Interview with Gary Iocco, President,
National Association of Dental Laboratories
March 2014
By: Michael W Davis, DDS
NADL Website http://www.nadl.org/home-page.cfm
National Board of Certification in Dental Laboratory Technology http:///www.nbccert.org
The Foundation for Dental Laboratory Technology http://www.dentallabfoundation.org
NADL What’s in Your Mouth http://www.whatsinyourmouth.us
Questions
Dr. Davis: Many in the general public may not know the vital role of the dental technician, within the dental team. From my perspective as a restorative dentist, a dental technician can make me look like a superstar, or a nitwit. What exactly does a dental technician do, and why is that so critical in successful clinical results for patients?
Mr. Iocco: As dental laboratory technology professionals we transform the dentist’s directions from the prescription or work order and create the actual treatment option that the dentist has chosen to provide their patient. Quality dental laboratory professionals employ knowledge of modern materials and available technologies to provide our dentist clients with a restoration that is consistent with the high standard of care and esthetics that our dentists expect to provide for their patients.
This is only possible if there is sufficient communication and understanding and a mutual knowledge of and commitment to what is required for a quality outcome.
While good communication is always important, the more complex or involved a case is the earlier in the planning process a dentist should bring their dental laboratory technology professional into the conversation.
Highly skilled and experienced dentists will tell you that to provide the standard of care and esthetics that they seek for their patients restorations, they work closely with a quality dental laboratory.
