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

Mar 27, 2023 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The role of a dental laboratory technician is critical in the dental industry. Their job involves creating custom dental prostheses, such as bridges, crowns, implants and dentures, from impressions and dental models. To achieve this, these technicians must possess a high level of craftsmanship and attention to detail.

As a result of their expertise, patients can benefit from an improved dental health and a healthier, more attractive smile. their work can help to prevent complications from poorly fitting dental appliances that can lead to tissue damage or infection. Therefore, dental laboratory technicians are an essential part of the dental profession, providing quality care and peace of mind to patients.

Steps How to Become

Complete a High School Diploma or GED. People looking to become Dental Laboratory Technicians should complete a high school diploma or GED.
Pursue Postsecondary Education. A postsecondary education may be required for certain positions and/or to become a Certified Dental Technician (CDT). Programs in dental technology can be found at community colleges, vocational schools, and universities. Training typically takes two to four years to complete and includes both classroom studies and laboratory practice.
Gain Work Experience. Many employers prefer to hire technicians who have prior experience. This can be gained through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level positions in a dental laboratory.
Earn Certification. Certification is available through the National Board for Certification in Dental Laboratory Technology (NBC). To be eligible for certification, applicants must have graduated from an accredited program in dental technology and passed the NBC examination.
Obtain Licensure. Licensure may be required in some states, depending on the type of work a technician performs. Requirements vary by state but usually include a combination of education, experience, and passing an exam.

Dental laboratory technicians are highly-trained professionals who are responsible for creating custom-made dental prosthetics, such as crowns, bridges, dentures, and orthodontic appliances. To be reliable and capable in this field, dental laboratory technicians must possess a combination of technical knowledge, skill, and artistic ability. Technical knowledge is necessary to understand the properties of the materials used in dental prosthetics and how to safely work with them.

Skill is needed to accurately fabricate each prosthetic, often on tight deadlines. Artistic ability is key to creating prosthetics that are aesthetically pleasing and comfortable for the patient. With these qualities, dental laboratory technicians can ensure that their patients receive the highest quality care.

You may want to check Dental Records Clerk, Dental Clinical Coordinator, and Dental Surgeon for alternative.

Job Description

Fabricate dental prosthetics, such as crowns, bridges, dentures, and orthodontic appliances.
Create molds, casts, and models of patients teeth and mouths.
Design and construct dental appliances based on dentists prescriptions and patient needs.
Mix and apply plaster and other materials to make impressions of patients teeth and mouth structures.
Repair and adjust dentures and other appliances as needed.
Document all work performed on dental appliances for patient records.
Maintain supplies, tools, and equipment in the laboratory.
Ensure that all laboratory products meet quality standards.
Train and supervise new technicians in the laboratory.
Manage the inventory of materials used in the laboratory.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Detailed knowledge of dental anatomy, prosthetic materials and techniques.
Ability to read, interpret and follow dental prescriptions accurately.
Proficient in the use of dental laboratory equipment, including furnaces, lathes, grinders, saws, and other hand tools.
Ability to fabricate custom dental devices such as crowns, bridges, dentures, implants and orthodontic appliances.
Ability to repair and maintain existing dental prosthetics.
Thorough understanding of infection control procedures and safety standards.
Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively with dental professionals and patients.
Working knowledge of applicable laws and regulations related to dental laboratories.
Ability to stay organized and manage time efficiently while working on multiple tasks.
Ability to handle customer inquiries and complaints in a professional manner.

A Dental Laboratory Technician plays an important role in the dental industry by fabricating custom dental prosthetics and other dental appliances. Having the right skills is essential for this job. Attention to detail, manual dexterity, knowledge of dental materials, and an understanding of dental anatomy are all key skills that a Dental Laboratory Technician must possess.

Attention to detail is important because dental prosthetics must be crafted to precise specifications. Manual dexterity is necessary to precisely craft the prosthetics and appliances. Knowledge of dental materials is critical in order to choose the right materials for each individual case.

