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Dental Lab Assistant Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Our Processing Laboratory Lab Assistants prepare blood donor samples for testing, perform quality ... Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans * Free Life Insurance * 401K with employer match

Chemistry Lab Assistant

Coralville, IA · On-site

$21.95 - $25.57/hr

Lab Assistant We are seeking a detail-oriented Lab Assistant to routinely produce high-quality ... Medical, dental & vision * Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital * 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre ...

Our Processing Laboratory Lab Assistants prepare blood donor samples for testing, perform quality ... Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans * Free Life Insurance * 401K with employer match

Chemistry Lab Assistant

Coralville, IA · On-site

$21.95 - $25.57/hr

Lab Assistant We are seeking a detail-oriented Lab Assistant to routinely produce high-quality ... Medical, dental & vision * Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital * 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre ...

In addition, our Lab Assistants prepare components, release and label products, and prepare ... Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans * Free Life Insurance * 401K with employer match

In addition, our Lab Assistants prepare components, release and label products, and prepare ... Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans * Free Life Insurance * 401K with employer match

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Dental Lab Assistant information

See Iowa salary details

$9

$19

$27

How much do dental lab assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for dental lab assistant in Iowa is $19.02, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.58 and $21.68 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a dental lab assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Dental Lab Assistant, you need a solid understanding of dental anatomy, manual dexterity, and attention to detail, often supported by a high school diploma or dental technology coursework. Familiarity with dental lab equipment, impression materials, and digital design software like CAD/CAM is typically required. Strong organizational skills, effective communication, and the ability to follow precise instructions help you excel in a collaborative lab environment. These skills ensure accurate fabrication of dental appliances and contribute to patient satisfaction and efficient dental practice operations.

What are some common challenges dental lab assistants face in maintaining quality control during the fabrication process?

Dental Lab Assistants often encounter challenges in ensuring each dental appliance meets precise specifications, as even minor deviations can affect fit and function. They must pay close attention to detail when handling materials and following instructions from dental technicians or dentists. Balancing speed and accuracy is essential, especially when working on multiple cases simultaneously. Effective communication with the dental team and careful organization are key to maintaining high standards of quality control.

What is the difference between Dental Lab Assistant vs Dental Laboratory Technician?

AspectDental Lab AssistantDental Laboratory Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingPost-secondary education or certification in dental technology
Work EnvironmentAssistants work in dental labs, supporting techniciansWork in dental labs creating dental prosthetics and appliances
Job ResponsibilitiesPrepare materials, sterilize tools, assist techniciansDesign, craft, and finish dental restorations and appliances

Dental Lab Assistants support Dental Laboratory Technicians by preparing materials and maintaining the lab environment. In contrast, Dental Laboratory Technicians are responsible for creating dental prosthetics and appliances. Both roles are essential in dental labs, but technicians require more specialized training and skills.

Can a dental lab assistant work in a dental lab?

Yes, a dental lab assistant works in a dental laboratory environment, assisting with tasks such as preparing materials, maintaining equipment, and supporting dental technicians. They typically need knowledge of dental procedures, attention to detail, and may require certification or training specific to dental assisting. The role involves working closely with dental professionals to produce dental prosthetics and appliances.

How to become a dental lab assistant?

To become a dental lab assistant, typically, a high school diploma or equivalent is required, along with on-the-job training or a certificate program in dental assisting or laboratory technology. Skills in working with dental materials, attention to detail, and familiarity with dental tools are important; some employers may prefer candidates with certification from organizations like the National Board for Certification in Dental Laboratory Technology.

What qualifications do I need to be a dental lab assistant?

To become a dental lab assistant, a high school diploma or equivalent is typically required. Relevant skills include attention to detail, manual dexterity, and knowledge of dental materials and tools; some employers may prefer candidates with on-the-job training or certification in dental assisting or laboratory procedures.

What are the most commonly searched types of Dental Lab jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Dental Lab jobs in Iowa are:

Infographic showing various Dental Lab Assistant job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,555 per year, or $19 per hour.

