LEGACY LEADERSHIP: In 1970, Jim Glidewell founded a dental laboratory that later transformed into an industry-leading research and technology enterprise. He oversaw Glidewell as CEO until 2022, helping the Newport Beach company grow into the world’s largest privately owned dental laboratory.
DEFINING MOMENT: In 2009, the Glidewell research and development team created its breakthrough BruxZir solid zirconia tooth-colored crown material as an alternative to cast gold or metal. The debut of the zirconia alternative resulted in dentists shifting away from porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns and other ceramic materials.
BY THE NUMBERS: Orange County’s largest dental company with an estimated 3,600 employees, including 1,350 in Irvine. Glidewell has annual revenue in excess of $500M+, and its global footprint spans over 600K square feet. It occupies one million square feet of office and production space in Irvine and neighboring Newport Beach.
QUOTABLE: “Even a snake sheds its old skin in order to allow for its growth. Our job, and my challenge to you, is to constantly look to the future. Onward!” —Jim Glidewell
FUN FACT: Jim Glidewell was working as an insurance agent when he ran into an old friend who was a dental technician. That encounter led him to become a technician himself and launched his dental career.
