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

Nov 5, 2021 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The role of a dental lab technician is to design, make and fit prosthetics, such as crowns, bridges, dentures, and implants. These technicians work closely with dentists to provide dental services for a range of patients. Without the help of dental lab technicians, dentists would be unable to offer the same level of service.

This means that the quality of dental care would decrease significantly, leading to poor oral health and a higher risk of developing serious dental and medical conditions such as gum disease and tooth decay. Furthermore, the lack of a dental lab technician would also lead to longer waiting times for patients, as well as increased costs for dental services. Therefore, the role of a dental lab technician is an essential part of providing quality dental care.

Steps How to Become

Earn a high school diploma or equivalent. In order to become a dental lab technician, you must have at least a high school diploma. High school courses in math, science, and art are beneficial to the dental lab technician profession.
Complete post-secondary training. Most employers require dental lab technicians to have post-secondary training in dental lab technology. Training programs can range from one year to two years long and may result in a certificate or an associate's degree.
Obtain on-the-job training. This type of training is available through apprenticeships and other job-training opportunities. On-the-job training helps technicians become familiar with the equipment and tasks they will be performing.
Become certified. While certification is not always required, it is highly recommended. Certification is available through the National Board for Certification in Dental Laboratory Technology (NBC) and other organizations. Certification can help technicians stand out when applying for jobs or advancing their career.
Consider specialized training. Specialized training in areas such as ceramics, crowns, and bridges can help technicians advance their careers. Specialized training may also be available through the NBC or other organizations.

Dental Lab Technician roles require reliability and competence in order to ensure that patients receive the best quality dental care. To become a reliable and competent Dental Lab Technician, one must have a comprehensive understanding of dental materials, dental anatomy, and dental procedures. they should have a strong attention to detail and good manual dexterity to ensure accuracy.

Finally, they must have excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, in order to effectively interact with dental professionals and patients. With these skills, a Dental Lab Technician is able to provide the highest quality services for their patients, ensuring a positive experience and outcome.

You may want to check Dental Lab Manager, Dental Treatment Plan Coordinator, and Dental Sales Representative for alternative.

Job Description

Design and fabricate dental prosthetics
Fabricate and fit crowns, bridges, dentures, and other dental appliances
Take impressions and create models of patient teeth
Perform repairs and adjustments on existing dental prosthetics
Perform quality control checks on all finished dental prosthetics
Maintain laboratory equipment and supplies
Take accurate digital scans of patient teeth
Work with dental software to design and create prosthetic appliances
Assist in the creation of custom molds and wax patterns
Keep detailed records of all fabrication processes

Skills and Competencies to Have

Expertise in dental fabrication techniques and materials
Ability to create accurate impressions of teeth and gums
Knowledge of dental laboratory procedures, terminology, and equipment
Proficiency in using dental tools, such as burs, pliers, and adhesives
Excellent manual dexterity and strong attention to detail
Ability to read and understand dental prescriptions
Familiarity with Oral Anatomy
Understanding of dental terminology
Ability to craft and repair dental prosthetics such as crowns, bridges, veneers, dentures, and orthodontic appliances
Excellent communication skills to interact with dental professionals

The ability to work with precision and attention to detail is the most important skill for a dental lab technician. Being able to accurately follow instructions and create flawless products is essential in this field. If a dental lab technician is unable to craft quality products, it can have a significant impact on the patients health, as well as the reputation of the lab and the dentist.

Furthermore, the process of creating dental prosthetics requires a mastery of several different techniques, including polishing, waxing, molding, and gluing. With each product they craft, they must be extremely attentive and take care to ensure that all components have been completed correctly. Otherwise, it could result in costly mistakes or even harm to the patient.

By having a keen eye for detail and a dedication to precision, a dental lab technician can create quality products and help improve the lives of their patients.

Dental Office Manager, Dental Materials Specialist, and Dental Lab Technician Trainer are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have with dental laboratory procedures?
What type of dental laboratory equipment are you familiar with?
What types of dental laboratory materials have you worked with?
How do you troubleshoot and repair dental laboratory instruments?
What safety protocols do you follow when working in a dental lab?
How do you communicate with dentists and dental technicians?
How do you remain organized and efficient in the dental laboratory?
What processes and procedures do you use to ensure accuracy of dental laboratory products?
What techniques do you use to create dental restorations?
How do you stay up-to-date with the latest developments in dental technology?

Common Tools in Industry

Vacuum Former. A tool used to form plastic or acrylic sheeting into a desired shape using vacuum pressure. (eg: Used to create dental retainers)
Articulator. A tool used to accurately position teeth models in the same way they appear in the mouth. (eg: Used to create crowns and bridges)
Wax Knife. A tool with a curved blade used for carving and sculpting wax. (eg: Used for creating wax patterns for casting)
Polishing Motor. A motorized tool used to buff and polish dental prostheses. (eg: Used to smooth and shine crowns and bridges)
Porcelain Furnace. A tool used to heat, melt, and fuse porcelain for dental prostheses. (eg: Used for creating custom-colored ceramic veneers)
Dental Lathe. A tool used to shape, trim, and finish dental prostheses. (eg: Used to refine dentures and inlays)
Model Trimmer. A tool used to trim and shape plaster models of teeth. (eg: Used to create custom-fitted dentures)

Professional Organizations to Know

National Association of Dental Laboratories
American Dental Technologists
American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
National Board for Certification in Dental Laboratory Technology
American Board of Prosthodontics
International Association of Dental Research
European Prosthodontic Association
International Congress of Oral Implantologists
Academy of Osseointegration
American College of Prosthodontists

We also have Dental Practice Manager, Dental Product Sales Representative, and Dental Case Manager jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Porcelain. A type of ceramic material used in the fabrication of dental prosthetics.
Waxing. The process of creating a wax replica of a dental prosthetic prior to its fabrication.
Finishing. The process of making a dental prosthetic look its best by polishing and buffing it.
Articulation. The process of making sure that two or more parts of a dental prosthetic are properly aligned and fit together as intended.
Margins. The edge of a dental prosthetic where it meets the surrounding tissue or bone.
Impression. A dental mold taken from the mouth to create a dental prosthetic.
Investment Casting. The process of creating a dental prosthetic from an impression by using wax, plaster, and porcelain.
Ceramics. A type of material used in the fabrication of dental prosthetics, usually a combination of clay and minerals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications are required to become a Dental Lab Technician?

To become a Dental Lab Technician, you need at least a high school diploma or GED and may need to complete a vocational training program in dental laboratory technology.

What type of equipment do Dental Lab Technicians use?

Dental Lab Technicians use a variety of specialized tools and equipment such as 3D printers, milling machines, hand tools, wax injectors, and casting machines.

What types of materials do Dental Lab Technicians work with?

Dental Lab Technicians work with a variety of materials such as porcelain, acrylic, metal, resin, and wax.

What is the average salary for a Dental Lab Technician?

The average salary for a Dental Lab Technician is $39,000 per year.

How long does it take to become a Dental Lab Technician?

It usually takes 1-2 years to become a Dental Lab Technician. This includes completing a vocational training program and gaining experience in the field.