Episodes
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Innovation is rampant in orthodontics—to the point that we’re seeing innovation within innovation. Take 3D printing, for example. The 3D printer alone—just the printer itself—has been revolutionary. It has allowed the orthodontic practice to take control and fabricate aligners in-office, on their own schedule. But it wasn’t the 3D printer alone that facilitated this. Along the way, additional innovations were needed—chief among them the thermoforming plastic material. And now, these materials are further evolving with a new material that allows for direct 3D-printed aligners. Orthodontic Products Chief Editor Alison Werner spoke to Ki Beom Kim, DDS, PhD, the Dr Lysle Johnston Endowed Chair in Orthodontics, and the program director in the orthodontic department at the Center for Advanced Dental Education at Saint Louis University, on a recent podcast episode about a new material that allows for direct 3D-printed aligners.
“If you have a 3D printer, you can now directly print this aligner without having [a] model, without going through the thermoforming process,” said Kim, adding that, with this new FDA approved material, the in-office lab can skip several steps in the current manufacturing workflow, including cutting out the aligners and polishing before delivery to the patient.What’s more, according to Kim, with a direct printed aligner, the clinician can more precisely control the thickness and insert bumps as needed. Kim shared that he and his team found that when the orthodontist can control the thickness they can “control the geometric inside of the aligner.” That, and the ability to add bumps, creates a huge opportunity for the orthodontist because it helps reduce the need for attachments, he said.
Kim and his colleagues have spent the last 3 years testing the Direct Aligner photopolymer material from the South Korean 3D printing material company Graphy. Their findings were recently published in Progress in Orthodontics. The team found that controlling material dimensions, structure, and properties of aligners directly—compared to thermoforming plastic sheets—has the potential to make the process of tooth movement faster, less wasteful, and more precise.For Kim, the shape memory polymer used to make the material is very interesting.
He says it somewhat mimics the behavior of NiTi wire. The difference being that a NiTi wire can be exposed to cold temperature to become more flexible, while this Direct Aligner material becomes totally flexible when placed in warm/hot water. The advantage of this shape memory, according to Kim, is that the patient can maintain the shape—and thus the forces—of the aligner at home. Kim points out that patients remove their aligner up to 10 to 20 times a day to eat. “So think about the plastic deformation” every time they remove the aligner, said Kim. But with this material and some warm water, the shape can be restored. Kim uses the analogy of a deformed plastic Coke bottle. Once it’s deformed, it’s not going back to its original shape. But with this material, he can advise patients to put their aligner in warm water at the end of the day if they notice it’s not tight enough. “It will go back to the original shape so they can maintain [a better fit] every day,” he added.Now when it comes to forces, Kim shares he has been able to apply bigger activations per aligner, thus saving time in treatment and decreasing the number of aligners over the course of treatment. With traditional thermoforming plastics, Kim points out, something like a .5 mm activation per aligner can create a force level that causes the patient too much discomfort and even pain. But with this material, Kim can do that.
“I’m constantly putting .5 mm activations and even 5° rotation per aligner, and then have patients wear [the aligner] just a little bit longer—maybe 2 weeks. Sometimes we go longer,” said Kim, adding that with a standard activation of .25 mm per aligner, to move 1 mm you need four aligners. “But if I can put .5 mm activation per aligner [and] have them wear [it] for 2 weeks, then I need only two aligners.”In this episode, Kim also talks about the hardware requirements, including 3D printer compatibility with the material needed, and the need for a specific type of curing machine. He also talks about the staging software needed to plan cases using direct 3D-printed aligners. What’s more, he talks about retention and his plans to test an on-site retainer-bending machine from YOAT, a medical technology manufacturer based in Seattle. OP
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While the pathophysiology of idiopathic hypersomnia is unknown, emerging science suggests that nighttime sleep dysfunction may contribute to daytime sleepiness in patients with idiopathic hypersomnia. A systematic review and meta-analysis that included 10 studies found that, on average, several sleep architecture hallmarks were different in patients with idiopathic hypersomnia relative to controls.
