LMT Articles

Digital Technology Survey

LMT's latest survey data shows that digital technology continues to revolutionize the way laboratories work: more laboratories than ever—55%—now have digital fabrication equipment in house. And of those who have invested in the technology, a whopping 94% say they're either "satisfied" or...

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...

InLab Summit 2013: Sirona Launches New Scanners and Design Software

> "Ten years ago, we could mill copings in five or six materials with inLab; now we can fabricate copings, crowns, bridges and abutments in more than 30 different materials. That's how far inLab has come!" said Norbert Ulmer, Director of Laboratory CAD/CAM at Sirona Dental, Inc., during his opening remarks...

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...

The Best in the West!

The California sun was shining bright, but more than 1,600 laboratory owners, managers and technicians came indoors to join LMT for our 23rd annual LAB DAY West on May 10-11 in Garden Grove, CA. The largest dental laboratory show on the west coast, Lab Day West features one day of shopping and two full...

The Way I See It

Words of wisdom from LMT Publisher Judy Fishman

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: The Way I See It

Don't Channel Steve Jobs

Like most of you, I did not have any kind of formal management training. Instead, my route to figuring out how to do it right was fraught with twists and turns, leaving my early-career staff members confused and unhappy. At one point back then, I tried mimicking my boss since everyone responded quickly...

The Future of 3D Printing

LMT talks with Avi Cohen, Director of global Dental at Stratasys, about the potential of 3D printing in our industry and his company's newest offerings.

From the Series: IDS 2013 Offers First Look at Emerging Innovations

Winners of Candulor's KunstZahnWerk® Competition Announced

The coveted first-place award in Candulor's KunstZahnWerk Competition—known as the Oscars of Removable Prosthetics—went to Skender Ramadani from Zurich. Coming in 2014: Candulor's second North American "Art of Denture" Competition.

From the Series: IDS 2013 Offers First Look at Emerging Innovations

Removable Arena

Are digital dentures coming our way? Also, to meet the growing demand for removable restorations, several manufacturers introduced new teeth and other accompanying products to enhance function, esthetics and efficiency.

From the Series: IDS 2013 Offers First Look at Emerging Innovations

Digital Manufacturing Equipment

The proliferation of digital technologies continued to flourish at the IDS, with more and more digital manufacturing solutions that enable users to address a greater number of applications and work with a larger range of materials. In addition, the 3D printing market continues to expand.

From the Series: IDS 2013 Offers First Look at Emerging Innovations

Intraoral Scanners

Among the newer features in digital impression-taking systems are smaller-than-ever intraoral devices and color technology. Also: several new players enter the market.

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.

Implants Still Going Strong

Despite the fact that many lab owners have been feeling the effects of the economy in many areas of their businesses, the majority of respondents to LMT's latest survey say the implant department isn't one of them.

Digital Technology, Big Names Draw Over 900 Attendees to LMT's LAB DAY East

> LMT's LAB DAY EAST—the largest dental laboratory trade show on the East Coast—was the place to be to research digital technology. This year, of the 93 exhibitors, over 40 companies offered the latest scanners, milling and rapid prototyping machines, wax printers, software, materials and...

DK Mungyo Announces New Die Stones

DK Mungyo's new Die Stone Gold is a type 4 stone specially formulated for implant and CAD/CAM models. It offers a .07% setting expansion and high compressive strength (62.8MPa at one hour). Offering good scanability, the stone has high fluid thixotropic properties because of its refined alpha hemihydrate...

Smile Line USA Launches Smile Lite Shade-Taking Tool

Chris Bradley of Smile Line USA tells Vinod Dudhat, MDT, American Dental Designs, Montgomeryville, PA, all about the new Smile Lite, a lightweight, hand-held tool that makes shade taking more reliable and efficient. It's equipped with a 5,500°K calibrated LED light (equivalent to daylight) so it provides...

From the Series: IDS 2013 Offers First Look at Emerging Innovations

Software and Scanner Upgrades

To expand indications and features, several companies introduced updated versions of their impression and model scanners and upgraded software packages.

From the Series: IDS 2013 Offers First Look at Emerging Innovations

Innovative Materials

Zirconia-reinforced materials are a new trend, and expanded options for pre-colored zirconia and ceramics for full contour restorations offer both efficiency and esthetics. Plus, a new type of material: a biocompatible, millable resin on which the final restoration can be built; there's no need for casting or pressing.