Catalyst_Q3_2025_issuu by Burkhart Dental Supply

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President From our

When I reflect on Burkhart’s place in this competitive market and our goals for the future, I am reminded of the core principles that guide us: Integrity, Knowledge, and Client Success These are not just words in our mission statement but the foundation of how we approach our work

Integrity

We are authentic Our team is dedicated to acting in the best interests of our clients, regardless of whether it results in a sale Every Associate in our company — from our Account Managers and Service Technicians to our Customer Service Team — works together and strives to ensure client success in every way possible

Knowledge

We use our expertise to free up our clients to achieve great things We come prepared with the tools and skills to offer guidance and support As individuals and as a group, we continue to learn and grow, hone our knowledge, and proactively meet the changing needs of the dental communities we serve

Client Success

Our ultimate goal is to build trust and become valued advisors and team members By prioritizing our clients’ best interests and leveraging our collective expertise, we are able to proactively recommend strategies and deliver effective solutions

These principles are the foundation of everything we do and are what guide every interaction I believe this makes Burkhart truly special, and I hope you will feel the same

Serving the Dental Profession since 1888

At Burkhart we realize our clients are both dental professionals and business owners It is our goal to help them be successful at both Catalyst is fully dedicated to that success The articles in this publication vary from product use and selection to business management topics and provide information and guidance that can lead to a more successful practice We hope you enjoy!

If you have a request for a topic you would like us to cover in Catalyst, please contact our Marketing Department at: Marketing@BurkhartDental com

Catalyst Magazine is published by: Burkhart Dental Supply 2502 South 78th Street Tacoma, WA 98409

P 253 474 7761 F 253 472 4773

Advertising Contact Marketing Marketing@BurkhartDental com

Customer Service

1.800.562.8176

Lori Burkhart Isbell President

The products you know, the people you trust

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Ask your Burkhart Account Manager for complete ordering information. Non-stock and Rx items are not returnable, additional fees will apply.

*Bonus goods must be equal or lesser value of purchased product. To obtain bonus goods, you can redeem by email. Proof of purchase on one Dental Health Products, Inc. invoice dated July 1, 2025 – September 30, 2025 is required (multiple invoices are accepted from a single purchase order when order cannot ship complete). Redeem by October 10, 2025. Redeem by email: OralCarePromos@solventum.com. Specify bonus product selections and include your business phone. Allow 3–5 weeks for delivery. Offers valid in the United States. Offer void if purchased product is returned. © Solventum 2025. Solventum, the S logo, Clinpro, Filtek and RelyX and other trademarks are trademarks of Solventum or its affiliates. 3M, the 3M logo and Scotchbond are trademarks of 3M. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.

In 2024, 3M Health Care spun off from 3M Company, creating a new, standalone, world-class healthcare company. That new company is called Solventum. Our name may be new, but our experienced team, trusted technologies and exceptional service and support aren’t changing. We’re here to help you create many more beautiful, healthy smiles. Learn more at Solventum.com.

GIVING BACK

The Burkhart Scholarship Fund at PNWU

Written By DAWN KAHL

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

Burkhart, in partnership with 6 dental industry leaders, has created the Burkhart Scholarship Fund.

This fund was created to support first-year dental students at the new Pacific Northwest University (PNWU) Dental School who have a heart for serving the underserved, aligning with Burkhart’s values .

Burkhart Dental Supply has partnered with six manufacturers, each specializing in a distinct product category, to provide students with monthly, hour-long educational sessions . Each month, one manufacturer will share their expertise in their

specific area . For example, ProEdge will lead a session on the importance of maintaining clean water lines .

PNWU’s Vice President of University Relations, Adam Story, MS, is pleased to work with Burkhart . “It’s just a fantastic scholarship because it shows that Burkhart is a local company and one that the dental community knows Seeing that buy-in on this new program is incredible and has made a world of difference in fundraising efforts .”

Pacific Northwest University’s dental school began construction last year and is set to open in 2025 . It will welcome its first group of students this fall .

SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

Ammar Jankel

Hamse lgge

Pictured left with Lori Burkhart Isbell

Nelly Vutagwa

Left to Right: Andrew Malm, Burkhart Regional Sales Manager

Robbyn Wacker Phd, Interim President Dan Stucki, Burkhart Equipment Specialist Reedy Berg, Burkhart Account Manager Adam Story MS , Vice President of University Relations Fotinos Panagakos DMD PhD, Dean School of Dental Medicine

The Dean’s vision for the school includes raising enough funds to eventually allow every student to attend dental school for free

Burkhart has committed to supporting this initiative for four years, and each manufacturer involved has also pledged a four-year commitment Three students will receive scholarships annually, and this year’s students have already been selected and admitted to the dental school

Burkhart has also installed the school’s mechanical room and continues to work with PNWU to provide the equipment and merchandise supplies .

“We’re excited. The difference it's going to make for PNWU & the community is incredible”, says Story.

To learn more about the Burkhart Scholarship please visit burkhart-go.info/PNWU_scholarship

SEND US YOUR GIVING BACK STORIES

We want to recognize our clients who demonstrate exceptional giving in their communities If you know a dental office/team you would like featured in Catalyst or on social media, please contact Marketing at Marketing@BurkhartDental com

Dentsply Sirona Class II approach features products and techniques that work seamlessly to address your most common challenges like contact creation and postoperative sensitivity— so you can complete your restorations with ease.

Scissortail Orthodontics

Soaring to New Heights of Patient Care

Written By DAWN KAHL

The striking Scissor-tailed flycatcher (Muscivora forficata), known for its distinctive, scissor-like double tail and its dramatic ‘sky dancing’, was legally adopted as the Oklahoma state bird in 1951 . This graceful bird, whose tail can sometimes be twice as long as their body, is also on the U S Mint state quarter with the Oklahoma state wildflower, the Indian blanket .

When Dr . Philip Kierl was ready to leave the comforts of the family practice where he had been practicing and start his own orthodontic office, he knew he wanted to do things slightly differently . He needed to pick a name and logo to represent his way of thinking, represent the state of Oklahoma, and tell a story .

“The scissortail is our state bird . Beauty is at the essence of what we do .” Says Dr . Kierl . And this is just a beautiful state bird . “

“The scissortail represents freedom, adaptability, and agility, & those are all the things we pride ourselves on.”

We're free to treat however we want, whenever we want . We can switch you from braces to aligners or aligners to braces, because we do everything inhouse . We're adaptable . We're going to incorporate new technology, and we're also going to make the most of current technologies .”

Opposite page: Doctors Heather and Philip Kierl of Scissortail Orthodontics . Above: Scissortails’ main galley

FREEDOM

One of the first steps in building his own practice was to contact Burkhart Equipment Specialist Brandon Saas .

“I had a friend who had worked with you guys and was very happy to experience and I knew I needed a one stop shop for this, just because of the massive amounts of work I was gonna have to do on other things that I didn't want to piecemeal it myself, and wanted somebody to kind of come in and do a good job, comprehensive, especially with the install, maintenance of equipment, things like that .”

As someone with a decade of 3D printing experience, he needed a large lab with plenty of ventilation and ample open countertop space for his plans of printing in-house . His vision was for the office to look like a modern home . He wanted parents to come in and feel comfortable, like a place they wanted to be able to hang out in .

For the planning phase, he used a dental ergonomics company Then, he partnered with an architect who had limited experience with dental offices . Burkhart played a crucial role as an intermediary, clarifying his needs versus their preferences and helping him figure out the best way to use the space efficiently .

Opposite Bottom:

“You guys provided some plans that helped me to go back to my architect… it really, really helped me, because I was getting push back, like ‘you don't know what you’re talking about’ kind of thing…when I bring this [plan] from [Burkhart], a dental company with a good reputation, they're like, ‘okay, maybe we can do this’.”

The office was built with plans for the future The front office has a long, beautiful desk with wood veneer installed with sound-dampening foam . The length of the desk allows it to be for both check-in and check-out and gives it the feel of almost a hotel lobby . To the right is the brushing station and X-ray unit .

The main galley has four chairs and two long islands within a spacious area One wall is adorned with a vibrant mural of a scissortail, adding to the visual appeal . Past the galley, along another wood veneer

wall with recessed lighting are two more chairs for longer appointments, such as bands and de-bands, and a lounge area with a window for the waiting parents . A chair in a private room is currently used as an overflow for exams and scans, longer appointments, and patient education .

AGILITY

Dr Kierl’s office now does almost all of their aligners in-house . He believes that this aligner treatment specifically allows the office flexibility to change the course of treatment if needed at any time . He and his team use the software to set up the case and then fabricate the stages for aligners, and then he will often go in and tweak some of the parameters as needed .

