Formlabs Dental
Step-by-step implementation guide — pre-implementation checklist, onboarding, staff training, go-live runbook, and ROI tracking.
Formlabs Dental — Implementation Playbook (DSO)
Formlabs Dental Implementation Playbook
3D Printing & Digital Workflow for DSOs
1. Executive Summary
What Formlabs Dental Does
Formlabs Dental provides professional-grade 3D printing hardware, software, and validated resins that enable in-house production of surgical guides, clear aligners, dentures, splints, models, and temporary restorations—transforming dental organizations from outsourcing-dependent to digitally self-sufficient manufacturers.
Why DSOs Specifically Benefit
DSOs gain disproportionate advantages from deploying Formlabs Dental at scale:
- Standardization at Scale: A single validated workflow, material library, and quality standard across 15–50+ locations eliminates variability in lab-produced appliances and creates predictable clinical outcomes
- Aggregate Purchasing Power: Centralized procurement of printers, resins, and post-processing equipment yields significant unit cost reductions; resin consumption data across locations enables accurate forecasting and bulk ordering
- Data-Driven Capacity Planning: Fleet management software aggregates utilization metrics, enabling central operations to identify underperforming locations, redistribute workloads, and optimize capital deployment
- Reduced Case Turnaround: In-house production cuts 5–10 day lab delays to same-day or next-day delivery, directly improving case acceptance and patient experience—multiplied across your entire footprint
- Labor Arbitrage: Rather than training print technicians at every location, DSOs can centralize design work while distributing production, or vice versa, depending on network topology
Expected Timeline: Decision to Full Deployment
| Phase | Duration | Milestone |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Implementation | Weeks 1–2 | Baseline captured, locations assessed, Wave 1 selected |
| Wave 1 Pilot (2–3 locations) | Weeks 3–6 | Pilot locations fully operational, learnings documented |
| Wave 2 Expansion (5–8 locations) | Weeks 7–12 | Scaled deployment, champion network established |
| Wave 3 Full Rollout (remaining locations) | Weeks 13–20 | Organization-wide deployment complete |
| Optimization & Steady State | Weeks 21–26 | ROI validated, ongoing optimization framework in place |
Total timeline: 5–6 months for a 30-location DSO, with variation based on location readiness and appetite for parallel wave execution.
2. Pre-Implementation Checklist (Weeks 1–2)
Technical Requirements
Hardware Requirements Per Location
☐ Dedicated workspace: Minimum 6' x 4' countertop with ventilation access ☐ Electrical: Two 110V outlets (printer + wash/cure units) on separate circuits preferred ☐ Network connectivity: Ethernet connection recommended; WiFi acceptable with stable 25+ Mbps ☐ Computer workstation:
- Windows 10/11 or macOS 11+
- 16GB RAM minimum (32GB recommended)
- Dedicated GPU (NVIDIA GTX 1060 or better for design software)
- 500GB SSD with 100GB+ available ☐ Environmental controls: Room temperature 18–28°C (64–82°F), away from direct sunlight
Software Requirements
☐ PreForm (Formlabs slicing software) — free, latest version ☐ Dashboard (Fleet management) — enterprise license required for multi-location ☐ Design software: 3Shape, exocad, or Medit Link (depending on scanner ecosystem) ☐ Practice Management System: Confirm version compatibility for workflow integration
Network Requirements
☐ Firewall whitelist for Formlabs cloud services (dashboard.formlabs.com) ☐ Outbound HTTPS (443) access for firmware updates and remote monitoring ☐ Static IP assignment for each printer (recommended for fleet management)
