How much money do Dental Lab Technicians make?

According to the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statiscis, in 2004, Dental Laboratory Technicians earned about $50,000 each year.  Median hourly earnings of dental laboratory technicians were $14.93 in May 2004. The middle 50 percent earned between $11.18 and $19.71 an hour. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $8.86, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $25.48 an hour. Median hourly earnings of dental laboratory technicians in May 2004 were $15.95 in offices of dentists and $14.40 in medical equipment and supplies manufacturing.

Dental technicians in large laboratories tend to specialize in a few procedures and, therefore, tend to be paid a lower wage than those employed in small laboratories who perform a variety of tasks.

What is the job outlook for Dental Laboratory Technicians?

According to the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statiscis, job opportunities for medical, dental, and ophthalmic laboratory technicians should be favorable despite expected slower-than-average growth in overall employment through the year 2014. Employers have difficulty filling trainee positions, probably because entry-level salaries are relatively low and because the public is not familiar with these occupations. Most job openings will arise from the need to replace technicians who transfer to other occupations or who leave the labor force.

What do Dental Laboratory Technicians do?

According to the U.S. Department of Labor Bureauof Labor Statistics, dental laboratory technicians fill prescriptions from dentists for crowns, bridges, dentures, and other dental prosthetics.  First, dentists send a specification of the item to be manufactured, along with an impression (mold) of the patient’s mouth or teeth. Then, dental laboratory technicians, also called dental technicians, create a model of the patient’s mouth by pouring plaster into the impression and allowing it to set. Next, they place the model on an apparatus that mimics the bite and movement of the patient’s jaw. The model serves as the basis of the prosthetic device. Technicians examine the model, noting the size and shape of the adjacent teeth, as well as gaps within the gumline. Based upon these observations and the dentist’s specifications, technicians build and shape a wax tooth or teeth model, using small hand instruments called wax spatulas and wax carvers. They use this wax model to cast the metal framework for the prosthetic device.

After the wax tooth has been formed, dental technicians pour the cast and form the metal and, using small hand-held tools, prepare the surface to allow the metal and porcelain to bond. They then apply porcelain in layers, to arrive at the precise shape and color of a tooth. Technicians place the tooth in a porcelain furnace to bake the porcelain onto the metal framework, and then adjust the shape and color, with subsequent grinding and addition of porcelain to achieve a sealed finish. The final product is a nearly exact replica of the lost tooth or teeth.

In some laboratories, technicians perform all stages of the work, whereas, in other labs, each technician does only a few. Dental laboratory technicians can specialize in 1 of 5 areas: orthodontic appliances, crowns and bridges, complete dentures, partial dentures, or ceramics. Job titles can reflect specialization in these areas. For example, technicians who make porcelain and acrylic restorations are called dental ceramists.

Students who enroll in this dental laboratory technology (DNL) career studies certificate program offered through distance education track will learn primarily by engaging in independent study using learning resources and on-line learning packages. Students do not attend regular classroom-based lectures. To be successful in learning by independent study, the student should be highly self direct and motivated. Students will also have access to DNL faculty for additional assistance in learning. Supervised dental laboratory experience arranged by the DNL faculty will accompany the independent study preparations in which the student engages. Students will return to JSRCC to participate in some laboratory practical, midterm, and final evaluation .

The laboratory supervisor will be directly involved with the learning process. The technician will be learning in the laboratory with the laboratory manager supervising. Equipment, materials, and laboratory procedures will be incorporated into the learning experience. The laboratory supervisor may choose to use this as a training tool for new employees or to assess the skills of an employee for advancement. The college faculty will work to assist the laboratory supervisor in developing their employee's skills by providing printed materials for the purpose of practical evaluation tool sand check points. Course work may include the use of the Internet and e-mail as determined by the instructor.