DTA Column
Tools for Our Industry
By Gary W. Price, CEO, of Dental Trade Alliance
In the last few months I devoted columns to healthcare system reform legislation and our long-term public awareness project, “Oral Healthcare Can’t Wait.” These two issues have required a significant commitment of time and resources by the DTA. But DTA also assists its members in many other ways, including educational and training programs. These programs have become valuable tools for DTA members and their employees.
DTA recently concluded a successful Mini-Dental School at the University of Colorado School of Dentistry. More than 20 dental company representatives completed two days of rigorous training with the dental school faculty at the dental school. Attendees donned gloves and gowns, wore infection control masks and performed basic dental procedures like a full time dental student. There were lectures on dental anatomy and nomenclature. Attendees enjoyed demonstrations utilizing the latest technologies, including digital radiography and implants. DTA has been offering the Mini-Dental School for more than seven years and has graduated more than 200 students. This training provides wonderful insights into the mindset of dentists and the challenges of working in a dental practice. The Mini-Dental School is a great tool to assist those selling or developing products for the profession.
Upcoming events
On June 23, DTA is offering a Webinar to examine recent trends and report on financial activity in the dental industry. “The State of the Dental Industry Economy” with industry analysts Hector Calzada Jr. from Deloitte and Ed Snyder of NorthCoast Research will provide analysis of the current economic state of our industry. Topics will include sales trends, mergers and acquisitions activity plus predictions for the long-term health of our industry. Cost is $99 for DTA members and requires a computer, internet connection and telephone to participate. Companies trying to understand the current economy and where our industry is headed should participate.
On Friday, Oct. 8, at the time of the American Dental Association Annual Session in Orlando, Fla., DTA is hosting a workshop at the Disney Institute at Epcot Center. The program is “Disney’s Approach to Quality Service,” utilizing Disney training and techniques. Disney staff will lead a group of dental industry professionals through the dos and don’ts of exceptional customer service. This is a hands-on, half day event that includes lunch and transportation from the Orlando Convention Center to Epcot Center and back. Companies should plan to send their executive team, sales, marketing and fulfillment specialists to ensure they are providing exemplary customer service for their customers.
DTA continues to look for new programs that reflect new trends in today’s work place. The DTA Annual Meeting in November in Indian Wells, Calif. (near Palm Springs) will feature Terry Jones, founder of Travelocity, addressing the electronic social networking phenomenon. A discussion will include how dental companies can take advantage of the Web to recruit new employees and promote their products to the new generation of oral healthcare providers. Other speakers include a keynote address by Steve Forbes, a workshop by Jim Stengel, former Chief Marketing Officer for Proctor and Gamble and an economic update by Stuart Varney of Fox Business News Network. The industry looks to DTA for these types of stimulating business development programs. Visit the DTA Web site often at www.dentaltradealliance.org for continuing updates.
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