Small dental lab for local dentists

Dental clinics and denturist practices, usually on regular accounts. Some labs also work with dental specialists.

Price per case or per unit (for example per crown or per denture), billed to clinics monthly. Repeat work from a few reliable clinics keeps the bench busy.

• Dental technology training or solid lab experience
• Fine hand skills and an eye for detail
• Reliable turnaround times and clear communication with clinics

• Rules differ by province, so check whether dental technologists need registration and what your provincial regulator requires
• Check Health Canada's current rules on custom-made dental devices and what records you must keep
• Commercial general liability insurance, plus WCB/WSIB coverage once you hire
• Dust, chemicals and fumes: check ventilation and workplace safety requirements for your province
• Heavy reliance on a few clinics means losing one account can hurt, so aim to spread your clients

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $25,000 to $120,000, depending on your premises, equipment and the products you focus on. Many small labs focus on a few products and do them well.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $6,000 to $30,000, depending on your products and how many clinics you serve. Relying on a few clinics means losing one account can hurt, so aim to spread your clients.

Rules differ by province, so check whether dental technologists need registration and what your provincial regulator requires. Also check Health Canada's current rules on custom-made dental devices and the records you must keep, plus insurance and workplace safety requirements.