Dental Laboratory Technician

To be a successful Dental Laboratory Technician you should…

• be able to work with three-dimensional art (sculpting)
• be able to read instructions and follow them to create appliances
• be able to focus, concentrate, and have patience

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What will my job be like?

The dental laboratory technician’s job can be very rewarding, monetarily and mentally. A dental laboratory technician takes raw materials, creates Mother Nature-like teeth to help people who have lost them for one reason or another. This job involves creating works of art that are functional.

Dental Laboratory Technicians may specialize in the following:

• Dentures – Full and Partial
• Crowns and Bridges
• Orthodontic Appliances
• Implants

Where could I work?

Once trained as a dental laboratory technician one will find the doors are open to go to commercial dental labs, doctor offices, supply companies to sell dental lab supplies, manufacturers of dental appliances, and other dental-related products.

What is the average annual salary?

$45,700

What is the future of this career?

Overall employment of dental and ophthalmic laboratory technicians and medical appliance technicians is projected to grow 13 percent from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations. As cosmetic prosthetics, such as veneers and crowns, become less expensive, there should be an increase in demand for these appliances. In addition, as the large, baby-boom population grows older, there should be increased demand for orthotic devices, such as braces and orthopedic footwear.

What type of education and/or training do I need?

Dental laboratory technicians receive their education and training with a 1-year course covering dentures, partials, cast partials, crown and bridge, porcelain fused to metal, and all the vocabulary related to the above.

Some dental laboratory technicians learn their craft on the job. Becoming a fully trained technician requires an average of three to four years.

Where can I get the education and/or training?

There are currently no educational programs available in Connecticut.

Do I need a license or certification for this career?

Licensure is not required in the state of Connecticut. Prerequisite: After three to five years in the field a technician can take a national test to become a Certified Dental Technician (CDT).

Where can I get more information?

National Association of Dental Laboratories
325 John Knox Road #L103
Tallahassee, FL    32303
800-950-1150
www.nadl.org