Congratulations to Removable Technician Leif Hansen, who recently earned his Certified Dental Technician (CDT) designation in Complete Dentures from the National Board of Certification in Dental Laboratory Technology. Leif has been with D&S for 8 years at our Waunakee headquarters and primarily handles denture setups.

He also had crown and bridge experience when he came to D&S and worked in that department for about a year, waxing frameworks and copings, stacking porcelain and staining and glazing, before moving over to Removables.

The CDT designation is the highest professional achievement in our field and demonstrates a significant mastery of the knowledge and applied skills needed in dental technology. CDTs are highly desirable to laboratories, and having this certification often provides advancement opportunities.

CDTs must successfully complete three examinations, taken in any order, within a four-year period: a written Comprehensive Exam, a written Specialty Exam, and a hands-on Practical Exam in the same specialty. A CDT must demonstrate their knowledge in all six specialty areas: Complete Dentures, Partial Dentures, Crown and Bridge, Ceramics, Orthodontics, and Implants. Employees must work at least five years in the dental laboratory field before applying to take the CDT exam.

Leif says it took him four years to complete the entire process. Asked why he chose to become a CDT, Leif says, “Several lab owners encouraged me to do it, and I saw others in the department who had done it. I also knew it was valuable to the lab in terms of reputation.” In conclusion, Leif says, “It’s a relief to have it done, and I’m really proud of myself for achieving it.”

D&S has eleven CDTs on staff: Dennis McPherson, Steve Daggett, Peter Derauf, Randy Stifter, Carlos Barberena, Elizabeth Vandenberg, Dave Koeferl, Kate Seidel, Annalea Bauer, Lori Gregory and Leif Hansen. Visit www.nbccert.org to learn more about becoming a CDT.