Corporate Profile: Scientific Metals

Interview with Dave Weinberg, Principal

What makes scrap returns imperative for dental labs today?

Scrap returns affect the lab’s bottom line. Getting an accurate and reliable scrap return has become even more important given the tough economic times we currently find ourselves in. When you factor in competitive pressures from outsourcing and overseas labs, you see scrap returns playing an even more important role.

Some of our readers may not be familiar with the refining services of Scientific Metals. Can you tell our readers a little about Scientific Metals and some of the impressive credentials you have established in the dental scrap refining field?

I’d be happy to. Scientific Metals has become a very well respected name in the dental scrap industry. Scientific Metals is the only precious metals company ever featured on the cover of a major dental magazine (Dentaltown July 2010). Furthermore, Scientific Metals currently works with or is the endorsed precious metals company for members of the New York State Dental Association, Florida Dental Association, Wisconsin Dental Association, and Connecticut Dental Association. Additionally, we have an approved refining program for the 6,000+ members of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS) and an affinity program for the 3,000+ members of the American College of Prosthodontists (ACP). And finally, we are very proud to announce our new charity refining program with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentists Charitable Foundation.

Why do you think Scientific Metals has been so successful in this area? What do you think Scientific Metals does differently than other precious metal companies?

The main difference between us and other precious metals companies is rooted in our business model and our approach to costs. We have virtually eliminated sales reps from our business model. As a result, our costs have been drastically reduced, allowing us to pass these savings on to the customer-whether that is a dentist, lab or jeweler. We feel that our business model-our lower cost structure-uniquely positions us to deliver unrivalled scrap returns. Think about it, why are books cheaper when you buy them on Amazon.com as opposed to when you buy them at Barnes and Noble or Borders? Simple, Amazon’s overhead is significantly lower than retail establishments as a result of Amazon avoiding the steep costs of retail rents and specialized labor. Is the employee walking you to the aisle helping you pull the book off the shelf and then walking with you to the cash register really worth the extra cost of buying that book at a bookstore as opposed to ordering it online? Maybe it is for some, but probably not for most. Lower costs result in superior pricing, whether it be books on Amazon, online digital music, or dental scrap returns. It’s a pretty simple choice. At least I think it is.

What If a dental lab is satisfied with its scrap returns? Why should they try Scientific Metals?

That’s a good question. I think there is little downside risk and quite a bit of upside reward by trying someone new. By trying a new company, two things can happen: 1) you confirm that your current refiner has been doing a good job and you can continue with full confidence going forward or 2) you realize that you could be doing better and begin to “right the ship.” Either way, something positive has been achieved. We have had quite a few labs try our services for the first time recently and for the most part have told us that our returns greatly exceeded their expectations. So that’s a good thing to hear.