How to Be Dental Equipment Technician - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Nov 2, 2020 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Dental equipment technicians are responsible for the installation, maintenance, and repair of dental equipment. This profession requires a strong knowledge of electrical systems, as well as a familiarity with the various types of dental equipment. The job requires a keen eye for detail and the ability to stay organized and manage multiple tasks.

As a result, dental equipment technicians must possess a wide range of skills and expertise to ensure that all of the dental equipment is functioning properly and safely. In addition to these skills, technicians must have excellent customer service skills to ensure that clients are satisfied with the services provided. Without the expertise of a dental equipment technician, dentists would not be able to practice effectively, leading to an increase in dental-related health issues.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a High School Diploma or GED. The first step to becoming a dental equipment technician is to obtain a high school diploma or GED. This is required in order to qualify for most entry level positions and to pursue further education.
Obtain a Certificate or Associate's Degree. The next step is to obtain a certificate or associate's degree in dental equipment technology. These programs typically take between one and two years to complete and provide the student with the basic knowledge of dental equipment and its operation.
Obtain On-the-job Training. After receiving formal education, on-the-job training is often required for technicians. This may include hands-on experience with specific pieces of equipment, as well as learning proper maintenance and repair techniques.
Take Certification Exams. Once the technician has gained the necessary knowledge and experience, they can take certification exams to demonstrate their proficiency in the field. This can help them secure higher level positions and greater pay.
Maintain Certification. To remain certified, technicians must continue to stay up-to-date on the latest advancements in dental equipment technology and attend continuing education courses. This is important in order to keep their skills sharp and make sure they are providing the best possible care to their patients.

Being a dental equipment technician requires a high level of skill and capability. This job involves a lot of technical expertise, as technicians are expected to install, maintain, and repair dental equipment. To become a successful dental equipment technician, one needs to have a good understanding of the tools and techniques required to service and troubleshoot dental equipment.

Furthermore, a technician should have a strong knowledge base of the various dental materials and processes, be able to read and interpret blueprints and schematics, and be able to use precision measuring instruments. the job requires excellent communication and customer service skills, an understanding of safety protocols, and the ability to work with a variety of people. With the right combination of skills and expertise, a dental equipment technician can become an invaluable asset to any dental practice.

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Job Description

Install, inspect, maintain and repair dental equipment, including X-ray machines, dental chairs, dental hand pieces, ultrasonic scalers, sterilization equipment and other dental instruments.
Ensure that all dental equipment is in good working order and meets safety standards.
Perform preventive maintenance on dental equipment as required.
Troubleshoot and diagnose any issues with the equipment.
Calibrate and adjust dental equipment to manufacturers specifications.
Replace worn or damaged parts as necessary.
Train staff on the use of the equipment and how to properly care for it.
Document service calls in detail and maintain records of all maintenance performed on the equipment.
Communicate with vendors as needed to order parts or discuss service issues.
Keep up to date on the latest technologies and developments in dental equipment.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of dental equipment and its components
Knowledge of dental office procedures
Ability to install, repair, and maintain dental equipment
Ability to read and interpret technical manuals
Proficiency in the use of hand tools, power tools, and testing equipment
Ability to troubleshoot and diagnose mechanical problems
Excellent customer service skills
Ability to follow safety protocols
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Good organizational skills
Good communication skills

Having the right skills and knowledge as a Dental Equipment Technician is essential for providing the best service to patients and health professionals. A Dental Equipment Technician must possess a range of technical skills, such as knowledge of electrical and mechanical principles, the ability to diagnose and repair problems, and the ability to work on a variety of dental equipment. they must have excellent communication skills and be able to work with dentists, hygienists and other healthcare professionals in a professional manner.

