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Dental Laboratory
Technology
Introduction
If you like doing precision work with your hands, enjoy
working independently and are interested in health care, a
career as a dental laboratory technician may be for you.
The dental laboratory technician takes on significant
responsibility as a member of the dental health care team.
Dental technicians make dental prostheses — replacements for
natural teeth to help people who have lost some or all of
their teeth to eat, chew, talk and smile in a manner that is
similar to or better than the way they did before.
The hallmarks of the qualified dental laboratory technician
are skill in using small hand instruments, accuracy, artistic
ability and attention to minute detail. The best way to become
a dental technician is to receive formal education. Studying
in a Commission on Dental Accreditation accredited program
provides education that is based on the latest procedures and
techniques. Dental technicians can begin their careers without
a college degree; however, continuing education is encouraged.
So if a career in health care appeals to you, but several
extra years of school doesn't then dental laboratory
technology is a field you will want to explore.
A career as a dental laboratory technician offers a wide
range of challenges. Since each dental patient's specific
needs are different, the duties of a dental technician are
comprehensive and varied. Technicians work with a variety of
materials, as well as sophisticated instruments and equipment,
to create dental prostheses — replacements for damaged or
missing tooth structure.
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What Do Dental Laboratory Technicians
Do?
Since each dental patient's specific needs are different,
the duties of a dental laboratory technician are comprehensive
and varied. Although dental technicians seldom work directly
with patients, except under the direction of a licensed
dentist, they are valuable members of the dental care team.
They work directly with dentists by following detailed written
instructions and using impressions (molds) of the patient's
teeth or oral soft tissues to create:
- full dentures for patients who are missing all of their
teeth;
- removable partial dentures or fixed bridges for patients
who are missing only one or a few teeth;
- crowns, which are caps for teeth that are designed to
restore their original size and shape;
- veneers, that enhance the esthetics and function of the
patient; and
- orthodontic appliances and splints to help straighten
and protect teeth.
Dental technicians work with a variety of materials in
replacing damaged or missing tooth structure. These include
waxes, plastics, precious and non-precious alloys, stainless
steel, a variety of porcelains and composites or polymer glass
combinations.
Additionally, many technicians acquire skill in the use of
sophisticated instruments and equipment while performing
laboratory procedures. It is important for the technician to
help create tooth replacements that are both esthetic and
functional in order to improve a patient's appearance.
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What Are the Advantages of a
Dental Laboratory Technology Career?
Flexibility: Dental laboratory technology is a
flexible career offering several opportunities for
advancement. Experienced technicians can find well-paid
positions in commercial laboratories based on their technical
or communication skills, become department heads in larger
laboratories, where they would have supervisory
responsibilities or potentially own their own laboratory.
Additionally, dental technicians may teach dental technology
courses in educational programs, as well as apply their
knowledge to research, sales and/or marketing of prosthetic
materials, instruments and equipment.
Independence: Technicians perform much of their work
without close supervision. They often experience the
satisfaction that results from taking an entire project from
start to finish.
Creativity: Dental laboratory technology requires
the skill and touch of an artist. Technicians need to be
creative when they make prostheses.
Security: The services performed by dental
technicians will always be needed. With the population growing
older, there will be a continued demand for prostheses which
improve these individuals' nutrition, appearance and ability
to speak clearly.
Personal fulfillment: Dental laboratory technicians
experience the satisfaction that goes along with the knowledge
that they help to provide a valued health care service and
positively affecting patients' oral health and self image.
Technicians play a significant role in the delivery of dental
health care and take pride from producing a hand-crafted
product. Dental Laboratory Technology is both a science and an
art.
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Where Do Dental Laboratory
Technicians Work?
With advancements in technology and materials, there is an
increased demand for restorative and cosmetic dentistry. As a
result, there is currently a great demand for dental
laboratory technicians. Employment opportunities will be
excellent well into the next century.
