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Dental Laboratory Technician

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What Does it Take to Be a Dental Laboratory Technician?

Job Description & Duties Construct and repair full or partial dentures or dental appliances.

What Do Dental Laboratory Technicians Do On a Daily Basis?

  • Apply porcelain paste or wax over prosthesis frameworks or setups, using brushes and spatulas.
  • Place tooth models on apparatus that mimics bite and movement of patient’s jaw to evaluate functionality of model.
  • Remove excess metal or porcelain and polish surfaces of prostheses or frameworks, using polishing machines.
  • Create a model of patient’s mouth by pouring plaster into a dental impression and allowing plaster to set.
  • Read prescriptions or specifications and examine models or impressions to determine the design of dental products to be constructed.
  • Shape and solder wire and metal frames or bands for dental products, using soldering irons and hand tools.

Dental Laboratory Technician Skills

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.

Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Active Learning: Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

  • Orthodontic Technician Assistant
  • Orthodontic Band Maker
  • Dental Laboratory Technician Apprentice
  • Dental Appliance Mechanic
  • Denture Waxer

Is There Job Demand for Dental Laboratory Technicians?

There were about 38,100 jobs for Dental Laboratory Technician in 2016 (in the United States). 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. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 5,000 job openings in this field each year.

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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.

How Much Does a Dental Laboratory Technician Make?

The typical yearly salary for Dental Laboratory Technicians is somewhere between $25,320 and $64,180.

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Dental Laboratory Technicians who work in Alaska, Virginia, or Colorado, make the highest salaries.

How much do Dental Laboratory Technicians make 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

What Tools & Technology do Dental Laboratory Technicians Use?

Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Dental Laboratory Technicians may use on a daily basis:

  • 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
  • CAD/CAM
  • Computer imaging software

How to Become a Dental Laboratory Technician

Are there Dental Laboratory Technicians education requirements?

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What work experience do I need to become a Dental Laboratory Technician?

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Who Employs Dental Laboratory Technicians?

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The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.

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Those thinking about becoming a Dental Laboratory Technician might also be interested in the following careers:

Those who work as a Dental Laboratory Technician sometimes switch careers to one of these choices:

References:

Image Credit: Sgt. Dallas Edwards via Public domain

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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