The Montana Center for Laser Dentistry, founded by Dr. Mark Colonna, offers patients the latest innovations in dental care. We are proud to be the only practice in the Whitefish area to use dental lasers to repair teeth and treat gum disease. By investing in advanced dental technology, we are investing in our patients: in their health, wellbeing, and comfort.

Our practice is a place where needles, drills, and dreading that visit to the dentist are a thing of the past. Laser dentistry is the best overall choice for your health; it decreases discomfort, anxiety, and appointment duration. You won’t believe your experience with laser dentistry – and you will soon start looking forward to that checkup! Your smile will thank you, too.

Come meet our team. We are eager to welcome you to the Montana Center for Laser Dentistry!

Dr. Mark P. Colonna

Dr. Mark P. Colonna graduated from the Loyola University School of Dentistry in 1983. After receiving his degree, he stayed until 1992, holding the positions of Assistant Clinical Professor of Radiology and Assistant Clinical Professor of Operative Dentistry. In 1992, he moved to Whitefish, Montana.

In 1992, he moved to Whitefish Montana and later founded the Montana Center for Laser Dentistry. He began offering his patients the latest in minimally invasive dental care technology.

A pioneer in the use of laser dentistry, Dr. Colonna is the first dentist in the world to use the laser technology to prepare teeth for full crowns and porcelain veneers using only the laser, i.e., without the use of drills or the need for local anesthesia. In addition, Dr. Colonna lectures and instructs on laser dentistry across the country and world. His articles on the topic appear in various well-known dental journals.

Dr. Colonna is a member of the American Dental Association, Montana Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, Academy of Laser Dentistry, Academy of Comprehensive Esthetics, and a founding member of the World Clinical Laser Institute. He is also a lifetime member of the World Congress of Minimally Invasive Dentistry (WCMID). From the latter, Dr. Colonna has received the “Clinician of the Year” award, which acknowledged his work towards the advancement of minimally invasive dentistry. Dr. Colonna has also earned Diplomat status in the World Congress of Minimally Invasive Dentistry and has received a Mastership Certification from the World Clinical Laser Institute (the highest laser certification available). Just recently, On August 5th, 2012, Dr. Colonna was awarded the “Inventor of the Year” for the invention of the PIPS™ technology, that uses laser photons, to clean and completely remove biofilm from root canal systems by the World Congress of Minimally Invasive Dentistry (WCMID). He shares this award with his research partner from Arizona, Dr. Enrico DiVito, with whom he also shares ownership in a number of patents related to laser dentistry.  In addition, from 2006-2010, Dr. Colonna served on the State of Montana’s Board of Dentistry Examiners.

Promoting excellent dental health, educating on prevention, and caring for his patients through minimally invasive techniques are the keys to Dr. Colonna’s treatment philosophy. He is a dentist who truly loves what he does and wants the best for his patients.

Dr. David M. Dodrill

Dr. David M. Dodrill received his D.D.S. degree cum laude in 2007 from the Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia. His second year dental laboratory classes were actually audited at the Universidad de Costa Rica – all in the Spanish language with fellow Costa Rican dental students. He is also a graduate of the Advanced General Dentistry Program at Idaho State University.

Since 1998, his freshman year at Mary Washington College in Fredericksburg, Virginia, Dr. Dodrill has been involved in the dental profession in some capacity, as a student, employee, or volunteer. His understanding of both dental techniques and dental office management are extensive. In 2008, after completing the Advanced General Dentistry Program, Dr. Dodrill joined a private dental practice (treating general as well as pediatric patients) in Kalispell, Montana. Then, he moved back to Virginia in 2009 and worked with a private practice in Charlottesville that specializes in multiple areas of patient treatment. In November of 2011, we were thrilled to welcome Dr. Dodrill to the Montana Center for Laser Dentistry.

Dr. Dodrill is certified in the following areas: A.C.L.S., VCU Rotary Endo, nitrous oxide, and Invisalign. He has volunteered with many dental outreach programs, including some with the Special Olympics and Give Kids a Smile Day. Outside of dentistry, Dr. Dodrill enjoys skiing, fly-fishing, hiking, koi ponds, athletics, travel, and his family.

Rachel, Office Coordinator/Manager

Rachel has been with us since April 2004 and just might be the one who greets you as you walk in the door. She works at our front desk and also assists Dr. Colonna in the practice. Rachel is currently working on her master’s degree in Psychology, Criminology and Justice Studies Specialization. When she is not studying or working (Rachel also consults small businesses and homes with organization and collections), she enjoys shopping and spending time with her family, which includes her teenage son and twins, a boy and a girl. She also loves animals and has four dogs and two cats. Rachel was born in Illinois, grew up in California, and has lived in the Flathead Valley since 2000.

Brandie, Appointment Coodinator

Brandie was born in Wyoming but grew up in the Flathead Valley. She is married and has two boys, 11 & 15. They are very active in Basketball, Football, Band and Track…which keeps her busy!

Brandie has worked in the dental field at the Front Desk for 5 years. She loves to shop, camp and hunt. She also loves dogs and has two.

Meghan, Dental Hygienist, Laser Certified

Meghan is one of our very experienced hygienists. She earned her hygiene degree from Sheridan College in Wyoming in 2000 and has been with us since 2008. She was born in San Diego but has resided in the Flathead Valley for over 30 years. A busy mother of three (two boys and a girl), Meghan still finds time for hobbies like snow skiing, hiking, camping, boating, exercising, and traveling. Her family also enjoys their three dogs.

Debbie, Dental Hygienist, Laser Certified

Debbie graduated from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry in 1994. Throughout her career, she has both received and taught continuing education courses, has participated in various research studies, and has received some distinguished awards. Currently, she serves as the President of SADHA (Student American Dental Hygiene Association). Debbie is also laser certified. A resident of Montana since 2006, she lives with her husband and has two grown children and two grandchildren. Her favorite pastimes are hiking with her dogs and reading. Her long-term goal is to educate friends and patients on optimal oral hygiene and overall health.