Nano-ceramic hybrid CAD/CAM disc with Invisible Layer Technology for Enhanced Esthetics
NANO-CERAMIC HYBRID CAD/CAM DISC
86% filled for enhanced strength and excellent wear resistance
Toothlike elasticity and thermal expansion
allows for thinner crown margins
Natural esthetics with enhanced color stability and polish retention
No firing required for true one-appointment dentistry
Easy intraoral polishability, characterization and repair
Available in 11 Vita shades, 2 transparencies and 6 MultiColor variations for enhanced, natural esthetics
98.4 mm × 15 mm size capable of up to 30 restorations per disc
Also available from VOCO’s CAD/CAM Milling Line:
Grandio blocs · Grandio disc
Structur CAD blocks
Structur CAD discs
FDA 510k-cleared biocompatible 3D print resin to produce clear thermo-flexible therapeutic splints, retainers and night-guards
High flexural strength and excellent wear resistance allow for devices as thin as 1 mm
Thermo-flexibility, biocompatibility, odorless and neutral flavor increases patient acceptance
Extremely fracture resistant and durable
Clear-transparent, easy to polish and color stable for excellent esthetics
No sedimentation – no shaking or “rolling” prior to use
Introducing V-Print – a new line of sedimentation-free 3D Print resins:
V-Print® splint · V-Print® c&b temp
V-Print® SG · V-Print® dentbase
V-Print® DT · V-Print® Try-In
V-Print® model 2.0 · V-Print® tray
V-Print® cast
Validated for 3D printers from trusted partners like Asiga® , Dental Wings, rapidshape, Microlay® , Shining 3D® , MiiCraft, Ackuretta, Shera, Straumann and SolFlex. For a complete list go to www.voco.dental/3dprintingpartners
Asiga, Ackuretta, Microlay, MiiCraft, rapidshape, dental wings, Shera, and Straumann are not registered trademarks of VOCO GmbH
All rights reserved. The contents of this publication may not be reproduced by any means, in whole or in part, without prior written consent from the publisher.
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DTABC Member Profile: Will Varda, RDT
Will Varda, RDT, provides valuable insights into his professional background, expertise, contributions, and ambitions as the new DTABC President.
ADTO Cruise Recap
ADTO’s all-white attire cruise was a
event, filled with networking, delicious food, and unforgettable memories, marking the beginning of an exciting summer.
Minimally Invasive Treatment Using Prettau® Skin® Zirconia Veneers: A Case Example
Zirkonzahn overviews the benefits and workflow of minimally invasive treatment using Prettau® Skin® zirconia veneers, including the materials, a case example, and the step-by-step process.
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Lih Fen Young, RDT Executive Director lih@dtabc.ca
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Will Varda, RDT, President Dental Technicians Association of BC
Is Dental Technology a Terrible Field for Young People to Get Into?
Spend any amount of time on dental social media, and you will see this question pop up. The answers are usually highly polarizing and, unfortunately, tend to bias a little towards the camp that emphatically says ‘yes.’ However, there are a large number of responses that express optimism and exuberance at the direction the field is taking and the massive potential technology brings. Why so polarizing, and why such little middle ground? That question pointed to any profession would be similarly extreme, but dental technology is a little unique.
Talking with other techs at trade shows, most people will quickly volunteer their positions. The field was great around year ‘x,’ when we were respected more for doing ‘y.’ Life was easier when we only did this set of things, but now we are expected to know all these new things. Expenses are way higher, crown prices are lower, etc. Conversely, you get the techs who can’t wait to talk about exocad 3.2 or 3Shape 2024. Every nuance of every new printer resin is exciting. There is a fire in their eyes to finally be able to nerd out the entire weekend with like-minded people as if they are at Comic-Con or some obscure music festival. Ask these two groups for what advice they would give to people wanting to enter the field, and imagine what different answers you would get.
This question is not merely of hypothetical interest. The field is rapidly depleting as older techs retire, and we simply aren’t replacing them with younger people. There are nearly half the labs in North America as there were
ten years ago. Schools are closing, enrollment is down, RDT numbers are down, and every metric points to a very problematic future for our industry. Technology, despite what people like to write online, is not replacing us faster than we are leaving ourselves.
Several factors need to change to reverse the course. First is the culture of dental technicians. Most of us, if we have been in the field for long enough, know (or are) the workaholic generation of old techs who lived in the lab. Sick days were a weakness; working until midnight several times a month was a source of pride. They would deadpan stare at a miscasted ring of 18 copings or a full arch PFM bridge that started catastrophically bubbling, and with hardly a word, look up at the clock and begin their day again, from scratch, at 4 pm. Who would look at this from the outside, with every other possible work option, and decide that this was a career for them? This generation tends to be the one that owns many of the labs, and this mentality, although avoidable with technology and proper logistics, is still embedded into many of their psyches. I understand; I’ve left the lab at least a thousand times at midnight and now have to fight the urge not to slip back into that mindset. But it was wrong, not healthy, and should be left in the past next to the beryllium-laced non-precious.
The technician’s relationship with technology is also a predictor of what group they will likely fall into. Invariably, the techs that view it, at worst, as a historical inevitability to navigate and, at best, as
“We are greatly needed and more involved than ever before. Young people entering the field can fill this void in a much shorter amount of time than it would have been to become a master feldspathic ceramist.”
“Find labs that are passionate about what they do, take time to learn as much as possible from the many available resources, and be excellent, and you will carve out a rewarding career in a desperately needed field.”
an exciting time to be alive have great optimism for the future. The techs who insist on perpetually sticking their waxing spatula into the gears of the cotton gin tend to be less enthusiastic. However, for a self-motivated young tech to dive deep into the intricacies of CAD and CAM software, the possibilities for work are endless. A brief look at job offerings for experienced CAD/CAM managers will show what hot demand these techs are and the wages they can command. In-office milling for single monolithic crowns is no threat to them. So, the first bit of unsolicited advice is: dive deep. Become a wealth of knowledge and resources. All the information is out there; there are many incredible resources to learn from.
