Senior Dental CAD Designer

EMAPPLY; Remote; ZAR 300 000 - 400 000; Full time

Job summary

A premium dental laboratory in South Africa is seeking a highly skilled Dental CAD Designer to work remotely. You will be responsible for designing various dental restorations using advanced CAD software. The position requires a strong understanding of implant prosthetics, excellent digital workflow capabilities, and the ability to work independently. The ideal candidate will have 3–5 years of experience in Dental CAD design and proficiency in software like exocad or 3Shape. This role offers competitive remuneration and the opportunity to collaborate within an innovative digital production team.

Qualifications

• 3–5+ years of professional experience in Dental CAD design.
• Expert proficiency in exocad or 3Shape.
• Strong implant prosthetic design background.

Responsibilities

• Design high-precision dental restorations using advanced CAD software.
• Collaborate remotely with clinical and laboratory teams.
• Handle complex and implant-heavy workflows with minimal supervision.

Job description

Fully Remote Role (South Africa-based)

Salary Range: R30 000 - R55 000 per month depending on experience.

Hours: Monday - Friday (9am – 5pm AWST) (03:00am – 11:00am South African time)

About the Employer

Our client is a premium dental laboratory. They specialise in high-end implant prosthetics, digital dentistry, full-arch solutions, and complex restorative cases. The lab works alongside a specialist prosthodontist and a technologically advanced clinical team, using state-of-the-art intraoral scanning, CAD/CAM systems, 3D printing, and precision milling. They are seeking a high-calibre Dental CAD Designer in South Africa to join their digital production team remotely.

Role Overview

The Senior Dental CAD Designer will be responsible for designing high-precision dental restorations using advanced CAD software. This role requires strong implant knowledge, excellent digital workflow capabilities, and the ability to independently manage complex cases. You will collaborate remotely with the clinical and laboratory teams and must be able to communicate professionally, meet deadlines, and produce world-class digital designs.

Key Responsibilities

Digital Design

• Design restorations using exocad, 3Shape, or similar CAD software.

Produce

• Single-unit crowns, veneers, onlays/inlays.
• Implant-supported crowns and abutments.
• Multi-unit bridges and complex implant restorations.
• Full-arch implant prostheses (All-on-X), zirconia bridges, titanium bars.
• Hybrid prostheses and overdentures.>
• Prepare files for 3D printing and milling (CAM).

Digital Workflow

• Interpret intraoral scans, model scans, CBCT data, and digital jaw relation records.
• Assist with digital smile design, aesthetic previews, and implant planning.
• Maintain accurate digital records and documentation.

Case Management

• Handle complex and implant-heavy workflows with minimal supervision.
• Troubleshoot design and fit issues.
• Communicate clearly with the Australian team for clarifications or requirements.

Quality Control

• Ensure all designs meet the company's quality standards for accuracy, anatomy, occlusion, and aesthetics.
• Apply correct material parameters for zirconia, PMMA, titanium, CoCr, etc.
• Follow lab protocols for versioning, file labelling, and workflow tracking.

Collaboration

• Work closely with remote milling/printing teams.
• Participate in case review meetings (via Zoom/Teams).
• Support training or upskilling of junior offshore designers (if required).

Essential

• 3–5+ years of professional experience in Dental CAD design.
• Expert proficiency in exocad or 3Shape (exocad preferred).
• Strong implant prosthetic design background.
• Proven experience with full-arch and All-on-X digital workflows.
• Excellent understanding of dental anatomy and occlusion.
• Ability to work independently and manage workload remotely.
• High attention to detail and consistency.
• Reliable computer hardware and stable broadband connection.

Preferred

• Experience with surgical guide software.
• Experience with digital smile design (DSD).
• Knowledge of additive manufacturing (3D printing) and CAM.
• Experience working with Australian, UK, or US labs.

Personal Attributes

• Highly organised and self-disciplined.
• Strong communicator with clear written and spoken English.
• Comfortable working to strict deadlines.
• Proactive problem solver.
• Committed to high-quality workmanship.