Hello

[rasustaita]

Hello everyone,

My name is Ray S. and I've been in the dental lab field since being trained in the USAF in 1977. I now run a one man acrylic lab here in NW Indiana. I'm looking forward to any replies. Have an awesome day!

[TheLabGuy]

Welcome reaustaita, define "acrylic lab" for me please. Are you just doing denture/partial repairs, or doing dentures, some ortho or c&b temps? Just curious is all.

[Travis]

Hi Ray, Welcome....

[trisha]

Welcome to the forum.
trisha

[rasustaita]

Originally Posted by TheLabGuy

Welcome reaustaita, define "acrylic lab" for me please. Are you just doing denture/partial repairs, or doing dentures, some ortho or c&b temps? Just curious is all.

I fabricate complete dentures/partials and repairs at this time. thanks for asking.

[rasustaita]

Even though I been in the denture lab field for quite awhile, I've never operated my lab on a full time basis. I had a primary job which paid very well with benefits. Now I reached a point where I can retire and would like now to be able to run my lab full time. Problem is that I ran my lab like a hobby and don't have a clue on todays pricing, modern advertisments, rx forms, etc. I know that I have to aquaint myself with the business aspects. I just need some one to point me in the right direction to getting new accounts and understanding the business end of this field. Any advice, comments, and constructive criticisms would be appprciated. Thanks All.

[trisha]

Hi Ray,

THough I am not in the denture field I am in ortho I do think that getting a customer would be very similar. You need to decide if you want to have employees or keep it small and just work alone. As far as advertising, I don't do it. I am a one woman show and I go out and knock on doors if I need a new account. If I were to advertise it would not be cost effective for me and I believe that a majority of advertising gets thrown directly into file13.
Some doctors like to use their own rx forms. But I have come up with a form that started based on a few of the local labs in my area, I picked and chose what I wanted my form to look like. As my business progressed and I had some time under my belt I updated my rx to what I do most for the doctors and asked for their input on how they would like the rx to look. Since you have worked in a large lab, you probably have some idea of how their rx looks? Take some pieces from that and form your own. I am not suggesting plagerize their rx just use it as an example of what you need it for.
Pricing ~you are going to have to figure out what your area is getting for your type of work. Ask dental assistants or your own dentist what the going price is for dentures. Surely you can get some idea of the rate in your area. Maybe the lab you are currently working for will give you a little guidance, nowing that you are not going to be a competitor or take any of their existing accounts.
Going directly to the office and talking with the doctors has been my best way to acquire a new account. I think it is more personal and the dr. gets to put a face w/a name. I tell them I am not looking to make a killing just a living, I don't plan on setting the world on fire with my work, but that I cater to a handful of doctors and I like to keep it that way, so that I have control over every aspect of my business.
Just some stuff to think about, good luck to you whatever your decision is.
trisha

[TheLabGuy]

The best way I found for a good rx is to get online and print yourself off about 30 dental laboratory rx's that are easily found online. Then what I do is cut out pieces that I like and paste them on a piece of paper. Once I think i've included everything I take that piece of paper to my printing shop and tell them to print me off as many as I need. One of these days I will get around to scanning in a rx and put it up on the site for your perusal.

As for clients, go meet with the Doctors, some of the pitbulls (front desk lady's) may shrug you off, don't worry, take her donuts or lunch and you'll get your chance with the Doctor. Don't get nervous, what's the worse they're going to say....NO....at least you know and can work on the next Doctor.....don't burn any bridges though and have fun with it.....sounds like a great time in your life.