Dental and Optical Laboratory Technicians
Background
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:
- Construct, assemble, repair, and align dental and optical devices (metal braces and retainers, eyeglass frames and lenses)
- Grind, polish, and smooth dentures or lenses using hand or power tools
- Harden and cure new dentures or lenses using high temperature ovens or other heat-treating equipment
- Make dentures, braces, and other dental or optical devices
Physical Demands
Normal color vision for some specialties is required to match color of artificial teeth with natural tooth color.
Special Requirements
Successful completion of high school algebra is required to enter some specialties in this career.
Helpful Attributes
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
Helpful School Subjects
Helpful school subjects include:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Industrial arts
Helpful Fields of Study
No information available.
Work Environment
Dental and optical laboratory technicians normally work in dental or optical laboratories and occasionally in examination and dispensing offices.
Services offering this career:
- Air Force
- Army
- Navy
Hiring Practices
To serve in the military, a person must be at least 17; the maximum age for enlistment varies. To enlist, a person must pass a physical exam and an aptitude test. An enlistee must also meet military standards of discipline and be a US citizen or permanent resident alien.
This position is for enlisted personnel.
Wages
The military is competitive with the civilian world when it comes to pay and benefits. All branches offer the same basic pay and benefits.
Pay depends mainly on rank or grade as well as length of service. Bonuses and the situation in which the person is serving (for example: flight duty, sea duty, hazardous duty) also affect pay.
Cost-of-living increases usually occur every year, based on inflation. The military also pays allowances for food, clothing, and housing. All these factors combined are called Regular Military Compensation (RMC). They should all be considered when comparing military pay to civilian pay.
There are two main parts to RMC: basic pay and allowances. There are also additional incentives for special abilities, training, or hazardous duty.
Check out the RMC Calculator to calculate your RMC based on your inputs.
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.
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.
Related Civilian Careers
Employment and Outlook
In peace time the services have about 1,500 dental and optical laboratory technicians. In times of military action the number may be different, depending on the type of specialties required. Each year the services 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.