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Dental laboratory technicians, also known as dental technicians, fill dentist prescriptions which can include making models and casts of teeth to construct replicas of teeth in the form of dentures, bridgework, or other dental prosthetics.
Dental laboratory technicians work in private dental laboratories, dentists offices, hospitals, or dental suppliers. They work with hand tools, molding equipment and other machinery to manufacture replicas of teeth and other dental prosthetics. Dental laboratory technicians have a high degree of manual dexterity and good vision because their work is highly detailed and delicate. Some technicians may perform all the tasks to create crowns, bridges, dentures and other dental prosthetics while others may specialize in a certain area. Dental laboratory technicians usually work 40 hours a week or more.
High school students should study science courses, art, metal and wood shop and drafting. Training in dental laboratory technology is available in accredited programs at community colleges, vocational-technical institutes or the armed forces. Graduates of these programs usually need an additional 2-5 years of on-the-job training. Some employers will train a person without formal training in a program. Voluntary certification is available through the National Board of Certification.
Milwaukee Area Technical College
Average $27,400
American Dental Assistants Association
35 East Wacker Drive, Suite 1730
Chicago, IL, 60601-2211
312/541-1550 or 877/874-3785
www.dentalassistant.org
American Dental Association (ADA)
211 E. Chicago Ave.
Chicago, IL, 60611-2678
312/440-2500
www.ada.org
American Dental Hygienists' Association
444 N. Michigan Ave., Ste. 3400
Chicago, IL, 60611
312/440-8900 or 800/243-ADHA (2342)
www.adha.org
National Association of Dental Laboratories
325 John Knox Rd, #L103
Tallahassee, FL, 32303
800/950-1150 or 850/205-5626
www.nadl.org/
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