In memory of Arlo King, CDT

DENTSPLY Prosthetics has sadly announced the passing of Arlo King, CDT and Director of Technical Services at DENTSPLY Prosthetics.

Arlo was well-known, well-liked and well-respected throughout the dental industry as the face and leader of DENTSPLY’s laboratory technical support services. Those who knew Arlo were acutely aware of his love of the trade and strong loyalty to DENTSPLY. It was Arlo’s goal to get better so he could get back to work. As he stated it in a recent text message, “I just can’t go to work, so I am going to work from home.”

Arlo joined DENTSPLY Ceramco in 1992 at the close of his 20-year U.S. Air Force military career. It was in the military where Arlo gained his training as a dental laboratory technician and launched his dental career. The influence of his military background was apparent in Arlo’s can-do, get-it-done attitude.

At the core of his being, Arlo was a teacher. He was the unequivocal, go-to person for all things DENTSPLY technical. As a matter of fact, he had his own DENTSPLY Ceramco web page-“Ask Arlo”. He, not only possessed technical mastery and was very patient, but he also had the gift for being able to communicate his knowledge at a level which made details easy to understand and learning less intimidating.

During his 21-year career with DENTSPLY, Arlo was the technical lead for the Prosthetics product portfolio. In 2001, he played a key role in the launch of Ceramco® 3, which remains a leading global porcelain system. In 2009, he worked to develop the industry’s first digital denture prescription, TruRx®, which bears a U.S. patent in his name.

Arlo’s accomplishments list is extensive. He has lectured extensively in the U.S. and abroad. He has published articles in the major dental technical trade journals. Arlo has provided technical consult to key dental thought leaders. He has received numerous awards. Though highly regarded throughout the industry, Arlo was humble and spoke little of his lofty accomplishments. One of the accolades that meant a great deal to him was the “Excellence in Education” award, presented to him in 2008 by the National Association of Dental Labs in recognition of his outstanding educational contributions to the Dental Laboratory profession.

Arlo loved his family, especially his grandbabies, who were the light of his life. He rarely took vacation, but made an exception when it came to visiting his children.

In a press release, DENTSPLY said they extend their heart-felt condolences to Arlo’s wife, Archie, sons, Rickie and David, daughter-in-laws, Doris and Lilia and his six grandchildren, and DENTSPLY is forever grateful for Arlo’s leadership and friendship which have immeasurably enriched the lives of everyone in the dental industry.