Dental laboratory technology degree overview

A dental laboratory technology degree prepares students to create dental prosthetics and appliances. Dental laboratory technicians work with dentists to produce custom-made devices such as crowns, bridges, dentures, and orthodontic appliances. They use materials like metals, ceramics, and plastics to fabricate devices that help improve patients’ oral health and appearance. This degree focuses on developing the technical skills needed to create precise and functional dental products.

Students in a dental laboratory technology program learn how to take detailed impressions, mold dental materials, and use specialized equipment to shape and design dental prosthetics. They also study the science behind dental materials, such as how they react to stress, temperature, and wear. This knowledge helps them create durable and comfortable dental solutions for patients.

Program options for a dental laboratory technology degree include several levels of education:

• Associate Degree in Dental Laboratory Technology: This is the most common program, typically taking about two years to complete. It combines classroom instruction with hands-on experience to teach students how to design, fabricate, and repair dental prosthetics.
• Diploma in Dental Laboratory Technology: This shorter program can take less than two years and focuses more on practical skills, offering a quicker path to entering the workforce as a dental laboratory technician.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Dental Laboratory Technology: Some universities offer a bachelor’s degree program for those looking to further specialize or move into higher-level positions in dental technology. This program provides more in-depth study, and can take four years to complete.

Skills learned in a dental laboratory technology degree program include:

• Dental Prosthetics Fabrication: Students learn how to design and create custom dental prosthetics, such as crowns, bridges, dentures, and implants, using materials like ceramics, metals, and resins. This involves understanding the anatomy of teeth and the proper fit for each patient.
• Dental Casting and Molding: Students master the techniques used to create molds of teeth and gums. They learn to work with casting materials to make accurate impressions, which are used to create prosthetics that fit well and function properly.
• Use of Dental Equipment: Students become proficient in using a variety of dental lab equipment, such as casting machines, ovens, 3D printers, and other tools to mold, shape, and refine dental prosthetics.
• Material Knowledge: They gain knowledge of different materials used in dental technology, such as metals, ceramics, plastics, and composites, and learn how to select and work with these materials based on their properties.

A dental laboratory technology degree opens up various career opportunities in the dental field. Here are some potential roles:

• Dental Laboratory Technician: As a dental lab technician, you will create and repair dental appliances like crowns, bridges, and dentures based on specifications provided by dentists. This role involves working with various materials and using specialized equipment to ensure accurate and functional products.
• Orthodontic Technician: In this position, you will focus on creating orthodontic devices such as braces and retainers. You’ll work closely with orthodontists to design appliances that fit patients’ teeth and meet their specific treatment needs.
• Ceramic Technician: As a ceramic technician, your job will be to fabricate and apply ceramic materials to dental restorations. This includes making crowns, inlays, and veneers, ensuring they match the patient’s natural teeth in appearance and function.
• Implant Technician: This specialized role involves creating dental implants and prosthetics that integrate with patients’ natural bone structures. You’ll work with dentists and oral surgeons to design and produce custom solutions for patients needing restorative work.
• Dental Laboratory Manager: With experience, you can advance to a managerial position, overseeing the operations of a dental laboratory. This role involves managing staff, maintaining equipment, ensuring quality control, and liaising with dental professionals to meet their needs.