NORTH CAROLINA DENTAL LABORATORY ASSOCIATION, INC. Volume 19, Number I Winter 2010

by Aggie Ingold/CDL

t’s a new year and like most of you, I’m still trying to tie up loose ends from 2009. All in all, 2009 proved to be a strong competitor against small business; many of you fought to stay afloat last year. Although I look to 2010 to offer us all a bit more prosperity, the future is still unknown. The best thing that I can do is to prepare for the unexpected. What does that mean exactly? I believe it’s my job as a laboratory owner to prepare my business for tough times by reviewing my costs, shopping around and knowing my numbers. Here are some guidelines that I have implemented in my laboratory that may help your business: Start with marketing. You might be surprised how great

the return on even a small investment can be when it comes to advertising your laboratory’s name and services. Become acutely aware of every penny that flows out the

door. It is equally important to make sure that money is flowing in. These seemingly simple thought processes should become habit to help your laboratory to not only stay in the black, but to also see a profit, as well. Follow up with current and new customers. Are you offering

new products or services? Do your clients know about them? Do they know you want or need their work? The first rule in sales is that you HAVE TO ASK FOR THE BUSINESS; otherwise, your customers will think you are happy with what they are sending you. Take note of clients taking longer than usual to pay and

make contact with them. Everyone is hedging their money to meet their needs, so speaking up may be the way to make sure your needs get met, as well. It is like the old saying: the squeaky wheel gets the oil. Make sure you ask to speak to the person in charge of accounts payable and be sure to keep private and confidential information between you and the appropriate person. If you don’t already have a credit policy, write one. What do

you do if your clients can’t pay on time? Do you charge them interest, do you send them a friendly reminder or make a phone call yourself? At what point do you stop

delivering work or will you? These are all decisions that you need to make depending on your personal views and what helps you sleep better at night. I recommend having a policy in place and making sure that that policy is promoted with your marketing information. It is much easier to rely on a policy statement than it is to overreact emotionally and off the cuff when dealing with customers.

I hope these tips will help you out and at least get your mind thinking about ways to watch your bottom line, improve current relations, foster new ones, and collect the money that you are owed. If you are looking for more information about running your business, I want to personally encourage you to attend the NCDLA Spring Educational Meeting in North Myrtle Beach March 19-20th. Come Relax, Refresh and Renew with friends and family. Learn about the State of the Industry, get updated on FDA Regulations, and learn how to set your lab apart by becoming more educated about the CDL program. Also, plan to join in on the Business Owners’/Managers’ Roundtable. This was an invaluable discussion last year and I look forward to hearing from all of you about the state of your businesses. A few new items this year will be: a Thursday evening hospitality event, Regulatory Standards credit will be a presentation on CPR, and students from Durham Technical Community College will be in attendance to promote themselves and to network with resumes in hand. There are two large classes currently enrolled at DTCC, and these students are eager to establish new professional relationships, find work and begin their own journeys as dental technicians. With so many unknowns, I have to remind myself to focus on the things that I can control and influence. I wish you the best in your businesses this year and look forward to both seeing you in March and speaking with you often. If you have any questions, comments or feedback, please feel free to email me at aggieingold@gmail.com.

Phone: 336-835-9251 Fax: 336-835-9243

E-mail: contactus@ncdla.org Website: www.ncdla.org

PO Box 206 Elkin, NC 28621

Office Hours: 8:30 AM-4:30 PM (M-F)

Address Change? Don’t forget to report any change in address, phone number or email address to the NCLDA office. If you are a Certified Dental Technician, don’t forget to notify the National Board for Certification (NBC) office, as well. NCDLA Office: 336-835-9251 NCDLA Email: contactus@ncdla.org NBC Office: 800-684-5310

FIRST IMPRESSIONS is the official publication of the N. C. Dental Laboratory Association, Inc. and is published semi-annually. Contents are copyrighted and may be duplicated only by permission. Contents are directed to benefit NCDLA members. Members of the NCDLA, its Board of Directors, Committee members, or other representatives shall not be responsible for any expression or opinion or statement of fact, all of which are published solely on the authority of the author whose name or initials are indicated. The NCDLA reserves the right to accept or reject any editorial or advertising materials and assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited manuscripts or photographs. Advertisers assume liability for all content of advertisements and any claims made against publisher arising from said advertisements. Questions or comments may be directed to the NCDLA office.

By: Brian Carson, CDT

The NCDLA has a Facebook page! We do not yet have a “vanity url” established, so if you’d like to become a fan and have trouble locating our page, please contact the NCDLA office for a direct link via email!

