When a dentist has a patient who is in need of a crown, bridge, dentures or other dental prosthetics, the order is sent out to a Dental Lab Technician who is responsible for the creation of the piece.  It is the dentist’s responsibility to send out the necessary information to the lab.  They are responsible for creating an impression or mold of the patient’s mouth or teeth.  Once the dentist has gathered the necessary information, it is passed on to the dental lab technician.  Once the technician has the appropriate information, they create a replica of the patient’s mouth, using plaster.  Once that is set up, the technician will then place the replica on a machine that simulates the movements of the mouth, teeth and jaw.

The dental lab technician then observes the piece.  They look at the size, shape and gap of the gum line in order to build the mechanism to the correct specifications.  Once they can guarantee that everything meets the requirements and guidelines, they use special tools to craft a wax tooth or teeth model.  The wax model then becomes the metal framework for the actual prosthetic.

Once the wax tooth has been formed, it is necessary for the metal and porcelain to bond.  In order to do this the technician must pour the cast and form the metal by using the small tools to prepare the surface.  The porcelain is applied in layers in order to achieve the proper shape and color of the tooth.  Once the technician has acquired the correct shape and color, the porcelain is placed into a furnace in an attempt to combine both porcelain and framework.  If it is necessary to adjust the shape and color after this point, it is done so with grinding.  Additional porcelain is then added to achieve the final finish.

Some labs hire technicians who are capable of handling the creation of prosthetics from start to finish.  The majority of labs though, hire technicians who specialize in specific areas.  It is possible for a technician to specialize in one of five areas.  Orthodontic appliances, crowns and bridges, complete dentures, partial dentures or ceramics.  Even though the main title of people in this position is dental lab technician; specialization of specific crafts can alter the job title.  As an example: a dental ceramist is a technician who specializes in porcelain and acrylic restoration.

In order to obtain a position as a dental lab technician, it is necessary to obtain a postsecondary education.  Training programs and courses are available at community and junior colleges as well as vocational institutes and the U.S. Armed Forces.  The length of training does depend in the specifics of the career.  Specialized technicians will endure a longer course schedule and lengthier schooling in order to be fluent in their work.

There are approximately 25 programs specializing in the training of dental lab technicians that are accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation.  The Commission works directly with the American Dental Association in recommendations and approvals of specific programs.  In order to meet the requirements to gain recognition as a certified training program, classroom instruction must include some of the basics.  Included in the education process is instruction on dental materials science, oral anatomy, fabrication procedures, ethics and related subjects.  In order to fulfill the requirements of completion it is also essential for a student to perform a supervised experience in school or an associated dental lab.

It is possible for a dental lab technician to complete a 4-year program to earn a bachelor’s degree in dental technology but it is more common for individuals to complete a 2-year program.  It is sometimes necessary for graduates of the 2-year program to need additional training that sometimes can be done on the job.  Individual lab owners operate in particular ways and may require a new employee to participate in training that is relevant to their own lab.  The information provided in the classroom instruction does not always give the student the necessary tools, tips and techniques that lab owners utilize.  Often time’s employers will hire an individual with basic knowledge of the skill. 

It is important for people choosing a career in this industry to realize the specifics of the job.  The work at times requires significant amounts of patience and precision.  Working with small objects in order to obtain specific molds and porcelains will be continuous.  The ability to be detailed and artistic will prove to be beneficial for applicants.

Students who have made this their career choice while still in high school, can get a head’s start on the required education by taking courses in art, metal and wood shop, drafting and science.  For college students who at some day might like to open their own lab, management and business courses may prove to be helpful.

There are many different things that will affect salary levels of dental lab technicians.  First of all is the level of education.  Technicians who seek a bachelor’s degree will obviously enter the field at a higher pay scale.  Level of experience and adaptability are also very important factors.  Many technicians increase the amount of their yearly earnings based on the amount of experience or the amount of years on the job.

Technicians who are skilled at more functions (ex. Crowns and bridges, dentures etc) and are employed in smaller labs tend to make more.  Technicians who are primarily trained in a specific area generally work for larger labs and tend to make less.

Factors that are not specific to this job in particular, are location and advancement opportunities.  Many salaries are based on the individual region, city or state of residence.  Employers are competitive in wages and are attempting to pay wages that are in line with the cost of living in different areas.  The average median salary is dependent on individual states and range from $30,000 per year to $41,500 per year.  Here is a breakdown of some of the states.

New Jersey     $31, 500 per year

Texas      $40,788 per year

California     $41,500 per year

Florida      $30,000 per year

Virginia      $30,000 per year

Massachusetts     $34,700 per year

Advancement opportunities are also available to individuals who excel in quality of work and responsibility.  Salary increases go hand in hand with added responsibility and work.  Employees may branch out into supervisor or management positions.  It is also possible for technicians to ultimately own their own lab at some point.  This is something that greatly affects the average yearly earnings.

The job outlook for a dental lab technician is good.  Based on the growing trends in teeth whitening and cosmetic dental care, many technicians are busier than ever and the need for more is growing.  Many people are now replace the old silver filling for a prosthetic that is similar to the natural shade of the tooth.  Cosmetic dentistry is becoming the highest in demand considering the overall improvement in teeth and gums due to fluoride water.  It will not be necessary for the aging population to need dentures.  This reduces the work of technicians tremendously.

Overall, to ensure placement in a lab as a technician, it is important to review the proper education and to participate in ongoing courses on new technologies.  These factors will impact salary and job position greatly.