“One of the biggest faults I see sometimes is people aren't actually taking full advantage of technology . They may have technology, but they don't know how to use it to its full capacity . So, I wanted to design the practice to be as efficient as possible,” said Dr . Kierl .

Dr Kierl emphasizes efficiency even from a parent's perspective, ensuring patients don't need to visit for unnecessary appointments, such as fixing

Opposite Top: The Scissortail Ortho team

The scissortail mural brightens the open galley space

Right: Private consult room

broken brackets, or feeling rushed during their last visit . He is committed to providing ample time for patients to discuss their concerns, even if it means spending 30 minutes with the doctor Dr Kierl aims to make patients feel like part of his dental family and believes that sets them apart .

ADAPTABILITY

Dr . Kierl was lucky enough to have his orthodontic residency in Las Vegas Over those three years, he immersed himself in technology by attending nearly every orthodontic convention in town, taking advantage of free admission for residents . He eagerly absorbed information about leading experts, best practices, and the newest technology .

That experience still influences him today, in the ever-changing world of 3D technology It’s important to him to remain an expert in this field and evolve along with technology . It is a key part of his practice to use modern innovation to achieve the highest levels of patient care .

“And that's what's really, really cool about now, is all the technology that allows you to do all these cool things in 3D—custom brackets, custom wires, 3D printing and all that kind of stuff—even remote and dental monitoring that we're incorporating in our office that makes things really efficient for us and efficient for the patient ”

COMMUNITY

Community involvement is a top priority for Scissortail Ortho . They take pride in sponsoring local events, including athletic and academic teams, charities, schools, and churches

The practice’s website also features a section with shareable blog posts, featuring articles that highlight different people and organizations making a positive impact on the local community .

Above: The front desk and lobby feature wood veneer with sound-dampening for a calming atmosphere Opposite top: The Vatech Green X CBCT is conveniently located near the brushing station Opposite bottom: The brushing station, in use (left) and Dr Kierl consults with a young patient (right)

ABOUT Scissortails

ADAPTABILITY

The nest of the Scissortail is made of various materials, often including many human-made materials such as cloth, string, paper, and even cigarette filters, as well as natural fibers such as stems, cotton, twigs, and grasses

AGILITY

The Scissortail's long, forked tail helps it make sharp turns to catch insects while in flight, perform a series of V-shaped swoops, or make other quick maneuvers . They are also known for performing dramatic ‘dancing’ flights

COMMUNITY

Scissortails form large flocks, sometimes up to thousands of birds, and are known to gather in large communal roosts .

FREEDOM

Scissortails thrive in open spaces . Look for them near open fields, pastures, farmlands, and golf courses .

“I took 10 years of experience along with my own personal experience, and developed a mission, a vision of the kind of practice I would want to operate and be proud of by bringing in people like Burkhart & Brandon [Saas]…”says Dr . Kierl .

“You can't just go build an

office.

You have to have a mission and a vision. Everything has to come from that, and if you know what that is, and you know your core values, decisions become easier. And I think that helps produce a good result.”

Scissortail Orthodontics now has two locations: Stillwater, Oklahoma, and a new location in Edmonds that opened in October 2024 .

To learn more about Scissortail

Opposite top: Philip and Heather Kierl in their element . Opposite bottom: The welcoming smile of Dr Kierl at the front door of Scissortail Ortho . Below: Chairs for longer appointments A comfortable lounge for parents is to the right of the window

Back to School Savings

July 1–September 30, 2025

Hand Scaling

Buy 10 Scalers (mix and match), Get 3 at no additional charge1

Buy 4 Scalers (mix and match), Get 1 at no additional charge1

Surgical

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Buy 5 boxes of Sutures (mix & match), Get 2 boxes at no additional charge1

Dental Water Management

Buy 2 of the same DentaPure™ Cartridges (DP365B; DP365M), Get 1 at no additional charge SHIPPED WITH ORDER

Contact Burkhart Dental to place an order.

