Working in a dental lab is fast-paced; clear collaboration, tidy workflows, and the right tools keep your day smooth.
Use these tips to simplify tasks and avoid rework.
1. Encourage True Collaboration with Dentists
Dental labs and dentists work together closely, but it is important to aim for a genuine working relationship instead of just keeping to basic communication. When you work with a dentist, you should always be personable and foster collaboration.
Set expectations with shared status and clear handoffs; see how software-driven transparency improves lab-dentist relationships.
Encourage dentists to communicate with you early on about their needs. Plan a schedule and set deadlines together to make sure that both parties know what is going on at all times.
Great collaboration is essential if you want to have the easiest time possible when working in a dental lab.
2. Sharpen Your Organization Skills
Whether you are working on your own, with the dentist or with other lab technicians, it is always important to be as organized as possible in everything you do.
Pay attention to your schedule and make sure you consistently meet your deadlines. Also, create checklists to help you get everything done. It is a great idea to get a CPM/CRM software solution to improve your workflow and task management in the lab. If you do not already have one, consider suggesting it to your boss.
You should also keep your workspace as tidy as possible. When you are working on crowns, bridges, and other types of prosthetics, you need to have a clean area to do it in. One efficient way to do this is to go paperless with the right technician management software. Create a shared production schedule; assign tasks in real time; scan work at each step so the case schedule updates automatically.
Technician Toolbox
- Technician Bench (mobile tasks, time clock)
- Technician Manager (task assignment, QC, scans)
- Customer Portal (fewer status calls)
- Route Manager (pickups/signatures)
3. Keep Up with Your Industry
One of the best ways to make your job easier is to always keep up with what is happening in your industry.
You need to stay on top of trends so make use of any trade publications (both print and online) that are available to you as well as attend industry conferences and trade shows. There are many innovations happening regularly in the dental technology field, therefore, it is crucial to stay knowledgeable on the latest news.
The more you know, the easier it will be to make the best choices in the lab. If new problems arise, you will have a better idea of how to handle them and may be able to contribute a solution that your lab has not tried before.
4. Aim for Better Communication with Your Team
In addition to communicating with dentists, you also need to work to strengthen communication with other lab technicians. Although you may often be working independently, you do need to communicate with your coworkers.
Good communication can make or break the success of your lab while poor communication can make it hard to enjoy your work. Everyone should know what is going on in the lab at all times.
Having regular meetings with other lab technicians is a good idea. Open communication will allow you to set goals among your team.
5. Take Advantage of Training Opportunities
The lab can be a stressful place to be, even more so if you are not keeping up with your training and continuous education.
Use your network in the industry and publications to keep up to date on the latest training opportunities. Work with your boss to create a schedule that will allow all your lab technicians to receive regular training throughout the year. Doing so will give you the opportunity to work with others in the industry and learn from them.
Remaining Effective as a Dental Lab Technician
To recap: coordinate with doctors, standardize task tracking, keep skills current, and use technician tools that update the case schedule in real time. See a quick overview and decide what fits your bench.
FAQ
- How do I track my tasks? Use a technician manager to scan work and update the case schedule.
- Can I log time from my bench? Yes, use a mobile bench with a time clock.
- How can I reduce status calls? Offer an online portal so doctors can check the status and upload files.
