Understanding dentists’ wants, needs, and style is the baseline prerequisite to attain and retain clients. Understanding their background, perspective, and outlook is more obscure and significantly more difficult. Every laboratory wants to successfully meet their clients where they are at, but with four generations in the workforce, the variance in approach can at times feel…
Dental Laboratories need to differentiate themselves and their services by being a collaborative resource to their doctors. Determining how to best do so is a more difficult challenge. One way to drill down on what you can assist and provide value is the adage of, ‘put yourself in their shoes.’ As a laboratory owner, do…
In today’s world, we encounter young people who are worried about so many things affecting their career in dental technology. Most of the worry stems from a lack of stability and security. How do we engender technicians to fill the gap while showing them a path to personal growth, career fulfillment, and an environment that…
Dentists. Dental hygienists. Dental assistants. Dental therapists. Denturists. Dental laboratory technicians. With the onset of modern technology, techniques, and materials, amended regulations, and a shift within dental education programs, it is safe to say that the roles of the dental team members have gotten a bit fuzzy. Some of what used to be taught to…
When a new technician begins their career at a dental laboratory, whether a new graduate from a formal D”LT program or someone looking to enter a new field, it can be overwhelming. Not only are they put to the mettle to learn the techniques, workflows, and the specific processes, they also need to absorb and…
In recent years, the field of dentistry has experienced a remarkable evolution due to rapid technological advancements. These innovations have transformed traditional dental practices, introducing new tools and techniques that enhance the efficiency and quality of patient care. From digital imaging systems to laser treatments, integrating technology in dentistry has opened new avenues for diagnosis,…
When I was a practicing orthodontist, I realized the importance of effective communication with my laboratory. The lab is integral to dentistry — from fulfilling the clinician’s plan to providing materials for the individualized needs of the patient. The dental lab should have a partnership rather than vendor-type relationship with the dentist. According to the…
Life is full of constant changes. We all know things will not stay the same, but for the most part, change is a good thing. I am a firm believer that positive changes require growth, and growth requires you to move out of your comfort zone. Along with changes, life is full of decision-making. Many…
If one were to ask almost any laboratory owner what one of their biggest challenges is, the answer would likely revolve around finding, and keeping, good employees. Even laboratories that are open to hiring those new to the industry and training are still struggling to just find people. This employment gap, however, is not unique…
In the past decade, the FDA has increased the number of device manufacturing establishment inspections. Pre-COVID, in 2017, the FDA conducted 2,952 inspections of medical device firms, representing a 46 percent increase compared to a decade earlier. FDA also increased foreign inspections 243 percent. In 2018, FDA regional field offices launched inspections of dental laboratories…