CAD/CAM Dental Designer / Lab Technician

Job Summary:

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.

% of time Essential Function (Yes/No) Key Responsibilities (To be completed by Supervisor) 40 YES

Desi Designs and maintains the software, hardware and / or databases for at all levels of complexity. Activities include data integrity and utilization, file management, workflows, end user needs and integration of data streams.

Digital Design & Fabrication

• Designs single-unit and multi-unit restorations (crowns, bridges, veneers, inlays/onlays).
• Designs for fabrication implant-supported restorations, surgical guides, and full-arch cases as appropriate.
• Utilize intraoral and laboratory scanning technologies to develop digital models.

OperatesCAD software platforms (e.g., 3Shape, Exocad, inLab/

20 YES

Troubleshoots escalated issues of moderate complexity in regards to hardware / software; performs research as needed to address challenging problems.

• Operates, cleans, and maintains CAM machines, such as 3D printers and milling machines.
• Ensures lab equipment and scanners are calibrated, maintained, and correctly networked.
• Ensures all designs meet high-quality, clinical standards.
• Ensures compliance with infection control, OSHA, and safety regulations.
• Follows HIPAA and institutional policies regarding patient data.
• Adheres to institutional quality and documentation standards.
• Maintains laboratory inventory and supply levels.
• Oversees all case shipping and receiving, including patient case and supply inventory
• Manages updates and designs software licenses, provides technical translation and serves as liaison to IT Department, and digital workflow troubleshooting.

25 YES

Works on project teams to customize functions, implement software algorithms, integrate systems, develop and conduct quality assurance tests and determine need for appropriate upgrades.

• Coordinate with clinicians and laboratory team regarding design issues and material selection
• Evaluates and recommends complex workflow enhancements that integrate clinical imaging systems with Epic and other electronic health record platforms to ensure secure, efficient storage, retrieval, and documentation of patient images
• Develops 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.

10 YES

Designs and conducts 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.
• Develops, documents workflows and standard operating procedures to ensure consistent clinical quality across multiple users

5 YES

Stays current on regulations, advances, and trends in the field of clinical imaging and makes proposals to management for complex solutions and automated tools to optimize the use and storage of clinical images.

• Maintains 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.
• Other duties as assigned

Required Qualification:

• 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 communications 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 annd run tests, evaluate performance, and implement new systems, releases, and upgrades.

• Ability to work with senior staff and managers in 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 Qualification:

• 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.

About UCSF

The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) is a leading university dedicated to promoting health worldwide through advanced biomedical research, graduate-level education in the life sciences and health professions, and excellence in patient care. It is the only campus in the 10-campus UC system dedicated exclusively to the health sciences. We bring together the world's leading experts in nearly every area of health. We are home to five Nobel laureates who have advanced the understanding of cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, aging and stem cells.

Pride Values

UCSF is a diverse community made of people with many skills and talents. We seek candidates whose work experience or community service has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to professionalism, respect, integrity, diversity and excellence - also known as our PRIDE values.

In addition to our PRIDE values, UCSF is committed to equity - both in how we deliver care as well as our workforce. We are committed to building a broadly diverse community, nurturing a culture that is welcoming and supportive, and engaging diverse ideas for the provision of culturally competent education, discovery, and patient care. Additional information about UCSF is available here.

Join us to find a rewarding career contributing to improving healthcare worldwide.

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.

Salary Information

The final salary and offer components are subject to additional approvals based on UC policy.

Your placement within the salary range is dependent on a number of factors including your work experience and internal equity within this position classification at UCSF. For positions that are represented by a labor union, placement within the salary range will be guided by the rules in the collective bargaining agreement.

To learn more about the benefits of working at UCSF, including total compensation, please visit:

Required Qualification:

• 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 communications 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 annd run tests, evaluate performance, and implement new systems, releases, and upgrades.

• Ability to work with senior staff and managers in 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 Qualification:

• 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.