Why He Was Nominated:

While in the Army, Dr. Allen was awarded the service’s Achievement Medal and Commendation Medal. He left the military at the rank of Major and moved from serving the country to serving those in his community. He donates dental services to residents of the Red Barn Academy, a therapeutic recovery program in Farmington for those suffering from substance abuse and behavioral issues. A product he invented and developed is set to go into production this summer: the patent-pending Versa Grip Mouth Mirror. Dr. Allen was invited by Dr. Gordon Christensen to be a product tester for Clinicians Report and a mentor with Practical Clinical Courses.

Post-Pandemic Plans:

“Grow and expand my business. Master CAD/CAM with my new mill and 3D printer—no more lab bills!”

Most Memorable Patient:

“I had a patient in dental school who told me she hated her smile so much that when she died there would be no picture in her obituary. After closing our treatment plan, it took me 30 minutes to persuade her to smile for a pre-op photo. Twelve crowns and two partial dentures later, her life was changed. Within three months she had lost 50 pounds, had her diabetes under control and could not stop smiling.”

Inspiration:

“Gordon and Rella Christensen have been fantastic mentors and resources. They still have a passion for dentistry that
I can only aspire to reach.”

Something People Don’t Know:

“I can walk on the knuckles of my toes, speak several languages, do impressions of numerous cartoon characters and can quote nearly all of Napoleon Dynamite. This ‘quadfecta’ has helped create a strong marriage that has, so far, lasted 16 years.”