Author: Cameron Cortigiano

SmileDirectClub agreed to pay $2.95 million in a class action lawsuit settlement, according to a Feb. 9 report from topclassactions.com. 

Smile in Style, a practice in Marrero, La., added the iTero scanner to offer 3D digital imaging.

Nikaeen Orthodontics, led by Atoosa Nikaeen, DDS, opened a second location in California. 

Mortenson Dental Partners launched "A healthy smile means a healthier you," a campaign to increase the awareness of the link between dental and overall health.

Dental assistant programs are most expensive at private, for-profit technical colleges and vocational schools, with an average total cost of more than $27,000, according to the ADA's Health Policy Institute. 

Dental hygiene programs are most expensive at private, nonprofit colleges and universities, with an average total cost higher than $85,000, according to the ADA's Health Policy Institute. 

Philips Sonicare and Candid Care have teamed up to improve the dental health experience for both patients and dental professionals. 

Mississippi is the worst state for dental health, according to personal finance website WalletHub, while having 175 dental shortage areas, according to data from the Health Resources and Service Administration. 

Here are 12 things to know about dentistry in Mississippi:

Here are seven recent DSOs practice openings and affiliations that Becker's has reported on since Jan. 31: