Dental Technician - Stain & Glaze (Fixed Finishing)

GCDL is a full-service dental laboratory (crown & bridge, removables, orthodontics, and implants). The company is transitioning from analog workflows to digital CAD/CAM, 3D printing, and AI. Our aim is to execute end-to-end automation in the U.S. to elevate quality, customer experience, and cost efficiency.

Responsibilities

Job Type Full-time Description Location: On-site in Prospect Heights, IL Department: Operations / Production - Fixed (Finishing) Reports to: Fixed Finishing Lead Partners closely with: CAD/CAM, Milling, Model Room, Quality Lead, Customer Care About GCDL GCDL is a full-service dental laboratory (crown & bridge, removables, orthodontics, and implants). The company is transitioning from analog workflows to digital CAD/CAM, 3D printing, and AI. Our aim is to execute end-to-end automation in the U.S. to elevate quality, customer experience, and cost efficiency. Role Summary The Stain & Glaze Technician is responsible for the esthetic finishing of fixed restorations with a focus on staining, glazing, and final polish/luster including predictable shade outcomes, controlled value/chroma, surface texture/characterization, and consistent “signature” finish standards. This role supports fit/contact/occlusion touch-ups as needed and documents issues clearly to reduce remakes and improve upstream processes. Key Responsibilities Pre-finish QC & Case Verification Confirm case ID, shade, and material; perform basic visual QC and escalate Verify shade map/photos and check common risk points before finishing. Shade Selection, Stain & Glaze Execution Follow prescribed shade instructions and deliver consistent outcomes for routine A/B/C shades; control value/chroma with increasing independence as skill grows. Execute staining steps per SOP; maintain consistent stain/glaze outcomes and avoid common defects (e.g., over-stain, patchiness). Maintain cleanliness and repeatability in finishing processes to reduce variability across cases and technicians. Texture, Characterization, and Final Polish/Luster Apply appropriate surface texture and characterization to achieve natural esthetics and consistent finish standards. Perform final polish sequence appropriate to the material; ensure predictable luster, surface integrity, and durability. Fit/Contacts/Occlusion Touch-ups (Finish-side) Identify obvious fit/contact/occlusion issues and escalate as needed; independently correct standard finishing-related adjustments when within scope. Remake Prevention & Feedback Loop Document remake/rework drivers and share patterns with the lead; participate in root-cause improvements and updates to SOPs/standards. Work Environment Schedule: Full-time, on-site in Chicago; early huddles and occasional off-shift coverage. Compensation & Benefits Competitive pay, potential performance incentives tied to quality/throughput goals, and benefits package (commensurate with experience). EEO Statement GCDL is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. $52,000 - $79,000

Qualifications

Qualifications Prior dental lab experience in zirconia stain & glaze (highly preferred); comfort working to SOPs and delivering repeatable, low-variability outcomes. Demonstrated ability to support shade matching, texture/characterization, and final polish quality. Quality mindset: able to verify case/shade inputs, catch issues early, and document clearly. CDT is a plus (especially for senior-level consideration).