Fabricating eyeglasses
and dental appliances
requires skill with precise instruments…
exacting accuracy…
and an understanding of different materials.
Dental and ophthalmic laboratory technicians
rely on all these qualities
to create and repair products
to improve patients’ dental and vision health.
Dental laboratory technicians
use molds of a patient’s teeth
to construct crowns, bridges,
and dentures.
They use hand tools and 3-D printers
to form materials, such as wax,
plastic, and porcelain,
into prosthetic appliances.
Dental lab technicians
work closely with dentists,
but rarely interact with patients.
Ophthalmic laboratory technicians
make prescription eyeglasses
and contact lenses.
They may fill orders
using automated equipment,
or working by hand.
Some make lenses for optical instruments,
such as telescopes and binoculars.
Technicians may need to wear goggles,
gloves, or masks,
and spend a great deal of time
standing or bending.
They work in medical equipment
and supplies manufacturing, stores,
and dentist and optometrist offices.
Most work full time.
Dental and ophthalmic laboratory technicians
typically need at least a high school diploma
or equivalent
and receive on-the-job training.
High school courses in science,
human anatomy, math,
computer programming,
and art may be helpful.