"Reflective Trilogy"
By: Wesley E.Johnson,CDT
Photographer: Paul Colletti
We have heard so much about the pitfalls of this economical turmoil and the light at the end of the
tunnel. We have heard about the patients being more hesitant to spend significant funds on dental
treatments. Before the recession 36 million crowns were placed annually, which produces 36 billion
dollars. A major part of dentistry gross revenue, there has been 17% decrease in crown fabrication in
the last 2 years.
All this is happening as we still discuss the increase of offshore laboratory work, dentists failure to
recognize the value of good work and the technology bombardment that will enhance our productivity
(if we embrace it) and the consequence if we don’t. All of this would keep you up nights without
the realization that this will turn around and in some areas quite quickly. Now is a very good time to
evaluate your work flow and decide whether this is the time for retraining and preparing for the rebirth
of accounts. This is an opportunity to investigate the best way to handle merging technologies and blend
these processes into the regular laboratory schedule.
The technology available is creating exciting possibilities for technicians and laboratories in providing
better smiles to the dental patient. The Iowa Dental Laboratory Association is striving to provide
avenues as you investigate all the alternatives and come out of this current economy a stronger more
defined industry.
Betty Mitchell, BS, CDT, TE
IDLA President
Karen Woods, IDLA Coordinator 319-265-4255 CREATIVE OCCASIONS 403 Westridge Drive SW Cedar Rapids, IA 52404 Email: info@iowadla.com