Business Strategies for Dental Laboratory Decision-Makers

Labs & Profiles

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Aug 2010

Helping Hands: Tassi Dental Supports Haitian Medical Mission

Labs & Profiles

The staff and clients of Albert Tassi Dental Studio in Elmhurst, IL, recently contributed boxloads of donations to support a medical team’s trip to Haiti. Read More

Aug 2010
Sherrie Eng

Maverick Dental Lab Drives Patient Referrals to Clients

Labs & Profiles

A new fleet of delivery cars has turned into a double bonus for Maverick Dental Lab, Export, Pennsylvania: it’s saving on delivery costs and reaping the benefits of a unique and effective direct-to-c Read More

June/July 2010
Kim Molinaro

Wornson-Polzin Dental Lab Triples in Size

Labs & Profiles

Previously housed in a cramped, crowded facility, Wornson-Polzin Dental Lab’s new 13,000-square-foot location is three times the size. Read More

June/July 2010
Maribeth Marsico

European Vision Shapes Lab Design

Labs & Profiles

Opened in 2009 in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, Niche Dental Studio makes the most of its limited space. Read More

May 2010
Eric Nunnally

Labs and Dental Practices: Not So Different After All

Labs & Profiles

In Part III of his ongoing column, Eric Nunnally, CDT, finds that technicians and dentists have more parallels than he thought, and that his technician background is finally giving him a leg up. Read More

Apr 2010
Sherrie Eng

Life Outside the Lab: Pushing Porcelain to New Possibilities

Labs & Profiles

As a former jewelry maker and sculptor, Chuck Little, CDT, constantly found himself asking what else he could do with the dental materials he works with every day—how far could he push it? Read More

Apr 2010

Small Steps Equal 10% Savings Per Month For First Impressions Dental Lab

Labs & Profiles

“We’ve been implementing green programs to our operations over two years and we’re saving approximately 10% per month on our operating budget,” says Sandy Stuart, First Impression Dental Lab, Inc. Read More

Apr 2010

After Seven Years, Solar Panels Still a 'Slam Dunk’ For Great White Dental Laboratory

Labs & Profiles

Looking back seven years, Spallino calls his green investment a “slam dunk!” Read More

Apr 2010

Chromeworks Inc. Continues to Add to Its List of Green Efforts

Labs & Profiles

In 2004, Chromeworks Inc. installed 176 300-watt solar modules; half on the roof of the building, and the other half form the roof of a carport that protects employees’ cars from the California heat. Read More

Apr 2010

Ragle’s Model Milling Center Reduces Waste One Model at a Time

Labs & Profiles

Open last April, Ragle Dental Laboratory\'s Cadent model milling center is milling about 5,000 polyurethane models—and recycling 2,500 to 2,800 pounds of polyurethane waste—each month. Read More

Mar 2010
Maribeth Marsico

Dental South Hits Growth Spurt During Recession

Labs & Profiles

When you have nine record sales months in a row in an economy like this one, you know you’re doing something right. Read More

Feb 2010

Diadem: Focus On High Precision

Labs & Profiles

In 2009, Mike Girard, RDT, opened Diadem Digital Solutions and, for the past year, has been solidifying Diadem's market position as a high-precision milling center. Read More

Feb 2010

Be a Digital Design Center

Labs & Profiles

Mike Girard, owner of Diadem Digital Solutions, is aware that many lab owners feel overwhelmed as to how to proceed in this new digital age. Read More

Feb 2010
Eric Nunnally

A Technician Goes to Dental School: One Semester Down, Seven to Go

Labs & Profiles

In Part II of his ongoing column, technician-turned-dental student, Eric Nunnally, CDT, chronicles his experience at the University of Louisville School of Dentistry. Read More

Feb 2010
Bernard Baseri

A Technician Goes to Dental School: Communication is Key in Dentist-Technician Relationship

Labs & Profiles

Bernard Baseri was a technician for four years before enrolling in the class of 2013 at the University of Southern California School of Dentistry. Read More

Jan 2010
Sherrie Eng

Renovation Paves Way For Digital Revolution

Labs & Profiles

The eight-month renovation not only created more space and comfort, it also prepared the lab for the digital revolution. Read More

Nov/Dec 2009

A Photo Essay

Labs & Profiles

More photos from Pointer's experiences in Afghanistan. Read More

Nov/Dec 2009
Eric Nunnally

Life On the Other Side: a Technician Goes to Dental School

Labs & Profiles

A year ago, Eric Nunnally was working in his father’s laboratory. Today, he’s a student at the University of Louisville School of Dentistry, wearing scrubs, dissecting a human body and learning to drill a cavity prep. Read More

