What will I do in this job?

Dental laboratory technicians fill prescriptions from dentists for crown, bridges, dentures, and other dental prosthetics. As a technician, you will:

• create a model of the patient’s mouth, which serves as the basis of the prosthetic device
• build and shape a wax tooth or teeth model using small hand instruments
• cast the metal framework for the prosthetic device
• pour the cast and prepare the surface to allow the metal and porcelain to bond
• apply porcelain in layers, to arrive at the precise shape and color of a tooth
• place the tooth in a porcelain furnace to bake the porcelain onto the metal framework, and then adjust the shape and color to achieve a sealed finish

As a dental laboratory technician, you can specialize in one of five areas: Orthodontic appliances, crows and bridges, complete dentures, partial dentures, or ceramics. The work is extremely delicate and time consuming.

Will I need special certification?

National Board certification is voluntary

What type of education do I need?

Most dental laboratory technicians learn their craft on the job. Becoming a fully trained technician requires an average of 3 to 4 years, depending upon the individual’s aptitude and ambition, but it may take a few years more to become an accomplished technician.

Will I find a job?

Job opportunities for dental laboratory technicians should be favorable, despite expected slower-than-average growth in the occupation through the year 2012.

How much money will I make?

Median Salary: $13.70/hour (Ranges from $8.00- $24.00/hour)
(2000-2003)