State of the Subcontracting Market: Stronger and More Dynamic than Ever

By Maribeth Marsico

Posted Mar 05, 2025 in LMT Surveys

For a majority of laboratory owners, sending work out to be fabricated or designed is an integral part of their production as well as a valuable strategy for boosting efficiency, enhancing profitability and adapting to shifting dentist demands and staff shortages. In short, subcontracting is key to helping them thrive in our ever-changing technological landscape.


“Subcontracting helps labs stay competitive. Not just in helping with the workload, but in allowing us to explore new technologies and processes,” says Tina Hansen, President, Bonnie Brand Orthodontic Lab, Inc., Arvada, CO. “A good, reliable subcontractor can help take labs to the next level.”


Though the percentage of laboratories that use subcontracting services—75%—has remained relatively consistent over the last few years, the amount of work they’re sending out is growing: on average, they currently subcontract 25% of their workload, compared to 18%...

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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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