Finally, a good understanding of dental anatomy is necessary to ensure that the prosthetics and appliances fit correctly and comfortably. All these skills combine to make a successful Dental Laboratory Technician.

Dental Office Supervisor, Dental Materials Specialist, and Dental Supply Specialist are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in the dental laboratory technician field?
How do you ensure accuracy in your work?
What techniques and equipment do you use to create dental prostheses?
Describe a challenging dental project you have worked on.
What kind of safety protocols do you follow when working with hazardous materials?
How do you stay up-to-date on the latest trends in dentistry?
How do you handle customer complaints and feedback?
How do you work with other technicians to ensure quality outcomes?
What strategies do you employ to efficiently manage your workload?
What strategies do you use to problem-solve complex dental cases?

Common Tools in Industry

Lathe. Used to shape and polish porcelain materials for dental restorations (eg: spinning porcelain crowns).
Waxer. Used to shape and refine wax for dental appliances (eg: waxing bridges).
Articulator. A device used to simulate the natural movement of the jaw in order to accurately create dental prosthetics (eg: creating dentures).
Vibrator. Used to vibrate and smooth out materials such as composite and acrylic (eg: polishing dentures).
Sandblaster. Used to clean and smooth surfaces of dental materials (eg: removing excess material from crowns).
Vacuum Former. Used to form thermoplastic materials into the proper shape for use in dental restorations (eg: forming orthodontic retainers).
Wax Knife. Used to carve and shape wax models of dental appliances (eg: sculpting a bridge).
Porcelain Furnace. Used to fire porcelain for restoration construction (eg: melting porcelain to construct a crown).
Plaster Mixer. Used to mix plaster for model fabrication (eg: mixing plaster for a dental impression).
Drill Press. Used to drill into dental materials with precision and accuracy (eg: drilling into a bridge).

Professional Organizations to Know

National Association of Dental Laboratories (NADL)
American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD)
American Academy of Dental Laboratory Technology (AADLT)
National Board for Certification in Dental Laboratory Technology (NBC)
American Dental Technologists Association (ADTA)
International Academy of Dental Facial Esthetics (IADFE)
World Congress of Dentistry (WCD)
Association of Professional Dental Technologists (APDT)
International Association of Dental Research (IADR)
Academy of Dental Materials (ADM)

We also have Dental Care Coordinator, Dental Treatment Planner, and Dental Records Technician jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Dental Ceramics. A specialized field of dentistry that involves creating and restoring dental prostheses, such as crowns, bridges, and implants, from porcelain or ceramic materials.
Dental Impressions. An impression taken of the mouth to create a negative mold from which a positive dental prosthesis can be created.
Dental Casting. The process of making a replica of a patients teeth by pouring a liquid material into a dental impression.
Dental Waxing. The process of creating a wax model of a patients teeth to be used in the construction of a dental prosthesis.
Finishing and Polishing. The process of smoothing and polishing the surfaces of the dental prosthesis to make it look natural.
Articulation. The process of making sure that the teeth in a dental prosthesis fit together properly and move as they should.
Porcelain Fusion. The process of bonding porcelain to metal to create a stronger and more durable dental prosthesis.
Digital Dentistry. A modern approach to dentistry that involves using computer-aided design software to create virtual models of teeth.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a Dental Laboratory Technician do?

Dental Laboratory Technicians fabricate prosthetic and orthodontic dental devices such as crowns, bridges, dentures, splints, and braces from materials such as wax, plastics, metals, and ceramics.

What qualifications are required to become a Dental Laboratory Technician?

Dental Laboratory Technicians typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and may need to complete a postsecondary certificate program or apprenticeship to gain the necessary skills and knowledge.

What are the job duties of a Dental Laboratory Technician?

Dental Laboratory Technicians may be responsible for preparing models of teeth and mouth structures using wax or plaster; fabricating crowns, bridges, dentures, and other dental prostheses; polishing and finishing dental prostheses; and inspecting the quality of their work.