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Dental technicians use precision, concentration and patience to repair, replace or reposition patients' teeth. They collaborate with dentists and other oral healthcare professionals to create dental prostheses and improve the condition of a patient's damaged teeth. Learning about the skills they require and reviewing their responsibilities can help you decide if you want to pursue this career.In this article, we discuss how to become a dental technician, explore relevant skills, educational requirements, and key responsibilities in this specialised healthcare field.
What Is A Dental Technician?
A dental technician, or a dental laboratory technician, is a healthcare professional who performs most of their routine duties in a laboratory setting. They develop restorative dental devices by utilising their theoretical and technical training and design removable or partial dentures and other orthodontic appliances. A key responsibility of this role is making dental prostheses that replicate the appearance of a patient's natural teeth. A professional in this position also possesses expertise in metal and porcelain bridge work. The following are four common aspects of their work:
- Fixed prosthesis: These professionals construct implants and create bridges and crowns.
- Removable prosthesis: They make whole and partial dentures that a patient can remove easily.
- Maxillofacial prosthesis: They create prostheses for parts of a patient's face and mouth that a disease or an injury has damaged.
- Orthodontics and auxiliaries: They develop orthodontic appliances and guards for a patient's mouth.
How To Become A Dental Laboratory Technician?
The following are some steps you may follow to become a dental laboratory technician:
1. Complete high school education
A dental laboratory may prefer candidates who have completed their high school education. This level of education may be necessary to receive training for the role. It may also be a prerequisite for pursuing a dental laboratory technician specialisation or certification. Some courses require you to have certain number of marks in Class 12 board examinations, so review the admission requirements of the programmes you wish to pursue.
2. Apply for a dental laboratory technician programme
There are many dental laboratory technician programmes that you can complete in two years. Community colleges, technical institutes, vocational schools and other dental schools typically offer these programmes. When selecting a programme, ensure that a relevant accrediting agency has accredited the course. This ensures that you receive a high-quality, comprehensive education that aligns with industry standards. During a programme, you may receive training for various technical skills, such as constructing dentures and modelling crowns or bridges.
3. Secure a certification or a diploma in dental technology
After completing a technical programme, consider securing a certification or diploma in dental technology. These courses allow you to familiarise yourself with industry practices. By pursuing a certificate course or diploma, you can refine the skills you have gained. Implants, full dentures, partial dentures, crowns and bridges, orthodontics and ceramics are some dental laboratory technologies that professionals in this field typically use. A certification or diploma can help you to secure a job easily and increase your earning potential.
4. Create a resume and prepare a cover letter
After you have completed your education and developed a robust skill set, start applying for dental laboratory technician jobs. Write a resume and prepare a cover letter to highlight your educational credentials, practical experiences and certifications. Consider personalising your resume for each job application. Carefully read job descriptions and align your strengths and abilities with the requirements for the role. If you wish to work with a specific organisation, visit its website to explore vacancies.
Areas Of Dentistry For A Dental Laboratory Technician
Their primary function may be developing dental replacements or prostheses for patients with damaged teeth. They often work alongside dentists but have little contact with patients. Depending on their skills and qualifications, a dental laboratory technician may work in one of the following areas of dentistry:
Restorative dentistry
Restorative dentistry, or prosthodontics, is when dental laboratory technicians replace a tooth or a part of it when a patient loses it. This type of dentistry helps patients perform normal functions with their teeth. In this speciality, a professional creates full or partial denture sets, veneers and crowns.
Orthodontics
This specialisation focuses on removing, adjusting and stabilising a patient's teeth when they lose their proper alignment. This irregularity causes pain and hinders the teeth's functionality. In this speciality, a professional designs braces, creates retainers and develops other alignment solutions.
Responsibilities Of A Dental Laboratory Technician
The following are some typical responsibilities of a dental laboratory technician:
- Examining X-rays, pictures and impressions of a patient's teeth
- Following and implementing an orthodontist's notes and recommendations for specific treatment plans
- Using complex dental instruments to devise teeth enhancements and replacements
- Designing alignment devices using computer-aided design software tools and other dental technologies
- Utilising various materials, such as wax, steel, plastic, composite materials and porcelain, to fabricate dental prostheses
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