For close to a decade, I have had the distinct privilege of serving as the Executive Editor for Inside Dental Technology (IDT). This role was never just a job for me; it was an open-access pass into the hearts and minds of our remarkable community of technologists, artisans, innovators, and entrepreneurs—an experience I will always cherish.
As we look toward the end of 2025, and with it, the end of the publication of IDT, I find myself reflecting on what I will miss most from this journey. It is the vibrant interactions with dedicated dental professionals—the shared challenges, collective triumphs, idea exchanges, and pearls of wisdom—that I will carry with me. This publication has always been a testament to the passion and innovation of our dental laboratory community. Its guiding light was to reflect the best of our profession and inspire continual growth and collaboration toward a brighter future for the industry. Along this journey, I’ve been continually inspired by the ingenuity of our readers and contributors, whose work elevates both the science and artistry of dental technology for our dentist clients, and ultimately, our patients.
It has been the greatest honor of my career to be welcomed into your world—both personal and professional. You have shared your innovations, visions, struggles, and triumphs with a candor and trust I will forever treasure. To the laboratory owners and managers, technologists, manufacturers, and educators of our field: Thank you for letting me witness your passion firsthand, learn from you, and discover what drives your pursuit of excellence—and for allowing me, in turn, to share some of my own perspectives, experience, and knowledge.
Although this chapter is closing, my admiration for how we, as a community, touch so many lives, remains. I’m confident that your creativity, compassion, and dedication will continue to move dentistry forward in ways we’ve only begun to imagine. I trust our paths will continue to cross, and look forward to remaining a part of your professional success in new ways for years to come.
Daniel Alter, MSc, MDT, CDT
Executive Editor
danielalter103@gmail.com
Looking Back
Peter Pizzi, MDT, CDT, and Daniel Alter, MSc, MDT, CDT, take a look back at past issues of Inside Dental Technology for some of their favorite articles over the years.
Pizzi’s Favorites
1. Is Dentistry Scalable?
Pizzi relates dentistry to a beloved coffee brand when advising how dental centers and groups can achieve scalability.
insidedentaltech.com/go/idt1401
2. Esthetic Provisionals to Final Restorations
A look at how careful planning, communication, and artistry turn esthetic provisionals into predictable, stunning final restorations.
insidedentaltech.com/go/idt1402
3. Faster or Better?
Speed and quality don’t always go hand in hand—this Editor’s Letter challenges labs to find the right balance between efficiency and excellence in an increasingly digital workflow.
insidedentaltech.com/go/idt1403
4. Changing Lives
From restoring smiles to rebuilding confidence, Pizzi highlights how dental technicians make a life-changing impact through their craft and dedication.
insidedentaltech.com/go/idt1404
Alter’s Favorites
1. Technological Future Predictors
Alter shares what he thinks is coming next for dental technology—from AI and automation to the shifting role of the technician—and how labs can stay ahead.
insidedentaltech.com/go/idt1405
2. Deliberate Value Proposition in the Modern Dental Lab
Alter issues a call for labs to define and communicate their unique value—beyond price—by focusing on quality, relationships, and service in a competitive marketplace.
insidedentaltech.com/go/idt1406
3. House of Cards
Alter, with the help of many experts in the field, provides a cautionary look at business fragility in the dental lab world and how poor systems, weak leadership, or lack of planning can cause everything to collapse.
insidedentaltech.com/go/idt1407
4. The State of Dental Laboratory Education
In this cover story, Alter gives a snapshot of where dental lab education stands—its challenges, opportunities, and what it will take to prepare the next generation of technicians.
insidedentaltech.com/go/idt1408