Not interested in Facebook? The NCDLA website, www.ncdla.org, is a great source of information on our association, upcoming meetings

industry news, and more!

COMING SOON: Online meeting registration and membership renewal!

Staying Connected

Happy New Year! Now that a new year has begun, let’s take a look at denture relines. One “predictable” and time-saving method is to flask with the use of matrix or lab putty. The key word here in this tip is predictable. Using the flask method allows for equal and uniform closure. You may use this for auto cure or heat cure techniques. Okay, let’s get started!

Step One:

Step Two:

Step Three:

Step Four:

Step Five:

The NCDLA’s very own Aggie Ingold/CDL received national recognition this past January when she was profiled in JDT’s “Who’s Hot in the Industry” annual feature. Congratulations, Aggie!

Member Recognized

Brian Carson, CDT is the owner of Signature Restorations. His laboratory is located in Fayetteville, NC and specializes in full & partial dentures and implants.

Apply putty around the surrounding denture. If you are using the press pack method, be sure to leave the occlusal surfaces exposed

to act as a stop. (See Figure 2)

After pouring the model, invest half as normal. (See Figure 1)

Complete investing procedures. Allow for setting and separate.

You can now remove the denture for cleaning and trimming. Replace denture and process.

(See Figure 3)

Finish as normal and enjoy!

Happy New Year to all and to all an efficient and profitable year!

Have some news you’d like to share with the NCDLA membership? Send it to our office! We’d love to

include it in an upcoming newsletter!

First Impressions 3 Winter 2010

Officer and board member positions are a vital part of the mechanics of our Association. These positions are volunteer, uncompensated positions that require extra time, effort, and work from the serving member. They are not only responsible for positional duties; they also oversee committee meetings, support tradeshow tasks, attend meetings and conference calls, and most importantly, keep an open mind and an available ear to member compliments and concerns. In this issue, we are highlighting our Treasurer and two newest directors. We wish them all the best, and we value their commitment to the dental laboratory industry and to the NCDLA.

Hershel Anderson, CDT, owner of Anderson Dental Lab, Inc., located in Asheville, NC, has been in the dental laboratory technology field for nearly 40 years. After serving in the US Army for three years, Hershel went on to complete the four year dental technology apprenticeship program offered by the VA. In 1977, Hershel became a CDT and also opened his own laboratory. Hershel and his wife, Dianne, live in Asheville. A second-degree black belt, Hershel enjoys challenging himself in martial arts and also as a certified Nautilus trainer. He also loves singing and good conversation.

Janet Jones, CDT a 25-year Certified Dental Technician, is currently in charge of Laboratory Development at Shaunn’s Dental Lab, a CDL located in Harrisburg, NC. She graduated from Lexington Technical Institute in 1980 with an AAS in Dental Laboratory, and then owned her own lab for 20 years. Janet’s next step was working with Ivoclar for five years. Janet and her husband, Sam, have been married for 35 years and reside in Elizabeth City, NC. In her spare time, Janet loves to sail, make jewelry, knit and travel. Her traveling includes an annual trip to France to visit her son, Terry, who has lived there for the past 10 years.

Larry Athan, CDT, who has been in the dental laboratory industry since 1982, is employed by Triad Dental Studio, Inc., CDL of Greensboro, NC. Larry attended R.J. Reynolds Senior High School as well as Guilford Technical Community College. He currently serves the NCDLA as Treasurer and is Chair of the Budget and Finance Committee. Larry and his wife, Krista, reside in Winston-Salem, NC, with their son, Devin. Away from the bench, Larry enjoys golf and bowling.

Front Row (Left to Right):  Mike West, CDT; Shelton Sikes, CDT; Nolan Faircloth; 

Brian Carson, CDT; Larry Athan, CDT Back Row (Left to Right):  

Gary Herring, CDT; James Grady, CDT; Hershel Anderson, CDT; Brian Hurst, CDT 

Janet Jones, CDT; Grady Dix/CDL Not Pictured: 

Beth Graham; Charlie Tew, CDT; Bruce Bronson, CDT 

One Bedroom Condo: $82* Based on single or double occupancy-

Over 2, add $10 per person

Two Bedroom Condo: $124* Three Bedroom Condo: $170*

*Does not include applicable taxes or $6.00 resort fee per night

Beach Cove requires a deposit of one night’s rate plus tax per condo to confirm reservation -Daily maid service and linens are provided.-

4800 South Ocean Blvd North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582

www.beachcove.com

If you must cancel your reservation, individual cancellations are refunded with a 14 day notice

less a $20 administration charge per reservation. All reservation deposits will be forfeited if cancelled

14 days or less prior to arrival date. No shows on the date of arrival will be charged for

the first night’s accommodations.

