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Statement from Dan Fischer for Public Release in Response to Personal Allegations
August 1, 2008 South Jordan, UT
read more »I woke up this morning to read a statement in The Salt Lake Tribune, saying that I have been trying to hide my life. Anyone who knows me knows that nothing could be further from the truth. It is evident that my work with the Lost Boys and my Congressional testimony last week has made the FLDS sect pretty angry, enough so that they would attack me.
The disjointed, spurious allegations against me seem to fall into the following areas:
1. That I did not support my children.
2. That my first two wives and I separated because I was abusive.
3. That I engaged in abusive discipline of my children.
4. That I abandoned my children, throwing them out of my house.
At the outset, it is important to keep in mind that the FLDS are trying to use me as a distraction to deflect attention from themselves. FLDS are taught from an early age that lying to protect the “Prophet” and the “Church” is perfectly acceptable and even desirable. However, their skillful distortions, lies and half-truths simply will not work.
As some of you know, I was married to three women by the FLDS leader in my younger years. The second one married to me, Leenie, has been my wife for some time now. We had our 35th wedding anniversary just two weeks ago.
NON-SUPPORT ALLEGATIONS
I have 16 children and anyone who knows me knows that I support my family. The allegations of non-support concern two of my children by my third wife Marcia, whom I have not supported, but not for the lack of trying. I was cut off from all communication with them. I was never asked for support, and indeed, when I did try to help them my help was spurned.
SEPARATION AND DIVORCE FROM MY FIRST AND THIRD WIVES
The separation and ultimate divorce from my first and third wives had to do with personal issues, mostly related to the dynamics of living a FLDS polygamous life, and not with spurious claims of abuse. For example, my third wife was upset with me because for many years I had no interest in having a conjugal relationship with her. Discussion of personal dynamics and things of this nature simply have no place in the public conversation and I simply do not intend to address them.
WITH REGARD TO ALLEGATIONS OF ABUSE OF MY WIVES
I have already indicated that a FLDS plural household is generally one that breeds many conflicts and indeed, “continual fighting.” And, yes, sometimes that meant physical confrontations on all sides. But to portray a picture that tries to paint me as a “wife-beater” is wrong. It is character assassination, and it is untrue.
ALLEGATIONS OF ABUSIVE DISCIPLINE OF MY CHILDREN
To try and turn normative corporal discipline, common 20-30 years ago into child abuse is something that is just ludicrous. Sure I spanked my kids. This was not unusual inside and outside of FLDS in the 1970s. Furthermore, to imply that I tried to suffocate my children to keep them quiet is beyond goofy. It is a lie, a damnable lie. Interestingly, I am alleged to have done this in public, in church. If this were true (and it is not) then where were the other parents to stop this alleged abuse and protect the children?
ALLEGATIONS THAT I EVICTED MY OWN CHILDREN
The children who I allegedly threw out of my house left because they would not conform to the FLDS religious requirements. They were 18 or older. Their leaving the house was simply a reality of the FLDS life and teachings. I might add that one of those children who left is my daughter Jaleena, who is now a dentist and, I am proud to say, my “boss” in a dental practice.
BOTTOM LINE
I can’t say that I’ve been a perfect parent. I’ve often said “What I wouldn’t give if I could start over with my older children with what I know now.” That said, it is interesting that the charges of FLDS “affidavits” trying to malign me really amount to charging me with living an FLDS lifestyle and conducting myself in accordance with the teaching of the leadership and the typical day-to-day life of FLDS adherents. On this count, I certainly was guilty as charged. Today, I am forever grateful that my eyes were opened to a life outside of the FLDS--one that has freedom, one that is conducive to a constructive husband-wife and family relationships, and one that does not compel an “us against them mentality” that is used to justify lying.
I’ve often said that I feel like a human who has lived three distinctly different lives--my formative life in FLDS, my life as a polygamous husband in FLDS and the life of freedom after leaving FLDS. We all know the challenges that can occur in single marriage relationships, where adults seek to discover each other through a quality courtship experience. Imagine the framework for discord when a society takes three women, even women who have their own incompatibilities with each other, and requires, without their having a choice, that they all be married to the one man under one roof and raise a family in such environment. That is not a logical way to set the stage for peace and tranquility in the family. This is what happened to me. And that is not to say that my two former wives didn’t have positive qualities and values. It simply is a goofy way to have to live, and one that breeds friction.
