Septodont, NDC sign warehouse pact
Septodont, Inc. has entered into a new Warehouse Distribution Agreement with National Distribution & Contracting, Inc. (NDC). The Warehouse Distribution Agreement will offer the complete Septodont product portfolio to NDC’s 45 dental distributors in the American Dental Cooperative (ADC) and the United Dental Dealers (UDD) groups.
The agreement will allow Septodont to stock its products directly in the NDC warehouses (Tennessee and Nevada). The new program expands the current offering of the Image® restorative line and the infection control products to include the popular Septocaine® brand and the entire line of injectable anesthetics.
“This partnership will provide Septodont the ability to service our dealer customer base efficiently”, stated Paul Mondock, Septodont’s vice president of sales and marketing.
Lori Paulson, vice president of marketing and dental programs at NDC, added, “Expanding the Septodont product offering means the independent dental dealers will be able to capitalize on the opportunity to efficiently serve their customers.”
Benco holds manager training session
Benco Dental recently held the first of two advanced training sessions it will conduct during 2008 for regional sales managers.
The session, conducted at the company’s Wilkes-Barre, Pa., headquarters, is built around Integrity Selling, a needs-based sales education program for which all Benco Dental sales professionals attend ongoing training. Attendees are also updated on company strategy, sales trends and analysis, new products, and industry news.
In addition, regional managers hear talks from division heads at Insite (dental office design), BencoNET (the company’s digital integration arm), BCI (Benco Continuous Improvement – a internal systems analysis initiative based on the Japanese concept of “Kaizen”), and others.
Training continues after attendees depart Benco Dental headquarters. Back in their sales territories, they attend remote follow-up sessions via telephone and video conferences and informal web chat sessions.
“We are very excited about this program,” said Lanie Jordan, director of training, education, and sales support. “Our hope is to continue expanding this training offering so that additional personnel such as equipment sales specialists and service techs can benefit as well.”
Darby helps kids by going back to school
Darby Dental Supply, LLC, with its national distribution hub in Memphis, recently sponsored Westhaven Elementary School’s Career Day, which kicked off the school’s College Week program. The PK-5 public school has approximately 400 students.
Specifically, Darby donated goodie bags for students that included a variety of oral health products, such as G-U-M® brand toothbrushes and toothpaste, Darby’s own SuperDent dental floss and toys such as bouncy balls and stickers, plus every student received a Darby baseball hat.
“We’re happy and grateful that Darby supplied goodie bags that are not only fun, but also encourage proper oral hygiene habits among our students,” said Kiki Jones, a teacher at Westhaven Elementary and the organizer of Career Day. “The Darby goodie bags are an excellent candy alternative and were a very appropriate takeaway item for this event.”
That’s because the importance of proper oral hygiene was an important topic at this year’s Career Day. Local Darby representative Trise Alexander and local Memphis-area dentist Dr. Joseph McLaurin provided Westhaven Elementary students with oral care instruction, distributed educational materials, and recommended regular check-ups and cleanings.
Bergman, Schein receive tech honors
Stanley M. Bergman, chairman and chief executive officer of Henry Schein, Inc., was recently honored for his business and technology leadership on Long Island at the Long Island Software Awards (LISA). In addition, Henry Schein’s Information Technology Group earned two LISAs recognizing excellence in software products for the company’s Sales Analysis Tool and ArubAeZ. The awards were presented by the Long Island Software & Technology Network (LISTnet) in Garden City, N.Y.
“This recognition is very gratifying because it reflects the commitment to technology leadership that I share with Jim Harding, our Chief Technology Officer, Grace Monahan, our Chief Information Officer, and with Team Schein Members around the world,” Bergman said. “The traits that Henry Schein and LISTnet share – from our confidence in future growth on Long Island, to our collaborative initiatives, to our efforts to constantly improve the level of service we provide – underscore the importance of the work that LISTnet is doing and why we are happy to support the organization.”