Most dental laboratory technicians work in commercial
dental laboratories employing from 2 to 200 people. The
average laboratory employs about five to ten technicians who
may provide a full range of dental prosthetic services, or
specialize in producing one particular type of prosthesis
(e.g., removable partial dentures, crown and bridge, etc).
Additionally, some opportunities are available in private
dental offices for technicians who like close one-on-one
contact with a dentist. Employment opportunities may also be
available in dental schools, hospitals and companies that
manufacture dental prosthetic materials. Dental laboratory
technology education programs also offer some teaching
positions for experienced technicians.
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What Education/Training Does a
Dental Laboratory Technician Need?
Dental laboratory technicians may receive their education
and training through a two-year program at a community
college, vocational school, technical college, university or
dental school. Graduates of these programs receive either an
associate degree or a certificate. There are also a few
programs that offer a four-year baccalaureate program in
dental technology.
In most cases, an interested individual needs a high school
diploma or its equivalent to apply to an accredited dental
laboratory technology program. Counselors, advisors and
prospective students should contact the particular dental
technology program of interest for specific requirements.
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Accreditation
The agency responsible for accrediting
dental laboratory technology programs and deciding whether
or not they meet the standards for accreditation is the Commission
on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association.
There are approximately 35 Commission-accredited dental
technology programs in the United States.
Dental laboratory technology requires the skill and touch
of an artist. Technicians need to be creative in making tooth
replacements that are esthetic in order to improve a patient's
appearance.
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Certification
Dental laboratory technicians can become certified by
passing an examination that evaluates their technical skills
and knowledge. The examination is administered by the National
Board for Certification in Dental Laboratory Technology. A
dental technician who passes the certification examination
becomes a Certified Dental Technician (CDT). CDTs specialize
in one or more of five areas: complete dentures, removable
partial dentures, crown and bridge, ceramics or orthodontics.
Dental technicians are eligible to take the examination if
they have completed a dental laboratory technology program
accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation and have
two years of professional experience. Individuals who have
been trained on the job or have graduated from non-accredited
programs are eligible to take the national certification
examination after they have completed five years of work
experience as a dental technician.
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What Is a Dental Laboratory
Technician's Earning Potential?
The salary of a dental laboratory technician depends
primarily upon the skills demonstrated and responsibilities
associated with the specific position and the geographic
location of employment. Dental technicians can earn salaries
equal to personnel in other health care occupations with
similar training and experience.
Experienced technicians can realize significant
satisfaction and rewards in commercial laboratories or may
choose to be self-employed, opening their own dental
laboratories for greater independence.
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Where Can I Get More
Information?
Contact your dentist, a local
dental laboratory, the state or local dental society component
of the American Dental Association, or the state or local
component of the National Association of Dental Laboratories
in your area. Perhaps you can arrange for a brief visit to
a dental laboratory to observe dental technicians at work.
You can also contact an accredited dental laboratory technology
program and arrange to talk with a counselor and visit the
school.
A dental technician takes on significant responsibility in
the delivery of oral health care and is a valuable member of
the dental care team. With an increased demand for cosmetic
dentistry, there is a great need for dental technicians. As a
result, the job outlook is excellent.
National Association of Dental Laboratories
(NADL)
1530 Metropolitan Blvd
Tallahassee, FL 32308
850-224-0711
800-950-1150
FAX: 850- 222-3019
http://www.nadl.org
e-mail: NADL@NADL.org
(The NADL, which is the world's largest organization
representing dental laboratories, provides career information
to interested individuals).
National Board for Certification in Dental Laboratory
Technology (NBC)
1530 Metropolitan Blvd.
Tallahassee, FL 32308
850-224-0711
850-222-3019
http://www.nadl.org
e-mail: CDTS@NADL.org
(The National Board for Certification provides information
on the national certification program for dental laboratory
technicians).
Laboratory Section
American Dental Trade Association (ADTA)
4222 King Street West
Alexandria, Virginia 22302-1597
703-379-7755
FAX: 703-931-9429
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