Abstract: A U-shaped die locator is molded of a plastics material and has a tapered rib portion with non-uniformly spaced and laterally extending grooves on opposite sides of the rib portion. The rib portion is inserted into a settable model material which is poured into a negative dental impression to form a positive model. The die locator has a second or channel portion which is embedded within a settable base material poured onto the model to form a base for the model. After the base material hardens, the model is separated from the base and the rib portion, and the model is cut into model dies or sections which are reseated on the rib portion and the base. The die locator may also be molded with integral small diameter support pins which may be used for positioning the die locator within the negative impression by a conventional pin setter or support device.