Dental Laboratory Technicians

dental appliance realistic interests read prescriptions mold assist workers teeth material polish surfaces workpiece

Dental Ceramist, Dental Laboratory Technician (Dental Lab Tech), Dental Technician (Dental Tech), Denture Technician (Denture Tech)

What they do:
Construct and repair full or partial dentures or dental appliances.
On the job, you would:
  • Read prescriptions or specifications and examine models or impressions to determine the design of dental products to be constructed.
  • Test appliances for conformance to specifications and accuracy of occlusion, using articulators and micrometers.
  • Fabricate, alter, or repair dental devices, such as dentures, crowns, bridges, inlays, or appliances for straightening teeth.

Knowledge

Business

  • management
  • customer service

Engineering and Technology

  • design
  • mechanical

Arts and Humanities

  • English language

Health

  • medicine and dentistry

Skills

Basic Skills

  • reading work related information
  • thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem

Problem Solving

  • noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Abilities

Hand and Finger Use

  • put together small parts with your fingers
  • keep your arm or hand steady

Ideas and Logic

  • notice when problems happen
  • order or arrange things

Verbal

  • read and understand what is written
  • listen and understand what people say

Personality

People interested in this work like activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions.

They do well at jobs that need:

  • Attention to Detail
  • Dependability
  • Initiative
  • Integrity
  • Achievement/Effort
  • Persistence

Technology

You might use software like this on the job:

Electronic mail software

  • Email software
  • Microsoft Outlook Hot Technology

Presentation software

  • Microsoft PowerPoint Hot Technology

Data base user interface and query software

  • Easy Solutions Easy Lab
  • Mainstreet Systems & Software DentaLab/PC II

Education

Education: (rated 2 of 5)
high school diploma/GED or
certificate after high school
usually needed

Get started on your career:

Find Training
Apprenticeship.gov

Job Outlook

Below Average
New job opportunities are less likely in the future.
Local Salary Info
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See more details at O*NET OnLine about dental laboratory technicians.