Operatory Supplies

Buy 4 bags of Crosstex™ Safe-Flo™ Plus Mint Scented Saliva Ejectors, Get 1 bag of the same at no additional charge SHIPPED WITH ORDER

Power Equipment

Buy 1 PWR Piezo, Get 2 PWR Piezo Tips (Scaling or Perio) at no additional charge

Use Promo Code: 3361

Magneto Inserts and Piezo Tips

Buy 5 Magneto Inserts (mix & match), Get 2 at no additional charge1

Promo Code 3472

Offer(s) valid in the 50 United States and District of Columbia. Participation is not permitted for customers who participate in any other pricing program, including government, group practices, special markets, community health centers, schools, institutions, and discount customers. This offer cannot be combined with any other offer or promotion. Offer(s) not valid on Made-To-Order (MTO) products. To get your at no additional charge product(s), please fax a copy of your Burkhart Dental invoice dated July 1 – September 30, 2025 indicating the required buys and your at no additional charge goods selection to 773-694-1971 or by email to redemptions@hu-friedy.com. Dental Water Management and Operatory Supplies no charge products will automatically ship with your order from Burkhart Dental. Proof of purchases may be used for marketing purposes. Redemption must be postmarked by October 31, 2025. 1) Equal or lesser value. All company and product

Crosstex is now a proud member of

H iring the Right Associate Dentist

A Strategic Lever for Private Practice Growth

Written by Robert Spiel, MBA, Co-founder, Dentist Partner Pros

Hiring an associate dentist is a critical strategy for expanding a private dental practice and reducing the clinical and managerial burdens on owner-dentists.

Yet despite this potential, associate turnover remains a persistent challenge . Studies show that nearly 75% of associate placements fail within the first year . This high failure rate often stalls growth and creates ongoing operational disruptions for practices and staff .

Underst andin g Associate Turnover

When an associate hire doesn’t work out, it introduces new layers of complexity for the owner . Beyond the logistical demands of hiring, owners are responsible for mentoring, scheduling, performance oversight, and integrating new associates into the practice culture—all while maintaining their own patient load . If the associate underperforms or departs, practices are left to restart the process, often with growing skepticism about whether hiring an associate is worth the effort

In many cases, the decision to hire was sound—but the execution was flawed .

A mismatch between associate & practice in terms of culture, expectations, or goals can perpetuate what many refer to as the “associate revolving door.”

Toward a Sustainable Hiring Model

Breaking the cycle of associate turnover begins with implementing a deliberate, structured hiring process—one that prioritizes long-term fit over short-term convenience . Successful practices don’t leave associate hiring to chance . Instead, they follow a repeatable, evidence-based model built on three essential pillars:

Cultural & Philosophical Alignment

Great hires happen when practices take time to define their values, clinical philosophy, and working style—and then identify candidates who align with those characteristics . This fit fosters trust, communication, and long-term collaboration .

Structured Mentorship & Onboarding

Even the most qualified associate will struggle without guidance . Establishing clear expectations, scheduled check-ins, and opportunities for clinical and professional development helps new associates integrate successfully and thrive

Financial & Professional Alignment

Associates are more likely to stay and contribute meaningfully when their financial incentives align with the practice’s goals . Transparent compensation models and shared growth plans create a win-win relationship

Distinguishing Effective Hiring

Rather than rushing to fill a vacancy, high-performing practice owners approach associate hiring as a strategic initiative . They define success criteria in advance, create a clear recruitment and evaluation plan, and commit to vetting candidates against those standards This approach shifts hiring from guesswork to informed decision-making .

Hiring the right associate isn’t about luck It’s about following a process that filters for alignment, supports integration, and sets the stage for mutual success .

Solving the associate hiring challenge requires more than just filling a role—it demands clarity, consistency, and commitment . When owners treat hiring as a strategic function rather than a reactive task, they gain team members who contribute meaningfully to growth, culture, and patient care For practice owners ready to expand without compromising their vision or standards, building and following a thoughtful associate hiring system is an essential step forward .

To learn more about

Clinical Specials

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FREE GOODS REDEMPTION: To redeem your promotional goods, please visit: freegoods.ivoclarusa.com or email: MBUSFreegoods@ivoclar.com. Valid in the USA. All purchases must appear on a single invoice between 07/01/2025 -09/30/2025. Requests for free goods must be received by 10/31/2025. Ivoclar Vivadent reserves the right to modify or cancel these promotions at any time. These specials cannot be combined with any other offers or rebate program..

Ask Your Burkhart Account Manager For More Fun Patient Giveaways!

