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

When a person does not take proper care of their oral health, it can lead to a variety of dental issues. These issues, if left untreated, can cause further discomfort, pain and an increased risk of developing serious diseases. To combat these issues, a person may need to visit a dental technician who is trained in the repair and maintenance of teeth and gums.

Dental technicians create dentures, crowns, bridges and other prosthetic devices to replace missing or damaged teeth. In addition, they provide preventive services such as cleanings, X-rays and fluoride treatments in order to keep teeth and gums healthy. Visiting a dental technician regularly will help to ensure that any potential dental issues are identified and addressed quickly, minimizing discomfort and ensuring a healthier smile.

Steps How to Become

  1. Obtain a high school diploma or GED. Many employers prefer dental technicians to have at least a high school diploma or GED.
  2. Gain experience. Participate in a dental assistant or dental technology program or apprenticeship. This will help you gain experience in the field and learn the skills needed to become a dental technician.
  3. Become certified. Most states require dental technicians to be certified by the American Dental Association (ADA). Certification is required to be eligible for most positions as a dental technician.
  4. Obtain a license. Depending on the state, dental technicians may be required to obtain a license in order to practice as a technician. Licensing requirements vary by state, so check with your state’s board of dentistry for more information.
  5. Attend continuing education courses. Most states require dental technicians to take continuing education courses in order to maintain their certification and license. Check with your state’s board of dentistry for more information on what courses are required.

The importance of staying ahead and efficient as a dental technician cannot be overstated. Effectively managing time and resources is essential to being successful in this profession. One of the most important strategies for doing this is to stay organized.

Keeping up to date on the latest technology, techniques and materials can help cut down on time spent on tasks, while staying up to date on regulations and procedures helps ensure compliance with legal regulations. Investing in continuing education and training can also help you stay ahead of the competition. Finally, having a good relationship with suppliers and other professionals in the industry can help you access the best resources and get the job done quickly and efficiently.

By investing in these strategies, dental technicians can increase their efficiency and stay ahead of the competition.

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Job Description

  1. Design and fabricate dental prosthesis such as crowns, bridges, dentures, and other dental appliances.
  2. Take impressions of teeth, using alginate or plaster.
  3. Prepare models of the teeth and surrounding structures using plaster, plastic, and other materials.
  4. Design and fabricate dental prosthetic appliances from wax, plastic, and other materials.
  5. Set teeth in wax to evaluate the fit and appearance of the prosthesis before fabrication.
  6. Modify and adjust prostheses for proper fit and comfort.
  7. Polish and finish dentures and other dental appliances.
  8. Repair existing dentures or other appliances as needed.
  9. Monitor inventory of supplies and materials.
  10. Maintain laboratory instruments and equipment in safe working condition.

Skills and Competencies to Have

  1. Knowledge of dental anatomy, materials, and procedures.
  2. Ability to read and interpret dental prescriptions and diagrams.
  3. Knowledge of dental laboratory equipment and processes.
  4. Skill in developing prosthetic restorations and appliances.
  5. Ability to fabricate accurate, high-quality dental prosthetics.
  6. Strong communication skills for interacting with dentists and patients.
  7. Ability to multi-task and work in a fast-paced environment.
  8. Knowledge of infection control protocols and safety procedures.
  9. Excellent organizational skills for managing multiple projects.
  10. Strong attention to detail for achieving precise results.

Having the right skills is key to becoming a successful dental technician. One of the most important skills to have is the ability to pay close attention to detail. This includes being able to accurately follow instructions, paying close attention to the shape, size and color of the restoration, and being able to recognize any imperfections in the process.

having a good understanding of dental anatomy and how different types of materials interact is essential. Finally, having a good sense of time management can help dental technicians stay on top of their work and meet deadlines. All of these skills combined will enable dental technicians to produce high-quality results and gain the trust of their clients.

