Dental Lab Operations Manager

Keystone Dental Partners•Milwaukee, WI

2d•$85,000 - $95,000

About The Position

The Dental Lab Operations Manager will play a key leadership role in advancing and expanding our in-house dental laboratory operations. This role combines hands-on technical expertise with leadership responsibility , overseeing daily lab operations while coaching and developing a growing team. This individual will partner closely with executive leadership and clinical teams to drive process improvement, operational excellence, and strategic growth . The ideal candidate is a player-coach who thrives in building high-performing teams, increasing case volume, and scaling lab capabilities to support both internal practices and external opportunities.

Requirements

Previous experience as a Dental Lab Manager, Lead Dental Technician, or similar leadership role.
Proven ability to lead, coach, and develop a team in a lab or production environment.
Strong knowledge of dental lab technologies, workflows, and materials (CAD/CAM, zirconia, implants, removable prosthetics).
Experience driving process improvements and operational efficiency .
Demonstrated ability or interest in supporting growth initiatives and scaling operations .
Financial acumen with exposure to budgeting, forecasting, or ROI analysis preferred.
Strong problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills.
Ability to balance hands-on production work with leadership responsibilities .

Nice To Haves

CDT (Certified Dental Technician) designation preferred, but not required.

Responsibilities

Lead, coach, and develop lab team members, fostering a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and professional growth .
Oversee daily lab operations, ensuring efficiency, accuracy, and high-quality outcomes .
Identify and implement process improvements to optimize workflows, turnaround times, and production capacity.
Develop and execute a lab growth strategy , including increasing case volume and expanding services.
Partner with leadership on financial planning , including budgeting, forecasting, and evaluating ROI on equipment, staffing, and expansion initiatives.
Drive internal and external marketing efforts to grow lab utilization and build new business opportunities.
Collaborate with dentists and specialists on case planning, crown and bridge design, implant restorations, and digital workflows.
Evaluate, recommend, and implement new technologies and equipment to support innovation and scalability.
Plan for and support team expansion , including hiring, onboarding, and performance management.
Establish and track KPIs and quality standards to ensure consistent performance and accountability.
Manage vendor relationships, inventory, and supply chain to ensure cost-effective operations.
Ensure strong communication between the lab and supported practices to improve case outcomes and service levels.