Julio C. Zavala, Master CDT, named 2016 CDT of the Year
Julio Zavala, Master CDT, has been in the dental laboratory technology industry for almost 20 years. He currently works at LSUHSC School of Dentistry as an Associate Professor of Clinical Prosthodontics. Hea earned his Bachelor's degree in Dental Laboratory Technology from LSU in 1996 and earned his first CDT certification in 1997. Over the next several years, Julio dedicated himself to his craft earning five CDT certifications and the Master CDT designation. Julio is certified in Crown & Bridge, Complete Dentures, Orthodontics, Partial Dentures, and Ceramics.
Zavala is an avid learner, attending meetings across North America each year. In 2015 alone, he has attended conferences and meetings in Los Angeles, California, Chicago, Illinois, Orlando, Florida, and Mexico. He earned multiple awards during his time at LSU, as both a student and professor. As a student he earned the John Lapez Awards in 1994, the Chancellor's Award in 1995, and the Coordinator's Award also in 1995. As a professor, he has been awarded the Excellence in Teaching Golden Apple Award six times from 2000 through 2014. Arturo Mendez, DDS, MSc, former director of the Implant Clinic at LSU, says "he is the consummate team player, a highly dedicated and dependable individual with an exemplary work ethic."
Starting in 2009, the NBC began the CDT of the Year awards program. This came about as a way for NBC to recognize and honor the individuals who stand out in the industry. Each fall, the NBC sends out a call for nominations for this prestigious award and, each fall, we get nominations with heartfelt words of support. The individuals that are nominated come from various backgrounds and include educators, laboratory owners, technicians and more.
Nominees are asked to submit documentation outlining their years in the profession, earned certifications, continuing education, dedication to certification, activities/achievements in the profession and community service for review by the NBC awards committee. It is with that criterion that we are able to determine our winner.
Congratulations again to Julio C. Zavala, Master CDT, our 2016 CDT of the Year!