Luke Barnett
This patient’s irregular teeth were restored using minimally
invasive techniques making full use of her bright underlying
tooth colour with feldspathic veneers and a contact lens effect
to give a stunning result.
Dentistry by Dr James Russell. |
The precise art of technical dentistry
Luke Barnett and his team of specialists have been working
together to realise a dream that started back in 1976. Combining
enthusiasm, inspiration and the very best patient care, the Luke
Barnett team has remained at the forefront of technology in the
production of high-quality crown and bridge solutions – from a
tiny inlay to a massive functional or aesthetic restorative case.
Located in Watford with fast links to London, and providing a
daily pick-up and delivery service, the laboratory not only
produces works of beauty, it is something of a piece of art itself –
3500 sq.ft. of technology and bespoke fittings, the world-quality
lab was built with no expense spared to be a place of creativity for
a very special team.
Whilst serving many postal clients, Luke also encourages
patients and dentists to visit the lab and discuss their individual
requirements and, where appropriate, to plan treatment from a
technical point of view. When customers visit the lab and meet
the specialists, they feel reassured that they are in the very best
hands. Discussing any concerns and options also helps to ease
anxiety on the journey to a beautiful smile. We have dedicated
patient care facilities, including our shade-taking room and
custom finishing facilities together with a fully equipped surgery.
No compromises
Our promise to our customers is to ensure that we will never
knowingly compromise as we strive to produce restorations of
beautiful quality. We will always remain passionate and driven,
even when the odds are against us. In addition, we will always
ensure that when doing business with us, our clients and their
patients will receive great value and great service each and
every time.
Digital technology
Digital dental technology has been important for us for 15 years
or more. We embraced the Nobel Procera system a long time ago
and have used various scanners over the years. We have the Cerec
inLab system and established our own 3M ESPE Lava milling
centre called the Precision Coping Company. It produces our own
beautiful Lava substructures (and supplies many other
laboratories around the country). Large-span metal-free
bridgework, including inlay-retained and Maryland types, are all
designed, milled, constructed and finished to Luke’s own exacting
standards.
Reception
Waiting area
Shade taking and custom finishing room
Main laboratory |
Luke’s journey
‘I started my apprenticeship in the autumn of 1976. I knew
straight away that this was the career for me, and I still feel the
same today! I qualified some four years later and started my
business in 1985 under the Enterprise initiative. I essentially had to
teach myself ceramic techniques until a chance meeting with
master ceramist Chris Liu, whose enthusiasm was inspirational – I
still use many of his techniques today.
‘My first main employee, apart from my trusty delivery man,
was Daren Vinall, who still works with me today, running our gold
department and controlling all design issues for our diagnostics
and implant work, which is central to the modern techniques we
have adopted today.
‘Bridget Robinson is my head of ceramics. Bridget has been
with me for 20 years; she is the backbone of the business and,
while taking on many roles, has the unenviable task of producing
the Smile Design cases. These are an area of great complexity and
the demand for quality is relentless. Whilst we take our general
production crown and bridgework very seriously, Smile Design is
an area of great importance to us.
‘We have been directly involved in this type of work since 2002
when Aesthetic Advantage came to London to teach the
techniques of cosmetic dentistry. I went on to join the American
Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) and am a sustaining
member. It is my great delight that I am also the first technician to
achieve accreditation with the British Academy of Cosmetic
Dentistry (BACD). I am always happy to help and advise anyone
interested in achieving the distinction of BACD accreditation.‘I am currently associated with several post-grad programmes
involving lecturing on cosmetic dental techniques to both
dentists and technicians. I also give presentations for study clubs
around the UK. I have given various presentations for WAC (the
World Aesthetic Congress) and DENTS Workshop at the IDS.
‘With an in-house surgery, 16 work stations in the main room
and AV facilities, our premises are ideal for running hands-on and
theoretical courses for all disciplines.’
Progressive and passionate
Luke and the team continuously strive to be progressive and have
never been shy in embracing change. Our mission statement
remains the same and we are still just as passionate about our
work today as the very first day we opened our doors for business.
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