Meet Leon Hermanides

Leon Hermanides, CDT.

Born and raised in South Africa, Leon earned a National Higher Diploma (BA equivalent) in Dental Technology before moving on to London and, eventually, Seattle, where he founded Protea Dental Studio. Leon guides every aspect of the services at Protea Dental Studio, establishing the standard of care, the performance protocols, and customer service values. 

Leon is dedicated to keeping Protea Dental Studio at the forefront of technological advancements. Thus, he continues to educate himself beyond the role of a traditional dental technician with his involvement in a variety of continuing education programs and dental associations.

As a Clinical Instructor and Scientific Advisor at the world-renowned Kois Center, Leon works closely with dentists who strive for excellence and precision in their delivery of care. He leads a recurring Kois Center Study Club at the Protea Dental Lab aimed at building better practice philosophies and a supportive community. Leon has also served as President and member of the Board of Directors of the Washington State Dental Laboratory Association as well as holding office in the National Association of Dental Laboratories and Chairing the Foundation for Dental Technology. Leon currently serves on the Advisory Board for Dental Technology at Bates Technical College in Tacoma, WA.

Leon has published major articles on implants and comprehensive restorative rehabilitation in both clinical and technical journals. In addition, he has lectured throughout the US and internationally on implant restorations, esthetics, business management, and restorative failures. 

In partnership with Richard Shepherd, DDS, a fellow Kois Center Clinical Instructor, Leon provides dentists with business, leadership, and marketing guidance through Calibrated Dental Consulting. 

In his free time, Leon enjoys coaching competitive youth soccer.

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