Dental Technician

Most dental technicians learn the specifics of their craft on the job, though many employers prefer applicants with some formal training. High school students wishing to pursue a career in this field should take classes in art, metal and wood shop, drafting, and science. Becoming fully trained in this field usually takes three or four years, sometimes with additional time to become accomplished. Formal training programs in this field vary widely in length and the level of skill taught. Twenty programs are currently accredited in the United States by the Commission on Dental Accreditation. These programs are generally between two and four years, with some four year programs offering a bachelor's degree in dental technology. Four year programs provide classroom instruction as well as practical, hands-on laboratory experience under the direct supervision of those already in the field. Graduates of two year programs usually need more hands on experience to become fully qualified. Dental laboratories are all operated uniquely, and while valuable, formal training programs may not expose students to the specific tasks required in a given lab. Individuals who have learned the basics of the craft are often trained without completion of formal training.

Dental laboratory technicians create crowns, bridges, dentures and other dental prosthetics. They may also manufacture dental appliances designed to straighten teeth or reduce night time grinding. Dentists send detailed instructions of the item to be manufactured, often including a mold or impression of the patient's mouth. Technicians use this mold to create a model of the patient's mouth that mimics the bite and other movements of the patient's jaw. Based on observations of the model and the instructions from the dentist, technicians create wax prosthetics or devices that are then used to cast the final product. Throughout the process, dental technicians use small, hand held tools to create detailed and precise products.

Aspiring dental technicians need a high level of manual dexterity to manipulate small, hand held tools and precise products. Those in this field also need good vision and the ability to discriminate among fine distinctions in shape and color in order to match prosthetics to patients' existing teeth. Successful dental technicians also have a high degree of artistic aptitude and attention to detail.

Individuals just starting out in this field can expect relatively low starting wages in assistant positions. Because of the low starting wages and a lack of public awareness of this industry, job prospects in this field are expected to be favorable, even despite a slower than average growth in the industry between now and 2016. In May of 2006 the median hourly earnings of wage and salary dental technicians was $15.67. By May of 2007, this had grown to $16.10 per hour. In 2007, the middle fifty percent earned between $12.18 and $20.93 per hour, or between $25,340 and $43,540 per year.

Greene Vardiman Black (1836-1915) is considered one of the fathers of modern dentistry in the United States. He researched several topics important to dentistry including amalgam fillings and the cause of brown stain (dental fluorosis). Black was the inventor of a foot driven dental drill and pioneered the use of nitrous oxide to remove teeth painlessly. He also put together Black's Classification of Caries Lesions which is still in use today with only one additional class. Black was inducted to the Pierre Fauchard Academy International Hall of Fame of Dentistry.

Dr. Rex Ingraham is one of only six people to ever receive University of Southern California's title of Distinguished Professor. He chaired the operative department at USC for more than 25 years and held several other positions in the school of dentistry department. Ingraham has written hundreds of articles and research reports regarding restorative dentistry. He has written two textbooks which are published in four languages. Dr. Ingraham is recognized as an authority in restorative dentistry and occlusion, has received numerous honorary degrees and awards, and has lectured in several countries.

The American Association of Public Health Dentistry (AAPHD) was founded in 1937 and is based out of Springfield, Illinois. This organization is open to anyone wishing to help improve the public's oral health. The broad based membership allows the AAPHD to provide a large network for the exchange of ideas and information. Members receive access to the membership directory and online access to the Journal of Public Health Dentistry.

The National Association of Dental Laboratories (NADL) was founded in 1951 and is now based out of Tallahassee, Florida. The mission of the NADL is to be the unified voice of the dental laboratory industry in promoting professionalism through leadership and integrated representation in regulatory and educational bodies within the industry. Members enjoy discounted and enhanced services through partnerships in the business community designed to improve dental labs.

Open positions in this field are plentiful. The top city, Phoenix, Arizona, currently has over one hundred dental technician openings. Houston, Texas follows Phoenix closely in open positions in this field. Other cities where aspiring dental technicians will find several job openings include Chicago, Illinois, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Baltimore, Maryland.