What does a Dental Technician do?
Published 4 min read
A dental technician is a person who makes dental prosthetics, such as dentures, crowns, and bridges.
Dental Technician job duties include:
- Read prescriptions or work orders and examine models and impressions in order to determine the kind and quantity of dental prosthetics needed
- Select and mix ingredients to create plaster casts, dental waxes, or porcelain compounds, using spatulas or other hand tools
- Pour plaster casts, dental waxes, or porcelain compounds into molds, trays, or models
- Position molds on worktables and pour plaster castings or place dental waxes inside them
- Remove casts from molds after plaster has hardened and trim them to fit patient's mouth
- Bake porcelain shells in kilns according to specifications
- Buff and polish surfaces of shells using abrasive wheels or handtools
- Assemble dentures by bonding teeth to porcelain shells with adhesives
- Fit dentures in patients' mouths in order to make sure they fit properly
Dental Technician Job Requirements
A dental technician is a skilled worker who makes dental prosthetics, such as crowns, bridges, and dentures. In order to become a dental technician, one must complete a two-year accredited dental technology program. Upon completion of the program, the student must then pass a state-administered examination in order to become certified. Some states also require that dental technicians be licensed. In addition to formal education and certification, most employers prefer that candidates have some experience working in a dental laboratory.
Dental Technician Skills
- CAD/CAM
- Dental implants
- Porcelain veneers
- Crowns
- Bridges
- Inlays and onlays
- Dentures
- Partial dentures
- Orthodontic appliances
- Tooth whitening
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How to become a Dental Technician
As our population ages, the demand for dental technicians will continue to grow. Dental technicians are an important part of the dental team, providing support to dentists and other oral health care providers. If you have an interest in teeth and want to work in a fast-paced environment, becoming a dental technician may be the right career choice for you.
There are a few different ways to become a dental technician. Many community colleges offer certificate or associate degree programs in dental technology. These programs typically take two years or less to complete and include coursework in anatomy, physiology, materials science, and dental laboratory procedures. Some states require dental technicians to be licensed or registered; requirements vary by state.
If you have a high school diploma or equivalent, you may be able to find entry-level work in a dental laboratory without completing a formal education program. However, most employers prefer to hire candidates who have completed an accredited program. In addition, many states have licensure requirements for dental technicians; if your state has such requirements, you will need to complete an accredited program in order to be eligible for licensure.
Once you have completed an education program and/or met any state licensure requirements, you can begin seeking employment as a dental technician. Many dental technicians work in private dental practices, but there are also opportunities to work in hospitals, public health clinics, research laboratories, and manufacturing facilities. With experience, you may eventually move into a supervisory or management role within a dental laboratory.
If you are interested in becoming a dental technician, start by researching education and training programs near you. Once you have completed an accredited program and/or met your state’s licensure requirements, you can begin searching for employment opportunities. With experience, you may eventually move into a leadership role within a dental laboratory or other organization.
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