About this position
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.
Requirements: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).