How to Be Denturist - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jun 17, 2021 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Denturists are healthcare professionals who specialize in creating, fitting, adjusting and repairing dentures. They play a vital role in the oral healthcare system, as they are able to provide custom-fitted dentures to meet the individual needs of their patients. The impact of denturists is far reaching, as having missing teeth can cause a range of issues from difficulty chewing to changes in one's appearance.

When dentures are properly fitted, it can improve self-confidence, make eating easier and increase overall quality of life. Furthermore, it can also help to prevent other dental problems such as gum disease, which can result from lacking the proper support of teeth. denturists help to ensure that people have healthy, comfortable smiles.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a High School Diploma or GED. Most states require that prospective denturists complete a high school diploma or equivalent before they can become licensed.
Complete an Accredited Denturist Program. After completing a high school diploma or equivalent, aspiring denturists must pursue an accredited denturist program. Programs typically take two or three years to complete and are offered at community colleges, universities, and technical schools across the country.
Pass a State Licensing Exam. Once the denturist program is completed, states typically require that applicants pass a state licensing exam in order to practice. The exam typically covers topics such as dental anatomy, prosthodontics, and denture fabrication.
Participate in Continuing Education. Most states require that denturists participate in continuing education courses in order to maintain their license. Courses often cover topics such as the latest developments in denture technology and the latest materials used for denture fabrication.
Obtain Professional Certification. In order to stay abreast of the latest developments in denture fabrication and materials, many denturists choose to become certified by the National Board for Certification in Dental Technology (NBCDT). The certification process requires applicants to demonstrate knowledge and experience in the field, and then pass an exam.

The demand for denturists is increasing due to the aging population and rising cost of dental care. This has led to a greater need for skilled and experienced denturists to provide high-quality, affordable denture services. As such, many denturists are now better equipped to meet the demand by investing in specialized training and advanced technology.

By doing so, these denturists can provide efficient treatments that meet the needs of their patients, while also ensuring that their services are of the highest standard. As a result, more people are turning to denturists for their dental care needs, leading to an increased demand for denturists with the knowledge and abilities to provide exceptional care.

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Job Description

Design and fabricate dentures, partials, and other prosthetic dental appliances.
Take impressions of patients jaws, teeth, and gums.
Adjust dentures for a comfortable fit.
Repair and reline existing dentures and partials.
Educate patients on proper denture care, maintenance, and oral hygiene.
Provide patient counseling on health and nutrition.
Create wax molds for denture fabrication.
Prepare teeth for denture fabrication.
Take precise measurements of patients mouth for denture fabrication.
Follow doctors instructions for patients dentures.
Keep records of patient care and progress.
Make adjustments to dentures based on patients feedback.
Maintain a clean and safe work environment.
Keep up with current trends in the field of prosthodontics.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of anatomy and physiology
Understanding of dental and oral health
Ability to take accurate impressions
Knowledge of the various types of dentures and the dental materials used in their fabrication
Familiarity with digital denture fabrication techniques
Ability to adjust and repair dentures
Ability to adjust occlusion (bite) of dentures
Ability to communicate effectively with patients
Knowledge of infection control procedures
Knowledge of dental insurance claims processing
Knowledge of record keeping and documentation requirements
Computer proficiency in dental software applications

Denturists play a critical role in providing dental care. An effective denturist must have a strong knowledge of anatomy and be able to accurately take measurements, create custom dentures, and make adjustments to ensure a perfect fit. They must also possess a high level of artistry and craftsmanship to create aesthetically pleasing teeth for their patients.

Furthermore, excellent communication and customer service skills are essential to build trust and rapport with clients. With a combination of these qualities, denturists can help patients maintain a healthy, beautiful smile while also providing them with dental care that is tailored to their specific needs. having the right skills and knowledge is essential for any denturist to deliver quality care and make their clients feel comfortable and confident.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What is your experience in providing denture services?
What challenges have you faced while working with dentures?
What techniques do you use to ensure a perfect fit for dentures?
How do you handle difficult patients or challenging cases?
What methods do you use to ensure the longevity of dentures?
Describe your approach to educating patients on proper denture care.
Are there any techniques you use to make the process of fabricating dentures more efficient?
How do you stay current on the latest developments in the field of denturism?
How do you handle emergency situations involving dentures?
What strategies do you use to keep your practice profitable?

