SPONSORED BY GREATLAB
How Southport Dental Stays Ahead:
Lessons from Lee Crossland

Welcome! Reading time: 500 words… 3 min.

In a recent conversation, Lee Crossland from Southport Dental shared his journey of running a successful third-generation dental lab.

He discussed the challenges and triumphs of modernising operations, embracing digital workflows, and adapting to the ever-evolving dental industry.

Lee's insights are invaluable for anyone in the dental lab business.

Key Takeaways

• Many lab owners focus too much on technical work rather than business management.

• Transitioning to new software can be daunting, but it is often smoother than expected.

• Embracing digital workflows is essential for staying competitive in the dental industry.

• Training and retaining skilled technicians is a growing challenge.

• Effective communication between dentists and labs is crucial for success.

The Importance Of Working On The Business

Lee pointed out that many lab owners, often technicians themselves, get caught up in the day-to-day tasks of making crowns and other dental products.

They forget to step back and look at the bigger picture of running a business. This oversight can hinder growth and efficiency.

Lee believes that failure is part of the journey and can lead to strength and improvement.

Finding The Right Software

For over a decade, Lee struggled to find the right management software for his lab.

He had been using a system that didn’t meet all his needs, particularly in task management and reporting.

After a long search, he discovered GreatLab through a marketing colleague. After a demo and a trial period, he found that GreatLab ticked all the boxes.

The transition was surprisingly smooth, with excellent support from the GreatLab team.

Streamlining Operations

One of the standout features of GreatLab is its ability to streamline operations. Lee highlighted how invoicing and booking work became much easier.

Previously, he had to download and save invoices manually, which was a hassle. Now, invoices are sent automatically, saving time and reducing errors.

The task management feature allows Lee to allocate work to technicians efficiently, even when he’s not in the lab.

Embracing Digital Workflows

Lee is excited about the future of dental technology, particularly in denture printing and digital workflows.

He believes that the industry is changing rapidly, and labs must adapt to stay relevant.

He envisions a fully digital lab in the near future, where most processes are automated, and technicians can focus on higher-value tasks.

Training And Retaining Talent

One of the biggest challenges Lee faces is training and retaining skilled technicians. The industry is evolving, and there’s a growing demand for technicians who can work with digital tools.

Lee emphasised the importance of investing in training and creating a supportive environment for technicians.

He believes that good communication and involvement in decision-making can help retain talent.

The Future Of Dental Labs

Looking ahead, Lee sees a bright future for his lab. He aims to increase capacity without necessarily hiring more staff.

By optimising workflows and leveraging technology, he believes it’s possible to do more with the same resources.

He also plans to explore marketing strategies to attract new clients, especially through social media.

Conclusion

Lee Crossland’s journey in the dental lab industry is a testament to the importance of adapting to change and embracing technology.

His insights on software, training, and communication are valuable for anyone looking to improve their dental lab operations.

As the industry continues to evolve, staying ahead of the curve will be crucial for success.

Lee’s story serves as an inspiration for lab owners to focus not just on the technical aspects but also on the business side of their operations.