Dental Laboratory Technicians

Dental laboratory technicians make and repair dentures, crowns, and bridges.

Dental laboratory technicians read dentists' prescriptions and create devices that correct, replace, or restore patients' teeth. They build models of patients' mouths. They do this by pouring plaster into the molds of patients' mouths.

Dental Laboratory Technicians are in the Health Science career cluster and the Therapeutic Services pathway.

Quick Facts

Source: Minnesota Department of Education, Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, and CareerOneStop.

Wages & Outlook

Wages

Self-employed technicians usually earn more than those who work for clinics. Dental laboratory technicians who work for large clinics tend to specialize in a few duties. Wages tend to be higher for technicians who do a wide range of procedures rather than specialize.

Dental laboratory technicians who work full time usually receive benefits. Typical benefits are paid vacation, sick leave, and health insurance.

View the Regional Wage Comparison Chart for:

• Dental Laboratory Technicians

 

Employment

In Minnesota, about 1,611 dental laboratory technicians work in this small occupation.

Many technicians work in dental laboratories. Most of these labs are small, privately owned businesses with fewer than five employees.

Major employers:

• Dental laboratories
• Dentists' offices and clinics

Outlook

Overall, the dental health of the nation has improved. In part, this is because of the addition of fluoride to the drinking water. Improved education has also reduced the number of cavities and other dental problems. Because of improved dental health, fewer people are expected to need a full set of dentures. Instead they will need bridges or crowns on their teeth. This should contribute to the need for dental lab technicians.

Employment Outlook for Dental Laboratory Technicians

	Employment		Employment Change
	2010	2020	Number	Percent
U S	40,900	41,200	300	0.7%
Minnesota	1,039	1,133	94	9%
	2010	2020	Number	Percent
Central Minnesota	22	23	1	4.5%
Northeast Minnesota	20	21	1	5%
Northwest Minnesota	46	48	2	4.3%
Southeast Minnesota	42	44	2	4.8%
Seven County Mpls-St Paul, MN	791	866	75	9.5%

Source: Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development and Minnesota Department of Education.

On the Job

Overview

Dental laboratory technicians make and repair dentures, crowns, and bridges.


As far back at 700 B.C., false teeth were made. Back then, ivory and bone were used. These were fairly durable materials, but only available to royalty or people with a lot of money. Later, people tried to use wood, but as you can guess, wood didn't last too long. However, it wasn't until porcelain and metal were used that dentures became more common.Dental laboratory technicians read dentists' prescriptions and create devices that correct, replace, or restore patients' teeth. They build models of patients' mouths. They do this by pouring plaster into the molds of patients' mouths. Dentists send these molds along with the prescriptions. Once the plaster has dried, technicians remove the plaster models from the clay molds. They set the models on a device that imitates a person's bite. Technicians look at the size and shape of the teeth and gum line. They use a tool called a micrometer to measure small distances between teeth.

One item that technicians make is a crown. This is a metal or porcelain cap that goes on top of a patient's damaged tooth. To make a crown, technicians create a wax model of the tooth that will have the crown. Technicians must reconstruct the tooth so that it fits properly between the patient's other teeth. Once the wax tooth is prepared, technicians create a mold of it and pour metal into the mold. This metal impression is the crown. When creating a false tooth, technicians go through additional steps after creating the wax tooth. They create a metal model of the tooth, but then apply layers of porcelain on the metal. The tooth is baked so that the porcelain hardens. Finally, technicians grind the tooth and add additional porcelain to seal it.

Technicians also create bridges, which attach one or more false teeth to patients' real teeth. In addition to creating the false tooth or teeth, technicians create the bands that attach the teeth. They use soldering irons and hand tools to shape and join wire and metal frames or bands. Dental laboratory technicians also repair damaged devices. They fill chipped or low spots with acrylic resin. They rebuild or replace linings, wire sections, and missing teeth in dentures.

Dental laboratory technicians melt metals and mix items such as plaster, porcelain, or acrylic paste. They use hand tools to sculpt teeth and apply metal or porcelain. They use polishing machines to remove excess material and smooth the surfaces of teeth. Technicians also use grinders or pliers to change the shape of a tooth. They adhere porcelain to metal by baking the porcelain teeth in a special furnace or kiln.

Dental laboratory technicians may perform all stages of the work. In some laboratories, they only do a few parts of the process. They may specialize in one of five areas: orthodontic appliances, crowns and bridges, complete dentures, partial dentures, or ceramics. Job titles may reflect the specialty area. For example, technicians who make porcelain and acrylic restorations are called dental ceramicists.