Dental Technical Manager

Swisher, IA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

Dental Technical ManagerCompany Overview

Midwest Dental Arts is a full-service dental laboratory that has been delivering exceptional restorations and outstanding customer service since 1996. Founded in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, we have grown to four locations while maintaining our commitment to fabricating all restorations in the United States with no overseas outsourcing. As a leader in implant and restorative dentistry, we specialize in custom abutments, full-arch zirconia, acrylic restorations, and supra-structure hybrid solutions. Our skilled technicians leverage advanced technology, craftsmanship, and attention to detail to produce high-quality restorations that support excellent patient outcomes. At Midwest Dental Arts, we are passionate about innovation, collaboration, and service excellence, partnering with dental professionals nationwide to help create confident, healthy smiles. Joining our team means becoming part of an organization dedicated to quality, continuous improvement, and making a meaningful impact—one smile at a time.

Position Summary

The Dental Technical Manager is responsible for leading the technical operations of the dental laboratory, ensuring exceptional quality, efficiency, and consistency across all restorative products. This role oversees quality control, CAD/CAM and digital workflows, equipment and machine performance, process improvement initiatives, and technician training and development, while serving as the laboratory’s primary technical expert. The Dental Technical Manager mentors and develops staff within the lab, drives continuous improvement in production processes, and ensures adherence to laboratory standards and best practices. In addition to leadership responsibilities, this position remains hands-on in the design and fabrication of all restorations using EXOCAD, CAD/CAM technologies, and other advanced dental laboratory systems. The ideal candidate possesses extensive knowledge of dental anatomy, occlusion, restorative materials, and digital dentistry, with a proven ability to lead teams, optimize workflows, reduce remakes, and deliver outstanding product quality and customer satisfaction. This is an on-site position

Key Responsibilities
  • Oversee all technical operations within the dental laboratory, ensuring exceptional quality, accuracy, and consistency of restorations.
  • Lead and manage laboratory quality control processes, including case reviews, troubleshooting, and remake reduction initiatives.
  • Design and fabricate high-quality restorations using CAD/CAM and EXOCAD software along with other dental lab equipment.
  • Monitor, maintain and optimize the performance of milling machines, scanners, 3D printers, and other laboratory equipment.
  • Develop, implement, and continuously improve digital workflows, production processes and standard operating procedures.
  • Train, mentor, and develop technicians to enhance technical skills, productivity and career growth.
  • Serve as the labs primary technical resource for case planning, material selection, restorative design, and problem resolution.
  • Collaborate with dentists, customer service teams and lab personnel to resolve complex technical cases and deliver outstanding customer outcomes.
  • Promote a culture of accountability, continuous learning, teamwork and technical excellence throughout the laboratory
  • Assist with production as needed to ensure turnaround times, customer expectations and operational objectives are consistently met.
Qualifications & Requirements
  • Dental Technology degree, CDT certification, or related technical trained preferred but not required.
  • Minimum of 7 years of dental lab experience with strong background in digital workflows.
  • Advanced proficiency with EXOCAD Design software
  • 3 years of Leadership, supervisory or technical management experience within a dental lab setting
  • Extensive knowledge of dental anatomy, occlusion, restorative materials, implant restorations, and fixed prosthodontics.
  • Strong quality control and troubleshooting skills with the ability to identify and resolve complex technical issues.
  • Demonstrated ability to train, mentor, and develop technicians at various skill levels
  • Proficient with Microsoft Office and other Lab Management software.
  • Additional backgrounds in the dental field that will be considered include, Treatment Plan Coordination and Administration Leadership roles.
Compensation & Benefits
  • Competitive Pay with additional bonus potential
  • Benefits including Medical, dental, vision, Life
  • 401k with company match
  • Paid Time off (PTO) plus paid holidays
  • Ongoing training and professional development opportunities

Midwest Dental Arts is an affiliate company of Catalis Dental Lab Partners.  If you are interested in learning more about this opportunity and the other Brands under the Catalis Network, you can find us at catalislabs.com.  At Midwest Dental Arts, you are not just joining a Team, you are joining a family, Let’s start building some smiles together.

Midwest Dental Arts is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic under applicable federal, state, or local law.