Following a challenging year for dental technology, Ashley Byrne discusses why dental technicians have reasons to be hopeful in 2025.
This year has been challenging for dental labs. A general election, a new government and a tough budget have left many employers frustrated with the current economic climate. Patient demand has been unpredictable, and many labs have reported a significant drop in sales compared to 2023.
One lab owner I spoke to recently described it as their toughest year in decades – volatile sales, rising costs, and staffing difficulties left them feeling like they worked harder than ever with little to show for it. Many of you might feel the same way. Even though my own lab experienced growth this year, it didn’t match the effort we put in. That’s business though, rewarding yet relentless.
The UK economy barely grew in 2024, and forecasts for 2025 aren’t much better – 1.5% growth at best, with whispers of a possible recession. Add the extra burdens from the recent budget, and it’s easy to see why the outlook might feel bleak. But amidst these challenges, does dentistry – and specifically dental technology – have reasons to be hopeful in 2025?
Absolutely.
Albert Einstein once said, ‘in the midst of every crisis lies great opportunity’. And I believe that rings true today. Recessions and slowdowns force us to rethink, adapt, and innovate. While fear and cost-cutting might feel like natural responses, history shows that businesses that invest, adapt, and push forward during tough times often emerge stronger, leaner, and more competitive.
Rethink your role
I often hear technicians say, ‘labs are stuck because we rely on dentists for work.’ With respect, I disagree entirely. Sitting back and hoping for more orders isn’t a strategy – it’s a recipe for disappointment. ‘Hope’ isn’t a marketing tool, nor is it a business plan.
Dental technicians are highly skilled, resourceful professionals. Our role extends far beyond manufacturing. We have the expertise to collaborate with dentists to help them grow their businesses, which in turn grows ours. If a client’s practice is struggling, it’s an opportunity to step in with solutions. From hosting patient events to study clubs, promotions and training on new workflows or products, we can provide tangible value that helps our clients thrive.
At Byrnes, we’ve already mapped out a proactive 2025 strategy. Our mission is simple: help our clients not just survive but grow. Whether that’s introducing digital workflows, streamlining processes, or exploring innovative ways to elevate their practices, we’re ready to partner with them every step of the way.
Embrace innovation
Traditionally, technicians are viewed as fabricators, limited to fulfilling dentist orders. But we’re so much more than that. As trusted members of the dental community, we have the opportunity to educate, inspire, and guide our clients. Rarely do we get such an opportunity to meet our clients face to face.
Quiet periods are ideal for offering training sessions, demonstrating the benefits of new technologies, and showing practices how modern dental tech can set them apart in their local markets.
Think about this: digital workflows and cutting-edge technologies aren’t just tools for efficiency – they’re tools for differentiation. By positioning ourselves as innovators and educators, we elevate our role from supplier to indispensable partner.
Arm your team
Preparation beats panic every time. At Byrnes, we’re not crossing our fingers for fair weather in 2025 – we’re gearing up for the storms. We’ve armed our team with training, tools, and a clear plan. If the year turns out to be as tough as predicted, we’ll be ready. And if it’s better than expected? Then we’ll be positioned to make 2025 our strongest year yet.
This is our time to lead. Our industry is facing challenges, yes, but it’s also ripe with opportunity for those who are willing to innovate, collaborate, and take bold action. Let’s make 2025 the year dental technicians redefine what’s possible.
Catch up with previous columns from The Lab Expert:
- A quiet lab is a troubled lab – and it’s not about the money
- How do you transition from analogue to digital?
- The challenge of driving change in the dental lab
- Is it time to eliminate the model room?
- Dental technology is changing fast – are we ready?
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