CDEN0210

I 37 feature _ practice management I cosmeticdentistry 2_2010 and taking full-face, retracted and lateral views makes all the difference to the technician working on your cases. Once the image is captured, e-mail can transfer the information virtually instantaneously, permit- tingthedentisttochooseatechniciananywherein thecountry.Thisallowsthedentisttoselectatech- nician with whom he or she can work best, regard- less of geography. The technician, in return, can send preliminary images of his or her wax-up and bisque bake along with the final-stage images for the dentist’s approval. Both parties can then have confidence that the case has been fabricated ex- actly as envisioned by the dentist and the patient. This process of instruction, feedback and ad- justment has allowed more dentists to deliver an increasingly sophisticated product created by more clinically astute and in-tune technicians— usuallyinlesstimeandwithgreaterprecisionfrom the beginning. A laboratory technician would always prefer to work with a photograph and would prefer this level of information; thus, these tools have be- comethenewstandardofcare.Itmustbesaidthat in addition to increasing the predictable results, using these communication tools increases prof- itability for both the laboratory technician and thedentist.Whenyouconsiderthecostofremakes andadjustments,aswellassendingcasesbackand forth multiple times—not to mention patient dis- satisfaction with these frustrations—the savings are real and the profits equally so. When profes- sionals spend more time at the beginning and avoid costly mistakes, the benefits are tangible. Even with these improved technologies, the mostimportanttoolwehaveisthetimethedentist and laboratory technician invest in one another. By taking the time to meet and discuss cases, being clear about mutual expectations and giving immediate feedback to one another, the dentist and technician can build a strong working rela- tionship that can last for years and even decades. _Labs evaluate you too We all know that dentists are constantly evalu- ating their laboratory technicians and relation- ships, and the same is true for the technicians. When we receive a case from a client who com- municates well, makes expectations clear, works in a collaborative partnership and gives candid and timely feedback, we know we have to be on our toes and it challenges us to do our very best. When we work with a dentist who sends clear impressions and focused photographs, and who alerts us to the arrival of the case, we know that dentist is serious and that his or her expectations are high. However, when impressions are dis- torted, margins are unreadable or prescriptions are incomplete, it sends a very different message indeed. Perhaps it doesn’t matter much to such a dentist? Perhaps, just about anything will do? Perhaps your case can wait? In many larger laboratory environments, the most highly trained technicians are assigned the casesofthefirsttypeofdentist—theonewhosent clearimpressionsthatis—becausetheirtimeistoo valuable to work with poor material and informa- tion. Here’s a little secret: technicians are natural Figs. 4a–c_Waxed to full contour (a). Pressed in IPS Empress (Ivoclar Vivadent) ingot with sprue on the incisal edge which will be removed (b). Veneer with surface staining only (c). Figs. 5a–c_IPS Empress (Ivoclar Vivadent) pressed and cut-back technique, allowing for characterisations to be placed internally—layered with IPS Empress porcelain for optimal aesthetics. Fig. 4a Fig. 4b Fig. 4c Fig. 5a Fig. 5b Fig. 5c