History of Imperius Dental Laboratory


More than fifty years have passed since I first put on an apron to begin my apprenticeship as a "DENTAL MECHANIC". Over the years the name has changed to Dental Technician and finally to Registered Dental Technologist. The title that struck my fancy and still does, is the name given by an old family friend who took great delight and pride in announcing to everyone that I was now a "Mechanical Dentist".

Horses, Cars, and Computers covers the period I spent in a dental lab as a delivery boy. The cities of Fort William and Port Arthur had at least four Laboratories and most of the dental offices were within walking distance (except Fort William). The dental office on Bay Street required the use of a bicycle and I would always stop at Cherckovers Horse Exchange to watch the beautiful horses. I am sure the boss wondered why it took me so long to make that trip. The bicycle was also used many times for the trips to Fort William dental offices.

As the years moved on and I became the boss, I often wondered why my delivery boy was gone a long time on some of the deliveries. Then one day it became apparent to me that he was spending time at a used car lot.

When my son Paul started on the plaster bench and did some of the deliveries during the summer months, he would be absent for long periods and it didn't take long to figure out that he could be found in a computer store. How times have changed!

My artistic and mechanical ability prompted a suggestion that I apply for a job in a dental lab that had a vacancy. In the fall of 1940 I was hired as an apprentice and thus my start in the dental lab. One month later I had some doubts as to whether there was any future in this business. I had never seen so many dentures and thought surely in a few more months everyone that needed false teeth would be taken care of. Fifty years later the lab is still in operation due mainly to the many different services available to the public.

The delivery person for a laboratory has an important job. Not only are they responsible for the delivery of the cases, but are a representative of the lab. In my day, I also had to take the blame for the work being delayed or not satisfactory.(This was RARE.) The dentist did not hesitate to shout or complain to me if things were not right.

One vivid memory comes to mind. Dental offices in the early days were on the second floor and many times this meant a long climb. Receptionists were not in all the dental offices and I had direct contact with the dentist. Some times the dentist had time for a little chat. On this occasion the boss decided that a denture repair that I had to deliver was worth twenty-five cents more than the usual fee, the bill was for $1.00. The phrase "They shot the messenger" entered my mind as I made my way - shaking in my boots. There was not going to be any chit chat with the dentist this time. I placed the parcel on the desk and ran as fast as I could for the nearest exit. The bottom of the long flight of stairs was not reached before I received the full blast about the price increase. However the dentist involved was a most loyal customer and when retired left me one of his dental chairs and several of his university dental books.

It was not unusual for a dentist to have the delivery person wait while he tried in the waxed dentures. One day there were several deliveries to be made and I informed the doctor that I would complete my rounds and return when the try in was completed. Upon my return, there was panic! the patient had walked out of the office with the waxed up dentures in his mouth. The patient was from out of town and was staying at the Marriagi Hotel. It was my job to try and track him down. The desk clerk informed me that the man in question was not in his room. The only thing I could do was walk up and down Water Street looking for a man with a big smile. I believe our motto "When we make It! You Smile!" was born. A short walk along the street soon produced results and the transfer took place.

In my time I have worked with many dentists. One in particular comes to mind with his "unique" salesmanship. Low priced dentures was his motto, but once in his office he would try one of three sizes of dentures already made small, medium and large. If there was not a satisfactory fit then a custom denture would be made. This of course meant the regular routine at a higher cost. There are many stories to tell and I can assure you that the majority ended happily.

Many changes have taken place in the last six decades of the relatively short history of dentistry as I know it. To say that there is nothing new under the sun can be applied here also. The invention of Vulcanized rubber for denture bases at the turn of the Century was a breakthrough that was still used even with the advent of pink resins in 1935. This led to new developments for processing and applications of these resins.

I am sure that there will be many more innovative ideas as we enter the age of computers. As of December 31, 1998, I have hung up my lab coat for the last time. During my career in the dental profession I have enjoyed the "Dental Teamwork" and thank them for their loyalty and their friendship.

By Ken Imperius.




Pictured here are Ken and Eric Imperius.

At this time Eric was not a dentist but had worked in the lab until Ken realized that the city was not big enough for two lab technicians he eventually put his brother through school to become a dentist.