In today’s esthetic

conscious society dentist

wants to give the best
to the patient….

…but at times even

after all the care taken
by the dentist and the
technician the end
result is not what is
desired.
 What could be the reason..??????
Did the dentist go wrong in communicating his
observations to the technician…?
 This paper intends to highlight
the dentist laboratory communication.
How does a dentist communicate with
the laboratory technician ?

It is through the work authorization

form….
 Literature reveals the technicians were often dissatisfied with:
• insufficient information,
• deficient impressions,
• inadequate occlusal records and
• improper shade selection.

Leith R, Lowry L, O’Sullivan M. Communication between dentists and laboratory technicians.

J Ir Dent Assoc. 2000; 46:5-10.
Lynch D, Allen PF. Quality of written prescriptions and master impressions for fixed and removable prosthodontics: a comparative study. Br Dent
J 2005; 198:17-21.
 Some dentists may delegate the
filling out of the prescription to
the assistant.

The assistant will either have the

dentist sign /use a signature stamp.

Morrow RM, Rudd KD, Rhoads JE. Dental laboratory procedures: complete dentures.
Vol 1.2nd ed. St. Louis: Mosby; 1986. p. 1-8.
 What are the important aspects to be conveyed:

1. The name, gender, age.

2. The date of the request.
3. A detailed description of the
work necessary -
(All Ceramic, PFM, Complete
Metal) with a diagram of the
design for the prosthesis
(margin design, pontic design ).
4. The specific type of materials
to be used ( allergy to Nickel ).
5. The shade of the prosthesis and the shade guide used;

Clinical tip : When selecting shade importance should be given to value rather than hue.
A diagram of a tooth that allows specification of
multiple shades is very helpful.
6. Information regarding customization in staining, if
applicable.
7. The type of occlusal scheme.
8. Information whether the abutment is endodontically
treated.
9. Information if redoing a failed fixed partial
denture.

10. The signature, registration number,

telephone number and email - id of the
requesting dentist/specialist.
 WHAT ARE THE ADDITIONAL MEANS TO CONVEY
THE INFORMATION….

1. Photographs

Clinical tip:Multiple pictures should be taken at different

angles and under different light sources.
2. Standardized digital images
3. Models and Diagnostic waxing
4. Casts of provisional restorations;
5. The treatment plan colored wax-up
No single fool-proof method.
The use of checklists by both dentist and technician can be helpful.
 - Finish lines are
distinct
- No blood or
saliva
- Disinfection
protocols
- No voids, tears,
defects
- Contact has not
occurred

Rosenstiel SF, Land MF, Fujimoto J. Contemporary Fixed Prosthodontics.4 th ed. St Louis:
Mosby, 2006: 507-525.
- Die trimming,
- Absence of
undercuts,
- Retention form,
- Adequacy of
reduction for facial
porcelain and
porcelain margins,
- Occlusal clearance

Rosenstiel SF, Land MF, Fujimoto J. Contemporary Fixed Prosthodontics.4 th ed. St Louis:
Mosby, 2006: 507-525.
 Recommendations to aid a better
communication…..

Dentists who carry the ultimate responsibility for the end

product should visit technicians .

Leith R, Lowry L, O’Sullivan M. Communication between dentists and laboratory technicians.

J Am Dent Assoc. 2000; 46:5-10.
A postoperative feedback including both positive
and negative comments should be sent from the
dentist to the technician.

Christensen GJ. Improving dentist-technician interaction and communication.

J Am Dent Assoc 2009; 140: 475-478.
Practitioners who are unfamiliar with recent
developments should update themselves.

Leith R, Lowry L, O’Sullivan M. Communication between dentists and laboratory

technicians.
J Am Dent Assoc. 2000; 46:5-10.
 Dentists and technicians’ joint attendance at
continuing education (CE) events is one of the best
methods to improve interaction .

Christensen GJ. Improving dentist-technician interaction and communication. J Am

Dent Assoc 2009; 140: 475-478.
Undergraduates should be trained in the area of
laboratory prescription writing as the current
level of training in this area is inadequate.

Leith R, Lowry L, O’Sullivan M. Communication between dentists and laboratory

technicians. J Am Dent Assoc. 2000; 46:5-10.
If we are to succeed we must
communicate.
~ Bob Johnson