Dental lab technicians create and repair dentures, as well as other dental appliances, such as crowns, veneers and bridges. Dental lab technicians do not work with patients. Instead, they work with impressions taken by a dentist to create the parts needed. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, dental lab technicians do not need any formal training, and most learn on the job. A high-school diploma is often the only requirement for the job.
Job Requirements of a Dental Lab Technician
Dental lab technicians create the dental appliances that people need to remedy orthodontic issues and to encourage healthy teeth and gums. Technicians use materials such as gypsum, acrylic, ceramic, metal and waxes to create items such as dentures, veneers, crowns, bridges, orthodontic splints and retainers that are both attractive and functional. They use impressions of the patient's teeth and instructions from the dentist to create these items. Dental lab technicians may work in dentist offices, dental laboratories or schools of dentistry.
Though dental lab technicians are not required to complete a formal program to begin work, many degree programs are available, which can improve a technician's chances of getting a job and commanding a higher salary. Degree programs typically take two years to complete, and they provide hands-on training to learn the skills needed for the job. Laboratory work is a big component of these programs, and students create dental appliances and practice techniques in these classes. Other classes may include an introduction to dental materials, dental anatomy and health safety. A number of classes focus specifically on the creation and repair of dentures.
Certification is not required to become a practicing dental lab technician. However, completing certification shows a commitment to the profession, and it gives professionals an extra credential to command higher-ranking positions and higher salaries. To become certified, dental lab technicians must take and pass two written exams and one practical exam given by the National Board for Certification in Dental Laboratory Technology. Candidates can also choose to specialize in full dentures or partial dentures. Certification must be completed within four years of graduation.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that there will be little to no change in the demand for dental lab technicians between 2010 and 2020 -- only about a 1 percent increase in jobs is expected. The agency reports that better dental care may mean less need for replacement teeth, such as dentures. Those who complete additional training and certification may make themselves more competitive for available jobs. Median pay for dental lab technicians was $35,140 in 2010, according to the BLS.
- American Dental Association: Lab Technician
- National Board for Certification in Dental Laboratory Technology: How to Become a Certified Dental Technician
- Bates Technical College: Dental Lab Technician
- Durham Technical Community College: Dental Laboratory Technology
- Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook: Dental Laboratory Technicians
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