Dental Lab Technician Career

The creation of crowns, bridges, dentures, and other dental prosthetics is the responsibility of Dental Lab Technicians.  They may specialize in orthodontics, appliances, dentures, partial dentures, crowns, bridges, or ceramics.  In order to achieve a finished product, lab techs must work from impressions given to them by doctors.  To create a model, they first pour wax into the impression.  Once it is set, the model is removed from the impression.  Lab techs utilize machines that simulate jaw movements and demonstrate bite patterns.  These measurements are combined with the spacing and shaping dimensions to build a precise wax model.  Technicians then pour a cast and shape the metal necessary for the prosthetic.  To finish the product, several layers of porcelain are applied until exact coloring is achieved.

These technicians work in relatively comfortable laboratories.  As technology advances, it will be pertinent that lab techs become proficient with computers and computer-aided equipment.  They must work with sculpting tools, spatulas, Bunsen burners, and equipment for polishing and grinding on a daily basis.  When working with certain substances protective goggles, masks, and heat resistant gloves are necessary.  Most professionals work a standard 40 hour week, but part-time positions are usually available as well. 

While the majority of knowledge for this career is learned on the job, employers are beginning to prefer candidates with formal education.  Commonly accepted credentials include Associates and Bachelors degrees.  Entry level associates begin with simple tasks, increasing their responsibilities with experience.  Full training may take three to four years of work.  While it is not mandatory, certification programs are available.  Many candidates voluntarily pursue these programs in order to increase their desirability to employers. 

Overall, dental health has increased significantly in recent years, decreasing the need for dental prosthetics.  Although this is a positive improvement for society, it has a negative impact on dental tech careers.  Growth for these careers is expected at a rather slow rate, but job openings will remain favorable.  Entry level pay for these occupations tends to be fairly low, so it may be difficult to find and keep long term candidates.  For more information on a career as a dental lab tech, please visit the following sites:

• National Board Certification Program for Dental Technicians
• Why Study Dental Laboratory Technology
• Dental Technology
• Dental Tech
• Dental Laboratory Technician

For a list of available Dental Lab Technician positions as well as a database of Dental Lab Techs searching for a career, please visit iHireDental.