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OVERVIEW Dental laboratory technicians are skilled craftspeople who make and repair dental appliances, such as dentures, inlays, bridges, crowns, and braces, according to dentists’ written prescriptions. They work with plastics, ceramics, and metals, using models of a patient’s mouth or teeth made from impressions taken by the dentist. Some dental laboratory technicians, especially those who work for smaller dental laboratories, perform a whole range of laboratory activities, while many others specialize in only one area. Some specialties include making orthodontic appliances, such as braces for straightening teeth; applying layers of porcelain paste or acrylic resin over a metal frame work to form crowns, bridges, and tooth facings; making and repairing wire frames and retainers for teeth used in partial dentures; and making and repairing full and partial dentures. Job titles often reflect a specialization. For example, technicians who make porcelain restorations are dental ceramicists. There are approximately 43,000 dental laboratory technicians of all types working in the United States. HISTORY Dental laboratory technicians are little known to most people who visit dentists, yet many dental patients today benefit from their skills. For centuries people have used many kinds of false teeth, with varying success. Thanks to sophisticated techniques and new materials, such as acrylics and plastics, there are efficient, comfortable, and cosmetically acceptable aids available when natural teeth or tissue are missing or unsatisfactory. Today nearly all dental practitioners utilize the services provided by commercial dental laboratories that handle tasks for a number of practitioners. This was not always the case, however. Until the last years of the 19th century, dentists performed all their own lab work. The first successful commercial dental laboratory was established in 1887 by a partnership of a dentist and a machinist. The idea of delegating work to such laboratories was slow to catch on before World War II, when many dental technicians were trained to provide services at scattered military bases and on ships. In 1940 there were about 2,700 commercial dental laboratories in the United States; there are several times that number today. Their average size has remained small—only about half a dozen full-time workers per lab oratory. A growing number of technicians are employed directly by dentists, most notably specialists in prosthodontics and orthodontics, to staff private dental laboratories. At first, dental laboratory technicians were trained on the job, but formal training programs are now the best way to prepare. In 1951, the American Dental Association began to accredit two-year post- secondary programs in dental technology. Currently there are just over 30 accredited institutions offering such training. THE JOB Dental laboratory technicians often find that their talents and preferences lead them toward one particular type of work in their field. The broad areas of specialization open to them include full and partial dentures, crowns and bridges, ceramics, and orthodontics. Complete dentures, also called false teeth or plates, are worn by people who have had all their teeth removed from the upper or lower jaw, or from both jaws. Denture specialists apply their knowledge of oral anatomy and restoration to carefully position teeth in a wax model for the best occlusion (how the upper and lower teeth fit together when the mouth is closed) and then build up wax over the denture model. After the denture is cast in place, they clean and buff the product, using a bench lathe equipped with polishing wheels. When repairing dentures, they may cast plaster models of replacement parts and match the new tooth’s color and shape to the natural or adjacent teeth. They cast reproductions of gums, fill cracks in dentures, and rebuild linings using acrylics and plastics. They may also bend and solder wire made of gold, platinum, and other metals and sometimes fabricate wire using a centrifugal casting machine. Removable partial dentures, often called partials, restore missing teeth for patients who have some teeth remaining on the jaw. The materials and techniques used to manufacture partials are similar to those for full dentures. In addition, wire clasps are mounted to anchor the partial denture to the remaining teeth yet allow it to be removed for cleaning. Fixed partial dentures serve the same purpose as removable ones, but are cemented to the adjacent teeth rather than anchored by clasps. Crown and bridge specialists restore the missing parts of a natural tooth to recreate it in its original form. Fixed partial dentures, made of plastics and metal, are sometimes called fixed bridgework because they are permanently cemented to the natural part of the tooth and are not removable. A crown is permanently cemented to a single tooth. Technicians in this area are skilled at melting and casting metals. Waxing (building up wax around the setup before casting) and polishing the finished appliance are also among crown and bridge specialists’ responsibilities. Some dental laboratory technicians are porcelain specialists and are known as dental ceramicists. They fabricate natural-looking replacements to fit over natural teeth or to replace missing ones. Many patients concerned with personal appearance seek porcelain crowns, especially on front teeth. The ability to match color exactly and delicately shape teeth is crucial for these technicians. To create crowns, bridges, and tooth facings (veneers), dental ceramicists apply multiple layers of mineral powders to a metal base and fuse the materials in an oven. The process is repeated until the result conforms exactly to specifications. Ceramicists must know and understand all phases of dental technology and possess natural creative abilities. Because they require the highest level of knowledge and talent, ceramicists are generally the best paid of dental technicians. Orthodontics, the final area of specialization for dental laboratory technicians, involves bending wire into intricate shapes and soldering wires into complex positions. Orthodontic technicians shape, grind, polish, carve, and assemble metal and plastic appliances. Although tooth-straightening devices such as retainers, positioners, and tooth bands are not considered permanent, they may have to stay in place for several years. Dental laboratory technicians may work in a general or full-service laboratory, a category that includes nearly half of all dental laboratories. Or they may find employment with a laboratory that performs specialized services. Most specialized laboratories are concerned with the various uses of a particular material. For example, one specializing in acrylics is likely to make complete and partial dentures; another laboratory that does gold work will make gold inlays and bridges. The lab’s size may be related to the kinds of tasks its technical employees perform. Some large commercial laboratories may have staffs of 50 or more, allowing for a high degree of specialization. On the other hand, technicians working in a one- or two-person private laboratory may be called on to do a wide range of jobs.
