|
Job Description
Dental Laboratory Technology is both a science and an art.
Since each dental patient's 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
-
orthodontic appliances and splints to help straighten
and protect teeth
Dental technicians work with a variety of materials including
waxes, plastics, precious and non-precious alloys, stainless
steel, a variety of porcelains and composites or polymer glass
combinations. 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 attractive and
functional.
Career Advantages
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.
Dental technicians also may teach dental technology courses in
educational programs and 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 technicians experience the satisfaction 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.
Opportunities
With advancements in technology and materials, there is an
increased demand for restorative and cosmetic dentistry. As a
result, there currently is 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 also may be
available in dental schools, hospitals and companies that
manufacture dental prosthetic materials. Dental laboratory
technology education programs offer some teaching positions
for experienced technicians.
Education/Training Requirements
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 also are 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. Contact the dental technology
program of interest to you for specific requirements.
Accreditation
The Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental
Association is responsible for accrediting dental laboratory
technology programs. There are approximately 24
commission-accredited
dental technology programs in the
United States.
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.
Contact the
National Board for Certification in Dental Laboratory
Technology (NBC) for current certification requirements.
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.
|
