Interview with Marion Gredig: Bridging artistry, emotion, and innovation in dental technology

«Implants are much more than just replacements for teeth – they are closely tied to the emotions and hopes of patients.»

Marion Gredig’s unique journey from radio journalism to dental technology has given her a perspective that sets her apart in the field of implantology. As a certified dental technician and an expert in fixed prosthetics and implantology, Marion has spent years refining her craft and, today, she shares her insights as a specialist journalist. Here, she discusses the art, challenges, and the evolving future of dental technology through her experienced and compassionate lens.

From Journalism to Dental Technology: A Passion for Craftsmanship

Fascinated by the craft of creating teeth that restore people’s quality of life and beauty, I exchanged the microphone for the brush.

Marion’s career began in an entirely different field: radio journalism. Yet a visit to her father’s dental lab introduced her to the art and precision of dental technology. Inspired by the possibility of creating teeth that could restore both functionality and confidence, she embarked on a new path, exchanging her journalistic skills for the dental laboratory’s instruments.

Training as a dental technician and later attending the Swiss Master School for Dental Technology, Marion honed her skills under the mentorship of her father, who was also a dental technician. “He taught me so much: to stay calm, to work with both heart and mind, and to always find joy in what I do,” she recalls. This passion would ultimately bring her full circle, as she has now returned to her journalistic roots and uses her writing skills to share insights and developments in implantology.

A Defining Experience: When Implantology Meets Patient Emotion

«Failures aren’t just technical setbacks; they’re about patient communication and care.»

One moment early in her career left a lasting impression on Marion’s understanding of dental technology’s impact on patients. A patient came to the lab for a color selection for his implant crown – but during this routine appointment, the implant itself came loose «as if it had been set in butter.»

The patient was devastated. When he turned to the oral surgeon for help, he was dismissed with a curt «These things happen.» A cool, technocratic response that lacks any empathy.

For many people, implants are far more than mere tooth replacements. «They are closely tied to emotions and hopes,» Marion emphasizes. For her, the crux of the matter lies not in the occurrence of such setbacks, but in how they are communicated to patients.

Looking Ahead: The Personalization of Implantology

«Perhaps one day, we’ll have much more individualized implants.»

Dental technology continues to advance at a rapid pace, and Marion is keenly interested in the future. She recently interviewed Prof. Ronald E. Jung, Director of the Clinic for Reconstructive Dentistry in Zurich, who shared his belief that dentistry is becoming increasingly personalized. “He asked whether a 1.9 m Swede needs the same implant as a 1.5 m Asian woman,” Marion recalls.

Advice for the Next Generation: Stay Patient-Centered and Embrace Change

«The most important thing remains: the patient should always be at the center.»

Marion encourages young dental technicians and dentists to prioritize the well-being and experience of each patient, regardless of new technologies or methods. “What we make in the lab shouldn’t just be called a replacement – it should be a true replacement,” she says.

As the field shifts, Marion advocates for a critical approach to established processes. She recommends that young professionals adopt digital workflows but also stresses the importance of financial foresight and synergy. “Before any investment I would create a detailed business plan and look for ways to collaborate with other labs,” she says. To her, this kind of strategic thinking and adaptability is essential for success in a constantly evolving field.

Marion Gredig’s journey, from journalism to dental technician and back again, has given her a rare perspective on the human side of dental technology. Her career reminds us that implantology is about more than precision and aesthetics; it’s about creating connections, understanding emotions, and staying adaptable to better serve patients.