All About Dental Laboratory Technicians
Job Description: Construct and repair full or partial dentures or dental appliances.
Life As a Dental Laboratory Technician: What Do They Do?
- Mold wax over denture setups to form the full contours of artificial gums.
- Read prescriptions or specifications and examine models or impressions to determine the design of dental products to be constructed.
- Place tooth models on apparatus that mimics bite and movement of patient’s jaw to evaluate functionality of model.
- Shape and solder wire and metal frames or bands for dental products, using soldering irons and hand tools.
- Prepare wax bite blocks and impression trays for use.
- Rebuild or replace linings, wire sections, or missing teeth to repair dentures.
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What Every Dental Laboratory Technician Should Know
Below is a list of the skills most Dental Laboratory Technicians say are important on the job.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Quality Control Analysis: Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Time Management: Managing one’s own time and the time of others.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Porcelain Technician
- Dental Technology Advisor
- Orthodontic Technician Assistant
- Metal Room Dental Technician
- Dental Instrument Maker
Job Demand for Dental Laboratory Technicians
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 38,100 jobs in the United States for Dental Laboratory Technician. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 14.4% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 5,500 new jobs for Dental Laboratory Technician by 2026. The BLS estimates 5,000 yearly job openings in this field.
The states with the most job growth for Dental Laboratory Technician are Utah, Michigan, and Arizona. Watch out if you plan on working in Kansas, Missouri, or Maine. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Dental Laboratory Technician Average Salary
The average yearly salary of a Dental Laboratory Technician ranges between $25,320 and $64,180.
Dental Laboratory Technicians who work in Alaska, Virginia, or Colorado, make the highest salaries.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Dental Laboratory Technicians in different U.S. states.
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $36,540 |
| Alaska | $57,940 |
| Arizona | $45,240 |
| Arkansas | $39,260 |
| California | $43,340 |
| Colorado | $47,210 |
| Connecticut | $49,880 |
| Florida | $41,110 |
| Georgia | $43,420 |
| Hawaii | $39,850 |
| Idaho | $45,920 |
| Illinois | $41,800 |
| Indiana | $38,990 |
| Iowa | $42,740 |
| Kansas | $48,000 |
| Kentucky | $44,720 |
| Louisiana | $37,920 |
| Maine | $42,910 |
| Maryland | $39,180 |
| Massachusetts | $45,650 |
| Michigan | $41,310 |
| Minnesota | $44,670 |
| Mississippi | $46,430 |
| Missouri | $40,850 |
| Montana | $51,200 |
| Nebraska | $48,640 |
| Nevada | $42,080 |
| New Hampshire | $41,320 |
| New Jersey | $42,610 |
| New Mexico | $38,390 |
| New York | $50,250 |
| North Carolina | $43,190 |
| North Dakota | $39,540 |
| Ohio | $43,400 |
| Oklahoma | $42,900 |
| Oregon | $40,080 |
| Pennsylvania | $40,210 |
| Rhode Island | $44,570 |
| South Carolina | $45,560 |
| South Dakota | $32,790 |
| Tennessee | $41,660 |
| Texas | $41,840 |
| Utah | $47,780 |
| Virginia | $52,220 |
| Washington | $43,710 |
| West Virginia | $39,530 |
| Wisconsin | $39,960 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Dental Laboratory Technicians
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Dental Laboratory Technicians:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Outlook
- Web browser software
- Email software
- Word processing software
- Microsoft Windows
- Spreadsheet software
- Intuit QuickBooks
- Scheduling software
- Graphics software
- Computer aided design and drafting CADD software
- Inventory management software
- Bookkeeping software
- Database management software
- Computer imaging software
- CAD/CAM
How to Become a Dental Laboratory Technician
Education needed to be a Dental Laboratory Technician:
What work experience do I need to become a Dental Laboratory Technician?
Where Dental Laboratory Technicians Work
The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.
Other Jobs You May be Interested In
Those thinking about becoming a Dental Laboratory Technician might also be interested in the following careers:
Career changers with experience as a Dental Laboratory Technician sometimes find work in one of the following fields:
References:
Image Credit: Sgt. Dallas Edwards via Public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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