Crafting Smiles for Over Five Decades
UMLF: Hi Robert! We’re excited to interview you as our Business of the Month. Tell us about yourself. Robert: "My wife, Terri, and I have been married for 32 years. Terri manages the office and handles all our pick-up and delivery. Together, we raised five children and now have numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. We own and operate Fine Art Denture Lab. After being discharged from the Navy in 1973, I attended Dental Laboratory Technician School, specializing in Removable Prosthetics. I have an extensive background in my field—too extensive to list here—but I can say this: in my 52 years in Dental Laboratory Technology, I have worked in labs, managed removable departments, overseen a 20-person full-service lab, and operated my own lab in my home state of Montana. I am also a past president of the Montana Dental Lab Association. Additionally, I’ve worked side by side with the president of the Montana Dental Association at the legislative level. Twenty-one years ago, I packed up the family for a vacation without telling them where we were going. When we arrived in St. George, Utah, they all fell in love with it. I told them, “Good, because I’m done with the cold, and this is where we’re moving.” We haven’t regretted a single day—well, maybe on the days when it’s 110+ degrees! I did try (and I would like to stress try) to retire. But retirement and I were not good friends. So, back to the dental lab I went. Quite honestly, I’m doing what I love: helping people smile again and feel good about themselves."  Precision in Progress UMLF: Can you share the story behind the founding of Fine ART Denture Lab, LLC? What inspired you to start your own venture? Robert: "Approximately two and a half years ago, while recovering from COVID at home, I asked my wife what she thought about us opening our own dental lab again. After a moment of silence—and knowing me as only she does—she looked at me and said, “Honey, you and I both know you are a very talented technician whose skills are not being fully utilized. You’re great with customer service, and you know how to run a dental lab. I’ll support you 100%.” She has stood by that promise to this very day, and that moment marked the founding of Fine Art Denture Lab. What inspired me (and us) to open our dental lab is simple and, in my opinion, should be the foundation for all business owners: quality and customer service should go hand in hand. Our mission has always been to deliver high-quality dental appliances to our accounts, paired with excellent customer service at a fair price—something that seems to have been forgotten in today’s world. I knew I could do things differently and at a higher quality in my own dental lab while providing our accounts with what I believe doctors and their patients truly deserve. As a denture wearer myself, I understand the challenges denture wearers face. It allows me to put myself in their shoes, which brings a deeper level of compassion and care to what I do." UMLF: What range of services does Fine ART Denture Lab provide, and are there specific areas or technologies you specialize in? Robert: "We started out being a Removable Dental Prosthetics Laboratory, being my specialty. We provide Full Dentures, Partial Dentures (Metal and Acrylic), Immediate Dentures, Flexible Unilateral Partials, Flippers, Nightguards, Mouthguards, Splints, relines, repairs and a variety of other services associated with Removable Appliances. We offer the only Ivoclar IvoBase Injection System (a very superior method of processing Dentures), in Southern Utah. We are well versed with snap on Implant Dentures and Denture Conversions. We are also an All on X screw retained capable Dental Laboratory."  Cutting-edge digital dental technology, including 3D scanning and CAD/CAM software, used at Fine Art Denture Lab.  Full dentures UMLF: With over five decades in the dental laboratory field, how have you seen the industry evolve, and how has your experience shaped the services you offer today? Robert: "Materials have to come first and foremost. I have witnessed the evolution of denture teeth, from porcelain to acrylic to today’s modern four-layer, high-quality composite lifelike denture teeth. Denture acrylics have advanced in the same way. Modern denture acrylics are now complex formulations designed to minimize liquid content, such as in our Ivobase System, which reduces residual liquid to just 0.01%. This system also allows natural mouth fluids to coat the tissue side of the denture more evenly, resulting in greater suction and better fit. Additionally, we now have pucks for milling dentures, which provide exceptionally well-fitting results. Watching the evolution of materials over the years has been truly remarkable. As for the most significant change on the horizon, it’s undoubtedly the digital age. Analog methods, which have been the gold standard for decades, are gradually giving way to digital technology. Advances in intraoral scanners, dental lab desktop scanners, mills, 3D printers, resins, and CAD/CAM software are shaping the future of the modern dental laboratory. While analog methods will always have a place, digital is clearly the future. As a dental lab technician who has kept up with industry changes, I’ve always been intrigued by what’s new and exciting. I’m not afraid of technology or innovative products, especially when they deliver on their promises. We knew that introducing digital technology into our lab wasn’t just optional—it was essential. Eventually, labs that refuse to embrace digital workflows will fall behind, and I see that happening already. We handle a large volume of digitally sent cases, and if you’re not equipped to accept digital cases, those clients will simply go elsewhere. For us, the decision was a no-brainer." UMLF: What future developments or expansions are you planning for Fine ART Denture Lab, and how do you envision the lab evolving in the coming years? Robert: "At present, we are developing our Fixed Department, which allows us to manufacture crowns, bridges, and veneers using a variety of high-quality materials—whether handcrafted, milled, or pressed. This expansion also enables us to offer Zirconia as an option for all-on-X implant cases, in addition to our existing materials. Our vision for the future has remained the same since day one: to develop the premier full-service dental lab in Southern Utah. In the two years and two months since we opened, we have built a strong reputation for quality and exceptional service. Hard work, diligence, and a commitment to following through on our intentions from the very beginning have driven our success. We are now at the point where we receive referrals from dentists to other dentists, which is a testament to our dedication. As long as we keep these values at the forefront and with the continued growth of the Southern Utah area, our vision will continue to take shape. Over the next three years, I see us expanding to include several team members in each department."  Ivotion® denture puck alongside a 3D-milled denture and dental arch, showcasing advanced digital denture fabrication technology. UMLF: How do you feel like the Utah Microloan Fund has helped your business? Robert: "Without the Utah Microloan Fund, my chances of owning a dental lab again were pretty slim. The loan I received helped me purchase the necessary equipment, cover some remodeling expenses, and fund advertising and printing costs to get started.When I wanted to add a Digital Department, we had half of the funds needed, and once again, they were there to help us cover the cost of the equipment. Later, when it was time to develop the Fixed Department, we needed a specialized compressor for the mill and a few other essential items. The Utah Microloan Fund was there for us yet again. They have supported us at every stage, increasing our chances of success. We are incredibly grateful to the Utah Microloan Fund and their pleasant, helpful staff. They have helped us turn a dream into reality." Stay Connected
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