With the ever-evolving advancements in technology, dental laboratories have a fundamental role in providing knowledge and expertise for the implementation of new dental innovations.
Matt Snudden, Head of Bupa’s Dental Laboratories for Bupa Dental UK (pictured), tells us about his journey at Bupa, the role our team of dental technicians play in delivering outstanding care to our patients and why a career in healthcare science is so fulfilling.
What is the best thing about working at Bupa?
I’ve been with Bupa for 15 years and during that time I’ve been fortunate to be able work across a range of roles in our Health Insurance, Health Services & Dental businesses which has allowed me to experience various aspects of healthcare. The common purpose we all share – helping people live longer, healthier, happier lives - is powerful and resonates across everything we do.
Can you tell us a bit about what the Bupa Dental Laboratories are and do?
Dental Laboratories design and manufacture custom made dental appliances such as crowns, bridges and dentures. For instance, a customer will go to the dentist and have a crown fitted that has been manufactured at one of the 1,800 dental labs across the UK. It’s an amazing sector to be in yet one that not many people even know exists!
How did you end up working in the dental labs team?
It all happened by chance really. Earlier in my career with Bupa, I was responsible for running a number of dental practices in the organisation, and built up a strong understanding of the crucial role the labs play in the supply chain.
Fast forward to now and I absolutely love working in Bupa’s dental labs. We’re at an exciting time in our transformation journey and it’s great to be a part of a company that understands the importance of investing in digital technology in order to improve the experience of our patients and dentists.
In what way do the dental labs make a difference to our customers/patients?
We currently manufacture over 200,000 appliances each year that customers use on a daily basis. It’s fulfilling to know that our patients trust the products we are creating for them and we’re genuinely making a difference to their lives each day.
Are there any exciting developments in technology that you’re working on that you can share with us?
The Dental Technology sector is undergoing massive digital transformation, with the likes of digital scanning technology becoming more prevalent with dentists. We’re constantly looking to adopt the latest innovations and investing in new workflows that enable us to design and create appliances digitally; allowing for more consistent and higher quality products. For instance, we’re currently reviewing the potential use of additive manufacturing technology (also known as 3D printing). This is exciting for several reasons such as repeatability as well as it reducing overall material waste compared to other methods. Since Bupa announced its ambition of becoming a net zero company by 2040, knowing that we can play our part in the smallest ways is encouraging.
What would you say to someone considering a career in healthcare science?
Do it! The opportunities are endless in the Dental Technology sector with lots of really interesting roles out there. Whichever area you wish to work in, you’ll have the chance to develop new and existing skills in several directions.
Which of Bupa’s values – brave, caring, responsible – do you relate to the most and why?
I relate to brave the most because working in the dental sector requires you to be bold and constantly be on the lookout for new technologies and services that will support future ways of working whilst providing our patients with high quality outcomes.
