Rick Winegardner, CDT graduated from the Dental Laboratory Program at Kirkwood College, in Cedar Rapids, IA., in 1976, and became a certified dental technician in 1980. Shortly after Rick opened RJ Dental Studio in Stevens Point, WI from 1981, where he honed is craft and gained national recognition and well as the respect of his peers.
In 1993 Rick was coax into opening the Oral Design Program at a national lab based in Norfolk, VA. It was here where he and Dr. Zapatero began a collaboration which continues to this date. Rick missed the freedoms of lab ownership and opened Winegardner Dental Arts since 1997, specializing in reconstructive, esthetic and implant dentistry. Dr. Zapatero and Mr. Winegardner's work has been presented in local, state, and national meetings, as well as the L.D. Pankey Institute in Key Biscayne, Fl., the UCLA Esthetic Continuum, and the Institute for Advanced Studies in Dental Esthetics in New York
Rick has also had the opportunity to work and study with some of the best dental lab technologists worldwide including Willi Geller, Don Cornell, Lee Culp and Dr. Robert Winters.
Rick has dedicated himself to the study of occlusion and esthetic dentistry. He has completed all laboratory related courses at the L. D. Pankey Institute. He has also attended courses with many international speakers such as Dr. Frank Spear, Dr. Peter Dawson, and Dr. John Kois.
Patient's right to choose.
Dr. Dag Zapatero believes a patient has the right to know where is dentistry is being fabricated. Ninety-five percent out the dentistry we produce is fabricated locally by either Winegardner Dental Arts or LabOne, both located in Norfolk, Virginia, Occasionally due to certain insurance policy re-imbursement schedules an alternative lab is necessary due to cost. Drake Dental labs in Atlanta, Georgia contracts with a very high quality Chinese dental lab who will fabricate the work at a lower fee. Our US technicians can not often compete with most foreign labs on cost since they are on a level playing field. While I still believe that our US technicians are some the best in the world we understand that finances play a role in decision making. It's our promise to make your your dentistry is of the best quality and that we keep you informed.
Click on image for directions to Winegardner Dental Arts at 9567 Shore Drive, Norfolk, VA 23518-1711
Copyright 2002 - 2011 Starfish Dental, Dag Zapatero DDS MAGD. All rights reserved.
