RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To provide a snapshot of the New Zealand dental technology industry and influencing factors. BACKGROUND: Developing an understanding of the commercial dental laboratory environment in New Zealand can provide insight into the entire dental industry. METHODS: A web-based survey was the primary method for data collection, with separate questionnaires used for dental laboratory owners and dental technician employees. RESULTS: The mean net income for dental laboratory owners in New Zealand was similar to that of the United Kingdom, at $40.50 per hour. Clinical dental technicians are the highest paid employees, with a mean of $33.49 per hour. The mean technical charge for complete dentures was $632.59; including clinical services, it was $1907.00. The mean charge for a porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crown was $290.27. Dental laboratory owners expressed fear about the possibility of losing dental clients to overseas laboratories due to the availability and cheap charge of offshore work. Only 25.4% of dental laboratories surveyed had computer-aided design (CAD) facilities, and even fewer (7.9%) had computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) systems. CONCLUSION: Clinical dental technology appears to be prospering. The dental technology industry appears to be adapting and remains viable, despite facing many challenges.
Assuntos
Laboratórios Odontológicos/estatística & dados numéricos , Tecnologia Odontológica/estatística & dados numéricos , Adulto , Desenho Assistido por Computador , Coroas/economia , Coroas/estatística & dados numéricos , Porcelana Dentária/economia , Técnicos em Prótese Dentária/economia , Técnicos em Prótese Dentária/estatística & dados numéricos , Prótese Total/economia , Prótese Total/estatística & dados numéricos , Prótese Parcial Removível/economia , Prótese Parcial Removível/estatística & dados numéricos , Emprego , Etnicidade , Honorários e Preços , Feminino , Previsões , Humanos , Renda , Satisfação no Emprego , Laboratórios Odontológicos/economia , Laboratórios Odontológicos/tendências , Masculino , Ligas Metalo-Cerâmicas/economia , Nova Zelândia , Propriedade , Gerenciamento da Prática Profissional/economia , Tecnologia Odontológica/economia , Tecnologia Odontológica/tendênciasRESUMO
OBJECTIVES: To identify any potentially toxic elements in porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns and a bridge manufactured in China. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eight PFM crowns and part of a bridge were sourced from China for testing. They were given a typical glaze firing cycle prior to scanning electron microscope analysis. Electron dispersive spectroscopic spot and mapping analysis was carried out on the porcelain/metal collar interface areas in order to determine their elemental composition and distribution. RESULTS: No toxic elements were detected. The alloy used in the crowns was a nickel-chromium base metal, and that in the bridge was a gold-palladium noble alloy. The veneering porcelain was similar to a standard dental veneering porcelain. CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of the testing method and small sample size, no toxic elements were detected.