Spotlight... on a Sponsor... BonaDent Dental Laboratories

June 1, 2004
As a third-generation family laboratory located in Seneca Falls, N.Y., the support and celebration of women's success has always been a part of our company's history.

As a third-generation family laboratory located in Seneca Falls, N.Y., the support and celebration of women's success has always been a part of our company's history. It is here in Seneca Falls that Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton coordinated the first Women's Rights Convention in 1848, which eventually led to women obtaining the right to vote. Not only is Seneca Falls the Birthplace of Women's Rights, it is also home to the National Women's Hall of Fame, which has been celebrating the accomplishments of women for more than 35 years.

Having been raised in an environment that values the vision of the strong female pioneers who sought to work together to strengthen their own lives as well as the lives of future generations, BonaDent's third generation is pleased to provide corporate sponsorship to the American Association of Women Dentists. A family-owned laboratory providing restorative products for more than 50 years, BonaDent's third generation will be led by two women — Daniele Bonafiglia Wirth, director of business development, and her sister, Erin Bonafiglia, ceramics department manager. Daniele is a graduate of Barnard College, Columbia University's all-women college, and Erin is a graduate of the University of Hartford. In addition, these sisters will work closely with BonaDent's Operations Manager Heather Voss DeZak. Heather is a Certified Dental Technician, Pankey-trained, LVI Certified Master Technician, working toward accreditation in the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.

Recognizing that half of dental school freshmen are women, and that women continue to enter the dental profession at an increasing rate, BonaDent's third generation is excited and proud to support dentistry's diverse future. With the American Association of Women Dentist's mission of contributing to their field of dentistry through women advancing women, BonaDent believes it is an important and valuable vehicle for supporting this mission.

Throughout our 50 years, we've witnessed many changes and improvements in the dental lab industry. One of the most significant changes has been the relationship between the clinician and technician. Unlike previous generations, now more than ever the relationship has developed into a partnership in which the exchange of information and the appreciation of each partner's role can have a tremendous impact on the other's success.

In partnering with the American Association of Women Dentists, BonaDent hopes to encourage women dentists to embrace that partnership.