Sådan udliciteres dentallaboratorieopgaver til Kina

Introduction

As the world gets more connected, have you thought about sending your dental cases to China? Maybe you see other labs saving money and making more profit by outsourcing. You want to do the same, but you don’t have experience and feel lost about the process. This guide will teach you how to choose the right lab for your needs.

1. Why You Should Choose to Outsource

People usually decide to outsource for three reasons: cost, technology, and speed.

• Cost: In your country, materials and paying workers can be very expensive. In China, there is a very high demand for dental work. This brings material companies to China, which makes materials cheaper. China also has a full supply chain for these materials. Rent for factories is also lower. The cost for skilled workers is less than in your country, and paying staff is a big part of a lab’s expenses.
• Efficiency: Many Chinese dental labs are located close to each other. This creates a “cluster effect,” which means they can work together more efficiently and finish orders faster. Today, China produces 40% of all dental lab products in the world.

2. How to Choose a Trustworthy Lab

You should look at their experience, technology, shipping, and service.

2.1 Choose an experienced lab

It is best to choose a lab with over 10 years of experience. An experienced lab has stable workers and good management, so they can control the production schedule better.

2.2 Check if the lab uses modern technology

Does the lab work with digital files? Do they use CAD/CAM, advanced milling machines, and 3D printing? This technology helps make the products more accurate.

2.3 Learn about the materials they use

Good materials are the foundation for a high-quality product. You need to check if their materials meet international standards. Ask if the materials have FDA, CE, or ISO 13485 certificates.

2.4 Learn about their technicians

Does the lab have experienced technicians? Does each step have a special quality control person? This ensures your case is done on time and with high quality.

2.5 Pay attention to shipping

Do they use the fastest international shipping services (like FedEx or UPS)? Do they offer a pickup service? This will reduce your waiting time.

2.6 Check if their customer service team is strong

It is very important to have a professional customer service team that can speak English well. They need to communicate clearly about your case’s progress and any problems. Good quality and good communication are equally important.

3. How to Start Working with the Lab After You Choose One

3.1 Sending digital files or physical impressions:

• If you send digital files (scans), you should first check if the lab has an account for your scanner’s brand (like 3Shape, Medit Link, iTero, etc.). If not, you can use services like Dropbox or WeTransfer to send the files. It is best to send STL files.
• If you send physical impressions (molds), you can use your own shipping account to mail them. Or, you can ask the Chinese lab to create a shipping label for you with their account. This is often easier and helps you avoid writing the wrong address.

3.2 Confirming the case, discussing the design, and starting production

You will join a work group with the lab team. They will confirm they received your case. It will first go to the design department. They will use software like Exocad to design the case based on your instructions. If there are any problems, they will talk to you. 

For example, if there is not enough space for the new tooth, they may suggest that the doctor trim the patient’s tooth a little more. After you approve the design, the case will go into production (milling or casting) until the final quality check. If there are any questions during production, the workshop will tell the customer service team, and they will tell you.

3.3 Communicate about the shipping date

After your product is finished, the customer service team will contact you to schedule shipping. If you have a case that needs to be done very quickly, please tell the customer service team before they start working on it.

They can arrange a rush order to ship it earlier. However, we do not recommend rushing orders often, because it can disrupt the lab’s schedule. High-quality products need enough time to be made well, and our excellent technicians also need enough rest to do their best work for you.

3.4 Tracking your package and paying the bill

After your product is shipped, customer service will send you the tracking number and the bill. This lets you see where your package is and pay the bill when it is a good time for you. Different labs have different ways to pay, so you should check with your account manager to find the best way for you.

4. The Process for Checking Work and Handling Remakes

When you receive the package, you can have your own experienced technician check our work. Or, you can wait for the doctor to give feedback after they fit the product for the patient, and then tell the Chinese lab.

If a case needs to be remade, you will need to discuss who pays for it. Different Chinese labs handle this in different ways. You should talk about this with your lab partner.

5. What Are the Potential Risks?

5.1 Poor quality materials and products

For example, if zirconia crowns chip often or the color is wrong, you should wonder if it is a problem with the material. Remember this: price often decides quality. Don’t always choose the cheapest option. It is better to choose a price in the middle. Good things cost more to make.

5.2 Big differences in skill between technicians

We suggest you start with small trial orders. This helps you see if the quality is consistent. If the quality is not stable, maybe different teams are making your cases. Talk to your account manager and ask to have your cases made by the same team.

5.3 Customer service does not communicate clearly

Not every customer service person has a university degree or perfect English. They may not understand small details or may not explain things clearly. This can slow down your case, and you might not get the product you want.

5.4 Time zone differences

Because of the time difference, sometimes you have to wait 10 hours for an answer. By the time you reply, that department at the lab may be closed for the day. At worst, this can delay a case by a full day. This is a common issue for clients in the US. Both sides need to work together and be understanding. In the end, the money you save by outsourcing is much greater than the risks.

Conclusion

We believe that after reading this guide, you are not so afraid of outsourcing. Don’t be shy about talking to your account manager about your price needs. Be brave and start the business conversation. From checking a lab’s qualifications to testing them with trial orders, you will eventually find the perfect partner for you. We look forward to meeting more great clients.