Dental technicians create prosthetic dental parts and appliances as per orders from dentists. Training is provided by employers, but some schools offer degrees. Technicians work in labs or small businesses and may specialize in a specific type of dental insert.
A dental lab technician, usually known simply as a dental technician, creates prosthetic dental parts, such as dentures and bridges, and appliances, such as orthodontic retainers, as per orders from dentists. Some dental technician jobs involve manufacturing many different types of dental parts, while others are more specialized. Training for dental technician jobs is usually provided by an individual’s employer, although some schools and universities offer degrees in dental technician studies.
In most dental jobs, the job begins when the technician receives an order for a dental prosthesis or a dentist. The order usually includes a physical or digital impression of the patient’s mouth that was taken by the ordering dentist. First, the technician uses this mold to make a full-size model of the patient’s teeth. After studying the patient’s teeth, he uses wax to make a model of the necessary denture or braces. This wax model is then reformulated in metal, to which layers of porcelain are added, resulting in a final product that, if done right, looks natural when installed in the patient’s mouth by the attending dentist.
Some dental technician jobs involve creating a full spectrum of dentures and dental appliances. In other cases, dental technicians may specialize in manufacturing a specific type of dental insert. For example, a technician can make only removable prosthetics, such as dentures, or only permanent prostheses, such as crowns and veneers. He may also specialize in the manufacture of orthodontic appliances, such as removable or permanent retainers, intended to keep teeth in line after corrective braces are removed.
The environment in which a dental technician works can vary from job to job. Some dental technicians work in large laboratories with many other technicians. Others work in small businesses or are self-employed. Those who work for small companies may have more interaction with the dentists they hire than those employed by large laboratories.
Training for dentist jobs is usually provided by an individual’s employer. In many cases, these employers require applicants to have a high school diploma or equivalent. Those looking to have an extra competitive edge when applying for jobs may want to consider completing a dental technician degree program, which can be found at a number of universities, community colleges, and technical institutes. Typically, these programs take about two years to complete, and graduates receive an associate degree.
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