Sequential Lab Process
Every modern dental appliance starts with foundational anatomical bench understanding before moving to digital fabrication.
Manual Waxing Technique
Optical Desktop Scanning
CAD Nesting & Design
Resin 3D Printing
Master setting denture teeth in wax by hand to understand anatomical contours, tissue margin boundaries, and occlusion principles.
Digitize analog stone models and wax-ups into high-density 3D surface meshes using laboratory optical bench scanners.
Manipulate digital appliance geometry, set support structure angles, and nest multiple components inside manufacturing build platforms.
Operate high-resolution resin 3D printers, perform ultrasonic isopropyl alcohol baths, and execute UV post-curing cycles.
What Does a Dental Lab Technician Do?
Dental laboratory technicians work behind the scenes to help create dental restorations and appliances that are designed for each individual patient. Most technicians work in dental laboratories, although some may work within dental practices or other dental settings.
Their work can include complete and partial dentures, crowns, retainers, nightguards, orthodontic appliances, custom trays, dental models, and other dental prosthetics and appliances.
Dental laboratory technology combines hands-on craftsmanship, attention to detail, and digital technology. Technicians work from information provided by the dental team, such as impressions, models, scans, photographs, and digital files, to create restorations and appliances with the appropriate fit, function, and appearance.
Every case can be different. Technicians may need to reproduce the natural characteristics of a patient's teeth or help create a new appearance based on the treatment planned by the dentist.
Today, dental laboratory work combines traditional hands-on techniques with technologies such as digital scanning, CAD design, nesting, and 3D printing.
Facility Equipment Access
Inspect our desktop optical scanners, nesting workstations, and resin 3D printing hardware at our Omaha training facility.