I can say that my experiences, even difficult ones, living in the FLDS society have given me insights and the capability of understanding and helping those young boys who have been expelled by FLDS or who left of their own accord. I can also say that my experiences have enabled me to share what I believe are important insights to the wrongs and atrocities committed by the leaders of the FLDS society. From this, I believe some good has come from a very difficult time in my life. And my efforts to help children and even others will continue unabated.
Thank you,
Dan Fischer -
Ultradent’s Flor-Opal Varnish Now Available in WHITE
April 30, 2008 South Jordan, UT
read more »Ultradent Products, Inc.’s Flor-Opal Varnish is now available in WHITE, a beautiful shade that children and their moms can smile about. With its unique syringe-to-syringe chair-side mixing and delivery system, enhanced retention and cavity-preventing xylitol sweetener, dental professionals will love it too.
Ultradent’s unique syringe-to-syringe chair-side mixing disperses the fluoride throughout the resin, ensuring a consistent fluoride application on every tooth. The unit dose syringe delivery and FX Flex tip make placement of the varnish effortless saving time required by traditional mixing well systems.
The retention of Flor-Opal Varnish White has been enhanced, aiding in greater fluoride uptake. With its new WHITE color and cavity preventing xylitol sweetener, patients won’t mind smiling while the fluoride does its work. Flor-Opal Varnish White is available in two delicious flavors - mint and bubblegum.
For more information about Flor-Opal Varnish White or any of Ultradent’s preventive products, please call Ultradent Products, Inc. at (800)552-5512, or visit us online at www.ultradent.com.
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Ultradent Products, Inc., manufacturer and distributor of Flor-Opal Varnish White, is a leading developer of high-tech dental materials, devices and instruments worldwide. Ultradent’s mission is to improve the level of dental healthcare and to make dental procedures more predictable and hassle-free. Consistent with its mission, Ultradent works to improve the quality of life and health of individuals through financial and charitable programs. For more information about Ultradent, call (800) 552-5512 or visit www.ultradent.com. -
Free CE Credit Now Available for Ultradent’s Podcast Subscribers
April 22, 2008 South Jordan, UT
read more »Ultradent’s podcast subscribers now have access to free CE credit. Ultradent, an ADA/CERP recognized provider, will designate specific audio courses as CE approved podcast courses. “Fundamentals of Bleaching” by Dr. Dan Fischer and Dr. Van Haywood and “Managing Patients and Procedures for a Successful Practice” by Dr. Stace Lind are the first two courses Ultradent is offering free of charge.
Dental professionals can self-register for the CE approved podcast courses by visiting http://learningcenter.ultradent.com. When the student completes an online test with a score of at least 75%, they’ll receive a certificate worth 1 CE credit per course. AGD forms are available on the course home page and the completion code for the form is issued with passing test results. Courses will consist of a series of episodes on a specific topic which require approximately one hour of listening time. The course options will be updated on a regular basis.
Ultradent’s growing library of informative podcast episodes is available on iTunes or http://podcast.ultradent.com. For more information about how to access the library or CE approved podcasts, please visit us online at www.ultradent.com (link to “Podcasts”) or call 1-800-552-5512. -
Dr. Jose Luis Ruiz headlines Ultradent’s Hilton Head, S.C. Seminar and Golf Retreat
April 7, 2008 South Jordan, UT
read more »Ultradent Products, Inc. is proud to present Dr. Jose Luis Ruiz at the Hilton Head, South Carolina seminar on October 23-25, 2008. With Dr. Ruiz’ talent of treating complex cosmetic, rehabilitation and implant cases, the course promises to prepare attendees for treating complex cases with predictable and beautiful results.
Featured on the cover of the March Issue of Dentistry Today and Dental Economics, Dr. Ruiz has risen as a respected voice in esthetic dentistry. Dr. Ruiz has been named by Dentistry Today as one of the “Top 100 Clinicians in CE in 2006, 2007, 2008” in the United States. Dr. Ruiz is Course Director of the USC Advanced Esthetic Dentistry Continuum and Clinical Instructor at the USC School of Dentistry. He is a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry, Associate Instructor and Mentor at PCC Utah, teaching with Dr. Gordon Christensen, and an independent evaluator of dental products for CRA.
The seminar titled “Art in dentistry; Excellence in direct anterior and posterior composites” will review a new paradigm in tooth preparation for adhesively retained direct bonded composite restorations. Attendees will leave with an understating of how to perform direct composite veneers and class II restorations with predictability, beauty and simplicity without post-operative pain. They will also learn how to incorporate state-of-the-art composite and bonding techniques in their practice. In addition, attendees will have the opportunity to play golf in three of South Carolina’s most beautiful courses including the Hills, Jones, and Fazio.
