Industry News

The Industry News section helps keep you informed and up-to-date about what’s happening in the dental profession. If there is information you would like to share in this section, please email your news releases to arselia@farranmedia.com. All material is subject to editing and space availability.

Incisal Edge Names Dr. Howard Farran One of the Most Influential People in Dentistry
Benco Dental's lifestyle magazine Incisal Edge recently released its inaugural list of the most influential people in dentistry. Dentaltown founder Dr. Howard Farran ranked third on the list.

When it came down to determining influence, magazine founder Chuck Cohen says the team counted dollars (company size or size of budget controlled), followed by the weight an organization carries and how much influence an individual has through his or her speaking, writing or research activities. The list is extremely diverse, with only 14 dentists on the list of 32.

Farran's many industry accomplishments, including successfully lobbying Phoenix city council to fluoridate its water in 1989, earned him a spot in the top three. Over the course of 30 years, they applaud him for wearing many hats: those of a practicing dentist, the founder and owner of a media empire, and an educator who reaches millions of dentists worldwide.

For more information and to view the list, visit incisaledgemagazine.com.

New Company Aims to Provide Alternative to Traditional Insurance
Afora, a dental care membership plan that connects members with dental professionals, is officially open for business. 

Nearly 50 percent of adults living in the U.S. don't have dental insurance, and 90 percent of those who do receive coverage through their employers. Afora offers consumers another option: an extensive network of providers who offer services at a flat fee, making it easier to find affordable care. Afora's basic plan costs $25 a month and includes two standard cleanings, an annual exam and X-rays. A premium plan, $45 per month, includes four standard cleanings, an annual exam and X-rays, a $1,000 voucher toward comprehensive orthodontics and unlimited $150 vouchers toward whitening treatments.

There are no deductibles and no maximums. Afora wants to remove the mystery and the fear out of a trip to the dentist and seeks to increase consumer choice through a trusted dental care membership plan. All patients have access to fee schedules and the searchable network of dental professionals.

For more information, visit 

aforacare.com or call 929-399-5289.

America's ToothFairy and Kolibree Offer Smart Toothbrush Sampling Opportunity for Dental Practices
America's ToothFairy: National Children's Oral Health Foundation and Kolibree invite U.S.-based dental practices to participate in a special opportunity to test a sonic toothbrush with 3-D motion sensors.

The toothbrush, developed by French oral care company Kolibree, collects precise, real-time data to improve users' oral health using an interactive smartphone app.

Each participating dental practice will receive, at no cost, 10 Kolibree toothbrushes. One or two units will be to test and display at their practice, with the remainder distributed to selected patients. Participating patients must make full use of the Kolibree app and features, and agree to use the brush with the application twice a day for 30 days.

Practices interested in participating can apply at bit.ly/2fNEQTk. The free opportunity is open to 150 practices on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Kolibree app (free on App Store or Google Play) includes an interactive, educational game called Go Pirate!, which teaches children to brush all areas of their mouth thoroughly. As children progress in brushing regularity and proficiency, badges and points are earned, rewarding children for improving their oral health.