Work Activities

The following list of occupational tasks is specific to this career.

• Read prescriptions to learn what dental device they will create.
• Make, change, or repair dental appliances such as dentures, crowns, and inlays.
• Create models of mouths using molds of patients' teeth.
• Place models on devices to view and test patients' bites.
• Observe size and shape of teeth from models.
• Use micrometers to measure small distances or angles.
• Shape and solder wire and metal frames or bands.
• Melt metals or mix plasters and pour into molds.
• Apply porcelain paste or wax over mold.
• Assemble, carve, grind, and polish metal and plastic parts.
• Make false teeth out of porcelain and metal, using small hand tools and special furnaces.
• Remove excess metal or porcelain and polish surface of dental device.
• Rebuild or replace linings, wire sections, and missing teeth to repair dentures.
• Fill chipped or low spots in surface of existing false teeth.
• Prepare bite-blocks and trays for impressions.

People in this career perform the following list of tasks, but the tasks are common to many occupations.

• Get information needed to do the job.
• Identify objects, actions, and events.
• Control machines and processes.
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings.
• Make decisions and solve problems.
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work.
• Think creatively.
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates.
• Update and use job-related knowledge.
• Handle and move objects.
• Inspect equipment, structures, or materials.
• Process information.
• Establish and maintain relationships.
• Communicate with people from outside the organization.
• Judge the value of objects, services, or people.
• Evaluate information against standards.
• Teach others.
• Estimate sizes, quantities, time, cost, or materials needed.
• Coordinate the work and activities of others.

Working Conditions

In a typical work setting, people in this career:

Interpersonal Relationships

• Have a medium level of contact with other people. They talk to other workers to get what they need, but also spend time alone creating devices.
• Communicate mostly by in-person, face-to-face discussion. They also talk to others by telephone, but less often.
• Work as part of a larger dental group or team.
• Are somewhat responsible for the work done by others.
• Are somewhat responsible for the health and safety of others.

Physical Work Conditions

• Always work indoors. Their work spaces are usually clean, well lit, and have good air flow.
• Occasionally wear safety goggles or gloves, depending on what machines they are operating.
• Are exposed to contaminants on a daily basis. They work with a variety of substances and chemicals.
• Are exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting on a weekly basis. Some of the machines they use can be quite loud.
• Are exposed to hazardous conditions and situations in which they might experience very minor cuts or stings.
• Are occasionally exposed to diseases and infections, especially when coming into contact with patients. They often wear gloves and masks to protect themselves.
• Work near others, usually with a few feet.

Work Performance

• Must make sure that all details of the job are performed and follow dentists' directions accurately. Errors could cause serious problems or pain for patients.
• Repeat the same physical activities throughout the day.
• Make decisions on a weekly basis that strongly impact their company and coworkers. They rarely consult a supervisor before deciding a course of action.
• Set nearly all of their daily tasks and goals without talking to a supervisor first.
• Must meet strict daily deadlines. This may make the work atmosphere feel competitive.

Hours/Travel

• May work full time or part time. Most work full time.
• May work more than 40 hours per week if self-employed.
• Generally work a set schedule.

Physical Demands

In a typical work setting, people in this career:

People in this career frequently:

• Use hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Sit for long periods of time.
• Repeat movements over and over.

It is important for people in this career to be able to:

• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• Use fingers or hands to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for people in this career to be able to:

• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• Determine the distance between objects.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
• Make fast, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Choose quickly and correctly among various movements when responding to different signals.
• React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
• Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.
• Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.

Source: Minnesota Department of Education.

Education & Training

Preparation

To work as a dental laboratory technician, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or GED; and
• complete moderate-term on-the-job training.

Education after high school

Some dental laboratory technicians complete a formal training program. Programs are available through professional-technical schools and two-year colleges. In these programs you study dental materials science and oral anatomy. You learn how to build dentures and other dental appliances. Even if you complete a formal training program, employers may provide additional on-the-job training.

A few programs take four years to complete and grant a bachelor's degree.

On-the-job training

Most dental laboratory technicians learn their skills on the job. In this case, you learn from an experienced technician. You begin with simple tasks such as pouring molds. Eventually you learn to build crowns and bridges. On-the-job training lasts up to a year.

Military training

Some branches of the military train people to be dental laboratory technicians. Training lasts from 21 to 26 weeks, depending on your specialty. Additional training occurs on the job.