Nov/Dec 2009
Kim Molinaro

Technician Makes a Difference in War-Torn Afghanistan

Labs & Profiles

For Michael Pointer, car bombs and dysentery are just part of his normal workday. Pointer is currently in Kabul, Afghanistan working as a technician and trainer with the Afghanistan Dental Relief Proj Read More

Nov/Dec 2009

From a ‘Cave’ to a Castle

Labs & Profiles

For 35 years, the staff at Flud Dental Lab in Tulsa, Oklahoma, affectionately dubbed their building “The Cave.” Read More

Ragle Dental Laboratory Becomes the First Regional Production Center For Cadent

Labs & Profiles

Jerry Ragle, CDT, owner of Ragle Dental Laboratory, Champaign, Illinois, has the unique distinction of being the first laboratory in the U.S. to become a regional production center for milling Cadent ... Read More

Oct 2009
Maribeth Marsico

Kelley Dental Laboratory and Whip Mix: a Synergistic Relationship That Spans Generations

Labs & Profiles

For over three decades, two industry families—the Kelleys of Kelley Dental Laboratory and the Steinbocks of Whip Mix Corp.—have been business partners and friends. When Pat Kelley founded his denta... Read More

Sep 2009
Maribeth Marsico

Synergistic Approach Brings Combination Casework to a New Level

Labs & Profiles

By bringing fixed and removable technicians together in one department, industry leader Glidewell Laboratories has streamlined combination casework and dramatically enhanced communication. Two head... Read More

Sep 2009
Maribeth Marsico

Offshore Pioneers Celebrate 25 Years in the Phillippines

Labs & Profiles

Once the focus of great controversy, Interdent in Manila has grown to a staff of 700 and regularly services a few hundred laboratories in 78 countries. Jerry Doviack used to be shunned at laborator... Read More

June/July 2009

Laboratory Showcase: From Maze-Like to AMAZing

Labs & Profiles

Many laboratories create esthetic restorations, but some owners and their teams are lucky enough to work in facilities that are as beautiful as the work they create. In this ongoing LMT series, we sho... Read More

May 2009

Lab Owner Completes 7,200 Square-Foot Renovation Marathon in Just Eight-Weeks

Labs & Profiles

Unexpectedly caught in a pressure-filled situation with only eight weeks to renovate YDL Dental Laboratory in Carrollton, Texas, owner Sami Yared, CDT, successfully fulfilled his dream of creating a m... Read More

Apr 2009
Kim Molinaro

Product Testing Gives Lincoln’s Partner Laboratories a Leg Up

Labs & Profiles

Lincoln Dental Supply’s partner laboratories test products for quality and performance before they’re added to the company’s lineup. Laboratory owners have long bemoaned products that come to marke... Read More

Apr 2009

Open Space For Close-Knit Staff

Labs & Profiles

Many laboratories create esthetic restorations, but some owners and their teams are lucky enough to work in facilities that are as beautiful as the work they create. In this second installment of LMT’... Read More

Apr 2009

Laboratory Oasis in Urban Jungle

Labs & Profiles

Many laboratories create esthetic restorations, but some owners and their teams are lucky enough to work in facilities that are as beautiful as the work they create. In this second installment of LMT’... Read More

Mar 2009

Daymude Dental Studio: Room For Future Growth in Peoria, Arizona

Labs & Profiles

In 1999, Gary and Darlene Daymude opened Daymude Dental Studio in the garage of their home. They eventually outgrew the space and moved to a 4,000-sq.-ft. building, but the facility was far from perfe... Read More

Mar 2009

A Dream Come True For Continental Dental Laboratory

Labs & Profiles

“We’re still dreaming,” says Laboratory Manager Julie Dewane of Continental Dental’s move from its cramped, outdated building into a new 12,000-sq.-ft. facility in July 2008. She notes that clients ar... Read More

Mar 2009

Eurotek Dental Studio: Historic Home For a Modern Lab

Labs & Profiles

Andrea Babson was in love. In her search for a new home for her laboratory, she found the perfect building: a charming, 100-year-old, Victorian house. Then, she tore it apart in order to turn the 1,50... Read More

Mar 2009
Maribeth Marsico

Bioesthetic Niche Reinvigorates Small Lab

Labs & Profiles

How one laboratory owner’s passion for bioesthetic dentistry transformed his business. Dan O’Rourke was chugging along with his successful, 20-year-old lab in Dublin, New Hampshire and attending ad... Read More

