The School of Dentistry has an exciting opening for a Dental Laboratory Technician Senior with expertise in ceramics and digital dentistry to lead the start-up operations of our Digital Dentistry Center (DDC). This pivotal role includes establishing efficient workflows overseeing tasks such as benchtop scanning, CAD design, CAM milling, ceramic staining and glazing, and 3D printing of dental models and devices while ensuring quality standards. As the center grows, this manager will guide its expansion, including the recruitment and onboarding of additional staff, offering a clear path for leadership and professional development in digital dentistry. This position reports to the Director of Predoctoral Digital Dental Technologies and the Chief Information Officer.

As the Dental Laboratory Manager, you will lead the day-to-day operations of the Digital Dentistry Center. Your role will involve overseeing lab workflows, operating and maintaining advanced equipment, troubleshooting design and manufacturing issues, and collaborating with faculty and students to support academic and clinical objectives. You will also play a key role in establishing sustainable practices and contributing to the Center's growth and expansion.

The School of Dentistry is consistently ranked as the #1 dental school in the United States and the world. We embrace diversity in many forms and champion diversity of thought and culture. Our Mission, core values, and additional information about our school can be found on our website. The University of Michigan also offers comprehensive benefits to help you stay well and to support you as you plan for a secure future. Benefits include:

• Generous paid time off for vacations, holidays, sick time, season days, and paid parental leave.
• A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions after the first year of employment.
• Many choices for comprehensive health insurance.
• Life insurance.
• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses.
• Work-life programs to strengthen a workplace culture that supports personal and family life, including child care, elder care, lactation resources, and mental and emotional health service

Laboratory Operations

• Perform a diverse range of dental laboratory tasks with a high level of precision and expertise.
• Execute CAD/CAM milling and manage post-milling processing of restorations, including ceramic staining, glazing and finishing.
• Design dental devices such as bite splints, surgical guides, and 3D restorative mock-ups by manipulating digital files. 
• Oversee and assist with 3D printing of digital models and various dental devices, ensuring accuracy and quality.
• Diagnose and troubleshoot issues in restoration design and manufacturing, providing solutions and recommendations to dental faculty and students at both the pre-doctoral and graduate levels.
• Collaborate with faculty to ensure that lab operations support academic objectives, providing feedback and assistance to integrate digital workflows into educational programs.
• Offer guidance to students and faculty during case design and production, ensuring quality outcomes and providing constructive feedback.
• Support CAD/CAM training initiatives for dental faculty, pre-doctoral students, and staff to enhance skills and operational efficiency.
• Manage the operations of the digital dental laboratory, including but not limited to:
• Monitoring workflow and ensuring timely completion of lab orders.
• Maintaining accurate bookkeeping and generating productivity and performance reports.
• Evaluating and implementing process improvements to enhance lab efficiency.

Equipment and Supplies

• Operate, calibrate, and maintain digital dental laboratory equipment to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
• Make informed decisions about inventory management, maintenance schedules and recommend equipment purchases, in alignment with lab needs and budget considerations.
• Maintain detailed records of productivity, equipment maintenance, and inventory to support operational planning and sustainability.
• Ensure lab resources are organized, well-maintained, and accessible for optimal productivity and teaching purposes.

Leadership and Collaboration

• Ensure adherence to quality standards, operational protocols, and alignment with the educational mission.
• Work closely with faculty to ensure that lab operations meet the needs of both clinical and educational programs.
• Collaborate with students and faculty to facilitate learning opportunities within the digital dentistry workflow, offering hands-on support and feedback during case preparation.
• Promote a culture of innovation, teamwork, and continuous learning within the laboratory.
   

Other Responsibilities

• Perform additional duties as assigned to support the evolving needs of the Digital Dentistry Center Lab.

• High school diploma or equivalent. 
• Certified Dental Technician (CDT) credential is required.
• A minimum of 5 years experience as a dental technician with expertise in crown and bridge fabrication and ceramic restorations.
• At least two (2) years of experience in digital dental manufacturing, including proficiency in 3D printing of dental devices and dental CAD/CAM systems, gained in private, public, government, or military settings.
• Proven ability to operate, maintain, and troubleshoot digital dental equipment, including milling units, 3D printers, benchtop scanners, and ceramic ovens
• Proficiency with CAD/CAM hardware and software systems, including the ability to train and support others in their use.
• In-depth knowledge of dental ceramic materials and their applications in manufacturing high-quality restorations.
• Strong organizational and leadership skills, with the ability to ensure efficient and high-quality operations.
• Proven ability to train others (e.g. students, residents, staff, co-workers, and faculty) in using multiple CAD/CAM hardware and software systems. Provide constructive feedback in educational or clinical contexts.
• Demonstrated ability to manage time effectively, organize tasks, and prioritize competing demands while maintaining a commitment to fiscal stewardship.
• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills, with a focus on fostering collaboration and innovation in a team environment.
• Commitment to continuous learning and staying current with advancements in digital dental technologies and material.

This is an onsite position located at 1011 North University Ave. Ann Arbor, MI 48109

This position is fully onsite and is eligible for flexible scheduling within our hours of operation. Learn more about work modes.

The School of Dentistry operates from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM, Monday through Friday. Our clinics sometimes operate until 7:30 PM one to two days a week. Your primary working location will be within a set area within the School of Dentistry. This is an onsite 40-hour-a-week position. You are eligible for flexible scheduling within these periods. 

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks.  Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days.  The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.