Dental Lab Tech Training

Dental lab techs create dental equipment, such as custom dentures.

Working behind the scenes of a dentist's office are workers who play a major role in patients' lives. Dental lab techs are trained to create and repair crowns, bridges, dentures and other dental apparatuses.

Program Type

No educational requirements exist for dental lab techs, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Many employers simply look for a high school diploma. However, formal training exists and can offer an edge over the competition. College Board, a non-profit that connects students with educational opportunities, recommends the dental laboratory technology associate or certification program.

Coursework

According to College Board, major courses include dental lab practice, dental anatomy, dental materials, partial and complete dentures, orthodontics, occlusion, crown and bridge and ceramic techniques.

Training

For those who receive on-the-job training, dental lab techs can begin as helpers, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. These workers begin with simple tasks. As they gain experience, they gradually learn more complicated skills.

According to the Occupational Information Network, dental lab techs work with tools, such as dental articulators, dental finishing or polishing disks, dental laboratory casting machines, dental laboratory furnaces and dental laboratory lathes. These workers also use technology, such as graphics or photo imaging software.

References

• Occupational Information Network: Dental Laboratory Technicians
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Medical, Dental, and Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians
• College Board: Dental Laboratory Technicians
• College Board: Dental Laboratory Technology

Resources

• Commission on Dental Accreditation, American Dental Association
• National Board for Certification in Dental Laboratory Technology
• National Association of Dental Laboratories