Laboratory Staff
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Helen Edwards
Dental Technician
Helen Edwards was born and raised locally, and graduated from Huntington College with her AA degree in dental technology in 1989. Helen monitors the progress of each dental restoration in the laboratory assuring quality control in a timely manner. Her expertise in the fabrication of dies and casts from impressions and the fabrication of wax patterns for gold crown castings has been a valuable addition to our dental laboratory staff.
In her recreation time, Helen enjoys gardening. Her hobby of painting has led to work at the local art festivals and her seamstress hobby has become charity work to obtain clothing for the Casa de Cuna orphanage in Mexico.
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Daniel Benjoya
Dental Technician/Ceramist
Dan spent his early years growing up locally in Dana Point, and received his formal training as a dental laboratory technician at the Dental Technical Institute in Orange, California. After graduation in 1992, Dan spent the next sixteen years as a ceramist in high quality commercial dental laboratories, joining our office in 2008.
Dan is a leading expert in the fabrication of dental crowns utilizing the latest technical advancements in pressed ceramics. The new ceramic material used for porcelain crowns and porcelain laminate veneers has strength and appearance of natural tooth enamel.
Dan and his wife enjoy keeping up, and joining in, with the baseball and surfing activities of their two teenagers. They also spend recreation time traveling, camping, and participating in outdoor sports. They give back to the community as members of Surfrider, taking part in their volunteer work and beach cleanups.
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Don LaFreniere
Dental Technician
Don LaFreniere was raised in Long Beach, attending Polytechnic High School. He received his formal dental technology training at Dental Technical Institute in Orange, graduating in 1972. Don is a true craftsman and one of the very finest dental technicians in the field of removable prosthodontics, bringing 40 years of experience to our office.
Don's skills in the dental lab carry over to his interests of oil painting, carpentry and automobile mechanics and restorations. On a clear day, you can find him fly fishing, signing up for a fishing tournament or taking a boating class.
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Gary Oden
Technician/Ceramist
Gary Oden was born in Hollywood, moving to Fountain Valley in 1965. After graduating from La Quinta High School, he entered the Orange Coast College Dental Technology Program in 1967. In 1969, Gary was drafted into the U.S. Army Infantry and served with the 25th Infantry Division in South Vietnam from January to November, 1970. After an Honorable Discharge, he returned to school to complete his Dental Technology education.
Gary worked for commercial dental laboratories in Orange County from 1971 until 1980, becoming the Lead Ceramist at one of the largest dental laboratories in the country. In 1980, Gary started his own dental laboratory which he continues to manage in addition to the time he is with our office. We are fortunate to have Gary, with his 40 plus years of experience and knowledge, in our dental laboratory.
Gary, and his wife of 40 years, have two grown children. The family enjoys boating and water skiing at Lake Mead. They are members of Calvary Chapel in Costa Mesa. Gary also enjoys playing guitar with his Blues Band, Mesa Blue.
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William Wakefield
Dental Ceramist
Bill Wakefield was raised in the San Fernando Valley and Lake Arrowhead where he graduated from high school in 1968. Bill served as a member of the Naval Reserve while he was attending Riverside City College. After graduation from the two-year Dental Technology Program in 1970, he served two years active duty in the U.S. Navy, assigned to the Dental Department of the U.S. Naval Station on Midway Island. Upon separation from active duty, Bill served two more years in the Naval Reserve.
Bill has been working in the dental laboratory industry in Orange County since 1972. When he joined our staff in 1998, he brought with him 30 years of experience in the field, the majority of his experience as a dental ceramist. Bill stays current in his field through continuing education courses, and provides us with exquisite porcelain laminate veneers.
Bill lives in Mission Viejo with his wife, Charmaine, and son, Chris. In his spare time, Bill can be found riding his motorcycle, or kayaking. As a family, they enjoy trips to the mountains with their Golden Retriever, Dylan.