You must identify the following items to get the group rate:

1. Group Name: NC Dental Laboratory Association

2. Group Folio ID Number: 204708 3. Group Dates: March 18-21, 2010 4. Group Rate: (see below)

NCDLA Offering NBC Written Exams! NCDLA Offering NBC Written Exams! NCDLA Offering NBC Written Exams!

Specialty Comprehensive RG Modularization

Saturday, March 20

To register, contact NBC at 1-800-684-5310 or www.nbccert.org You MUST pre-register to take these exams

Thursday, March 18

8:00 PM - 10:00 PM Hospitality - For location, please inquire at Hotel Front Desk

Friday, March 19

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM ECDL Committee Meeting

10:00 AM - Noon NCDLA Board of Directors & General Membership Meeting

12:30 PM - 5:30 PM Registration Desk Open

1:30 PM - 2:45 PM “Technology Utilization in the Dental Laboratory Industry and Food and Drug Administration Regulation Update” Bennett Napier, CAE

3:00 PM - 4:00 PM “Take Your Lab to the Next Level: CDL Workshop”

Aggie Ingold/CDL

4:00 PM - 5:00 PM “Business Owners’/Managers’ Roundtable”

6:00 PM - 7:30 PM NCDLA Welcome Reception

Saturday, March 20

7:30 AM - 5:00 PM Registration Desk Open

8:30 AM - 11:15 AM “Transforming Lives: One Smile at a Time”

Michael T. Bellerino, CDT, AAACD

8:30 AM - 11:15 AM “Get Ready - Set, Process and Finish: The Complete Guide to Cosmetic Dentures” Dennis Urban, CDT

8:45 AM - 10:15 AM NBC Specialty Exam / NBC Modularization

Exam Session (report at 8:30 AM)

10:45 AM - 1:30 PM NBC Comprehensive/RG Exam Session

(Report at 10:30 AM)

11:30 AM - 12:45 PM Awards Luncheon

1:00 PM - 3:15 PM “Taking the Difficult Out of Digital”

Michael T. Bellerino, CDT, AAACD

3:30 PM - 4:45 PM “Addressing Severe Breathing Emergencies”

Rocco J. Salinari

Check-In: 4:00 PM Check-Out: 11:00 AM Photo ID is required at check in

ATTENTION!ATTENTION! NEW! Thursday Evening Hospitality Event! 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM

NCDLA General Membership Meeting/Board of Directors Meeting begins at 10:00 AM on Friday. All NCDLA members are invited and are encouraged to attend!

LABORATORY/COMPANY: ADDRESS: CITY: STATE: ZIP CODE:

PHONE: FAX:

EMAIL: WEBSITE: PLEASE NOTE: All registrations RECEIVED after 3-10-10 are considered on-site registrations and require an additional $20 fee.

NADL LABORATORY members may register at member rates. Other NADL membership types do not qualify for member rates.

Requests for reasonable accommodations as provided in the ADA, must be received in writing in the NCDLA office by February 26, 2010.

Food functions are not guaranteed for on-site registrations. Active military may register at member rates. Students @ no charge - seminars only.

Fees may not be discounted in lieu of meals.

Attendees: Please complete all requested information. Attach additional sheet if needed.

NAME: CDT/RG#: NICKNAME:

Wel Rec Sat Lunch Spec. Diet/Needs (specify) Total Fee $:

NAME: CDT/RG#: NICKNAME:

Wel Rec Sat Lunch Spec. Diet/Needs (specify) Total Fee $:

NAME: CDT/RG#: NICKNAME:

Wel Rec Sat Lunch Spec. Diet/Needs (specify) Total Fee $:

NAME: CDT/RG#: NICKNAME:

Wel Rec Sat Lunch Spec. Diet/Needs (specify) Total Fee $:

Total Registration Fees: $ ___________________________________________

On Site Fees @$20 each after 3-10-10: $ ___________________________________________

TOTAL: $ ___________________________________________

Payment Method:Payment Method:Payment Method:

Check (Made payable to NC Dental Laboratory Association, Inc.) Visa MasterCard American Express Total Amount Authorized: $__________________________

CC #: Exp. Date:

Cardholder’s Name:

CC Statement Address & Zip Code:

Signature: If using Visa or MasterCard, please enter three digit number from back of card - usually in signature block - (following credit card number). (Required)

If using American Express, please enter four digit number from front of card located above the card number. (Required)

Mail or Fax registrations to: NCDLA PO Box 206 Elkin, NC 28621 Phone: 336-835-9251 Fax: 336-835-9243

Pre-Registration Deadline: RECEIVED at NCDLA office 3-10-10

Written cancellations RECEIVED at NCDLA office prior to 3-10-10 may receive a refund after the program less a $20 processing fee.

