Dental Technician
Often confused with dental hygienists, a career as a dental technician has nothing to do with hygiene and requires little if any patient interaction. Whereas dental hygienists work in a dentist’s office cleaning teeth of plaque and treating gum disease, dental technicians often work in small labs constructing dental appliances such as crowns and dentures. These prostheses are constructed from molds taken by the dentist, and in most cases a dental technician never meets the actual patient.
Most dental technicians work in offices of five or less people, and enjoy a great amount of independence. With little supervision, dental technicians engage in painstakingly creating crowns, bridges, dentures, and veneers. Dental technicians learn to manipulate gold, porcelain, acrylics, and other materials to make prosthetics. This work takes great attention to detail and extensive training.
New technology is being incorporated into the making of dental prosthetics and dental technicians are now using computer technology to enhance the accuracy and appearance of their work. Dental technicians may be trained in CAD/CAM dentistry, or Computer-Aided Design and Computer-Aided Manufacturing which utilizes imaging cameras, computers, and other equipment to improve the fit and design of prosthetics. A form of electroplating called electroforming allows dental technicians to shape thin metal deposits in order to more easily manipulate the gold and fine metals used in dentistry.
Quality training in conventional and innovative techniques is essential to a dental technician. Although some dental labs will train beginners, it is recommended that dental technicians earn an associate’s degree prior to entering the field. In addition to improving job performance, formal training boosts job prospects and starting salaries.
Approximately forty-five dental technician programs in the United States are accredited by the American Dental Association. These programs train dental technician in basic skills and allow them to choose an area of specialization. Specialization in orthodontics, dentures, crowns and bridges, and ceramics are offered by most dental colleges.
Once dental technicians complete formal training they are eligible to receive certification in their specialty from the National Board of Certification. Licensing exams offered by the National Board of Certification are not required in all states, but a license to perform a specialty is proof of a dental technicians skill and can be a useful selling point in job interviews.
After ten years in the field, many dental technicians become sole practitioners and run their own labs. Capitalizing on both an understanding of dentistry and business, dental technicians are able to gain independence and satisfaction from their careers.