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.

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