Becoming a dental lab technician requires a high school diploma and attention to detail. Fine motor skills, communication, and independence are key skills. Most labs hire inexperienced technicians and offer on-the-job training. Advancement opportunities exist, and certification and education can help career growth.
There are relatively few requirements to become a dental lab technician: you generally only need a high school diploma, a desire to learn, and the ability to pay close attention to detail. Most dental lab technicians are hired with no prior experience in dentistry or lab work. A high school science and math background is usually desirable but rarely necessary. Generally, you can become a dental lab technician simply by applying and willing to work within the lab.
Key skills for dental lab technicians include fine motor skills, solid communication skills, and the ability to be flexible and work independently. Most labs employ several dental lab technicians, but each one usually works on their own projects. Dentists submit work orders for crowns, bridges, and other dental equipment; the lab supervisor assigns these projects to dental lab technicians; and the designated technician gets to work. The technician will usually take any questions or concerns directly to the dentist.
In most cases, the best way to become a dental lab technician is to simply look for and apply for jobs. Most dental labs will hire dental lab technicians with no experience, with the expectation that they will be trained on the job. Dental lab training often involves learning how to pour impressions, customizing crowns and other dental appliances to fit specific teeth, and coordinating production and delivery with office staff.
It is rare for a dental lab technician to work directly in the dentist’s office. Most laboratories are independent entities. Sometimes you can become a dental lab technician directly for a dentist, particularly in small and more remote areas, but in most cases, you will need to apply directly to the lab.
The dental lab technician field is generally one that supports some degree of career advancement. When you become a dental lab technician, you may be working more as a lab assistant than a technician. With experience and demonstrated hard work, however, you are likely to advance quickly.
If you know when you become a dental lab technician that this is the career path you want for the foreseeable future, check to see if there are any advanced technician courses or certifications, if any, available in your area. Many dental schools and some trade schools offer one-year dental laboratory technician training programs, most of which culminate in an associate degree or other certificate of competency. Optional certification is also available in some locations for both technicians and laboratories. While certification and education aren’t necessary to become a dental lab technician right from the start, pursuing them later can help your career develop and grow.
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