Hu-Friedy fights rain, breast cancer
Mother’s Day morning was wet and windy in Chicago, but that didn’t stop Team Hu-Friedy from crossing the finish line in support of Breast Cancer Network of Strength (formerly know as the Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization). The rain may have kept some away, but dedicated members of the Hu-Friedy Team wore smiles that brightened the gray morning. The team took cover under the festive Hu-Friedy tent and shared in raffle fun, breakfast treats, and lots of laughter. The team had a lot to celebrate after raising over $24,000 in donations with help from other Hu-Friedy teams across the country.
Hu-Friedy pledged to continue their second year of support for the Y-ME Race to Empower by establishing teams other Y-ME race cities across the country including Atlanta, Denver, Miami, New Haven, Sacramento, San Diego, and Washington D.C.
Benco hosts first class at new facility
Benco Dental recently hosted the first graduating class of a new, interactive, dental-training program. The program, geared towards dental sales professionals, was launched by The Dental Advisor at its facility in Ann Arbor, Mich.
The class participated in hands-on training, including instructions on dental anatomy and procedures, as well as an overview of dental equipment.
Participants also simulated practice operations at Enspire Dental, a busy, 14-operatory dental practice. And as an added value, students interacted in live procedures in a dental operatory, esthetic dental laboratory, and CAD/CAM milling center.
PDI gives to Direct Relief
Direct Relief, a 60-year-old charitable organization that assists communities confronting enormous hardships such as natural disasters and refugee populations, recently received a much-needed donation of Chlorascrub™ from Professional Disposables International, Inc. (PDI).
“As part of our company’s mission to help prevent infections, it’s our corporate obligation to donate materials to organizations such as Direct Relief,” says Zachary Julius, president of PDI. “Direct Relief makes a substantial difference in the lives of individuals who have been challenged by forces that are out of their control. They have the means to distribute our product to those who will need it the most. We are pleased to help in this way.”
3M ESPE, Astra Tech join forces
3M ESPE and Astra Tech AB, a leader and innovator in the dental implant industry, have announced a global partnership to provide Astra Tech’s Atlantis™ patient-specific abutments to 3M ESPE Lava™ customers. The two companies have developed an interface which will enable the Lava™ Scan ST Design System to communicate directly with Astra Tech’s Atlantis technology.
This new development will enable Lava Scan ST users to transfer digital scan information of the patients’ oral geometry to Astra Tech’s Atlantis design and manufacturing facilities worldwide. This eliminates the need to, and lowers the cost of, shipping physical models. In addition, this connectivity reduces the overall turn around time for the abutment; a key benefit to the customer.
“This is an important step in 3M ESPE’s strategy to enable end-to-end digital workflow for our customers,” says Wayne Roen, director of digital restorative dentistry, 3M ESPE.
3M ESPE and Astra Tech have jointly developed the capability. The companies anticipate the commercial launch in the United States later in 2008 with other markets to follow. The companies also anticipate future collaboration to create additional digital workflow solutions that further enhance the efficiency of dental laboratory customers and enable product innovation.
Milestone Scientific expands into Africa
Milestone Scientific has granted Istrodent Pty Ltd AB, a leading South African distributor of dental products to professional dental practitioners, exclusive rights to market, distribute, and sell Milestone’s award-winning STA™ System throughout southern Africa.
With its headquarters in Johannesburg and operations in Cape Town and Durban, Istrodent (www.istrodent.com) is one of the largest dental distributors and manufacturers in southern Africa, serving the needs of dentists in South Africa, Lesotho, Swaziland, Zambia, Namibia, Botswana, Mozambique, Angola, Malawi, and Kenya.
OSAP taps Paulson as chair
The Organization for Safety & Asepsis Procedures (OSAP) has selected Lori Paulson to serve as chair of its board of directors for the 2008-2009 fiscal year. The organization also announced three new board members – Doug Braendle (SciCan Inc.), Boyd Relac (Patterson Dental), and Chris Rice (professor at Missouri-Kansas City).
