May 2013

A supporter of NCMOM since 2009, Affordable Dentures Dental Laboratories, Inc. (ADDL) ramped up its commitment in 2012, participating in six events.

What a way to celebrate Mother's Day! Each year, Jessica Birrell, CDT, FACE, Owner, Capture Dental Arts in Saratoga Springs, UT, sponsors a Mother's Day Smile Give-A-Way.

The proliferation of digital technologies continued to flourish at the IDS, with more and more digital manufacturing solutions that enable users to address a greater number of applications and work with a larger range of materials. In addition, the 3D printing market continues to expand.

LMT's LAB DAY EAST—the largest dental laboratory trade show on the East Coast—was the place to be to research digital technology. This year, of the 93 exhibitors, over 40 companies offered the latest scanners, milling and rapid prototyping machines, wax printers, software, materials and services,...

DK Mungyo's new Die Stone Gold is a type 4 stone specially formulated for implant and CAD/CAM models. It offers a .07% setting expansion and high compressive strength (62.8MPa at one hour). Offering good scanability, the stone has high fluid thixotropic properties because of its refined alpha hemihydrate...

Like most of you, I did not have any kind of formal management training. Instead, my route to figuring out how to do it right was fraught with twists and turns, leaving my early-career staff members confused and unhappy.

At one point back then, I tried mimicking my boss since everyone responded quickly...

Despite the fact that many lab owners have been feeling the effects of the economy in many areas of their businesses, the majority of respondents to LMT's latest survey say the implant department isn't one of them.

Zirconia-reinforced materials are a new trend, and expanded options for pre-colored zirconia and ceramics for full contour restorations offer both efficiency and esthetics. Plus, a new type of material: a biocompatible, millable resin on which the final restoration can be built; there's no need for casting or pressing.

Among the newer features in digital impression-taking systems are smaller-than-ever intraoral devices and color technology. Also: several new players enter the market.

For nearly a decade, the North Carolina Missions of Mercy (NCMOM) has been serving dental patients in need. In 2012 alone, it provided free dental treatment to over 9,000 of the state's underserved residents.

Moskey Dental Laboratories in Cleveland, OH, fabricates four non-precious alloy crowns to help a police dog get back on his beat.

Are digital dentures coming our way? Also, to meet the growing demand for removable restorations, several manufacturers introduced new teeth and other accompanying products to enhance function, esthetics and efficiency.

Chris Bradley of Smile Line USA tells Vinod Dudhat, MDT, American Dental Designs, Montgomeryville, PA, all about the new Smile Lite, a lightweight, hand-held tool that makes shade taking more reliable and efficient. It's equipped with a 5,500°K calibrated LED light (equivalent to daylight) so it provides...

To expand indications and features, several companies introduced updated versions of their impression and model scanners and upgraded software packages.

"This trip will hold a special place in my heart as one of those chance-of-a-lifetime experiences," says Liz Lake, CDT, a staff member at Midwestern University (MWU) College of Dental Medicine, Glendale, AZ, who recently returned from a dental mission on the South Pacific island of Tonga.

The Kingdom...

LMT talks with Avi Cohen, Director of global Dental at Stratasys, about the potential of 3D printing in our industry and his company's newest offerings.

The coveted first-place award in Candulor's KunstZahnWerk Competition—known as the Oscars of Removable Prosthetics—went to Skender Ramadani from Zurich. Coming in 2014: Candulor's second North American "Art of Denture" Competition.