Our passion continues today! With a combined experience of over 100 years in the dental industry, we take pride in knowing that, behind the scenes, we help change people’s lives and give them a renewed self-confidence!
Welcome to Suncoast Ceramic Studio!
(Left to right back row: Luisa, Paula, Sandra, Teresa, David, Rachel, Grace, Julie, Hue. Left to right front row: Krista, Andrea, Angela)
Jerry McGee – Founder
Linda McGee – Founder(CDT since 1984)
Teresa Padilla, CDT, President Co-Owner
I was given the opportunity to opaque metal copings for PFM’s when my mother (Linda McGee) and father (Jerry McGee) opened their dental laboratory in 1993. I jumped in with both feet, learning the Model and Crown & Bridge departments. My mother taught me how to hand wax full contour posterior crowns. A few years later, she taught me how to wax full-contour anterior crowns. I have attended and completed many seminars, webinars, and hands-on courses and continue to do so. I became a CDT (Certified Dental Technician) in Crown & Bridge in 2005. I oversee all aspects of the lab, focusing on digital production, implants, and designing larger cases. In 2020, my sister, Rachel, and I became 2nd generation dental laboratory owners when we purchased the business from our parents.
I love that we help change people’s lives and rebuild their confidence!
My hobbies include bowling, gardening, walking/running, and playing dominos and card games with my friends and family.
Rachel McGee-Powledge, V.P. Co-Owner
In 1993, my father (Jerry McGee) created a mini lab in our home garage for my mother (Linda McGee) to start her dental laboratory. I opaqued metal copings for PFM’s and did pickup and deliveries for her. I received on-the-job training and education from many different avenues, including the FDLA (Florida Dental Laboratory Association), NADL (National Association of Dental Laboratories), and many other dental associations. A few clients allowed me to shadow some patient treatments and implant surgeries along the way. I oversee all aspects of the lab, focusing on administration, scheduling, and finance. In 2020, my sister, Teresa, and I became 2nd generation dental laboratory owners when we purchased the business from our parents.
I love working as part of a team to make a difference in other people’s lives!
A few of my favorite hobbies are bowling, reading, gardening, and spending quality time with my friends and family.
Julie, CDT
In 1994, I accepted an opportunity to start a new career at Suncoast Ceramic Studio. I have years of on-the-job training with Linda McGee, CDT (Co-Founder of SCS), and many other talented CDTs. In addition, I have completed many educational courses, including LVI, Russell T. Devreugd, CDT – International Dental Seminars, and Dale Carnegie Training, to mention a few. In 2005, I acquired my CDT in Ceramics (Certified Dental Technician).
I love working with my hands and being artistic and creative.
A few of my hobbies include a small startup honey and bee apiary, and I look forward to building my new home soon with my husband, Brian, and my two fur babies, Bonnie and Freddie (Dachshunds).
Krista
In 2000, I started working in the front office at SCS through a temporary staffing agency and was hired full-time. I moved into the model room and worked through many departments. I currently support the design and milling department. On-the-job training by our in-house Certified Dental Technicians has been the most encouraging education to help me continue to grow my skills. I have an associate degree and have received education from PTC training, Russell T. Devreugd, CDT – International Dental Seminars, and the FDLA (Florida Dental Laboratory Association). I love completing many tasks in the lab with my cross-training experience. My co-workers are a pleasure to work with, making coming to work enjoyable. Finding solutions to help my team and our clients is very gratifying.
My hobbies include running, reading, and vacationing with my family.
Sandra, RG
My family has been in the dental industry for many years. In 2004, I became a Recognized Graduate of the Dental Laboratory Technology program at McFatter Technical College. In 2006, I started my career at SCS. I currently oversee the model department. I know the importance of making accurate models. They are a replica of the patient’s mouth and the foundation of the restoration. Making the models, preparations, and setting a precise bite will enable our technicians to create a restoration that fits perfectly. Happy patients make happy dentists, and that makes happy dental technicians!
A few of my hobbies include baking and party decorating, spending time with my family, traveling, going out to dinner, and having good conversations.
David
I have been in the dental industry since 1983 and a technician at SCS since 2008. Being a dentist was my first career choice. However, I took the opportunity to become a dental technician instead. I attended Tampa College for two years and have attended numerous educational seminars and meetings. I love a friendly smile, and being able to assist in helping others improve their function and smiles brings me great joy.
A few of my hobbies include golfing and hanging out with my sons and grandkids.
Hue
In 2013 I joined the SCS team. I have had a lot of on-the-job training by our Certified Dental Technicians and have attended many seminars and webinars, including the PTC training and FDLA annual sessions. I currently stain and glaze and am cross-trained in a few other departments. I love being part of a support team, and seeing happy patients helps me realize that by working together as a team, we are achieving success by improving the lives of others.
Some of my hobbies include cooking, trying new recipes, and spending time with my family and friends.
Luisa, RG
My cousin has a dental laboratory; I always enjoyed watching him work. In 2006, I became a Recognized Graduate of the Dental Laboratory Technology program at McFatter Technical College. In 2015, I joined the SCS team! I enjoy being able to work in a field that is artistic and hands-on. I strongly desire to learn new things and multitask throughout my workday. I currently receive digital intraoral scans and build digital models for our design department. I am cross-trained in many lab areas and will fill in where needed as the workflows demand. Knowing that I have a small part in helping transform a person’s life by improving their smile is gratifying. I enjoy my work environment and the team I work with, and I feel that they are an extension of my family.
I love spending time with my family and being a missionary, sharing the gospel through my local church.
Andrea
My Aunt inspired me to be in the dental industry as she was a ceramic technician in Germany. I worked for three years in Germany, training in prosthetics. I joined the SCS team in 2017, working in the shipping department and as the local delivery driver. I love being part of a great team that improves the health and self-confidence of others by restoring smiles.
A few of my hobbies include traveling with my hubby, spending time with my grandkids, and working out at the gym.
Angela
In 2020, my sisters, Teresa and Rachel, took over SCS when my parents (Linda & Jerry McGee) retired and allowed me to become part of the SCS team. If you call the office to schedule a case, you will likely talk to me. I love knowing we are helping others, like me, regain their self-confidence by restoring smiles.
A few of my hobbies include fishing, my Koi Pond, and spending time with my dog and family on the weekends.
Paula
Since childhood, I’ve always had great experiences at my dental visits. My dentist inspired me to work in the dental industry. In 2018, I acquired my Dental Assisting Certificate. In 2021, I became part of the SCS team. Currently, I support the model department. I love the people I work with and the result of our work, the beautiful smiles of our client’s patients.
A few of my hobbies include watching movies with my family, workout with my husband, and traveling.
Grace
My neighborhood dentist recruited me to become a dental assistant. My education consists of Expanded Functions Certified, Anesthesia Assistant Oral Maxillofacial, Levine, Dawson, How to Win Friends and Influence People by Zig Ziglar, and many other courses and seminars. I have 25 years of clinical dental assisting experience and 15 years of clinical management experience. I love working with professionals who constantly strive for excellence and contribute to healthy smiles. In 2023, I joined the SCS team! You will likely talk to me if you call the office.
A few of my hobbies are reading, continuing education, fine dining, theater, and spending time with family.