Transition Year for “Best of Class” Award Recognizing Game Changing Technologies in Dentistry

As a member of the selection committee I cannot wait for all of you to see what products are the winners and hopefully you can join us at the ADA in Denver. MJ

Baltimore, MD and Novato, CA; May 10th, 2016 – In 2016 the most prestigious award for dental industry companies, will transition sponsorship from the Pride Institute to the newly launched Cellerant Consulting Group, founded by Dr. Lou Shuman, DMD, CAGS. The Cellerant “Best of Class” Technology Award, formerly known as The Pride “Best of Class” Technology Award, recognizes innovative game changing technology offerings, services and devices.  Since the inaugural presentation in 2009, the “Best of Class” Technology Awards have grown to occupy a unique space in dentistry, by creating awareness in the community of manufacturers that are driving the discussion as to how practices will operate now and in the future.

Prior to founding Cellerant Consulting Group, Dr. Shuman served as the President of Pride Institute where he created and developed the “Best of Class” Technology Awards.  “As one of the most recognized and reputable names in practice management, the Pride Institute was a terrific launching pad for a completely different kind of award” said Dr. Shuman. 

In just eight years the “Best of Class” designation has become not only a coveted honor for industry, but as importantly a trusted criterion for dental professionals to make educated, informed product and technology investment decisions for their practices and their patients.  “While sponsorship will transition to Cellerant and the award name will change in 2016, the “Best of Class” commitment to integrity, based on its rigorous selection process will remain the same” vowed Dr. Shuman.

The selection process relies on an expert panel of dentists recognized as thought leaders and educators that includes Dr. Paul Feuerstein, Dr. John Flucke, Dr. Marty Jablow and Dr. Parag Kachalia. Over the course of each year, the panel members seek out and conduct research on potentially practice-changing technologies, with deliberations on nominees and final voting taking place in February.  Panelists are precluded from voting in any category where they have consulting relationships.  The entire selection process is conducted and managed on a not-for-profit basis.

“Best in Class” Technology Award winners are showcased at the ADA annual meeting. Dental professionals have the unique opportunity to speak with each company and interact with the award-winning products at the Technology Expo in the Exhibit Hall. The Technology Expo also offers free continuing education taught by the leading experts in technology integration and social media. More information can be found online at ADA.org/meeting.

“Lou started Cellerant in response to the industry consulting business that grew organically during his time as President of Pride.  We agreed that Pride should remain laser focused on the practice management side” commented Amy Morgan, Pride Institute CEO.  “It’s logical and fitting that “Best of Class”, now the most prominent dental industry award, transition to Cellerant and continue forward under Dr. Shuman’s leadership”.  “I am excited about this transition year and the 2016 “Best of Class” award winners which will be announced in June” added Dr. Shuman.

About Cellerant Consulting Group

Founded and lead by CEO Dr. Lou Shuman, DMD, CAGS Cellerant provides strategic dental market insights, clinical expertise, implementation resources and support to accelerate growth for client dental companies.  Cellerant services include new concept incubation, clinical product evaluation, product development, continuing education program development and CE sponsorship, strategic branding and marketing, online marketing, lead generation and dental media relations management.  As an orthodontist and former owner of a 10-doctor multi-specialty private group practice Dr. Shuman guides clients to develop offerings that connect with and engage dental customers on a relationship level that provides sustained differentiation.  Cellerant operates under a unique model that merges leading voices in clinical product evaluation and strategic partner companies to provide a menu of services from one easily accessible network.

About Pride Institute

Pride Institute is nationally renowned for delivering customized practice management solutions from simple to complex in: leadership, team communication, strategic planning, technology integration, operational systems, patient management and marketing - for all dental and specialty practices who want to fulfill their vision and achieve new levels of success.  Located in Northern California, Pride Institute utilizes a foundation of 40 years of extensive benchmarks, research, and content development combined with leading edge expertise in modern management methods that include new marketing and technology education and integration.