Dental Laboratory Technician Careers Information
Dental Laboratory Technicians, working for dentists, build the medical devices,crowns, orthodontic braces, dentures,that are used to rebuild people’s mouths and in many cases, self-confidence.
Dental Laboratory Technician Careers & Degrees
- Everest College: Aurora
Lincoln Technical Institute: Lowell
Everest University: Jacksonville
Dental laboratory technicians begin their work when they receive an order from a dentist or orthodontist with an impression of the patient’s mouth. Historically, this has been a plaster cast; recently, however, digital casts have begun being employed. Making use of molds and a variety of materials, the dental techs will then use their training and artistic eye to create a device that is not only functional, but also comfortable and cosmetically pleasing.
In smaller offices, a single dental technician will work on a device from beginning to end whereas in a larger office, each technician may have a specific specialization and only engage the piece at a particular step. Increasingly, dental lab technicians are relying on technology to produce devices that work and fit better than those of the past. It is still up their experience and artistry, however, to make sure they look as good as they work.
Dental Laboratory Technician Careers Path
Dental laboratory technicians need to have at least a high school diploma. Most learn the trade on-the-job by watching and emulating more experienced employees. There are some 2 and 4- year university programs, however, which one can attend that provide formal instruction.
In most states, certification is voluntary, but may be earned from the National Board for the Certification in Dental Laboratory Technology in order to increase one’s job prospects.
Dental Laboratory Technician Careers: Compatible Personality Traits
Good with hands, creative, artistic eye, detail-oriented, technologically savvy, good following instructions, works well with others.
Dental Laboratory Technician Interview
To find out about the job market for a dental laboratory technician, Read More from a Dental Laboratory Technician…
Dental Laboratory Technician Careers: Salary Expectations
The average salary for dental laboratory technicians is $34,170 a year, with the middle fifty percent earning between $26,260 and $44,790. Those technicians with a few years experience may be able to move in supervisory roles, marketing positions, or even open their own labs in order to make more money.
Dental Laboratory Technician Careers: Job Outlook
There should be many jobs for dental laboratory technicians in the coming years. With the population aging and yet still concerned with their appearance, there will be demand for new dental work that looks natural and attractive. Technicians should also have work replacing older dental work with work that is more cosmetically appealing.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that the field will grow by 14% by 2018, which is higher than the national average.
Increased efficiency due to technological advances will slow the rate of hire for new applicants, but as stated above, there will still be need. Dental laboratory technicians with training, especially formal training, and who are comfortable with new technologies should have the best chance of finding work.
Dental Laboratory Technician Associations and Resources
National Association of Dental Laboratories (NADL)
Slightly off the Footpath
- Dentist
- Dental Assistant
- Dental Hygienist
- Ophthalmic Laboratory Technician
- Medical Laboratory Technician
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition, Psychologists, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos238.htm (visited August 16, 2011).