Mar 2009

Summit Dental Lab: An Energy-Efficient Expansion

Labs & Profiles

In 2003, Summit Dental Lab had outgrown its 5,000-sq.-ft. facility in Waco, Texas. Owners Hal and Glenda Jones decided to gut and renovate the existing building and also build an addition. After 26 mo... Read More

Feb 2009
Maribeth Marsico

Total Lab Makeover Paves Way For Double-Digit Growth

Labs & Profiles

Son’s vision reinvigorates Rogers Dental Laboratories, Athens, TN, and his father’s passion for the business. After owning his own laboratory for nearly 30 years, Roy Rogers was ready to turn the r... Read More

Feb 2009
Kim Molinaro

Three Tiers of Service Equal Winning Business Strategy

Labs & Profiles

Peoria, Illinois-based Dental Arts Laboratories (DAL) offers its customers three tiers of service: branded DAL restorations from its traditional DAL laboratories; “esthetic zone” high-end restorations... Read More

Jan 2009

Four-day Workweek Boosts Morale and Bottom Line

Labs & Profiles

Thanks to the implementation of W. E. Deming’s manufacturing principles, the staff at Unique Dental Group has successfully switched to a four-day workweek and is enjoying more leisure time. Read More

Jan 2009

Incisal Edge, Inc. and Jensen Dental: Personal Touch and Education Key to 15-Year Partnership

Labs & Profiles

LMT's 25-Year Partnership articles continue with Jensen Dental and Incisal Edge, Inc. Read More

Nov/Dec 2008
Kelly Fessel Carr

The Argen Corporation: It's Like Having a Metallurgist On Staff

Labs & Profiles

Three of the largest laboratories in the country share their experiences developing alloys and techniques with The Argen Corporation. Read More

Oct 2008

The Dawson Academy: Now Offering a Curriculum Exclusively For Technicians

Labs & Profiles

The Dawson Academy has welcomed both dentists and technicians in its courses since its inception in 1979, but its recent merger with Lee Culp's Institute of Oral Art and Design has allowed it to expand ... Read More

Oct 2008
Maribeth Marsico

Lab Owner Attributes Growth to Enduring Parternship

Labs & Profiles

To hear laboratory owner Mark Jackson talk about Vident, you might think he was talking about a big brother. After all, they did grow up together. Read More

Oct 2008
Maribeth Marsico

Small Lab 'feel' Propels Laboratory to Big-time Growth

Labs & Profiles

Things have happened fast for Keating Dental Arts. Just six years ago, Shaun Keating, CDT, opened the laboratory in a small space with a staff of six. Now, the laboratory employs 125 people... Read More

Family-owned Company Retools For the Future

Labs & Profiles

LMT Associate Publishers Kelly Carr and Laurie Freddino traveled to Louisville, Kentucky for some Southern hospitality and to learn how third- and fourth-generation members of the Steinbock family... Read More

Sep 2008
Kim Molinaro

Getting By With a Little Help From a Friend

Labs & Profiles

30 year partnership with Nobilium-Ticonium pays off for the Kaizer family and their removable lab. Read More

Sep 2008
Kim Molinaro

Renovation Brings Much-needed Elbow Room to California Laboratory

Labs & Profiles

In June 2006, Steve and Greg Killian, brothers and co-owners of Killian Dental Ceramics, Irvine, California, realized a long-time dream. After over 20 years of renting space for their laboratory, they purchased a new building that would be their new Read More

June/July 2008
Maribeth Marsico

Commitment to Education Reflected in Brick and Mortar

Labs & Profiles

During the three years All-Dent Ceramic Studio was holding courses for its clients in local hotels, owner Steve Romanzi was dreaming of something bigger. Read More

May 2008

Life Outside the Lab: Ready For Take-Off!

Labs & Profiles

In LMT's ongoing series that celebrates the industry's diversity of talents and interests, we profile two technicians who moonlight as musicians and one who has built his own helicopter. Read More

May 2008

Life Outside the Lab: Aspiring Musician/Technician Poised to Hit the Big Time

Labs & Profiles

When technician Derrick Gaddis and his band, Midnight Clear, entered CBS’ Living Room…LIVE! Battle of the Bands contest last June they did it just for fun. But about three months later, the rock-and-roll group found it was the last band standing. Read More

May 2008

Life Outside the Lab: Lab Owner By Day, Rock Star By Night

Labs & Profiles

Rob Lash fell in love with music at the tender age of five. “I would listen to the radio a lot—especially the Beatles,” says Lash, owner of Moskey Dental Laboratories in Cleveland, Ohio, a family-run,... Read More

