How To Choose The Best Dental Lab
Choosing the right dental lab is crucial as the quality of dental restorations and appliances directly impacts the effectiveness of treatments and the patient’s experience. With many options available, finding a dental lab that aligns with your practice’s standards and needs can be daunting.
Our guide discusses the factors to consider when selecting the best dental laboratory to support your practice’s success.
What to Look For in a Dental Lab
Selecting the best dental labs that meet your practice's needs means focusing on quality, reliability, standards of production, and customer support for your practice to maintain the quality of your patient’s care.
The Best Dental Labs Focus on Quality
A quality-focused dental laboratory uses the latest technology and the best materials to ensure their restorations and appliances are durable and aesthetically pleasing. Quality impacts the ability of your dental practice to deliver the best results for your patients.
At PRO-Craft Dental Laboratory, we exemplify this commitment to quality through every aspect of our production process. We will always invest in the latest dental technology to craft restorations that meet the highest standards, so each piece we create meets and exceeds your and your patient's expectations.
As industry leaders in CAD/CAM technologies, we elevated the fabrication of digital restorations to new aesthetic levels. This advanced technology allows us to create functionally superior and visually stunning restorations. Prioritizing production quality lets us help you provide your patients with durable, beautiful restorations.
Find a Reliable Dental Laboratory
Your dental practice needs a lab that consistently delivers accurate results on time so your practice continues running smoothly and your patients are satisfied. The reliability of your dental lab directly affects your ability to maintain your schedule, manage appointments effectively, and uphold your patients' trust.
At PRO-Craft Dental, we understand the importance of reliability in your practice. Our commitment to fast and consistent turnaround times means we uphold our promise to deliver your patient's dental restorations promptly. This dedication to timeliness ensures you can confidently plan treatments, knowing the restorations will be ready when needed.
Our standard turnaround times include:
- 7-day turnaround on conventional cases
- 4-day turnaround for digital scans
- Free rush cases
Relying on your dental lab for timely and precise results is invaluable. The best dental labs provides a seamless experience for your patients, minimizes delays, and guarantees the best possible care.
Clear Standards They Follow
The best dental labs follow rigorous standards to deliver outstanding results in terms of consistency, safety, and craftsmanship. At PRO-Craft, we take pride in our Ten Fundamentals of Excellence, the backbone of our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. These fundamentals promise that our products meet the highest industry standards and that our clients receive unparalleled customer support.
Working with a dental lab enforcing such standards means:
- Consistency: Every restoration is crafted meticulously.
- Safety: The materials and processes we use are safe for your patients.
- Craftsmanship: Our products are functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Our Ten Fundamentals of Excellence cover every aspect of our operations, from materials to customer service, so your practice receives high-quality products and support.
Strong Customer Support and Care
Exceptional customer support significantly improves the relationship between your dental practice and your dental lab partner. A reliable dental laboratory will always have a responsive and knowledgeable support team that addresses issues quickly and provides valuable insights through clear, responsive communication.
At PRO-Craft Dental, we understand that exceptional customer support is not simply an add-on, it's a necessity for your practice's success. When you need expert advice or have specific questions, we provide direct access to a dedicated master technician. This one-on-one service means you can receive tailored support precisely when needed to resolve any issues efficiently and effectively.
Ongoing Education on New Technology and Techniques
Education is the heartbeat of success in modern dentistry, and the top dental labs ensure their technicians know their craft. Our technicians at PRO-Craft Dental undergo hundreds of hours of in-house training, along with mastering courses offered by leading manufacturers and cosmetic clinicians. We are also members of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, which means we strive for the highest level of aesthetic dentistry.
We also offer resources for learning about new dental technology and techniques through our online learning center, blog, newsletter, and case planning guides to make sure you stay up to date on the latest in the dental industry.
What to Ask Dental Labs When You’re Deciding
While searching for the highest quality dental laboratory for your practice, specific questions are important to ask to ensure they can provide the best care for your patients. You can also check out their website for product offerings, testimonials from other dentists, and more.
Some basic questions you should ask any dental lab are:
- What is your process for creating dental restorations?
- How do you perform quality control?
- Do you take digital impressions?
- What is your pricing structure?
- What’s your turnaround time?
- Who do I contact if I have issues with my patient’s dental restorations?
- How does your lab handle issues with dental restorations?
- What is available for continuing education when there are developments in dental technology, and how does your lab support the professional growth of its clients?
This list isn't comprehensive, but it's an excellent way to begin the vetting process and determine which dental lab is the best partner for your practice.
The Most Important Question: Ask About The Materials They Use
One of the most important questions you should ask a dental lab is about the materials they use for your patient’s restorations. The best dental laboratory will use materials that follow quality standards and avoid offshoring their production to countries outside the United States.
The American Dental Association (ADA) conducts ongoing research on the safety and efficacy of dental restorative materials to provide the most current, scientifically valid information on dental treatments. The ADA also sets quality standards for dental tools, materials, and practices in the United States to ensure patient safety.
Similar quality standards and oversight do not exist outside the United States. This issue gained attention in 2008 when an Ohio T.V. station reported a severe reaction in a 73-year-old woman to a Chinese-made dental bridge containing high lead levels. The ADA has a specific standard prohibiting lead in dental restorations. Further investigations in 2008 found several dental crowns with dangerous lead levels, although the U.S. FDA at the time concluded they did not pose a significant public health risk.
For the safety and satisfaction of your patients, it's essential to work with dental labs that do not offshore their work to countries outside the USA. A top-quality dental laboratory, like PRO-Craft Dental Laboratory, produces our restorations in the United States and adheres to ADA standards to guarantee the safety and health of your patients.
Work with One of the Best Dental Labs in the USA
As a dental professional, you always want to provide your patients with the best solutions tailored to their needs. At PRO-Craft Dental Laboratory, our dedication to excellence ensures you can offer top-notch care.
Contact us today to learn how we can support your practice and help you deliver exceptional dental solutions.
