Do you want to help people have a beautiful smile? Do you have manual dexterity and an affinity for working with materials? If so, becoming a dental lab technician may be a good career option for you.

Many advances in the dental field heavily rely on the ability of a dental lab technician to craft dental appliances that increase a patient’s functionality in an aesthetically pleasing manner. Some specific appliances dental lab technician create include false teeth, dentures, crowns and bridges. Dental technicians take molds or other impressions created by a dentist and then use a variety of materials, machines and equipment to craft realistic, functional dental pieces.

Most dental technicians tend to have good manual dexterity, like working with details and have high visual acuity. Based on the Occupation Employment Statistics published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are approximately 42,600 individuals employed as a Dental Laboratory Technician. The mean hourly wage is $17.78, and the annual wage is $36,990, but compensation varies based on experience, education and types of dental appliances created. The hourly compensation generally ranges from around $10 up to $28 and annual wages range from $20, 700 to over $58,000. http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes519081.htm

Dental technicians work in a variety of settings including dentist offices, for the federal government, in educational settings and in stand-alone dental labs. Due to the location of several large dental labs, more dental technicians are employed in the state of Utah, Oregon and Indiana than in any other U.S. states. http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes519081.htm

You have several educational options for becoming a dental lab technician. At a minimum, you must have a high school degree or equivalent, so you can apply to training programs. While you do not have to have top grades, having at least a ‘C’ average in high school can give you more options when applying for training schools.

One path is to receive training through a 2-year program. These programs are generally offered by vocational schools, community colleges, technical schools or specific dental schools, so you can choose to go to a training program in your local area, or one that best fits your budget and needs.http://www.ada.org/public/careers/team/lab.asp

Another educational option is to pursue a full baccalaureate, 4-year degree in dental technology. In total, there are about 24 dental technology programs that are accredited by the American Dental Association in the United States. A handy tool for locating schools by state and by program is located on the American Dental Association (ADA) website.http://www.ada.org/prof/ed/programs/search_dahlt_us.asp

You will learn how to work with different materials, how to craft realistic looking teeth, make removable partial dentures, full dentures, ceramics, orthodontic equipment, crowns and bridges. Additionally, you will be trained on the standard equipment used in the manufacturing process and how to repair pre-made dental appliances. Typically, your training will cover a general guide on most items, but many programs will allow you to concentrate on a specific category of dental lab technical work.

For the most flexibility and job opportunities, you will need to obtain your National Board Certification that evaluates your technical knowledge and assesses your skills. Currently, there are over 6,500 individuals that are Certified Dental Technicians in the United States.http://www.nbccert.org/ According to the National Board for Certification in Dental Laboratory Technology, professional lab technicians with a certification command higher salaries and have more advancement opportunities.http://www.nbccert.org/why_cdt.cfm

‘’Certification Requirements for a Recognized Graduate (RG)’’

1. Graduate from a certified dental technology program
2. Pass the RG examination
3. This certification is a prerequisite to become a CDT.

‘’Certification Requirements for CDT’’

1. Be a Recognized Graduate
2. Have a working knowledge of English
3. Have not practiced dentistry illegal
4. Have a 2 or 4-year education at a certified dental training school
5. Pass the CDT exam in one of five areas including:
   1. Orthodontics
   2. Crowns and Bridges
   3. Partial Dentures
   4. Complete Dentures
   5. Ceramicshttp://www.nbccert.org/how_cdt.cfm

The exam for the CDT certification includes 160 multiple choice questions on general dental lab technician knowledge and an additional 80 multiple choice questions on your concentration area. http://www.nbccert.org/how_cdt.cfm

The certification process requires filling out an official application form and taking the exams in person. If you are already employed, check with your employer to see if they will cover the testing fees. You must complete the CDT examinations within four years of becoming a Recognized Graduate. To maintain your certifications, you must meet all continuing education requirements.

While your formal education will give you an excellent foundation for success as a dental lab technician, you will hone your skills and abilities on the job. Look for your first job in a location where you can work with more seasoned dental lab technicians and in a place that offers the top equipment. Gaining valuable experience when you first start your career can help propel your future success. While on the job, seek out opportunities to work on more challenging cases and new technologies as they become available. Hone your skills and become a valuable worker.

Part of being a dental lab technician is a professional attitude. Approach your job with respect and discipline. Make sure you show up for work on time, keep your work area clean, and interact with your fellow employees in a respectful manner. If you become known as a great person to work with who also has excellent technical skills, your chances of advancement are greater.

You can choose to stay as a technician, or you can look for management opportunities. If you opt for a management route, you will be more responsible for paperwork and personnel issues and less focused on the technical aspects of the job. If you desire, you can also consider returning to the educational area by teaching at a dental training school.