IDT | Collaboration’s 2014 Team Event
Dentists and technicians alike appreciate the opportunity to learn and network
For 4 days in New York, dentists and laboratory owners stood side by side watching demonstrations at exhibitor booths and learning together in classrooms as dental technologists teamed up with renowned dentists to present engaging continuing education (CE) courses. In nearby classrooms, hands-on workshops buzzed with interaction as dental professionals from throughout the industry learned techniques in a collaborative environment. For the second consecutive year, IDT | Collaboration successfully brought a laboratory presence to North America’s largest meeting of dental professionals at the Greater New York Dental Meeting held from November 30 to December 3 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York. Thirty-two exhibitors participated in IDT | Collaboration 2014, and three classrooms featured 37 CE courses.
“This is an excellent opportunity for dental technicians,” said Bilana Miteva, CDT, whose laboratory is in Ramsey, New Jersey. “I previously was going to classes designed only for dental technicians, but to place us in the same room with dentists so we can work together presented an excellent learning environment.”
Justin Marks, CDT, of Westbury, New York gave a team presentation with Apeksha Pole, DMD, of New York. Marks said he found value in providing their perspectives together.
“The show format of clinicians and technicians exhibiting and presenting side by side is a theme often neglected in the North American dental industry,” Marks said. “Communication between the two parties is vital to the success of any dental restoration, and both Dr. Pole and I were happy to be able to share some of our experiences with our colleagues.”
Hands-on workshops covering subjects ranging from ceramic layering nuances to implant overdenture attachment systems enabled technicians to build understanding and gain insight.
“I think this event is a very good opportunity for technicians and dentists to take their skills and knowledge to the next level and to keep improving the field of dentistry,” said Israel Mejia, MDT a ceramist from New York. “We are growing the profession by working as a team to do better work and use better techniques. In the end, it is the patient who benefits from our collaborative efforts.”
Several courses addressed effective communication methods between dentists and technicians. Others presented complex cases, with both the technician and dentist discussing their respective roles in solving and restoring the oral situation. Dentists and technicians asked questions directed at both the technical and clinical aspects.
“Putting us all together in a learning environment works the best,” Miteva said. “Being separated as dentist and technician does not make sense because we need teamwork.”
Jim Redden, a laboratory owner from New York who presented “How to Add ‘Life’ to Your Work,” attended multiple days of the meeting and said he had a good opportunity to meet potential dentist-clients. He urged attendees of his course to talk to as many people at the show as possible.
“Having a platform such as IDT Collaboration where dentists and technicians can learn, network, and collaborate together is a great concept,” Redden said. “I look forward to being here at next year’s meeting and encourage everyone to take advantage of this great opportunity.”
