Nothing Changes if Nothing Changes

Executive Editor Daniel Alter, MSc, MDT, CDT | daniel.alter@broadcastmed.com

We live in very dynamic times that deeply affect our world, personally and certainly professionally. Oftentimes, we become complacent in our current paths and situations, which is categorically a heavy detriment to our individual and laboratory growth, simply because the rest of the world, market, and competitive landscape continue to change, evolve, and grow. As professionals, we must keep up with these changes. In fact, we must glance from the lens of forward-thinking perspectives in our endeavor to be ahead of the market, positioning our dental laboratory as the authority in the space and a distinguished partner on the forefront of dental technology and prosthetic services. Like-minded dentists gravitate toward those laboratories and their leaders, who view the dental markets as opportunities to grow, learn, and provide their clientele with excellence in service, prosthetics, and clinical collaboration.

This comes with a profound and steadfast determination, aspiration, and enthusiasm toward learning and stretching your capabilities. To achieve such a level of resolve, it is incumbent on every dental laboratory owner, manager, and technologist to live by the philosophy of "eat, sleep, and breathe quality—everything dental." That focus will not only elevate you and the laboratory but also influence you to recognize innovative opportunities that elevate the competitive position of the laboratory in the marketplace, and those who are attracted to the same mindset, both clientele and talent alike.

Change can be uncomfortable, and many fall into the productivity trap of keeping our heads down on the bench to produce our much-loved craft. Often, laboratory owners and managers share heartfelt and legitimate frustrations about their clinical clients, competition, staffing issues, challenges, and costs of supplies and technology; however, in order to exit out of that revolving mindset, one that possesses no end in sight, there needs to be some soul searching and plans for determining how we can tap into our creative and entrepreneurial powers. Nothing changes if nothing changes, and if you have done the same thing and received the same results for years—perhaps results you are unhappy about—is it fair to expect different results?

It is a process and a slight mindset shift, one that can evolve over time with small, digestible changes. Perhaps commit to 20 minutes a day, initially, to go online to learn new techniques, or decide to attend at least two trade shows or educational events per year—perhaps, even, with clinical clients. As you travel down this path, you will evolve to better identify technologies, techniques, and products that will provide better and simpler prosthetic outcomes, as well as meet like-minded professionals who may simply become your new clients and/or talent for the laboratory—undoubtedly a win.

It is my great pride and honor to elevate and inspire with knowledge.