Dental Laboratory Technician Careers
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What
a Dental Laboratory Technician does:
A Dental Laboratory Technician or Dental
Technician manufactures crowns, bridges,
dentures and other dental prosthetics for a
Dentist. Typically the Dental Lab Technician
receives a digital image or mould of the
patient’s mouth, and bases the fixture on this
impression. Dental Lab Technicians can work for
Restorative dentists where they are responsible
for manufacturing teeth replacements.
They can
also work for Orthodontic dentists where they
manufacture retainers and braces to move teeth.
Sometimes the job title reflects their area of
specialization e.g. technicians who make
porcelain and acrylic restorations are sometimes
called dental ceramists. Dental Lab Technicians
can work in commercial dental Laboratories, or
in a dentist’s private practice.
The main duties
of a Dental Lab Technician include:
- Creating a model of the patient’s mouth by
pouring plaster into the impression
- Examining the size and shape of the model
- Recreating the patient’s teeth to look natural
(size, shape and color)
- Using ceramics, plastics and metal alloys for
fixed restorations (crowns and bridges)
- Determining the best materials to use against
the natural movement of the teeth (retainers and
braces)
Education & Qualifications:
To become a fully qualified dental technician
takes approximately 3 to 4 years in college.
Previously many Technicians received on the job
training, but today most employers look for some
form of formal qualifications. Programs are
available through Vocational, Technical,
Community and Junior colleges. Upon completion
of training, dental lab technicians may become
certified by taking and passing the Certified
Dental Technician exam, offered by the National
Association of Dental Laboratories.
Salary & Job Prospects:
Dental Laboratory Technicians can earn salaries
between $25,000 and $40,000. Salaries are
dependant on the Dental Technicians
responsibilities, experience and location of the
work. Employment in this field is favorable.
Even though positions are not expected to grow,
job opportunities are expected to arise from
technicians who transfer, get promoted to other
areas or retire.
Find an Allied Health School:
Use the red search box above, to find Allied
Health schools and Dental colleges in your area that
offer Dental Lab Technician programs.
Below is a list of some of the various types of
allied health careers / professions: |
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