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Quality craftsmanship · Locally made dentures · Wellington since 2000

Our Story

From a small home workshop in Wellington to a family-run denture clinic and dental laboratory in the heart of Te Aro.

Yu Dental Laboratory storefront at 12 College Street, Te Aro, Wellington

Although our surroundings have changed, the way we work has not. We remain family-run, our dental appliances are made locally in our own laboratory, and we continue to value personal relationships with the patients and dentists who place their trust in us.

Today, two generations of the Yu family work together at 12 College Street, combining decades of dental laboratory experience with modern clinical and digital techniques.

Through every stage of our growth, one thing has remained the same: we're a family business that believes good dental work starts with craftsmanship, communication and care.

Our Journey

Key dates in our history

  1. Where It All Began

    1998

    The idea for Yu Dental began at our family home in Wellington, with a vision of building an independent dental laboratory focused on quality craftsmanship and personal service.

  2. Officially a Family Endeavour

    2000

    Yu Dental Laboratory was officially registered as a Limited Liability Company, representing an important milestone in our family's commitment to delivering trusted, locally made dental prosthetics and personalised care.

  3. The Home Workshop Years

    2000–2006

    Operating from their garage, the family spent nearly a decade perfecting their craft. Those years were filled with hard work, laughter, and deepening family bonds.

  4. A Foundation in the Basement

    2006–2021

    As demand grew, they moved their operations to the basement of a new home. This shift represented their resilience, allowing them to serve their community even better.

  5. A New Chapter Unfolds

    2021

    The family's dedication led to a new facility that combined a denture clinic and lab, symbolising their growth and commitment to quality service.

  6. Clinic and Lab, Te Aro

    Today

    We welcome patients for denture care at 12 College Street and continue to serve referring dentists nationwide. Same family, same bench — now with a purpose-built space for consultations and manufacturing.

The Family Behind the Bench

Yu Dental Laboratory remains a family-run business, with each member of our family bringing different experience and skills to the clinic and laboratory.

Portrait of Steven Yu

Steven Yu

Founder & Director | Dental Technician

Steven Yu founded the laboratory in 2000 after decades of experience in New Zealand. He holds a Diploma in Dental Technology (C.I.T. Wellington, 1999) and is actively involved in case planning and quality assurance for all appliances produced.

Portrait of Leanne Yu

Leanne Yu

Co-Owner | Laboratory Coordinator

Leanne has been part of Yu Dental Laboratory since it was established, working alongside Steven as the business grew from the family home into today's Wellington clinic and laboratory.

Portrait of Allan Yu

Allan Yu

Dental Prosthetist & Dental Technologist

Allan joined the family business after training in dental technology and dental prosthetics in Australia and completing his Master's in Dental Technology in the UK. He provides clinical denture care alongside complex technical and laboratory work, bringing the clinical and laboratory sides of Yu Dental Laboratory together.

Meet the people behind Yu Dental Laboratory. Click here to read more about the team.

From the Family Archive

Photographs from our workshop and laboratory over the years.

  • Yu Dental Laboratory workshop with benches and equipment
  • Dental laboratory work area with tools and storage
  • Laboratory bench with dental manufacturing equipment
  • Yu Dental Laboratory reception and waiting area

From our Family to Yours

Whether you're looking for denture care or a dental practice looking for a laboratory partner, you're welcome to get in touch with our family team.

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