To avoid danger

• Achieves esthetics of 16 Classic VITA®† shades in just 5 shades

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• Truly universal material may be used in anterior or posterior, in restorations large or small, with no slumping

• Provides natural fluorescence and esthetics in ANY light

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New from Ti-Max Z99L

Contra-Angle Electric Handpiece

The Ti-Max Z99L handpiece features an optimized internal gear structure with the ideal number and shape of gears, for more efficient power transmission This enhances motor torque delivery and provides a smoother cutting experience

NSK’s DURAPOWER CHUCK delivers a more consistent and powerful grip, reducing the risk of bur slippage compared to conventional models NSK’s proprietary technology creates a ‘wedge effect’ that improves chuck performance and is designed to firmly grip the bur, preventing slippage during use .

NSK’s Newest Electric Handpiece, the Ti-Max Z99L Provides Smooth Cutting & Enhanced Durability

With uncompromising quality, this flagship model is designed with the rigorous demands of dental professionals in mind The Ti-Max Z95L has been the #1 selling electric attachment for over 4 years — and now it’s even better with the Ti-Max Z99L .

PERFORMANCE

Featuring an enhanced chuck design and optimized gear structure, this handpiece provides improved durability, bur-gripping strength, and cutting performance . The optimized gear and bearing configuration not only enhance durability but reduces the noise level with virtually no vibration .

Like the Ti-Max Z95L, this handpiece is equipped with NSK's two-way water function, easily switch between water-jet and water-mist irrigation with a simple flip of a switch .

World 's First 2-Way

Water Function

NSK’s 2-Way Water Function allows the operator to switch between jet and mist irrigation with a simple flip of a switch.

Jet water irrigation, used without tip air — minimizes the risk of subcutaneous emphysema during invasive procedures . Mist water irrigation, with its strong cooling effect on the bur and tooth surface, helps reduce the risk of thermal damage .

Jet Water

ERGONOMICS

The upgraded 100-degree angled head with slim head and neck dimensions provide excellent visibility and intra-oral access The solid titanium body is 30% lighter than stainless steel and comes with scratch resistant DURAGRIP for added comfort and reduced hand fatigue .

SAFETY

The unique head-cap design helps to limit and disperse heat generation during treatment . Contamination reduction is provided with the NSK's DualDefense™ System with the Clean Head System and the Anti-Retraction Valve .

NSK’s premium handpiece has arrived and includes the industry’s most comprehensive 3-Year WorryFree Warranty With smooth cutting at its peak and durability at its core, the Ti-Max Z99L is the nextgeneration in electric handpieces .

Article written and submitted by NSK

Mist Water

Whitman Family Dental

Written By DAWN KAHL

Community-Centered Modern Dentistry

On a Tuesday evening in March 2020, a threealarm fire broke out in a historic building in downtown Colfax, WA, burning beloved local Fonks Coffeehouse to the ground .

Two doors down was Whitman Family Dental . While firefighters from nearby areas worked to contain the fire practically next door, Dr Matt Mellor rushed to save whatever he could of his dental equipment .

“I was hustling to get the computers out, my mind was racing—I had just bought my pano from Burkhart a couple of months ago,” he recalled .

There were still months to go before the completion of his new office blocks away, and he was already under a shutdown order from COVID-19 Smoke and water damage, combined with the pandemic, caused the practice to be completely down for a few months . Dr . Mellor credits the Colfax community for their support throughout .

“It was really cool to be part of the community... they shut down

the lights of

the whole

downtown. We were in there with flashlights, & people were helping me grab computers, hard drives, trying to get as much of my digital stuff out.”

“It was very stressful at the time, but looking back, it was kind of funny . We were just running back and forth until the fire department finally kicked us out .”

This experience highlights the strong sense of community in Colfax Dr Mellor embodies this spirit in his practice, ensuring that his patients, many of whom travel quite a distance to see him, receive same-day care regardless of their diagnosis . He prides himself on his advanced technology and his commitment to expanding his knowledge to address a wide range of dental issues .

Opposite Top: Whitman Family Dental is on the second floor of this building in Colfax, Washington . Opposite Bottom: Front entrance of Whitman Family Dental

Top Right: Dr Mellor with his newest purchase, the SprintRay Midas

Bottom Right: The charming and inviting waiting area masks the cutting-edge 3D printing operating in the back

Top Left: Whitman Family Dental‘s front desk

Bottom Left: Hallway to operatories

Bottom Right: Dr Mellor displays a recent 3D print

Having grown up in the area, with his family and parents still living there, Dr . Mellor is deeply connected to the community .

