Dental Laboratory Equipment Technician Job Description [Updated for 2024]

In the dynamic world of dentistry, the importance of dental laboratory equipment technicians is increasingly being recognized.

As dental technology advances, so does the demand for proficient individuals who can maintain, repair, and manage sophisticated dental laboratory equipment.

But what does being a dental laboratory equipment technician truly entail?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply curious about the behind-the-scenes of dental laboratory equipment maintenance,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a tailor-made dental laboratory equipment technician job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive in.

Dental Laboratory Equipment Technician Duties and Responsibilities

Dental Laboratory Equipment Technicians handle all aspects of creating and repairing dental prosthetics and appliances, maintaining equipment, and ensuring a safe work environment.

They primarily provide technical support to dentists and other dental professionals.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Receiving prescriptions and work orders from dentists detailing the work to be done
• Designing, fabricating, modifying, or repairing dental devices such as crowns, bridges, dentures, or orthodontic appliances
• Using hand tools or specialized equipment to cut, grind, polish, or otherwise prepare appliances for fitting
• Conducting tests on devices for durability, performance, and safety
• Working with materials such as wax, plastic, plaster, or metal to create dental appliances
• Maintaining and repairing dental laboratory equipment
• Keeping accurate records of work done, materials used, and time spent on each task
• Adhering to all health and safety regulations in the dental laboratory
• Continually updating knowledge of new techniques and materials in the dental industry

 

Dental Laboratory Equipment Technician Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a skilled Dental Laboratory Equipment Technician to join our team.

In this role, you will be responsible for maintaining and repairing dental laboratory equipment, ensuring it is in excellent working condition for use by our dental professionals.

Dental Laboratory Equipment Technician responsibilities include calibrating machines, troubleshooting issues, carrying out regular maintenance, and conducting repairs when necessary.

Our ideal candidate has a strong understanding of dental laboratory equipment and is capable of working with precision and attention to detail.

 

Responsibilities

• Inspect, maintain and repair dental laboratory equipment
• Conduct regular calibration of machines to ensure optimal performance
• Diagnose and troubleshoot equipment malfunctions
• Order replacement parts and equipment as necessary
• Document all maintenance and repair work
• Ensure all equipment meets industry standards and regulations
• Provide training and instruction on proper equipment usage
• Coordinate with dental staff to schedule routine maintenance
• Assist with installation and setup of new equipment

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a Dental Laboratory Equipment Technician or similar role
• Knowledge of dental laboratory equipment and machinery
• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills
• Ability to work with precision and attention to detail
• Understanding of health and safety regulations
• Proficiency in using tools and diagnostic equipment
• Good physical condition and manual dexterity
• Technical degree or certification in a relevant field is preferred

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Dental Laboratory Equipment Technician
• Work Environment: Dental Laboratory setting. Some weekend or evening shifts might be required.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Laboratory Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $38,000 minimum to $52,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Dental Laboratory Equipment Technician Do?

Dental Laboratory Equipment Technicians work primarily in dental laboratories and sometimes in dental offices or hospitals.

They could also be self-employed and run their own laboratory.

Their primary responsibility involves creating and repairing dental appliances such as crowns, bridges, dentures, and orthodontic appliances according to dentist prescriptions.

They work with a variety of materials and equipment like waxes, plastics, precious and non-precious alloys, stainless steel, and porcelains.

They use tools like pliers, spatulas, grinders, and polishers in their daily work.

A crucial part of their work is to mold and shape the dental appliance to match the patient’s mouth perfectly, which requires a keen eye for detail and excellent hand-eye coordination.

Dental Laboratory Equipment Technicians may also repair broken or damaged appliances and adjust dentures to change their shape or to make them fit better.

They often work in collaboration with dentists and other dental professionals, providing them with critical input on the functionality and aesthetics of dental appliances.

In addition to their technical work, these professionals are also responsible for maintaining the cleanliness and safety of the laboratory, managing inventory, and keeping accurate records of their work.

 

Dental Laboratory Equipment Technician Qualifications and Skills

A proficient Dental Laboratory Equipment Technician should possess the following skills and qualifications:

• Technical proficiency to repair, maintain and calibrate dental laboratory equipment such as dental chairs, drills, x-ray machines, and sterilizers.
• Understanding of dental lab procedures and operations to ensure equipment is functioning correctly and safely.
• Attention to detail to detect malfunctions or irregularities in dental equipment and undertake proper corrective measures.
• Problem-solving skills to diagnose and fix issues swiftly, minimizing downtime and ensuring smooth operation of the dental lab.
• Communication skills to explain technical information to non-technical staff, provide equipment usage instructions, and report equipment status to management.
• Physical fitness to handle heavy equipment and spend long periods standing or bending over.
• Knowledge of health and safety regulations to ensure all equipment comply with industry and legal standards.
• Customer service skills to interact with dental staff, answer queries, and provide efficient service.

