CAD/CAM Dental Designer / Lab Technician

THE CAD/CAM Dental Designer / Lab Technician works under the general guidance of the Clinical Director and provides advanced expertise in digital dental design and laboratory fabrication. This position is responsible for designing, milling, finishing, and conducting quality assurance for dental restorations using CAD/CAM systems and modern digital workflows. The incumbent plays a key role in supporting the dental practice by producing high-quality restorations in a timely manner that meet institutional standards and enhance patient care. The role requires close collaboration with clinicians and dental staff to translate treatment plans into precise digital designs and final restorations while maintaining efficiency, accuracy, and consistency across all production processes. Responsibilities Digital Design & Fabrication Design single-unit and multi-unit restorations (crowns, bridges, veneers, inlays/onlays). Design implant-supported restorations, surgical guides, and full-arch cases as appropriate. Utilize intraoral and laboratory scanning technologies to develop digital models. Operations and Maintenance Operate, clean, and maintain CAM machines, such as 3D printers and milling machines. Ensure lab equipment and scanners are calibrated, maintained, and correctly networked. Ensure all designs meet high-quality, clinical standards. Ensure compliance with infection control, OSHA, and safety regulations. Follow HIPAA and institutional policies regarding patient data. Adhere to institutional quality and documentation standards. Maintain laboratory inventory and supply levels. Oversee all case shipping and receiving, including patient case and supply inventory. Manage updates and design software licenses, provide technical translation, and serve as liaison to IT Department. Project Management and Workflow Enhancement Coordinate with clinicians and laboratory team regarding design issues and material selection. Evaluate and recommend complex workflow enhancements that integrate clinical imaging systems with Epic and other electronic health record platforms. Develop proposals for automated tools and standardized protocols to optimize image capture, file management, and laboratory production workflows. Troubleshoot design or fit issues with providers. Perform finishing, polishing, staining, glazing, and characterization of restorations. Conduct quality control checks for marginal integrity, occlusion, contact, and esthetics. Maintain case tracking systems to ensure timely turnaround. Communicate with providers regarding design modifications or case concerns. Training and Documentation Design and conduct training in workflows and processes, hardware, and operating systems to improve user productivity and efficiency. Provide technical guidance on digital case submissions and design considerations. Support implementation of digital dentistry initiatives within the clinic. Develop, document workflows and standard operating procedures to ensure consistent clinical quality across multiple users. Regulatory and Compliance Maintain advanced knowledge of digital dentistry technologies, including intraoral scanning, CBCT imaging, 3D printing, and CAD/CAM design platforms, while ensuring compliance with HIPAA, University of California policies, and institutional imaging standards. Perform other duties as assigned. Qualifications Required Qualifications Associate degree, or certificate in Dental Laboratory Technology, verified 3Shape/Exocad certification, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Bachelor's degree in related area and/or equivalent experience/training. 2–3 years of experience in digital dental design and fabrication. Thorough knowledge of the operations of and related clinical imaging systems and the complex concepts, principles, policies, methodologies, and best practices involved with managing, storing, and transferring medical images. Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., 3Shape, Exocad, CEREC). Experience with milling units and/or 3D printers. Strong understanding of dental anatomy, occlusion, and restorative materials. Proven fluency and skills in relevant hardware, software and/or database administration, including development, implementation, maintenance, user support, and system testing and evaluation. Detail oriented, with proven ability to effectively manage time, manage tasks and projects, organize competing priorities, and effectively address complex, urgent issues as they arise. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information and to effectively train, support, and work productively with end users at all professional and technical levels throughout the organization. Strong problem-resolution skills, with the ability to work collaboratively to quickly identify complex problems, and develop, test, and implement appropriate solutions in a timely manner. Strong analytical skills, and knowledge in complex system operations, documentation, and reporting, with the ability to assess system inadequacies, develop and run tests, evaluate performance, and implement new systems, releases, and upgrades. Ability to work with senior staff and managers across departments, serving as a technical resource and providing advice and counsel on issues of functionality, efficiency, policy, performance, regulations, and industry trends and advances. Flexible and receptive to ideas from others, able to meet deadlines, team oriented, and willing to work in a collaborative patient focused environment. Preferred Qualifications CDT (Certified Dental Technician) credential. Implant restoration design experience. Experience with digital workflow integration in multi-specialty environments. Full-arch and complex restorative case experience. Knowledge of Epic or institutional electronic health record systems. Equal Employment Opportunity The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law. #J-18808-Ljbffr