Barbara Warner Wojdan, CDT, AAACD

As executive vice president and co-owner of Knight Dental Group, one of the largest labs in the U.S., Barbara Warner Wojdan has focused diligently on attaining the professional expertise necessary to help dentists achieve their goals.

With her father’s encouragement and guidance, she became involved in the laboratory he founded in Oldsmar, Fla., and has progressed to her current position managing day-to-day operations.

“My father always stressed the importance of learning, not just from a technical aspect, but from the dentist-client’s perspective as well,” she said. “And I haven’t stopped yet.”

She said this fundamental philosophy, coupled with her personal drive to be the best, helped her gain the distinction of being one of only 32 technicians nationwide to achieve accreditation by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.

“Developing such highly advanced levels of knowledge and skill allows me the unique ability to communicate and case-plan with dentists at every level and in practically any dental situation. This, for me, is what dentistry is all about,” she said.

She also is committed to giving something back to her profession. As part of the AACD’s Give Back a Smile Program, she teams with dentists to help restore the smiles of domestic violence victims and is often moved to see how lives can be changed through advanced cosmetic dentistry.

“It’s gratifying to be able to give the special gift of helping someone smile,” Barbara said. “It truly helps one appreciate their own circumstances.”

She also serves on the board of the National Association of Dental Laboratories’ Foundation for Dental Technology, which provides educational grants for dental technicians.

“We want to make sure the opportunity is always there for aspiring dental technicians to learn at the highest levels. And we must all do our part to make sure that our profession continues to thrive.”