Enterprise-Level Requirements 🟣
☐ Network standards documentation: Create unified networking spec for all locations ☐ Hosting decision: Centralized design center vs. distributed production model
- Centralized: Design work done at HQ/hub, print files sent to locations
- Distributed: Full design and production capability at each location
- Hybrid: Centralized design for complex cases, local design for simple appliances ☐ SSO integration: Formlabs Dashboard supports SAML 2.0—coordinate with IT security ☐ Centralized credentialing: Single admin account structure with role-based access ☐ Procurement framework: Master purchasing agreement with Formlabs enterprise sales
Vendor Onboarding Steps 🔵
☐ Schedule enterprise discovery call with Formlabs Dental Enterprise team
- Contact: dental@formlabs.com or enterprise sales rep
- Prepare: Location count, current lab spend, target appliance types ☐ Request enterprise pricing based on fleet size and projected volume ☐ Assign vendor relationship owner (typically VP Operations or designated project lead) ☐ Establish support escalation contacts:
- Tier 1: Online support portal
- Tier 2: Dedicated enterprise success manager
- Tier 3: Engineering escalation for complex issues ☐ Schedule site survey for pilot locations (virtual or in-person) ☐ Obtain demo units for HQ evaluation if not already in possession
Data/Access Prerequisites
☐ Dashboard admin accounts: Create enterprise admin structure ☐ API access: Request API documentation for PMS integration (if applicable) ☐ Scanner export settings: Configure dental scanners to export STL/PLY formats ☐ Design software licenses: Verify seat count covers all designing locations ☐ Cloud storage: Establish shared repository for design files (HIPAA-compliant)
Internal Stakeholder Alignment
Stakeholder Map
| Stakeholder | Role in Project | Communication Cadence | Key Concerns |
|---|---|---|---|
| Board/Investors 🟣 | Approve capital expenditure, expect ROI reporting | Monthly summary | Financial return, competitive positioning |
| CEO/COO 🟣 | Executive sponsorship, final go/no-go authority | Bi-weekly briefing | Strategic alignment, operational disruption |
| Chief Dental Officer 🟣 | Clinical validation, provider buy-in | Weekly during rollout | Clinical quality, patient safety, provider adoption |
| VP of Operations | Project lead, cross-functional coordination | Daily during implementation | Timeline adherence, resource allocation |
| CFO | Budget approval, ROI tracking | Monthly | Cost containment, capex justification |
| IT Director | Technical implementation, security review | Weekly | Infrastructure requirements, security compliance |
| Regional Managers | Location-level execution, escalation management | Weekly | Staff readiness, operational continuity |
| Office Managers | Day-to-day implementation, staff coordination | Daily during go-live | Training burden, workflow disruption |
| Lead Providers | Clinical workflow adoption, quality assurance | Per-location, weekly | Case quality, time investment |
Approval Sequence
- ☐ VP Operations develops business case with projected ROI
- ☐ CFO approves capital budget for fleet purchase
- ☐ CDO validates clinical workflow and appliance quality standards
- ☐ CEO/COO provides executive sponsorship 🟣
- ☐ Board briefed on strategic initiative (if >$500K total investment) 🟣
- ☐ IT Director signs off on technical architecture
- ☐ Regional Managers commit to location-level resources
Baseline Metrics to Capture ⚠️
Critical: Capture these metrics BEFORE any deployment begins to enable ROI measurement.
Financial Metrics (Standardize Measurement Across All Locations)
| Metric | Definition | Data Source | Target Collection |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly lab spend (total) | All outsourced lab invoices | Accounting/AP | Last 12 months by location |
| Lab spend by appliance type | Surgical guides, aligners, dentures, splints, models | Lab invoices | Last 12 months by location |
| Average cost per appliance | Total spend ÷ units ordered | Lab invoices | By category |
| Lab remake rate | Remakes ÷ total orders | Lab tracking | Last 6 months |
Operational Metrics
| Metric | Definition | Data Source | Target Collection |
|---|---|---|---|
| Case acceptance rate (implant/ortho) | Accepted cases ÷ presented cases | PMS | Last 6 months by location |
| Average turnaround time | Days from impression/scan to appliance delivery | Case log | Last 3 months |
| Chair time for try-ins | Minutes spent on appliance adjustments | Provider estimates | Sample 20 cases/location |
| Remake/adjustment rate | Cases requiring lab rework | Lab communication log | Last 6 months |
Clinical Metrics
| Metric | Definition | Data Source | Target Collection |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surgical guide accuracy | Deviations at surgery vs. plan | Clinical notes | Available cases |
| Aligner tracking rate | Patient compliance and fit | Provider assessment | Sample cases |
| Patient satisfaction (appliances) | NPS or satisfaction scores related to lab work | Patient surveys | If available |
Efficiency Metrics
| Metric | Definition | Data Source | Target Collection |
|---|---|---|---|
| Provider time on case design | Minutes spent on design/planning | Time tracking | Estimate by provider type |
| Emergency lab cases | Rush orders requiring expedited shipping | Lab invoices | Last 6 months |
| Cancelled procedures (due to lab delays) | Cases delayed or cancelled from lab issues | Scheduling system | Last 6 months |
Data Collection Protocol:
- ☐ Create standardized data collection template
- ☐ Assign data collection owner at each location (typically Office Manager)
- ☐ Set deadline 10 days before Wave 1 go-live
- ☐ Validate data completeness and consistency centrally
- ☐ Store baseline data in accessible format for post-implementation comparison
3. Location Readiness Assessment
Scoring Framework
Rate each location on the following factors using a 1–5 scale:
Factor 1: IT Infrastructure Maturity (Weight: 25%)
| Score | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 5 | Gigabit internet, modern hardware (<2 years old), current PMS version, dedicated IT support |
| 4 | 100+ Mbps internet, capable hardware (2–4 years), recent PMS version, responsive IT coverage |
| 3 | 50+ Mbps internet, adequate hardware (4–5 years), supported PMS version, occasional IT access |
| 2 | 25–50 Mbps internet, aging hardware (5–7 years), outdated PMS version, limited IT support |
| 1 | <25 Mbps internet, obsolete hardware, unsupported PMS, no dedicated IT support |
Factor 2: Staff Tenure and Adaptability (Weight: 20%)
| Score | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 5 | <10% annual turnover, history of successful tech adoption, staff actively seeks digital tools |
| 4 | 10–20% turnover, positive tech adoption history, generally receptive to change |
| 3 | 20–30% turnover, mixed tech adoption outcomes, neutral toward new technology |
| 2 | 30–40% turnover, struggled with past implementations, some resistance to change |
| 1 | >40% turnover, failed tech implementations, active resistance to new workflows |
Factor 3: Patient Volume (Weight: 15%)
| Score | Criteria | Consideration |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | High volume (>60 patients/day) | Higher impact but implement after workflow validated |
| 4 | Above average (45–60 patients/day) | Good balance of impact and manageable risk |
| 3 | Average (30–45 patients/day) | Ideal for pilot: meaningful volume, recoverable if issues |
| 2 | Below average (20–30 patients/day) | Lower risk but limited learning opportunity |
| 1 | Low volume (<20 patients/day) | Minimal disruption but questionable ROI |
Note: For pilot wave, prioritize scores of 3–4. Reserve highest-volume locations for later waves.
Factor 4: Existing Tech Stack Compatibility (Weight: 25%)
| Score | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 5 | Existing intraoral scanner, digital workflow established, compatible PMS with API |
| 4 | Intraoral scanner present, some digital workflows, PMS integration possible |
| 3 | Scanner present but underutilized, minimal digital workflows, standard PMS |
| 2 | No scanner (but budget approved), traditional workflows, older PMS version |
| 1 | No scanner or digital capability, entirely analog workflows, legacy PMS |
Factor 5: Local Champion Availability (Weight: 15%)
| Score | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 5 | Tech-forward provider AND office manager, both enthusiastic, prior 3D printing experience |
| 4 | Strong champion (provider or manager) with clear enthusiasm and influence |
| 3 | Willing participant identified but not a strong advocate |
| 2 | No clear champion but no active resistance |
| 1 | No identified champion, potential resistance from leadership |
Composite Score Calculation
Readiness Score = (IT × 0.25) + (Staff × 0.20) + (Volume × 0.15) + (Tech × 0.25) + (Champion × 0.15)
Score Interpretation and Rollout Recommendation
| Composite Score | Readiness Category | Recommended Wave |
|---|---|---|
| 4.0–5.0 | Highly Ready | Wave 1 (Pilot) — select 2–3 from this tier |
| 3.0–3.9 | Ready | Wave 2 |
| 2.0–2.9 | Needs Preparation | Wave 3 (after remediation) |
| <2.0 | Not Ready | Hold — address gaps before including in rollout |
Rollout Sequencing Recommendations
Wave 1 Selection Criteria (Pilot Locations)
- Composite score 4.0+ preferred, minimum 3.5
- Must have intraoral scanner already deployed
- Geographic diversity (different regions to test support model)
- Mix of practice types if applicable (GP + specialty)
- Local champion confirmed and committed
- NOT the highest-volume locations (save those for after validation)
Wave 2 Selection Criteria
- Composite score 3.0–4.0
- May include highest-volume locations after workflow validated
- Include at least one location that scored lower on IT (to stress-test infrastructure requirements)
- Champions trained during Wave 1 now train Wave 2 champions
Wave 3 Selection Criteria
- All remaining locations with score 2.0+
- Locations scoring <2.0 addressed via remediation plan:
- IT infrastructure upgrades
- Scanner deployment
- Staff training on digital fundamentals
- Champion recruitment/development
4. Rollout Strategy
Wave Structure Overview
| Wave | Locations | Duration | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wave 1 | 2–3 pilot locations | 4 weeks | Validate workflows, identify issues, train core champion team |
| Wave 2 | 5–8 locations | 4 weeks | Scale with validated playbook, build champion network |
| Wave 3 | Remaining (15–40+) | 6–8 weeks | Full deployment with mature support structure |
Wave 1: Pilot Phase (Weeks 3–6)
Wave 1 Location Selection 🟣
Selection Meeting Participants: VP Operations, CDO, IT Director, Regional Managers
Selection Criteria Checklist: ☐ Highest composite readiness scores (minimum 3.5, target 4.0+) ☐ Confirmed champion at each location (provider or manager) ☐ Existing intraoral scanner with active utilization ☐ Geographic diversity across regions ☐ Representative mix of practice types ☐ NOT highest-revenue or highest-volume locations ☐ Regional manager committed to hands-on involvement ☐ No major concurrent projects (renovation, staff transitions, etc.)
Wave 1 Timeline
| Week | Activities |
|---|---|
| Week 3 | Hardware delivery and installation, software setup, initial configuration |
| Week 4 | Champion intensive training (2 days), initial test prints, workflow validation |
| Week 5 | Live patient cases (controlled), daily check-ins, troubleshooting |
| Week 6 | Full operation, metrics collection, lessons learned documentation |
Wave 1 Learning Capture
☐ Document all support tickets and resolutions ☐ Track time-to-competency for each role ☐ Record workflow modifications from original plan ☐ Collect champion feedback via structured debrief ☐ Measure initial production metrics vs. projections ☐ Identify configuration settings that need standardization
Wave 2: Scaled Deployment (Weeks 7–12)
Wave 2 Location Selection
- Next tier of readiness scores (3.0–4.0)
- Include 1–2 "stretch" locations (slightly lower readiness) to test scalability
- May include high-volume locations now that workflow is validated
- Champions from Wave 1 assist with Wave 2 training
Wave 2 Timeline
| Week | Activities |
|---|---|
| Week 7 | Hardware deployment to Wave 2 locations |
| Week 8 | Champion training (Wave 1 champions participate as trainers) |
| Week 9–10 | Go-live at Wave 2 locations (staggered: 2–3 locations per week) |
| Week 11–12 | Stabilization, issue resolution, metrics validation |
Wave 3: Full Deployment (Weeks 13–20)
Wave 3 Approach
- All remaining locations
- Parallel deployment possible (4–6 locations per week) due to mature support model
- Heavily leverages champion network for training
- Central team focused on exception handling only
Wave 3 Timeline
| Week | Activities |
|---|---|
| Week 13 | Final hardware orders, location preparation |
| Week 14–15 | Wave 3a: First cohort (8–10 locations) |
| Week 16–17 | Wave 3b: Second cohort (8–10 locations) |
| Week 18–19 | Wave 3c: Final cohort + any remediation locations |
| Week 20 | Full deployment complete, transition to steady-state operations |
Go/No-Go Criteria Between Waves ⚠️ 🟣
Wave 1 → Wave 2 Advancement Criteria
| Criterion | Threshold | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Technical stability | <2 critical issues open | ☐ |
| Print success rate | >90% first-print success | ☐ |
| Champion competency | All Wave 1 champions certified | ☐ |
| Provider adoption | >80% of target providers using system | ☐ |
| Patient cases completed | Minimum 20 cases per pilot location | ☐ |
| No safety incidents | Zero patient safety concerns | ☐ |
| Lessons learned documented | Playbook updated with Wave 1 learnings | ☐ |
Decision Authority: VP Operations with CDO concurrence 🟣
Wave 2 → Wave 3 Advancement Criteria
| Criterion | Threshold | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Wave 2 print success rate | >95% first-print success | ☐ |
| Training scalability validated | Champion-led training effective | ☐ |
| Support capacity confirmed | Central team can handle Wave 3 volume | ☐ |
| No critical open issues | All P1 issues resolved | ☐ |
| ROI trajectory validated | Cost savings trending toward projection | ☐ |
Rollback Plan ⚠️
Trigger Conditions for Pause/Rollback:
- Safety incident attributable to in-house production
20% failure rate on printed appliances
- Provider revolt (>50% of providers refusing to use)
- Critical equipment failure without replacement available
- HIPAA/compliance breach
Rollback Procedure:
- Pause further deployments immediately
- Notify executive sponsor and CDO within 2 hours 🟣
- Affected locations revert to external lab workflow (maintain lab relationships during rollout)
- Root cause analysis within 48 hours
- Remediation plan reviewed by CDO and VP Operations
- Go/no-go decision for resumption within 5 business days 🟣
- Board notification if rollback extends >30 days 🟣
Lab Relationship Management During Rollout:
- Maintain active accounts with existing labs through Wave 2
- Communicate transition timeline to labs (professional courtesy)
- Preserve expedited production capability for surge capacity
5. Configuration & Integration (Weeks 2–3)
Practice Management System Integration
Dentrix Integration
☐ Verify Dentrix version (G7.1+ recommended) ☐ Enable Dentrix Image integration module ☐ Configure STL export path from imaging module ☐ Test patient data transfer to design software ☐ 🔵 Contact Formlabs for Dentrix-specific workflow guide ☐ Document workaround if direct integration unavailable (manual file management)
Eaglesoft Integration
☐ Verify Eaglesoft version (21.0+ recommended) ☐ Configure imaging bridge settings ☐ Test STL export from 3D imaging ☐ Establish file naming convention linked to patient ID ☐ Validate HIPAA-compliant file handling
Open Dental Integration
☐ Verify Open Dental version (current stable release) ☐ Configure eConnector for imaging ☐ Test API connection for patient data (if using custom integration) ☐ Document imaging workflow from scan to print file
Dental Scanner Integration
Compatible Scanners (Validated Workflows)
| Scanner | Integration Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 3Shape TRIOS | Direct export to 3Shape Dental System → PreForm | Full digital workflow |
| iTero | Export via MyiTero → STL download → PreForm | Manual file transfer |
| Medit i-Series | Medit Link → direct export to design software | Streamlined workflow |
| Carestream | CS Connect → STL export → PreForm | Manual file transfer |
| DEXIS | DEXIS IS module → STL export | Manual file transfer |
Scanner Configuration Steps
