BECDEN NEWSLETTER

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Becden’s Statement of Conformity / Let Your Patients Test Drive Their New Smile / Changing Lives One Smile at a Time /

Power of Attitude

Quote

“Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy.”
— Thich Nhat Hanh

ITero: A Lasting First Impression
By Paul Barker: Manufacturing Engineer at Becden

By now all dentists have heard about the dental patient in Ohio who has documentation of lead contamination in her dental restoration. “The affected patient, a senior citizen, received a three-unit dental bridge from a dentist in Ohio. After having an adverse reaction to her dental work, and having it removed, the dentist disclosed that the prescription was sent to an offshore dental laboratory and disclosed to the patient that the restoration was made in China. The patient then had the restoration sent to a chemical laboratory for analysis. The documentation of the dental material analysis of this patient’s restoration showed unsafe levels of lead in the porcelain on the restoration.

This case has attracted the attention of an Ohio television reporter who was already working on a story about offshore dental laboratory work. As part of the reporter’s investigative research for the story, the TV station ordered a series of crowns from several offshore dental laboratories. One of those restorations contained 210 parts per million of lead in the materials. The U.S. Congress, in response to the toy recalls in 2007, lowered the acceptable levels of lead in toys to 90 parts per million.

The testing of these restorations for the reporter’s investigation was conducted by a chemical research laboratory in Ohio and, at the suggestion of NADL, at the Boston University School of Dental Medicine. In addition to the documentation of lead, the chemical analysis revealed the restoration contains traces of radioactive isotopes.” (Quote from the National Association of Dental Laboratories - NADL.)

Here’s what Becden is now providing with each case that leaves our laboratory:

For the past two years Becden has been creating and putting managed quality systems in place under my direction. These systems comply with the FDA’s current Good Manufacturing Practices, cGMP. All employees have received Quality Standards Manuals, describing each manufacturing process step-by-step and with accompanying photographs, to ensure consistently high quality in the fabrication of each Becden restoration. We have incorporated these standards into a formal Quality Manual with systems in place to withstand the test of an FDA inspection, should it occur.

We are proud to be ahead of many laboratories, who still think the FDA requirements and regulations do not pertain to dental laboratories. If you are working with other laboratories it would be wise to ask them for the same information we are providing to you. Even if they are located around the corner, your restorations may be being sent around the world without you knowing.

Growing a Profitable Dental Practice In a Downturn Economy: Understanding the Power of Your Thoughts to Build Your Business
Teleseminar Presented by Drs. Joe Capista and Ed Miller, hosted by Becky Vasquez, President of Becden Dental Laboratory

If you’re tired of hearing all of the “doom and gloom” stories we are bombarded with through daily media and want to hear how two of Becden’s top clients are having their best years ever, log onto Becden’s website, www.becdendental.com for a link to the 50 minute recorded presentation from June 11, 2008. Guaranteed to be time well spent!

Published by BECDEN Dental Laboratory

131 E. 13065 S. Draper, UT 84020		888-344-9991 toll-free 801-576-9991 phone

The editor of this newsletter is Emily Webb of Becden Dental Laboratory, Inc. Please send any questions or comments about this newsletter, or suggestions for articles to: emilyw@becdendental.com

©2008 BECDEN Dental Laboratory, Inc.