Provider updates

“Melanie’s legacy does continue; it’s partly why we decided to keep her name as the business name,” says David Pettit, the new practice owner of Melanie Block LD. One year ago, taking over a denturist business where his mother, sister, and cousin had worked was not a plan he had imagined in his near future. Fast-forward roughly eight months, David is on a different career path and he couldn’t be any happier. The most rewarding part of his new career is seeing patients smile as they leave the office. David believes “there shouldn’t be any boundaries to why everyone can’t have the best dentures and a perfect smile.”

When the opportunity presented itself, David said the decision to carry on that torch for Melanie was an easy one. Quality has always been priority at Melanie Block LD. All removable prosthetics were, and still are, carefully handcrafted at their office by their licensed denturist, Christopher McCarthy, and their two artisans on staff. “It’s very rare for us to send out cases, when we do, it’s mostly for metal-based denture work.”

David’s previous career was as a graphic design professional involved in various marketing projects, event promotion, and he even dabbled in designing homes. He attended college at the Art Institute of Seattle, a niche for the arts. Born in Portland and raised in Bellevue, Washington, the Oregon life eventually drew him back. David enjoys the company of his two dogs and often devotes any free time to his fascination with cars. He refers to himself as a modern [combustible engine] car junkie.

An interest in the arts seem quite common in the office. Christopher attended the University of Maine and received a degree in Fine Arts. While living in the northeast part of the country, he was in search of a job and came across an ad for a dental tech position that would specifically train someone with an art background. He applied for the job and got it. “What happens in dental arts is esthetically driven so it was a natural transition,” Christopher describes. Discovering his newfound passion, he decided to further his education to become a denturist.

A native to Machias, Maine, his education and lifestyle eventually led Christopher and his wife to Portland, Oregon in the summer of 2015. “Culture really drew me out here. I was into cycling, had different ideas, and didn’t feel like I fit in. I feel more at home here.” He and his wife have two cats and are expecting their first child later this year.

Christopher, as well as the rest of the staff, had the unique opportunity to learn and work under Melanie in Portland. “Melanie is a legend. She’s left some big shoes to fill.” Christopher acknowledged that although he and Melanie may have different technical ways of making dentures, their “attitude towards the patients and towards the craft” is what they share in common. Patient relationship is central to him. “I want (each patient) to feel that they’re the most important person in that moment.”

David and Christopher both believe that they’re in a unique position to make a lasting impact on peoples’ lives. “Impressions are everything,” David stated. Providing high quality and affordable removable dental prosthetics for all is a mission they strongly stand by. They are happy to join the CareOregon Dental provider network and look forward to serving our members. Christopher finds this quote from Albert Pine inspires the work they do – “What we do for ourselves, dies with us. What we do for others and the world remains, and is, immortal.”