Dental Laboratory Technician Training
Dental laboratory technician training provides the necessary knowledge to teach students how to manufacture crowns, bridges, and dentures using the dental molds of a patient's mouth. Dental technicians work in commercial dental laboratories, dental offices, and hospitals.
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Degree Options
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Dental laboratory technician training can be obtained through a one-year certificate program or an associate's degree. Perspective students have the option of taking courses either through a community college, technical college, or dental school.
Coursework
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Through their coursework, students will become familiar with dental anatomy, dental terminology, constructing dental prosthetics, and dental laboratory materials, such as plaster, wax, plastic, gold, and porcelain to make the crowns, bridges, and dentures.
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Accreditation
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When choosing a dental laboratory technician training program make sure the school is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association (CODA). Not attending an accredited program will prohibit dental technicians from being eligible to sit for the certification exams after graduation.
Certification
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Dental laboratory technicians have the option of obtaining their Certified Dental Technician (CDT) credential through the National Board for Certification in Dental Laboratory Technology. In order to obtain certification, individuals need to complete an accredited dental technology program, have two years of practical experience, and pass two written exams and one practical exam. Individuals who have not completed an accredited program are eligible to sit for the exams after acquiring five years of practical work experience. After receiving the credential, dental laboratory technicians are required, each year, to maintain 12 continuing education units (CEUs).
Job Outlook
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According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for a dental laboratory technician is expected to increase by 14% from 2008 to 2018. As of May 2008, dental laboratory technicians saw a median annual salary of $34,170.
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References
- National Board for Certification in Dental Laboratory Technology: How to Become a Certified Dental Technician
- Bureau of Labor Statistics: Medical, Dental, and Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians
- American Dental Association: Dental Laboratory Technician
- AllAlliedHealthSchools: Become a Dental Lab Technician
Resources
- Photo Credit dentures 02 image by stoffies from Fotolia.com