Paulson, vice president of marketing and dental programs for National Distribution & Contracting, Inc. (NDC), has been managing director of the American Dental Cooperative (ADC) and United Dental Dealers (UDD), two NDC subsidiaries for more than eight years. She has more than 25 years of experience in the dental industry and has been affiliated with OSAP since 1990, most recently serving as a chair-elect.
The board of directors for OSAP also includes Linda Basquill, DDS (immediate past chair); Doni Bird, CDA, RDH, MA (chair-elect); Jeff Sherman (secretary); Peggy Cottrell (treasurer); John Hunt OBE, FFGDP(UK), BDS; Cheryl Wolf, CDA; and Therese Long, MBA, CAE (ex-officio).
BIOMET 3i earns European award
BIOMET 3i, a subsidiary of BIOMET, Inc., is the recipient of the 2007 Frost & Sullivan European Dental Implant Customer Service Leadership Award. By winning this award, BIOMET 3i demonstrated excellence in all facets of customer service, including providing exceptional support, offering outstanding technology and services, effectively responding to customer needs, and successfully monitoring and addressing customer feedback.
In terms of support, BIOMET 3i offers an array of professional educational programs for the entire dental team. Annually, more than 400 restorative and surgically focused programs are sponsored by BIOMET 3i or by a surgical practice and are designed to raise awareness of the multiple advantages of incorporating implant therapy into a clinician’s practice.
Koelnmesse to organize shows in India
The IDEM India for the international world of dental technology and dentistry will be held for the first time from October 23-25, 2009, in Mumbai.
In order to open the gateway to Asia for the national and international dental world, the Koelnmesse will organise the International Dental Exhibition and Meeting India – in short IDEM India – from 2009 on. The concept for this new event is based on a number of foundational elements, these being an exhibition plus accompanying workshops and meetings, similar to the IDEM Singapore, which has been running successfully since 2000. The organizer expects more than 100 exhibitors for the premiere of the IDEM India next October in the Bombay Exhibition Centre.
DTA Foundation partners with AAPD
The Dental Trade Alliance Foundation has announced its three-year partnership with the Foundation of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) to launch the Pediatric Dental Home by One campaign, a five-year, $10 million contract to establish dental homes for 1 million children annually.
The contract, awarded by the Office of Head Start (OHS) in February, creates a comprehensive program providing access to oral health care to children most at risk. AAPD is developing a national network of pediatric and general dentists, providing education, skills training, and resources for community outreach, to partner with local Head Start programs, connecting children with oral health care services in all 50 states.
Schein named a “Top 50 Mover”
Henry Schein, Inc. has been named one of the “Top 50 Movers” in the 2008 Fortune 500 ranking of America’s largest companies. The company gained 28 spots in the annual ranking based on revenues, up to number 410 from number 438 in 2007. Henry Schein also ranked number 53 in the 2008 Barron’s 500, up from its ranking of 193 last year. The Barron’s 500 is a list of America and Canada’s largest companies based on stock price performance, cash-flow return on investment, and sales growth.
In addition to its results in the Fortune 500 and the Barron’s 500 rankings, Henry Schein was recently ranked number one in the “Wholesalers: Health Care” industry in the Fortune 2008 list of America’s Most Admired Companies. Contributing to Henry Schein’s top overall ranking in its industry were number one rankings in seven key attributes of reputation – innovation, use of corporate assets, quality of management, financial soundness, long-term investment, quality of products/services, and social responsibility. This marks the fourth consecutive year that Henry Schein has been named number one in its industry for social responsibility.
3M acquires IMTEC
3M has signed a definitive agreement to acquire IMTEC Corp., a manufacturer of dental implants and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scanning equipment for dental and medical radiology headquartered in Ardmore, Okla. This acquisition gives 3M ESPE access to two of the fastest growing segments in the dental industry.
“Our combined digital products and expertise will enable a digital ‘total restorative’ approach with more options than ever, including IMTEC implants, 3M™ ESPE™ Lava™ crowns, and 3M’s advanced digital workflow solutions,” said Jeffrey Lavers, vice president and general manager, 3M ESPE. “Together, we will have an end-to-end implantology solution, making the process easier, faster and better for dentists everywhere.”
