This guide sets out what is typically outsourced, how to evaluate a specialist partner and how to start the relationship.

Key Points

• Dental laboratory outsourcing means sending specialist work to an external laboratory for production.
• Chrome cobalt framework production and SLM metal printing are the most commonly outsourced services.
• When evaluating a partner, focus on material quality, fit guarantee and turnaround rather than price alone.
• A trial case is the most effective way to assess a new outsourcing partner.
• Simcast offers the first chrome cobalt framework case at half price for new laboratory clients.

What Is Dental Laboratory Outsourcing?

Outsourcing in a dental laboratory context means sending specific types of work to an external specialist for production rather than completing it in-house.

This is used by dental practices with in-house laboratory facilities and by independent dental laboratories that need access to specialist capability or additional capacity.

What Is Typically Outsourced?

The most commonly outsourced work falls into two categories: technically demanding work requiring specialist equipment or skills, and volume work where the cost from a specialist producer is lower than the equivalent in-house cost.

Chrome cobalt framework production

Cobalt chrome partial frameworks are among the most commonly outsourced dental products. Framework production requires investment in materials, equipment and technician training.

For laboratories producing a relatively low volume of framework cases, maintaining all of this in-house is difficult to justify. Outsourcing to a specialist laboratory allows a smaller practice or laboratory to offer high-quality cobalt chrome frameworks without the overhead.

SLM metal printing

SLM printing requires capital investment in printing equipment and powder handling infrastructure. Few independent dental laboratories have this in-house.

Outsourcing SLM work to a specialist laboratory allows practices and laboratories to offer digitally produced frameworks to their clients without the capital expenditure.

How to Evaluate a Partner

Choosing an outsourcing partner should be based on demonstrated quality, clear processes and reliable communication. Price is relevant but should not be the primary consideration.

Questions to ask

• What materials do you use? Request specification sheets for alloys and investments used in framework production.
• What is your fit guarantee? A credible framework laboratory should guarantee fit on your model.
• What is your turnaround time? The answer should be specific.
• What is your case submission process? It should be clear and straightforward.
• Can I submit a trial case? A laboratory confident in its work will welcome one.

Getting started

Start with a single trial case. Assess the result against your expectations for fit, finish and turnaround. If satisfactory, establish a regular submission process.

Understand the submission requirements of your chosen laboratory before sending the first case to avoid avoidable delays.

Common Concerns

Quality consistency

A specialist framework laboratory that produces a high volume of one type of work develops consistent processes that are difficult to replicate in a general laboratory at low volumes. Look for a long trading history, a clear quality guarantee and willingness to provide a trial case.

Communication

Clear communication between the practice or laboratory and the outsourcing partner reduces the risk of errors. A clear prescription format, a reliable confirmation process and a straightforward query process are all markers of a well-run outsourcing relationship.

Working With Simcast

Simcast has been operating as a specialist outsourcing partner for dental laboratories and practices for over 50 years. We offer chrome cobalt framework production, SLM metal printing and digital dental manufacturing.

First chrome framework cases are offered at half price. A freepost label and downloadable lab sheet are available from the website to simplify submission.

Discuss a laboratory partnership with Simcast