My primary job is to do quality control, log cases in and out, and get them to the downtown labs that we utilize.  

You used to be in the Air Force. What made you choose this path after retiring? 
While I was in the military, I started off as a dental assistant before I retrained at dental lab. I started working at the VA in dental lab and then progressed over to the University of Utah. 

What's something that most people don't realize about what a dental technician does? 
We make all the teeth, the dentures, the implants... The dentist does the work in the mouth. The technician actually makes the product. 

Do you have a favorite tool or gadget you swear by in the lab? 
CAD/CAM is the way we like to go. This right here is our design station and printing software that allows us to mill or print. 

What impact does your work have on the community, and how do you feel about it?
We have about eight clinics throughout the state of Utah that deal with a lot of low-income, underprivileged patients. I love that we're able to produce and provide care for a lot of underprivileged people here in the state of Utah. 

What's something from your military background that still shapes your work today? 
Turnaround times. We had to get things done on a very quick turnaround time. 

What keeps you coming back to work at University of Utah Health every day? 
Primarily the students. I love working with the students. I have a lot of knowledge that I wind up passing on to them. 

What do you hope they take away from their time with you? 
Always produce quality. If you don't have time to do it right the first time, you're never going to find time to do it right the second time. 

You always seem to have time for questions from your students. What keeps you so patient? 
I just know that they're in the process of learning. Being patient, working with them, and answering their questions right from the get-go is a good practice.

What's one piece of advice to someone just starting out here? 
Take in everything everybody has to say. Take all those different opinions and formulate your own opinion. 

What's your favorite way to unwind after a long day of work?
Anything outdoors—camping, hunting, fishing.

Well, that's the interview! Have a good one.
Perfect! Come again to the University of Utah School of Dentistry. 

-Video by Jhonny Larrocha