This takes me to the often-bemoaned point of dentist-technician relationships. The asymmetry in digital knowledge between techs and dentists is very large, and for the tech who deeply understands digital workflows, the respect that they can develop as a team member and, moreover, as an invaluable guide for planning complex cases is great. Along with the old-school workaholic tech mindset, the old-school, seemingly master-slave relationship between
tech and dentist has been thrown out the window. We are greatly needed and more involved than ever before. Young people entering the field can fill this void in a much shorter amount of time than it would have been to become a master feldspathic ceramist. Just don’t be complacent. Don’t be satisfied cranking out easily replicated singletooth dentistry. Dive deep.
Finally, it may seem that the only path forward in this field is digital, and perhaps worse, youth and technological prowess. However, for the analog tech, there is much work. If technicians are in short supply, traditional ceramists and metal workers are an endangered species. The two most in-demand skills that come to mind are really good ceramists for anterior work and really good gold technicians for tucker-style gold inlays/ onlays. Technology is still a long way away from replicating a fully layered single central with intrinsic characteristics that aren’t merely painted on the surface of a monolithic crown. Ultra non-invasive feldspathic veneers are also challenging to produce with razor-thin margins. Gold, while now being millable for crowns, is not very millable for intricate onlays with many sharp angles. Tucker study clubs are
DEPENDS ON TECHNOLOGY
still everywhere and being taught, and the gold onlay is still considered the very best restoration for certain instances for many dentists. Excellent ceramists and gold technicians are in VERY short supply, and a very niche specialized lab would have great demand – not to mention the satisfaction of absolutely nailing a complex shade or dropping gold onlays with crisp, watertight margins onto an untouched solid model. Again, be excellent, and you will be in great demand.
So finally, to our point, is this a terrible field for young people? I beg to differ. There are so many facets to modern dental technology and so many entry points for different personalities. Love artisanal craft and creating delicate, beautiful work with your hands? Ceramics and gold. Love technology, CAD software, 3D printing and bleeding-edge machinery and gadgets? Digital is endless. Find labs that are passionate about what they do, take time to learn as much as possible from the many available resources, and be excellent, and you will carve out a rewarding career in a desperately needed field.
Will Varda, RDT President
Dental Technicians Association of BC
Box 397, 101-1001 West Broadway Vancouver, BC V6H 4E4
90C Centurian Drive, Unit 211 Markham, ON L3R 8C5
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www.adto.ca
DTABC BOARD OF DIRECTORS
ADTO EXECUTIVE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
PRESIDENT
PRESIDENT
Hal Hamilton, RDT
Karim Sahil, MDT, RDT
VICE PRESIDENT
VICE-PRESIDENT
Chris Opitz, RDT
Shabana Mirza, RDT
John Eggeling, RDT
TREASURER
Nadja Jakobi, RDT
Aura Szigiato, RDT
Greg Tamkin, RDT
Stuart Thomson
SECRETARY
Debra Orozco Blanco, RDT
MANAGEMENT STAFF
ADTO PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Karim Sahil, MDT, RDT, President, Association of Dental Technologists of Ontario
A Bright Future Is Lit with a Flame of Effort
If a glass is full, can you add more water to it? The answer is yes! But first, you have to pour some out. And unlike the glass that remains the same size, as humans, we grow and expand. Now, why would we want to grow and expand? The answer: To hold more of the next experience.
(Canadian Alliance of Dental Technology Regulators) and CDTO (College of Dental Technologists of Ontario). These hard-working professionals will be the future of dental technology. As new members of the ADTO, they will be recognized for their hard work at ADTO’s Great Gatsby Gala, which will take place on Friday, October 18, 2024.
Malcolm Ashford Executive Director
MEMBER BENEFITS
Chris Ji, RDT
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS AND MEMBER SERVICES
DIRECTOR
Zhe Lin, RDT
Renata Cecconi 604-940-2995
PAST PRESIDENTS
2016-2020 - Franklin Parada
2010-2016 - Jason Robson
2007-2010 - Gabriel Ghazal
2004-2007 - Stephen DeLuca
2003 - Michael Hrabowsky
2001-2002 - Al McOrmond
2000 - David Kochberg
1999 - Thomas Kitsos
1998 - Feliks Dawidowicz
1997 - Wilhard Barth
1996 - Bob Huybrechts
1994-1995 - Andre Theberge
1992-1993 - Michael Hrabowsky
1990-1991 - Jamie Matera
1989 - Joe Nagy
This year has started with a multitude of advancements in dentistry. Many of these have taken place in dental clinics, and these changes directly impact how dental laboratories do business. A complete digital workflow used to be the talk of the future, and now it has been adopted in almost every dental clinic and dental laboratory. These processes have been extremely successful, and patient satisfaction speaks for itself. Sharing these new concepts in seminars and courses has now become an excellent avenue in ongoing learning and education for dental professionals. It has definitely increased the dental laboratory practice standards to a new AI world.
The ADTO encourages its members to join in-person tradeshows and attend our free online seminars and courses, which are sent by email notifications. This will allow you to gain CE credits and give us constructive feedback on what is needed in the industry. Having this knowledge, we can directly impact how education is being provided. As technology advances, receiving information should also be considered and how it’s retained for the individual. We are working closely with partners to bring a new and improved way of learning, which brings a linear understanding of what is needed in the new world of dentist/dental technologist communication promoting patient-centred care services.
