Dental News - Jeffs is now CEO and president of Ultradent; Fischer becomes CEO emeritus

Dental Tribune USA

Mon. 18 May 2020

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SOUTH JORDAN, Utah, USA: Ultradent Products, a developer and manufacturer of high-tech dental materials, announced that Dirk Jeffs is becoming CEO. Jeffs is assuming the role while also retaining his current position as company president.

Ultradent made the announcement in a press release dated May 18.

Dr. Dan Fischer, founder of the company, is shifting out of his longtime role as CEO and will remain active with the company as CEO emeritus, the press release said. Fischer will be involved in a variety of capacities, such as research and development projects, outreach and lecturing.

“Dirk’s leadership record is remarkable and his commitment to Ultradent’s core values is evident throughout his 24 years with us,” Fischer said. “His experience, attitude, and demeanor will serve Ultradent and the dental industry well.”

Jeffs joined Ultradent in 1996 and has led countless growth opportunities, including developing satellite operations in Europe, Japan, China, and Brazil, the press release said.

“Dr. Fischer’s impact on dentistry can’t be understated, and I’d like to thank him for the exemplary leader he’s been for Ultradent employees as well as the industry as a whole over more than four decades,” Jeffs said.

“Dentistry is facing unique challenges, and we’re committed to empowering clinicians to better serve their patients,” Jeffs said. “I look forward to supporting the passionate and talented people of Ultradent as we pursue our mission to improve oral health globally. We’re all grateful to have Dr. Fischer remain engaged with our company as an advisor, mentor and speaker.”

Jeffs is a graduate of Brigham Young University, where he earned an MBA.

Ultradent’s vision is to improve oral health globally. The company also works to improve the quality of life and health of individuals through financial and charitable programs.

Free C.E. through new online portal

In response to the current coronavirus pandemic, Ultradent is offering free online continuing education courses as a response to travel and gathering restrictions in place due to COVID-19.

The courses can be accessed at https://ultradent.teachable.com/courses. The portal is continually being updated as new courses become available. Courses include the following:

“Tips and Tricks in Esthetic Anterior Restorations” by Dr. Rafael Beolchi.
“Clinical Applications of the Two ‘Faces’ of the Gemini Laser” by Dr. Michael A. Miyasaki.
“Dental Technology: The Gateway to the Path of Excellence” by Dr. Ron Kaminer.
“A Quality Hygiene-Oriented Practice Equates to Recession-Proof Dentistry” by Dr. Lou Graham.
“Incorporating Laser Dentistry into Your Practice” by Dr. Ana Cecilia Aranha.

“Ultradent is very pleased to offer these free online C.E. courses as part of our long-standing focus on education,” said Jack Phillips, Ultradent’s director of field marketing, in a press release. “We look forward to continuing partnering with you, your practice, and your staff in an effort to pursue Ultradent’s mission of improving oral health globally.”

Upcoming courses will include “Light Curing: The Key to Longevity” by Beolchi and “The New Norm” by Graham and Kaminer, which will focus on COVID-19-related topics, the press release said.

Meals for those who are furloughed or laid off

Ultradent Products also announced that it has partnered with Four Foods Group to offer free meals to members of the Ultradent family who have been laid off or furloughed as a result of COVID-19-related changes.

The Relief Packs program provides meals from local eateries at no cost to the recipient, courtesy of public donations and the efforts from Four Foods Group — along with Ultradent employees.

“We’re exploring all possible ways to help our employees impacted by budget cuts, and we’re thankful to be working with Four Foods Group and their Relief Packs program,” Jeffs said. “Our hearts go out to all those affected by this pandemic. We’re taking every effort to minimize impacts on our employees, and we hope this program helps those going through tough times.”

Recipients of the Reliefs Packs program are able to select meals from R&R BBQ, Costa Vida Fresh Mexican Grill and Mo’ Bettahs.

Ultradent employees are able to help their laid off and furloughed colleagues by donating to the Relief Packs program.

(Source: Ultradent Products)