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

Sep 28, 2022 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The role of an Orthodontic Lab Technician is essential in the field of orthodontics, as they are responsible for fabricating dental appliances that are used to straighten and align teeth for improved oral health. This requires a great deal of skill and knowledge of material properties, dental anatomy, and plaster casting techniques. The technician must have an in-depth understanding of how to interpret orthodontic treatment plans and make precise measurements in order to craft custom-made appliances that meet the patient's needs. As a result, an Orthodontic Lab Technician plays an important role in creating aesthetically pleasing smiles, as well as providing orthodontic patients with improved oral health, comfort, and self-confidence.

Steps How to Become

Earn a High School Diploma or GED. The first step to becoming an orthodontic lab technician is to earn a high school diploma or GED. High school courses in biology, anatomy, and science will be beneficial for this career path.
Obtain a Postsecondary Certificate or Associate's Degree. Orthodontic lab technicians typically need to have at least a postsecondary certificate or associate's degree in dental technology, dental laboratory technology, or dental laboratory science. These programs usually take about two years to complete and include courses in dental materials, dental anatomy, and dental laboratory processes.
Complete an Orthodontic Lab Technician Training Program. After completing a postsecondary program, orthodontic lab technicians need to complete a specialized training program in orthodontic lab work. This program typically lasts one year and covers topics like casting, welding, and forming orthodontic appliances.
Gain Clinical Experience. Before beginning work as an orthodontic lab technician, it is important to gain some clinical experience in a dental office. This will give individuals the opportunity to practice their skills in a professional setting and become more familiar with the equipment used in orthodontic labs.
Obtain Certification. Certification is not required to work as an orthodontic lab technician, but it can make an individual more competitive in the job market. It is available through the National Board for Certification in Dental Laboratory Technology (NBCDLT). In order to become certified, individuals need to have at least two years of experience working in a dental lab and pass a written exam.

The increasing demand for orthodontic lab technicians has led to increased opportunities for skilled and capable individuals. As a result, the number of available positions has risen, leading to higher salaries and better benefits. This has allowed more people to pursue the career and gain the necessary experience to be successful in the field.

With more qualified applicants, companies have been able to select technicians that bring a higher level of professionalism and expertise to the job. As a result, orthodontic lab technicians are now more capable of providing quality services and products to their clients. This has also led to an overall improved level of customer service, which has contributed to the success of the industry.

You may want to check Orthodontic Treatment Coordinator, Orthodontics Records Clerk, and Orthodontics Laboratory Technician for alternative.

Job Description

Design and fabricate dental appliances and retainers following a doctors prescription.
Take impressions of patients teeth and bite.
Check the accuracy and quality of finished appliances.
Trim, grind, and polish appliances for proper fit and comfort.
Maintain dental records of patients appliances.
Make sure dental appliances meet all safety standards and specifications.
Make adjustments to appliances to ensure proper fit.
Repair broken or damaged dental appliances.
Order supplies and materials for lab production.
Maintain and clean lab equipment as needed.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of dental anatomy and tooth morphology.
Knowledge of orthodontic appliances, materials, and treatments.
Ability to fabricate orthodontic appliances.
Ability to read and interpret prescriptions from orthodontists.
Knowledge of dental laboratory procedures and equipment.
Ability to use dental laboratory machinery, such as lathes, grinders, polishers, and casting machines.
Ability to adjust, repair, and maintain laboratory equipment and supplies.
Ability to follow instructions and work accurately and quickly.
Knowledge of record-keeping procedures and quality control standards.
Excellent manual dexterity and good hand-eye coordination.
Good communication skills with both dentists and lab technicians.

The job of an Orthodontic Lab Technician requires a certain set of skills that are essential for success. Attention to detail and accuracy are two of the most important skills an Orthodontic Lab Technician must possess. An Orthodontic Lab Technician must be able to precisely measure and fabricate customized appliances, such as retainers, brackets, and aligners, according to the dentist's instructions.

They must also be able to understand and interpret the dental impressions, x-rays, and models that they receive in order to create the appropriate appliance. they must have a good knowledge of dental materials and be able to effectively use the tools and equipment of the lab. Quality control and customer service skills are also essential for this job, as Orthodontic Lab Technicians must ensure that the appliances they make meet the highest standards and that the customers receive prompt and satisfactory service.

