Digital Technology Continues to Boost Subcontracting Business

By Maribeth Marsico

Posted Mar 12, 2024 in LMT Surveys

Subcontracting has a long history within our community. It may have been synonymous with cast partial frameworks for years, but as digital technology has evolved, so too have the options to partner with a subcontractor for everything from AI-enabled design to zirconia milling.


For many labs, subcontracting is an integral part of their production. In fact, three quarters of respondents to our 2024 Subcontracting Survey are outsourcing some of their work in order to expand services and sales, ensure they’re using validated workflows, accommodate workflow ebbs and flows, minimize capital expenditures and ease the need for technicians. Even the vast majority of labs that offer outsourcing services are subcontracting some of their own work.


The latest trend in the subcontracting market is the proliferation of CAD design services, including the AI-enabled services available primarily for crown and nightguard design. While some laboratory operators...

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About The Author

  • Maribeth Marsico

    Senior Editor at LMT Communications, Inc. · Cheshire, CT

    A 30-year veteran of the editorial department, Maribeth loves getting to the heart of the story. She especially enjoys creating and analyzing reader surveys and staying in touch with our readers.

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