Unity Remains Essential as We Prepare for 2021

The challenges and unchartered waters that we have faced as a nation over the last 9 months and that we continue to face as 2020 nears its end have certainly not been easy. Without undermining the tremendous losses experienced by so many both nationally and globally, I truly hope that we are beginning to heal and approaching a possible light at the end of the tunnel. Undeniably, we still have a distance to go. This distance, however, will seem much greater without a unified approach.

The joint efforts that I have witnessed recently from laboratories of all sizes have helped hold us together and must be commended. The dental laboratory community has come together to do whatever possible to ensure that we all make it through these times. Regardless of artistic or technical techniques, manufacturing differences, varying business plans, and more, we have managed to pull together for the greater success of our work.

Speaking from my own experience, the support of my family, friends, and co-workers has been invaluable during these precarious times. In my personal life and without question in my own laboratory, we learned early on that we could not survive this crisis without the trust and support of those around us. Our profession and all health-related industries have experienced unique challenges this year, and the support and unity of our colleagues in working together is essential as we face these obstacles head-on, doing everything we can to help keep our families, friends, and coworkers mentally, physically, and financially healthy.

I continue to be inspired by my tireless staff as well as our relentless industry in putting their differences aside and working together in support of each other during these harrowing times. Their resilience and perseverance raises in me—and, I hope, in everyone—the optimism needed by our nation, which I hope will make it through this pandemic both stronger and more determined than ever.

As this year comes to its close, I remain optimistic that we can continue to work in unity with a positive approach for 2021. Let us together be proud of all that we have endured and not forget our past holiday seasons, sending blessings and love during these times when friends and family matter the most. Let us be there for each other and continue to unite.

Peter Pizzi, MDT, CDT
Editor-in-Chief
ppizzi@aegiscomm.com