Total sleep time and percent of REM sleep were increased in patients with idiopathic hypersomnia compared with controls.Sleep-onset latency and percent of slow-wave sleep were decreased in patients with idiopathic hypersomnia compared with controls.Sleep efficiency and REM latency were similar between patients with IH and controls.In addition to nighttime sleep dysfunction, other physiological changes have been observed in some patients with idiopathic hypersomnia and theorized as possible contributors to its pathophysiology including:
Dysfunction of the GABAergic systemAutonomic system dysfunctionAltered functional or regional connectivity in the brainCircadian system dysfunctionDysfunction of energy metabolismThis episode is produced by Sleep Review and is episode 5 of a 5-part series sponsored by Jazz Pharmaceuticals. Visit Jazzpharma.com and SleepCountsHCP.com for more information. In episode 5, listen as Sleep Review’s Sree Roy and neurologist-sleep specialist Isabelle Arnulf, MD, PhD, discuss:
Science doesn’t fully understand the pathophysiology of idiopathic hypersomnia. Research has revealed potential clues, however. For example, idiopathic hypersomnia is associated with changes in sleep staging and architecture. What does emerging science suggest are differences in nighttime sleep?How might the arousal index differ in idiopathic hypersomnia versus in people without it, and why might that matter?In addition to nighttime sleep dysfunction, other physiological changes have been observed in some patients with idiopathic hypersomnia and theorized as possible contributors to its pathophysiology. What is the GABAergic system and its possible role?What are some emerging findings surrounding idiopathic hypersomnia and autonomic system dysfunction?What is the evidence that supports the idea of altered functional or regional connectivity in the brain in people with idiopathic hypersomnia?There were fascinating studies done on skin fibroblasts, suggesting that circadian period length may be different in people with idiopathic hypersomnia versus in people without it. What role might circadian rhythm dysfunction have in idiopathic hypersomnia?What has science discovered about the possible role of dysfunction of energy metabolism in idiopathic hypersomnia?What further research would you like to see conducted on the pathophysiology of idiopathic hypersomnia?Listen to Episode 1: Symptoms of Idiopathic Hypersomnia
Listen to Episode 2: Diagnosis of Idiopathic Hypersomnia
Listen to Episode 3: Differential Diagnosis of Idiopathic Hypersomnia
Listen to Episode 4: Burden of Idiopathic Hypersomnia
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Missing episodes?
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In this episode of Clinical Lab Chat, Chris Wolski, CLP’s director of Business Intelligence, David West, CEO of Proscia, and Lou Welebob, vice president and general manager of pathology at Agilent, take a deep dive into the big challenges facing clinical labs today, including workforce shortages, scaling lab operations, and reimbursement, along with some of their solutions, including increased automation, agnostic platforms, and more coherent reimbursement coordination with regulatory agencies.
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People with idiopathic hypersomnia face a significant disease burden. Idiopathic hypersomnia is associated with challenges that impact daily living activities, such as limitations at school, work, interpersonal relationships, and social activities. Various impairments include
Impacts on attention and cognition, which can be characterized as “brain fog”The burden of memory problems and a feeling of the mind going blank or making a mistake in a habitual activityPublic health and safety are also impacted, as more severe causes of sleepiness can be cause for accidents. Management strategies may not address the underlying sleep dysfunction associated, resulting in suboptimal symptom management. Patient survey and registry data suggest patients continue to experience symptoms of idiopathic hypersomnia and residual disease burden. This episode is produced by Sleep Review and is episode 4 of a 5-part series sponsored by Jazz Pharmaceuticals. Visit Jazzpharma.com and SleepCountsHCP.com for more information. In episode 4, listen as Sleep Review’s Sree Roy and pulmonologist-sleep specialist Richard K. Bogan, MD, discuss:
What are some limits that people with idiopathic hypersomnia can experience in their daily living activities?How do people with idiopathic hypersomnia commonly describe "brain fog," and what are some of the real-life consequences it?How does prolonged sleep inertia place a burden on the people with idiopathic hypersomnia who experience this symptom?What do you see as the burden of idiopathic hypersomnia on public health and safety?Beyond medications, how is idiopathic hypersomnia typically managed to control for symptoms as much as possible?How do you determine when therapy for idiopathic hypersomnia has been optimized, and what symptoms may remain at this point? -
In the latest episode of Clinical Lab Chat, CLP’s director of business intelligence, Chris Wolski, has a wide-ranging discussion with Jeff Andrews, MD, FRCSC, vice president of Medical Affairs for BD, about BD’s recent STI health survey and what the findings mean for women’s health and their access to care. They also discuss the poor state of medical health education in the U.S., solutions that can help healthcare providers more efficiently test women for sexually transmitted infections, and how laboratorians can help improve testing rates.
