Dental Labtech and Instructor

This is a full-time faculty position at the High Point University Workman School of Dental Medicine (WSDM). This role is pivotal in supporting the Digital Dentistry Main Lab and practices network. We are looking for an individual who embodies exceptional organizational skills, project management, and the ability to anticipate needs and provide solutions proactively.

The Lead Dental Technician will be teaching preclinical and clinical aspects of dental prosthetic fabrication. This will involve digital design and fabrication of various dental prostheses, including ceramic fixed prostheses, digital complete dentures, and more. The instructor will utilize digital CAD designing, CAM milling, sintering, and characterizing of fixed and removable prosthetics. The job will also include fabricating in-house prostheses, ranging from single restorative units to complexed implant-supported prostheses. Additionally, the role involves utilizing 3D printing and assisting other departments on campus.

The individual will be involved in advanced level research using 3D printing and milling laboratory equipment; in addition to evaluating the trueness and precision of parts following ISO standard 5725. The faculty member will supervise and train dental students in CAD/CAM laboratory work for both removable and fixed restorations. Moreover, the individual will be responsible for directing the operation, maintenance, calibration, and coordinating repairs of laboratory equipment.

Application review will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Salary is commensurate with experience and educational credentials. Candidates must successfully pass a background check that is satisfactory to the University.

QUALIFICATIONS: 

Preference may be given to a candidate with previous experience in a Dental laboratory.

Additional knowledge, skills, and abilities preferred for this role include:

• Proficiency in laboratory prosthetic fabrication, including milling lithium disilicate, zirconia, resins, and acrylics.
• Experience and proficiency in digital design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) of various dental removable and fixed prosthetics, including full arch hybrid restorations, complete digital dentures, digital removable partial dentures, crowns, bridges, inlay, onlays, over dentures, or implant-supported restorations.
• Strong knowledge of dental science, anatomy, and principles of dental esthetics.
• Comfortable with smile design and dental photography.
• Knowledgeable and proficient in dental implant planning software and surgical guide fabrication.
• Competency in milling using a variety of milling machines and 3D printing on various resin printers.
• Competency in finishing and sintering all ceramic restorations, with the ability to teach other technicians, students or residents.
• Competency ordering laboratory supplies and with good organization skills.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

The candidate selected for this position will perform all duties directed by the Director of Digital Dentistry and Dean of Innovation including but not limited to: 

• Perform the fabrication of prosthetic dental appliances, including milling and finishing restorations made from lithium disilicate, zirconia, resins, and acrylics.
• Guide students through the processes of prosthetic fabrication, ensuring adherence to best practices and quality standards.
• Utilize digital design software to create a variety of removable and fixed dental prosthetics.
• Teach students and residents the principles and techniques of CAD/CAM in the design and fabrication of these prosthetics, including the use of relevant software and hardware.
• Provide instruction on dental anatomy, occlusion, and esthetic principles, ensuring students understand the scientific foundations necessary for successful prosthetic design and fabrication.
• Guide students in applying these principles to achieve high-quality outcomes in their restorative work.
• Instruct students in the principles of smile design, including the use of digital tools for esthetic planning.
• Teach students the proper techniques for dental photography, essential for case documentation and communication with patients and clinicians.
• Use dental implant planning software to design and fabricate surgical guides, providing hands-on training for students in these processes.
• Operate a variety of milling machines and 3D resin printers to produce high-quality dental restorations.
• Provide operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of milling machines, as well as the selection of appropriate materials for various applications.
• Supervise and instruct students in the finishing and sintering of ceramic restorations, ensuring that all work meets the highest standards of fit, function, and esthetics.
• Provide guidance on the proper handling and processing of all ceramic materials to maintain their integrity and esthetic properties.
• Oversee the ordering and inventory of laboratory supplies, ensuring that all necessary materials are available and properly stored.
• Provide laboratory organization, including the management of supplies and equipment to optimize workflow and maintain a clean, efficient work environment.

ACCOUNTABILITY: 

• This position will report to the Director of Digital Dentistry and Dean of Innovation.
• Evaluation: Ongoing performance reviews are conducted along with an annual assessment which includes input from the faculty, personnel, and learners.

For more information regarding this position, please contact Dr. Christian Brenes, Clinical Professor and Founding Director of Digital Dentistry at cbrenes@highpoint.edu.

https://highpoint.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/Highpoint-Faculty/job/Lead-Dental-Technician--Faculty-Position_R0006883-1