☐ Verify scanner software is current version ☐ Configure export settings (STL format, coordinate system) ☐ Test export pathway to design workstation ☐ Validate scan quality meets Formlabs requirements (minimum resolution) ☐ Document scanner-specific workflow for each location
Design Software Configuration
3Shape Dental System Setup
☐ Install latest version with Formlabs integration module ☐ Configure Formlabs printer library within software ☐ Set default material profiles for each appliance type ☐ Test end-to-end workflow: scan → design → export → PreForm
exocad Setup
☐ Install DentalCAD with current modules ☐ Configure Formlabs printer/material library ☐ Validate mesh export settings ☐ Test surgical guide and model workflows
Medit Design Setup
☐ Configure Medit Smile Design or Splints module ☐ Set export parameters for Formlabs compatibility ☐ Test design-to-print pathway
PreForm Software Configuration
Standard Configuration (Apply to All Locations)
☐ Install PreForm latest version on all workstations ☐ Configure default print settings per appliance type:
- Surgical Guides: 50µm resolution, Surgical Guide Resin
- Aligners: 100µm resolution, Dental LT Clear Resin
- Models: 100µm resolution, Model Resin
- Splints: 100µm resolution, Dental LT Comfort Resin
- Dentures: 50µm resolution, Denture Base + Teeth Resins
☐ Set default orientation templates ☐ Configure support density standards ☐ Enable automatic update notifications ☐ Set file save locations (HIPAA-compliant storage)
Formlabs Dashboard Configuration (Enterprise) 🔵
☐ Activate enterprise Dashboard license ☐ Configure organizational structure (regions → locations → printers) ☐ Set user roles and permissions:
- Admin: Full access (central operations)
- Manager: Location management, reporting (regional managers)
- Operator: Print queue management, printer control (local staff)
- Viewer: Reporting only (executives) ☐ Enable SSO integration with corporate identity provider ☐ Configure alert notifications (print completion, errors, maintenance) ☐ Set up automated utilization reporting
Test Environment Setup
Recommended Approach: Centralized Test Environment
☐ Establish single test location at HQ or operations center ☐ Install one of each printer model in test environment ☐ Test all appliance types before deploying workflow to locations ☐ Document validated settings for replication
Test Validation Checklist
☐ Surgical Guide: Print test guide, verify dimensional accuracy (<0.1mm deviation) ☐ Model: Print test model, verify detail reproduction, fit of simulated restoration ☐ Aligner/Retainer: Print test aligner, verify fit on model, flexibility ☐ Splint: Print test splint, verify fit, occlusion, comfort ☐ Denture (if applicable): Print test denture, verify shade match, fit, retention
Per-Location Validation (Abbreviated)
☐ Print standard test model on installation day ☐ Verify dimensional accuracy matches centralized test results ☐ Confirm network connectivity to Dashboard ☐ Test alert and notification systems
Data Migration
Historical Data Considerations
Generally Not Required: Formlabs Dental does not require ingestion of historical patient data for operation.
Optional Historical Integration: ☐ If tracking production metrics against historical lab costs, import lab invoice history into comparison dashboard ☐ If using centralized case management, consider importing active in-progress cases from labs
Security and HIPAA Compliance
Enterprise HIPAA Checklist ⚠️
| Requirement | Action | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Business Associate Agreement (BAA) | 🔵 Execute BAA with Formlabs for cloud services | ☐ |
| Data encryption in transit | Verify HTTPS for all Dashboard communications | ☐ |
| Data encryption at rest | Confirm cloud storage encryption standards | ☐ |
| Access controls | Implement role-based access via Dashboard | ☐ |
| Audit logging | Enable and configure audit log retention | ☐ |
| PHI in file names | Establish naming conventions that don't include PHI | ☐ |
| Local file storage | Configure HIPAA-compliant local storage for STL files | ☐ |
| Workforce training | Include HIPAA considerations in staff training | ☐ |
| Incident response | Add 3D printing to HIPAA incident response plan | ☐ |
Data Governance Framework 🟣
☐ Define data ownership (patient files, design files, print records) ☐ Establish retention policy for print files (recommend minimum 7 years) ☐ Configure automatic backup for design workstations ☐ Document data flow from scan to print to patient record
Standardized vs. Location-Specific Configuration