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This episode also provides valuable advice for sleep techs dealing with patients wanting to use mouth tape during in-lab sleep studies. DeNike underlines the importance of ensuring patients have a healthy nasal passageway and clarifies the role of mouth tape as a supportive accessory, not a standalone treatment. This episode is sure to provide you with a deeper understanding of mouth taping during sleep, armed with expert advice and valuable insights, whether you're a sleep professional or someone simply interested in optimizing your sleep health. In this episode, we answer the questions:What exactly is mouth taping during sleep?How has the practice of mouth taping during sleep evolved in popularity over the years?Is there any evidence that mouth taping is useful for healthy sleepers, that is, people without any sleep disorders?Is there any evidence that mouth taping is useful for people with any sleep disorders, perhaps as an add-on to a device such as an oral appliance for sleep apnea?What dangers are associated with mouth taping during sleep?What is your advice to sleep techs for how to handle the situation of an in-lab sleep study patient who wants to use mouth taping during an in-lab sleep study?What is your evidence to sleep medicine professionals if their patients confide in them that they using mouth tape, either with or without their prescribed device, to treat a sleep disorder?
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The differential diagnosis of idiopathic hypersomnia is challenging for several reasons. Its hallmark symptom, excessive daytime sleepiness, is a common symptom of many disorders, and ts ancillary symptoms also overlap with other disorders. A lack of validated biomarkers adds to the challenge. Assessing for key symptoms and medical history is a first step to help identify patients presenting with excessive daytime sleepiness who may have idiopathic hypersomnia. From there, there are several symptoms that can differentiate the diagnosis of idiopathic hypersomnia from other disorders such as sleep apnea or narcolepsy. These include:
Sleep inertia: sleep inertia is common in patients with idiopathic hypersomnia but can also be reported by individuals with mood disordersPatients with idiopathic hypersomnia often find naps to be long and unrefreshing, while patients with narcolepsy generally find short naps to be restorativeIf a patient has prolonged nighttime sleep, long sleeper syndrome should be considered; in contrast to patients with idiopathic hypersomnia, long sleepers feel refreshed and do not have daytime sleepiness and difficulty awakening if they are allowed to sleep as long as they needCognitive complaints, often described as "brain fog" are common symptoms of idiopathic hypersomnia but also can occur in patients with various sleep-wake disorders (including narcolepsy type 1 and insufficient sleep syndrome)This episode is produced by Sleep Review and is episode 3 of a 5-part series sponsored by Jazz Pharmaceuticals. Visit Jazzpharma.com and SleepCountsHCP.com for more information. In episode 3, listen as Sleep Review’s Sree Roy and neurologist-sleep specialist Yves Dauvilliers, MD, PhD, discuss:
Idiopathic hypersomnia can be particularly challenging to diagnose because of its lack of specific biomarkers, as well as its symptoms resembling those of other disorders. How do you differentiate idiopathic hypersomnia from hypersomnias of a specific cause, such as narcolepsy type 1 and type 2, insufficient sleep syndrome, or hypersomnia due to a neurodegenerative disease?A minority of people simply need to sleep longer than most, even 10 hours or more, to feel refreshed. How do you determine if that applies to a given person, who may not have a sleep disorder at all?How do you differentiate idiopathic hypersomnia from hypersomnia comorbid to psychiatric disorders, such as prolonged sleep time tied to depression?At what point in ruling out other disorders should objective sleep testing, such as polysomnography and multiple sleep latency testing, be done?Why is idiopathic hypersomnia sometimes confused with sleep-breathing disorders? When would you recommend a CPAP trial to address possible apneas, hypopneas, or respiratory-event related arousals?How do you distinguish chronic fatigue syndrome from idiopathic hypersomnia?Listen to Episode 1: Symptoms of Idiopathic Hypersomnia Listen to Episode 2: Diagnosis of Idiopathic Hypersomnia -
Sleep specialist Indira Gurubhagavatula, MD, MPH, is our guest and chair of the Count on Sleep Tool Development and Surveillance Workgroup for The Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Indicator Report, which provides an in-depth analysis of the symptoms, risk factors, prevalence, and burden of obstructive sleep apnea and serves as a resource for both the public and the health care communities on the importance of diagnosis and long-term treatment. Gurubhagavatula and Sleep Review editor Sree Roy discuss the hidden risks of obstructive sleep apnea—the mortality and morbidity that makes obstructive sleep apnea (OSA, for short) particularly insidious. We discuss obstructive sleep apnea’s links to vehicle crashes, treatment-resistant hypertension, impaired brain function, erectile dysfunction and female sexual dysfunction, type 2 diabetes, and early death. We also discuss treatments for obstructive sleep apnea and how healthcare providers can screen patients to intervene early for patients at risk of obstructive sleep apnea. Specifically, this episode about the hidden risks of obstructive sleep apnea provides answers to: What is obstructive sleep apnea, also known as OSA for short?What do you think is the most troubling risk of not treating obstructive sleep apnea?How has treatment-resistant hypertension been linked to OSA?How can the impaired brain function linked to OSA manifest in patients?What evidence is out there that erectile dysfunction and female sexual dysfunction can be tied to OSA?How has obstructive sleep apnea been linked to diabetes?The worst link in my view is that obstructive sleep apnea has been linked to an earlier death. Why is that?Treatment of sleep apnea typically involves a device, such as a CPAP machine or an oral appliance, though surgery can be an option for some patients. Is there any evidence that treating OSA can alleviate some of sleep apnea morbidities or mortality?With all of this evidence in mind, what should healthcare providers do to help identify patients who are likely to have obstructive sleep apnea?What should any patients listening to this podcast do if they think they have symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea?
