once again on what makes the dental industry so unique, so rewarding: It’s you.

There are two things dentists seem to always be striving to improve: speed and quality. With cases requiring a sectional matrix system being so common, one area where many clinicians look to save time and boost results is with the sectional matrix system they choose.

Advancements in curing lights and the integration of laser technology in dentistry have revolutionized patient care, offering enhanced precision and efficiency in a variety of procedures. However, these advancements bring in a critical element that cannot be overlooked: the need for eye protection.

Maybe you’ve heard it said, or maybe you’ve asked yourself, “Why don’t my teeth get as white as they used to?” or “Does aging make it harder to whiten teeth?” or “why don’t my teeth get as white as other people’s teeth, no matter how much I whiten? What’s the deal?”

Teeth whitening continues to be one of the most popular and highly requested cosmetic treatments. Patients are constantly seeking ways to enhance their smiles and whitening can be a simple, cost-effective solution—and coordination among the entire office team will help patients achieve optimal results.

The devastation brought by Hurricane Helene is heartbreaking. Ultradent is donating 5% of U.S. sales from orders placed on Tuesday, October 8th, to the Red Cross to assist in the relief efforts for affected communities. "It's difficult to comprehend the challenges being faced as a result of this tragedy," says Ultradent President and CEO Dirk Jeffs. "We hope our contribution will provide some relief and support to those in need."

A young woman in her 20s, burdened by the discoloration of her upper anterior teeth from past trauma, came to Dr. Jaleena Fischer-Jessop, DDS, MBA, searching for a solution that would restore her smile. The patient was treated with a conservative and cost-effective solution: no-prep direct-bonded composite veneers. Dr. Fischer-Jessop chose this method to mask the discoloration and match the patient’s upper teeth with the lower anteriors—avoiding the need for more invasive procedures like implants or costly lab processed veneers. The shades B1D and Enamel White (EW) were selected to lighten the teeth and Transcend™ composite’s Universal Body (UB) shade was used to ensure the margin blended naturally into the cervical areas.

This is a story about the internet, its power to connect humans with common interests, and its ability to empower people for good. It’s a story about technology, knowledge, and possibility. It’s a story about being in the right place at the right time, and it’s a story about increasing the potential of an entire community of young people. It’s also a story about people who love cars.

Editor’s Note: This blog was written by CE course host, Ultradent Sr. VP of Research and Development, Neil Jessop. Jessop has more than 30 years of experience in dental research, 25 of that in curing lights. He also helped design and create the VALO™ curing light, which has become the leading light in dentistry for over a decade.

Oral hygiene is a crucial part of our daily routine, and brushing our teeth is the cornerstone of dental care. However, many of us might be inadvertently harming our teeth and gums by not knowing best practices for a common activity. It’s crucial to understand the perils of overzealous brushing, the ideal pressure for your toothbrush, signs of overbrushing, and the significance of choosing the right bristles for your toothbrush.