Meet John Barnes – Lab Technician at West Wind Dental

In this video, dental technician John Barnes shares his background, experience, and how his patient-first philosophy drives excellent results.

My name is John Barnes, and I grew up here in Rigby, Idaho. I’ve known Dr. Robert Ellis for most of my life. We lived just a few miles apart, and we’ve been working together since he opened his practice in 2001. I began my career in dental technology back in 1990 after training in Utah with John Archibald Associates, who worked closely with Gordon Christensen, a leading name in dental research.

For many years, I specialized in crown and bridge work using traditional hands-on craftsmanship, including casting gold crowns. Around 2013–2014, I transitioned into digital dentistry, and today much of our work involves scanning and computer design. This technology makes treatment easier for patients and gives us the ability to quickly remake or adjust crowns if needed, since we keep the digital file on hand.

Dr. Ellis and I share the same philosophy, always putting the patient first and going the extra mile. He’s meticulous in his work, and that level of detail matches how I approach my role as a technician. Together, we’ve built a seamless team focused on delivering the best results for every patient.

If you or someone you love is struggling with missing teeth or loose dentures, contact Dr. Robert Ellis in Rigby, ID, for a free consultation to learn how our life-changing treatments can enhance your smile, improve your function, and restore your self-confidence.

OUR DENTAL SERVICES

Hear What Our Patients Are Saying...

Take Our Free 30-Second Implant Quiz

Read The West Wind Dental Blog

Learn about the services we provide, and the latest advancements in general, cosmetic, and implant dentistry in Eastern Idaho.

Dental Emergency in Idaho Falls, ID | Urgent Visits [Video Q&A]
Your Dental Emergency Questions, Answered! [Video Q&A]

Perhaps you’re dealing with aches and sensitivity in a bothersome tooth. Is it a dental emergency, or is it okay to put off an urgent visit? Some dental issues, like fillings or crowns popping off, are minor. It’s usually fine to wait for a day or two for a less urgent visit. But if you’re showing signs of an [...]

Mini Implant Dentist in Rigby, Idaho FREE Consultation
4 Ways a Mini Implant Supports More Than Just Your Smile

You may have heard the proverb “a stitch in time saves nine,” an age-old saying that urges addressing a problem early to prevent more serious issues later. The same principle applies to your oral health. A missing tooth or unstable denture may seem manageable at first, but over time, it can lead to bone loss, gum problems, shifting teeth, [...]

Floating Dentures in Idaho Falls, ID | Free Implant Consultations
Put Floating Dentures in Their Place With Dental Implants!

You were excited to smile and eat with your dentures. But now that you have them, you’re finding that they slip, slide, and even fall out when you try to talk and eat. It doesn’t feel like a fair fight to pair floating dentures against a good meal. When you feel like your dentures float like a butterfly in [...]

Dental Anxiety Sedation Dentist in Rigby, ID FREE Consultation
Overcoming Dental Anxiety: How Dr. Ellis Helps Patients Feel Calm and Comfortable

Before he even saw the phantom, Shaggy’s legs shook like a weather vane in a windstorm. “Ruh roh! Rhost!” shouted Scooby-Doo. In a split second, Scooby leaped into Shaggy’s arms, and the pair darted out of sight to safety with that classic stumbling sound effect. Everyone is afraid of something, and in dentistry, fear is far more common than [...]