Many dental labs wonder how to fill vacancies as their best workers retire. Attracting young, motivated people to the field continues to be a challenge. But as dental lab trainee Amy Tate explains, cutting-edge technology and digital workflows can be a great enticement to join the industry. Amy shares her take on the keys to connect with the next generation of lab techs.
Q: Tell me a little about your background. How did you get started in dental lab work?
A: Honestly, I didn’t plan on getting into dental tech at all. The biggest influence was my uncle, Steve Campbell—he owns his own dental lab business. I’m 21 now, and when he started Nexus, I was about 11. I watched how it grew and how much he traveled for work. I always wanted a job that let me travel too, so that really inspired me.
When I finished college, I told him what he was doing looked interesting and asked if I could try it out for a few days. I spent some time in the lab, got to know everyone, and really enjoyed it. After that, I called him up and asked for a full-time job, and that’s how it started!
Q: How did you learn the ins and outs of lab work, especially the digital side?
A: I was pretty much thrown in at the deep end! I started in the print room, which is where Steve likes to train people because it’s a good intro to the software without being too complicated. I began in September and started my college course two weeks later, so it all blended nicely—learning at work and school simultaneously.
Q: How much of your work is digital versus hands-on?
A: At work, it’s mostly digital, but college focuses on the practical side. So I get both experiences—hands-on skills at school and digital design at work. I haven’t done ceramics yet, but that’s coming up next year, and I’m really excited about that part.
Q: Was the digital aspect a big reason you wanted to join this field?
A: Definitely. That’s what really drew me in. I’ve always liked digital art. When I was younger, I’d draw on my tablet all the time. It felt like a natural progression to move into something creative and digital. I don’t think I’d have been as interested if it wasn’t for that side of it.
Q: How challenging was learning exocad software for you?
A: Learning DentalCAD was actually really easy to pick up, probably because I grew up around technology. I liked the wizard mode at first. It gives you step-by-step guidance and prompts, which is great when you’re learning. Now that I’ve got more experience, I prefer working in expert mode so I can have full control.
Q: What advice would you give to someone just starting with exocad?
A: Start with the wizard mode—it’s super helpful. And definitely use the support pages and tutorials. I relied on them a lot early on when I was trying to work more independently.
Q: Do you have a favorite tool in the software?
A: I love the copy/mirror tool! It helps make designs look more natural and cohesive, especially when the patient’s anatomy is unique. I also really like some of the new tools coming out—like Instant Anatomic Morphing in chain mode that lets you move connected parts together for multi-unit cases. It’s really efficient.
Q: What do you think the lab industry could do to attract more young people?
A: That’s such a big question. Honestly, if my uncle wasn’t in the industry, I probably never would’ve known this job existed. I think there needs to be more awareness, especially on platforms like Instagram and TikTok, showing how creative and high-tech dental labs are now.
People my age might think the dental lab industry is old-fashioned, but it’s actually super modern and always evolving. In just the year and a half I’ve worked, I’ve seen new software, new updates—everything keeps improving. It’s not a stagnant industry at all.
Q: What are your goals for the future?
A: I want to get my master’s degree and eventually lecture or teach. I’d love to travel, share what I’ve learned, and be involved in innovation, not just do the same routine every day.
Q: What’s your favorite tooth?
A: Probably the laterals! I love anterior work, and you can add more personality to the laterals. They don’t have to be perfectly symmetrical, so you can get creative.
Q: What are you listening to right now?
A: “1999 ” by Charli XCX. That’s been on repeat lately!
Q: And one word that comes to mind when you hear “exocad”?
A: Innovation.
Q: Anything else you’d like to add?
A: I just think it’s important to show that there are young people in this field! Sometimes it feels like everyone’s a bit older, and I’d love to see more people my age join in. It would be great to have more connection and community for young lab techs—to share ideas and learn from each other.
Amy Tate is a trainee dental technician working at Nexus Dental Laboratory in the UK. She loves her job because she can combine creativity with precision to help people regain their confidence in their smiles. She is excited to expand her knowledge and become a fully qualified dental technician.
by Caitlan Reeg
Writer at exocad
Caitlan Reeg spends her days telling the world about the innovations her colleagues create. She’s passionate about healthcare, technology, and the ways the two interact to improve our lives. A former journalist, Caitlan has worked on staff at Dow Jones Newswires in Frankfurt and at the national public radio program Marketplace in Los Angeles.