Apr 2008

The Industry's New E-Generation

Labs & Profiles

Technology in our industry is advancing at warp speed, and a new generation of tech-savvy technicians is embracing the change. Here, members of this new e-generation share how they think new technology will continue to shape the industry and why they Read More

Apr 2008

Lab Owner's Passion Fuels Implant Think Tank

Labs & Profiles

A fascination with impants and a commitment to education led Mike Hennessy, owner of Hennessy Dental Laboratory, Riviera Beach, FL, to launch an impant study club for his dentist-clients. Read More

Mar 2008

Networking Proves Crucial to Small Lab Owner's Exit Plan

Labs & Profiles

Lab owner finds buyer through networking Read More

Mar 2008

Merger Does Double Duty: Stress Reducer & Exit Strategy

Labs & Profiles

Rick Wides, owner of Bethesda Dental Laboratory in Gaithersburg, Maryland, was growing tired of the struggles of entrepreneurship. Read More

Mar 2008

Canadian Laboratory Owner Keeps His Eye On the Prize

Labs & Profiles

Owner creates network of laboratories from Canada to U.S. Read More

Mar 2008

A Change of Exit Plans

Labs & Profiles

Exit planning, Saunders Dental Laboratory Read More

Mar 2008

Dockstader Dental Lab: ‘cruising’ to Success

Labs & Profiles

Rob Bausman, co-owner of Dockstader Dental Lab, believes there's no reason to put work before family and fun. Read More

Feb 2008

Feng Shui Maximizes Energy in Boutique Washington Laboratory

Labs & Profiles

From the moment you step into LeBeau Precision Aesthetics, the energy is palpable. While it's largely due to the passion and interest of Owner Dene LeBeau and his talented 11-person staff, the lab has another secret weapon: feng shui. Read More

Jan 2008

At Smile-Vision, Imaging is Everything

Labs & Profiles

Smile-Visions focuses on the cosmetic imaging niche and offer the service to other dentists. Read More

Nov/Dec 2007

'Farmer' Marketing: How One New Jersey Lab Cultivates New Clients

Labs & Profiles

High-energy and sales-savvy, Marc Daichman has long been known for his out-of-the-box marketing strategies. Today, Asteto Dent hosts an ongoing education series, offering an average of 15 courses per year and typically gaining anywhere from 10 to 20 Read More

Oct 2007

Life-long Learner Driven to Share His Passion

Labs & Profiles

Bill Zanin, owner, Cusp of Integtrity Dental Restorations in Wallingford, CT, is driven by his need to learn from others as well as share his knowledge. Read More

Sep 2007
Kim Molinaro

Precision Craft Spreads Its Wings in New Multi-million Dollar Facility

Labs & Profiles

LMT managing editor Kim Molinaro travels to Precision Craft Dental Laboratory in Smithfield, Rhode Island, for a firsthand look at its new $3.4 million laboratory and education center. Read More

June/July 2007

Colonial Dental Studio Loses 170 Pounds!

Labs & Profiles

Tom and Nicole Hagen, owners of this Davenport, Iowa laboratory, helped employees focus on health and fitness by installing a gym, hiring a trainer and sponsoring a fitness challenge. Read More

May 2007

Live Patient Programs: a Stepping Stone For Westlund Dental Studio

Labs & Profiles

Westlund Dental Studios' commitment to continuing education and relationship-building has earned the Eden Prairie, MN laboratory several big-name clients as well as some time in the spotlight. Read More

Mar 2007

Strong Relationships Help Build Drake Precision Dental Laboratory

Labs & Profiles

Well-known industry veteran, Billy Drake, CDT, owner of Drake Precision Dental Laboratory, Charlotte, North Carolina, makes the most of every relationship, which has been the key to his 25 years of success. Read More

Jan 2007

Laboratory Owners Battle Back After Devastating Flood

Labs & Profiles

Teamwork Dental Studio in Epsom, NH was completely destroyed by the New England Flood of 2006. Today, thanks in part to the generosity of two nearby lab owners, Bev and Don Desmarais are back on their feet. Read More

Nov/Dec 2006

Mixing Business With Pleasure: a Boxing Fan's Dream Come True

Labs & Profiles

A lifelong boxing fan, David Baum, owner of Cayuga Dental Studio, Auburn, NY, revolutionized the fist casting ceremony for the International Boxing Hall of Fame using his laboratory skills. Read More

Nov/Dec 2006

LMT at Ivoclar Vivadent: Meeting Industry Changes Head-on

Labs & Profiles

The market is asking for change. Dentists and technicians are looking for technologies and services that save them time or make their businesses more profitable Read More

Oct 2006

Back-to-basics Marketing Leads to Success at the Lab 2000, Inc.

