I think most business writers would agree that a company must constantly strive for excellence to be successful. I know many dentists and dental companies do work hard to be the best they can be. Recently, I have seen a number of examples of companies recognized for their accomplishments in the dental industry. All too often these accomplishments go unnoticed by the practicing dentist.
The Levin Group has been consulting with dental practices since 1985. In June, Dr. Roger P. Levin, the founder of The Levin Group, accepted the prestigious Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award for Consulting Services. As a regional winner, he was nominated for the national award, presented in November in Palm Springs, Calif. Dr. Levin also was inducted into the National Entrepreneur of the Year Hall of Fame. It has been my pleasure to know Roger for a number of years, and I am happy to congratulate him on this outstanding achievement.
The Levin Group's track record of helping others to succeed is well known within the dental industry, but I am sure they were thrilled to have their accomplishments validated by those outside the dental arena, especially by a company as respected as Ernst & Young. The award is a testament to not only the dedication of Roger and the people at the Levin Group, but also the hard work of their many clients who strive to reach their practice potential. I know The Levin Group will continue to bring business innovation to dental practices. Best wishes for continued success.
Earlier this year, the Dawson Center for Advanced Dental Study celebrated its 25th anniversary. You may remember seeing my interview with Dr. Peter E. Dawson, the founder of the Dawson Center. At the ADA meeting in Orlando, Dr. Dawson announced the formation of a new corporation designed to energize and expand the teaching center which bears his name. The principals of the new company include: Dr. Dawson, who has been the pre-eminent dental educator in North America for the last 25 years; Joan S. Forrest, management and communications lecturer and director of the Dawson Center for the past 10 years (and a frequent contributor to DE); and Michael F. Brennan, president of Brennan and Associates and former vice president of marketing for Ivoclar Vivadent, Inc.
"This is a very exciting new group," said Dr. Dawson. "Together, we are going to combine a thorough understanding of occlusion and the function of the masticatory system - with the best parts of the much-touted 'revolution' in materials and aesthetics - to offer our dental colleagues a proven path to clinical excellence and personal satisfaction." Take a look at the new and enhanced seminars the Dawson Center will be offering. I am sure it will be very well done.
I had the opportunity to travel to Liechtenstein to visit the Ivoclar plant. I am always amazed by the incredible amount of research and attention to detail which goes into making dental products, and this was no exception. This was a chance to interact with the chemists who develop unique products for our use in the dental treatment room. I then traveled to Frankfort for an International Opinion Leaders Event "Competence in Composites" at the Lufthansa Training Center. At this event, Ivoclar introduced the successor to Tetric Ceram. Recognized scientists and practitioners from all over Europe reported on their experiences with the new Tetric EvoCeram. It will be introduced at the Chicago Midwinter meeting in February.
Happy holidays, and may God bless you with health and happiness in the New Year!
Joe Blaes, DDS, Editor—email: joeb@@pennwell.com
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