Dr. Laban Bontrager
- DMD – University of Florida, 1978
- BS – Central Michigan University, 1974
Dr. Laban Bontrager grew up in Blountstown, Florida, and graduated from Blountstown High School in 1968. He attended Chipola Junior College prior to transferring to Central Michigan University, where he received his bachelor’s degree in biology and physical science in 1974. Dr. Laban and his wife, Linda (Wilson), were married in Flint, Michigan, in July 1971. Linda has retired from teaching fifth grade at Hosford Elementary School where she had been employed since 1987. They now have two adult daughters, Nichole and Monica.
Dr. Laban earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree in 1978 from the University of Florida College of Dentistry. After graduation, he established Bristol Dental Clinic in conjunction with the Liberty County Chamber of Commerce and the United States Public Health Service in June 1978.
Dr. Laban continues to be active in the full time practice of dentistry. He participates in numerous community functions and advisory/executive boards, including the Chipola Foundation, Big Bend Area Health Education Center, and The Calhoun Liberty Hospital Board. He also holds a license to practice dentistry in the state of Alaska. He has made numerous trips to Alaska to provide dental services in remote native villages.
Dr. Laban and his wife, Linda, are members of Rivertown Community Church (formerly Bethel Mennonite Church) in Blountstown, Florida. In his spare time, he enjoys tinkering with and restoring old cars, trucks, tractors, and motorcycles. His pride and joy is a 1952 Model “B” John Deere, which he restored in 2007.
Dr. Monica Bontrager
- DMD – University of Florida, 2008
- BS – University of Florida, 2004
Dr. Monica Bontrager has been serving our community with skill and compassion since 2009. She grew up in Bristol, Florida, and graduated from Liberty County High School. Dr. Monica then went on to received her Associate in Arts degree from Chipola College, formerly Chipola Junior College, before continuing her undergraduate education at the University of Florida, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in food science and human nutrition. Dr. Monica was awarded her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the University of Florida College of Dentistry in 2008. She regularly attends nationally accredited courses on the latest techniques for endodontic treatment, treating the pediatric patient, and restorative procedures.
Dr. Monica is a member of the American Dental Association, as well as the Leon County Dental Association and the Florida Dental Association. As a dentist, it is her goal to provide a comfortable treatment environment for all of her patients while focusing on how the overall health of a patient is affected by oral health, and vice versa. Dr. Monica prefers to take a whole person approach to dentistry and treatment. As part of this approach, she offers nutritional counseling and other advice for lifestyle choices that can help all of our patients be as healthy as they can.
Dr. Monica is also a certified yoga instructor and enjoys teaching and attending yoga classes as often as she can. Dr. Monica is married to Neil Grantham, who is also a Liberty County native. He is employed with Liberty County’s school system and coaches multiple sports at Tolar Middle School. They both attend Rivertown Community Church. They have one daughter, Raleigh, born in 2013, who keeps them on their toes with her endless energy.