Dental Lab Technician

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 appearance and function of teeth
• 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 skillfully use sophisticated instruments and equipment. It is important for the technician to help create tooth replacements that are both attractive and functional.

• Most dental lab technicians work in commercial dental laboratories employing from two 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 (for example, removable partial dentures, crown and bridge, etc.)
• Opportunities are also available in private dental offices for technicians who like close one-on-one contact with a dentist.
• Some lab technicians work in dental schools, hospitals and companies that manufacture dental prosthetic materials.
• Dental laboratory technology education programs offer some teaching positions for experienced technicians.

Opportunity: Thanks to constant advancements in technology and materials, there is growing demand for restorative and cosmetic dentistry, creating expanded opportunities for laboratory technicians.

Flexibility: Dental lab 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 with supervisory responsibilities, or even own their own laboratories. Dental technicians also may teach dental technology courses in educational programs and apply their knowledge to research, sales and 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 lab 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 lab technicians experience the satisfaction of knowing they help provide a valued health care service that improves patients’ oral health and self-image. Technicians play a significant role in delivering dental health care and take pride in producing a hand-crafted product.

• Dental lab technicians may complete 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. Some programs offer a four-year baccalaureate program in dental technology.
• Most candidates need a high school diploma or equivalent to apply to an accredited dental lab technology program.
• The Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) is responsible for accrediting dental laboratory technology programs. There are 14 commission-accredited dental laboratory technology programs in the United States.
• Dental lab technicians can become certified by passing examinations that evaluate their technical skills and knowledge. The examinations are administered by the National Board for Certification in Dental Laboratory Technology.
• A dental technician who passes certification examinations becomes a Certified Dental Technician (CDT). CDTs specialize in one or more of six areas: implants, complete dentures, removable partial dentures, crown and bridge, ceramics or orthodontics.
• Maintaining the National Board Certification CDT credential requires you to commit to continuing education throughout your career. CDTs who celebrate milestone certification anniversaries are recognized throughout the profession for their contributions.

The ADA congratulates the following certified dental technicians, who have reached significant career milestones.

25 year milestones (PDF)

30 year milestones (PDF)

35 year milestones (PDF)

40 year milestones (PDF)

45 year milestones (PDF)

50 year milestones (PDF)

55 year milestones (PDF)