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The International Classification of Sleep Disorders, 3rd ed, lists the criteria needed for a diagnosis idiopathic hypersomnia.
For a diagnosis of idiopathic hypersomnia, the following must be met:
o excessive daytime sleepiness daily for at least 3 months
o cataplexy is not present
o multiple sleep latency test (MSLT) shows <2 or no sleep-onset REM periods (SOREMPs) if the rapid eye movement (REM) latency on the preceding polysomnogram (PSG) was ≤15 minutes
o insufficient sleep syndrome is ruled out
And at least one of the following:
o MSLT shows a mean sleep latency of ≤8 minutes
o Total 24-hour sleep time is ≥660 minutes (typically 12-14 hours) on 24-hour PSG monitoring (performed after correction of chronic sleep deprivation), or by wrist actigraphy in association with a sleep log (averaged over at least 7 days with unrestricted sleep)
o Hypersomnolence and/or MSLT findings are not better explained by another sleep disorder, other medical or psychiatric disorders, or use of drugs or medication
Additional supportive features can include:
o Severe and prolonged sleep inertia
o High sleep efficiency (>90%)
o Long, unrefreshing naps (>1 hour)
This episode is produced by Sleep Review. It is episode 2 of a 5-part series sponsored by Jazz Pharmaceuticals. Visit Jazzpharma.com and SleepCountsHCP.com for more information.
In episode 2, listen as Sleep Review’s Sree Roy and neurologist-sleep specialist Margaret S. Blattner, MD, PhD discuss:
o What are some barriers to diagnosing idiopathic hypersomnia?
o Objective sleep testing is needed to diagnosis idiopathic hypersomnia. What polysomnography and multiple sleep latency test findings support a diagnosis of idiopathic hypersomnia?
o What are some best practices for conducting a PSG and MSLT for a patient with suspected idiopathic hypersomnia?
o What are some of the additional commonly seen supportive features of idiopathic hypersomnia? -
Join 24x7 chief editor Keri Forsythe-Stephens as she sits down with cybersecurity expert Scott Trevino to delve into the pressing issue of medical device cybersecurity. As senior vice president for cybersecurity at comprehensive clinical asset management service provider TRIMEDX, Trevino shares how he stays at the forefront of cybersecurity trends, with a keen focus on medical devices. Moreover, he reveals his pivotal role in developing cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions for TRIMEDX's clients, aiming to fortify their defense against evolving cyber threats.
The podcast provides a comprehensive analysis of the current state of healthcare cybersecurity. Trevino points out that the healthcare industry, particularly medical devices, has lagged significantly behind other critical infrastructure sectors in terms of cybersecurity maturity. He cites alarming statistics, showcasing a staggering 200% increase in ransomware attacks in the past five years.
He also highlights the severe impact of cyberattacks on patient care, clinicians, and HTM professionals. Trevino emphasizes that delays in treatment due to cyber incidents result in a 30%-plus increase in direct patient harm or complications, profoundly affecting patient outcomes.
