Blurred Lines

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…

The Lab and the Dentist – Trusted Partnerships Means Better Outcomes

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…

NADL Heightens Industry Awareness

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…

2022 Update: Patients – How to do you find the right Dentist?

By: Bennett Napier, CAE For most people, at some point in our lives we will use the services of a licensed dentist. This blog is intended to help you determine the right dentist for your needs. It’s important for patients to know the alphabet soup of designations and specialties within dentistry. The DDS (Doctor of…

What’s in your mouth? Orthodontics

We are a larger orthodontic laboratory and use only the best materials that we can find. We follow the Food and Drug Administration Good Manufacturing Processes (FDA GMP) requirements and we are also ISO 13485 certified. As a patient, it is important for you to know about the standards and requirements that dental laboratories have…

Dental Insurance: Good Idea Gone Bad?

By: Mark T. Murphy, DDS, FAGD With apologies to President Abraham Lincoln. “Three score and two years ago, our fathers brought forth on this continent a new concept called dental insurance, conceived from the medical model, and dedicated to the proposition that all should have access to quality dental care” …oops! Dental “insurance”, once intended…

Shade Taking

By. William R. Mrazek B.Sc., CDT The following information is designed to educate the technician, dentist, and dental assistant in the accuracy, predictability, and efficiency of the VITA 3D-Master Shade system.  I have included a list of recommendations for shade taking technique to help reduce the variables and increase the accuracy and predictability of the shade…