The Pride Institute's 2013-2014 "Best of Class" list brims with innovators

Opportunities to recognize excellence seem few and far between. When the moments do present themselves, it can seem like the requirement is to find something good to say about everything and everyone.

To call out one person or one product as “greater than” is somehow impolite. Now in its fifth year, Pride Institute’s “Best of Class” technology awards have never been about being polite, but rather, being honest about the technology rapidly reshaping the GP’s approach to practice management and patient care.

“I am honored by the impact the award is having on purchasing decisions and its value to the manufacturing community,” Lou Shuman, Best of Class founder and President of Pride Institute shared, “but I am most proud of the integrity of our process and how it differentiates this award from any other provided today. The formula - technology leadership in dentistry, unbiased and not for profit - works.”

Once again, the distinguished panel of technology experts met in Chicago to engage one another on the importance of 3D, evolving materials science, data mining and more. Thoughtful debate resulted in a list of 18 honorees representative of critical categories for today’s GP.

“After our closed door battle, the smoke clears,” Shuman said with a laugh, “and the companies that survive are presented with the most prestigious award in the dental industry.”

As in previous years, during the voting process panel members are encouraged to speak about their experience with products. However, they must divulge all paid relationships with manufacturers prior to the discussion and are not allowed to vote in any category in which they have a consulting relationship with a company.

This approach facilitates honest discussion which, in the end, creates a list of honorees that is born out of respect and  appreciation for true leaders as opposed to selecting a winner for winners’ sake. As you’ll see in the final list of winners here, not every box gets “checked.” If a category didn’t deliver a clear winner, going a step ahead of its competitive set in some way, shape or form, then that category isn’t represented here.

DPR’s coverage  will include feedback from the panel on why these products were chosen, as well as stories from the field - from dentists like you seeing the results in their practices. Hopefully, these stories will motivate you to engage with the “Best of Class” companies at the ADA Annual Session in New Orleans, Oct. 31 - Nov. 3. The Technology Expo will use its 7,500 square foot space for dynamic, technology-centric educational offerings and product demonstrations.

The Distinguished Panel

Acknowledging the dynamic decision-making that comes from bringing great minds and great dentists together, once again this year’s honorees were selected by a distinguished panel of dental professionals. In our 2013 coverage of the honorees, every panel member will contribute insights from his own experience with the product or category.

Lou Shuman, DMD, CAGS - President of Pride Institute, Best of Class founder
John Flucke, DDS - Writer, speaker and Technology Editor for Dental Products Report
Paul Feuerstein, DMD - Writer, speaker and Technology Editor for Dental Economics
Parag Kachalia, DDS - Vice-Chair of Preclinical Education, Research and Technology, University of Pacific School of Dentistry
Marty Jablow, DMD - Writer, speaker, and technology consultant and columnist for Dr. BiCuspid
Larry Emmott, DDS - Writer, speaker, and Technology Editor for dentalcompare.com
Titus Schleyer, DMD, PhD - Associate Professor and Director, Center for Dental Informatics at the University of Pittsburgh, School of Dental Medicine