The conversation turns to the legislation and regulations surrounding medical device cybersecurity. And Trevino discusses the recent legislative actions empowering the U.S. FDA to enforce cybersecurity requirements on medical device manufacturers. However, he warns against relying solely on legislation and encourages healthcare providers to proactively assess and improve their cybersecurity practices.
Finally, Trevino shares how TRIMEDX has launched a revolutionary cybersecurity solution called Vigilor. This product provides comprehensive cybersecurity services to hospitals, even those without TRIMEDX's clinical engineering program. Scott discusses how Vigilor works collaboratively with existing biomed teams and IT departments to assess risks and drive improvement.
To learn more about Vigilor from TRIMEDX or to request a Cyber Current State Assessment, visit trimedx.com/cybersecurity. -
Excessive daytime sleepiness is an essential feature of idiopathic hypersomnia, but other key symptoms and aspects of the medical history are crucial when evaluating patients who present with excessive daytime sleepiness. Patients with idiopathic hypersomnia commonly report the following symptoms in addition to excessive daytime sleepiness: severe and prolonged sleep inertia, long and unrefreshing naps, prolonged sleep time, and cognitive dysfunction.
Knowing the key symptoms and utilizing sleep testing can increase a healthcare professional’s confidence in his/her diagnosis of idiopathic hypersomnia.
The Idiopathic Hypersomnia Severity Scale is a 14-item questionnaire that is a clinical tool designed specifically to measure patients’ idiopathic hypersomnia symptoms and provide a touchpoint that might be useful for patient identification, follow-up visits, and idiopathic hypersomnia management.This episode is produced by Sleep Review. It is episode 1 of a 5-part series sponsored by Jazz Pharmaceuticals. Visit Jazzpharma.com and SleepCountsHCP.com for more information.
In episode 1, listen as Sleep Review’s Sree Roy and sleep specialist Logan Schneider, MD, discuss:
The symptom of idiopathic hypersomnia that people are most familiar with is excessive daytime sleepiness. Will you define and briefly explain this core symptom?But excessive daytime sleepiness is not the only symptom typically reported by people with idiopathic hypersomnia. Prolonged sleep time is another common symptom. What can this mean over the course of a 24-hour day?Sleep inertia, that feeling of difficulty waking up, can happen to all of us. How can sleep inertia differ in people with idiopathic hypersomnia versus in those without it?Are naps generally restorative for people with idiopathic hypersomnia? Does length matter?What ancillary cognitive symptoms are commonly reported with idiopathic hypersomnia?In 2019, the Idiopathic Hypersomnia Severity Scale was developed to measure the severity, frequency, and functional impact of the key symptoms of excessive daytime sleepiness, prolonged nighttime sleep, and sleep inertia. What do you think is the clinical utility of this questionnaire?To dive even deeper:
https://sleepreviewmag.com/sleep-disorders/hypersomnias/idiopathic-hypersomniaTrotti LM. Idiopathic hypersomnia. Sleep Med Clin. 2017;12(3):331-44.Dauvilliers Y. Idiopathic hypersomnia severity scale. 2018.Arnulf I, Leu-Semenescu S, Dodet P. Precision medicine for idiopathic hypersomnia. Sleep Med Clin. 2019;14(3):333-50.Vernet C, Leu-Semenescu S, Buzare MA, Arnulf I. Subjective symptoms in idiopathic hypersomnia: beyond excessive sleepiness. J Sleep Res. 2010;19(4):525-34.Dauvilliers Y, Evangelista E, Barateau L, et al. Measurement of symptoms in idiopathic hypersomnia: The Idiopathic Hypersomnia Severity Scale. Neurology. 2019;92(15):e1754-62.Rassu AL, Evangelista E, Barateau L, et al. Idiopathic Hypersomnia Severity Scale to better quantify symptoms severity and their consequences in idiopathic hypersomnia. J Clin Sleep Med. 2022;18(2):617-29. -
Infection prevention expert Jackie Dorst, RDH, BS, is back on the Orthodontic Products podcast to talk to host Alison Werner about the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency and what is means for the orthodontic practice.
The COVID-19 public health emergency, issued on January 31, 2020, by the U.S. government put in place temporary measures to increase the federal government’s ability to detect and contain the virus. On May 11, 2023, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services allowed the public health emergency to expire. This will bring an end to a number of programs, including those that gave access to free vaccines and treatment for COVID infections. But, as Dorst explains in this episode, the sunsetting of the CDC’s COVID data tracking efforts will have the most impact on the healthcare sector. As Dorst explains, that data provided information on community infectivity which could be used to guide the sector’s infection control protocols.
