Introducing Todd Fong

We are delighted to welcome Todd Fong, CDT as the newest Key Opinion Leader (KOL) in the DESS family. With decades of experience in high-end dental ceramics, prosthetics, and education, Todd brings a unique combination of technical mastery and clinical insight to our community. His role as a DESS KOL will empower clinicians, students, and teams to leverage prosthetic innovations with confidence and precision.

A Legacy of Excellence in Dental Technology

Todd’s journey in dental technology began with his graduation from the Diablo Valley College Dental Technician program in 1983. Over the next several decades, he built and led Fong Dental Arts, a boutique high-end laboratory established in 1987, where he refined his craft and mastered advanced ceramic and prosthetic workflows. He continued his education through postgraduate studies at the University of the Pacific Dental School in San Francisco and the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies.

Throughout his career, Todd has been a respected educator and industry leader, teaching courses, managing large laboratories, and collaborating with leading manufacturers to introduce new techniques, materials, and restorative systems that improve patient outcomes.

Why Todd Is a Perfect Fit as a DESS KOL

With more than 44 years of experience in restorative and aesthetic dentistry, Todd brings exceptional technical expertise and a passion for hands-on education to his role as a DESS Key Opinion Leader. His career spans leadership in major laboratories, live-patient instruction, and advanced training in smile design and full-arch restorations.

As a Master Ceramist and Certified Dental Technician, Todd currently works alongside Dr. Diana Fatt, a restorative prosthodontist specializing in custom smiles, All-on-X, and hybrid restorations. His daily work centers on precision, collaboration, and artistry—qualities that align closely with DESS and our focus on prosthetic accuracy and clinical reliability.

Todd has experience using DESS Multi-Unit Abutments (MUAs) in immediate and full-arch restorative cases. He regularly supports day-of-surgery “hyper-placement” procedures, ensuring precise seating of MUAs and proper management of MUA screws during immediate hybrid placements. His firsthand understanding of these workflows allows him to guide clinicians in achieving predictable and efficient outcomes from surgery to final restoration. His teaching style is highly interactive, emphasizing hands-on learning and real-world application to help others feel confident using DESS solutions in both digital and clinical environments.

In his new role with DESS, Todd will support the continued growth of our educational and clinical community, helping expand the use of advanced DESS prosthetic and digital solutions including our MUA and MUA+ lines designed for precise, tissue-friendly immediate restorations.

Q&A with Todd Fong

Q: What excites you most about collaborating with DESS?

A: “Honestly, what excites me most about working with DESS is their energy for innovation and quality. They really know what today’s dental professionals need — smart, reliable solutions that make our workflows smoother and the results better. It feels great to be part of a team that’s pushing the dental industry forward.”

Q: You’ve worked extensively with multi-unit restorations. From your perspective, what sets DESS® MUA and MUA+ solutions apart in daily lab or clinical use?

A: “What sets the DESS® MUA and MUA+ apart is their precision and reliability. The fit is spot-on, which means less adjustment time and smoother workflows. The MUA+ especially gives you great flexibility and stability — it’s just a smart, well-engineered solution that works beautifully in both the lab and clinical setting.”

Todd’s Personal Philosophy

“After more than 40 years in the dental lab business, I’ve learned that true craftsmanship is about balancing and blending analog skill, technology, and a passion for learning. Digital technology keeps evolving, but it’s the human touch and the willingness to share knowledge that really makes the difference.”

Looking Ahead

We’re excited to have Todd Fong join the DESS community and bring his passion for education, craftsmanship, and innovation to the world of restorative dentistry. His expertise reflects our shared commitment to precision, collaboration, and advancing digital workflows.