Midwinter 2026: What we're still thinking about one month later

Henry Schein tech announcements 

When it comes to radiographs, we all know it’s not uncommon for teams to accept an image as “good enough”. Dental assistants and hygienists the world over have watched the dentist squint, enlarge, rotate, or adjust the contrast in an effort to diagnose properly. They want to save the patient and the team valuable time.

Unfortunately, most are unaware of the requirements made by the payer for diagnostic quality as well. When images are incomplete, blurred, or missing key coverage areas, claims can be delayed or denied, creating additional administrative work and lost revenue. According to Henry Schein One, up to 20% of dental claims are initially rejected each year, with low-quality or insufficient documentation cited as a leading contributor.¹ 

In response to these challenges, Henry Schein One recently introduced Image Verify, a new Dentrix and Dentrix Ascend-native capability designed to evaluate diagnostic image quality in real time at the moment of capture. By identifying blur, misalignment, or missing coverage chairside, the technology allows teams to correct issues immediately rather than discovering problems later during the exam or claims processing. This is truly a team-centered tool as the benefits affect both clinicians and administrated team members.    
 

Premier 

One of the product briefings that has really stayed with us involved a new restorative material previewed by Premier Dental. The company introduced Multi-Match Flow Chameleon Antimicrobial Composite with BioArmor, a flowable composite designed to combine traditional restorative handling with built-in antimicrobial activity.  

What made the presentation notable wasn’t just another composite launch; it was the framing. Company representatives explained that dentists increasingly want restoratives that do more than restore form and aesthetics. They want materials that can also help manage the biological challenges around restorations, particularly biofilm and acid-driven demineralization. 

The technology behind the material, called BioArmor, embeds antimicrobial nanoparticles containing octenidine dihydrochloride (OCT), a compound used in other medical settings such as wound care antiseptics. The concept is that the particles release the antimicrobial agent slowly over time, disrupting bacterial membranes and reducing microbial activity around the restoration. The company also emphasized that the product carries FDA-cleared claims related to reductions in bacteria and demineralization—something they noted is distinct from marketing-level antimicrobial claims sometimes seen in the category. 

Whether products like this ultimately change everyday restorative dentistry remains to be seen. But the broader idea behind it—the shift from purely passive materials toward restorations that play a more active role in managing the oral environment—is something we’ve continued thinking about since the meeting. If that concept gains traction, it could point toward a different way of thinking about restorative materials in the years ahead. 

VoiceStack  

Phone systems and protocols are not sexy, but are crucial for lasting success. For decades, consultants and training organizations have built entire businesses around helping teams improve phone skills because practice leaders understood a simple truth: when calls go unanswered, opportunities disappear—and in most cases, they don’t come back. Patients simply move on to the next available provider, taking potential production and long-term value with them. 

In efforts to stop this from happening, practices have layered on tool after tool—phone systems, texting platforms, reminders, and analytics, often without true integration between them. The intention is good, but the result isn’t always efficient. Systems don’t always play nicely together, and teams are left managing technology instead of focusing on patients. In visiting with Neil Hoover, VP of Sales at VoiceStack, he echoed the sentiment, “Practices want AI solutions that are stable, scalable, and built to work together. Too many offices are still frustrated by dropped calls and the headaches of stitching together multiple point solutions just to keep their phones running.” 

Platforms such as VoiceStack are reducing the complexity and inefficiency of this hodgepodge of patient communication systems. A notable differentiator our team found particularly exciting to report on is the use of AI to evaluate not only the performance of the team member answering the phone, but also the reaction and engagement of the caller, measuring whether the interaction builds trust and momentum, not just whether tasks were completed. A feature like this allows for better coaching and mentoring without the hassle and time commitment previously required to listen to recorded calls and subjectively grade conversations, making it a winning solution for any practice.

Dental clinic on wheels 

Director of assessment and interprofessional education for Chicago Medical School Kimberly Fasula, PhD, MS, MPH, RDH, PHDH, is taking dental care on the road in the Chicagoland area. 

She runs a mobile care clinic for pediatric patients—particularly those who lack access to proper healthcare—out of the back of a van. In partnership with Advocate Children’s Hospital, Dr. Fasula's van functions just like any other dental office, outfitted with the tools for fillings, crowns, x-rays, cleanings, and more. It contains two fully equipped treatment rooms and has primary bases in Park Ridge and Oak Lawn. 

In a 2023 interview with CBS Chicago , Dr. Fasula mentioned this van is meant to serve children on Medicaid or those without dental insurance, frequently traveling to schools and community centers in underserved areas. 

Dr. Fasula is currently working to expand her services in 2026 and beyond. 

Reference

1. Henry Schein One launches image verify, another transformative step towards achieving the cleanest claims in the industry. BusinessWire. February 19, 2026. https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260218846724/en/Henry-Schein-One-Launches-Image-Verify-Another-Transformative-Step-Towards-Achieving-the-Cleanest-Claims-in-the-Industry