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Dental Laboratory Technicians make and repair dental appliances such as complete or partial dentures, dental crowns, bridgework and orthodontic appliances. Technicians base their work on written instructions, models and impressions of patients' mouths taken by dentists.

JOB DUTIES 

Dental Laboratory Technicians may:

Read prescriptions or specifications and examine models and impressions to determine the design of dental products to be constructed

Fabricate, alter, and repair dental devices such as dentures, crowns, bridges, inlays and appliances for straightening teeth

Mold wax around teeth and form contours of gums

Verify accuracy of occlusion (teeth closing together)

Cast plaster models of dentures to be repaired

Select and mount replacement teeth using color chart and tooth illustrations

Rebuild denture linings to specifications using plastic

Cure denture plastic in pressure pot or oven

Place tooth models on apparatus that mimics bite and movement of patient's jaw to evaluate functionality of model.

Polish metal, plastic, and porcelain surfaces to the specified finish

Bend and solder gold and platinum wire to make frames for dentures

Bend and solder stainless steel wire to construct orthodontic and pedodontic retainers and appliances

Click here  to watch a brief video of Dental Laboratory Technicians at work!

Tools and equipment used may include:

OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES

Dental Laboratory Technicians may specialize in these areas:

712.381-018  DENTAL LABORATORY TECHNICIANS make and repair dental appliances such as complete or partial dentures, dental crowns, and dental braces. Technicians base their work on written instructions, models, and impressions of patients' mouths taken by dentists.

712.381-018  CROWN AND BRIDGE TECHNICIANS make crowns, inlays, and teeth for fixed bridges, according to a dentist's prescription.

712.381-018  METAL DENTAL TECHNICIANS (Partial Dental Technicians) lay out designs of metal framework and clasps for partial dentures on plaster models according to a dentist's prescription, and finish and polish the framework.

712.381-030  ORTHODONTIC TECHNICIANS construct and repair appliances for straightening teeth, according to an orthodontist's prescription.

712.381-042  DENTAL CERAMISTS apply layers of porcelain or acrylic paste over metal framework to form dental prostheses, such as crowns, bridges, and tooth facings, according to a dentist's prescription.

712.381-014  DENTAL CONTOUR WIRE  SPECIALISTS, also known as denture technicians, use power tools and hand tools to make and repair contoured wire frames and retainers for teeth used in partial dentures. They may arrange and position artificial teeth, contour the gingival tissue and then process it to form an acrylic dentition.

In addition to learning about these specialties, you may also find it helpful to explore the following Career Exploration Scripts:

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Dental Laboratory Technicians may work closely with dentists and other personnel. In commercial laboratories, Technicians work under a supervisor or owner. They do not work directly with patients.

Technicians work in well lighted laboratories, seated or standing at work benches. Safety glasses are worn while grinding to protect their eyes. Normal caution and alertness usually prevent accidents such as injury from sharp tools and grinding wheels or burns from hot materials or heating equipment. They may be exposed to the odors of hot wax and plastic materials.

Dental Laboratory Technicians usually work a 5-day, 40-hour week. Some may work a 4-day, 40-hour week. Self-employed Technicians and supervisors frequently work longer hours. When emergency orders are required, Technicians may work overtime. 

Dental Laboratory Technicians have a great deal of independence in their work as well a flexible career with several opportunities for advancement. 

Technicians who represent dental/product or laboratory equipment companies may travel to demonstrate equipment materials and procedures to dentists and other laboratories.

You Should Prefer:

Activities dealing with things and objects

Activities related to processes, machines, and techniques

Activities that provide satisfaction from seeing results of your work

You Should Be Able To:

Perform a variety of duties which may change often

Perceive details and differences in objects, pictures, or charts

Visualize 3-dimensional objects from diagrams

Follow specifications with precise accuracy

Make decisions based on personal judgment and measurable information

Math Problem You Should Be Able to Solve:

Carat value may be changed to fineness and vice versa by means of mathematical proportion. Fineness equals carat times 1000 divided by 24. What is the fineness if the carat is 12?