Fields of Study (What to study to prepare for this career)

Click on any of the Fields of Study listed below to find out more about preparing for this career.

• Dental Assisting
• Dental Laboratory Technology

Helpful High School Courses

You should take a general high school curriculum that meets the state's graduation requirements. You will be required to take both math and science classes to graduate.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this occupation include:

• Anatomy and Physiology
• Dental Assisting
• Health Education

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career.

Source: Minnesota Department of Education.

Skills

People in this career need to:

Communicate

• Listen to others, understand, and ask questions.
• Read and understand written information.
• Express ideas clearly when speaking.

Reason and Problem Solve

• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Develop rules or follow guidelines for arranging items.
• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
• Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
• Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.
• Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
• Understand new information or materials by studying and working with them.
• Identify problems and review information. Develop, review, and apply solutions.

Manage Oneself, People, Time and Things

• Manage the time of self and others.
• Check how well one is learning or doing something.

Work with Things

• Test and inspect products, services, or processes. Evaluate quality or performance.
• Operate and control equipment.
• Watch gauges, dials, and output to make sure a machine is working properly.

Perceive and Visualize

• Imagine how something will look if it is moved around or its parts are rearranged.
• Quickly and accurately compare letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns.
• Identify a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in distracting material.

Knowledge

People in this career need knowledge in the following areas:

• Medicine and Dentistry: Knowledge of injuries, illnesses, and defects. Also includes the knowledge of setting up a plan for treatment.
• Production and Processing: Knowledge of how products are made and supplied.
• Customer and Personal Service: Knowledge of providing special services to customers based on their needs.
• Design: Knowledge of making and using plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
• Education and Training: Knowledge of teaching and the methods involved in learning and instruction.
• Mechanical: Knowledge of designing, using, and repairing machines and tools.

Interests

People in this career are people who tend to:

• Consider support from their employer important. They like to be treated fairly and have supervisors who will back them up. They prefer jobs where they are trained well.
• Consider independence important. They like to make decisions and try out ideas on their own. They prefer jobs where they can plan their work with little supervision.
• Consider good working conditions important. They like jobs offering steady employment and good pay. They want employment that fits their individual work style. They may prefer doing a variety of tasks, working alone, or being busy all the time.
• Have realistic interests. They like work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They like to work with plants, animals, and physical materials such as wood, tools, and machinery. They often prefer to work outside.
• Have investigative interests. They like work activities that have to do with ideas and thinking. They like to search for facts and figure out solutions to problems mentally.
• Have conventional interests. They like work activities that follow set procedures, routines, and standards. They like to work with data and detail. They prefer working where there is a clear line of authority to follow.

Source: Minnesota Department of Education.

Tools & Technology for Dental Laboratory Technicians

Tools

Air compressors Amalgam carriers Amalgam dispensers Amalgam instruments Binocular light compound microscopes Dental lab microscopes Light microscopes Chucks Auto chucks Crucibles for dental casting machines Crucibles Culture tubes Dental amalgamators Dental articulators or accessories Adjustable articulators Anatomic articulators Arcon articulators Articulators Semiadjustable articulators Dental burs Acrylic cutters Diamond burs Dental cutting or separating discs Dental rotary cutting equipment Diamond wheels Dental finishing or polishing discs Build-up brushes Dental buffing wheels Dental finishing wheels Dental polishing brushes Dental polishing machines Grinding machines Model duster brushes Prophylaxis brushes Soft brushes Dental hand pieces or accessories Dental handpieces Dental impression material syringes or accessories Impression syringes Dental impression material water baths or accessories Hygrobaths Dental impression trays Impression trays Dental instrument sharpening accessories Mechanical dental instrument sharpeners Dental knives Porcelain slicers Surgical knives Dental laboratory air abrasion units Air scribes Dental laboratory burners or torches Casting torches Dental laboratory alcohol torches Dental laboratory torches Dental laboratory casting machines or its parts or accessories Crucible formers Dental laboratory casting machines Dental laboratory centrifugal casting units Dental laboratory pressure molding devices Flask presses Dental laboratory curing units Dental laboratory curing lights Dental laboratory dies Dental laboratory die mold fabrication systems Dental laboratory dust collectors Dental laboratory flasks Injection flasks Split flasks Dental laboratory furnaces Dental ovens Electric burnout furnaces Glazer vacuum furnaces Inlay furnaces Porcelain furnaces Dental laboratory gold platers or supplies Dental laboratory gold platers Dental laboratory lathes or accessories Conventional lathes Dental laboratory bench lathes Dental laboratory high-speed lathes Dental laboratory pumice lathes Dental laboratory model trimmers or accessories Crown holders Dental laboratory model trimmers

