With rising costs, fewer technicians and fiercer competition, Eleanor Pittard outlines how to future-proof your dental laboratory.
For years, many dental laboratories have grown by reputation alone. A dentist tries your work, likes it, tells a colleague, and the phone rings again. But in 2025, that ‘wait for the call’ approach is risky.
Costs are up, staff are scarce, and competition is tightening.
UK dental laboratory revenue is about £900 million and still growing at around 6% a year, but growth isn’t shared equally.
The number of registered dental technicians has fallen from roughly 7,500 in 2008 to under 5,000 today, with only 168 new technicians joining in 2024.
Consolidation is increasing, with larger groups buying up independent labs. There is plenty of opportunity, but only for labs that treat business development with the same structure they give to production.
Know where your work comes from
Sign in to continue reading
Free access to our premium content:
- Clinical content
- In-depth analysis
- Features, reports, videos and more
By joining, you’re helping to support independent, quality journalism that keeps dental professionals informed and empowered – and allowing us to keep delivering the insights you value most.
