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Military Career: Dental and Optical Laboratory Technicians

 

Overview

The military provides dental and optical care as part of its comprehensive health service program. Dental and optical laboratory technicians make and repair dental devices and eyeglasses that are provided for military personnel.

What They Do

Dental and optical laboratory technicians perform some or all of the following duties:

  • Make dentures, braces, and other dental or optical devices
  • Construct, assemble, repair, and align dental and optical devices (metal braces and retainers, eyeglass frames and lenses)
  • Harden and cure dentures or lenses using high temperature ovens or other heat-treating equipment
  • Grind, polish, and smooth dentures or lenses using hand or power tools

Branches of the Military

Army
Navy
Air Force
Coast Guard

Helpful Attributes

Helpful school subjects include biology, chemistry, and industrial arts. Helpful attributes include:

  • Ability to follow detailed instructions and work procedures
  • Ability to use precision tools and instruments
  • Interest in work requiring attention to detail
  • Interest in working with one's hands

Training Provided

Job training consists of 21 to 26 weeks of classroom instruction, including practice in making and repairing dental and optical devices. Course content varies depending on specialty, but typically includes laboratory operating procedures (for dental or optical specialty). Further training occurs on the job and through advanced courses.

Work Environment

Dental and optical laboratory technicians normally work in dental or optical laboratories and occasionally in examination and dispensing offices.

Civilian Counterparts

Civilian dental laboratory technicians normally work for small dental laboratories or large dental offices. Optical laboratory technicians work in optical laboratories or for retail opticians. They perform duties similar to military technicians. Civilian optical laboratory technicians may also be called opticians or ophthalmic laboratory technicians.

Below is a list of similar civilian occupations:

Dental Laboratory Technicians
Lens Grinders and Polishers
Medical Laboratory Technicians

Opportunities

The services have about 1,500 dental and optical laboratory technicians. Each year, they need new technicians due to changes in personnel and the demands of the field. After job training, technicians work under very close supervision. With experience, they work more independently and perform more challenging tasks. Eventually, they may become supervisors or managers of dental or optical laboratories.


Source: U.S. Department of Defense, Washington D.C.