Since 2009, the National Board for Certification in Dental Laboratory Technology (NBC) has selected a CDT of the Year as a way to recognize and honor the individuals who stand out in the industry. This year, the NBC is thrilled to present the 2024 CDT of the Year award to Dennis Urban, CDT.

Dennis Urban, CDT, serves as the Director of Operations and Clinical Education at MicroDental New York, CDL. With an impressive 45 years in the dental laboratory profession, if there is one word that can sum up Dennis Urban, CDT, and his accomplishments, it would be ILLUSTRIOUS! Urban earned his CDT certification in Complete Dentures in 2003 and has since dedicated two decades to the field. Holding additional certifications such as Valplast Certification and Sleep Appliance TAP Certification, he stands out as a seasoned professional.

In his current role as Director of Operations and Clinical Education, Urban has showcased his commitment to continuing education. While attending numerous programs and lecturing throughout 2023, he was also published in reputable journals like JDT and IDT. Urban's dedication to certification is evident through his multifaceted involvement with the National Board for Certification in Dental Laboratory Technology (NBC), including a two-year term as Chair from 2020 to 2022. During the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, he played a pivotal role in implementing computer-based testing for the practical examinations.

Urban's activities and achievements extend beyond the boardroom, including his contributions to the Foundation for Dental Technology and the launch of the NBC CDT Fest starting in 2018. Serving as a committee volunteer for both NBC and NADL, he was a driving force in championing certification. Urban's outreach efforts extend to high schools, where he educates students about the dental laboratory profession and the importance of certification.

Furthermore, Urban's career is marked by leadership roles in various associations, including past presidencies of the Long Island Dental Laboratory Association and the Dental Laboratory Association of New York. He has also received numerous awards, such as the 2007 NADL Excellence in Education Award, the 2020 Smile Source Educator of the Year Award, the 2021 Upgrade Dental Inaugural Speaker Award, and the 2019 Asia Pacific Academy of Implant Dentistry Speaker Award.

Urban's greatest career accomplishment lies in his dedication to educating dental technicians for nearly four decades, fostering success and focus on their careers. Certification, to him, is crucial for elevating professional standards, acknowledging expertise, and ensuring patient satisfaction. He believes that certification not only benefits individuals but also enhances the image and commitment of the entire dental laboratory technology community. "Dennis is not only an outstanding technician and contributor, but he also is a committed and natural leader. He leads by example, inspires his peers, and fosters a collaborative work environment." - Laura Kelly, AAACD

Congratulations to Dennis Urban, CDT, on being presented the 2024 CDT of the Year Award!