This year is also a huge year for the dental technology profession, with many new graduates who now have become RDTs while taking on the new and improved PBA and KBA examinations from CADTR
This one-of-a-kind event has been very special for professionals and their families. Gaining the recognition of other professionals and becoming a valuable source to society has always been something to look forward to. Step back in time and immerse yourself in the opulence and glamour of the ‘Roaring Twenties’ at ADTO’s Great Gatsby Gala, held at the magnificent Casa Loma in Toronto, ON. This enchanting evening promises to be an unforgettable experience, complete with a lavish dinner and captivating entertainment. Our event will gather many esteemed professionals for a night of networking and celebration in one of Toronto’s most iconic and historic venues. The festivities will commence with registration at 6:30 pm, followed by an evening that will run from 7:00 pm until midnight. Attendees will be transported to an era of elegance and sophistication, enjoying exquisite cuisine and live performances. Join us for an evening that combines professional camaraderie with the splendour of the Jazz Age, promising memories that will last a lifetime. Register at www.adto.ca or email us at info@adto.ca.
We look forward to another year of continued service for the benefit of our membership.
MDT, RDT
Karim Sahil, MDT, RDT President
Association of Dental Technologists of Ontario
Friday, october 18, 2024
Step back in time and immerse yourself in the opulence and glamour of the ‘Roaring Twenties’ at ADTO’s Great Gatsby Gala, held at the magnificent Casa Loma in Toronto, ON. This enchanting evening promises to be an unforgettable experience, complete with a lavish dinner and captivating entertainment.
Our event will gather many esteemed professionals for a night of networking and celebration in one of Toronto’s most iconic and historic venues.
The festivities will commence with registration at 6:30 pm, followed by an evening that will run from 7:00 pm until midnight. Attendees will be transported to an era of elegance and sophistication, enjoying exquisite cuisine and live performances.
Join us for an evening that combines professional camaraderie with the splendour of the Jazz Age, promising memories that will last a lifetime.
Keys to Success Through Year-End: Keeping Staff Motivated and Productive After Summer
Olivia Cicchini, HR and Employment Law Expert – Peninsula Canada
As summer fades and fall approaches, many employees return to their regular routines after taking well-deserved breaks. However, the transition from the relaxed atmosphere of summer to the more structured demands of the workplace can sometimes lead to a dip in productivity and employee morale.
It’s crucial for employers to not only be aware of this but to put strategies in place to ensure a successful start to the season. And through the year-end.
Below are some strategies to help staff stay engaged and motivated.
1. Revisit and Update Company Goals
After the summer break, it’s a good time to revisit the goals set earlier in the year. Hold team meetings to discuss current objectives, celebrate progress, and reassess targets. Ensure everyone understands the importance of the remaining months and how their efforts will contribute to the company’s overall success. This can refocus the team’s energy and provide a clear roadmap for what needs to be accomplished.
2. Encourage Work-Life Balance
As employees shift back into work mode, it’s important to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Encourage your team to take breaks, avoid burnout, and set boundaries between work and personal life. A well-rested team is more productive and motivated. Consider flexible work options, such as adjusted hours, to help employees manage their post-summer schedules. This will help them to ease into their routine without feeling overwhelmed.
3. Provide Learning Opportunities
After the slower summer months, offering new learning and development opportunities can reenergize your team. Consider organizing workshops, training
“However, the transition from the relaxed atmosphere of summer to the more structured demands of the workplace can sometimes lead to a dip in productivity and employee morale.”
sessions, or professional development courses. This not only boosts their skills but also shows that the company is invested in their growth, which can increase motivation and engagement.
4. Celebrate Small Wins
Acknowledging and celebrating small achievements can have a big impact on morale and help to create a supportive work environment. Recognize individual and team accomplishments, no matter how small, and provide positive feedback. Celebrating these wins can create a positive atmosphere and encourage continued effort towards larger goals.
5. Plan Ahead
As the year’s end approaches, start planning ahead. Involve your team in discussions about next year’s goals and objectives. This forwardthinking approach can generate excitement and give employees something to look forward to, keeping them motivated through the final months of the year.
6. Offer Incentives and Rewards
Consider implementing a rewards system to keep employees motivated as they work
towards year-end goals. This could include bonuses, additional time off, or other incentives tied to performance. Offering tangible rewards for their hard work can inspire employees to maintain high levels of productivity.
The transition from summer to the final quarter of the year is a crucial period for maintaining momentum and achieving year-end success. With the right strategies in place, your staff can not only overcome the post-summer slump but also finish the year strong.
Peninsula has been helping businesses with HR and health and safety compliance for 40 years. We are now trusted by over 120,000 SMB owners across the globe. In Canada, we support over 6,500 businesses in eight provinces, providing a service tailored to your business needs. Clients benefit from access to our 24/7 employer HR and OHS adviceline and coverage on legal through our Peninsula Protect Plus service promise. For more information, please visit www.peninsulagrouplimited.com/ca
Hiring for Productivity
Janice Wheeler, President & CEO – The Art Of Management Inc.
These days, hiring can be a challenge and one you must excel at in order to have a top-level lab.
Let’s say you are on the hunt for a technician for your lab who is skilled and qualified, and you find a candidate, but how can you tell if this one is the RIGHT fit? Do they have the soft skills to thrive and contribute productively to your work environment? Will they fit in with your team, be loyal, have a positive attitude, and
pull off the miracles that will sometimes be required?
Here are some strategies to help you hire for the soft skills that will ultimately ensure the RIGHT fit for you and your team:
1. Define Your Lab’s Values
• Work out your lab’s values.
• Share these values openly in job postings and on your website to attract like-minded candidates.
“While technical skills are important, soft skills such as communication, empathy, teamwork, and adaptability are crucial for happiness and a positive work environment.”
MANAGEMENT TIPS
• Discuss them in the interview and see if your candidate aligns with these principles.
2. Pay Attention to the Soft Skills
• While technical skills are important, soft skills such as communication, empathy, teamwork, and adaptability are crucial for happiness and a positive work environment.
• Ask the candidate about their work-life balance priorities and how they manage stress. Understanding their needs can help you assess if the role and the work environment will support their well-being.
