Health Career: Dental Laboratory Technician
Who are dental laboratory technicians and what do they do?
Dental laboratory technicians create and work with equipment designed to improve patients' teeth and jaw health. They construct and repair artificial teeth, fix bridges and remove partial dentures, crowns and orthodontic supports.
How do dental laboratory technicians typically spend their workday?
As a dental laboratory technician, you will generally work in a private dental laboratory, a private health clinic or for a federal or state agency. You may also work in education, research or sales. In a health care setting, you may work with special machinery to create customized dental appliances for a patient, following the directions from a dentist's prescription to build the appliance. Dental laboratory technicians visit the dentist's office to fit patients for special equipment like retainers.
What does it take to be a good dental laboratory technician?
Do you like building things? Do you want to help promote dental health? Then you should consider becoming a dental laboratory technician. Successful dental laboratory technicians work well with others, are understanding and compassionate with patients, and follow detailed instructions well.
What are some health-related jobs that are similar to that of a dental laboratory technician?
Medical laboratory technician or technologist, orthotist, prosthetist.
Related links and helpful information:
- National Association of Dental Laboratories
- Academy of General Dentistry
- Healthcare Career Resource Center – Dental Laboratory Assistant
