1st Quarter - February 2022 | Contact Newsletter
Your Quarterly News & Updates
Greetings, Washington State Dental Laboratory members and friends! The 2022 1st Quarter Contact newsletter is filled with information about our upcoming annual Forum, Scholarship Opportunities, and much more.
President's Message - Gary Smotherman
Springtime is just around the corner and WSDLA is getting back in the swing of things with our upcoming WSDLA Northwest Laboratory Forum March 18 – 20, 2022! The WSDLA Forum Committee is planning an exciting and informative event. This year we are “Drinking from the Washington Well of Knowledge” and focusing on local speakers to take advantage of all the great local talent our community has to offer. From panel discussions to table top clinics, keynote presentations to a “best work” photo contest, there’s something at the Forum that is relevant for everyone in our industry. 

To read the full President's Message, please click here.
Meetings
2022 WSDLA NW Lab Forum
You're invited to join WSDLA for the upcoming 2022 NW Lab Forum on March 18-20, 2022 at the Embassy Suites Seattle-Bellevue.

Hotel Information:
Embassy Suites - Seattle/Bellevue
325 158th Ave SE - Bellevue, WA
(425) 644-2500


This year, the Forum is focusing on local speakers. Please see below for more details!

2022 WSDLA NW Lab Forum Schedule

Friday, March 18, 2022
12:45 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. Welcome
1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Is Your Lab Registered with the State? (1.5 hour Scientific)
Matt Chapman, CDT, Chapman Dental Prosthetics, Inc.
2:30 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. Break
2:45 p.m. – 4:15 p.m. Getting and Keeping Quality Dental Laboratory Employees (1.5 hour Scientific)
Panel Discussion (featuring Megan Nakanishi, Leon Hermanides, Autumn Ellingson)
4:15 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Break
4:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Awards (CDT milestones) (.5 hour Scientific)
5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Reception
7:15 p.m. – Dutch Treat Dinner (location TBD)

Saturday, March 19, 2022
8:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. WSDLA Board Update
8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Keynote: Additive Technology in Dentistry; Current Trends for Dental Lab Applications (1.5 hour Scientific) Jamie Stover, CDT, Carbon, Inc.
10:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. Break
10:15 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Business Practices in the New Registration Age, Including Dymo Printer Demonstration (1.25 hour Scientific) Matt Chapman, CDT, Chapman Dental Prosthetics, Inc.
11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Exhibit Hall Open - Trade Show & Lunch with Exhibitors
12:00 p.m. – 12:30 p.m. (.5 hour Scientific) Table Clinic #1: 3Shape Splint Designer Training + Work Flow Overview for Printed Retainers and Clear Aligner options with Argen, Beth Lundstrom, The Argen Corporation
12:30 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. (.5 hour Scientific) Table Clinic #2: Argen Digital Dentures Overview with 3shape Process + Demo Case design, Beth Lundstrom, The Argen Corporation
1:30 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. Keynote: What Now? Restoring the Esthetic and Functional Harmony, Predictably (1.75 hour Scientific) Leon Hermanides, CDT, Protea Dental Studio, Inc.
3:15 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Break
3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Regulatory Standards (1 hour Regulatory Standards), Harris Biomedical
4:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. “Best Work” Photo Contest Display and Cash Awards

* Schedule as of 2/11/22. This schedule is subject to change.
Member News
WSDLA Forum Focused on Local Speakers
What made the Forum planning committee decide to focus on local speakers this year?
When Leon and I sat down to plan our 2022 WSDLA Spring Meeting, we intentionally focused on finding presenters who are local to our dental community. 
I read somewhere that 90% of us trust our peers and only about 15% of us trust "brands." As a group, we have a lot of experience and knowledge—especially when it comes to operating a dental laboratory in Washington State and creating restorations that meet the high standards of our local dentist partners! 
 
My hope is that you will enthusiastically join us and be greatly encouraged as you learn alongside your friends and peers!

Autumn Ellingson
Considering the vast talent we have amongst our local technicians in the Seattle area, this year we have decided to assemble as many of them as we could to showcase what they do.