In this episode, Dorst breaks down what the end of the public health emergency means for orthodontic practices and her recommendations going forward. She points to the end of staff and patient health screenings for COVID, but reminds practices that basic health screening is still important to protect staff and other patients from other infections. Dorst also talks about the importance of having a return to work policy for staff members who are ill, whether it’s COVID or not and the role masking can still play in the practice beyond those procedures that result in splatters and splashes. And from there, Dorst reminds listeners that OSHA’s respiratory protection standard, which predates the COVID-19 pandemic, and vaccine guidelines are unaffected by the end of the public health emergency. She talks about best practices and shares resources for practices.
To close out the episode on the public health emergency, Dorst addresses the CDC’s recent announcement regarding ventilation in buildings and public spaces. And while it doesn’t pertain to healthcare spaces, she reminds listeners of the CDC guidance for healthcare spaces, including orthodontic offices. OP
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Immunize.org—Healthcare Personnel Vaccination Recommendations -
In this podcast, American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) President Myron Guymon, DDS, MS, joins host Alison Werner for the Orthodontic Products podcast on the Medqor Podcast Network. Guymon, who just started his 1-year term as AAO president, shares his priorities for his term and talks about the ongoing work of the AAO.
Guymon, who is a graduate of Baylor Dental College (now known as Texas A&M School of Dentistry) and went on to open his practice in northern Utah, started in leadership at the component level with the Utah Association of Orthodontists before moving on to leadership roles within the Rocky Mountain Society of Orthodontists. As he was closing out his presidency of the Utah state association, he had his first opportunity to become involved with the AAO with its Council on Communications.
In this episode, Guymon talks about the benefits of being involved in state, regional, and national orthodontic associations. As Guymon says, “We are so much better together as a group.” At the same time, he acknowledges that not every orthodontist wants to get involved in leadership; but there are still a myriad of opportunities to still get involved and make a difference—whether it’s serving on a committee or task force, or simply sending a text to a legislator.
Guymon, who stepped into his term as AAO president for 2023-2024 at the close of the recent AAO Annual Session in Chicago, shares that his number one priority for his term is to be help shepherd the many initiatives that have been launched in recent years—such as TechSelect and the New Product Showcase. As Guymon puts it, the AAO seeks to support and encourage innovation in the profession.
From there, Guymon talks about the latest campaign from the AAO Consumer Awareness Program—or CAP—and the association’s advocacy work. At the federal level, the AAO remains focused on such issues as student load relief and the RAISE Act. But it’s at the state and regulatory level, that Guymon says the AAO has been able to have a more immediate impact. He talks about the AAO’s approach and how its team has been able to monitor and react quickly to ensure the health and safety of the profession and patients.
In this interview, Guymon also shares his thoughts on how the profession has evolved, the AAO’s diversity and inclusion work and upcoming Winter Conference in San Antonio and next Annual Session in New Orleans, and how the AAO can work with DSOs/OSOs. OP -
In this podcast, Plastic Surgery Practice Co-Chief Editors Alison Werner and Keri Stephens interview James Beckman, MD, founder and CEO of Therapon Skin Health. They talk about the company’s Theraderm Clinical Skin Care line, its proprietary peptides, and how Theraderm grew out of Beckman’s works to develop a product to improve the skin of burn victims with skin-grafted hands. They also talk to him about where skin care is headed.
Beckman, who spent 20 years in private practice as a plastic and reconstructive surgeon and has a degree in biochemistry, shares his journey to creating a commercial product with active peptides for skin showing the signs of aging. The product grew out of his work with patients who had suffered burns or lost skin that resulted in skin grafts to close the wound and with patients who were just experiencing extremely dry skin as a result of their working conditions.
Working with a local pharmacist, he created his first product: Beckman’s Dry Skin Therapy. The product caught on with fellow plastic surgeons and he soon had his first company. From there, he sought to develop a product that restored elasticity and collagen of aging skin.
Today, the Theraderm Clinical Skin Care line has three product systems—an anti-aging, a skin renewal, and a revision clear skin system. As Beckman puts it, “Those three systems developed out of one system, and that one system developed out of one product that restored the oil depletion in dry hands.”