His interest in dentistry was sparked in childhood by his positive experiences with his hometown family dentist . With a father who is a local family physician and a grandfather who was a dentist in Spokane, Dr . Mellor spent much of his childhood in his father’s practice .

During high school, he shadowed a dentist and enjoyed the experience, further solidifying his desire to pursue dentistry . He attended the University of Washington and later joined the army, where he completed his dental training . After graduating, he served four years of active duty in Korea and at Walter Reed .

When the opportunity arose to move back home and purchase the same practice he grew up going to, the timing worked out perfectly Dr Mellor had

a plan of what he wanted for his office before he left the military . He is a planner, and he had been sketching out designs and flow for his new office during downtime

About a year into private practice, he and his team were able to move into the new office, and after the COVID shutdowns and the coffeehouse fire, they were finally able to open in July 2020 .

The practice is on the upstairs of a two-story building along with other medical offices . They recently added another chair and a third hygienist It currently runs with six fixed operatories but is designed and plumbed to grow to nine when necessary, and every room is designed to have the flexibility to do everything .

His equipment choices drove his design for the office’s look . Burkhart Equipment Specialist Klint Croucher came in to consult and help solidify his choices

Above: Whitman Family Dental’s sterilization room features the A-dec sterilization system

Top: Dr Mellor’s 3D Printing lab

Bottom: A variety of toys printed by Dr Mellor

Getting Started with 3D PRINTING

Looking to implement 3D printing in your practice but not sure where to start?

Here are Dr . Mellor’s tips:

Make the Commitment

In the world of dentistry, it’s a fairly low investment, he says . Know and be ready to be committed to the process

Start Simple

Dr . Mellor initially started with just printing simple night guards, an accessible but important patient device . Start with one service and develop from there

Learn the Basics

There are steps you will need to know, and there is always a learning curve . Work at it until you get comfortable

Be Open to New Possibilities

The world of 3D printing has blown up in the last few years . You will always have kinks to work through, says Dr . Mellor . “But once you do that, it…opens up a massive avenue for growth ”

“One thing that always drove me crazy [was that] dental clinics always felt really tight and cramped, and I hated that,” said Dr Mellor . “So then just talking with Klint and figuring out, OK, what are my options to develop a system that flows really well that feels spacious, that feels open?”

After a trip to Newburg to visit A-dec with Burkhart, he also worked with an interior designer on the look . He ultimately chose A-dec dental chairs and sterilization equipment .

“I want to be able to provide care as quickly and as effectively as possible,” says Dr Mellor “Being down in Whitman County, it’s not like they’re all in one town . Here, we’ve got lots of people traveling, from 45 minutes, an hour, hour and a half away, just with these outside farming communities, so trying to save them trips is really important to me .”

In the past couple of years, Dr . Mellor’s main focus has been on 3D design and printing . His significant investments in these areas have enabled him to produce nightguards, dentures, implant guides, and,

Top: Spacious operatories on both sides of the hall are designed and equipped to meet a wide range of patient needs, including implants .

Bottom: The pano rescued from the fire: a Vatech Pax-i3D Green CT2 Opposite: A bright & spacious operatory room

recently, crowns using his newly purchased SprintRay Midas unit . This technology allows him greater control over the design process, which is especially important given the lack of nearby dental labs He has dedicated countless weekends and nights to mastering Exocad and other design systems, aiming to make digital design a cornerstone of his practice . The ability to create Midas 3D printed veneers has been particularly beneficial .

“Dentures can be one of the most frustrating things in dentistry. But having now 3D printed, if somebody breaks a denture, instead of me trying to finagle a fix… I just press print …and they have a brand new one.”

After years of tedious pouring, casting, and setting, trying to get resin to flow in, or sending it off to the lab for 2-3 weeks, Dr . Mellor thinks that getting results in a few hours or a day is tremendously time-saving, and frankly, pretty cool

“We can do things better and get better aesthetic results than you would by throwing these huge composites in there, which can do a good job. We just have better technology at our hands these days.”

He’s gotten so into 3D printing that he even prints out toys for the kids in his practice He recently completed a year-long course in implantology, which has allowed him to develop those skills, reducing the need to refer patients out for implants . Dr . Mellor takes pride in being a ‘onestop’ shop for his community, continually learning new skills to better serve his patients .

In the end, says Dr Mellor, “I just really want to be the person that people could rely on If somebody can rely on you to take care of them, make sure they’re getting the best care possible, they’re going to have confidence that, no matter what, they’re gonna be taken care of .”

