How One Man Built a Global Denture Empire

We, as humans, are lethargic and unmotivated in this digital era. People do not have a goal to pursue and leave their dreams dormant to chase after impossible standards set by social media. Let me share a story of an inspiring man, John Kuriakose, whom I had a chance to meet and hear his story in person. He struggled throughout his childhood but rose to heights of respect and determination through his hard work.

Early Childhood

John Kuriakose had a very traumatic childhood. His father was a kind and caring person. His grandfather and great-grandfathers had a history of mental illness. Then, suddenly, one day his father too became mentally disabled and started beating his mom and him. His father was the breadwinner before, and now his mother had to start doing menial jobs to feed themselves. They were completely poverty-stricken, and even his classmates mocked him in school as ‘madman’s son’. He was unable to go to college due to his circumstances.

The Spark

He went to a clinic and started doing dental technician work for ₹250 per month. He started to master the technique of doing multiple dentures and even took orders from various other clinics to improve his skills, which he would do all night long. He was able to complete four denture works within a night. He became a master of his art.

The Vision

He wished to bring proper standardized dentures to Indian people. He completed his degree as a dental technician. He got a loan and was able to start a small dental lab in Kochi. People were amazed by his standard of work, and the orders continued to pile up. He went abroad to various countries and was inspired by the various technologies available for the proper construction of a denture. He wished to bring those technologies to India and got several loans to make it happen.

The Result

He received orders from dentists all across the globe. Later he recollected that the tears and prayers of his mother saved his father. This motivated him further. Several branches were opened across the globe. He received the National Oral Health Care Sushruta Award from the late President of India, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. His vision, ‘The Dentcare Lab’, became the epitome of denture manufacturing. His dentures are being worn by celebrities and politicians across India. He is now considered the Father of Dental Labs in India and the Founder of the Largest Dental Lab in Asia.