A Lifetime of Service
The Dentist Who Built Bristol's Dental Home
Dr. Laban Bontrager grew up in Blountstown, Florida, and established Bristol Dental Clinic in 1978 in conjunction with the Liberty County Chamber of Commerce and the United States Public Health Service. What began as a small community practice has grown into the dental home that Bristol and Liberty County families have trusted for nearly five decades.
Dr. Bontrager continues to be active in full-time practice, bringing the same steady, personal approach to care that he has offered since day one. He takes time with every patient, listens carefully, and provides honest guidance so you always know what to expect. Whether it is a routine cleaning or a more involved procedure, his goal is to make every visit comfortable and straightforward.
Learn more about the general dentistry services available at our practice.
Education & Training
Clinical Background
Dr. Bontrager earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology and physical science from Central Michigan University in 1974. He went on to attend the University of Florida College of Dentistry, one of the top dental programs in the country, where he earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree in 1978.
After graduating, he returned to the Florida Panhandle to establish his practice and serve the community he calls home. With 48 years of hands-on clinical experience, Dr. Bontrager has treated generations of families across Liberty, Calhoun, and Gadsden counties, building deep trust through consistent, quality care supported by modern dental technology including an on-site denture lab, digital scanning, and digital x-rays.
- B.S. in Biology & Physical Science — Central Michigan University (1974)
- Doctor of Dental Medicine — University of Florida College of Dentistry (1978)
- 48 years of full-time clinical practice
- Licensed to practice in Florida and Alaska
Community Involvement
Dr. Bontrager is an active participant in community and professional organizations across the region.
Chipola Foundation
Supporting education and community development in the greater Panhandle region through the Chipola College foundation.
Big Bend Area Health Education Center
Contributing to health education and workforce development across rural North Florida communities.
Calhoun Liberty Hospital Board
Serving on the hospital board to help guide healthcare access and quality for residents of Liberty and Calhoun counties.
Beyond The Office
Serving Beyond Bristol
In addition to his work at Bristol Dental Clinic, Dr. Bontrager holds a license to practice dentistry in Alaska, where he has made numerous trips to provide dental services in remote native villages. This commitment to reaching underserved communities reflects the same values he brings to his practice every day: everyone deserves access to quality dental care, regardless of where they live.
Having spent his career in the Bristol area, Dr. Bontrager has deep roots in Liberty County. His patients are his neighbors, and that personal connection shows in the way he and his team treat every person who walks through the door.
Your Next Visit
Schedule With Dr. Bontrager
Bristol Dental Clinic is always welcoming new patients of all ages. Whether you have been coming to our practice for years or are looking for a new dental home in the Bristol area, Dr. Bontrager and our team are here to make your visit comfortable and straightforward from start to finish.
Your first visit will include a thorough exam, a conversation about your dental history and goals, and clear guidance on any recommended next steps. We believe in honest, pressure-free care so you can make confident decisions about your health. Learn what to expect at your first visit or contact our office to get started.