Student Internship Program

Throughout the summer, Renstrom Dental offers a Student Internship Program to future dental students, who are planning on applying to dental school. The Student Internship Program is a great opportunity for students to gain experience in the dental industry as they pursue a career in dentistry. It is a 4 week course, Mon-Thurs from 8:00am-12:00pm.  They work hands on throughout the lab, observing and learning about each step in the process of dental technology.  The students are able to get a "behind the scenes" look at what all goes into dental cases, and how important communication and quality is when working with a dental lab. 

Below you will find Questions & Answers from a survey that our recent intern, Meghan was kind enough to fill out for us, to inform others who may be interested in the program.  Meghan completed the internship in May & June of 2014.

How & Where did you hear about the Student Internship Program at Renstrom Dental?

Meghan: I heard about the Internship Program at Renstrom through a friend in the dental club I participated in.  She had completed the Internship as well.

Why did you apply for the program?

Meghan: I applied for the program because of the unique experience that I thought I would obtain.  In addition, it is difficult to find an internship as a pre-dental student and it will look great on the application.

What have you learned through your experience in the laboratory?

Meghan: I have learned a lot about the work that occurs outside of a dental office and "behind the scenes".  Plus I have experienced how important communication is between all people involved in the process of crowns, bridges, etc.

Would you recommend the internship to others? If so, who would you recommend it to?

Meghan: Yes! I would recommend it to all pre-dental students, but particularly I think students who love lab work or those who are interested in any specialties would benefit most.

How has the internship helped you for your future plans?

Meghan: It has helped me solidify my interest in dentistry and has allowed me to feel more comfortable with the tools and technology I will encounter in dental school and the future.

What was your favorite part?

Meghan: My favorite part was following the entire process of a crown all the way from the pouring of models, to digital design, to waxing, and finally staining and contouring of porcelain.

What were you most surprised with when it comes to dental technology and lab work?

Meghan: I was most surprised about the digital designing of the tooth and in particular the ability of the program to do model articulation.

Do you feel you got what you had hoped to achieve out of this internship?  If so, what was it?  If not, what would you have liked to learn more about?

Meghan: I do feel like I got what I hoped for out of this internship mainly because i was able to get hands on work with materials and tools that many others are not obtaining.  In addition, I got out an understanding of new dental terminology.

Any additional comments/concerns/questions you think would be beneficial for future interns to know:

Meghan: All employees (such as your supervisor in each area) are very friendly and knowledgeable so ask questions and do not be worried because they will help you as you go along, but give you enough freedom to work on your own.

Thank You Meghan, and Good Luck in your future in the Dental Industry!

If you, or anyone else you know, is interested in Renstrom Denta's Summer Internship Program, feel free to call or e-mail us!

Dr. Jeff Benson: jeff@renstrom.com or Randi James: randi@renstrom.com

651.407.0491

Personalized Lunch & Learns

Last week we had the opportunity to go into a doctor's office over the lunch hour to present a Lunch & Learn.  The office had called us up, looking to see if we had a Shade Taking CE Course planned for the future.  They had a new assistant that started in their office, who was unfamiliar with the 3D Shade Guide. Instead of waiting for a course, Dr. Benson, Kris, and Randi picked up some Jimmy Johns and stopped in over their lunch hour, to work with them directly in their own environment.  The main focus was to teach the new assistant how to use the Vita 3D Shade guide.  Dr. Benson has the unique experience of working as a dentist for many years,  and then working as a consultant in the laboratory. He is able to see and understand all the complications that go into each case, including what a Doctor/Assistant might see, and how the technician may interpret that.  Kris is the Ceramics Manager, and works with the shades and shade guides daily.   The two of them are a great resource available to dental offices, and it was an excellent opportunity to teach someone about the shade guides, as well as act as a refresher course to the other members of the dental office.  We started by discussing the 3D shade guides, tips on how to use it and what to look for when taking a shade.  We then moved into an exam room, which allowed us to show how to take a shade, hands on.  Dr. Benson could discuss the lighting in the rooms, and how even the colors of scrubs, or patient napkins, could have an effect on a shade.  Once the lunch hour was up, they could return to their patients with a bit more knowledge, and hopefully more confidence, when working on their shades.  Those shades will help the ceramists at Renstrom to make sure we are delivering the most esthetic case we can, to ensure the patient's happiness.  One little phone call, asking if we had plans for a Shade Taking Course, led to a hands on, in-house lunch & learn!

If there is anything you, or your dental team is looking to learn more about, just give us a call! We can come in and go over different types of materials available to you, shade taking tips, ideal tooth preps, or anything you might be looking for more information on! We can even bring a technician out to discuss an upcoming case or treatment plan that you might have questions on. Maybe you are looking to gain more "social media presence" , we can help you to set up Facebook, Google+, or even a Yelp page! Just give us a call, and we will do our best to help you with whatever it is you are looking for! (And the best part - it's free!)

Renstrom Removables & Orthodontics: 1 Year Anniversary!

Deanna Wilson joined Renstrom Dental in April of 2013, creating our 1st Removable & Orthodontic Department! This was something we have been trying to bring into the lab for quite awhile, but wanted to make sure it was just the right time, with just the right person.  This past year has shown that she was the perfect match!

Renstrom's mission is to continually add value to the dental industry through education, innovation, and a high level of communication.  Deanna's presence has done just that!

We are now able to help doctors with any questions they may have on any case.  Our team of experts in Crown & Bridge, Ceramics, and in Removables can work together on even the toughest of cases.  The department has continued to grow over each month, and we are very proud of that achievement.  To celebrate, we are offering 25% off ALL of our Removable & Ortho cases for the entire month of May! If you haven't had the privilege of working with Deanna yet, feel free to give us a call and she can assist with any questions. Thank you Deanna, for all your hard work!