Dental Laboratory Technician – Digital Workflow in Edinburgh

We are seeking an experienced, detail-oriented Dental Laboratory Technician with a strong foundation in digital dentistry workflows. The role involves the design and manufacture of high-quality dental restorations using contemporary CAD/CAM systems, intraoral scan data, and medical-grade 3D printing technologies. The successful candidate must demonstrate competence in both digital and conventional laboratory techniques, with a disciplined approach to accuracy, efficiency, and quality control. A commitment to predictable restorative outcomes, workflow optimisation, and continuous professional development is essential.

Key Responsibilities

• Receive, verify, and prepare intraoral scan datasets (STL/PLY/DICOM where applicable), ensuring accuracy, completeness, and clinical suitability prior to design.
• Manage digital case workflows from prescription intake through to final output, including correct case naming, version control, and arch alignment.
• Use CAD software (e.g., Exocad, 3Shape, Dental Wings) to design single units, multi-unit restorations, implant restorations, surgical guides, splints and other prosthetic appliances.
• Plan and execute CAM workflows including nesting strategies, print orientation, support optimisation, and milling parameters to maximise accuracy and material efficiency.
• Troubleshoot digital cases to ensure digital files meet clinical requirements.
• Maintain and calibrate digital equipment—scanners, and printers—to ensure optimal performance.
• Manufacture high-precision and high-quality aesthetic restorations using a range of materials (TBC).
• Perform post-processing, including washing, curing, sintering, staining, glazing, finishing, and final quality refinement.
• Fabricate implant-supported restorations, including abutments, bars, and full arch solutions.
• Design and produce surgical guides and digital planning components aligned with guided implant workflows in accordance with clinician prescriptions and regulatory standards.
• Apply conventional laboratory techniques where indicated, including wax-ups, analogue articulation, occlusal adjustments, and model refinement.
• Ensure all laboratory outputs meet clinical prescriptions, occlusal requirements, aesthetic standards, and agreed delivery timelines.
• Maintain accurate digital and physical case documentation, including traceability of materials and device records.
• Adhere to MHRA-compliant custom device workflows and laboratory governance standards.
• Follow strict infection control, laboratory hygiene, COSHH, and health & safety protocols.
• Work closely with clinicians, treatment coordinators, nursing and the laboratory team to support integrated digital restorative and implant workflows.
• Provide technical input into treatment planning, restorative design decisions, and material selection.
• Participate in case handover meetings and pre-restorative planning discussions.
• Support referring dentists with scan optimisation advice and digital submission guidance where required.
• Participate in multidisciplinary case reviews and continuous workflow optimisation initiatives.

Requirements

• Current GDC registration as a Dental Technician.
• Qualification in Dental Technology (BSc, HND or equivalent).
• Proven experience in a digital dental laboratory environment.
• Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., Exocad, 3Shape).
• Experience with milling machines and/or 3D printing systems.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to high-quality work.
• Excellent time management and ability to work to deadlines.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.
• Experience with implant restorative workflows, including full-arch rehabilitation cases.
• Working knowledge of a range of restorative materials and advanced finishing techniques/protocols.
• Familiarity with implant libraries, component systems and manufacturer specific workflows for common implant systems.
• Demonstrates interest in continuous professional development and adoption of emerging digital technologies in clinical dentistry and dental material sciences.

What We Offer

• Integration within a specialist-led restorative and implant team.
• Structured digital workflow environment.
• Modern digital laboratory facilities with expanding in-house digital production capability and state-of-the-art equipment.
• Opportunities for training and professional development.
• Supportive and collaborative working environment.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunity to shape future laboratory systems and protocols.