• Be transparent about the lab’s policies and expectations regarding work hours, flexibility, and support for work-life balance.
3. Insightful Personality Questions
• Use interview questions to assess how candidates have handled past situations. Questions like, “Can you tell me about a time when you had to work with a difficult colleague?” or “How do you stay motivated during challenging times?” can provide insights into their interpersonal skills and resilience.
• Ask about their experiences with teamwork, conflict resolution, and how they manage work-life balance.
4. Look for Passion and Enthusiasm
• Candidates who are enthusiastic about their work are more likely to be happy and engaged. Ask about what excites them about the dental industry and their career.
• Look for a strong interest in learning and growing in the field, as this indicates a proactive and positive mindset.
5. Assess Long-Term Goals
• Ask the candidate about their longterm career goals and see if they align with the opportunities your lab can provide. If their aspirations match what you can offer, they’re more likely to find satisfaction and happiness in their role.
• Discuss career development opportunities and ensure they are motivated by the potential for growth and advancement.
6. Gauge Openness to Feedback
• Candidates open to receiving and acting on feedback will likely be more adaptable and growth-oriented. Ask about their
“Candidates who are enthusiastic about their work are more likely to be happy and engaged. Ask about what excites them about the dental industry and their career.”
experiences with receiving feedback and how they have used it to improve.
• Openness to feedback can indicate a willingness to learn and develop, which contributes to job satisfaction and happiness.
7. Consider the Candidate’s Track Record
• Review the candidate’s history of job satisfaction and reasons for leaving previous positions. Frequent job changes may indicate dissatisfaction or a search for the right fit.
• Look for candidates with positive references and a track record of maintaining good relationships with colleagues and employers.
8. Provide a Realistic Job Preview
• Give candidates a clear and honest job overview, including challenges and opportunities. This helps set realistic expectations and ensures they understand the role’s demands and rewards.
• If possible, offer a trial period or shadowing opportunity so
candidates can experience the work environment firsthand.
9. Assess Team Dynamics
• Consider how the candidate will fit within the existing team dynamic. A well-rounded team with diverse personalities and strengths can create a more harmonious and happy work environment.
• Look for candidates who complement the team’s skills and add to the overall positive energy.
By prioritizing these factors in your hiring process, you can build a team of happy, engaged, and motivated dental technicians who will contribute positively to your lab’s success.
JANICE WHEELER is the President and co-owner of The Art Of Management Inc., a practice management company dedicated to helping healthcare professionals reach their full potential. For more information, call 416-466 6217, email ami@amican.com, or go to www.amican.com.
Will Varda, RDT
Q: Why did you choose to become an RDT? Where did you receive your education/training? What has your career path looked like thus far?
A: Dental technology has been a part of my life from a very young age. My dad started in the field when he was 12, and growing up, there was a lab in the house right down the hall from my childhood bedroom. I have many memories of being in the lab and of accompanying my dad to dental offices for pick-ups and drop-offs and chats with dentists. I only started working in the lab at the ripe old age of 17 and have continued until now. After high school, I finished a BA in Philosophy at SFU at night while working full-time during the day at the lab. I had an idea of attending law school or staying in academics, but I looked around at the future and realized that I already had so much experience in the lab. In retrospect, I’m glad I did!
“I was a ceramist for most of my career, but I have sat on every bench in the lab at some point and can do just about anything outside of partials and ortho.”
Q: What initially drew you to the field of dental technology, and what keeps you motivated today?
A: The main motivation for many in the field has not changed for a hundred years. The transformations we can achieve for people
with compromised dentition, the effect that has on their health, their well-being, and their self-esteem, is really tremendous. That is the ultimate goal, and it is what makes this field so worthwhile and satisfying. Technology and gadgets are exciting, but changing someone’s life with work you can create with your mind and your own two hands is extremely rewarding.
“I really want to develop the community. Without community, none of our collective goals are possible. I hope to create an environment where we don’t see each other as competitors in the field but as collaborators and colleagues.”
Q: What specific area of dental technology are you most passionate about?
A: I was a ceramist for most of my career, but I have sat on every bench in the lab at some point and can do just about anything outside of partials and ortho. For the last ten years, I have been very passionate about digital dentistry, and through that, I have made many close friends in the industry. It’s a very fun time to be a dental tech!
Q: What is a recent accomplishment or project you’re proud of in dental technology?
A: Lecturing has been a great honour lately. I have had the pleasure of being invited multiple times to Chicago to lecture for 3Shape at LMT Lab Day Chicago. Also, locally, a definite highlight was presenting a case
“Dental technology has been a part of my life from a very young age. My dad started in the field when he was 12, and growing up, there was a lab in the house right down the hall from my childhood bedroom. I have many memories of being in the lab and of accompanying my dad to dental offices for pick-ups and drop-offs and chats with dentists.”
on the main stage of the Pacific Dental Conference with the fantastic Dr. Ed Lowe. I got to showcase 3D printing and design considerations to the audience while Dr. Lowe placed and bonded eight veneers live on stage in collaboration with Ivoclar.
Q: What is your approach to staying up-to-date on the latest advancements in dental technology?
A: I would be literally a quarter the technician I am today without the internet. I can’t believe how much information is openly shared, and the connections I’ve made with other techs around the world have truly transformed my career. Facebook groups, in particular, are a nonstop wealth of information, as techs are constantly sharing their successes and failures and asking and answering many questions.
Q: How do you collaborate with dentists and other dental professionals to achieve the best patient outcomes?
the way I do with dentists. It’s a little bit of a delicate dance with patients to respect the treatment plan they have developed with their dentist and to not over-promise anything aesthetically. That said, the incorporation of photos and 3D face scans in diagnostic wax-ups can really showcase what is possible for the patient.
Q: As the new DTABC President – what are your goals and ambitions for the association during your tenure?
