Dental Technician

Duties and Responsibilities: Dental Laboratory Technology is both a science and an art. Since each dental patient's needs are different, the duties of a dental laboratory technician are comprehensive and varied. Although dental technicians seldom work directly with patients, except under the direction of a licensed dentist, they are valuable members of the dental care team. They:

• Replace partial or total loss of natural teeth by constructing partial or full dentures (metal and non-metal).
• Restore natural teeth by fabricating crowns and bridges.
• Correct dental irregularities by manufacturing fixed or removable appliances.
• Complete implantology procedures by fabricating prostheses to fit implants the dentist places directly into the patient's jawbone.
• Replace missing facial and body tissues due to injury, disease, or developmental abnormality by fabricating maxillo-facial prostheses.

Education: Dental laboratory technicians may receive their education and training through a two-year program at a community college, vocational school, technical college, university or dental school. Graduates of these programs receive either an associate degree or a certificate.

                                  

Dental Laboratory Technician

Duties and Responsibilities:

Dental laboratory technicians specialize in different areas of dental and orthodontic work.  Their jobs usually include making and repairing dentures, crowns, and braces.  They work in dental schools, commercial dental laboratories, hospitals, dental clinics, and for manufacturers of dental prostheses  

Dental laboratory technicians: 

• Repair denture linings.
• Choose and mount replacement teeth.
• Construct denture frames.
• Identify needed prostheses repairs.
• Make and fix braces.
• Cast plaster dental molds.
• Clean and polish prostheses.

Average Salary:  $22,000 - $33,000

Educational Requirements:

Dental laboratory technicians must have a high school diploma or GED certificate before starting dental laboratory training. 

Dental laboratory technicians must attend a community college, vocational school, or dental school to learn their skills.  Programs are usually two years in length.

                                        

Dentist

Duties and Responsibilities:

Dentists examine patients mouths, treat patients with dental problems, and provide preventive education.  Many are employed by dental schools, health agencies, hospitals, or professional groups.  Some operate their own practices.  Dentists:

• Diagnose oral problems.
• Fill cavities.
• Perform root canals.
• Treat gum disease.
• Practice orthodontia.
• Give anesthesia and perform oral surgery.

Average Salary:  $45,000 - $150,000

Educational Requirements:

Students should take the most challenging high school courses (including AP or IB courses) available in science, math, and English.

Most dental schools require entrants to have a Bachelor's Degree with emphasis in the sciences.

Dental school is four years in length.  In order to practice dentistry following graduation, dentists must pass a national examination.

                               

Dental Assistant

Duties and Responsibilities:

Dental assistants help dentists provide dental care.  They often work in teams with dental hygienists and laboratory technicians.  They may work in health clinics, dental schools, nursing homes, and the military, but usually they work for dentists in private practice.  

Dental assistant duties include: 

• Helping patients patients feel comfortable during treatment.
• Taking and developing dental x-rays.
• Taking medical histories for patients.
• Sterilizing and preparing dental instruments and equipment.
• Instructing patients about dental health care to include brushing and flossing.
• Performing office management tasks.

Average Salary:  $14,000 - $25,000

Educational Requirements:

Dental assistants must have a high school diploma or GED certificate. 

They must receive additional training at a community college, vocational school, or dental school to learn their skills.  Length of programs varies between six months and one year.  To become certified, dental assistants must pass an examination from the Dental Assisting National Board.