|
Preparation
Most dental
laboratory technicians learn their craft on the job; however, many employers
prefer to hire those with formal training.
Dental laboratory technicians begin by learning simple
tasks, such as pouring plaster into an impression, and progress to more
complex procedures, such as making porcelain crowns and bridges. Becoming a
fully trained technician requires an average of 3 to 4 years, depending
upon the individual's aptitude and ambition, but it may take a few years
more to become an accomplished technician. High school students interested
in becoming dental laboratory technicians should take courses in art, metal
and wood shop, drafting, and sciences. Courses in management and business
may help those wishing to operate their own laboratories.
Training in dental laboratory technology also is available
through community and junior colleges, vocational-technical institutes, and
the Armed Forces. Formal training programs vary greatly both in length and
in the level of skill they impart. Programs in dental laboratory technology
are accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation in conjunction
with the American Dental Association. Explore accredited programs here. These programs provide classroom
instruction in dental materials science, oral anatomy, fabrication
procedures, ethics, and related subjects. In addition, each student is
given supervised practical experience in a school or an associated dental
laboratory. Accredited programs normally take 2 years to complete and lead
to an associate degree. A few programs take about 4 years to complete and
offer a bachelor's degree in dental technology. Graduates of 2-year
training programs need additional hands-on experience to become fully
qualified. Each dental laboratory owner operates in a different way,
and classroom instruction does not necessarily expose students to
techniques and procedures favored by individual laboratory owners. Students
who have taken enough courses to learn the basics of the craft usually are
considered good candidates for training, regardless of whether they have
completed a formal program. Many employers will train someone without any classroom
experience.
Note: Some resources in this section are provided by the US
Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor
Statistics.
|
|