For more information about the Hilton Head seminar. please visit www.ultradent.com/hiltonhead or call Brenda Nielsen in Ultradent’s seminars department at 801-553-4262. -
AAPD’s Healthy Smiles, Healthy Children Foundation and Ultradent Partner
March 10, 2008 South Jordan, UT
read more »The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD)’s foundation, Healthy Smiles, Healthy Children, and Ultradent Products, Inc. partner to host the 2007-2009 Leadership Institute II at the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, a world recognized leader in graduate business education. The Leadership Institute was launched after the partnership originally formed in 2004.
In 2004, Ultradent Products, Inc. endowed the Healthy Smiles, Healthy Children foundation with a $1 million gift. The donation is being used to support the pediatric dentistry curriculum for AAPD members. The curriculum focuses on leadership programs which shape philosophical and operational foundations for current and future AAPD members. A few members of Ultradent’s executive management team are currently enrolled in the premier program.
"Healthy Smiles, Healthy Children is proud to once again partner with Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management and Ultradent Products, Inc. to host the 2007-2009 Leadership Institute II,” said David K Curtis D.M.D., Chairman of the Leadership Institute Selection Committee. “It is truly a unique opportunity to partner with Ultradent. Ultradent is a wonderful company that is not only a world leader in the development and manufacturing of dental products but also a leader in their commitment to improving the oral health of our nation's children. The Leadership Institute is the first of its kind in the profession of dentistry. Its launch wouldn’t have been possible without the generous endowment of Ultradent. We are extremely grateful for their generous gift, but equally important, for the presence of their leading executives as participants in the Institute’s program to represent the “real world” of business."
The Healthy Smiles, Healthy Children foundation and Ultradent share a passion for preventive oral health measures. Ultradent has invested in the Leadership Institute with the goal of continuing to serve those who serve children in their oral health needs. For more information, please visit the AAPD www.aapd.org/foundation or Ultradent at www.ultradent.com.
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About Ultradent Products, Inc.
Ultradent Products, Inc. is a leading developer of high-tech dental materials, devices and instruments worldwide. Ultradent’s mission is to improve the level of dental healthcare and to make dental procedures more predictable and hassle-free. Consistent with its mission, Ultradent works to improve the quality of life and health of individuals through financial and charitable programs. For more information about Ultradent, call (800) 552-5512 or visit www.ultradent.com.
About Healthy Smiles, Healthy Children: The Foundation of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
Healthy Smiles, Healthy Children: The Foundation of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry was established in 1987 by the AAPD to support and promote service, education, research, and policy development that advance the oral health of infants and children through
adolescence, including those with special health care needs. Healthy Smiles, Healthy Children assists postdoctoral students in pediatric dentistry, supports research and funds meaningful education programs that benefit both the profession and the public. -
The “Hollywood Tooth Whitener” – Opalescence Trèswhite Supreme
March 3, 2008 Salt Lake City, UT
read more »Opalescence Trèswhite Supreme was spotted mingling with celebrities at the 2008 Academy Awards. MTV’s Mario Lopez, 7th Heaven’s Beverly Mitchell and Nickelodeon’s Devon Werkheiser were among celebrities at the TMG International luxury suite in Beverly Hills, California. Opalescence was invited back this year as the featured tooth whitening “beauty” product due to popular demand.
The red carpet wouldn’t be the same without the glitz and glamour of a Hollywood smile. With a wear time of only 30-60 minutes, Opalescence Trèswhite Supreme offers visible results within days with less sensitivity and all the benefits that only a dental company could offer. Packaged in a simple, one-size-fits-all, disposable system, Oscar-bound stars at the suite were excited about how easy it is to brighten their smiles.
In January, Opalescence Trèswhite Supreme also made a guest appearance at a Sundance Film Festival beauty suite in Park City, Utah. Guests of the suite included independent film actors, consumer beauty/entertainment publications (People, Prevention, Self and US Magazine), TV talent (Brothers & Sisters, High School Musical) and entertainment affiliates (TV Guide, E! Entertainment).
Want more information on the Hollywood tooth whitener? Please visit www.opalescence.com for more information on Opalescence Trèswhite Supreme or any of Ultradent’s other tooth whitening products.
