Where are your dental products made?

With many practices now outsourcing their lab work to overseas laboratories, the British dental technician trade has taken a sharp decline in recent years. 10 years ago there were more than 12,000 qualified dental technicians operating in the UK, this figure now stands at approximately 5,000 and is decreasing by a further 200 qualified technicians every year. Sparkle Dental Laboratories Ltd a new dental laboratory  is looking to change this.

By providing a unique high quality service they are hoping to reinvigorate this once prosperous profession. All of their products are of the highest quality and are handcrafted at their laboratory in Leeds using only the best UK sourced materials. With the use of the latest technological advances such as a milling facility, as well as a great working environment and training programme, Sparkle Dental Labs are bringing dental laboratory work into the 21^st Century.

Sparkle Dental Labs are helping to increase the number of dental technicians working in the UK by offering training and a unique apprenticeship programme to those looking to get involved in the dental profession. They are working with the National Apprenticeship Service to create the first apprenticeship for technicians. The apprenticeship will offer practical ‘on the job’ training at their laboratory in Leeds. The apprenticeship will result in a qualification leading to registration with the GDC as a dental technician.

One of the company’s aims is to increase public awareness of the risks associated with laboratory work that has been carried out overseas. As a direct result of this, more patients are now keen to ensure their cosmetic, restorative and implant solutions are made in UK where the workmanship is guaranteed and the materials used are of a higher standard and the working conditions of the dental technicians are very good.

This is exactly what Sparkle Dental Labs provides as it is one of a small number of dental laboratories in the UK to receive the MHRA, DAMAS and ISO quality assurance marks. The latter is a quality assurance mark that proves the consistent level of quality that their clients receive. Their ISO report stated that they “implemented an excellent Quality Management System which in many ways far surpasses the requirements of the ISO 9001 2008 Standard.”

The company’s ambition is to continue the development of its facilities, with half a million pounds having already been invested and a further million pounds is set to be invested over the next 12-18 months. Their state of the art laboratory and office in Leeds offers many additional staff benefits such as showers, male and female locker rooms, a canteen and a staff room as well as all the amenities needed to create high calibre dental products. All of the facilities on the premises are suitable for disabled workers; there are even height adjustable benches, which have been installed for any staff members who use wheelchairs.

Most patients don’t know it, but they are entitled to a statement, which confirms where the lab work took place, sadly not all laboratories are able to provide statements that confirm that the work took place in the UK. At Sparkle Dental Labs a statement is sent detailing where and when the product was made, the name of the technician who made it and the materials that were used. This way both patient and clinician can take comfort in knowing that the product is of the highest standard and where it was made. Using Sparkle Dental Labs will assist a dental practice in following the BDA Good Practice Scheme.

The service that they provide is enhanced by the quick turn around offered. As one of the only dental laboratories to offer a free courier service to and from the practice, they are able to ensure that all deliveries are on time and for urgent cases a guaranteed 3 day turnaround is available, this is much quicker than the 5-10 days that most other laboratories offer.

Sparkle Dental Labs fully appreciate that using a new dental lab can be a daunting process. Choosing to use Sparkle Dental Labs will not only help to boost a waning profession, it will also guarantee you and your patients high calibre dental products that have been manufactured in the UK using the best respected materials.

For additional more information please call 0800 138 6255, or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit www.sparkledentallabs.com