Murphy's Law: I Got Screwed

I got screwed!
 
I am typing with one hand this morning because I just had four ceramic screws placed in my left rotator cuff to repair a severly torn labrum.  No great story, I fell on the ice returning to my car after giving a lecture in February.  By law ( government regulation and oversight) those screws are trackable by manufacturer, material composition and lot number.  That is part of the comprehensive material management and safety initiatives that the medical profession enjoys.  In this 21st century, it would  seem potentially irresponsible if we could not.  Yet, as you know, only in a few select states is there even a requirement to have one CDT in a dental laboratory.
 
It is time.

Time for our dental laboratory profession to step up and be the voice of doing what is right and responsible with regards; material safety, verification, tracking and competency standards.  Recent surveys indicate we want this level of professionalization and if asked, I truly believe the public would demand it.  As many of you know I serve on the IdentAlloy and IdentCeram council.  This is one small step in self regulation and reporting for the dental lab profession.  We can do more.  Support the NBC and it's CDL program, DAMAS, ISO and other profession facing standards that help us enjoy 21st century levels of professionalism.

Author Information

Mark Murphy, DDS, FAGD

Murphy is the vice president of educational services for Mercer Advisors, director of professional relations for Quantum Dental Resources, and consults and lectures for dental laboratories, manufacturers and dentists throughout the United States and Canada through Funktional Design Group. He can be reached at mtmurphydds@gmail.com or mark.murphy@merceradvisors.com.