Dental laboratory sandblasters or supplies Dental laboratory microblasters Dental laboratory sandblasters Dental laboratory soldering machines or supplies Dental laboratory solderers Spot-welding equipment Dental laboratory vacuum units or supplies Dental laboratory vacuum extractors Dental laboratory vacuum formers Dental laboratory vacuum-mixing devices Dental laboratory vibrators Dental vibrators Dental laboratory waxing units Dental laboratory wax heaters Dental lasers Neodymium-doped Yttrium Aluminum Garnet Nd:YAG dental lasers Dental marking devices Dental surveyors Dental pin drivers Dowel pin drills Dental plaster knives Dental retainers Matrix retainers Dental scalers or accessories Curette scalers Dental shades Shade guides Dental spatulas Dental wax spatuals Dental stones Dental finishing stones Dental wax carvers Desktop computers Digital cameras Flow sensors Laboratory flow meters Gas burners Bunsen burners Laboratory balances Clinical scales Electronic precision balances Laboratory beakers Laboratory mixers Mobile mixers Laboratory vacuum pumps Dental laboratory vacuum pumps Laser printers Mallets Electronically operated mallets Micrometers Milling cutters Dental milling machines Notebook computers Orthodontic pliers Dental pliers Personal computers Pestle or mortars Mortars and pestles Steam autoclaves or sterilizers Steam cleaners Stereo or dissecting light microscopes Stereo microscopes Tissue culture coated plates or dishes or inserts Culture plates Ultra pure water systems Water purification systems Ultrasonic cleaning equipment Ultrasonic cleaners Water baths Welders Electric welding machines Workshop presses Pneumatic presses

Technology

Accounting software Bookkeeping software Intuit QuickBooks software Calendar and scheduling software Scheduling software Data base user interface and query software Database management software Easy Solutions Easy Lab Inventrix Labtrac Jenmar International DL-Plus LabMagic Laboratory Systems Group Lab Manager Mainstreet Systems & Software DentaLab/PC II Electronic mail software Email software Graphics or photo imaging software Computer imaging software Graphics software

Internet browser software Web browser software Inventory management software Presentation software Microsoft PowerPoint Spreadsheet software Microsoft Excel Word processing software Mainstreet Systems & Software DentaRX Microsoft Word

Licensing / Certification

Certification is optional, but is desirable to many employers. Certification as a Certified Dental Technician (CDT) is offered through the National Board for Certification in Dental Laboratory Technology.

For more information about CDT certification, contact:

National Board for Certification in Dental Laboratory Technology
http://www.nbccert.org/

Certification Details

Certifications are examinations that test or enhance your knowledge, experience or skills in an occupation or profession.

There are 4 certifications related to this career.

Licensing Details

No State of Minnesota license requirements are found for this career.

Source: Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development and CareerOneStop.

Jobs

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Hiring Practices

Hiring practices vary by employer. Some employers like to train technicians in their own techniques and procedures. These employers may prefer to hire technicians with little or no formal training. Other employers prefer technicians who have completed formal training and are certified.

Employers look for technicians who have good hand-eye coordination, skill with small tools, and good vision. Employers also prefer to hire technicians who have patience for small details. They also look for technicians who have the ability to recognize very fine color shadings and variations in shape.

Advancement Opportunities

Most dental laboratory technicians begin with simple tasks, such as pouring plaster into molds. Once they have learned the basic skills, they move on to more complicated porcelain crowns and bridges. Becoming a fully-trained technician takes three to four years. It may take longer to become an accomplished technician. The amount of time it takes to move up depends mostly on the technician's drive and ability to learn the topics.

Technicians with experience and management skills may advance to supervisor positions in larger laboratories. Other experienced technicians may teach or take jobs with dental suppliers in product development, marketing, or sales. Other technicians may decide to open their own laboratory as a way to advance and earn more money.

Job Title Examples

Crown and Bridge Dental Lab Technician,  Metal Finisher,  Model and Dye Person,  Partial Design and Survey Technician,  Porcelain Technician,  Waxer,  Dental Ceramist,  Denture Technician,  Dental Technician 

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Source: Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development and Minnesota Department of Education.