Articles Labs & Profiles

The Dentist's Perspective: It's a Family Affair For the Zentist

In 2008, Dr. Sonny Torres Oliva was profiled in the New York Times for his services and the spa-like environment in his mid-town Manhattan, NY dental office. Dubbed the "Zentist," his operatories feature soft lighting, gently vibrating dental chairs and New Age music. Patients—some of whom are...

Partnership and Patient Interaction: the Payoff For In-House Technicians

LMT explores the in-house business model which provides technicians with the ultimate opportunity to be an integral part of the dental team and experience the satisfaction of interacting with patients—minus the challenges of business ownership. Plus: a dentist offers his perspective on the value of having...

Life Outside the Lab: Time Off is For the Dogs

When he's not in the lab, Paul Fink is in the dog house, but there's nowhere he'd rather be. Breeding and showing champion Yorkshire Terriers is a passion for Paul, Owner of A Dental Creation in Vincennes, IN, and his wife, Barbara, who also works in the lab. Longtime Yorkie lovers, the Finks have...

From the Series: Technicians on a Mission

Affordable Dentures® Ramps Up Commitment to NCMOM

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

From the Series: Technicians on a Mission

North Carolina Laboratory Association Gives Back

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.

From the Series: Technicians on a Mission

Technician Has 'Chance of a Lifetime' Experience On South Pacific Dental Mission

"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...

Ohio Lab Helps Take a Bite Out of Crime

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

From the Series: Technicians on a Mission

Capture Dental Arts Celebrates Mother's Day With Smile Give-A-Way

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.

Lab Owner Sets Sail With Technicians, Families

After employees helped the business bounce back from a challenging 2010, Joseph Traboulsi, Owner of Creative Dental Images in Dedham, MA, treated them and their families to a seven-day cruise to Bermuda.

From the Series: Education Connection

Education Connection: Commitment to Education is Foundation of Lab's Success

Both teacher and student, Laboratory Owner Brian Lindke’s focus on education runs the gamut from study clubs to clinical programs to in-office consultation, rendering him an indispensable resource to his dentist-clients.

From the Series: Technicians on a Mission

Technicians On a Mission: Lab Owners Create Non-Profit to Give Back

The Absolute Care Foundation is a non-profit organization run entirely by Absolute Dental Lab Co-Owners Conrad Rensburg and Drew Van Aarde and their staff.

DAL Goes Digital, Launches DAL DT Technologies

Last month, Dental Arts Laboratories (DAL) launched DAL DT Technologies, a new division that is solely dedicated to the development and service of CAD/CAM technology and other subcontracting services to laboratories.

In the Foxhole Together: How to Have the Most Successful Client Relationships

LMT interviews Terry Fohey, CDT, who has brought the concept of collaboration to a whole new level at NuCraft Dental Arts in Bogart, GA.

D&S Dental Laboratory: After 40 Years, People Are Still Its Purpose

Now with three locations and 77 employees, D&S, headquartered in Waunakee, WI, remains true to its mission: focusing on the internal customer.

From the Series: 40 Under Forty

REBECCA WADE, CDT: An Artist With Drive

Like many young artists, Rebecca Wade found joy in expressing herself on canvas. Now that canvas is a crown. An aspiring painter and sculptor who was working toward a degree in computer graphics in 1997, Wade responded to an ad for a part-time position at a dental laboratory only because it mentioned...

From the Series: 40 Under Forty

PAUL SIMPSON: From Down-and-Out to Up-and-Coming

Paul Simpson turned his life around after he discovered dental technology at age 20. Still trying to shake off the consequences of growing up in a bad neighborhood and dropping out of school a few years earlier, he applied for a job at a local laboratory. "I had no car, no high school diploma and was...

From the Series: 40 Under Forty

James Grady: Spearheads Family Lab's Shift to All-Ceramic

As a kid, James Grady never envisioned working at his father's laboratory; he wanted to "do his own thing." But then he grew up. "It was when I was in college that I realized the opportunity I'd be passing up. How many people can graduate and get involved in an established business at the level I...

From the Series: 40 Under Forty

Man Kwok 'Tommy' Zhu, CDT, TE: Nurturing a Thirst For Knowledge

Tommy Zhu had laid out a detailed plan for becoming a dentist. First, to gain a background in the profession, he enrolled in the Restorative Dentistry program at the New York City College of Technology. After graduation in 2003, the next step was to work as a denture technician to save money for dental...

From the Series: 40 Under Forty

Krista Hartley, CDT: a Standout in the Removable Specialty

"Most of the other students were taken by the 'glamour' of ceramics, but I was drawn to dentures," says Krista Hartley, CDT, referring to her experience at Indian River State College's dental technology program. "I love the challenges of the denture specialty, setting the teeth and establishing the vertical...

From the Series: 40 Under Forty

Joshua Polansky: Educated By the Masters

Joshua Polansky hasn't had just any mentors. Although initially intending to become a dentist like his father, he worked in several laboratories during college and 'fell in love' with dental technology. However, it was in 2003 when he had a one-on-one apprenticeship with Master Technician Olivier Tric...

From the Series: 40 Under Forty

Jessica Birrell, CDT, FACE: Passionate About Education and Philanthropy

Confident and passionate, Jessica Birrell believes there's no limit to what she can accomplish in the dental technology field. Since starting her laboratory three years ago, she's developed a successful niche for high-end smile design cases and now she's eager to branch out as an educator and share her...

From the Series: 40 Under Forty

Reed Nunnally: Focused On the Numbers

Reed Nunnally spent five years building his own highly successful construction and real estate business buying, renovating and flipping properties in Louisville, Kentucky's historic Highlands area. But after a couple of years nursing a bad back, he knew he needed to switch gears. His father, David...

From the Series: 40 Under Forty

Heather Pear, CDT: Loves the Palette of Possibilities

Heather Pear grew up with a lab in her home and knew from a young age that she wanted to be a technician. At age 15 she worked with her mother—Carol Ruset, CDT, MDT—helping with model and die work and learning every aspect of the lab. "I remember watching her build up a crown and longing...

From the Series: 40 Under Forty

Jack Marrano, CDT: Former Marine Runs Multi-Million Dollar Division of Microdental

When Lee Culp, CDT—one of the most respected technicians in the world—wants to recognize you for excellence, it would be easy to let it go to your head. But Jack Marrano, CDT, is as modest as he is accomplished. For instance, ask Marrano about his success—at age 34 he runs the multi-million-dollar...