All dentists strive to deliver the best care for all of their patients. Choosing the right dental lab is one of the most important decisions they will make. A reliable laboratory not only ensures the precision of dental appliances, crowns, and implants but also supports the overall success of your practice.
With the rise of digital dentistry, many dental laboratories now offer advanced digital workflow solutions, allowing seamless integration of digital impressions today from major scanners. This technology enhances accuracy, comfort, and improves patient outcomes.
Before you start sending your first case, here are five things to ask before selecting a dental lab.
What qualifications and certifications does the lab hold?
Understanding UK dental lab regulations
Regulatory standards aren’t simply there to make things difficult – they are designed to protect both dentists and patients. Therefore, any lab you are interested in must show that everything they do meets these standards.
All dental laboratories must comply with the Medical Devices Regulations and be registered with the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
A reputable laboratory should also employ GDC-registered dental technicians (and/or have apprentices on a recognised dental technology course), ensuring that all dental products meet professional and ethical standards.
Importance of GDC registration and professional body membership
Being able to demonstrate membership to a professional body within the industry can further influence a decision to partner with a lab or not.
The Dental Laboratories Association Ltd (DLA) is the UK’s leading professional body for dental laboratories and dental technicians.
A dental lab that is a member of the DLA, for example, indicates commitment to high standards, ethical business practices, and ongoing training and education. The DLA supports dental laboratories with training, legal guidance, and industry updates, helping them stay ahead in an evolving industry.
You want to make sure that your patients get the best. Therefore, before working with a dental lab, ask about their certifications, training programs, and quality control measures to ensure they will serve your practice and your patients well.
GoDigital Dental Laboratory is a member of the DLA, with its British Bite Mark membership and all of the technicians are GDC registered.
What materials and technologies does the lab use?
Ensuring high-quality, biocompatible materials
Those who make dental restorations understand the importance of the physical materials to the process. After all, the durability, aesthetics, and safety of the final result will all depend on what is used to make them.
Choose a dental lab that uses CE-marked materials for crowns, implants, and other dental appliances.
High-quality materials not only improve patient comfort but also contribute to the longevity of restorations.
Be sure to discuss materials, but also see if the lab can provide restorations tailored to fit each patients’ needs. Technicians should always be on hand to support you and suggest material choices for all your clinical situations.
The role of digital dentistry and CAD/CAM technology
The future of dentistry is digital. Ask the lab if they accept digital impressions from major scanners. If a laboratory truly does have the latest technology, it should integrate seamlessly into your digital workflow, reducing errors and improving case predictability and should be able to access and work on all systems. A digital crown, bridge and implant lab should be able to facilitate in everything digital from your practice from study models through to implant planning. This should all be achievable with your scanner.
A well-equipped digital dental lab should also offer training and support to help you transition to digital cases and make the most of modern scanning and manufacturing techniques.
GoDigital Dental laboratory utilise your digital impressions/IOS and CAD/CAM technology to improve precision and efficiency. Click here to find out how to connect your Intra Oral scanner to us.
What is the lab’s turnaround time and reliability?
Managing expectations for routine and urgent cases
Patients need their restorations quickly, so speed is important, especially if a patient’s issue is really affecting their health. The best dental labs will give clear estimates regarding how long their work will take.
Routine and urgent cases will have different turnaround times. When dentists understand how long these take to make, they can plan realistic treatment schedules for their patients. A strong partnership with good communication with your dental lab has a huge benefit for you and your patients in order to manufacture any situations you need in a smaller time frame.
The impact of delays on patient satisfaction and workflow
Delays in lab work can disrupt appointment schedules. This then leads to frustrated patients and increased stress on your team. Before partnering with a dental lab, ask about their track record in meeting deadlines and how they handle unexpected delays.
A well-established dental laboratory will have contingency plans in place to ensure consistent supply and delivery of dental products.
How does the lab ensure consistency and quality control?
Internal quality assurance processes
Consistency is key when working with a dental lab; dentists and patients expect their restorations to fit well the first time. Poorly-fitting restorations mean patients will need additional chair time and adjustments.
Reputable dental laboratories have strict quality control processes, including:
- Multiple quality checks during manufacturing and a final quality control check by a Registered Dental Technician
- Standardised workflows for dental restorations
- Digital tracking of cases to maintain precision
You should be asking about the dental lab’s quality assurance protocols (are they DAMAS registered) before you agree to partner with them. This is one of the very best ways to ensure they meet the high standards your practice requires.
Communication between technicians and dentists
Effective communication between dental technicians and dental professionals is crucial for achieving optimal results. A good dental laboratory will:
- Provide direct access to technicians for case discussions
- Offer support for complex dental implants and restorations
- Assist with case planning to ensure ideal aesthetics and function
- Have the confidence to request more information or rescans when needed
When a dental lab puts communication at the forefront, case outcomes can be significantly improved and the experience for dentists and patients is enhanced.
What level of support and collaboration does the lab offer?
Customisation options for complex cases
Every practice has unique needs, and some patients require highly customised solutions. Whether you’re working on dental implants, full-mouth reconstructions, or cosmetic enhancements, ensure the lab can provide tailored options.
GoDigital Dental have experience handling both regular and complex cases and can accommodate special requests for dental appliances and restorations.
Access to expert advice and case planning
A high-quality dental lab offers more than just a supply service – it becomes an extension of your team. A good dental laboratory will provide:
- Access to specialist technicians for case planning
- Support in choosing the best dental products for each patient
- Guidance on incorporating digital impressions into your digital workflow
An experienced dental lab should also offer training and resources to help your practice stay ahead in modern dentistry.
GoDigital Dental: partnering with dental practices in Nottingham and beyond
GoDigital Dental is a pioneering digital dental laboratory in Nottingham, UK. We offer cutting-edge solutions to dental practices locally in Nottingham, as well as nationwide.
We combine advanced digital technologies with the expertise of award-winning dental technicians to deliver exceptional quality and consistency across all restorations. Our comprehensive services are tailored to enhance patient outcomes and streamline clinical workflows.
If you’re ready to elevate your practice with digital dentistry, partner with GoDigital Dental today. Explore our site to learn more and take the next step towards seamless, high-quality restorations.
