Gary Vaughn, CDT, CTO
Last month marked the three-year anniversary of the PAC’s partnership with Corr Dental Designs. Reflecting upon where we are, where we have come from, and where we are going, I can sum things up with just one word – WOW!
If I had to try and explain in simple terms the reason or reasons for our success, it would be extremely difficult to pinpoint. Hard work is obviously a key factor, but let’s face it, everyone says they work hard. Excellent technicians? Certainly a critical component. However, some of the best laboratories I have visited over the years had excellent technicians, yet sadly some of those same laboratories have closed their doors. Regretfully, the climate for small business is without question, not the strongest it’s ever been by a long shot.
Luck? What is the definition of luck? Is there such a thing? Luck was once described to me as a result of what happens when opportunity and preparation meet. No doubt, these factors, and numerous others play into the formula for success. However, above all, I have come to believe that a clear “vision” is the fiber that brings these components together and stabilizes any successful, enduring enterprise.
The dental laboratory business is unique in and of itself because it’s product represents the merging of artistry and science. As such, the mere idea of replicating any part of the human body, to look and function the way nature designed it to, is a tall order. How fortunate we are to live in a time when materials, equipment, technology, skill and talent allow us to come as close to mimicking natural teeth as possible. That being said, once a case, whether a single restored unit, or a full upper and lower arch is completed, as much as we technicians would like to fawn over it, we are not curators in an art museum. The work and case must be carefully put through a systematic procedure of quality control, ensuring it is worthy of leaving the cradle of its inception, to the home where it belongs…namely, the patient’s mouth.
From a business standpoint, this is where I believe vision is critical. Mindful that we are quite literally competing with the world market, we must be able to produce the highest quality product, with a high level of service, at an extremely competitive fee.
A large portion of my time is spent ensuring that the standards we’ve established in the laboratory are reflected in the quality of our work. Fortunately, each department of the laboratory is strengthened by seasoned, excellent technicians who mentor and teach in their respective departments, the skills they have acquired over the years while simultaneously producing their own beautiful cases. Additionally, systems have been put in place that foster efficiency in the production process. The good news is that with these systems in place coupled with the mentoring of excellent technicians, we have trained our team to BUILD quality into our restorations rather than relying on INSPECTING quality into our products.
Case in point: Our prescription, at first glance, appears to be (and is) more complex than other laboratory slips, but when the information is properly noted and recorded, our team has been trained to follow it. This eliminates the game of phone tag, trying to track down pertinent information. It also prevents the doctor from losing precious chair time, disrupting schedule and trying to recall details of the case days after preparation. We encourage all of our doctors to fill out the laboratory slip as thoroughly as possible. The more information the laboratory has, the more likely the predictability of the case. Our RX also includes a checklist for the dental office to check off as impressions, bite registrations, etc. are put into the box. A reciprocating checklist for the laboratory is used when unpacking the case to ensure that the laboratory has received everything the doctor intended to send.
One of the great opportunities afforded to our technicians is the chance to attend our local “Hands-On” programs, to see our laboratory work delivered live to the patient while also observing chairside protocol. They are also encouraged to attend the lectures from time to time to stay current on techniques, materials, and procedure. This experience is invaluable and rarely if ever available in other laboratories.
With just a few exceptions, our team of technicians has maintained its nucleus from the first day we joined Corr Dental Design with the PAC. This is a testimony of the caliber of our team members as well as the value of our systems that were put into place, increasing efficiency and productivity.
We are also very fortunate to be working with so many talented practitioners and dental office team members, without which, there would be no laboratory.
Last, I would be remiss without properly crediting our CEO, Garrett Caldwell as the author of this “vision” of which I speak. I am honored to work with him and our CFO, Stephanie Burrill along with laboratory partners, Ryan and Stacy Corr. I have a great respect for each of their abilities and I have been rewarded with increased knowledge of all things laboratory and business operation.
To our doctor partners, your mentorship is invaluable! Few laboratories if any, have the foundation we have. I can’t wait to see where the next three years takes us!
If you have questions about my article or if you would like to send a case, please contact the Pacific Aesthetic Laboratory Group at www.pacificaestheticdentalstudio.com, Gary Vaughn, CDT, CTO (916) 786-6740, or via email [email protected].
