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

Apr 10, 2021 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

Links

The role of a prosthodontic technician is to fabricate and craft custom-made dental prostheses, such as crowns, bridges, and dentures. This is done through the use of a wide array of advanced materials, including ceramic, metal alloys, and acrylics. As a result of their skill and expertise, prosthodontic technicians are able to create dental prostheses that are both aesthetically pleasing and comfortable for the patient.

As a result of their work, patients are able to restore their smile, improve their oral health, and enjoy improved self-confidence. In addition, prosthodontic technicians play an important role in the field of dentistry by helping dental professionals achieve the best results for their patients.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a high school diploma or equivalent.
Consider completing a postsecondary certificate program in dental laboratory technology.
Get hands-on experience by working as a dental lab technician or assistant.
Become certified as a dental technician through the National Association of Dental Laboratories (NADL).
Obtain additional specialized training in prosthodontic technology.
Take and pass the Certified Prosthodontic Technician (CPT) exam offered by the NADL.
Consider obtaining a license in the state in which you work. Requirements vary by state.

In order to become a reliable and competent prosthodontic technician, it is essential to have the right educational background and training. This includes obtaining a degree in dental technology from an accredited institution, having a thorough understanding of various dental materials and procedures, and mastering the skills required to construct and repair prosthetic devices. Additionally, it is important to stay up to date on the latest technology, constantly hone your skills, and maintain a positive attitude toward learning. By taking all these steps, prosthodontic technicians can ensure they are reliable and competent in their field.

You may want to check Dental Practice Administrator, Clinical Research Dentist, and Dental Supply Technician for alternative.

Job Description

Fabricate dental prosthetics and appliances, such as crowns, bridges, dentures, and orthodontic appliances, according to written prescriptions from a dentist.
Prepare impressions and dies for dental appliances.
Fabricate custom dental prosthetics from waxes, plastics, and other materials.
Check the fit and function of dental prosthetics before final fitting.
Repair existing dental prosthetics and appliances.
Make modifications to existing dental prosthetics and appliances.
Maintain records of work completed and materials used.
Perform routine maintenance and cleaning on laboratory equipment.
Follow safety regulations to ensure a safe work environment.
Provide assistance to dentists during patient procedures.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of dental anatomy
Understanding of various dental materials and techniques
Ability to read and interpret dental models and prescriptions
Ability to use CAD/CAM software for designing and fabricating prosthetic devices
Ability to create wax patterns for casting prosthetic devices
Ability to fabricate crowns, bridges, and dentures
Knowledge of the principles of occlusion
Ability to take impressions and modify them as needed
Understanding of dental laboratory equipment and procedures
Knowledge of infection control protocols in the dental laboratory
Ability to maintain accurate records and track inventory
Good communication skills to interact with dentists, patients, and colleagues
Excellent attention to detail and problem-solving skills

Prosthodontic technicians play an important role in the fabrication of prosthodontic appliances, such as dentures and bridges. As a result, having excellent technical and creative skills is essential for successful prosthodontic technicians. This includes being able to accurately read and interpret dental prescriptions, understanding dental anatomy and physiology, and having considerable knowledge of dental materials and techniques.

In addition, since prosthodontic technicians often work in close collaboration with dentists, they must also possess excellent interpersonal skills to ensure smooth communication between the two parties. Further, prosthodontic technicians must be able to use various machines and tools, such as milling or 3D printing machines, to design and create the desired prosthodontic appliance. Finally, attention to detail is important in order to ensure the highest quality of results in every prosthodontic appliance created.

All these skills combined make prosthodontic technicians an integral part of the dental team.

Maxillofacial Surgeon, Cosmetic Dentist, and Forensic Dentist are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have as a prosthodontic technician?
How do you stay current on new technologies and techniques in the prosthodontic field?
What do you consider to be the key components of a successful prosthodontic restoration?
How do you ensure accuracy when fabricating prosthetic devices?
Describe a difficult case you have worked on as a prosthodontic technician.
What safety precautions do you take when working with hazardous materials?
How do you handle patient complaints or inquiries regarding the quality of prosthetic devices?
What processes do you use to ensure the timely delivery of prosthetic devices?
How do you collaborate with other healthcare professionals when working on cases?
What strategies do you use to maintain a clean and organized work environment?

Common Tools in Industry

Ceramists Wheels. Used to shape and contour ceramic materials. (e. g. to create a dental crown)
Wax Carver. Used to sculpt, shape and trim wax into desired forms. (e. g. for creating a wax-up)
Dental Lathe. Used to carve and drill dental prosthetics. (e. g. for creating dentures)
Vacuum Former. Used to mold and shape acrylic resins into dental prosthetics. (e. g. for creating retainers)
Casting Machine. Used to cast metals into dental prosthetics. (e. g. for creating metal frameworks)
Polishing Brushes. Used to buff and polish porcelain, acrylic and metal prosthetics. (e. g. for creating a smooth finish on a crown)

Professional Organizations to Know

American College of Prosthodontists
American Academy of Maxillofacial Prosthetics
International Association of Dental Laboratories
National Association of Dental Laboratories
American Prosthodontic Society
Dental Technologists Association of Canada
International Federation of Prosthodontists
British Society for Restorative Dentistry
American Society for Prosthetic Dentistry
International College of Prosthodontists

We also have Dental Practice Financial Manager, Prosthodontic Receptionist, and Implant Dentist jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Dental Impression. A negative imprint of the teeth and soft tissues of the mouth used to create a cast for making a dental prosthesis.
Dental Casting. A process of creating a dental prosthesis by pouring a material such as plaster or metal into a dental impression.
Dental Prosthesis. A device that is used to replace missing teeth and the surrounding soft and hard tissues.
Wax-Up. A procedure in which a prosthodontic technician uses wax to replicate the shape and size of a prosthesis, such as a denture.
Porcelain Fusing. A process of bonding porcelain to metal parts to create a strong, unbreakable bond for dental prostheses.
Wax Modeling. The process of using wax to create a model of a dental prosthesis.
Polishing. The process of using various tools and materials to smooth and refine the surface of a dental prosthesis.
Finishing. The process of making fine adjustments and corrections to a dental prosthesis before it is delivered to the patient.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Prosthodontic Technician?

A Prosthodontic Technician is a dental professional who specializes in fabricating, repairing, and adjusting prosthetic dental devices such as crowns, bridges, dentures, and implants.

What kind of training does a Prosthodontic Technician need?

A Prosthodontic Technician typically needs to have a high school diploma or equivalent, as well as specialized training in dental technology and prosthodontic procedures.

How long does it take to become a Prosthodontic Technician?

It typically takes two to three years of formal education and hands-on training to become a Prosthodontic Technician.

What are the duties of a Prosthodontic Technician?

The primary duties of a Prosthodontic Technician include fabricating, repairing, and adjusting prosthetic dental devices, taking impressions and models of teeth, consulting with dentists and other dental professionals on prosthetic cases, and maintaining records and patient information.

What is the salary range for a Prosthodontic Technician?

The salary range for a Prosthodontic Technician can vary depending on experience, location, and other factors. Generally, the median annual salary for Prosthodontic Technicians is $40,000 - $60,000.