laboratory prescription
A written or digital instruction document issued by a dentist to a dental laboratory detailing the specifications for a prosthetic or restorative device to be fabricated.
Full Definition
A laboratory prescription (also called a lab Rx or dental lab work order) is a legally required document in most jurisdictions that authorises a dental laboratory to fabricate a custom device. It must include patient identification, dentist details, a description of the device, shade information, materials, and the delivery date. Editors must ensure that 'prescription' is not abbreviated as 'Rx' on first reference in formal documents, and that the document type is distinguished from a 'clinical prescription' for medication.
Usage
Usage note: Spell out in full on first reference. 'Lab Rx' is acceptable in informal internal documents but not in regulatory submissions.
In Context
- "The laboratory prescription must bear the dentist's signature and licence number before fabrication commences." — Regulatory compliance guide
- "Incomplete laboratory prescriptions should be returned to the referring clinician for clarification." — Laboratory quality manual