Today we’d like to introduce you to Morgan Richards.
Hi Morgan, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I grew up on a farm, which meant learning early the value of hard work, responsibility, and doing things the right way the first time. I’ve always had an artistic side, and dentistry stood out because it allowed me to work with my hands, use creativity, and still stay rooted in the sciences.
I completed dental school through an Army scholarship and spent three years stationed in Germany. That clinic was where my view of dentistry really shifted. I had the rare opportunity to work directly with every dental specialty — prosthodontics, periodontics, endodontics, oral surgery, and orthodontics. Seeing how each specialty approached diagnosis and treatment gave me a broader, more comprehensive understanding of oral health and how the whole system works together.
After leaving the Army, I worked in a large, high-volume practice in Knoxville, Tennessee. While the schedule was full, I became frustrated by the focus on production goals and single-tooth dentistry. I wanted the freedom to treat patients based on what was best for their long-term health, not what fit into a quota.
That’s where the concept for Dente really began.
When my family and I moved to Utah, I decided to build a practice centered on comprehensive, thoughtful care — the kind of dentistry that looks beyond isolated problems and focuses on function, prevention, and long-term outcomes. We built Dente from the ground up in Lehi, starting with zero patients and a clear purpose.
Today, Dente Comprehensive Dentistry is built around a simple mission: turning smiles into confidence. We focus on full-mouth health, high-quality restorative and aesthetic dentistry, and giving patients the time and attention needed to make informed decisions. It’s the type of dental experience I wish more people had access to, and the reason I started Dente in the first place.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Not at all. Getting Dente open was one of the most challenging periods of my life.
I was originally set to acquire an existing practice, and that deal completely fell through at the last minute, putting me back at square one. To secure financing for a startup instead, my husband and I sold our home and moved into a townhouse so we could make the numbers work. Finding the right location also took much longer than expected.
Once we finally secured a space, construction on the landlord’s side ran nearly 12 months behind schedule. That delay had a domino effect — mainly in the form of burning through working capital before I could even open my doors. Equipment and buildout brought their own surprises: my brand-new $20,000 dental chair broke on its very first use (with a patient already in it), our IT systems required an unexpected additional $15,000, and the HVAC ended up costing nearly double the industry norm — something I didn’t learn until after signing.
And then, just two weeks after opening, one of my children was diagnosed with a lifelong illness.
There were moments when it felt like if something could go wrong, it did. But each setback ultimately reinforced why I wanted to build Dente in the first place — to create stability, provide care on my own terms, and build something lasting. The challenges made the opening of Dente that much more meaningful.
As you know, we’re big fans of Dente Comprehensive Dentistry. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Dente Comprehensive Dentistry is built around delivering high-quality aesthetic, restorative, and TMD-focused care. While we provide full general dentistry, we’re especially known for veneers, smile design, and comprehensive treatment that supports long-term function and confidence.
What many people don’t realize is that great cosmetic dentistry requires extensive training far beyond dental school. It’s a detailed, artistic skill that takes years of additional education and hands-on experience. Because of that, we’ve designed Dente to be an experience — not just another dental appointment. We take our time, study each smile and bite carefully, and use advanced technology to create results that look natural, feel comfortable, and last.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of the intentional, calm, personalized environment we’ve created. Our mission is turning smiles into confidence, and everything we do centers on delivering thoughtful, precise, and truly customized care for each patient.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
Dentistry is changing quickly, and I think the next decade will bring even more technology-driven advancements. Like many industries, AI is becoming a valuable tool, from diagnostics to treatment planning, helping dentists work with greater accuracy and efficiency. 3D printing is also improving every year, and I expect it to become standard in most offices, allowing for faster, more precise restorations and appliances.
We’re also seeing a shift toward highly digital, tech-integrated practices overall. Patients today are far more informed than they used to be, thanks to social media and the accessibility of online information. That means they ask better questions, seek higher-quality outcomes, and are more aware of their options. I think this will continue to push the industry toward transparency, advanced training, and comprehensive, patient-centered care.
Overall, the future of dentistry is more digital, more precise, and more driven by patient education and expectations.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.dente.care
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmorganrichards
