1. Lab Case Management
DA 122 Dental Materials

2. Items Sent to Dental Lab
Removable Prosthodontics
Dentures, partials
Fixed Prosthodontics
Crowns, bridges, implants
Orthodontic Appliances
Retainers, palatal expanders, Invisalign
Other
Nightguards, bleach trays, fluoride trays

3. INFECTION CONTROL
Sending and Returning
cases to lab

4. Communication between office and lab
Key to safe handling materials that enter and leave office or lab and before patient use.
Correct cleaning and disinfection performed
Materials are not damaged or
distorted during disinfection
Effective disinfection procedures
are not unnecessarily duplicated

5. Transmission of Microorganisms
Oral microorganisms found on and in dental impressions.
These can be transferred to dental models
Microbes can live in gypsum for up to 7 days.
Items brought into the lab can be contaminated with bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
Untreated items can increase cross-contamination.

6. Before case is sent to Lab
CLEAN blood and saliva from impressions and any lab materials used in the mouth
DISINFECT items before being handled, adjusted or sent to lab; soak in solution OR spray
BEST METHOD: read manufacturer’s directions
Example: soak dentures, partials, ortho appliances in diluted (1:10) sodium hypochlorite solution
CAN’T DISINFECT? Label leak-proof, red bag or container with biohazard label or information about infection control status

7. Routine Disinfection at Lab

8. When case returns from Lab
Many labs routinely disinfect all cases before returning them to dental office; labeled
IF LAB DISINFECTS: unwrap items and rinse well before use
IF LAB DOES NOT DISINFECT: wear gloves to unpack; discard all packing material;
disinfect case; rinse well before use

9. Transporting the lab case
Local and Long Distance

10. Handle all items carefully
Do not break, bend, or lose any items

11. Local Transport “pick-up service” Lab provides: Wrap each item
Packing materials
Shipping container
Wrap each item
Tissue paper
Bubble wrap
Box small items
Include prescription
Label items
Doctor’s name
Patient’s name
Date

12. Air or Truck Transport Wrap each item carefully
Box: Any wax or small item should be boxed
Label all pieces: patient’s full name doctor’s name date Include completed prescription (lab rx.)!

13. Dental Lab Prescription
Complete all information required:
patient full name
doctor’s name
doctor’s address/phone
type of case
metals required
shade
tooth numbers involved
due date
Doctor’s signature and license number must be listed.
BE SURE to record all shades and due dates in patient’s chart!
Place carbon copy of lab prescription in patient’s chart.

14. LAB CASE LOG
Make sure to enter all the information into a lab case log.
Patient’s full name
lab address/phone
type of case
metals required
shade
tooth numbers involved
due date

15. Lab Case Log When case returns from lab:
Enter the date of return in the lab case log next to the entry of when the case went out

16. LAB CASE LOG (example) Send date Patient’s name Doctor’s name Lab Name
Type of Case
Due date
Date received
DA initials
4/7
Jane Doe
Smith
Muir
Tek
Crown # 30
4/21
4/20
SMC