When looking to the future for the skin care company and its products lines, Beckman shares his philosophy on product development overall—and it centers on helping the consumer actually solve a problem. “I think the key for skin care product manufacturers is to—with any product—go out and see what the consumers are suffering with and try to find an answer that solves that problem rather than an advertising campaign that sells more of your product.”
In this interview, Beckman takes the listener through his career journey as a plastic surgeon in rural Arkansas and shares how word-of-mouth marketing is so much more valuable than having a huge advertising budget. After all, that’s how he found success with Beckman’s Dry Skin Therapy, and that pattern continues today with Theraderm's skin care product lines. PSP -
In this podcast, sponsored by DentalMonitoring, Orthodontic Products Chief Editor Alison Werner is joined by Blake Davis, DDS, an orthodontist in private practice at Kirkland Redmond Orthodontics in Washington to talk about remote monitoring, the role it plays in practice growth, and how it fits into the digital workflow of today’s orthodontic practice.
When Davis started his private practice 6 years ago, he was limited on space; the only spaces available were under 1,200 feet. But within this space, Davis built out four chairs and relied on technology and a digital workflow to make that small space as useful and productive as possible.
Three year’s later, Davis’ practice went a step further and went fully digital—adopting customized treatment for both aligners and brackets, and with that remote monitoring—all in an effort to grow the practice.
As Davis describes it, the decision to go fully digital was a big one, but it was also purposeful and intentional. And a key component of that was choosing the right technologies. On the bracket front, that was LightForce’s custom 3D-printed bracket system. And for remote monitoring, it was DentalMonitoring. That platform, he says, allowed him to “exponentially grow and change” his practice’s capacity.
In the 2+ years since implementing DentalMonitoring, Davis says his practice has seen increased production, starts, and volume, all while not growing the team—and having more time to spend with family.
Davis, who didn’t implement DentalMonitoring until the latter half of 2020, talks about he relied on a self-created app in the early days of the pandemic to monitor patients virtually. But he and his staff could only manage 50 to 60 patients at a time. Knowing he needed a more robust system to expand, he turned to DentalMonitoring and with its AI tools now monitors close to 1,000 patients in his practice. DentalMonitoring, he says, has allowed him to increase his practice’s capacity without adding additional salaries or infrastructure costs.
In this episode, Davis not only shares the advice he was given when implementing DentalMonitoring—to go all in and use it with both his bracket and aligner patients—but also how DentalMonitoring has been key to growing his practice while keeping his fixed costs in check. He also talks about the data he looks at to know that this platform is helping him grow and giving him the ROI he needs to know this is a worthwhile investment. What’s more, he talks about how his practice manages patients using DentalMonitoring, including the staffing and scheduling considerations. OP -
In this episode of Clinical Lab Chat, Chris Wolski and his guest, medical lead at Hurdle, Alex Owens, MD, MPH, discuss the reasons for the rise of at-home testing during COVID, how at-home test improves healthcare access, and the win-win-win it brings to clinical laboratories.
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Join PSP co-chief editor Keri Stephens as she sits down with Alexander Zuriarrain, MD, FACS, a board-certified plastic surgeon and owner of Miami-based Zuri Plastic Surgery, to delve into all things rhinoplasty.
The conversation kicks off with the impact of the so-called “Zoom Boom” on the popularity of rhinoplasty. As people spend more time on video calls, they find themselves scrutinizing their own appearances, leading to a surge in interest for nasal corrections. Zuriarrain explains how the advent of remote work has contributed to this phenomenon, with individuals seeking rhinoplasty to address nasal deformities and enhance their facial features.
Zuriarrain then discusses the evolution of rhinoplasty techniques and outcomes over the past few decades. From traditional methods involving chisels and hammers to modern innovations like ultrasonic rhinoplasty, the field has seen remarkable advancements, Zuriarrain explains. The use of sophisticated technologies, such as 3D imaging and computer-assisted surgery, has also made a significant impact. However, Zuriarrain cautions against relying solely on 3D imaging due to potential discrepancies between the generated images and the actual surgical results.
The podcast moves on to discuss patient selection, emphasizing the importance of identifying individuals who are genuinely good candidates for rhinoplasty. Zuriarrain shares his selective approach, highlighting specific patient populations, such as those exhibiting body dysmorphia or unrealistic expectations, who may not be suitable candidates. He further emphasizes the importance of ethnic considerations, as different geographic backgrounds have unique nasal anatomies that require specialized approaches.
