“The patients would sit up after their veneers had been placed and just cry. For the first time in their lives, they feel like they have the confidence to smile, talk, and eat. That was my ‘why.’” - Mark Willes Mark joins me today to discuss how giving back can give meaning to our work. He describes his unconventional path to becoming a dental lab technician and how he became frustrated after a year and a half of working at a dental lab. He offers advice on building a thriving business. Mark also highlights the power of believing in and speaking from your vision and underscores the importance of connecting with your “why.” This week on The Mindset Zone: Mark’s beginnings in cosmetic dentistry Why Mark started feeling frustrated after a year and a half of working as a dental lab technician How the desire to be at the forefront of innovation energized Mark in his work The power of believing and speaking from your vision How seeing the impact of his work on other people’s lives motivated him The importance of connecting with your “why” Why Mark had to found a new company from scratch and what he learned from the experience How giving back gives meaning to Mark’s work Educating the dental community and dental patients Resources Mentioned: Give Back a Smile Guest: Mark Willes is the founder and co-developer of Durathin Veneers. Mark began his training as a dental lab technician at Utah Valley Dental Lab in 1996, where he soon became a partner. He has served as an assistant instructor for the Pacific Aesthetic Continuum’s Advanced Anterior Course and has also worked with the Hornbrook Group as a lab instructor. Over the years, Mark has developed several live patient programs, including his current hands-on DURAthin LIVE courses with Dr. Dennis Wells. In 2008, Mark and Dr. Wells—co-developers of DURAthin Veneers—were awarded the AACD’s Outstanding Scientific Advancement in Cosmetic Dentistry award for their work with no-prep veneers. Connect with Mark Willes: Experience Dental Studio Durathin Veneers Expand What’s Possible