Fabricating and matching anterior cases is challenging enough, but ceramist Alwyn Naraine does it in a matter of hours. An in-house technician at Gallery 57, a New York City-based dental practice, Naraine specializes in all-ceramic implant restorations and same-day smile makeovers using CAD/CAM technology.
He's known for his dead-on color matching and attention to detail, but equally important are his "people" skills. "Alwyn has to work extensively with our patients in order to deliver excellent veneers and crowns in just a few hours. In addition to tremendous technical skills, he has an easy-going, yet confident manner that patients trust and respect," says Dr. Andrew Koenigsberg of Gallery 57.
"You have to know how to communicate technical considerations to the patient but you also have to know how to listen to them."- Alywn Naraine
Working directly with patients is why Naraine feels he's found the perfect position. "I've worked in some laboratories where you do the same thing over and over again and never get to see the patient," says Naraine, who began his career in 2004 and graduated from the New York City College of Technology in 2008. "I have the opportunity to see the results of every single case; having the patients tell me how pleased they are is what I look forward to every day."
But for Naraine, it's not just about the gratification of seeing the final result; rather, his goal is to make patients feel they are involved in the process of creating their new smiles. "You have to know how to communicate technical considerations to the patient but you also have to know how to listen to them," he says. "It's comforting for them to discuss their expectations with the person who's going to actually make the restorations."
Naraine's ability to convey technical information and his friendly, affable demeanor are also befitting to his newest role: technical educator. Naraine teaches at CAD/CAM Excellence, an education center affiliated with Gallery 57 that offers CAD/CAM courses for both technicians and dentists. "Since starting to work with CAD/CAM in 2005, I've really focused on using the technology to perfect form, function and fit and I enjoy sharing that knowledge," he says. "Lecturing helps me to continue to raise awareness of the possibilities of digital dentistry."