A: I really want to develop the community. Without community, none of our collective goals are possible. I hope to create an environment where we don’t see each other as competitors in the field but as
A: Digital is all about collaboration. I make videos daily to send to my doctors showing designs superimposed over pre- and post-op scans. I video conference to fine-tune complex cases and go over surgical guides. 3Shape and exocad can easily produce 3D models of all of these and host them on a website for the doctor to move them around in real time. There has never been more collaboration between dentists and technicians.
Q: How do you ensure that your work in the lab results in a positive experience for dental patients?
A: I will sometimes bring the patient in to go over the designs digitally, similarly to
“3Shape
and exocad can easily produce 3D models of all of these and host them on a website for the doctor to move them around in real time. There has never been more collaboration between dentists and technicians.”
“With
some reservations, I look forward to seeing AI automate some of the more mundane aspects of design. However, it’s a tricky point. The temptation to use technology to make things faster and cheaper sometimes comes at the expense of
quality.”
collaborators and colleagues. This field contains many moments and possibilities for suffering and frustration. Through sharing our ideas with technicians, we can make our work lives easier and more pleasant. We have so much more to gain from sharing than we have to lose. More specifically, I am working on some fun events and possibly even a boat cruise for our members!
Q: Can you talk about a time when a mentor significantly influenced your growth in your career?
A: First and foremost, I should say my father. He taught me so much about running a business, servicing clients, and working with integrity. On the technical side, I have developed a lot of close friends and credit them with really opening my eyes to what is possible. Having a network
of other passionate techs to learn from, bounce ideas off of, and share cases has been a privilege. A super short list would be John Wilson, who constantly does things that blow my mind, Minh Tran, Sevan Pulurian, Marc Dixon, and Karsten Klimmek, who has a fantastic YouTube channel. On the clinician side, I’ve learned an incredible amount from the mentors in my study club, Dr. Bobby Birdi and Dr. Ed Lowe.
Q: What excites you most about the future of dental technology?
A: With some reservations, I look forward to seeing AI automate some of the more mundane aspects of design. However, it’s a tricky point. The temptation to use technology to make things faster and cheaper sometimes comes at the expense of quality. I hope we can leverage gains in
AI to work alongside technicians to allow them to create beautiful, unique smiles while automating clicky, tedious tasks. Similarly, I feel like we have hit a bit of a wall with 3D printing and the capabilities of current technology.
Could we potentially layer crowns with a jet-style printer in a material other than light-cured composite? Can we match that to 3D shade taking that will map colours and translucencies at different depths and know how to reproduce it in a printer voxel by voxel? I’m sure one day that will be possible. By being involved with technology and development, we can try to steer it in a direction to help us and provide better results for patients, as opposed to replacing us with mushy, vague AI designs cranked out in monolithic plastic on an Amazon printer.
Q: To wrap up, what’s a fun fact or interesting tidbit about yourself that your fellow members might not know?
A: I’m really into permaculture ideas, creating food forests, growing mushrooms, foraging for wild plants, fishing, and exploring ideas of self and community sufficiency in food production. It is a bit of a departure from time in the lab, but it is great for one’s mental well-being.
Cruise Recap
After two years of anticipation, ADTO’s all-white attire cruise came with a Big Bang! With many new faces and over 150 guests, this event was full of life. This year, we hosted the cruise on Friday, June 21, 2024, inside the beautiful Yankee Lady, which filled our hearts with so much passion and excitement as dental technologists networked and made amazing memories with their peers. The event started as soon as the cruise ship departed, welcoming guests with cold drinks and passing around hors d’oeuvres, which led to a delicious dinner. At the same time, the sunset turned the city of Toronto into a beautiful scenic portrait. Our private DJ mixed amazing music that catered to everyone’s preference, whether calm or a bit of added spice.
This event brought out multiple partners we work and collaborate with, such as ODA (Ontario Dental Association), CDTO (College of Dental Technologists of Ontario), Palmeri Media, and many others who play a significant supporting role in the dental technology industry. We will continue our networking events and continuously create new and improved processes for dental technologists to succeed in this fast-changing industry. It was a well-deserved event which marked the first day of summer – we can’t wait until the next one!
“This year, we hosted the cruise on Friday, June 21, 2024, inside the beautiful Yankee Lady, which filled our hearts with so much passion and excitement as dental technologists networked and made amazing memories with their peers.”
Minimally Invasive Treatment Using Prettau® Skin® Zirconia Veneers:
The basic idea behind this treatment method is to preserve the oral tissue as much as possible, paying particular attention to preserving the original tissue and teeth and, in cases where that is not possible, to replace as little tissue as possible with as little surgery as possible.
A CASE EXAMPLE
Over the last decade, minimally invasive surgery has gained a growing positive reputation. Also, in the dentistry field, treatments involving zero to minimal surgery are increasingly accepted and requested by both patients and the restorative team.
The basic idea behind this treatment method is to preserve the oral tissue as much as possible, paying particular attention to preserving the original tissue and teeth and, in cases where that is not possible, to replace as little tissue as possible with as little surgery as possible. This results in fewer
chair-side appointments for the patient, as the procedures are less invasive, leading to a reduced and less painful recovery period. Another important benefit for the patient is the reduced discomfort and stress level that often goes hand in hand with dental treatments involving surgical interventions. The shorter recovery phase after the treatment is beneficial for a positive patient experience and fosters the overall dental experience.
A prerequisite for being able to perform successful minimal-invasive surgery is the availability of high-quality and highperformance dental materials that are
Zirkonzahn
easy to use and to elaborate on in order to guarantee satisfying outcomes, long-lasting restorations, and happy patients.
With the Prettau® Skin® veneers, Zirkonzahn offers an innovative solution for non-invasive or minimally invasive treatments. Prettau® Skins® are particularly thin veneers, reaching a thickness of a maximum of 0.2 mm. Despite that, they represent a thin but very stable restoration with high fitting accuracy.