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend:

Chromium-cobalt alloy is one third as hard as the hardest type IV gold alloy. The density of gold is greater than chromium-cobalt; that is, chromium cobalt will form a lighter restoration for the same volume of material.

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce:

After examining a patient's impressions write a detailed description indicating what type of dentures need to be made.

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Demonstrate:

Must demonstrate analytical skills and be detail oriented when examining patient information and determining what type of dentures, retainers, or other oral appliances patients might need.

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EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OPPORTUNITIES

NOTE: On-The-Job Training provided by the employer or a High School Diploma or Equivalent or a High School Diploma with specific Vocational Education Classes or a Certificate (program of up to one year of study beyond high school) or an Associate Degree (two years of study beyond high school) or an Apprenticeship (usually three to four years of training beyond high school) may qualify a person for this occupation.

Although not formally required for employment, two credentials that will give a Dental Laboratory Technician an advantage are a high school diploma, or its equivalent, and professional certification. A Technician who passes written and practical exams given by the National Board for Certification in Dental Technology may become a Certified Dental Technician (CDT) .

The following education and preparation opportunities are helpful in preparing for occupations in this Career Exploration Script:

***SCHOOL SUBJECTS***

0200 ART , 0700 CAREERS , 0900 COMMUNICATIONS , 1000 COMPUTERS , 1800 HEALTH & HEALTH CAREERS , 2200 MATH , 2300 METALS , 2900 SCIENCE , 3100 STUDY & WORK OPTIONS , 3300 TECHNOLOGY

***VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS***

014  DENTAL OCCUPATIONS CLUSTER

Approved vocational education programs in Dental Occupations Cluster prepare students to help a dentist at chair side in the dentist's office. Students learn to perform reception room duties, clerical functions, and some selected dental procedures. Some students may learn to make and repair false teeth, bridges, and other objects used to restore the oral health of patients as prescribed by a dentist.

The following courses may be required for completion of this program:

DENTAL ASSISTING

DENTAL LABORATORY TECHNOLOGY

High school students should consult their guidance office for more information about the specific requirements of this program at their school or area vocational education center.

***POSTSECONDARY PROGRAMS***

043  DENTAL LABORATORY TECHNOLOGY

Programs in Dental Laboratory Technology provide opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills needed for supplying supportive services to dentists, making dental plates, bridges, caps, and jackets.

Courses vary from school to school but may include:

Search for a College and/or Instructional Program

***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***

015  DENTAL LAB TECHNICIAN

Some people enter occupations within this Career Exploration Script through an apprenticeship program. An apprenticeship program is a formal program that takes 3 - 5 years to complete with most of the time spent on the job.

WHAT IS LEARNED ON THE JOB

WHAT IS LEARNED IN THE CLASSROOM

***MILITARY TRAINING PROGRAMS***

Please check the Military web site at http://www.todaysmilitary.com .

DENTAL AND OPTICAL LABORATORY TECHNICIANS

The military provides dental and optical care as part of its comprehensive health service program. Dental and optical laboratory technicians make and repair dental devices and eyeglasses that are provided for military personnel.

What They Do

Dental and optical laboratory technicians perform some or all of the following duties:

Make dentures, braces, and other dental or optical devices 

Construct, assemble, repair, and align dental and optical devices (metal braces and retainers, eyeglass frames and lenses)

Harden and cure new dentures or lenses using high temperature ovens or other heat-treating equipment

Grind, polish, and smooth dentures or lenses using hand or power tools

Training Provided

Job training consists of 21 to 26 weeks of classroom instruction, including practice in making and repairing dental and optical devices. Course content varies depending on specialty, but typically includes laboratory operating procedures (for dental or optical specialty).

Further training occurs on the job and through advanced courses. The Navy offers a certified apprenticeship program for one specialty in this occupation.

