Exploring the Possibilities of a Dental Technician Career?

Answer 1

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 Requirements

There 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 Conditions

Dental 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.

Salary

According 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.