Innovator Profile: Custom Automated Prosthetics

Innovation drives our profession and DLP wants to recognize the companies at the forefront.  In this Innovator Profile, DLP spoke with CAP CEO Rob Nazzal and President Bob Cohen about the newest developments at CAP. 

Q:  Give us a summary of the story and mission of CAP.

Rob: CAP was built to help laboratories navigate the digital transition in dental technology. Our mission is to share our deep knowledge of digital and dental technology with the industry to help our customers thrive.
We help our partner labs succeed by integrating the best in class components available, providing rich education online and live via CAP Academy and by offering support.

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Q:  CAP is known for being very forward-thinking and innovative. What have you already developed in 2014, and what can we expect in the year to come?

Bob: We are launching a new software application called CAPZilla that is built to optimize internal operations. We all understand CAD/CAM automates laboratories but CAPZilla automates everything. This saves time, reduces error and improves the workflow.
We have also launched a new multilayered full contour zirconia disk called CAP Multi FZ, which provides a more life-like, easy-to-use full contour zirconia material. This year we will launch a super high translucent zirconia disc for single units and some 3-unit bridges. It’s an exciting time at CAP.

Q:  Where do you see room for improvement in how labs embrace technological innovations and how is CAP helping?

Bob: Embracing new technology requires a partner that will provide support, guaranteeing success. Many labs have embraced systems that are restrictive and come with poor support, which is not in their best interest. CAP offers an automation consultation program that includes an on-site facilities audit, an in-depth operational optimization assessment and subsequent improvement plan from our R&D team.

Q:  How does CAP make it possible for all labs to take the digital leap?

Rob: CAP provides an easy and low-risk path for labs to take the digital leap. For labs that don’t have any technology, they can simply send models to CAP’s milling center where we take care of the entire digital process.  

As the lab builds up their market for digital materials, they may be interested in purchasing a scanner or fabrication equipment, so they can control the design process, reduce turn-around time and reduce their costs. We want to be there for our customers every step of the way.

Q:  Rob, how do you come up with your ideas for improving the workflow and ROI for labs? How does your R&D department operate, and what do they provide CAP?

Rob: By running our own milling center we learn what works and pass that knowledge on to our customers. We have an R&D team with a combined 50 years experience in software development, Six Sigma, lean manufacturing and mechanical engineering who thrive on making processes better, faster and more efficient.

The R&D team works in our milling center and observes hundreds of cases being fabricated every day, giving them countless opportunities to learn how to make things better.

Click here to keep reading about how CAP provides support and education to their customers.

Q:  How is CAP different than other resellers or suppliers of digital solutions?

Rob: What separates CAP from the rest is our dedication to the customer. This includes world-class training and support.
Our R&D department is constantly working to make our solutions more efficient. As we run our own milling center, we understand the urgency of resolving issues quickly. We even provide backup milling services and loaner machines so that our customers can continue doing business.

We do not consider the sale a success until the technology is successfully integrated, and we have created long-lasting partnerships.

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Q:  What kind of support and education do you offer customers?

Bob: As Rob mentioned, CAP has invested very heavily in technical support and education over the past few years to the point where we view CAP Academy as one of our key differentiators.
This free website offers videos focusing on Automation and CAD/CAM. Our tech support department is trained in our milling center, and as a result,  this group has best-in-class knowledge of all the products.

Educational opportunities include basic and advanced programs covering many digital topics. We have even planned a CAP Academy Cruise to the Caribbean for January. This event offers 10 hours of continuing education centered on digital manufacturing. Everyone in the dental technology field is welcome and is encouraged to visit cap-us.com/cruise for more information.

Q:  Anything else you would like to add?

Rob: At CAP we offer many different solutions for different materials and indications. We call this collection of solutions “CAP Complete.”
Many lab owners are looking for a mill that will do it all. Rather than sacrifice quality and precision, we look to optimize specific configurations on a customer-by-customer basis. We have found that this is a best practice for our customers, ensures both the viability of the lab and our relationship with them.

Featured Products

Custom Abutments

CAP’s custom abutments are high-end, cost-effective solutions designed by expert implant dental technicians for dental technicians. Available in either full titanium or hybrid (zirconia top with titanium interface), custom abutments are fabricated from precision turned blanks for an intimate fit every time. Turnaround time is one day for STL files and two days for model-based cases. All hybrid abutments come with a five-year warranty.

Izir Bridge

Izir bridges are made from an incredibly strong 1100 MPa flexural strength zirconia and are multi-shaded for life-like esthetics. Izir bridges are screw-retained with titanium implant components for easy retrievability and come with a five-year guarantee against breaking. The fabrication process incorporates a combination of industry-leading CAD/CAM solutions managed by certified, expert Izir dental technicians.

This article originally appeared in the July/August 2014 issue of DLP. For information on other great lab products, subscribe to DLP's newsletter bit.ly/dentallabenews.