Dental Laboratory Technicians, under the direction of a licensed dentist, make and repair orthodontic devices, dental restorations, such as full or partial dentures, inlays and crowns. Using precision instruments and specialized equipment. The dental laboratory technician works with a range of materials including gold, silver, stainless steel, porcelain and plastics and can specialize in different techniques. These include crown and bridge technicians, metal dental technicians, partial denture technicians, orthodontic technicians, and dental ceramists. Good vision, the ability to recognize very fine color shadings, and finger and manual dexterity are essential requirements. Skills with ceramics, sculpture, chemistry, physiology, blue print reading, plastics, and metal working may be useful, but the aptitude to learn is more important.

There are two ways of becoming a dental laboratory technician. A high school diploma is not always required, but is an asset to acceptance into a program. The apprenticeship program involves on-the-job training in a commercial dental laboratory and usually lasts for three to four years, depending upon the trainees ability and previous experience. The academic program involves completion of a two year certificate or associate degree program. The academic program provides both classroom instruction and clinical experience. Certification exists for applicants who have successfully completed 5 years of experience in the field (time spent in an approved supervised educational programs in a dental laboratory school may be substituted for part of this experience).

• 2 year Associates Degree

Dental laboratories, which are usually small privately owned businesses, employ the majority of technicians. There are also career opportunities available in education, research and sales. The increasing age of the general population indicates more people will need dentures, increasing the demand for dental laboratory technicians. In addition, rising levels of personal income and greater public awareness of the importance of good dental care, will also increase the demand for technicians.

$26,915

• American Association Of Dental Schools
• American Dental Association
• American Medical Technologists
• National Association Of Dental Laboratories
• National Dental Association