Small specialty dental lab for local dental offices

General dentists, specialists and dental group practices, usually billed monthly per case.

A set price per unit or case (for example per crown or per denture), plus rush fees and remakes handled at your cost. Repeat work from a handful of steady offices is the base of the business.

• Dental technology training or on-the-job bench experience
• Precision hand skills and an eye for detail
• Reliable deadlines and clear communication with dentists

• Check whether your state requires dental labs to register or be licensed, and what the dental board says about written prescriptions or work authorizations
• Some states have rules about disclosing materials and where work is made, so check with your state dental board
• General liability and product liability insurance, and workers' compensation once you hire
• Dust, fumes and chemicals in the workshop, so check OSHA requirements and ventilation
• Remakes and late cases cost you money, and a few big clients can make income uneven
• Check zoning and your lease before setting up a workshop

Startup costs are typically around $30,000 to $120,000, depending on workshop premises, equipment and fit-out. These are estimates, so check zoning and your lease before setting up a workshop.

Monthly revenue is typically around $6,000 to $30,000, depending on your client base and case volume. These are estimates, and a few big clients can make income uneven. The business typically needs at least 35 hours a week.

Check whether your state requires dental labs to register or be licensed, and what the dental board says about written prescriptions or work authorizations. Also check disclosure rules on materials and where work is made, and OSHA requirements.