Dental Caries

An inexpensive, cavity-fighting liquid called silver diamine fluoride (SDF) works as well as dental sealants to keep tooth decay at bay in a school cavity prevention and treatment program, according to a new study. The study, which followed more than 4,000 elementary school students for four years, shows that SDF is an effective alternative to sealants, and can increase access to dental care while reducing costs. An inexpensive, cavity-fighting liquid called silver diamine fluoride (SDF) works as well as dental sealants to keep tooth decay at bay in a school cavity prevention and treatment program, according to a new study by researchers at NYU College of Dentistry. The study, which followed more than 4,000 elementary school students for four years and is published in JAMA Pediatrics, shows that SDF is an effective alternative to sealants, and can increase access to dental care while reducing costs. Dental cavities are the most prevalent chronic disease in children and can lead to pain, school absences, and lower academic performance. To prevent cavities, especially among children less likely to see a dentist, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) supports the use of school sealant programs. In sealant programs, dental professionals visit schools to apply a thin, protective coating to the surface of teeth that hardens and safeguards against decay. SDF has emerged as another promising treatment for fighting cavities. Originally approved by the FDA for treating tooth sensitivity, the solution is brushed onto the surface of teeth, killing decay-causing bacteria and remineralizing teeth to prevent further decay. "A growing body of research shows that SDF -- which is quicker to apply and less expensive than sealants -- can prevent and arrest cavities, reducing the need for drilling and filling," said Richard Niederman, DMD, professor of epidemiology & health promotion at NYU College of Dentistry and the study's senior author. SDF in schools Researchers at NYU College of Dentistry led CariedAway, the nation's largest school-based cavity prevention study, to compare the use of SDF and traditional sealants. The study included approximately 4,100 children in New York City elementary schools; more than a quarter of kids had untreated cavities at the start of the study. At each school visit, a team of health professionals examined children's teeth and applied either sealants or SDF followed by fluoride varnish, depending on which treatment the school was randomly assigned to receive. Sealants were administered by dental hygienists, while SDF was applied by either dental hygienists or registered nurses, all under the supervision of a dentist. Starting in 2018, the team visited each school twice a year, although the COVID-19 pandemic and school closures led to missed visits. The researchers reported last year in the journal JAMA Network Open that a single treatment of either SDF or sealants prevented 80% of cavities and kept 50% of existing cavities from worsening two years later. The team continued their study for another two years, and in their study published in JAMA Pediatrics, found that SDF and sealants prevented roughly the same number of cavities after children were followed for a total of four years. Moreover, both sealants and SDF reduced the risk of decay at each follow-up visit. "Our longitudinal study reaffirms that both sealants and SDF are effective against cavities. SDF is a promising alternative that can support school-based cavity prevention -- not to replace the dental sealant model, but as another option that also prevents and arrests decay," said Ryan Richard Ruff, PhD, MPH, associate professor of epidemiology & health promotion at NYU College of Dentistry and the study's first author. "Most research shows that SDF can stop a cavity from progressing further. Our study demonstrated that SDF can prevent cavities from happening in the first place," said Tamarinda Barry Godín, DDS, MPH, associate program director and supervising dentist for CariedAway, research scientist at NYU College of Dentistry, and the study's coauthor. An "untapped" oral health workforce Embracing SDF for cavity prevention and treatment in schools could keep kids from needing fillings, saving families and the healthcare system money. Yet these programs can only succeed if there are enough health professionals to provide care. The NYU researchers found that children who had SDF applied by dental hygienists and registered nurses had similar outcomes, suggesting that nurses -- including school nurses -- could play a crucial role in cavity prevention programs. "Nurses may be an untapped resource for addressing oral health inequities," added Ruff. "Our results suggest that nurses can effectively provide this preventive care, which could dramatically improve access, given the role of school nurses and the size of the nursing workforce." This research was funded by the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCS-160936724). The CariedAway cavity prevention model is currently being used in three New Hampshire school districts, supported by Northeast Delta Dental.

