By  the time you read this, I will be 80 years old. As I’ve considered this upcoming milestone over the last several months, I’ve found myself asking, “What more could I do in dentistry?”

For 56 years, I’ve committed myself to serving dentists and patients, first as a ceramist, then as a dental lab owner, and now as a materials and technology innovator. I’ve built the world’s largest dental laboratory. I’ve invented materials that evolved the standard of care. I’ve helped spearhead dentistry’s digital transformation, both in the lab and chairside.

I don’t say these things to celebrate myself or pretend that there hasn’t been personal reward — just that there’s always more that can be done to make everyday dentistry better, more predictable and more accessible. While I may not always be here to help lead the charge, I trust I’ve instilled this ceaseless vision deeply in my company, and that its leaders will continue to keep provider and patient at the center of everything they do.

It’s my sincerest hope that you too believe the dentistry of tomorrow must be better than the dentistry of today. We regularly see other industries make decisions that result in services and products becoming worse for the consumer. In dentistry we do not have to follow that trend. If you’re an owner or leader of your practice, you have countless opportunities to improve for the benefit of your team members, patients and larger community.

In continuously taking on new skills, adopting technologies that revolutionize your existing workflows, and expanding your services, you too can make dentistry better, faster, more affordable and more profitable.

This is why in recent years my company has focused so heavily on providing education, through Chairside^® magazine, our courses and symposia, and now Glidewell TV. If you use our educational resources, you’ll be better positioned to be a decision-maker about the future of dentistry.

So, to answer the question: “What more could I do in dentistry?” Through you, so much more. And if you don’t know where to start, I’d encourage you to keep reading Chairside magazine.