“We are looking forward to the reputation, resources, and worldwide reach that 3M brings to help us build this business,” said Ron Bulard, DDS, and chairman of the board, IMTEC Corp., which is best known for its mini dental implants. “Its overall strength in oral care with both the 3M ESPE and 3M Unitek divisions makes them a particularly good partner for us.”
IMTEC employs approximately 230 people located at its operations in Ardmore; Los Alamos, N.M.; and Boulder, Colo.
Milestone, Patterson reach accord
Milestone Scientific Inc. has expanded its U.S. and Canadian distribution network with the addition of Patterson Dental Supply. Patterson will join Henry Schein, Inc. to both market and sell on a non-exclusive basis the STA™ System, Milestone’s patented, award-winning, painless dental injection solution, and related disposable handpieces to dental professionals in the United States and Canada.
“By leveraging the marketing muscle, reputational reach and influence of the two largest dental suppliers in the industry, Milestone looks forward to achieving the market penetration necessary to drive broad adoption of the STA System as the new standard of care for dental injections,” said Joe Martin, chief executive officer of Milestone.
Ivoclar Vivadent hands out awards
Ivoclar Vivadent is pleased to announce its 2007 Annual Sales Awards recipients, who were honored at the end of June during a celebration banquet at the Park Country Club in Williamsville, N.Y. Awards were presented to recognize individual and collective hard work and sales accomplishments that have taken place in the United States and Canada in both the technical (i.e., laboratory) and clinical (i.e., dentist products) divisions during the past year.
“On behalf of the entire Ivoclar Vivadent management team, we extend our sincere appreciation and congratulations to each award recipient for their achievements and dedicated support,” expressed Robert A. Ganley, president and chief executive officer of Ivoclar Vivadent.
The 2007 Region of the Year Awards are presented in both the Clinical and Technical divisions. This annual award honors the regional sales manager and salespeople who have achieved the greatest increase in annual sales while favorably managing all budget responsibilities.
The 2007 Clinical Region of the Year Award was presented to Regional Manager William Ray Penton and the Central Region members Jane M. Shortridge, Lisa Michalak, Jeffrey C. Simmons, Brandon O Larkin, Nathan A. Smith, Joel Jennings, Michael R. Ward, Nathan Courtney, Heather F. Herold, John S. Howard, III, Cathy Houle, Lis Lipp, and Chad L. Ashby (pictured below).
The 2007 Technical Region of the Year Award was presented to Regional Manager Wayne O. Ledford, CDT. and the 2007 Western Region members Nicholas J. Buek, Paul Lessing, CDT; Janice E. Eddy, B.E.S, Kevin J. Flanagan, Kennedy R. Hawxhurst, CDT, Emile A. Issa, CDT, Gary T. Klise, Robert W. Latta, Jr, Debra L. Walsingham, and Clifford R. Witherspoon, CDT (pictured below).
Additionally, in both the Clinical and Technical Divisions, 100% Achievement Club Awards were presented to those salespeople who achieved 100% of their sales goals while simultaneously managing each of their budget responsibilities.
For 2007, the Clinical 100% Achievement Club Award (pictured above) was presented to Lyn Alioto, RDA, Kevan C. Bustillos, Jack Clark, Nathan Courtney, Dale M. Crane, Michael P. Donahue, Rob. D. Goodale, John S. Howard, III, Brandon O. Larkin, Rhonda McCrary, Vicky Ouellet, Kimberly A. Pacula, Kevin L. Regan, Judy Rehberg, Gail A. Schwartz, Isreal Shalomoff, Jane M. Shortridge, Nathan A. Smith, and Jean E. Spinell.
The 2007 Technical 100% Achievement Club Award recipients (pictured below) are Todd M. Warner, Andrew H. Abell CDT, Joseph B. Pickering, CDT, Emile A. Issa, CDT, Laurel A. Parker, and Edward T. Hafkey, Jr.
The Clinical 2007 Rookie Manager of the Year Award was presented to Brandon O. Larkin for his contributions to company growth and demonstrating leadership and professionalism.
