Dental practices are increasingly faced with the decision of whether to invest in digital technologies or continue relying on traditional methods in their laboratories. A practice’s choice of traditional or digital lab affects operational efficiency, patient care, and overall profitability.
The total cost, potential savings, and long-term benefits of digital adoption are essential to understand for practices seeking to improve patient outcomes while maintaining a competitive advantage in their local area.
Let’s now make a detailed comparison of digital versus traditional lab costs, examining initial investment, operational savings, and the economic impact on dental practices.
Understanding laboratory costs
Defining direct and indirect costs
Laboratory costs can greatly vary, and this usually depends on the type of lab and services offered. Direct costs include consumables, materials, and staffing necessary to complete routine tasks such as dental restorations and diagnostic processes.
Indirect costs include overheads, such as utilities, as well as physical storage, data storage, and equipment depreciation. An accurate cost savings analysis requires accounting for both direct and indirect costs to ensure a realistic financial projection.
Factors influencing lab expenses
The complexity of procedures, frequency of laboratory work, and workflow efficiency all affect how much a lab charges.
Practices that rely heavily on manual processes may incur additional costs due to errors, repeated tests, and inefficient resource use.
Taking advantage of digital tools and innovative technology when it comes to things like diagnostic accuracy and workflow efficiency can help reduce operational costs.
Overview of traditional lab setups
Equipment and infrastructure requirements
Traditional workflows rely on physical impressions, physical models, and laboratory equipment maintained by skilled professionals.
Private dental labs using traditional methods often need to be housed in large spaces to account for both the physical storage and the machinery. These setups entail ongoing expenses related to maintenance, consumables, and replacement parts.
Staffing and training costs
Skilled professionals are essential to maintain high-quality outcomes in traditional methods. Ongoing training to ensure they are performing their jobs to the best of their ability, whilst maintaining the standards patients expect, adds to additional costs.
The reliance on manual processes can slow down procedures, potentially leading to delays in patient care and decreased patient satisfaction.
Digital lab technologies explained
Key tools and software
Digital dentistry involves the use of digital impressions, digital images, artificial intelligence, and automated processes to streamline laboratory procedures.
Innovative technology, such as image analysis and diagnostic software, can improve patient outcomes by enhancing diagnostic accuracy and primary diagnosis.
Digital systems also enable seamless integration of data sharing between dental practices and dental labs, facilitating remote consultations and collaborative workflows.
Automation and AI integration
Artificial intelligence can automate routine tasks, significantly reducing the burden on skilled professionals. Automated processes improve efficiency, reduce errors, and allow practices to focus on patient care.
Over time, the implementation of AI and other digital technologies can lead to operational savings and potential savings in annual expenditure, potentially leading to significant revenue growth.
Initial investment comparison
Capital expenditure in traditional labs
Traditional methods often require lower upfront costs for equipment but may incur additional costs over time due to consumables, skilled staff, and physical storage requirements.
Physical models and impressions need ongoing maintenance, and indirect costs such as utilities and equipment depreciation should be considered in any financial projection.
Digital lab setup costs
Taking into account digital tools, software licences, scanning devices, and training, digital systems do need practices to make a significant investment upfront. Although the cost of this can be high, practices benefit from improved efficiency, reduced manual processes, and potential operational savings in the long term.
Projected cost savings can offset the higher upfront costs, offering a positive return on investment ROI over time.
Operational costs analysis
Consumables and materials
Traditional labs rely on materials for physical impressions, dental restorations, and physical models, which incur ongoing costs.
Digital dentistry reduces a lab’s reliance on consumables, thanks to digital formats and automated processes, which can translate to annual savings and improved efficiency.
Maintenance and upkeep
Traditional methods require regular maintenance of machinery, workspace, and tools. Digital systems also require updates and technical support, but the reduction in routine manual tasks and human error often leads to lower ongoing costs.
A cost savings analysis should factor in these operational efficiency gains to evaluate the total economic impact.