NO SHOW = NO REFUND

NCDLA Members Non-Members

Full Registration Includes all seminars, Welcome Reception (Cash Bar),

Saturday NCDLA Awards Luncheon, Breaks

$100.00 $175.00

Welcome Reception Cash Bar (Included in Full Registration) $15.00 $15.00

Saturday Awards Luncheon (Included in Full Registration) $25.00 $25.00

First Impressions 6 Winter 2010

For a description of membership types, please contact the NCDLA office or visit www.ncdla.org.

Application is hereby made for membership in the:

N.C. DENTAL LABORATORY ASSOCIATION, INC.

*LABORATORY:_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ CDL? □ YES □ NO

*ADDRESS:_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ *CITY:___________________________________________________________________*STATE:_________*ZIP:_____________________*COUNTY:____________________ *PHONE:____________________________________________FAX:________________________________________E-mail: _________________________________________

DESIGNATED REPRESENTATIVE:______________________________________________________________________________________________ CDT? □ YES □ NO

MEMBERSHIP TYPE: □ LABORATORY $290 □ TECH. $70 □ NR(IND) $70 □ NR(LAB) $290

TYPE OF BUSINESS: □ PROPRIETORSHIP □ PARTNERSHIP □ CORPORATION

TYPE OF LAB: □ DENTURES □ PARTIALS □ CROWN & BRIDGE, CERAMICS □ ORTHODONTIC □ FULL SERVICE

# OF YEARS IN BUSINESS:_______________ # OF YEARS AT THIS LOCATION:_____________________

# OF TECH. EMPLOYEES (incl. yourself):_______________ # OF ADMINISTRATIVE/CLERICAL:________________

NAME(S) OF OWNERS, PARTNERS, OFFICERS OF LABORATORY:______________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

REFERRED BY:__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

By submitting this application, I/we understand it is my/our responsibility to become familiar with the contents and meanings of the bylaws of the NCDLA and all laws, ordinances or public regulations concerning the dental laboratory industry, and to abide thereby and further that it is my/our duty to participate in the affairs and activities of said Association. It is understood and agreed that my/our membership shall continue and I/we shall be liable for annual dues until membership is formally terminated in accordance with the bylaws of the Association.

Signed: _____________________________________________________________________________________________

***Payment for dues for ONE HALF year must accompany application for Laboratory Member applications. Payment for dues for ONE FULL year must accompany application for Technical & Non-Resident applications.***

For Laboratory Members to receive INSTANT SAVINGS, a full year’s dues must accompany the application. Please return to: NCDLA • PO BOX 206 • Elkin, NC 28621

Questions? Phone: 336-835-9251 • Fax: 336-835-9243 • Email: contactus@ncdla.org

Payment Method: □ Check □ VISA □ MasterCard □ American Express Amount Authorized $_____________________________

Card Number:______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Exp. Date:_________________________________

Cardholder Name:_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Billing Address for Credit Card:______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Zip:__________________________

For Visa/MasterCard, please enter 3 digit number from back of card (usually located in the signature block-following card number): ____________________

For American Express, please enter 4 digit number from front of card (usually located above card number): __________________

Signature:______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

NOTE FOR TECHNICAL MEMBERS ONLY: Please complete above items marked with an * for the laboratory where you are employed. If you wish a different mailing address, please indicate desired address here:

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Address City State Zip

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Phone Fax Email

Do you own any interest in a dental laboratory? If yes, give name and address of laboratory:

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Lab Name Address City State Zip

TOTAL DUES: $________________

DATE OF APPLICATION:________________________

Is your laboratory looking to add a new and talented technician? Are you an upcoming DTCC graduate in search of a laboratory home? If you answered “Yes” to either of those questions, then look no further than the NCDLA Spring Educational Meeting! On Friday and Saturday, lab owners, managers and technicians will have the opportunity to chat and network with DTCC students who will have a table at the meeting. Graduating DTCC students will have resumes on hand, as well. Be there - Don’t miss out!

