By Elizabeth Whitesmith

Dental Technician

If you want to work in the dental field, yet you are not really a “people person” why not consider working in a dental laboratory? While a dental laboratory technician does not work in a dental office, they are an important part of the dental care team. What does a dental  technician do?

A dental laboratory technician must have sure and steady hands in order to create masterpieces of dental ingenuity. A dental laboratory technician’s job is never boring, and skills are challenged on a daily basis. A dental laboratory technician is trained to create full dentures for patients, partial dentures and bridges as well as veneers, crowns and orthodontic appliances and splints.

Dental laboratory technicians pour dental molds using a variety of plasters and stones and are able to carve tooth structures in wax that are then used to create dental bridges and dentures. Dental laboratory technicians are so talented that they are able to easily match tooth color and texture to blend with remaining dental work in a patient’s mouth.

Most dental laboratory technicians must complete at least a two-year program at either a community college or university level dental school. A dental laboratory technician, no matter where they complete their schooling and clinic experience, must take exams administered by the National Board for Certification in Dental Laboratory Technology. A dental laboratory technician does not usually work directly with a dental patient unless it’s necessary, and if so, they will work under the direction of a licensed dentist. A dental laboratory technician earns a nice salary, which, however, may depend on location.

It is not unusual for an experienced dental laboratory technician, after several years of experience, often opt to open their own dental laboratories.

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