Dental Laboratory Technicians

Career summary

#no info moved over from 2655, check 3/18/19 lh

Dental laboratory technicians create devices that correct, replace, or restore patients' teeth.

They may specialize in one of six areas:

• Orthodontic appliances
• Crowns and bridges
• Complete dentures
• Partial dentures
• Implants
• Ceramics

Technicians read dentist's prescriptions and create models of patients' mouths made from impressions taken by a dentist. They do this by pouring plaster into the impressions. Once the plaster has dried, technicians remove the plaster models from the impressions. 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.

To make a crown, technicians create a wax model of the tooth. 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 metal impression of a tooth. They apply layers of porcelain onto the metal. The false tooth is then baked to harden the porcelain. 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. They form 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 use many materials in their work including plaster, porcelain, and acrylics. They also use tools such as micrometers, grinders, polishing machines, and hand tools to sculpt teeth and apply metal or porcelain. They adhere porcelain to metal by baking the porcelain teeth in a special furnace or kiln.

Job titles may reflect the specialty area. For example, technicians who make porcelain and acrylic restorations are called dental ceramicists. Technicians may do all stages of the work or they may specialize in one step of the process.

Related careers

This career is part of the Manufacturing cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Dental Assistants
• Dental Hygienists
• Jewelers
• Lens Grinders and Polishers
• Medical Appliance Technicians
• Medical Laboratory Technicians
• Orthotic and Prosthetic Specialists
• Precision Assemblers

Military careers

• Dental and Optical Laboratory Technicians

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to dental laboratory technicians.

• 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.

Common work activities

Dental laboratory technicians perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

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

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, dental laboratory technicians:

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, equipment, 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

Dental laboratory technicians frequently:

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

It is important for dental laboratory technicians to be able to:

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

It is not as important, but still necessary, for dental laboratory technicians to be able to:

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

Skills and abilities

Dental laboratory technicians need to:

Communicate

• Read and understand work-related materials.
• Understand written information.
• Understand spoken information.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Listen to others and ask questions.

Reason and problem solve

• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
• Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.
• Develop rules that group items in various ways.
• Understand new information or materials by studying and working with them.

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

• Inspect and evaluate the quality of products.
• 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.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Dental Laboratory Technology

Other programs of study to consider

• Dental Assisting

Training

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

• have a high school diploma or equivalent; 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.

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 career 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. Here are examples of activities and groups  that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Hiring practices vary by employer. Some employers like to train technicians on 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.

Tips

Ceramics, jewelry, and other art classes may help develop the manual and finger dexterity needed by technicians. Courses such as chemistry, art, physics, and anatomy are also helpful for entering this field. Visit a commercial lab or dentist's office to see what technicians do and how they work. Start as a pick-up and delivery person for a lab and use this as a route to an apprenticeship.

Licensing/certification

Dental laboratory technicians are not required to be licensed or certified in Washington. Voluntary certification is available through the National Board for Certification in Dental Laboratory Technology. Qualifications are:

• working knowledge of the English language;
• a high school education or equivalent;
• satisfactory moral and ethical standing in the dental laboratory field;
• graduation from an ADA accredited two-year school of dental technology, plus two years of practical experience;

or

• graduation from a non-accredited school and at least three years of experience;
• passing the Recognized Graduate exam or comprehensive written exam;
• passing a practical exam and one of six specialty exams; and
• completion of 12 hours of continuing education credits and one hour of infection control or hazard communication instruction per year.

The practical exam is $495 (includes non-refundable application fee), comprehensive written exam is $245, and specialty exams are $245. The biannual renewal fee is determined by the National Board for Certification.

For more information on certification, contact the National Board for Certification in Dental Laboratory Technology which is listed in the Other Resources section of this description.

#updated practical exam fee 3/7/17 lh. Couldn't confirm CE reqs but assume same; rest ok 3/7/18 cj. updt fees 3/18/19 lh

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Dental Laboratory Technicians 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

#In Washington, the average entry-level wage for dental laboratory technicians is $14.91 per hour ($2,584 per month).

#Updated ES wage info 07.16 sd

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.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

#Between 2014 and 2024, it is estimated that there will be 16 openings annually due to new positions and 36 openings annually from workers leaving this career.

#Updated outlook 06.16 sd

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

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

National outlook

Demand for dental laboratory technicians will be strong. As veneers and crowns become less expensive, demand for these appliances will increase. In addition, an aging population and the need for dental crowns and bridges will contribute to job growth. However, this is a small occupation and few job openings are expected to occur.

Technicians with professional certifications and experience with technology will have the best prospects.

Other resources

American Dental Association 
211 East Chicago Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611
312.440.2500

Dental Laboratory Technology brochure 

Dental Work: Careers in Oral Care 
Bureau of Labor Statistics Career Outlook, March 2020

Explore Health Careers: Dental Laboratory Technician 

National Association of Dental Laboratories 
325 John Knox Road, L103
Tallahassee, FL 32303
800.950.1150
850.205.5626

National Board of Certification in Dental Laboratory Technology 
325 John Knox Road, #L103
Tallahassee, FL 32303
800.684.5310
850.205.5627

Washington Business Week 
PO Box 1170
Renton, WA 98057
253.237.3545

Washington State Dental Laboratory Association 
325 John Knox Road, #L103
Tallahassee, FL 32303
800.652.2212

References

Career cluster

• Manufacturing

Career path

• Realistic (Technical)

O*Net  occupation

• Dental Laboratory Technicians (51-9081.00) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 2 - Some preparation needed. Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful in these occupations, but usually is not needed.

DOT occupations

• Contour Wire Specialist, Denture (712.381-014) 
• Dental Ceramist (712.381-042) 
• Dental Ceramist Assistant (712.664-010) 
• Dental-laboratory Technician (712.381-018) 
• Dental-laboratory-technician Apprentice (712.381-022) 
• Denture Waxer (712.381-046) 
• Finisher, Denture (712.381-050) 
• Orthodontic Band Maker (712.381-026) 
• Orthodontic Technician (712.381-030) 

Holland occupational cluster

• Realistic/Investigative/Conventional

COPSystem

• Science Skilled