I was talking with a patient the other day about hard times and economic challenges we’ve all had to face. I found it interesting that somehow he wasn’t even aware the dental business would be in the same boat. People that have lost jobs along with medical insurance, forget about dental benefits!!!! Well to us, those people were our patients. I’m sure most business owners’ have seen their share of hard times, and this too shall pass. In the meantime hard decisions and cutting corners to stay afloat has been practice. The laboratory we use to have dental restorations fabricated is a great facility. I was lucky enough to go visit and observe while I was in school. Wow what an efficient, clean friendly environment. When I started in 1993 with Dr. Artemenko, to find out he used this lab, I was excited!! My friend’s father used to run a dental lab out of his garage, so I realized this business could be conducted anywhere, and didn’t need a lot of people to do it. My eyes were open to dental facilities being different, offices & labs. Our lab started to offer a “global” option to have dental restorations fabricated in China. I know they have fallen on hard times as well and want to do everything they can to keep business too. Global option means less expensive, and I’m sure that has been a relief for those who have taken advantage of the service. I also know someone at the lab had to lose their job for that service. We have not used this service and don’t plan to, but someone must. What kind of metal is used? Metals can be very irritating to tissue and skin. If you are told to have a crown placed, ask about materials!!! What type of metal is in your mouth? Where was it made? The lab’s global option is a fair one, and the lab can identify and label the metal. What about the one your dentist uses? Talk to your dental care provider, this is not secret information, or shouldn’t be. Don’t take for granted that someone will do the right thing because Doctor is in the title. At the end of the day we are all husbands and wives trying to provide for our families. Stay smart consumer!!

Clinical Assistant, Robin

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