In-House Laboratories: A Business Model on the Rise

In the past several years, there has been about a 20% increase in the number of in-house laboratories in the U.S., according to LMT’s circulation data. And some expect this trend to continue to flourish, largely driven by the increasing use of digital technology.

“With the cost of digital lab technology coming down, the advantages of having that technology in house will become apparent and be the norm instead of the exception,” says Dr. Rodney Mayberry, DDS, DABOI, Mayberry Dental, Vienna, VA.

Another reason for the growth: the increase in large group practices that can more easily support the cost of an in-house lab compared to smaller practices. “It takes a certain level of work to justify a clinic paying the salary of a technician. Busy practices and corporate offices have the volume of work to justify the expense,” says Dan Elfring, Master CDT, Technician, Pickle Prosthodontics, Colorado Springs, CO.

The...