Where We Started

Dental Designs’ laboratory was started in 1980 by two brothers and a brother-in-law; Doug and Tom Barrett and Tim Sweeney. Doug and Tim had been working as dental technicians and brought a combined 22 years of experience to their new company. Tom brought with him 16 years of business experience as a school administrator. After opening the doors for business and working long hours seven days a week, they took the big risk of hiring their first employee. As the business grew, more employees were hired and Dental Designs Inc. moved to their present location in Lincoln, Nebraska. Dental Designs became a full-service laboratory, including fixed, removable and implants. Dental Designs has also extended their service to dentists across the country. In July of 2006, Tom Barrett retired from the company to spend more time with his wife, children and grandchildren. Doug and Tim continue to oversee the company and play an active part in its continued growth.

In September of 2007, a second full-service laboratory was opened in Omaha, Nebraska. Tim and Doug have built Dental Designs on honesty and integrity along with a strong relationship with their family and their faith.

Doug Barrett, CDT

Doug’s philosophy of business is to create a healthy environment that enables everyone to comfortably work to their full potential. He received his training at the Pankey Institute and has been in the dental lab industry for more than 40 years. He enjoys working with his employees and looks for opportunities to go above and beyond the call of duty for his customers. Doug was born in Omaha and raised in Lincoln, Nebraska. He now resides in Omaha with his wife, Sue. Doug and Sue have three sons, Jeff, John, and Joe. Jeff is an Engineer for Burns and McDonnell in Kansas City, John is the Government Relations Director in Omaha for Cox Communication, and Joe is the Manager of the Porcelain Department for Dental Designs in Lincoln. They have eight grandchildren. The most important lesson he has learned thus far is to listen. His honesty and service to his clients is evident by the success of the lab as it continues to grow.

Tim Sweeney, CDT

Tim has been the co-owner of Dental Designs, Inc. since 1980. His career in the dental lab business spans more than 34 years. Tim is trained in all areas of Crown and Bridge, and specializes in Implants. Tim has served on the ADA Dental Advisory panel for two terms and is an adjunct Professor at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Tim was born and raised in Lincoln, Nebraska. He and his wife Jody have three children; Ben is the Manager of the Implant Department, Ryan oversees the scanning in the Cerec Department, and Luke who is finishing his College degree at the University of Nebraska while also working at Dental Designs, Inc. Tim and Jody also have three grandchildren.

The Future

In 2011 Doug and Tim were proud to welcome theirs sons, Joe Barrett and Ben Sweeney as co-owners of Dental Designs. Joe, who has been with the lab for twelve years, specializes in all ceramics.  Ben has been working at the lab for ten years and specializes in implants. Since both Joe and Ben were born they have been involved with the exciting growth of the lab.  “We have experienced it grow from just three courageous men to a lab with two locations.  We have seen the relationships our fathers have had with doctors from Lincoln, Nebraska to Farmington, Maine. We have witnessed countless patients whose lives have been changed by the dedication of the doctor working hand in hand with us to give that patient what not only looks beautiful but functions for them.”

Throughout the thirty one years that Dental Designs has been in business the focus has been on family values and a strong work ethic.  “Both of our grandfathers, Mark Barrett and Jack Sweeney, were involved with the lab from the very beginning.  Their hard work ethic was passed to our fathers and, in turn, past to us. Simply put, work hard and do your best. As Ben and I assume the ownership of Dental Designs, it is our goal to continue the legacy that our grandfathers and fathers have started, and to continue to give our doctors what their patients deserve… a restoration that is functional and beautiful.”