REQUIREMENTS High School Your must have a high school diploma to become a dental laboratory technician. Useful high school courses include biology, chemistry, shop (wood or metal working), mechanical drawing, art, and ceramics. Any other course or activity that allows you to learn about metallurgy or the chemistry of plastics would be very helpful. Postsecondary Training Although there is a growing trend among technicians to get an Associate’s degree, most technicians today still enter the field by completing three to four years of on-the-job training. These technicians work as trainees under the supervision of experienced technicians in a dental laboratory. Trainees start by doing simple jobs, such as mixing plaster and pouring it into molds. As they gradually gain experience, they arc assigned more complex tasks. Increasing numbers of technicians enroll in a formal training program that leads to an Associate’s degree in applied science. There are currently about 35 training programs in the United States, including military programs. A typical two-year curriculum might include courses in denture construction, processing and repairing dentures, tooth construction, waxing and casting inlays, and constructing crowns. In addition, the student may be expected to take courses such as bio chemistry, English, business mathematics, and American government. Although newly graduated technicians still need several years of work experience to refine their practical skills, these graduates benefit from a program combining academic courses with laboratory instruction. Exposure to a wide range of skills and materials pays off in the long run for most graduates. Employers often prefer to hire new employees with this type of formal academic training. Certification or Licensing Technicians with appropriate training and experience can become certified dental technicians, thus earning the right to place the initials CDT after their names. Certification is conducted by the National Board for Certification in Dental Laboratory Technology. For initial certification, candidates must pass a basic written and practical examination in at least one of the five laboratory specialties: complete dentures, partial dentures, crowns and bridges, ceramics, and orthodontics. Certification requirements also include two years of professional experience for those who have completed an accredited associate’s degree program. Those who have become technicians through on-the- job training need to have five years of work experience in the field. Every year certified dental technicians must meet specific continuing education requirements in order to maintain certification status. Although certification is not mandatory for employment, many employers regard it as the best evidence of competence. Other Requirements Although membership is not required, dental laboratory technicians may choose to belong to various professional organizations. The most prominent among these are the National Association of Dental Laboratories and the American Dental Association. Local meetings bring together technicians and laboratory owners to share ideas of common interest and information about job opportunities. Successful dental laboratory technicians possess the precision, patience, and dexterity of a skilled artisan. They must be able to carry out written and sometimes verbal instructions to the letter because each dental fixture has to be constructed according to very specific designs. Provided by the dentist. Good eyesight and good color discrimination, as well as the ability to do delicate work with one’s fingers, are very important. Although it is by no means a requirement, prospective dental laboratory technicians will profit from experience building model airplanes or cars, and other such work that involves mixing and molding various materials. EXPLORING High school students with an interest in dental laboratory technology can seek out courses and activities that allow exploration of ceramics, metal casting and soldering, molding, and the related skills practiced by dental laboratory technicians. In addition, a local dentist or school guidance counselor may be able to recommend a technician or laboratory in the area that the student might visit in order to get a firsthand idea of the work involved. Part-time or summer jobs as laboratory helpers may be available to high school students. Such positions usually consist of picking up and delivering work to dentists’ offices, but they may also provide a chance for the student to observe and assist practicing dental laboratory technicians. Students in dental laboratory technology training programs often have part-time jobs that develop into full-time technician positions upon graduation. Interested students may also call their state dental laboratory association or a local commercial laboratory to find out when seminars and lectures are held. By attending such events, a student can learn more about dental laboratory issues and techniques and can also talk with laboratory technicians. EMPLOYERS The majority of technicians work in commercial dental laboratories. Thousands of dental laboratories are located throughout the United States. Some of these laboratories are small, with only one or two technicians who perform a broad range of duties. Large commercial laboratories that serve dentists from a wider area or accept work through the mail may employ from two to 200 technicians; in such laboratories, technicians are more likely to specialize in one area. Some opportunities are available for technicians in private dental offices, dental schools, hospitals, and companies that manufacture dental prosthetic materials. Experienced technicians may find teaching positions in dental laboratory technology education programs. The military provides dental care to members of the armed forces and their dependents. The branches of the armed forces train laboratory technicians and have their own laboratories that employ technicians who arc serving in the military. Experienced technicians may choose to establish their own laboratories. Thus, some laboratory technicians are self-employed. STARTING OUT Newly graduated dental laboratory technicians seeking employment can apply directly to laboratories and dentists’ offices as well as to private and state employment agencies. The best way to locate vacancies is through school placement offices. Local chapters of professional associations are a good way to make contacts and keep up with new developments and employment openings. Sometimes more experienced dental technicians can get leads by inquiring at dental supply houses. Their sales workers are in constant contact with dentists and laboratories in the area and often know something about staffing