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Frequent Interview Questions

  • What experience do you have in dentistry?
  • How do you keep up with the latest technologies and techniques used in dental technology?
  • What safety protocols do you follow when working with dental equipment and materials?
  • Describe a difficult dental technology project you have worked on and how you overcame the challenge.
  • What do you think are the most important qualities for a successful dental technician?
  • What is your experience working with different types of patients?
  • How do you handle stress when working with multiple dental projects?
  • Describe your experience with creating crowns, bridges, and implants.
  • How do you ensure accuracy when working with dental impressions?
  • What do you consider to be your greatest accomplishment as a dental technician?

Common Tools in Industry

  1. Wax Carving Knife. Used to carve and shape dental wax into desired forms (eg: creating a dental crown).
  2. Porcelain Oven. Used to fire and harden ceramic materials used for dental restorations (eg: porcelain bridges).
  3. Porcelain Slurry. A mixture of porcelain powder and water used to form porcelain dental restorations (eg: veneers).
  4. Casting Machine. Used to create metal structures such as frames and frameworks for dental restorations (eg: bridges).
  5. Lathe. Used to shape and polish dental prosthetics (eg: dentures).
  6. Articulator. A device used to simulate jaw movements and help create dental prosthetics (eg: crowns).
  7. Finishing Stones. Used to smooth and polish dental prosthetics (eg: crowns, bridges, etc. ).
  8. Impression Trays. Used to create a mold of a patient's teeth for use in creating dental restorations (eg: dentures).
  9. Dental Plaster. Used to create casts from dental impressions (eg: for making dentures).
  10. Jeweler's Loupe. Used to inspect the quality of dental work (eg: checking for imperfections in a porcelain bridge).

Professional Organizations to Know

  1. American Dental Technologists
  2. National Association of Dental Laboratories
  3. American Society of Dental Technicians
  4. National Association of Dental Laboratories
  5. American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
  6. American Association of Orthodontists
  7. Academy of Prosthodontics
  8. American College of Prosthodontists
  9. American Board of Prosthodontics
  10. International Academy of Prosthodontics

We also have Dental Scheduling Coordinator, Dental Practice Manager, and Dental Office Assistant jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

  1. Prosthodontics. Prosthodontics is a specialized field of dentistry that focuses on the restoration and replacement of teeth with artificial materials.
  2. Cosmetic Dentistry. Cosmetic dentistry is a branch of dentistry that focuses on improving the appearance of a person’s teeth, mouth, and smile.
  3. Dental Implant. A dental implant is a metal post or frame that is inserted into the jawbone to replace a missing tooth.
  4. Orthodontics. Orthodontics is a specialty of dentistry that deals with the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental and facial irregularities.
  5. Endodontics. Endodontics is a specialty of dentistry focused on the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the dental pulp, root canal therapy and other procedures related to the interior of the teeth.
  6. Periodontics. Periodontics is a specialty of dentistry that deals with the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the supporting and surrounding tissues of the teeth.
  7. Oral Surgery. Oral surgery is a specialty of dentistry focused on the diagnosis and treatment of diseases, injuries, and defects related to the mouth, teeth, jaws, face, and neck.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Dental Technician?

A Dental Technician is a skilled professional who fabricates and repairs dental prosthetics, such as crowns, bridges, dentures, and orthodontic appliances, as prescribed by a dentist.

What type of qualifications are required to become a Dental Technician?

To become a Dental Technician, individuals must complete a two-year accredited program in dental technology and pass the National Board for Certification in Dental Laboratory Technology exam.

What does a Dental Technician do on a daily basis?

On a daily basis, a Dental Technician may use various materials such as porcelain, acrylics, metals, and wax to fabricate and repair dental prosthetics. They may also use digital technologies such as 3D printing to create dental prosthetics.

What is the average salary of a Dental Technician?

The average salary of a Dental Technician ranges from $27,000 to $60,000 per year depending on experience and location.

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

It typically takes two years to complete an accredited program in dental technology and earn the necessary qualifications to become a qualified Dental Technician.

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