Standardize Centrally
| Setting | Rationale |
|---|---|
| PreForm print profiles | Ensure consistent quality across network |
| Resin types approved for use | Material standardization, inventory simplicity |
| Quality thresholds | Uniform patient experience |
| Dashboard reporting structure | Enable cross-location comparison |
| Security settings | Compliance consistency |
| File naming conventions | Retrievability, audit trail |
Allow Local Discretion
| Setting | Rationale |
|---|---|
| Provider preferences for guide thickness | Clinical judgment varies |
| Print scheduling (time of day) | Varies by patient flow |
| Workflow sequence (who sends to print) | Staffing models differ |
| Model color preferences | Aesthetic, non-clinical |
6. Team Training Plan
Train-the-Trainer Model
Champion Selection Criteria
Ideal Champion Profile:
- Staff member (provider or manager) with demonstrated tech aptitude
- Minimum 1 year tenure at location
- Respected by peers, able to influence adoption
- Available for 2-day intensive training
- Committed to ongoing champion responsibilities
Champion Responsibilities:
- Complete certification training
- Train all location staff on role-specific workflows
- Serve as first-line support for location questions
- Escalate unresolved issues to regional manager/central team
- Provide feedback to central operations on workflow improvements
- Track training completion for all staff
- Onboard new hires to digital workflow
Champion Certification Program (2 Days) 🔵
Day 1: Technical Foundations
- Morning: Hardware operation, safety, maintenance (4 hours)
- Afternoon: PreForm software mastery, troubleshooting (4 hours)
Day 2: Workflow & Teaching
- Morning: End-to-end clinical workflows by appliance type (4 hours)
- Afternoon: Training delivery techniques, materials review, certification assessment (4 hours)
Certification Requirements: ☐ Complete all training modules ☐ Pass written assessment (80% minimum) ☐ Successfully produce each appliance type independently ☐ Demonstrate ability to troubleshoot common issues ☐ Deliver mock training session to peer group
Standardized Training Materials (Create Centrally)
Materials to Develop
☐ Role-specific quick-start guides (1 page each, laminated) ☐ Video library: Equipment operation, workflows by appliance type (5–10 min each) ☐ Troubleshooting flowcharts for common issues ☐ Assessment quizzes to verify comprehension ☐ Training sign-off sheets for compliance tracking
Role-Specific Training Outlines
Dentists/Providers
Training Time: 2 hours (can be split across 2 sessions)
Format: Live demo (preferred) or video + supervised practice
Content Outline:
Digital workflow overview (15 min)
- How in-house production changes case planning
- Turnaround time expectations
- Quality standards and tolerances
Scanner-to-print pathway (20 min)
- Scan quality requirements for optimal prints
- Case handoff to design (who does what)
- Approval workflow before production
Appliance-specific workflows (45 min)
- Surgical guides: Design review, fit expectations
- Models: Use cases, detail requirements
- Aligners: Treatment planning integration
- Splints/nightguards: Design preferences
Quality assessment (20 min)
- How to evaluate printed appliances
- Acceptable vs. unacceptable variations
- Remake request process
AI-assisted design review (if applicable) (10 min)
- Interpreting design software suggestions
- When to override automated recommendations
Q&A and hands-on (10 min)
Common Resistance Points and Responses:
| Resistance | Response |
|---|---|
| "I don't have time to learn another system" | "Design can be delegated; your role is approval and quality assessment—5 minutes per case" |
| "Lab work is fine, why change?" | "Same-day delivery increases case acceptance 15–20%; show specific case studies" |
| "What if quality isn't as good?" | "Validated materials meet or exceed lab quality; show comparison samples" |
| "I don't trust the fit" | "Demonstrate on actual cases; track initial results to build confidence" |
Day 1 Cheat Sheet: Providers
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ FORMLABS DENTAL - PROVIDER QUICK REFERENCE │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ SCAN QUALITY CHECKLIST │
│ ☐ Full arch capture, no holes in mesh │
│ ☐ Opposing arch if needed for occlusion │
│ ☐ Bite registration in centric occlusion │
AI-generated implementation guide based on public vendor information. Verify specifics directly with Formlabs Dental.