Leon Hermanides, CDT
Classified Ads
NOW HIRING: Dental Technician - Set Up & Model
Wanted!
Dental Technician - Set Up & Model Needed! - PNW Pros Lab - Bellevue, WA
Price: Salary will reflect experience.
Description: PNW Pros Lab is a full-service dental lab looking for a technician to help us in the model department.
Must have skills in:
• Pouring Models from impressions
• Follow detailed work orders and prescriptions
• Wax rims, Bite blocks
• Custom trays
• Verification jigs
• Articulation
• Flasking dentures
• Trim, polish and shape appliances and devices
• Adjust appliances or devices to allow for a more natural look or to improve function

We will provide training as needed.
Experience in a dental lab is welcomed. Must be able to work in a team setting. Additional skills such as hand-eye coordination, efficient, detail-oriented and being a pleasure to work with in a team environment.
Hours are Monday to Friday 6:00-8:00 a.m. to 2:30-4:30 p.m.
Please call (425) 698-1440 or email your resume to [email protected] to schedule an interview.
Free Classified Ads! - WSDLA Member Benefit

Post your FREE classified ads for equipment, job openings, etc on the WSDLA website. As a member benefit, all WSDLA members receive free classified ad posting for up to 30 days. For more information and to send a request for a classified ad, please visit www.wsdla.com.
Industry News
Introducing Saturday Morning Keynote Speaker Jamie Stover, CDT
Keynote: Additive Technology In Dentistry; Current Trends For Dental Lab Applications
Saturday, March 19, 2022
8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Jamie Stover, CDT is the Senior Manager of Dental Lab Applications at Carbon. Jamie has been a dental laboratory technician for over 23 years and has extensive experience on all aspects of transitioning workflow from analogue processes to digital both clinically and in-lab, has written dozens of articles for publication in domestic and international dental trade journals, and lectures regularly on a myriad of topics for dental professionals.
 
In his role at Carbon Jamie is a consultant for labs and dentists on streamlining production with the digital workflow and implementing strategies for business growth, development, and utilization of new applications.  

Jamie is a member of several professional organizations including: The Dental Technician Alliance of the American College of Prosthodontists, is Co-Chair of the NADL Business Management Committee, and is the Fiscal Officer on the National Board for Certification for Dental Lab Technicians, and is a recipient of the NADL Merit Award For Outstanding Achievements.
Other Featured Presenters
Saturday Afternoon Keynote Speaker: Leon Hermanides, CDT
Keynote: What Now? Restoring the Esthetic and Functional Harmony, Predictably
Saturday, March 19, 2022
1:30 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.

Leon Hermanides graduated from College in South Africa with a National Higher Diploma in Dental Technology, the equivalent of a Bachelor’s Degree in the USA. He has worked in South Africa, London and Seattle laboratories specializing in all stages of advanced reconstructions, implants and anterior esthetics. Leon is a Clinical Instructor at Dr. John Kois’ Kois Center programs and a member of study clubs around the Puget Sound area. He is a member of the Board of Directors of the Washington State Dental Laboratory Association and served as President in 2012. He has served as the Chair of the Foundation for Dental Technology and as Treasurer of the NADL. Leon also serves on the Advisory Board for the Dental Technology program at Bates Technical College in Tacoma, WA.

In 1998 Leon established Protea Dental Studio in Redmond, Washington; a DAMAS certified laboratory that specializes in providing comprehensive, implant and anterior restorative cases. Protea Dental Studio, Inc has built its reputation by implementing a systematic approach to ensure consistent, predictable results. 
Matthew Chapman, CDT
Is Your Lab Registered with the State?
Friday, March 18, 2022
1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Business Practices in the New Registration Age, Including Dymo Printer Demonstration
Saturday, March 19, 2022
10:15 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Matthew Chapman, CDT, has gone through the ranks of the Washington State Dental Laboratory Association (WSDLA) Executive Board, having served as President-Elect, President and Past President from 2016 — 2018 and is a current board member in 2022. Matt also served as the Chair of the Legislative Committee, and advocated on behalf of the association to require the registration of dental laboratories in the state of Washington. The National Association of Dental Laboratories recognized Matt in 2019 with a Merit Award for Outstanding Achievement for his efforts.
Matt is a long-standing board member and faculty member at Bates Technical College Dental Technology Program. He is also one of the founding members of Dental Technicians Alliance (DTA) and served as Treasurer on the DTA Board.
At Chapman Dental Prosthetics, Inc., Matt is a part of a small, family owned, fixed prosthetic laboratory originally established 40 years ago by his father. Matt has worked full time at the dental laboratory for over 17 years and is very involved with the local lab community, industry organizations and study clubs.​
Table Clinic Topics