And that café that caught on fire? The building had to be completely reconstructed, but Fonks Coffeehouse officially reopened in November of 2024 .

Below: The imaging area at Whitman Family Dental

& SPRING INTO Savings WITH

Choose clinical success

3M™ Scotchbond™ Universal Plus Adhesive

By Mark Agre, Technical Applications, Solventum

Since their first appearance on the dental landscape, universal adhesives have established themselves as a great option to simplify procedures, streamline inventory, and satisfy patients. However, as the category has evolved, the available products to choose from have increased — making it more challenging than ever to choose the best option for each case. When selecting a universal adhesive, there are many factors to consider — not the least of which is clinical history and testing.

3M created the universal adhesive category in 2011 with the industry’s first universal adhesive, 3M™ Scotchbond™ Universal Adhesive. Since then, it has shown proven performance and has become the industry’s most researched universal adhesive, with over 400 published reviews. The new 3M™ Scotchbond™ Universal Plus Adhesive was developed to build upon the strengths of the original Scotchbond Universal Adhesive. While just recently launched in 2020, in addition to many existing invitro studies, substantial in-vivo studies have already highlighted its strong performance. In this article, we’ll discuss these studies and what they, and Scotchbond Universal Plus Adhesive, could mean for your practice.

3M oral care is now part of Solventum

When choosing a new universal adhesive for your office, you have a lot to consider — including clinical history. Take a closer look at how 3M™ Scotchbond™ Universal Plus Adhesive builds upon the history of its predecessor with a growing collection of clinical evidence.

Benefits of 3M™ Scotchbond™ Universal and Universal Plus Adhesive

Scotchbond Universal Adhesive laid the groundwork for an entire category of adhesives, introducing a convenient single-bottle solution with previously unseen benefits. This revolutionary adhesive provides high-strength, durable bonds in a singlestep, one-coat application. It delivers true versatility:

Suitable for all direct and indirect bonding techniques

Works with all etching techniques, including total-etch, self-etch, and selective etch

Bonds to virtually all dental and restorative substrates including glass ceramics, without an extra primer

Produces virtually no post-operative sensitivity

Scotchbond Universal Plus Adhesive builds on this bonding legacy by introducing new features to give clinicians more control and predictability. As the first radiopaque universal adhesive, Scotchbond Universal Plus Adhesive reduces the risk of misdiagnosis and overtreatment due to adhesive pooling under restorations. In addition, Scotchbond Universal Plus Adhesive has the same high bond strength to caries-affected dentin as to sound dentin, enabling minimally invasive preparations. Plus, it seals caries-affected dentin by forming a well defined, void-free hybrid layer, which helps prevent secondary decay. On top of all these benefits, Scotchbond Universal Plus Adhesive is fully aligned with 3M™ RelyX™ Universal Resin Cement — offering excellent bond strength for virtually all dual-cure resin cement indications.

Dental Advisor 2-year retrospective report

In 2020, Dental Advisor published results of an ongoing study of Scotchbond Universal Plus Adhesive. In the study, the adhesive was used to bond 2,425 composites, crowns, and veneers. Of these restorations, 2,005 were 1–2 years old and available for recall. These restorations were evaluated for retention, lack of post-op sensitivity, and lack of marginal discoloration. Upon review, all restorations received an excellent rating in all categories:

• None of the restorations debonded during the two years of service

• No patients reported long-term sensitivity, and

• None of the restorations showed any signs of marginal staining.

These results led to Scotchbond Universal Plus Adhesive receiving a 100% clinical performance rating at two years from Dental Advisor.

University of Iceland, 2-year results

In 2021, the University of Iceland conducted a study of 3M products. While the primary objective of this study was to compare the use of warmed and room temperature 3M™ Filtek™ Universal Restorative, 3M™ Scotchbond™ Universal Plus Adhesive was also used in the study to bond Class II composites in a split-mouth in-vivo study involving 48 patients. At the 2-year recall, all the restorations were considered clinically acceptable, and no adverse events occurred. Not only does this highlight the safety and efficacy of Scotchbond Universal Plus Adhesive but also of composite warming as a technique. The excellent results of Scotchbond Universal Plus Adhesive in these 2-year recalls aren’t surprising given the excellent feedback in its in-vivo evaluation prior to introduction.

