'Have Mobile Lab, Will Travel': New Lab Owner Hits the Road

When Dustin Osburn, CDT, was laid off from his General Manager position at a large laboratory during the pandemic, he made the most of it: he returned to his beloved hometown—Mountain View, AR—and fulfilled his long-time dream of owning his own laboratory…and not just your typical laboratory.

In the spring of 2020, Osburn purchased a Ram ProMaster 2500 High Roof Cargo Van and spent about $60K to outfit it as a mobile removable laboratory, complete with all the equipment, lighting and water supply he needs to fabricate complete dentures and flippers and handle repairs.

Having grown up on a cattle farm, Osburn was experienced in fixing equipment and trucks so he was handy enough to do all the work himself. For example, to operate his handpiece, lathe and model trimmers, Osburn connected two 400-amp batteries to the van’s alternator; anytime the ignition is turned on, the batteries are being charged.

After a few months and many auto part delays...