 

Dental Laboratory Equipment Technician Experience Requirements

Aspiring Dental Laboratory Equipment Technicians should preferably hold an associate degree or certification from accredited programs related to dental technology, where they receive substantial theoretical knowledge and hands-on training.

Entry-level Dental Laboratory Equipment Technicians may have around 1-2 years of experience, often gained through internships or part-time roles in dental laboratories or clinics.

This experience is critical for building fundamental skills such as understanding dental terminologies, equipment maintenance, and basic laboratory procedures.

Dental Laboratory Equipment Technicians with 3-5 years of experience typically have a broader skill set.

They may have gained competencies in casting, polishing, and waxing dental prostheses, as well as skills in operating advanced dental laboratory equipment.

Those with more than 5 years of experience in the field are often highly skilled in complex tasks such as creating custom dental prostheses and may have some level of managerial experience.

At this point, they may be considered for supervisory roles in dental laboratories, overseeing the work of less experienced technicians and ensuring adherence to quality standards.

To enhance their career prospects, Dental Laboratory Equipment Technicians can aim to achieve Certified Dental Technician (CDT) status, which requires a combination of work experience and successful completion of written and practical exams.

 

Dental Laboratory Equipment Technician Education and Training Requirements

Dental Laboratory Equipment Technicians typically require a high school diploma or equivalent as the minimum educational requirement.

Many aspiring Dental Laboratory Equipment Technicians opt for postsecondary education such as an associate’s degree or a certificate program in dental laboratory technology, offered by various vocational schools, community colleges or universities.

These programs usually take two years to complete and combine both theoretical and hands-on training.

Courses in these programs include dental materials science, dental anatomy, dental ceramics, denture fabrication, and dental laboratory safety procedures.

Certification is not mandatory but is highly recommended for advancement in this field.

The National Board for Certification in Dental Laboratory Technology offers certified dental technician (CDT) credentials in six specialty areas: implants, complete dentures, removable partial dentures, crown and bridge, ceramics and orthodontics.

Continuing education is also important in this field due to frequent advances in dental technology.

Therefore, many technicians participate in workshops, seminars or classes to stay updated.

Work experience in a dental laboratory can be beneficial.

Some technicians may start as an assistant in a dental lab and gain experience over time.

While technical skills are crucial, dental lab technicians also need good hand-eye coordination, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently or as part of a team.

 

Dental Laboratory Equipment Technician Salary Expectations

The average salary for a Dental Laboratory Equipment Technician is $40,250 (USD) per year.

This amount may vary depending on factors such as the technician’s level of experience, the location of their workplace, and the specific company that employs them.

 

Dental Laboratory Equipment Technician Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Dental Laboratory Equipment Technician need?

A Dental Laboratory Equipment Technician should have strong technical skills and manual dexterity for handling and repairing small, delicate pieces of equipment.

They also need problem-solving skills to diagnose and fix issues with dental lab equipment.

In addition, they should have good communication skills to interact with dentists, dental assistants, and other healthcare professionals effectively.

 

Do Dental Laboratory Equipment Technicians need a degree?

Dental Laboratory Equipment Technicians usually require a high school diploma or equivalent.

However, a certificate or associate’s degree in dental laboratory technology can be beneficial.

Certain states might also require technicians to be certified or licensed, which involves passing an exam.

 

What should you look for in a Dental Laboratory Equipment Technician resume?

A Dental Laboratory Equipment Technician’s resume should highlight their educational background and any certificates they hold.

Their experience in repairing and maintaining dental equipment, knowledge about various dental devices, and any on-the-job training they have received should be emphasized.

It’s also important to consider their problem-solving skills and ability to work under pressure.

 

What qualities make a good Dental Laboratory Equipment Technician?

A good Dental Laboratory Equipment Technician should be detail-oriented and possess strong problem-solving skills to diagnose and fix issues with dental equipment.

They should also have strong technical skills to handle intricate tasks.

Good interpersonal skills are also important as they will need to communicate effectively with other healthcare professionals.

 

Is it difficult to hire a Dental Laboratory Equipment Technician?

Recruiting a Dental Laboratory Equipment Technician can be challenging due to the specialized nature of the role.

There is a smaller pool of candidates with the specific skills and experience required.

Employers may need to offer competitive salaries and benefits to attract suitable candidates.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve just given you a glimpse into the exciting world of a dental laboratory equipment technician.

Surprised?

It’s not merely about repairing tools.

It’s about shaping the future of dental health, one repaired instrument at a time.

Armed with our indispensable dental laboratory equipment technician job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to move forward.

But why stop here?

Go further with our job description generator. It’s your essential tool in creating meticulously detailed job listings or polishing your resume to perfection.

Always remember:

Each repaired instrument is a cornerstone of improved dental care.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

How to Become a Dental Laboratory Equipment Technician (Complete Guide)

The Stress Meter: Ranking the Jobs That Will Drain You!

Bizarre Careers: The Most Unusual Jobs You’ll Ever Hear About

The Job Rundown: What’s Trending in Today’s Market

The End of an Era: Jobs That AI is Poised to Overhaul