Michael J. O'Brien
Founder (1944 - 2002)
His lab and his legacy
Michael J. O’Brien was the founder of O’Brien Dental Lab. He was a man who possessed a passion for dentistry, and whose pursuits benefited many along the way. From supporting local doctors and communities, to championing new technologies on an international level, Mike not only built a business, but was also an asset to the entire dental industry.Mike received his initial training as a dental laboratory technician in the Army. Following an honorable discharge, he moved to Eugene then to California where he honed his skills at the bench. In 1969, Mike returned to Oregon and started a one-man operation in Corvallis called O’Brien C&B Dental Lab. His goal was to provide products and services for local area dentists. But what started as a small idea would become one of the largest dental laboratories in the Northwest.
From its tiny beginning in downtown Corvallis, Mike’s lab grew. He began serving not only Corvallis and surrounding areas, but also expanded to deliver cases daily to Portland, Vancouver, Salem, Eugene, Newport and all points in between, along with a generous amount of business by mail within the state and across the country.
Some of Mike’s success was due to his belief in being on the leading edge of technology. He was always looking toward the future. As an innovator, he successfully anticipated changes in the industry, which enabled him to remain competitive and to prosper. In his later years Mike’s joy was being more involved in outside organizations, traveling the world in search of industries whose technology might somehow be applied to the advancement of dentistry, and using his lab as a beta test site for product development. For this both customers and competitors admired him. Many in the industry looked to Mike for his knowledge and insight into evolving dental technologies.
Mike also took great pleasure in assisting others to excel. He was generous with his time and his knowledge. He gave back to the industry by supporting continuing education and dental students. Upon his death, doctors all over the region expressed a similar sentiment; Mike helped make them what they are today. He helped many young dentists become successful.
In 2002, after 32 years of building a very successful dental lab from the ground up, his life was cut short by an accidental drowning. He was only 57. His peers, staff, community and family miss Mike O’Brien, but he leaves behind a legacy that continues to inspire many. He was a leader, visionary, entrepreneur and friend.