Prettau® Skin® is intended to be fabricated with Prettau® zirconia. Prettau® Dispersive® zirconia typologies are particularly suitable for this kind of treatment, as they are already provided with a natural colour gradient from dentine to enamel during the manufacturing process. Zirkonzahn’s zirconia types generally have a good opacity effect. This property makes it relatively easy for the dental technician to achieve the desired colour effect already on the model. However, for even more patient-individual results, veneers can be further individually characterized with ICE Stains 3D by Enrico Steger. To select the most suitable colour, it is recommended to use Zirkonzahn Shade Guides. If the material of the shade guide and the material used for producing the zirconia veneers are the same, it is ensured that the shade of the zirconia restoration matches 1:1 with the natural tooth colour of the patient. The materials needed to produce Prettau® Skin® are conceived, developed, and tested by Zirkonzahn’s in-house Research & Development team, ensuring a smooth workflow and total compatibility of materials and products with each other.
The following case describes the workflow for a female patient treated with Prettau® Skin® veneers by Zirkonzahn. The patient was suffering from an overbite/ overjet condition, and by fixing the misalignment of her teeth, she hoped to improve the aesthetics of her anterior tooth region. Together with the restorative team, she opted for a minimally invasive treatment with Prettau® Skin® veneers.
Initially, the workflow involved minimal polishing of the proximal marginal ridges and placement of a retraction cord (000). The oral situation was then digitally acquired by intraoral scans and the facial physiognomy using a 3D Face Hunter facial scanner, allowing a virtual 3D reproduction and articulation of the patient.
For the selection of the most suitable zirconia shade, the Zirkonzahn Shade Guide Prettau® Line was used, consisting
With the Prettau® Skin® technique for creating ultra-thin Prettau® zirconia veneers, patients can get a healthy smile with minimal to zero impairment of tooth substance.
In the Zirkonzahn.Modifier software, the patient is digitally articulated using the PS1 articulator.
Digital designing and placement of the veneers.
With the Prettau® Skin® veneers, Zirkonzahn offers an innovative solution for non-invasive or minimally invasive treatments.
Prettau® Skins® are particularly thin veneers, reaching a thickness of a maximum of 0.2 mm. Despite that, they represent a thin but very stable restoration with high fitting accuracy.
of monolithic Prettau® Dispersive® zirconia tooth samples which allow the final tooth aesthetics to be previewed. For this treatment, Prettau® 4 Anterior® Dispersive® zirconia (A1) was selected: a material characterized by high translucency and specially developed for use in the anterior region.
At this point, the tooth setup was performed in the Zirkonzahn.Modifier software, selecting and individualizing the most suitable morphology from the Heroes Collection virtual library. After prototype try-in on a model printed, the dental technician designed and produced a patient-specific preparation mock-up for the dentist, marking the areas of the teeth to be prepared for the application of the veneers. This preparation mock-up is a useful tool to optimize planning and communication between the dental technician and dentist, with the ultimate goal of providing the patient with the best possible care. Afterwards, the clinician proceeded with the minimally invasive preparation of the teeth using the received guides, which allowed for optimal control of the tooth tissue reduction. Subsequently, the dental technician designed the final restoration, which, once milled and sintered, was characterized with ICE Stains 3D by Enrico Steger.
For cementation, the inner surface of the zirconia was treated following Zirkonzahn’s protocol (sandblasting with aluminum oxide, 100 microns at 2 bar, application of Tokuyama universal primer and Estecem II cement).
To learn more about Prettau® Skin®, join our course at Klinik DeMedici (South Tyrol, Italy) and discover the entire workflow, including both clinical and technical procedures.
Upcoming course dates for dental technicians and dentists will be February 6-7, 2025. For more information and registration, call + 39 (0) 474 066649 or email elena.chudakova@zirkonzahn.com.
Read the complete course program by scanning the QR code!
Cementation of the Prettau® Skin® veneers made of Prettau® 4 Anterior® Dispersive® zirconia in the patient’s mouth.
The final restoration in situ.
SUBMIT AN ARTICLE
to Dental Technology Today and share your research, cases, and practice management experience with your colleagues.
Upcoming edition deadlines:
• Winter 2024: October 25, 2024
• Spring 2025: January 3, 2025
• Summer 2025: April 25, 2025
To submit an article for consideration, please contact Jenna Conrad, Managing Editor, at jenna@kelman.ca.
BEGO 3D Printing Materials VarseoSmile Temp and VarseoSmile Crown Plus Now Available for the Asiga* MAX UV 3D Printer
At the beginning of June, BEGO, the dental company from Bremen, Germany, and the 3D printer manufacturer Asiga announced a cooperation in the field of dental 3D printing, enabling Asiga customers to use BEGO materials.
With more than 20 years of experience, especially in the field of dental 3D printing and as a specialist for all dental technology processes, BEGO offers a complete 3D printing portfolio. In addition to resins for the 3D printing of dental models, CAD/Cast partial denture frames, drilling templates, and individual impression trays, the BEGO portfolio also includes tooth-coloured materials for the 3D printing of temporary and permanent dental restorations.
The tooth-coloured BEGO materials, VarseoSmile Temp and VarseoSmile Crownplus, have recently been qualified for the MAX UV from the Australian 3D printer manufacturer Asiga. “Asiga customers can now access 3D printing materials from the well-established and globally recognized dental company BEGO. We are delighted to provide compatibility for two BEGO materials that are certified Class IIA and ready for integration into a clinical workflow”, says Graham Turner, Director of Global Operations at Asiga.