Special Achievement Awards – which are presented to individuals who have demonstrate extraordinary contributions to overall sales growth while exceeding the duties of their job for the benefit of the team and the company and achieve recognition from customers, colleagues and peers – were also presented. The Technical Special Achievement Award was presented to Emile A. Issa, CDT, and the Clinical Special Achievement Award was presented to Lyn Alioto, RDA.
The 2007 “Frank R. Lauciello Prosthetic Specialist Award” was presented to Laurel A. Parker who achieved the highest percentage increase in sales for removable products. Parker is a two-time winner of this award.
In the Clinical Division, the 2007 Clinical “Canadian Maple Leaf Award,” which recognizes the top performing Canadian individual who has achieved or surpassed their sales goals, favorably managed their expenses, and demonstrated strong salesmanship and service abilities, was awarded to Vicky Ouellet. The Canadian Technical recipient was Shelley McEachern, from Alberta, whose contributions to her company and customers earned her this distinguished award.
The 2007 Clinical and Technical Territory Manager of the Year Awards –also known as the “RV Williams Golden Sales Award” within the Technical Division, are awards recognizing the top performing U.S. Territory Manager from each division who have achieved the greatest increase in sales, favorably managed their budget responsibilities, combined excellent sales and service abilities, posses excellent product and industry knowledge and are team-oriented. The 2007 Territory manager of the Year Awards were presented to Todd M. Warner in the Technical Division and to Nathan Courtney in the Clinical Division.
Highlighting the evening was the announcement of the recipients of the President’s Award, which was given to three individuals – Mike Donahue, Jeff Smith, CDT, and Shelley McEachern. This award signifies outstanding dedication, service, and support to the dental industry.
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UNIDI elects executive board members
The General Assembly of UNIDI (Italian Dental Industries Association) was held in Milan on Friday June 27th , 2008.During this event, the following new Members of UNIDI’s Executive Board were elected for the two-year period 2008-2009, including Mauro Matteuzzi, who will serve as UNIDI’s president.
IDEM Singapore continues to grow
IDEM Singapore 2008 has continued to grow in popularity as the key meeting in the Asia Pacific. The three-day International Dental Exhibition and Meeting presented the products of 384 exhibitors from 34 countries in a 10,000-square-meter area and attracted 6,370 trade visitors from 56 countries. In comparison to the previous event in 2006, the trade fair saw a 20 percent increase in the number of exhibitors and a 12 percent increase in the number of visitors. 65 percent of the attendants came from outside Singapore. The top visiting countries were Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, India, and Australia with the biggest percentage increase in visitors coming from Australia (+47 percent), China (+44 percent), Japan (+65 percent), and Malaysia (+23 percent).
The next IDEM Singapore will be staged from April 16-18, 2010.
DentaCAD hosts Midmark
The DentaCAD Corporation, located in Buford, Ga., recently gave presentations to representatives of The Midmark Corporation. Included in their presentations were recently introduced enhancements to their DentaCAD System, RepAlert©, and SmartCatalog©. RepAlert automatically notifies all DentaCAD users of all new or updated manufacturers’ databases, current financing plans and rates, and updates to their software. SmartCatalog is an innovation in the way products are ordered. It greatly reduces the number of errors in the ordering process as well as making the process far more efficient.
DentaCAD’s guests from the Midmark Corporation were Bill Zulauf (marketing director, dental products), Crissy Treon (associate product manager, dental products), Antrum Stewart (team leader, dental products layout), and Matt Brinkerhoff (head of engineering and programming for European Design, a Midmark Company).
Those representing DentaCAD were Joe Kennedy, (president), Bill Hardin (manager of the database group), and James Johnston (manager of the computer programming group).
Patterson Foundation helps NMD with new traveling exhibit
Patterson Dental recently participated in the National Museum of Dentistry’s (NMD) celebration recognizing the opening of three new exhibitions, as well as commemorating the 12th anniversary of the museum, which is located on 31 S. Greene St., Baltimore, Md. 21201. (410) 706-0600.
