Integrated into an attractive supporting programme, the guests spoke on and discussed the latest issues and most recent dental methods with the ‘dentalists’ from Voco. This was a fitting start for the state-of-the-art training centre in Voco’s new main building and, as such, a successful première on two counts. With this first-class symposium, the company has set high expectations for the future. “Thanks to this new series of events, Voco will be able to build on its good contacts both at home and abroad and also intensify the fruitful dialogue between itself as a manufacturer and dental practices,” explained Klaus Peter Hoffmann, head of the science communication department. “This is vital for a modern dental company which strives to satisfy the need for information and the demands of its customers long-term,” stressed Hoffmann.
A reflection of strong international focus
Voco already regularly conducts training events and hands-on courses in various countries together with its dental partners. These courses focus on the practical use of dental materials in dental quality circles, universities and as part of dental trade events. According to managing director Olaf Sauerbier, who welcomed the participants to this symposium with a talk on the history and current status of the company, Voco’s strong international orientation is also reflected in this field. “Today Voco not only boasts an extensive market presence,” stated Sauerbier, “but also international cooperation with dentists.” According to Sauerbier, for a researching dental company like Voco, close contact with practices is fundamental for developing innovative needs-based dental materials. “We all benefit equally from this – we as a company, dentists and, of course, patients,” concluded Sauerbier.
Series of talks on a wide range of subjects
The talks covered a large number of issues. These ranged from the various aspects of minimally invasive restorative treatments including the bulk-fill technique and the production of composite inlays through issues relating to adhesive techniques, to postendodontic treatments with glass-fibre-reinforced composite root posts and subsequent adhesive core build-ups. Other issues were the use of light-curing glass fibre strips in the masticatory load-bearing posterior region, the comparison of direct and indirect anterior tooth restorations, the options offered by aesthetic anterior tooth restorations including red-white aesthetics, and the use of fluoride products for treating hypersensitive teeth. Precision-fit impressions for implant-based restorations and the potential of using digital photography and the relevant software as a means to achieve predictable treatment results in the anterior region (‘Smile Design’) were also on the agenda. According to event manager Matthias Mehring from the Voco knowledge communication department, the talks given by the speakers were representative of the current issues and challenges of daily dental work and offered abundant subject matter for lively discussions.
Wide-ranging programme with a synergy effect
The talks by foreign speakers were accompanied by contributions from Voco employees from a variety of departments. These comprised, for example, a presentation on the company's research and development work including details on the scientific and clinical background to developing dental materials. This was supplemented with information on the specifics of the individual material classes. Another contribution looked at the ideal ways to prepare and implement information and training events. The importance of using suitable presentation techniques was stressed here in order to make the subject matter interesting. Indeed this issue was itself included on the agenda. During subject-specific discussion groups, the symposium participants and Voco experts looked at the question of the optimal shade guide for aesthetic dentistry, the practicality of secondary packaging such as syringes, caps, blisters and bottles as well as the latest trends and demands in prophylaxis. A tour of the company including a look behind the scenes and information on the latest Voco products also formed part of the technical component of this event. “During this symposium it was important for us to look at the issues and circumstances from both the perspective of the dentist and that of the manufacturer and, together, to further develop the prerequisites for successful cooperation. Accordingly, this event was of benefit to both sides and thus undoubtedly offered a synergy effect,” concluded Matthias Mehring.
Response from participants
The guests from both Germany and abroad were equally positive. Hamilton Renato Pereira Lima from São Paulo, Brazil: “I was not only impressed by the way in which the event was organised but also by the quality of the contributions from both the host and my colleagues. I felt honoured to be involved.”
Gillian Smith from Bray, Ireland added: “It was fantastic to be able to meet up with colleagues from all over the world, exchange ideas with them and discuss dental issues from different perspectives. The insights into the production process behind modern dental materials were also very interesting. The time and work involved goes some way in explaining the quality of the Voco products.”
Regina Kuningas from Tallinn, Estonia: “I had a chance to learn more about the production of modern dental materials and discuss issues with the experts from Voco and my colleagues from all over the world. I got a lot of new ideas for my day-to-day work in the practice which will enable me to offer my patients a better service in future.”
Finally, Ludwig Hermeler from Rheine, Germany: “The participants from all around the world enjoyed a wide-ranging and extremely interesting specialist training programme. In addition, they also had the opportunity to talk to and exchange ideas with fellows and the staff from Voco. For its part, this look behind the scenes further enhanced the information value of this symposium and attested VOCO’s commitment to being one of the world’s leading manufacturers of dental materials. Furthermore, the architecture of the new company building embodies this visionary corporate strategy.”
Given this unanimous verdict, the ‘International Fellowship Symposium’ looks set to become a fixed event in the company’s calendar.