We invite you to read an interview with Justyna Pióro, Prosthetic Laboratory Coordinator at Malo Clinic.
https://www.maloclinics.pl/personel/justyna-pioro/
Beginnings and Inspirations:
What contributed to your decision to become a dental technician?
Directly after finishing secondary school, I wasn't sure what I wanted to do in life. Looking for inspiration in university offerings, I came across dental technology. I thought it might be an interesting field and decided to give it a try.
What has your career path looked like from the beginning until now?
The first laboratory I worked in was traditional and old-school, where I learned the fundamentals of the craft. I had the opportunity to work with experienced technicians who patiently explained concepts, demonstrated techniques, and corrected my mistakes. In subsequent laboratories, I developed my skills across various specialisations, such as designing skeletal prostheses or crown frameworks. Ultimately, I found my place at Malo Clinic.
Daily Work:
What does a typical working day look like for a dental technician?
There is never a dull moment in a technician's job. There is always a lot going on, so good organisation is key. Usually, when I arrive at work, I check what is ahead of me for the day and organise my tasks logistically. It is quite a creative job and sometimes you cannot predict everything. As a technician, you have to be ready for various everyday surprises.
What challenges do you face most often in your work?
Patients with difficult clinical conditions and specific aesthetic preferences are a major challenge.
Technologies and Materials:
What technologies and materials are currently the most popular in dental prosthetics?
The range of materials used in dentistry and dental technology is truly broad. Starting from metals, ending with acrylics. I think that for years zirconia has been used the most for all-ceramic restorations. Layered porcelain and composite are still very popular.
Could you tell us about the latest innovations that have revolutionised work in this field?
The digitisation of dental technology has truly revolutionised our industry. The transition to the digital side has streamlined and shortened the turnaround time of many prosthetic works. Nowadays, great emphasis is placed on new technologies. Manufacturers are outdoing each other with innovations, so it is important to keep up to date with the market.
Collaboration with Clinicians:
What does the collaboration between a dental technician and a dentist look like?
Collaboration between the dentist and the technician is the key to success in this job. Understanding each other and communicating allows us to eliminate mistakes. I think we learn a lot from each other. Thanks to this, we can continually develop.
What are the key aspects of effective communication and collaboration in a prosthetic-dental team?
I think communication itself is the most important thing. We analyse each case individually. Often, when carrying out a given job, we discuss it with the surgeon, prosthodontist, and sometimes even the orthodontist. Openness to the opinions and experience of others is, in my opinion, the most crucial aspect.
Cases and Experiences:
Could you share an interesting case from your work that particularly sticks in your memory?
A case that sticks in my memory is a restoration we made for a patient with a cleft palate. We suggested an All-on-4 bridge with an obturator for her. Technically, it was a major challenge, but one that brought great satisfaction at the same time.
What are the most difficult cases you have had to face?
Once, I had to create a so-called combined restoration for a patient following a car accident. The gentleman had knocked out the entire bridge he previously used, along with part of the bone. Together with the dentist, we spent a long time searching for a solution that would restore the patient's masticatory function. The most difficult cases are those that require unconventional solutions.
Education and Professional Development:
What are the best ways to continuously improve in the dental technician profession?
In a technician's work, it is essential to constantly stay up to date with market novelties. It is worth investing in training courses or attending conferences for technicians.
What courses or training would you recommend for people wishing to enter this field?
It depends on which area of prosthetics one wants to develop in or work with. Completely different courses will be suitable for those wishing to work with porcelain, compared to those who want to try their hand at metal or acrylic. Practice is vital in this job. It is a manual profession, so it is worth learning from senior colleagues and picking up their tricks. And practice, practice, practice :)
The Future of Prosthetics:
What future directions of development do you foresee in dental prosthetics?
I think that over the coming years, we will observe strong growth in digital prosthetics. It is currently a very prominent trend, and I believe manufacturers will aim to tackle aspects of prosthetics that until now were only possible through analogue means.
What new technologies or treatment methods might soon become the standard?
I think that thanks to new technologies, treatment times will be reduced. Milling and 3D printing enable the rapid production of prosthetic restorations. https://www.maloclinics.pl/personel/justyna-pioro/