LAGUNA HILLS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Sonendo, Inc. (OTCQX: SONX) (“Sonendo” or the “Company”), a leading dental technology company and developer of the GentleWave® System, announced today that it has executed a definitive agreement for the sale of its Software Segment assets comprised of TDO Software, to Valsoft Corporation Inc. ("Valsoft"), a Quebec company based in Montreal specializing in the acquisition and development of vertical market software businesses. In addition, Sonendo announced that it has reached an agreement with Perceptive Credit Holdings, LP to amend its Amended and Restated Credit Agreement and Guaranty, dated as of August 23, 2021, as amended (“Perceptive Loan"). TDO Software is a developer of widely used endodontic practice management software solutions, designed to simplify practice workflow. TDO® Software integrates practice management, imaging, referral reporting and cone beam computed tomography imaging, and offers an integrated communication system with Sonendo's GentleWave® System. The sale of the TDO assets is effective March 1, 2024, and provides for total gross consideration of approximately $16.0 million, with $15.0 million paid upon closing and the balance due in approximately 12 months pursuant to the terms of the agreement. The amendment to the Perceptive Loan includes a one-time $15.0 million principal repayment and initiates monthly principal repayments beginning in March 2024 along with modifications to certain other terms including revenue covenants. “Today’s announcements reflect Sonendo’s commitment to balancing responsible cash preservation while pursuing long-term growth opportunities for the GentleWave system,” said Bjarne Bergheim, President and CEO of Sonendo. “TDO is a great technology, and we look forward to continued partnership with the team at Valsoft. Moving forward, this divestiture allows Sonendo to focus solely on growing awareness and adoption of the GentleWave procedure. At the same time, we know TDO users will be in great hands with Valsoft’s focus on furthering the TDO practice management software platform.” “We are thrilled to welcome TDO to Valsoft,” said Gianni Farruggia, Valsoft Operating Partner. “TDO joining our Health & Dental portfolio is a milestone in our commitment to innovation and excellence in dental healthcare technology. TDO's dedication to the endodontic community align perfectly with our vision. We look forward to leveraging TDO’s endodontic practice management expertise to enhance and expand the solutions we offer to the health and dental industry.” Stifel served as the exclusive financial advisor to Sonendo, and Reed Smith LLP acted as legal counsel to Sonendo. Valsoft represented themselves in the transaction. About Sonendo Sonendo is a commercial-stage medical technology company focused on saving teeth from tooth decay, the most prevalent chronic disease globally. Sonendo develops and manufactures the GentleWave® System, an innovative technology platform designed to treat tooth decay by cleaning and disinfecting the microscopic spaces within teeth without the need to remove tooth structure. The system utilizes a proprietary mechanism of action, which combines procedure fluid optimization, broad-spectrum acoustic energy and advanced fluid dynamics, to debride and disinfect deep regions of the complex root canal system in a less invasive procedure that preserves tooth structure. The clinical benefits of the GentleWave® System when compared to conventional methods of root canal therapy include improved clinical outcomes, such as superior cleaning that is independent of root canal complexity and tooth anatomy, high and rapid rates of healing and minimal to no post-operative pain. In addition, the GentleWave® System can improve the workflow and economics of dental practices. For more information on Sonendo, visit . For more information on the GentleWave® System, visit . Forward-Looking Statements This press release includes forward-looking statements (statements which are not historical facts) within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements include, but are not limited to, express or implied forward-looking statements relating to the Company’s anticipated business and financial performance on an on-going basis. You are cautioned that such statements are not guarantees of future performance and that our actual results may differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are predictions, projections and other statements about future events that are based on current expectations and assumptions; speak only as of the date they are made; and, as a result, are subject to risks and uncertainties that may change at any time. Factors that could cause the Company’s actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements are described in detail in our registration statements, reports and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the “Risk Factors” set forth in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, as supplemented by our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. Such filings are available on our website or at . We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent developments, events, or circumstances, except as may be required under applicable securities laws. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and the Company assumes no obligation and does not intend to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. View source version on businesswire.com: Contacts Gilmartin Group Louisa Smith ir@sonendo.com Source: Sonendo View this news release online at:

