In Downtown Shreveport, a story of transformation and innovation is unfolding. Gator Dental Arts, located at 1200 Marshall Street, is more than just a dental lab; it’s a testament to hard work, vision, and the power of reinvention.
What began as a small venture by two U.S. Air Force veterans in 1997 has grown into a nationally recognized leader in dental restoration. Founders Robert Ratliff and Jamie Bartley left their military careers with a mission to change lives one smile at a time. With world-class training from Board-Certified Prosthodontists and a commitment to excellence, the pair launched Gator Ceramics Dental Lab.
Their approach emphasized partnership, communication, and education with their clients—dentists, oral surgeons, and patients. This dedication soon established Gator as a trusted name in dental ceramics, and their reputation only grew stronger when Jeff Thomas, a pioneer in CAD/CAM technology, merged his business, Thomas Dental Ceramics, with Gator in 2012.
The company took another significant step forward when Ben Hart, a local entrepreneur and owner of Custom Arts, joined the team. Previously located at 599 Creswell Avenue in Shreveport, Heart brought years of expertise and innovation to the table. His merger with Gator further solidified the company’s position as a leader in the dental lab industry.
By combining decades of expertise and cutting-edge technology, Gator Dental Arts has become a cornerstone of the dental industry. Their 100-employee team now delivers over 500 custom orders weekly to clients nationwide, ranging from zirconia products to 3D metal-printed pieces.
Gator Dental Arts isn’t just about exceptional dental products; it’s about revitalizing a part of Shreveport’s history. Their home, a beautifully restored manufacturing building on Marshall Street, is a marvel in its own right.
Original wooden beams, a spiral staircase, and even a historic freight elevator stand as reminders of the building’s industrial past. But step inside, and you’ll find a modern hub of innovation where digital artistry meets craftsmanship.
On the first floor, permanent restorations are designed with meticulous detail. Artists work from digital renderings created from x-ray scans, ensuring every product is a perfect fit. A row of CNC machines hum as they carve restorations from high-quality materials. Nearby, skilled artisans are finalizing each piece, which includes hand staining and glazing, bringing life-like detail to the final product.
Upstairs, the removable floor houses cutting-edge 3D printers and a 3-D metal printer that produces crowns and dental frames. The team’s precision extends to features like gum textures, making each creation both functional and artistic.
Gator Dental Arts doesn’t just focus on their products—they also prioritize their team. With a spacious family-style kitchen for gatherings and thoughtfully designed workspaces, the building reflects a commitment to employee well-being. The environment fosters collaboration and innovation, making it a standout workplace in the community.
Today, Gator Dental Arts stands as the largest and the most innovative lab within the nationwide APEX Dental Lab Group, a network of 22 labs across the country. Their transformation from a two-person startup to a national leader in dental restorations is a remarkable testament to resilience, partnership, and visionary leadership.
Through their work, they’re restoring more than just smiles—they’re restoring faith in the power of transformation. And in Downtown Shreveport, they’re proving that with the right foundation, anything is possible.