Common Tools in Industry

Articulators. Devices used to measure the relationship between the upper and lower teeth when the jaw is closed. (eg: Whip Mix Articulator)
Duplicating Flasks. Used to make an exact model of a patients teeth. (eg: Proform Duplicating Flask)
Wax Carvers. Used to shape wax and other soft materials into denture teeth. (eg: Anvil Wax Carver)
Vacuum Formers. Used to create vacuum pressure to form plastic materials onto denture teeth. (eg: Vario Vacuum Former)
Injection Moulders. Used to inject molten wax or plastic into a mould in order to create denture teeth. (eg: Kerr Injection Moulder)
Sprue Cutters. Used to cut the excess wax or plastic from the denture after it is formed. (eg: Dura Sprue Cutter)
Finishing Instruments. Used to refine and polish dentures after they are cast. (eg: Dura Finishing Instrument)
Polishing Wheels. Used to buff and polish dentures after they are finished. (eg: Proform Polishing Wheels)
Denture Base Moulders. Used to form the plastic base of a denture. (eg: Dura Denture Base Moulder)
Denture Cleaners. Used to clean and sanitise dentures. (eg: Proform Denture Cleaner)

Professional Organizations to Know

American College of Prosthodontists (ACP)
National Association of Dental Laboratories (NADL)
National Denturist Association (NDA)
National Academy of Denturism (NAD)
Canadian Denture and Prosthodontics Association (CDPA)
European Prosthodontic Association (EPA)
American Prosthodontic Society (APS)
World Federation of Prosthodontists (WFP)
International Federation of Prosthodontists (IFP)
International Association of Dental Technicians and Technologists (IADTT)

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Common Important Terms

Dentistry. The practice of caring for teeth and gums, as well as diagnosing and treating diseases and conditions of the oral cavity.
Prosthodontics. A dental specialty that focuses on restoring and replacing missing teeth and other structures in the mouth.
Oral Surgery. The specialty of dentistry that involves surgical procedures on the teeth, jaw, and other related structures in the mouth.
Orthodontics. The dental specialty that focuses on correcting the alignment of the teeth and jaw.
Endodontics. The specialty of dentistry that focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases of the pulp and root canals of the tooth.
Dental Hygiene. The practice of maintaining proper oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing, as well as preventive care such as regular checkups and cleanings.
Implantology. A specialty of dentistry focused on the placement of dental implants to replace missing teeth or restore oral function.
Removable Prosthodontics. The specialty of dentistry focused on designing and fabricating removable dental prostheses such as dentures and partial dentures.
Maxillofacial Prosthetics. The specialty of dentistry focused on designing and fabricating prostheses to restore facial features and functionality after the loss of facial structures due to trauma or disease.
Denturism. The field of dentistry focused on providing complete denture services including consultation, design, fabrication, fitting, and maintenance of full and partial dentures.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Denturist?

A Denturist is a specialized oral health professional who specializes in the design, fabrication and fitting of dentures, partials and other removable dental prosthetics.

What services do Denturists provide?

Denturists provide a range of services, including denture design, fabrication and fitting, complete denture services, adjustments and relines, partial denture services, implant-supported dentures, soft liners and denture repairs.

What qualifications do Denturists have?

Denturists are highly trained and qualified professionals who must have completed an accredited program in denture technology and passed the National Board Examination administered by the National Denturist Association.

What type of dentures do Denturists offer?

Denturists offer complete and partial dentures as well as implant-supported dentures. They also offer soft liners, relines and other denture-related services.

How much do Denturists charge for their services?

Prices for services vary depending on the type of service being provided and the complexity of the case. Generally speaking, prices start at around $400 to $500 but can range up to $3,000 or more depending on the complexity of the case.