needs. In general, entry-level jobs are likely to include training and routine tasks that allow the technician to become familiar with the lab oratory’s operations. In a very large commercial laboratory, for instance, newcomers may be assigned to various departments. At the plaster bench they may make and trim models; some technicians may do routine minor repairs of dentures and other appliances; others may polish dentures. As their skills develop, beginning dental laboratory technicians gradually take on more complicated tasks. The armed forces also provide dental laboratory technology training to enlistees who will work in the military’s dental laboratories. ADVANCEMENT The best way to advance is to develop individual skills. Technicians can expect advancement as they become expert in a specialized type of work. Depending on skill, experience, and education, some technicians become supervisors or managers in commercial laboratories. Such promotions often depend on the employee having an associate’s degree, so many technicians who began their careers with on-the-job training eventually return for formal education. Technicians interested in advancing can find out about new methods and update their skills in many ways. Professional organizations provide a variety of learning opportunities. Materials manufacturers also offer courses, often free of charge, in the use of their products; outstanding technicians may be hired as instructors in these courses. Some dental laboratory technicians, seeking variety and new out lets for their creativity, develop sideline activities that require similar skills and materials. Fine jewelry making, for example, is a natural career development for some technicians. Some technicians become teachers in training programs; others become sales representatives for dental products manufacturers. Many technicians aspire to own and operate an independent laboratory. This requires a broad understanding of dental laboratory work, a well—developed business sense, and a considerable investment. Nonetheless, most of today’s commercial laboratory owners have worked as laboratory technicians themselves. EARNINGS Dental laboratory trainees earn slightly more than minimum wage. As technicians gain experience, however, their salaries increase. The U.S. Department of Labor reported that in 2000 the median yearly income for dental laboratory technicians was about $26,915. The department also reported that the lowest paid 10 percent of this group earned roughly $16,182 per year, while the highest paid 10 per cent earned about $44,657 annually. Median hourly earnings of dental laboratory technicians in 2000 were $12.88 in offices and clinics of dentists and $12.87 in medical and dental laboratories. According to the National Association of Dental Laboratories, an especially productive or skilled technician may earn as much as $60,000. Self- employed technicians and those who work in smaller laboratories and perform a variety of work exceed the average earnings. Benefits vary by individual laboratories. Additional benefits avail- able to members of the National Association of Dental Laboratories include major medical and surgical insurance, term life insurance, dental insurance, and disability income coverage. WORK ENVIRONMENT Most dental laboratory technicians work in well-lighted, calm, and pleasant surroundings. Technicians usually have their own work benches and equipment. Because some pieces of equipment produce high levels of noise, dental laboratory technicians may wish to have their hearing checked periodically. The normal workweek for technicians employed in commercial laboratories is 40 hours. Sometimes technicians face deadline pres sure, although dentists’ requirements are usually flexible enough to allow for special problems or difficult jobs. Many laboratories must operate on weekends, and in areas where there is a shortage of technicians, it may be necessary to work overtime, with wages adjusted accordingly. Self-employed technicians or those in very small laboratories may have irregular or longer hours. Technicians usually work by themselves, concentrating on details of the pieces they are making or repairing. While the work does not demand great physical strength, it does require deft handling of materials and tools. Technicians usually have little contact with people other than their immediate coworkers and the dentists whose instructions they follow. Work is often brought in and out by messengers or by mail. Successful dental laboratory technicians enjoy detailed work, are good at following instructions, and take pride in perfection. They should enjoy working independently but still be able to coordinate their activities with other workers in the same laboratory when necessary. OUTLOOK Although the overall demand for dental lab6ratory technicians is expected to grow more slowly than the average through 2010, certain job opportunities will remain favorable, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Trainee positions may be readily available, but such positions offer relatively low entry-level salaries. Experienced technicians with established professional reputations can start their own laboratories to advance their careers. The slowing demand for dental laboratory technicians is related to the success of preventive dentistry. Because they are more likely to keep their own teeth, fewer dental patients will need complete dentures. More patients will need partial dentures or crowns, however, which also require laboratory work. As the baby boomer generation ages, they may require more dental care. The reduced demand for dental laboratory work may be partly off set by increased demand for tooth-colored fillings to replace silver amalgam fillings. Although health problems related to the mercury in amalgam fillings are rare, some patients opt for replacement. Also, the affluent baby boomer generation is often willing to pay for more costly cosmetic restorations, such as all-ceramic crowns and dental implants. FOR MORE INFORMATION The ADA promotes dental health and the dental profession through education, research, and advocacy; publishes the Journal of the American Dental Association and ADA News; and holds an annual conference. For more information, contact American Dental Association ( ADA) Department of Career Guidance 211 Chicago Avenue Chicago, IL 60611 Tel: 312-440-2500 Email: publicinfo@ada.org For information on publications, conferences, and certification, contact National Association of Dental Laboratories 1530 Metropolitan Boulevard Tallahassee, FL 32308 Tel: 800-950-1150 Email: nadl@nadl.org Next: Diagnostic Medical Sonographers Prev.: Cardiovascular Technologists |
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