How to Become a Dental Technician
A dental technician, also called a dental laboratory technician, is a trained professional who uses the molds of patients' teeth to create braces, veneers, crowns, dentures and other prosthetic devices to correct dental problems. Dental technicians work closely with dentists and orthodontists, providing them with back-office support. Most dental technicians are employed in commercial dental labs, but some work in private dental offices, hospitals, dental schools or private practices. Read on to learn how to become a dental technician.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
How to Become a Dental Technician
-
1
Enroll in an accredited dental technician training program. A majority of dental technicians enroll in an educational program leading to an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Dental Laboratory Technology. The required coursework will teach you how to work with porcelain, create digital dental impressions and pour plaster molds. Typical courses include dental materials science, infection control, oral anatomy, dental radiography and orthodontic fabrication procedures. You will also gain hands-on skills in a dental laboratory. Dental technician training programs are offered at many community colleges, technical institutes, dentistry schools and vocational schools. Be sure your program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) in conjunction with the American Dental Association (ADA) (See Resources).
-
2
Decide on an area of specialization. Dental technicians can specialize in one type of dental work, such as complete dentures, crowns and bridges, orthodontic appliances or partial dentures. Take courses focusing on your specialty area while completing your dental technology degree.
-
-
3
Become a certified dental technician (CDT). Although certification is currently voluntary for most states, you can improve your chances for employment and career advancement by passing the certification exam administered by the National Board for Certification (NBC) in Dental Laboratory Technology (See Resources). To sit for the exam, you must have graduated from an accredited dental technology program and have at least 2 years of professional work experience. The test is a multiple-choice exam that covers the basics of dental anatomy, materials, health and safety. After passing the exam, you are considered a certified dental technician.
-
4
Become certified in your area of specialization. The NBC also offers certifying exams for those specializing in orthodontics, ceramics, crowns and bridges, complete dentures and partial dentures. The test consists of 80 multiple-choice questions.
-
5
Find a dental technician job and complete on-the-job training. Even with your degrees and certificates, you will have to undergo on-the-job training. Each dental lab has its own unique techniques and procedures you will have to learn.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Aspiring dental technicians should possess a high mechanical aptitude, fine motor coordination, good manual dexterity and an artistic aptitude for precise and detailed work.
Dental technicians usually work in solitary settings. This field is best for individuals who can work independently and can handle being alone.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Creative Commons photo by clstal
