Quality, quick dental appliances
Quality, quick dental appliances
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Brian R. Hartley
Owner & Certified Dental Technician
Brian Hartley (he/him) is a third-generation dental laboratory technician and a proud Iowa City native. He joined The Dental Lab full-time in 2006 and has been overseeing TDL’s daily operations since 2013. As a Certified Dental Technician in Complete Dentures, he has trained and mentored dozens of technicians-in-training, both TDL employees and students from Kirkwood Community College’s former Dental Technology Program. Brian is deeply committed to the Iowa City community and actively supports several local non-profits, including the Iowa Mission of Mercy, CommUnity, the Iowa City Bike Library, and the Antelope Lending Library. Outside of work, Brian enjoys performing with the Family Folk Machine choir, playing frisbee with the Longfellow Ultimate group, competing in local and national Magic: The Gathering tournaments, biking local trails, and spending quality time with his family.
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Brian has honed his craftsmanship over 19 years of experience working as a dental technician.
Brian makes adjustments to a wax model of a denture, which will be used to check the fit and aesthetic before the final denture is made.
Brian at the International Museum of Cryptozoology in Portland, ME.
Brian has honed his craftsmanship over 19 years of experience working as a dental technician.
Annalicia Garnica
Dental Technician
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Annalicia (Anna) Garnica (she/they) is The Dental Lab’s go-to technician for CAD/CAM and digital workflows. They joined TDL in 2021, and quickly adapted their existing knowledge and skill in 3D design to dental applications. A dental technician by day, by night, Anna performs locally as a musician and DJ. They have collaborated with several local bands but are currently focused on developing their solo work. In their free time, they advocate for social justice. Anna lives with five cats, but only owns one, Simon.
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Anna at the tooth cabinets, where she selects denture teeth according to their shade and shape to create an ideal, natural look.
Anna at the tooth cabinets, where she selects denture teeth according to their shade and shape to create an ideal, natural look.
Jason Uhm
Dental Technician
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Jae-Hyun (Jason) Uhm (he/him) has been working as a technician at The Dental Lab since 2022, where his primary responsibilities are managing denture repairs and fabricating immediate partial dentures. A native of Iowa, Jason earned his BFA in printmaking from the University of Iowa, and he is active in the local art scene as an artist and printmaker. He is currently a member of the print studio at Public Space One (PS1), a community-driven contemporary art organization, and his work has been featured in local exhibitions, including PS1’s Open Air Media Festival.
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Jason at his workstation, where he fabricates acrylic partials and other dental appliances.
Jason at his workstation, where he fabricates acrylic partials and other dental appliances.
Justin Scroggins
Dental Technician
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Justin Scroggins (he/him) has been working at The Dental Lab since 2024. As a dental technician, he specializes in designing cast metal frameworks and finishing work. Justin holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Whitewater, Wisconsin, with a concentration in metalsmithing and jewelry. Before joining the TDL team, Justin worked as an Instructor and General Manager at the Iowa City Fab Lab, and he continues to support the Fab Lab and local artists and makers as a Board Member. His art incorporates diverse media, including metals, wood, porcelain, and less conventional materials like flexible foam, which he manipulates using traditional fabrication techniques to playfully challenge preconceived ideas about material and value. His work has appeared in several national exhibitions and, most recently, in a 2025 Public Space One solo exhibition titled “A Very Serious Art Show.”
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Justin at the finishing station. He utilizes a on our durable Baldor lathes to shape the final dentures precisely for a natural look and comfortable fit.
Justin at the finishing station. He utilizes a on our durable Baldor lathes to shape the final dentures precisely for a natural look and comfortable fit.
Imogen Lowther
Dental Technician
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Imogen Lowther (she/her) joined The Dental Lab’s team of technicians in 2024 after moving to Iowa City from Cleveland, Ohio. Before training as a technician, Imogen studied jewelry making, photography, and automotive technology, a valuable combination of creative and technical skills that she applies in her current work. She also has a background in competitive foil fencing and participated in USA Fencing’s 2023 North American Cup and the 2024 Fencing National Championship. Her current interests include Jiu-Jitsu and caring for her two cats, Switzerland and Xena.
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Imogen has been training as a generalist dental technician but spends much of her time at the processing station, shown here.
When processing dentures, Imogen relies on equipment like TDL's wax scalding unit, Wasserman's WAPO-EX 12 II boil out.
Imogen's two cats, Xena, a black short-hair cat, and Switzerland, a tabby, are both rescues.
Imogen has been training as a generalist dental technician but spends much of her time at the processing station, shown here.
Gail E. Lowther
Office & Operations Manager
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Gail Lowther (she/her) joined The Dental Lab in 2024 after relocating to Iowa City. Gail is a skilled musician, educator, and scholar, and she holds graduate degrees in music education and historical musicology from her previous career as an elementary music teacher and librarian. Gail actively applies her organizational skills and passion for research to her current role supporting TDL’s operations and technical growth. Outside of work, she performs with the Iowa City Flute Choir.
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Gail at the front desk at The Dental Lab.
Gail at Sibley Music Library, Eastman School of Music.
Gail at the front desk at The Dental Lab.