You won't want to miss the following exciting table clinic opportunities during the Exhibit Hall Tradeshow!

Beth Lundstrom joined the Argen team in 2020 as a Technical Support Specialist. She hosts Argen’s 3Shape design webinars, teaching users how to navigate through various 3Shape workflows along with tips-n-tricks for successful and effortless designing.

Beth has over twenty years of dental laboratory experience with over fifteen years specializing in digital dentistry.

Beth enjoys exploring and traveling to new places, spending time outdoors, playing pickleball, crafting cold process soap, and anything that equates to a good adventure.
CLINIC #1 - Saturday, March 19, 2022 12:00 p.m. - 12:30 p.m. (30 minutes with CE credits)
3Shape Splint Designer Training + Work Flow Overview for Printed Retainers and Clear Aligner options with Argen
You will learn the fast and easy workflow of 3Shape’s newest module, Splint Designer, that comes free for all Dental System Premium 3shape users.
Learn about Argen’s newest Carbon Systems printed product options in partnership with the Full Contour Ortho team to easily add Retainers and Clear Aligners to your lab business. Sample case kits of these new products will be at the booth as well.

CLINIC #2 - Saturday, March 19, 2022 12:30 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. (30 minutes with CE credits)
Argen Digital Dentures Overview with 3shape Process + Demo Case design
You will learn how to navigate the emerging and advancing technology of Digital Dentures from setup requirements to delivery. Options will be discussed for printed, milled and hybrid dentures using both new and classic materials + demo of a denture case using the 3shape Full Denture Design module.
Technical Article
2022 Grant and Scholarship Opportunities!
The CDT Pillar Scholarship covers the testing fees to take the written comprehensive exam, the written specialty exam, and the hands-on practical exam, one time each.

Application Deadline: March 15


The RG Pillar scholarship covers the testing fee to take the Recognized Graduate (RG) exam one time.

Application Deadline: March 15


The Dawson Academy Educational Grant will award four virtual seats and two in-person seats to their cornerstone course, Functional Occlusion.

Application Deadline: February 28


Created for 2021 in an effort to ensure the negative impacts of COVID-19 do not hinder the importance of maintaining the CDT designation, CDT Hardship Grant recipients will have their CDT renewal fee of $170 covered.

Application Deadline: February 28 (for March CDT renewals)


Best Work Photo Contest
Photos will be exhibited and prizes awarded as part of the
2022 WSDLA NW Lab Forum                            
on Saturday, March 19, 2022
Embassy Suites - Seattle/Bellevue


WSDLA is running a photo contest as part of the 2022 Northwest Laboratory Forum to showcase the best work of our members.
Photos may be submitted by individuals or on behalf of a lab. Please include name, company name, and phone number with submission. Email submissions are due by 3/8/22.

In order to be displayed on screen without being stretched or distorted, photographs must be submitted in .jpeg, .jpg or .gif format, at least 2,000 pixels wide and no larger than 10 MB.

Click HERE for full contest details.
2022 Seattle/King County Clinic Update
The Seattle Center Foundation deeply regrets to announce that due to the loss of dates in Climate Pledge Arena and the inability to find alternate options, there will not be a complete Seattle/King County Clinic in 2022.  

In its six years of operation, Seattle/King County Clinic has been able to provide $20 million in dental, vision, medical and social services to 23,000 patients because of valuable support from partners, donors, volunteers and the greater community.