Special Report: Think Positive!
Inside Dental Technology delivers updates on digital workflows, materials, lab techniques, and innovation in dental technology through expert articles and videos.
May 1, 2020
Volume 11, Issue 5, May 2020
Page(s): p. 8
In New York, as with other parts of the country, we are facing an unprecedented forced shutdown of our practices and laboratories, as well as all other non-essential businesses for several weeks or more. After the initial hand-wringing anguish, wondering how I was going to manage and, most importantly, keep my employees afloat during this tough time, my next thought was how I was going to keep myself from going out of my mind doing nothing. I have never even had 2 weeks in a row off, let alone 5 or 6; on top of that, we are restricted in where we can go, so that long-fantasized trip to the South Pacific and Australia-not so much. But after taking a deep breath, I decided to use the time effectively by doing the things I never seem to be able to get to. I am also moving along laboratory cases that we have on the shelf in various stages of progress so that the moment we can be back in business, we will be ready with a bunch of shiny new try-ins and inserts. We can expect that the current crisis will abate, and when it does, all those patients with dental needs will fill our offices and laboratories with the backlogged demand. Until then, be safe and be positive.
August 29, 2005, was the day my company closed from Hurricane Katrina; in the days that followed, we realized we had lost everything that my grandfather and father had built for 60 years. What do you do? How do you recover? Who is there to help? What about my employees? These are just a few of the questions that went through our heads. I can tell you because we are still around and a stronger company from it, we will make it through this! Will it be easy? No. But in times of hardship, you realize the friends you have and the great organizations like the National Association of Dental Laboratories that are here for us. Alone, we are one drop, but together, we are the ocean.
Shawn Nowak
Nowak Dental Supplies, Inc.
This will pass. Although I know how hard this is for each of us, I also know it will pass. We are all worrying, but let's look forward to the simplicity of a night out at our favorite restaurant, or learning together with our dental tribe, hopefully with a new outlook on what is important. I eagerly await seeing my dental community friends and rebuilding our profession together. Sending all of you love.
Peter Pizzi, MDT, CDT
IDT Editor-in-Chief
One thingthat I have learned in my career is how to overcome obstacles in a positive manner, and now more than ever is the time to remember that being positive through adversity should remain a top priority. Our industry has always been unique; one minute, we compete with others, and at other times we collaborate for the better of our customers and, ultimately, the patient. This time is no different,; the magnitude is just larger. We must work together and collaborate across all verticals to thrive as an industry. We will get through this together and become stronger because of it.
Rita Acquafredda
Zahn Dental/Henry Schein
The trips that take me away for days, the omnipresent cell phone, and the mood swings that directly follow the rise and fall of our sales numbers all have been part of my children's lives from birth. This crisis changed that overnight. The trips are all cancelled. The phone rings, but rarely. And the sales numbers are beyond my control. But something incredible has happened. My kids wake up with so much to tell me, and without the rush out the door, I am learning so much. The sunsets in front of our house are gorgeous, and I know, because I am watching them. My husband is the funniest person I know, and he is making me laugh, because he knows I need it. My team would do anything for us to succeed, and now I know, because they are doing it. My world will not crumble if my business fails, and now I know, because right now, my business is failing. And it is not final. And we will figure out a way forward. Right now, though, I am putting my laptop away, so I can hang on my daughters' every word.
Tay Harvey
anaxdent North America
THIS EMERGENCY HAS BECOME the focal point of our lives and livelihood. Our people were looking to us for financial security. I felt the weight of the world on my shoulders. We offered reduced prices to get work in the door so our employees could get as many hours as possible. Cross-training is an excellent use of this time as well, but eventually, we had to entertain the idea of layoffs. We took into consideration those who were the sole income providers for their families and those who may be at risk if they (or their families) contracted the virus. This is our family: We know their stories, and they know ours. The philanthropic spirit of our employees was second to none. People volunteered to help at-risk coworkers and stay home. We worked to figure out how to keep all employees with benefits at least through April. When the CARES Act passed, our maneuvering paid off! We communicated our new plan: You will be made whole and retain benefits for 8 weeks. We have refined processes and done more cross-training, and we are learning to print medical shields to help in the crisis. We have become more close-knit than ever. Our emergency will become our collective success.
Betty Barksdale
Barksdale Dental Lab
At present, while leadership and optimism are the traits that rise most to the surface, I believe resilience is key. It is when we are hardest hit that the ability to bounce back becomes the saving grace. Resilience allows us to ride the wave, manage the worst, look beyond the now, and focus on recovery.
Helga Melgar
Sterngold Dental
This past year has been an eventful one for me both personally and professionally. I faced obstacles I never expected and found myself challenged: Do I rise above my challenges or let them consume me? We have all stood in these moments, at the edge of an obstacle deciding if we fall and questioning our ability to fly. When you face obstacles by only focusing on where you are and not looking ahead, it is like swerving your car and challenging the car's ability to smoothly drive straight ahead. This unexpected time can be a great opportunity to organize your life, define personal and professional goals, and map out a clear path that brings lifelong happiness. Obstacles, if we allow them to, find the heart of us, shake up our world, and remind us of what is really important. Once we are ready, we can find in them unexpected gifts that shape life's journey and bring moments of renewed clarity. Your choices and actions show that you truly are far more than your abilities and current circumstances.
Jessica Birrell, CDT
Capture Dental Arts
