Dental Laboratory Technician Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the realm of oral health, the role of dental laboratory technicians is indispensable.

As modern dentistry evolves, the demand for skilled hands that can mould, adapt, and enhance our dental health assets escalates.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a dental laboratory technician?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the crux of this role,
• A hiring manager creating a profile for the perfect candidate,
• Or simply curious about the ins and outs of dental laboratory technology,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable dental laboratory technician job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s delve right into it.

Dental Laboratory Technician Duties and Responsibilities

Dental Laboratory Technicians are responsible for creating medical and dental appliances based on the specifications provided by dentists.

They work with different materials and tools to construct dental prosthetics like crowns, bridges, and dentures.

The duties and responsibilities of a Dental Laboratory Technician include:

• Consulting with dentists or dental hygienists to discuss the dental appliances needed for a patient
• Creating models of patients’ mouths by using dental impressions
• Designing and constructing dental appliances such as crowns, bridges, dentures, and orthodontic appliances
• Using specialized equipment and tools to create precise dental appliances
• Repairing or adjusting dental devices as needed
• Ensuring that all dental appliances meet quality standards and are completed on time
• Maintaining records of dental procedures and patient information
• Cleaning and disinfecting equipment and work area following safety protocols
• Continually learning about new materials and techniques to improve dental appliance design and fabrication
• Ordering dental laboratory supplies as needed

 

Dental Laboratory Technician Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a skilled Dental Laboratory Technician to design and fabricate dental prosthetics for our patients.

Dental Laboratory Technician responsibilities include creating dental prosthetics, working with different materials like ceramics and metals, and collaborating with dentists and orthodontists to create personalized treatment plans.

Our ideal candidate is highly skilled in dental prosthetics manufacturing, has a keen eye for detail, and a deep understanding of dental anatomy.

Ultimately, the role of the Dental Laboratory Technician is to create functional and aesthetically pleasing dental prosthetics that improve patients’ oral health and confidence.

 

Responsibilities

• Read prescriptions or specifications and examine models and impressions to determine the design of dental products to be constructed.
• Fabricate dental prosthetics including crowns, bridges, dentures, and orthodontic appliances.
• Test appliances for conformance to specifications and accuracy of occlusion, using articulators and micrometers.
• Repair, relines, or rebase dentures and partials.
• Collaborate with dentists or other dental professionals to plan or evaluate dental cases.
• Maintain a clean and organized laboratory to ensure safety and efficiency.
• Stay updated with latest developments in dental technology.

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a Dental Laboratory Technician.
• Proficiency in working with hand tools, dental appliances and equipment.
• Knowledge of dental anatomy and terminology.
• Excellent attention to detail and artistic ability.
• Certification from a dental technology program is preferred.
• Ability to follow safety procedures and maintain a safe working environment.

 

Benefits

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

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Dental Laboratory Technician
• Work Environment: Dental laboratory setting. May require some local travel for consultations with dental professionals.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Head Dental Technician or Practice Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $45,000 minimum to $70,000 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 Technician Do?

Dental Laboratory Technicians work in collaboration with dentists to create dental prosthetics for patients.

They play a critical role in the field of oral health.

These professionals make a range of dental appliances like crowns, dentures, bridges, orthodontic appliances, and even mouth guards.

They use materials like ceramics, plastics, and metal alloys to create these devices.

They first receive detailed specifications from dentists, often including dental impressions of the patient’s mouth.

They then use this information to create detailed, accurate models of the patient’s oral anatomy.

They also use specialized equipment to shape and polish the dental appliances, ensuring they fit comfortably and accurately within the patient’s mouth.

Dental Laboratory Technicians are skilled at color matching to ensure that the dental appliances appear natural alongside the patient’s existing teeth.

They also repair broken or damaged dental appliances, and may adjust the size or shape of appliances as necessary.

Dental Laboratory Technicians need to have a keen eye for detail, good hand-eye coordination, and a good understanding of dental anatomy and the principles of oral health.

In summary, Dental Laboratory Technicians provide a valuable service in dental care by creating custom dental appliances that help improve the oral health and overall wellbeing of patients.

 

Dental Laboratory Technician Qualifications and Skills

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

• Technical expertise to create dental prosthetics and orthodontic devices with precision and accuracy.
• Manual dexterity and fine motor skills to work with small tools and delicate materials.
• Detail-oriented nature to ensure the quality of dental appliances and detect any flaws or irregularities in dental restorations.
• Interpersonal and communication skills to collaborate with dentists, understand their requirements, and provide necessary feedback on appliance design and function.
• Problem-solving skills to troubleshoot issues during the creation process and make necessary adjustments to dental appliances.
• Time management skills to effectively handle multiple tasks and complete work orders in a timely manner.
• Computer skills for using digital scanning or CAD/CAM technology to design and fabricate dental restorations.
• Continual learning and staying up-to-date with advancements in dental technology and materials.

