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<blockquote data-quote="John in Canada" data-source="post: 276479" data-attributes="member: 18628"><p>I have had a denture lab in my basement for 15 years. It doesn't pay the bills, but I have designed it that way. I worked at the hospital dental program as a maxillofacial tech (no training) and never made an eye or ear while I was there. But I did make lots of dentures for mentally challenged and oral cancer patients. When that position closed, the dean from the local University asked me to come onboard and I did. That gig lasted 6 years, until funding ran out again. Enough of my situation. Why it's important is that I always had money coming in, and the work that I did in my lab paid for the necessary equipment along the way. None of it is junk and only a couple big items are second hand. So there is/was no debt-ever over 30 days. </p><p>Of the accounts that I have, most are prosthodontists, and that is intentional. I have exactly a zero remake factor in all those years. Now, I do have one general dentist, and the reason I took him on is because he was an awesome student when I was an instructor. His office calls me when he, or his partner has a pick up. My other docs, usually bring the work to my house, and I deliver to their house. This works well. I live out of the city about 7 miles. </p><p>I am finalizing the details on a contract with a local University, to get lab work from them. One of their outlying clinics is a 5 hour plane ride north. Those pick ups and deliveries cost $45 each way. Obviously, they will be charged for the shipping. I don't bury the cost of delivery in my pricing. I don't have a good, better, best denture mentality. Do the best, forget the rest has always been my idea. BUT, I will be challenged with the contract work, because (some) of their patients are not even average wage earners, so that takes out any high end teeth that I stock like Vita, Dentsply, and Ivoclar. I either press pack, (3 times, the right way) or more often than not, I inject with Ivocap. Acrylics are from Ivoclar, no Frickie, pour types, or microwavable.</p><p>IMO, I wouldn't be driving anywhere unless you're banging on doors, or an office calls you. And, I wouldn't go banging on doors either. Pick up the phone and call the office. "I'd like to take doctor so and so to lunch to discuss his removable lab needs. What day does he/she have available this week? Can you have him/her call me to discuss?" No call back, next doctor. But that's your call. I have never been one for cold calling. </p><p>Does your jurisdiction require a CDT in the lab or are you one? Credentials go a long way with some docs, others could care less-which is a shame. Certification means something, and should be mandatory in my opinion to own a lab. Don't discount it. If you're not, why not? Why do you want to open a denture lab? And, if you are qualified, yes I would offer everything, and farm out what you don't do in your lab. I am full service. But I do send out all castings only. Aside from that, all model work, crown and bridge waxing, porcelain applications, and all denture waxing and acrylic work, I do in house.</p><p>There is no such thing as a stupid question-EVER! If you can think the question, chances are that someone has/had the same question. So it's important. Good luck with your new endeavour. </p><p>When you got questions, help is right here on the forum.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="John in Canada, post: 276479, member: 18628"] I have had a denture lab in my basement for 15 years. It doesn't pay the bills, but I have designed it that way. I worked at the hospital dental program as a maxillofacial tech (no training) and never made an eye or ear while I was there. But I did make lots of dentures for mentally challenged and oral cancer patients. When that position closed, the dean from the local University asked me to come onboard and I did. That gig lasted 6 years, until funding ran out again. Enough of my situation. Why it's important is that I always had money coming in, and the work that I did in my lab paid for the necessary equipment along the way. None of it is junk and only a couple big items are second hand. So there is/was no debt-ever over 30 days. Of the accounts that I have, most are prosthodontists, and that is intentional. I have exactly a zero remake factor in all those years. Now, I do have one general dentist, and the reason I took him on is because he was an awesome student when I was an instructor. His office calls me when he, or his partner has a pick up. My other docs, usually bring the work to my house, and I deliver to their house. This works well. I live out of the city about 7 miles. I am finalizing the details on a contract with a local University, to get lab work from them. One of their outlying clinics is a 5 hour plane ride north. Those pick ups and deliveries cost $45 each way. Obviously, they will be charged for the shipping. I don't bury the cost of delivery in my pricing. I don't have a good, better, best denture mentality. Do the best, forget the rest has always been my idea. BUT, I will be challenged with the contract work, because (some) of their patients are not even average wage earners, so that takes out any high end teeth that I stock like Vita, Dentsply, and Ivoclar. I either press pack, (3 times, the right way) or more often than not, I inject with Ivocap. Acrylics are from Ivoclar, no Frickie, pour types, or microwavable. IMO, I wouldn't be driving anywhere unless you're banging on doors, or an office calls you. And, I wouldn't go banging on doors either. Pick up the phone and call the office. "I'd like to take doctor so and so to lunch to discuss his removable lab needs. What day does he/she have available this week? Can you have him/her call me to discuss?" No call back, next doctor. But that's your call. I have never been one for cold calling. Does your jurisdiction require a CDT in the lab or are you one? Credentials go a long way with some docs, others could care less-which is a shame. Certification means something, and should be mandatory in my opinion to own a lab. Don't discount it. If you're not, why not? Why do you want to open a denture lab? And, if you are qualified, yes I would offer everything, and farm out what you don't do in your lab. I am full service. But I do send out all castings only. Aside from that, all model work, crown and bridge waxing, porcelain applications, and all denture waxing and acrylic work, I do in house. There is no such thing as a stupid question-EVER! If you can think the question, chances are that someone has/had the same question. So it's important. Good luck with your new endeavour. When you got questions, help is right here on the forum. [/QUOTE]
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