Editor's note: This article appeared in the March 2022 print edition of Dental Economics magazine.

Editor's note: This blog was written by Ultradent President & CEO Dirk Jeffs as part of the From the Desk of Dirk Jeffs series. I was a little starstruck, finding myself seated right next to Peter Schutz, former president and CEO of Porsche. Ultradent founder, Dr. Dan Fischer had recently attended a CEO peer group where Peter spoke about his now-famous “hire character, train skill” philosophy. If you know Dan, it shouldn’t be hard to imagine him greeting Peter with a vigorous handshake and immediately inviting him to visit our headquarters in Utah. Also, if you know Dan's charm, it shouldn’t be hard to imagine that Peter agreed. A few of Ultradent’s leaders were arranged around a table in the Wasatch conference room, excited and eager to learn from this renowned business leader who had transformed an iconic brand. It felt like we were hitting the big time.

Infection control barriers on dental curing lights are paramount for infection control—especially in pandemic/post-pandemic times, patients expect these measures to be taken more seriously than ever. Using these barriers on certain pieces of equipment have become as intuitive as putting on gloves before a procedure. While they can impact light output, proper application will ensure minimal effect on light while providing infection control.

The answer is simple: Yes.

Social media timelines are filled with folks using UV lights to whiten their teeth. From TikTok trends to Instagram influencers, people all over the internet are claiming these lights gave them the bright smile they’ve always wanted. Are these lights upending the professional teeth whitening business, reshaping long-standing practices and crumbling traditional practices? No, they’re not. Because, bluntly, they’re a gimmick—little more than marketing fodder fed to masses in an effort to seem superior.

How to Market Teeth Whitening on Social Media Analysts say more than 38 million adults will use whiteners this year and the tooth whitening market is projected to grow annually by 4%. Brightening smiles can be a tool to grow your practice, but a few waiting room signs and pamphlets aren't enough promotion to make the most out of the professional tooth whitening services you provide.

The Gemini™ dual-wavelength diode laser can increase the efficiency of hygiene and dental procedures, boosting the health of patients and practice EDITOR’S NOTE: This article was originally published by Dental Product Shopper, October 7, 2021, viewable here. When patients hear the word “laser” spoken by their clinician, they may become understandably concerned if they have not previously encountered this technology. However, the versatile device can help provide virtually painless treatment for a wide range of indications.

When discussing our core values Dr. Dan Fischer, founder of Ultradent Products Inc., often says “Honesty plus courage equals integrity.” It’s interesting to see how that value equation has played out over the years in everything, from the way Ultradent advertises its products to research and development.

By Dr. Irene Renieris, DDS EDITOR’S NOTE: This article was originally published by Dental Product Shopper, September 10, 2021, viewable here. When I was looking to purchase what would be my first dental laser, I spent a lot of time doing research—I even had different companies drop off their lasers for me to give them a try for a week. By far, the Gemini laser from Ultradent stood out as the cleanest and easiest to use. I really liked the fact that it had dual wavelength, and it allowed for easy updates by just plugging it into a computer.

By Dr. Mark Pettit, DDS Call me paranoid, but I don’t think I’m alone in having wondered what the dental lab I use thinks of my dentistry. Sure, dental labs deal with things like poor retentive preps, illegible finish lines (margins), pulls in the impression, different viscosity impression materials that aren’t properly blended, insufficient reduction, and inaccurate bites on a daily basis. The real question is, does the lab dread, or love seeing your impressions come through their door?