To help you better screen your prospects, here are some questions you might want to ask a dental lab before you send them your first case:

Do you ONLY use ADA-approved materials?

This is a valid question to ask. After all, you want to be sure that you provide your patients with dental restorations made from materials approved by the ADA. You should always watch out for dental labs that offer you products at a much lower price than others, as this might mean they're using low-quality materials that may not even be approved by ADA. If they're offering brand-name materials and products at extremely low prices, there's also a possibility that they substitute some materials to cut costs.

What's your quality control routine like?

Sure, every dentist wants a fast turnaround time, but that doesn't mean you would compromise quality for that. Like most dentists, you would probably rather wait for a day or two longer if that means that your patient will get a restoration that has undergone a strict quality control check. A reliable dental laboratory won't have any trouble discussing their routines and other processes that they do, who's in charge of them, and more. 

Do you outsource some of your lab work?

Some full-service dental labs send work elsewhere, usually offshore, to lower the costs of making restorations. Stay away from labs who do this because you won't know precisely how the products are made and whether they're up to your standards when they outsource work. Should there be problems with the fit or the restoration's quality, it will be difficult for you to discuss this directly with the one who made it. Ultimately, it's your reputation that's going to be in jeopardy with the patients. 

Can I visit your laboratory?

Any dental lab worth their salt should have no qualms at the idea of you visiting their facilities. They should be willing to do so because it's one of the best ways for you to know their company and assure you of the quality of their work. It's also an opportunity for them to impress you with their equipment, the cleanliness of their lab, and their team's performance. 

How do you handle client issues?

It's best that you know their answer to this before you start forging a relationship with them. Ask if they've ever had such an experience and what they did to address the problem. While there's no right or wrong answer here, you should at least look out for signs that they don't take customer service seriously. And please, don't believe anyone telling you they've never experienced dealing with an unsatisfied client, because everyone does, unless they've just started operations a week ago, in which case, you might want to look for a more experienced team anyway.

Do Your Research Before Choosing a Reliable Dental Lab

Your search for a reliable dental lab that will be your partner as your practice grows should not be rushed. Don't close a deal with the first lab that offers services, nor should you get swayed by offers and packages that are too good to be true because they might be exactly that. 

Make sure that you do your research and find out what past and present clients are saying about the lab. While there may be new labs that can deliver good services, it is better to go with a team with long years of experience. It speaks volumes if a dental lab has been operating for years because it means they are able to retain their clients. Your choice of the dental lab will significantly affect the service you'll provide your patients, so it really is one of the biggest decisions you will make for your practice.

Vitality Technologies has been providing dental practices with excellent services for more than 17 years now. Our team of certified dental lab technicians specializes in fixed prosthetics, dental implants, and high-quality removable dentures. Contact us today to know more about our services or to request product information and pricing!