“If we can just do 5 cases a day then both families could make it.” From their humble beginnings of their 600sq/ft split level lab. They were armed with the knowledge, lab experience, training and don’t quit values passed to them from their father Tom Bertram Sr. former owner of Oakland, California based Precision Chrome and later Denticon’s director of purchasing & facilities planning.

The Middle

It became obvious a new facility was required.

To enable continued quality, growth and additional help to support the reputation that had been built over the past 4 years. In the winter of 1980, the entire BDL team relocated to their next home in Neenah, WI. The facility served the team well till 1986 when a 4,000 sq/ft addition was added to the rear of the building. Word continued to spread nationwide about the little lab in Wisconsin that specialized in doing the most consistent RPD chrome work.

The Transition

By 2013 the steady unchanging world of removable was seeing a significant push to the digital era.

BDL embraced the education and R&D that came along with this push. BDL, in partnership with CMP industries was one of the 1st labs in the USA to test print to cast technology. After 37 years of dedication to Bertram Dental Lab, their BDL team and their customers, Bill, Tom, Jody, and Margie began the process of looking to take a step back from their lab.

Digital Adaptation

First SLM printer

On the labs 40th anniversary year-(2016) BDL ushered in their 1st SLM metal 3d printer. The entire front of the building had to be removed and modified to fit the 10ft 3d printer in lab. Through relentless R&D and their continued commitment to their mission “to provide our partners with the most consistent fitting and the highest quality wholesale partial frameworks available in the industry,” BDL was producing RPDs direct to CoCr 100% in house by Jan 2017. Quality and production went so well a 2nd SLM machine was ordered spring of 2018 and the 2nd SLM printer was in production August 2018.

New Owners

By 2018 the original BDL founders were able to make a change after their 42 years of service. Their son’s Tim and Joe Bertram purchased the company.

These two cousins were armed with the knowledge, lab experience, training and values bestowed upon them from 2 prior lab generations. Tim and Joe were ready for some serious changes. In October 2019, they purchased Bertram Dental Lab’s future home and headquarters in Menasha, WI. Over New Year’s weekend January 2021 the entire BDL team was welcomed into their new 21,662 sq/ft lab. They finally had the space to continue to grow their quality, production and team to meet the BDL mission. By the end of 2021, BDL had the largest RPD production capabilities in the USA and likely the world as they continued to maintain their commitment to their removable products being manufactured in the USA.