Building a future-ready dental lab

Joe Ganderton, director of Remo Dental Laboratory, shares how his lab has evolved into a hub of cutting-edge technology and forward-thinking practices.

Thinking back two years to when I set up Remo Dental Laboratory, it’s incredible to see how much has changed in such a short time. What started as a small, traditional dental lab has quickly evolved into a hub of cutting-edge technology and forward-thinking practices.

We have since grown into a lab where digital design meets traditional craftsmanship, transforming both our work and what we can deliver.

Collectively, we have seen firsthand how embracing advancements – like 3D printing, hybrid milling and digital workflows – has reshaped our lab’s capabilities, enabling us to deliver faster, more precise restorations. However, I’d be lying if I were to suggest it’s all been plain sailing.

The journey hasn’t been easy, but every step has been worth it…

How technology is changing our craft

At the heart of our operations is cutting-edge technology. When setting up, we quickly saw the potential of technology to expand what we could offer to dental practices and patients. In an industry that’s often been slow to adopt new ways of doing things, we saw an opportunity to catch ground on some of our more established contemporaries.

Dental technology was advancing rapidly, and I knew that adopting tools like 3D printing, hybrid milling, and automation could take our work to new heights.

One of the most exciting changes has been incorporating 3D printing into our workflow. 3D printing has allowed us to produce highly precise, natural-looking crowns, bridges, and guides from digital scans provided by our partner.

It has also reduced our production time and minimised material waste, allowing us to become more sustainable. Watching the positive responses from dentists and patients alike has been rewarding – it’s clear that this technology is making a real difference.

High-quality work

I knew that combining traditional craftsmanship with modern digital techniques would be powerful, and hybrid milling has proven exactly that. At Remo, we use hybrid milling for zirconia restorations and complex metal frameworks, achieving a level of durability and precision that’s vital for high-quality work.

This technology has allowed us to take on more complex cases and provide in-house solutions that were once impossible, ultimately reducing our reliance on external suppliers and ensuring our clients receive consistent results.

Bringing automation into the lab has been transformative, freeing up our team to focus on quality and artistry. With CAD (Computer-Aided Design) and CAM (Computer-Aided Manufacturing) systems, we’re able to streamline repetitive tasks that used to take hours. Automation has freed up our team to focus on fine details, combining the efficiency of technology with the quality of hands-on work.

Enhancing relationships with dental practices

For me, one of the most rewarding outcomes of adopting these technologies has been the stronger relationships we’ve built with dental practices. New technology has allowed us to work more closely with our partners, helping deliver better outcomes.

With cloud-based platforms, we’re ready to get started as soon as we receive case files and scans, making everything faster and more precise. This instant data-sharing allows us to get started right away and ensures that each product is tailored precisely to the patient’s needs.

The direct feedback we receive from practices has been invaluable, as it helps us understand their needs in real time and adjust our work accordingly.

We also now regularly hold virtual consultations with dentists, discussing case specifics and aligning on details before production begins. This ability to connect face-to-face – even remotely – has improved both accuracy and trust, building a true partnership between the practice and the lab.

Our team’s evolution

Of course, bringing in this technology wouldn’t be possible without a team open to learning and adapting. Without sounding too cliched, I believe that investing in our team is the foundation of our success.

When I introduced these new tools, I encouraged the team to approach them as opportunities for growth. As our lab embraces digital tools, we’re also committed to providing our team with the training they need to succeed in this new landscape.

With the integration of CAD/CAM, 3D printing, and milling, we’ve established regular training sessions to ensure our team is equipped with the skills they need. It’s inspiring to see our technicians, many of whom started with traditional methods, mastering complex digital tools. This commitment to learning is a key part of our lab’s culture.

This includes encouraging our team to pursue certifications in advanced dental technologies has also helped us maintain high standards. These certifications validate our technicians’ skills and reinforce our commitment to quality, ensuring our lab is staffed with experts in both traditional techniques and modern technologies.

Not all plain sailing

Of course, every journey has its hurdles. For us, the path to innovation has required careful planning and strategic decision-making.

Advanced technology like 3D printers and hybrid milling systems requires a substantial financial investment.

We had to weigh the costs against the benefits carefully, but I firmly believe that these investments are the key to keeping Remo at the forefront of dental technology.

By strategically planning our growth, we’ve been able to absorb these costs as investments into our future.

Shifting to digital workflows required significant adaptation. Team members with years of traditional experience understandably needed time to adjust to new tools. We tackled this by emphasising hands-on training and creating a supportive environment where everyone could learn at their own pace.

Today, our team is completely comfortable with both the digital and conventional aspects of our work, creating a well-rounded skill set that’s become our strength.

What’s next for Remo?

Winning Dental Laboratory of the Year at the 2024 Dentistry Awards has given us a chance to see the progress we have made up to this point, but it’s also just the beginning. Embracing technology has allowed us to innovate, develop and upskill our people, and build stronger partnerships with dental practices.

Today, our lab is a blend of traditional craftsmanship and advanced digital tools; a place where every member of the team is committed to delivering high-quality, precise restorations that meet the needs of our patients and partners.

As we continue to grow and evolve, Remo Dental Laboratory remains dedicated to delivering excellence in every product, building partnerships based on trust and leading the way into the future of dental technology.

For us, this award highlights what we are here to do: keep evolving, keep learning and keep delivering quality.

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