Complications associated with rhinoplasty are also addressed in the podcast. Zuriarrain explains that swelling is a common concern, with patients often underestimating the recovery time needed for optimal results. He discusses potential complications, including “whistleblower” deformities, collapse of the tip, and issues with the nostril base, highlighting the need for skilled surgical techniques and patient education to minimize risks.
The episode concludes with a discussion on how surgeons balance patient desires for specific nose shapes with overall facial features and aesthetic goals. -
In this episode of the 24x7 podcast on the MEDQOR Podcast Network, 24x7 chief editor Keri Forsythe-Stephens welcomes good friend of the podcast Chace Torres (aka: “The Bearded Biomed”) to discuss the launch of his new book, “Ollie the Biomed.” Torres shares that the book was inspired by the impending arrival of his firstborn son and his desire to create awareness and interest in the biomed field at an early age. He believes that building awareness among children is crucial and compares it to how kids learn about other professions through cartoons and books.
Torres describes the process of writing and publishing the book, starting with multiple drafts and revisions of the script. He reveals how he collaborated with an artist via an online app to create the illustrations, ensuring they reflected his vision.
The industry’s response to the book has been overwhelmingly positive, with biomeds and their children enjoying the story and illustrations. Torres’ goal is to extend the book’s reach beyond biomeds and into schools and libraries, and he has already donated copies to Children’s Health Hospital. He plans to explore various avenues, including school programs and awards, to further promote the book’s outreach.
Overall, the podcast highlights Torres’ journey in writing and publishing “Ollie the Biomed” and emphasizes the importance of introducing children to the biomed field at an early age. Interested parties can buy the book here. -
In this podcast episode, host Alison Werner is joined by Deborah Solomon, DDS, an orthodontist in private practice in Beverly Hills and Los Angeles to talk about her boutique practice, which includes an at-home concierge service, and why she recently implemented a Retainers for Life program into her practice.
To get started, Solomon talks about how she spent the first part of her career as an active-duty general dentist with the U.S. Air Force and then worked for a corporate practice after finishing her orthodontics residency. It wasn’t until the pandemic hit, when she had time on her hands, that she decided it was time to start her own practice from scratch. Solomon shares how two local dentists—one a general dentist, the other a pediatric dentist—helped her start her boutique practice, offering her space within their practices. The two doctors seeing her work were soon referring their patients to her.
The pandemic was also the reason Solomon built out an at-home concierge service. The city of Beverly Hills had stricter rules than the city of Los Angeles around orthodontists seeing patients in-person in those early days. To keep seeing patients in her boutique practice, Solomon took advantage of the fact that she had an iTero Flex intraoral scanner from Align Technology and a portable dental unit and hit the road. In this episode, she shares what the set up looks like for her and her assistant; why this is a great way to connect with the rest of the patient’s family, and how this service can be a great way to connect with and serve immunocompromised patients and those with anxiety.
From there, Solomon talks about how she recently implemented a Retainers for Life program into her boutique practice. Solomon’s goal is to make the program affordable for her patients and to make it something they sign up for when they sign up for orthodontic treatment. She breaks down her fees and how her treatment coordinator includes it as part of the initial consultation. As Solomon puts it, “No patient starts treatment without understanding that you need to do retainers after.”
Finally, Solomon talks about the orthodontic technologies and products that have her attention—from uLab Systems and Brava by Brius to 3D printing; and how she has carved out a niche for herself in the very saturated Los Angeles orthodontic market with a boutique practice that stands out with its unique at-home concierge and retainers for life offerings. OP -
Join Sleep Review’s Sree Roy in conversation with sleep expert Russell P. Rosenberg, PhD, and primary care physician Paul Doghramji, MD, FAAFP about managing insomnia in primary care. They share insights from an expert consensus group and answer the questions:
What are the challenges that prevent insomnia from being diagnosed in the primary care setting?Can you provide practical advice on how to fit in insomnia screening and diagnosis into primary care settings?In what circumstances should primary care physicians refer patients to sleep specialists?What are best practices for CBT-I in primary care settings?Why is trazodone so frequently prescribed and is it a good choice for insomnia patients?What is novel about dual orexin receptor antagonists?For more information on insomnia in primary care, visit:
A 2023 Update on Managing Insomnia in Primary Care: Insights From an Expert Consensus Grouphttps://sleepreviewmag.com/insomnia/https://www.thensf.org/do-i-have-insomnia/ - Show more
