Those in the dental laboratory field create dental prosthetics.
The dental laboratory field employs dental laboratory technicians to construct and repair full dentures, partial dentures and dental appliances. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, dental laboratory technicians fill prescriptions from dentists. These prescriptions include bridges, crowns, dentures and other dental prosthetics.
Roles
The dental laboratory field uses tools and technology to get the job done. According to the Occupational Information Network, dental laboratories use tools such as dental articulators, dental finishing or polishing disks, dental lab casting machines, dental lab furnaces and dental lab lathes. These workers also use computer imaging or graphics software to plan specifications before building a dental appliance or prosthetic. Dental technicians may receive a physical mold or a digital impression. Workers then create a model of a patient's mouth by using plaster and an impression set. The model is used to build appliances or prosthetics so workers can test the custom fit. Some technicians specialize in different areas of work, whereas smaller laboratories require technicians to build dental appliances or prosthetics from start to finish.
Environment
Those in the dental laboratory field work within clean and well-lighted laboratories, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. These workers have little or no contact with patients. Most work 40 hours per week. Dental technicians typically have their own work benches equipped with burners, other equipment and hand instruments. Some use software to help in creating artificial teeth.
Education and Training
According to College Board, employers look for job candidates with formal training. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reveals that dental laboratory technicians learn on the job. Most begin as helpers who learn new skills gradually. Many employers prefer at least a high school diploma. Dental laboratory technician training is available through community colleges, colleges, universities, junior colleges, vocational institutes, technical institutes and the Armed Forces. Programs take two to four years to complete.
Salary
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, dental laboratory technicians earned a national mean hourly wage of $18.12 and a national mean annual wage of $37,690 in May 2009. Industries with the highest level of employment for dental laboratory technicians included medical equipment and supplies manufacturing with an annual mean wage of $37,510; offices of dentists, $37,130; the federal executive branch, $53,090; professional and commercial equipment and supplies merchant wholesalers, $33,300; and colleges, universities and professional schools, $44,270.
Job Outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for dental laboratory technicians is expected to grow at a rate of 14 percent through 2018. The growth of the aging population will increase interest in cosmetic dental prosthesis as well as more dental products.
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