 

Dental Laboratory Technician Experience Requirements

Dental Laboratory Technicians typically start their journey with an associate’s degree or certificate in dental technology from an accredited program, where they acquire fundamental knowledge and hands-on experience in dental laboratory techniques.

Entry-level candidates may have 1 to 2 years of experience, often accumulated through internships or part-time roles in dental laboratories.

During this time, they learn to work with various dental materials and tools, and become proficient in creating dental prosthetics like crowns, bridges, or dentures.

Candidates with 2 to 3 years of experience often have developed their technical skills and have hands-on experience in specialized areas such as ceramics, orthodontics, or partial denture construction.

They also begin to master the use of advanced technologies such as CAD/CAM systems.

Those with more than 5 years of experience typically have extensive technical expertise and may have some supervisory experience.

They are usually capable of managing a dental laboratory, overseeing other technicians, and communicating effectively with dentists and other healthcare professionals.

With further experience and continuing education, they may also qualify for Certified Dental Technician (CDT) status, which further enhances their career prospects.

 

Dental Laboratory Technician Education and Training Requirements

Dental Laboratory Technicians typically require a high school diploma or equivalent as a minimum educational qualification.

Many aspiring Dental Laboratory Technicians further pursue either a certificate program or an associate degree in dental laboratory technology from an accredited institution.

These programs provide both theoretical knowledge and hands-on training in creating dental prosthetics.

In addition to formal education, some states in the U.S. require Dental Laboratory Technicians to be certified.

To become certified, technicians must pass a written and practical examination administered by the National Board for Certification in Dental Laboratory Technology (NBC).

The areas of certification offered by NBC include crowns and bridges, ceramics, partial dentures, complete dentures, and orthodontic appliances.

Each certification requires passing a specific examination.

Voluntary certification in various areas of dental laboratory technology, even when not required by the state, indicates a technician’s dedication to the field and can lead to more job opportunities and higher pay.

Keeping up with the latest technology and techniques is also important in this role, as advances in dental technology occur frequently.

Hence, many technicians opt for continuing education courses throughout their careers.

 

Dental Laboratory Technician Salary Expectations

A Dental Laboratory Technician can expect to earn an average salary of $40,250 (USD) per year.

The actual salary may vary depending on factors such as the technician’s experience, education, location, and the type of dental laboratory they are employed by.

 

Dental Laboratory Technician Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Dental Laboratory Technician need?

A Dental Laboratory Technician needs a comprehensive understanding of dental technology, including the ability to design and fabricate dental prosthetics.

They should possess fine motor skills for detailed work and have a good eye for aesthetics and color matching.

Excellent communication and problem-solving skills are also important to understand and execute the dentist’s instructions.

 

Do Dental Laboratory Technicians need a degree?

While a degree is not always required, most Dental Laboratory Technicians have at least a diploma or associate’s degree in dental technology.

Some states require technicians to be licensed, which usually involves passing a written and practical examination.

 

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

A Dental Laboratory Technician resume should highlight their education in dental technology, as well as any licensure if applicable.

It should also detail their experience in different areas of dental laboratory work, such as prosthetics, orthodontics, or ceramics.

Any additional skills like CAD/CAM technology experience, attention to detail, and ability to meet deadlines should also be included.

 

What qualities make a good Dental Laboratory Technician?

A good Dental Laboratory Technician is detail-oriented and has excellent manual dexterity to create precise and aesthetically pleasing dental restorations.

They must be patient and have good problem-solving skills to handle the complexities of each case.

Good technicians are also up-to-date with the latest technologies and materials in the field to provide the best outcome for patients.

 

How is the job market for Dental Laboratory Technicians?

The job market for Dental Laboratory Technicians is steady, with growth expected due to the increasing demand for dental prosthetics and appliances.

However, competition can be high, so technicians who have advanced skills or specializations, like CAD/CAM technology or implantology, may have better job prospects.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve shed some light on the intricate and essential work of a dental laboratory technician.

And guess what?

It’s not just about fashioning dental appliances.

It’s about helping to create beautiful smiles, one dental piece at a time.

With our comprehensive dental laboratory technician job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take a step forward.

But why stop there?

Explore further with our job description generator. It’s your next step to creating pinpoint-accurate job listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every dental appliance is a part of the bigger picture.

Let’s create those smiles. Together.

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