VarseoSmile Temp, the resin for 3D printing of temporary crowns and bridges, inlays, onlays, and veneers, is available in the VITA* classical shades A2, A3, C2 and is suitable for both short and longterm temporary restorations – suitable for a wearing period of up to one year. VarseoSmile Crownplus is the world’s first approved toothcoloured, ceramic-filled hybrid material for 3D printing permanent single crowns, inlays, onlays, and veneers. It enables a safe, fast, and cost-effective form of patient care and is available in seven VITA classical shades (A1, A2, A3, B1, B3, C2, D3). “Printed restorations made from VarseoSmile Crownplus are characterized, among other things, by their excellent aesthetics, low tendency to age and discolour, and a high level of comfort for the patient. The material was scientifically validated by renowned universities and institutes,” explains Thomas Kwiedor, Head of Business Development 3D Printing at BEGO.
The Asiga MAX UV 3D printer is one of the world’s most advanced lab 3D printers and offers exceptional productivity in a small footprint. With its high precision, the Asiga MAX is especially suitable for the high accuracy requirements of the dental field.
Qualifying VarseoSmile Temp and VarseoSmile Crownplus for the Asiga MAX UV 3D printer is only the beginning: BEGO is working on qualifying further materials for Asiga 3D printers. The aim is to make the BEGO Varseo materials portfolio accessible to a wider range of users. A compatibility overview of 3D printers and BEGO 3D printing materials can be viewed at http://begocanada.com/wp-content/ uploads/2020/06/Varseo-Materials-Compatibility-with-printers.pdf and will continuously be expanded over time.
All information about the BEGO 3D printing materials is available at http://begocanada.com/en/3d-printing.
* This symbol is a commercial designation/ registered trademark of a company which is not part of the BEGO company group.
“Printed restorations made from VarseoSmile Crownplus are characterized, among other things, by their excellent aesthetics, low tendency to age and discolour, and a high level of comfort for the patient. The material was scientifically validated by renowned universities and institutes”
– Thomas Kwiedor, Head of Business Development 3D Printing at BEGO
New Medium Opacity Pellet Shades
Added
to VITA AMBRIA® Product Line
New shade variants and translucency levels, including medium opacity pellet shades, offer more possibilities for users.
June 12, 2024 – VITA has announced the expansion of one of its most widely used tooth portfolios, VITA AMBRIA®, offering users even more freedom of choice with additional shade variants and translucency levels. VITA AMBRIA brilliant press ceramics are made of zirconia-reinforced lithium disilicate and offer excellent surface quality and true-to-shade brilliance. VITA AMBRIA is now available in
16 VITA classical A1-D4® tooth shades and 29 VITA SYSEM 3D-MASTER® shades. And new for 2024, VITA AMBRIA has been expanded to include three new medium opacity pellet shades. The new MO pellets offer a natural effect with full coverage, making them ideal for veneers and crowns with a light target shade, especially for reliably masking discoloured dies or titanium abutments due to the opacity. The three new pellet shades are:
• MO-0 opaque whitish
• MO-1 opaque yellowish
• MO-2 opaque reddish
Win a Trip to IDS 2025 in Cologne, Germany, with the VITA EXCELLENCE AWARD
Patient cases are now being accepted for the VITA EXCELLENCE AWARD 2025. The winner will receive a trip to IDS 2025 and an Apple iPad Pro.
June 24, 2024 – In honour of its 100th anniversary, VITA is celebrating with the VITA EXCELLENCE AWARD 2025. The focus of the 2025 award is outstanding patient cases using the leucite-enhanced, glassceramic veneering ceramic VITA LUMEX® AC, a reliable and highly aesthetic solution for all. To be considered, patient cases and all required documentation must be submitted by November 15, 2024, to excellenceaward@vita-zahnfabrik.com. A jury will evaluate the patient cases using the following criteria: aesthetics, function, documentation, and preparation work. The winner will receive an invitation to IDS 2025 in Cologne, Germany, including travel costs, hotel accommodation and breakfast, plus a brand new 12.9-inch Apple iPad Pro. The winner will also have the opportunity to present their patient case
live at IDS 2025 to a professional audience. Additional information, along with the eligibility requirements, is available online at www.vita-excellence-award.com.
VITA is a leading provider of innovative dental products. The company pioneered the field of tooth shade determination with the development of the world-renowned VITA classical® A1-D4 shade guide and its proprietary VITA SYSTEM 3D-MASTER®, the first and only system of its kind that
VITA AMBRIA delivers reliable results with impressive and accurate shade fidelity, and easy polishing and finishing make the tooth one of the top choices for aesthetic restorations. The outstanding aesthetics and ability to adjust the degree of translucency using the pressing temperature set a new standard for natural and lifelike restorations.
For more information, visit www.vitanorthamerica.com or call 800-828-3839.
covers the complete range of natural tooth shades. From premium denture teeth and veneering materials to digital shade measurement, furnaces, and CAD/ CAM restorations, VITA helps laboratory technicians and clinicians deliver highquality and aesthetic results to patients quickly and efficiently.
For more information, visit www.vitanorthamerica.com or call 800-828-3839.
Our concern for the environment is more than just talk
As we continue to deliver valuable information through the pages of this magazine, in a printed format that is appealing, reader-friendly and not lost in the proliferation of electronic messages that are bombarding our senses, we are also well aware of the need to be respectful of our environment. That is why we are committed to publishing the magazine in the most environmentally-friendly process possible.
HERE IS WHAT WE MEAN:
• We use lighter publication stock that consists of recycled paper. This paper has been certified to meet the environmental and social standards of the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) and comes from responsibly managed forests, and verified recycled sources making this a RENEWABLE and SUSTAINABLE resource.
• Our computer-to-plate technology reduces the amount of chemistry required to create plates for the printing process. The resulting chemistry is neutralized to the extent that it can be safely discharged to the drain.
• During the printing process, we use a solvent recycling system that separates the water from the recovered solvents and leaves only about 5% residue. This results in reduced solvent usage, handling and hazardous hauling.
• We ensure that an efficient recycling program is used for all printing plates and all waste paper.
• Within the pages of each issue, we actively encourage our readers to REUSE and RECYCLE.
• In order to reduce our carbon footprint on the planet, we utilize a carbon offset program in conjunction with any air travel we undertake related to our publishing responsibilities for the magazine.
