The Niagara region played host to over 50 delegates from the international community of dental technology professionals in July, at the first annual conference of the Dental Technicians International Association. From July 19th to 21st, dental technicians and industry professionals from over 10 countries converged on the Glendale Campus of Niagara College to network, talk business, and learn about the strategic tools necessary to build their careers.

The Dental Technicians International Association (DTIA) is a not-for-profit organization with a mission to define and promote the accomplishments of Dental Technician Professionals, and to increase awareness of the profession of Dental Technology, whose passion and commitment is to serve society through the creation of dental prosthetics.  “Developed out of an expressed need by dental technicians at home and abroad for a forum through which they can further the particular interests of the dental technician profession, the DTIA provides opportunities for networking, worldwide communication, education, and shared resources to assist dental technicians in their quest to build and maintain successful, well-rounded careers,” says Co-Director, Reg Goulding. 

The first DTIA meeting was a great success, garnering accolades from both delegates and visiting dignitaries alike.  Ontario Minister of Tourism, Jim Bradley, Mayor Ted Salci of the City of Niagara Falls, and Niagara College President Dan Patterson all expressed their appreciation of the DTIA choosing Niagara, and offered hearty welcomes to the international group of delegates from countries including India, Brazil, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Colombia, the United States of America, Canada, Guatemala, Venezuela, and Panama.  The delegates were overwhelmed with the hospitality shown to them by Niagara hotels, restaurants, and attractions, and expressed their eagerness to return to the region.

Elaine Whelan, President of Mainstreet Systems in Pennsylvania said, “We made many new contacts from the USA, Canada, and other countries and found that those from other countries were eager to do business with those in the USA and Canada. Reg has gathered a great group of people for his staff and they put together a wonderful program…” 

Chuck Yenkner, President of Business Development Associates said, “Most of the labs there were from Canada but there were some from the USA (including IDFers Albert Tassi and Bob Riggs). The venue (Niagara College) was very nice. Modern lecture hall and their culinary school catered the opening reception, breakfasts, and lunches. Excellent food.  There were presentations on Marketing, Branding, writing a Business Plan, Financial Benchmarking, working with/managing employees, production systems, and more. All in all a lot of information packed into 3 days. Fun stuff included Golf, a vineyard & winery tour, and an evening in Niagara Falls where a number of us got to operate the colored lights that illuminate the falls. Many folks brought their families. Hopefully they will do it again next year.”

The DTIA meetings will be hosted in the Niagara Region for the next 5 years.  It is open to dental technicians, dental technology educators and students, laboratory owners, and other dental or lab associations.