12-Month Course Access
Provides:
- 12-module program geared towards digital practices for orthodontic team members
- Course assessments to check progress and knowledge
- 8 CE credits
Price range: $800.00 through $880.00
Course Length/Learning Time: 25 hours
The Academy of Digital Lab Coordinator is a complete, video-driven, online educational program for team members interested in understanding the inner workings of a digitally-focused, progressive orthodontic practice! Authored by seasoned ortho practice consultant Gustavo Sanchez, along with the consulting team at Straight Consulting, this program has been meticulously developed to give digital team members a detailed guide to building and running a modern orthodontic lab that serves the demands of Millennial and Gen Z patients. The course begins by tracing the origin of digital technology in orthodontics, then covers every facet of the operation, including: intraoral scanning, software platforms, 3D printing, fabrication, packaging, equipment maintenance, outsourcing solutions, vendor relations, practice communication, and marketing.
Whether your office relies exclusively on third-party aligners from Invisalign or Spark, embraces newer bracket solutions from KLOwen or LightForce, or wants to chart its own course with in-house aligners and custom brackets using platforms like uLab, ArchForm, or Braces on Demand… this course is for you. If you’re a lab tech or even a digital tech, a clinical assistant, or the doctor in a new start-up, and you want to unlock the potential impact a Digital Coordinator can have on your practice, register now for the DC Academy!
If you’re a lab tech, digital tech, clinical assistant, or even the doctor in a new start-up, and you want to unlock the potential impact the Digital Coordinator can have on your practice, register now for the DC Academy.
Meet your instructor
Gustavo Sanchez
Gustavo has spent over two decades in human development, beginning his career in employment staffing and human resources, where he gained valuable experience shaping both sides of the workplace. His orthodontic journey began unexpectedly as a patient and quickly grew into a full-time role as a digital lab manager and later office manager, overseeing a multi-location practice with a fully integrated digital operation. Fueled by his passion for clear aligner treatment, Gustavo joined uLab Systems as a clinical education specialist, where he mentored teams, supported accounts, and shared his expertise nationwide.
His enthusiasm and can-do attitude opened doors for him to become a sought-after national speaker. Today, as an orthodontic consultant, Gustavo uses his authentic, people-first approach to guide teams toward maximizing their potential. He is also the author of Trapezio’s Academy of Digital Lab Coordinators course, where he brings his knowledge and passion to help practices thrive in the digital space. A powerhouse of energy, Gustavo remains deeply grateful for his journey and is dedicated to empowering others through education and innovation.
Educational and Learning Objectives Explored
1. The DC Defined
This module introduces the role of the orthodontic digital lab coordinator by defining the position, exploring its evolution, distinguishing technical tasks from coordination responsibilities, and outlining the four core roles and time management skills needed to support an efficient digital practice.
2. Scanning for Gold
Module 2 focuses on achieving high-quality digital scans by emphasizing proper patient preparation, effective use of scanning hardware, essential pre-scanning techniques, and accurate capture of palates and arches to ensure optimal orthodontic outcomes.
3. Software Symphony
Lesson 3 provides an overview of key orthodontic software platforms and guides learners through the essential stages of in-house digital treatment planning and accurate case submission.
4. DC Treatment Planning
This module focuses on advanced digital coordinator treatment planning skills, emphasizing efficient case setup, seamless support of the orthodontist’s workflow, and strategies to maximize planning efficiency while serving as an extension of the doctor.
5. Precision Printing
Lesson 5 covers the fundamentals of precision 3D printing in an orthodontic digital lab, including understanding printing versus fabricating, selecting and optimizing printers, properly setting up builds, following pre-print checklists, and maximizing machine performance.
6. Fabricate the Fit
This lesson focuses on safe and efficient digital lab setup while teaching quality fabrication principles, cost-saving techniques, effective thermal forming, and the key workflow strategies needed to produce consistent, well-fitting orthodontic appliances.
7. Packaging & Shipping
This module covers best practices for cleaning, packaging, tracking, and shipping lab output, emphasizing organized workflows, effective use of lab tracking systems, and streamlined receiving protocols across single or multi-location orthodontic practices.
8. Maintenance & Ordering
Module 8 teaches proper equipment maintenance, warranty and repair awareness, inventory management, and smart ordering strategies to ensure efficient use of resources and long-term sustainability of the orthodontic digital lab.
9. Outsourcing & Vendor Relations
This module focuses on managing outsourcing and vendor relationships by identifying when to delegate tasks, evaluating practice performance with digital metrics, leveraging supplier support, and ensuring timely, efficient workflow continuity.
10. Practice Communication
Lesson 10 emphasizes effective communication within the practice, covering internal and external protocols, change management strategies, and bridging the gap between the clinic and digital lab for seamless collaboration.
11. Marketing Strategies
This lesson teaches digital lab coordinators how to market their services effectively by highlighting benefits, leveraging software tools, building personal credibility, and using custom printing to showcase the practice’s capabilities.
12. Loading the Future
This module helps digital lab coordinators consolidate their learning by creating actionable plans, measuring progress and success, and preparing for future growth and continued development in the practice.
13. Bonus: Tech Report (Coming Soon)
This bonus module will keep digital lab coordinators up to date on the latest developments, updates, and best practices in technology, highlighting favorite tools and important corrections to enhance ongoing performance.
