Dental laboratory technicians have the job to create medical dental devices. These devices are used to repair or improve the patient’s teeth. The devices are including dentures, bridges, crowns, or orthodontic appliances. The technicians only create the device per instruction from the dentist. All the devices must be functional and aesthetically pleasing. Related to the job, a technician has to be skilled in using small instruments and equipment. It is also important for them to have artistic eye and be very detail-oriented. Here are some reviews on dental lab technician jobs.
If you are wondering on dental lab technician jobs, the main job of the technician is creating medical dental devices by using various materials per instruction from the dentist. The devices are various starting from impression or molds of the patient’s teeth. The work field of the technician is the laboratory. Usually, it is separated from dental office. The device can be created from various materials like plastics, steel, porcelains, waxes, and alloys. This is the main job of the technician.
However, there are still many tasks which need to be performed by dental lab technician. Dental lab technician jobs are also involving receiving the instructions, digital impressions, and molds from dentists. When you become a dental lab technician, you will need to make analysis on the models, create plaster models, create wax models, create metal device framework, and prepare metal framework. The job description from dental lab technician includes baking prosthetic teeth in a furnace, adjusting the teeth for color and shape, and polishing prosthetics.
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There are various devices which need to be created by dental technician. Some technicians specialize in certain devices. The devices are including full and partial dentures, bridges, crowns, veneers, and orthodontics appliances. Before you can work in dental lab technician jobs, you need to get certain education. The technicians must have high school diploma. The diploma is required before technicians can train on the job at the dental lab. On-the-job training can take three to four years. A technician must pass the training to be considered as qualified.
If you are planning to work in dental lab technician jobs, you can join formal classes or training which is available at community and vocational colleges. These communities and vocational colleges provide two-year associate degree and four-year bachelor’s programs. In choosing the best colleges, you need to ensure that the programs are accredited by American Dental Association.
The requirement is different from one state to another. There are some states which need technician to have certification. You can get the certification from National Board for Certification in Dental Technology or NBCDT. The technicians can obtain certification in different specialties. If you have become a lab technician, you can get the salary depending on the location. The hourly rates can range from $12.63 to $21.54.
Not only education and experience, but you also need to make mental preparation before working dental lab technician jobs. The career might be quite lonely since you will perform the job by your own. The most successful dental technician can be sole practitioners with their own labs.