Discover What it is Like to Work in a Dental Laboratory

Oral fixtures are designed and created by dental technicians working in dental laboratories under the direction of dentists. They produce these gadgets according to the unique needs of each patient in their capacity as manufacturers. A satisfying job is available and minimal formal schooling is needed to work in a dental laboratory. In this blog, we'll talk about what a dental laboratory is, who works there, and how to get a job there.

What is a dental laboratory?

A dental laboratory is a manufacturer of supplies and other items relating to oral health. These labs, led by licensed dental professionals, make products such as crowns, braces, dentures and more. Orders come into these facilities in the form of prescriptions in which a team of dental technicians fills and develop.

NADL

The National Association of Dental Laboratories (NADL) oversees operations from those within U.S. boundaries. Those laboratories who are members of this organization have higher standards and meet specific requirements and regulations from NADL. While not required, membership with this organization grants greater credibility and favorability for the lab itself. The organization also allies itself with other businesses, offering discounts and specialty services.

Who works in a dental laboratory?

Licensed dental professionals or hygienists lead most dental laboratories. In normal circumstances within a dental office, hygienists examine patients for gingivitis and other oral diseases. They also provide preventative care and general patient education. Within a lab, dental hygienists lead prescription management, offering their teams needed supplies such as x-rays and other scans which help them make unique products for each patient.

Dental hygienists vs. dental assistants

While the two terms are often used interchangeably, there are many distinctions between a hygienist and an assistant. Job duties for both vary widely just as the education requirements. Dental assistants are responsible for working closely with patients at all stages of their visit, assisting the dentist during procedures, taking x-rays, taking impressions of patients' teeth and performing general office duties. Generally, this position only requires a high school diploma or associate degree.

Alternatively, dental hygienists collect medical history information from patients, chart dental conditions, take preventive measures with patient's teeth, administer local anesthetics and have minor involvement in surgical procedures. This position often requires a bachelor's degree and commands higher pay.

Dental technicians

Dental technicians make up the teams and are the main type of employee within dental labs. Technicians manufacture dental prosthetics and construct them based on impressions and other evidence of patients' teeth. While not having any direct contact with patients, technicians follow specific instructions given by hygienists and dentists to meet individual patient needs.

These healthcare experts bring art, science and technology together within two types of dental specialties: restorative dentistry and orthodontics.

Restorative dentistry

Restorative dentistry is the study and management of diseases relating to gum, teeth and general oral health. Its goal is restoring and rehabilitating oral functions and aesthetics. The field isn't recognized as an official dentistry specialization.

Orthodontics

Orthodontics is a branch of dentistry that practices the diagnosis, correction and prevention of malformed or poorly positioned teeth and jaws. Technicians in this specialty create prosthetics and other devices for inhibiting overbites, underbites, crossbites and more.

In both disciplines, dental technicians create a wide variety of appliances that move teeth and retrain muscle functions. When formed correctly, appliances place a small amount of pressure onto jaws and teeth, making the appropriate changes over a period of time. Specific types of appliances that dental technicians build include:

• Braces
• Aligners
• Lip and cheek bumpers
• Palatal expanders
• Retainers
• Headgear

How to pursue a dental laboratory career

Honing in on a career within a dental laboratory involves becoming a dental technician. The following list of steps provide a general guide on obtaining the position of a dental technician:

2. Take related elective coursework in high school

3. Earn an associate degree

4. Earn a certification

5. Apply

1. Take related elective coursework in high school

College or technical school degrees are not always required. However, whether or not students make the decision of pursuing the degree, experts suggest they take related elective coursework in high school if available. Some high schools offer pre-college courses in technical areas such as dental. If these courses are not available, apply to advanced placement programs in biology and other related sciences.

2. Earn an associate degree

Some technical and vocational schools offer programs for dental technicians. They often only take 2-3 years for completion, making them a preferred route for those seeking employment in this field. Students gain significant practice in working with dental appliances and explore areas such as bridge construction, overdentures, crowns, castings and ceramics. There are six primary courses prospective students look for:

• Dental anatomy and morphology
• Denture techniques
• Materials for dental prosthetics
• Dental ceramics
• Orthodontic appliance construction
• Partial prosthodontics

3. Earn a certification

While some schools offer certifications as part of their programs, other students seek outside sources. Either way, they'll need a dental technician certification that comes through the National Board for Certification in Dental Laboratory Technology (NBC). Earning this certification requires the completion and passing of two written examinations and one applied examination.

4. Apply

With all the previous requirements met, the next step is to simply apply for jobs in the field. Dental technicians find employment not only in dental laboratories but also in dental offices, hospitals, private practices and government agencies. When seeking employment, keep open options as opportunities sometimes lie in unlikely places. Some employers offer internships within their laboratories. Seek out these opportunities while in school. Experience makes any resume more competitive.

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