0
The following is written by and according to the U.S. Department of Labor and particular to the education and training required for Medical, Dental, and Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians.
Most medical, dental, and ophthalmic laboratory technicians learn their craft on the job. Many employers prefer to hire those with formal training or at least a high school diploma.
Education and training. Although there are no formal education or training requirements to become a medical, dental, or ophthalmic laboratory technician, having a high school diploma is typically the standard requirement for obtaining a job. High school students interested in becoming medical, dental, or ophthalmic laboratory technicians should take courses in mathematics and science. Courses in metal and wood shop, art, drafting, and computers are recommended. Courses in management and business may help those wishing to operate their own laboratories.
Most medical, dental, and ophthalmic laboratory technicians are hired with a high school diploma and learn their tasks through on-the-job training. They usually begin as helpers and gradually learn new skills as they gain experience. For example, dental laboratory technicians begin by pouring plaster into an impression, and progress to more complex procedures, such as making porcelain crowns and bridges. Ophthalmic laboratory technicians may start by marking or blocking lenses for grinding and move onto grinding, cutting, edging, and beveling lenses as they progress.
The length of time spent in on-the-job training varies for each of these occupations. For example, medical appliance technicians usually receive long-term training, while ophthalmic laboratory technicians usually spend less time in training. The length of the training period also varies by the laboratory where the technician is employed, since each laboratory operates differently.
Formal training also is available. In 2008, there were 5 orthotic- and prosthetic-technician programs accredited by the National Commission on Orthotic and Prosthetic Education (NCOPE). These programs offer either an associate degree or a 1-year certificate for orthotic or prosthetic technicians.
Training in dental laboratory technology is available through universities, community and junior colleges, vocational-technical institutes, and the Armed Forces. In 2008, 20 programs in dental laboratory technology were accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation in conjunction with the American Dental Association. Accredited programs normally take 2 years to complete, although a few programs can take up to 4 years to complete.
A few ophthalmic laboratory technicians learn their trade in the Armed Forces or in the few programs in optical technology offered by vocational-technical institutes or trade schools. In 2008, there were two programs in ophthalmic technology accredited by the Commission on Opticianry Accreditation (COA).
Licensure and certification. Three States-Kentucky, South Carolina, and Texas-require a dental laboratory to employ at least one Certified Dental Technician in order to operate. This certification is administered by the National Board for Certification in Dental Laboratory Technology (NBC) and the requirements are discussed under Certification and Advancement. In Florida, laboratories must register with the State and at least one dental technician in each dental laboratory must complete 18 hours of continuing education every two years.
Other qualifications. A high degree of manual dexterity, good vision, and the ability to recognize very fine color shadings and variations in shape are necessary for medical, dental, and ophthalmic laboratory technicians. An artistic aptitude for detailed work also is important. Computer skills are valuable for technicians using automated systems.
Certification and advancement. Certification may increase chances of advancement. Voluntary certification for orthotic and prosthetic technicians is available through the American Board for Certification in Orthotics and Prosthetics (ABC). Applicants are eligible for an exam after completing a program accredited by NCOPE or obtaining 2 years of experience as a technician under the direct supervision of an ABC-certified practitioner. After successfully passing the appropriate exam, technicians receive the Registered Orthotic Technician, Registered Prosthetic Technician, or Registered Prosthetic-Orthotic Technician credential.
With additional formal education, medical appliance technicians who make orthotics and prostheses can advance to become orthotists or prosthetists-practitioners who work with patients who need braces, prostheses, or related devices and help to determine the specifications for those devices.
Dental laboratory technicians may obtain the Certified Dental Technician designation from the National Board for Certification in Dental Laboratory Technology (NBC), an independent board established by the National Association of Dental Laboratories. Certification, which is voluntary except in three States, can be obtained in five specialty areas: crowns and bridges, ceramics, partial dentures, complete dentures, and orthodontic appliances. To qualify for the CDT credential, technicians must meet educational requirements and pass two written exams and one practical exam. The educational requirement may be obtained through graduation from a dental technology program or at least 5 years of experience as a dental laboratory technician. CDT's must complete twelve hours of continuing education each year to maintain their certification. Dental technicians who only perform certain tasks in a laboratory can take a written and practical exam in modules of dental technology. These result in a Certificate of Competency in a specific skill area and do not require continuing education.
