Smile Innovations Group Expands Primary Laboratory

Smile Innovations Group Expands Primary Laboratory

Smile Innovations Group Expands Primary Laboratory

Fragmented Industry Allows Further Opportunity For Differentiation

Vancouver, BC, April 5, 2021 — Smile Innovations Group today announced the expansion of its primary dental laboratory, Shanto Dental Ceramics Inc., into Kelowna, BC. Headquartered in Vancouver, Shanto Dental will now offer a production facility in the Okanagan, which will allow both the parent company and its subsidiary, a wider footprint in British Columbia, supporting the growing dental needs of Canadians in that part of the province. 

Shanto has serviced the BC lower mainland for over three decades, and has experienced continued growth over the last several years, under the management of Smile Innovations. Multiple factors, such as a drastic increase in the elderly population and the rising consumer demand of esthetic dentistry, coupled with the lab’s ability to scale up embracing advanced technologies, drives this growth. The company will again look at further expansion opportunities within the province, in larger populated cities, that are currently underserviced. 

Shanto’s new location, Shanto OKGN, will be managed by Mark Vickers, a seasoned RDT, whom most recently, owned and operated a laboratory in Alberta, and has held previous senior management roles within the industry. As the population of the Okanagan increases, Mr. Vickers feels geographically, the decision to expand into the interior makes sense. “I am excited to grow our core business and brand here in Kelowna and look forward to getting to know the community,” says Vickers. With the attrition the dental lab market is facing, especially in this rapidly expanding area of the country, due to the changing role of the dental lab, and thirst for digitization, CEO, Donald Park, cites the business opportunity. “While the local laboratories have done a fantastic job supporting the dental community, many skilled and tenured lab owners are now retiring, and the role of dental laboratories has changed drastically. In addition, the appetite for digital dentistry has increased significantly, which, given our expertise in the area, allows us to support these workflows and meet the growing needs of the population. We look to the expansion of our premier laboratory, and collaboration with current and future dental practitioners of the Okanagan.” 

Smile Innovations Group

 is Canada’s leading dental lab network, focusing on dental laboratory acquisitions, consolidation and the development of dental products and services. Established in 2018, the management of Smile Innovations Group offers extensive experience and success in the operational management of large-scale businesses and continually seeks out additional opportunities to add to their growing portfolio of companies. It was co-founded by Manny Padda, Executive Chairman and Donald Park, CEO. 

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Contacts:

Donald Park | CEO

Manny Padda | Executive Chairman

dpark@smileinnovationsgroup.com mpadda@smileinnovationsgroup.com