Dental Laboratory Technicians
Dental laboratory technicians create custom dental appliances like dentures, crowns, and bridges that help people eat, speak, and smile confidently. They work with high-tech materials including porcelain, metals, and acrylics, using precision tools like articulators and micrometers to ensure perfect fits. This hands-on career combines artistry with science, requiring attention to detail and technical skills that can be developed through vocational programs or associate degrees. Many technicians work in modern labs that collaborate closely with dental offices, often offering flexible schedules and opportunities for specialization.
Did you know?
Most employers in the US require completion of an accredited dental laboratory technology program and certification from the National Board for Certification in Dental Laboratory Technology.
At a glance
Typical average pay
$48,900 Avg/yr
Growth
Stable
Top skill
Reading Comprehension
Things to consider
Digital Design Proficiency
Modern American dental practices increasingly rely on CAD/CAM technology and 3D printing, making proficiency in digital design software essential for career advancement.
FDA Regulatory Compliance
Understanding FDA regulations for medical devices and maintaining quality standards is crucial since dental appliances are classified as medical devices in the United States.
Key responsibilities
Load newly constructed teeth into porcelain furnaces to bake the porcelain onto the metal framework.
Rebuild or replace linings, wire sections, or missing teeth to repair dentures.
Test appliances for conformance to specifications and accuracy of occlusion, using articulators and micrometers.
Mold wax over denture setups to form the full contours of artificial gums.
Fill chipped or low spots in surfaces of devices, using acrylic resins.