Re-Opening the Lab-Get started NOW!!

The good news is that states are relaxing COVID-19 restrictions in varying degrees allowing small businesses (and dental offices) to partially re-open. What does that mean for the dental lab industry? As the dentists come back on line, they will need the lab support to clear a backlog of cases.
First, cash flow will continue to be an issue for the immediate future. Work performed by the labs will go unpaid for 30 days (or more), as the billings cycles start back up. Plan on maintaining your austerity measures to conserve cash, extend payment terms, and prioritize your debts.
Second, carefully consider your staffing levels. Some technicians may not want to return to work-yet and depending on your case load you may not need everyone.The federal government stimulus packages combined with unemployment benefits may be greater than the previous paychecks they were earning. Once the benefits run out, work will be much more appealing. Determine which of your employees are vital to support the lab, which ones are would be a good addition, and which ones are not needed at all, at least initially, and plan accordingly.
Third, get in touch with your customer base. Some dentists may just not bother to open, consolidations may be in the works, and other dentists may see this as an opportunity to change labs to a local source. Whatever happens, let them know you are back in the game. You may have to prioritize your service to customers based on a first-come, first served basis regardless of previous sales revenue.If you have cases that were completed (or in progress) but not sent out before things were shutdown discuss how the Dr. would like to handle them.
Fourth, review your current inventories of materials for shortages and place orders earlier rather than later. Your suppliers are struggling with the same issues as you (as discussed above), and the lead times may well be extended beyond your current stock levels.
Fifth, run your equipment. If the printers, scanners, milling machines have been idled, give them a good cleaning, perform maintenance, and run software updates. And then run a few trial cases to verify operating capability.
Sixth, some you are outsourcing product, either domestic or overseas. Be sure to contact the sources to get status on their re-opening plans, lead-times, and any price changes that may be necessary.
If you think of something else that will help your fellow lab owner get back in the game, be sure to let me know at [email protected].
Hang in there!!!