Dental Technician - Career Information

Dental Technician - Career Information Dental Technician - Career Information Dental technicians manufacture dental prosthetics including bridges, crowns,  and dentures. They construct these devices based on impressions dentists and dental hygienists take of patients teeth. Dental technicians also follow dentists written and oral instructions. They have no direct contact with patients themselves. Areas of specialization include orthodontic appliances, crowns and bridges, complete dentures, partial dentures, or ceramics. Dental technicians are also called dental laboratory technicians. Quick Facts Dental technicians  earned a  median annual salary  of $37,680  (2016).38,100 people work in this occupation  (2016).They typically work full time.Most dental technicians work in small laboratories but some work in laboratories that employ hundreds of technicians.This occupation has an excellent  job outlook. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects employment to grow much faster than the average for all occupations between 2016 and 2026. The agency classifies it as a bright outlook occupation. A Day in a Dental Technicians Life These are some typical job duties taken from online ads for dental technician positions found on  Indeed.com: Trim and  pour  denture modelsFabricate porcelain veneers for crowns, fixed dental prostheses, implant restorations, and all-ceramic crowns using  ceramo-metal techniquesBuild and finish porcelain fused to metal restorationsFinish full and partial dentures with and without implantsFabricate accurate models from doctors impressionsMaintain dental laboratory records and prepare reports on laboratory activities How to Become a Dental Technician Most employers provide on-the-job training. You will learn how to do simple tasks like pouring plaster into an impression a dentist has made of a patients teeth. As you progress on your job, you will learn how to make crowns and dentures. If you choose, you can also get formal instruction at some  community colleges and technical schools. You may want  to become certified,  but it is voluntary to do so. Certification may make you a more desirable job candidate. The National Board for Certification, an independent board established by the National Association of Dental Laboratories, offers the CDT credential.   To earn this certification, you will have to take written and practical exams that demonstrate your knowledge and skills in your chosen specialty. What  Soft Skills  Do You Need to Succeed in This Career? Dental technicians need these  soft skills  or personal qualities: Manual Dexterity: As a dental technician, you will have to work with your hands and keep them steady for long periods of time.Attention to Detail: You must follow dentists prescriptions and work orders exactly.Time Management Skills:  It is essential to complete work in a timely fashion.Critical Thinking Skills:  When you encounter a problem, before you can solve it, you will have to weigh all the possible solutions and choose the best one.Listening Skills: The ability to understand what others are telling you is essential. Reading Comprehension: You must be able to understand written documentation as well as work orders and prescriptions from dentists.Interpersonal Skills: Some projects will require working on a team with other technicians. What  Will Employers Expect  From You? Here are some requirements  from  actual job announcements found on  Indeed.com: Strong communication, organization skills, and customer follow upAbility to conduct physical work, frequently lift 15 lbs and occasionally up to 50 lbsOutstanding  telephone  and customer service etiquette skillsNaturally persuasive with some leadership potential mixed inAbility to travelHighly motivated, dependable, individual with a strong work ethic Is This Occupation a Good Fit for You? Is a career as a dental technician right for you? Your  interests,  personality type, and  work-related values  all play a role in your decision. Individuals who have the following traits, are best suited for this occupation: Interests  (Holland Code): RIC (Realistic, Investigative, Conventional)Personality Type  (MBTI Personality  Types): ISFJ, ISTJ, ISTP,  ISFP,  Work-Related Values: Support, Independence, Working Conditions Related Occupations Title Description Median Annual Wage (2016) Minimum Required Education/Training Medical Appliance Technician Makes, fits, and repairs medical supportive devices $35,980 H.S. or equivalency diploma Molding and Casting Worker Performs tasks to manufacture a variety of products $30,610 H.S. or equivalency diploma Ophthalmic Laboratory Technician Makes eyeglasses and contact lenses $30,640 H.S. or equivalency diploma Welder Joins or cuts metal parts $39,390 H.S. or equivalency diploma with technical and on-the-job training Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor,    Occupational Outlook Handbook; Employment and Training Administration, U.S. Department of Labor,    O*NET  Online  (visited April 5, 2018).