Dental Laboratory
A Dental Laboratory is a specialized facility where dental technicians create custom dental products like crowns, dentures, bridges, and other dental appliances that dentists use for their patients. Think of it as a workshop where skilled craftspeople use both traditional hands-on techniques and modern technology to make custom-fitted dental pieces. While dentists work directly with patients, dental laboratory professionals work behind the scenes to create the actual dental products. This is similar to how a tailor creates custom-fitted clothes based on measurements - dental technicians create custom-fitted dental pieces based on dentists' specifications.
Examples in Resumes
Managed quality control processes in a Dental Laboratory producing over 200 units weekly
Operated CAD/CAM systems in Dental Lab for creating precise dental prosthetics
Supervised team of 5 technicians in Dental Laboratory specializing in crown and bridge work
Typical job title: "Dental Laboratory Technicians"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Dental Laboratory Technicians
Professional Organizations
Job Boards
Professional Networks
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you handle a situation where a dentist is unhappy with the fit of a crown?
Expected Answer: A senior technician should discuss quality control procedures, communication protocols with dentists, troubleshooting steps, and how to prevent similar issues in the future while maintaining professional relationships.
Q: How do you manage workflow in a busy dental laboratory?
Expected Answer: Should explain prioritizing cases, tracking deadlines, quality checks, team coordination, and systems for managing multiple orders at different production stages.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What quality control measures do you use when creating dental prosthetics?
Expected Answer: Should discuss checking measurements, fit verification, material quality inspection, and following specific dentist instructions throughout the manufacturing process.
Q: How do you ensure accuracy when working with digital dental impressions?
Expected Answer: Should explain basic CAD/CAM software usage, digital measurement verification, and quality control steps in digital workflow.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What basic materials are used in dental laboratory work?
Expected Answer: Should be able to identify common materials like porcelain, acrylics, and metals used in basic dental appliances and their basic properties.
Q: What safety procedures do you follow in a dental laboratory?
Expected Answer: Should mention basic safety protocols like wearing protective equipment, proper handling of materials, and maintaining a clean work environment.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic dental appliance creation
- Understanding of dental materials
- Basic safety protocols
- Simple repairs and adjustments
Mid (2-5 years)
- Complex prosthetic creation
- Digital design software use
- Quality control procedures
- Customer service skills
Senior (5+ years)
- Advanced technical procedures
- Team supervision
- Complex case management
- Laboratory operations management
Red Flags to Watch For
- No knowledge of basic dental materials and their properties
- Lack of attention to detail in previous work
- No understanding of sterilization and safety protocols
- Poor communication skills with dental offices
