Dental Technician - Stain & Glaze (Fixed Finishing)

Job Description Job Description Job Type Full-time Description Location: On-site in Prospect Height, IL Department: Operations / Production - Fixed (Finishing) Reports to: Fixed Finishing Lead Partners closely with: CAD/CAM, Milling, Model Room, Quality Lead, Customer Care About GCDL GCDL is a full-service dental laboratory (crown & bridge, removables, orthodontics, and implants). The company is transitioning from analog workflows to digital CAD/CAM, 3D printing, and AI. Our aim is to execute end-to-end automation in the U.S. to elevate quality, customer experience, and cost efficiency. Role Summary The Stain & Glaze Technician is responsible for the esthetic finishing of fixed restorations with a focus on staining, glazing, and final polish/luster including predictable shade outcomes, controlled value/chroma, surface texture/characterization, and consistent "signature" finish standards. This role supports fit/contact/occlusion touch-ups as needed and documents issues clearly to reduce remakes and improve upstream processes. Key Responsibilities Pre-finish QC & Case Verification * Confirm case ID, shade, and material; perform basic visual QC and escalate * Verify shade map/photos and check common risk points before finishing. Shade Selection, Stain & Glaze Execution * Follow prescribed shade instructions and deliver consistent outcomes for routine A/B/C shades; control value/chroma with increasing independence as skill grows. * Execute staining steps per SOP; maintain consistent stain/glaze outcomes and avoid common defects (e.g., over-stain, patchiness). * Maintain cleanliness and repeatability in finishing processes to reduce variability across cases and technicians. Texture, Characterization, and Final Polish/Luster * Apply appropriate surface texture and characterization to achieve natural esthetics and consistent finish standards. * Perform final polish sequence appropriate to the material; ensure predictable luster, surface integrity, and durability. Fit/Contacts/Occlusion Touch-ups (Finish-side) * Identify obvious fit/contact/occlusion issues and escalate as needed; independently correct standard finishing-related adjustments when within scope. Remake Prevention & Feedback Loop * Document remake/rework drivers and share patterns with the lead; participate in root-cause improvements and updates to SOPs/standards. Work Environment Schedule: Full-time, on-site in Chicago; early huddles and occasional off-shift coverage. Compensation & Benefits Competitive pay, potential performance incentives tied to quality/throughput goals, and benefits package (commensurate with experience). EEO Statement GCDL is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Qualifications * Prior dental lab experience in zirconia stain & glaze (highly preferred); comfort working to SOPs and delivering repeatable, low-variability outcomes. * Demonstrated ability to support shade matching, texture/characterization, and final polish quality. * Quality mindset: able to verify case/shade inputs, catch issues early, and document clearly. * CDT is a plus (especially for senior-level consideration). Company Description At GCDL, we take pride in the partnerships we've built with clinicians across Illinois and beyond. Our commitment to precision, consistency, and personalized service speaks for itself—but don't just take our word for it. Hear directly from dentists who trust GCDL to deliver reliable, high-quality restorations case after case. After over 20 years of dental lab service, we've earned the trust of hundreds of dentists across the country. We work hard to align ourselves as your dental practice partner. Company Description At GCDL, we take pride in the partnerships we've built with clinicians across Illinois and beyond. Our commitment to precision, consistency, and personalized service speaks for itself—but don't just take our word for it. Hear directly from dentists who trust GCDL to deliver reliable, high-quality restorations case after case. After over 20 years of dental lab service, we've earned the trust of hundreds of dentists across the country. We work hard to align ourselves as your dental practice partner.