Position: Co-President, Head Technician & Ceramisn
What is your story?
I decided to become a dental technician by default. I was working on my B.S. degree in biology, (pre-dental) when my wife announced that our second child was on the way. I was also working at a dental lab at the time and they had a need for a full time waxer so I decided to learn the trade and, as they say, “the rest is history”.
February of 1988, I moved to Billings, MT from Kansas in the middle of a blizzard with snow pounding on our small station wagon. I wondered, not for the last time, what I had gotten us into. But, we soon fell in love with Montana and all our 5 children call it home. The outdoors, the mountains, hiking, hunting and fishing became big parts of our lives. I am very grateful for our decision to come here, raise our family, and eventually start our own business.
In October of 1993, I thought that with a lot of help from my wife, we could start our own dental lab. So, having a little bit of ambition and a lot of youthful ignorance, we decided to give it our best shot. With the help of some good dentist friends and their undeserved faith in us, we started McTech Dental Lab.
That was over three decades ago and I have never been sorry for that decision. Being a dental technician has been a wonderful experience. This business has certainly helped me grow as a person and has given me the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of many people – sometimes a profound difference. I enjoy working with professional people. I love developing ways, through treatment planning, to improve the quality of life of patients who need the technical and dental expertise that we provide.
The continued challenges that require ongoing education in both dental and digital based technologies keep me interested in learning and excited about what may be coming. But, sometimes I am scared to death and need to be dragged into the digital age, kicking and screaming. My younger colleagues can witness to this.
I have found that the digital tools we can now take advantage of, cannot replace the experience and many years of training which I have logged throughout my life as a technician. We have been able to discover and use the best of both worlds. We use the artistry of an old tech like me and the newest digital tools to produce what we think is a beautiful product with the highest standard of quality.
Position: Senior Ceramist & Technician
What is your story?
Bio Coming Soon!
Position: Senior CAD CAM Technician
How did you get into this field?
I went for a hand/eye coordination exam at a different lab and then began as a metal finisher. I then cross-trained into multiple positions before finally being brought on at McTech specifically for CAD/CAM
How long have you been in this field?
Since February 2010
How long have you been at McTech?
Since April 2016
What have you learned while working at McTech?
First and foremost, Mark has been an incredible resource and has taught me much about both anatomy, occlusion, and aesthetics. Mark has the ability to make the slightest change to any tooth but even that small change like a whole new tooth, specifically in the anterior. He has an eye for even the smallest differences that help us to create the perfect restoration for each patient. Phil has also taught me quite a bit in his time here at McTech, and it has been incredibly beneficial to here from someone who has used different designing programs, technology and even materials. Not to mention being able to interact with our doctors and collaborate with them on difficult or aesthetically significant cases. They have been an invaluable resource to help me become a well-rounded technician.
What about family and hobbies?
I love spending as much time as possible with my wife and 5 kiddos. As a family we enjoy fishing and swimming together, as well as watching movies and playing board games and card games together. We love being involved in church activities and the local homeschool community.
How have you learned to blend artistry with technology?
I have spent the majority of my time working on the technology side of the dental lab, I have had a crash course in not being content with what the program proposes. Though the software can stamp out a crown within its recognized boundaries, it takes a good eye and a human touch to create the perfect restoration that not only meets the basic function that the patient needs, but also fits seamlessly with their existing dentition and aesthetics.
Position: Ceramist & Front Desk
How did you get into this field?
I became a mother and was determined to have a career and not just another “job”. I was a chairside dental assistant for RiverStone Health until Mark found my resume on indeed
How long have you been in this field?
Since June of 2014
How long have you been at McTech?
Since July 13th 2015
What have you learned while working at McTech?
I have learned how to pour model work, wax, contour 3D Print, training others, contour and shade crowns. I have learned how important it is to work as part of a team. I have also learned that once a person loves their job and work environment, the more you want to be part of an amazing team.
What about family and hobbies?
I am a wife and a mother of an amazing little boy. We love camping, fishing and being at the river.
How have you learned to blend artistry with technology?
I have learned that technology has had a huge impact on the bulk of our starting product. With CAD/CAM, John and Kelli has captured the science of this. The artistry is flowing wax, refining minor imperfections, and contouring before our shading process. Mark and Phil have continually helped train my eyes to make masterpieces with shading and contouring.
