ABOUT US
In 1955, The Dental Lab Inc. got its start when Richard Unsicker decided to manufacture dentures in the basement of his home. His children grew to know and love the business, learning to answer the phone as young as age 5.
In 1962, Richard moved his growing laboratory to its current location in Iowa City's quaint Longfellow neighborhood. As his children grew to teens, they began picking up models from dental offices and delivering finished prosthetics to dentists around town.
In 1982, Richard's daughter Debbie and her husband, Mike Hartley, took over the business, and changed its name from Unsicker Laboratory to The Dental Lab, Inc. For the next several decades, under their management, the business grew to a thriving enterprise that provided quality dentures and dental prosthetics to customers across Iowa City and the surrounding area. After a devastating fire destroyed the lab in 2013, the Hartleys were able to rebuild, creating a new and modernized laboratory that was truly their own.
The Dental Lab Inc. has remained a family owned business, and in 2024, upon Mike and Debbie's retirement, the Hartleys' son, Brian, took over ownership. Relying on a small team of vibrant technicians and employees, the Dental Lab continues to provide high quality dentures and prosthetics in close communication with clinicians and with outstanding local service. The Lab's team of technicians have diverse backgrounds in visual art and other creative pursuits, which they apply in the fabrication process, bringing a high level of artistry, craftsmanship, and attention to detail to ensure a comfortable and natural-looking fit for each patient.
The Dental Lab Inc. values its relationship with its dentists and prides itself on producing consistent, high quality dental appliances in a timely manner.
OUR SERVICES
FOR YOUR DENTAL PRACTICE
Full Dentures
Same-Day Relines
Acrylic Partial Dentures
Duraflex Flexible Partials
Cast Metal Frameworks
3D-Printed Models
Implant-Supported Dentures
Surgical Guides
Occlusal Guards & Splints
Hawley & Essix Retainers
Same-Day Repairs
Gold Teeth & Other Specialized
Aesthetic Modifications
25
Years of Experience
61
Dentists
3
Master Certifications
6
Happy Staff
OUR TEAM
We rely on a small team of technicians to deliver quality products to our dentists.
We serve dentists, helping them deliver
QUALITY SMILES
to their patients
HAPPY DENTISTS
"I've been working with The Dental Lab for 18 years. Excellent lab! Quality products. I appreciate that it is locally owned and there is an experienced lab technician always available to talk with me when I have questions or need advice."
Drs. Benjamin & William Clove
"The work the Dental Lab now provides is even better than the previous ownership's work."
Dr. Frederick R. Drexler
"I appreciate the quality work and the quick turn around times the Dental Lab offers our practice. They really think about our patients and put them first in their design, their quality, and their efficiency."
Jones Family Dentistry
CONTACT US
Our Address
Operating Hours
Delivery/Pickup Times
Monday – Friday 8AM – 5PM
9:00 AM
1:00 PM
4:00 PM