The Patterson Foundation, in conjunction with Patterson Dental, provided lead sponsorship to help create the museum’s newest traveling education exhibit “Your Spitting Image – What your mouth says about you,” which begins touring the country in 2009. NMD’s traveling exhibition program has already reached more than 2 million people at children’s and science museums nationwide, inspiring people of all ages to keep their smiles bright and healthy. Through this interactive exhibit, visitors will be able to step into the role of a forensic investigator to solve mysteries, to see what’s in that remarkable fluid called saliva, and to find out how scientists are using bioengineering to grow new teeth.
Patterson has been a longtime supporter of the National Museum of Dentistry and its educational programs. Former president and chief executive officer of Patterson Companies Peter Frechette, now the company’s chairman, served on the NMD Board of Visitors from 2001-2005. Vice president of technical service Rich Kochmann began serving on the Board in 2006.
“At Patterson, we’re proud to support the NMD and the many programs focused on educating the public about the importance of good oral health and the connection to overall health,” Kochmann said.
As lead sponsor of “Your Spitting Image,” Patterson supported onsite development of the exhibition. Since then, additional sponsors have contributed their support to Your Spitting Image, including Planmeca Inc., Johnson & Johnson Consumer & Personal Products Worldwide, Dr. Leslie W. Seldin and Dr. Constance P. Winslow, Dr. Laurence E. Johns, and Dr. Robert J. Wilson.
OHA’s Klaus retires after 20 years
Robert J. Klaus retired on June 30 after 20 years as president and chief executive officer of Oral Health America, the nation’s premier, independent advocacy organization dedicated to improving oral health.
“We celebrate Robert’s retirement with a mixture of joy and sadness,” said Kathy J. Zwieg, chairman of the board, Oral Health America . “His leadership has made an indelible mark on the way that Americans perceive oral health. He is a maverick, and a visionary, who brought unlikely partners together to collaborate in new ways to improve oral health and oral health care. On behalf of the board of directors, and members of the Oral Health America staff, I extend gratitude and congratulations to Robert and his wife, Joan.”
Dr. Klaus’s most recent honors include a leadership award from the Dr. Edward B. Shils Entrepreneurial Education Fund, a 2007 Distinction in Public Service Award from the Friends of the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, and a Special Friend Award from Special Olympics Special Smiles. The Oral Health America Board of Directors has established the Robert J. Klaus Distinguished Achievement Award for meritorious achievement in increasing awareness of oral health’s importance to overall health.
George Rhodes, who recently retired as vice president of corporate communications and professional relations at DENTSPLY, will serve as interim president and CEO of Oral Health America until Dr. Klaus’s successor is appointed.
Darby Dental Supply expands Jericho sales office with three account managers
Darby Dental Supply, LLC, the largest all-telesales distributor of dental merchandise, has recently expanded its Jericho sales office due to increased national and local demand for dental materials and products.
According to Darby president Gary Rosenberg, “Despite economic indicators to the contrary, Darby is fortunate enough to be in a position to meet increased product demand by long-term customers and a continuously growing customer base. Our three new account managers will help us maintain the high level of service that Darby is known for in the dental industry.”
Darby’s newest Jericho office account managers are as follows:
Christina Kenderes comes to Darby with 23 years in the dental field, including seven years with Parkell and one and a half years with Benco. She also works part time as a dental assistant for Dr. Rocco Morelli in Long Beach, N.Y.
Stephen Materia is a seasoned sales professional with a 10-year track record of success.
Frank Savino has more than 10 years of sales management in the mortgage/financial industry, including five years as branch manager of a mortgage corporation.
Jason Santini is a polished sales professional with a strong sales background in magazine publishing and the mortgage industry.
“Christina, Stephen, and Frank bring a wealth of collective sales and customer service experience to Darby,” said the company’s national sales manager, Scott Walsh. “They will be instrumental in driving the company’s sales growth and maintaining its reputation for superior customer service.”
