YOU are a Cause for Celebration

Getting to the International Dental Show (IDS) in Cologne, Germany from the U.S. is always a long trip, but this year, it was extra-long. I knew my passport was due to expire in April; what I didn’t know until I arrived at the airport is that Germany (as well as many other countries) doesn’t allow you to enter the country within six months of your passport expiration date.* Long, stressful story short: 24 hours and one expedited passport later, I made it. And I’m sure glad I did. 

The show was bustling; all told, Maribeth, Laurie and I walked 37 miles through the 12 exhibit halls so we’ve got a lot to tell you about the show in our May issue. Among the highlights: 3Shape TRIOS went wireless; there were tons of new 3D printers and printing materials; Dental Wings/Kulzer showcased the second generation of their laser mill; and Ivoclar Vivadent launched 54 new lab and clinical products, including its Digital Denture.

I’ve been to the IDS numerous times, and one thing that always stands out is the acknowledgement of dental technicians and their contributions to dentistry. For instance, the many staff members at the Zirkonzahn booth were wearing shirts that said, “honor your talent.” They also handed out A tribute to my job pamphlets with inspirational quotes from Zirkonzahn Founder, Enrico Steger, MDT. Under a picture of a beautiful crown, for example, Steger writes, “Chewing surface—my eyes gazing at you; I’m proud of myself. There’s a strong feeling of happiness. I’ve created you. My hands have formed you—out of nothing...Each step becomes easier and I’ll fight with pride and passion to achieve perfection.”

Another example: Every two years, Candulor celebrates the skills of denture technicians with its KunstZahnWerk Competition, considered the “Oscars” of removable prosthetics. This year, 42 technicians from around the world took on the challenge to fabricate a combination case with a mucosa-supported full denture for the mandible and an implant-supported restoration for the maxilla. The IDS press conference announcing the winners is always a moving experience; the winners are thrilled with their prizes but even more so by the prestige of the award and acknowledgement of their abilities.

Candulor also announced another tribute to technicians’ talents: Create the Best—The Calendar Competition. Until the end of August, technicians can submit photos of their dentures featuring Candulor teeth and resin and the 12 winning photos—as well as the technicians—will be featured in the company’s limited-edition 2018 wall calendar (see create-the-best.com for more details). 

In a similar vein, the NADL has named June “Dental Technician and CDT Appreciation Month.” LMT is joining in the celebration with a social media campaign to recognize your hard work, passion and dedication to dentistry and improving patients’ lives. So if you have staff members or peers you’d like to acknowledge with photos and/or prose, please email our Social Media Editor, Sherrie Shover, at [email protected]. 

We think it’s a great idea to set aside a month to acknowledge you, those who make us all smile and have a positive impact on our well-being. In fact, British researchers found that one smile can provide the same level of brain stimulation as 2,000 chocolate bars: a smile has therapeutic effects on a person’s brain and demeanor, reduces stress hormone levels, increases mood-enhancing endorphins and lowers blood pressure. I don’t know about you, but I think that’s pretty powerful stuff…just like the work you do, every day.