History of Lab One Dental

Lab One Dental was established in Norfolk, Virginia by the late William (Bill) Willits, CDT in 1980. It began as a removable appliance dental laboratory, but big things were about to happen. One year later, Willits was joined by his daughter, Karen M. Crace. The lab flourished because of this father/daughter duo’s commitment to excellence and continuing education. It is no surprise that Willits’ growing business eventually received the Harry Hagman Award for Innovation.

Karen contributed many articles in various trade journals while training and becoming a world-class denture technician under the excellent, personal instruction of Dr. (Jack) Turbyfill. Meanwhile, both Bill and Karen continued to expand the lab through reputation and referrals. A leap into full service was necessary to accommodate the growing demand for services——particularly combination work.

Bill retired in 2008, and the legacy of Lab One Dental continued successfully with Karen at the helm. She made herself available to assist Lab One clients while still enjoying her true passion——a career at the bench. She retired happily in 2025.

Lab One Dental is committed to offering the best quality dental restorations and appliances, but we are enthusiastic about becoming the best we can be—-that means staying up to date in a constantly changing dental landscape. We host world-class, renowned speakers to continue educating both our staff and our clients.

“In my opinion, LAB ONE may have the finest group of technicians on the East Coast! Even though I practice in Maryland, they feel like they are next door. Their quality is rarely found and their customer service cannot be topped. I am proud to call them my laboratory.”
– Paul Gauthier, DDS, Frederick and Hagerstown, MD