Dental Laboratory Technician

Your Fit

Income

$48K

Preparation

Some

Growth

-4.5%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Dental Laboratory Technician?

A Dental Laboratory Technician is a professional who designs, fabricates, and repairs dental devices, such as dentures, bridges, and crowns. They work closely with dentists to create custom dental appliances that meet the specific needs of patients.

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Dental Laboratory Technician.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Dental Laboratory Technician earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) is...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$34K per year	$38K per year	$48K per year	$61K per year	$78K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $370 below the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Dental Laboratory Technician do?

Work environment

Dental Laboratory Technicians typically work in dental laboratories. Their work environment is clean and well-lit, with a focus on precision and detail. The job involves handling various materials and equipment and may require long periods of sitting or standing.

Quick task list

Creates dental prosthetics (dentures, crowns, bridges, etc.) from molds of patients' teeth.
Works with materials like porcelain, metal, and acrylic to fabricate dental devices.
Collaborates with dentists to meet the specific dental needs of patients.
Polishes and finishes dental appliances to exact specifications.
Repairs and adjusts dental prosthetics as needed.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Crown and Bridge Fabrication: Specializing in creating fixed prosthetic devices like crowns and bridges.
Orthodontic Appliances: Focusing on the creation of orthodontic devices like retainers and braces.
Denture Fabrication: Specializing in the creation of removable prosthetics such as full and partial dentures.
Ceramics: Focusing on porcelain dental appliances, particularly for cosmetic purposes.
Implantology: Creating dental appliances that are designed to be implanted into the patient's jawbone.

Description

Dental Laboratory Technicians combine art and science to create functional and aesthetically pleasing dental prosthetics. They must have a keen eye for detail and color, as well as manual dexterity to work with small, intricate objects. Technicians use molds of patients' teeth to fabricate devices, ensuring each appliance fits comfortably and precisely. Knowledge of dental anatomy and the properties of different materials is crucial for successful fabrication.

The role often requires collaboration with dentists, who provide specifications and feedback on the dental appliances. Technicians need to understand dental terminology and concepts to effectively interpret these requirements. They also must stay up-to-date with advancements in technology and materials used in the field, such as 3D printing and digital design techniques.

A career as a Dental Laboratory Technician is ideal for individuals who enjoy detailed, meticulous work and have an interest in healthcare. It offers the satisfaction of improving patients' oral health and quality of life. The role can be both challenging and rewarding, providing opportunities for creativity and continuous learning.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Contributing to patients' dental health and self-confidence.
The craftsmanship and creativity involved in fabricating dental devices.
Opportunities for continuous learning and mastering new techniques.

You might make a good Dental Laboratory Technician if you are...

Detail-oriented with good hand-eye coordination.
Interested in both the artistic and technical aspects of dental device fabrication.
A problem solver who enjoys working on precise and intricate tasks.
Able to work independently and value precision in your work.
Interested in healthcare and helping improve patient outcomes.

Pros:

A rewarding career that combines artistry with practical skills.
Growing demand for dental prosthetics as populations age.
Opportunities for specialization and career advancement.

Cons:

Repetitive tasks that require long hours of focus and concentration.
Need for continuous learning to keep up with new technologies and materials.
Physical demands, including fine motor skills and prolonged periods of sitting or standing.

How to become a Dental Laboratory Technician

Typical education

Most Dental Laboratory Technicians have at least a high school diploma, with many receiving on-the-job training. However, formal education programs ranging from certificate to associate degree levels in dental laboratory technology are increasingly common and preferred by employers.

High school preparation

Courses:

Art and design courses to develop an aesthetic sense and manual dexterity.
Science courses, particularly biology, to understand human anatomy.
Shop or vocational classes for hands-on experience with tools and materials.
Mathematics for measurements and calculations.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Participating in arts and crafts clubs or workshops.
Volunteering or shadowing in dental offices or laboratories.
Engaging in hobbies that require detailed manual work, such as model building.

Preparation after high school

Enrolling in a vocational or technical school program in dental laboratory technology.
Seeking apprenticeships or entry-level positions in dental laboratories for hands-on experience.
Pursuing certification through organizations like the National Board for Certification in Dental Laboratory Technology.

More resources

National Board for Certification in Dental Laboratory Technology - Provides certification information and resources for dental technicians.
American Dental Association (ADA) - Offers resources and information related to various dental professions.
The National Association of Dental Laboratories (NADL) - An organization that offers support and resources for dental laboratories and technicians.
Commission on Dental Accreditation - Provides a list of accredited dental laboratory technology programs.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.