Minimize risks: How to be on the safe side?

How can today’s dental technicians find their way through the product jungle? Do you need some guidance? Even though you are highly qualified, you may still ask the following question: “What is my best choice?” Understandably you want the assurance that you can fully rely on the products you use on a daily basis. You want to be sure that everything is in order and that your restorations always have the same high quality and accuracy of fit.

Thomas Hiebel, a master dental technician at Ivoclar Vivadent, offers some suggestions on how to obtain reproducible results and reliable restorations; avoid having to do a job twice and give your customers one hundred percent satisfaction.

Mr Hiebel, what will give dental technicians the confidence they need to do their work?

Thomas Hiebel: It is important to use products that are proved to be clinically tried and tested. Products should be backed by sound scientific evidence. Manufacturers who believe in having their products tested over a long time can vouch for their excellent quality, performance and reliability.

What other factors contribute to good product performance?

Thomas Hiebel: Try to choose products from manufacturers that offer comprehensive customer support services. Customer-focused companies are always ready to give help and advice. Exceptional customer service requires highly skilled personnel. These consultants not only provide helpful information about individual products, but can also show you how to use them effectively, which is just as valuable.

But customer service can include a lot more …

Thomas Hiebel: Of course. Some manufacturers offer services that go beyond those of traditional customer care. They may offer dental technicians dedicated training courses and further education opportunities. As a result, you can specialize in specific products or systems and further develop your skills and expertise. You will benefit from this type of learning on a daily basis, since it will increase your productivity and enhance the quality of your work. So, do not hesitate to make use of the customer service hotlines of the different manufacturers whenever you have a question. Take advantage of training and educational opportunities and grow your skills.

Dependability builds trust …

Thomas Hiebel: Well said. If I can depend on someone, I will trust them. In our dental lab scenario, a well-established successful dental company inspires trust and confidence. A manufacturer who has an excellent reputation is always a good choice. In most cases, their reputation has grown over many years, which is a good sign about the company and a reliable indication of what they have to offer you. In short: You can be sure of what you get and where you stand.

In this context, you should also explore the topic of research and development. Look at the efforts that dental companies undertake in this field. It is a good or even excellent sign if a company has a large and recognized R&D department. Ivoclar Vivadent, for example, places considerable emphasis on research and development and therefore has one of the largest R&D centres in the dental industry. The company is very proud of its work in this field. A large team of dental technicians and dental practitioners is charged with improving existing products and technologies and developing new ones.

Exactly, could you please mention an example …

Thomas Hiebel: The products of the comprehensive IPS e.max system are of exceptional quality. Over the past decade this system has revolutionized the fabrication of all-ceramic restorations. In order to fulfil high quality standards, we have authorized the use of our IPS e.max blocks for only a restricted number of CAD/CAM machines (e.g. from Sirona, Planmeca, KaVo and Wieland Dental) and milling centres. IPS e.max has been developed from scratch, one step at a time. The system is fully integrated and its individual components are carefully matched. The same is valid for our ceramo-metal systems. The cementation products, such as Variolink, have also been developed in house to complete the process chain. It is a well known fact that the way in which the restoration is cemented and subsequently taken care of has a major influence on its long-term performance and the satisfaction of the dental technician, dentist and patient.

Mr Hiebel, thank you for sharing your thoughts!

What are your opinions on this topic? Do you agree with the views presented? Or would you like to add some additional ideas? We look forward to receiving your comments!

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