Technical Specialist for Chairside, Volkan Kacmaz, Introduces Himself

Volkan Kacmaz not only worked as a dentist in Turkey, but he also managed two clinics and earned a Master of Business Administration in Berlin. His diverse experiences seem to have led him to his current role as a Technical Specialist at Kuraray Noritake Dental Inc., headquartered near Frankfurt. Who is this friendly, smiley, and curious team member, and why did he specifically choose Kuraray?

While most dentists continue practicing dentistry throughout their careers, Volkan Kacmaz chose a different path. After graduating in 2011, he established his own dental clinic in Istanbul. A few years later, he served in the military for a year as a military dentist. Afterward, he founded two more franchise clinics, taking on the dual roles of manager and dentist. It was during this time that he realized dentistry wasn’t limited to clinical practice. “I’m eager to learn and have always been curious about how products work, the processes behind them, research and development, and the launch of new innovations,” he explains.

INNOVATION

In 2022, Kacmaz became the first dentist to enrol at the Berlin School of Economics and Law, where he learned about marketing, sales, negotiation, and regulations. Upon completing his Master of Business Administration, he made a deliberate decision to join Kuraray Noritake. “Kuraray Noritake's products are of very high quality, both labside and chairside. I already knew this from my experience as a dentist. The company has an excellent and trustworthy reputation among dental professionals,” he says.

Kacmaz also admires the innovative nature of the company. “Kuraray Noritake is responsible for some of the most significant innovations in dentistry. Just look at products like PANAVIA™ cement, the original MDP monomer, and multi-layered zirconia discs and blocks. It’s easy to see that Kuraray Noritake is a major force in the dental market. With their commitment to continuous improvement and innovation, you could call them the Apple of the dental world,” he adds.

Another aspect Kacmaz appreciates is Kuraray Noritake's product lineup. “The catalog isn't extensive, but it’s highly specialized. The company doesn’t produce just any product, but focuses on the ones it excels at, ensuring top-notch quality.” Lastly, Kacmaz loves the company culture. “It's a very respectful environment. I’ve had some bad experiences with respect in the past,” he says with a laugh, referring to his time in the military. “But at Kuraray Noritake, you can feel the respect for employees, which is very important to me. I’m very happy to be part of the Kuraray Noritake family.”

COURAGE

When comparing dentistry in Turkey to Western Europe, Kacmaz doesn’t see significant differences. “The brands, quality, and approaches are all the same.” However, he has noticed one small distinction: German dentists aren’t as enthusiastic about digital dentistry as their Turkish counterparts.

Kacmaz draws on all his previous experiences and knowledge in his role as part of the scientific marketing team. His responsibilities include finding scientific support for marketing initiatives. He collaborates with lecturers and dentists to manage research studies using Kuraray Noritake products, works to update measurements in response to market dynamics, and evaluates new products.

His goal? “To become an authority in the dental world,” he says with a smile. It may sound like an ambitious goal, but Kacmaz has learned to dream big. “The biggest decision of my life was leaving my comfort zone and moving to a country where I didn’t speak the language. But I believe it’s a courage you have to show. If you don’t, your dreams and plans will fade, and you’ll miss out on everything.”

LEARNING NEW THINGS

Moving to Germany, which Kacmaz describes as "the epicentre of the dental market," hasn’t always been easy. Coming from a Mediterranean culture, he was used to a more communal and lively environment. In Germany, he noticed that shops close early, and people value their privacy. Another challenge has been the language. While he prefers English, he says, “ein bisschen Deutsch, nicht so gut.”  Fortunately, Kuraray Noritake provides him with German lessons, and he has the best teacher at home—his three-year-old daughter, who learns the language faster than he does and sometimes corrects him.

Despite the challenges, all the adapting and hard work have been worth it. “I’ve realized that there are no limits to learning. Whether you’re in your 40s, 50s, or even 60s, there’s always something new to discover. You just have to be open to it.”

CONTACT

Volkan Kacmaz can be reached at +49 69 305 35134 or via volkan.kacmaz@kuraray.com.

ABOUT KURARAY NORITAKE DENTAL INC.

Kuraray was founded in 1926 in Kurashiki, Japan. Today, it is a leading global manufacturer of medical products, materials, textiles, chemicals, resins, and more. In 2012, Kuraray Medical and Noritake Dental Supply merged to form Kuraray Noritake Dental Inc. The company continues to deliver reliable dental bonding agents, ceramics, and other products to over 90 countries worldwide. Well-known products include the KATANA™ Zirconia range, CLEARFIL™ Universal Bond Quick, and PANAVIA™ resin cements.

• 17 oct. 2024