Design Technician – Fixed Department at Golden Ceramic Dental Lab, LLC – Prospect Heights, Illinois

Position Summary

The Design Technician – Fixed Department is a member of the dental laboratory team who, upon prescription from a dental clinician, designs custom fixed restorations using CAD software and digital workflows. This role is responsible for translating doctor instructions and scanned data into high-quality digital designs that support consistent fit, function, esthetics, and manufacturability. The Designer collaborates closely with production, case planning, and customer care to deliver an exceptional practice experience and minimize remakes.

Primary Responsibilities and Essential Functions

• Read and interpret prescriptions, digital scans, photos, bite records, and supporting documentation to understand doctor preferences and case requirements.
• Design fixed restorations including (as applicable): crowns, bridges, implant crowns, abutments, screw-retained restorations, veneers, inlays/onlays, and full-arch frameworks.
• Execute CAD design work using 3Shape and/or Exocad, following internal design protocols and best practices for margin integrity, occlusion, contacts, emergence profile, and anatomic contour.
• Perform case evaluation and pre-design checks (scan integrity, bite alignment, margin clarity, interocclusal space, implant library selection, etc.); identify missing/unclear information and coordinate resolution through the proper channels.
• Apply and maintain consistent design standards to support downstream manufacturing (milling, printing, finishing) and quality outcomes.
• Collaborate with production teams to ensure designs are optimized for materials and indications (zirconia, lithium disilicate, PFMs, temporaries, etc., as applicable to GCDL’s workflows).
• Support quality assurance by completing self-checks prior to release and responding to design-related remake/adjustment feedback to drive continuous improvement.
• Communicate effectively with Customer Care and clinical teams when clarification is required (shade notes, margin questions, occlusal scheme, implant components, etc.), using approved communication pathways.
• Maintain accurate case documentation within the lab’s workflow systems and adhere to due-date commitments.
• Contribute to process improvement initiatives related to digital workflows, standard work, and training.
• Maintain a clean and organized workspace (physical and digital) and follow all company policies and procedures.
• All other duties as assigned.

Skills and Abilities Required

• Must be able to read, write, speak, and understand English.
• 5+ years of dental CAD design experience in a dental laboratory environment (fixed department).
• Proficiency in 3Shape and/or Exocad (strong preference for hands-on production experience in both).
• Strong understanding of fixed prosthodontic principles: margins, occlusion, contacts, anatomy, emergence profile, and esthetics.
• Working knowledge of implant restorative workflows and common implant systems/components (preferred).
• Strong attention to detail with a quality-first mindset and comfort working to daily production deadlines.
• Ability to prioritize, manage multiple cases concurrently, and maintain on-time performance.
• Strong problem-solving skills; able to identify issues early and escalate appropriately.
• Team-oriented, accountable, and receptive to coaching/feedback.

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Formal dental technology training or related certification preferred.
• Minimum 5 years relevant CAD design experience in fixed restorations required.
• Experience with digital manufacturing workflows (milling/printing) preferred.
• CDT preferred.

GCDL Core Expectations

• Demonstrates a commitment to quality, consistency, and delivering an outstanding practice experience.
• Works collaboratively across departments (Fixed, Removables, Customer Care, Production, and Technology).
• Upholds company values, policies, and safety procedures.

Equal Employment Opportunity

GCDL is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all team members.

Physical and Work Requirements

• On-site position in Prospect Heights location
• Ability to sit for extended periods while working at a computer workstation.
• Frequent use of hands and fingers for computer and mouse/keyboard work.
• Ability to view digital models and fine detail on-screen for extended durations.
• Ability to work in a production environment with moderate noise and typical lab conditions.
• Regular, predictable attendance is required.