Labs & Profiles

Dena Lanier started The Lab 2000, Inc. on a bet with her husband, Dennis. Today, through unique and persistent marketing techniques, Dena has grown the laboratory to a successful 30-person operation. Read More

Sep 2006

NYU Dental School Honors Jason J. Kim Dental Laboratory

Labs & Profiles

Providing quality education for its dentist-clients has been instrumental to the growth and success of Jason J. Kim Dental Laboratory, Port Washington and Manhattan, New York. Read More

June/July 2006

Florida Laboratory in 'harmony' With Employees

Labs & Profiles

On track to hit $11 million in sales this year, Harmony Laboratory, Jacksonville, Florida, attributes much of its success to its 140 employees and strives to keep them happy and productive. Read More

June/July 2006

From Broker to Overseas Facility Owner

Labs & Profiles

In the latest installment in our coverage of the global market, LMT talks to Roy Shu, Shu Dental Lab, Morrisville, Pennsylvania, about his decision to open a facility in Zhu Hai, China. Read More

May 2006

Emphasis On Manufacturing Pays Off For Edmonds Dental Prosthetics

Labs & Profiles

Amongst tough competition, Edmonds Dental Prosthetics was named the 2005 Manufacturer of the Year by the Springfield, Missouri are Chamber of Commerce. Read More

May 2006

Glidewell Takes It South of the Border

Labs & Profiles

In Part II of our exclusive LMT interview with Jim Glidewell, owner of Glidewell Dental Laboratories, he tells us why he opened laboratories in Costa Rica and Mexico and discusses the impact of the business model Read More

Apr 2006

In-house R&D a Must For Industry Giant

Labs & Profiles

In this exclusive LMT interview, Jim Glidewell, owner of Glidewell Dental Laboratories, shares why he got involved in research and development, the challenges it presents, and what he and his staff have in the works. Read More

Apr 2006

Passions Unite: Laboratory Owner Blends Love of Teaching, Public Service

Labs & Profiles

Elizabeth Curran, owner of Ahwatukee Dental Laboratory, moves her laboratory into the Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health, operating as a commercial lab as well as teaching dental students. Read More

Mar 2006

Son Brings New Life, New Look to Young Dental Lab

Labs & Profiles

Joe Young used his college degree to take his parents' laboratory from Read More

Jan 2006

Case Consultation Goes High Tech

Labs & Profiles

On-line videoconferencing is changing the way one California laboratory troubleshoots and communicates with clients. Read More

Nov/Dec 2005

Canadian Laboratory Owner Tackles Training Crisis Head-on

Labs & Profiles

Like many laboratory owners, Chang Kim of Prowest International Dental Services, Calgary, Alberta, was having trouble finding skilled technicians. His solution? Opening a training institute that emphasizes real-world casework so students can work on Read More

Oct 2005

Portraits of the Family Business: Succession is Sweet at Artisan Dental Laboratory

Labs & Profiles

In the rush to retirement, many business owners underestimate the need to properly groom their successors and, instead, simply hand over the keys to the operation. Read More

Oct 2005

Tech-savvy Laboratory Uses Specialized Skills to Rebuild Faces

Labs & Profiles

Stop by Michigan Technical Implant Prosthetics Unlimited in Clarkston, Michigan, and, chances are, you’ll think you’ve stumbled upon a Hollywood special effects set. But don’t be fooled. Read More

Sep 2005

Portraits of the Family Business: Committed Family Staff Makes Dream of High-end Lab a Reality

Labs & Profiles

Four family members comprise the staff of Pro Dental Art in Titusville, FL. Read More

Sep 2005

Laura Kelly-Brown: Fired Up and Ready to Lead the AACD

Labs & Profiles

LMT interviews Laura Kelly-Brown, the first technician—and first woman—to be named vice president of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. Read More

June/July 2005

Portraits of the Family Business: Marotta Dental Lab and Ragle Dental Lab

Labs & Profiles

Family businesses are thriving in the United States, and the laboratory industry is no exception. LMT offers intimate portraits of family-owned laboratories. Profiled are Marotta Dental Studio, Farmingdale, NY, and Ragle Dental Lab, Champaign, IL. Read More

Nov/Dec 2000

A Virtual Tour: BonaDent Dental Laboratories

Labs & Profiles

Join LMT on its visit to this New York laboratory designed with high-end dentists and the most talented technicians in mind. Read More