• We use vegetable oil-based inks to print the magazine. This means that we are not using resource-depleting petroleumbased ink products and that the subsequent recycling of the paper in this magazine is much more environment friendly. So enjoy this magazine... and keep thinking green.
British Columbia
Career Opportunities
CAD/CAM Technician
Langley
Davinci Dental Lab in Langley is looking for an experienced CAD/ CAM technician who is familiar with 3Shape or exocad software for designing single to multiple-unit crown and bridge, and implant cases. Salary will depend on the personal level of experience and competency. Extended health and dental benefits are offered after three months, and group RRSP is provided after one year. For more information, please contact focusdavinci2015@gmail.com.
CAD/CAM Technician
Nanaimo
Robertshaw Dental Lab in Nanaimo is looking for an experienced technician who is familiar with 3Shape software and is looking to join our team in an environment concentrating on excellence in an upbeat, fast-paced workforce. Competitive salaries are available depending on experience. Benefits start up after three months of employment. For more information, please contact nathan@robertshawdental.com.
Dental Lab Technician Assistant
Coquitlam
We are a dental lab looking for a full-time dental lab technician assistant with a minimum of two years of dental lab experience. Experience in fitting and shaping zirconia and e-max crowns. Willing to learn new techniques. Work with minimum supervision. Able to read, understand, and speak English. We offer health benefits after one year of employment. If interested, please email your resume to jobs.solarisdental@gmail.com or call 604-777-0665.
RDT Looking for a Job Opportunity
I have been working in the dental industry since 2006, after graduating from university, majoring in health science. Most of my experience is in ceramics and crown and bridge, but I also have experience in CAD/CAM and management. Willing to learn new techniques, especially denture and digital. If interested, contact syp5026@gmail.com.
For Sale
BEGO Fornax T: DOC 86107-en/01 Casting Machine for Sale Richmond
Bought new in 2020 – BEGO Fornax T: DOC 86107-en/01. Used just once. Price: $10,000 or best offer. To view a picture, visit https://dtabc.ca/ picture-for. For more information, please contact adcsimply@gmail.com.
Dental Lab for Sale – Established in 2008
Chilliwack
Are you looking for an excellent investment opportunity in the thriving city of Chilliwack? This well-established dental lab is familyowned and operated, established in 2008, comes equipped with materials and supplies, and is turn-key! With a long-term loyal customer base and a proven track record of success, Magnus Dental Lab presents a rare and exciting opportunity for anyone looking to break into the dental lab market. Exponential growth, and opportunities in many aspects, from marketing to upgrading advanced digital systems! The asking price is $14,900.00. Inquire today for more information to Serena Laye Personal Real Estate Corporation at 604-703-5888 or serenalaye@hotmail.com.
Dental
Laboratory with a Strong Client Base and Vancouver City Centre Location for Sale
Vancouver
Evaluation info and asking price will be shared only with serious buyers. The seller’s identity will be kept confidential until serious prospects are identified. Only inquiries that are clear about purpose, viability, and intentions will receive a response. All inquiries will be treated with absolute confidentiality. Over 20 years in business with a strong client base in the same area. The average yearly revenue is $600K, and the facility is fully equipped with 1-3 staff members. The owner wants to sell but is willing to do part-time work during the transition. Great opportunities to grow the business, even in this economy, for someone who will market it well. The owner has nurtured these accounts and has excellent communication with the doctors. This is the perfect opportunity to add to your lab or for a dental technician looking for a bright future in this field! For more information, don’t hesitate to contact us at smdental@live.com.
Ontario
Career Opportunities
Seeking an Experienced Porcelain Technician
Barrie
Have you ever considered moving to a community where the rest of the province comes when it’s time to relax? Have you ever considered joining a lab that considers its employees so important that they alone are the focus of the first line in the mission statement? Do you like the idea of living in a community where the concept of home ownership is more than a pipe dream? Then, consider a move to Image Dental Laboratory. IDL is a full-service, state-of-the-art dental laboratory, and we have our eye on the future. You can be a part of it. If you think you have what it takes to find a place on our team of all-stars, then give us a call or email and let’s talk about what your future can look like. Please call 705-726-6301 or email kevin@imagedentallaboratory.com for more information.
For Sale
Dental Equipment for Sale
Burlington
Lab equipment for sale: Suction hood with fan $450, Yates & Bird Ortho Welder $300, Casting well and torch with regulators $400. Serious inquiries only! For more information, please call 416-402-9900 or email enzoruscitti@hotmail.com.
Equipment for Sale
Equipment for sale, including porcelain furnace, light cure machine, and more. For more information, please call 905-758-5570 or email pedram_vaziri@yahoo.com.
Equipment for Sale
Kingston
Dental laboratory closing August 31, 2024. All equipment for sale: Lista benches, Dentalwings scanner, Whip Mix porcelain furnaces, multiple handpieces, and more. If interested, please call Mick at 613-507-6425 or email mick@kingston.net for full inventory and prices.
Lab Compressor
Halton Hills
Used compressor, asking $50.00. For more information, please call 416-606-5229 or email teetreestar@yahoo.com.
ADVERTISER PRODUCT & SERVICE CENTRE
Dental Technology Today would not be possible without the advertising support of these companies and organizations. Please think of them when you require a product or service. We have tried to make it easier for you to contact these suppliers by including their telephone numbers and websites. You can also go the electronic version at www.adto.ca or www.dtabc.ca and access direct links to any of these companies.
VITA YZ® SOLUTIONS
Available in 3D-MASTER Shades
• Includes four degress of transparency, available in white, color and multicolor.
• Efficient and simple processing, including milling parameters perfectly matched to CAD/CAM system partners.
• Ideal solution for partially/fully veneered and monolithic restorations with true VITA Shade Accuracy.
Precision at the push of a button
Denture base material with fully automated injection process
