The School of Dentistry has an exciting opening for a Lab Technician with expertise in ceramics and digital dentistry. The Digital Dentistry Dental Laboratory Technician/Support will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including benchtop scanning, CAD design, CAM milling of restorations, ceramic staining and glazing, printing of digital models, and of various dental devices.
To successfully perform these duties, the position requires extensive knowledge of computer systems, hardware, and software applications. Responsibilities include inspecting and manipulating digital files in a dental school setting, operating machinery such as milling units, ceramic ovens, and 3D printers, as well as, performing routine machine maintenance and calibration according to a detailed checklist.
The Technician must also identify material defects and equipment malfunctions, report problems to management, and troubleshoot issues when possible. Additionally, the role involves managing lab orders, bookkeeping, supply ordering, inventory management, and contributing to sustainable practices.
This position reports to the Director of Predoctoral Digital Dental Technologies and the Chief Information Officer.
Laboratory Operations
Perform a wide variety of dental laboratory tasks requiring a high degree of proficiency
Assist with CAD/CAM design, milling, and post-milling processing of restorations, including ceramic staining and glazing
Manipulate digital files to design dental devices such as bite splints, surgical guides, and 3D restorative mock-ups
Assist with 3D printing of digital models and various dental devices
Troubleshoot restoration design and manufacturing problems and recommend solutions to dental faculty working with pre-doctoral and graduate students
Assist in CAD/CAM training of dental faculty, pre-doctoral students, and staff
Organize and maintain the digital dental laboratory
Manage lab orders and bookkeeping
Run productivity report
Equipment and Supplies
Operate, calibrate, and maintain digital equipment
Monitor and ensure decisions about inventory, equipment purchase, and maintenance
Maintain accurate productivity and inventory records
Other duties as assigned
High school diploma or equivalent
Certified Dental Technician (CDT)
Minimum of 5 years experience as a dental technician in all areas of crown and bridge/ceramic restorations
Minimum of two (2) years of digital dental manufacturing experience, including 3D printing of dental devices and dental CAD/CAM in a private, public, government or military environment
Able to operate and maintain digital equipment including mills, 3D printers, and benchtop scanners as well as ceramic ovens.
Assists in training students, residents, staff, co-workers, and faculty in multiple CAD/CAM hardware and software systems.
Expertise in multiple dental ceramic materials to manufacture high-quality restorations
Ability to follow instructions and demonstrate time management, organization, fiscal stewardship, and prioritization skills
Knowledge and experience with the CEREC system
The School of Dentistry operates from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM, Monday through Friday. Our clinics sometimes operate until 7:30 PM one to two days a week. Your primary working location will be within a set area within the School of Dentistry. This is an onsite 40-hour-a-week position. You are eligible for flexible scheduling within these periods.
This position is not eligible for immigration sponsorship.
Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.
The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.
A great university is made so by its faculty and staff, and Michigan is recognized as one of the best universities to work for in the country. The Michigan culture is known for engaging faculty and staff in all facets of the university to create a workplace that is vibrant and stimulating.For two consecutive years, the Chronicle of Higher Education has placed U-M in its "Great Colleges to Work For" survey. In particular, the university earns high marks for strong relations between faculty and administrators, a collaborative system of governance, strong pay and benefits, and a healthy work/life balance.