Dental Laboratory Technicians
Also called: Dental Technician, Dental Ceramist, Dental Laboratory Technician, Waxer
What they do:
Construct and repair full or partial dentures or dental appliances.
On the job, you would:
- Read prescriptions or specifications and examine models or impressions to determine the design of dental products to be constructed.
- Fabricate, alter, or repair dental devices, such as dentures, crowns, bridges, inlays, or appliances for straightening teeth.
- Remove excess metal or porcelain and polish surfaces of prostheses or frameworks, using polishing machines.
Knowledge
Arts and Humanities
- English language
Manufactured or Agricultural Goods
- manufacture and distribution of products
Engineering and Technology
- design
- mechanical
Business
- customer service
Skills
Basic Skills
- thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem
- listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
Problem Solving
- noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
Abilities
Hand and Finger Use
- keep your arm or hand steady
- put together small parts with your fingers
Verbal
- listen and understand what people say
- read and understand what is written
Ideas and Logic
- notice when problems happen
- order or arrange things
Personality
People interested in this work like activities that include
practical, hands-on problems and solutions.
practical, hands-on problems and solutions.
They do well at jobs that need:
- Attention to Detail
- Dependability
- Achievement/Effort
- Cooperation
- Persistence
- Initiative
Technology
You might use software like this on the job:
Data base user interface and query software
- Easy Solutions Easy Lab
- Inventrix Labtrac
Spreadsheet software
- Microsoft Excel
Accounting software
- Bookkeeping software
- Intuit QuickBooks software
Education
![Education: (rated 2 of 5)](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20120921044242im_/http://www.mynextmove.org/image/hi_ed2.png)
high school diploma or
some college
usually needed
some college
usually needed
These apprenticeships may have sponsors in your area:
- Contour Wire Specialist, Denture
- Dental Ceramist
- Dental-Laboratory Technician
- Finisher, Denture
- Orthodontic Technician
Job Outlook
![Below Average Outlook](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20120921044242im_/http://www.mynextmove.org/image/outlook2.png)
New job opportunities are less likely in the future.
![Salary](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20120921044242im_/http://www.mynextmove.org/image/hi_sal.png)
$35,590
per year, on average
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