Outsourced Dental Labs News

A note about trade and the recent election

November 14, 2016 | Categories: Events, News

To our customers,

It is not the usual business of Megadent to participate in political discourse. However, the anti-trade tone of the recent presidential campaign and incoming administration has created uncertainty among many of our stakeholders, including and most importantly some of our customers, so we feel obligated to acknowledge certain issues related to our outsourcing operations in order to possibly provide some clarity.

The new administration has threatened to impose 45% tariffs on imports from China. We think it’s important to make the distinction between campaign rhetoric and decisions made while in office under a strong system of checks and balances. A tariff of this size would undoubtedly cause a trade war and significantly and immediately distort the purchasing power of most Americans. Global supply chains would be disrupted, and economists estimate between 1 and 5 million American jobs would be lost, including many service-sector positions.

While America’s trade relationships will always benefit from constant reevaluation, it is our conviction that free trade overwhelmingly provides a net benefit to societies and improves the general economic welfare of its citizens. That some groups have been disfranchised due to trade policy in the last 20 years is legitimate. However, an attack on trade as a rectification is incomplete without thorough changes to safety nets, corporate taxation, and regulatory policy among other things. Further, it is imperative not to discount the effects of automation of global production, a trend that is unlikely to be reversed on a large scale by any government.

We’re convinced that Megadent and our customers, as facilitators of global free trade, have been net providers of dental benefits in America. In this era of rising overhead in every category and declining allowable fees across the board, we have assisted the ability of dental providers to continue offering many restorative services to consumers, and in many cases increased this access by consumers who otherwise would not have been able to afford these services. Ironically, a lot of the growth we have experienced in the last 5 years has been in communities whose populations have voiced the most concern over trade. We know this to be a result of greater access to dental care that was largely absent before, not an imposition of unfair trade practices.

Our hope is that you will join Megadent and continue to trust that a global economy unencumbered by tariffs and protectionism is the correct direction. Thank you for your time and attention. We appreciate any feedback, as open and honest discussion is the only way we can achieve true understanding.

Sincerely,

Eric and Tammy Gaensehals

Owners

FedEx Express Boxes

June 5, 2014 | Categories: Events, News

When shipping directly to us in China, please only use the FedEx Express boxes that are designated for international shipping, rather than the dimensionally larger “flat rate” domestic Express boxes. This will avoid any dimensional weight (DIM) charges, which could increase your shipping fees by 50% or more. We have attached photos showing the differences between the two types of boxes for your reference.

If you are ordering boxes from FedEx on your own through your FedEx account, please specify box sizes S-1 (small), M-1 (medium), and L-1 (large). Alternatively, you can also call our office at your convenience and we will order boxes for you.

Thank you for your attention.

Noble (Co,Cr) Alloy Announcement

May 1, 2013 | Categories: News

Ivoclar will be discontinuing the alloy Callisto® CP+ as of June 1 and has replaced it with a new alloy named Callisto® CPG. This alloy, also a chrome-cobalt based Noble alloy, is almost identical in content and appearance to CP+. More detailed information about the new alloy can be found at this link: Callisto® CPG.

This month we will be transitioning to using Callisto® CPG for all Noble (Co,Cr) PFM and Full-Cast units, designated “Noble (Co,Cr)” on our lab scripts. There is no change regarding the prices of these two products.

If you have any questions, please contact our office at your convenience.

FedEx Dimensional Weight (DIM) Notice

April 19, 2012 | Categories: Events, News

FedEx calculates shipping charges based on dimensional weight (DIM), a volumetric calculation, if this value exceeds the actual weight. To avoid higher dimensional weight charges, please do the following:

1. Always use a FedEx-provided box. You can order these free of charge by calling 1-800-463-3339, or visiting your nearest FedEx Office location.

2. Avoid changing the original dimensions of the FedEx box. Even a bulge in the middle if a box is packed too tightly or not optimally will be captured by FedEx’s infrared scanners. We have attached a photo of a box that was charged a dimensional weight, as the dimensions were altered near the middle by the customer.

3. Move up one size larger FedEx box if you are unable to pack all contents without altering the box dimensions. This is almost always a cheaper alternative to a dimensional weight charge.

Megadent’s Article Published in The Profitable Dentist

February 4, 2011 | Categories: News

The Profitable Dentist has published an article written by Megadent President Eric Gaensehals in their Spring 2011 issue. The article is titled “Outsourcing Myths and the Current Lab Industry”, where Eric attempts to explain the realities of outsourcing in the context of the current dental environment. The article has been uploaded in the Documents section of the website.

Recommended Hemostasis and Retraction System: Traxodent®

October 16, 2010 | Categories: News

We recommend the product Traxodent® by Premier, a new hemostasis and retraction system for your dentists. Compared to similar products on the market, we’ve found this system to be more cost effective and easier to use for achieving retraction of the sulcus and ultimately a void-free, more detailed impression. Contact us for more information or visit this link: Premier.

New High Noble Yellow Alloy for Bridges

September 17, 2010 | Categories: News

We have added a new alloy for PFMs, Argedent 90. This alloy will be used for all High Noble Yellow Gold bridges in place of the 75% gold alloy. Argedent 90 provides a warmer yellow color that many have requested. This product has been added to the Fixed Lab Script.

Cercon® Zirconia $75/unit

July 29, 2010 | Categories: News

We are pleased to announce that beginning May 1st, 2010, we will be offering our Cercon® Zirconia all-ceramic crowns at $75.00/unit. We have moved production in house, which affords us greater control over costs and allows us to pass these savings to our customers. Cercon® Zirconia is our flagship all-ceramic product, and combines unparalleled strength with esthetics and biocompatibility. We use Vita VM9® porcelain with the Cercon® frameworks, and have attached preparation and cementation/bonding guides for your reference. Please contact us for more information.