Our Story
For more than 40 years, the Ling family has been dedicated to creating high-quality dentures for the people of the Kootenays. What began with retired Denturist Randy Ling has now grown into a new chapter, carried forward by his daughter and licensed Denturist, Michelle Ling.
Michelle grew up in the clinic, learning the art and precision of denture-making directly from her father. Randy taught her the importance of honesty, patience, craftsmanship, and treating every patient like family. Today, Randy continues to support Michelle as a Dental Technician, sharing the decades of wisdom and experience that shaped his career.
Together, they blend traditional, hands-on techniques with thoughtful, patient-centred care - creating dentures that are comfortable, natural-looking, and built with precise attention to detail.
Michelle was born in Nelson, BC. After graduating high school, she moved to Kelowna to pursue studies in Human Kinetics, completing both a diploma at Okanagan College and a degree in Kinesiology at UBCO. During her summers, she returned home to work alongside her father in the family clinic — gaining irreplaceable hands-on experience.
After graduating in 2014, Michelle worked full-time as a Dental Technician before moving to Toronto, ON in 2021 to pursue her dream of becoming a Denturist. She graduated from George Brown College in 2024 with honours and a 4.0 GPA, demonstrating her dedication to mastering her craft.
Michelle’s approach is personal and rooted in traditional denture-making methods that prioritize accuracy, detail, and patient comfort — techniques passed down to her by Randy and refined through her own training and passion for learning.
Randy’s 40+ years in the field have made him a cornerstone of denture care in the Kootenays. Known for his remarkable craftsmanship and caring demeanour, he has helped countless patients regain their confidence and quality of life.
Even in retirement, Randy continues to work in the lab, ensuring each denture reflects the meticulous standards he is known for. His mentorship is at the heart of the clinic, guiding Michelle as she continues the family trade.
Our Approach
At Kootenay SmiLing Denture Clinic, we believe dentures are not a one-day solution - they’re a journey, and we walk that path with you:
Traditional, handcrafted techniques for perfect detail & precision
Honest, clear communication at every stage
A warm, supportive, family-run environment
A commitment to long-lasting patient relationships
Dedication to continuous learning and excellence
We are honoured to continue serving the community that helped shape our family and we can’t wait to help you feel confident in your smile again!