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Ultradent Products, Inc., manufacturer and distributor of Opalescence Trèswhite Supreme, is a leading developer of high-tech dental materials, devices and instruments worldwide. Ultradent’s mission is to improve the level of dental healthcare and to make dental procedures more predictable and hassle-free. Consistent with its mission, Ultradent works to improve the quality of life and health of individuals through financial and charitable programs. For more information about Ultradent, call (800) 552-5512 or visit www.ultradent.com. -
Dr. Jesse and Dr. Kaminer to Headline Ultradent’s Minimally Invasive Dentistry Lecture Series
February 8, 2008 South Jordan, UT
read more »Dr. James Jesse and Dr. Ron Kaminer to launch a minimally invasive dentistry lecture series in San Antonio, Texas on March 28, 2008. The series, titled “21st Century Dentistry: High Tech, High Class Minimally Invasive Dentistry for the Next Decade” will reach 13 cities throughout the United States by the end of the year. The series promises to “jump start” practices with education on lasers, high-tech endodontics and practice management within a one-day course for the practitioner and their staff.
Dr. James Jesse graduated from Loma Linda University in 1973. He has been in private practice for 34 years in Colton, California. He lectures extensively on modern practices in endodontics internationally. Dr. Ron Kaminer graduated in 1990 from the State University of New York in Buffalo. Currently in practice in Hewlett and Oceanside, New York, Dr. Kaminer travels internationally to lecture on laser, aesthetic and comprehensive dentistry.
The Jesse/Kaminer series provides the guarantee of changing a practice forever. The course will provide energy and excitement with the end goal of high end results and high profits.
More information about the “Jesse/Kaminer Lecture Series”, please visit www.ultradent.com/seminars or call Brenda Nielsen in Ultradent’s seminars department at 801-553-4262.
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Ultradent Products, Inc. is a leading developer of high-tech dental materials, devices and instruments worldwide. Ultradent’s mission is to improve the level of dental healthcare and to make dental procedures more predictable and hassle-free. Consistent with its mission, Ultradent works to improve the quality of life and health of individuals through financial and charitable programs. For more information about Ultradent, call (800) 552-5512 or visit www.ultradent.com.
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Sealants for Smiles and Ultradent Partner to Provide Oral Health Education
February 5, 2008 South Jordan, UT
read more »Sealants for Smiles has partnered with Ultradent Products, Inc. and a select group of community donors to provide oral health education, dental screening and the placement of dental sealants for 2nd & 6th grade students in Title 1 schools. The community program is focused on addressing dental disease, the number one national chronic health issue for children.
Sealants for Smiles is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that is sponsored and administered by Dental Select, one of Utah’s largest providers of dental health plans. The program currently serves schools throughout Salt Lake, Davis, Summit & Tooele counties. Ultradent, Dental Select, Intermountain Healthcare, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Humanitarian Services and the Workers Compensation Fund of Utah have partnered to support the program. By year end, Sealants for Smiles projects the placement of 15,000 dental sealants on children who are currently limited in preventive dental services.
Addressing dental disease is part of Ultradent’s mission to find a cure for caries. In 2006, Ultradent established the “UltraSeal No Cavities Club”. The club’s mission is to encourage education about oral health and the placement of dental sealants in pediatric patients. Ultradent also makes both financial and in-kind donations to the National Children’s Oral Health Foundation.
For more information about Sealants for Smiles or any of Ultradent’s oral health initiatives, please call 1-800-552-5512 or visit us at www.ultradent.com.
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About Ultradent
Ultradent Products, Inc., manufacturer and distributor of Opalescence, is a leading developer of high-tech dental materials, devices and instruments worldwide. Ultradent’s mission is to improve the level of dental healthcare and to make dental procedures more predictable and hassle-free. Consistent with its mission, Ultradent works to improve the quality of life and health of individuals through financial and charitable programs. For more information about Ultradent, call (800) 552-5512 or visit www.ultradent.com.
About Dental Select
Dental Select, headquartered in Salt Lake City, UT, has over 18 years of experience providing dental plans for groups, families and individuals. Founded in 1989, Dental Select is now the largest dental benefits provider in Utah. With over 270,000 members in Utah, Texas and Nevada, they provide dental benefits to over 5,000 companies. Insured vision and AD&D plans were recently added to their large dental plan portfolio of products. With plans to expand to additional states in the near future, Dental Select is positioned for rapid growth as a leader in the dental benefits industry. -
Opalescence’s patented PF formula outperforms ACP in tooth whitening
January 30, 2008 South Jordan, UT
read more »Ultradent Products, Inc. today announced results from a clinical study published in the Journal of Operative Dentistry (July/August, Volume 32, Number 5) on the effect of desensitizing agents in carbamide peroxide gels. Among reported findings, a whitening agent with potassium nitrate and fluoride, specifically Ultradent’s Opalescence PF 15%, was found to achieve significantly greater whitening results than a product with amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) (Nite White 16%, Discus Dental) 1.
Ultradent is an active proponent of PF and its oral health benefits. The PF formula is a mainstay of all Opalescence product configurations including Opalescence Boost, Ultradent’s in-office whitening treatment. The Matis, Cochran, Eckert & Matis study (2007) found that PF and ACP were equally effective in addressing sensitivity issues some individuals experience when whitening. Other recent studies have focused on benefits found specifically in PF such as reducing the susceptibility to caries and tooth strength2 and the improvement in the microhardness of enamel3.
"It is important to define the role of PF in the tooth whitening process," said Dr. Dan Fischer, President/CEO of Ultradent Products, Inc. "The popularity of tooth whitening in today’s society has increased a great deal. Desensitizing agents such as PF provide confidence to our patients that we’re caring for the overall health of their teeth. Nevertheless, esthetics is a primary concern. We’re proud to say that the patented sticky and viscous PF formula found in Opalescence products has outperformed other whitening gels, including those with ACP, with significantly greater whitening results.”
Opalescence PF with the patented sticky and viscous gel provides unsurpassed whitening results and the benefits of improved enamel health. For more information about Opalescence or any of Ultradent Product, Inc.’s whitening products, please visit (www.ultradent.com) or call us at (800)552-5512.
1 Matis BA, Cochran MA, Eckert GJ & Matis JI, In Vivo study of Two Carbamide Peroxide Gels with Different Desensitizing Agents, Journal of Operative Dentistry, 2007.
2 Al-Qunaian TA, The effect of Whitening Agents on Caries Susceptibility of Human Enamel, Journal of Operative Dentistry, 2005.
3 Bastings RT, Rodrigues AL & Serra MC, The effects of seven carbamide peroxide bleaching agents on enamel microhardness over time, Journal of the American Dental Association, 2003 -
Opalescence’s patented PF formula outperforms ACP in tooth whitening
January 30, 2008 South Jordan, UT
read more »Ultradent Products, Inc. today announced results from a clinical study published in the Journal of Operative Dentistry (July/August, Volume 32, Number 5) on the effect of desensitizing agents in carbamide peroxide gels. Among reported findings, a whitening agent with potassium nitrate and fluoride, specifically Ultradent’s Opalescence PF 15%, was found to achieve significantly greater whitening results than a product with amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) (Nite White 16%, Discus Dental) 1.
Ultradent is an active proponent of PF and its oral health benefits. The PF formula is a mainstay of all Opalescence product configurations including Opalescence Boost, Ultradent’s in-office whitening treatment. The Matis, Cochran, Eckert & Matis study (2007) found that PF and ACP were equally effective in addressing sensitivity issues some individuals experience when whitening. Other recent studies have focused on benefits found specifically in PF such as reducing the susceptibility to caries and tooth strength2 and the improvement in the microhardness of enamel3.
"It is important to define the role of PF in the tooth whitening process," said Dr. Dan Fischer, President/CEO of Ultradent Products, Inc. "The popularity of tooth whitening in today’s society has increased a great deal. Desensitizing agents such as PF provide confidence to our patients that we’re caring for the overall health of their teeth. Nevertheless, esthetics is a primary concern. We’re proud to say that the patented sticky and viscous PF formula found in Opalescence products has outperformed other whitening gels, including those with ACP, with significantly greater whitening results.”
Opalescence PF with the patented sticky and viscous gel provides unsurpassed whitening results and the benefits of improved enamel health. For more information about Opalescence or any of Ultradent Product, Inc.’s whitening products, please visit (www.ultradent.com) or call us at (800)552-5512.
1 Matis BA, Cochran MA, Eckert GJ & Matis JI, In Vivo study of Two Carbamide Peroxide Gels with Different Desensitizing Agents, Journal of Operative Dentistry, 2007.
2 Al-Qunaian TA, The effect of Whitening Agents on Caries Susceptibility of Human Enamel, Journal of Operative Dentistry, 2005.
3 Bastings RT, Rodrigues AL & Serra MC, The effects of seven carbamide peroxide bleaching agents on enamel microhardness over time, Journal of the American Dental Association, 2003