A dental coping includes a partially circumferential rib or other engagement feature formed on the coronal portion of the interior surface of the coping that removably engages a groove formed in the corresponding surface of an abutment, implant, analog or other component and enables tactile verification (such as a snap feel) that the coping is properly positioned on the component. The engagement feature may include one or more tapered surfaces. The coping is optionally provided with an interior alignment surface that corresponds to an alignment surface formed on the exterior surface of the dental component, as well as having an optional external alignment feature that enables external visual and tactile assistance in aligning the internal alignment surfaces of the coping and component. The coping also may include one or more chamfered or cylindrical surfaces to provide a precision fit of the coping on the component.