Event review: 2014 Midwinter Meeting in Chicago

“This meeting’s intent is to provide every member of the dental team an opportunity to expand their knowledge of the art, science and practice of dentistry through ground-breaking technologies, hands-on courses and in-depth educational programs,” said Dr. Richard S. Holba, president of CDS.

On the exhibit hall floor, there was plenty to take in.

KaVo Kerr Group — a global portfolio of dental brands — featured 20 new products in Chicago. Among them were the new ElementsFree cordless obturation unit and TF Adaptive NiTi file system, available from Axis/Sybron Endo; new Custom Direct Abutments and InterActive implant systems, available from Implant Direct; the new Op300 Maxio digital panoramic imaging system, featuring a new medium field of view, available from Instrumentarium; and the new 3000 dental chair, featuring the Narrow Back Advantage and new enhanced industrial design, available from Pelton & Crane.

“Our commitment to enhancing the standard of care that our clinicians provide through efficient workflows and simplification of dentistry is on full display in Chicago,” said Matt Garrett, vice president of marketing for KaVo Kerr Group. “We are thrilled to be delivering a broad array of innovations represented by brands our clinicians use and trust every day.”

At Ivocalr Vivadent, there was lots of excitement about e.max ceramic, which is ideal for correcting cracked or chipped teeth, discoloration or unsightly metal restorations. Attendees could stop by the company’s booth to get a picture taken and be interviewed for social media about this and many other products.

Tapmaster was offering its distinctive patented technology that uses the existing water pressure in your water lines to activate your faucet. The result is a reliable, convenient, hands-free method of turning water on and off that is easy to install and ecologically friendly.

3Shape was demonstrating its recently released Dental System 2014, the coming innovations in Dental System 2015, and showcasing an array of exciting new developments to its TRIOS digital-impression solution.

In the lecture halls, educational highlights were abundant.

“The Evolution of Digital Restorative Dentistry – LIVE!” featuring Dr. Alex Touchstone, Angela Guanzini, CDD, RDH, and Lee Culp, CDT, a free live patient demonstration, examined the possibilities of in-office, same-day restorative dentistry.

“Workshop: Anxious, Special-Needs Patients” with Dr. Harvey Levy showed attendees many tools used in the dental office to manage patients who have anxiety or special needs.

“Reality or Hype? Lasers in Periodontal Pocket Surgery” with Dr. Lloyd Tilt helped attendees separate fact from fiction and to evaluate what laser might best fit each patient.