In large dental laboratories, dental technicians may become supervisors or managers. Experienced technicians may teach or take jobs with dental suppliers in such areas as product development, marketing, and sales. Opening one's own laboratory is another, and more common, way to advance and earn more.
Ophthalmic laboratory technicians also can become supervisors and managers. Some become dispensing opticians, although further education or training is generally required to advance.
For the source and more detailed information concerning your request, click on the related links section (U.S. Department of Labor) indicated directly below this answer section.
Wiki User
∙ 14y ago
Add your answer:
Earn +20 pts
What degree do you need to be an it technician?
90 degrees
Which college courses are required to be a dental technician?
A high school diploma or equivalent is all that is technically required to enter any dental technology program. To be a dental technician you will need to take Basic Introduction of Laboratory Equipment and Materials, Orthodontic Appliances, and Dental Anatomy.
What school in the Philippines offers dental technician course?
de ocampo memorial college, ceu (b4), nothing more.
Who are the members of the dental team?
dental hygentist, dental technician, dentist,orthodontic dentist,
How do you know what degrees or diplomas you need for this or that career?
what grades do you need to become a dental university
How much does a dental technician earn in pakistan?
depending upon on ur experience and skills dental technician earns 35000rs to 150000rs in pakistan
What Education do dental laboratory technician have?
dental technicians have the knowledge on how to restore dentures,dental materials and prosthetics.
does BMCC has an dental hygienist program ?
BMCC offers a Dental Assisting Technician Certificate.
How much do veterinary dental technicians make?
In the US, the average salary for a veterinary dental technician is $28,000 annually. In Rapid City, South Dakota, the average yearly income for a veterinary dental technician is $22,000.
How can someone become a dental technician?
If one would like to become a dental technician, one could attend a dental laboratory class at a community college. This isn't required though as some places do give on-the-job training. One would need some hands-on training in order to advance in this field, so a class is recommended.
Exploring the Possibilities of a Dental Technician Career?
Dental Technicians work with dentists to create denture, bridges, crowns, veneers and orthodontic appliances that are used by patients to help correct dental problems. Using molds that are made by the dentist and are specific for the individual patient, the Dental Technician uses special equipment to make the actual dental appliances needed. They insure that these appliances are precision aligned and will work properly for the most beneficial results for the patient.The Dental Technician works must have the ability to work with special equipment and materials. The materials include plastics, alloys, steel, waxes, porcelain and polymer glass. The tools that they will need to use include porcelain furnaces, wax carvers and special grinding equipment.Educational RequirementsThere is no formal education that is necessary for holding a position as a Dental Technician. However, there are training programs and degree programs available through accredited colleges and universities that give students the skills and experience to help them succeed in this field. Dental Technicians that hold these degrees and certifications will experience the best opportunities for getting the jobs that are available.Work ConditionsDental Technicians work mainly in laboratory settings where they have access to the tools and materials necessary for completing their jobs. The Dental Technician will need to have a strong ability to perform repetitious work that in a precision manner. They will need a good eye to spot flaws that may be present and a sense of pride in their work.Dental technicians also have the opportunity to work for themselves. However, for this type of career opportunity the technician will be required to have their own laboratory set up in which they perform their work duties, they will need to have an insurance policy that bonds their work and they will need to purchase all of the tools and materials necessary to create the dental appliances they are hired to produce.SalaryAccording to studies conducted by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics the average annual wage for a Dental Technician is $34,170. This does not include benefits such as health insurance, dental insurance, paid vacations, 401k, pension plans or other employer paid amenities that the employee may be entitled to. The actual benefits available to the Dental Technician vary by the dentist or clinic that they work for, the geographical area in which they work and the specialty line of their work.
Does Singapore dental council recognize Indian dental degrees?
No it does not,
