How to choose a dental laboratory

Before you send a first case to any laboratory, get clear answers to these eight questions. They surface nearly every problem a lab relationship can have — before it costs you a remake.

• Can I see examples of comparable work from your portfolio?
• What is your standard turnaround, and how often do you hit it?
• Do you price per unit or per case, and what exactly is included?
• What is your rush policy and surcharge?
• How are redesigns and remakes handled, and who pays?
• Which file formats and scanners do you accept?
• Who is my point of contact during the case?
• How and when is payment made?

On LabMatch, much of this is answered on the laboratory's public profile: portfolio works with indicative prices, services, turnaround and rush surcharge. The rest is settled by the written quote you receive before any work begins.