Darby Dental’s Full Pay Deployment Program helps families of service members
For the past two years, Darby Dental Supply, LLC, has had a Full Pay Deployment Program in place for its National Guard and Reserve member employees. Equally important, the program also ensures that their jobs will be waiting for them when they return.
The policy was implemented at the request of the Ashkin family, who owns the privately held company. Three generations of Ashkins have operated Darby Dental Supply under a core philosophy that employees are part of an extended family and should be treated as such.
According to Darby president Gary Rosenberg, “The Ashkin family and executive management of Darby Dental Supply believe that no employee’s family should become financially strapped when their key source of income is deployed to preserve the freedom we often take for granted. We’ve noticed that our National Guard and Reserve members who return to work after deployment are more focused and less stressed if they don’t come home to unpaid bills, uncertain job security, or worse.”
“Knowing that my family was able to live the lifestyle they are accustomed to was very important to me,” said Memphis resident Antonio Bengco, a US Army reservist who recently returned from being stationed at Fort Irwin, California. “The Full Pay Deployment Program is one of the best benefits a company can offer in these troubled times.”
“We wish our employees were not deployed, and we pray for their safe return,” said Rosenberg. “Until then, we’ll do our best to ensure their families are provided for. It’s the least we can do.”
Burkhart holds training sessions
Two Burkhart “Basic Service Technician Training” classes were recently held in the company’s new training facility at the new distribution center in Tacoma, Wash. The three week class was taught by Darold Slack, Burkhart’s corporate trainer.
New technicians spent time learning about X-ray theory, sterilizers, nitrous systems, dental chairs and units, and lights, as well as safety and troubleshooting methods and techniques. A number of other manufacturing partners also participated in the training program, giving the service technicians a chance to learn directly from the experts.
Slack summarized, “Giving the trainees a sizable amount of ‘hands-on’ time specifically with equipment is the best way to learn. Plus, the added benefit of having our valued manufacturing partners participate helps get our new technicians off to the right start.”
April 2008 Class (from left to right): Don Guillardo (Union City); Jeff Schnick (Portland); Darold Slack (Instructor); Scott Murdoch (Western Washington); Matt Sabo (Phoenix); Gus Ferreiro (Las Vegas).
June 2008 Class (from left to right): Darold Slack (Instructor); Robert Singleton (Anchorage); Gabe Frias (Portland); Chuck Kolppa (Western Washington); Scott Johnson (Salt Lake City).
Gendex Technology Service Technician Training
Burkhart Technology Service Technicians recently attended training for the new GXCB-500, a cone beam 3-D imaging system from Gendex. The training was held in Des Plaines, Ill., at the main Gendex manufacturing facility. Technicians were certified in operation, installation, calibration and troubleshooting of the hardware, as well as an introduction to the acquisition software.
Gendex GXCB-500 Class (standing, from left to right): ISI Trainer (Instructor); Jeff Hall (Denver); ISI Trainer (Instructor); Jeff Knoll (San Diego); Darold Slack (Portland); Gary Craig (Salt Lake); Steve Compau (Dallas); John Craig (Yakima); Ken Silver (Spokane); (kneeling, from left to right): Jim Dyck (Portland); Matt Kunzler (Phoenix); Eddie Jurasin (Union City); Shawn Kambarn (Tacoma).
Burkhart Training – Standard and Digital Technician Classes – Gendex Standard Training
Training was recently held at the Gendex training facility in Lake Zurich, Ill. Standard training covers the installation, operation, calibration, and troubleshooting of the Gendex and Kavo products.
Gendex Class (from left to right): Mike Kelly (Denver); Gendex Instructor; Gary McIlrath (Union City); Bill Philo (Eugene); Mark Meiner (San Diego); Roy Avila (Houston); Steve Compau (Dallas).
Planmeca Technology Service Technician Training
Training was recently held at the Planmeca facility in Roselle, Ill. Training covered the following areas:
Planmeca TST Class (L-R): Eddie Jurasin (Union City); Stephen Beevor (Yakima); Matt Kunzler (Phoenix); Alan Aultman (Houston); Akio Kafka (Las Vegas).
