How to Become a Dental Laboratory Technician

Dentistry is becoming more sophisticated all the time, with new techniques of treatment, repair and cosmetics. Dental laboratory technicians--who make and repair orthodontic devices such as dentures, bridges, crowns and braces--often use artistic skills and agility to create these gold, silver, porcelain, plastic and stainless steel devices.

Instructions

Learn Dental Prosthetic Fabrication

1. Determine whether this is the right career for you. The field of dental technology interests individuals who like to work independently. Their strengths include mechanical ability, aesthetic sense, fine motor coordination, detail work and high accuracy.Volunteer internships and job shadowing while in high school will provide additional information on whether you like this type of work, as well as talking with others in the field.

2. Select and enroll in a training program. Some dental technicians look for work right after high school graduation, but it is easier to find a job after receiving training from an accredited school. There are two-year dental lab technology programs that lead to an associate degree or certificate. There also are four-year Bachelor of Arts degrees.

3. Decide whether to specialize in one particular area of dental technology. Many larger laboratories look for individuals who have expertise with one type of dental work. Specialists work in the areas of crowns and bridges, dentures, ceramics, metal design and orthodontics.

4. Apply directly to dentist's offices and laboratories in your city for a job. If you are still in school, ask your placement office for help finding a job. Openings for dental laboratory technicians are sometimes available through private and state employment agencies. You also should check newspapers and Internet job banks. Consider applying to work for the military, which includes dental care in its service health care program. Each year, the service needs new technicians to make and repair dental devices for service people because of changes in personnel and the demands of the field.Networking also is helpful. Ask your own dentist whether he belongs to any dental associations. If so, ask whether the organizations have a print or online newsletter that lists jobs or would allow you to advertise for work. Find out whether the organizations offer conferences or continuing education opportunities.

5. Consider obtaining certification to improve your future opportunities. Certification consists of passing an exam given by the National Board for Certification in Dental Laboratory Technology. To take the examination, you must complete an accredited dental laboratory technology program and have two years of professional experience. If you are being trained on the job or through a nonaccredited program, you will be allowed to take the exam after five years of work.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider future opportunities for advancing your career. Larger labs hire supervisors and department heads. Advancement opportunities are available particularly for people who stay up-to-date with industry changes and hone their skills.

• Before enrolling in a dental school, find out whether it has received accreditation. If not, it will take more time to advance.

Resources

• National Board for Certification in Dental Laboratory Technology