1. Do You Outsource Your Work?
   
   Some dental laboratories choose to send their assignments offshore to take on more clients and piggyback on other parties’ work for the sake of earning more income. Unfortunately, if the lab admits that they outsource the work or send it overseas, you’ll want to find another lab instead. They cannot guarantee the quality or restoration of material unless they make them on-site. If they’re regularly sent elsewhere, no one can assure the quality of the work being done. You’ll also risk getting an ill-fitting restoration, and at the end of the day, your patient will no longer trust you, leaving you in a lose-lose situation.
   
   
2. Can I Visit the Laboratory?
   
   Reliable dental laboratories have no problem offering transparency to potential clients, which means they’ll happily accept your visit and show you around. It’s also an excellent opportunity to meet with the people you’ll be working with face-to-face and form a real relationship with them, crucial to your partnership. At some point, you may need a favor from a lab technician to help you get out of a bind, which you probably can’t do with a laboratory that won’t allow you to visit.
   
   
3. How Do You Resolve Client Issues?
   
   When you meet with a dental lab, be sure to ask them how they have resolved disputes with dental clients. Although there’s no correct answer, you’re hoping for evidence that the lab is genuinely invested in satisfying their clients and partners and is willing to do what it takes to improve the relationship. Assess how the laboratory addressed the situation and if they took the time to ease concerns and answer questions.
   
   Be wary if they claim that they haven’t run into any disputes yet. If they say so, that means they’re too green or dishonest, as no business is immune to dissatisfied clients, no matter how competent they are.
   
   
4. Are All Your Dental Materials ADA-Approved?
   
   Quality restorations are made only of ADA-approved materials, so ensure that the dental lab you want to work with adheres to this standard. Ask the dental laboratory if they are an authorized lab for the brand-name products on their roster. Take note of the prices, as if they’re too low, they could be counterfeits or substitutes that do not have the required approval.
   
   
5. How Do You Perform Quality Control?
   
   Lastly, you’ll want to make sure that the dental lab does not compromise quality, even if it means taking a bit longer to send out a restoration. While everyone wants fast turnaround times, no one wants it at the expense of quality, so don’t forget to ask the lab how they perform quality control and who is responsible for overseeing this.

Conclusion

Most dental labs will present themselves as the best to partner with, but asking these five questions will eliminate those looking to make a quick buck out of you and those who are sincerely interested in being your partner. By probing into their work processes, you’ll determine the best dental lab that will help your practice thrive.

About Vitality Technologies

Vitality Technologies is a full-service dental laboratory servicing dental clients throughout the United States. We specialize in dental implants, fixed prosthetics, and high-end removable dentures. Contact us today to find out how we can help your practice!