Dental Laboratories News and Trends

Discover the latest developments affecting dental laboratories

Dental laboratories manufacture and customize dental hardware, such as bridges, crowns and dentures. Orders come from dentists office and not from the patient.  As such, the dentist office becomes the customer of the dental laboratory. Though the dental lab does not deal directly with the end user, it must still understand the end user's needs. The dental lab must also work closely with dentist offices, so both supplier and buyer understand what to expect from each other.

As with other fields, technological advances stimulate changes in the equipment the dental laboratory uses as well as the dental laboratory products it manufactures. Innovations in management practices, information management and marketing may also affect how the dental laboratory operates.

To ensure your dental laboratory remains on the cutting edge, pay attention to dental laboratories news and trends.

1. Join dental laboratory associations to network with other laboratories.

2. Subscribe to dental laboratory magazines to learn about the latest technology.

3. Research new products that may enhance the operation of your dental laboratory.

 

Join associations for dental labs that provide current information

Trade industry associations provide services for their members such as research information, changes in laws that affect the business, educational opportunities and other relevant information. Stay in touch with issues important to a dentist lab by joining related associations.
Try: The National Association of Dental Laboratories assists members with interpretation of laws applicable to dental laboratories and orthodontic labs, assists with training of dental laboratory professionals and researches areas of interest to the members. The National Board for Certification in Dental Laboratory Technology certifies dental laboratories and the technicians who work in them. Laws do not require certification, but doing so tells potential customers your laboratory upholds certain quality standards. The American Dental Association provides information and resources for dental professionals such as training, publications, resources and events and addresses dentist/dental lab relationships.

Subscribe to dentistry laboratory technology magazines and journals

Many online and print magazines supply information regarding developments in dental laboratory technology. New techniques for fitting dental appliances may develop. Stay up to date on new dental appliances and manufacturing techniques and materials.
Try: The Journal of Prosthodontics promotes the study and practice of prosthodontics, implant, aesthetic and reconstructive dentistry. The journal publishes reports of innovative techniques, new dental lab products and new uses for existing material. Clinical Implant Dentistry and Related Research magazine discusses dental implants. The journal reviews implants, bone biology, bone grafts and bone substitutes. Subscribe to the RSS feed from Medworm to stay current on implant dentistry - you'll get the latest information to help your dental lab stay competitive.

Look for innovations in dental laboratory equipment

New tools and techniques provide improvements that allow efficiencies and improvements in the operation of your dental lab. Make use of such technologies and business practices whenever you can. Pay special attention to dental technology advances that can keep your business competitive.
Try: LABDENT software provides full dentist laboratory management capabilities for your dental lab. This software can keep track of your customer list, your invoicing, and your product inventory. SensAble Technologies manufactures the SensAble Dental Lab System, which uses digital technology for creation of bridges and crowns. The system uses the PHANTOM 3D(r) interface to let you use your sense of touch to create your designs. The system is available in two versions: one that allows a dental laboratory to design work only and outsource fabrication and another version the laboratory can use for both design and production.

 

• Trade shows remain another good source of dental laboratory information. Exhibitors bring their latest products for the dental lab, both tools for manufacturing your products and for running your business. Take advantage of these sources.

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