Southeastern Conference of Dental Laboratories

Billy Drake, CDT is the owner of Drake Precision Dental Laboratory, Inc. in Charlotte, NC. He is currently the Vice Chair of the Cal-Lab Group. Billy is also a past president of the Southeastern Conference of Dental Laboratories and the N.C. Dental Laboratory Association. Billy played a major role in the development and implementation of the NADL’s Vision 21 meeting currently held in Las Vegas. Due to his vast experience, Billy is known nationally as an excellent resource for industry information.

Gerry Mariacher, CDT is the Vice President of Technical Services for National Dentex. Gerry currently serves as Chair of the Cal- Lab Group and holds various positions with allied dental organizations nationwide. In 2007, Gerry received the coveted Robert N. Cross award from the Southeastern Conference of Dental Laboratories. He is well known for his broad knowledge and expertise relative to products and services for dental laboratories.

Arey Grady, AAS, CDT is the owner of Grady Dental Lab, Inc., a Certified Dental Laboratory in Kinston, NC which specializes in ceramics and crown & bridge. A 1969 graduate of Durham Technical Institute, Arey is a past president of both the Southeastern Conference of Dental Laboratories and the N.C. Dental Laboratory Association. Arey also serves on the Missions of Mercy committee with the NC Dental Society. In his spare time, he is very active in Boy Scouts of America.

Pat Segnere, AAS, CDT, Vice President of Sales, Laboratory Products, Ivoclar Vivadent, Inc., began his dental career in 1967. He is a graduate of Durham Technical College, Durham, NC, with an Associate of Applied Science degree in dental technology and is a Certified Dental Technician. Mr. Segnere joined Williams Gold Refining Company in 1974 as a technical sales representative. In 1985, Mr. Segnere was appointed to Sales Manager for the Eastern US and in 1987 after the acquisition of Ivoclar Vivadent, he was promoted to his current position as Vice President. Further, Pat is a faithful attendee at the Southeastern Conference as this is his 42nd meeting to attend out of fifty!

Chris Waldrop, CDT is president of Burdette Dental Lab, Inc., CDL, a third generation, full-service laboratory. Chris is a 1995 graduate of the University of Alabama in Birmingham with a BS in Finance. Chris has served as a member of both the Visions Committee and the Marketing Committee of the Southeastern Conference of Dental Laboratories. He is currently Chairman of the JDT Advisory Board and the 2010 President of the National Association of Dental Laboratories.

Matthew Parker, CDT is the co-owner of New Creation Dental Ceramics in Montgomery, Alabama, which specializes in all-ceramic restorations. Matt has an Associate Degree in Applied Technology, Dental Laboratory Technology Specialization from Trenholm State Technical College, and is a Certified Dental Technician. Matt served on the Vision Committee and is currently on the SCDL Board of Directors.

Rebecca Wade, CDT was born in Gainesville, Florida. She started her dental technology career in 1997. In 2002, she was hired at DSG Americus-Clearwater and has worked her way up to the supervisor position of the ceramic department. Rebecca received her certification for dental technology in ceramics. She has also obtained advanced training from leaders in the industry in porcelain esthetics and techniques. Rebecca is currently on the Board of Directors for the Southeastern Conference of Dental Laboratories and serves as a mentor of the Visions Committee.

Bob Savage is Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Drake Precision Dental Laboratory, Inc. in Charlotte, NC. He earned his Bachelor Degree from Auburn University in 1995 and joined Drake in 1999. Bob currently serves as a Board member of the SCDL and the Dental Trade Alliance Foundation; he has also served on the SCDL Visions Committee.

Mark T. Murphy, DDS, FAGD is the Lead Faculty for Mercer Advisors and is the Owner of Funktional Consulting. Mark, first a dental technician, graduated from UDM School of Dentistry in 1981 and taught Anatomy and Crown and Bridge part time for several years. He has served on the Visiting Faculty of The Pankey Institute for Advanced Dental Education since 1991 and on its Board of Directors and Trustees. Mark is on the IdentAlloy Council, a Board member of the Foundation for Dental Laboratory Technology and the Business Management Committee of the NADL. Mark Murphy was a featured presenter for the National Lab Network. He is also the former VP of Operations of DTI Dental Technologies Inc.

Mark has lectured throughout North America on Lab Operational Management, Philosophy, Marketing, Communication and Quality and Competitive Issues facing Labs Today. He is an exciting and very entertaining speaker, blending a stand-up style of humor and anecdotes with current research and information that you can take home and use tomorrow. Rave reviews follow his presentations wherever he goes!