MASTERING THE DIGITAL APPROACH – CONTINUED EDUCATION FOR DENTISTS AND DENTAL TECHNICIANS AT THE FOREST SCHOOL. AN INTERVIEW WITH DT CHRIS DAVIES FROM CREATIVE SMILE DENTAL LABORATORY LTD, NORTH WALES Leave a comment

“Like many other laboratories, the time finally came for Creative Smile to begin its digital transition. After a detailed search in the market, we took the big step in 2015 and invested in our first CAD/CAM system, provided by Zirkonzahn. Purchasing a CAD/CAM was a major investment, and marked a turning point for our business, with many benefits in data storage and in the relationship with our clients. For example, total control over the production process allowed us to suggest and discuss working options with the clinician with more efficient turnaround times and improved data sharing.
As owner of Creative Smile Dental Laboratory, I believe continued learning is an important asset and I must admit that my training on CAD/CAM was as much a vital component as the high-tech we bought. How much sense does it make to buy high-tech equipment if you cannot master it to the fullest? To complete the investment that I made for the laboratory, I wished to improve my skills on digital working techniques and to transmit them to my team. For this reason, I decided to enroll in the Forest School. This is an intensive educational program conceived by our supplier Zirkonzahn to train dental technicians and dentists on their hardware and software equipment, focusing on the digital approach to patient cases. The Forest School is set in an amazing, natural environment in the Alps, which helps you to balance intensive work with peaceful rest. The Forest School was once a barn, and at first sight the place seemed to me very traditional, but I was completely blown away upon reaching the top floor, where all the high tech needed for the training is stored.
During my time at the Forest School, I got the opportunity to meet with others who had the same interests as me regarding their life’s work. Over the week we managed to create an atmosphere of mutual sharing complimented by the instructors, who were always available to help us out during the hands-on sessions. The instructors explained concepts in an easy and simple way, which was also accessible to beginners. There, I did not find a group of workers but a team of colleagues, like-minded technicians who shared my desire to produce quality work and with whom I thoroughly enjoyed spending time learning and practicing. Zirkonzahn’s personal approach to customers and education on their systems made the big transition to digital dentistry in Creative Smile easier and less stressful. Along with skills improvement, this experience at the Forest School taught me the importance of sharing work philosophy with a supplier – who, in my case, is in all respects a true partner and team of my respected peers”.