AMERICAN FORK, Utah--( BUSINESS WIRE )-- Henry Schein One today announced that 42 North Dental is implementing the full range of the company’s cloud-based platform including Dentrix Ascend, Jarvis Analytics, TechCentral and its AI-enabled X-ray analysis tool, Detect AI, powered and manufactured by VideaHealth. 42 North Dental, a dental support organization based in the Boston area, continues to implement the Henry Schein One platform across its more than 100 practices to create a scalable experience for their clinicians and patients. Dentrix Ascend streamlines workflows with its intuitive interface and cloud-based flexibility. The technology can scale to accommodate 42 North Dental’s dynamic growth, while seamlessly integrating Detect AI into the platform. An FDA-approved study by VideaHealth revealed a 43% decrease in missed caries diagnoses by dentists utilizing the AI-powered system. The study also documented a 15% reduction in false positives, suggesting a substantial improvement in diagnostic accuracy and the potential for optimal treatment plans for all patients. “Together with 42 North Dental, we're raising the standard of care for patients, empowering practices to deliver exceptional, personalized experiences through cutting-edge technology,” said Alan Rencher, Chief Technology Officer, Henry Schein One. “We're not just streamlining practice management – we're partnering with our customers to achieve their vision and become essential health accelerators, driving positive change within the dental industry.” The decision to partner with Henry Schein One by 42 North Dental's clinical management team, field operations, and support staff leaders reflects their commitment to innovation. The platform's effectiveness, coupled with Henry Schein One's world-class implementation and support, solidified Dentrix Ascend and Detect AI as the clear choice for empowering 42 North Dental's supported practices and their teams to deliver personalized, exceptional care. “At 42 North Dental, we’re committed to continually raising the bar for what’s possible in the practice of dentistry by delivering healthy, confident smiles for life,” said Michael Scialabba, DDS, Chief Clinical Officer of 42 North Dental. “This new technology aligns perfectly with our mission and empowers our teams to enhance the patient experience.” With this transformative step, 42 North Dental sets a new standard for its patient-centric dentistry, proving that innovation truly delivers healthy smiles for life. Henry Schein One Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer Ali Hyatt will participate in a panel at the Yankee Dental Congress in Boston on Jan. 25, 2024, alongside leaders from 42 North Dental and VideaHealth. The session, titled "AI in Practice: The Future is Now," will be moderated by 42 North Dental's Dr. Scialabba from 2-4 p.m. Eastern time. Additional panelists include VideaHealth Founder and CEO Florian Hillen and 42 North Dental's Stephanie Payne, DDS. About 42 North 42 North Dental is a leading dental organization supporting 38 practice brands in 100+ locations. Committed to setting the quality standard in dental care, 42 North Dental operates clinically under the principles of quality, safety, and compliance. 42 North Dental was created for dentists and is rooted in over 40 years of experience in dentistry. To learn more, visit 42northdental.com and follow on LinkedIn . About Henry Schein One Henry Schein One, the leader in all things dental software, empowers dentists to focus on patient care, ensuring practice success. With its simple and integrated software, practices are finally more seamless, more efficient, and more profitable—meaning patients and practitioners are happier. With comprehensive solutions: demand generation, patient experience, practice management, revenue management, dental analytics, and clinical workflow, dental practices will be running smoother than ever before. Henry Schein One, LLC, is a joint venture between Henry Schein, Inc. (Nasdaq: HSIC) and Internet Brands. The company’s portfolio of leading brands includes Dentrix®, Dentrix Ascend®, Jarvis Analytics™, TechCentral™, Lighthouse360+, and DentalPlans.com®, along with solutions offered through international companies, including Dentally and Software of Excellence, among others. For a full list of our brands, please visit our website or connect with us on LinkedIn .