Dental Laboratory Technicians work closely with the Dentists to assist them in treating the patients suffering from various dental ailments. They also create crowns, bridges and dentures based on the information received about the patients’ teeth. They play a key role during the restoration process by placing the corrective device in the patients’ mouth after the dental surgery in case of an accident or disease, which force the patients lose teeth.

The restoration process is typically complex and requires more skill and art to bring perfection. Dental Laboratory Technicians capture and recreate that perfection to make the smile look natural.

They use advanced materials such as ceramics, plastics and metal alloys during fixed restorations.  These professionals take instructions from the Dentists and then design dental replacements with care.

Education Requirements: The aspiring Dental Laboratory Technicians may have to go for a two-year high school diploma program at the community college, vocational school, technical college or dental school. They receive an associate degree upon the successful completion of the program.

After completing the degree, the aspiring Dental Laboratory Technicians must take up a certification program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association (CODA). Another certification program is being offered by the National Board for Certification in Dental Laboratory Technology (NBCDLT).

During the Associate’s Degree and Certification programs, students learn safety principles, laboratory equipment operation, denture and bridge construction, plaster use, anatomy, science and math.

Salary & Job Outlook: Job outlook for Dental Laboratory Technicians is not very good. The projected job growth is estimated at 3% during the period of 2012-22. The annual average salary for Dental Laboratory Technicians was $39,780 per year.