Lab Technician

As the demands for dental care providers increase, so does the demand for careers in other areas of dental care. Besides being a Dentist, there are several other career paths to choose from. One of those careers is the job of a Dental Laboratory Technician.

If you want a rewarding career working in the health care industry, while you work independently, and with your hands, then working as a Dental laboratory Assistant may be for you. Dental Lab Assistants seldom work directly with the patients. However, they work very close with the Dentist at their respective offices. Because the needs of each patient differ from one to the next, a Dental Lab Technician's duties vary greatly and change from patient to patient. Dental Technicians work with a vast supply of dental materials, including porcelains, alloys, waxes, plastics and composites.

Dental Technicians are responsible for casting and making molds for a variety of dental and orthodontic procedures. One of these procedures includes the construction of veneers, helping the patient function and look better. Dental technicians also make items like braces and retainers to correct problems such as crooked teeth and overbites. Most Dental Lab Technicians work in specialty commercial dental laboratories that provide a wide array of dental prosthetics. Other places for Dental Lab techs to work are hospitals, private dental practices, dental manufacturers and dental schools. They can also start their own dental lab or private practice. Some Dental Lab Techs are even employed by sports teams along with team Doctors and Dentists.

To become a Dental Technician, you must have a high school diploma or G.E.D. After that, there are many programs and degree courses to choose from to obtain certification in Dental Laboratory Technology. Most universities, junior and community colleges offer two and four year degree programs. In addition many technological, and vocational schools, as well as most dental schools have degree and certification programs. Upon receiving a degree or certificate, a prospective Dental Lab Tech must become certified by taking and passing a specific examination to determine their knowledge and skill of Dental Technology. After you pass you examination and become accredited you can then specialize in any of the different fields: orthodontics, complete or partial dentures, ceramics, or bridges and crowns.

The average Dental Lab Technician can expect to earn on average between roughly $34,000 and $57,000 annually. Those who start their own companies or practices can earn considerably more, but often have to put in more hours and be much more fixated on their companies. These pay estimates are based on location, experience, and demand in your area for the services you are providing.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics the demand for Dental Lab Technicians is only expected to grow 5% in the next 10 years, but they say the market for these jobs are still high because not many people seek out these positions and the market is already lacking for qualified people to fill the jobs. The demand from the growing desire to have color matched and brighter white crowns, bridges, fillings, and dentures will keep this position in fairly high demand for the near future and beyond.