By Joe Blaes, DDS, Editor
Greetings from the Inter national Dental Show in Cologne, Germany. This is the world's largest dental show - it is huge! I would estimate that the total exhibit area is four times larger than the Chicago Midwinter exhibit area. This meeting is held every other year, and it is an exhibit show only; there are no continuing-education courses. Most of the manufacturers around the world will target their new products for this show. I feel like a kid locked in a candy shop - so many things to see and crowds of people to contend with. I have seen many new products that I am sure we will see in the United States in the coming months. You will be amazed by some of them.
I am very proud to announce that my friend and colleague, Dr. Gordon J. Christensen will begin writing a monthly article for Dental Economics beginning in the June issue. I have known Dr. Christensen for many years and have taken many courses from him. I have been talking to him about writing for this publication for the last three years, and finally he has agreed to do it. Many of you have heard some of his presentations or taken a hands-on course at a major meeting or in his facility in Provo, Utah. You also may know him from watching one of his many videotapes. Over the years, Gordon has produced a wonderful series of videotapes for learning new techniques and for educating our patients.
Gordon and his wife, Dr. Rella Christensen, established Clinical Research Associates a number of years ago. Under Rella's direction, this has become a respected dental research center which publishes a monthly newsletter - CRA Reports - read around the world. I know many of you subscribe to the newsletter. I always look for that familiar green envelope in my mailbox every month.
Dr. Christensen has always been keenly interested in educating dentists and helping them keep up with the many new products appearing on the market today. You will be reading his answers to your most-asked questions about materials, techniques, and equipment. If you have any questions for Dr. Christensen, please e-mail them to me at [email protected] and I will see that he receives them for inclusion in a future article.
I am excited because I believe that Gordon will help you in crease your knowledge about materials, which will make your practice more efficient and, therefore, more productive. This increase in productivity should result in a better bottom line for your practice. So, be sure to watch for your June issue of Dental Economics and the beginning of a long association with dentistry's most respected teacher, Dr. Gordon J. Christensen. He is well-known as a teacher, re searcher, innovator, and a practicing dentist. I know you will enjoy his outlook on dentistry!
Please also take the time to answer the questionnaire for our annual Practice Survey. We have simplified the survey and are offering it to all of our subscribers by in cluding it in the magazine. The results will provide you with valuable information about your practice. Thanks for taking time to help in this important effort.
We have the next installment of several series in this issue, as well as some new information. Be sure to catch Dr. John Jameson's interview on the Sendax implant. This is the new implant that can be loaded immediately after placement. This could be a great addition to your treatment plans.
Recently, I heard a report from the American Dental Trade Association on the future of dentistry. The statistical information will amaze you. The report tracks the growth that dentistry can expect over the next few years. The numbers are incredible! I will be bringing you the information contained in the report over the next few months. You need to know just how great dentistry is going to be in the coming years. If you think things are good now, just wait until you see what's going to happen next. I've been telling dentists across the country that there has never been a better time to be a dentist than right now - and this report will prove it!