Conclusion

Universal adhesives are a clinically proven class of dental adhesives that provide simplicity, versatility, and reliability. While Scotchbond Universal Adhesive is the first universal adhesive with the most peer-reviewed studies and clinical research completed, its successor, Scotchbond Universal Plus Adhesive, already has a growing body of clinical evidence. This new adhesive showed excellent clinical results at 2-year recalls during in-vivo studies with Dental Advisor and the University of Iceland. It also received very positive feedback during its in-vivo evaluation prior to introduction. Scotchbond Universal Plus Adhesive is a great option for your practice, and these in-vivo results should give you the confidence that it will last.

Before launch, an in-vivo evaluation of Scotchbond Universal Plus Adhesive was conducted with 309 dentists from 10 different countries. During the 6–12-week evaluation period, over 20,000 restorations were placed using Scotchbond Universal Plus Adhesive for all indications. After this time, participants were asked to rate the features of the new adhesive. The study resulted in excellent feedback in all categories. 95% of evaluators reported that they were satisfied or very satisfied with the performance of Scotchbond Universal Plus Adhesive, and over 95% rated the adhesive as same or better than their preferred adhesive. In addition, 99% of the evaluators stated the Scotchbond Universal Plus Adhesive had the same or lower incidence of post-operative sensitivity compared to their preferred adhesive. These results reinforce what we’ve already seen in this adhesive — that it consistently delivers excellent results for excellent, efficient restorative procedures.

Field evaluation of 3M Scotchbond Universal Plus Adhesive with 309 dentists and over 20,000 applications

Ask your Burkhart Account Manager for complete ordering information.

Dental Anesthetic

Articaine HCl 4% and Epinephrine 1:100,000 Injection

Burkhart Dental Anesthetic is indicated for local, infiltrative, or conductive anesthesia in both simple and complex dental procedures.

• Rapid onset of anesthesia within 1-9 minutes

• Complete anesthesia lasts about 1 hour for infiltrations, up to 2 hours for nerve block

• 10% overage of epinephrine¹

• 24-month shelf life at room temperature

• Sodium edetate-free, methylparaben-free and latex-free

• Most common adverse reactions (incidence >2%) are headache and pain

• Each cartridge is sealed individually in the blister for maximum protection

PART# 72721816

1.800.562.8176

24-Month Long Shelf Life

• Store at room temperature; 77°F (25°C), with brief excursions permitted between 59°F (15°C) and 86°F (30°C)

• Protect from light

• Do not freeze

Convenient Packaging

• Each cartridge is individually sealed for maximum protection up to the moment of use

• Cartridges packed 10 to a blister tray to avoid glass-to-glass contact

• Blister trays packaged in boxes of 50

Dosage & Administration – Adults (Ages 16+)

• For normal healthy adults, the maximum dose of Burkhart Dental Anesthetic administered by submucosal infiltration and/or nerve block should not exceed 7mg/kg (0.175 mL/kg) of articaine HCl

• Dosage should be reduced in elderly patients and in patients with cardiac or liver disease

Pediatric Patients (Ages 4 to 16)

• The quantity of Burkhart Dental Anesthetic in children ages 4 to 16 years of age to be injected should be determined by the age and weight of the child and the magnitude of the operation

• The maximum dose of Burkhart Dental Anesthetic should not exceed 7 mg/kg (0.175 mL/kg) of articaine HCl (see Use in Specific Populations). Use in pediatric patients under 4 years of age is not recommended

Important Safety Information

Care should be taken to avoid accidental intravascular injection, which may be associated with convulsions followed by coma and respiratory arrest. Local anesthetic solutions that contain a vasoconstrictor should be used cautiously, especially in patients with impaired cardiovascular function or vascular disease. Administration of Burkhart Dental Anesthetic results in a 3 to 5-fold increase in plasma epinephrine concentrations compared to baseline. However, in healthy adults, it does not appear to be associated with marked increases in blood pressure or heart rate, except in the case of accidental intravascular injection. The most common adverse reactions (incidence >2%) are headache and pain. Inform patients in advance of the possibility of temporary loss of sensation and muscle function following infiltration and nerve block injections. Instruct patients not to eat or drink until normal sensation returns.

1. The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends using the lowest possible quantity of epinephrine (Kaplan EL ed. Cardiovascular disease in dental practice. Dallas, TX: American Heart Association, 1986)

Structur® 3

Nano-filled Bis-acrylic

Structur® 2 SC

Fast-setting Bis-acrylic