The complete list of Pride Institute "Best of Class" Technology Award winners

Entering into its fourth cycle of honorees, you could say the Pride Institute “Best of Class” Technology Award is entering its senior year-with all the enthusiasm, maturity and eagerness to make its mark in the world that metaphor suggests.

As the majority of the panel met in Chicago this year, it was clear that each member had found his voice in the group, leading to a discussion that was layered, intense, humorous at times and-above all-focused on delivering a list of honorees that would help general dentists be both prepared and inspired.

As you’ll see in the final list of winners here, the definition of “technology” is evolving to include not only equipment that plugs in and lights up, but also materials and systems that can dramatically improve the workflow for the dentist and results for the patient.

As in previous years, during the voting process panel members are encouraged to speak about their experience with products. However, they must divulge all paid relationships with manufacturers prior to the discussion and are not allowed to vote in any category in which they have a consulting relationship with a company.

This “put your cards on the table” approach facilitates open and honest discussion which, in the end, creates a list of honorees that is born out of respect and appreciation for true differentiators in each category as opposed to selecting a winner for winners’ sake.

Over the course of the summer, we will bring the voices of the panel into our coverage of the honorees in hopes of motivating as many people as possible into face-to-face interaction with the “Best in Class” companies at the ADA Annual Session in San Francisco, Oct. 18-21. The Technology Fair will occupy 9,000 square feet at the Moscone Center. In addition to engagement with Best of Class honorees, there will be 175 seats available for continuous technology-centered continuing education, including presentations from panel members.

The Distinguished Panel
Acknowledging the dynamic decision-making that comes from bringing great minds and great dentists together, once again this year’s honorees were selected by a distinguished panel of dental professionals. In our 2012 coverage of the honorees, every panel member will contribute insights from his own experience in practice and in the classroom.

• Lou Shuman, DMD, CAGS - President of Pride Institute, Best of Class founder

• John Flucke, DDS - Writer, speaker and Technology Editor for Dental Products Report

• Paul Feuerstein, DMD - Writer, speaker and Technology Editor for Dental Economics

• Parag Kachalia, DDS - Vice Chair of Simulation, Technology, and Research University of Pacific School of Dentistry

• Marty Jablow, DMD - Writer and speaker

• Larry Emmott, DDS - Writer, speaker, dental marketing consultant

• Titus Schleyer, DMD, PhD - Associate Professor and Director, Center for Dental Informatics at the University of Pittsburgh, School of Dental Medicine