Since everyone's been expressing concern about what will happen to our field when thousands of Boomers retire, we've been taking a hard look at the new generation of dental technology leaders to get a handle on what will become of our community.
As you can tell from this month's cover feature--40 Under Forty--we're looking at a community that is beautifully bright and has a glorious future. It is young, modern and brilliant just like the talented professionals who will populate it. Their passion for changing lives by creating natural-looking dentition--as well as building lasting relationships with clients--is robust; it's what drives the rising stars profiled in this issue.
The idea for our coverage comes from Managing Editor Kim Molinaro who, like everyone in our editorial deparment, is regularly on the phone with laboratory owners and managers learning about issues that concern them and innovations that bolster their business. She recognized a palpable vitality shared by many younger readers; hence, LMT asked readers for nominations of up-and-coming, under 40 community leaders for this special issue that features 40 of those nominees.
Many of our nominees have grown up in the lab environment and we might characterize them as a group of confident, team-oriented high achievers who are supremely optimistic, strongly driven by their ability to have a positive impact on the lives of their clients' patients.
Many of them have been motivated by their parents or another mentor, are quite passionate about dental technology, are eager to share their knowledge and humbly attribute their success to their mentors and team members. They put a lot of energy into their work, have a great work ethic and like taking high-end courses, getting degrees, being involved and giving back.
If you ever find yourself feeling overwhelmed or down about having to adapt to our changing, ever-more digital and global landscape, reread this issue of LMT; you'll be inspired all over again.
It seems to me, when the time comes, the industry couldn't be passed on to more accomplished, enthusiastic hands.
Moving Forward
For every one committed industry maven you read about here, we know you know a few more --under 40, loving their work and moving our industry forward--and we invite you to tell us about them so they can also be featured in future issues of LMT. Contact Kim, kim@LMTmag.com or me, judy@LMTmag.com, or call us at our new phone number: 203-426-4LMT [4568].
Also, be sure to check out our Job Board to look for and find those interested in being a member of your own thriving business.
Interesting Tidbit: In many circles, and particularly biblical ones, the number 40 is deeply symbolic. For example, when Noah set off on his Ark, it rained for 40 days and 40 nights; the Israelites wandered in the desert for 40 years; Moses was in the mount for 40 days. You get the picture and there are lots more when you look it up. Biblically, you'll find 40 also represents a generation. Today it's half the average lifetime.
