Chief Operating Officer at Access Dental Laboratories is a motivated, driven, executive in his company. He specializes in building strong, passionate, leadership oriented management teams to successfully implement action plans that align with corporate strategy, policies and sales goals.

With his experience in management and architectural design, Mr. Jackson was able to successfully assist his partners, Dr. Shanelle R. Dawson and Mr. Todd R. Reid in planning, designing and building the first African American full-service dental laboratory in the United States.
Samuel Jackson is a motivational and empowerment speaker, and an advocate for the education of his community. Being a life long resident of his home town of Syracuse, NY, his goal is to motivate community leaders to add value to people through support and relationships, empowering individuals to take advantage of resources and funding for community growth and wellness while educating them on the standard and structure that it will take to achieve change.

Mr. Jackson believes with the history and culture he is helping to create for his community through ACCESS Dental Laboratories, he can be an intricate part in giving this generation and the next a new, different option to look to when planning the paths for their futures.

Director of Education and Ceramic Manager 

Before joining Access Dental Laboratories Rick has worked in various clinical capacities, working as a chair-side assistant and as an in-house ceramist/technician for several years while teaching and demonstrating Fixed Oral Prosthetics in other laboratories. He then worked with labs to Train and Manage in the area of Ceramics and Implants. His specialty is Smile Design reconstruction and All-Ceramic restorations along with Implants. He is a graduate of the Clinical Research Associates’ Fixed Oral Prosthetic Program for Private Laboratory Technicians in Provo, UT under the teaching of John F. Archibald, CDT who is Dr. Gordon J. Christensen’s, DDS, MSD, PhD in-house technician. 

Rick’s passion is Education, and he has studied with many talented technicians and doctors including Willi Geller, Don Cornell, Aki Yoshida, Yasu of Oral Design in Boston, Matt Roberts, Naoki Hayashi just to name a few along with Dr. Pete Dawson, Dr. John Kois, The Pankey Institute and LVI. Rick’s unique training in Gnathology And Neuromuscular Dentistry gives him an edge on Implants, Full Mouth rehabilitation and High-End Aesthetic restorations. His experience in working with and understanding all the different types of ceramic systems, alloys and implants is vital in helping doctors to make the best choice of materials in treatment planning. Rick has an extensive network in the dental industry because of his strong commitment to collaboration. His motto is, “You are not made to do it alone”. If he doesn’t know the answer, he will know someone that will. 

Alexa Dence is the Logistic & Supply Manager at Access Dental Laboratories. A native of Syracuse, NY, she graduated from Henninger High School in 2014. Alexa brings seven years of customer service experience to Access Dental Laboratories. Over those seven years, she worked in patient care and is fluent in multiple business operating systems. “In the work field, I am very organized and determined. I try to perfect everything I do and I am always excited and ready to learn new things. With my experience, I hope to help our company grow. I plan to always be dependable, reliable and become an expert in my department while adding value to the people working alongside of me.” Alexa loves to travel and spend time with her family. Her recipe to success is: “What you have been through doesn’t define you. Even when times get rough, don’t sit in your sorrow. Think of what you will do better tomorrow to secure your future for the rest of your life. And sometimes, when you envision your best life, your goals may seem too big or out of reach, but even the most successful people did not become who they are overnight. Make every day count!”

Cad Cam Department Manager 

Melissa Rogers, Cad Cam Department Manager at Access Dental Laboratories, with six years of experience as a dental technician, has special training in the designing of custom implant abutments, cad cam software, finishing, ceramics, models, and assisted patients while taken custom shades. Additionally, Melissa has completed two years of medical assistant courses at Bryant and Stratton College.

Her hobbies include professional archery, painting, listening to live music and competitive equestrian. Melissa is an outdoor enthusiast and enjoys hiking with her dogs. With her great leadership, effective communication skills and attention to detail; she aims to achieve a professional relationship between clients and patients providing them with high quality services and care here at Access Dental Laboratories.

Removable Department Manager of Access Dental Laboratories, is a 25yrs Experience Dental Technician, 10yrs Experience Department Manager. His expertise is in the areas of Removables at a High Level of Attention to Detail to Model Work, Set-Up, Waxing, Processing, Finishing, Polishing, Chair Side Impression, Surgical Guides/Attachment Placement and Quality Control Experience all at a Master Level. Great Leadership Abilities to create an Successful Environment for a Successful Department. He has spent his adult life with continuous Dental Education in the Field and with ViVa CDE Learning. Also in my Hometown leading groups of young adults. Looking to Travel on the Right Path or just Simply how to become a better person.

LaVar Harris’s Personal motto is “Each One Can Teach One”

Advanced CAD Cam Designer

Taylor Mott has years of experience in the dental field; the last 3 being focused solely on full arch cases. Before graduating, Taylor started working as a CAD designer in the dental field, spearheading him to acquire his Associates Degree in science from the Ulster County Community College. While enrolled in the early college program HVPA (P-Tech), Taylor has taken lean manufacturing courses, OSHA, Excel, and AutoCAD, as well as having hands-on experience in 3D modeling software such as Solid-works and Inventor.

Previous to relocating to Syracuse, Mr. Mott had the experience of working on Full arch PMJIGs, PMMAs, and Final Zirconia Full arches. Taylor’s responsibilities at Access Dental Laboratories include leading his department in Implant cases and implementing an all-digital workflow. With a unique college experience focused on teamwork and creative problem solving, Taylor will effectively communicate and work with Drs. to provide predictability and ensure that cases are handled correctly from the start.

Dental Technician Training

Model Training

CADCAM Training

Curriculum Design