First Impressions 7 Winter 2010

Where Do I Sign Up? If you are interested in volunteering for any of the upcoming M.O.M. events,

please contact the NCDLA Missions of Mercy Chair, Arey Grady, CDT at 800-331-1381.

Mandatory Access

· Disinfecting System/Unit w/Written SOP · Sink & Counter Top

· Compressed Air · First Aid Kit

Equipment · 5 Electric Handpieces · 6 Stone Mixing Bowls

· 5 Baldor Lathes w/Quick Change Chucks · 4 Spatulas

· 2 Dust Evacuation Units w/Hook-ups · 3 Pressure Curing Units

· 5 Florescent Bench Lights · 1 Compressor

· 5 Bunsen Burners w/Fuel · 1 Model Trimmer

· 5 Hand Torches w/Fuel · 1 Steam Cleaner

· 10 Acrylic Mixing Bowls · 1 Ultrasonic Cleaner

· Lab Putty · Mask · Base Plate Wax

· Self-Cure Acrylic · Smocks · Sticky Wax

· Denture Teeth · Wire Clasp · Super Glue

· Flat Vertex Articulators · Gloves · Distilled Water

· Zap It Accelerator · Paper Towels · Baggies

Supplies & Materials

Technicians (Need to Bring)

· Personal Hand Tools

· Scrub Brushes · Burs

· Personal Items

· Misc.

Special thanks to Walt Dix, CDT/CDL for compiling and supplying these lists.

Average M.O.M. Saturday Hours: 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM

DATEDATE LOCATIONLOCATION

Saturday - February 20, 2010 Halifax Community College Weldon, NC

Saturday - March 13, 2010 National Guard Armory Durham, NC

Saturday - April 17, 2010 Highland Baptist Church New London, NC

Saturday - May 1, 2010 Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church Wilmington, NC

Saturday - October 23, 2010 Dare County Youth Center & Family Recreation Park Kill Devil Hills, NC

Calling all Removable Technicians!

We need your help! Not a removable technician?

We need you, too! There isn’t a shortage of work to be done - only a shortage of

volunteers! Sign up today. Change a life forever.

Team dentistry at work during a difficult M.O.M. case

NCDLA Advisory Director Gary Herring, CDT works alongside Crissy Hairr, Teresa Robertson, CDT and Betty Dix/CDL in Kill Devil Hills, NC.

As part of the NCDLA’s ongoing partnership with the NCDS through their Missions of Mercy program, we have listed some information below that should give you a better understanding of how to prepare for and what to expect during a typical M.O.M. event. Please note that the following list is a suggestion. Although having all of these items would be helpful, it is not a requirement. Any and all donations of time, services, and supplies will be greatly appreciated.

Remember: EVERYONE can help in some fashion.

First Class Mail

Important Upcoming Dates

NCDLA Spring Educational Meeting

Hotel Room Block Cut-off: February 25, 2010

NCDLA Spring Educational Meeting Pre-Registration Deadline

March 10, 2010

NCDLA Spring Educational Meeting March 19-20, 2010

NCDLA Board of Directors/ General Membership Meeting

March 19, 2010

NCDLA Summer Board of Directors/Committee Meetings

Date to be set during Spring Educational Meeting

Planning Ahead

20th Annual Eastern Conference of Dental Laboratories

November 4th-7th, 2010

We’ve just entered a new decade, and as the 2010 NCDLA President, I’d like to take the opportunity to |encourage each of you to make this year one of progress. We’ve been given a fresh start, and there is no better time than now to seize the opportunities within our grasp. It is important that we strive to strengthen our skills. Whether we’re technicians, lab managers, business owners or perhaps even a combination of all three, we all have

room for growth. Our two annual meetings - the upcoming Spring Educational Meeting and November’s 20th Eastern Conference of Dental Laboratories - are great places to learn, not only in the classroom, but also when networking with industry peers. On top of these tremendous educational opportunities, during which we can improve ourselves, the NCDLA is now actively working to improve the lives of those in need. Through the Missions of Mercy program, members of our association are partnering with other dental professionals to make a difference in the lives of those who are unable to help themselves. Our members are accomplishing some amazing things, and they serve as easy reminders of why we’ve joined this association. We are a group with heart, character and unbelievable talents. It makes me proud to serve as your president this year. I sincerely wish each of you a prosperous 2010 and look forward to seeing all of you soon.

Nolan Faircloth

Sincerely,