Efficiency and turnaround time
Sample processing speed
Digital adoption can significantly improve efficiency compared with traditional workflows. Digital impressions and automated processes reduce the time required for dental restorations, diagnostics, and routine tasks, allowing practices to see more patients while maintaining high standards of patient care.
Impact on patient throughput
Improved efficiency usually equals faster turnaround times. As well as enhancing patient satisfaction, this enables practices to maximise revenue through increased patient throughput.
Remote consultations and digital images can streamline processes further, supporting seamless integration with dental labs and facilitating collaborative care.
Error rates and quality control
Human error in traditional labs
Manual processes are prone to inconsistencies and errors, which may bring about the need to repeat tests or carry out corrections.
This can incur additional costs and negatively affect patient outcomes. Errors in physical impressions or models can compromise diagnostic accuracy and lead to delays in treatment.
Accuracy in digital lab systems
Digital technologies and artificial intelligence enhance diagnostic processes by providing more accurate image analysis and primary diagnosis capabilities.
Improved efficiency and accuracy reduce the likelihood of errors, offering potential savings and increased efficiency for practices.
Long-term cost savings
Reducing repeat tests
Digital systems minimise errors associated with manual processes, decreasing the need for repeat tests.
Practices can realise projected cost savings over time, contributing to operational savings and potentially leading to significant revenue improvements.
Energy and resource efficiency
Digital adoption reduces the need for physical storage, consumables, and energy-intensive machinery. Data storage and digital formats support more sustainable practices, while innovative solutions like automated processes and AI-driven workflows further enhance operational efficiency and improve patient outcomes.
Profitability implications for practices
Return on investment calculations
A financial projection comparing the digital vs traditional lab cost should consider upfront costs, ongoing operational efficiency, and potential savings.
While digital systems require a significant investment initially, projected cost savings and improved workflow efficiency can deliver a positive return on investment ROI over several years.
Cost-benefit scenarios
Taking the time to properly analyse potential savings, operational efficiency, and patient satisfaction can provide an economic model for digital adoption.
Practices may see annual savings, reduced indirect costs, and improved patient outcomes, creating a competitive advantage in the dental industry.
Strategic decision-making
Assessing practice needs and volume
The decision to adopt digital technologies should be guided by practice size, patient volume, and procedure complexity.
Larger practices with higher patient throughput may benefit more from improved efficiency, streamlined processes, and enhanced workflow efficiency offered by digital dentistry.
Future-proofing laboratory operations
Investing in digital systems supports technological advancement and innovative solutions that are likely to dominate the dental industry.
Digital adoption allows practices to maintain a competitive advantage, improve patient outcomes, and position themselves for long-term growth, potentially leading to significant revenue and operational savings.
GoDigital Dental: digital dentistry for exceptional patient care
At GoDigital Dental, we see digital dentistry as the key to combining efficiency with exceptional patient care. Using advanced digital tools, our lab helps practices move from traditional workflows to faster, more accurate digital systems that improve outcomes and reduce errors.
We also know the initial investment can be challenging. That is why we provide support such as our intraoral scanner loan programme and easy file-upload services, helping practices lower upfront costs while realising operational savings quickly.
Our goal is simple: to be a trusted partner for UK dental practices. By offering innovative solutions, reliable restorations, and expert support, we enable practices to future-proof their operations, enhance patient satisfaction, and achieve long-term profitability.
FAQs
How do traditional dental labs handle shade matching and aesthetics?
Traditional dental labs handle shade matching and aesthetics by using physical shade guides and skilled technicians to compare a patient’s tooth colour with pre-made samples. The technician selects the closest match, then creates dental restorations such as crowns or veneers using manual techniques. Lighting conditions, materials, and the technician’s experience all influence the accuracy of the shade match.
To improve aesthetics, labs may request photographs of the patient’s teeth or a physical model to better replicate natural details. Layers of ceramic or composite are applied by hand to mimic translucency and texture, aiming for a natural-looking result.
How do traditional labs ensure consistency and quality?
