Dental Lab Technician

Duties and Responsibilities: A dental lab technician is a person who works in the art of science of manufacturing corrective devices and replacements for natural teeth. They work closely with dentists who plan the treatment and place the restoration in the patient’s mouth. There are two kinds of dentist technicians, a Restorative technician who works with patients who have lost their teeth through an accident or illness and the teeth must be replaced to maintain normal functions. An orthodontic treatment is given when teeth must be moved to optimize function or to prevent painful dysfunction. This is an art because they work with peoples teeth and everyone’s teeth are unique so they have to try their best to recreate the patients teeth and try to get the patients smile to look perfect.

Salary:  $28,496

Education: To become a dental lab technician you must train in dental laboratory technology which is available in community colleges, vocational- technician institutes, and the Armed Forces. After receiving the training you must become certified by taking and passing the Certified Dental Technician exam, offered by the National Association of Dental Laboratories. Most of the people learn the crafting part on the job, they begin with simple tasks like, pouring plasters onto an impression and move on to hard procedures like making porcelain crowns and bridges.

Reflection: I think I would like to be a dental lab technician because it seems like a very easy job that pays well. Also you don’t need a lot of educational requirements and it looks like fun job. You have the chance to work with dentists making or molding patient’s teeth. I feel that I would like this job because it is a way to help people regain confidence in people who need teeth.