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A dental technician trainee learns basic skills and assists the full-fledged technician and dentist in developing dental prostheses. They start with basic tasks and progress to more advanced ones, and may undergo formal education programs.
A dental technician trainee does the same basic work as a full-fledged dental technician. The only difference is that during training, the dental technician trainee cannot complete all the tasks that the dental technician is qualified for. The most basic skills of the dental technician are learned first, with the trainee progressing through increasingly difficult tasks as he learns.
In general, the objective of a dental technician trainee is to provide assistance to the complete dental technician as well as the dentist under which the trainee and technician serve. The focus of assistance is on the development of dental prostheses, such as bridges or dentures. Dental technician trainees should not be confused with hygienists, who are involved with hands-on patient care such as cleaning.
One of the first things a dental technician trainee usually needs to do is become familiar with any computer system, machine, or organizational policy and other office policies. This is rudimentary because of the need for good record keeping and efficiency, and because specific technologies help technicians form the desired prostheses. This part of the training normally doesn’t last long, and usually manuals and handbooks provide written guidance. The full-fledged dental technician may ask the intern to offer a little more help in keeping the work area clean, as the intern’s knowledge of specific dental procedures is limited.
From there, the dental technician trainee moves on to very basic tasks, such as pouring plaster onto an impression. Although most of a dental technician’s work is in an administrative laboratory rather than the patient’s treatment area, the complete technician and dentist teaches the trainee how to assess a patient’s prosthetic needs through non-invasive visual inspection. This skill is important because the trainee can take what he sees and apply it to building the prosthesis for a better fit. The technician-in-training also often learns how to help the dentist make impressions.
Once the dental technician becomes familiar with the basic skills that the trainee has, he begins to use the available equipment to perform more advanced jobs, such as carving and sanding. Polishing is another common duty. These skills require more refinement, as they allow for fine-tuning the appearance and physical feel of the prostheses.
Some dental technician trainees undergo formal education programs, which can result in a certificate, associate degree, or bachelor’s degree. These programs are not necessary as it is still standard for people to learn on the job, but they can provide a significant hiring advantage. People who go through formal programs may not receive as much on-the-job training when hired. Some people attend classes and receive on-the-job training at the same time. Those who want to learn dental technician skills through classes should check that the courses or programs are approved by major organizations such as the American Dental Association.
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