Dental Laboratory Technician Career & Jobs: Training, Salary & Certification Requirements

Have you ever wondered who is responsible for creating the equipment, like braces, retainers and prosthetics that are implemented to help orthodontic patients enjoy better oral health? These pieces of dental equipment are complicated to make, as they need to be strong enough to correct the problem, while also being as comfortable and subtle as possible. Especially when oral problems occur later in a person’s life, it can cause stress to think that they might have to show up to work with a mouthful of metal. Dental laboratory technicians are the professionals responsible for creating, fitting, and repairing the equipment that is used in oral health procedures. Dental laboratory technicians must be able to follow complex instructions and work well with dentists who will be supervising them.

Salary Outlook

Average Annual Salary
$27,200
Salary Range
$22,900 - $35,400

Work Environment

It is most common for dental laboratory technicians to work in small labs that are charged with making the equipment that dentists need. They very rarely are employed by dental practices, and almost never interact with the patients that they are creating equipment for directly. Other places of employment include dental sales companies, the military and hospitals with oral health departments.

High School Preparation

It is essential that young students who are considering a career as a dental laboratory technician get training in basic math, science and English courses in high school. Subjects that should be taken include biology, algebra, chemistry, anatomy and physiology, computer skills, art, sculpting and communications.

Requirements

Those that have completed their high school diploma should seek out a two year training program for dental laboratory work that is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation. Those who already have a position in a dental office or laboratory might consider completing the requirements for a five year long apprenticeship instead of taking the normal college level coursework. Following the coursework or apprenticeship, students must be certified by the National Board for Certification in Dental Laboratory Technology in order to be hired.

Career Outlook

Thanks to the fact that many dental hygienists have done such a good job of informing the public about how to take better care of their teeth and gums, it is expected that demand for new hygienists will decrease slowly over the next few years. However, because people are living much longer than they used to, it is necessary that hygienists continue to be hired to deal with the increased volume at dental practices. Hygienists should focus on educational programs that assist with externships and job placement.

Professional Organizations

National Association of Dental Laboratories
555 East Braddock Road
Alexandria, VA 22314-2106
Phone: (703) 683-5263
www.nadl.org