Helpful Attributes

Helpful school subjects include biology, chemistry, and industrial arts. Helpful attributes include:

Ability to use precision tools and instruments

Interest in work requiring attention to detail

Ability to follow detailed instructions and work procedures

Interest in working with one's hands

Special Requirements

Successful completion of high school algebra is required to enter some specialties in this occupation.

Physical Demands

Normal color vision for some specialties is required to match color of artificial teeth with natural tooth color.

Work Environment

Dental and optical laboratory technicians normally work in dental or optical laboratories and occasionally in examination and dispensing offices.

Civilian Counterparts

Civilian dental laboratory technicians normally work for small dental laboratories or large dental offices. They perform duties similar to military technicians.

Opportunities

The number of dental laboratory technicians is unknown. Each year, new technicians are needed due to changes in personnel and the demands of the field. After job training, technicians work under very close supervision. With experience, they work more independently and perform more challenging tasks. Eventually, they may become supervisors or managers of dental laboratories. 

E-Learning Courses and Programs

OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY

Secondary vocational education programs in dental occupations cluster may offer a co-op portion including practical experience. Military service, formal apprenticeships, on-the-job training, and postsecondary dental laboratory technology programs also provide experience.

School-to-Work opportunities include:

informal apprenticeships

mentorships

job shadowing experiences

touring a local Dental Laboratory Technician employer

internships

volunteer work with a Dental Laboratory Technician employer

community service work with an agency

Persons seeking work as a Dental Laboratory Technician should apply directly to commercial dental laboratories, dentists' offices, or civil service offices. Assistance in locating a job may come from a local office of Michigan Works! , school placement offices, or job openings listed in newspaper want ads. In addition, you should access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as:

You should also enter an electronic resume on these on-line services.

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EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT

Earnings of Dental Laboratory Technicians vary with the community, the work setting, and skill level. Generally, earnings of self-employed workers are higher than those of salaried workers.

Nationally, according to a recent survey, the hourly average wage rates (late 2008) of Dental Laboratory Technicians by specialty in dental laboratories were:

The median hourly earnings of "all" workers in the U.S. were $18.05 in 2008.

In the federal government, graduates of programs approved by the American Dental Association, but without experience, began at an hourly rate of $11.57 in 2009. The salaries of these federal government workers may be higher in some urban areas.

Depending on the employer, Technicians may receive paid vacations and holidays; health, life, accident, and disability insurance; paid sick leave; and retirement plans.

Experienced Dental Laboratory Technicians may advance to supervisory positions in dental laboratories or teaching positions in dental lab training programs. Certification by the National Board for certification in Dental Technology is helpful to Technicians seeking promotion. Sales work with dental products companies might be a promotional opportunity.

EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK

Nationally, in 2006, about 53,400 Dental Laboratory Technicians were employed. Their employment is expected to increase more slowly than the average for all occupations through the year 2016. The growing popularity of orthodontic work beyond adolescent years has added to the demand for dental lab services. Advanced technologies and equipment, such as computerized porcelain furnaces, automated electric casting and polishing machines, and x-ray machines which inspect dental castings, will increasingly be used in large commercial dental labs. Employment opportunities will be best for graduates of approved dental technology programs. About 13.3% of them were self-employed. The industry distribution for Dental Laboratory Technicians looked like this:

To find employers, click Employer/Business Locator.

About 1,925 Dental Laboratory Technicians were employed in Michigan. Most worked for commercial laboratories. The employment of Dental Laboratory Technicians in Michigan is expected to grow faster than the average through the year 2016. An average of 60 annual openings is expected, with 25 openings as a result of growth and 35 due to replacement of those who retire, die, or leave the labor force. Additional openings will occur as workers transfer to other jobs or occupations. An aging population and workers with dental insurance will increase the demand for dental care products. Technicians who have been trained in all areas of dental laboratory technology will have the best employment opportunities.

MICHIGAN 'S EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK TO 2016

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SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL  INFORMATION

Printed Occupational information is available upon written request from the sources below.

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