Welcome to the second installment of 2024 DentalFix Summit newsletter! In this edition, we continue to highlight the inspiring stories shared by dental repair industry leaders who are shaping the future of the field. From transitioning careers to innovative business models, this summit brought together a wide range of experiences and insights that are paving the way for a more standardized and skilled dental repair workforce. Let’s explore more of the impactful conversations from the event!
Troy Schmitz: From Engineering to Family-Owned Dental Repair Business
Troy Schmidt shared how his background in engineering and desire for a better work-life balance led him to the dental repair industry. After years of managing a large packaging company with 100 employees, he felt it was time for a change. His brother-in-law, a dentist with multiple offices, had been struggling to find good repair technicians. "He told me the service part of this industry was terrible," Troy said, explaining how his brother-in-law's frustration became a turning point for him. "There’s just not a lot of good technicians out there, and I have a hard time getting things fixed."
Troy discovered DentalFix, a company that provided him with the training and tools to jump into the dental repair field. Within a week of training, he and his son, who trained alongside him, were out servicing dental offices. "It’s been incredible. We trained together, and now we get to work together every day," he shared with pride. For Troy, working alongside his son and son-in-law in a family business has been one of the most rewarding parts of this new career path.
He also reflected on how much the dental industry has evolved over the past few years. "The technology has really advanced. Five years ago, we were talking about scanning devices like CBCTs, and now they’re everywhere," he said. "It’s amazing how quickly things change, and you really have to keep up and keep learning."
Matthew Haley: A Biomed Tech’s Transition to Dental Repair
Matthew Haley, originally trained as a biomedical equipment technician (biomed), explained how his path led him to the dental repair industry. His training at MiraCosta College under Dr. Jeffrey Smoot gave him a strong foundation, but the shift to dental repair opened new possibilities. "I found out about dental repair at an AAMI meeting in Long Beach," he said, recalling how the opportunity arose. "I was originally trained as a biomed, and I loved it. But when I heard about dental repair, I saw a new path where I could apply my skills."
Matthew has been working in dental repair for two years now and shared how it differs from biomed. "The work is similar in some ways, but dental offices are usually smaller and more personal than the hospitals I worked with before," he explained. This shift has allowed him to build closer relationships with his clients, something he values greatly. "It’s a more entrepreneurial environment, and you’re able to work directly with clients, which I love."
Attending the DentalFix Summit gave Matthew a chance to connect with other professionals and explore the latest developments in dental technology. "I came here to network and learn, and it’s been amazing. There’s so much energy here, and it’s exciting to see all the new programs and tools that can help grow my business," he said, clearly energized by the event.
Michele Reeder: ADA’s Focus on Dental Equipment & Integration
As Senior Vice President of Affiliate Services at the American Dental Association (ADA), Michele Reeder brought a big-picture view of the dental industry to the summit. "We support a lot of people, from state dental associations to dental schools and faculty," she explained. Michele and her team are focused on building relationships across the dental space, ensuring that dentists have the resources they need to succeed.
She highlighted the importance of dental equipment maintenance, noting how equipment failures can disrupt dental practices. "If your equipment breaks down, you’re not just losing time—you’re losing money and affecting patient care," Michele emphasized. "It’s crucial to stay on top of maintenance, and that’s why I’m excited to be part of this conversation."
Michele was also enthusiastic about the ADA’s upcoming SmileCon in New Orleans. "We’re expecting around 9,000 people this year," she said, sharing her excitement for the event. "It’s a great opportunity to showcase innovation in dental technology, and we’re bringing together top researchers and practitioners to discuss the future of the industry."
Cherish Purchase: Breaking Barriers as a Female Dental Repair Technician
Cherish Purchase’s story began with her natural curiosity for fixing things. She shared how an experience with her stepfather’s malfunctioning heart monitor inspired her to explore medical equipment repair. "The heart monitor wasn’t working, and I just opened it up to see what was wrong," she recalled. "I reconnected a loose wire, and we got him to the hospital. That moment made me realize I had a knack for fixing things."
Cherish initially pursued biomed, working on a variety of medical devices, but eventually found herself in the dental industry when her company was acquired by a dental repair firm. "I didn’t go looking for it," she admitted, "but I love it now. The work is challenging, and there’s always something new to learn."
As one of the few women in the dental repair industry, Cherish has embraced her role as a trailblazer. "I haven’t met any other women in this field yet," she said. "But I love being able to prove that women can excel in this industry. It’s all about learning and overcoming challenges."
She spoke passionately about the continuous learning opportunities in dental repair. "You never learn enough in this field," she said. "There’s always new equipment being developed, and I’m excited to keep learning and growing."
Robert Burroughs & Danielle McGeary: AAMI’s Commitment to Supporting Dental Repair
Robert Burroughs and Danielle McGeary from the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) brought an important perspective on how the dental industry fits into the broader healthcare technology management (HTM) space. Robert pointed out that dental care is healthcare, and dental equipment should be serviced with the same rigor and attention to detail as other medical devices. "Dental is an extension of HTM," he said. "We need to start thinking about it that way and create the necessary certifications and training to support it."
Danielle, who oversees AAMI’s HTM apprenticeship program, echoed that sentiment, emphasizing the importance of building a pipeline of qualified technicians. "Right now, there are only about 3,500 technicians servicing over 130,000 dental clinics across the U.S.," she explained. "There’s a huge need for more trained professionals in this space, and we’re looking at ways to expand our apprenticeship programs to include dental repair."
Both Robert and Danielle see dental repair as an area ripe for growth and innovation. "We’re here to learn and see how we can help," Danielle added. "It’s clear that dental technicians need the same kind of support and resources that we provide to HTM professionals, and we’re committed to making that happen."
Matthew Lau: Expanding UptimeServices and Creating a Strong Technician Network
Matthew Lau, Senior Operations Manager at UptimeServices, is excited about the direction the company is taking to support dental technicians. "We’re building something really special here," he said. "By creating a strong network of independent technicians and offering them the resources they need, we’re helping to elevate the entire field."
He described how UptimeServices is working to build partnerships with top-tier vendors, allowing technicians to access better products and services. "We’re creating a sort of buying group," he explained. "With the number of technicians we have, we can approach vendors and say, ‘Look, we have 300 highly trained technicians. Do you want them using your product or someone else’s?’ That kind of leverage is a game-changer."
Matthew was thrilled with the turnout at this year’s summit, noting that the energy and enthusiasm in the room were contagious. "This place is buzzing," he said with a smile. "I knew this was going to be good, but the excitement here is incredible. Next year, it’s going to be even bigger."
As the DentalFix Summit powered by UptimeServices comes to a close, it’s clear that this industry is full of opportunities for growth, collaboration, and innovation. The experiences shared by our speakers and participants demonstrate the passion and commitment driving the future of dental repair. We look forward to seeing how these insights and programs will continue to elevate the industry and empower dental repair professionals. Stay tuned for more updates and developments as we work together to shape the next chapter in dental repair!
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