Traditional labs ensure consistency and quality by following strict procedures at each stage of production. Skilled technicians work to set standards, using checklists and quality checks to avoid errors. Each restoration is compared against the original prescription and model to make sure it fits the patient’s needs accurately.
Labs also rely on regular staff training and careful maintenance of equipment and materials. By monitoring every step, from impressions to the final polish, they reduce mistakes and keep results reliable. Consistency is achieved through experience, attention to detail, and clear communication between the dentist and the laboratory team.
In what ways do digital workflows improve accuracy?
Digital workflows improve accuracy by replacing manual steps with precise scans and computer-guided design. Intraoral scanners capture detailed images of the teeth, removing errors linked to physical impressions. The data is stored in a digital format, which avoids distortion or loss over time.
Computer-aided design and manufacturing then create restorations with a high level of detail. Digital tools also allow easy adjustments before production, reducing the chance of remakes. By using automated processes and reliable data, digital workflows ensure a closer fit, better function, and more natural aesthetics for patients compared with traditional manual methods.
Do digital labs secure patient data properly?
Yes, digital labs secure patient data properly by using encrypted systems and secure servers. Files such as digital impressions and images are transferred through protected networks, which reduces the risk of data loss or unauthorised access. Passwords, firewalls, and secure portals are also used to keep information safe.
In addition, digital labs follow data protection rules to make sure patient records are handled correctly. Access is limited to authorised staff only, and regular updates keep systems secure. These measures ensure that sensitive information is protected while still allowing smooth data sharing between dentists and the laboratory.
Can digital labs help dental practices transition to a digital workflow?
Digital labs can help dental practices transition to a digital workflow by providing guidance on equipment, software, and file handling. They often support dentists with training on how to use intraoral scanners, upload digital impressions, and integrate new tools into everyday routines. This reduces the learning curve and helps practices feel confident using digital systems.
Many labs also offer loan programmes or flexible services so practices can try digital workflows without a large upfront cost. By working closely with dentists, digital labs make the change smoother, improve efficiency, and ensure that the benefits of digital adoption are quickly realised.
How do dental labs handle communication and case updates?
Dental labs handle communication and case updates by keeping in regular contact with the dentist throughout the process. They confirm details when a case is first received, check any unclear information, and give updates if adjustments are needed. Clear communication helps avoid errors and ensures the final restoration meets the prescription.
Many labs now use digital platforms or secure portals where dentists can upload files, track progress, and send messages. Others rely on phone calls or emails for updates. These systems make it easier for both the lab and the practice to work together and keep cases on schedule.
What do traditional dental labs do in order to ensure that restorations will fit properly?
Traditional dental labs ensure that restorations will fit properly by working carefully with physical impressions and models provided by the dentist. Skilled technicians pour stone models, check margins, and shape restorations by hand to match the prescription. Each stage is measured and adjusted to reduce errors before the restoration is completed.
To confirm accuracy, restorations are tested on the model to check bite, contact points, and overall fit. If any issues are found, the technician makes adjustments before sending the case back to the dentist. This detailed, step-by-step process helps achieve a reliable and comfortable fit for patients.
Will a digital laboratory be able to show patients what their new smile will look like before restorations are made?
A digital laboratory can show patients what their new smile will look like before restorations are made by using specialised design software. Digital impressions and photographs are combined to create a 3D model of the mouth. This allows dentists and technicians to plan restorations in detail and make changes before any physical work begins.
The preview can be shared on a screen or even printed as a model, giving patients a clear idea of the expected result. Being able to see a digital simulation helps patients feel more confident in the treatment and supports better decision-making.
Is it possible to visit a dental laboratory?
It is possible to visit a dental laboratory, although this often depends on the individual lab’s policies and how they work with dental practices. Some labs welcome visits from dentists and patients, allowing them to see how restorations are made and to discuss specific cases in more detail. These visits can help build trust and improve communication.
In other situations, access may be limited to dental professionals only, especially where strict health and safety rules apply. When visits are allowed, they can be arranged through the dentist, who will coordinate with the laboratory to organise a suitable time.
