Quality Control
Quality is what sets a great lab apart from a good one. Odento's quality control module enforces inspection checklists at critical stages, tracks defects and rework, and requires formal sign-off before any case ships to the dentist.
Inspection Checklists
Odento lets you define inspection checklists for each case type. A checklist is a set of pass/fail criteria that a technician or QC inspector must verify before a case moves to the next stage. For example, a crown checklist might include:
- Margins are fully closed on the die
- Interproximal contacts match the adjacent teeth
- Occlusal contacts are within specification
- Internal fit is clean with no bubbles or voids
- Shade matches the prescribed value under daylight conditions
- Surface finish is smooth with no scratches or pitting
- Restoration is properly seated on the model
Each item is marked as pass, fail, or not applicable. If any item fails, the case is routed back to the relevant production stage for rework, and the defect is logged.
Per Case Type
Different case types need different checklists. A denture has very different QC criteria than a single crown. Create separate checklists for crowns, bridges, dentures, implants, and ortho appliances in Settings › Quality › Checklists.
Screenshot — Inspection Checklists
Defect Tracking
When a checklist item fails, Odento creates a defect record that includes:
- The specific checklist item that failed
- A description of the defect (free text)
- Photos of the defect (optional but recommended)
- The stage where the defect was found
- The technician responsible for that stage
- The rework action required
The case is automatically routed back to the production stage where the defect originated. The technician receives a notification with the defect details and photos. Once rework is complete, the case re-enters the QC stage for re-inspection.
Screenshot — Defect Tracking
Sign-Off Process
No case leaves your lab without a formal sign-off. The sign-off process ensures that a qualified person — typically a senior technician or lab manager — has verified that the case meets all quality criteria before dispatch.
- The QC inspector completes the inspection checklist
- All items must pass (or be marked N/A with justification)
- The inspector adds final notes and signs off digitally
- The case status updates to "Ready for Dispatch"
- The case moves to the dispatch stage for packaging and shipping
Override with Justification
In rare cases, a case may need to ship with a known minor issue (e.g., a shade slightly off that the dentist will adjust chairside). The sign-off process supports an override, but it requires a written justification and is logged for audit purposes.
Quality Metrics
Odento tracks quality metrics over time so you can identify trends and improve your processes:
- First-pass yield: Percentage of cases that pass QC on the first inspection without rework
- Defect rate by type: Which defects occur most frequently
- Defect rate by technician: Identifies training opportunities
- Rework time: How long rework takes on average, and its impact on turnaround
- Dentist return rate: Cases sent back by dentists after delivery — the ultimate quality signal
Continuous Improvement
Use the quality metrics to have data-driven conversations with your team. If margins are the most common defect, focus training on die trimming and margin design. The data removes guesswork from process improvement.
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