Dental Laboratory Technology
Overview
Dental laboratory technology programs prepare people to make dentures, crowns, caps, and bridges.Dental laboratory technology programs include topics such as:
- Dental anatomy
- Dental materials
- Ceramics technology
- Impressions
- Dentures
- Orthodontics
- Crowns and bridges
- Bonding and assembly techniques
Schools
Several community colleges and two-year schools offer associate degree programs in dental laboratory technology. An associate degree program usually takes two years of full-time study.
Very few colleges and universities offer bachelor's degrees in dental laboratory technology. A bachelor's degree usually takes about four years of full-time study.
See schools that offer this program.
Related Educational Programs
- Dental Assisting
- Dental Hygiene
- Dentistry
- Medical Laboratory Assisting
- Orthotic and Prosthetic Therapies
- Pre-Dentistry
Related Careers
Careers Directly Related to this Program of Study
Other Careers Related to this Program of Study
Program Admission
Proprietary schools, colleges, and universities all offer this program. If you want to study at a proprietary school, you can prepare for this program of study by completing your high school diploma or getting a GED. If you want to study at a college or university, you can prepare for this program by taking the following courses: four years of English, three years of math, three years of social studies, and two years of science. Some colleges also require two years of a second language.
Other requirements may include:
- American College Test (ACT) or Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT)
- Personal interview
Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this program of study:
- Algebra
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Business Math
- Chemistry
- Dental Laboratory Technology
- Drafting, Technical and Mechanical
- Drawing and Painting
- General Computer Applications
- General Industrial Arts
- Geometry
- Healthcare Occupations
- Healthcare Sciences Work Experience
- Introduction to Business
- Materials and Processes
- Physical Science
- Pottery
- Safety and First Aid
Typical Course Work
Program Courses
This program typically includes courses in the following subjects:
- Asepsis, Infection, and Hazard Control
- Basic Physics, Chemistry, and Dental Materials
- Complete Denture Prosthodontics
- Dental Anatomy and Terminology
- Dental Ceramics
- Dental Laboratory Management, History, and Ethics
- First Aid and Industrial Safety
- Inlay Casting, Crown and Bridge
- Metal Ceramic Restorations
- Occlusion
- Orthodontic Appliances
- Partials, Clasp and Bar
- Removable Partial Denture Prosthodontics
- Tooth Carving
In addition, some associate degree programs may require you to take general education courses. These courses may cover subjects such as English composition, math, statistics, and behavioral science.
Some programs include internships in their curriculum. This gives you a chance to apply your knowledge and sharpen your skills in a real-life dental laboratory setting.
Although not all programs include internships, program designers recognize that practice makes perfect. Schools usually have some type of working dental laboratory where you can practice the techniques you have learned.
Things to Know
You need to have excellent vision, good hand-eye coordination, and an ability to visualize objects in three dimensions.
In addition to tuition and book fees, you usually need to buy dental instruments, a lab coat, and a name tag. You may also be required to pay for membership in a professional dental club.
Students who complete this program may qualify to take a national certification exam.
Some dental laboratory technicians open their own lab. If this sounds like something you want to do, consider taking business classes.
Schools
Tacoma Area
Bates Technical College
- Dental Lab Technician
- Denturist