THE WORLD IS CHANGING RAPIDLY, SO ARE HEALTH CARE CAREERS

Home About Us Our Sponsors Careers Education Employers Labor Market Info Important Links Downloads Contact Us		Dental Laboratory Technician  (Dental Services) DID YOU KNOW?   (click for more) DID YOU KNOW?   (click to hide) Dental Laboratory Technician - Did-You-Know: 1. The future of in-operatory cad/cam systems will create a need for a dental technician team member who will have enhanced computer skills, design skills, material knowledge and skills in patient care. With the continued integration of CAD/CAM technology both currently in use within the dental operatory and dental laboratory, the need for dental team personnel to have adequate skills in computer processing and equipment usage will be of importance. 2. The efficiency of utilizing digital photography and imaging can even include digital impression taking, which will require additional clinical skills on the part of the technician. 3. Both the increased use of CAD/CAM technology and digital imaging will foster greater efficiency and productivity in the manufacture of dental restorations. The need for individuals to serve as dental technicians will continue, however, it is likely that the range of skills needed to be successful in the occupation will change as further technological advances are available in the dental technology market. 4. It is an exciting opportunity to attract new types of individuals into the occupation due to the computer aided manufacturing aspects and their clinical applications for dental technicians that come with some of the new technologies. 5. Both the NADL and the ADA have “Careers in Dental Laboratory Technology” videos/DVD’s available to promote and explain the occupational requirements and job growth opportunities of the profession of dental technician. The NADL and ADA products are autonomous relative to the content; however, each covers the general skills necessary for the occupation, the potential salary/earnings information, the day-to-day duties and a discussion of the work environment of a dental technician. The ADA’s video/DVD is available for purchase by any member of the public and is intended for broad distribution to high school guidance counselors, high school HOSA chapters and other secondary school venues of that nature. In 2004, over 2,400 orders for such products were received. 6. The popularity of cosmetic dentistry that has been enhanced by reality shows such as “Extreme Makeover” have provided a forum for public awareness that the dental technician and the dental laboratory is a valuable member of the dental team serving the dental patient through thoughtful treatment planning by the dentist. DESCRIPTION OF WORK: Dental laboratory technicians fill prescriptions from dentists for crowns, bridges, dentures, and other dental prosthetics. First, dentists send a specification of the item to be fabricated, along with an impression (mold) of the patient`s mouth or teeth. Then, dental laboratory technicians, also called dental technicians, create a model of the patient`s mouth by pouring plaster into the impression and allowing it to set. Next, they place the model on an apparatus that mimics the bite and movement of the patient`s jaw. The model serves as the basis of the prosthetic device. Technicians examine the model, noting the size and shape of the adjacent teeth, as well as gaps within the gumline. Based upon these observations and the dentist`s specifications, technicians build and shape a wax tooth or teeth model, using small hand instruments called wax spatulas and wax carvers. They use this wax model to cast the metal framework for the prosthetic device. After the wax tooth has been formed, dental technicians pour the cast and form the metal and, using small hand-held tools, prepare the surface to allow the metal and porcelain to bond. They then apply porcelain in layers, to arrive at the precise shape and color of a tooth. Technicians place the tooth in a porcelain furnace to bake the porcelain onto the metal framework, and then adjust the shape and color, with subsequent grinding and addition of porcelain to achieve a sealed finish. The final product is nearly an exact replica of the lost tooth or teeth. In some laboratories, technicians perform all stages of the work, whereas in other labs, each technician does only a few. Dental laboratory technicians can specialize in one of five areas: Orthodontic appliances, crowns and bridges, complete dentures, partial dentures, or ceramics. Job titles can reflect specialization in these areas. Mean annual salary for this position is $26,640. WHERE EMPLOYED: Most jobs were in commercial dental laboratories, which usually are small, privately owned businesses with fewer than five employees. However, some laboratories are large; a few employ more than 1,000 technicians. Some dental laboratory technicians work in dentists` offices. Others work for hospitals providing dental services, including U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs` hospitals. Some technicians work in dental laboratories in their homes, in addition to their regular job. PERSONAL QUALIFICATIONS: A high degree of manual dexterity, good vision, and the ability to recognize very fine color shadings and variations in shape are necessary. An artistic aptitude for detailed and precise work also is important. ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS: Training in dental laboratory technology is available through community and junior colleges, vocational-technical institutes, and the Armed Forces. Formal training programs vary greatly both in length and in the level of skill they impart. Most dental laboratory technicians learn their craft on the job. However, many employers prefer to have those with formal training. They begin with simple tasks, such as pouring plaster into an impression, and progress to more complex procedures, such as making porcelain crowns and bridges. Becoming a fully trained technician requires an average of 3 to 4 years, depending upon the individual`s aptitude and ambition, but it may take a few years more to become an accomplished technician. EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS: In 2004, the Commission on Dental Accreditation accredited 25 programs in dental laboratory technology in conjunction with the American Dental Association (ADA). These programs provide classroom instruction in dental materials science, oral anatomy, fabrication procedures, ethics, and related subjects. In addition, each student is given supervised practical experience in a school or an associated dental laboratory. Accredited programs normally take 2 years to complete and lead to an associate degree. High school students interested in becoming dental laboratory technicians should take courses in art, metal and wood shop, drafting, and sciences. Courses in management and business may help those wishing to operate their own laboratories. Many employers will train someone without any classroom experience. Graduates of 2-year training programs need additional hands-on experience to become fully qualified. Each dental laboratory owner operates in a different way, and classroom instruction does not necessarily expose students to techniques and procedures favored by individual laboratory owners. Students who have taken enough courses to learn the basics of the craft usually are considered good candidates for training, regardless of whether they have completed a formal program. Educational program types for this career. EMPLOYERS: Potential employers for this career. LAST UPDATED: 9/5/2007 - Update Current status - Active
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