Without these skills and abilities, an Orthodontic Lab Technician would not be able to effectively perform their job.

Denturist, Orthodontic Sales Representative, and Pediatric Dentist are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in Orthodontic Lab Technician roles?
What do you consider the most important responsibilities of an Orthodontic Lab Technician?
How do you keep up to date with changes and developments in Orthodontic Lab Technician roles?
What techniques do you use to ensure accuracy when creating braces and other orthodontic products?
What challenges have you faced in the past in an Orthodontic Lab Technician role?
What processes do you follow to ensure the quality of the products created?
How would you rate your ability to effectively communicate with dental professionals?
How do you prioritize tasks to meet deadlines?
How would you handle a situation where a customer is dissatisfied with one of your products?
Describe a time when you successfully completed a difficult project in an Orthodontic Lab Technician role.

Common Tools in Industry

Casting Machine. Used to create models of teeth and jaws from dental impressions. (eg: Ortho-Cast System)
Wax Pot. Used to heat wax for use in fabricating dental appliances. (eg: Ortho-Waxer)
Vacuum Former. Used to vacuum form plastic sheets into orthodontic appliances. (eg: Ortho-Vac)
Articulator. Used to mount and position dental models to replicate jaw movement. (eg: Artex Articulator)
Pliers. Used to bend and shape wires and brackets. (eg: Ortho-Pliers)
Acrylic Grinder. Used to cut and shape acrylic dental appliances. (eg: Ortho-Grinder)
Ultrasonic Cleaner. Used to clean and polish metal appliances and instruments. (eg: Ortho-Cleaner)
Glue Gun. Used to apply glue to appliances. (eg: Ortho-Glue Gun)
Bandsaw. Used to cut metal appliances to shape. (eg: Ortho-Bandsaw)
Sandblaster. Used to clean and texture metal appliances. (eg: Ortho-Sandblaster)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Academy of Orthodontists (AAO)
European Orthodontic Society (EOS)
American Board of Orthodontics (ABO)
World Federation of Orthodontists (WFO)
British Orthodontic Society (BOS)
American Association of Orthodontists (AAO)
International Association for Dental Research (IADR)
International College of Dentists (ICD)
International Federation of Orthodontic Laboratories (IFOL)
Orthodontic Technicians Association (OTA)

We also have Orthodontics Records Technician, Orthodontic Hygienist, and Orthodontics Practice Manager jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Orthodontic Appliances. Orthodontic appliances are custom-made devices used in orthodontic treatment to help move teeth into a more desirable position.
Alginate Impression. An alginate impression is a dental impression material that is used to create an exact replica of a patients dentition.
Articulators. Articulators are devices used in orthodontic laboratories to simulate jaw movement and aid in the fabrication of orthodontic appliances.
Plaster Model. A plaster model is a replica of a patients dentition created from an alginate impression.
Final Casts. Final casts are exact replicas of the patients dentition created from plaster models.
Waxing. Waxing is a technique used in orthodontic laboratories to shape and contour wax into the desired shape and design of an orthodontic appliance.
Soldering. Soldering is a technique used in orthodontic laboratories to join metal components together and create a secure bond.
Finishing. Finishing is the process of smoothing and polishing an orthodontic appliance to give it a more aesthetic appearance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of work does an Orthodontic Lab Technician do?

An Orthodontic Lab Technician works in a dental lab to fabricate and fit orthodontic appliances such as brackets, bands, and wires. They also may provide repair and adjustment services to existing orthodontic appliances.

What qualifications are needed to be an Orthodontic Lab Technician?

To become an Orthodontic Lab Technician, individuals must have a high school diploma or equivalent, complete a dental lab technician program, and acquire on-the-job training. Additionally, some states may require a license or certification in the field.

What is the average salary for an Orthodontic Lab Technician?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for dental lab technicians, including Orthodontic Lab Technicians, was $37,510 in 2019.

What are the major responsibilities of an Orthodontic Lab Technician?

The primary duties of an Orthodontic Lab Technician include designing and constructing orthodontic appliances from molds, impressions, and models; fabricating custom-fit orthodontic products; and repairing and adjusting existing appliances.

What type of environment does an Orthodontic Lab Technician work in?

Orthodontic Lab Technicians typically work in a dental laboratory environment, which may include the use of specialized tools and equipment such as compressors, grinders, and polishers. They may also work with hazardous materials such as chemicals and adhesives.