Director of Production - Digital

Job Description

Job Description

The Director of Production - Digital leads the laboratory’s digital production function, overseeing digital workflows, people, equipment, and process performance to deliver accurate, efficient, and clinically compliant restorations.

Position summary

• Provide strategic and operational leadership for all digital production activities, including intraoral and model scanning, CAD design, CAM/milling, 3D printing, and post‑ processing/finishing.
• Ensure consistent quality, on‑time case completion, and adherence to clinical prescriptions, laboratory standards, and documented procedures.
• Manage staffing, training, and performance of digital technicians; develop talent and maintain a collaborative, high‑performance culture.

Key responsibilities

• Leadership & team management: recruit, train, mentor, and evaluate digital production staff; establish clear roles, responsibilities, and performance expectations; coordinate cross‑functional collaboration with removable, restorative, and finishing teams.
• Digital workflow oversight: define and maintain digital production protocols and SOPs; ensure accuracy and efficiency across scanning, virtual design, nesting/slicing, milling, and 3D printing operations.
• Quality control & documentation: implement in‑process and final QC checks, maintain traceability of digital files and production records, troubleshoot data/scan issues, and enforce corrective actions where required.
• Process improvement: identify workflow bottlenecks, lead continuous improvement initiatives (Lean or other methodologies), optimize throughput and resource utilization, and standardize best practices.
• Technology & equipment management: evaluate and recommend hardware and software solutions; manage equipment maintenance, calibration, validation, and vendor relationships to ensure reliable operation.
• Clinical & stakeholder relations: serve as technical liaison with clinicians and external partners, interpret clinical prescriptions and doctor preferences, and communicate case status and technical considerations clearly.
• Data & financial management: define and track KPIs (turnaround time, defect rates, utilization), manage departmental budgets and cost controls, and prepare regular performance reports for leadership.
• Regulatory & safety compliance: ensure departmental compliance with applicable safety, material handling, and laboratory documentation practices.

Minimum qualifications

• 3–5+ years of experience in digital dental laboratory production with hands‑on experience in CAD/CAM and 3D printing workflows.
• Demonstrated supervisory or team‑lead experience within a dental laboratory or comparable manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency with industry CAD/CAM and 3D printing platforms (for example, 3Shape, SprintRay, or comparable systems) and familiarity with digital file formats and data management.
• Strong problem‑solving, organizational, and project‑management skills; ability to prioritize competing demands in a fast‑paced environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for effective interaction with technicians, clinicians, and leadership.
• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field preferred, or equivalent combination of education and practical experience.
• Working knowledge of dental materials, prosthetic design principles, and clinical requirements preferred.

Work environment

• Role operates within a high‑tech laboratory setting focused on quality, efficiency, and continuous improvement. Duties may require in‑lab presence to supervise production, validate processes, and support equipment operations.