Dental Laboratory Technicians

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This occupation is part of the Production cluster

About the Job

Construct and repair full or partial dentures or dental appliances.

It is also Called

  • Ceramist
  • Crown and Bridge Dental Lab Technician
  • Crown and Bridge Technician
  • Crown Ceramist
  • Dental Appliance Fixer
  • Dental Appliance Mechanic
  • Dental Appliance Repairer
  • Dental Ceramist
  • Dental Ceramist Assistant
  • Dental Equipment Installer and Servicer

What They Do

  • Read prescriptions or specifications and examine models or impressions to determine the design of dental products to be constructed.
  • Fabricate, alter, or repair dental devices, such as dentures, crowns, bridges, inlays, or appliances for straightening teeth.
  • Remove excess metal or porcelain and polish surfaces of prostheses or frameworks, using polishing machines.
  • Melt metals or mix plaster, porcelain, or acrylic pastes and pour materials into molds or over frameworks to form dental prostheses or apparatus.
  • Test appliances for conformance to specifications and accuracy of occlusion, using articulators and micrometers.
  • Apply porcelain paste or wax over prosthesis frameworks or setups, using brushes and spatulas.
  • Place tooth models on apparatus that mimics bite and movement of patient's jaw to evaluate functionality of model.
  • Create a model of patient's mouth by pouring plaster into a dental impression and allowing plaster to set.
  • Train or supervise other dental technicians or dental laboratory bench workers.
  • Build and shape wax teeth, using small hand instruments and information from observations or dentists' specifications.

Interests

People who work in this occupation generally have the interest code: RIC.

This means people who work in this occupation generally have Realistic interests, but also prefer Investigative and Conventional environments.

Work Values

People who work in this occupation generally prize Support, but also value Independence and Working Conditions in their jobs.

Things They Need to Know

  • English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
  • Production and Processing - Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
  • Design - Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
  • Customer and Personal Service - Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
  • Education and Training - Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

Things They Need to Be Able to Do

  • Time Management - Managing one's own time and the time of others.
  • Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
  • Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
  • Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
  • Quality Control Analysis - Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
  • Operation Monitoring - Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
  • Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Education Required

These occupations usually require a high school diploma.

Wages

In 2012, the average annual wage in California was $43,730.00 with most people making between $23,450.00 and $72,100.00

Outlook

0.22%
avg. annual growth

During 2010, this occupation employed approximately 4,500 people in California. It is projected that there will be 4,600 employed in 2020.

This occupation will have about 10 openings due to growth and about 140 replacement openings for approximately 150 total annual openings.

Common College Majors

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