Dentists don't have a social life because they're up to their necks in debt, paying for outrageously expensive software tied to their Xray and their CNC gear, to make crowns, etc.
Is that the case in US? It is considered here as a job that will let you retire with a nice house and pension.
Most dentists do not have a in house lab. That is usually farmed out. They also charge a premium on what they pay the lab. Most dentists i know are not in debt for a long period of time unless they join one of the bargin dental clinics like western dental.