Management Team

Our dedicated group of Manager/Partners and Manager/Supervisors are here to consult on cases, maintain quality, and manage production.

Neal Russell

General Manager

CDT

Neal received his dental technician license in 1981 after graduating from Dental Technology at Vancouver Community College in 1979. He is President and General Manager of Protec Dental Laboratories Ltd., and is in charge of administration, human resources and marketing. Neal was recently elected as a director and board member of the Cal-Lab Group, an International Association of Dental Laboratories.

A strong advocate for education, Neal stays informed of industry advancements through continued education in all areas of dentistry. In March 2005, Neal received a "Certificate of Appreciation Award" from the College of Dental Surgeons of British Columbia recognizing his valuable contribution to the industry. Neal initiated a project in 2008 to allow Protec to begin the process of embracing and integrating new technology in the laboratory. Through this process the company has become an international leader in digital dentistry manufacturing techniques.

“The Baby Boomers’ pursuit of a better lifestyle through good health and appearance continues to drive restorative and esthetic dentistry, and the demand for services from dental technicians. The integration of computerized digital processes have changed the dental laboratory industry forever.”

Jeff Player

Orthodontics - Managing Partner

CDT

Jeff heads our orthodontics department and assists with the administration of the Protec group. He received his BC dental technician license in 1992, and has worked with Protec for over 30 years.

Jeff attends various national and international dental seminars and conferences each year in order to remain current with advances in dental technology. His knowledge of our vast array of orthodontic products, including removable appliances, dental alignment systems, sleep apnea and snoring solutions, and TMJ splints, is of great value and assistance to our customers.

“The field of orthodontics is ever-changing. With the advent of digital technology in the laboratory, there is an increasing premium on accuracy and consistency. Through teamwork, flexibility and leading edge technology, we strive to consistently deliver the best results for you and your patients.”

Neil Appelbaum

Removable and Fixed Prosthetics/Implants - Managing Partner

CDT

Neil Appelbaum is a seasoned dental technician with more than 20 years experience working in laboratories in South Africa and Canada. He specializes in Crown and Bridge, Implants and Removable Prosthetics, and holds the distinction of being a “Kois Specialist”.

Neil’s passion for technology has ensured that the laboratory is at the forefront of digital dentistry and he plays a key role in the development of laboratory software and processes for manufacturing and customer service.

“In a technology that continues to evolve, my focus is on continued education in implants, digital dentistry solutions and all aspects of removable and fixed prosthetics.”

Gerrit Van Schalkwyk

Fixed Prosthetics/Implants - Managing Partner

CDT

Gerrit specializes in all areas of crown & bridge and implants. He received his Master Ceramist accreditation from LVI in 2005.

Gerrit qualified in dental technology in 1991 from Pretoria Technical College in South Africa and immigrated to Vancouver, British Columbia in 1995. He is actively involved with client consultation, managing the laboratory, training, and quality control.

“My goals are to stay on the leading edge of changes in technology and continue to provide the best in esthetic restorative dentistry.”

Michael Malone

Technical Representative

Michael Malone has been with Protec for 30 years. Originally in the laboratory working in orthodontics, Mike's current role as a Technical Representative (outside sales) is to liaise between clients and our department managers to provide the highest level of laboratory services available.

Mike is also involved in organizing seminars for dentists and represents Protec at many meetings. He has assembled an extensive presentation entitled “Innovative New Products for the 21st Century”, and offers this valuable information to a host of student groups, study clubs and associations.

“I ensure that our doctors get the best customer experience possible by connecting them to our laboratory. I provide our clients with information on our new products and the latest techniques.”

Dawn Goodby

Accounting and Finance - Manager

Dawn oversees all aspects of the company’s finances and ensures that the accounting team is working to handle customer’s accounts efficiently and professionally. She moved to BC from Quebec where she developed her accounting career with a large manufacturing company near Quebec City. As Protec has grown, so has Dawn’s role as manager of finances and accounting.

Advances in technology have allowed the accounting department to offer more options to our clients. With the development of our online customer service portal – myProtec - customers can now view their account, print statements and make payments online.

“I have worked hard to develop a well-trained and happy team who will deal with our customers in a professional and friendly manner.”

Olivia T. Watt

Human Resources - Coordinator

Olivia specializes in recruiting and is a member of The Human Resources Management Association. She is a strong believer in progressive Human Resources practices that benefit both the company and its employees. Olivia enjoys recruiting talented people and making HR processes efficient and productive. She views her role in Human Resources as an opportunity to continually support people, including herself, towards professional growth in their careers. Olivia has a Bachelor of Arts, and a Post-Baccalaureate in Human Resources Management.

“Protec is an exciting place to work as we are constantly evolving with growth in the medical and technology sectors of the dental industry. I am thrilled to be on a team committed to making Protec a great place to work!”

Arnold Rennert

General Office - Manager

Arnold joined Protec in 2003, bringing with him many years of experience in Operations and Logistics. Arnold received his post secondary education at BCIT in Organizational Behavior and Operations Management.

His responsibilities include coordinating our fleet of vehicles and team of drivers to service all areas of the Lower Mainland, Vancouver Island, and Okanagan. He works closely with laboratory departments to ensure cases travel seamlessly throughout operations from point-of-pickup until the finished product is returned to the customer.

“My goal is to provide each Customer with an exceptional experience. With our commitment to excellence, coupled with integrated systems and knowledgeable customer service staff, you can feel confident in our ability to deliver a quality product with great service.”

Rosella Revel

General Office - Supervisor

Rosella has been with Protec Dental Laboratories since 2003, bringing with her strong customer service experience and background. As Protec’s Logistics, Shipping and Receiving Supervisor, she acts as a communication liaison between the laboratory and customers, playing an integral role in coordinating drivers, dispatch, and shipping.

"I bring with me 20 years of customer service and logistics experience. My goal as the Logistics Supervisor is to ensure that every Doctor receives the best possible customer service experience!"

Kimara Ackerley

Customer Service - Manager

Kimara is an iLead certified customer service coach with a background and training in Business and Finance. Her experience combined with solid leadership fundamentals has proven to be a powerful combination for developing teams into top performers. Kimara continues to expand her leadership skills with ongoing management education at Simon Fraser University.

“I have gained a wealth of knowledge and experience over the past 13 years working in fast-paced customer service environments. My team aims to meet and exceed customer satisfaction goals; and is monitored and coached by myself on an ongoing basis. I personally strive to deliver the very best customer experience with each transaction every day!”

Christopher D. Bastedo

Valley Distribution Hub - Supervisor

Christopher, originally hired in 2002, eventually became Protec’s dispatcher and logistics Team Leader responsible for shipping, receiving, and the delivery vehicle fleet. He currently manages the Surrey Distribution Hub, Protec’s 2017 Valley delivery route expansion project.

Chris pioneered Protec’s GPS vehicle tracking technology for their entire fleet, which was featured in the National Post publication. As well, he assisted in setting up Protec’s Pick-up Manager online Portal, an application for scheduling a pick-ups, and using handheld technology to scan barcodes at the point of pick-up and delivery.

“Employees are our greatest asset. When they have a goal driven mindset and are given the training and tools to support their skills; Protec, our customers, and your patients all succeed together!”

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Management Team