Dentech Digest Issue #12: No More Wisdom Teeth, Smarter Composites, and Aspen Dental Wins Award.
Your TL;DR on dental AI, innovation, and industry moves.
Happy Friday Fam!
The White House just released a bold 90-point AI Action Plan! While it may sound like big tech and military stuff, it has real implications for dental AI in the US.
1️⃣ “Accelerate Innovation” = Better Dental Tools, Faster
The plan’s first pillar is about cutting red tape, backing open-source AI, and pushing agencies to adopt AI. In dentistry, this could fuel faster FDA clearances, better diagnostic tools, and smarter practice software.
2️⃣ “Build Infrastructure” = AI That Works in Your Practice
AI requires serious computer power and without upgrades, the U.S. literally can’t support the growth. If this infrastructure plan goes through, expect more reliable AI performance, lower costs, and wider access, especially for small practices in rural or underserved areas.
3️⃣ “Lead in AI Diplomacy” = Guardrails for Dental Data
The plan also emphasizes securing AI systems. As dental AI grows, questions around data privacy, model transparency, and ethical use will get more complex.
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🍩 This Week in Dental Tech:
Predicting Composite Performance
Preventing 3rd Molar Growth
Global Radiology Expansion
Industry Insights
🤖 UT Researchers Use AI to Predict Dental Composite Performance
Image Source: iStock
Researchers at UT Health San Antonio and the University of Texas at San Antonio have developed AI models that predict the clinical performance of dental composites. By analyzing data from over 200 studies, they compiled a dataset of 240 commercially available composites, assessing 28 additives and 17 performance traits, including strength, shrinkage, and fracture resistance.
Why this matters: If an AI tool like this can be created, the insights can enable clinicians to use composites with properties best suited for individual patient needs. Optimized materials lead to more durable and effective dental restorations and better patient care.🔬 Triagenics Closes $3M to Advance Third-Molar Prevention Tech
Triagenics has secured $3 million in Series B funding to support regulatory approval for its wisdom tooth prevention device, aiming to offer a less invasive, early-intervention solution. The Zero3 TBA technology uses gentle heat to stop wisdom teeth from developing in children by targeting the tooth buds early. By preventing these teeth from forming altogether, it aims to eliminate the need for future surgeries.
Why this matters: If approved, this device could minimize the need for extraction, reducing chair time, surgical risk, and post-op care. It turns wisdom-tooth management into a proactive process, shifting focus from extraction to early intervention.🩻 Pearl and MIPACS Team Up for Global Radiology Upgrade
Image Source: Business Wire
Pearl and MiPACS by Apryse have partnered to embed Pearl’s AI-powered radiologic analysis directly into MiPACS dental imaging software, bringing Second Opinion diagnostics into dental schools, community clinics, and public health settings worldwide.
“For academic institutions training the next generation of dentists, this partnership brings a valuable layer of clinical support that elevates education and clinical confidence. At the same time, by delivering seamless access to our AI technology across FQHCs and government programs, we’re helping overburdened providers work more efficiently, catch more disease earlier, and ultimately serve more patients.” -Ophir Tanz, founder and CEO of Pearl
Why it matters: This isn’t just a tech upgrade, it’s a distribution power move. It puts AI into the daily workflow of the next generation of dentists and makes high-quality diagnostic support more accessible across the globe.Industry Insights
💰 Planet DDS is leading the dental software revolution with 28% revenue growth, adding hundreds of new practices who want scalable, cloud-native solutions like DentalOS™.
📍 Dentalcorp is hitting the 2025 investor circuit to spotlight how it’s growing, what’s working, and where it’s headed next year.
🔒 vVARDIS secured $50 Million in new funding from OrbiMed to expand its drill-free cavity treatment, Curodont™, to more clinics worldwide.
📢 Arini names Eric Johnson as Chief Commercial Officer to drive faster enterprise AI adoption in dentistry.
📱 Sunstar GUM and Dentistry.One just launched GUM™ Virtual Care, giving anyone in the U.S. 24/7 access to AI dental checkups right from their phone. Snap three photos, get an instant oral health report, and choose virtual or in-person care, all from a QR code.
👋 Stan Bergman is stepping down as CEO of Henry Schein after an incredible 35‑year run leading the company. He’ll retire at the end of 2025, but will remain chairman as the board begins the search for his successor.
☁️ Overjet AI is now built into Oryx PMS, giving Oryx uses real-time AI analysis of caries, bone levels, PARL’s and more.
🖥️ Weave now connects with Ortho2’s Edge Cloud, giving ortho practices a streamlined way to manage patient communication, reviews, and real-time patient info all in one place.
🏢 Alta AI is now the exclusive voice-AI partner for Dr. Scott Leune’s Practice Mastery, bringing hands-free tools like voice perio charting and 3D visuals to simplify documentation and improve clinical precision.
🏆 Aspen Dental’s new Signature Elite Denture created with Ivoclar’s IvoBase heat-injection tech and premium SR tooth lines was named a 2025 Dental Innovator Silver Honoree for its elevated fit, aesthetics, durability, and patient-first design.
🔔 RingDental just launched a 24/7 AI voice receptionist that books appointments, handles triage, and speaks both English and Spanish. It’s also fully integrated with systems like Open Dental and Dentrix.
🗣️ IntelePeer’s AI voice tech is now built into Henry Schein One’s axiUm system, helping dental schools cut down on missed calls and automate appointment scheduling.
“By integrating our advanced conversational AI platform with axiUm, we’re enabling dental schools to modernize their clinical workflows, elevate patient engagement, and create more consistent, data-driven experiences for students, staff, and patients.” - Frank Fawzi, CEO of IntelePeer
🎒 ZimVie is being acquired by private equity firm ArchiMed for $730M, marking its exit from the public market.
🖨️ Leixir partners with North American Dental Group, offering lab services, digital design/printing, and tailored clinical training to support over 200 practices and 400 providers.
💳 Synchrony’s CareCredit is now built into Dental Intelligence’s platform, helping 9,000+ U.S. dental practices spot preapproved patients and simplify payment talks.
📢 PDS Health & DEXIS bring AI‑enhanced 3D imaging to over 1,000 Practices.
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Questions? Want to be featured in an upcoming issue? Email me at thenatashasarwar@gmail.com.
Until Next Time,
👋 Natasha