CAD/CAM Dental Designer / Lab Technician

Job Summary The CAD/CAM Dental Designer / Lab Technician works under the 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 Designs and maintains the software, hardware and/or databases for all levels of complexity, including data integrity, file management, workflows and integration of data streams. Designs single‑unit and multi‑unit restorations (crowns, bridges, veneers, inlays/onlays). Designs implant‑supported restorations, surgical guides and full‑arch cases as appropriate. Utilizes intraoral and laboratory scanning technologies to develop digital models. Operates CAD software platforms (e.g., 3Shape, Exocad, inLab). Troubleshoots escalated issues of moderate complexity in hardware/software and performs research 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 software licenses, provides technical translation and serves as liaison to the IT Department for digital workflow troubleshooting. Works on project teams to customize functions, implement software algorithms, integrate systems, develop and conduct quality assurance tests and determine needs for upgrades. Coordinates 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 EHR platforms. Develops proposals for automated tools and standardized protocols to optimize image capture, file management and laboratory production workflows. Troubleshoots design or fit issues with providers. Performs finishing, polishing, staining, glazing and characterization of restorations. Conducts quality control checks for marginal integrity, occlusion, contact and esthetics. Maintains case tracking systems to ensure timely turnaround. Communicates with providers regarding design modifications or case concerns. Designs and conducts training in workflows and processes, hardware and operating systems to improve user productivity and efficiency. Provides technical guidance on digital case submissions and design considerations. Supports implementation of digital dentistry initiatives within the clinic. Develops, documents workflows and SOPs to ensure consistent clinical quality across multiple users. Stays current on regulations, advances and trends in clinical imaging and proposes complex solutions and automated tools to optimize image use and storage. Maintains advanced knowledge of digital dentistry technologies, including intraoral scanning, CBCT imaging, 3D printing and CAD/CAM design platforms while ensuring compliance with HIPAA, UC policies and institutional imaging standards. Other duties as assigned. 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 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, system testing and evaluation. Detail oriented, with proven ability to effectively manage time, tasks and projects, organize competing priorities and 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. Strong problem‑resolution skills, with the ability to work collaboratively to quickly identify complex problems, 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. Flexible and receptive to ideas, 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. 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 work experience and internal equity within this position classification at UCSF. For positions represented by a labor union, placement in the salary range will be guided by the rules in the collective bargaining agreement. Benefits To learn more about the benefits of working at UCSF, including total compensation, please visit 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 University of California - San Francisco