About DiCeram
A dental laboratory built on discipline, supported by advanced digital planning.
Why We Exist
DiCeram began at a time when dentistry relied far more on skill than technology, and a passion for excellence shaped every result.
We evolved with digital workflows, advanced materials and sophisticated planning tools. Embracing innovation while staying grounded in our craft.
Our purpose, however, has remained simple.
We believe in the power of a smile – and in the confidence it can restore. We strive to help clinicians create more confident, joyful smiles every day.
Our Founders
Phillip Saunders:
Phillip has been a registered dental technician since 1995, specialising in ceramics, prosthetics and complex implant cases. Since 2004, he's been a partner at Di-Ceram.
I am excited to be leading the strong dynamic team at DiCeram Lab & Planning Centre and filling the need for accurate design and planning of reconstructive and aesthetic dentistry in SA and beyond. My greatest job satisfaction comes when a client posts a completed case showing before and after photos where the correct design and planning have been applied, resulting in a happy patient.
As an active member of SADTC, Dentasa, SAAAD and ITI, Phill continues to learn and grow within the ever-changing profession.
Shane Hansen – Our Legacy
(1969-2024)
After qualifying as a dental technician in 1992, Shane worked at a top laboratory in Cape Town before heading to the UK in 1994 where he enjoyed travelling around Europe between working at Laboratories in the prestigious areas of Knightsbridge and Harley Street in London. Upon returning to SA in 1997, he founded Di-Ceram in Cape Towns southern suburb of Claremont.
Through many years of hard work and dedication to learning we now have 2 branches, one in Westlake and the other in Green Point. His legacy continues to live on through them. Shane kept up with the ever changing dental market, particularly the move to digital by investing in technological hardware, software and continued learning in the digital environment.
Shane Hansen Education Award
Shane Hansen Education Award grew out of the deep respect and lasting impact Shane had on those who worked alongside him. After years of close collaboration, Dr Mark Bowes, Dr Corne Smith and Dr Jean Van Lierop envisioned a way to honour not only Shane’s memory, but the standards he lived by — his pursuit of excellence, his precision, and his unwavering commitment to raising the level of both dentists and technicians within the industry.
The aim is to annually award at least one deserving technician the opportunity to experience exceptional, world-class education, thereby continuing a legacy rooted in excellence, precision and professional advancement.
Shane believed that growth never stops. He challenged those around him to refine their skills, think differently and strive for better — always. The award reflects that mindset. It exists to create opportunity, invest in advanced education, and continue pushing the boundaries of what is possible in our profession.
This initiative has been made possible through the generous support of dedicated dentists and loyal suppliers who valued Shane’s standards and share his commitment to excellence.
Our Team
Lab Managers:
Tracy Feldman
Logistics Manager
Tracy manages and coordinates all work entering the laboratory, ensuring every request is complete, accurate, and ready to move forward. She’s the one tracking down missing information and solving problems before they slow things down.
“What I love about my job is the constant variety. It keeps me on my toes and challenges me to think quickly and stay organised. No two days are ever the same—every day brings a new puzzle to solve, which means I never get bored and I’m always learning something new.”
Kirsten Taylor
Office Manager
Kirsten has been part of DiCeram for over 20 years. Working closely with Shane and Phillip has shaped her deep respect for meticulous attention to detail, unwavering service standards, and always going the extra mile.
As Office Manager, Kirsten oversees the accounts for both the Lab and Planning Centre, ensuring the financial foundation of the business remains strong and aligned.
“I take pride in supporting the team behind the scenes while also maintaining close relationships with our clients, ensuring they experience the highest level of service at every touchpoint. I’m proud to be part of a team that consistently strives for excellence.”
Santino Orso
Manager | Digital Designer
Santino has been with DiCeram since 2016! Trained under Shane and Phillip during his early years at the company, Santino developed a strong foundation of precision, discipline, and high technical standards.
As a Manager and Digital Designer, Santino combines technical accuracy with creativity, always striving for excellence in both function and aesthetics. He’s passionate about continuous growth—not only in his own work, but in developing the next generation of designers.
“What I love most about DiCeram is that we never stand still. The digital space is constantly evolving, and being part of a team that embraces innovation while maintaining uncompromising quality keeps me motivated. After nearly a decade, I’m still learning, still challenged, and still passionate about what we create together.”
Monique Van Der Merwe
Manager | Designer | Ceramist
Monique serves in a dual management and design role, overseeing case planning and workflow while working closely within both the design and ceramic departments. With a strong foundation in both analog and digital dentistry, her focus lies in refining the transition from digital design to final ceramic outcome to ensure predictability, function, and natural esthetics.
Monique is particularly drawn to complex, multidisciplinary cases that demand precision, collaboration, and attention to detail. Working alongside highly skilled clinicians and surgeons, she strives to elevate each case beyond expectation.
“I am committed to continuous growth—approaching every case as an opportunity to learn, refine, and improve. I take great pride in my work ethic and dedicate the time and focus required to achieve the best possible outcome for every patient.”
Our Team
Extended Team:
Meghan Laisai
Technician – Implant Specialist
Kalina Slavtchev
Designer - Technician
Jessica Engelbrecht
IT and Design
Julian Fielies
Junior designer
Junade Beukes
Junior designer
Iain Dallas Orr
Contractor – Ceramist
Asolita (Ashey) Nicholas
Logistics and Coordinator
Kauthar Hector
Head Receptionist – Admin
Charnelle Louw
Receptionist – Lab assistant
Our Standards
Collaboration and Respect
We work as peers with clinicians — not as a production facility removed from clinical reality.
Planning Before Production
Every restoration begins with structured design.
Discipline and Consistency
Defined workflows, clear submission protocols and repeatable processes.
Pride in Craft and Judgment
Artistry supported by digital precision and clinical awareness.
Technology With Purpose
We adopt systems that improve outcomes — not technology for its own sake.
One Standard. Two Capabilities.
For South African dentists, DiCeram offers integrated planning and laboratory execution within one coordinated environment.
For international clinicians, our Digital Planning Centre provides specialist digital case design ready for local manufacture.
Different scopes. Shared philosophy. Uncompromising standards.