Without these skills, a Dental Equipment Technician may not be able to properly identify and resolve issues, resulting in costly repairs or even further damage to dental equipment. Furthermore, if the technician is unable to communicate effectively with medical staff, it could lead to frustration and delays in the delivery of care. Therefore, having the right skills and knowledge is essential for any Dental Equipment Technician to deliver the highest quality of service.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working with dental equipment?
Describe a time when you had to troubleshoot a complex dental equipment issue.
How do you make sure that dental equipment is setup and maintained properly?
What safety protocols do you follow when working with dental equipment?
Tell me about a time when you had to make repairs to dental equipment.
Are you familiar with the latest technology in dental equipment?
What methods do you use to test and inspect dental equipment?
How do you keep up with changes in the dental equipment industry?
What steps do you take to ensure patient comfort and safety when working with dental equipment?
How do you stay organized when managing multiple pieces of dental equipment?

Common Tools in Industry

Ultrasonic Scaler Used to clean and remove tartar and plaque from teeth. (eg. Cavitron Ultrasonic Scaler)
Polishing Lathe Used to polish and smooth the surface of teeth. (eg. Roto-Pol Polishing Lathe)
Electric Handpiece Used to perform dental procedures such as drilling and filling. (eg. Kavo Electric Handpiece)
Digital X-ray Sensor Used to produce digital images of teeth for diagnosis. (eg. Sirona Digital X-ray Sensor)
Dental Intraoral Camera Used to capture images of the inside of the mouth. (eg. DEXIS Intraoral Camera)
Dental Hygiene Chair Used to provide a comfortable working environment for patients during dental appointments. (eg. Belmont Dental Hygiene Chair)
Autoclave Sterilizer Used to sterilize dental instruments and tools. (eg. Midmark Autoclave Sterilizer)
High-Speed Handpiece Used to perform various dental procedures at high speed. (eg. StarDent High-Speed Handpiece)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Dental Association
American Dental Technologists Association
American Academy of Dental Technology
Academy of Dental Laboratory Technology
National Association of Dental Laboratories
Association for Dental Sciences
International Association of Dental Technicians
National Board for Certification in Dental Technology
National Educational Council on Dental Technicians
International Organization of Dental Technicians

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Common Important Terms

Ultrasonic Scaler. An ultrasonic scaler is a dental tool used to remove plaque and tartar buildup from teeth. It uses high-frequency sound waves to break up and remove deposits on the surface of the teeth.
Curing Light. A curing light is a dental device that uses light energy to harden a special type of dental filling material called composite resin. It is often used to fill cavities or repair cracked teeth.
Autoclave. An autoclave is a device used in dentistry to sterilize instruments and materials. Autoclaves use pressurized steam to kill bacteria and other microorganisms.
X-Ray Machine. An X-ray machine is a medical device used to take images of the inside of the body. X-rays are useful for diagnosing broken bones and other medical conditions.
Intraoral Camera. An intraoral camera is a small camera used to take pictures of the inside of the mouth. It is used to diagnose dental problems and monitor progress during treatment.
Air Polisher. An air polisher is a tool used to polish teeth by blasting them with a stream of air and water. It can be used to remove stains, smooth rough surfaces, and brighten dull teeth.
Amalgamator. An amalgamator is a dental tool used to mix metal alloy powder with mercury to form dental fillings. The fillings are then placed into cavities in order to restore teeth.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Dental Equipment Technician?

A Dental Equipment Technician is a specialist who is responsible for the maintenance and repair of dental equipment in a dental office.

What skills are needed to be a Dental Equipment Technician?

Dental Equipment Technicians need to have strong mechanical and electrical skills, as well as knowledge of dental equipment and tools. They also need to be able to troubleshoot and diagnose problems, as well as have good communication and customer service skills.

How long does it take to become certified as a Dental Equipment Technician?

It typically takes between eight to twelve months to become certified as a Dental Equipment Technician, depending on the certification program.

What are the job requirements for a Dental Equipment Technician?

The job requirements for a Dental Equipment Technician vary depending on the employer. Generally, they include some form of certification, such as a Certificate of Achievement or Associate Degree in dental equipment technology, as well as experience in the field.